Since we didn't get to spend this Christmas season with any of OUR grandkids, we enjoyed being able to be with my brother Ray's family for their festivities.

Do you think Calan liked his gift?!!!!

And then there was David....intently checking out his new ViewMaster....to the exclusion of everyone else!

And I was really struck by the mother/daughter likenesses.....my niece Lynn, with her 14 year-old daughter, Laura......


...followed by Kristi, and daughter Dani. Like mother, like daughter never rang truer!

But not to be forgotten.....wide-eyed Lela, the youngest of the group....a real cutie even tho' she wasn't feeling well!

Well, that was Christmas Eve....Christmas Day was spent with Jon. Sorry, no pictures! We were too busy munching away, playing cards, watching TV....and having a brief guitar lesson (for Sandy),,,,to take time out to do something as mundane as take pictures. Actually, the camera never left my purse....! Ouch! Oh, well....maybe next year.

May your Christmas be blessed with the gift of love and salvation brought to us by the Christ child who was born so long ago.

Merry Christmas!

This past Saturday, along with quite a number of others, we made the trek from Nashville to Grand Rivers, KY to have dinner at Miss Patti's 1800's Settlement.

`Each of the rooms was decorated in a different theme....we were seated in the Elf Room! These cute guys were all around the room! And then there was the food.....oh, my word! I didn't order it, but sure couldn't resist taking pictures of this "gi-normous" piece of coconut creme pie!

IT'S "FIELD TRIP'" TIME! Tuesday, I was blessed (along with my Mom) to take part in the outing from the nursing home to Opryland Hotel to see the holiday sights.
It was quite an undertaking to get everyone ready and transported, not to mention getting lunch (buffet style) for seven wheelchair bound residents and then pushing their wheelchairs around the hotel complex for several hours. But it was well worth the effort! I'm just not sure who enjoyed it more.....the residents or all those with them!

Our group - minus one resident!


Sorry - couldn't resist a shot of the anthuriums. I've missed these since leaving Hawaii over 25 years ago!!!!

Once again, it has been quite awhile since I have posted an update. Could be because our life is full of surprises, responsibilities and family!

We are now back in the Nashville area after a trip back to Virginia Beach (which we really enjoyed) to spend time with family and friends. I've decided to post photos of the newest Tyree
grandchild, Tyreese Marcus Wells, who lives in Charlottesville with his Mom (Amber, Willie's daughter), Dad (Lorenzo) and sisters, Sierra and Kaila.

I'll have more photos of other family members to post later, but this is a start!

It is VERY cold here tonight...we are so grateful for those little electric heaters that make this ole' motorhome warm!

Thought I'd share some photos from the last several months that I haven't had the time (or energy) to post! Can you guess the location of this first one? Is it an office building or maybe a hotel lobby? Noooooo, it's the lobby to the hospital near my mom and dad's home! Pretty nice for a hospital, huh?

Jenn, this one is for you! We frequently passed this building with the mural while we were in Bowling Green, and every time we did I remembered the obsession our daughter Jenn used to have with the Chick-Fil-A cow billboards!


And now for Beech Bend Park.... Sometimes when the amusement park was closed, Dallas (owner) let the goats run loose in the park, but these guys look like they wish they were on the other side of the fence....after all, grass IS greener than asphalt and concrete!

Betty and Tom Muterspaugh were our next door neighbors for the summer, and we really enjoyed getting to know them...new friends that we hope to see again!

And, lastly.....this is what I did all summer. Worked in the photo booth at the park, and enjoyed seeing all the faces (both terror and laughter)! The young girl (with her dad) in the photo was a frequent visitor at the park, and man, could she scream!!!!

Hope you have wonderful day....I'm getting ready to go for a walk, so "see ya' later"!!

This last week has been full of events...--
First, it was wonderful to see and spend just a little time with my cousin Karen, along with her husband Dan. It didn't take us long to realize that it had been over forty years since we had seen each other....whew, time really does fly! So much has changed for both of us during that time, but it was great to start "catching up", and I look forward to getting together again (in the not-too-distant future).

