Kansas Gram

Grandma's Cooking

2011-09-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

"The secret that makes grandma's cooking taste so terrific is that she always adds a spoonful of love." Grandma Jan

Chocolate No-Bakes, Homemade Noodles, Cherry Pies, Molasses Cookies, Sunday Dinner, ... those words bring a flood of memories to mind. Yes, the food was delicious, but most important was the love our Grandmas put into making food for us, caring for us, and making special favorites just for us. You just feel loved sitting down at Grandma's table.

I have short stubby fingers like my Grandma Wood. I can shut my eyes and see those little hands rolling out homemade noodles and picture her teaching me the secrets of the perfect pie crust and pies. My Mother did not make pies so the teaching fell to Grandma one summer in Sierra Vista, AZ.

Whenever they came to Arizona she would make each one of us our favorite pie and when we arrived in Logan for a visit several pies, and the noodles, would be waiting for us. Mine was Cherry Pie, Mother loved Chocolate Cream Pie, Daddy liked custard... but I think all her pies were great!

Maybe my Grandma Wood pie memories is what makes me enjoy making Cherry Pies with Clint and Megan and I look forward to making them with my Grandchildren some day.

Grandparent's Day

2011-09-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

Today is Grandparent's Day. It got me to thinking about grandparents - mine, my children's, what God says about them, and ...

"Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you all day and now the day was complete" Marcy DeMaree

As a child we never lived close to Grandma and Grandpa Wood - we had to be content with summer visits to Kansas and many summers they came to Arizona to spend 2 to 3 weeks with us. Grandpa would tell my Mother "Sissie, when I run out of things to do, we'll head home." Mother would make sure she had a long list of things for Grandpa to fix or do so we could keep them as long as possible.

When I married, it was to a Kansas Man and we lived just 20 miles from my Grandma and Grandpa Wood. My children were able to have a different kind of relationship with them and it was so fun to live near them. They shared stories, home cooking, garden bounty, card games and a whole lot of love with us and our girls. They did make us feel like they had been waiting all day for us to arrive and spend time with them.

We always called them Grandma and Grandpa Wood, but Grandma signed our cards "Love, Gram and Gramps" and it was wonderful opening a card and seeing that written there - that's how I got my "grandma name" - I'm Gram to Chloe, Kaleah, Jeremiah and Lilly.

Sweet Moment

2011-08-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you need a quiet moment, when you just need to be by yourself? Chloe went into the hallway with her songbook and sang "Holy, Holy, Holy." I was on my way to check on something when I found Chloe sweetly singing the words "Holy, Holy..." I captured the moment then went on and left this sweet little child to continue her moment of praise and calmness.

What if we took more moments like these to reflect, relax, and even sing a song of praise or gratitude? I thank God that Jacqueline and Jordan are raising this sweet little girl to have moments on her own and that she uses them to have time with God. She may not fully understand what these moments mean, but I think God is smiling down on her knowing that she is being "trained" by Godly parents.

Good Night Sweet Jeremiah

2011-08-08T13:40:00.001-07:00

When my first grandchild was born, a co-worker told me that there was nothing like that first time you rocked a grandchild and sang "Jesus Loves Me" to them. I agree, but that wonderful feeling grows when you hear a grandchild sing "Jesus Loves Me" the first time. Now I have 4 grandchildren and I've discovered what makes that wonderful feeling transform into an AMAZING feeling.

I spent a week with Pamela and Sweet Jeremiah during July while Jeremy was at church camp. I had the honor of being a part of Jeremiah's bedtime routine. Every evening Pamela and Jeremy tuck Jeremiah in with a song and a prayer. Pamela asked me which song I would like to sing every night and I didn't pick until later in the week. The first song I picked was "God Is So Good". It expressed what I feel about God allowing me to witness the faith of my children with their children.

While our girls were growing up, we weren't consistent with bedtime devotionals & prayers with our girls. It makes my heart feel good when I know that Pamela and Jeremy tuck little Jeremiah in with a song and a prayer, teaching him that God is a part of their daily lives and striving to make Jeremiah see the importance of having God be a part of his daily life.

Ready for Little Miss J

2011-05-04T17:23:00.001-07:00

The Little Momma at 37 weeks 5 days

Daddy and Mommy ready for worship Sunday morning

Daddy put the changing table together & Mommy has it all set up

What a beautiful crib! Mommy & Daddy have the room ready and are just waiting for Little Miss Baby J.

OOPS! The only thing missing is the crib mattress and Baby J!

Gram Keesee and Momma

Pappy and Little Momma

KALEAH'S FIRST TEA PARTY

2011-03-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

A Proper Tea is much nicer than a Very Nearly Tea, which is one you forget about afterwards. ~A.A. Milne

When you have grandchildren it doesn't take much to have a "Proper Tea"

Tea cups and saucers,

"Tea" (which is usually their favorite whether it be milk, water, or juice)

Cookies, Scones, or some food you can eat with your hands(Chloe now wants to have CHOCOLATE at her tea parties)

"Dress Up" clothes (Kaleah and Chloe wore "tutus" and Chloe wore wings - MaMaw & Gram were a little "underdressed")

Guests that you love and want to be with

I think we had a very Proper Tea for Kaleah's first Tea Party!

2011-02-20T13:56:00.000-08:00

There's a recent post on Jacqueline's blog of which Chloe is the STAR. If you haven't seen it is Chloe singing "Jesus Loves Me" with her Momma. Grandma Edna referred to Chloe's godly parents in her comment and I thought "what more can I say" and posted "Amen Edna!"

I did think of something more to say...
When Chloe was born a co-worker sent me congratulations via email and told me that the best grandma moment would be when I rocked Chloe and sang "Jesus Loves Me" to her for the first time. She was right! I have enjoyed holding her, rocking her and singing "Jesus" songs to her - it's always a special moment!

It's great to sing with Chloe, pray for her and watch her do actions for songs from Bible class. Those are great moments, but I am pretty sure listening to and watching her sing "Jesus Loves Me" ranks right up there in the SPECIAL MOMENTS category and it even brings a tear to my eye...
Actually (as Chloe would say) it makes me cry. I am ever so thankful that Jacqueline and Jordan are bringing their girls up in the Lord.

Blessings

2011-01-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah Piper Layden
Born December 12, 2010 @ 11:31 a.m.
7 lbs. 14 oz. 20 inches long

Last April, Pamela came home for a few days to visit, relax and see some old friends. While she was here, Pamela explained her theory how that she didn't think God planned for her to have any children. She thought He wanted her to continue ministering to the children at The Bridge and to teach them and their families and lead them to an understanding of God and His will. Less than a week after she left she and Jeremy told us (Via Skype) and the rest of the family that they were EXPECTING A BABY!

It was such a blessing to watch Pamela (who really never thought she would be a Mommy) hold Jeremiah, talk with him in the way that Mommies do, and watch her gaze upon him with love and adoration. It was cute to hear her express her amazement that this was their child, that God had made this little one who was hers, that she had really had him...

I'm thankful that God granted this child of mine the privilege of being a Mommy. I look forward to watching her love Jeremiah, see her as she guides him to a life of service to God, and will be saying prayers for Jeremy and Pamela as they raise this precious little one.

