Wednesday, December 31, 2008

She was born just two weeks

before Stan and I married. She went to be with the Lord nine years ago today. If she were alive today, she would turn 44 years old on her next birthday. June 27.
When she entered our family, there was not too much that was known about her condition. People told us to put her away and forget she existed. Daddy told us we could not tell anyone about her, but we would keep her. We prayed for her to live and God answered our prayers and blessed us beyond any blessing one could imagine. Daddy came to terms with the fact that he had fathered a child that was not "Perfect." She wrapped him around her little finger and she thrived.
When she was about five years old, she finally learned to walk and talk. When she was seven she started school. She graduated when she was 21. She learned many things and she was wise beyond expectations. She loved to read and spent many hours reading Brides magazine and Louis Lamour books. She did not want us to know she could read so if she thought we were watching her, she would turn the book upside down. She knew if we knew she could read we would expect more from her. She had only one job in her short life. It lasted one afternoon. When I asked her why she was fired, she told me it was because she took too many coffee breaks.
She loved to go to the movies and out to dinner. After daddy died, she and mama would go out at least once a week. She always asked mama to take them out with the promise that she would pay. When the check came or when it was time to buy the movie tickets, she would conveniently forget her money. Little did she know that the check mama wrote often came from her account.
She loved to dance and dreamed of one day being married. She was going to marry Tom Cruise or Elvis or Tom Selleck. We would tell her that it was her job to stay home and take care of mama. She did. Every night as soon as the sun would go down, she would go though the house and turn on the lights and close the curtains. It was like clockwork. You could not convince her to leave the lights off or the curtains open if the sun was down.
Sometimes she reminded me of Rainman. She had to be home at 5 o'clock every evening because that was what time Judge Wapner came on the TV. It did not matter where they were or what they were doing, if it got close to five o'clock they had to stop and head home. She knew exactly how long it would take to get home from where ever they were.
She was the delight of all of our lives. I miss her terribly. She is the favorite sister I mentioned in 100 things about me. ( I am crying. I thought I could do this.)
She is mama's and daddy's 12th child and my baby sister, Megan Marie Higgins.
This is a poem my brother wrote to her after she left us.
Oh Missy Meg, Our Meg-A-Loo
Our hearts are sore and missing you.
You snuck away and left us here,
But as you left, we heard you cheer.

"I'm going home, at last I'm free,
And God will hold me lovingly.
No more contraptured, bound and lame
No "Rhino-Runt" in Daniel's game." (don't ask me to explain this)

"I am alive, the earth is dead.
I hope you get that through your head.
You all suffer, whine and groan
But I am at your true love's throne."

With hale and fullsome happy heart,
I've left you all, I did my part.
I am now really truly His.
I am now where forever is."

Wait for us, sis, we will be there soon and then we will be family again.
I love you and miss you.

Monday, December 29, 2008

TO MY LIBERAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Please accept, with no obligation implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious,
socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holidays,
practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the secular practices, religious persuasions, pagan beliefs
or atheist dogmas of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others,
or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.

I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset
of the generally accepted calendar year 2009, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures
whose contributions to society have helped make America great. (Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country, nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere.)

Disclaimer: This wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the person or persons upon who or whom this wish intended for.
Please disregard this wish if you are not the intended party or parties for whom this wish is intended.
If this wish is offensive in any way, it is not my intention and I will gladly remove you from my mailing list upon your request. Please allow 10 days to 2 weeks for me to remove your name from my list.
This wish is is only good in the United States and may be void in the State, County or Community in which you live.
No animals were used in the making of this wish. Any similarity to any other wish is purely co-incidental.
The names of the recipients of this wish have been changed to protect the innocent.
Please discard this and all other wishes in a safe and responsible manner.

