dedicating a little one

On March 11, our daughter and SIL took part in their church's child dedication service. The church is comprised of mostly younger married couples so there are many children. The stage front was full of happy parents and adorable little ones. It was a beautiful sight!
This was not a baptism, just a public commitment by the parents to teach their child/children to know and love God and to honor Him with their lives. It was a blessing and a privilege to be there to witness their declaration.
About 25 years ago, we dedicated our daughter in much the same manner. Little E wore the same dress her mom wore those many years ago. That made the evening even sweeter and more meaningful!

What can I say...we are blessed!

a new granddaugter!

She arrived at 7:34 am, Friday March 16...on her Chief's 65th birthday. (In case you don't know, Chief is the hubby!) After a very difficult pregnancy for our precious DIL which included severe migraines, a pacemaker implant and many overnight stays in the hospital, our newest grandgirlie was delivered by c-section. She is beautiful and perfect and our DIL is feeling so much better now that she is carrying her daughter in her arms!

She weighed 6lbs 14 oz and was 20 1/2 in long!

Big brother getting his first look at his little sister!

Our daughter, the proud aunt!

Gran getting to hold her for the first time...
telling her over and over...Gran loves you,
Gran loves you!

Chief and our Little L...
celebrating their birthdays together!

Big brother seeing her up close!

Daddy's girl!

Mom and her bundle of love!

Many people prayed for this mother and child, so there were many rejoicing Friday morning! We are so very grateful...for our newest little lady...that she is healthy and whole... and for our lovely and loving DIL who endured to the end and received her gift from God...a beautiful daughter!

she's five!

We spent the weekend in Tenn.
It was a special occasion....
we celebrated birthday #5 for grand daughter #2!
Our son's fiancee found some neat ideas on
Pinterest and did a wonderful job
decorating!

That's plastic tablecloths cut in half and draped
to make a "tent effect" over the table.
Really made it look festive!
She and the girls made beautiful
and yummy cupcakes. The tiered stand
made them look even more special!

The birthday girl was happy...

...enjoying her cupcake...

... opening her gifts...

...and being with her family!

So glad we could be there, too! She is a sweetheart
and has brought much joy to our family.
It is a blessing watching her grow
and we love her so!

a party for granddaughter #4

Our younger son, our DIL, and our grandson
are expecting a baby girl in March.
Saturday, her family hosted a shower to celebrate.
They were very kind to include me,
my daughter, and Little E.

There were many lovely gifts.

Something special for her room from Gran.

And a bow holder from Little E and her mom!

Seems like we were just having parties
for the two of them!

It was nice getting together and seeing all the
sweet little girl things.
We are really looking forward

to granddaughter #4's arrival!
Can't wait to see her face,
hold her in our arms, and marvel
at the goodness of God!

it's just the introduction

Before I even read the introduction to Living the Cross Centered Life, this quote from John Stott at the top of the page, made me pause:

"The Cross is the blazing fire at which the flame of our love is kindled,
but we have to get near enough for its sparks to fall on us."

How close to the Cross do I live? Does a passion for the Gospel burn in me? Do others feel the warmth? Is the truth that Christ died for me at the center of my life?

And he's just getting started....more to come.

a time to read

One thing about taking time off from work
to recover is that I have more time to read.
This book is on loan from my daughter.

I started reading it tonight.
I know already that
you'll be hearing about it! :-)

the girl in the window...

with one sock!!