The Treadway's: 2011

Friday, December 30, 2011

Well I am sick now. I guess I'll be staying in Athens so I don't pass it on to the rest of ya'll up at Steve and Teresa's. Zac is working as well so we will miss all of you! =(

Dan just stopped by my office and he is now CERTAIN that he is getting sick AGAIN!! I certainly hope that Colin and I do not get it. We didn't the first time, although I have no idea how we avoided it.

Yesterday evening and this morning Dan is exhibiting symptoms of getting sick AGAIN!!! I hope it is a false alarm.

You guys have a wonderful time.

The get together at the house is at 1:00, soups, finger foods and desserts. Please bring your favorite drink and your white elephant gift. Come early if you like. Steve is feeling better, has been feeling good the last three days. Thanks for all your prayers. Love you all!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

What time on Saturday? Is Steve feeling better? All clear at our house:)

Christmas 2011

Well I hope everyone is happy and healthy, can't wait to see everyone. Ruth~it won't be the same without your family here. Daniel~thank you and Alice for the family pic, it was really good. I sent you a Happy Birthday wish on your facebook but not sure if you even look at it soooooooo......Happy Belated Birthday! Bobby~I hope you and your family are still coming, I know Mark and Monica have to go back to work, we'll miss them. To all of you who are not coming I wish you a happy New Year! Love you all!

We will not be going to West Virginia for New Year's. We want to try to remain healthy since work here will definitely be ramping up for the next few months. Amy and her family are leaving for California today to visit with friends. We hope you guys have a wonderful time.

Happy late Birthday to you Daniel and Tarin. Michelle shares my birthday in March! That part I do know!
My kids down this way have been sick with something too! Did anyone have snow for Christmas? Trish, I love the festive new look of the blog!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Here is the picture that you wanted Teresa. I hope this works for you. Steve, I hope you are feeling better and able to enjoy New Years.
We are praying for you.
Love and Prayers

Uh- Oh Matthew has a belly- ache.

That was Jacob!I hope everyone had a good christmas. No one was throwinng up here so that was good. danny and I both have dr. appts today to check on our pneumonia but both of us are feelinng better. He is actually able to go without his oxygen for short periods of time as long as he isnt too active. I can finally breathe without hurting. danny goes back to uva on January 12th to see both the surgeon and oncologist so hopefully we will find out what is next then.
I believe our christmas baby is Tarin, not Michelle. so happy belated birthday Tarin and Daniel.
I hope all the sick are on the mend and will be able to come out for the weekend. Teresa was cleaning all her germs up last night and I told her she may get more than she gives this weekend.
Hope to see you all this weekend.

Merry Christmas everyone!hello everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i am typing on moms new ipad keyboard on top of a pizza hut box:)

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes, it's great to be 59. I pray that everyone has had a Merry Christmas by now. Sorry to hear that everyone is sick in WV. We are praying for you all. I hope everyone gets to make it to the New Year's get together.
Love and Prayers

Daniel, Happy Belated birthday!

Monica~ I guess I could give up Easter if someone wants to "claim" it as well. Haha Olivia thought that video was hilarious. I think she has an unhealthy obsession with seeing others fall:) LOL

I think we may get to have Christmas today:) When I told the kids this morning, they just looked at me as if to say, "Yeah right, Mom!" I am praying that no one else gets sick today.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and enjoyed time with their families. Love you all!

I pray that everyone is feeling better and is on the mend. I can't wait to see everyone (Rita, you have to think positive). Trish said it was a good thing we are having our get together New Years Eve, since everyone one sick during Christmas. Trish has been taking good care of us since Steve has been sick, she brought us Christmas dinner, pot roast that same evening with corn bread, has came over several times to check on Steve and so much more. Thank God for family. Steve has missed everyday of work since last Monday and will probably miss the rest of this week also (Thank God for savings account). Steve seems to be on the the mend and has been feeling pretty good since yesterday evening. Praise the Lord! Can't wait till this weekend, Love you all!

Isn't Michelle's Birthday on Christmas Day? I can't keep up with everybody but I think it is. Happy Belated Birthday, Michelle. Blain is still feeling a little under the weather but no where near as bad as Addy. Janet called last night and said that Kaiden is sick...You may not see any of us on New Year's. We may be having Christmas...Presents still under the tree.

We loved the video of Marleigh. How did Vesta and Vonda do? I'm sure it was worth the wait...just having Christmas with Daddy.

~Rita~

Monday, December 26, 2011

Kaiden, I hope your feeling better too little man!! :P Trish, how are things going at your home? Send us some pics :)

Oh my goodness!!! I hope you all get to feeling better quickly in Danese and on Backus. Blain and Addy, Marleigh sends her smooches :) So with Addy's temp dropping like it did and Steve's did the same thing, is this what Steve had also? Teresa, how is Steve doing? Addy, if your going to be in the ER every winter and Janet already has dibs on Easters then who wants to volunteer for summer and fall? LOL!!! Janet don't be mad, laugh :{ Happy Birthday Daniel :) We had sunshine for Christmas as well but they are calling for rain and sleet in the morning and tomorrow evening or tomorrow night. Don't think it's going to be much though. I think Marleigh enjoyed herself yesterday. Mark's parents got her a tricycle. Her feet can barely touch the pedals but hopefully by spring or summer she'll be able to learn to ride it. She did improvise though. After trying to ride it properly she got off then sat on the top set of foot rests behind the seat. Her hands could just reach the handles and off she went using her feet on the floor. Her arms reminded me of someone riding a motorcycle with the real tall handle bars on it :P

Blain is sick now!

