Christmas Week Fun and Family

Christmas Eve Benny and I attended Second Baptist's Candlelight Service.  It was packed with people and the music included bell choirs, and a large choir plus narration.  The service ended with the congregation all lighting a candle proclaiming Jesus is the Light of the World.  

Christmas Day Benjie and Steve's families came out for a fun day.  This included:  Benjie, Kathy, Julie, Jessie, Mikey, Steve, Catherine, Betty Jo (her mom), Spencer and his girlfriend, Toni.

Oh yes, Abe Lincoln, (Steve's dog) came too.  

Dinner consisted of ham, cheesie potatoes, corn pudding, green bean casserole, fruit salad, and yummie rolls, and other goodies.  Cherry-cheese dessert (Benjie's choice) topped it off.  Oh yes, appetizers, eggnog and punch helped us not starve until we were ready to eat.

 

Sad news of Ted's (Stephanie and Courtney's grandpa) passing the night before made us keep them in our thoughts.    It was so nice that the girls were with him when God called him home.

Following dinner we all gathered in the living room for singing of Christmas songs, Luke 2 read by Benjie and then packages.  It was a delightful time as we heard the ooh's and awws as packages were opened.   

Benjie's family stayed over night so we ended the evening with a movie for all.  It was almost 2:00 A. M. when we finally hit the hay - a good Christmas for sure and now we're ready to see wht 2009 will bring.  

We did miss our Alaska and Washington families, hopefully we'll all be able to be together soon.    

Merry Christmas From the Ranch

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

WINTER IS HERE!

Winter weather has arrived in Seymour!  The trees are covered with sparklie ice and as the sun shines on them they look like a fairyland.  Yesterday we went to the road thinking we would go into Springfield and slid a bit  so turned around and came home...smart parents, huh?  The weatherman says it is going to be in the teens again tonight.  Funny how they have predicted right lately, amazing!   Benny says if we have very much more of this weather he will be moving south, ha! 

Happy birthday Catherine.  Hope it has been a good day.  It will be fun celebrating on the weekend.

We went to Springfield, did errands, including shopping, and even shared an omlette at Village Inn. Came home and finished the Holiday letter and now at 11:30 we are trying to find our YTB business cards...they have vanished. This type of activity does not promote sleep sooo here we are wide awake and bushy tailed on a search.  Pray for us...

Merry Christmas Benny and Elaine

Our gift to each other was dinner and seeing the Andy Williams Christmas show in Branson.  Music was  outstanding, the auditorium packed with 2,000 people, and decorations on everything made the place look like a real fairyland.  What a happy spirit in Branson...always makes me enjoy going there.  There were lots of people visiting the area so we're happy gas prices are lower so all can enjoy the holiday spirit there.

Keep our family in your prayers...so many needs.  Lyle, Kathy's Dad, will have surgery Monday or Tuesday.  Ted, Stephanie and Courtney's Grandpa, is in ICU, and we need direction for jobs.  So happy we can share and pray for one another.  

Have a great Sunday as we remember the reason for the season.  Much love ...  

 

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Saturday we headed south to attend Shannon and Rosie's wedding.  At 4:00 we went to the rehearsal dinner at Ermilio Italian Restaurant.  We had an elaborate three course meal with 40 present.  Our choice, (of three) for the main course was fettuccini with alfredo sauce (for Debbie and Benny). We were the only Boling family there so Rosie has lots of family.  

Sunday we left our Best Western motel and  went to Thorncrown Chapel  hearing a delightful Christmas Service.  It is a magnificent wooden structure with 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass.  It sits on over 100 tons of native stone - a beautiful woodland sanctuary looking over a glorious valley. Then off to the wedding held at the historic (built in 1886) Crescent Hotel.  It was held in a gazebo attached to the hotel overlooking gardens that were decorated for the holidays.  The three attendants had black strapless dresses and the fellows had black and white striped ties to match their dark suits.  The reception was held in a glassed in area that gave a view in every direction you looked.   After  pictures, chatting with family, and sampling interesting reception goodies we left for Seymour arriving about 9:00.   Weather was great for the happy couple who stayed on the 7th floor in the honeymoon suite..  

SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE...

