NICHOLS CLAN

Long Time!!

2009-06-02T20:47:00.001-07:00

I have not posted much lately and there is a reason.

Even now as I try to put my thoughts down I grow weepy and just downright heavy burden.......But...I know the Lord tells us to cast our burdens on Him... all ye who are heavy laden, cast your yoke upon me and I will give you rest.

Have you ever just felt like... why can't I do something .....to help....how can I help? WELL, I'M CALLING ON EVERYONE I KNOW TO PRAY!!

About a little over 2 months almost 3 ... our dear, sweet, 5 month old granddaughter was diagnosed with a very rare disease.(1) Eosiniphilic Granuloma......the dotors also gave it the name (2)Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis... then (3) letterer siwe disease which is the more severe case of LCH.

What a happy baby she is.............................

In March she had surgery to remove a growth on the right temporal area of the skull.....she did great!!!... it was extremely large!!!! The Neurosurgeon said it was the largest granuloma he had ever seen IN AN INFANT THIS SMALL.

After some more tests and seeing skin lesions, then also lesions in her pelvic, along with an enlarged spleen, the doctors decided to begin an 8 wk. round of chemo with steroids twice a day. Then they will re-evaluate...doing more scans to see if the chemo is working. He says it will be a year of chemo and more than likely even longer.

As of today she has had 3 treatments and we're looking at issues with her port. She will be heading for the hospital on Monday to get this taken care of we pray.

There is definitely more to share but this Noni is exhausted...YES, I am also keeping our 4 yr.old and 2 yr.old grandsons this week as they have a new Baby Sister..... Just wanted to fill you in a little and ask you to be praying for her and her Mom, Dad and Big sister as they minister to her and her needs, will post more later.........Thank you for going before the Throne of God on behalf of this Dear Little one. Cheryl

My Mom!!

2009-05-10T00:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been a year since my mom left this earth to go and be with her Heavenly Father...

It just seems like she lives far away and I should be able to hear her voice when I need some encouraging words or I just need to vent some frustrations.

But every time I am ready to ring her phone I remember,,,Oh yeh..she's not here to talk to. It makes me sad...we were so close...no one else could listen like her.....sometimes it's even, Why God? I miss her so...I need her so much.

Well, He must have needed her more...It still hurts...I still cry and I still wish I could be with her..BUT someday....for now I have to Trust the One who loves her even more than me.

Thanks Mom for....always being there......loving me.....helping me....pointing me to God.....you will always be here with me because I see you in everything I am and everything I do. May I love my daughters and sons like you loved US...Unconditionally....You're the BEST!!!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

WHAT DO YOU DO ALL DAY!

2009-04-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

If you're a stay-at-home mom, you can have days so busy you never sit down – yet when someone asks what you do all day, you can't really point to what consumed your time. Well, we have a humorous account of how one stay-at-home mom conveyed to her husband what she does all day.
"Her husband came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud. The front door was wide open and there was no sign of the dog. Inside the house, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded up against one wall. The TV was blaring a cartoon channel, and toys and clothes were everywhere and in the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, dog food was all over the floor, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door.
He quickly headed up the stairs, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.
As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.
He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?' She smiled again and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world I do all day?'
'Yes,' was his incredulous reply.
She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it."
Moms, we salute you, and we thank you! Husbands and dads, if you are reading this and realize you have not thanked your wife for what she does at home every day, today is a great day to tell her just how much you appreciate what she does for you and your family.

It was sent to me by a Friend. I thought it worthy of my Blog.

Cheryl

THANKS!!

2009-03-13T04:26:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give a quick update to those of you who have been praying for Victor.
Some missionaries in Nampula were able to get a plane into the area where Victor was on Thursday morning and take him home so he could get the medical treatment he needed. His fever spiked while on the plane but they were able to give him IV antibiotics. At the hospital in Nampula they were told he had a blood infection. He was given more antibiotics and sent home to rest.
His wife Christina had to deplete their savings in order to pay for the plane, but she knew it could've gotten alot worse without the medical treatment. Many die for lack of treatment.
We are all grateful for your prayers. As we all know ..The fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much.
Thank you, Thank you for standing in the gap for this young couple.

Cheryl

Urgent Prayer !!

2009-03-11T05:20:00.000-07:00

It has been a very long time since I have been able to post. I do look forward to sharing pictures of our month long visit with our granddaughters, but for now I don't have any time.

I would ask for PRAYER for an adopted son in Africa. He has an orphanage in Nampula,Mozambique. You might have been to his site from mine. He is Victor Carlos and he is very sick. His wife Christina called this morning about 2:00am to tell us she was very concerned as he was running a very HIGH fever. She asked us to be praying and to ask others to pray. This is why I am calling on all my blogging buddies along with friends and family to pray throughout the day as the HolySpirit brings him to mind. Their blog www.VictorandChristina.blogspot.com

I will keep you posted as I hear how things are.

Thank you so very much.

TRUE ORANGE!!!

2009-01-09T20:10:00.000-08:00

Well Ladies...What do you think?? This young Man couldn't wait to take some of that Christmas money he received and head to Charleston and buy these "Glow in the dark" Clemson pants. I thought you, Susanne...Sharon...and KaKa might want to see these yourself. Oh yeah! Make sure Karen and her fella see this also. We're SO PROUD!!!LOL
If you decide you just can't live without you a pair, he got them at M. Dumas & Sons,on King Street in Charleston. Oh! and the bow tie is purple if you can't tell. GGGGOOOOOOO TTTTIIGGGGGEEERRRSSS!!!!!!!!!!

FINALLY IT'S HERE.............

2008-12-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

PICTURES OF THAT BIG BABY GIRL AND BIG SISTER..........All this girl wanted to do was stretch out. You would too if you were as cramped as she was. 10lbs. 11 oz. 21 in. long. Her mom is only 5'1" and wears a size 4.

Big Sister HNJ got a Baby of her own from Nonni for Christmas. She thought it was the greatest. HNJ loves to give kisses and this baby of hers was receiving many.
Her new baby came with her to the hospital to see baby sister. She is really enjoying HER BABY....
New sister on the other hand,she wasn't quite sure about.Uhmm,The I don't think I will touch her look. Could you maybe get her off me Mom..

Hand on hip....What does she do???

At least my baby lets me chew on her hand which is something I Don't think Baby Sister will allow.

Mom, you know I'm not quite sure what to do with an unhappy baby. Oh, I see, if you rub their belly they get quiet. Let's hope that works on that trip we are taking to Georgia,North Carolina and South Carolina.

I'm now looking forward to their arrival here in the Sunny South. They will be spending the next few weeks with us as my Darling SIL has to be in school for the next three weeks.I will have to catch up on some more of the happenings around here but that's all for now. I have one of my grandsons here this week so things are Fun,Fun,Fun.....

SUCH FUN BEING NONNI............BLESSINGS TO ALL, CHERYL

I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS.........

2008-12-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

I know you haven't had this before....................
BIG EVENT
Computer dies...................Camera battery DEAD.
SO......No pictures of that sweet little "Big Baby Girl..."
Grandbaby #4 born Tues. December 9th @ 1:23 am
weighed a whopping 10 pounds and 11 ounces.
She was also 21.5 inches long.

PICTURES TO FOLLOW SOON............Gotta get a battery for the camera.......

WOW!!!

2008-12-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

This is great! It is suppose to be a whopping 60degrees Sunday. We sure wish Ashley would go into labor on a day like this instead of a heavy snow day. It was around 54 degrees today and I actually got out and took HNJ for a walk.

Well, maybe Monday will be a nice day.

It's Friday Night

2008-12-05T22:57:00.001-08:00

........ and all is quiet at least for awhile. As most of you know I am in Colorado waiting for our fourth grandbaby to be born. You also know I am Full Blooded GRITS (girl raised in the south), so being here is a total act of love for my daughter as SNOW is something I can just live without. It's something that is pretty on top of a mountain(where I am not).