~Rita~

Happy Birthday Daniel! I thought about you early this morning but didn't blog...had to go take care of the sick. The sun is shining and it doesn't seem like Christmas at all. I'm glad it is over! Almost! The kids are coming this evening at 6:30 for Potato Soup and Ham. I hope you all avoid this...uh...BUG! After seeing Addy, I would call it a SWARM! Her temp dropped to 94, her BP dropped to 80 over 50...they pumped warm fluids in her and got her hydrated somewhat but told her she needed to continue it or she would be right back in there. I'm tellin' you, if you get sick, don't mess with this stuff. Get to the Dr. if you have time before it lays you out. The nurse who was taking care of Addy said she was getting ready for work and within 10 minutes, she was sicker than a dog.

It seems to be harder on Adults than children.

~Rita~

Happy Birthday Daniel

Hope you have an amazing day!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Happy Birthday Daniel

Hope you have a blessed Day,Love you

Hey Everybody!
I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas with your families. I was hoping for a little more snow than we had but didn't get it. Our Christmas did not go as planned, however. We were supposed to go to Paul's mom and dad's for the first part of the day then head up on Backus. When I woke up I wasn't feeling very well and then by the time we got to his mom and dad's I started throwing up around 10:00. It hit me like a semi. I told him he could just bring me home and I was going to rest while he went back to his mom and dad's. I thought my new medicine had made me sick. But by the time we got to Loops road and had pulled over 5 times I told him to call an ambulance. I've never been so sick in my life, not even with kidney stones! I really thought I was going to die. Paul drove me back down the hill to Rainelle Medical Center but nobody was there so he called the ambulance and they were dispatched from Quinwood. When they arrived I was on my hands and knees in the parking lot and could barely stand up. Mom and Dad came to the hospital to help out and I'm sure glad they did. I don't think Paul could have helped me all alone. I can say that the nurses and doctor that took care of me sure were amazing! When I got to the hospital they were ready, and there were 5 angels, uh nurses, in my room! They gave me some pretty good stuff too. I think it was 3 separate (heavy) doses for nausea and then something for pain as well. The EMT that rode with me was also wonderful. The doc said it was just a stomach bug and they had a lot of people coming in with it but nobody in worse shape than I was. I slept all evening and Mom took my laundry home yesterday. She came back this morning to help me clean up the house a little and brought my laundray back. My stomack isn't hurting but I sure am weak. I think I puked for 3 hours straight. Merry Christmas, right? Mom said that my Grandpa Charlie and my cousin Jessie also got sick yesterday. I wouldn't wish that on anybody!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Tired of waiting

Merry Christmas from MI

Well no snow! Pray for my kids today. They have to wait until Shawn gets off work at 4 to open presents. Santa came to our house although I don't know what time becuase the kids would not stay in their beds. We just got take out breakfast from IHOP and ate it in the car with the dog!! He can't be left alone in the house. I guarantee he would not wait for Shawn or anyone before he started to unwrap gifts.I will post pictures this evening.We plan on doing something new and let the girls read the Christmas story tonight. I have a beautiful book that tells it like a bible kids book. We hope to see everyones pictures too.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Merry Christmas to All! What a wonderful gift I got this morning from Ms Marleigh!!! We laughed and laughed. The more we watched the more we laughed! And I love your new ride. Blain and I are up early and we sure do miss the kids!! (All of them) It's not the same without kids in your house on Christmas morning. Kaiden is sick with the bug that's going around. Janet called me around 11:30 and said he was throwing up. I hope he feels good enough to enjoy opening his gifts from Santa this morning. We are having Christmas here this evening if Kaiden feels up to it. I love hearing from everybody. It would be nice if everybody would share a pic or two of their family together. (Amy, you'll have to do it for your mom) Daniel, We would love to see one of you all and Shane.

I think it is a wonderful idea to pray for others everyday. I just wanted to share something that happened when we were going to TN over Thanksgiving. We were traveling S on 77 down the other side of WinterPlace, and Blain just so casually said, "There's going to be a wreck right there." I didn't see what he was talking about right away...I was looking across to the N Bound traffic. When I finally saw what HE saw, there was a Suburban pulling a Boat quite a distance in front of us...The boat was weaving side to side...not just a little...it was airborne at times...the guy didn't even slow down as far as we could tell. But as soon as I saw it, the Holy Ghost took over and I threw my hands up and started praying for them. It looked as if there was no way he could keep from losing it, but I kept praying and do you know, after what seemed like 5 minutes (of course, it wasn't) the boat fell in line behind him and he went on his way. Blain said he didn't think the man ever slowed down...like he didn't even know. How could you not know when it was so out of control, Right? Sooo...You may or may not see what your prayers are doing, but one thing you can do and that is have faith!

