Yesterday I mentioned about my friend Pam. She loved to bake and so we became good friends while we learned to decorated cakes. She also loved to bake "yummy" cookies and she would present me with every kind of cookie at Christmas.
This reminded me of her parents which were also our good friends. In our day, we didn't have big wedding much, but their wedding was quite unusual.
I will try to tell it as was told to us. They both were very young and Pam's dad was going to another state to work. He didn't want to leave his girlfriend back home (she was underage and he could have been, also) so together they decided to elope. She got her things together and they were going to cross the border and get a preacher to marry them. Some states didn't require you to be eighteen.
On the trip, they got into a bad accident and a preacher happened to come upon the scene. This preacher was sure the young man was dead, but proceeded to call the police. They took him to the hospital and he was not in good shape but was going to make it.
They ended up getting married in the hospital with her parents giving their consent. Their picture of the event was in the local newspaper, both when they got married and 50 years later on their 50Th wedding anniversary. We went to their 50Th and it was quite bad weather coming home.
They were perfect for each other. He became a successful business man in the area and she was perfect for him. They made a "team" in all sense of the word. I don't know any couple that worked any harder than they and were more hospitable than they were.
At one of our daughter's wedding, they certainly helped me tremendously. I couldn't have done it with out them. Thanks so much!!!!!
Wisdom--Little weddings, big weddings, it doesn't make any difference. The difference is the right person that you marry. Make sure that you share the same goals and values. Keep God foremost as you live your life together. Their faith in God and each other weathered storms along the way.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
MY DAUGHTER'S DILEMMA!
As you all know that our younger daughter teaches school and yesterday was the very first day she has encountered this problem. You wonder what kind of a problem after teaching so many years, could that be! Well, somebody in her class has a case of lice! Now another child has lice.
I don't remember this ever occurring while our daughters were in school.
I guess she had to spray her carpet in the classroom and when she got home last night, she washed her own clothes, coat, etc in very hot water. I told her that she had better screen them when they come in off the bus. I don't know how it went today. Hopefully they got them before they spread to others.
Wisdom--A good friend of mine (actually she was our daughter's age) had told me that her children had contacted lice in school. I thought to myself, if Pam's children could get lice, then anybodies children could get it. She was one immaculate girl and kept everything she owned that way. I'm sure they didn't stay around very long. The only person that I read about that thanked God for the lice, is Corrie Tem Boom. She was the author of the The Hiding Place. In the book she was thankful for the lice while she was in the concentration camp (WWII) because the guards wouldn't come in to check on them and she was free to read God's word to others (she had smuggled a bible in). This really brought tears to my eyes when I read this.
I don't remember this ever occurring while our daughters were in school.
I guess she had to spray her carpet in the classroom and when she got home last night, she washed her own clothes, coat, etc in very hot water. I told her that she had better screen them when they come in off the bus. I don't know how it went today. Hopefully they got them before they spread to others.
Wisdom--A good friend of mine (actually she was our daughter's age) had told me that her children had contacted lice in school. I thought to myself, if Pam's children could get lice, then anybodies children could get it. She was one immaculate girl and kept everything she owned that way. I'm sure they didn't stay around very long. The only person that I read about that thanked God for the lice, is Corrie Tem Boom. She was the author of the The Hiding Place. In the book she was thankful for the lice while she was in the concentration camp (WWII) because the guards wouldn't come in to check on them and she was free to read God's word to others (she had smuggled a bible in). This really brought tears to my eyes when I read this.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
AARP DRIVING COURSE!
The last few days we (my husband, sister and I) have been taking Aarp driving refresher class. It keeps us abreast of the lastest state laws regarding rules of the road and we get money off of our insurance premium when we show that we have gone to these classes. A win-win situation. It's about 9 hours of training and we repeat this every three years.
I picked up these thoughts when I was leaving today. I thought they were very good and decided to pass them along.
