No pictures, no profound epistles, just simply....God is Good! So often I find myself forgetting that fact or turning to Him when things aren't going like I think they should. But, I'm working on turning that around.
There have been so many sad, tragic, uncalled for events that have come to light recently -- things and circumstances that have happened to friends or acquaintances of mine -- that could have been me, my family, my loved one. How are these folks going to cope...how are they going to carry on without that loved one in their life? Parents having to bury a grown child much too soon. A Mother having to leave her precious family long before she has been able to enjoy her grandchildren growing up. Sons laughing with parents one morning and that afternoon...their parents are with God.
We all know someone affected by grief and sadness - of all kinds. Fortunately, a good number of these friends know the Father and His Son...that is the only way they will be able to keep going. It will be hard. There will be days and nights of endless tears and heartache. But they will go on. Others may not know the Creator. They are the ones who lose out on having a church family and friends to lean on and their Father to dry their tears.
So, this means there is still lots to do about sharing our Father with those around us. How about you?
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
S.O.S. at Broadview Assisted Living
How wonderful to serve God and our fellow man...this is what 23 of the Timberlane church family did Sunday afternoon. Carl and I were proud to be a part of this great group of folks.
As most of you know by now, Carl's mom, aka Mrs. V., is at Broadview Assisted Living, as is long-time Timberlane member, Bettie Lemley. Mrs. Bettie is now 95 and Mrs. V is 93. They, along with approximately 76 other residents have become content in their new home at Broadview. Men and women of all ages of adulthood and various means of mobility and health, congregate daily in the beautiful main hall, centered by a two-story, double sided fireplace. Always decorated to compliment the season, the fireplace is currently flanked with pumpkins, fall garland and decorations, with a cozy fire burning to calm the soul.
Sunday afternoon the Timberlane group, consisting of young professionals, singles, young couples with young children or no children, and others in the not-as-young-anymore category, joined together, singing hymns, sharing smiles and love with those unable to get out and attend worship services any longer. The college and young professionals class also prepared and brought with them, small orange pumpkins with a joyful tag with scripture and/or greeting on them. After singing, everyone in our group went around and gave out the pumpkins and shared a moment with residents, who especially enjoyed the little children. I believe both groups benefitted from this special time and we plan to go back - especially during the Christmas holidays and sing carols and share a little something again.
Serving...this is Jesus' example and command to us. Let's remember His example and "do unto others...". I need to try harder to do as my mother did before her heart problems and death...she tried to do some random act of kindness for at least one person every single day.
As most of you know by now, Carl's mom, aka Mrs. V., is at Broadview Assisted Living, as is long-time Timberlane member, Bettie Lemley. Mrs. Bettie is now 95 and Mrs. V is 93. They, along with approximately 76 other residents have become content in their new home at Broadview. Men and women of all ages of adulthood and various means of mobility and health, congregate daily in the beautiful main hall, centered by a two-story, double sided fireplace. Always decorated to compliment the season, the fireplace is currently flanked with pumpkins, fall garland and decorations, with a cozy fire burning to calm the soul.
Sunday afternoon the Timberlane group, consisting of young professionals, singles, young couples with young children or no children, and others in the not-as-young-anymore category, joined together, singing hymns, sharing smiles and love with those unable to get out and attend worship services any longer. The college and young professionals class also prepared and brought with them, small orange pumpkins with a joyful tag with scripture and/or greeting on them. After singing, everyone in our group went around and gave out the pumpkins and shared a moment with residents, who especially enjoyed the little children. I believe both groups benefitted from this special time and we plan to go back - especially during the Christmas holidays and sing carols and share a little something again.
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| Some of the "givers" Sunday afternoon. |
[note to self: start taking the camera whereever you go, THEN remember to take pictures DURING events, not just when they are over...will try to do better next time!]
Thursday, October 20, 2011
90 years and Counting!
Good intentions aside, I finally have gotten pictures together and want to tell about my dear Dad's 90th birthday, October 6. He is the only surviving uncle on either side of my family -- that's counting spouses of parental siblings as well. He says it kind of gives him an errie feeling to be the lone survivor!
On Dad's actual birthdate, October 6th, my nephew Brett, who works in the Gulf with oil rigs, went through Mississippi, loaded up Dad and his wife Carole, and took them to good ole Alabama. They stopped off for the night in Tuscaloosa, where he lives on the river in a beautiful home. Friday they went to Wetumpka, where my older brother lives, and where Dad and Carole stayed the night. Those of us who had arrived early had a great time Friday afternoon, setting up for the big party/reunion.
