Graduation!

My daughter Michelle just graduated from RVC with a AAS!  We are so proud of her.  She works full-time, is a wife, a mother, and is expecting a new baby...  and she is going to start a new job (for the same hospital) which will utilize her newly acquired skills - coding. We attended an evening graduation and had a party for her on Saturday.  Lots of Food!!!

The card was a "standing" card so I didn't put it in an envelop.  It had an opening for a picture so I selected a picture of her when she was 3 years old.  I added a graduation cap (looked great on it) and a border trim around the picture.  It was a Martha Steward card kit.

On the back of the card....

You spend a lifetime trying to get them off the ground.
You run with them until you're both breathless.
They crash.  They hit the rooftop.
You patch and comfort, adjust and teach them.
Finally they are airborne...
They need more string and you keep letting it out.
But with each twist of the ball of twine,
there is a sadness that goes with joy.
The kite becomes more distant,
and you know it won't be long
before that beautiful creature will snap the lifeline that binds you two together
and will soar as it is meant to soar, free and alone.
Only then do you know that you did your job.

Thru all the years of laughter and tears…We are so thankful that God chose us to be your Parents.
You ARE the gift from what our dreams have come true.

To our dear child of God
And with all our Love… Congratulations on your receiving your AAS – RVC 2012!
Dad & Mom

Rolled up and attached to the card (like a diploma)

May 18, 2012
GRADUATION is a time
For feeling very proud,
For thinking lots of lovely thoughts
And saying them out loud.
It's a time for feeling love
About to overflow,
And to let our daughter, know…

Young woman, our daughter,
Our joy and our heart,
You taught us love unconditional
from that first moment in our arms.
It seems just yesterday
that we held your frightened little hand,
as you started preschool
and made new friends.
The world sees the woman you have grown to be,
with her charm and her smile, and own personality.
But behind that young woman, we will always see,
Our beautiful daughter, our child, our baby.

We are so very proud of you for being who you are,
For making something of yourself, you have come so far.
Just remember that God is always with you
In everything you choose to do.
So we lift you up to our Lord
And we pray that all your dreams come true.

You are dearly loved by the ones who love you.
Follow your heart wherever it takes you,
and be Happy
Life is brief and very fragile
and only loaned to us for a while.
Wake up every morning with the thought
that something wonderful is about to happen.
And as you continue to learn
Remember we will always be there for you

Thru all the years of laughter and tears
We are so thankful that God chose us to be your Parents.
You are an inspiration.
You ARE the gift from what our dreams have come…

THE CIRCLE OF LIFE has come full circle
For you are now the parent, a mother, who will teach
Her children the meaning of dedication and
The importance of a good education.

Congratulations to our dear child of God
And with all our Love…

Dad & Mom

Interactive Spinner Card




I adore www.splitcoaststampers.com!  I've been using this site for many years now.

I would like to direct your attention to All about the Challenges page.   A challenge is simply an invitation to make a card!  

If you don't want to "make a card" and join their challenge - THAT'S OK...but what you can do is LEARN from their challenges.  You can review their suggested sketches and then see what members have loaded up (using their vision of what that sketch challenge is).  I strongly recommend this.  

They do challenges for Cards and for Scrapbooks!

ENJOY and have FUN while LEARNING...



'til next time,


Con

I am just started using Pinterest.  At this point and time, I am not sure how it will work out for me.  I'll let you know;)

 My Pinterest

Beautiful Day Today!

Thank you God for this beautiful day! It is so beautiful outside. Sun is shinning and it is just the right temperature. I hope you enjoy this how to I found while surfing YouTube:  


Envelope Album 
Essentially Yours with DeNetra


 



 



 

YUMMY!

Use a iron skillet for even better cornbread!

When we are in Nebraska, visiting our family, we always make some nice meals!   Our niece, April, made pulled BBQ pork (crockpot) with cornbread and salad.  I am going to share those wonderful recipes with you;)

Tami’s Cornbread   

1 pkg Flako cornbread mix

1 cup sour cream

2 eggs

½ cup corn oil

1 small can cream corn

Mix and bake at 400 in iron skillet till golden.

