Pictures 75 - 81

Oops - I thought I had posted this! So sorry!

Tuesday, March 16th - The inside of my dishwasher as I was filling it. I couldn't get a decent picture of me doing it. Not really anywhere to put the camera. It was about all I could muster that day. I was still so fatigued.

Wednesday, March 17th - St. Patrick's Day - I don't really care about S.P. Day, but decided to go with green anyway. These are two of the old 7-Up bottles we got from Dad's stuff. Memories of my childhood. Thursday, March 18th - The day we decided to "retire" our bedspread quilt. Goodbye, "Old Fr..." well, it wasn't exactly a friend, but it did its job!

Friday, March 19th - We drug our bodies out to eat and went to Perkins. Dale said we couldn't go to someplace really good like Montana's until we were feeling better! I agreed!

Saturday, March 20th - Our waitress either accidently served us real coffee, or she was too lazy to make decaf. Anyway, unfortunately, we don't know about it until very early in the wee hours of Saturday morning. So, I took a picture of the clock over my computer to let you know both Dale and I were still up and wide awake at 1:20 a.m. I didn't ever get back to sleep, but Dale did. Guess we'll have to go into the kitchen with the waitress and watch her put the decaf in the carafe next time. Ha...

Sunday, March 21st - Dale is still sick - well, he never really got well and went to work in spite of still feeling sick, so he didn't have time to really get over what he had. He had a relapse on Saturday. He actually came home Monday afternoon and stayed in bed the rest of the day. Men! Why can't they learn??! So, I found my little stool and put the garbage can on top of it in the kitchen. I find that bending to put stuff in the can is so hard on my back. This was a good idea and really makes it so much easier for me!

Monday, March 22nd - I was feeling better on Monday and decided to tackle the storage room. Before Dale's "relapse" on Sat., he managed to put the shelves together we had bought the week before the flu hit. So, they just needed to be organized. I think they will work really well.

The Saga of the Bedspread Quilt

This is the quilt we used as a bedspread on our bed. It has become increasingly worn out and torn in spots. I don't have my sewing machine anymore, so to repair it, even a little bit, by hand, was becoming a daunting task. I had been on the lookout for a new one for ages, but couldn't find one I liked. Plus, we needed one a bit thinner than this one. Finally, Dale had had enough and said, it has to go! So, it went!!

This is the quilt Mary Lundell gave us after we had our fire. I have always liked it and we use it to wrap up in while watching TV or having to sleep on the sofa or whatever. It is a nice quilt, but a little small for our bed. However, it served its purpose while we waited for our bedspread to arrive. Our new bedspread finally came and we picked it up on Saturday. I really like it, but it is thinner than I thought it would be, so now we are waiting for a thin microfiber blanket to put under it. Not that we are ever that cold, but I find the bedspread itchy, so it will have to be pulled down.

I know this isn't much of a "saga", but it has been the most excitement we've had lately. How boring is our life??

Thursday, March 18th

"There is sunshine in my soul today

More glorious and bright,

Than glows in any earthly sky

For Jesus is my Light.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine

When the peaceful, happy moments roll.

When Jesus shows His smiling face

There is Sonshine in my soul."

Thursday, March 18th - One of my facebook friends put "Sunshine, blessed sunshine" on her page, I imagine because their city had sunshine today - unlike some prairie province capital city I could mention! Well, it made me think of this song. I guess even when we don't have sunshine outside, we can have Sonshine inside with peaceful, happy moments and our Savior by our side.

What an interesting 5 days it has been! Dale and I both woke up early Saturday morning with sneezing and runny noses. Thinking, "Oh great, now we have colds!", we got going and went grocery shopping. Well, that just about did us in. We got home, put the groceries away (well, the perishables, anyway) and then rested. It didn't help. I had taken a cold pill right away in the morning, but Dale - being the true man he is - didn't. So, my symptoms more or less were eased, but I was tired and felt warm and cold off and on and he just felt miserable. We looked at each other and said, "We've got the flu!". We were really tired and just not feeling well. Dale slept quite a bit off and on all afternoon and I think I snoozed a bit, too. Neither of us were well enough to go to church the next day, so laid around again and rested as much as possible. Dale had Monday off, which was a good thing, as it gave him a chance to sort of try to do stuff gradually during the day. He had a shower and shaved and came out and said, "Whew, that played me out!" No kidding!! But, he did get up the next morning and go to work. He has made it through the week, but has been pretty tired at the end of the day. I've been doing ok, but had some stomach upset on Tuesday that dragged me down. Once that was past, I started feeling better. We are so thankful we got vaccinated last fall, because if this was the H1N1, we sure got a mild dose. Even if it was the regular flu, it was mild and we were vaccinated for that, too. We are also thankful we are feeling better, we just wish the weather would hurry up and do the same. Yes, we've had some warmer days, but please, we need sunshine, warmth and no wind!!! Oh well, it will come one of these days I'm sure.