Well, it has been snowing for several days and everyone has cabin fever so we decided to head out to dinner. All seemed well with Ashley until we sat down to order. She kept having this strange look on her face and then suddenly she said, I am having contractions every 2-3 minutes. This went on the entire time we were at the restaurant, then just as usual everything stopped. This is what happened when she went into labor with HNJ. So, the Dr. has said if she does not go into labor before Monday morning they will go ahead and induce as it appears that the baby is already 9lbs. Please pray that all will go well as they are also concerned about shoulder distocia(sp) and the possibility of a c-section. This was a problem with HNJ's birth.

I will definitely be posting pictures as soon as Baby # 2 arrives and I can figure out how to get pictures on Ashley's computer. For now I am enjoying my time as Nonni to Baby girl HNJ. We have read and read and read some more .

Hope ya'll had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I look forward to blogging more soon.

I always have FUN....

2008-11-17T11:32:00.000-08:00

when visited by the Grandsons.

We had a great week when K our DIL came to stay while our son was working out of town. She and the two boys have never done this before and I was thrilled when she decided to come. Since I still have young ones at home...11yr. and 14yr. and a 16 yr. they were delighted and a great big help as the boys love playing with Auntie Sarah and Uncle Joe.

Aren't they just adorable.J is 4 and D is 17 mos. They are really hamming it up!!

Papa J is sitting in front of the tent the kids made one day. They covered the dining table with all the blankets they could find and then Auntie S helped make a doorway. COOL!! They had so much fun just playing with each other and pretending that all the plans for the picnic at the park and other things were not of much interest to them this time.

The Knight in Shining armor protecting the Damsel in distress.

The cats were a big hit with both the boys..

It was definitely hard to keep them still to catch a shot when their dad arrived. They, Li'l J is definitely a Daddy's boy and D loves Dad but is a real Momma's boy. It sure has been quiet around here this week without them.

But, there's big things in store for next week. That is definitely another post especially since it involves the Grandaughter in Colorado. DDS and I will be leaving the sunny south and heading out west where the weather is just too cold for this southern Girl. Well the things we do for our children. I will be helping my Daughter as she delivers GB #4 into the Nichol-Clan.........Well, I think we are due in another 7 mos, for GB #5!!! Papa J might get his 20 GB before #5 child ever gets married. Those girls keep me hopping about every 6-7mo. or so.(I love it. More soldiers for the Kingdom) Until Later.................................

Cheryl

2008-11-14T06:54:00.000-08:00

AS I was just beginning the day I received an e-mail from a friend inviting me to sit back and enjoy a cup of .......Hot Chocolate while viewing this slide presentation....WORDS OF WISDOM........I now invite you to slow down and sip a cup of Hot Chocolate....Hope you enjoy!
HotChocolate.pps (application/octet-stream)

I had to manually move the slides at the bottom left corner of screen or

use the arrow buttons on your keyboard.
I can't get this to work all the time sorry, sometimes it will and sometimes it won't.

Have a Wonderful Day!!

Cheryl

Wordless Wednesday!!

2008-10-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

Waiting for the Hunt.............My sweet Grandson @ 5:00am

2008-10-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

Life has been so full lately. It does seem like the older the children get the busier things are. Things were so much simpler when they were younger.

JWN went to his first ever Homecoming dance last weekend.Being homeschooled all his life, he didn't have many opportunities for games and dances. I didn't even think he could dance but he stayed on the floor for 3 solid hours. He was also an announcer for the Homecoming Powder Puff Game. What a hoot! He definitely enjoys all aspects of school. I didn't get any pictures from the dance but here are a few of the game. The PP cheerleaders!
SMN spent alot of time over the last few weeks playing violin with her ensemble group. There was a big festival in town and the group played numerous times.
She has also been meeting with a few girls every other Friday learning calligraphy,rubberstamping and scrapbooking. She has thoroughly enjoyed this time. They are very serious about learning different ways to do calligraphy and scrapbooking.
This was a great opportunity for the violin group(Suzuki Strings of Augusta) to be able to play for the very First Westabou Festival. We hope there will be many more.
JHN has been content to do whatever he needs to do or go wherever he's suppose to go. He has really enjoyed being involved in the local Christian School chorus and plays golf every chance he gets. He was also involved in another string group and played in the local festival.

Mom has just been the taxi driver for all the activities. I did have a birthday during this last week. It was a high and a low as it caused me to really miss Mom. She was always the 1st to call and wish me Happy birthday, so it just didn't seem the same. But, the kids were great at encouraging and John was good at making me laugh. Ex. I have been wanting to get a small car to drive with all the gas issues, so after going to dinner, then having my favorite Carrot cake he decided to give me my present. WOW! a very small ,red,2 seater, convertable. It just happened to be about 2 inches long made by Hot Wheels.LOL But at least he got me laughing. I haven't been to cheery lately. Just keep trying to remember it takes time. Mom was my biggest support aside from Darling Husband. She would always listen to me and I knew she would give me good sound counsel. There was nothing I couldn't share with her.
So I've been just doing alot of talking to myself lately(well actually it's been directed more to the Lord and Mom). I know that I can trust Him to turn my mourning into dancing. I can't wait for that time.....

Great is the Lord and Greatly to be Praised! May He be Gorified in all we do!!

September 14th......27 years ago

2008-09-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

I know we Moms tend to say these words often, But Ireally....
I really can't believe how fast these last 27 years have flown by.
Today my OLDEST SON TURNED 27 years old. Such a sweet baby @ 9 lbs. and 9.5 oz. and 23 inches long. He was like a 2 month old when we took him home from the hospital. Such an easy Toddler he was.......such a compassionate young man he was .......Such a helpful young adult and now what a
Wonderful Husband and Father He has become.............. JTN at 3 mos. old He was Superman for Mom and now for KTN
He loved the water, especially with DAD.............His first squirrel. He now hunts with his own son. Oh! how I love it when my men dress up. From the camos to the tuxedo.....

His darling wife KTN......February 21,2004..........I love having a Daughter in Love......Here with his own cute little JTN...Now there is little boy number 2, just no pictures at the moment.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TODDER........
YOUR FAMILY LOVES YOU..........

Daily Devotions

2008-09-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

When things get busy around my house or I get behind in things my nature is to just be totally overwhelmed. And as my family can tell you sometimes it is not a pretty sight. I know that I need to be patient and loving. I know that I should not let myself be ruled by the situation and go off the deep end. Oh, the Love of Christ is what I need. Yes, to be ruled by the Holy Spirit is all powering. That kind of Love is not my nature. I need the patience, I need the peace, I need to look for a way to be constructive. I need to daily, minute by minute ask the Lord for His Love to work through me and in me, that I might show His love alone especially to those around me.
Elisabeth Elliot has been such a tool the Lord has used in my life. I just recently came across her daily devotionals and I pray that God will continue use her in a mighty way.
Be blessed this day!

Elisabeth Elliot's Daily Devotional

Title: Constructive Love
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Today will be full of turmoil, for we are moving. Decisions to be made, complicated sorting and packing to be done, hard physical work, confusion and misunderstanding. I will be tempted to "manage" things which are not mine to manage, to be impatient and anxious and vindictive--I can see it coming! But there is a quiet, steadying power--the love of Christ, and "this love of which I speak is slow to lose patience, looks for a way of being constructive" (l Cor 13:4 JBP). It is not in me. That brand of love is not a part of my nature. So I simply ask for it. Lord, your love alone, at work in me, behaves like that.
Love through me, Love of God.Make me like thy clear airThrough which, unhindered, colors passAs if it were not there.--(Amy Carmichael, Toward Jerusalem)
Daily devotions courtesy of Devotions.org, a ministry of Back to the Bible.