I hope you enjoy your day and please, everyone post pics.

~Rita~

Merry Christmas everyone!!! Have a wonderful day and we hope to see all of you next weekend.

Who knew that Teddy rolling down the steps could be such fun?!

Merry Christmas morning!!!! I hope everyone had a good day yesterday and wonderful plans for today. We went to mom and dad's yesterday evening for supper then opened gifts. As you can see Marleigh has a new ride now :P Of course, we couldn't have this fellowship without Coaley being a part of it. She even got scraps from the table!! Steve, I hope your feeling up to your old self by now or I guess your new self. If it were your old self you would be sick again so let's not go back there :P Michelle, I hope you get back on line soon. I miss hearing from you and seeing pics from across the water. Love you guys, will chat later :)

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas chihuahua

Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse!

Praying for others

I am going to try real hard Ruth to do this. I am usually the person who wants to ram the car in front of me when I get cut off :) We do something each night with the girls before bed called HI-LOW. Each family member tells what their High for the day was then their Low. We have also added..What would you do over? Did something make you laugh? Random act of kindness is the latest. The girls try to help memaw,at school or the nursing home. We want to wish you all a blessed Christmas day and a New Year filled with the promises of God. We love and miss you all.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Friday, December 23, 2011

Will do it , which I have been doing. It sure makes a person feel a lot better. you All have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed Love filled New Year. Love you All.

I like it Ruth, I think that is a good idea. I used to make it a point to do something nice for someone every day and it brought such joy to my heart and hopefully the person I did the good deed for. It doesn't have to be big...a kind word, smile, take the mail to your neighbor next door(if you have any, haha), put someones shopping cart up for them, call someone you haven't heard from in a long time. There are so many little things you can do to make someones day special....come up with your own ways of making the day special for a stranger or friend. Trust me it will make your day as well as theirs. God Bless!

I saw something the other day that I thought would make an EXCELLENT New Year's Resolution: Everyday pray for someone you do not know (someone different every day) - perhaps the clerk who checks you out at the supermarket, the person who cuts you off in traffic (surely would beat cussing him out, now wouldn't it), someone you just happen to see at the Wal-Mart (well, I guess I can't do that one), etc. [You're pickin' up what I'm putting down though, ain't ya?] You could just ask God to show you which stranger He wanted you to pray for each day. Since they say it takes 21 days to create a habit, can you just imagine what a praying machine you would be after 365 days. It would also be so cool to journal each day who you prayed for, wouldn't it? It would certainly take your focus off yourself now, wouldn't it, and just think of all the people who would get prayed for that maybe have no one else praying for them? I Can Only Imagine! (Doesn't Mercy Me or someone have a song with that title?) Wouldn't Mommy have LOVED that idea? (I remember being with her when the police were following O. J. Simpson's vehicle before they arrested him. I know she was praying for him.) Who will join me in making this resolution in her honor?

Merry Christmas All and God Bless Us Everyone!

Steve~is feeling some better, the meds seem to be helping and his fever even though it is still not normal is stable. He hasn't had any more chills and seems to have gotten a little bit of sleep last night. Thanks for all your prayers. Now pray I don't get it, I have a lot to get done this week. Love you all!

Teresa, sorry to hear that Steve is sick. Julie and I are praying for him today. Will look for a better report by the end of the day.
Love you all

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Update on Steve

Steve went to the doctor and they did blood work and x-rays, and everything seems normal. The doctor said that on the x-ray one of his lungs was a little cloudy but doesn't really think it is pneumonia, he thinks it is probably viral. The doc gave him an antibiotics just to be on the safe side. He started his meds. but just threw them all up, not sure if its meds. or what he ate since he was already feeling sick to his stomach. Keep praying please. I told him I could put him out of his misery with one of mommies large iron skillets...at least for a little while. Love you all!

P.S I think I'm going to need some more Lysol. lol

Hello to all the Family~ can't wait to see everyone next week. I do have a prayer request, I would like for everyone to pray for Steve. He has been sick since Monday evening with fever, aches, and chills, we thought it was just the flu but as of today he is still really sick and his temp. even drops to about 95 and he starts with chills all over again. He called Trish and she has set him up a doctors appt. for 1:00 this afternoon to find out what is going on. Please, please pray that all is well with Steve, he said the best and only thing about being sick this week is that he will be feeling better by the time everyone comes next weekend. Needless to say I have been going around Lysoling and wiping down everything. Love you all and thank you for your prayers