To my conservative friends
and family

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Ronnica at

http://ignoranthistorian.com/ has just graduated from Bible College!!! Congratulations Ronnica, I know you are relieved to have that behind you.
Ronnica used to post as Tales of a Kansas Girl. Since her graduation she has moved to the above address. To celebrate her new address, she is having a great contest. You have to go over to her blog to see what it is, but I promise you will not be disappointed if you do. Hurry over, you only have until the 9th of January to enter. Just remember, I want to win!!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Even Santa

BELIEVES

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS TO EVERYONE.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Olivia-ism

Olivia #3317, Christmas 2007

Yesterday while Olivia and I were out shopping, I stopped at Costco. We walked past a display of Santa costumes. She saw those and looked at me with the most incredulous look in her eyes and said, "Grandma, look where Santa buys his clothes!"
Later in the evening I was sitting on the couch knitting and singing Mary Did You Know. She was playing on the floor beside me. I had just sang, Mary did you know that your baby boy would someday walk on water. Olivia chimed in, "Mary did you know that your baby boy would someday disappear?"
If you were to analyze a four year old's rationalization, you would know she would think that anyone she knows would sink to the bottom if they walked on water, so why not Jesus?
Just gotta love their beautiful pure innocence.
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Thursday, December 18, 2008

Snow!!

Looking down my street @ midnight
My house @ midnightTaken @ midnight also, but with a flash.


Back yard


My granddaughter Alysa earning $20.00

It is rather unusual for us to have this much snow, but we are loving it. I actually have not been out in it as I am still sequestered in my sewing room.
I have finished two pair of jammies and a cowboy vest so far. I have also knit three hats and two pair of mittens. I have finished a few works in progress, socks, and scarves. I did have to take the time to show you these snow pictures though. I am hearing that people all over the U.S. are having snow. Even those who usually (like us) do not get it. %$*@# that global warming. Right now we have about 18 inches and still more forcast for the weekend

Monday, December 15, 2008

Gramma2Many is

MIA. She has piles of sewing and knitting to finish. Probably will not resurface until after the New Year. She may be able to lurk a little or possibly post a Christmas Greeting to all, but the knitting will not knit itself and the sewing will not sew itself.
See you all soon.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Friday Photo Fiesta

This goes with last weeks picture.
Chelsea #1102 and her baby brother Darius #1419
Hop over to Carries blog to join in the fun.
Even though the Pay it Forward post shows five comments, there are no winners. Go down and enter, I promise you will not be disappointed. (I hope.)

Thursday, December 11, 2008

This is how it works:
Pay It Forward Exchange is based on the concept of the movie "Pay it forward."
I will send a hand made gift to the first three people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join the PIF exchange.
All the gifts will be made and posted out 'sometime within the next year'.
How exciting to not know when your surprise package will arrive!
What you need to do in return, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.
This Exchange is only open to those with active websites or blogs.
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PROMISE TO POST THE SAME PAY IT FORWARD PICTURE AND THIS MESSAGE ONTO YOUR BLOG, WHICH MUST BE ACTIVE IN ORDER TO PLAY. YOU WILL PAY IT FORWARD TO THREE PEOPLE WHO COMMENT ON YOUR BLOG.
I'd love for you to join me! Will you? Other comments are welcome, but only the first three, will be my Pay It Forward recipients.
P.S. I do not think it would be fair for my daughters to win from me. You have to go to one of the other Pay it Forward's to enter.
H/T: Ora et Labora

Monday, December 8, 2008

Sunday, December 7, 2008

My last Africa Post #10



This tree is host to this gianormous Philodendron.



This hand carved chicken was presented to me. When they gave it to me, the finish was still wet. It now sits in my kitchen.


The women make these straw bags. They would like to have a way to market them in the U.S.



Hand carved wooden plate and fruits and vegetables.
Now sits on my dining room table.

A Millipede. Easily five inches long.

That is a quarter above this moth. Just to give an idea of it's size.


