A Warm Trip to Corning and Toronto

We had such a warm visit this past weekend to Corning even though the temperatures were below freezing. The warmth came from the folks in the church as Matt had the opportunity to preach there. He preached on God's strength in our weaknesses. He did a great job reminding us how much we need Christ and how powerfully He works in our weakness. We then took a look at houses for sale and got to visit with a few families. They reminded us how sweet it will be to return. Matt and I parted ways and He came home with Mariah and Jordan while Christian and Brooke headed to Toronto with me. We were able to spend a couple of days with Rolf and Laura. For those of you who have heard the story of God's kindness in my life you understand how precious this man is to me. We had a good chat over coffee and reminisced about the past. I still cannot comprehend God's love in providing him in my life.

My Sister-in-law Judy and nephew Ty were on Good Morning America

My nephew Ty Martin has Autism and is now 14. My brother Sean and his wife Judy could not be better parents. One way we have seen this is how they have walked through caring and providing education for my nephew Ty. Finding what best served Ty schoolwise has not been very easy over the years. For those of you who would like to see the interview it is very moving, please click onto the link below. You'll understand why I am so proud of them:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=6230735&page=1

Sweet Southern Belles

One of our favorite things at PC is the folks we get to hang out with. Danielle Schiel is the daughter of another PC family. She is kind, thoughtful and alot of fun. While she was over with her brother Issac for the afternoon the girls dressed in their Civil War outfits and danced, giggled and strolled in true southern belle fashion.

My Aunt Jean's 80th birthday

What a wonderful surprise happened Monday night. I called my Aunt Jean at 5pm to wish her a Happy Birthday. She said that her three sons and their families had flown in to surprise her and have a special dinner an hour later in south Washington to celebrate her 80th birthday. After mentioning it to Matt we agreed I should try to go. I showed up a little late but saw cousins I hadn't seen in 10 or more years. They were the big guys growing up who I really looked up to. Aunt Jean has always been so kind. She has an amazing story. She married her college sweetheart who was graduating from West Point. The older man in the picture with her was her husband's roomate at West Point. They were stationed in France and started raising three young boys. On arriving back to the states Dale her husband was sent to Vietnam. After a while she received word that her husband was MIA. She continued faithfully raising her boys and waiting for her husband. Last year when she was 79 they found remains in an excavation that were his. She had waited for him 38 years. He was laid to rest in Arlington last year. What a wonderful privileged to celebrate such a special lady.

A Christmas Break full of Fun, Friends and Family!

It was so fun and exciting to head back to Florida for our Christmas break. We really felt like college students because we were able to go back to our homes and moms. We started our Florida visit by celebrating Jordan's 16th birthday. I was amazed at my sweet friend Bev Yates who not only made Jordan her homemade Lasagna on his birthday but even provided a birthday cake and decorations since she knew we were on the road. Bev is such a warm and thoughtful friend it was such a blessing to spend time with her. While in Orlando we also spent time with Kim and Kendal Sutter, Amber's mom and dad and caught up on laughs and life. We were able to visit the Traugotts and see their sweet girls and get a quick visit with some of our favorite folks, Wayne and Sandie Brooks. One evening was spent with our dear long time friends the Rawlsons and McGaheys. They feel more like family. This is a picture of Shawnie and Elyse. They credit themselves with teaching me how to have friends, I must admit I credit them too. They have taught me how to make memories. When I think of them I think of grace! The majority of our trip we spent in Daytona visiting with Matt's sweet mom and husband Frank. Frank has a home repair business and took Christian to work with him. That's Christian in the boots. I thought it spoke of things perhaps yet to come.Frank, Deleah and Josh were so kind and flexible as we spent the week in close quarters. Matt was able to spend a few hours alone with his brother Josh and mom by the river. I was able to take a long chatting walk with my mom and catch up with her. All in all we had a wonderful time. The best part was so much time with Matt.