On Saturday, the 8th, everyone gathered at the fellowship hall at the Wetumpka church of Christ for a day of fun, food and fellowship. All four children & spouses/friend, all seven grandchildren and spouses/friends, and eight of 10 great grandchildren were on hand for the festivities. Theo, the older of the great grands and a Marine, had just returned to Camp Pendleton from a tour of duty and Hope, a high school senior, was heavily involved in a band function she could not get out of.
Here's some pics of the families and then candids from the day. So many of the cousins were unable to attend and wanted to so badly...so view & enjoy and we pray there will be another opportunity soon for all of us to get together!
On Dad's actual birthdate, October 6th, my nephew Brett, who works in the Gulf with oil rigs, went through Mississippi, loaded up Dad and his wife Carole, and took them to good ole Alabama. They stopped off for the night in Tuscaloosa, where he lives on the river in a beautiful home. Friday they went to Wetumpka, where my older brother lives, and where Dad and Carole stayed the night. Those of us who had arrived early had a great time Friday afternoon, setting up for the big party/reunion.
On Saturday, the 8th, everyone gathered at the fellowship hall at the Wetumpka church of Christ for a day of fun, food and fellowship. All four children & spouses/friend, all seven grandchildren and spouses/friends, and eight of 10 great grandchildren were on hand for the festivities. Theo, the older of the great grands and a Marine, had just returned to Camp Pendleton from a tour of duty and Hope, a high school senior, was heavily involved in a band function she could not get out of.
Here's some pics of the families and then candids from the day. So many of the cousins were unable to attend and wanted to so badly...so view & enjoy and we pray there will be another opportunity soon for all of us to get together!
Some of the spread...yum!
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| Yummie cake....so glad Publix is in Alabama now! |
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| Man of the Hour ~ doesn't look bad for a 90 year old! |
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| The Bakers (L to R): Cathy Baker Kirkley, Tip Baker, Max Baker, Philip Baker, Melissa Baker Vinson |
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| ~ Pa with the Grands ~ L to R - back row: Brandon Kirkley, Jason Kirkley, Mike Vinson, Brett Baker, Charlie Vinson front row: Rochelle Baker Knighten, Tip Baker, Carole Baker, Renee' Baker Baldwin |
~ Pa with Great Grands ~
L to R (back row): Megan Mathew, Kayla Baldwin, Allie Knighten, Jared Baldwin
(front row): Dalton Pierson, Tip Baker, Carole Baker, Matt Baldwin
(the Baldwin triplets are 18 years old now - can you believe it!)
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| Max Baker & daughters: Rochelle Knighten & Renee' Baldwin Tip & Carole [didn't find a picture of Rochelle & Allie - Billy, Rochelle's husband, is working in Mississippi and was unable to attend; Hope, a senior, was in a band function]  L to R: Kayla, David, Tip, Jared, Carole, Renee' & Matt [Baldwin] (can you believe the Baldwin triplets are 18 years old!)  L to R: Connie, Tip, Brett, Carole, Philip [Baker] (thanks to Brett for getting the ball rolling on this party and his efforts to get Pa and Carole to and from Mississippi!)
L to R (back row): Ed, Tiffany, Jason, Brandon, Christy, (front row): Cathy, Tip, Carole, Megan, Dalton [Kirkley]  Tip & Carole with neices and nephew: Jan Davis Cole (seated), Lori Cole, Charles Davis, Lynda Carroll Hyde  Here's the group! And, here's some candids to finish the day...  Three CRNA's: Lori Cole, her mother, Jan Cole, and Nichole Daviduk (Charlie's girlfriend) (for those who do not know, that's a registered nurse anethetist!) |
Pa during a "Tango" video chat with great grandson, Theo,
our Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, who just had to call and wish
Pa a Happy Birthday!
Blowing out the candles...
also enjoyed some sour cream pound cake (his fav), and banana pudding!
Opening presents - he racked up: cash, lots of gift cards from various stores,
framed family picture from Rochelle & framed picture of Dad's family - his parents,
brothers and sisters, and.....
...his favorite, a custom ALABAMA football jersey with "90" and "Baker"
across the back! (Great job, Brett!)
What a great day and visit with our dear ole dad, Tip Baker!!
He received a basket full of cards from friends and family, and was
overwhelmed with the love and attention he received!
On Sunday, the weekend was topped off by Dad getting to worship at his former congregation in Montgomery - Dalraida Church of Christ - Brett, Carl and I went with Dad and Carole and he so enjoyed getting to see his old friends there!
We love you, Daddy! Blessings for many more years to come!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Fantastic Friday
Sort of what Annie says, I'm a 'write what you feel' kind of blogger. I don't have grandchildren or design or style or culinary skills to share with everyone, but when I take a whim, I'll just write what I'm feeling of or thinking of for the day.