The Old and the New!

2008-08-31T19:22:00.000-07:00

I love old things. But there comes a point when some things just get" TOO OLD."That would be our grill. Sometimes J has a hard time parting with things. I remember when we were first married, he loved to collect frozen OJ containers. He would use them to collect bacon grease. The problem was we had a cabinet full and it would have taken us, oh, about 20 yrs to use them all up.

For him, it's like a game. (I think) Let's see how long we can keep something going.We really get our moneys worth. The children were so ready to buy him and surprise him with this new grill. Now, I don't mind the boys starting it up. I don't have to be afraid that it will EXPLODE or BURN their HAIR.

Seriously, I am grateful for a man who desires to be a good steward of what the Lord has given him. But I know he is truly going to enjoy his NEW grill!!!

Love my Kids!!

2008-08-30T22:11:00.000-07:00

.....and now my Grandkids.

Sometimes that sounds so funny to me. I have 5 children altogether and I must say that I thought we would probably only have 1 maybe 2 kids at all.

Now we have 3 grands and 1 on the way. Seriously, this has been a busy few years. As I have written before I believe children are a gift and we are to treasure them. We have a responsibility to ...be fruitful and multiply... I am so excited that there is another little one joining our growing family, I'm just sad they live so far away (CO).

When our first grandson was born we felt a little young to be grandparents(just because we still had young ones ourselves) and my son and daughter wanted us to be creative with the name the kids would call us. Well, my husband's was easy...Papa John.

Now how do we find a creative name for me? My family knows how much I love biscottis (you know the HARD cookie) and tea. One day when I was in Sam's

I saw a bucket of Nonni's Biscottis and as I read the label I realized that Nonni was an endearing italian name for Grandmother. So, there we had it, Nonni and Papa John.

I love hearing the sound of Nonni sweetly coming from the lips of my 4 yr. old grandson and I can't wait for the others to begin calling my name through the house.

Last week we had the blessing of having the 4 yr old come and stay the week. It was his birthday treat and a special treat for me and the kids. This is only the second time since we have been in Ga.(3 yrs) that he has been able to come.

Things are beginning to settle down since my mom's passing and we are at home alot more. It is difficult to be without her but I know that she is happy and wouldn't come back now, I just Miss her so. I know it will take time as we were so very close. She was a great Mom and a terrific Grannie.

Here's some highlights from our week together.

Proud to be........The Winner of All....

He thought the Chocolate Chip B'day pancakes were the Best!!!
Well, until Auntie S made the B'day cake with sprinkles!!!Li'l J and his daddy love to fish, so we had to take a trip up the street to the lake to fish a little. Too many turtles around to catch anything.
Yeah! I learned to pump and swing myself. Hanging out with Uncle J.

He was really pretty good at crossing the Monkey bars...
Well!!!!! What can I say...What a triple blessing.....What fun we had..

Auntie S can always soothe an anxious traveler on his way back home. Not sure who was more tired him or US...... I pray that he will grow not just in stature but in Wisdom and Favor with God and man. HAPPY 4'th BIRTHDAY LITTLE MAN.......We love You!!!

THIRTY YEARS TOGETHER!!!!

2008-08-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

August 12,1978

I sometimes think I am the most blessed woman in the whole world. I do know others that feel the same way for many reasons. But the main reason I am feeling this way right now is that my wonderful husband of 30 years, the one that I share 5 beautiful children with has done everything he could think of to surprise me for our anniversary. Of course you do need to know that this is not an area that he will say he is strong in.(But believe me he has many,many other strengths and for those I am most grateful.

For now I would like to share briefly our 30 years and our wonderful weekend.....

*J and I were a blind date...............but God could see clearly the plans He had for us.

*J was not a christian when we were married (but was a PK)in 1978..I saw God do amazing things in his life during those first 5-6 yrs as He brought J to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior.

*God moved us to a DeRidder,LA in 1983 where God blessed us with a wonderful paster and wife that discipled us and encouraged us both in the husband and wife roles as well as God's plan for raising children in the Lord.

*J and I were blessed with a son and daughter in the first 6 yrs and believe me we thought we were the ALL AMERICAN FAMILY. You know boy,girl,dog,cat,minivan and boat. Why, what more could we want or need.

*We needed 3 more children..but how..I had a complete hysterectomy at 32 yrs. When God wants to give you something....He does it .... We are grateful!!!!!

*You know the song "God's Still Working on Me" that was us.

* Well, as He has been working in us ,we have been trying to follow His word.

And as we seek His Kingdom first, all the rest will be added as He sees fit.

Have there been trials in family, in relationships, yes, but without them we would not get stronger.

* I don't know about you but I want to be strong, so there needs to be less of me and more of God. " Be strong in the Lord and in the power of HIS might. (Let the weak say I am strong because of what the Lord has done for me..)

* He has shown us His desire for our finances and as we have submitted to Him , He has blessed beyond what we could ever ask or imagine and not just in the monetary.

* Again sometimes things looked pretty dim. but HE IS FAITHFUL.

So as I write this post sharing some of what OUR GREAT GOD has done in our marriage,

I am hoping that whereever you are, whether my children or a friend or a blogging buddy. Know that God can do miraculous things. But whatever He does it is because He knows what we need even though we do not understand.

I thank my God for my husband, my friend, my encourager and most of all for a Godly spouse to be my Spiritual Leader. I look forward to 30+ more years.

HERE'S THE PLANS HE LAID OUT FOR OUR WEEKEND....

1. He took care of the children being care for...Great Job honey.. Thanks Berry's and Kriewaldts..(the animals almost got forgotten)

2. He planned for the weekend to be a surprise.. which he normally doesn't do and is hard to do for me as I open all the mail....confirmation ticket for a weekend at Wild Dunes-Boardwalk Inn.
3. Friday night dinner with longtime family friends David and KaKa (our older 2 were toddler buddies...) which was a surprise..even though I knew they would be in Charleston that weekend moving there daughter. We share so many years and memories. Thanks David and KaKa...It was great!!! They were married on Aug.14,1976.

4. Saturday brought surprise number 3...A Swedish massage...I needed it after this last year caring for my mom. (he had to call Darling Daughter #1 as he had no idea about massages.

5. Oh, I forgot the BEAUTIFUL DOZ> RED ROSES.......They were absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!

6. The Best was just spending the weekend together and watching the sun rise on Sunday morning.

Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this time forth and forevermore.

From the rising of the sun to its going down...The Lord's name is to be praised. Psalm 113:2-3

Our God is an Awesome God, He reigns from Heaven above, with Wisdom, Power and Love...

Our God is an Awesome God..

Cheryl

Guess What Happens this Week!

2008-08-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

You guessed it ........... school started on Monday.....busy.....busy....school supplies... Open House and new schedules. We are working on getting notebooks organized and planning meals, so no time to post yet about our" Fabulous Anniversary Weekend". I will try later.

I can share a pic of my handsome 11th grader on the first full day of school which happened to be Chapel day. He loves sporting his Charleston pinstriped, seersucker suit. He loves Charleston!!

See ya Soon!!!

2008-08-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

J and I are heading northeast for some fun in the sun. We are celebrating our 30th anniversary.Wow!! Seems like yesterday.. that blind date...! Thank you Lord!
More to come when we return.........so be prepared...lots of surprises in store as J says...
See ya Soon.........

My Special Gift!!!!!!

2008-08-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

As I write this post I am awestruck by the goodness of my Lord.

It would take me days and many blogs to share with you what God has and is doing in this young man's (my son's) life. I thank God for being able to care for him these 16 years. He is a true Gift from God. J and I thank God for the many people that have been such a major part of his life!! You are truly an encouragement to all of us. His birthday celebration was such fun and so many of you from different places were able to come and be a part of this special Blessing!!