Sumi Salad

Salad: 

                                                         

Head of cabbage (2 pkg)                 

2 pkg ramon noodles (beef)            

¼ cup almond slivers                       

¼ cup seasame seeds                       

8 green onions and tops                            

½ cup diced celery    

Dressing:

1 tsp salt

4 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

½ cup oil

2 tsp accent

1 tsp pepper                    

             

                                             

2 pkg beef seasoning (noodles)

Mix dressing and noodles into salad when ready to serve so noodles don’t get soggy.

'til next time,


Con

GIVEAWAY! HURRY TO ENTER!

Hello everyone! This is a great giveaway.  I encourage everyone to enter or at least look the site over;)

Hello Thursday: July Cricut Cartridge Release & Giveaway!

[We LOVE Hello Thursdays and are so excited to add to all the fun right here on the Create: blog! Today, Provo Craft announced  3 amazing new cartridges accompanied with lots of inspiration on the Cricut Blog! 

See them all below, and read more on how you can WIN these new cartridges. You heard right, we’re giving away the “A Frightful Affair”, “Fontopia”, and “Artiste” Cricut Cartridges this week on our blog!]

MAIN ENTRY:

- Enter to win by commenting below. Comment on this post letting us know which of today’s releases is your favorite, by Wednesday, 11:59pm {MDT}. We’ll announce our THREE winners next Thursday!

For additional entries:
- Share this giveaway (on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, etc) & link to your post in your additional comment. one entry for each share.
- Follow Northridge Publishing on Pinterest, and “Pin” this fabulous giveaway!
- “Like” Cricut Magazine on Facebook and tell us about your first Halloween memory. one entry.


This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to Northridge Publishing and not to Facebook.





SPINNER CARD w/Catherine Pooler!

We are waiting patiently for our second grandson to arrive...any day now;) So exciting! The parents are considering "Warren" to be his name.  I like it. Our first grandson is going to register for preschool tomorrow.  Time is going way too fast.  I remember him being just a baby.  

We have had high temperatures in the 100s w/no rain since May.... these last two weeks however have produced two storms - the first knocking out our power for 12 hours! We desperately needed the rain but oh what a storm! Our temps are still high and we might get one more big storm. I just pray that nobody gets hurt.

I have caught the Pinterest bug;)  If you are a friend of mine on Facebook you can go to my Pinterest site or just look me up under Connie Kahl.  

Good luck on trying to win the giveaway.  I have already entered and hope to win one for myself.

'til next time,

Con

Time Together Matters!

I saw this cute box pop-up card and thought, "Hey, if I like this card then my two (2) other subscribers would like this too!"

ENJOY...

This tutorial is from Buffalo Stamps:  "...unique rubber stamping and scrap-booking store that is jammed packed with all the latest and greatest in the industry...."

www.buffalostamps.com

www.buffalostampsandstuff.blogspot.com 

and on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Buffalo-Stamps/194696693901936

GIFT BOX POP-UP CARD

Everyday Matters

Check out this cute blog-site; EVERYDAY MATTERS!  They have cute ideas.

A Great Tradition - Reading to our children and letting them read to us!

Try to maintain the family closeness that seems so evasive as our kids start growing/getting older - remember that the clock keeps ticking. 

Planning a family night takes effort, but the payoff is well worth the time! 

It places a strong value on time together, and in itself is a lesson to the whole family, "time together matters!". Build some "traditions" that will help keep your family close. Looking back on family night will be a great memory for everyone. Not to mention the impact it will have today, to bring your family in a little closer and enjoy each others company now, while you are all under the same roof. Your family will remember these traditions that kept you close. And they will probably plan those kinds of family nights for their families in the future ;)

'til next time,




Con

Nutrition and Prayer....

Nutrition and Prayer is something I believe we should all do daily.  Our body is the temple for our Spirit and prayer sustains us like food does.  What a great combination!  I find myself reminding myself of this daily.  I have bad eating habits and I NEED to start some good ones.  I use to work for a food company for almost 10 years.  I understand how to read a label for ingredients and for nutrition.  I also know that food companies are not always ethical either.  I know from experience the simpler and from scratch is the best way to go.  This is the same way with prayer... God isn't looking for grandeur and big fancy words; He just wants to hear from us;)  I am a procrastinator too especially with exercise.  With fibromyalgia, lupus and arthritis some days are a challenge.  I do have  a membership downtown and I've only gone a handful of times; this needs to change too.  I need champions to tell me to get off my fat, lazy .........!!!!  I need you all to be my cheerleaders -  to keep me on my toes. I need to get fit and start feeling better.  I have another grandson coming soon.  So if you can pray for me I would sure appreciate it, thanks......