Greetings from Timmy and Cindy

Good Morning everyone...
Timmy here. Would like to take a moment and thank everyone for your post, allowing us to know whats going on. Teresa, the photos of home, the snow!!!!!!! Well, that was just awesome....Addy, Lorie, Monica, Ruth, Trish, Vonda, and all of you I have forgot, We love to read whats going on in your world... We do have all of you in our prayers. We have spent a great deal of the summer working on the house and trying to get our shop, ready for winter. Many of you probable didn't know but we had a fire place malfunction last winter and it smoked up the entire house, in our absense. It has caused a trememdous amount of work and we pretty much have had to physically clean EVERY item in the house, in detail, and it has totally interrupted life as you normally know it..We have many of our personal things still in storage and have discarded a lot, replace some, repainted most of the house and still tried to maintain and continue our normal everyday work schedule. Dealing with the insurance company and all their folk that helped us out with the ordeal, it has been quiet taxing.. Anyway, enough of that..
We are looking forward to being home for Christmas, hopefully most will get to make it. Vonda, just a quick Thank YOU, for all you did for us, when we were kids...I always think about that at Christmas... Lorie and Shawn, the photos and moments you share of the little ones, remind me SO much of YOU... when you were two and three year old..it makes me smile. Trish and Danny, I know I rarely post here, but we are praying for you guys, always...as well as the rest of the family,,,,but you guys are always on our heart... And with that said...I now have to get ready to head out to work... My work has me Replacing light fixtures in the oldest Church in Blacksburg, today. Built in the 1800's, kinda neat..right before Christmas.
Again, we love you and look forward to the new year...Wishing everyone an "Early MERRY CHRISTMAS" AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR" and this is NOT "Lake Wobegon" as Garrison Keillor would say, but that's the news from "Floyd Co. VA, just a little place in God's country, where the folk still wave when you pass them on the street, farmer's stop in the middle of the country roads and catch up on the chit chat....and Bluegrass is still in Style... Love you guys...see ya soon.
signing off for now!!!! Love you all, Timmy and Cindy. PS, Ruth and David...and all of you more educated folk in the family, pardon all my typo's and punctuation mistakes... I am a bit out of pratice...but you get the jest of it... Love you all..
Have a Blessed Day...

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Church Signs

Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up :)

What you weave in time is what you wear for eternity
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Hey Ya'll

Just wanted to remind everyone of the White Elephant (aka Dirty Santa) game on New's Year's at Teresa's. Don't forget your gift...Be Creative...Make it fun. Also, Bring your singing voice for the Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long. We have so much uh...hidden talent that just seems to come out at this time. If you're bringing guests, you may want to warn them ahead of time. For those of you who can't be there in person, we know you will be in spirit. We will MISS you.

Marcia, thank you for my card, but you are still using my old address...It is 5960 Backus Mtn...Oh, that's okay. My mailman will get it here...I always load him down with candy and a Pumpkin Roll.

Timmy, I don't have your address...Thus, no card. Merry Christmas Ya'll out there in Floyd Co, VA.

Teresa, I am not sure about the kind of soup, but if no one else is bringing Potato Soup, I make a killer Cheesy Potato Soup, with Cornbread, of course. Maybe even Mexican Cornbread.

Looks like we won't be havin' a White Christmas here. How about you, David? Not lookin' good there either. =)

Danny and Trish, I am so glad all the kids are home...Like Mommy always said, "That's what makes it special, Havin' all the family home."

Off to finish my last minute shopping.

Blain and I will be celebrating 29 years of uh...uh...Wedded Bliss tomorrow. Guess who else is celebrating that day? Bill and Gloria Gaither!! 49!!! Just thought I'd share.

~Rita~

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

For anyone who doesn't receive a Christmas Card, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I did send them out but I had to use my old address book.

Grandma wasn't the only one shoutin'!!

~Rita~

Good Morning! I am at school and we are headed on a field trip to go caroling at the nursing home today. I had a few minutes to catch up.

Teresa~ we will be there on New Year's Eve.
Danny, Trish & Jacob~ Hope everyone is seeing improvement over your way. feel better soon!

Amy~ I received your card too. It is beautiful! Matthew wants to know if you actually give your kids a nutcracker? Haha

Monica~ Thanks and I alwasy love seeing pictures of Marleigh on here too!

One more thing, Olivia asked Jesus to come into her heart! Praise the Lord! I can hear grandma shouting now!

Merry Christmas everyone and We love you!

Monday, December 19, 2011

We had our Christmas Cantata yesterday morning and our Christmas play last night. Mark was the dad in the play and Marleigh was an angel. I'm so proud of her. I didn't think she would stay where she was supposed to but she did :)

Trish, Danny and Jacob, how are you guys doing? I hope you are all better by now.

Addy, I will spread the word on your prayer request. I expected a pic of the dogs in their Christmas attire. What's up with that????

Janet, I loved the pics of the kids! They are beautiful and I love Olivia's hair cut.

Amy, I got your card today and what a beautiful family photo!!

I hate we won't be able to come on New Year's Eve. We have to work but will be thinking about everyone. Enjoy!!!

Addy just come when you can. We will be at it till late. We will also remember your prayer request.

Hey Everybody,
If I make it on the 31st, it will be later in the evening. How long are you guys planning on partying? We are having holiday basketball tournaments and I have to work the concession stand because everybody and their brother is going to be out of town!
I have a prayer request. Yesterday morning one of my students found his mother dead at their house. She was only in her 40s but she had COPD and lung cancer and had been ill for a while. The only other family he has is his grandmother and he's in a really bad place right now so just keep him in your prayers.