I wanted to share some happy pictures with you before I end my Africa Saga. Here they are. Thanks for bearing with me whilst I sorted out all of my emotions

Friday, December 5, 2008

An interesting message from Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family Action’s 2008 Christmas-Friendly Shopping Guide

How leading retailers’ messages rate

Last updated: 12/2/08
We welcome your use of these ratings in your shopping decisions. As an additional way to help you communicate with the retailers we evaluated, we are providing the convenience of a petition which you can sign by visiting focuspetitions.com.
Retailers will be presented with petitions — thanking those that embrace "Christmas," and alerting those that have purged or marginalized "Christmas" that you object to the secularization of Christmas. We hope you will "stand for Christmas" with us and encourage the continued acknowledgement of this historic Christian observance in our culture.

"Christmas-friendly" retailers — prominent acknowledgment of "Christmas"
Bass
Pro Shops*
Bed, Bath & Beyond
Best Buy
Cabela's
Circuit City
Crate&Barrel
Dillard's
Eddie Bauer
JCPenney
Kohl's
L.L.Bean
Lands' End
Linens 'n Things
Lowe's
Macy's
Neiman Marcus
Nordstrom
Pier 1 Imports
Sears
The Home Depot
Target
Toys "R" Us
Wal-Mart

"Christmas-negligent" retailers — marginalized use of "Christmas"
Barnes & Noble
Borders
Dick's Sporting Goods
GAP
KB Toys
Kmart

"Christmas-offensive" retailers — apparent abandonment of "Christmas"
American Eagle
Banana Republic
Bloomingdale's
Lane Bryant
Old Navy


* National retailers that recently learned of our campaign and contacted us to display their support for Christmas.
This publication may be reproduced in its entirety only, and for non-commercial purposes, without prior permission from Focus on the Family Action. Copyright © 2008 Focus on the Family Action. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured. Printed in the U.S.A.
If reproducing, please cite as follows: Originally published by Focus on the Family Action. Copyright © 2008 Focus on the Family Action.

Friday Photo Fiesta

With Candid Carrie My granddaughter Chelsea (1102) and her baby brother Darius (1419) comparing feet.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Aren't

Twirl dresses fun?
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Tuesday, December 2, 2008

A fun weekend

Stan and I went to Vancover Washington this weekend to see Tricia, Dave and the boys. We had so much fun together. Since Tricia has a very small house, we opted for a motel this time instead of sleeping on the floor. That was a very good idea. Ben and Cooper came over and went swimming with Papa while Tricia and I hit a few stores. I like to shop down there, it is a sales tax thing. First we went to Old Navy, did not find anything. We decided to go down south of Portland to Washington Square but we took a wrong turn so we just got ourselves re-oriented and headed off to Lloyds Center. What a mistake. It looks like the gangs have taken that mall over. We beat a hasty retreat and headed back north to Vancover. Made a stop at Kohls and Target. I was actually looking for a birthday present for Cooper. He wants Cowboy things. Finally found something at Target. We headed back to the motel and gave Cooper his birthday present. We then went out to Birthday Dinner at Burgerville and back to the motel. Dave came over for a few minutes after he got off work, then he and Tricia went home leaving the boys with us. In the morning the boys and I went downstairs to the Continental breakfast. YUK!!! The boys enjoyed it though, then it was off for another dip in the pool before their parents came back. After we checked out, we went to Tricia's until Dave left for work and then the five of us headed back to Washington Square. Dear, dear Papa ( did I ever tell you he rocks?) once again took the boys and Tricia and I had a couple of sweet hours going through the stores. It was great. I actually did not buy anything and I really "wanted" to. Then it was back home where Ben built this Magnificent Nativity set for a Lego contest. I think the winner gets a cruise for his family. We left Vancover at 6:30 pm for the drive home. It took a little longer than usual, because of the Thanksgiving traffic, but we were home by 10:30 pm.
This coming weekend it is off to Bremerton to see Kris and Joe and their boys.


Monday, December 1, 2008

A meme passed on to me by Therese @ http://themusingsofamom.blogspot.com/
These are the rules: Pass this on to 5 blogging friends. Open the closest book to you, not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the book closest to you at the moment, to page 56. Write the 5th sentence, as well as two to five sentences following that.



So here goes: The book closest to me was my journal from my trip. That is because that is the one I am working on right now.