Making Cookies

2010-10-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, I must admit I cheated...I used a cookie mix where all you add is an egg and some liquid. In my defense, I wanted to bake cookies with my Granddaughter Chloe and time was an issue.

Who can resist tasting the dough? Chloe couldn't and I think she did a little more than "taste" the dough.

We cut out fall shapes including pumpkins, various leaves, apples, and turkeys. I'm thinking she made so many turkeys because they were HUGE compared to leaves and would enable her to have a larger portion. Wait... Chloe is only 18 months old and probably doesn't "think" things like that yet.

Chloe was with me every step of the way. Once I showed her how the rolling pin worked, she was a great helper rolling out the dough. Of course she tasted a little more of the dough too!

Hmmmm, that leaf was pretty good.

I've waited many years to bake cookies with my grandchildren. It brought back a flood of memories...

*baking with my Grandma Wood - cookies, pies... yummy

*the endless hours of baking my Mom would do for school parties, Girl Scouts, and then later with her own grandchildren

*sitting in Grandma Keesee's kitchen while watching her put the finishing touches on her AMAZING NO-BAKE COOKIES, and pulling the perfect chocolate chip cookies from the oven

*Bob's Mom making those cute little animal shaped sugar cookies for a snack and baking them with our girls

*baking and decorating cookies with my own girls, my Girl Scout troop and Bible Class kiddos

*baking Cherry Pies with Clint & Megan

Making cookies with Chloe was just as special as I dreamed it would be.

Kiss the Frog

2010-10-27T06:42:00.000-07:00

When you are a little girl, you hear stories of a Princess kissing a frog and he turns into a Prince.
When you are a teenage girl, lamenting over finding the perfect boy for you someone usually says "You have to kiss a lot of frogs, before you find your prince."
Later you are a Grandmother. Then you find out you get to kiss a FROG, a DUCK, and then the FROG again. Occasionally you might get to kiss a BEAR or a BABY DOLL! It's funny how your perspective changes

JOY

2010-08-11T15:18:00.001-07:00

Rodeo Weekend

2010-08-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

Pamela and Jeremy

Jacqueline, Jordan, & Chloe

Annie & Jared

Pappy & Chloe @the Rodeo

The nine of us

This year for the first time in a LONG time we had all of our children home for Rodeo Weekend. I mean ALL our children - all of our daughters, all of our sons-in-law and our precious little granddaughter, Chloe Mae. We did manage to get a few pictures of all of us; but the memories of being together, seeing little Chloe's eyes light up with excitement, seeing the great grandmas' faces light up with joy when visiting with our children or holding Chloe will be in my mind and on my heart for many years to come.

It is such a blessing to have our family be together! It is a blessing to have a house big enough for all of them to be here at the same time and be able to have their own room(s) to have some quiet moments on their own.

4th of July 2010

2010-07-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I can put into words what I have been thinking today. About freedom, about how blessed I am to live in this country at this time, about just how blessed I am to be able to worship and love my creator without fear & with total freedom...

Several students were missing from my Bible class this morning - I had one regular and one who I have taught for over six years and now studies with another teacher who was out of town. I feel like they are "my boys" and I had decided to use our holiday in our lesson. We read the children's book "Let's Thank God for Freedom" along with some other scriptures and then discussed just what we were thankful for concerning living in the USA.

The book talks about how we honor people during the year like Veterans, those who died serving our country, and those who make sacrifices for our freedom. In each section it then uses a scripture to talk about 1)how when we speak up for God, He is honored (Psalm 19:14), 2)how it pleases God when we remember Him (I Chronicles 29:11b), and 3) how we celebrate Jesus, who was born to set us free (John 3:16). The final thought is that we can be thankful for our freedom in Jesus every day (John 8:32.)

We are blessed to be free!

More Great News

2010-05-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

About 10 days ago Pamela and Jeremy visited the Sikes in KC. Pamela asked us to skype with them and then all call Annie to wish her luck in running a half marathon in Okalhoma City that weekend. While all of us were talking and wishing Annie good luck the subject changed. Pamela said another reason for the call was that some of them need to work on picking out "aunt and uncle names". Some of us caught on quicker than others, but all of us were shocked! Pamela and Jeremy are having a baby!

I hope you'll join us in prayers for a healthy baby and mommy. Also, prayers for Jeremy and Pamela as they prepare for their new roles as Mommy and Daddy. I'd like your prayers as they bring this new little life up - that they will seek God's guidance and be up to the challenge of bringing Baby Layden up in the Lord.

By the end of the year, we should have 3 grandbabies - how exciting is that?!

Chloe - Pics from Spring Break

2010-04-28T20:36:00.001-07:00

Chloe loves bath time and she even likes having tea in the tub. (I got to give her a morning bath every day I was there.) It is such a fun time. Shortly after her bath, she is ready for a morning nap.

Chloe loves taking walks. She is very interested in the world around her.

Chloe's "BIG" Secret

2010-04-26T13:19:00.001-07:00

While we were in Kansas City at the beginning of my Spring Break Pamela and Annie met us to celebrate Bob's birthday. Jacqueline and Jordan made a "big deal" about letting Chloe stay up until we got there. I was a little shocked since they are such sticklers about bedtime (which is a good thing for children.) They also made a "big deal" about getting her ready for bed and soon Miss Chloe was back in the kitchen telling everyone good night. Jordan had the camera and I really wondered about that, but proceeded to hug Chloe and kiss her good night. Something was said and everyone was looking at Chloe - her shirt said "BIG SISTER". I didn't believe it, I thought something like "that's not funny" and "you shouldn't tease us about something like that"... Finally it sunk in that it was not a joke and yes Chloe was going to be a BIG SISTER and we were having another grandbaby.

A side note:

Doesn't God bless us and give us wonderful gifts, and oh what delightful surprises He puts in our lives. Children are a blessing, but let me tell you one of God's great gifts is grandchildren. He gives us a second chance to nurture, to teach and to share His love with a child, our child's child. He lets us encourage our children to be better parents than we were, to share what worked for us and also to tell them what things we would do different and to pray for them as bring our grandchildren up in the Lord.

Spring Break - A Wonderful Week

2010-04-26T13:17:00.001-07:00

During my Spring Break I got to spend the week with Chloe Mae and her Mommy and Daddy.

It's a rare treat to get to wake up to the chatter of a little one or even to get to lift a little doll from her crib. Chloe would reach out her little hands to me and of course I would pick her up.

Chloe wanted to eat pretty much upon awaking and then we could play or cuddle or a little of both.

The Answers

2010-03-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

Rita did pretty good -
1A is Chloe Mae and 1B is Auntie Pamela

2A is Jacqueline on her first Easter, 2B is Miss Chloe with Gram, and 2C is Jacqueline and yes, Rita she is on Grandma Noma's lap (April 1983)

3A is Annie Marie (Auntie AJ), 3B is Chloe Mae dressed similarly to Auntie AJ, and 3B is Annie Marie again

I couldn't believe the similarities in Chloe and all three of our girls. I had a whole stack of Annie pictures which she had used for a slide show for their wedding last summer and there were several which reminded me of Miss Chloe. Maybe I'll post some more and see if you can figure out who each one is.

Who is this little girl?

2010-03-11T15:25:00.000-08:00

Can you identify the girl in each of these pictures? I was amazed when I looked at them the other day.