For some of you that don't know us very well or not at all. In our home when you turn 16 there is a great big celebration. It is a time set aside to encourage and pronounce a special Blessing on the Birthday child. For some weeks before the celebration I call 16 people that have been a part of their life, from the time they were born until now. Some have known them all their lives while others maybe a short time. We choose friends, relatives, elders and pastors to take part in this time of Blessing. There have been parties at the beach while others have been at home or in a restaraunt. J was definitely wanting his to be at the beach but it just wasn't going to happen so I decided to bring the Beach to him. The whole week before, he was at camp so I planned and shopped for sand,shells,water fun,beach umbrellas,beach balls and lots of Orange and Purple since he is one of the biggest Clemson fans I know aside from his brother. There was to be volleyball,WATER FUN,(waterguns & splash balls) and not to forget the Beach Music for shagging on the sand (poured on the concrete slab). Oh, and these parties are always family oriented because we believe our children need to have friends of all ages.(That is the real world). How many of you work with only people of your age? This has taught our children to be interested in people of other ages and not just their peers.

We also share scipture that the Lord has given us for the children throughout their life. J's is joshua 1:8-9.......This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth; but thou shalt meditate on it day and night, that thou may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and thou shalt have good success.(in God's eyes)

Have not I commanded you? Be thou strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whereever thou goeth.

Joshua has a rich christian heritage and we are thankful for that. We pray that as he goes through this life and through the trials that life brings our way,he will look back on this time and be GREATLY ENCOURAGED...IN THE LORD.

Here's a few pics of the party....

Wordless Wednesday! In Colorado....

2008-07-23T05:51:00.001-07:00

Would you want to eat this???
Give me a fork PLEASE!!
Not Bad!
It's really pretty good> Go get you one!!

2008-07-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER SWEET BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!!!!!!

Our sweet little granddaughter Haydanne celebrates her 1st Birthday today.

I pray that you sweet Haydanne will grow to know Jesus at an early age and that you will not just know him but love Him with all your heart and serve him all of your days.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!! Nonni & Papa John

Joshua,Sarah and Joseph

HAPPY 14 th BIRTHDAY SARAH!!!

2008-07-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone. It just doesn't seem like 14 yrs since we drove 3 hours to pick up our sweet little daughter. She was so tiny even at 6wks. old. Her big brothers and sister were so excited about having a new little one in our family. OK. Todd, maybe you were a little apprehensive ,but you were the one she always clung to as a little girl and you loved it. She knew if she couldn't get anyone else to stop working or studying to hold her , she could always get Big Brother,Todd to rock her.

Sarah, my little Sarah, Jesus loves you, I love you too, my little girl!!! Now, my big girl!!

We love You!!!! and thank God that he brought you into our family. Always remember that God knows what he is doing even when we don't always understand.

You are so sweet and caring. You are always willing to play with the little ones or help someone in need.I know that God will use you in a mighty way!! Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Lots of love and kisses from.........Mom and Dad, Josh & Joe

A Mighty Work!!

2008-07-19T20:21:00.001-07:00

I am in complete amazement of my Awesome God!! He is always teaching me to trust in Him.
Not that I don't trust in Him, cause I do. But there has come some times in my life that I pray believing God hears me but NOT REALLY BELIEVING He will do what I am asking Him. Let me give you an example........
About 6 yrs ago we met a young man from Mozambique,Africa through a group visiting our church from Teen Missions. They were foreign teen missionaries come to share the gospel with the USA, YES!!, I said the USA. This was a divine appointment by God as he (Victor)has become a very important part of our life. (If you know us you know we have many adopted daughters/sons even if they aren't fully ours.)
In 2003 after our oldest daughter graduated high school she felt the Lord calling her to Africa. At that time Victor was in the US going to seminary so she went to live in Mozambique for 3months to take care of 33 orphans. This was a true blessing to his family and ours but especially to the orphans.(many had lost their parents to aids but some mothers just couldn't take care of their children since their husbands had died.)
During the time Victor was in the US he became part of our family and another family. He spent Christmas vacation with us and we learned many things from him and he from us. But the most important thing that happened during this time was each one of us learning to trust in God alone for all things. Victor had started an orphanage in Nampula and he had a strong desire for marriage. We prayed many times for God to bring him a wife. This was definitely a trying time for him. But God is so Faithful and as I continue to learn His timing is always perfect!!
This week Victor was able to visit us along with his new bride. We are thrilled!! She is the One!
We all prayed,Victor obeyed and waited on the Lord. They are an Awesome Team!!

The other prayer that the Lord was faithful in answering for me was that I had desired for Victor to be able to visit our church after we moved to Ga. Every time I thought he was going to come to the states his visa was denied and he wasn't able to come. But last Wenesday night he was here, he was sharing with the youth in our church and I was overwhelmed with emotion. What a special blessing!! What an answer to prayer! What an awesome God I serve and He is doing an Amazing work in His time.
It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you Victor and Christina Carlos.........http://www.victorandchristina.blogspot.com/

Spending time with Big Brother Victor and Christina is great!!

Christina was very excited about the fast internet....She was also excited about starting their blog. She kept later hours than me on the Blogger!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!......TO.......

2008-07-16T06:31:00.000-07:00

52 GREAT YEARS!!!!!!!!!

The Love of my life....My Best friend..........My Sugar Daddy..............My One and Only......My Kids Daddy.........My Encourager and the One who points us all to God.
I LOVE YOU, HONEY!!!!!!

Dad is my hero! He's my best friend .He's #1!!!! Happy Birthday Dad. I LOVE YOU, DAD!!!!!!!!Sarah

GO Dad!!!! You're # 1!!! I love you, Joe

HEY DAD, your the surest workin, hardest prayin, extremest golfin, and best parentin dad out there. You'll never grow old in my book! Stay strong and Happy Birthday. Josh

Thankful for Likeminded Friends!!!

2008-07-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

This week has been a reminder to me of how important likeminded friends are.

My dear friend Mishelle and her 5 boys came to visit us on Monday afternoon and stayed till today. So all together we had 7 boys and 1 girl between the ages of 7 yrs. and my almost 16 yr.old. S didn't mind, she is used to being the only girl most of the time. She can play ball, bandage cuts, or serve lemonade to the little ones. She is a real trooper!! It was funny to hear people that I knew say," How many are coming?" That's a long time to stay with someone," One person even said "YUCK!!"

But, Oh! you don't know my friend, her boys and how are families get along.

When she called and told me they were coming we could hardly wait. When they arrived, it was like we had never been apart. We only get to visit maybe 1-2 times a year.

Once we got everything unpacked we decided it would be fun to pretend we were at the BEACH!!

The kids thought it was great. So we stayed up late, talking, listening to Odyssey,reading, playing games or watching movies. We slept late, stayed in our PJ's drinking coffee till 10 am and went to the pool. I haven't had this much fun in a long time. It was not loud or disorderly. Much the contrary, it was organized and FUN!

We didn't stay in the kitchen cooking and cleaning the whole week. We cooked and the kids paired up( 1 older,1 younger)to clean the kitchen. After they cleaned up each night I made dessert. A little incentive to get it done. IT WORKED!! Little Mat asked every day about going to the lake down from our housebut no one else wanted to go. So, I told him we would take a vote . He went to get all the kids telling them we were going in a boat to the lake. LOL They were totally confused. We finally took him and he watched a family try to catch some fish but all they seemed to catch were turtles. He enjoyed it anyway and we enjoyed the peacefulness of the lake.

It was a gorgeous evening. As a matter of fact it was a gorgeous week. Thank you Lord for nice weather, great times and Great Friends!!!

I was sad to see them leave today but the kids were already talking about doing this again next summer and making it a yearly tradition. I forgot to mention M & I also talked to another dear soul sister in Australia. We can't wait for them to return and join us, then we will have 4 more children in the bunch.