So, our lives for the past five days has been rather uneventful, but we are thankful to be alive!!

Flu update

I must be feeling better, I can't sleep. Maybe having a migraine this morning and sleeping in really late is the culprit. But, it, hopefully, will soon be coming to an end.

Pictures 68 - 74

Tuesday, March 9th - Dale is adament that this phone never gets thrown out. I'm not sure where it was left for us to acquire it, but it is a dial phone with a ring tone. It is so "old-fashioned" to the our grandkids. They used to play with it as a play phone, until we put it in the spare bedroom and hooked it up. We can use it, as long as we don't have to "for -----, press 1" at any time.

Wednesday, March 10th - When I'm not feeling well, this was what my mom or dad always made for us to eat. It is just toast, buttered with milk poured over top. The toast gets partially soggy and for some reason we really liked it. It is one of those comfort food things from my childhood. Like ground-up bologna sandwiches.

Thursday, March 11th - I watched Lucas, Bethany and Erin this night. I had gotten some Hubba Bubba gum and was blowing bubbles which fascinated them. Lucas was busy taking 50+ pictures with my camera and said he wanted one of me blowing a bubble. It took quite a few tries and this was the best one.

Friday, March 12th - We were invited to go mini-golfing with the Stasiuks. We had a really good time and there were lots of pictures to choose from, but I guess the posed one at least shows all three kids, their faces and what we were doing. Lucas is pretty good for his age and I even did better than I thought I would.

Saturday, March 13th - Dale and I woke up Saturday morning with runny noses and headaches. This later moved into not feeling well, some coughing and sore throat. Guess what, the flu finally hit. Thank the Lord for vaccines! Neither of us has it very badly. I mean, we feel crummy, but not horrible, like it was for Jen. I had stocked up when they first talked about the flu, so we were prepared, although I was the only one taking anything. I don't understand why men are so stubborn about taking medicine that will make them feel better. So strange!

Sunday, March 14th - One of the many puzzles in my Variety Puzzle book. It helps me keep my mind active, even though sometimes I can look at something for an hour and still not be able to figure it out. Then, the next day I'll go to it and see it immediately! Go figure!

(Nothing for Monday, March 15th - Too fatigued to do much of anything)

March 15th

We have the flu at our apartment. Both of us. Will blog later

Friday, March 12th

"There is never a day so dreary,

There is never a night so long,

But the soul that is trusting in Jesus

Will somewhere find a song.

Wonderful, wonderful Jesus.

In my heart He implanteth a song.

A song of deliverance, of courage, of strength,

In my heart He implanteth a song."

Friday, March 12th - Well, three and a half days have gone by since I last blogged. I feel like I'm in a funk. I feel blah! I am feeling better physically, although on Weds. I thought I was coming down with something, but a little sleep (and some gravol) seemed to help. I'm thinking it must be the time of year and the fact we haven't had any sun in about a week! Today, the sun is shining and everyone is posting on FB that there is mud around. Dale came home at lunchtime with wet feet. I said, "oh is it that wet out?" But, no, he had been standing near a boiler that had flooded all morning, so wasn't in the greatest of moods. Poor baby. It will be interesting to see what happens at the end of the month, when he really has to decide what he is doing with this supervisor job. I'm hoping whatever he decides, he will be happy with the decision and will be a whole lot less stressed!

I got a CD in the mail the other day. One of my friends posted a video from YouTube on her FB page with a man who sang a hymn acappella in 6 parts - using his own voice for all the parts. I think I told you about it awhile ago. Anyway, I went to his website and he had lots of CDs to offer with hymns on them. I have been looking for a CD with hymns on it, sung in four part harmony and without all the accompaniment of drums, guitars, etc., etc. Well, I found on in his list. I'm not sure if he does all the parts, but the only accompaniment is piano and the hymns are some of my favorites. I think I will have to go back to his website and check out the other CDs. I don't have the CD in front of me (it's in my car) and I'm not sure if "Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus" is on it, but "The Comforter Has Come" is and I really have always liked that song.