On the not-so-good part of the week, we found out Friday that my Dad has a small tumor in the frontal lobe section of his skull. During appointment on Friday, the doctor expressed great concern over the shape of the tumor and has scheduled him for a complete bone scan and MRI on Tuesday the 21st. We should have more information by the end of the week, and have decided to NOT share this news with my Mom until we know a little more (she is in the nursing home).

As you imagine, most of my time is consumed with checking on Mom, spending time with her, taking Dad to doctor appointments, trying to see that he eats at least a little, spending time with him, and then recovering, only to start all over again! But I do feel very blessed to be able to be here and to spend this time with them....time that could never be recovered. Family......a true treasure!

Thank goodness for technology! I LOVE my new wireless broadband connection....can get on the internet even when I am sitting in the motorhome in the church parking lot....ya' gotta' love it!

So.....I had plans to upload lots of photos to share with you, but there's a slight hitch.....I can't find the connection cord for my camera. Guess those photos will have to wait until I have time to go on a hunt for the cord.

I am spending a lot of my time helping Dad with doctor's appointments and taking care of the what seems like mounds of paperwork connected to Mom's nursing home residency (which she still believes is only temporary). Then, of course, there are the 3-4 visits/week to see Mom, check on her sugar levels, etc. We were blessed to be able to get her into a two-person room (as opposed to a three-bed room), where she is much happier.

Now that I have reliable internet connection, I hope to be able to update more frequently.

Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers!

WE'VE MOVED......AGAIN!!! Yes, we have moved the motorhome once again....this time down to the Nashville area, where we anticipate spending the winter. Not quite what WE had planned out, but once again God has stepped in with a change of plans. We will be here to assist with care for both my mom and my dad. Mom is presently in a nursing home and unless something changes drastically, will not be going back home. My dad has health issues of his own, and is having a very difficult time dealing with the changes that are occurring. It is a very difficult time, both physically and emotionally, for all of us, so we covet your prayers.

It has been great to have Jen here with us this week....she plans on coming back (along with son Brandon) for a short visit after Christmas, and we look forward to that.

Check back next week and I will share some recent photos from our "adventures" with you....til then.....God bless!

Let's see....the last seven days have included run-away school buses, skunks, peaches, hives and ice cream! Quite an assortment, isn't it? Let's start with the skunks....

Last Sunday, one of Willie's ride operators spotted a skunk in residence underneath her ride. Being the responsible team captain that he is, Willie quickly called for backup and soon had several individuals who were offering their help. But ye ole skunk was not going anywhere! Rather than risk the odor of Pepe LaPeu being unleashed, they decided to leave Pepe alone for the time being. So Pepe spent the day under the ride, unknown to the parents and children who chose to climb aboard!

Now on to run-away school buses. Late that same day, the same operator was running the ride with one three-year old child aboard....seated in the front seat of the yellow school bus (one of several types of "vehicles" on the ride). As Willie stood nearby, he heard a loud grinding sound and then saw the yellow school bus with child strapped in, break off from the ride and come heading toward his operator! Thankfully, she knew safety precautions and did exactly what she had to do, but it was still a scary sight to see a school bus (a miniature version, anyway) come heading your way! No one was hurt, and the child was soon back riding the tea cups (uck....I hate those spinning rides)!

Now on to the peaches and the hives....I have heard that you can develop allergies to things you have always eaten, but never really bought into the idea. Well, guess what?!!! I do now! We were sitting on the couch last night eating some fresh cut peaches from the local farmer's market, when all of a sudden I had an itch on my neck....then one on the other side. I got up to go look in the mirror and see what bug was biting me, but....instead I saw hives spreading all over my neck and chest...and heading up my chin! After downing a couple of Benadryl, we headed off to the emergency department, where they watched me for the next hour or so (my lips, tongue and top of throat swelled, but not severely). Eventually they sent me home with some steroids, and more antihistamine....but no more peaches for this southern gal!