We decided to share a few pics of our week and some Wild Indians.

Breaktime at the Pool!!

My three clowns!!!
Cleo wasn't sure whether to play or hide from these characters!

A nice quiet evening with Narnia!
The lake was so calm you could see the reflections of the geese. This is our sweet Matt.

Is that wild Indians on the roof or FBI agents with prisoners? S can hang with the boys or be the sweet, young lady God made her. The guys love it because she not just this prissy girl who fusses over her hair.

One sad little Fuller!! Could they be that hungry?? Worms??? We did feed them!!!

Let me out of here!! I have to go home now.

Thank you Lord for Friends to build special memories with. May our lives and our families glorify Your name!!

Sweet Land of Liberty!!!

2008-07-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

Of Thee I Sing........

Long may our land be bright

with Freedom's Holy Light

Protect us by thy Might

Great God our King!!!!!!

I know this is a late 4th post, but much fun and company has kept me away. I just had to share our Family's 4th experience which will probably become an annual tradition.

In our house we decorate for just about every holiday and this 4th was not to be any different, even though we had just returned from a trip to our Old House in S'ville. We all decided on Thursday that this time it would be just the 5 of us as Mom couldn't get it together to have company the next day. S decided to put up balloons and streamers anyway, so off to Wal-mart to get the things we didn't have.(groceries for one as we had been gone all week.) RED,WHITE and BLUE that's what we were looking for. Hamburgers, potatoe salad (no Kathi not the store bought kind, the real suff) and baked beans with strawberry shortcake for dessert. Great!! With that decided, the boys wanted to play golf early in the morning, even though Dad couldn't play because he had hurt his shoulder the week before. After golf ,our neighborhood pool was having some races and games. The kids enjoyed this especiall J, He came back with all the loot. They had a greased watermelon race, a race to see who could get the most drinks from the bottom of the pool and the kids raced against the adults. Fun,Fun, Fun had by all. But that wasn't even the best part. After we had our meal at 5:00 we headed downtown for a Patriotic Concert. It was held at St. Paul's downtown, a very old and beautiful church. We didn't realize what a treat we were in for. I will never forget the way I felt when the Color Guard marched in with the Flags and everyone stood to pledge allegiance to our Country and again, there was more to come. As we listened to many Patriotic songs my heart praised our God ,for the priviledge we had to be there in that church singing songs of freedom, singing songs of praise ,for the men and women who have fought and our still fighting for us to have this freedom. Including my son-in -law, who serves in Special Forces, Army, now in the country of Georgia, doing some training with the men there.

But most of all, as the orchestra played a salute to each branch of the military it brought me to tears. Looking around the church to see the many men and women who had served or were still serving I thanked God. I was so humbled that these would risked there lives for me. Well ,not just me but us and them. I had prayed and do pray for the many I know that serve. But this was a very emotional time for me. So many serving today! So many sacrificing for us and them!! So what do I do, or what should I do? Pray, Pray and Pray that God would protect them and us by His Might. I know that it is not by sword or spear but by the Mighty Hand of God that we will triumph.

Thank you Lord that you sacrificed your comfort, your place in heaven to save us and to give us the freedom that comes only through a heart and life totally surrendered to you. May we humble ourselves before You Lord knowing that You will lift us up!!!

This was the Most Memorable 4th I think we have ever spent and everyone agreed...Let's do it again next year!!!! Oh, I forgot that after the concert we were able to go outside and sit in the parking lot and watch the fireworks at the Riverwalk. WOW!!!!

Dad & J

S & Joe

St. Pauls downtown... Georgia's 3 Tenors and the Independence Day Chorus

Bombs bursting in air........

I can't believe it!!

2008-07-07T22:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever sat at your computer pouring your heart out at 1:00 in the morning only to do what I can't believe I did!!!!!!

Yes!! I somehow deleted my whole post. Yes!! Pictures and all!!

I'm not sure when I'll be able to get back on this here computer. Yes, I am frustrated and I want to cry.

Maybe, just maybe God knew(of course he did) He was the only one that needed to hear my heart tonight. Well, He does know best!!!!
I am going to BED!!! I have company and these 8 yes, 8 children in my house are going to be up and at'em early.
Of course not knowing that Ms. N,Mom did the unbelievable, they will come in my room asking about getting on the computer to play a game. HOW DO YOU THINK I WILL ANSWER!! NNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Later!!

This is Hard....

2008-07-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

Where did the week go!!

2008-06-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

My sweet helper!

I can't believe that it is Saturday already. Sarah had her final concert at camp last night.

I did a hodge podge if things this week. Sometimes I felt like I was getting nothing accomplished.

But what I do know is that it was a "GREAT WEEK". A week of reflecting on what God has done, is doing and what I know he will do in my family. I have spent time, with a couple of sisters in Christ.....watched movies and relaxed with my sweet daughter, stripped wallpaper in my basement bathroom(which is a story all of it's own) and have spent some wonderful QUIET Time with my Jesus!!

But, it's now time to follow the boys to S'ville. They have each one had their time to call Mom and say, When are you coming? My sweet husband who never E-Mails me even sent me one this week letting me know I was missed and he was ready for me to get there. Part of me wants to go and another part of me doesn't. It has been a long time since I didn't want to go to my home town. I know that I am trying to delay the inevitable and I haven't been since Mom died, the day before Mother's Day. I do feel the longer I am away the less I want to go and I know Dad needs me so I am going. We will probably be cleaning out some of Mom's things. she had already told me what grandchild gets what. So! Please Pray!!!!

We are also Going To The Beach!!!!!!! We will problably only stay a few days but none the less, I will be gone!!! So I will miss you all but I'll be back and when I return......THE WHOLE CLAN.. will be with me. That will be nice!! I get more projects done then.

Here's some shots of the Agape ministry project time. This was some sweet time with some sweet kids that needed some hugs...encouraging words and some food & fellowship. It was definitely a blessing to our family to see Jesus work during this time.

Quiet at Home !!!!

2008-06-26T19:17:00.000-07:00

This week has been pretty quiet for me, as John and the boys have been in S'ville working on our house down there and Sarah has been at orchestra camp every day from 9:00-5:00. So this has really given Momsi a great deal of time to reflect and maybe get a project or two done.

I must admit that I really have had a hard time knowing exactly where to start. I have taken Sarah, come home and jumped from one thing to the other. I have been having alot of conversations with the Lord. This has definitely been GOOD. Life for me this past year has been really hectic with travelling back and forth to take care of mom. My time with the Lord seemed to always be on the go. So to have QUIET TIME sitting in my favorite chair was a real blessing and just what I needed. I pray that even when we're all back together I won't allow myself to slip into the Busyness and not take Time. I need it!!

Sometimes I just sit at the computer wanting to share my heart, my family but don't even know where to begin. Writing has never come easy for me and visiting some of ya'lls blogs kinda makes me a little intimidated, WOW!! I will say I have learned alot from each of you. But I know the reason for my posting has been to joural things that are happening in our family so here goes.
Last summer was absolutely Terrific !!!! We spent the whole summer with family and friends at the beach, travelling across the country to Colorado. I was with my oldest two as they brought little ones into the world. But this Summer, What Lord? I had plan to spend the summer helping my mom. What is the best way to spend our time or invest our time I asked the Lord? Every summer for the past 17 yrs my children have swam on a Swimteam, but that was not to be.

As I prayed for wisdom and direction for the summer, I asked the Lord to open doors for our family to serve Him. He inclined His ear unto me and heard my prayer. We have had the blessing and priviledge to minister as a family like we have never been able to. There are so many needs out there and we don't even have to look for them, all we need to do is pray and He will show us His will. So many times I have gone out looking and done things in my own strength only to feel empty when done. But Oh, when it is God ordained, it is not me giving a blessing, it is Me receiving the Blessing!!

