Merry Christmas

We celebrated with all the kids and grandchildren in the county for a Brunch on Christmas Eve at 10:00am. What a great day. Hope you celebration was also a precious time for your family and friends.

What?

I saw a sign yesterday at the store. It read "8 Days 'Till Christmas!" No, it can't be! Can it? I guess that means that the Christmas cards will turn into "Happy New Year!" cards. I was hoping to have a pictures of Dan & I on or in them.... we'll see.

My brother, Lee, has been visiting. A week has expanded to almost 2 and he's threatened to stay until Spring as the weather has been wonderful. Lots of fishing, fun and eating.

We had Bethany for a couple of days prior to Lee coming. Here are some pictures!

No proof

Oh, wait, even tho we didn't get a picture, the proof is in the freezer! Yep, I caught another Snook. It was even bigger. Poor Papa, he's going to have to catch one soon, or he'll be discouraged. :)

Whoooweeee

I caught a Snook off shore Friday night on my new fishing rod! How fun. It was huge and is now in a neat package in the freezer awaiting the visit from my brother, Lee. He comes the 6th of December for a week. The plan is to fish and eat good food. :) He's so funny. Here's a pic of the fish taken with a phone camera.

While Papa Dan was in San Diego looking for his wallet (while at ETS), I was home redoing our bedroom. With paneling, it required a good priming first. I used a Wal-Mart color called "New Squash" (yuck, they should have asked Martha Stewart for help in naming this delicious golden/yellow color.) I painted it up onto the ceiling and hope to soon trim out the "line" with wood trim - probably in a dark brown. The effect was cool, tho, and the new light fixture was wired by Daniel! Thanks, son! The tufting of buttons on the headboard was rather easy! I still have pillows and a few more accents to work on.

Thanksgiving - 07

I wonder if anyone would even think to look at this site as it's been "forever" since I've blogged. Yesterday was a wonderful day to reflect on the blessings in my life. Family and friends... we filled the tables, filled our bellies and enjoyed the chaos. Thanks to everyone who helped with the food and for the girls who helped with the clean up! Oh, and many THANKS to Dan/Papa who was my right arm throughout the day. What a sweetie!

Getting the pictures off the camera, we discovered others from the past few months, so here are a few highlights!

What Month Is It?

Hey Everyone,
Since my last blog, I've been to Mpls for a week (pearl party) and then off to the other side of the world (seemed like a different planet) to visit Sonya and Andy and 4 precious grandchildren. I hope to have pictures up soon. Many taken and I haven't seen hardly any of them yet. Andy put them on a DVD, so maybe today I'll get to that!

My flight was great and I met a new friend, Debbie. Her husband is an "Oil Man" on Sonya's side of the world. She is also in the "family" and it helps this Mama's heart to know someone else over there in case of emergency.

Web Album

Oh guess what guys? I've got a web album with my "new" line of jewelry, that isn't so new anymore to me, but still great! If you'd like to see it. I'm thinking I can offer hostesses a way of having an on-line party with this. Tell me what you think of this idea.

Jet Lag

Ok, I'm over it, but Papa/Dan isn't quite there. Me thinks it's the extra days of melatonin me took.

We are still enjoying our memories of our Manila trip. Dan/Papa leaves a week from this Monday for VA Bch. He'll be gone 2 weeks. UGH. I have a trip to TN planned mid-Aug. Got a great deal on a small airline called Allegiantair. They go to smaller airports. So I fly out of St Pete/Clwr and into Knoxville.

Today we went 3 hours north to help Mom and Dad Ebert get down here. Dad's shoulder was bothering him. They look great and Dad seemed better after resting some. They'll be here July/Aug.

J&L found a place and can move in Friday! We are so excited for them as it's a great place in a great neighborhood. A car is next. But we are seeing God provide for them and trusting Him is what it's all about.

Heidi & Troy left for TN. GG & Popi are excited!

Mary Jane & Israel are wanting/needing to find their own place. Keep them in your prayers.

well, I'm tired.. it's been a long day... missing my sweeties in other parts of the world... smoochies to you all.

Saturday Morning in Clearwater - Home Sweet Home

Hello Everyone,
We made it back home Thursday night as scheduled. Friday was a blurr, but believe I had Vicki Jane over for lunch and then we joined Leighann's family for a birthday celebration at Olive Garden. Leighann is 23 today! Getting pictures of our last few day in Antipolo will take some time as they are on Dan's laptop, but they were great days and we have wonderful memories.