Picture 1A Picture 1B

Picture 2A Picture 2B Picture 2C

Picture 3A Picture 3B Picture 3C

My Secret

2010-03-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

When our pet, Gracie Mae died in 2007 I was sad. I cried - we'd lost our pet, but that same week Annie Marie moved to Great Bend taking her dog PJ with her. We were used to having her and PJ with us. Annie had spent the last 9 months in Wichita working on her Master's Degree so during that year Gracie, PJ & I spent much time together. When Annie, PJ, and Gracie were gone I was LONELY during the days and some seemed pretty long. But, I was adamant - NO MORE PETS!

Sometime in November or December the girls commented on how much their Dad missed Gracie and PJ - he walked them every morning and spent time out in the yard with them. They began to ask if they could get him another Springer... When Jacqueline, Jordan, & Jazzy arrived for Christmas they brought the cutest little black and white springer with them - I furnished a soft red blanket for them to "gift wrap" her in. Bob was very happy.

These past 2.2 years Bob and Maddie have become great friends. Despite promises to train her and have her be a well-behaved pet, Bob has only taught her "Let's go for a walk" and "Do you want to go outside?" She behaves by jumping up and heading to either the front door for a walk or the back door for going outside. She will occasionally sit on command especially if there is food or a treat involved. Also, if our Mothers are here she will sit or get down so as not to knock them over. She loves her "grandmas" and is crazy about her master.

I work part-time 9 months of the year, so I am home with Maddie for hours a day. We have worked on some manners and commands. She will fetch or retrieve her toys, tennis balls and anything else I will throw for her and when she returns with it she will "drop" on command and wait for me to throw it again. Maddie will also "come" (some times very reluctantly) and will follow my command to "sit", "get down", or "go outside". I am very proud of her when she obeys and praise her, BUT if her master is here she rarely obeys me and will run to her Master as if to say "I don't have to obey her when you're here do I?"

This training has led to some bonding. Since I've been laid up these past few months with my knee and back, my secret has become suspect by some of our relatives. Then one day I thought - if I want to have Maddie lay on my lap or beside me in the chair what does it matter what others think? Yes, I allow her on the furniture and the bed. She even takes naps, laying on a towel at the end of the bed. Recently in her effort to guard me, she refused to lay on the towel and snuggled up close to me ready to protect me from who knows what in my sleep. She has cuddled up at my feet during the night when I had to get up and take pain medication. On the times when I was on strong medication and ate a piece of jerky to keep my stomach calm she would patiently wait for a piece of the jerky and YES she got it. Guess my secret is out - I love this little dog! She is such a great companion and great company. She doesn't argue with me, she'll wait patiently even if she doesn't get that piece of jerky, and she sticks like glue wanting to make sure I'm okay. I may not be the #1 Master, but she'll still be my friend and she'll let me think I'm in control when Bob isn't at home!

Skype

2010-01-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

God created man and gave him (and woman) an amazing mind. There are many things that mind can do and invent for which I am thankful! Not to downplay any of those amazing things like medical capabilities, air travel..., but today I'd like to say I am THANKFUL FOR SKYPE, cameras which attach to computers, computers, etc. VERY THANKFUL!!!!!

Last week when the weather was not so pleasant, I was home for many days and over the weekend I was in some pain so I was home again - I would listen for that little noise and would check the computer for those little words "call with video" which meant Jacqueline AND Miss Chloe were skyping me.

One day we all sang "Old MacDonald Had A Farm" and Chloe clapped. We got to sing "If You're Happy And You Know It." Yes, you guessed it - and Chloe clapped. One day she gave me "kisses" on her side of the conversation.

It's a wonderful thing - this live chat with your daughter and granddaughter! For a few moments you get to share "face to face" and spend time together.

I THANK GOD FOR THOSE MOMENTS! I thank Him for giving people great minds and I ask Him to help me use mine more for Him and others. In Psalms we can read "for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" - sometimes God takes these moments and uses them for a "teaching moment" or a "wake-up and be reminded how awesome and powerful I am and remember just how amazing creation is!"

Thank you God for your creation and for the blessings we reap from it! Thank you for reminding me how awesome YOU are!

LITTLE MISS CUTIE

2010-01-06T18:48:00.001-08:00

Chloe had her picture taken at JC Penney's before Christmas, they are great pictures. These are taken at Great Grandma's on Christmas day in the "portrait" dress - she is quite the cutie in her dress where ever she is! The one blurry pic was taken when her sock was off and she was feeling the dog's fur.

2010-01-06T17:08:00.000-08:00

Chloe brought much joy to our Christmas! It was fun watching her attempts to open her gifts and even more fun to see how she stopped and enjoyed each item placed before her. The box her parents' gift came in provided entertainment for Chloe and all of the rest of us.

I had anticipated what fun it would be to have a grandbaby here at Christmas time. In spite of the stomach flu, cars going off the road, etc. it was wonderful. Purchasing toys, books, making plans for our time together, and our actual time together was so much fun.

Cousin Becky and Great Aunt Brenda fed her some new food items and I must say she loves to eat! The young cousins on both sides had fun with Chloe and Great Grandma Keesee was all smiles whenever she was with Chloe.

Family Photos

2009-12-14T17:27:00.000-08:00

We were all together at Jacqueline & Jordan's this past weekend. I had a wonderful birthday surprise and a whole weekend with our children and grandbaby. It was a great way to celebrate my birthday and we did manage to get some family pictures.

Jordan, Chloe Mae, and Jacqueline Sikes

Gram, Miss Chloe, and Pappy

Pamela and Jeremy Layden also with Miss Chloe

(Auntie and Uncle X)

Jared, Chloe Mae, and Annie Johnson

(Uncle J and Auntie AJ)

Our Family (all 9 of us together again!)

album 11\22\09 (7 photos), by Sharlene Keesee

2009-11-22T20:04:00.001-08:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Accessorize

2009-09-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this picture say it all???

Time with Auntie AJ

2009-09-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

Auntie AJ sure did enjoy the time we had with Chloe Mae. It's amazing what fun the Aunt, the Mom and Grandmother had with Chloe at a park and she's only 5 months old. We are gonna love it when she's 2, or 3, or... Parks are just fun!

2009-09-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

Last week Annie and I got to meet Chloe and her sweet Mama for lunch and play time at the park. Chloe either did not want her picture taken OR she wanted to tease her Gram. We had a fun visit and ate some good Mexican food. Fun times. I'm so thankful that they are living closer to us and we can squeeze in visits like these!

A very somber Chloe and her sweet Mama

Hmm... what do I see over there?

Whee - flying in the sky with Auntie AJ

Snuggling my sweet Mama

Gram and Chloe Mae

Celebrating Pamela

2009-08-24T20:08:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, our daughter celebrated her 29th (really) birthday and we were privileged to spend it with her.

On Friday night a bunch of us (friends and family) met at the ballpark for a Royals/Twins baseball game. Pamela played musical chairs so she could visit a little with all of her well-wishers.

Saturday we had a birthday cook-out compete with Bob's homemade ice cream. It was a beautiful day and we just kind of took it easy and enjoyed being together.

