A Review of 2012 (In Pictures) -- Part I

Since I wasn't very good at blogging last year, I decided to do a Review of 2012 with pictures (at least of the events/happenings that I took pictures of; wasn't every good with picture taking either).

JANUARY

Our year started with the passing of our dear friend and Lyle's "adopted grandpa", Ken Kinnier:

Always, a silver lining  --  Mr. Kinnier's passing brought a visit from our precious best friends, Scott, Jill and Carmella Caver:

FEBRUARY

Spirit Week and Dress Up Days.  Lyle was chosen to be on the 2012 Homecoming Court at Redding Christian High School: 

2012 Senior Class Float
Theme:  Dr. Suess' Oh The Places You'll Go

2012 Senior Homecoming Court

Bob's sister and brother-in-law came home on furlough from the mission field and stayed with us for awhile:

Bob's Aunt Julia turned 100!!!  She is blind, but has no other health problems and is sharp as a tack.  She is, by far, the most upbeat, positive person I have ever been around in my life.

MARCH

Our nephew and his family came to visit us.  We had soooooo much fun with Enoch, Janel, and the four kiddos.  It was so fun to have George and Judy and Enoch and his family here all at the same time.  Crazy busy but so nice.

We had a Jones Family Get-Together at Bob's cousin's house.  What a wonderful time seeing all the family and "catching up" on everyone's lives:

Me and my sister-in-law!  No, I consider this woman my sister!!!!

Bob's Cousins, Dennis and Fred Haley 

Auntie Yvonne and me (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this lady!)

Lots of eating and lots of talking (the women in one place and men in another  lol)

Judy and Cousin Natalie (the extremely fun one!!!!)

All the Jones/Richardsons Children that were at the Reunion

Lyle went to the Association of Christians School International Choir Competition: 

Ethan and Hilary got engaged!!!!!!!!

Stay tuned for Part II...

Reunited and It Feels So Good

My friends, Bill and Charlotte Johnson

As we go through life, we meet many people in elementary school, high school, at college, at church or at a place of employment. It can be a challenge to keep in touch with everyone, and I must admit that I have not put forth the effort to do it. 

On Tuesday night, I got together with two people who are very, very special to me.  I have not seen Bill and Charlotte Johnson in 15 years, but I think about them often.  We spent from 4:30 to 11:30 p.m. (yes, seven glorious hours) reminiscing about the good times, laughing over shared stories and memories, and updating one another on our lives.  I left feeling content and joyful.  There was something very fulfilling about reconnecting after all those years. 

I'm not sure what it is.  Maybe it's the renewed feeling of "being connected" again, the joy of being around people that know where you've come from, and also probably a little bit of letting go of the "I wish I had" guilt about staying in touch. 

I think I'm on a mission in 2013 to reunite with old friends!

Baby, It's Cold...

Baby, It's Cold Outside Inside!!  We have been without heat for two days now, and it is COOOOOLD in here!!  A repairman is suppose to come tomorrow (we hope) and repair our 19 year old furnace for very little money (I know I'm dreaming!).  Fortunately, we have a fireplace!

Needless to say, we are having a slumber party in the family room tonight!!  We made sure Kitty is all cozy and snug and has his stuffed kitty:

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!  Here's to starting anew and afresh and making a brand new ending!  Wow, do I need that in my life!  I'm clinging to Jeremiah 29:11:  For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future!

Out Of The Mouth of Babes

Quite often, my boss' wife will pick up her two grandsons after school.  Usually she brings them back to the office  to say Hi to Grandpa.  After Ty had visited with Grandpa for a little bit and had a snack, he asked me for a piece of paper and pencil so he could draw me a picture to hang in my office.  Grandma and Grandpa have LOTS of pictures in their offices, and he noticed I didn't have any and quickly asked, "Why hasn't your boy drawn you any pictures?"

Here's the picture he drew me and insisted I tape above my desk:

 

 

And here's the conversation that followed.  Wish you could have heard his sweet little voice:

Ty:  Here's your picture, Mrs. Jones.  Tape it right there!

Me:  That is a nice picture (had no idea what it was).  Hey, Ty, tell me about the picture you drew for me.

Ty:  It's your heart beat.

Me:  Ty, doesn't your heart beat go up and down like this (as I made the motion with my fingers).  When your heart beat is flat like this picture, I think it means you are dead.

Ty:  Well...you don't look so good today, Mrs. Jones.

I thought I was going to die laughing, but he was as serious as could be and NEVER changed expressions.  At that point, I said I had to use the bathroom and excused myself.  I closed the bathroom door, turned on the fan and laughed soooooooooooo hard!!!!

Congratulations!

and the worst blogger award goes to...

I bet you can guess...

Me!!!!!!

Thank you!!  I would like to thank my insecurities and doubts for helping me stay off of my blog for months.  I couldn't do it without you!!

You poor readers (those of you that are still hanging around  --  is there anyone still hanging around????)  Is this little blog at the point of no return?

So congratulations to me!!!!

LFL

Never heard of LFL  --  Little Free Library?  Well I hadn't either until my dear friend, Kim, put one up in her front yard.  Go to www.littlefreelibrary.org/ and check it out.  You can even click on the blue bar that says, "Find a Little Free Library on the World Map", scroll down on the left until you get to California, Redding and then click on Kim's little library.  (So, yes, this makes her FAMOUS!!)  The mission of this organization is "To promote literacy and the love of reading by building free box exchanges worldwide."

Lyle LOVES books!!!  When he heard about Kim's library, he immediately said, "Let's go!!"  You don't have to leave a book, but Lyle knew that he wanted to be a part of this fun project and donate some books of his.

And, of course, he had to choose a book to bring home!!!  

Lyle's new dream:  Go on a road trip to visit all the LFLs in the United States.  He says he would choose a book to read aloud in the car while someone drives him to the next one.