After discussing house cleaning with a friend a bit ago, I decided I'd get on here and see if any of my few followers had suggestions that work best for them. I need some motivation, some tried and true routines that help you get out of the recliner and clean! Be it timers, list making, breaking down the full house into smaller jobs, etc....share with me anything. I'm game!
Have a great weekend everyone...Roll Tide, Go Noles, War Eagle, Gator Nation (what do they say?)...happy Fall Y'all, Football War Cries and family. That's a great weekend!
After discussing house cleaning with a friend a bit ago, I decided I'd get on here and see if any of my few followers had suggestions that work best for them. I need some motivation, some tried and true routines that help you get out of the recliner and clean! Be it timers, list making, breaking down the full house into smaller jobs, etc....share with me anything. I'm game!
Have a great weekend everyone...Roll Tide, Go Noles, War Eagle, Gator Nation (what do they say?)...happy Fall Y'all, Football War Cries and family. That's a great weekend!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
World Alzheimer's Month
Hello everyone! Hope you're having a great day. I was sent this link and wanted to pass it along. I posted it on Facebook yesterday, and thought I'd post it here as well.
Helping to care for Mrs. V, we're learning more about dementia [not a disease] and the disease of Alzheimer's. As we age, we notice more and more people who have some form of dementia affecting their lives and the lives of those who love them.
Have a blessed day and say a prayer for those researching to find a cure for this disease and for those families affected by dementia-related affects.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Happy Fall Y'all!
Nips of fall have been showing up in the last couple of weeks - and oh, how I love the cooler weather! Football is on TV again -- "Roll Tide, Roll" and "Go Noles" is all about us! Love it!
A quick update on Mrs. V - she was released from rehab and we were able to get her an apartment at a very nice assisted living facility here in Tallahassee - Broadview, and though she's only been there since Tuesday afternoon, I think she's going to like it! She does have some demenished memory issues, and of course, is better at times than others. But, we visited yesterday afternoon during a "family night" which was also celebrating "National Assisted Living Week" -- complete with live music, dancing by the staff - who pulled in some willing residents, Mrs. Valeria included - and great refreshments. Keep praying she adapts and adjusts to life "on her own" again (with some assistance, too). We want her to be happy, and I think she will be once she gets use to things and the new surroundings and residents/staff.
A very happy birthday to our youngest, Mike, who turns 30 years old tomorrow (17th). Time has surely flown by - can't believe he's all grown up!
Have a fantastic weekend and I hope to post a bit more regularly...
A quick update on Mrs. V - she was released from rehab and we were able to get her an apartment at a very nice assisted living facility here in Tallahassee - Broadview, and though she's only been there since Tuesday afternoon, I think she's going to like it! She does have some demenished memory issues, and of course, is better at times than others. But, we visited yesterday afternoon during a "family night" which was also celebrating "National Assisted Living Week" -- complete with live music, dancing by the staff - who pulled in some willing residents, Mrs. Valeria included - and great refreshments. Keep praying she adapts and adjusts to life "on her own" again (with some assistance, too). We want her to be happy, and I think she will be once she gets use to things and the new surroundings and residents/staff.
A very happy birthday to our youngest, Mike, who turns 30 years old tomorrow (17th). Time has surely flown by - can't believe he's all grown up!
Have a fantastic weekend and I hope to post a bit more regularly...
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Fall is in the Air! Ahhhh!
Can't believe how long it's been since my last post. Fall is now definitely on the horizon - early mornings are the greatest, in the high 50's or low 60's and daytime highs in the mid 80s! Love this time of year!
Things have changed slightly since the last post. Yes, Mrs. V came home on August 11th, but things were so stressful and she was in misery, we made the decision to take her to the ER on August 17th. After some "cleansing" by the doctors (putting the procedure nicely), and no pain meds in her system for several hours, she was just about back to the woman we use to know! So, we've decided when it comes to meds, less is more, and she has to use a "softener" every day...the following morning, 18th, Mrs. V was picked up and carried to a different rehab facility. This time, we've seen some improvement, though not completely, and she will again be released on Monday, September 12th. For the time being she will come back to our home. We are going to look into sitters from a local agency so Carl and I can still work and have respite (even though it's our jobs we'd go to), and if she will agree, we'd like her to go to adult day care to get socialization, games, hot meal and care during the day. She wants to stay in the bed, but she needs to be up and active as much as possible. Should all this not work out, we will have no choice but to find an assisted living facility for now and eventually, she most likely will need skilled nursing (nursing home). As her funds are not bottomless, we are just trying to hold off doing these most expensive choices as long as we can. However, from past experience, we know we can't hold out forever ourselves and must look out after our own well-being too. Keep us in your prayers and I'll try to keep the updates more regular.