TEN SECRETS TO AGELESS LIVING
Stay curious, explore, discover and continue to learn new things.
Play, have fun, be happy, and maintain a zest for life by being vital.
Keep the brain and the body busy; stimulate the mind, eat healthy, exercise.
Smile, laugh, maintain a sense of humor, and always stay young at heart.
Have a positive attitude, outlook, and be optimistic to overcome challenges.
Believe in yourself by having faith, hope, spirit, value, meaning and purpose.
Stay connected, engaged, creative, and useful by continuing to contribute.
Find fulfillment, peace, serenity, and self-esteem by giving back--volunteer.
Enjoy and cherish healthy relationships with loved ones, friends and family.
Live long, live well, laugh often love much. . . and always enjoy life's journey.
Unknown source.
Monday, October 26, 2009
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE THAT JOB?
A beautiful calm spring morning was the setting of our office atmosphere. My state of mind was total contentment in my lot in life. This was the way it was the morning that the gal that was City Treasurer resigned and said she had a new position at the county office.
Our comptroller went by my desk and said, "How would you like that job?" stating my name as he was heading into the vault. It was kinda a "tongue in cheek" comment and I didn't say anything and had temporarily forgotten about it.
Later in the day, I started thinking about the position and how it would increase my pension a tidy sum as well as my weekly pay, so I went to his desk and said, "I know that you were not serious when you made the comment about me taking the City Treasurer position, but I had been thinking about it, and I would be interested in that position". He said, "You get back to your desk immediately and write a letter to the commissioners of your interest in the job, and I will support you 100%." I thought it wouldn't hurt to apply for it, so I followed his advice.
It was an appointed position rather than an elected position. Within a few weeks, I was appointed to be the new City Treasurer. I was confident that I could handle it, since I was familiar with the city books, chart of accounts, computer and the budget.
The "big thing" with that job was controlling and investing the city funds, and police and fire pension funds. There were strict state guidelines that one had to follow when one invests in public funds. Signing checks, and reconciling bank statements were part of the work load.
As I become more adept at my new job, I would absorb more and more nitty gritty daily chores.
I did not take lightly the responsibility that laid on my shoulders. Accountability was paramount
and I made sure that every penny, dime, and dollar was safe and reconciled each month. It is beyond my comprehension that state officials and government workers will cheat, lie and bilk people. Honesty was ingrained in my very being and even the thought would never enter my mind. Of course, every year our office would be audited and under my watch, funds and money was accounted for and in place.
Wisdom--Sometimes opportunity comes and we must know that God will help you fulfill your responsibility if we open that door.
Our comptroller went by my desk and said, "How would you like that job?" stating my name as he was heading into the vault. It was kinda a "tongue in cheek" comment and I didn't say anything and had temporarily forgotten about it.
Later in the day, I started thinking about the position and how it would increase my pension a tidy sum as well as my weekly pay, so I went to his desk and said, "I know that you were not serious when you made the comment about me taking the City Treasurer position, but I had been thinking about it, and I would be interested in that position". He said, "You get back to your desk immediately and write a letter to the commissioners of your interest in the job, and I will support you 100%." I thought it wouldn't hurt to apply for it, so I followed his advice.
It was an appointed position rather than an elected position. Within a few weeks, I was appointed to be the new City Treasurer. I was confident that I could handle it, since I was familiar with the city books, chart of accounts, computer and the budget.
The "big thing" with that job was controlling and investing the city funds, and police and fire pension funds. There were strict state guidelines that one had to follow when one invests in public funds. Signing checks, and reconciling bank statements were part of the work load.
As I become more adept at my new job, I would absorb more and more nitty gritty daily chores.
I did not take lightly the responsibility that laid on my shoulders. Accountability was paramount
and I made sure that every penny, dime, and dollar was safe and reconciled each month. It is beyond my comprehension that state officials and government workers will cheat, lie and bilk people. Honesty was ingrained in my very being and even the thought would never enter my mind. Of course, every year our office would be audited and under my watch, funds and money was accounted for and in place.