Tea Party

2009-08-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

This was Peyton's first Tea Party - every time she has come to visit in the last 1 1/2 years I've been out of town. Over Rodeo weekend we (Meg, Brenda & I) were able to have a Tea Party with Peyton and my granddaughter, Chloe Mae. Bonus guests were my grown-up nieces Becky and Libby along with Jacqueline. I didn't realize how often Megan, Clint & I have tea parties with Grammy (Brenda) and MaMaw (my Mother). It was nice to have the Mommies join us!

Peyton loved drinking out of the little cups and she seemed to like the cold Peach tea. Megan prefers chocolate milk in her tea cup and Chloe just observed all that went on.

Hosting a Tea Party is one of my favorite things. Sometimes I choose a theme for the food and decorations and sometimes I have a devotional or sharing time to fit the "theme" of the party. Often we just visit and catch up, which is espcially enjoyable with my young nieces and nephew.

Sixty Four Years

2009-08-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

This past weekend a couple from our church celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. They also celebrated the husband's birthday. I don't know how they marked the day, but I know how they live. My memories of them span 33 of those 64 years and I have to smile when I begin to think back. They are such a cute couple, Dean is tall and slim and Betty is "short" which only describes her stature.

Many people would say they are old-fashioned - they believe in God, in marriage, and in loving others, and they live what they believe. Dean was in the military and Betty & their children followed him all over the world in his career.

They have taught Bible Classes, helped with VBS and supported missions in various countries. They encouraged and supported our girls in their trips to various mission fields and were a great encouragement to me when I went to Japan last summer.
I think you could say their "middle name" is "encourager".

They have opened their home to a variety of church activities over the years - youth activities, ladies Bible classes, and kept visitors. Their children have brought home dozens of hunters for pheasant and quail seasons over the years. Another "middle name" they could have is "hospitable".

For many years they were our girls' favorite people to visit on May Day. Betty would always chase them and let them know how much their basket and visit meant to them. One year Dean and Betty were out of town for May Day and the florist delivered a special May Basket to Annie, Pamela and Jacqueline. What a wonderful surprise!"

It's wonderful to watch them and you can see their love for each other in their eyes, their words and their actions. Their lives and their marriage have been a blessing to many during their 64 years together. Thank you God for putting Dean and Betty into my life!

Family pic

2009-08-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken on July 4th at Jordan & Jacqueline's. We weren't officially a family of 9 yet but we are now!

This picture was taken with my camera and between the time Jeremy set the timer and the picture was taken Zoey must have decided the family picture wouldn't be complete without the family dog. She is Pamela and Jeremy's dog. Zoey is very regal, gentle, and well-behaved. The other 3 dogs must not have cared about being in the family pic!

Miss Chloe

2009-07-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

These are for you Patti - I can't wait to see Art's (the photgrapher's) pictures - he came into where the girls were gathered talking about the pictures he had taken of Chloe, Clint & Megan. Also, I'm sure some other photos of Chloe were taken - there must have been 20+ cameras snapping pictures the wedding!

Miss Chloe all ready to be the flower girl

Miss Chloe meets Aunt Kimmie

Miss Chloe in her dress from Auntie Stacia

Aunt Sharon was crazy about Miss Chloe

Miss Chloe & her Daddy - he just arrived from KC

For "mrsj"

2009-07-24T18:24:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures for you. Bob and I didn't take too many at the wedding - guess we were kinda busy (ha ha!)

Annie & Jared @rehearsal dinner

Mary Lacy watching Dad & Annie

What a cute couple!

The Bride before the decorating was completed (Oragami by Uncle Brian)

The decorations were beautiful - this pic is at the rehearsal

Sat. started with Annie getting her hair done

Makeup was next

How do I look?

A little help from the "little" sister

EVERYONE IS READY!

Don (father of the Groom) getting his flower from Aunt Brenda

Aunt Brenda and Cousin Jeremy

Jacqueline, Pamela

& Miss Megan

What a handsome ring bearer!

Miss Chloe (honorary flower girl) & Aunt Rita

Some Great Bend people (girls for the gift table and Grandma Reba)

The couple with Uncle Tony

What a beautiful cake

A taste of the cake

Groom's yummy chocolate cake

A toast

Serenaded by Bride's sister Pamela

2009-07-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

Annie and Jared are now husband and wife. My sister Kim took these pictures as Annie and her Daddy took this last walk together before the ceremony.

As you can see, Annie was radiant. A few moments later as she walked down the aisle toward Jared you could see the love in their eyes and he even gave her a wink as she approached. >
The ceremony was meaningful and I think her Uncle Tony choked a little as he performed this ceremony especially for Annie and Jared. When he asked "who gives this woman?) Bob's reply was, "With great joy, her mother and I."

You know what? That comment was from his heart and he expressed the sentiments of all of us who know and love Annie Marie. We are full of JOY and thankfulness that God brought Annie and Jared together!

Jared and Annie toasting each other.

Jared kept the Honeymoon destination a secret from Annie - he just told her she would need her passport & clothing for a warm (maybe he said tropical) place. Annie just packed and waited for the surprise. His only other clue was that on Saturday he gave her a pair of sandals. They are in Jamacia.

When you are the parents of the Bride you don't take too many pictures. There were numerous flashes gling off so I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures to share with you over the coming weeks.

2009-06-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

I made a comment to Jacqueline about Annie not "blogging" in such a long time and she reminded me that I hadn't blogged in a very long time either.

It has been a while - a very busy "while".

Part of my travels were with Annie in Wichita. She now lives there and will soon be Mrs. Jared Johnson. When I say that, I am overwhelmed! God, in His way and in His time has brought these two together. Annie's future mother-in-law, Lorana commented about how a little boy born in California grew up and now is to marry a girl born in Phillipsburg, Kansas. Their paths came close, but never crossed until the summer Annie went to Wichita to start work on her Master's Degree and now they are counting down the days (maybe hours for them) until Saturday, July 18, 2009 when they will become husband and wife.

It's been neat to see this highly organized, very efficient daughter of mine become this giggly, lighthearted woman in love whose focus is Jared and their wedding. I think she had to work very hard to stay focused in the final months of her school year. For many years we prayed for her and her future mate. As her Mother, I felt like she would be a great wife and mother and I just couldn't imagine God meant for her to spend her life alone. There were times when one of us was impatient and we would remind each other that God was in control and would work things out in His time.

Annie's time has come. All of us who know and love Annie, know that Jared was worth the wait. He loves Annie and has filled her life with love. More importantly, Jared loves the Lord and together they will serve God, have a Christ centered home and be great workers for Him and the Church!

I was with Annie in Hutchinson last week when she had some pictures taken for her Bridal Portrait. While I was zipping up her gown she made me promise not to cry. Let me tell you - I had to look away a couple of times and gather my composure lest I start crying! She looked so happy, so in love and I just can't describe how I felt....

Saturday will be a JOYFUL day, but I think some parents, some sisters and some other family and friends are going to shed some tears of happiness, joy and thanksgiving for the union in marriage of Annie and Jared.

It's Cherry Time!

2009-06-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

The previous 4 posts are backwards - I wrote steps 1 - 4 about cherry time in the ordered we do them so they appear backward to you. Please scroll down and enjoy the blogs about cherry time and making pies!