Teresa, I do not yet know if we will be able to come, but if we do, I will bring soup and desserts.

Ruth~ not everyone has to bring desserts, if you don't want to bring soup or finger food, some can bring dessert, I'm going to do both but thats just me. If you want to do both thats fine, you know how we like our desserts. lol

Teresa, what about desserts? Is everyone supposed to bring one or not?

Sunday, December 18, 2011

New Year's Eve

I would like to remind family that we are having a family get together here at the home place on Sat. 31st at 1:00. We are going to have soup, finger foods, and desserts. If you are bringing a soup Rita suggested that you put it in a crock pot so we can plug it it in and keep it warm. Steve is fixing chili and I am going to have chips and cheese, peppermint pie, apple pie, and broccoli cheese soup and I am going to make a couple of dips for crackers. Rita is also making soup(I forget which kind). Also we are going to be having our white elephant gift exchange. Please let me know if you are going to be coming and what you think you can bring, I almost forgot bring your favorite drink. Hope everyone can make it, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. Love you all and Have a Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 16, 2011

We have always tried to make something homemade for our tree every year. When the kids were in elementary school it was easy. Our kids always get a new ornament for the tree each year as well. The last couple years the dogs have even gotten in on the tradition. This year we are starting a new tradition. When we were first married we always had a live tree, but when the kids came along an artificial tree was easier. This year the kids are getting a real tree on Sunday. Lord willing and we don't have another illness. Jacob has been sick with the stomach flu all week, thankfully we haven't gotten that. I have had a pain in my right chest since Danny had surgery on the 5th and I just kept putting off checking it out. I finally couldn't stand it anymore so I went to the doctor and turns out I have pneumonia too. It feels like we are running a hospital around here. Danny is still in a lot of pain and still om his oxygen 24/7 but he is hanging in there.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Christmas Traditions

Our family used to go out every Christmas and go to a tree farm and pick out and cut our own tree and they usually would have hot chocolate and snacks when you came in to pay for your tree. Also I bought my kids an ornament every year and you would be surprised at how they still love getting their ornament, I have now included Kim and Garett.

We always purchased the children an ornament for the tree every year. When Amy left home, she took her ornaments with her for her tree. We do the same thing now for Clara and Brooks.

Thought for the Day

1 Peter 5:6-7 says: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you." The devil would like you to try to handle things on your own. He would like nothing better than for you to think that if you can't do it, then it will not get done. He wants you to believe that if you can't come up with an answer on your own, then life will be without answers. But in this passage of scripture it tells us we must humble ourselves - knowing that God is bigger than we are, that He is mightier than we are, and that He will be faithful to us - all of which are acts of humility. If we will humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, then He will lift us up and exalt us. The devil wants you to handle things on your own, but God wants to give you a miracle. Don't give up hope, don't give in to unbelief, and don't cave in to fear. Know that God is on your side, and you are but a moment away from your miracle. Keep walking, keep praising, keep saying the Word, because the next moment your miracle may break through. Stay faithful because He is faithful.

Checking In

Trish how are you and Danny doing? Is everyone ready for Christmas? Does anyone here have any traditions they have started in their own family they would like to share?
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Monday, December 12, 2011

Tell Danny to hang in there things have a way of working out , and we will keep you both in our prayers, love you .

Looks like we are going to come home. pneumonia on the left which is opposite of where he had his surgery. he got some IV antibiotics while here and hopefully that will jump start him. Thanks everyone for your continued prayers~

Thank you for using Picture and Video Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.

We are in the ER....looks like pneumonia l. Lung.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Thanks everyone for the wishes and Trish, its 46yrs.

BLESSINGS TO YOU

PEACE BE WITH YOU

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is
a celebration in this honour and I think that this year the celebration will be
repeated..

During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many
radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone
is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.

It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think
of me..

As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago..

At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for
them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the
celebration.

Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know
the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there was a
great feast in my honour. The dinner table was full of delicious foods,
pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were
exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts.

But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited.

I was the guest of honour and they didn't remember to send me an invitation.

The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they
closed the door in my face .. and I wanted to be with them and share their table..

In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close
their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without
making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner..

They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and
laughing at everything. They were having a grand time.

To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white
beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the
sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" as
if the party were in his honour!

At midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms
waiting for someone to hug me and do you know no-one hugged me.

Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with
great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe,
there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody
shared gifts and you did not get one?

I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.

Every year it gets worse. People only remember the gifts, the parties, to
eat and drink, and nobody remembers me.

I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life.

I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago
I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you.

Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart..

I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party,
I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever
imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements..

Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you.
I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you
and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book.

Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party.

Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside. Be prepared because
when all is ready you will be part of my great party.

See you soon. I Love you!

Jesus

Share this message with your loved ones, before Christmas.