 

I would like my husband to build  a prayer kneeler for me. I've asked him and he said, "My honey-do list is too long."  Guess I would just have to wait and be patient.  I'm the type of person who can read and pray anytime of the day and anywhere.  Sometimes though... I need to focus more and that is when I would like a kneeler.  I suppose I could purchase an ergonomic fabric knee chair and just use a slanted shelf on the wall to hold my Bible or other books....

How to Make A Wood Movable Home Prayer Kneeler

I have been adding new friends on my Facebook Page - crafters of a types:  Yarn, Bead Jewelry, and of course, Paper-crafting.  It seems a lot of blogs and stores have their own sites now.  I guess you could "blog hop" that way too.  I have eliminated some of my personal acquaintances (just cleaning up who sees what) and now I have more people who don't know me compared to who do!  I eventually will clean up the crafter ones too after I've explored them to see if they are a match for what I am looking for.

Who's in the Kitchen with Uma....

Getting all the ingredients together

Adding the chicken stock

 Adding potatoes

I have been spending time with my Grandson in the kitchen; he likes to help out. The other day we made Bob's Sauerkraut Soup together.  My grandson had a blast!  It is a recipe from my good friend and great cook/baker (as well as our Village's Chief of Police).  It is really good soup!! If you like sauerkraut you need to give it a try.

Bob's Sauerkraut Soup

1 lb smoked Polish Sausage - cut in /12 " pieces (I used smoke kielbasa)
5 medium potatoes - peeled and cubed (I didn't peel mine)
2 medium onions, chopped
2 carrots - cut in 1/4" slices (I used pre-cut fresh carrots)
3 cans (14 1/2 oz) Chicken Broth (I used MSG free, one large boxed fat-free and one large boxed reduced sodium)
1 can (32 oz) Sauerkraut - Rinsed & Drained (I drained mine, but didn't rinse; I prefer Frank's)
1 can (6 oz) Tomato Paste

In a large saucepan or Dutch Oven combine sausage, potatoes, onions, carrots, and chicken broth.  Bring to a boil. Reduce heat - cover and simmer 30 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Yummy soup!

Add sauerkraut and tomato paste; mix well.  Return to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes longer.

If thinner soup is desired add add additional water or chicken broth.

yields 8 - 10  servings; 2 1/2 quarts



  
Healthy Tip...Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah)

Many people look at Quinoa and confuse it for some sort of grain, but it is actually a seed that originates from the Andes Mountains of South America. Quinoa was grown over 5000 years ago by the Incas people. It was known as the “the mother grain” in their language. It was a such an important part of the Inca culture, that every year the Inca king would plant the first row of Quinoa with a solid gold spade. The entire ancient Inca civilization spanning from the coast of Chile all the way to the snow capped peaks of the Peruvian Andes was fed by this amazing tiny little seed. (I love trivia!)

I have been watching Grain Fusion with Chef Brad.  He has a great series on "super grains" and one of them I just bought and need to use, QUINOA. 

I found this great site by the Quinoa Corporation.  Quinoa comes in white, red, and the most hard to find...black.  Just a few examples of easy quinoa recipes using cooked quinoa: salads, meatloaf/burgers, breakfast cereal, stir fry, stew, and bread. 

Quinoa Nutrition: The most Protein of any grain, great source of vitamins & minerals. Quinoa nutrition has more benefits than most people know about. Other than being a complete protein with nine essential amino acids, it is loaded with calcium, dietary fiber, iron, and phosphorus. Magnesium which is also abundant in Quinoa has been recognized for being beneficial for relaxing blood vessels. Magnesium, along with riboflavin, appears to benefit those who suffer from headaches, even migraines. Manganese joins with copper to form an enzyme which guards against cell damage caused by free radicals.

For more nutritional information go to http://quinoanutrition.info/

Cooking Quinoa: Simple to cook, like rice. Cooked quinoa looks a bit like couscous, but is more substantial and slightly crunchy.    Prep & Cook Time: 5 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook time. To Soak or Not to Soak: It usually works well either way. Most quinoa that you buy in stores has been pre-rinsed and dried, but I'm a bit anal, so I soak it 5 minutes just in case, to loosen up any residue of saponin, or dust or chaff that remains. Skip soaking if you like, but always rinse quinoa. 

