THE SEASON OF LOVE

I remember when I found out I was pregnant with twins, I wondered how I would have enough love and time to go around. I found really quickly that love was not a problem, but time was another matter!!! I find it absolutely amazing how love can be divided yet multiplied at the same time. I understand how the Grinch could say his heart grew three sizes!! Having grandchildren takes your heart to a new dimension. You find it absolutely amazing how much
love your heart can hold!!!

Tonight I logged on to look at my children's blogs. Each one brought me so much joy!! These were the things I saw:

1. Justin and Tiffany's blog: I saw my new grandson, Grayson. Tears sprang to my eyes as I saw the profile of that precious baby. I am so excited to meet him. I know he is going to bring as much joy to our lives as our beautiful, precious Taylor has.

2. Kody and Corby's blog: I saw a picture of Kody and Corby on the day they were engaged and was reminded how much our lives have changed since that day! We have gained 2 new daughters, 1 son, and 3 grandchildren. We are overwhelmed by God's blessings.

3. Katy and Stu's blog: I saw pictures of Brooks with his new haircut...could he be any cuter????
Playing with paper bags and in baskets...he steals your heart. Pictures of the parade with Justin, Tiffany, and Taylor...wish I could have been there.

My heart is simply overflowing. These are the people that God has blessed me with, and I will be forever grateful for the privilege of being a part of their lives.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us give thanks to God, that He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life!!!

2 + 1 = 3

Life keeps getting better and better! This past Tuesday, Justin and Tiffany found out that they are going to have a baby boy in April. Phil and I are so excited!

Taylor and Brooks + Grayson = 3 grandchildren!!

Now that's an equation for happiness!!!!

No Trick, but plenty of Treats!!!

Phil and I have decided to "treat" ourselves every Halloween by taking the day off to spend time with our grandchildren. Last year we spent time with Taylor on her first Halloween, and Friday, we spent time with Brooks on his first Halloween and Taylor. Brooks looked adorable in his elephant costume! He was a real trooper with those floppy big ears! Taylor looked precious in her Tinkerbell costume. As I was watching Justin and Katy get their children ready for Halloween, I was struck by the passage of time. It seems just a short while ago they were putting on their own costumes for a night of fun at our fall festival. Once again, I realized what a
"treat" it is to share in these special days. They go by all too quickly. There is no "trick" to making me happy: spending time with my family, watching Brooks smile and hearing him giggle, watching Taylor's face when she sees me....that's a TREAT!! And, I plan on treating myself as long as my grandchildren will tolerate me!

SHEER JOY!

JOY IS....

1. Spending time with my children, their spouses, and my grandchildren at
Dewberry Farms.

2. Keeping my granddaughter overnight for the very first time.

3. Listening to my grandson laugh when I touch his tickle spots.

4. Watching my husband carry his grandchildren through the pumpkin patch.

5. Listening to my boys harmonize together.

6. Watching my children serve the Lord in the churches God has called them to.

7. Watching Taylor's face light up when she sees me.

8. Seeing my children happy.

9. Time spent...no matter how small...with these magnificent people God has
blessed me with!

10. Planning the next time we can squeeze a few hours together!

My Son, the Doctor!

Today was such an amazing day. Kody graduated with his doctorate degree in Audiology! It was such a proud moment to watch him walk across the stage to the sound of "Congratulations, Dr. Brooks!"

Kody, I am so proud of you. You set a goal for yourself, worked hard and accomplished your dream. I know there were times when you didn't think you would make it, but you persevered and now all that hard work has paid off. You deserve all the recognition you received today.

The thing I am most proud of, however, is your heart for the Lord. I have loved watching you grow in your knowledge of the Word and develop a hunger for the things of God. You are such an encourager to me...keep those text messages coming!!

I love you,
Mom

GRAMMY AND PAPPY

Joy! Joy!

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING GRAND

People tried to tell me, but never in my wildest imagination did I understand that EVERYTHING they said would be true.  I am a grandmother, and it is one of the GRANDest things to ever happen to me.  Spending time with Taylor and Brooks is a priority in my life.   Watching Taylor smile at me when I walk in the room gives new meaning to walking on air!!   Rocking Brooks and watching him smile as he wakes up makes my spirit soar.  Is grand a big enough word???   When I am with them it is not long enough, and when I am not with them, I can't get there fast enough!!   Is grand a big enough word???   Maybe there isn't a big enough word to describe this feeling, so until someone can find one, GRAND is one of the most important words in my world!!

A Man of Good Report

This past Sunday, my brother-in-law, John, was ordained as a deacon. As the pastor read about a man of good report, I knew this church had made the right decision - my brother-in-law IS a good man. I know because I have watched him live his life with honesty and integrity for the last 20 plus years. John's calm even temper, even in the face of difficult circumstances, always amazes me and challenges me at the same time. He stands as a voice of reason amidst the chaos. I am so happy that this honor has been bestowed upon him. The people that he ministers to will discover what his family has known all along - he is a man of good report.