And now for the heart attack. Yes, it really was a heart attack. Wednesday afternoon, while my dad and I were visiting with my mom in the nursing home, she suffered a heart attack. Thankfully, it was not a major one, but it was scary, nonetheless. She is recovering remarkably well, and is actually in a better frame of mine now than she has been! The quick response and wonderful attention she received from the staff was heartwarming, and it is nice to see her determined to get back to her physical therapy. We still don't know if she will be coming home or not, but we are taking it one day at a time, and trusting that God has her, and us, in the palm of His hand.

Now that we have a better wi-fi connection again, I thought I'd post some of the phots I wanted to put up with the last blog entry!










Our MySpace photo according to Alyssa! And
yes, we are the proud grandparents!



I've been teasing Willie about the "new disease" he has contracted this summer....looks like others have "caught" it, too! Actually, I've been informed it is just a severe case of farmer's tan (as exhibited by Willie and Alyssa)!

Once again it's been quite awhile since I updated everyone, and I'm not going to try to do it all at once! Life doesn't always run the course we have planned or go the way we think it should, so it's always good to know that God knows the master plan, and we are in His care! A couple of weeks ago, my mom was taken to the emergency room and admitted to the hospital, where she stayed for nearly a week. From there she went to Madison Healthcare (nursing home/rehab center) where she will be until she is strong enough to return home. A number of issues surfaced while she is in the hospital, so life has certainly changed! Unless things change drastically, we will be staying in the Nashville area this winter instead of heading south for our scheduled mission projects.


A nice change....a couple of weeks ago, we made a trip to Bethel College, in MacKenzie, TN to see our granddaughter, Alyssa. She was a member of The Memphis Sound, one of the units of the International Drum Corp. Unfortunately, we missed most of the rehearsal, but did get to hear them as they rehearsed their encore number. Even better....we got to spend about forty-five minutes with her before she had to prepare for their competition later that evening. She has grown into quite a young lady, and we really enjoyed our short time with her. Maybe we'll get to see her in a real performance next summer!

(Unfortunately, we have temporarily lost our great wi-fi connection so can't include any photos this time.)

We have a special prayer request...our dear friends, Lee and Esther Smith, have had to leave their current SOWERs project to return to the Tampa area. Esther's sister Beth has just been diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer and her mother (90+ years old) fell and broke her hip. Please lift them up in your prayers.

Papa Willie and Zachary at the Nashville airport

Today was a momentous day in the life of young Zachary! Not only did he take his first trip on a plane....he did it as an "unaccompanied minor"! He was a little nervous, but excited at the same time. Looks a little lost under the gate sign, doesn't he?

But when we went to check him in, the gate attendant noted that this was his first flight EVER and asked him if he wanted to go into the cockpit. Well, his face lit up like the proverbial neon sign as he quickly answered, "YES!!" Then in a very small voice he said, "Excuse me, Ma'am..." When she replied with a very nice, "Yes, honey?" - well, then he asked "Could I have a window seat, please?" To which she quickly replied, "Certainly!" I think all those manners his mom and dad have tried to instill in that almost 7 yr. old lad have taken root! I was so proud of the way he handled himself....but I have to admit, it will be a lot quieter around here with him gone!

And he's on his way!

Thanks for being such a fun kid, Zach, and for paying attention to all those things Mom and Dad are teaching you!

We have been blessed to have Janelle and her two boys, Zachary and Nathan, with us for a few days. What a difference we have noticed in Nathan since we last saw them in March! Getting a diagnosis and the help that he needed has brought some dramatic results.....he is talking a LOT now....not all of it understandable, but what we can't understand his brother can usually translate for us! He is also easier to work with (as far as his aggression and anti-social behavior are concerned) since he is getting the medication he needs.

Janelle got to see her brother Jon in Nashville before he left for ten days in Mexico, where he will be leading praise and worship for a group of teens from around the country who are involved in building homes for the natives there.