Found out that if you take melatonin (1 a day) starting 3 days before you fly, it helps cut down the jet lag.... seems to have worked. I slept till 4am yesterday and then 6am today. :)

Laundry

Today, Tuesday, started out still. Not a leaf moving. The air was heavy with rain just waiting to fall. I washed a load last night and hung it up in the CR (comfort room for some of you). The towels didn't dry fast enough (actually, they didn't completely dry) so our showers this morning ended with a bit of musty drying off. The load I washed this morning was hung out for an hour or so, but I just got them inside (shower rod comes in handy) when it started to rain. :) We hope it will cool things down a bit. I am grateful the washing machine still works and spins well. I haven't tried the dryer cuz the wall outlet is under repair and not sure if the gas tank is hooked up or not. We are managing without it.

It's Tuesday!

Good morning. I survived Divisoria yesterday. Another missionary ended up coming along and also provided a ride to and from the new metro transit/train. You older kids may remember her, Jen Chrystemen. Wow, the train is a great way to get around the city. Divisoria wasn't "too" bad; not too many people, not too much muck on the streets, and not too much of the foul smells. First thing I bought was a back-pack. That came in handy for the heavy stuff and my arms free to carry 4-5 other bags. HA! Sorry, no pictures of that trip into town as it would have been dangerous to take it. I even removed my wedding band and watch for the day. My money was either deep in a front pocket or in a cloth bag that was safety pinned inside the waist band of my jeans.

Saw Marcelena at Faith Academy. She's working in the HS office. She looked great and has two kids. Her son is 11 and her baby girl is 1.

Went to see Malou Abella last night. We took pizza and sodas. She shared with us more details of Nilo's illness and death. We cried together and ended with prayer. Our hearts break for her. She has shared that through this tragedy, she has grown closer to the Lord. Her mother, Nanay DeGuzman, is still going strong. She, too, is a precious soul. She seemed quiet last night. I believe she is hurting for her daughter right now. Pray for them.

Saturday

Our rented van came for us at 8am. We left shortly after and made good time. It only took us 1hr 30 min to get the whole 20 or so miles! :) The dedication service for Sophia was an hour. About 30 people were there, if you count all the kids. It was almost like a church service. They had all the grandparents and parents give a short "blessing" as it were. I cried through mine, of course. DOH Afterwards we loaded up and took off for another part of the city to a Chinese restaurant. Good food of pancit (some of the noodles were crispy.. .they must have fried them) beef with vegies, vegies with liver (I think) and fried chicken and of course, rice. Oh, we also had egg-drop soup to start with. It had corn in it. :) All of the food was very tasty.

Mary Jane ordered a birthday cake for us as Sunday is Sophia's birthday. It was fun to see the kids sampling it before hand. It was a tearful goodbye, but a day of wonderful memories.

Saturday Morning Musings

Well, it's Saturday morning. We are heading off into the city to Mary Jane's church for Sophia's dedication service which is followed by a meal at a Chinese restaurant in Quezon City. I think I mentioned that. Papa and I were concerned about the van we were assigned for the day as the AC doesn't work. So we have hired a driver and van for the day. Pastor Rene' and Che Che are also going with us.

Friday was a day to visit around on Hilltop. Mary Jane's family left around 4:30pm. I have returned to meals with Papa at Bill & Darla's. Mary Jane literally has 3 babies. Just watching her try to get them cleaned up and dressed and then keep them cleaned and dress makes me tired. She's a wonderful mommy.

Friday night I invited all the kids from Hilltop to come up and do the foam craft of door hangers. The little kids of yesteryears are half way grown up and delightful. They sang an action song for me as a thankyou. It was a great night with them. I'll always remember this one.

Gourmet food?

I guess in some circles last night's meal at the dining hall would be considered gourmet food. The cook is good at what he does! I am joining Mary Jane and family at the dining hall while they are here. Yesterday for lunch, we had pork menuedo. Very delicious. Of course, rice goes without saying. Then last night we had battered and fried squid. I LOVED IT. (I like my squid crispy as opposed to leathery.) There was a noodle soup/type dish on the side. No vegetables for that meal. Guess the menuedo had the vegetables for the day. The meals are simple, but creative and tasty. Papa has continued eating with the Bill Eberts (using a Criderism here!) as fish is often a part of the meals at the dining hall.

Busy!

I don't have time to post new pictures, maybe later. Yesterday was a full day of just being with Mary Jane and kids. We went to a new supermarket in Antipolo. Whew. If I don't mention the heat often enough, you may not understand the effect it has on us. Exhausting. Just sitting - not moving- I have sweat dripping off my face. Tomorrow, we are go to Mary Jane's home/church for Sophia's dedication and the lunch at a Chinese restaurant in QC. The van's AC isn't working and so we are anticipating the worse. Pray for us. Each day is now getting booked solid with seeing friends and churches.