I purchased a rice cooker awhile back and am going to try to make it in there. all you do is add the grain and water - cover and press start...so simple!  WELL IT WORKED! and the quinoa tasted great and I didn't add any salt or other flavorings.  This way I can use it in a couple of dishes. I am so happy that it turned out. Hopefully tomorrow I can use some of it in a meatloaf.  I was going to do it for tonight's meal but everyone wanted grilled chicken and brats.

 

I thought this quote was just right for me!

'til next time,

Con

Happy New Year to all my friends - May God Bless You Richly!

 

Resolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment.

- Sydney Smith

Hello everyone!
The countdown begins to 2012...

"Prayers and blessings to start off the New Year. Thoughts and words to remember what is  important in our walk with God, in our life and relationships."

NEW YEAR WISHES

The following "YouTube" dance done by "Carlton" always makes me smile so I pray that you too will find it uplifting. We can all do this on our last day of 2011 or the first day of 2012. Wouldn't that be fun! Just click on the YouTube and it will take you to the original site;)

Carlton Dance On Soul Train

from the Fresh Prince of Bela-ire (TV show)

I haven't been writing (naughty of me) but we have been on holiday for the last month. We got home just before Christmas and found out that (unfortunately) a small little visitor had invaded our home. Don't fear he no longer "lives" here;) But I did have a lot to clean up...and then we had Christmas dinner at our house.

On vacation I was looking at the small little shells on the beach when I stumbled upon a rubber-stamp!  I believe this is a good sign...that I need to start utilizing what I have in storage and put it all into good use! and for a good purpose!!

I found a "foam" rubber-stamp on South Padre Island, TX.  It was a sure sign from God;)

My dream this year is to organize or at least get started and get enough done that someone would notice! I dream of getting my paper-crafting organized too. Its everywhere! My husband threw some of it in the attic (I wasn't happy about this); he doesn't understand that it needs to be stored near acid free products and then there is the issue of hot/cold temperatures. Ugh.. It's going to be "One Step at a Time!"

My grandson turned three this December and what a joy he is. I enjoyed seeing our beautiful country but was extremely happy to get home to see my family!  We traveled about 5000 miles - I wish I had some time to go up North to see my parents and my brother and sister's family before it snows.

I did loose some weight prior to vacation...45 lbs!!!  but when you travel by car and stay at hotels one tends to eat too much or the wrong things.  I've gained back 20 lbs already (including Christmas foods).  I need to get back on the "diet" challenge again.  I'll need your thoughts and prayers because I have a hard time loosing weight. I tend to be an emotional eater. Thank you all for your prayers!

A Poem For The Dream Doer

It is the day after Christmas and all round the world
People’s plans for the next year are getting a little absurd.
I’m going lose weight, improve my financial position
Have better relationships or just make better decisions

And while those all sound great and desire to be better is noble
Such statements typically ring empty; New Year’s resolutions a foible
Point A to Point B is not achieved by our desire or dreams
But by the plan and the action and diligent follow thru it seems

I’m not saying do not dream. Dream big and aim high
but you must do quite a bit more or those dreams will shrivel and die
But some feet on your goals; take the time to plan and prep
Write down those dreams and some intermediate steps

Surround yourself with the “dreamers who do”
Perhaps a mentor who has done it and believes you can too
Someone who pushes you forward, they might be a bit of a pain
because they won’t stand for excuses or let your lose sight of your plan

Silence the critic, the skeptic, and those who foster despair
Those content to believe that opportunity is not there
And remember the wise words, paraphrased so they fit
Those who believe it can’t be done, stay out of the way of us doing it!

- Matthew Moran, December 26, 2011

HAS ANYONE DONE ANY CRAFT PROJECTS LATELY?

 I would love to see them!

 From Lisa's Creative Corner Blog-site

I like the simplicity of this card.  It is very clean and elegant. I like how the letters are popped up so you can see shadows.  Isn't that bow cute!  Please visit Lisa's blog by clicking on the above name or on the card.  Lisa has great samples and ideas... many templates and tutorials too!  Please give Lisa a big HI and let her know that she is doing a great job...

