I am so grateful today for God's protection. He never sleeps, He is always watching. We can rest in that thought. He knows where we are and what is ahead at all times. He sees what we cannot see and sends His angels to take care of us. He is good. I love Him more than I could ever say and just needed to take the opportunity to say that. I never want to take for granted that He cares enough to watch out for us minute by minute. I shower my family with prayer and He does the rest. Sometimes we are aware of His protection and sometimes I believe we don't even know. But this time, today, I am aware and I am grateful.

Not the best of days. I had Austin at the mall today and he was not wanting to hold my hand. He dropped down to the floor and I tried to lift him back to his feet with his arm. Not a good idea. Spent the day at urgent care and feeling like the worst Nana in the world. I think he is o.k. but I feel like I've been run over by a truck. Couldn't have felt much worse if I tried. I would put my life on the line for all of my grandchildren, they are everything to me. Thank goodness he is o.k. Sorry Austin, hope you forgive your Nana.

Spent Sunday evening at Polaris with my family. (we missed you Eric) Ate dinner, saw the Christmas tree, caught a glimpse of Santa and did some Christmas shopping. I am never happier than when I have my family around and the hustle and bustle makes me smile much to the dismay of my husband and daughter. So, needless to say I had a fun time. However, the highlight of the evening was at the end of the evening. I said good-by one at a time to my three oldest grand-children and each of them asked me the same question; "when will we see you again Nana?". OMG!!! If I'm honest, I know the day will come when they won't be thinking that as they leave my side. But for now, I'll just revel in the delight of those words.

Feeling a little overwhelmed today. Nothing major, just living life. It's amazing to me how God can get our attention in so many different ways. Usually when I'm feeling this way, I haven't spent enough time with Him. He used my silly facebook today. Just looking through friends' updates I ran across a wonderful quote by one of my favorite authors. I don't know the reason why this friend had posted it, maybe she's feeling some of the same feelings today. Nevertheless, she posted it and just left it there, waiting for me to stumble on it and I'm glad she did. It's a simple quote, may not mean anything to anybody else. But to me.... well, it smacked me right in the heart and reminded me of God's love for me.

"Your part is prayer and gratitude. God's part? Peace and protection."

Thanks to Max Lucado and to my friend.

Babysat for Austin today and made dinner for Kerri, Eric and the boys. I worked on Austin's scrapbook and almost have it finished. I am beginning to have more energy and feeling much better than the last few weeks. I did some things and made some decisions and became pro-active about the physical problems that seemed to be slowing me down. The house was alive today with family. That's how I like it. I'm looking forward to jumping into the holidays. I really hope I can slow my husband down a little. He is meeting himself coming and going lately. Overall life is good. I think I'll take advantage of the weather and get some outside lights up before the cold hits.

I'm a little slow posting this one but a week ago Kerri and the boys took me to Hueston Woods to enjoy the week-end out in nature. What a great two days!! I still pinch myself when I look around at my family. They are wonderful, and I am so grateful for the blessings I have in them. We had such a good time in our little cabin, hiking, swimming and laughing. My family give me memories that can never be forgotten even though I struggle with my memory in my old age.
Sometimes I get a little sad at the thought of how quickly my own children have grown, but the cycle of life is good and my grandchildren are making sure I enjoy this chapter as much as the chapters that came before. Here are some more snapshots of this part of my book of life.

I LOVE October. Actually I love Oct., Nov., and Dec. It starts when I decorate for fall and it builds to the most wonderful time of the year - Christmas! Fall leaves, pumpkins, scented candles and fireplaces is how it all begins. Sweaters and jeans replace flip flops and capris. But I tend to get so caught up in the planning for the holidays, I really don't take the time to just be in the moment of the my favorite time of the year. I need to find a way to make it all wonderful for my family but at the same time sit back and take it all in. I think that is why I often feel such a post-holiday let down. I work through my lists everyday, to make sure everything gets done. I really hope I can make getting things accomplished, less of a priority this year. Just not sure how.

Chicken 'n noodles on the stove, grandkids eating muffins and building train tracks, listening to the rain on the roof of the porch and cheering for the Buckeyes all on a Saturday afternoon. I don't think there is another way to describe this - it's heaven on earth. I'll say it again "I am so blessed".

Monday, my beautiful daughter will be 32 yrs. old. It's hard to believe, 32 years is a long time. How do I describe Kerri Lynn Pressley Stetler? Beautiful, feisty, smart,out-spoken, compassionate, loving, thoughtful and simply the best daughter a mom could ever hope for. She is my friend and confidant and I have no doubt that she would do anything at all for me. I honestly don't know what I would ever do without her. She put a smile on my father's face like nobody else could. My mother literally beams when she talks about her. She's always had her dad wrapped around her little finger. And her brother admires her like no other, she has always been there for him even in the tough times. I love my daughter more than I could ever express in words and I wish her a very happy birthday. She deserves life's best.

I took Evan to see The Wiggles yesterday. Sooooo much fun. I love them. They are truly amazing. They've been around a long time and they seem to get more active every time I see them. It's an hour and a half of sheer fun. Kids are great.

I've thought a lot lately about how my situation in life is so different than several years ago. But I have learned that through external changes in life, a few things stay the same.

There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradles by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight
Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow
fall to the groun
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way

So if there's anything I've learned
From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord
How could I ask for more?