We have cleaned up the front beds of the house and pulled out some old holly bushes. Carl transplanted four small azaleas into another bed and then planted 10 new boxwood-type plants in their place - It looks so much nicer and they are actually living and doing well so far. Wish I had thought to do before and after pictures... Carl also planted a 7.5 foot magnolia tree out front - a reminder of his childhood "1st base" tree in his front yard. So far, she's also doing well! :) Once cooler weather truly sets in, we have to hit the backyard beds - would need a backhoe, it's grown up so badly...but, all in good time. And, as all homeowners know, there's an endless chore list...we've been in this house unbelievably for 7 years now and it's beyond time to paint the trim! Maybe in the next couple of months. You're not supposed to paint when it's really cold, I've heard! LOL
Can't believe it's aleady September, 2011! Seems like it was just January! And, it is incredible that 10 years have passed since the fateful day in 2001 when things pretty much went crazy! We will commemorate that day with our friends from Woodmen of the World, raising a beautiful, grand 6' x 10' flag on a new 30' flagpole at the new-to-us lodge building at 2pm Sunday afternoon...if you want to be around some patriotic folks for this day of remembrance, come on over to 1919 Welby Way!
And, speaking of time rushing by, our "baby" boy, Mike, will turn 30 on the 17th and also on that same day, precious Mandy Dennard will have been gone from us 17 years -- the equal amount of time she was allowed on this earth. Remember Suzanne, Brad and the entire family next week! [oh, and those of you who know Daryl Greer, it's his birthday that same day!] Then in October, my sweet Daddy will turn 90 years old! Can't believe how the time, she is a passin'!
Before I get totally down here, I'll close out and wish everyone a safe and wonderful weekend! Roll Tide, Roll!
God Bless!
Things have changed slightly since the last post. Yes, Mrs. V came home on August 11th, but things were so stressful and she was in misery, we made the decision to take her to the ER on August 17th. After some "cleansing" by the doctors (putting the procedure nicely), and no pain meds in her system for several hours, she was just about back to the woman we use to know! So, we've decided when it comes to meds, less is more, and she has to use a "softener" every day...the following morning, 18th, Mrs. V was picked up and carried to a different rehab facility. This time, we've seen some improvement, though not completely, and she will again be released on Monday, September 12th. For the time being she will come back to our home. We are going to look into sitters from a local agency so Carl and I can still work and have respite (even though it's our jobs we'd go to), and if she will agree, we'd like her to go to adult day care to get socialization, games, hot meal and care during the day. She wants to stay in the bed, but she needs to be up and active as much as possible. Should all this not work out, we will have no choice but to find an assisted living facility for now and eventually, she most likely will need skilled nursing (nursing home). As her funds are not bottomless, we are just trying to hold off doing these most expensive choices as long as we can. However, from past experience, we know we can't hold out forever ourselves and must look out after our own well-being too. Keep us in your prayers and I'll try to keep the updates more regular.
We have cleaned up the front beds of the house and pulled out some old holly bushes. Carl transplanted four small azaleas into another bed and then planted 10 new boxwood-type plants in their place - It looks so much nicer and they are actually living and doing well so far. Wish I had thought to do before and after pictures... Carl also planted a 7.5 foot magnolia tree out front - a reminder of his childhood "1st base" tree in his front yard. So far, she's also doing well! :) Once cooler weather truly sets in, we have to hit the backyard beds - would need a backhoe, it's grown up so badly...but, all in good time. And, as all homeowners know, there's an endless chore list...we've been in this house unbelievably for 7 years now and it's beyond time to paint the trim! Maybe in the next couple of months. You're not supposed to paint when it's really cold, I've heard! LOL
Can't believe it's aleady September, 2011! Seems like it was just January! And, it is incredible that 10 years have passed since the fateful day in 2001 when things pretty much went crazy! We will commemorate that day with our friends from Woodmen of the World, raising a beautiful, grand 6' x 10' flag on a new 30' flagpole at the new-to-us lodge building at 2pm Sunday afternoon...if you want to be around some patriotic folks for this day of remembrance, come on over to 1919 Welby Way!
And, speaking of time rushing by, our "baby" boy, Mike, will turn 30 on the 17th and also on that same day, precious Mandy Dennard will have been gone from us 17 years -- the equal amount of time she was allowed on this earth. Remember Suzanne, Brad and the entire family next week! [oh, and those of you who know Daryl Greer, it's his birthday that same day!] Then in October, my sweet Daddy will turn 90 years old! Can't believe how the time, she is a passin'!
Before I get totally down here, I'll close out and wish everyone a safe and wonderful weekend! Roll Tide, Roll!
God Bless!
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