What a morning!  We hurried to get going to the Area Clergy Christmas Luncheon, at 11:00, held in Hermitage...miles away.  Got in the car and drove to the cemetery (two miles down the road) where we discovered Dad had left his wallet at home.  Turned around and headed home, stopped by a huge train, (over 100 cars), found the wallet and started all over again...  We arrived at a service station in Rogersville, for Dad, and when he came back to the car we decided to go home instead of the luncheon.  We were all dressed for Christmas like, as Nana would say, Billy's mother, so needed to do something festive.  So we stopped at the Tea Room for a delicious peaceful lunch  and here we are back on the ranch.  Hope the clergy had fun, probably not as much as we tho, ha!  Wonder what the rest of the day will offer?  

This evening we have a YTB meeting in Springfield.  It is a pot-luck and will be on cruises.  Sounds good to me since we still have snow today.  (It is really pretty...and the birds like my tidbits)

Love you....enjoy the season!   

Thanksgiving Day 2008

It is a cool, crisp holiday with beautiful sunshine welcoming the day.  The gang included:  Benjie, Kathy, Danny, Shanda, Julie, Jessie, and Michael plus Steve, Catherine, Stephanie, Courtney, Spencer and his friend, Tony.  We ate wonderful food...great appetizers followed by turkey, dressing, whipped potatoes, sweet potatoes, Kathy's green beans, Catherine's fruit salad and Shanda's rolls.  Pumpkin chiffon pie seemed to top the meal.  

We all listed 5 things we were thankful for on a card, not to include God, Jesus, or family since we all are thankful for those things.  Then we passed them out and tried to guess who the card belonged to...it was fun and rewarding.  Liverpool Rummy, football, outdoor baseball, Lincoln logs, and visiting kept us occupied plus watching Abe Lincoln, Steve's puppy, who was not feeling well.   We had a great variety of giggles, directions, and sharing past Thanksgivings.  

The party broke up about  10:00 and full, tired, family headed out the driveway.  It was delightful having Stephanie and Courtney plus everyone else.  Seemed like old times except for a few who were missing...but they were all in our thoughts and conversation.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving - we have so much to be grateful for don't we?

THANKSGIVING WEEK

Sunday we went to church at Seymour Christian.  They had a Thanksgiving Fish potluck and we enjoyed visiting with the group and eating their food.  We didn't know we were going to have dinner there so that was a treat.  (I am feeling better, thank goodness.  Hadn't been out of

house for three weeks...hard to believe, huh?) 

Today, Monday, Benny had a doctor's check up in Springfield and wanted me to ride with him.  It was also Cluster 6 (clergy) monthly lunch gathering.  Interesting, to say the least...  We also went to the hospital to see Vi , Bill Stanley's mom, who has pnemonia.  She is doing better.  Bill, June, and girls were here over the weekend and stayed with Steve and Catherine.

As we speak Catherine and Steve are on their way to pick up Steph and Courtney in Kansas City.  It will be nice having them here for Thanksgiving.  Think we will have 16.  

Winter is here with the bare trees, and cold wind.  However, the sunrises and sunsets are out of this world.  (Psalm 100)   Have a great holiday week.

TUESDAY - November 18th

It is a beautiful, cold, autumn day in the Ozarks.  Not much news is happening for me except I'm slowly, very slowly, getting better from the broken sternum.  Less pain pills, and a happier me!

Today is another day to work on the garage project for Benny.  He will celebrate in a wonderful way when that is finished, hahah!  Hope you have a great one too - it is the season to be thankful.

 

Veterans Day Thanksgiving

Today I am so thankful for the freedom we have in the United States.  There are so many service people that have come into my life through the years who need to know how grateful I am for their service to our country.  Thank you God that my children (and immediate family) did not have serve in the war.  God, bless those veterans who need your direction in life.  They have given so much, help us return to them love and compassion as many struggle to exist.  Amen     

Friday Already...

It has been a long week.  The broken sternum is no fun and painful.  I'm grateful for pain pills.

It is cold and rainy tonight so seems like winter is around the corner.  Time for a fire in the fireplace I guess.  Dad loves those times.  

Lee and Marty (own our horses) came by with dinner tonight...so thoughtful of them.

Everyone in this area is fine.  Jessie has a gymnastics meet tomorrow in Ozark.  Hope your party for the girls is great...will be thinking about you.  Love to all...

