Sunday, December 25, 2011


"Look!  The virgin will conceive a child!  She will give birth to a son,  and they will call Him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us!; "  Matthew 1:23  (New Living Translation)

It is the evening of December 25th and Christmas Day is coming to a close.  It has been a beautiful Christmas with family and friends.  The only thing that would have made it better would have been if the kids had been here.  Next year we will spend it together again! 

It has been far too long since I have posted.  Last post, I was still waiting for some test results.  They turned out to be good....all glory goes to God!  The story in a nutshell is this: 
I went for annual mammogram.  Was called back for a second mammogram.  Was told they needed to schedule a biopsy.  I dd all these things....each step of the way feeling certainly this was nothing.  I never believed I would hear the Dr. say "....your results not so good........early stages of breast cancer...."  However, that is what I heard.  The good news is very early detection!  I have had surgery and mid January I will start six weeks of radiation, taking a medication, and that will be it!  When I posted last, it was post surgery and because of a concern of drs, they were waiting for more results from a 2nd lab.  Glory!  It turned out to be good results!  I am doing very well.  I can do this.  This was detected early.  Therefore, I post this to say ladies, PLEASE have your annual mammogram.  When you are too busy, too distracted, too in denial, make that appointment anyway!  It may save your life!  I feel like the "poster child" for having that mammogram!
I am learning many things on this walk.  One is this:  God's grace pours out at that moment we need it.  Not too soon.  Not too late.  He is there  here!  He is bigger than anything I will ever face and He will carry me through it all!  I have so much to be grateful for.  He will do the same for you!

Gratitude!  So much gratitude at this time in my life.  Including for this little one: 

Can't help but be crazy in love with her!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

As my friends obviously know, I love flowers!!


Fresh flowers all over my house and so gorgeous! 
There's a story to this and I will post soon.  Just waiting for some more test results to come back first. 
In the meantime, It Is Well With My Soul


Friday, November 25, 2011

Thanksgiving Dinner 2011

Cody, Minnie and Ally
Photographer  Charlene
Thanksgiving 31 years ago!  David, Jayme, Beth, Char & Heather
End of the Turkey
Jacob, Joseph, Gaby, Heather (check out Heather 31 years ago!)
James enlightening us on conditions in Iraq - he returns next week.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Feeling some gratitiude tonight

1. A visit from Ally and her dad.

2.  A perfect great granddaughter

3.  Thanksgiving includes these three characters! :) 


4.  One of those great joys in life is feeding Ally!  We connect.

Tonight I am realizing I have so much to be thankful for!  A partial list includes:
-  A husband who inspires me and makes life so good, regardless of circumstances. 
-  A husband who is the love of my life!
-  A family that loves me so much that they  change plans in order to be here.
-  A sister who is, what I would call, a true friend.
-  A daughter who is the nicest person I know and whom I couldn't love more.
-  A relationship with Jesus Christ that prompts me to stop everything and praise Him, not for what He does for me but    for Who He is.





Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Guess who's coming for Thanksgiving!


This adorable little miss is all mine come Thanksgiving Day! 


Sunday, November 20, 2011

Scripture for the week:

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope,
Because of the LORD's great love for me, I am not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning.
Great is Your faithfulness!


Thursday, November 10, 2011

Ally and her GiGi

I am so missing this little one today!!!  She is now 13 months old, as of the 6th, and from what I hear, changing every day!  I had such a ball with her over her birthday.  Here we are on the day of her party, before she puts her Minnie Mouse Party Dress on.  So I've decided to post this photo, I don't have too many of myself with her. 

Note the label:  Ally and GiGi.  As great grandma, I need to choose the name she will call me.  She has other "grandmas",  but being Great Grandma is about as good as it gets! (Yes! I know what you are thinking.... I continue to be too young to be a Great Grandma! ! :) ) 

Jayme is Grandma.  I'm not sure yet whether Patti is Grandma or has choosen another name.  There's so many names out there...Mimi, Grammy, Nana, Nona, Nana. Nina, Nanny........Whatever!  My growing up years I was so close to both my Grandmothers and called one, Grandma Lee and the other Grandma Rogde.  We just used surnames.  And Grandma was traditional.  I happen to think there is no more beautiful word than Grandma, and that is what I will always be to Ally's mommy, Shannon. 

