Lesson learned from a child

Last week Andy and Ben were hanging with their Poppy. They were thirtsy and Poppy gave them a choice of a bottle of water to quench their thirst. Andy wanted other options but was told his only choice was water. He refused and this is how he was feeling after his refusal:

Ben on the other hand, accepted the bottle of water and went happily along his way:

Andy reconsidered and finally accepted the bottle of water and look what fun the boys had:

This made me think about how I react when God gives me choices and how I react. Sometimes I want things my way and feel like Andy felt (not very happy). When I finally give up my will and accept God's will, I am much happier and life is good. Why do I have to learn this lesson over and over again?

Isn't God good to love us even when we make mistakes and I'm so thankful that he is a God of second chances.

Last Weekend

We had a great weekend last Saturday and Sunday but I failed to post so a little recap:

Girls noon baskeball game

And a pleasant surprise, my two youngest great nephews were there with their Poppy:

Here they are with a friend from school.

Later that evening we made the boys baskeball game:

Sunday afternoon was a baby shower for Leann & Brandon:

Baby Brody made quite a haul:

A Quarter of a Century

This guy has a birthday today and is turning a quarter of a century. How time flies:

Happy Birthday, Ryan ! ! !

ARGHHH

Uncle D went out of town Wednesday afternoon and was to be gone until this afternoon. When I got home Wednesday from work our internet connection was down. I didn't realize until then how addicted I am to using the internet at home. Uncle D made it safely home and within a few minutes had me up and running. YEAH ! ! !

Happy Birthday to You ! ! !

This Royalty is having a birthday today! ! !

Happy Birthday Marcy ! ! !

You grew from one cute baby into a beautiful lady ! ! !

I thank God for the person you have become. Love you...Aunt J.

H. Jackson Brown Jr. really sums it up

On my desk calendar this week I had a quote from Mr. Brown which read: "Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you." This sums up exactly what I think when I think of my dad. Today is his 92nd Birthday. He is in heaven now and I wonder if they celebrate birthday's there? If so, I hope Jesus takes a second out of eternity and wishes him a "Happy Birthday" and lets him know how very much I love him.

Just a Little Cuteness

Happy Birthday ! ! !

January 14, 1994 was a mighty fine day when a good friend of mine had a precious baby girl who became very special to me. As she got a little older, she would let me style her hair:

And even smile about it: Wasn't she precious? She became even more precious as she got older: Always ready with a smile. She has grown into a beautiful 15 year old:

I want to wish her a VERY VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Funny Picture

A friend just e-mailed this picture to me and I thought it was too funny:
That's Uncle D - can anyone tell me who is sitting on his knees?

Welcome!

One of my friends started a blog and I wanted to welcome her to the blogging world. She has three boys who are all crack ups but her youngest is a hoot. This should be quite entertaining: The Screwy Phillips Family.

Sunday Blessings - Part 2

At the end of 2007, Uncle D bought me this camera and I had used it all year. I felt really comfortable with it and thought I'd taken some good pictures. The camera was a little bulky and wasn't always with me so, the Friday after Thanksgiving I had bought this camera to keep in my purse so that I could always catch those Kodak moments:The Sunday before Uncle D and I went to Atlanta, I lost my Fuji camera. I looked high and low and couldn't find it. I was thankful that I had my little Kodak in Atlanta and during the holidays but really missed my Fuji. So, after Christmas, Uncle D ordered me a new improved Fuji camera which was delivered this past Monday: I used it Saturday at the basketball games and out of the 40 - 50 pictures I took there were only about 5 that I liked. I'm sure I just don't know how to use it yet but am technically challenged and wasn't looking forward to trying to figure it all out. Bet you are wondering where my Sunday Blessing is in this story ......... well ..... during SS this morning the girl that I teach with found my old Fuji camera. I was so excited. The kindergarteners in my class thought that Miss J was a little crazy 'cause I was so excited. Now, I am camera poor but really excited to have my old camera back:

Sunday Blessing - Part 1

This blessing actually happened last Sunday. We have a family in our church that has adopted Uncle D & I into their lives:

Well, last Sunday their little girl promoted up from the Lambs class to the Beginners Sunday Class (the big kids class):

She did better than some of the older kids that have been in my SS class for a while. Then later in the worship service, two of her brothers were baptized:
An added blessing was that their grandparents from Arizona were here and got to see all this happen. It was quite a day of blessings for this family.

Saturday Fun - Part 2

The second game on Saturday:

Now, a little team strategy with the coach: After the second game, Uncle D and I went to Outback to eat with my brother and his wife. (Yummy)

Saturday Fun - Part 1

Today is the first day of Upward Basketball so for the next 6 weeks we'll be attending at least one & usually two games each Saturday. Our first game today:

Of course, there were the loyal fans: We even ran into old friends that we haven't seen in many years:These three were comparing gray hair. Wonder who won??? We'll be headed back in a while for the second game of the day and pictures will be posted. Til then....

This One is for Barb

Uncle D & I sure enjoyed our holiday vacation but reality kicked in Monday when we both had to go back to work. Last week, I thought I had turned into my niece because last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I slept in past 10:00 each morning which if you know me is totally not me. If I can sleep past 6:00 a.m., I think I've slept in. So, setting the alarm this week has been a beating.

Also, earlier this week, we had a visit from our brother in law who was visiting from NM. He was here looking for land on which to build their dream house. He graced us with his pestering oh I mean presence for couple of days:
He and Uncle D enjoyed a little wii baseball, tennis, golf and bowling Tuesday evening:
Last night we were back to our normal Wednesday Bible club schedule:

And this kid was playing a mean air guitar while singing "A Happy Song": He was cracking me up.

Happy Birthday

My oldest great nephew is celebrating his 13th Birthday today. He is a great athlete and a good looking kid. See for yourself:

Like his dad, he is kinda goofy at times:

And he plays a mean guitar on wii Rockband:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, R.

Happy New Years

Last night we rang the New Year in with some of our dear friends from church. There was food aplenty, games:

Apples to Apples was played by some.

Others enjoyed stacking dominoes and knocking them down.

Fellowship was had by all:

We rang in the New Year and got home about 12:20 a.m. Uncle D was reading in bed and our doorbell rang at 1:00 a.m. Our neighbor had seen that there was light on in our bedroom and thought he would deliver some homemade tamales to us. Needless to say, we slept in this morning and after a late breakfast headed to do a little shopping. Uncle D was really happy when we finally got to Home Depot. We've both have now spent the gift cards that we got for Christmas so I guess it is now time to say the Holidays are over. We do have one more day off from work and will be heading back to the salt mines on Monday.

Adios 2008, Welcome 2009

Wow, it doesn't seem possible that 2008 is really coming to a close. As I reflect back, I stand amazed at the blessings that God has bestowed upon Uncle D and me.

We will be seeing the New Year in with our church family first by watching:Then we are to have some singing, praying and preaching between 9:30 - 10:30 (I'm usually asleep by 9:30 so I'm concerned it may be more singing and snoring for me). We then will go to the fellowship hall for food, games and fellowship to see in the New Year.

We wish you all a very safe New Years Eve and a blessed 2009.

Monday Memories

A younger Uncle D & Aunt J enjoying some fun in the snow at Sandia Crest outside of Albuquerque, NM: