We had a great weekend. All of my family was together for a few hours at home, and that doesn't happen often. Nov. 2 was Chad's 21 birthday, and he was able to come on Friday and left Sunday afternoon. Some that know Chad, knows he is his own person and loves living on the edge! He loves motorcycles, which he gets from my dad and his uncle. He loves to laugh, and we all love to sit and watch him laugh. His face turns red, he doesn't make a sound at first, and then tears roll down with a loud burst of laughter. He has always been the most polite, never forgeting to say thank you for everything. If Josh or Amanda were screaming, I always knew who was in the middle of it all! He always made me laugh, even if Josh wanted me "to do something about him!" All 3 of our kids are so different in many ways, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Chad has lots of hard decisions coming up, and we just pray that God will guide him in all that is ahead for him.
November 4, 2008 will also be an historical day. Whoever wins, (and we all know who we are praying for), we do remember that God is the one in control. He always wins the battles, he always wins the victories! Aren't we glad we are on His side! What a great and wonderful leader we have.
Enjoy what is left in the fall. These 80 degree temps are hard to think fall, but the mornings are still cool and crisp. We are having a gospel meeting this week if your schedule will allow you to come on down!
What a wonderful weekend! Those are the best! Rusty had a great sermon on what do we do once the election is over this past Sunday. God is in control was one of his points. Love you guys!
Glad you had such a good time with your family. Would we want all our children to be alike? I don't think so, but don't you sometimes wonder how they can be so differant? We are so enjoying having Josh with us; he is a fine "young" man and preacher. She is doing better but at 96 you know the end is nearing. Keep us in your prayers.
I know! I just couldn't stand it anymore. We either had to get a puppy or start trying to have a kid, and it's way too early for that. ;) She's so sweet!
I told Dee and Norma hello for you. Dee said you Castlemans are all related to somebody! :) They spoke so highly of you all but it was no surprise to me!! I already knew it!!! :) Hope you have a great day!
well, I was hoping to bring a couple of friends, but I needed to leave too early to get there in time for church. I'm leaving in about 5 min. :) I might need a place to stay. I was thinking about driving back, but we'll see. :) See you in a bit.
I've missed you! I'm SOO behind on PLEO... It was fun reading about your kids... So, what are Amanda's plans next year? Didn't you tell me she wants to go to F.C.? Laura is on the road on her way home from Falcon Days right now. She is only a sophomore so she had to go as an "unofficial" visitor... I know she had a ball. She wanted to go so badly because she has four cousins and several friends down there right now...
thanks for joining us tonight. Did you see what I meant about that song leader? You all should plan to spend the night with us sometime and have a little weekend trip. We would love to have you.
Family time is so awesome. I'm so glad yall got to be together! It gets harder to do as everyone is getting older and doing their own thing (as my family has seen too!) We have always loved Chad, and especially his laugh. You can't help but laugh when he laughs!
Fall is here and I too, like many of you, it is one of my favorite seasons. Growing up in Colorado, it is beautiful seeing the aspens turn gold, red, yellow-just all different colors. Absolutely spectacular. Now I'm a Texan through and through, and we do have some changes. the high is to be in the 70's tomorrow! And we do have some color changes too. There are a lot of beautiful states, Indiana, north Oklahoma, and many more.
There is beauty everywhere around in God's creation. So, when you sing, "Oh Lord My God", think about the words, "When I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands have made". The song, "Lord, I Believe", do we believe the wonders of creation, the flowers that bloom, the raindrops as they fall, the spacious skies, and "we can not doubt, tht God controlled it all!"? What an awesome thought!
But in all of this glory, he cares for us even more! So, have a wonderful fall and look around and never forget who gave it to you!
Yes, I've had to resort to begging for brownies from your youngest sista but she still refuses to deliver the goods. She is not making any "brownie points" with me!! But I still love her :)
How very nice. John, Dan, Mark, and I went to the Broadwell's cabin in Helena Georgia for a thanksgiving my first year at FC. it was glorious. We had an ice storm, climbed Mt Yona (sp?) and I was there when Helena froze over. I stood a top Mr. Yona and sang "Oh Lord My God" and thanked Him for His amazing creation. I have not made it to Colorado yet, but one day I will, Lord willing.
now, why did you have to bring up the weight thing. You should be suspended from pleonast or something. shame shame...maybe we should suspend you from school . does that sound better?
Well, if you were born in Texas then that most definitely counts! It wouldn't really matter where you were from, though, because you're just great no matter what! I have much admiration for you- {{{hug}}}
Maybe I will come and see you this weekend....you know austin isn't to far from you guys either! Hey I haven't told you this yet but I will be moving to the metroplex come this Jan. so you can come visit me a lot more often!
I do love fall, but we don't always get a fall here - sometimes it just jumps from summer to winter. But this year, we definately have a fall going on and it's been great! The leaves are blowing and some flowers are still hanging on - a rare event in Colorado!
What has blond hair, green eyes, and is the funniest, sweetest, and kindest person you have ever met? Give up......its me and I am coming home in two weeks to hug your neck...you better be there!
David starts his new schedule within the month. Not totally sure, but soon. He will be changing airports, thats the reason for the shift change. He will still be able to come for the holidays.
Kevin can sit up slightly. He has a wheelchair that reclines and so he is in that a good part of the day. He hasn't wanted to yet, but yes he will be able to play his videos! He has been watching movies, coloring and decorating his pumpkin.
Nice. Is it okay for a man to amen a woman? How about, Yes I agree.
So memory test, I have MACD (middle-aged cognitive decline) Whatdaya mean I am past middle-age? ANYWAY, Preacher when you were a teen in Colo. bald, hilarious, yadda yadda... what is his name, I can picture him... I hate MACD.
Thanks for the birthday wishes. Nick and I went up the North Shore to eat at the Rustic Inn for lunch. Great food and great atmosphere and a BIG lake across the road. Our leaves are past their peak, but breathtakingly gorgeous.
Well, It is Sept. 23, and Amanda Carole is 17 years old. Now when your baby is 17, that must mean I should be ancient, but we'll just let Jim be the old one! She is an incredible young woman that puts me to shame when I was her age. She shines her light everywhere she goes. I just want to share that with you all. Forgive me if you think I'm bragging, just extremely proud, as I am of all 3 of my kids. It isn't easy being a Christian young person in a small town and small congregation. You feel very alone as she has sometimes. But, she pulls through and makes the best of it. It has been a rough junior year for her so far, so hopefully it will settle down.
The fall is upon us, as the cooler weather sets in and the leaves are starting to fall. It is a beautiful time of the year. While we are thanking God for our fall season, please remember we have friends and loved ones who are suffering with illness, death of loved ones, and dealing with things in their lives that hurt, and may God comfort as He knows best.
Dena, Susan, Marilu and I are headed to a Ladies Retreat in Tennessee on Friday. My guess there will be major talking all the way! Wish all of you ladies could go with us! We'll tell you all about it when we get back.
Until then, Love and happiness to you all! Happy Birthday Amanda!
Happy birthday to Amanda! I heard she's gonna be down our way this weekend. :) Have fun at the ladies retreat in Tennesse. You should come to ours in November! That would be a lot of fun! :)
You can brag all you want about Amanda--it's all true and she deserves to be bragged on...I love that girl! :) Hope yall have a safe/fun trip this weekend!
She IS a wonderful and Godly person! I am always impressed by the things she says on here! Happy birthday Amanda! She has GREAT parents too!
Too bad a little stop through St. Louis isn't in your Tennesse plans! I hope it's a wonderful time, it sounds like a lot of fun!!!
I am so jealous y'all get to go! I wanted to so bad! Maybe next year Ashlyn and I can make the trek to! Y'all have a blast and come back with a million ideas!
I can't believe I use to watch her when she was so small. The old Barney videos bring back some fond memories of her propped up on the front of the old blue couch not moving a muscle waiting for Barney to tell her he "loves her" awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Yes, Happy Birthday to Amanda! She certainly does put me to shame at her age compared to when I was her age! I am very impressed with her in many ways! You are blessed! See you tomorrow night!
I know what you mean.....the "baby" of my family (daughter Kelli) just turned 19 on Sept 25th. And just like any mom, its hard not to want to gush about the kids. Have a safe trip to your retreat.....my daughter Laura goes to one every year in Sept in Tampa, FL...they have over 300 women that come. Sounds fun!
Anita, it was great to see you on Sunday! You have such timeless beauty ... inside and out! Come back as often as you can. I'm still planning on coming your way ... not sure when just yet. Things are just going too fast! I WILL figure it out though! :)
Here is a wonderful website for the college students heading out. Doesn't matter if this is your first year or last, or if you have heard this a million times. This reminds us how crafty the devil can be. It also reminds us how awsome God is!
Thanks, Anita! I appreciate the encouraging words. I know if I remind myself sometimes of how much more effort it takes to stay hurt than to just turn it all over to God. Thank you, and I love you!
I miss your Daddy too. My favorite memory was hearing the story of him "skiing" or rather tumbling head over heels in his blaze orange snow suit in front of the windows of the Lodge. I had fun talking with him and getting to know him. What a dear man, I look forward to seeing him in heaven again.
Robert is going to Schreiner Univ just 3 blocks from our house (he got a big scholarship, otherwise we couldn't afford it--expensive private school). He may transfer next year, though. We'll see!
Hey Sis! I wish I could show you a picture of my cabinets, but that would involve having a digital camera, knowing how to use it, and knowing how to download - or upload - or sideload!
Hey, I Love all of your pictures! I have 22 first graders this year. Good class overall with lots of babies that need to learn many skills this year. We have a meeting coming up beginning the 28th with Tim Jennings. Wish we weren't so far away from all of you. We know Lubbock is too far to try to drive over for a meeting. I'm planning to participate in a Diabetes Walk on the 27th with my school. It should be fun and for a very worthy cause. My knee is still giving me some trouble, but I am trying to avoid surgery as long as posiible. I found out that I have a torn medial miniscus. That's in the joint. Most of the time it's fine, but sometimes it gets pretty sore. How are things with you? I'm sure you are busy wih PEAMS stuff at the beginning of the year. Give your crew my love and keep in touch!
Haha! The money thing I'm sure is very true! What's hard for Katie to understand now is that money can be limited. Every now and then I catch my self saying something like 'Ah, Mommy wishes she had that' with which Katie replies 'you can get money out of your purse and buy it.' Ah...sweet little minds! :)
Hey girl ... great pics! I also heard the Kleinwood singing was wonderful. So glad you got to go. Good luck at work next week! My how time flies when we're having fun, huh?