However, to Ally, since Grandma is already taken, I am choosing a modern name.  My mother, as Great Grandma,  was GG to Shannon.  I like that.  But I think I will add a little flair to it and make it GiGi! Can you hear it??  zhee -ZHEE!! I am Ally's zhee-ZHEE!  (pronounced GeeGee is optional) What do you think?  GiGi?  Is that pretty hip?  Great Grandma's definitely need to be pretty cool.  Or are there any other name suggestions?  Leave a comment and let me know!  or leave a comment if you think I have carried this just way too far. :)

Ending on a more serious note:  Don't forget to keep up with the Compassion Ecuador Bloggers!  Your heart will be moved.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

"....as it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15

I am following and praying for the Compassion Bloggers traveling to/in Ecuador-and it is so exciting!  I can tell from their blogs just what this means to them.  And I am drawn to be in prayer for each of them and the children they will meet and love on in Ecuador.  Knowing that the Holy Spirit has been at work there, long before they arrive, I am feeling wonder and awe as I anticipate what God Himself will be doing in Quito and in the Amazon this week!
"How beautiful on the mountains Amazon Jungle :) are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!' "   Isaiah 52:7
oops!  that's the Andes Mountains as well as the Amazon Jungle!

Check out their individual Blogs, as they post about their trip.  And remember to pray!  Here are the links:

Boo Mama
A Holy Experience
Baby Bangs
Kelly's Korner
Big Mama


I am remembering my trip to Ecuador, about ten years ago.  A journey with seven other women from C&MA.  It was a journey that began about a year before we traveled. (weekly prayer meetings, fund raisers, church blessings, packing party for all that we were taking to the missionaries, women bonding)  It was a marvelous journey! 



Monday, November 7, 2011

Prayer Quote from O.C.

"The battle of prayer is against two things in the earthlies:  wandering thoughts and lack of  intimacy with God's character as revealed in His word.  Neither can be cured at once, but they can be cured by discipline."
Oswald Chambers

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Morning's with Viv

Such a good time this morning with Vivian at New Cov's Women's Tea.  This picture does not do the table justice, it was beautiful.  The unique centerpiece was made from a manzanita branch and was full of crystal and sparkle.  Good music, good speaker and good food. Best of all:  good company!
Fun loving and adorable Alex was a server.  She's soon to graduate and off to college next fall.  I'm  remembering when she was in my VBS class summer of her 2nd grade.  Yikes!  What happened??? How dare you grow up so quickly!!!  You sweet girl you!



Friday, November 4, 2011

The Week in Review:

    Dan enjoying after breakfast coffee when he first arrived...14 months ago
    Wednesday afternoon, Dan leaves California for North Dakota
  1. It's November!  Full of possibilities.  Started out the month with a big change.  On November 2nd, my brother left the warm sunny state of California and may I say, warm sunny household of his sister and b-i-l  :), and returned to live in North Dakota, just in time for cold, blustery, snowy weather!  His choice! 
  2. The Dutchman, always the picture of health, had a night in the hospital this week.  No fun!  Thinking it was appendicitis, we were in ER from 1:00 - 6:30 a.m.  Very scarey to see this man of mine in so much pain.  After the catscan, determined not app.  but something calleed epolilic appendigits.  Try pronouncing that one, let alone spelling it!  He's on road to a fast recovery and preparing himself for a full work load.  Always focused on others, he would not be too happy with the world feeling sorry for him so I am posting this picture of him in a beautiful spot......taken about an hour after leaving Ogden  just 3 weeks ago.
  3. After a very short "return to duty", I have been furloughed.  Barely enough time to get used to the 5:30 mornings and my work routine.  So now a break until January or February.   :) Wouldn't mind the work though.

  4.  House painting almost complete.  I was so unsure about this color when we started.  The trim shade of green is perfect for my Florida man, but I saw it and began thinking of flamingos on the front lawn.   Now I love it.  Front and back yards look beautiful.  Now if we just had a separate place for all the trucks so we wouldn't look like Motel Six!    (Sorry.  No complaining.  It's our bread and butter and I am thankful!)  
 





  5.  My scripture verse for this month is Psalm 121:1.  In fact the whole chapter of  Psalm 121.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

And just how do we know she is a real princess?


because Ally's not afraid to show her real feelings


feelings displayed for all to see

A Real Princess Shows Real Feelings!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Ally

our princess indeed!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Monday, October 31, 2011

costumes

the witch and the cow....6th grade

and now there''s baby cow


Sunday, October 30, 2011

First taste of sugar ev-vah!

It was only three weeks ago today that we celebrated Ally's first birthday.   She had her personal little cake.  Staring at the candle with such a perplexing look was soon followed by hands full of frosting and the delightful taste of SUGAR!.

Ally had a blast at her party.  Here she is attempting a little dance with cousins, Skyler, Quaid and Jackson.  Only a minute long video, worth the watch to see this princess  in action for a few seconds. 

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Starting off this post with a picture of Shannon and Ally because I just found this one on Shannon's Facebook and I love seeing that big smile!