So, I'm thankful the week is over. Dale says he has Monday off, so we get four days together with no work to butt in. We are going mini-golfing with some of our grandkids tonight and Dale is looking forward to that. So, no matter how I've been feeling all week, I am thankful I'm ok, God is always with me and I will get to be with loved ones this weekend. God is good!!

March 8th

Monday, March 8th - Today I did way more than I should have. I decided I should wash Dale's work shirts and jeans. There weren't as many shirts as I thought there would be, so I guess I could have waited on them. There were 6 prs. of jeans, however, and I did them all. Let me tell you, when you are exhausted, 6 dry, folded pairs of jeans weigh a TON!!!!! I thought the elevator would never come and that I wouldn't be able to carry them all the way back to the apartment! Dale said I really need to get some sort of cart to carry them in. I don't want to even ask him to do them, as he has enough on his plate already, so I guess I'll have to start looking for something. I'm so thankful for his love and support of me during the days I don't feel well. He is quite willing to eat leftovers and fend for himself. I know I've probably said that before, but I do feel guilty not working and contributing to the household fund. We were talking about some guys who were shirking their work duties for "medical' reasons and he said he thought it was good that I decided to quit before I got "called on the carpet" for missing so much work. Well, I'm not sure I'd have been called on the carpet - those drs. were the best to work for, but I knew I couldn't handle it anymore. As Harrison Ford's secretary says to him in "Regarding Henry" - "You say 'When' when you've had enough." So, I said "When". "Let me feel Your presence, Lord, as I sit and ponder in my chair. Keep me always mindful of Your love and fill my heart with praise. Thank You, Lord, for giving me all the blessings that You have. I love you, Lord, for you are my Father, Guide, Protector, Counsellor, Friend and Great Physician. In You alone I trust."

Pictures 61 -67

Tuesday, March 2nd - This week I ended up staying in almost every day. So the pictures had to be of what I was seeing every day, which happened to be the stuff in our apartment. These are two dolls I bought at craft sales (Jodi and I try to go every fall). The tall one is SuzyQ and the smaller one is Molly. Don't know why I named them, I just did.

Wednesday, March 3rd - This is a candle holder that I either bought myself from PartyLite or Jason and Sandra bought it for me. I have another "American" one, so I get confused sometimes as to which one came from whom. I like it because it reminds me of my heritage.

Thursday, March 4th - This is the teapot and cream and sugar set that I got after Dale's grandmal Lofgren passed away. Aunt Louise took me over to Grandma's little house she had been living in when we were there visiting and told me to choose something. Grandma loved us to drop in when we lived in Strasbourg and she usually served tea out of this set.

Friday, March 5th - My one day "out". Dale and I went for supper and then over to Jen and Craig's to measure and see how a dishwasher would fit and what it would take to put a new countertop on, etc. Here are Dale and Jen discussing some items.

Saturday, March 6th - This is the little elephant Jen and Craig brought back from Africa and it is sitting on the shelf that our friend, Larry Johnson, made for me way back when we lived in Humboldt. I cherish both items.

Sunday, March 7th - I found this plaque at a craft show and had to get it, as there isn't usually a lot of stuff that say "Nana and Papa" on it. Although I think it is getting to be more of a trend now. I like it. At the bottom it says, "Grandkids always welcome; parents by appointment"!

Monday, March 8th - These sconces (I have 2) hang in my living room. They were a Christmas present and I think they are beautiful and elegant and glow so pretty when the candles are burning. Well, that's pretty much it for my "indoors" week. I'm hoping I will be able to get out more this week - maybe if I can get this "KID" off my shoulders so its weight doesn't weigh me down!

Thursday - March 4th

"More like the Master, I would ever be,

More of His meekness, more humility;

More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,

More consecration in work He bids me do.

Take Thou my heart,

I would be Thine alone.

Take Thou my heart,

and make it all Thine own.

Purge me from sin,

O Lord I now implore,

Wash me and keep me

Thine forever more."

- Charles H. Gabriel

Thursday, March 4th - This has been quite a week. I really haven't accomplished much of anything. I don't like feeling like this, but I know that it will pass and I'll be back to wanting to do things and feeling up to doing more.