CLUMSY ME!

Saturday we went to a YTB (Your Travel Biz) Meeting and the meeting was held downstairs at the Hills.  I missed the last two steps, fell against a chest of furniture and ended up at St. John's Hospital for x-rays.  Diagnosis, a broken sternum.  Wow does that hurt.  Didn't know so many things were attached to that area of the body. I'm very grateful for pain pills, which I normally do not take.  Sooo this little gymnastic activity has slowed me down.  Benny is a good nurse.

Weatherwise it is glorious - in the mid 70 area.  Benny cut the grass today and enjoyed running around the yard on the tractor.  Glorious red maple trees are loosing their leaves, but still pretty.

The horses, Spirit and Dreamer really loved the carrots I gave them...and I still have my fingers.

Elections are going strong...glad we voted absent-tee a couple of weeks ago.  It is great seeing so many wanting to vote.  Well, time to get some beauty sleep...goodness I sure need some, hahah!     

FROSTY DAYS ARE HERE!

The temperature hit freezing  so tomato plants and flowers have bit the dust.  We brought inside deck plants who are now blooming in our kitchen, so there Jack Frost!  Benny is trying to figure out the outside pipe system so the horses will have water, us too.  Oh what fun living in the country!

The red, orange, yellow, etc. trees are a great reminder of God's artistry.  Even though it is cold, the sun continues to shine in all its glory, making  it refreshing living in the country.  Yesterday. a young man brought by a photo taken from a helicopter of the acreage...yes, Benny bought it...don't blame him cuz it is awesome...and to think it is our place, amazing.

Reality has set in and it is time to pay bills, and get on with the chores (opportunities) of the day.

Hope you have a good one...remember, This Is The Day The Lord Has Made...We Will Rejoice!

It's Sunday Already - October 26!

Where has the week gone?  Weatherwise it is georgous with beautiful changing colors all over the ranch.  The weatherman says a freeze is coming tonight though...there goes my tomatoes.  

Julie's 16th birthday party was fun last night.  Ten girls all dressed up went in a limo around Springfield and then  a Pizza Hut for great food, different presents and continual giggles.  

Church was inspirational...visited Fellowship Bible where Benjie's family are going.  Steve is impressed with the new Gateway minister and things went well there today he said.  

We're still going through treasures and finding some fun things.  The garage is looking better,  Dad has relocated his lost ring, and the calendar keeps full...so I guess we are "just fine, ha!"  Have a great week...Halloween is coming...boo!

October Life Continues...

Hard to believe Hannah is 8 years old today...WOW!.

We are still working in the garage and making a path, visiting the recycling area often with empty boxes etc.  trying maybe a yard sale.  I am the world's worst in that department hah!  

Enjoyed friends for dinner Friday night.  We ate chicken and rice, etc. plus apple crisp.  Had a good time sharing some YTB (Your Travel Biz) with the folks.  Sunday, Steve, Catherine, and Abe came out for dinner...we enjoyed them so much and also Liverpool Rummy...no surprise there, huh?  That pup is spoiled but adorable and well behaved...you know Steve and rules!

Have been working on airline tickets for Jan and Steve this morning.  Stephanie and Courtney will be here Nov. 24-30 for Thanksgiving...that will be fun. 

Visiting on the phone with Paul and David  and following their trip on our map has been exciting. 

They are having a trip of a lifetime...moose and wildlife galore, and I'm sure many stares as their car jogs by onlookers.  Have a happy day all you good looking family and friends.

Weekend: October l0-12

It has been a busy one!  We went to the Convention (Regional Assembly) and heard great speakers plus seeing so many friends from all around MO.  Took a turn in the hospitality room Friday, helping people get fat on cookies and drinks for an hour.  Worship was great and the speaker, Dr. Frank Thomas, CEO of Hope for Life Interntional was dynamic.  Good news Saturday was that Sammy came home from the hospital.  We attended the morning session and convention lunch.  Sat with Al and Kimberly Gritten, new pastors at Neosho.  It was fun catching up on church news. Today we went back to the convention and was involved in a great morning service with Dr. Todd Adams from Indianapolis as speaker and a very meaningful communion service.  We had lunch and then hurried over to Kickapoo High to hear Julie and Jessie in their all school choir presentation which was delightful.  Home followed and after a nap, visit with the Millers on the phone, and a bit of tv Dad is now back to the garage and I'm having fun paying bills, etc. hah!  Thanks Deb for the wonderful picture and message from the girls...such a great picture and wonderful surprise.  We've had a different weekend but it has been fun as we were "On the road again."       