A heart of gratitude for these two in the photo.  And here's a few more reasons I am so thankful this week:
  1. Back to work this week, which means I was so happy to sleep in today and fully enjoyed a Saturday in a way that can only happen when I am working!  It makes Saturday feel so good!
  2. Finally, feeling better, although not 100% yet. 
  3. The Dutchman and his incredible kindness to my family.
  4. Sleep this weekend....12 hours last night!  Guess I needed it.
  5. Most importantly:  that God has never left me nor forsaken me.  In His word, He promises that He never will leave nor forsake me.    I've been leaning on Him alot the past couple of weeks!  Yes...and "because of the Lord's great love, I am not consumed, for His compassions never fail me.  They are new every morning.  Great is His faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:22-23



Tuesday, October 25, 2011

My Mama and Me


Happy Birthday to my Mama!

October 25, 1917, Tina Reno Lee went into labor and sent for the midwife.  However, before midwife could arrive, a beautiful baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Lee.  They named her Geneva Irene and that baby grew up and became my mother.  If Geneva were alive today, she would be celebrating her 94th birthday!  Not a day goes by, even now, but that I think of her and miss her. See you in heaven, mom!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Thursday, October 20th, 2011
Sick with ear infection and sore throat.  Taking a moment to post.  But realize feeling too sick to write or post any photos.  So more to come when I feel good again.  Which I hope is soon - this is NO FUN. 

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Ally Ray!

Ally is now one year old.  Even with a cold, she is about as cute as they come! 

Saturday, October 15, 2011

The week that went too fast!

Saturday, October 15, 2011
A week of family time in Utah with the kids…..what could be better?!  Nothing!  It was great to be with them even though I got sick on the way.   Before we even arrived in Ogden.  Bummer.  Arrived Thursday, late afternoon.  Went to doctor with Jayme on Friday.  Antibiotics for ear infection.  Can’t say it has REALLY helped. (and I have not been on antibiotics in a long time)  Although I did get to feeling better as the week went on:  thanks to ibuprofren.  800 miligrams did the trick. Every 8 hours.  But you can only do that so long before it will start to have an effect on kidneys.  So trying to be cautious. 
Ally turned one year old on Thursday, October 6th, 2011.  What a darling little one year old she is!  How do I begin to describe her?  Other than just saying  “she has a God-given happy disposition".  The most beautiful big smile I have ever seen.  Big blue eyes.  Chubby little face that smiles most of the time.  She smiles and her face lights up when she sees me (pure joy for me) and she is always busy, into everything, curious.  She particularly likes music.  Moves to the music.  Loves Mickey, Minnie Mouse…when it comes on TV she is “Into it – intensely”  -  Hope it is good for her, and not a negative effect.  Too much TV, I mean. She loves books.  Much to my delight, I could sit and hold her and she stayed interested in the pages throughout the entire book - including turning pages!   She is a smart one, this great-granddaughter of ours. We are both so in love with her!

Her party was on Sunday afternoon at Chuck E Cheese.  A celebration it was and what fun for everyone.  Children and adults alike.  Ally had a blast.  (and some thought she wouldn’t enjoy it - too young).  She liked being there…all the people.  The little dance area with her cousins was a hit.  She got on that little platform and moved with the best of them.  She had her own birthday cake………first time ever had SUGAR!  And she dug into the frosting with vigor.  Yes, quite a lovely mess she was.  And quite fun for her.  There was an animated Chuck E on one side of the stage.  "No fear Ally", loved him!  When the real Chuck E Cheese came on,  Ally loved him!  Again, no fear.  Precious child.  She is Personality Plus!  Her cousin Skyler filled in for her, wearing the crown (too big for Ally) and going “through the paces” with the party leader and the older children.  He was a hit with Ally and a big help.  Ally watched and loved it all.  About 30 people (including kids and adults) were there to celebrate with her.  It was the best first Birthday Party I could have imagined.  (A little biased am I?!)
The week went by too quickly and now we are on our way home.  We kept pretty busy  while in Ogden.  Looked at some real estate.  Dutch quite wholeheartedly.  Myself toying with the idea.  Hard to imagine a move right now. Yet, hard to be so far away from Jayme and gang.  (Evidenced by the tears that pour from me.)  The move would include my brother. So it would have to be as perfect a place as we currently have to accommodate semi-separate quarters for Daniel.  More than likely, for the time being……we will stay right where we are.  How could I move so far from my sister, comes to mind too!  Utah family loves to have a place in California to come visit – and they promise many visits to come!  BUT we miss them so much! 

God is so faithful.  He has continually cared for me...my family,  in ways beyond expectations.  This too is in His hands.  His timing.  Above all, Lord, don't let us go ahead of You.  Don't let us go anywhere if You are not leading the way.   


Here is what I do know:  Lord, You are my dwelling  place!  Deut. 33:27 says "The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms."
and my favorite which is from Psalm 16:11 "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
For now, I am right where I am supposed to be.  and I am content.




They don't come any cuter than this......

Ally is one year old! 

We are no longer in Utah and how I miss this little one! I miss them all.  Home tomorrow and will have pictures and lots to say about the trip.  For now:  It went by too quickly  :(   but I have wonderful memories.  (In spite of getting sick)