Mary Ruth did a superb job in her piano hymn festival this past Thursday night. she has worked so hard, and we are so proud of her!!!!!!!!!

We heard a very practical sermon of Hebrews 12, on the Fatherly discipline of the Lord to us as His children this past Lord's Day. It reminded me of one of my favorite quotes. This quote was so encouraging to me several years ago during a very hard time, and remains one of my favorites. "Affliction is the saints badge and mark of honor. That the God of glory should look upon a worm and take such notice of him, so as to afflict him rather than lose him is a high act of honor. God's rod is a sceptor of dignity. Job calls God's afflicting us,His magnifying us. some men's prosperity has been their shame, while others afflictions have been their crown." Thomas Watson

We celebrated Phil's Birthday twice. First with our dear friends, the Butterfields. Then the following night we went to the Cock of the Walk . Lots of good food and fun. Ellie being goofy with a lemon.

Most people in this world do not have the privilege and pleasure that comes to those of us with Christian parents. I was so blessed to be under God's covenant blessings when as a young teenager my Mom trusted Christ and then later on my Daddy. One could not ask for better parents than I have been given. They are exemplary in their prayers for us as their children, in their excellent stewardship of their resources, in their being sooo amiable and easy to be around. THE LORD BLESS U MY DEAR MOMA AND DADDY.

Truly one of the highlights of our vacation was Phil and my parents giving me a 24hr. get away to be with our dear friends,the Kims. Jan went to the Bible College where Phil and I met. She has been one of those few people who is always there, always the same. We love her and her family. Here Ron had taken us to a quaint little French

resturant in Mountain Brook. The bread was delightful.

My lovely daughters. Each of them continue to delight their

daddy and me. Why are we so blessed?

My strong boys! Tim had been very sick the week before, but was feeling good enough to travel and enjoy the vacation. We go to a Pediatric Urologist Monday to ,hopefully find out what is going on with him.

He and Jon had lots of time to practice football passes. Jon will again be playing for the Mavericks next Fall.

It was wonderful to have Phil with us for three days of relaxation and fun! Still my sweetheart!
He may have gotten a hernia doing this, but it was fun be lifted by my strong Hubby!

There was lots of time for games. the children had loads of fun playing "Deal or no Deal" with their Pap and Mimmi

The children had so much fun at their grandparents. Hudson got a scooter from his uncle Steve. Ellie won the traditional $20 envelope game. she was very pleased!

We had a lovely time with my family over the holidays. We were able to spend some quality time with my dear Granny. She turned 95 last week. What a dear she is to all of us. She has given her life to serve her family.

This well be our first attempt to have our own blog. What fun!