Friday was spent in the amusement park where Zach had his first encounter with a big roller coaster....doesn't look like he is too sure about it! His mom's face tells a different story, though!

I did catch him with a much more pleasant look on his face when we were at the Kent Family Magic Circus show, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Janelle and Nathan left this morning to drive home, and Zachary will be staying with us for a few more days before he flies home....another first for him! Today we are going to spend catching up on some chores and then tomorrow we will go back to the park for some more fun....after than, we haven't made any definite plans yet, but one thing for sure.....Mimi and Papa will enjoy the time spent with him.

It's been quite awhile since I've posted any update....okay, okay....I've been VERY remiss! We have been extremely busy with a number of different activities, including working MANY hours at the amusement park (more pictures to come later), spending time with family in Nashville, and for Sandy spending a lot of time on getting the website up for Loaves and Fishes, International. There is still a lot of work to be done, but the "first edition" is up and functional.....check it out at loavesandfishesinternational.org.

We have taken a little time to check out some of the sights in the area. We really enjoyed Riverview here in Bowling Green......
And, yes, Stephanie, I have taken my cue from you and am enjoying doing some different things with my photos....check out this staircase!

We also enjoyed our jaunt down to the Shaker Musem.....I was really struck by the symmetry of the hallway and stairs here.

Please be in prayer for friends of ours here, Terry and Debbie Tiree, whose brother and sister-in-law are both struggling with cancer....the sister-in-law is not expected to live long. Praise God, they are all strong Christians, and we are praying for comfort and peace during this time.

Just a few quick pictures to share with you...

I got quite a laugh out of this picture....just your typical family out for an evening stroll after dinner!
Brandon showing off his "muscles"!


Jennifer and Brandon with her new car....can't tell that I am more interested in something other than the car, can you?

Praise report - Nathan had his evaluation appointment with the specialist last Friday, and after months of trying to get some help (in VB), a diagnosis was made (in MS) ....Nathan has been diagnosed with Asperger's (one of the many autistic syndromes). He goes back in a couple of weeks to see if the medication he has been started on will positively affect his irritable behavior and to rank the level of his Asberger's. A diagnosis like this is not usually cause for celebration, but when you KNOW something is there and have been pushed aside for months, it is a relief to have a professional finally say, "Oh, yes!" Pray for them as they continue to search for and obtain the best help for Nathan.

Well, I guess it's time to get ready and head to the amusement park for the day!

I'm sitting in the motorhome, looking out the windows and looking at the beautiful creation around me! We have been enjoying the wonder of God's creation - sometimes in small ways, sometimes in big ways! When we are in the park, we get to watch a mama duck with her nine little yellow babies....it is so neat to see her gather them up and then get very protective if she feels they are at all threatened!

And aren't these yellow balls of fluff just too cute?!

Sometimes I wish as a parent that I still had the ability to gather my chickies around me and protect them from some of the realities and difficulties of life....but I know that God gathers His children to Himself and I can rest in knowing that He loves them more than I do!! Now THAT'S a thought that is hard to fathom for me...how could anyone love them more than I do? But He does, and so I rest.

YEEHAW!!! I finally resolved the problem. Didn't know I was having a problem? Well, I definitely was....couldn't get the software for my new HP printer to load on my new HP laptop! I was not a happy camper, but I do have to say that HP support came through, and no more problem. Well, that problem, anyway!!

The amusement park opened this past weekend, and after some monsoon type rains, it turned out to be a beautiful weekend. Willie is once again enjoying being a team captain....his area this year includes "The Rumbler", the wooden roller coaster, and as of now, I am running the photo booth for "The Rumbler." We did spend two weeks working on the landscaping for the park....everything from weeding, to planting, to mulching (Willie got to run the front-end loader- which made him a happy camper, to be sure).

Since I haven't been able to upload photos 'til I got the new computer, I thought I'd include a couple from the past month.

Our "home" at my brother's church - complete with full hook-ups!

These baby birds' lives are in danger - this trashcan is located at the entrance to the park!