Wisdom--Sometimes opportunity comes and we must know that God will help you fulfill your responsibility if we open that door.
Friday, October 23, 2009
THE ORAL EXAMINATION!
Our Son-in-law came over to our house the evening before he had to pass an oral examination in order to get his PHD degree. That way he wouldn't have to drive as far the next morning. This test was set up just after they had moved. He had finished his written dissertation prior to this.
In my mind, I thought I had better get up and cook him a big breakfast so he would be really ready for the test. He came down and said that he really didn't want to eat much. He thought better on his feet, if his body wasn't digesting food. I suppose, he was a tad nervous and wasn't that hungry.
He went over and took the oral test at the University. There were quite a few professors present (at least 3-4). They peppered him with as many questions as they could muster up between them pertinent to his field of study. After they finished with the oral exam, they told him to leave the room and between them, they would discuss his answers and inform him how he did.
I'm not sure how long it took them to deliberate, but they went in and said, "Doctor _____, you may come back in now. Milestone was completed that day in this families life! Praise the Lord! He had completed his doctorate degree!
Wisdom--If you persist in your endeavor of study, it will pay off! This includes cooperation from the whole family, not just the one involved. Our daughter had worked just as hard for this and together they could rejoice.
In my mind, I thought I had better get up and cook him a big breakfast so he would be really ready for the test. He came down and said that he really didn't want to eat much. He thought better on his feet, if his body wasn't digesting food. I suppose, he was a tad nervous and wasn't that hungry.
He went over and took the oral test at the University. There were quite a few professors present (at least 3-4). They peppered him with as many questions as they could muster up between them pertinent to his field of study. After they finished with the oral exam, they told him to leave the room and between them, they would discuss his answers and inform him how he did.
I'm not sure how long it took them to deliberate, but they went in and said, "Doctor _____, you may come back in now. Milestone was completed that day in this families life! Praise the Lord! He had completed his doctorate degree!
Wisdom--If you persist in your endeavor of study, it will pay off! This includes cooperation from the whole family, not just the one involved. Our daughter had worked just as hard for this and together they could rejoice.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
THE CARAVAN!!
Our older daughter and her husband was moving back closer to the family and they had quite a bit of furniture, 3 children, to move from Virginia to our state. It would be cheaper to get a U-haul truck and a trailer to move, than a moving van they reasoned. Money was tight and every little bit they could save would help them put down on their newly purchased home.
Carol came early and picked out house plans and a lot to put the house on, and all the things that needed to be decided on early. We would go over weekly and see how the house was progressing. This was a duty that we were glad to help out with, but it was kinda a pain to drive over and check to see if the builder were following the specs.
They packed everything up in the van and trailer, and car during the daytime and their plans were to drive the 600 or so miles in the dark, while the children were sleeping. This really probably was a good plan, but both had worked all day and Carol had just given birth to her last child about 4-5 weeks prior.
What does grandparents do in this case? Worry, read scripture, pray, go to sleep, pick up and worry, read the scripture, pray, wake up worry and pray! Well you get the picture of my state of mind while they were driving here. I would wake up every half hour after praying about it, then I would start worrying again. I finally read some scripture in Psalms. It spoke to me that God is watching over my family and why am I losing so much sleep? That was when I finally
went back to bed and slept like a log. It finally dawned on me, that it didn't depend on me after God had spoken to me that He was watching over our family. I then could go to sleep! Sometimes, it just takes a long time to get through my thick skull that God is in control!
The Caravan came rolling in about 4 A.M. Carol was driving the car with the new baby and Steve in the back seat. Jim was driving the U-Haul and a trailer behind the U-Haul. Jamie was riding with his dad. I think they had another person helping move and he was driving another car full of stuff. I'm fuzzy about this last part.