Hi Bokie and Bokaw!

We thought that you'd like to see us this morning! Have a great day! We miss and love you!

The Washington Girls

CONCERNED FOR SAMMY

Sammy, Paul and Emily's  year old sweetie, is in the Corvallis hospital with MRSA Virus.  We have all been concerned about him and many prayers and excellent doctors are helping him as he gets better.  His Daddy and Uncle Dave are good nurses and we are thinking especially of Emily who is in Alaska keeping up on his progress by phone.

This is a beautiful autumn day in Missouri.  Benny has finished the shelves in the garage and they look awesome.  Now he is unloading all our books from the many boxes stored in the garage.  Hope you have a great Thursday...prayers are with Steve as he flies home from Boise, after a delightful time with Stephanie and Courtney.  Get better fast, Sammy.

It's Friday Already

7:30 the plumber arrived with his tools and young, shy helper to attach the hose to the dryer and crawl under the house to make sure the dryer would work.  His grin was infectious and he was unapologetic when the bill read $101...now tell me what the $1 was for?  I thought," I never got $100 for 1/2 hour of teaching wigglie kids"...wrong profession, huh?  Anyway they are gone, the clothes are in the dryer, wheat bread is rising, plants on the deck have been watered and life is going on.   

Benny is hanging shelves in the freshly painted garage so we can unload books...have enough for a city library.  We are making a dent (small one) but you know things have to be done in order with BB.  If it were me, I think it would have been done, but not in such an orderly fashion, hah! 

Hope you have a productive day...I am wondering what will happen next as it is only 9:00. Weatherwise God has given us another fantastic day.  The sun is shining, leaves are changing color, birds are singing and "This is the day the Lord has made."  Blessings... 

Garage Fun!

It is Tuesday...wow how time flies.  Yesterday Benny cut the rest of the lawn enjoying beautiful weather.  It looks great.  I baked wheat bread and paid bills...fun?  (Spent a great deal of time with the Bank of America people who I discovered knew less than we did...now that is no joke!)  

Today we spent the day cleaning and sorting treasures in the garage...made a dent and hope by Christmas to have it done, haha!  My what treasures (of the family) we have discovered...We will be there all week so if you wonder about our sanity you will know why we are "out to lunch."  

Sunday we went to church in Marshfield and were received royally.   They are always so excited to see us which makes it delightful for us to visit.  Well, it is almost bedtime.  I called Emily and had a good visit with her (she was going to WalMart) and we also visited with James.   She is in a hotel for a few days before moving into her residence.  Well...time to say "Good Night...sleep well."  

Fun With Danny and Shanda

Saturday's lunch was with the kids at a Japanese Restaurant with delicious but unknown food.  This is Danny's favorite place, Ocean Zen.  Next, we went to the top of the Tower (21st floor) where their wedding will take place Jan. 3.  It is a beautiful place and will be lovely.  We discussed (Shanda and Benny) all aspects...Danny and I listened, hah~  Our next stop was to their new house which they will take possession of Oct. 31.  It is brick, one floor, three nice sized bedrooms and very open living area.  It will be super and we are thrilled for them. 

Home looked good to us after a busy, but fun day.   The weather is awesome.  Benny decided to cut some of the lawn so zoomed around the yard like a teenager...and it looks great.   Hope you all had a great weekend.     

On The Road Again...

Today we headed to Springfield again...was there yesterday!  Went to a Boundaries Sem inar designed to teach pastors the issues of mainataining pastoral relationships with members of the congregation.  It was from 9 to 3, sitting on hard folding chairs, listening to lots of different "preacher"comments, and thankful for the delicious lunch, break time, and coffee.      

Next we did some errands and stopped at Braums for a chocolate shake, yum yum.  I went to the ladies room and when I came out had a piece of toilet paper stuck to my slacks in the back, a real tail, several inches long.    One of the clerks hurried over (with giggles) to share.  Braums workers needed a laugh and I gave them one.