Papa's lectures, along with Dr. Jack's, are going well. Everyone asking if and when we can come back and stay. That's hard because the need is great here.

For those who know this place, I am planning to meet up with Carol K. and go to Divisoria on Monday. :) Pray for survival! ;) What I won't do to get a deal ... and gifts for my kids and grandkids!

I would like to get to Greenhills for pearls, but we'll see.

Yo, James

Would you please make sure Dan & Jen get to see my blog when they are over?

Tuesday on the Hill

They have arrived!
Mary Jane, Israel and kids arrived last night. We had to scrounge around for food but eventually they were fed. We decided not to set up a kitchen here at our old place and just order food from the dining hall at the school. That should work fine now.

Phones not working.... since Oct last year. Seems someone has stolen the fiber-optic cable near by. UGH. That was part of our problem with getting hold of MJ and her with us.

Papa and I went up to see the sunrise off the balcony yesterday and we also saw the moon. I blew a zillion smoochies up to it, so be sure the grandbabies all get their smoochies from Grammy! I miss you all.

Cedar, the middle child of MJ and Israel, is a bit active! ;) Bouncing off the walls better describes it. Jared is a lover of books. Sophia is scared of us... we'll see if we can do better today with her. Saturday is Sophia's dedication at their church and we will also celebrate her birthday which is Sunday.

oops

Ok, when posting, one should put them in last to first. So when viewing the pictures start at the bottom and work your way up! ;) I'm learning!

Manila

Hey ya'all. It's 4:30am Manila time and we've been up an hour or so. But, we did go to bed quite early, so it isn't as bad as you would first think.

I don't think I've mentioned the heat yet. It is a large factor in our day. Yesterday, while at the chapel meeting, they asked all in the back to move forward to make room for others. I moved up with our guest Paul Campbell and in moving we were farther from the fans. After just one song, I was getting faint and we made a bee-line back to our other seats. We have also made a point to carry water with us at all times. They are telling us 3 weeks ago, the heat was unbearable. We are thankful the rains have begun and have helped bring the temps down some.

I have pictures from our trip and the gathering on Hilltop yesterday. The one set is of the CR in the Japan airport. Some of you will get a kick out of them.

I spoke to the Pastors wives yesterday so there are some shots of us ladies. It's been such a fun trip so far. Lots of friends to visit with yesterday. The little kids are now grown up and the next generation is starting. I tear up when I see the faithfulness of these dear people coming regularly to meet with the community of faith under such difficult circumstances. It is humbling.

Mary Jane and family should be arriving today. We are making arrangements to have food from the dining hall brought up to us. The old house has been vacant too long to try to start doing food prep. I am going to try and wipe some walls down today and get rid of the mold.

I'm leavin' on a Jet Plane

Well, in a few more hours Papa & I will be up in the air. We'll be stuck in Detroit for about 5 hours. UGH. As you can see in the picture to the right, I've packed some fun! Stay in touch through email. I would suggest that you email us both in case we have a hard time getting on line and can only ck one.

Oh, and check out the family photo of J&L with Gabe!!! They'll be watching over our place while we are gone.

Musings

I came across a verse this week that rather describes my heart in regards to our new home. It's found in the last chapter of I Timothy. Paul is telling Timothy to tell the wealthy not to put their trust in their riches, "but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." We are enjoying our new home, it's location and the great fishing from shore. Thank you, Lord.

It won't be long before we are flying off to Manila. Would love to get to see S & A this summer. I've been mentioning that to the Lord "...who provides us with everything for our enjoyment."

Also on my heart is the desire for J&L to move back down. I know God will work it all out in His time. Holding Gabe again will bring great delight to my heart.

Here Fishy-Fishy

Heidi said I should post my prize catch caught over the weekend. So here it is.
(It was soooo fun catching this thing!) Ya'll come on over and we'll put it on the grill!

Still Moving

What an adventure. In the middle of a move we stopped to keep Jack and Bethany overnight Friday and have a party on Saturday to celebrate 5 April birthdays. I'll try and post a few pics of the event. My favorite part was Bethany (age 2) helping me prepare food. She was most thrilled with the squeezing of the "nem-n-m's" (lemons.)

Our new neighbors (the ones who haven't gone back North) have been very friendly and some have mentioned what a wonderful place we have. We agree.

I still haven't been in the pool yet. But I think it's been calling my name! That, along with the "real" water. I would love a peaceful afternoon out in the canoe.

Hoping to have the old place clean and ready to "show" in the next few days. Pray it sells quickly!

Chris talked last Sunday about everyone focusing on what happens when you die. Yes, our citizenship is in Heaven, but Jesus came to give us life, and that we would have it abundantly here and now. So live, and love and share the Good News. Jesus is Alive!