This song at the top was my Dad's favorite. We sang it at his funeral. I know that it was the pleading of his heart to his Lord for this to be true of him. I would desire that same wanting and pleading that my dad had to be more like his Master. Pastor Bill's sermons these past weeks have been really encouraging and I want to be struggling, but struggling for my soul and for the souls of others. He said, "Walking with Jesus takes a lifetime" and it really does. But, oh, what a lifetime and what a future is in store for us. Thank you, Father, for giving us hope, for always being there and helping us as we struggle day by day.

Monday - Wednesday - March 1 - 3

"Draw me nearer, nearer Precious Lord, To the cross where Thou hast died. Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer Precious Lord. To Thy precious bleeding side."

Monday - March 1st - Today I started sneezing and sniffling. Just what I always wanted - a cold! Oh well, I figured something was coming by the fatigue I'd been having. I'll just have to ride it out and be thankful I don't have to go to work and can sleep in and do as little as possible. I got Dale's shirts washed for work, so should be ok until I'm feeling better. Praying I'll get a good night's sleep. Couldn't figure out if today was a "Lamb" or a "Lion", as it was fairly nice out, just cloudy and a few flurries.

Tuesday -March 2nd. - Ok, so my cold is here and I didn't sleep all that great, but I stayed in bed as long as I could and rested most of the day. I'm thankful there was nothing pressing to do so I could just rest.

Wednesday - March 3rd. - Jodi phoned at lunch time. The surgeon her doctor was referring Lucas to had phoned and said he wanted to see him today. We are praying he will have the wisdom to know exactly what the thing on Lucas' neck is and know what to do to take care of it. My cold is manageable with pills, but now I'm getting a cough and sore throat. Still thankful for the rest He gives me to combat this.

Pictures 54-60

Tuesday - Picture 54 - February 23rd - I went to the Tuesday night Stamp Club since we were busy the Friday before with bowling. This is one of the cards we made that I think turned out beautifully! Wednesday - Day 55 - February 24th - I couldn't watch Joannie skate on Tuesday because of stamp club, so taped it and watched it on Wednesday. This was taken off the TV and so happened to snap just as the camera was changing angles. I thought it looked pretty cool.

Thursday - Day 56 - February 25th - The girls were over while Jodi went to the doctor. They love going through any of my pieces of cardstock that I have cut and not used and playing with them. Erin made a "cake" out of her scraps and said I had to take a picture of it. (I had just told them about putting a candle on my piece of cheesecake and singing HB to myself)

Friday - Day 57 - February 26th - We went over to Elaine's to look through Dad's photo albums for pictures of Dale and I. I was going to take a picture of us pouring over the albums, but we had gone downstairs and I hadn't taken my camera with me. I found this picture of my mom and dad that Dad had taken one time they had visited after Jen was born. It is such a good picture and I have so few of them together. So, I borrowed it.

Saturday - Day 58 - February 27th - We did our regular routine of running errands and because I was now using my cane, I got out my handicapped parking sign. Thought I'd take a picture of it, as it was the only thing really different that day.

Sunday - Day 59 - February 28th - Closing ceremonies for the Olympics. I liked the cauldron, so thought I'd get one last picture of it before it was extinguised and the flame passed on to Sochi, Russia for the 2014 Olympics.

Monday - Day 60 - March 1st - This is the beautiful heart wreath that Eileen (Steve's mom) gave me for my birthday. I really love it, it is so elegant and pretty!

Days 55 - 59

Days 55 - 59 - February 24- 28 - I knew I was behind in this, but not that far. I guess I've been more tired and sleepier in the evenings than I thought. Plus, I think my days are off. I think starting in March, I'll just use the date. Will be easier for me to keep track of.

My last post was of Joannie's skate, so that was Wednesday, I think. Her skate was on Tuesday, but I imagine it was too late after to do it. So, this will be Thurs - Sunday.

Thursday the girls were here while Jodi went to her doctor's appointment. We had a good time together. They were watching something on TV and I needed to do something, so left the room. A little while later Bethany came in and said, "Nana, we aren't allowed to watch this show." So, I went into the living room and changed the channel. I thought that was very obedient of them to tell me they weren't allowed to watch something. Sometimes parents forget to say if something is forbidden. Usually the child won't say anything. Good for Bethie!! I am thankful that she is learning obedience, even though I know it is hard sometimes.

