HAPPY THANKS

Got back from a ten day trip where I saw most all my family and for that I give Happy THANKS. It was so good to see my sisters and brothers, nephews and nieces and my cousin Frann. ALso was able to visit with Aunt Pauline and Uncle Leon for a good bit. Always feel so loved and at home with them. It was strange going back there without Dylan. He had school and couldn't leave. But it was good to go back to where I've been and see the ones I love so dearly and have missed more than words.

Spent the entire day of THanksgiving on a plane, at the airport or in the car driving back. Wonderful to be back with Dylan and of course, will keep on missing my family until I see them again. Two more weeks here in Canada and then we head back to Missouri. Wow, just when you get used to something or somewhere...it's time to go. I'm thankful for change and that change keeps changing.

Merry Happy Christmas Everyone! I should be writing a detailed update (Possibly) and posting it soon. Our new P.O. Box 257 Sumas, WA 98295 

A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHANG

Happy Birthday to Rebecka, Nathan, Jesse, Cindy, and Daniel!

Attended one or two of Dylan's 'field days.' One was at school and one was out at Sumas Mt. Enjoyed the days with him and his classmates.

Had a friend in from California (Deanna) last weekend painted some paintings together, went to a park, went for a walk, took some pictures. It was wonderful having her here.

I started taking piano lessons on Tuesdays. One of Dylan's instructors gave us a keyboard that no one was using in his garage. The only thing it needed was an adapter. We went to a thrift store today and picked one up... it fit perfectly.

We have a couch given to us by a friend, a light hanging up in our living room by dental floss, and Dylan bought me an electric blanket. I am so thankful for where we are and what the Lord is doing in our lives... the Lord is so faithful and constant in directing our circumstances from day to day. 

The joy of baking and sharing sweet things. Been baking some pumpkin bread, chocolate chip cookies, banana chocolate chip bread. Had another friend over last night (Ben), we enjoyed getting to know him, and sharing histories.

DAYS GONE BY

Twenty days have gone by since last post. Lots more has happened. My heart has never been more thankful. Yet somehow circumstances have me on the brink of tears.

STOLEN VEHICLE

Guess I failed to mention that my car was stolen in Kansas City about 10 days ago while my little sis was on a mission trip to mexico. In the trunk was my dejembe drum, a large bag of Mom's clothes that Michele was going to make us six kids quilts out of, and possibly a tupperware container of some of my stuff...winter clothes/journals/skates. So if anyone happens to see it - call the police THANKS. It is a 96 Oldsmobile Ciera. Four door, beige, with Florida tags (they will be exspired since I will not renew them while the car is stolen).

Praying that the Lord will bless the thief with a guilty conscious and that he/she will put the car back where it was parked. In front of Michele's house.

SOMETHING'S DIFFERENT

Split pea soup.
2-3cups of cooked split peas seasoned well with bacon. Boil the split peas once cooked in a pot with 2 cups water, a quarter to half of chopped onion, a stick of celery cut up, carrots (as many as you like), squeeze a half of lemon in there, 1/4 cup milk, 4 good slices of cheddar. Add salt and pepper to your taste.

The update from here is...Dylan's been home for more days this last week. His schedule has changed to school on Tues, Wed, Thursdays. Lots of homework still. And he volunteers on Tues after school at Mission without Borders. I've been going to class with him twice a week to the Outdoor Leadership Class. I've lost track of time. I've been baking cakes and cookies and writing notes here and there. Started painting again.

Read chapter 13 FROM ETERNITY TO HERE. I've been thinking about the Lord alot lately. How close we are to FOREVER. The power of His word. How much He has answered prayer. How perfect His plans always are. I want to hug my nieces and nephews. I want to write so many letters. I want every moment that I live to count for Jesus name. So I guess I'll keep on attempting to write recipes and songs and letters, and painting pictures and poetry, and making food with love and prayers just like Mom always did. Every now and then I hear her saying, "JUST BELIEVE..." and though it's hard sometimes --- I will face what I feel, sorrow until I'm healed...keep giving thanks.

TAKE A HIKE

I suggest it for everyone (TAKE A HIKE), it's one of the best things you could do. Friday we got some pizza and drinks and went to a trail by a river near Mission bridge. It was so wonderful watching the sun go down. Yesterday Dylan and I took a hike at Elk Mountain. Sure was lovely way to spend a few hours. I might try to paint a picture and post it later. We did not take any pictures, except in our memories.

Today we spent Sunday at home... took a walk later on to see the sunset and a beautiful sky full of illuminated clouds and colors. It is cooling down, the end of summer.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER MELANIE JOY! I miss you so SO much.

SEATTLE

I ended up staying a little longer than I thought in Seattle (or thereabouts) Went to David and Harmony's babyshower, and then afterwards I was hoping to mail some packages. The post offices were closed on saturdays after two o'clock. David and Harmony were so kind to invite me to stay the weekend til Monday, so I did. Enjoyed my time with them.

Went to church of Christ Kirkland. Then afterwards went and drove around. Got some Mongolian food. Went and sat at Juanita Beach Park...thinking of my Granny (Juanita) and of course thinking about my Mom...and all the things I wished they would have shared.

Missing my sisters and brothers...missing Dylan...looking forward to what will come through prayer and believing. I got back across the border Monday afternoon around 3pm and Dylan got back from his trip around 6.