My Salvation Story

I have been challenged by a friend to share my salvation story, so here it is. Marlin and I had been dating for approximately 3 months, and he took me to a Teen Revival at Marmaduke First Baptist Church .    Wayne Carr and Gary Richey were leading the service. Toward the end they had a cross at the front and handed out slips of paper for us to write our sins on. We were then to take them up front and nail them to the cross. All that I could think was that slip of paper was WAY too small. Then I started crying. I didn’t know what to do, so I just stood there, crying. When Marlin and I got to his car, I started asking questions, so many that he pulled into the city park. So, I asked Jesus into my heart at the Marmaduke City Park , it a Toyota Celica. 

Several years later, I was once again crying, when we found that cross in a storage room, still covered with nails and slips of paper. 

Jeremiah 29:11

My challenge to you is to share your salvation story!

Band Competition Day!

I'm trying to catch up on laundry and other housework to get ready to see the Paragould Pride perform at the Arkansas Open today.  Even though it is long hours of practice, and hard work moving all the stuff, Mike loves it all.  Good Luck to all the members of the Paragould Pride!  You all ROCK!! (I always loved the band better than the football game!)

GO PRIDE!!!

Busy, busy, busy......

We have accomplished a LOT today.  I've been grocery/general supply shopping to 3 different stores, Marlin and Mike washed my Expedition and Mikes truck, AND mowed the yard.  All before 10 AM.  Then they played golf, I was called in to the hospital. (boo).  Then we all pitched in to get the laundry finished and clean the house.  Oh, and I patched the stucco on the front of our storm damaged house.  So, we have clean clothes, house and yard and cars, lots of good food and we are all finally relaxing.  Enjoy the pic of the acrobatic squirrel in our back.

A full nest, or lots of nuts!

We just returned from Myrtle Beach, SC.  We love the beach and were fortunate to be able to have all of Marlins brothers and most of the grandkids there.  Table for 20 anyone? 

Lucky for us, there is a lot of room in the ocean!  We had a blast! 

 Some went parasailing, (not me),

golfing, (again not me) lots of time on the beach, a lazy river (ME!!),

a visit to Ripleys Aquarium, and our family saw Dolly Partons Pirate Voyage.  

AHOY!!

And my fav pic!

Thanks, Will! (and Photoshop!)

Graduation!!

Graduation is such a happy/sad time.  This year my niece, Morgan McPherson, graduated from high school.  I have to admit there was a very large lump in my throat as I watched her get her diploma.  You see Morgan was diagnosed with leukemia 6 yrs ago.  She had traveled a very long road toward that degree.  Morgan has become young woman that the whole family is very proud of. 

Way to Go, Morgan!!!  We Love You!!

Of course, Mike had to add a little comic relief!

And a little more...

And last, but not least, the proud papa!

I LOVE my silly family!!!

Kansas City

We are having a GREAT time in Kansas City visiting Sarah & Chris.  I am eating way too much!  (but the food is REALLY good!)

Let the game begin!

Cookies baked-check
Rotel made-check
Crockpot full of meatballs-check
Living room full of guys-check

LET THE DUKE BLUE DEVIL GAME BEGIN!

Announcing!!

Most moms blog about their kids in sports, dance, cheerleading, etc.  WELL, Mike has been the announcer for the PHS senior RAMS this season.  It feels kinda weird with him not being on the floor playing basketball, but I am proud of him for finding his niche. 

So, all you RAM FANS, GET ON YOUR FEET!

Mullet Boy

Evidently by all reports, Mike now has a mullett.  This is courtesy of (and at the urging of) his youth director and friends. 

                                                 VERY HEAVY SIGH, WITH EYE ROLL

Explanation of title

Recently while talking with a friend, she shared that she was wondering what to do with an empty nest.  I had to admit that I was  looking forward to it.  (Sorry Sarah and Mike.)  Since Mike has been driving for a year, it has been REALLY nice not to have to go through the car lines, schedule pick-ups/drop-offs, etc.  I guess you could say that, for me anyway, the grunt work of parenthood is mostly over.   Don't mis-understand me, I loved having younger children with their open minds and innocence.  Toothless smiles and snotty kisses are priceless!   I have been truly blessed by both my children, but this fall was enjoyable in that Marlin and I were able to arrive at band competitions when we wanted, after stopping for picnics, and eat where we wanted to (without having to find out if chicken nuggets were on the menu!)  In the mean time, if I get lonely for all the activity of preschoolers, I can volunteer at church or baby-sit.  Enjoyable, but with a definite time limit!  LOVE IT!!

My nest (full at Christmas)