Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Gannon.....

Well, I am recovered enough to share that we had the most absolute beautiful and wonderful weekend. Friday we left work early to head out to Ashelynn Manor for Dustin and Nikki's wedding rehearsal. It was a beautiful place!!!

After the rehearsal we headed to Alicia's Mexican Grill for the rehearsal dinner which was very, very nice. Dustin and Nikki gave Tim and I and his mom, Karen, and her husband, Kenneth blocks that spelled out family with pictures of us on them. I absolutely love them and had them on my mantle as soon as I got home!!!!

Saturday morning we got up and Cynda, Tim's mom, myself, my mom, Stephanie and Little Mac all headed to the Junior League of Houston for the Bridesmaid Luncheon. It was a very nice meal and wonderful fellowship with Nikki, family and friends. Everyone was to bring Nikki an ornament for a gift. She received some beautiful ones.

After the luncheon I headed home to clean and cook chili as we were having 25 people over for dinner. We sure had a house full but it was a wonderful time of fellowship again as we gathered to celebrate Nikki and Dustin. Everyone was so excited because the wedding was upon us!!!!

Sunday morning I got up and met Nikki, her mom, Judy, sister, Shelly, Stephanie and their friend, Laura at Ashelynn Manor to all get our hair done together and help the bride get ready for the big day!!! It was a wonderful day as I have watched Nikki grow into the most beautiful lady inside and out and she was marrying my son, Dustin.

The wedding was absolutely beautiful. Everything was put together so wonderfully and Nicole was one of the most beautiful bride's I'd ever seen. She was glowing radiantly with such beauty!! You could see happiness and joy all over her!!!! They said their vows and we were introduced to the new Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Gannon.

We watched as the photographer captured wonderful pictures that we are all so excited to see!!!

Everyone headed to the reception where we had a blast......an absolute blast. Lots of fun, dancing and celebrating was done!!!

We sent the happy couple off with bubbles everywhere in our friend, Steve's old car. It was the perfect wedding!!!!

Dustin and Nikki are currently having a blast, I'm sure in Cabo San Lucas!!! We wish them nothing but the very best for the rest of their lives. And I'm so ready for some more grandkids!!!!

All I can say, is I am still so very very full............my cup runneth over!!

Happy Thanksgiving.....

Well, it's been forever since I posted on our family blog....and yes, I mean forever. Maybe I'll try to start this up again because I have lots to share.

Let's see if I can wrap up the year........

Matt came to live with us again full time in April! So glad to have my son living uder our roof again..........Eric, our oldest son married Alison Brown on May 30 of this year in Maryland. We are so happy for both of them. Our whole family went to the wedding and had a blast......

.....summer was filled with river trips and lots of camping. Ruff-n- Rowdy did tons of cook-offs this year and won over 30 trophies, plaques, ribbons and around $1,500.00 in prize money!!...we spent a week in Hot Springs celebrating Mom and Dad's 50th wedding anniversary!! Another fun week........
......Matthew started high school this year.....and my grandson, JD started kindergarten this year.......

My granddaughter MacKenzie, or Mac as we call her, turned 3 this October. What a fun birthday she had with a petting zoo and a pony to ride.

........and now, Dustin, our middle son, gets married in less than two weeks to Nicole Platon. Nicole and our daughter Stephanie have been best friends for going on 15 years and when Tim and I met, so did they!!! We can't wait for the big day coming up!! So many things.....going on but we'll keep you better posted............

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends and family. May the Lord show Himself in a mighty way to you and your family and bless you all!!!

God is in Charge........

"Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever." Matthew 6:13 RSV

What protection this.....phrase affords. As you confess that God is in charge, you admit that you aren't. As you proclaim that God has power, you admit you don't. And as you give God all the applause, there is none left to dizzy your brain!

Max Lucado, Everyday Blessings

Happy Birthday JD...........

Five years ago today I was sick. Bad sick. Like couldn't hardly get out of bed sick. I was in bed in misery when my wonderful firstborn called with news she was about the give birth to her firstborn.....and my first grandchild. I'll never forget all the emotions I was feeling that day.....took me back to when I had her. Ahh, the joys of motherhood. But I was also torn to shreds because I had the flu and wouldn't be able to be there.

I got phone calls throughout when Steph finally told me the nurses said I could come if I would wear a mask. God, in all His glory, gave me strength to get myself dressed and headed to the hospital. I put on my mask and went in to witness the true miracle of birth. All three of mine were quiet tramatic and painful so I NEVER enjoyed them. I was glad when I was holding that precious Steph.....Shan......Matt but I can't say giving birth was an enjoyable experience.

But, I did enjoy watching my beautiful daughter give birth to Jimmy Dale Vandagriff III. Oh, he was so beautiful!!!!! I was blessed beyond words...............still am.

Today is JD's 5th birthday so I want honor him!!!! Happy Birthday JD. KK and Papa Tim love you so very much and we are both so very proud God chose us to be your grandparents. I hope you are blessed with a very special birthday.......because you are a VERY SPECIAL boy. You have brought so much joy and laughter to this family. Your funny faces.......your big precious smiles that you use your whole face with......your kindness and sweetness are true gifts to us all.

