Tolentreasures

  As I look over the past year, and it has been that long since I posted,  I am amazed at the changes in our lives that have happened.    Service to our church and community have always been a priority for both John and I, however I feel in the rush of working and family life,  they were not as high on the priority l they probably could  have been for both of us.      A little over a year ago, John was approached by several individuals to run for  County Commissioner.  Let me tell you this, public office was never on our radar.  we talked, we prayed and we decided to take the leap.    Were we aware of what a public campaign would involve? Absolutely not!    I pictured fun outings together, shaking hands and meeting people.  Eating food at local festivals, throwing candy at parades, all of which have happened  and more.  We have attended banquets and breakfasts and fundrais...

    The blonde one in the middle with the brown sweater used to come to our house after school.  Somewhere along the line, I think possibly prompted by JWS,  she hid salt packets all over my house, and I mean all over.  It’s been two years and I am still finding them. They sightings are getting farther and farther apart and unless she reads this,  she is not going to know how much  I have enjoyed finding them!   These four,  always fun.  Thrown together as sisters,  20 years ago,  ups and downs,  they are still there for one another.            That brings us to the Shelby Tree. This little tree that stays decorated    and has stayed decorated for many years,   through many moves  to many houses,  has always had Shelby’s preschool picture on it. We have always called it  The Shelby Tree.  It is always a sou...

We rarely get pics taken together. That needs to change this year. The yearly sister pic. And the 2020 Christmas Eve Scavenger Hunt winners! I think that these two made up the Dream Team. Gracelyn has spent more time at our house than any of the rest of the grandkids this year. Christmas Eve candlelight service.   The first one we have made it to in many years.   The girls did all the cooking this year!

  Shelby's words, not mine, But they might be a pretty accurate!   I think that the quilt is softening the purple,  but maybe I am delusional!  This cabinet/counter is almost in place,  thanks to my son in law and his friend.  Soon it will be full of paint supplies  and ready for prepping and finishing projects!  It is always good to have strong backs around.  My Easter family celebration  is next week,  so I might slip in some time  working on this project today.    I hope that you and your family have a very Happy Easter and  remember that we serve a risen Lord!  Personally, I had a huge answer to prayer in my life this weekend.  Emotional for me in that it has been an on-going  struggle that I have never turned over to God  until yesterday.  And He answered, quickly and I have peace. James 4:2 You have not because you a...

Ahhh, memories!   And to think I was even was before the disco skating rage.   I was Skirts with marabou edging (how I begged for one of those) Pom-Poms on the toes of your skates Skate socks that pulled down over your whole skate and Organ Music.   The Flea Hop, The Two Step, The Grand March.   Ok, I have dated myself enough.   Yesterday was our second Family Fun, Hope we don't have to call LifeFlight, Skate Day.   And what fun!       A little, local, old skating rink, That you can rent inexpensively, and have more fun than imaginable! From the youngest, determined little bugger that he is,   to the oldest.   Wait.... that is me! (the oldest, that is)   A good time was had by all!

You know how sometimes you just don't know what to write about. I just go blank sometimes or nothing interesting is happening.   I have been madly working on items for the Fall Open House.     Click above  or go here https://www.facebook.com/FallOpenHouse   Painting away, staying out of trouble, mostly.   The  boys are drawing these everywhere! Of all the crafts and drawings that I have shown them... Papa shows them these in church and now twisted lines are EVERYWHERE!    And the regular stuff, work, getting Kendall to pre-school, the day to day madness and then... Yesterday morning happens.   Shawnee calls, Mom has fallen and she says that she can't get in touch with me.   Not sure how that happens, but we won't go there today.   I call Mom, I talk to her, she is going to the ER.   Now, here is the question. Do I go to Ohio...

 Mom and I had tickets to Florida long before I knew I had to have surgery. I almost cancelled them amidst the threat of flying with a cast. Blood Clots, Swelling.... How miserable would I be? How much could I walk? what to do?   In the end, the doctor had me take an aspirin every day for the two weeks before I left.   And we went. Last weekend. And while there were a few minor issues, we had fun!    So nice to have a great visit with family and spend some time with Mom.   Pictured above from left to right. My brother in law, Ron, Sister, Jan Mom Me My niece, Amber, My new nephew, Larry.    I even got a painting project in! Amber wanted her mailbox to look like an old saddlebag. You can see it in the top picture also.  It was a fun project! It did rain a lot while we were there. Florida's wet sunshine. We did get some regular sunshine also! How about t...

Another addiction, I did not need. Although it is not junking up my house and doesn't need dusted, like many of my other vices, this one has really become a time sucker for me.   I am searching and reading and adding and connecting.   Surprised at how much is already done for me, and how willing people are to share, I even connected with a distant cousin and managed to fill in a lot of blanks there!   I have to get away from this computer! But wait, there is another of those little leaves and another hint....   Honestly, folks, it is worse than Pinterest!   Be warned!

Logan's Valentine Box     With another loss so fresh in my mind and heart. I am once again reminded of how short our time is here on Earth. It causes me to take a serious look at how I spend my time. We all have the same amount within a day, a week a month or a year.   We are not all granted the same amount in a life.   Too often I forget the words of a long ago sermon on "I don't have the time." It pointed out that you do have the time. Saying that you don't only means that what you are refusing to do doesn't take priority over something else you are already doing.   Not that "not having the time" is always a bad thing to say. We have family to take care of first, we have to take care of ourselves and of course, most of us have to work.   Take a look at your time today. Spend some time with God, Spend some time with yourself, Spend some time with family, or call an ...