As I had the opportunity this past week to spend time with a young lady from Cameroon, it was very obvious to both of us that God had brought us together in HIS TIME. She needed me and I needed her and her family. They had to pack up there entire house and her husband worked every day till they drove out on Tuesday aftternoon. They do not have any family close by and had only been at our church for about 8mos.What a wonderful friendship was built and even though she was moving to NY, we are forever friends!!! Thank you God that your ways are not our ways and your thoughts are not our thoughts. You know what we need when we need it. You are Jehovah Jireh- a God who supplies. THANK YOU!!

I will post another one later. Thanks for stopping by!!

Here's a few pictures of our special time helping the Mongwa's. Momsi and Gabby-our favorite thing to do..........Gabby just learning to walk............Xenia,Gabby and Momsi..........Most of the gang minus Josh...............Papa John likes to hold babies and gabby is such the cuddler. Sorry, no pictures of the adults I forgot to take pictures of all the work that was done I was to busy doing what I do best!! The Kids.

It's That Time!! Sharing Time!!

2008-06-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

WHAT WAS I DOING 10 YRS. AGO!
-diapering a 1yr. old
- running after a 3 yr. old
- beginning to home-school a 5 yr. old
- encouraging my 2 teenagers (13 & 16)
-I guess I would say nurturing, loving & raising
5 children for God

WHAT ARE MY 5 FAVORITE SNACKS?
- popcorn w/ lots of butter (not the microwave kind/J makes the best)
- tortilla chips & homemade salsa
- butterfinger (S gave me minis for Mothers Day)
- peanut butter/raisins/oatmeal mix
- almost anything w/nuts (nut mix)

5 THINGS ON MY TO DO LIST TODAY

- pick up the tire I left at Sam's last Tues.(it's been a busy week)- -go to the Chiropractor---schedule Sarah a Dr. appointment --strip last bathroom of its wallpaper- -pick up a going away gift

5 JOBS THAT I HAVE HAD

-babysitting
-school bus driver( I can't believe they let a 16-17yr.old drive elementary kids) -salesperson @ Belk store in the new Northwoods Mall-Nuclear Medicine Tech. @ Baptist Hosp.(Cola.,SC) & St Francis Hosp.(Chas.SC) -The most important and # 1 position I have held has been Wife to one amazing Man; Mother, and Teacher to my 5 Wonderful Children

PLACES I HAVE LIVED

North Chas.,SC --Goose Creek,SC---Summerviller,SC(2 times)---DeRidder, LA--Augusta,GA

5 BAD HABITS OF MINE (this one is not so fun to tell)

eating to many carbs(my daughter-in-law is going to help me with this one soon)
-putting off till tommorrow what I should do today
-talking to long on the phone (this is usually counseling or encouraging someone)-going to Starbucks to much----not keeping up with good old friends(I hope blogging will help that)

NOW THAT I THINK ABOUT IT I THINK I SHOULD START WORKING ON THESE. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHICH ONE TO START WITH(please don't say Starbucks)

5 RANDOM THINGS MOST PEOPLE WOULD NOT KNOW ABOUT ME!

--I worked as a volunteer at the Coastal Rehabilitation Center with handicapped children
-I always wanted to adopt children (thankfully the Lord answered that hearts desire)
-I would love to one day be a Nanny for new moms and help them get adjusted (encourage them in their roles as wife and mother)
-To own a decorating shop/coffee shop with my oldest daughter---To be a Home Organizer Designer

CDS I WOULD TAKE IF I WERE STRANDED ON A DESERTED ISLAND
One of the things I don't do well is remember titles of CDS. So here are some that I like:
Hymns by Indelible Grace ----Peace Be STill--Character Classics--Beach Music ( I like it all)--Songs my son Josh picks out or writes

5 THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE A BILLIONAIRE
--fly my whole family to Africa to build a strong building for the orphans--set up a fund for food @ the Maranatha Orphanage (get a garden & water supply)--provide all orphanages with enough money to hire qualified workers to teach the kids---set up a fund for Bethany Christian Services,for people who can't afford to adopt----help my dad so he can enjoy the rest of his life I'm sure there are plenty more.

Thanks for waiting girls and now I have to think of some to tag. I sure would like to learn a little about some of the ladies on the Blog. I'm just sure I'm on their blog more than they are on mine.

I would love to hear more about momofeleven, georgiamother, and operationmotherhood.

Consider yourself TAGGED! I hope you can join in the fun!!

Thanks,

Cheryl

TAGGED!

2008-06-20T05:34:00.000-07:00

I guess that means I'm it as the kids would say.

Well girls, this is a short post saying it will take me a little longer to get it done. The family has been involved in an Inner City project this week called "The Agape Project".
Lots of time away from home but good time with my kids and some others. Then we've been helping a young family that is moving to NY get packed up and watch their girls some.HopefullyI will be able to get back Sunday late night. Could be sooner, but one of those things on my list is packing the boys up to head down to S'ville for an "Old House " work project. That means food,clothes for the whole week till I get there the next Saturday. But I do look forward to sharing with you and tagging some others.
Thanks

Thank God !

2008-06-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

I am glad that we have a Heavenly Father we can depend on at all times for any reason. I have been thinking alot this week about this Special day and the Lord has guided me into something I would like to share with the rest of you. Some of us have had wonderful father/child relationships, while others have not had such relationships. Maybe you don't live very close to family so you have not been able to share in those kinds of memories. Then, some may not have ever known their father because of death or divorce. There are even those who maybe lived with their father all their life but because of physical or verbal abuse have a hard time even thinking good thoughts about their father or wanting to even be around. I know their are others where there was always so much tension between them and their father that it is difficult to remember any good things even though there may be some.

I am so grateful that we can bring these things before our Mighty God and
we can call him Abba, Father and He will wrap His Loving arms around us and comfort us.

But, I have to say that this week as I listened to a sermon by Charles Stanley and he talked about God, our Fathers and Forgiveness,it reminded me of how many times I have had to go to my Heavenly Father and asked forgiveness for not loving my family as I ought. I was also reminded of how God says " Honor your Father and Mother, this is the first commandment with a promise that all will go well with thee and thou may have long life on this earth. "
Did you read anywhere in there where it said, Honor your Father & Mother
if they are nice to you, if they speak kindly to you, or better yet if they do everything right?

NO!! He just says HONOR them and receive my Promise.

Well, that did it for me. It's true my Dad is far from perfect but I know that I want to glorify God and one way to do that is to obey Him and I can begin by
"HONORING MY DAD!"

So, as this day comes to a close I want to encourage you to do just that and

Thank your Father for your father.

Excited!!

2008-06-10T21:35:00.000-07:00

I've had one of the best weekends that I have had in a very long time. It is always great to see what God is doing and we know He is always doing something. But as you know it has been pretty hard for me to see much lately. It has been tough to let go and know that God will heal my broken heart. VERY TOUGH EVERY day. I think about Mom every day and sometimes forget that I can't just call her and hear her sweet voice or even her sad or discouraged voice. We talked about everything! I'm glad to have an older daughter to talk with, even if it is on cell phone. Arent' they great!

BUT,God says, He works all things for good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. I do love Him! I trust He will do what He says.

Well, you would have to know alot more about my family to understand that we firmly believe that. Okay, I need to tell you why I am so excited. Let's begin with CEF/CYIA Camp. The camp that my two middle childen attended last week in the Georgia mountains. What an AWESOME experience for both, but especially my son which is turning 16 this summer. Not only did he develop some very close friendships but he was also trained to share the gospel with children while FACE PAINTING. He is so on fire, ready to share with those around, ready to minister to those who don't know HIM. He was also able to assist leading worship(playing piano and singing) which is one of his many gifts. This has opened many doors for sharing with the lost. I pray, as he does, that he will stay ON FIRE for God and not settle for mediocrity. He prays, that he will be able to encourage his friends to get excited and be involved with a ministry to inner city kids(the Agape project) this month and work doing Backyard Bible Clubs for Child Evangelism Fellowship. I pray we will none settle for mediocrity and we would all be ON FIRE for HIM in the days, weeks , months and years ahead.