Page 56:
While we were at Nyaragusu Camp yesterday, they received word that the government will be closing the market outside the camp. This is just the beginning of the forced repatriation by the Tanzanian government. Next they will close the schools, cut off all other food supplies and their wood supply, thus starving them back across the lake and into the Congo. We also heard yesterday that the rebel leader Laurent Nakunda had overtaken a couple of government troops in Goma. This is what these people are being forced to return to.

I am going to tag:
Lizzie
Leslie
Gina
Tricia
Ren
You go girls!!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Africa #9

Pictures from Nyaragusu Camp. Sunday, October 26

They surrounded our car and welcomed us with singing and clapping


I was so overwhelmed I had to stay in the car for a while. I did not want to intrude on Msoshi and Rebeka's time. Msoshi came and got me from the car.


Look at this sea of people. There were 2700 at this church service. They held it outside because their church was not large enough to hold everyone.

Song leader.


Msoshi and Rebeka addressing the congregation.


Tithes

and offerings.
This is a bowl of flour. Some have nothing else to give.

Msoshi holding a grandson during the church service.




This gentleman was in a group they call the Infirm.


Widows

Orphans

This lady wanted to be sure I got a picture of this little orphan girl. After several tries, this was the best I got. She kept putting her hand up in front of her face.

Just me and a few new friends.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Another Birthday!!!


Andrew Kelton is 12 today. I cannot believe this boy has grown so quickly.

How does a gramma tell all that is so great about him? My blog is not long enough. Andrew has the very best sense of humor. A bit dry, but gramma likes dry. He is SMART SMART SMART. He is kind, thoughtful and gentle. Whenever I see him, (which is not enough) he has something creative or crafty to show me or something very interesting to tell me.

He also knows that gramma LOVES HIM THE MOST.

So Andrew, #4212 Happy Birthday.

What am I most



Thankful for:


My God and my Savior


The country I live in.


My freedoms, never to be taken for granted.


My husband (he rocks)


My family, all 32 members.


My health.


My home.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO



COOPER DANIEL (5216). Today this amazing boy turns 5 years old!!! Yes he is amazing and if you do not believe me, just go see what his mommy has to say about him.
Cooper, Gramma loves you the most!! Happy Birthday to you. We will have a date in Disneyland in just a couple of years. Whoo hoo!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Africa #8

October 25, 2008

This morning Barb and I met the rest of the team at the Guest house they stayed at. We arrived at Mtabila at about 9:00 a.m. These refugees are from Burundi, which is a small country just north of Tanzania and along the north east border of Congo.



After they served us breakfast, we have been in church all morning. I just have to say, Africans could teach Americans much about worship.
I preached today. The same sermon I used in Dar es Salaam. I do enjoy public speaking, but I am not a preacher.


After church they served us lunch. Potatoes with tomatoe, chicken, mhogo and coke.

We gave them a small monetary gift. Certainly not enough, but I do not know what would be enough under these conditions. Pastor showed us their books, we have been sending money to the camps whenever we have a speaking engagement and people give to us. They were accountable to us for every shilling they have ever received from us.





I met a young man, (I wish I would have taken his picture) here. Both of his parents are dead. When he was five years old his parents fled Burundi to Congo and then Congo to Tanzania. Because he is Burundian, he was placed in the Burundi camp. They are now being "volentarily repatriated." He has no one in Burundi and knows nothing of the country. He isn't even real sure what part of Burundi he is from. Yet he must go back.
I also met a widow whose husband and two of her children were killed. I do not know how many of her children survived, but we saw 2 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Making two generations born in the camp.


I met an orphan. Both of her parents were killed. She arrived at Mtabila with her brother as samll children. They are young adults now and share a hut.
Faces of Mtabila:

I do not know why I did not take pictures of Adults at this camp. Maybe because I was still reeling from my day at Nyaragusu. Maybe because I can still see hope and light in the Childrens eyes.

We drove about 1 1/2 hours down the road to Kasulu to stay at a Catholic guest house. We will return to Nyaragusu on Sunday.

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