Friday we went to Elaine and Leon's after supper. I wanted to go through Dad's photo albums to see if I could find some pictures of Dale and I for our book. We had a good time looking at the pictures. Leon had fun teasing Elaine about her huge glasses (didn't we ALL have them?), but we did look rather like bugs back then! :) I did find some pictures, but I also found a picture Dad had taken of my mom and dad when they had visited back in 1980. It was such a good picture of them, almost the best I have besides ones done in portrait studios. I'm thankful for pictures and for the memories they evoke of our loved ones and good times gone by.

Saturday was just another regular day for us. It's our "run errands" day. It was cold and windy, but the sun came out and warmed things up a bit. Promise of things to come, I guess. I'm thankful we are still able to get around a do things for ourselves, even if sometimes we hurt afterward! Don't forget the cane!!

Sunday - Lucas was here for some "alone" time with us. He was in school on Thurs. and missed coming. He watched the race with Papa and tried to see some of the hockey game. We love having him here. The closing ceremonies for the Olympics was on, too. I'm glad it's over. I like watching some of the events, but 17 days is a lot! Me, I slept this afternoon and got a good nap in - THAT'S what I'm thankful for! And now my bed is calling me again. I'm thankful for that, too. Goodnight!

Day 54

These are pictures I took from the tv of Joannie Rochette's short program Wednesday evening.Here she is before she starts talking to her coach. I wanted to get the back of her costume, it was so pretty. She looked wonderful despite all she's been through since Sunday. She is skating out to center ice to a standing ovation and cheering and adoring crowds. It must have helped her a lot to know the whole country was behind her, no matter how she did.

This took when their camera was just changing from her face to a long shot. I thought it turned out cool. Joannie doing one of her 3 spirals in her sequence. She was so right on for this skate. It was emotional for everyone watching - not just for her!

Realizing she had done the whole program with no mistakes, she hugs her coach and bursts into tears.

When her score came up in the "Kiss and Cry" she was already overcome with emotion, I don't even know if she realized how well she really did. She is in 3rd place going into the long program on Thursday evening.

Day 53 - I just had to post these pictures. Joannie is one of my favorite figure skaters and when I heard her mother had died suddenly on Sunday of a heart attack, not too long after she had arrived in Vancouver to watch Joannie skate, my heart just dropped. It's hard enough to lose a parent, but to lose one only days before the start of something you have been working for all your life, it has to be horrific! They say she is a true champion and is trying to just "do her job" before she really grieves, but I can't imagine how anyone can do that. She is young - in her mid 20's - and her mom wasn't very old -in her 50's. It would be like how it would be for Jen if I died. That's really hard to comprehend. I was 35 when my dad died and that was hard enough. I was 45 when my mom died and that, too, was hard. It's never easy to lose a parent, but this has to be especially hard. I guess what I am most thankful for is that when my parents died, as hard as it was, I knew where they were and that I would see them again some day. My friends I've reconnected with on facebook speak often of the glorious reunion we are going to have. It will be glorious and that's all I wish for my children and everyone, that they are sure of their salvation so that we can all meet again in heaven. I don't know Joannie's religious affiliation, but being French, she was probably brought up Catholic. I pray for her that she will find peace from the Lord and if He isn't her personal Saviour that He will be someday. I'm praying there will be someone who comes into her life who will be a witness to her. That's all I can do. God bless her.

Day 53

"Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7

Day 53 - February 22nd - My birthday - I guess I should say what I am thankful for about myself, since I have been doing the family's on their birthdays. Hmmm - well, I'm thankful I'm here, I still have my faculties (well, I DO), I'm relatively healthy and my hope is still in the Lord.

I got a video of an interview they did on 100 Huntley Street from Glenda Lees. Her nephew, Lyndon Rush, is one of the men's bobsleigh team that is competing at the Olympics. We knew the Rushes when we lived in Humboldt and Lyndon is around Jen's age (I think). Anyway, he has a great testimony and they interviewed him about being at the Olympics, etc. This verse I put at the top was the one he quoted. He said it is the one verse that has always helped him in this sport. Then, when the bobsledder was killed the first day, he said it meant even more. He could worry and fret each time he gets into the sled, but his hope is in the Lord and he knows that whatever happens, he will ok. He said he prays before each run and the men have come to depend on his praying and remind him if he is busy and almost forgets. He said, "There are no atheists in foxholes, or in a bobsled". I was very impressed with his testimony. So, I, too, am thankful that my hope is in the Lord and I can cast all my cares on Him because He cares for me.