On another note , the Lord is showing me that,Yes, I am sad and grieving but instead of focusing on that which I don't have, it's time to use those gifts He has given me. How wonderful it is when we LISTEN to what He is telling us ........(Ja1. Be quick to listen........and slow to speak. I tend to do to much talking. I wan to be AVAILABLE to do HIS WILL not mine but His. So since Mom went to be with Jesus there is definitely more time in my day and week, so, why waste it. I'm looking forward to the ways that He will show me to use my gifts and my time.

What a blessing it has been already this week to just serve Him by serving those in need.
I do wait with great expectation as to what tommorrow holds for my dear family. I thank God for His promise to never leave us nor forsake us, even when we feel like He has.

May you be blessed in all you do for HIM!!

Cheryl

Her Day! Mother's Day!

2008-05-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

Well, Mom's Day finally arrived. It just happened to come the day before Mother's Day, May10,2008.
But I say, She got the best Mother's day present anyone could've given her. She got to see
JESUS face to face and she also got to see her own MOM, my sweet Nana.

In my last post I said I knew Mom was on the decline and I was right. I also said that I was alright and I think I will be. Letting go has been much harder than I thought. I am so grateful for the assurance of where she is. Knowing she is in no pain and that she is rejoicing with her Lord gives me great peace.
Mother knew this day was coming and had done as much as possible to have things in order. She had given me all her wishes for the Celebration Service and I must say it was truly that a celebration of what God had done in her life. She was truly a testimony to many and her greatest desire was that God would be glorified. He was!
Mom had asked all her granchildren to participate in the service and I am proud to say they all did. The oldest two spoke of how their Grannie had been such a part of their lives and they were inspired by her Faith. Her next grandaughter sang, "In the Garden" (He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own) and I am sure she listened with great joy.
My three younger children were very close to my Mom. They spent many a weekend with her. She stayed many weeks with us while recovering from her different surgeries. She delighted in their music and they were glad to share it as a tribute to her. JWN played "In Christ Alone"on the piano; SMN and JHN played "Be Thou my Vision and "Amazing Grace on the violin." My mom never met a stranger and it was obvious in the number of people from her high school years, our childhood years, her working days and her dear church friends. What a Life she lived! What Life she shared. I am forever grateful for the Life she Gave me. She was my best girlfriend and I miss her terribly. It will be a long time before I don't reach for the phone to call her since we talked nearly twice a day every day. It will be a while before there's not this ache to talk to her.

Thank you all for your prayers and notes of encouragement, it means a lot. This will be a big change for me since the last 3-5 yrs. I have spent so much of my time with Mom, whether it be in the hospital or taking her for her chemo or just simply spending as much time as I could with her. I am not exactly sure where to start but for now I just feel like I need to focus on my family
and enjoy the few (2 to be exact) years left with my middle son before he heads off to what I believe may be a long process to MD.(He thinks maybe a Cardiologist) I'm not sure, but I'm glad I know the One who is sure and He holds that young man's future in His hands.( What a peace that brings and a relief.)

Once again I say Thank YOU for all your prayers.
Cheryl

The Time is Near

2008-05-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

I know for certain that my God is an" Awesome God" and that"He reigns" over all things. I also know that His Timing is perfect. So, with knowing all of this I sit here after midnight wondering what tommorrow holds.
Dad is at work, Mom is sleeping (somewhat) and so is SMN and my brother. Mom has had a rough couple of days. She seems to be slipping away and I'm okay with that.She has fought a long and hard battle. Some might say she is giving up but I say she is ready to see Jesus and her physical body is going through the process of releasing her. She then will have Victory, not defeat. It's just that it is so difficult for my dad, he has tried to deny this for a very long time. I am grateful for Hospice as they have tried to help Dad understand what is happening and this afternoon he and I were able to talk about the decline of her physical body. I told him how wonderful it was that God had allowed us so much more time with her and that she needed to know he was going to be alright. Please pray with me that he will set her free to be with her Lord, and that he will trust that God's timing is perfect.

I sat today thinking about how many people my mom has touched through her testimony of God's faithfulness
and how blessed I am to have such a wonderful Mom, friend,counselor and example for myself, my children and my grandchildren.

Thank you for listening to my rambling.

Thank you God for your Wisdom, Power and Love. You are an "AWESOME GOD"!

Busy Time for the Mom in the family...

2008-03-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

ME !!

It's been a while since this mom has had any time to do any posting.

I often sit and look at the computer wondering how people have time to do so much writing.
As I have said before this is a real challenge for me and the only reason I keep it up is because I enjoy it.

Well, getting back to my busyness in life. We all know what it means to be someone's child and most of us know what it means to be somebody's mother and some more even know about being a spouse. Just being one of those keeps you busy enough but add all three and not to mention being a Grandparent! WWWhheww, I'm tired. I certainly don't have much time left over for uhhh me. So thats why the long time in between posts.

Some of you know my mom has been fighting cancer for the last four years. This last year has been very tough for her and for myself. I have had to come to the realization that Mom is not going to be around much longer. Oh, we are so very grateful for the time the Lord has given us. Almost five years ago they told her(the docs) she might be here 6mos. to 1 year. Did she ever show them that there is only "ONE PERSON" that knows when that time will be. These last few months I have made several trips back and forth from Augusta to Summerville to help Mom get to the doctor or stay with her in the hospital. The ladies in my Bible Study heard me say 2 wks ago that I didn't think she would pull through the last hospital stay, but I had to turn around and say " but she has surprised us so many times and she is one strong lady." A week ago they sent her home with an IV bag of food. We hook her up in the evening and some one unhooks her in the morning. This is the only way she can get any nutrients to stay alive, as she has a bowel obstruction. She has been a walking testimony to so many nurses, doctors and people at her church as well as those in other congregations. I heard someone say my mom has a smile that is so contagious you can feel it even over the phone.

I am so glad that I can be with her so much even living 2 1/2 hrs. away. We should all live as if tomorrow we would not see each other again and boy the good memories we would share.

This past summer I was able to take mom to the beach for the weekend and then give her a surprise luncheon at one of her good friends restaurant. It was great "I' even wrote her a poem for her 70th Birthday.(not like me of course but she enjoyed it).It was a very special time and I'm so grateful for the opportunity God has given me to spend some wonderful quality time with her.

More Christmas at the Beach

2008-02-08T22:21:00.000-08:00

This is my little brother and his two boys. His daughter and her family weren't able to make it. The girls were in a Christmas pageant at their church. Darling Brother has had to be out of the country alot with his job so it is always good to be with he and his wife and family. I can remember when he was little and I didn't like to be around him. Thank the Lord age does change us some. He is a great brother! Mom, come on ! They were ready to charge the den on Christmas morn. It is our tradition that everyone comes down at the same time and we gather to read the Christmas Story in Luke. This group was lead by JHN, JTN, adn Little one WDN. Those boys are always sitting on go.
Oh, This was another picture from the Hall dinner on Saturday. These three cousins were all born the same year within months of each other. Can you imagine...3 Boys all 15 years old. They are some kinda terrific guys. WE love them and I'm glad they were all together for Christmas.
This was the favorite passtime of the week. The house came with a golf cart. Don't know what to do, need to quiet a little one down, want a little peace and quiet or head down to the pavillion shops, just take the cart.
My DDiL-KTN just couldn't wait to wear her USC sweatshirt and sit right in the middle of the picture I was trying to get of all the kids in their Clemson outfitsl. I tried to get them to act like they were going to strangle her but no one would do it. I guess they love her to much to even pretend.