It's Cherry time! Step Four - Delivering the pies

2009-06-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

We delivered our pies after lunch. Our last stop was Grandma Keesee's. We weren't able to reach her by phone so she got a nice surprise.

Our 2nd stop was the flowers hop - a delivery to Grammy. The pie was for Grammy and Pop and I think Brenda shared with the girls at the flower shop first.

Our first stop was MaMaw Wood's. She was glad to receive her pie! She's glad there is Splenda to sweeten one for her.

It's Cherry Time! Step Three is making pie crust.

2009-06-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

Finally - we get to make the pies. Megan was so excited about making the pie dough herself. She had lots of questions: "Why do we always use Crisco?" "Why do we use ice cold water?"...

I got my recipe from my Grandma Goldie Wood. One year when she and Grandpa came to Arizona she decided it was time to teach me the art of pie making. I can still remember those short little fingers rolling out the dough. She always used lard in those days and she believed the dough was just better if you used ice water. (You always made your ice water BEFORE you did anything else.) Today brought back some memories.

Megan liked rolling out the dough too. She made a pie for Grammy and Pop and then a special Splenda sweetened one for MaMaw Wood. She makes yummy dough!

Clint had to pick out his apron after he picked and pitted some more cherries.

Clint made the moistest dough I have ever seen. He is very independent about his pie making just like Miss Meg. He made a pie for Grandma Keesee and one for his family. He made a design on his top crust.

It's Cherry time! Next you pit them.

2009-06-17T15:31:00.001-07:00

This is probably the most tedious work of the whole pie baking experience. Megan dropped out first - she was READY TO BAKE some pies. I dropped out second and Clint went out and picked some more to pit when he was done.
We were all sticky and messy when the pitting was finished

It's Cherry time! First You Pick Them

2009-06-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

The cherries are ripe and my pickers were ready. Clint came for our annual cherry pie baking day. The last few years he has picked some and pitted a few but he was in a working mode today.

Megan hasn't bake pies with us before, and she got in on the picking and pitting. I must say that I think she enjoys making the pies the most!

Clint got busy a picked a whole bunch of cherries - he was so busy I couldn't get a picture of his face until later!

Clint works with a smile on his face

Megan was happy to start picking, but she didn't like it when bugs and mosquitoes started buzzing around!

Megan loved it when she found a whole cluster of cherries - that takes minimal effort.

Is this a ripe one?

Homemade Pizzas

2009-06-12T13:45:00.001-07:00

When I picked Megan and Clint up from Tennis Camp on Wednesday, they reminded me that I said we would make Pizzas the next time they came over. We had to make a trip to the store to get our ingredients. Our menu was going to be Pizza and Fruit Kabobs.

Clint used canned biscuits to make the pizza dough and Megan added the sauce. We topped the pizzas with cheese, sausage, and pepperoni. Megan made one very large one with LOTS of sausage. She made sure no one else got that one when they came out of the oven.

Our fruit kabobs had kiwi, grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, & bananas. This is one of Clint's favorite things to make. I think we've been making them together ever since he was in Preschool.

I have lots of great memories of my time with Megan and Clint. It's been a blessing to have them around. I really appreciate their Mom and Dad sharing them.

Aren't they going to make a cute flower girl & ring bearer?

Time With Megan & Clint

2009-06-12T13:28:00.001-07:00

Megan and Clint spent most of the day with me on Wednesday. I picked them up from Tennis Camp at 10:00 (by the way, they both voiced a request for a tennis racquet and balls for their July birthdays.)

First on our agenda was games. We played some Uno and had some good laughs. Clint likes to peek at the top card and add a few rules of his own to the game.

Next, Clint and I played checkers and Megan built with dominoes. I really had to think ahead and pay close attention to beat Clint. PaPaw would have loved to play with him - watch out Uncle Jeremy because he just might beat you!

After lunch MaMaw came over and played some Uno and Checkers. She and Clint are tied at one game a piece in Checkers. Maybe they can challenge each other next week to see who is the champion.

Later we played "school" upstairs and both kids took turns being the teacher. Meg and I were partners for math and she really has a sharp mind. After school, we played a few rounds of "I Spy".

A day of fun and games is good for a person. I had a nice relaxing day with alot of FUN thrown in. Children know how to have fun and use their imaginations, too bad we don't do both more often as adults. I was tired when they left, but a day with Megan and Clint was just what I needed.

Memorial Day

2009-05-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

I don't remember doing anything special on Memorial Day until I moved to Kansas. Of course, I still had all of my Grandparents and a couple of Great-Grandmothers at that time so there were no graves to decorate.

After moving to Kansas, Grandma Wood (Goldie) would tell the story of Decoration Day and what it meant. From what I gather it was first used as a day to decorate graves and to honor and remember those who died in service to their country.

These first two pictures are from the cemetary at Logan, KS. Many veterans are buried there. Every Memorial Day there is a ceremony to honor Americans who served their country here and abroad. Often times it is emotionally hard to visit the cemetary during the ceremony.

In May 2000, it was hard - it was the first time my Daddy was among those being honored. Last May in 2008 it was hard because it was the first time I remembered my Uncle Jack not being a part of the ceremony - his health had really failed and he had to sit in the car. In his place my cousin Leland and his son, Eli took part in the ritual in his place.

Even if it is hard, it is an honor to be able to salute the flag and listen to the speeches which make you thankful and proud to be an American.

This memorial is in our hometown. It serves as a daily reminder of the fact that many men and women from Phillips County, KS served our country in the military.

These last 2 pictures are from the cemetary in Agra, KS. There is a ceremony there every year too. My husband's family knows just about everyone, or at least part of their family, who is there on Memorial Day.
Every year the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts go through the cemetary putting poppies on the graves of veterans. Then someone reads the list of names of veterans buried there and the war they served in.

This year was a tough one, my Father-in-law, Lowell Keesee who served in WWII was among the veterans buried there.

I liked Grandma Wood's version of Memorial Day. Not only did she honor those who served their country, but it was a time of remembrance of loved ones gone on. She would tell stories about her mother, her baby who lived such a short time and had lots of curly hair, and it was a treasured time. Many times I would hear a new story that I could recall and even ask someone else about to see what their memories were about that person.

Through the years we took our girls to the cemetary on Memorial Day. We used the time to tell our girls about their great grandparents, uncles, and other family members who were not around for them to know. As time passed, they had stories for during their lifetimes they have lost a great, great grandmother, several great grandmothers and grandfathers, their two grandfathers, and many other friends and family members. They have a rich heritage and many stories to share. It all begins with "Do you remember the time.." or "Have you heard about the time..." and ends with "Yes, I remember..."

Thank you God for family and for memories!

Meet Uncle J

2009-05-29T19:22:00.001-07:00

Jared was really excited about meeting Miss Chloe. He was Jacqueline's "online" doctor and answered many questions during her pregnancy. He was great with Chloe and I think he is going to love the role of uncle as much as Jeremy. We joked and said if Uncle X wasn't holding Chloe, then Uncle J had her. That was true it was hard to get her away from the two uncles!

Uncle J holding Chloe during her first cookout.

Uncle J, Chloe and Auntie AJ

Uncle J didn't even mind the tears!