Listened to the debate tonight...thought they both did well.  Now, it is time for me to get much needed beauty sleep...need a whole bunch!  Dad's ankle is better, now he just limps instead of hobbling around.   He doesn't need me to laugh...but I do.  Love you.  Mom   

Glorious Fall--Happy Birthday, Steph!

The fountain is going in the front of the house...beautiful little children (no mermaid) and busy fish shooting water in the air with the sunlight beaming from the blue sky overhead.  What a day!  Yes, this is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Happy 21st birthday Stephanie.  Hardly seems possible our second grandchild is that old, ha!

Looking forward to Steve coming for dinner tonight.  Tomorrow will be Danny and Shanda.  Then Thursday is a big YTB meeting.  The week has fun opportunities.  

The walking cast Benny has on his ankle is helping and we are happy the swelling is going down.  He has really had a time getting around.  So--- he has decided to watch where he is going so this experience will be out of the question for a repeat.  

Have a great day! 

Nurse Elaine, Oh My!

Yesterday was a beautiful day and Benny set out to cut the lawn.  Danny dropped  by after seeing a client in Mansfield.  While walking to the business little red truck Danny is driving Benny fell off the sidewalk and turned his ankle.  (he thought he was dead for a moment, I guess) They were on their way to the Chinese Restaurnt and I was getting my hair done.  Well, the ankle is very swollen, sore, and requires full scale go-fer nursing.  Men  just aren't the best patients, I'm discovering.   Tomorrow he preaches and we wonder how he will hobble to the Seymour Christian Church pulpit.  (I don't want to preach, ha!) 

To make the day worse we were invited to an area clergy/spouse dinner in Collins.  I had put in our reservations so we went.  Not a good idea!  The tables were in one long row so there wasn't any chance to visit except for the couple on our right (they were nice but soon you wonder what to share...except grandkids for me, thank goodness I have 12).  We were at the end of the table...no program, no introductions (many new ones), but good food.  The two hour trip up and home was endless to say the least with my patient.  

Have had fun scrapbooking and going through files...exciting to review all the treasures of the past.  Funny how so many get shreaded.  

Enjoy the day...coffee and cookies help, hah!  I even hid some in the freezer...remind you of Nana?  Happy munching.

Branson, Billings, and Hurricane Ike

Friday we went to Down From His Glory a Christian music evening that was inspirational and dynamic. About 20 different artists sang musical favorites while others played instruments, and used drama. They come each year in Sept. or Oct. and do four performances. We stayed in the Welk Hotel overnight.

Sunday we went to Billings to the United Church of Christ where we enjoyed a very friendly congregation. Benny did an excellent job speaking on Fear or Faith. We ate at Zios on the way home...always a treat!

Saturday night Hurricane Ike made a violent appearance by its 50 mile an hour wind. The rain was wild beating against the house and electricity disappeared. This made getting dressed and applying make up, in the dark, interesting to say the least. Good for a laugh!

Down From His Glory

Oregon Kids

Monday...Catch up Day

It is now 11:30 and the day has zipped by. Benny went to a Red Carpet Day for YTB in St. Louis and had a great day. There were over 20 that went so they had a good group. I stayed home and worked on scrapbooking pictures and notes, doing laundry, etc. Marty Day came over (mother to the horses) and I had a good chat with her plus a man who is fixing the fountain. In between times we had conversation with Spirit and Dreamer, (the horses). They think they are people! Hope you had a good day.

Weekend Activities

Weekend Activities
Saturday was a beautiful day. New Hope Assembly women were a delightful audience for my inspirational message, "Good News, Jesus Is More Than Enough." The brunch was delicious and it was fun meeting local ladies...all but one a stranger to me, but not now.. Benny had a meeting in Springfield so we went different directions...unusual for us now-a-days. Headed back to Springfield for another meeting in the afternoon and then over to see Abe Lincoln, Steve's puppy. He is cute, little now, but just wait awhile...a Boxer. Talk about being spoiled! Greg, Catherine's cat, didn't seem to mind the new addition. We had pasta from the Pasta House and a fun evening...Today we went to church with Benjie's family at Fellowship Bible. The pastor is a gifted speaker and Dad enjoys hearing him. Then to Braums for lunch before heading home. Phone calls all afternoon kept us busy and then a walk in, you guessed it, the cemetery. Enjoyed our snack while listening to a great musical program on PBS and now need to think about sleeping. Last night Dad decided not to sleep much...we all experienced an awake night...even played Rummy at 2:00 A. M. (and I won, ha)

