Guess who's coming for Thanksgiving!



This adorable little miss is all mine come Thanksgiving Day! 



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!

Awareness....have that mammogram!!

Ally - a chair - a sunflower

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.

"....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! 

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

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!



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.

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!

Ally

our princess indeed!

She's Our Princess!

Ally

costumes

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



and now there''s baby cow



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. 

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





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 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. 

Ally Ray!

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

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 6^th, 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)

Happy Birthday Jayme!

Can't wait to see you in less than 48 hours.  We'll celebrate your birthday then!  Happy Birthday to my beautiful and perfect daughter!  love you!

Friends - Then and Now

Then - Shannon and Chelsey.  I think they were about ten or eleven years old in this picture.  And by then they had been friends for years, having  met in kindergarden.   They did everything together.  Somewhat opposite in personalities, yet  they complemented one another.  Chelsey, the singer and performer with the outgoing personality.  Shannon, quiet and shy, yet fearless,  and sweet as they come. 

Recently,  I read a book by Lisa See "Snowflower and the Secret Fan".  Set in 19th century China, when women and daughters had their feet bound, had arranged marriages and lived somewhat in seclusion, some girls were paired with laotongs, "old sames,"  bound as sisters for life.  Maybe that would have been Shannon and Chelsey....."old sames".....had they been born into a families in 19th century China.



Now - Chelsey and Shannon.  All  grown up. I love this picture of the two of them.  Still friends, no matter the distance.  One a college student.  One a mom.  Living in different states even.  But they remain best friends and probably always will.   



The Birthday Celebration continues with Baby Pictures



Sarah Rogde Walker - Geneve Lee Rogde holding "Baby Bette".  I think my Aunt Sarah is about 8  years old, adorable with those red curls.  And there is my so lovely mother.  Looks like they are at a car show.  Guess not, it's just that it's 1947 so they're all classics!



Happy Birthday To Me!



A long,  long time ago.........I was a baby.   My handsome dad
 and beautiful mom were thrilled with me. 
I said "No more pictures!  That sun is too bright!"  









So cute....so chubby.



No idea how old I am here. 
But I recognize the surroundings. 
 By then we had left California.



and moved to snow country! 
I remember this snowsuit. 
It was brown. 



An old photo that expresses my joy in the bubbles. 
I remember standing in the kitchen making these bubbles.
 Not your normal bubbles.  Very stretttttttttchy!

And still feeling joyful today!  All because "....the joy of the LORD  is my strength"!!!  Nehemiah 8:10



Lots of Praise for Downton Abbey

Watch the full episode. See more Masterpiece.

Downton Abbey will be back  with Season II on January 8th and I can't wait!  It won best Miniseries at the Emmy Awards last night.   And now - but for a limited time only - you can watch Season I online! This link will take you right to it:  http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/#mediabox 

There are some who say he is the World's Best Grandpa!

Shannon and Ally agree!

Just another reason I love this man of mine!

35 Years Ago Flying Was So Much Friendlier!!!

Look closely - there is Jayme in the window looking out of the cockpit.  She was 7 years old and flying alone and the pilot took her up to the cockpit for a look around before takeoff.  1976.  What a different world we live in 35 years later!
All this to say, Jayme just left for home this morning.  We were up bright and early and off to the airport.  I miss her so much already.  It was a great few days with her and she had a good time at her high school reunion.  Now I am counting the days until we drive out for Ally's 1st Birthday Party!

Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue by Toby Keith

Happy Birthday David Rogde!

The birthday boy with Al and Barbara. 
Happy Birthday David!  You are the baby of the family....and our favorite!
Love, Your Elder Sister

Today Ally walked!

Shannon called with exciting news:  Ally walked today!!

I Miss You Ally!

I have been hearing phantom baby sounds throughout the day.  So sure I could hear Ally in the other room.  Never a cry.  Just that happy baby talk - she is always chattering away.   But they were phantom sounds.  All part of my imagination?  Or real in my imagination?  Regardless, the memory of Ally being here with us for ALMOST 3 weeks!  is VERY sweet.  How I miss her!  I am longing for the next visit!