After they came, they told of about three different things that occurred while driving, that any one of those could have been disastrous. Carol had to keep pinching herself or she would have fallen asleep. They had trouble with the truck and engine problems that could have exploded if it caught fire. They went off on a rest stop and they could barely get their rigs turned around to get back on the Interstate. It was in the mountains.
Wisdom--Have you been there? I'm sure you have a few times in your life. After we pray, we should have the faith to know that God heard our prayer and will take over! I had the faith of a mustard seed that day until I finally "GOT IT", God is in control!!!
Carol came early and picked out house plans and a lot to put the house on, and all the things that needed to be decided on early. We would go over weekly and see how the house was progressing. This was a duty that we were glad to help out with, but it was kinda a pain to drive over and check to see if the builder were following the specs.
They packed everything up in the van and trailer, and car during the daytime and their plans were to drive the 600 or so miles in the dark, while the children were sleeping. This really probably was a good plan, but both had worked all day and Carol had just given birth to her last child about 4-5 weeks prior.
What does grandparents do in this case? Worry, read scripture, pray, go to sleep, pick up and worry, read the scripture, pray, wake up worry and pray! Well you get the picture of my state of mind while they were driving here. I would wake up every half hour after praying about it, then I would start worrying again. I finally read some scripture in Psalms. It spoke to me that God is watching over my family and why am I losing so much sleep? That was when I finally
went back to bed and slept like a log. It finally dawned on me, that it didn't depend on me after God had spoken to me that He was watching over our family. I then could go to sleep! Sometimes, it just takes a long time to get through my thick skull that God is in control!
The Caravan came rolling in about 4 A.M. Carol was driving the car with the new baby and Steve in the back seat. Jim was driving the U-Haul and a trailer behind the U-Haul. Jamie was riding with his dad. I think they had another person helping move and he was driving another car full of stuff. I'm fuzzy about this last part.
After they came, they told of about three different things that occurred while driving, that any one of those could have been disastrous. Carol had to keep pinching herself or she would have fallen asleep. They had trouble with the truck and engine problems that could have exploded if it caught fire. They went off on a rest stop and they could barely get their rigs turned around to get back on the Interstate. It was in the mountains.
Wisdom--Have you been there? I'm sure you have a few times in your life. After we pray, we should have the faith to know that God heard our prayer and will take over! I had the faith of a mustard seed that day until I finally "GOT IT", God is in control!!!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
OUR SWEETIE PIE! (THE FROSTING ON THE CAKE)
Well since our daughters were taking turns, it was our older daughters turn to have a child. Back then I don't think they knew whether they were going to have a girl or boy. It is just in the last decade that couples can know what sex their child is before they are born.
I was working and our older daughter and her husband was living still in Virginia. I thought I told you this earlier, but I can't seem to find it so I will tell about it. We were going to take a vacation and travel out to Virginia to take care of their two boys when we got word that she had gone into the hospital.
Since she was getting very close to her due date, we decided it would be safe in taking off. We hadn't gotten any word that we should come yet, however. We traveled approximately 600 miles and was on our way out to where they lived (about 5-6 miles further). We were going past the hospital where Carol was going when she had her baby. I mentioned that to my husband, perhaps we should check in at the hospital before we go out (just in case she was admitted while we were traveling). This was before cell phones.
We went to information desk and asked if Carol had been admitted. The lady said, yes, and also said that she just had her baby! Now how about that for split timing!! We traveled 600 miles and arrived moments after the baby was born. They had a beautiful baby girl and we named her "Our Sweetie Pie--The frosting on the cake!" I was so thankful for a little girl since they had the two boys already.
Kari had to become a "tomboy" since she had two older brothers. She had to hold her own around them.
When she was about the time to be toilet trained, I tried to help in every way I could when around her. Sometimes she would have an accident. I would go over to her and get up in her face and puff out the words (starting with P). I told her that she should Pee Pee and Pooh Pooh in the Potty, not in her Panties. She would just look at me and blink every time the P word would puff in her face. Before I finished saying all of it, I don't think it did much good, because I would start laughing as she was sooooo cute when she blinked her eyes at me with each puff.