Dale and I had a nice supper out tonight at the Keg. The steak wasn't nearly as juicy and "mmm" as it usually is, but we had a good time. I put a candle on my piece of double caramel cheesecake and was very happy. Thanks for all your well-wishes.

Pictures - 47 - 53

Tuesday - February 16th - Picture 47 -I hadn't done wash in awhile, so had, well, not a lot, but more than I usually do in one day. I sometimes only do one load at a time. We don't go through a lot of laundry with just the two of us. But, it was what I spent my day doing, so here's the picture. Wednesday - February 17th - Picture 48 - I went to see my new doctor at the Broadway Medical Clinic. That killed the whole afternoon as I had to go for an x-ray as well.

Thursday - February 18th - Picture 49 - The final of the men's figure skating at the Olympics. The new scoring system lived up to its reputation and having a quadruple jump did not help the returning Russian win. A good strong program did it for Evan Lysacek of the US. I was so thrilled for him!

Friday - February 19th - Picture - 50 - Not my birthday, but my birthday celebration. We went to Nortown Bowl and had pizza and DQ cake. Then the kids bowled on their lane with the bumpers and the adults on the other lane. Steve won his game and Bethie won hers. It was so much fun.

Saturday - February 20th - Picture 51 - This is our regular routine for Sat. I couldn't get all the grocery bags into one picture, but these are a few. We don't eat as much now, either, with just the two of us, but it fills up our cupboard space when we bring it home.

Sunday, February 21st - Picture 52 - It had been sort of warm and then got really cold again and the water dripped on the van. The first time I couldn't get the door open. It was pull, push, pull, push, then it finally opened. It is still there and too hard to chip away. Maybe if it warms up a bit this week it will melt! We are so tired of winter!

Monday - February 22nd - Picture 53 - Finally, my actual birthday. It was a quiet day. I got many well-wishes from friends on facebook and calls from family. Dale and I went out to the Keg for supper. The steak wasn't as good as we usually get - rather dry, in fact - but the grilled flatbread was delicious! We came homeand I had a piece of double caramel cheesecake from M&M meats. It is so yummy and I added the candle and said, "Happy Birthday to me!" (Dale doesn't sing). It was a good day - the Canadian ice dance team of Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir won gold and beat a crummy Russian team. I was so thrilled!!!

Days 51 & 52

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6,7

Days 51 & 52 - February 20 & 21 - Yesterday morning around 6 a.m. I awoke with a migraine. It had been building for quite awhile. I remembered waking earlier (?) and feeling it, but falling back to sleep. So, it was pretty intense. I didn't think it was going to go away. Dale came back from his rounds and the fire alarm going off around 9 and looked in on me at 9:30. The headache wasn't nearly as intense, but it did hurt. I got up and made some coffee and that seemed to help a little bit. (See Jen, I don't just get them on Sunday morning) So, we got off on our usual Saturday grocery shopping late, but thankfully there still weren't too many people out and about. I'm really thankful Dale doesn't go anywhere on Saturdays anymore. Not only do we have that time together, but he gets a chance to rest, too. There for awhile it seemed he was never going to stop, it was go, go, go. Not good for someone fast approaching 60! His body finally said STOP and he listened. Not having to be on stand-by has been good for him, too. Ahh, the joys of growing older!

On a side note - our church is sponsoring a women's workshop entitled "Caring for Aging Parents". I'm sure it is geared to those with parents who are closer to 75-80+, but Dale and I looked at each other and said, "The kids should go to this!". We'll be there sooner or later and we want them to know how to tell us "No" and all that stuff. Might as well be prepared!

Today our pastor preached from Colossians 2:6,7. He has been doing a series in Colossians and it has been so good! I didn't sleep much, well, not at all, last night and thought I'd be falling asleep in church, but the sermon was so good I didn't even think of sleeping. We are to be "struggling" for our own soul's stability and struggling for the souls of others. If we aren't doing that we are stagnant. He really emphasized we have to be moving forward in our spiritual life. I'm so thankful for our church and its teaching. I'm thankful we don't get watered down sermons, but are taught the true principles set down for us in the Word. Thank you, Lord for these men of God who are our pastors!!

Day 50

"Happy Birthday to you,

Only one will not do.

Born again means salvation.

How many have you?"