Auntie Pam & Uncle X

2009-05-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

I don't have pictures of when Pamela and Jeremy first met Chloe Mae because they met in Kansas City and traveled home together from there. I think they are going to be great to have for an aunt and uncle. They will live less than an hour away from the Sikes Family during the next 3 years. It sounds like they will provide many ADVENTURES for Chloe plus they live out in the country which is a great place for kids to visit!

Now A Word About Uncle X

2009-05-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

Many months ago, Jacqueline spoke with Jeremy (Uncle X) about making Chloe's crib. They discussed the type of wood Jacqueline wanted and over Labor Day while Pamela and Jeremy were home he showed me on the internet the wood, some designs and was excited about making the crib. For Christmas he gave Jacqueline and Jordan a cutting board (see picture) made out of the wood he was going to use on the crib.

Jeremy & Pamela sent out an email to the Wood & Keesee families to see if anyone would be interested in helping to pay for the wood and he would provide the labor for this family heirloom. Many Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins helped with this project and Jeremy started to work.
I had seen pictures which Pamela posted periodically to keep us update on the progress of "THE CRIB". It looked great.

Pamela and Jeremy delivered the crib in late February and put it up the night they arrived in Chicago. Pamela was able to attend the Baby Shower the church ladies hosted for Jacqueline while they were in Chicago.

Like I said, the crib looked great.

On April 9 we finally got to see the crib in person. IT WAS AMAZING! It was even more beautiful than the pictures showed!
Chloe will indeed have an heirloom. Jeremy did a fantastic job on "THE CRIB" and he even made a changing table.
You can tell from speaking with Jeremy that he loves making things, and he was especially glad to make this crib for his first niece. He is crazy about Chloe and he has even spoken about taking her hunting and fishing (two other things he enjoys doing.) WAY TO GO UNCLE X!

(If you need anything made - contact Jeremy)

Great Bend Shower

2009-05-29T18:31:00.001-07:00

Brenda and I were able to attend a shower for Annie in Great Bend, KS. The hostesses were ladies from church and the guests were church ladies and co-workers of Annie's. It was easy to see how much they love Annie, how happy they are for her and how much they are going to miss her.

All of the guests "designed" a different portion of Annie's wedding gown. The result was cute and we all had fun.

Most of the "gifts" were gift cards and money. Jared and Annie are going to have a great time shopping for things on their registry.

The hostesses and Annie. The decorations were lovely and the food was delicious. These ladies did a great job with the entertainment, the food and the atmosphere.

Brenda and I had a great time at the shower. I sure did appreciate her going with me!

Shower Guests

2009-05-29T18:00:00.001-07:00

Friends of Annie's that attended the shower. Do you recognize anyone?

Here are guests from the Wood side of Annie's family.

From the Keesee side of Annie's family including some from the Keesee Family and the Haskett Family

Annie and her future mother-in-law, Lorana.

Mints, Invitations & A WHOLE LOT OF LOVE

2009-05-28T20:05:00.001-07:00

Over the last 11 years our family members have made wedding mints for family weddings. It started with my niece Becky's wedding. The mothers of the bride and groom and the bride made the mints for their reception. I guess that was the start of a Wedding Tradition. During the month of June, my sister, niece, mother and mother-in-law will gather to help Annie with more of her mints.

The weekend of Annie's shower here in Phillipsburg, Jared's parents, Don and Lorana came for part of the weekend. The 5 of us made delicious mints in the shape of leaves, roses, wedding bells and hearts. We had a great time visiting while making mints. Yes, the Dads really did help!

Don also got a chance to tour Phillips County and show Bob some of his Boston pics!

During the morning and after lunch the 5 of us worked on the wedding invitations. We got all of the envelopes stuffed, labeled, stamped, and then Annie and her Dad mailed the "out of town" invitations. I think Annie was relieved to get that done and I know Lorana and I felt better once they were in the mail!

It was easy to see that Don and Lorana love our Annie. I guess she will soon be "Their Annie" too - she is blessed to be marrying into the Johnson family. God has answered our prayers in a positive way.

Through the Eyes of a Child

2009-05-28T19:40:00.001-07:00

JOY, EXCITEMENT, and so many other emotions are evident in this photo of Megan and Annie at her shower. Megan had helped to pick out the gift Annie was opening and she picked out the "Hoops and YoYo" talking card. Annie loves buying those musical and talking cards and she has given many to others. Megan has received some from Annie and she KNEW that Annie would love the card - can't you just see the JOY in her face? She also had knowledge that Annie loves picnics, so Annie would love the Picnic Bag in the gift box.

It did my heart good to see all of that joy and love Megan has for Annie. It also made me think about gifts and giving just for the sheer enjoyment of it. Think of the person and pick out a gift that you know they will love and enjoy. I also think Megan knew that she and Annie always had fun together when they had picnics or any meals together - maybe she's hoping to get to go on a picnic with Jared and Annie. It is so simple and I'm thankful for moments like these to remind me of that fact!

Showered With Love

2009-05-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, May 16 Brenda, Megan and Becky hosted an "Around the Clock Shower" for Annie. Megan was so excited to be a part of the shower - she didn't even give any hints when she knew what was in the packages Annie opened. The decorations were neat (brown & pink), the chocolate dessert was DELICIOUS, the game was fun and the guests were great!

Annie wasn't too sure Aunt Kim's package was safe to open. Kim had 6:00 a.m. guess you can see she didn't blush too much.

Annie worked with her Uncle Jack for 2 summers during college. She learned alot about fixing things, grew to love shopping at Home Depot and can do some simple repairs all on her own. I guess Sherry knew this about her and bought her a PINK TOOL KIT. What an appropriate gift for our fix-it gal!

As you can see, Annie had a great time and received many great gifts and good wishes. It was easy to see that Annie is well-loved and that friends and relatives are happy for her and Jared!

Meeting Great Aunt Brenda and some Chanley Cousins

2009-05-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

Great Aunt Brenda had to work (imagine that at a Florist Shop!) on Saturday of Mother's Day weekend so she just had time to give a quick hug and show her off to fellow workers. She did get time with Miss Chloe on Sunday.

Uncle Norman and Aunt Brenda gave Jacqueline a purple Tea Pot with flowers for her first Mother's Day. Aunt Brenda loves having Tea Parties with her Mother, sisters, and granddaughters and she wanted to be sure Chloe Mae would enjoy some Tea Parties with her Mama.

Cousin Becky loves babies! Guess Megan comes by it naturally and both of them loved Chloe. I think Megan was thinking of when Chloe will be big enough to play with and have Tea Parties with.

Our Guys plus Miss Chloe

2009-05-26T13:00:00.001-07:00

Our guys were all home over Mother's Day weekend too. You guessed it - they are all crazy about Chloe Mae. Most of the time if Jeremy wasn't holding Chloe, Jared was. Those uncles really love her!

Our Girls

2009-05-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

Over Mother's Day weekend all of our girls were home to visit, including our newest girl, granddaughter Chloe Mae Sikes.

Moving Day

2009-05-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

On Friday and Saturday Bob and I were in Great Bend for Annie's final move as a single gal. Bright and early Saturday morning, Annie & PJ's friend Reba came over with doughnuts and coffee and PJ went home with Reba to save him from the trauma of the loading up. If you know anything about PJ, you understand the wisdom of him spending the morning AWAY from the house.