JWN-15 yrs
JTN-3 yrs
SMN-13 yrs
JHN-10 yrs
HNJ-5mos
WDN-6mos

In the Middle-KTN-24yrs

Christmas Time at the Beach........

2008-02-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

bbbbbbbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr COLD. Not really. It turned out to be a very nice week at the beach.

Renting the beach house was a lot of fun and work, but thanks to some great helpers it was an
easy transformation. We took everything , Christmas tree, Stockings, Gingerbread house. You name it, we did it. I Love Christmas !!

Many hands make light work.. David reaching high to place the Bow on Top.
We had the Hall Family Christmas Dinner on Saturday. It was great having Aunts and Uncles that I don't get to see all year around for the day. It just seems to get harder and harder to get everyone together. I am grateful that they all made an extra effort to get there this year. Here's my mom with her siblings 3 sisters and a brother. They are Terrific!
These are my precious nieces and nephews. (1 missing niece) Oh yeah and my brother. Look at that boy, Taller than his dad. Except that's not saying much since my brother is only 5'6" if that.
My children always love it when they can be with their cousins and I'm glad they feel that way.
And the Stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that soon.................................
This little one could not wait to help Nonni put the Gingerbread house together. Here he is decorating the front sidewalk. SSooooooooooo FFFFFuuuuuuuunnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!

2008-01-20T14:14:00.000-08:00

Best Buds!

These four got to spend some time together during the Christmas break. I think they would just like to move in together. It is truly a blessing from the Lord to have Great Friends.

A friend loveth at all......Prov.17:17

CLEMSON KIDS !!

2007-12-31T21:34:00.000-08:00

This is a hard Job!

Little JTN was trying real hard to help his Nonni with getting a picture of the Little Ones in their Clemson outfits. It was difficult but at least they didn't end up face first in the sand.

HNJ looked so cute in her cheerleading outfit. It was a real treat to have them all together at Christmas this year. We rented a beach house so that everyone could be together since ANJ and her family are not going to be here every year for Christmas. We were able to have a lot of my mom's family over and JDN's family came and stayed for the end of the week It was good catching up with family.

More Fun in the Summer Sun!

2007-09-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

..... having fun in the Colorado Sun

Well, I know it doesn't look like their having fun, But they are! This was their tough cowpoke faces at the Flying W Ranch in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Lots of Wagon Trail eating, western shops and a good ole Country Gospel singing group that evening. It was a great time spent with ANJ, DJ and his mom, Grace. The kids really had a great time at their sisters. It was their first time ever going on a vacation that far. They also enjoyed so many other adventures. All the guys went White Water rafting in Colorado. This was also a first but since Mom was not with them , Quess What? No pictures! So they will just have to hold on to that memory on their own.

WE did head on up to Pikes Peak. The kids got a big kick out of the fact that Mom hates heights.

When that Bog railroad car was tilting some 35 degrees all I could do was hold on and look down at my hands. It wasn't to bad when we got to the top, I even got out and was able to take pictures in front of the sign.

Little Ones

2007-08-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

CHILDREN ARE AN HERITAGE OF THE LORD.
Psalm 127:3

Well, some of you haven't seen us in a while so I thought I would fill you in on the happenings.

We are the proud grandparents of three darling grans. Two of which were born this Summer.

WDN was the first born at the beginning of the Summer,HNJ was a month later. She was born one day after her Aunt SMN birthday.(She was hoping for the same day and believe me ANJ tried but HJ was determined to wait). Aren't they beautiful! Now for the "Big Brother of WDN.

This is LJ. He is the "Apple " of my eye. I just absolutely love being able to have him stay with me when I go to Chas. He always says if PJ is not there he will sleep with Nonni. We have a great time. But if AS is around I just loose out. I can't wait for these other two to come and stay with us too. This Gran thing is terrific!

What a Sunny Summer!

2007-08-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

Baby girl HNJ!

The new Baby Brother!

Uncle Josh's great swim
Great Friends,Great Beach
JWN wins Big! Running in the Triathlon

This summer was fantastic! Not just because of the "Little Ones" but because we spent time
at our old home in SSC. This meant we spent time with old friends,family and at the Beach. We travelled to Colorado Springs, Colorado to visit our dd#1 and welcome the new baby girl HNJ. I finally got to take the family to the Ozarks. They were amazed at the "Christ of the Ozarks" where we saw the passion play in an outdoor amphitheater. AWESOME! It is definitely a must. They have a replica of the Holy Land. It was quite an experience for the kids. So much to do so little time. The children also got to go to the Creation Museum with Dad. They can't wait to take me back with them, so we can see the Life Size Noah's Ark.The boys did a Triathlon But best of all they were able to swim for their old swim team "The Tiger Sharks". This meant that they got to spend an extraordinary amount of time with their best friends AK & TK which meant I got to spend very meaningful time with my good friend WK. What a time to remember These times don't happen often and I am very grateful to the Lord that He allowed it.I would say this was probably our most memorable Summer. SO here's a few highlights. Kicking back after a hard morning swim. The girls in the towels turned "13".

Fun in the Summer Sun!

2007-08-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

Fun,Fun,Fun, so JWN thought as he was sneaking up on the lifeguards at AMN and TK's Birthday Swim Party. You would've thought that the kids were real tired of the pool by July. The party was a success and the girls turned a Big "13". Isn't it Great when their enjoying friends and the blessings of life! Loads of fun at MCD's after a Great meet. They were ready for an ice cream with their teammates and "Best Buds" the "Kriewaldt Krew."
Here they are again taking a real breather after a tiring practice. This was a Summer of SWIM, SWIM,SWIM, REST, REST, REST.

Joe Cool! He is the camera bug, always asking have I blogged a picture of him yet.
Sorry for the duplicate but since I'm a beginner Blogger I can't figure how to get this one off. Let me know if " You Know".

FUTURE TIGERSHARK

DOD and SMN
Being that DOD was working all summer down in the big city of Waynesboro, Ga. he didn't get to many of the swim meets but he did make it to all he could. The kids love him being there to watch and help them not get DQed. As you can see SMN was very excited to have DOD at this meet. Tired Todd and part of his family

Big Brother JTN and DDK with the newest addition to their family WDN were also able to see the Threesome in action in the pool. Little one was only a few weeks old.

Little Ones

2007-07-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

After all the swimming and the beach trips it was time to head out and help welcome the newest member of the family into the world. AMJ,our DD was due to deliver July 14th so I planned to arrive July 15th. But as you all know babies come when they are good and ready to come. So I got to spend good 7 days with DD and SIL-DJ. We shopped and I cooked and we ate out and we ran and then HNJ decide to arrive. But not before keeping her mom in a nice long labor. The night before ANJ went to the hospital she decided maybe if she ran this would help. Well, I had been walking a lot and I thought,Oh no you don't. No 9 mos. pregnant women is going to run and leave us behind.So I headed out after her. Only I wound up hurting my hip and I'm still seeing a Chiropractor for it. (something to talk about).

July 21st,2007
8lbs.6oz
21 inches@ 7:47
It's O.K daddy is here. That was a miracle in itself. Thank you Lord for allowing so much time back from Iraq. He had about 6 wks home with the girls.

He was very awed by this new little girl.
PROUD NONNI!What a blessing God allowed. For me to fly out and be there with my daughter and her husband was great . DJ even asked me to be in the delivery room. WOW! I always wanted to be there when a new life came into this world.Our God is so awesome!! I wouldn't trade that time with them for anything.

Daddy couldn't get enough of this little one. His dad came in to town to help with the fence they put up in their back yard. That was how I got any time with her.Well, just kidding he is the greatest son-in-law, he gave me lots of time with my new granddaughter. He is a sweatheart.

Grannie's 70'th

2007-06-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

Just us girls @ the Crabhouse. Party @ Laura Alberts on Daniel Island.
My mom and me!