Lisa, "Here’s to a clean and simple New Year!"

Prayers and blessings are just one way to bring in the New Year with gratitude and love.

'til next time,

Con

I Am the New Year

I am the new year.

I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.

I am your next chance at the art of living.

I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.

All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it but with more determination.

All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have—these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose.

I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Him who said, "Behold, I make all things new."

(Bible Illustrator)

 Blessings for the New Year

I choose to initiate God’s promises and blessings for my life in the New Year by declaring them as true. He is the “God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were” (Romans 4:17, NIV). The power in a blessing is in speaking it! Because I believe that God has more wonderful things planned for me than I can even imagine (Ephesians 3:20) for the coming year, today I declare that:

I am blessed with God’s divine purpose and perfect plan for my life. I am blessed with gifts, God-given abilities and guidance. I am blessed with strength of character, self-determination and self-control. I am blessed with family and friends, faith and freedom. I am blessed with health, happiness, favor and fulfillment. I am blessed with promotion, protection, prosperity and provision. I am blessed with spirit of obedience, supernatural success and a positive outlook on life. I am blessed with a fresh start and a new outlook on life, beginning today.

I am looking forward to the new thing God will do in my life this year. I choose to let go of the past and get excited about my future because I am blessed!

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Joel Osteen

Contact of Northern Illinois

My brother-in-law, Ted, is a volunteer at this wonderful place...

CONTACT of NORTHERN ILLINOIS!

 

http://www.nicontact.org/index.html





CONTACT of Northern Illinois is a 24 hour a day 7 days a week Helpline, that has been serving our area for the past 28 years.  CONTACT of Northern Illinois is one of over 48 centers accredited by Contact Teleministries, USA.

FACEBOOK PAGE

Do you have comments or questions on the organization? Would you like to become a volunteer or sign up for an upcoming event? Please get in touch! Just e-mail:  help@nicontact.org If you would like to become a line volunteer, please fill out the application and send it in by e-mail or regular mail, and the staff at Contact will be in touch with you soon. Volunteer Application Or you can reach them: Contact of Northern Illinois P.O. Box 83 Freeport, IL 61032 Or you can call the helpline at  815-233-4357 or 1-888-463-6260

If you would like to help CONTACT out, they have compiled a Wish List of items needed in order to continue to be a productive ministry. Any assistance with these item will be most appreciated. Wish List Ink for Printers Paper (White and Colored) Comfortable Desk Chairs Laptop Power Point Projector File Cabinets  (4 drawer) 1" 3 Ring Binders Office supplies Microwave Recliner Portable Fan Portable Heater Coat Tree Storage Boxes Camcorder Gas Cards Incentives (Gift Cards) in $5.00 increments for volunteer recognition



Your Name Is Volunteer

Written and submitted by Nancy Jo Grim
RSVP Director, May 20, 2005

Your Name Is Volunteer

Your name is love, because you showed me love and compassion when I needed it the most.

Your name is patience, because you took time to listen to me when my stories were long and my heart was heavy.

Your name is kindness, because you used your healing hands to touch my pain and guide me when I was lost.

Your name is mentor, because you taught me the lessons that life cannot teach so soon.

Your name is a volunteer, you are love, patience, kindness, a mentor and so much more…

We celebrate you the volunteer. 

Secret (Volunteer) Service
Submitted by Elizabeth Ellis

How to make an impact today!

Open a door for someone
Pick up a piece of paper left on the street
Say "Good Morning" to someone you don't know
Plug someone else's meter
Say "thank you" to the mailman
Give the next person in line at the grocery store your leftover coupons
Keep shoveling snow after your sidewalk ends
Truly listen to someone
Say "good job" for a job well done
Recycle
Donate your used clothes and toys
Make a cake for your fellow employees for no reason
Join a committee
Let someone else go first in line
Give your used magazines away
Note good service on your waiter's ticket
Send a hand written note of thanks to a volunteer for no particular reason
Say "Have a great evening" to the night watchperson
Switch seats with someone on the plane if they've been separated by a family member or friend
Print on both sides of the page
Pretend your Monday at work is a Friday!
Refer a potential volunteer to another agency who might better fulfill a volunteer's interests and passion
Mentor a new volunteer coordinator
Bring your receptionist a treat just because
Wave to children on the bus
Walk, take the bus or ride your bike to work
Learn about a new organization and how they engage volunteers and community
Put flowers on your desk
Don't "almost" make a difference, do something today!

