June 18, 2011



















A few quotes from the book!

Taylor-age 4
Taylor said, "Mom, I love you a gozen infinities!"

Taylor- age 4
Taylor said, "Mom, you're the best part- you love me and I love you!"
















Talyor- age 4
Taylor came into the kitchen with his eyes crossed and asked, "Why can't I see my face?" :)


Today has been a full day of errands! Taylor and Stephanie are painting a dresser in our garage. Dear Miri has been quite emotional lately as she's trying to process another beloved brother leaving home. Taylor hugged Miri for a while and then was so sweet to tell her she could keep hugging him while he worked :). Tears....


















The dresser is going to be a beautiful yellow!!
























Our Mocha (on left) has a playmate this week which has brought the house much laughter :). Meet the adorable Bailey Johnson!

June 17, 2011

Today my dear friend Gail Walker...aka "Gift from God" helped me make 11 Key Lime Pies!!! Checking items off the to do list brings me such joy!!

More from the book!

Taylor...age 4
Taylor, trying to understand God, said, "Jesus has 100 arms so He can hug everyone. Jesus lives in space. On top of the sky is space and on top of space is Jesus."














Taylor...age 4
Taylor wanted to pray for dinner and asked us to pray with him. Apparently we were too quiet because after he said a few words, he stopped to instruct us, "Praying with me means you say, 'Yes Lord' when I say good words." :)


















Taylor- age 4
Taylor put his shoes on and asked, "Am I a good Puter shoer on?"

June 16, 2011

Today was a busy day- full of rehearsal dinner preparations! My friend Dena Nilsen -aka- "Gift from God" helped me today!! I will post pictures of the decorations later... they're so fun!! Right now I'd like to keep them a surprise for Tay and Steph. :)

On to more from, "The Book!"

Taylor, age 3... "Jonathan and me are the children." He pondered at bit then said, "You and Daddy are the bosses."





















Taylor, age 3..."I know who the really boss is- Jesus!"

Taylor, age 3 - I told Taylor he looked so yummy- I could eat him up. He said, "You can't eat me up- I'm a children!"

³⁸For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things ^[a]impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers,

³⁹Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

May 16, 2010

Bill, Miri and I took a fun day trip to Mount Airy, NC to see the town that was patterned after Mayberry, which was where Andy Griffith actually grew up. We started our day taking a tour in a patrol car, then had lunch at Snappy's, then off to the Andy Griffith Museum. It was a wonderful
day!!

May 3, 2011























I was quite unprepared when Taylor announced yesterday morning that it was his last day of regular college classes. Finals are next week, then college is completed. Where has the time gone? I want to soak up every last bit of time with him...I want to slow time down!! In 8 weeks he will be married and not here to offer my daily "vitamins" (hugs), or to draw me out about my day, or encourage me to keep my eyes on the Lord. I will so miss his joy, his singing around the house, his drumming and our jamming :), his counsel...his friendship. Tears mixed with joy and sadness flow as I write this. Letting go is hard- isn't it?! It's hard but it is a part of God's plan...so it is also very good. :)

A few years ago I penned some thoughts when it was Jon's last day of college and he was moving to Florida. I've rewritten it for today...for Taylor and for other mom's who are also facing the finish line.
_____________________________________________
I'm reminiscing a lot these days as our second born is ready to graduate college and leave home to marry his beautiful Stephanie in just 8 weeks. I need to be very careful reminiscing because I'm learning that spending time wishing I could re-write history bears fruit... but not often the fruit I desire. It can sometimes produce guilt and regret. Instead, as I look back, I am looking to learn. Miri is now 13. We have many years ahead with our girl, and Lord willing, grandchildren in our future, so I pray this musing serves!

If I could turn back the clock- I would:

Hug and kiss them more!

Remind them faithfully of the promises of God all throughout life.

Always remind them that they CAN trust God even when they cannot trace Him!

When confronting their sin- I would more faithfully remind them (in kindness) how glorious Jesus is and tell them again of the love Jesus displayed on the cross for them. I would tell them that we desperately need the power of the Spirit to live this life in a manner that pleases the Lord. I would make every effort to leave them with hope and not discouragement when addressing them. I would make sure to evaluate my own heart. What is surfacing in MY heart when they sin? Am I as eager to tend to my own heart and believe the promises of God?

I would remind them more that we need to love His presence...spend time in His presence...listen to His voice while in His presence.

I’d realize that no matter how they conform on the outside- their hearts are the most important. I realize it’s so easy to spend one’s whole life focusing on the ‘frame’ and less on the picture.

I would offer them many more opportunities to serve the needy. It’s so easy in this culture to become self-focused.

I would have prayed with them and led them to scripture more often when needs arose. I fear I displayed self-sufficiency too often.

This is a big one...I would have trusted my Savior more. He has indeed proven to be oh so faithful!

By His grace!

Last day :)