Jim and Carol moved back to our state from Virginia yet that summer, so all of the family was closer.
Kari was in soccer and 4-H and we would try to attend all the events of these. It was such a joy to see them grow and mature.
We took Kari on a special camping trip to Colorado. This was her trip dedicated just for her.
Colorado Springs had a wonderful campground and it had a swimming pool, game room, and daily entertainment. One of the days they told about the Broadmoor (5 star Hotel) and their restaurants they had there. He had mentioned a certain kind of cream/berry dessert that you could order and it was to die for! Well, we thought Kari would enjoy going and having that dessert. She was all up for it. It was quite an expensive restaurant, but the memory of her eating that lingers on. Also, their was a little pond/stream that she would feed the ducks. Oh how beautiful memories of that trip! Memories of her up in Rocky Mountain National Park with the tiny animals on the rocks she would feed. This was so sweet. She has a soft spot for animals.
She probably has one of the softest spot for animals to this day than any of our other grandchildren.
She had to take some of her 4-H projects along and try to do a bit of work on them as she was having fun. We went to Jim Dobson's Focus on the Family quarters. She thoroughly enjoyed that and told us that it was the highlight of her trip.
Another time we had the privilege to take Jodi and Kari to Branson, Mo. This too was quite special.
On another vacation, Kari and Jodi (I believe these two were with us), and we went to New Salem State Park. We had just gone to bed and shut the lights off, and all of a sudden we heard this woman in front of our campsite, calling out for help! "Help, help", she said, as she was gasping between pain. She stopped her car right at the right campsite, since there was a doctor in the trailer. Doc Neumo (that is)! This is what my family called me, so I hurriedly got my clothes on and went out to see what her problem was. She was in such terrific pain and told me to pull her arm and get her arm back in the socket. Now I thought this wasn't quite what my doctoring expertise was and I told her that I would go up to the ranger station (which was quite close) and call an ambulance for her. "No, no, don't call an ambulance, just pull on my arm and get it back into the socket". I helped her out of the car and got a chair for her to sit on and told her I would get the ranger to come to help. She wasn't too happy about that decision, but wasn't in a position to do anything but wait. Yes, the ranger called the ambulance and they took her to the emergency room. My grandchildren wanted me to fix her right there and then. My doctoring skills went out the window that day!!
Kari was active in church, Awana, and memorized more scripture than any of the other two put together. She loved church.
She lived at home and went to college and graduated. This was the last of our grandchildren and she was the last to graduate from college.
One day we were having a family picnic in our younger daughters backyard. Someone was drinking a pop. Kari looked over and saw the pop can and said that sure looks familiar! She had designed the pop can logo. Way to go Kari!!! We love you and cherish those growing up years.
Wisdom--This past week-end our granddaughter and husband dedicated their two children to the Lord at their church. What an important event! There were 4 generations (both sides) attending the service Sunday morning. It behooves all of us to pray, pray, pray for these little ones as their parents strive to train them up to serve the Lord. In Matthew 18:6 states--"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone where hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."
Forgive me, if I should in anyway be a stumbling block to any of my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren! My prayers are with each and all!
I was working and our older daughter and her husband was living still in Virginia. I thought I told you this earlier, but I can't seem to find it so I will tell about it. We were going to take a vacation and travel out to Virginia to take care of their two boys when we got word that she had gone into the hospital.
Since she was getting very close to her due date, we decided it would be safe in taking off. We hadn't gotten any word that we should come yet, however. We traveled approximately 600 miles and was on our way out to where they lived (about 5-6 miles further). We were going past the hospital where Carol was going when she had her baby. I mentioned that to my husband, perhaps we should check in at the hospital before we go out (just in case she was admitted while we were traveling). This was before cell phones.