Explore The Wonder

by Sandy Cavinee

The mystery of God's creation unfolds along our way.
Never fully revealed to us, just pieces every day.
The earth, the sky, the oceans hold their secrets but show to man- How
beautiful and mighty are God's works and plan.
The greatest gift He gave us-to share as here we dwell, are people just like you who know love so well.
And as we "explore the wonder" of what volunteering means, the WONDER is your service-you are the greatest theme!
(Sandy Cavinee wrote this several years ago and it was made into bookmarks for Volunteer Week- theme was "Explore The Wonder-Volunteer).

To Our Volunteers
by Lisa Ellinwood

V is for the Very special people that you are
O is for the Overwhelming support & compassion you offer others during their time of need
L is for the Little things you do that make such a difference in someone's life
U is for the Unspoken words that sometimes mean just as much
N is for the Need you fill when others aren't able
T is for the Time you give of yourselves on top of your own busy schedules
E is for the Emotional support you continually give
E is also for the Endless energy you all seem to possess
R is for the Responsibility you have taken on & never once complained S is for the Smiles you bring to patients & families by just being you

Luke 6:35 ESV     But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

 

'til next time,

Con



My Favorite "YouTube Channels"

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”  Ashley Smith

ANNOUNCEMENT

I must have made this following channel when I was in the "playing around" mode one night... but tonight I just located "my" YouTube Channel... so I'm going to let all of you know about it (and leave this as a reminder to myself that I have one) !!!  I never thought I would have a channel on YouTube...LOL.

YouTube Channel... durandconnie

I hope everyone enjoys my favorites.  To the best of my knowledge there is nothing naughty on there...that wouldn't be my style.  I like old movies, music, dance, crafts...   If you ever see anything that is "nasty" please let me know so I consider removing it.  Thanks;)

MY DAD gave me shoebox filled with family pictures the last time we went up for a visit.  Here is a picture of my grandfather, my dad's dad.  His wife, Pearl, died when I was very young.  I didn't know my grandfather very well and I guess that is why I am putting his photograph up.  My grandfather paid  more attention to my aunt rather than my dad...we were always told that he had liked girls better.  My dad was basically raised by his grandmother.  He and my great-uncle are close; they grew up like brothers.  In fact, I know my great-uncle and he has gotten to the point in life where he just wants to go "home."  ...Heaven.  His memory is fading and he cries often.  I guess you can say he has been more like a grandfather to me.  Don't think too harshly about Grandpa; I heard he had a hard/difficult childhood.   Why did I post these pictures then???  Maybe it's because I wish I did have a grandfather I could write about.  The only grandparent that I can remember, and that is fondly remember, is my Grandmother Gladys Marten.  I loved her dearly.  She passed away from cancer when my son was 4 months old.  I miss her still.  My Grandma Marten had a hard life with an abusive and alcoholic husband.   She raised 5 children...her husband, my maternal grandfather, passed away when I was about 5 years old. 

As uncomfortable as the process of looking at our past might be, however, exploring and understanding the truth regarding our past may help us accurately interpret the present and live wisely in the future. All truth is God’s truth and worth knowing and understanding in an appropriate manner, especially as it relates to our personal lives and destinies.   Larry Barber




A picture of my Grandfather Henry Roy Fuller, Jr as a baby.

 

Memories... it's kind of funny how some things we can remember and how some we can't even recall.  My sister and brother both remember so much more than me; for some reason, I don't have many childhood memories.  They do though....so they fill me in from time to time.

I keep telling my father-in-law and my dad how they have to write our family histories down.  I think they are getting tired of me asking but I want my child and my grandchildren to know where we came to be.  Not just the dates and names... but memories... the STORIES.  It's the stories I love hearing about both the good and the bad. It's who we are...and it will be our stories that will be added to those stories.  LIFE!  I have a lot more pictures so I just  might post a few here and there...



Henry R Fuller, Jr a couple of years before he passed away.


“Sometimes it's the smallest decisions that can change your life forever.”  Keri Russell

“One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.”

“Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.”   Actor James Dean

“Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.”

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”    Maria Robinson

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”     Rev. Charles R Swindoll

'till next time,

Con



Romans 13:7   Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.