Good Morning all,
Happy Anniversary David and Vonda, how many years? Steve, Teresa, Helen and Jesse, and Ruthie all stopped by yesterday. Lonnie stopped in this morning. Danny is sleeping in his recliner because he can't lay down. He is still in a great deal of pain. This morning he was coughing and something happened to the opposite side in the rib area. But he was in a tremendous amount of pain and nothing seemed to help. He is still on oxygen. His levels drop pretty quickly still. So the most he is off of it is if he goes to the bathroom. Tanner went home last night, he, Emily and Zac have finals this coming week. I have been trying to put away my Haloween and fall decorations so I can get out some Christmas decorations! I think we are going to put up a real tree this year so when the kids get done with school I am going to send them on the hunt for one. If I buy an artificial one, I never take it down! I would love to know what everyones plans are for Christmas. If Danny feels up to it, we will go to Helen and Jesses for Christmas eve after the Candlelight service at church. Then Zac's dad is preaching at our church on Christmas day so we hope to go and then we will have christmas here with the kids and watch football! I miss the excitement and wonder of Christmas when my kids were little so I want to hear all about the little ones and how they are enjoying all of it! I have seen pictures of Clara and Brooks making Christmas cookies, and Marleigh decorating her tree. Janet what about Olivia and Kaiden? would love to see some pictures! Emma has been visiting me the last couple weeks so I am enjoying Christmas through her eyes! I have to share this story that her Grandma Susan shared with me. Susan took Emma to see Santa at the mall and Emma told him what she wanted for Christmas: books and dresses:) After she left and they continued their shopping Emma stopped and exclaimed, Mamaw! I forgot to tell Santa about the high heels! I thought that was so funny. I have another Emma story to share. Around thanksgiving I was babysitting her and we were getting ready for a nap. I asked her what she was thankful for. After much thought she started telling me. Of course I was expecting, toys, dolls etc., but she said and in this order, I am thankful for Mommy and Daddy, my "brudders", my friends, and for Jesus because He died on the cross for my sins. Needless to say I didn't know quite what to say after she said that. Not expecting that from a 4 year old.
Love and Prayers to all,
Trish

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to a wonderful mom and dad. Thank you mom for teaching me what the bible says about marriage and to not listen to what the world says. You are a inspiration to me and set a high example. I try to be the wife you are and to lean on my Lord. Thank you for staying with dad all these years and for taking such awesome care of him. I love you both and ask God to pour His blessings upon you.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Billy Fields - When I Lay My Isaac Down

I laughed out loud when I saw the mac and cheese...probably because I can relate:)

Hope Danny is feeling better this morning! Love you all!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Jacob cooked easy mac but forgot to add WATER!

Thank you for using Picture and Video Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.

Great news , Have a safe journey home, Love you both.

Our chariot has arrived and we are homeward bound:)

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Not going home today! We are hoping in the morning for sure. He had some problems with his central line clotting off on the end and they didn't get that straightened out til late so we are still here. But otherwise he continues to improve;)

Not a bad night except for coughing. He managed to get to sleep and around 2am they decided he needed to pee so they woke him up! They are going to try and wean him off of his oxygen this morning before they talk about getting him home again. They have resumed his blood thinners and so far so good. I think our biggest problem will be his breathing and pain control when we get home. Appetite is poor but he is drinking. I have been told our puppies are missing us and as they are not used to temps in the teens on the porch we are anxious to get home, I know some of you can't relate to that but for all you dog lovers out there you know what I'm talking about. Things are starting to get busy here, will blog more later:)

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Drugged out after a very long day!

Thank you for using Picture and Video Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.

Update on Danny

Well today was a busy day. The doctor came in around 9 and asked him if he wanted to go home? Duh! So he was napping before getting ready to go and woke up choking with chest pain. His oxygen levels dropped and his heart rate went to the 130s. EKG was ok just fast. So they worked on him for a couple hours blood work, X-rays, and all that good stuff. After all that he started feeling a little better and now has pain when he breathes in on the left side which is opposite of where he had surgery. Dr. Kozower just came in and said everything was normal and he had no idea what happened so he would be here at least another day or 2. I hear we are getting snow at home and the power is out so everyone stay in and stay warm and I will update tomorrow:)

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

We will be praying for you both Trish, and hope he gets to come home .

Update on Danny

He has done really well today. He walked in the hall and sat up in the chair most of the day. They pulled his chest tube and took out his foley catheter, which was a big relief- He hates tubes! The only thing left is a couple IVs and he is still using oxygen, which he may have to take home with him. Every time they take him off of it, his sat drops. It was in the 70s at one point. He is going to try his hardest to talk the doctor into turning him loose tomorrow:). We'll see, God has answered many prayers this week, that one would be very simple for him!

Praise the Lord!!! Danny, you make it look like it was a breeze :P Love you guys :)

Well after a very long night he is up in the chair. He was in a tremendous amount of pain. They tried to do an epidural at ten last night and after 3 attempts they finally quit. He he is getting 3 differentntypes of pain meds so he is pretty loopy. The doctor came in and said the chest tube can come out so we are waiting on that. He can't seem to do without oxygen right now and his blood pressure is staying pretty low which is probably due to the meds. It is 60 degrees here and raining today. I will post more later. Thanks for the prayers.