Bob and Annie picked up the truck and shortly before 9 Annie's church family started showing up. Under the direction of a seasoned mover (Chuck Marshall) the truck was loaded by around 10. Annie's future in-laws, Don and Lorana, arrived. They helped load the truck AND their car. Don's job was to drive the U-Haul and he also got to unload the truck in Wichita.

Sometime during the loading process Pam from the church family brought homemade cookies and muffins. Everyone was glad to see her and the basket of goodies. She and many of the ladies left to go to a VBS workday and after finishing the loading the men were headed there too. Annie sure did appreciate them helping her before beginning their workday.

Somewhere around 10 we waved Don, Lorana and Annie off. Annie was picking up PJ before heading to Wichita.

All that to say this: I thought it would be awful to tell Annie good-bye - she is moving farther away from us! It was easier than I thought. She was so excited and giddy and I am so happy that God brought her and Jared together that I couldn't be even a little sad. Annie is ready to move on with her life and begin the new adventure of being Mrs. Jared Johnson. I'm excited to see her in her new role and will keep you posted...

Chloe Meets Her Great Grandmothers

2009-05-18T18:51:00.001-07:00

Chloe meeting Great Grandmother Noma Keesee - Chloe will probably call her Grandma

Chloe meeting Great Grandmother Lovetta Wood - she'll call her MaMaw

Visiting with my Granddaughter

2009-05-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

While in Chicago I was able to give Chloe lots of hugs and kisses AND visited with her about many things.
I told her how much she was loved, how much God had blessed her by giving her Jordan and Jacqueline as her Mommy and Daddy, and how much God had blessed the world by giving us a little girl to love. I don't know at what point in time babies realize how special they are, but I do know that Chloe will grow up feeling loved and cared for. One day she'll realize how special she is to alot of people and more importantly I know her Mommy and Daddy will teach her how much she is loved by God and what a gift He has for her. Until that day comes, all of us who love her get to show her our love and teach her to love others. That's a gift God has given us.

Sunday Morning & The Sikes Family

2009-04-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

I wrote this post on Sunday April 19 - I'm just getting back to blogging ...

Everything worked together this morning (getting ready, feeding, nap time) so Chloe Mae went to worship with her Mommy, Daddy and Gram. What a privilege! As we drove to the church building Jacqueline and Jordan sang worship songs as is their custom. Part of the time I sang with them, but mostly I reflected on the songs and what they would mean to my Granddaughter. It thrills my heart to know that Chloe Mae will be brought up in the Lord by Godly parents. She is blessed to be the daughter of Jordan and Jacqueline Sikes. She has many aunts, uncles, grandparents, great grandparents and a host of extended family who will encourage her to be a Christian and to live her life for God. I shed a few tears, shared my thoughts with her parents and then joined in the singing.

A BIG THANK YOU TO MY SISTERS!

2009-04-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

Over the last 8 1/2years my sister Brenda and her husband Norman have graciously shared their grandchildren with Bob and I. There were probably times that they would rather have had them at their house or even kept them to themselves, but they always shared.

We've had Megan and Clint over to spend the night. We've picked & Pitted cherries from our tree and then made pies together for 6 summers now. We make eggnog on New Year's Eve and take over to Grammy and Poppy's and watch a movie together with Grammy, Megan and Clint. We've taken road trips together, shopping trips, and trips out to the Stapel farm.

We haven't had as much time with Little Payton, their granddaughter from SE Kansas but Brenda and Norman are quick to share her on holidays and other visits home to P'Burg.

Kimberly and Brian have also shared Casen their only grandchild. When Casen was born last January, Kimberly was ill and unable to travel to meet her Grandbaby. She encouraged Brenda and I to go and meet Casen and do what we could for his family. So Brenda, Becky and I cooked up some food (casseroles, meatballs, etc.) and Brenda, Megan, Annie, Clint & I took off for Oklahoma. Kim didn't care that we met her grandbaby first, she was thankful that we could go and help get the house ready and encourage the new parents. I don't think she realized how much it meant to us for her to share with us!!

Bob and I have waited so long for a grandbaby - I think having Megan, Clint, Casen and Payton helped with our wait. It gave us someone to love and care about, someone to do things for and with to help fill up our hearts until we had our own grandbaby. So I say THANK YOU BRENDA & NORMAN, KIMBERLY & BRIAN for sharing your grandbabies and being so gracious to Bob and I. You gave us a chance to "practice" our grandparenting skills and gave us four fabulous children to love! You are welcome to share our granddaughter anytime and I know you'll come to love her as much as we love your grandkids!

Those four also got Bob his first "grandpa" hat and me my first "Grandma" shirt - we will wear them proudly!
I'm in Chicago and don't have pictures of our great nieces and nephews so I decided to share a few of Chloe and her grandparents!

Being a Grandmother is GREAT!

2009-04-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 14
I'm a grandmother - actually I'm Gram Keesee. Bob, Annie and I were on our way to Chicago on Thursday when we received word that Chloe didn't wait for our arrival.

Chloe Mae Sikes arrived on April 9, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. She weighed in at 8 pounds and is 22 1/2 inches long. She has quite a bit of brown hair and her eyes are blue. Her eyes are already getting darker. She was a little jaundiced, but the numbers started down on Monday and she's doing great.

Mommy and Daddy are doing great! They are so cute with Chloe.

Everyone told me that being a grandparent was wonderful, amazing and many other adjectives, but I feel that there are no adequate words to describe the love, the awe, the emotions and the feeling of utter contentment that overwhelms you the first moment you lay eyes are that sweet little miracle! Grandchildren truly are a blessing from God!

I guess you can tell, I love being a grandmother and it was well worth the wait! Please keep Chloe and her Mommy and Daddy in your prayers.

Chloe Mae

2009-04-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to Chloe Mae Sikes, her grandparents, and Auntie AJ

A Hole In My Heart

2009-03-10T13:17:00.000-07:00

This morning, I started to say "I have a hole in my heart" when I realized it wasn't true anymore... God has filled it. Last week, God called my father-in-law, Lowell Keesee, home. Over the past few days God through neighbors, family, friends, business acquaintances and co-workers has overwhelmed us with care & concern, cards, sweet, sweet stories, dishes of comfort food and boundless love! We have had what the song refers to as "Showers of Blessings" and all the while God was filling up that hole.

I, along with others, will miss Lowell greatly. He had a way of making me feel loved, he thought I was special and he appreciated every little thing Bob and I did. I wouldn't call him back, he's at peace and at home with God, but I will miss him. I have been blessed!