Another school year. Doesn't seem possible. I watched as kids stood at the bus stop and older ones walked off. Parents with camera in hand, mom's who don't want to let them go and I watch all this as if they were my own. Why? Because it seems like it was just yesterday that I was doing the same thing. It can't be possible that my daughter is seeing her oldest off to 2nd. grade and Trey will be starting kindergarten. I want to stop and tell them all to hold each day as a precious gift. This chapter in the book doesn't last long. I'm praying for my grandson as I write this, praying that he will have good experiences in that classroom, experiences that will him make him smile when he is looking back and remembering. Because he will be remembering all too soon.

Habakkuk 2:20

"Like Israel in that day, we want fast answers to our crisis, but if we want to hear the God who speaks, we must learn the discipline of silence. It is the supreme act of faith and surrender to simply wait upon the Lord. He is there and He wants to speak to His children, but it will be on His terms and not ours." I really want to master this. You would think I would have by now, but I am getting better at it. The reality that helps me is understanding how awesome it is that the
God of the universe cares enough about me to WANT to speak and help. AMAZING!! I'm excited about seeing His answers, they are always perfect.

Do I believe in miracles? I certainly do!! Read why: http://www.acresofhopeblog.blogspot.com/
Things are definitely moving in the right direction for our little miracle too. We are all very hopeful that it won't be much longer that Eric will be leaving for Liberia to bring our little Nana home. Riley told his mom that evidently God doesn't perform miracles anymore like we read in the Bible. But Kerri reminded him of Alvin's miracle and no one can deny that it is no less miraculous than the ones we read about in God's word. I'm sure you will agree when you read this blog. Take the time, I promise it will bless your heart.

Last night we celebrated Riley's birthday. It was #8. That still hasn't soaked in. That little bundle that we never thought would come at the end of that hot summer. He is such a joy, always has been. He loves life and is very good at it. He likes to do things the right way and I have no doubt he will life his life that way. He is getting tall and lanky and I swear I don't know where he puts all that food, but we can't fill him up. I always thought he looked like his daddy but lately I've seen a lot of mommy in him. He fills a very special place in our family. Happy Birthday Riley. I love you.

I can't believe it. August is here. It's like groundhog day, I keep saying it every year about this time; "where did the summer go?". Some people have been complaining about the weather this summer, but I have loved it. I prefer the lower temps, I hate the high temps and humidity. But never fear, we still have August for that. Now we can look forward to fall and a very eventful 2010. We could very easily gain two new grandchildren in the new year. That hasn't sunk in yet. My boys continue to keep me on my toes and make me smile. NOBODY makes me smile like them. Hugs and kisses, arms outstretched and little gifts tell me how much they love me but I could never put into words how I feel about them. I just hope they always know. Once again there are so many things that I am trying to let God handle in my family. God has made it very plain to me that I need to let Him work things out - I'll only botch it up. I need to pray more. "Pray without ceasing", that's what we are to do. So, as I tumble head-long into fall, I will pray as I go.

I had Austin yesterday. We had a good day. We took two walks, played on the swings at the park, and ate a snack in the front porch swing. My dad made that swing. We also sat in the yard under a huge old tree that is shaped perfectly and gives shade to at least half of my side yard. Austin heard all about the men that planted that tree for me. My dad and his best friend Ralph. They dug that tree up and hauled it to my house when it was small. I enjoy that tree so much. I hope I leave strong things behind on this earth.

Home from another great 2 weeks at the beach. Wow it goes fast. We had gorgeous weather and lots of fun. We introduced Austin to the ocean and he loved it. Mike had his birthday and we had our 35th anniversary. I got some kind of sun reaction and my lips swelled up and developed sores. I hate steroids. They got rid of the sores but sent me to a place after I got home that I have never been - the doors of hell!! Really, I was so sick I called 911. I lost almost a week and I am still trying to get back to normal but hey, we had a GREAT vacation. So now, summer continues and I hate to think how quickly it will vanish. We've picked strawberries and made freezer jam and I had my first georgia peach yesterday. I came back with too much weight due to the unbelievable fudge that can be found in Topsail but I don't regret one single bite. Next week I head for our annual trip to one of my favorite places, Nashville Indiana, with my husband. A little golf, a lot of shopping and some together quiet time in a place that takes you back in time. We've had some very interesting news but that will have to come in another blog. Hmmm....... don't you wonder what that is? Enjoy the pics.

I'm having a tough day. Yes, we're at the beach and yes all my kids and grandkids are with me. The weather is beautiful, hot but beautiful and we still have a full week left. But back home today, a wonderful friend was laid to rest and three beautiful women are suffering. My heart is with them and there is nothing I can do. Rest in peace Marvin, and I know you will be waiting for us. Not being there has been really hard but I don't think it was to be. We tried but in our striving I think we realized we were to be here. Here, with my precious family, so grateful for the time together and the memories we are making. Today I am thanking God for the blessing of family, I don't ever want to take it for granted.

Our family celebrated this week-end. We celebrated out loud and we celebrated quietly. Out loud we had a great time celebrating the fact that we have an adorable 3 yr. old that keeps us laughing and shaking our heads at what he does and says. He is so funny. Such a little pickle. He is large and in charge and he won't let you forget it. I made homemade chicken nuggets because that's what Pickle ordered. We had a good time. But quietly, in our own private way we were also celebrating a one year celebration. My dad went to be with Jesus one year ago and we all were remembering. It wasn't spoken but we remember. How could we ever forget this man that loved us all so much. Nobody enjoyed celebrating more than my dad and I think he was right there with us, having a good old time. I can't wait to see him again. Love you Dad.