Danny, did you have to wear a hat during surgery so your hair would not be in the way???

I, too, believe you have a grin on your face. Or is it just the drugs making you look happy?

As Mommy would say, "Praise The Lord, Praise The Lord, Praise The Lord!"

~Rita~

Monday, December 5, 2011

Yes, Praise the Lord. Thank God for a good report.

Praise the Lord! Thank you, Jesus!

Amen, God is Good, Praise his name . So good to hear that Trish, Best Christmas gift , besides Jesus.

Praise the Lord! Keep us posted!

Mommy just sent me this.

Just talked with the surgeon and he said he got it all. just waiting on him to wake up:)

Thanks for all of your prayers! She said she would get to see him in about 2 hours.

Sent from my iPhone

OR just called. They werent able to see what they wanted with the scope. They
had to open him up. Means longer surgery time.

Shawn that does my heart good! Danny has been in surgery for about 25 minutes now. They are to call me if he is still in after two hours

Meaning of Christmas

What is the meaning of Christmas? The meaning of Christmas is about presents & gifts. Thats what society has turned. What your favorite store fails to realize is when there pushing all those gifts... those are birthday presents. Because of the birth of christ, we celebrate His birthday every december. I don't know about Hanukkah or Kwanza. So every time the friendly sales person says Happy Holidays (because there Corporate office said so, include everyone) I say Merry Christmas. I proud to celebrate the birth of Christ with my family & I hope Fulfill His Christmas list. I hope I can be what he wants for me to be. I Love You Jesus.

Shawn...

Trish~ Happy Belated Birthday! We had a special prayer for Danny and his doctors this morning and he is in our prayers continually today. Please keep us posted as you can. I will be checking the blog as often as I can. Love you all!

Janet

Happy Belated Birthday Trish! How was it and what did you do on your special day? We pray that everything goes in favor of Danny today.

We are at the hospital. Danny's sister Anita came with us this morning. We left at 430 to get here by 730 and we are still waiting to go in. He has his pretty blue hat and purple gown and green socks on. I will post pictures later. Where we are now I don't have cell service but I can connect to wifi. I will let you know when he finally goes in. As for now, nothing to tell.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Family tree

Kids tree

Butter tree

Butter putting up the tree in her and Toot's room

Saturday, December 3, 2011

yea, Rita I would too, hate having my picture taken. next time I'm going to stick my tongue out or something!!!!!!!

Vonda if I could put a caption on that picture it would be..."Who is this person and why is she taking my picture"!! Congrats Toot!! You are one Bad Girl.

Happy Birthday Trish. They are coming sooner every year, aren't they??

~Rita~

Steak and shaking

Friday, December 2, 2011

tootgraduate.jpg

tootbelt.jpg

Vesta graduated tonight and got her yellow belt and broke the wooden board

Happy Birthday, Trish!

Ruth asked me to post the video below. I sent it to all of you back in March. She said in light of Danny's surgery Monday it wouldn't hurt to remind us all that God still works miracles :)

Jeff Markin: Back from the Dead, Reborn Into the Light

We know something you don't know!! LOL!! As some of you may recall I took a gift bag from Janet on Labor Day during the White Elephant. The bag contained some things that Grandma kept on her night stand beside her bed. There was her recipe for her applesauce cake in a jar, a poem "The toy-strewn house" and a story "Grandma's hands". There were other things as well. As happy as I was to have these things the Lord laid it on my heart to share them with the grand-daughters. So....I did. I also went through my pics that I have of grandma and grandpa and pulled some of my favorites, made copies and sent them as well. This was to be a happy time and since those who have commented were in tears, I'll take that as tears of joy :P Michelle, yours is in the mail as well and according to the Post Office you will receive it by Christmas :) I hope to get my Christmas cards ready by the end of the weekend so hopefully everyone will be getting them next week. We're going to see Santa tomorrow!! Every time Marleigh sees Santa she calls him Noah LOL!! Janet, the kids pics were beautiful. Lorie, tell your little one she can come to VA and make grilled cheese any time :) We had to go to Bluefield today to stock up on diapers so we got to have lunch with Emily. Thank you Emily :P We missed you Zac, hope you did well on your test. Love to all

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Grilled cheese and mater soup

Greetings From Kentucky

Good Morning Everyone from Kentucky
Trish and Danny We pray for you daily and we will be especially in prayer for you on Monday.
Congratulations to Andy and Kim and Steve and Teresa.
Teresa - Shane is coming for Christmas and we hope to have a picture for you after that.
Vonda we are praying for you and David.
We love you all and miss you this Holiday Season and pray everyone has a blessed holiday.

Janet, Lorie and Monica: What did Janet and Lorie find in their mailboxes??? Paul Harvey needs to tell us "the rest of the story!"

Janet~ I love all of your pics of the kids, they are so cute.

Monica~ I'm not sure what you are sending all the grandkids, but they are all in tears. You will have to let us in on what you sent them, then I will probably be in tears.

Amy~I could not see your video you posted, not sure if its on my end or yours.