Waiting

I'm sitting here by the phone waiting for someone to answer at the utility companies so we can have the various utilities shut off at our old place. BTW, we are not going to have a land line any longer (we'll see if we manage!) so please use our cell phones to contact us.

The most important thing to wait for is the return of Jesus. Will he find us ready?

We had a glorious Easter. Did you? My favorite part is filling our cross with red and white carnations. Ck out the pictures to the right! Chris talked about our "Warrior King," the one who came and conquered sin and death that we might live! What a wonderful celebration we had!

Staying Current

After reading James' last blog, I realize that this old grandma is so far behind in the tech world, that there is no catching up nor keeping up. But I'm going to try and keep running in the never-ending marathon of tech knowledge.

I noticed Heidi has links to the various family and friend blogs... someone show me how to do that, ok?

I count it a huge blessing to have been able to see and talk to Sonya, Charis, Micah and Joel yesterday. I also saw Eden walking and then later in the day, I got to see Gabe looking around, trying to see where my voice was coming from. The tech world can be a wonderful place! To think that God created our world with so many possibilities waiting to happen. He doesn't need the web came to see us, though. And He sees way beyond the outward appearance into our very heart and soul calling us to be His own. How great is our God!!!

Riding a Donkey

Today is Palm Sunday. We remember the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. People shouting, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" Luke 19:38 NIV. A week later, others would be shouting, "Crucify him." And Jesus loved them all.

I've been thinking this week about my sin and "sin" in general. Jesus knew my heart, my depravity before he allowed those nails to be driven into his hands and feet. He knew I would fail him over and over again while hanging in agony. This idea is expressed in a song from my younger years, called, "He Knew Me, Yet He Loved Me."

To live for Christ is not a matter of rules and regulations that some other guy has deemed right and wrong. Living for Christ is just letting Jesus love us so much that we surrender into His arms. (Here comes another song!) "All To Jesus, I surrender; all to Him I freely give..."

A long time ago, when James was almost 3, I would try and get him to rest while I took a nap. It was during nap time he would request his favorite story. "Tell me about Jesus riding the donkey," he would ask. It was the week of Easter, that James prayed to Jesus to thank Him for paying for his sins and saving him. I'll never forget James raising his hands into the air (while lying in bed) and saying, "Praise the Lord." Will our children teach their children these wonderful stories?

Traditions

My dear, sweet niece, Teri, emailed me about wanting to start some traditons for Easter. Long ago, I tried to get something started in our family, but never felt that a "true" tradition was formed. So to my kids, I'm asking, did we have Easter traditions? And for Teri and anyone else out there reading this, let me know what traditions you are carrying on or starting with your family.

Our church has started a wonderful tradition of covering our wooden cross with flowers during Easter morning service. We first cover the cross with a mesh/wire (using plastic this year instead of 'rabbit' fencing) and then during the service we form a line and are handed a bunch of red and white carnations with long stems. By the time everyone has gone through line, the cross is completely covered. It's very moving. A day of great celebration... Jesus Lives. This is the great gospel story. Not just a ticket to Heaven, but having God living within us... sins forgiven...and when we fail (and we will) God has His arms open wide, waiting for us to come back so He can keep lovin' on us. "...and life is worth the living, just because He lives."

Moving Again

Yep, it looks like it's going to happen mid April. We are buying an older "coach" as they call them in the mobile home park. We will own our land and a share of the park that sits on the bay and is at the back door of a mall. It's an ideal location in many ways. The Lord is "enlarging our space" so family & friend gatherings will be easier from now on. Ya'all come see us, ya hear?" We will also be enjoying a heated pool. I'm not sure I'm ready to sign up for shuffle board as yet. Maybe I'll let my old man try it out first.

Smoochies on the Moon

In years past, Dan & I started sending each other kisses, attached to the moon, when we were seperated by many miles. This is simply done by blowing kisses up to the moon and letting the other person know to get them when they see the moon. But you must reach up to get them. It may seem a silly thing, but if you try it, you may see that this simple act somehow bridges the gap of time and miles with a loved one.

Now, with grandbabies so far, so very far away, we have begun sending "smoochies" to the moon for them to receive. Charis and Micah now "get it" and have begun sending smoochies back to us via the moon. I will never look at the moon the same again.

It has made me think about the cross. A symbol of God sending me "smoochies." When I look at the cross, I can also send my love back, because it is the cross, and all that it represents, that has bridged the gap with my greatest love, God.

This was easy!

Just wanting to add a comment on my sweet, daughter's blg site has led me into my own blog. So, thank you Heidi for indirectly getting me up and running! This is going to be fun!