This N That.... Mostly This...

I haven't blogged in a while.  Not much going on, just work, church activities, etc.  We went to camp over Labor Day and I took some pictures of moss, lichen, etc.  One guy asked me what I was taking pictures of and I told him moss & lichen.  He said, "Why?".  I don't know, I think its pretty and interesting.  So, because of my weird photographic tendencies, you are the recipient of my oddity.

I am always amazed by the variety of God's creation. Such intricacies and beauty in the smallest things. Whereas some see nature as an accident of the cosmos, I see such detailed design and I believe God had a ball on creation day(s). Such imagination and creativity is no accident.

A Visit With Pierce...

I made a trip to Oklahoma to meet Pierce.  I did manage to squeeze in a little time with Shyla and Clay as well.
Pierce is a little cuddlebug.  He is so sweet and is a beautiful little boy.  I am so excited to watch him grow.

Without further ado, here is Master Pierce.

 Sleeping is his favorite hobby right now.  We think he may expand to touch football, tee ball, soccer and golf at some later date.

 He even got his mom into his hobby.

 Dad & son having what looks like a serious conversation.

 What a cuddlebug!!!

Last but not least, a picture with Gramby.  I love you little man.

Family Camp 2012...

We just got back from Family Camp.  We spent a week at Yellowstone Bible Camp, as we do every year, and had a wonderful time, as we do every year!!!  The week spent there is soul refreshing and we are able to make new friends and renew old friendships.  In my opinion, its as close as you can get to Heaven on earth.

Our daughter, son-in-law and three granddaughters were also able to attend which only added more enjoyment to our week.  The two oldest girls are in constant motion from the time they wake up to when their heads hit the pillows at night.  They wore me out, but I loved every minute with them.  The baby, was just fun to cuddle!!!

 Miss Grace loved playing outside in the playground.

 Looks like Clementine wore Geezer out!

 Both girls wanted to put their feet in the canal.  The water was COLD!!!  I don't know how they stood it for so long.

 Geezer loves to fish with Lily.

 Frozen cherries make a great treat on a hot day.

 Gramby with Clementine.

Getting three little girls to sit still for a good photo is a lot like herding cats.

 Lily demonstrated her singing skills at the Friday night talent show.

Grace didn't want to be shown up by her sister, so she took over the microphone.

The Great Brucelini!!

The week before camp, there was a huge wind storm which blew down 12 giant trees in camp.  Here is the biggest one.  We measured it at 114 feet, but that was after some of the top had been carted off.

We had a great week and are already looking forward to next year!!

We are grandparents again.....

We would like to introduce to you the newest member of our family.

Master Pierce Dennis Dwyer.  He presented himself on June 27th, and weighed in at 7pounds 3ounces, and 20 inches tall.  Isn't he handsome?

Congratulations to Clay and Shyla for the new addition to their loving family.  May God bless you with wisdom and love as you raise Pierce in the Lord.
We love you!!!

Happy Mother's Day...

Tomorrow is Mother's Day.  I know that many believe that this is just a holiday intended to boost the sales of cards and flowers.  I hope you don't feel that way. 

Each of us has a mother, obviously, but not all of us have had a mom.  Biology makes a mother, love makes a mom.  I happened to have a loving, lively mom.  I don't know anyone who was a harder worker.  Not only did she work full time as a school cook (back when they actually cooked in the schools), but she cooked at home, swept, mopped, did laundry and lawn work, and anything else that needed to be done.  She was always the first one awake in the morning and the last to go to bed at night.  She, along with my dad, raised eleven children - most during the depression.  They lived through the loss of one infant, and mom lived through the loss of dad.  She was a strong lady.

One of my favorite memories of my mom was her love of fishing.  To go fishing was such a thrill for her - she LOVED it.  I always got a kick out of her when she caught a fish.  It was almost as if every time was her first time.  After I was married and living in Montana, she would come and visit and we would take her fishing - either to the ponds in Three Forks or on one of the streams in the area.  She was thrilled every single time she caught a fish.  It was such fun to watch.

One funny story about my mom was one Sunday I had a couple of friends over after church for dinner.  We were sitting around in the kitchen while mom was putting the final touches on dinner.  I noticed her searching in drawers, cabinets and everywhere else earnestly looking for something.  I said, "Mom what in the world are you looking for?"  She said, "I can't find my meat fork anywhere."  I told her she needed to look in her left hand.  There it was.  It had been in her hand all along.  We all had a real laugh over that one.

My other favorite memory of my mother was seeing her sitting in "her chair" reading her Bible.  In some ways I regret that we buried it with her.  I would love to have it today.

My mom has been gone since 2003, and I think of her every single day.  I know where she is and that I will see her again one day.  Some days I feel like she is watching over me.

This past year we also lost Bruce's mom, Sue.  Sue and my mom were very different, but so similar too.  Sue left a great legacy of love for her entire family and many, many friends.  I know that her children and all her grandchildren miss her sorely. 

I know that my mom knew I loved her and though I miss her, I don't feel like anything was missing between us.  The same goes for Sue.  On this mother's day, don't leave anything left unsaid.  Tell your mother you love her and cherish her - she won't always be there.

34 years and counting...

Today is our 34th anniversary.  In these "modern" times, that is quite an accomplishment.  The days have flown by.  Bruce has always been a wonderful provider, a loving husband and a great dad.  Here's to the next 34+!!

I love you!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHYLA...

Once again, I am late!!!


Last Thursday was Shyla's birthday, and I am remiss by not posting this earlier.


Shyla, we love you and are so proud of you. You have become such a beautiful, talented woman.

Have many more wonderful birthdays, babe.

We love you!!!!!!!