Friday.. A beatutiful Day

Friday. A Beaitiful Day!
Wrote a blog yesterday "September Is Here" but it is not with the other blogs...maybe it will appear on a stranger's blog as a surprise.We both got our hair done today...Dad's hair cut was an improvement, says he. I had a new girl who thought I was a punching bag who needed a bath and my hair pulled. She will not be my choice next time. Benny finished his Mr. Clean job in our bedroom. It looks great. I finished my Inspirational Speech to be given at a 10:30 women't meeting and brunch tomorrow morning...just how inspirational it will be is going to be a mystery, hahahah! Dad has to be at a 9:00 YTB meeting with Sigi and Dan in Ozark. How did retirement get so busy?Have been paying bills on line...thanks Deb for your help. Must go since I need all the sleep help I can get. Have a great weekend. Your blog

September is here

Thursday, September 4, 2008

September Is Here!
We are enjoying the gift of rain thanks to the recent hurricane in the south. Everything looks so green and beautiful.Today Benny finished his dental appointments so now it is my turn, ugh!Then we had a delicious lunch at Red Lobster...chowder and salad, yum. Did some shopping at WalMart and then headed home. Planned to go to YTB but didn't want to wait two hours for the meeting time.This evening we had fun playing Liverpool Rummy and watching the Republican Convention on T.V. We have enjoyed listening to both conventions and all the dialogue and opinions folk have shared.It is late...need sleep so I'll be sweet, if that is possible. Have a great Friday and weekend. Love,

Benjie's Clan

Steve's Kids

Pictures of Deb's fam

Labor Day Fun

Weather is really warm this week...92 degrees today. Our deck plants are beautiful but they are daily calling for water, like everything else.

Benjie, Kathy and kids came out for hamburgers, corn on the cob, other goodies and cherry pie alamode. It was so hot it was hard to be outside but Julie got on the tractor and had fun cutting some of the lawn. Mikey and Danny built another log city, Jessie practiced her gymnastic's routine and Benny had a wedding conference with Shanda and Danny. Everyone kept the house buzzing with chatter. Kathy found retreat on the deck with her new book.

Sent a birthday wish to Pat Turner. Watched the news report of Gustoff and felt compassion for those people again living in that area.

Hope Emily had a good flight to Alaska.
Elaine

Busy August 27 and 28

Yesterday was the 11th Anniversary of Oma's death. Time goes so quickly but we have good memories. Mom has been gone 20 years this month. The evening Democratic Convention was good with Joe Bidden speaking as the new Vice President candidate. He was preceeded by Bill Clinton.

Today Dad went to the dentist and allergy physician. He did some erands in Springfield and met Benjie for a treat. They think they have solved all the world's problems. ha!! I stayed home doing this and that...mostly mail and bills. Again tonight we listened to the convention. Obama did a great job sharing what he will do if elected. It is amazing watching a live program in Denver while we sit in our living room in Missouri.
God is good. Hope your day has been wonderful. Love, Elaine

Olympics, Steve, and Cleaning

It is Saturday evening...we have had a good day. Benny is in the mood to clean, one of his favorite things. Both bedrooms have had a summer go over from him...we have just begun. Steve spent the night last night. We enjoyed food, Liverpool Rummy, Olympics, and solving ALL the world's problems. ha!

He left early afternoon to see his new puppy, now a month old, but still with its mom and study for his upcoming test. Catherine was at a seminar in St. Louis on Mediation and won't be home until tomorrow evening.

Kathy returns from Boise tomorrow. We enjoyed our three days with the grandkids. Lyle has his procedure Monday.

