SUNSHINE AND WARMER WEATHER!!!

Today has been a beautiful day in the 40 degrees. The ice is still on some of our sidewalks and there is still snow but it is going...yea!

Figuring taxes keeps us busy right now and we'll rejoice when that is over, ha!

Enjoyed receiving and answering mail today from friends, getting phone calls from all kids(a real blessing)and seeing our long lost owner of the horses. (haven't seen him for a month) He is a kick...long distance truck driver...heard all about the rig, road hazards, etc. etc. and we are told women do all the talking but I beg to differ on that one.

Enjoyed talking to Paul and Dave...they are having a blizzard today but it is warmer...27. They had fun with their parking lot job except their feet about froze...it was a whopping 5 degrees. They did better after someone gave them foot warmers to wear.

It is almost mid-night and sleep is calling. Hope you all have had a great day.

WEATHER SURPRISES

What a week for Missouri and surrounding states with ice, snow and more ice and snow. Being inside enjoying the fire in the fireplace and working on taxes and bills kept us out of mischief and trying to be calm, ha!

Thursday after the YTB (Your Travel Biz) meeeting we shared in a surprise birthday fun time with one of Dino's carrot cakes. He has a business on the internet and in Branson. It was delicious, and even the singing was great.

Tonight we are going to Danny and Shanda's new home for a Super Bowl Party with all the family. Should be fun watching the game on their large television, eating yummy food and watching the best team win!

Hard to believe it is February...Don't forget Valentine's Day and Steve's birthday...just call me the calendar lady, hah! Have a great month...it is short!

January 25, 2009 - Happy Birthday, Elaine!

It was a cold birthday...high being 25 degrees. We drove to Branson and went to church. The sermon was good, people friendly, and Branson spirit refreshing. Then to Bob Evans. We shared a delicious chicken dinner topped off with yummy calorie filled Hershey-bar Cake alamode. The servers all came with banging pans to sing...fun! Next, to the new LANDING MALL. We had not been there. Walking in freezing outside weather looking at all the new stores and attractions was a cool experience! The Mall was in the planning stages when we lived there in 2001 and now what a reality with convention center, huge Hilton Hotel plus all the stores. Getting back to the car was "heaven." We hurried on home stopping at Wal-Mart to stock up on food since a big ice/snow/hail storm is coming soon. I enjoyed calls from all the kids and Joyce and had such fun with Benny...what a beautiful tribute card he wrote for me (I accept every word as true, ha!) In the evening we listened to a YTB message,snacked, and played Liverpool (surprise). Yes, it was a great day...different since no kids were able to come out but wonderful. (Steve is in Boise with the girls, Kathy was in Ok. City with Julie's cheerleading competition and the others are in far away places. The phone calls were GREAT and I'm thankful.

Children Are God's Special Gifts

Happy Birthday Debbie!! How well I remember the day you were born. I asked Dr. Koons three times if he was sure you were a girl. He replied, "Elaine, I've done this for many years and I can tell the difference." Now, no one loves boys more than me, but after four boys I thought a girl was impossible and Nana knew it was out of the question. To her delight she made you every frilly dress and gave you more personal attention than any princess could desire.

The brothers, Benjie (9 1/2), Steve (8), Paul (6 1/2) and David (3 1/2) welcomed you with Boling mischief and were delighted to teach you all their tricks. They always protected, instructed, and loved you in spite of lots of teasing.

My best birthday ever happened in the hospital four days after you were born when the nurse brought me an adorable baby (you) and a cupcake with a candle in it. Then all in the room sang happy birthday.

May God continue to bless you with His great gifts...you are a tremendous blessing to me. Dad and I are so proud of you, your accomplishments, your faith and gracious gifts. Thank you for being such a wonderful daughter...I look forward to many more wonderful opportunities to share life with you. Love, Mom

Mid January Already, Where Has the Time Gone?

January 3 was a big day with the beautiful early evening wedding of Daniel Benjamin Boling and Shanda Rochelle Green.  The lady attendants wore ice blue floor length gowns and the fellows were in tux.  Danny had a white tux and accessories and Shanda's strapless gown was outstanding. Benny performed a beautiful ceremony, the one he wrote for us 50 years ago.  The place was the top of the tower, very elegant, and the buffet delicious.  The DJ did a fantastic job entertaining young and old. Yes, it was an evening to remember.  The bride and groom left about 8:30 through a shower of bubbles as they boarded the limo.  Honeymoon destination was Puerto Vallarto (sp?) for a week.  They had a wonderful time.
 
The weather here has been very cold and we have had a time keeping the horse tank from freezing. They love to HELP Benny when he is trying to thaw it...really rather comical. 

YTB (Your Travel Biz) has been keeping us busy...we've met many nice people and have enjoyed exploring a new industry...travel and its perks.  We hope to take advantage of it and see our far-away kids one of these days.  Miss those grandkids (and the kids too.)  

Happy New Year...

Hope you had a great day and 2009 will be beautiful in every way.  Steve and Catherine joined us today for a spaghetti dinner and liverpool rummy game which was fun.   

 The weather has been lovely today and we have enjoyed the sunshine even though it is in the 20 degrees.  Benny has been working on the horse water tanks and so now they will be happier, ha!

Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR...MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU DAILY IS OUR PRAYER.