We went to information desk and asked if Carol had been admitted. The lady said, yes, and also said that she just had her baby! Now how about that for split timing!! We traveled 600 miles and arrived moments after the baby was born. They had a beautiful baby girl and we named her "Our Sweetie Pie--The frosting on the cake!" I was so thankful for a little girl since they had the two boys already.
Kari had to become a "tomboy" since she had two older brothers. She had to hold her own around them.
When she was about the time to be toilet trained, I tried to help in every way I could when around her. Sometimes she would have an accident. I would go over to her and get up in her face and puff out the words (starting with P). I told her that she should Pee Pee and Pooh Pooh in the Potty, not in her Panties. She would just look at me and blink every time the P word would puff in her face. Before I finished saying all of it, I don't think it did much good, because I would start laughing as she was sooooo cute when she blinked her eyes at me with each puff.
Jim and Carol moved back to our state from Virginia yet that summer, so all of the family was closer.
Kari was in soccer and 4-H and we would try to attend all the events of these. It was such a joy to see them grow and mature.
We took Kari on a special camping trip to Colorado. This was her trip dedicated just for her.
Colorado Springs had a wonderful campground and it had a swimming pool, game room, and daily entertainment. One of the days they told about the Broadmoor (5 star Hotel) and their restaurants they had there. He had mentioned a certain kind of cream/berry dessert that you could order and it was to die for! Well, we thought Kari would enjoy going and having that dessert. She was all up for it. It was quite an expensive restaurant, but the memory of her eating that lingers on. Also, their was a little pond/stream that she would feed the ducks. Oh how beautiful memories of that trip! Memories of her up in Rocky Mountain National Park with the tiny animals on the rocks she would feed. This was so sweet. She has a soft spot for animals.
She probably has one of the softest spot for animals to this day than any of our other grandchildren.
She had to take some of her 4-H projects along and try to do a bit of work on them as she was having fun. We went to Jim Dobson's Focus on the Family quarters. She thoroughly enjoyed that and told us that it was the highlight of her trip.
Another time we had the privilege to take Jodi and Kari to Branson, Mo. This too was quite special.
On another vacation, Kari and Jodi (I believe these two were with us), and we went to New Salem State Park. We had just gone to bed and shut the lights off, and all of a sudden we heard this woman in front of our campsite, calling out for help! "Help, help", she said, as she was gasping between pain. She stopped her car right at the right campsite, since there was a doctor in the trailer. Doc Neumo (that is)! This is what my family called me, so I hurriedly got my clothes on and went out to see what her problem was. She was in such terrific pain and told me to pull her arm and get her arm back in the socket. Now I thought this wasn't quite what my doctoring expertise was and I told her that I would go up to the ranger station (which was quite close) and call an ambulance for her. "No, no, don't call an ambulance, just pull on my arm and get it back into the socket". I helped her out of the car and got a chair for her to sit on and told her I would get the ranger to come to help. She wasn't too happy about that decision, but wasn't in a position to do anything but wait. Yes, the ranger called the ambulance and they took her to the emergency room. My grandchildren wanted me to fix her right there and then. My doctoring skills went out the window that day!!
Kari was active in church, Awana, and memorized more scripture than any of the other two put together. She loved church.
She lived at home and went to college and graduated. This was the last of our grandchildren and she was the last to graduate from college.
One day we were having a family picnic in our younger daughters backyard. Someone was drinking a pop. Kari looked over and saw the pop can and said that sure looks familiar! She had designed the pop can logo. Way to go Kari!!! We love you and cherish those growing up years.
Wisdom--This past week-end our granddaughter and husband dedicated their two children to the Lord at their church. What an important event! There were 4 generations (both sides) attending the service Sunday morning. It behooves all of us to pray, pray, pray for these little ones as their parents strive to train them up to serve the Lord. In Matthew 18:6 states--"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone where hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."
Forgive me, if I should in anyway be a stumbling block to any of my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren! My prayers are with each and all!
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