Hope you have a super birthday and I can't wait to get to enjoy Pizza tonight as we celebrate your big #5!!!! Happy Birthday JD!

YOU are still Holy.......

Holy, You are still Holy
Even when the darkness surrounds my life
Sovereign, You are still sovereign
Even when confusion has blinded my eyes

Lord, I don't deserve Your kind affection
When my unbelief has kept me from Your touch
I want my life to be a pure reflection
Of Your love

And so I come into Your chamber
And I dance at Your feet, Lord
You are my Saviour
And I'm at Your mercy
All that has been in my life
Up 'till now
It belongs to You
You are still Holy

Holy, You are still Holy
Even though I don't understand Your ways
Sovereign, You are still Sovereign
Even when my circumstances don't change

Lord, I don't deserve Your tender patience
When my unbelief has kept me from Your truth
I want my life to be a sweet devotion
To You

And so I come into Your chamber
And I dance at Your feet, Lord
You are my Saviour
And I'm at Your mercy
All that has been in my life
Up 'till now
It belongs to You
I belong to You

And so I come into Your chamber
And I dance at Your feet, Lord
You are my Saviour
And I'm at Your mercy
All that has been in my life
Up 'till now
It belongs to You
I belong to You
You are still Holy
You are still Sovereign
You are still Holy, Lord
You are still Righteous
You are All-knowing
You are still Holy

You Are Still Holy by Kim Hill

I Still Believe.......

Scattered words and empty thoughts
seem to pour from my heart
I've never felt so torn before
seems I don't know where to start
but it's now that I feel YOUR grace fall like rain
from every fingertip, washing away my pain

I still believe in YOUR faithfulness
I still believe in YOUR truth
I still believe in YOUR Holy Word
even when I don't see, I still believe

Though the questions still fog up my mind
with promises I still seem to bear
even when answers slowly unwind
it's my heart I see You prepare
but it's now that I feel Your grace fall like rain
from every fingertip, washing away my pain

I still believe in YOUR faithfulness
I seill believe in YOUR truth
I still believe in YOUR Holy Word
even when I don't see, I still believe

The only place I can go is into your arms
where I throw to you my feeble prayers
in brokenness I can see that this was Your will for me
Help me to know You are near

I Still Believe by Jeremy Camp

Happy New Year.......

.........and I know.....it's 1/2 in to January but this is the first time on my blog since the new year so thought I would wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!

We brought in the New Year from our wonderful place in the country (Saratoga, TX). It was low key with our family. Tim's mom and John came in so we cooked up a mess of chili and gumbo New Years Eve. Then of course for New Years Day we had our typical Honey Baked Ham, Black-Eyed Peas, Cabbage, and Cornbread. It was yummy.....one of my favorite meals of all. Crumble up my cornbread, pile on the peas with juice and top it off with fresh onion....oh my!!!!

Without going in to tons of detail we had mediation regarding the custody issue with Matt and as of right now we have an agreement that I can live with / with peace. I prayed for God to work throughout that day and I truly know He did. HeIt could have gone bad....and according to the mediator, she thought the way it started we wouldn't be able to come to an agreement. I believe God exposed TRUTH and then things started to fall into place. Right now, a lot of the future is in Matt's court........ We want to see him walking down a path of goodness and make smart choices which over the last year he hasn't. If God places him on your heart, please pray. I just want my son to flourish in goodness.

If you have followed us long you know we are approaching our busiest time of the year. Rodeo Cook-off this year.....straight in to Rodeo......then our big annual cook-off with work. It's April before I slow down. On top of that.....Tim, myself and our best buds, James and Jill have a formed a cook-off team, Ruff -n- Rowdy Cookers. We are registered with the National BBQ Association and the Texas Gulf Coast BBQ Association. We did several cook-offs last year but plans are to do quite a few this year. We have so much fun doing them and most of the ones we do are for good causes. Tomorrow we do one for the Hold'em and Hit'em club benefiting youth and education. It's our first this year and we are so ready!!!! If you live in the Houston area come to the Farm and Ranch Club in Bear Creek......Friday night 6 to 10 and Saturday 10 to 10. It will be a fun time. Come see us.

I'll share more of what God is doing in a future post!!!!

What's God Up To................?

I have been living in a "theme" lately that I think God is telling me something. So, I'm submitting totally to learn from what He is telling me and showing me.

I've shared that I have been going through a tough time. We are having some custody issues with Matt and who knows what the future holds for my family but I do know this. I am not going to give the enemy any more ground. He will not push my buttons anymore. I have wallered in this mess long enough. Heading toward depression is just feeding this disease. NO MORE! Today, I choose with all my heart and mind to BELIEVE God when He says, "Trust Me" or "This is not your battle" or "Are you listening to ME?" Yes, Sir, I DO, and yes Sir, I am.

