Happy New Year Nana and Papa style

Big parties are not our style. So this year we offered to take Kayla, Nathan and Andrew for an over night. Only almost three and almost one, this annual event is unrecognized, giving Nana and Papa a chance to create from the beginning a tradition to bring in the New Year with our favorite little people. And this allows their Mom and Dad a chance to do what they may want to do. Our simple version was to listen for the grandfather clock to strike a pre bedtime hour, put on hats, blew whistles and spray silly string. While it only lasted a few minutes and certainly the purpose was not understood by our little party attenders, in years to come we will add to the celebration. We built gum drop towers, played magnet puzzles and had a special outing with Papa. Game wars, cooking kid friendly special dinners together, creating fun desserts and toasting drinks and a special project might become part of our style as our little 'guests' add a few more birthday candles and at the same time a few more 'bringing in the new year' celebrations.

Bless the Lord Oh my Soul and all that is with in me, Bless His Holy name. Bless the Lord Oh my Soul, and forget none of His benefits. Who ....... satisfies your years with good things. Our God is so good. I wrote Kayla's name in my Bible beside this verse back in January. I felt so loved by God when she was born. Another baby was a gift from Him, but He chose to give us a little girl - just because. That same month, I asked God to give us another girl - a very special one as a life partner for Travis. He gave me a confidence that He was going to do that before the end of the year. And He has. Travis has asked a beautiful young woman to be his wife - and therefore a part of our family.

Christin is everything and more that we could dream for Travis. She fits into our family, has instantly become Aunt Christin to the boys; sometimes even favored over Uncle Travis.

As a Mom, I may no longer parent. But as a parent my children are always on my heart and in my prayers. No matter how old they are, I still hurt when they do, cry with them or for them, enjoy their experiences and delight in watching them in their accomplishments and in their journeys. I still rejoice when they experience joy.

What has surprised me these past few months, is how quickly and deeply Christin, has become my 'daughter'. I think and pray, and cry and rejoice with her and for her just as much as I do Kristina, Travis and Brad. I am honored to be 'Mom' to her and have her in my life.

THIRD PLACE THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving at Third Place was filled with family;

certainly a reason to give Thanks.

Travis and his fiance, Christin, Kristina and Brad,

Nathan, Andrew and little Kayla,

and Brad's mom, Jonnie filled the house and newly finished cabin.

We created great memories.

We initiated Third Place as a place for family gatherings

a place for part of all of us to come for retreat and rest.

Rick and I are excited that the family will use and enjoy

this beautiful quiet place.

Having Christin with us was a joy! She has become part of the family.

She has become Aunt Christin to Nathan, Andrew and Kayla.

The boys try to fly little planes with Daddy and Uncle Travis.

Does Papa have a hunter in training? At least a little boy who

loves to be outside exploring.

Riding around in the ranger was a high light for everyone. Travis, Brad and Papa had it out often and they always had passengers to ride along.

Beautiful skies, not a drop of rain, but cold temperatures, keep us inside

much of the time. Andrew and Aunt Christin color, Kristina and both boys make hand print turkeys

Kayla is all smiles in the center of attention; in Aunt Christin's arms

or reaching for Papa's glasses

Nathan spends most of his time helping Papa with projects

like racking the gravel and loading the feeders

especially if it involves driving the ranger.

Andrew joins in on a project with Papa.

What is so Amazing about my husband?

Recently I was in a small group where each person was asked to state something that is amazing about our spouse. While Rick shared something great about me, my mind went blank. Interestingly all but one of the wives found it difficult (surely just could not think on the spot).

Of course the minute I left the room, things flooded my mind.

So what is so amazing about my husband?

One of the things that is

AMAZING about my husband

is his strength of Character.

He is honest, seeks to do the right thing.

He has a great business mind.

He is good with numbers and has a good sense making a business succeed. Numbers are in his head.

Life with him is always

an adventure.

Always something new,

Lots of changes to go through

Exciting places to travel,

New ‘toys’ to enjoy,

Another projects to do.

He is able to change quickly.When he decides to change something about himself, he does so almost immediately. He will stop saying something or rethink a perspective.

He takes pride in his work,

always striving to do a quality job. He takes pride in what he owns, keeps his cars and ‘toys’ maintained and clean. Our yards and homes were always kept up.

His positive outlook.

He tries to see life and situations from the good side.

He has strong convictions and opinions. He stands strong on what he believes.

He always has fun. He enjoys life. He has a

bold laugh and a big

smile.

He always has a story to tell. He never lacks for anything to say or share.

He has a passion to disciple other men. He enjoys walking through life with them and helping them see Jesus.

HE IS AN AMAZING MAN! It is also amazing that he loves me still.

Third Place - animal names.

We are here at Third Place again for a couple of weeks. The cabin is sheetrocked and being taped and textured, furniture is being collected, and all the necessary stuff for guests and family to stay here. But the most exciting part and quite amazing, given our limited technical ability, we are connected to the internet and have even gone wireless. So I am writing this today from the main house on wireless internet. Rick just bought an airline ticket from the front porch.

Some of the curious and interesting four legged friends we have here need names. I am only naming the males because we can identify them and there are too many females.

These two Black Bucks - a third, older male we named Chase because he chases all the others around. These two are about the same age and

fight all the time. Maybe 'Jacob and Esau'

This Fallow Deer (the only other male

Fallow was the lone male Fallow at first

and i named him - Lone Fallow)

Three White Tail Bucks

TWO BOYS IN PAPA'S WORLD

Nathan and Andrew love to come to 'Nana's House', but it is Papa's world they love to play in.

Papa's bike is a new adventure. Nathan sit right down and discovered all kinds of buttons and

knobs. Andrew saw how much fun brother was having he too, found a seat and joined in.

Papa's 'tuck' is a great place to play! There are so many buttons that turn lights on and off. It is especially fun to beep the 'orn'. It won't be long before they drive it out of the garage.

.

His office is another great place to find buttons to push and big chairs to sit in. In addition to remotes, computers , phones, adding machines and shredders, there is often a tape measure to check and see how big the animals are or various other interesting things to measure. Sitting at his desk is a great place to 'make a list'.

Staying a weekend at 'Nana's' house can sometimes include fun field trips. Papa took them to Bass Pro shop to discover all kinds of interesting animal mounts, an aquarium of fish, and some hunting clothes to check out. Papa treated the boys to a special treat - green licorice candy (?). They loved it.

THIRD PLACE - Texas

Things are growing at Third Place! Lots of little babies have been born this summer. A bunch of little white tail deer and fallow deer are running around chasing each other. No pictures yet, but will post them when we get some.
Another thing that is fun to watch is the horns and antlers. Right now most of the males have their full racks for this year. As they get older their racks will be bigger. It is neat to see them with big racks - they look more manly and amazing.
Still another way Third Place is growing is in number of beds. We are working hard to get the cabin finished on the inside. Our goal is Thanksgiving. We are taking the family there for a week. Travis and Christin, Brad and Kristina and the little ones and Brad's mom, Jonnie are all coming for some fun family time of relaxing and game playing and eating and animal watching. Rick, Papa, is anxious for the little Nathan and Andrew to explore and play and maybe even ride on the ranger.