One of the views back through the Gold Rush miniature golf course...where we still have a lot of "trim up" landscaping to do.

Have a WONDERFUL day.....

GREETINGS from beautiful Bowling Green, KY! We are getting settled in here, and have already been working on getting the landscaping in shape before the park opens this weekend. There are still a few flower beds to plant and some mulch to put down, but it is beginning to look pretty good.

Well, the time for griping and complaining is over! Since the rebate checks are going in the mail this week, I bit the bullet and purchased a new laptop. I had been doing my research, checking out reviews and comparing brands, models, etc., so when the one I wanted went on sale last week, I was right there! Getting used to a new operating system (Vista) and some program formats has been a little challenging, but I am enjoying it. One of the big benefits is that I now have much better wi-fi reception!

For those of you interested in family updates....the latest buzz is that Zachary (6 yr. old) hit a home run at his baseball game this past Saturday, and earlier in the week he pulled his first two teeth (old fashioned way - string attached to a door knob)! Then there is Brandon who suffered a broken pinky toe Saturday when one of his friends accidentally ran over his foot with a Barbie jeep!

Now that I will be able to post some photos on the blog again, I need to get some downloaded from the camera. Check back later in the week!

Ooops! Not only did I forget to make mention last week of the fact that Jenn took her state boards for her RN license, but more importantly that she passed them and is now an official RN!! If you were in the vicinity of Shocco Springs Conference Center, you would have heard the scream when I got the call! Congrats to you, Nurse Jennifer!

We are now in Mt. Juliet, TN, parked next to my brother's church....our location until Monday the 14th, when we truck on up to Bowling Green, KY for the summer. I'd love to post some pictures, but our internet availability is limited and slow. Add to that, my computer is having SERIOUS issues....so I'm trying to baby it along for the next couple of months until we get those "economic stimulus" rebates. I know where MINE is going!!!!

Back to the pictures I'd like to post....we may be parked in a church parking lot, but I am still enjoying the wildlife. Yes, you heard right! This morning I watched a rabbit dodging a blue jay, and then I saw a turtle making its way across the parking lot. Wonder what tomorrow morning will hold?

Blessings to all.....

The project here is officially over, but life certainly isn't! Friday night we had a campfire....and I thought it was so appropro - what with being in the midst of the Easter season.....Christ is our light in the darkness! (Of course, I enjoyed playing with some of the settings on my camera to get this picture!)On Easter Sunday we were privileged to once again attend the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham....what an awesome service! At the end of the service, they used a new praise song I had never heard before....with the refrain being "Jesus saves!" Each time that phrase was sung, one of these banners was dropped from the ceiling, finally leaving a cross draped in white against a black background! Simplistic, but very meaningful and moving. We will definitely miss being a part of the services at this church and look forward to our return in October! On another note, Willie has embarked on a new hobby - panning for gold! I think it is more to get out in the forest than for any hope of finding gold....he did find this beautiful waterfall today!
Have a blessed day, and rejoice in the salvation of our Lord and Savior!

What a difference a week makes! One week ago this past Saturday we experienced snow...while this one just past brought beeeeautiful weather and evidence of spring!

It's hard to believe that we are in our third week on this project....with only a few more days to work. Although.....Willie will have to put in some hours next week since he missed today - an unexpected root canal was the culprit, and he was none to happy about it, I can tell you! He did say, though that the root canal was better than the pain he experienced all weekend. Praise the Lord that the dentist was able to work him in this morning and give him some relief.

Oh, yes, I've been watching these little beauties flourish, and wishing I had some this color for my pressed flower cards....Lowe's, here I come!

Where ARE we?

YES, we ARE in Alabama, and YES, that is snow!! We woke up this morning to big flakes of snow falling from the sky....and then it was all gone by 10:30 am! But it was beautiful while it lasted....even tho' I wonder why we are not in southern Florida!





Ice on a spider web!

Have a blessed Lord's day....and remember....GOD is in control!