- sung at East Mount Baptist Church

Day 50 - February 19th - I put that song up there because we celebrated my birthday on this day instead of on Monday. I had decided that I wanted to do something more than meet at someone's house, eat, have cake and just sit around. So, I booked 2 lanes at a bowling alley, bought a DQ ice cream cake, ordered pizza, got plates, etc. and made goodie bags for the kids. I was going to get balloons, but I'm glad I didn't. We weren't sure what to expect or how it would turn out, although I knew the older grandkids were excited about the bowling party.

We got to the alley around 6, found a table, got our drinks and had a good time around the table, eating the pizza. Then we put candles on the cake, lit them and sang "H.B."(the normal one). I even heard the grandkids singing!

One of our lanes had bumpers on it so the kids' balls didn't always go in the gutter. Jodi and I and Dale sat and watched the kids while the other adults bowled on the other lane. I took pictures and most turned out - a little dark and grainy because it was phantom bowling (I didn't know it was). The kids had a blast and I think the adults did, too. I know Dale and I had fun watching the kids. Jason would take Evan up to the line. Evan would put the ball down and Jason would give it a big push. It was so cute. He was so tired toward the end, he would just go up and lie down on his stomach and watch the ball go down the lane.

Bethany and Lucas were doing pretty good. Bethany is quite a sportsperson. She does really well on their Wii sports. She ended up being the winner of the kids with 105 pts. Lucas was second and even took it well. He had gotten a strike, so was happy with that. He excels at the race games on Wii, so it's only fair he doesn't win everything!

Erin was so cute, too, with her little skirt with shorts attached and striped tights. Xander was pretty good and gave the most comical gestures and head tilts - must be watching the adults. All-in-all it was a very good time. I am so thankful I thought of it. The grandkids are already asking when Papa's birthday is, so we can do it again! Gotta love them!!!

This is how they watched the whole thing!

Erin in great form and great clothes! Wish they showed up better!

Lucas shows off his form - he didn't like doing it between his legs, too babyish!

Xander watching to see if he knocks down any pins. Sometimes he would cock his head to the side, so cute!!

Evan getting ready for his big throw (and Daddy getting ready to give it a push) ...And the "trophy" goes to...

Steve and Bethany!!!

Day 49

There's supposed to be a song or something here, but what I wanted to put on here, I couldn't manage to do. It was a wonderful video a friend put on facebook. So, if you want to hear the song, let me know and I can email it to you.

Day 49 - February 18th - It's actually almost 1 a.m., but I'm still up - probably because I was watching men's figure skating in the Olympics and it didn't get done until almost midnight. I was so pumped over Evan Lysacek's win that I just couldn't sleep or anything!

Tonight I watched Lucas, Bethany and Erin while Steve and Jodi went to their care group. I'm so glad Jodi is feeling up to getting out and about. The kids were good. They played Wii sports and I took pictures and videotaped them. Then, we checked to see if the figure skating was on and it was. So, I got the girls interested in that while Lucas amused himself. I am determined to have at least one grandchild who will watch figure skating with me!! Dale got 2 to watch the races with him, it's only fair!!

Bethany even said she liked it and I told her to make sure she watches the women! They are prettier to watch! It was getting close to bedtime and Lucas had a big pile of legos on the chair. So I told him it was time to put them away, then I got busy talking to Bethany and Erin. I saw him putting them on the windowsill behind the curtain (that's where he got them), but didn't say anything. Then he came over with a sheepish look on his face, like he'd been naughty - you know the look - and I said what? He said I only have 3 legos, bet you don't know where the others are. I said I had seen him put them on the windowsill. Well, sisters being sisters, the girls had to run over and look. But, brothers being brothers, Lucas didn't want them to and the inevitable happened. They got knocked off, there was madness and arm flinging and yep, someone got hurt. I comforted the crying and had everyone get their pj's on. When I went to tuck the girls in and pray with them, we talked about how everyone was wrong in the "scuffle" and that we should ask Jesus to forgive us and say we are sorry. Bethie said I should pray, so I told them they could talk to Jesus in their minds and He'd hear them and they could do it while I prayed. So, I prayed about the situation and asked Jesus to forgive the kids and help them to show love to each other. Then Bethie wanted to pray, but just thanked Jesus for the day. Erin did, too. When I went to Lucas' room, I told him what we had talked about and how we should tell Jesus we are sorry and ask his forgiveness. So, I prayed with him and then he said he'd pray later. I hope and pray they think about that a little and that some small part of it will stick with them. I am thankful I had the wisdom to know what to say. I even told Bethie I was going to kiss her goodnight, whether she wanted me to or not (she doesn't like being kissed) and I gave her a big smooch on her cheek. It made her laugh! I love these grandchildren the Lord has given us - all of them!!!

