Happy Birthday, Jennie!

Happy, happy birthday, Jennie! We love you and trust that your day is special because you are special!

Mr. Potato Head!

Last night for our bi-weekly soiree, we had a "Potato" theme. I baked some nice big potatoes and we had a table full of yummy stuff to put on them. Of course, this was a new concept to most but they seemed to enjoy it and certainly did eat :-) Miriam and Micaiah had been Anne's "coaches" as to color when she made the potato heads so we had the game first so they could participate before going home to bed! I don't think either of them actually played (they were too timid!) but they were right there watching and giving advice!

We were an exceptionally small group (only 7 students) but we had a great time. Michael shared a mediation afterward and Dad translated. It seemed to touch all of the Christian kids' hearts (4) and hopefully spoke to the non-believers (3), too.

I LOVE baked potatoes-- not sure why I don't have them more often!

Burr and Carrot!!

Monday was MLK day and a while back Becky and I had made plans to get together.
They had never been to IKEA before, and since I LOVE IKEA, it seemed like a great 1/2 way point to meet. (Charlotte, NC)
We met to celebrate our -100lbs. She's passed her's; I haven't gotten there yet, but...
Together we've lost over 210lbs!
Becky looks GREAT and is very close to her goal! She's amazing!
She told me I was a burr in her saddle--keeping her going, and I said she was the carrot in front of my nose--keeping ME going!!
It was a great time of shopping, fun, encouragement, and getting to know them better.
Their kids are precious! The kids are: Ellie (13), Paul (10), and Becca Lou (4). (I think I have their ages right.)
Sorry, apparently no picture of Dave.
Thankful for good friends....and especially one on a similar journey as mine.

Greetings from Toulouse

Ruth and I, along with the Coles, attended the Baptist church in Toulouse on Sunday morning. There was a good crowd of more than 100. It was my first time to ever return since we moved away from the city. The only two people I recognized were Muriel and Michelle. Michelle's two children were also there that morning. Her son Benjamin is married with children and an integral part of the church. Mmes Monzon and Prukop were on the prayer list, but I did not see them. Both Muriel and Michelle send their greetings to the whole family. It was good to see God's preserving grace.

Remembering---

Today would have been Grandma Morgan's 85th birthday! My, what a heritage she left us. I was looking for a "familiar" picture of Grandma in her apron in the kitchen at 604-- something we can all relate to. I decided to post this picture, however, when she was more the age of you kids now. Good reminder that life keeps going on...but we need to always remember the past.

Grandma Bixby is 87!

Happy, happy birthday to Great Grandma Bixby! As spry and wise as ever, she turns 87 today. We love you, Mom, and hope that your day is relaxing as you sit by the fire and enjoy the snow outside :-) Thank you for the godly example you are to us all.

Snow Fall of the Century?!

So, far this snowfall is beating almost all records. If we get much more, it will beat them all. I think the most is 10 in. in 1988. I'm pretty sure I have over 8 already in my yard, and it is still coming down!
Now, I realize that the majority of my family live in the north, and that this snowfall is nothing to you. But, you must realize that we have a total of 16 plows for the entire county! (The brought in 4 more from GA, this morning!) That makes this a major event for us...very difficult to clear even the main roads, let alone the side roads. It is beautiful, and I'm enjoying it from the indoors. Just hoping I don't lose electricity when the sleet hits this evening. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to get out of here if I do lose power! :(
Using the day to do some major "new years" cleaning out and decluttering!
Eager to hear about Corban's birthday celebration!

Happy Birthday, Corban!!

A big 4 year old!! And it looks like you are going to enjoy it :-) We are so thankful to the Lord for giving you to our family 4 years ago. You are one extra special boy! We love you. Have a wonderful birthday.

Dad's Birthday!

Somehow poor Dad didn't get a birthday post. I guess we were all a little preoccupied that day! We had a fun outing to downtown BX before his party, and the we had a nice birthday dinner--couscous--my choice!--and carrot cake made by Ruth (from Martin cookbook) that was to die for! Then he was quite literally surrounded by a bunch of little girls (and a couple of boys!)--which I think makes him happier than almost anything in the world!
Oh, and for the candles--we wanted the kids to do some math while on Christmas break. Can YOU figure it out?! :)

2010 has been a year of great loss!

I'm a little emotional about posting this.
What great things the Lord has done!