Over a month ago I got a great book for Thanksgiving called Giving Thanks The Gift of Gratitude by M.J. Ryan. I read it during the Thansgiving season and it spoke volumes to me about living a life with a grateful heart. It had already put me in a mindset of being grateful and tackling each day with a sense of gratitude. I've enjoyed focusing on all the things I have to be grateful for and have thanked God over and over for each of them lately.
Then Tim and I were sitting on the couch one Saturday morning several weeks ago watching a few movies and started watching the movie Pay It Forward, a movie that stars Haley Joel Osment as a boy who launches a good-will movement, Helen Hunt his single mother, and Kevin Spacey as his social-studies teacher. When 11-year-old Trevor McKinney begins seventh grade in Las Vegas, Nevada, his social studies teacher Eugene Simonet gives the class an assignment to devise and put into action a plan that will change the world for the better. Trevor calls his plan "pay it forward", which can be described as a charitable pyramid scheme, based on good deeds rather than profit. "Paying it forward" means the recipient of a favor does a favor for a third party rather than paying the favor back. Anyway, I had seen it before but Tim had not so we watched again and it really hit me hard. I thought we all need to live like that.

Then last week I needed something urgently from our coporate office and sent an email with my request. My co-worker sent what I needed but at the end of her email she said, "Pay it Forward." I emailed her back and told her that Tim and I had just watched that movie. She said she did too and we both discussed the good in the movie and how we both sobbed watching it. But I thought how odd, to hear pay it forward again. So, at that point I thought I must be being led to do something on these lines.

Then yesterday I don't know what I was doing online but came across something that was almost like flashing at me......it's called 29 Gifts in 29 Days................It's a challenge to give to others.......and I've taken it. It's not all about giving tangible things by any means. It started from someone who was wrapped up in her own mess, disease and pity party.....when someone told her to give 29 gifts in 29 days.......take the focus off her. Very interesting story. Check it out on http://29gifts.org/

So, for whatever reason I see God doing something in me............and I'm here with an open heart to see what He's up to.

Oh, and yesterday was Day 1 of my 29 and I gave encouraging words to a co-worker. She is in our corporate office and it started with a business email and just a Merry Christmas at the end when she responded and we started talking back and forth. She has no family where she lives so was talking about not being as excited about Christmas as usual. In our talking we found out we had so much in common and have had so many of the same challenges / still do. I was so blessed through that.

My verse today is another one with God getting me through this trial.......

Peace I leave you; My peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

Ooooops!........

Did I really say I would post something every day about the true meaning of Christmas? And share something from our family. Surely I didn't mean every day........well, I had good intentions. Usually do. Usually fall short.

But, here I am today. After going through a tough several days, I am DETERMINED not to waller in what I am going through. It will do me no good and will keep me depressed through this wonderful Christmas season. This is a season of "JOY" and that is how I want to live it. In joy. Believing God to get me through this and He be glorified through it.

So how is your shopping coming along? Don't ask about mine. A few things done but still lots to do. BUT, I'll get it done. Everyone have up their tree? I don't. I don't like that. I want it now. I have one up - my kitchen Christmas tree......I love it but I want my big one up in the den.

My daddy started his chemo today. I just talked to him and all went well. Thank you for all the prayers. Keep them up. We have to pray him through the next 6 months.
From my Christmas devotional......Preparing for Jesus

Listen: the light of Christmas shines into darkness! We should be the walking dead. What we deserve, in fact, is the absence of God - a cold and cosmic isolation - for this is our sin, that we chose to be gods in the place of God. In the day we disobeyed we began to die. We should, therefore, be dwelling in the land of deep darkness, mistrust, hatreds, hopelessness, finality, and death.

But here in a child comes God, the light! And light in darkness is a frightening thing. ("People loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" John 3:19)

O my friend, a self-examination both humble and true most cause us to tremble before the Living God. Yes! - we will be "greatly troubled" at the appearing of angels.

But even as we feared, so do we rejoice when we hear the light say, "Don't be afraid. I have not come to punish but to give you life. I am no judge. I am the Savior born for you."

Life instead of death? That is a wonder! And the wonder is all the more intense because death had been expected - because death had been right!

The mercy of God? Is not this a dazzling wonder? And isn't Christmas wonderful after all?

It's Snowing in Houston today........

Remember the other day how I said I love Christmas because it makes me feel like a kid............well, today our forecast here in Houston is SNOW. Yes, you heard me, SNOW! I was working away at my desk a little while ago when Lily, our receptionist yelled, "it's snowing!" My office is up front so went running and sure enough it was snowing hard!!! I just wanted to run

out in it.......like a kid......but thought maybe not all would appreciate my kidness!!!

Stephanie said JD has had a blast playing in the snow. He's been out playing in it quite a bit today. Here are a few pics.

And remember yesterday, saying it was a really tough day. Well it was. Tough really doesn't describe it. I think I will wait until after everything is settled before I share details but mainly just need pray over a custody situation with my son. I'm about to walk a very, very tough road and know that I trust in the Lord with all my heart to go before me...........

Didn't have much today but here are some cute pics of the 2 most wonderful grandkids! I am blessed indeed!!