Ruth~not sure what the wall of family pics is going to be called, yet! I still need more pics from family members.

Thanks to everyone who sent their congrats on the baby news, we are all very excited. Makes me wish I lived closer, I'm afraid I'm going to miss out on so much of the babies firsts.

Trish~Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vonda~We will be praying for David and your entire family.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Monica :)

I too want to thank you for the awesome uplifting package that was in my mail today. I too had to wipe the tears. I loved the picture of Grandpa hugging Grandma. I too would like to model my marriage after the grands.Mine really falls short but Grandma is my inspiration to give when you are at the end. This whole family has been bound by her ability to always rely on the Lord. Your package was a real blessing Monica and I am glad that God put the granddaughters on your heart.Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

This is the grandkids on Matthew's side. Olivia (age 5) Kaiden (4) Kayleigh (3) Allison (2) Layla (1)

I have lots to say! (imagine that)

Andy & Kim~ I am sure this would be cause for grandma shouting in the kitchen. When an announcement such as this is made, she said that she "gets greater and greater". Granpa would just smile and say, "I lost count a long time ago". Congratulations to the both of you.

Steve and Teresa~ I cannot think of you as Granny and Gramps, but it seems as though you will be. Congratulations to the two of you!

Trish & Danny~ How are you? Haven't heard form you guys in a while.

Monica~ My, what a blessing in my mailbox today. Once I finished crying, I sat down and read all of it. Thank you so much for thinking of us. Thanks for making my day!

Bobbie~ I don't know what Olivia was doing at school today, but she was telling a story about Nana's friend Bobbie. I am guessing that is you:) I thought that was funny.

As you all know, our family went to Tennessee for Thanksgiving and we had such a good time. It was nice to get to spend time together. If anyone sees mom using an inhaler, for your own safety, take it from her:)

Also, I went to the doctor for the results of my tests on my heart...he said that the plumbing and electricity in my heart looks great! Praise the Lord.

Love you all!
Janet

yes, we had lots of water ,our back yard looked like a lake ,and the front ditches were almost out of their banks. But it finally stoped last evening and we got a little snow , but it;s cold now.

David has to have another pick line put in for an U I T in the morning so say a prayer all goes well , Hope everyone is doing good. love to all.

Amy, did the video not post or is it just my computer and lack of skills? Vonda, I saw Allen Park on CNN...news said you got 2-3 inches? We got 3 in. of snow last evening. At least it is a slow melt. It came awfully close to your house, didn't it? Vesta and Vonda, I loved your pics. It's about time for Lorie's hair to start turning grey, don't you think?

~Rita~

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Nothing is better than a kid's laugh!

Tree

Teresa, are you creating a "wall of shame" . . . I mean, a "hall of fame" with all the family pictures!

Epic stuffing

Sorry this never fails to make me laugh. I know if I buy her a big dog bed she won't use it. She really does think she is a chihuahua

IMG00546.jpg

My yard..epic flood

Thanks everyone for those who have sent me your photos, I'm going to print them off this evening hopefully. I have gotten Rita's, Bobby's and now David's family pictures, thanks again guys. Anybody else have any pics they need to send? All I want for Christmas is......PICTURES!!!!!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Congratulations Kim and Andy! That is super good news. And congrats to you Steve and Teresa, gonna join the elete crowd of Grands!!! We are so happy for all of you.
Teresa, here is a picture of the Floridians, Michelle will have to send you one from Germany. Love you guys.

Congratulations,

I agree Ruth , it just dosn't seem right for our baby brother to be a grandpa , and Teresa to be a grandma, but I guess you don,t have to be old to be grandparents. And CONGRATULATIONS to Andy and Kim, I know they can hardly wait.and I know Mommy and Daddy are just smiling down on all of us , how mommy loved babies.So, our family tree just keeps on growing.

I wanted to be Nana and Dan wanted to be Grandpa, but Clara had other ideas. She calls me Nannee and Dan Papaw.

You guys are making me feel old. My baby brother and his wife are going to be grandparents! This just can't be right!

Congratulations all.

Thanks guys for all your congrats, we are so very excited. I told Steve that I wanted to be a mimi, he asked me if that meant he was going to be a pipi, haha I can't wait....is it July yet! lol

So is it Mimi and Papa T? Congratulations Andy and Kim!! You too, Auntie Kelsey.

--
~Rita~

On the Lighter Side

A woman went to the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards.
What denomination?" asked the clerk. "Oh, my goodness! Have we come to this?" said the woman. "Well, give me 25 Baptist, 25 Methodist, 25 Church of God and 25 Pentecostal Holiness."

~Rita~

Papa

I'm pretty excited about bieng a Papa but not nearly as much as Teresa!

Grampa Steve and Gramma Teresa!! It has a lovely sound to it doesn't it? Congratulations Andy and Kim, we are so happy for you! Oh and doesn't Auntie Kelsey have a nice ring to it! So are we sure it is just one? At nine weeks they can hear the heart beating! That little person is being wonderfully made by the great and magnificent, one, true and living God of our universe! Even as I key these words! It is soo exciting!