Sleep is calling...Hope you had a great day and the coming week will be great with lots of opportunities and blessings.
Love, Elaine

Fun With Three Boling Grandkids

Kathy is in Boise visiting her parents and we are helping Benjie with carpool and care. It has been fun! Jessie is in gymnastics and Julie dance at different locations so we had fun finding each new area
Mikey traveled with us. Braums hamburgers took care of dinner at 7:45 and then home to Seymour. That was Tuesday evening. Today the day started with scrambled eggs and all the goodies, watching the Olympics, playing "Go Fish", seeing a wonderful movie, "Love Comes Softly," eating Mikey's choice for dinner...spaghetti topped with cherry cheesecake, and heading for Branson to see the Ballnobbers. Just got home and it is
11:30 P. M. and all three kids are tucked into bed and fast asleep. Strata and coffee cake are ready for breakfast in the morning.

Had trouble figuring out how to use the dvd for the movie so called Hannah to get some help...thanks Hannah we finally saw the movie and it was great.

Benny left at 7:00 A. M. to go to George Straight's funeral in Neosho. The Straight family were friends from Wichita days and George's sister, Sylvia, walked down the aisle with him at graduation. The family was in Broadway Christian Church. He had a great reception in Neosho - a good day with many miles in the car for him.

It has been great keeping up with the kids and enjoying their giggles. Aren't grandkids great? We even had Spencer out yesterday for lunch.

My bed is calling me too.
Good night...Elaine

A Week's Happenings At The Bolings

Sunday, August 10 we attended First Christian Church in Seymour. It is a country church with a good spirit and about 50 people. Benjie, Kathy, Jessie and Mikey came out for dinner hamburgers and all the trimmings) and we had a great time...even played "Go Fish." In the evening we visited the First Baptist Church. Both services dealt with "the tongue"and how we need to watch our words.
Monday, was Elsie Harlow's celebration service. Benny did a great job for a wonderful Christian lady. It was held at Walnut Lawn Funeral home where we first met with the Gateway Church family. Afterwards Steve, Catherine, Benny and I enjoyed dinner at Village Inn. Then to the hospital to call on Jo Ann Long's son, George who had fallen in an accident at the Lake of the Ozarks. A busy and late night.
Tuesday and Wednesday Benny suffered with Kidney stones....eventually passing four! What a painful experience! Thank goodness for doctors and medicine. (and patience)
Thursday, Benny went to the dentist for almost two hours...really needed that experience, ha! Then we attacked my list of honey do jobs plus get his alergy shot.
It is Friday and weather this week has been in the 80 degree range which is delightful. Steve came out for dinner and all night since Catherine is at a seminar in St. Louis this weekend. He gets around well on his crutches following his foot surgery. Played Liverpool and watched the awesome Olympics. Has been fun.
Wonder what tomorrow and Sunday will bring...know we will be surprised and blessed.

50th Anniversary Happenings

June 21, 2008 Benny and I celebrated our 50th (Golden) anniversary by going to Branson eating at the Outback Restaurant, attending two shows, The Twelve Irish Tenors and Country Tonight, and staying all night in the First Branson Motel. We talked by phone to all the kids and had a great two days enjoying the happy spirit prevalent in Branson. Sunday morning we were involved in a traffic jam, which happens often in Branson, so went to the First Methodist Church, located on Hwy 76 instead of going to the Christian Church as planned. At 2:oo we went to a Gospel Show, then the Red Roof Factory Outlet and bought shoes for each of us before heading home to Seymour.

The family planned a reception held at Marshfield Christian July 13 from 2:00-5:00. The beautiful carot cake, assorted veggies, cheese, mints, nuts and other goodies were delicious. The punch was superb. It was wonderful seeing friends and family. Special thanks to Steve, Catherine, Stephanie, and Courtney plus Scott, Debbie, Hannah, Haley, and Hope who spearheaded the event. The turquoise and salmon color scheme brought back great memories. One beautiful joy was receiving the many, many different cards with delightful notes from friends.

Steve and Catherine arranged condos in Branson for three days including
Benjie, Steve, and Debbie's families. We ate together in the evening and really enjoyed the three swimming pools plus local attractions. We missed Paul and family and David who were unable to attend.

Scott put together a slide show about us and Debbie wrote her first book telling how we met and our history. It's title: FIFTY GREAT YEARS--THE LOVE STORY OF BENNY AND ELAINE.

I've joined blogging!

today has been a great day........
I am joining blogging! Yipee!!!