Day 48

"I have found a deep peace that I never had known

And a joy this world could not afford.

Since I yielded control of my body and soul

To my wonderful, wonderful Lord.

My wonderful Lord, My wonderful Lord,

By angels and seraphs in heaven adored!

I bow at Thy shrine, my Savior divine,

My wonderful, wonderful Lord."

Day 48 - February 17th - I saw a new doctor today. I think he will work out ok. He was very nice and said he'd take me on. (Don't laugh, once a doctor said I was to sick for her to look after!) I got in pretty quick, so that is always a plus. I like it, too, because it is close to home, so when I do feel really punk, I don't have to go far. He poked and prodded my leg, though, and boy does it hurt now!!! He sent me for an x-ray, so I hope something will tell him why it is still so sore and swollen. It'll be 2 weeks tomorrow! I'm thankful there are still doctors here in the city who take new patients. I'm sorry mine got sick and had to retire. It's always hard to leave a place where they know you so well and all. Oh well...

Day 47

"Who is on the Lord's side?

Who will serve the King?

Who will be His helpers other lives to bring?

Who will leave the world's side?

Who will face the foe?

Who is on the Lord's side,

Who for Him will go?

By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine,

We are on the Lord's side,

Savior we are Thine."

Day 47 - February 16th - I heard this song sung today on facebook. The man recorded himself singing all 6 parts a cappella and it was amazing! I could have listened to it for hours!! I am so thankful for the gift God has given us to be able to sing for Him and harmonize. I'm afraid true harmony like it should be sung is lost on the youth today! I remember being in A Cappella class in high school and we learned about harmony and we sounded good, but there is nothing like a choir ministering for their Lord and singing so harmoniously it sounds like one voice!! Only God can give that kind of singing! I know it has something to do with the Holy Spirit coming out in the voice of the singer. I'm not saying every believer sings like that - there have been quite a few I knew who couldn't "carry a tune in a bucket", but they usually sang anyway - for the joy of the Lord. I pray that the Bible schools today will continue teaching harmony to their choirs and groups and that Christian youths get a chance to hear them. I truly believe we will be singing in heaven and I have a stronger feeling it will be a cappella! Oh, the harmony that will ring through those gates of heaven!!

Pictures - 40 - 46

Tuesday - Day 40 - February 9th - I went to see Jodi in the hospital and she was doing so much better. A student nurse had washed her hair and she had gotten all her tubes out. She was walking around and looked so good! She even let me take a picture of her.

Wednesday - Day 41 - February 10th - Lucas got strep throat and Bethany had an ear infection, so they didn't go to school this day. Steve took the girls with him to the hospital to see their mom, but thought Lucas shouldn't go. So, he spent the day with me. Here he is amusing himself with Papa's crokinole board. He wasn't playing crokinole, though, he was racing the buttons around he board! Those boys will race anywhere with anything!!! Thursday - Day 42 - February 11th - This was the Scrabble game I thought I was going to win. I had a really big lead on Pam, but she pulled closer and closer to me and in the end, it was a draw!! I'm still trying to win one from her!! Friday - Day 43 - February 12th - Dale had the day off. We went for haircuts and then had the afternoon to kill, so we decided to go check out the new Walmart Supercentre. It is big and had lots of stuff!

Saturday - Day 44 - February 13th - It was bitterly cold this day, so Dale said we were going to "veg" all day. So this is him vegging!

Sunday - Day 45 - February 14th - Valentine's Day - the 52nd running of the Daytona 500 - the start of the 2010 NASCAR season! It was a very long race with two total stops for "road repair" and Dale watched it all. I did catch him sleeping once, but it was during a stop. I had to use two pictures, as Lucas said the one I liked was just the cars driving behind the pace car. The "blurry" one was more exciting! Whatever!

Monday - Day 46 - February 15th - we went over to see Jodi and give the kids their valentine candy since they weren't at church on Sunday. Steve came down with strep throat, too. Jodi is on so many antibiotics, she should be ok. Lucas talked Papa into playing Wii NASCAR with him. Papa was finally getting the hang of it when his back and knees gave out and it was time to quit!