Counting My Blessings

2009-01-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

Our first song during the worship service Sunday morning was "Count Your Blessings". I love that song and it's message, but for some reason it was like singing it for the first time. Maybe, it was that this was my first Sunday worship service of a fresh new year but I was overwhelmed with the thought of how much God has blessed me.
*I had just finished Bible class with my boys. Matt and Nate have blessed my life beyond what I ever dreamed. They challenge me spiritually and physically. I've done many things with and for them when my physical body was saying it just couldn't get up and go - they keep me going.
*Bob was leading singing. I thought of the many ways He has grown and "stepped up to the plate" in our small congregation. He has done things like preaching, teaching the adult Bible classes, and many other things which were WAY OUT of his comfort zone not too many years ago. He has studied and grown in his knowledge of the Bible.
*Bob & I were in a worship service with our aging parents. We're so blessed to have had grandparents and parents to love and care for us. Our grandparents are gone now and our parents now need us and just make us feel loved and needed. We're also blessed to be in the same town with them.
*We were also worshipping with Annie and Jared. I had a surprise when they called to say they'd be here for lunch on Saturday (Bob knew they were coming and kept it secret) We've been blessed with faithful children and it's great to see them fall in love and for them to be loved in return.
*I was in worship with my sister. God has given us such loving and giving physical families. No matter what happens, we have family who love us, encourage us and in turn care about our girls.
*God sent His son to die for me, and He loves me unconditionally. He doesn't place restrictions on His forgiveness and amazingly He continues to bless me, even when I falter and fail Him. This thought alone made me want to not only count my blessings but be a better steward of the love, the relationships and the physical blessings He has given me.
I am overwhelmed by the "countless" blessings God has given me.

Two Little Blessings

2009-01-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

Megan & Santa

(I guess you can tell, I DON'T HAVE THIS PICTURE STUFF FIGURED OUT YET!)

Clint with his photobook from Uncle Bob and Aunt Sharlene

"Princess Megan" sometimes allows me to be the "Queen Mother" in our time together!

Clint & Santa

There are two people who bring much Joy to my life, actually to the lives of many. Their names are Megan and Clint Stapel and they are my great niece and nephew, the children of my niece Becky and my nephew Jason.

Part of the blessing is that we live close by and get to share in their lives.

In December Brenda, Mother and I took them to "Breakfast With Santa" which is sponsored by the local hospital. Megan had JOY written all over her face as she told Santa what she would like for Christmas and Clint had "Orneriness" all over his face as he asked Santa for a mouse to scare his mother with. After the visit with Santa, we went to Brenda's house to make ornaments and visit plus view the new Gingerbread house Pop (Norman) had helped them make and decorate. This is the first year Pop got to help and I must say it looked like the sturdiest Gingerbread House they have constructed!

They also invited us to Grammy's & Pop's on New Year's Eve for a movie and Uncle Bob's Eggnog (a yearly tradition) They gave Grammy instructions for Bob to make his own special eggnog and not to buy it in the store (Clint thinks that kind tastes awful!). We had a fun evening with them and MaMaw. Megan did not make it to the end of the movie, much less midnight.

Megan and Clint are great about sharing fun times with us. Children bring joy, laughter and fun to the lives of others and I thank God we live close enough to share their lives! They are great little kids who are going to be thoughtful, caring grown-up people

P.S. Part of what makes them so special is their thoughtful, talented and sharing parents
P.S.S. Grammy (my sister Brenda) is another person who has helped mould them into the great little people they are. She has them do crafts, cook, and so many other things to give to and do for others.

In God's Time

2008-12-31T14:17:00.000-08:00

As we started to take this picture, someone made the remark that this would be the last one. I for one was thinking... maybe the next time we're all together Jared will be there with Annie and a million other thoughts. Annie has waited a long time to find the "right" person and while Annie was waiting, God was moulding her into the "right" person.

As a Mom, I wanted my children to be happy, to follow God and to chose a Christian mate. I have prayed for and with Annie. I've poured my heart out to God to help her, as well as us, to be patient and to accept God's will and timing in this.

My prayers have been answered in a positive way... it's great to see Annie glowing, to have JOY light up her face when she speaks of Jared, when he puts his arm around her or when she sees him walk into the room. THANK YOU GOD for blessing my Annie with Jared!

Mom & Fall come to Chicago

2008-12-07T07:19:00.001-08:00

Picture 1 - Jacqueline in her classroom - she played a "clue" game on her birthday and the children had to guess that Mrs. Sikes was going to have a baby in April.

Picture 2 - opening birthday gifts Picture 3 Fall comes to Chicago

Picture 4 - The Mama-to-be in her new Maternity top

Picture 5 - breakfast in bed on her birthday (our family tradition)

Way back in October (WHERE DID THE FALL GO?) I was able to spend a week with Jacqueline while Jordan was in Colorado for a month. We were able to celebrate her birthday and have some great times at her school, cooking some meals to put up in the freezer for those days she didn't feel like cooking and we did some Mommy/baby shopping. WHAT FUN!

NAME CHANGE?

2008-08-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here debating about whether or not to change my Blog Title - should it remain "Kansas Mom" or do I change it to KANSAS GRANDMA? YES -WE ARE GOING TO BE GRANDPARENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jacqueline and Jordan told us the GREAT news the weekend we were in Kansas City. We are going to be grandparents in April. It has been a hard secret to keep - but Jacqueline and Jordan wanted us to wait until after their doctor appointment and sonagram and they wanted to tell the grandparents and aunts & uncles themselves. Everyone got their announcement cards Friday and yesterday in the mail so I am free to tell the world.

I'm sure you will hear more about this over the coming months...

Weekend in Kansas City

2008-08-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend in Kansas City with our whole family the first weekend in August. Jordan and Jacqueline were in Kansas City for 4 weeks while Jordan worked in some hospitals and clinics. It sure was nice having them that close so we could all meet.
During the weekend we cooked meals together, played games, did some singing and just had a good time hanging out together. Jared was able to come with Annie. The sisters and brothers-in-law FINALLY got to meet him.
Saturday afternoon we went to a Royals game and they even won! IT WAS HOT, but we had a great time. I was the only one who had never been to a professional baseball game before. It was Military Appreciation Day and there were some great activities to go along with that.
Sunday we worshipped together, had some good Mexican food for lunch and then packed up our stuff & cleaned up the home where we stayed. We were blessed to have the weekend together and I for one am praying that Jordan's residency will be somewhere close (like Kansas City)!

2008-07-21T14:42:00.001-07:00

I have been back in Phillipsburg for 3 weeks today. Sometimes I cannot believe that my time in Japan is over. While Annie and I were there I kept saying I could not believe I was actually in Japan and maybe Annie should pinch me. You should try explaining that to someone with limited English!

It was such a blessing that this trip became a reality. I can say "IT WAS A GOD THING!"

*God allowed my health to do good before I went and HE gave me great health during the whole trip. Other than a little trouble with my arthritis and foot & leg cramps my health was GREAT.

*God saw to it that we had the funds to go. He touched the hearts of many to give so that His word could be planted in the hearts of many.

*God blessed me during our travels - no jet lag going over, restful sleep while there (even on a futan), and no culture shock. Once home I slept well and at regular times but I have had some days where I felt out of it and experienced some of those post-trip feelings.

*God sees to it that you are not the same as you were before you went. He uses the experience to touch your heart, to open your mind, and to make you realize how important it is that you share His Good News with all people.

I hope people will keep Annie and I in their prayers as we share the story of our trip with people here at home. I hope we can give people a glimpse of our experience in Hachinohe. It was a blessing to be able to participate in this mission trip; one of the greatest experiences and blessings I have received!

PARTY #3 - Farewell

2008-07-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

Readers, their children, church members, Annie & I enjoyed a great evening of fun, food, games, pictures, speeches and goodbyes. We played spoons, some for the first time, and had lots of laughter, squeals and all the other noises that accompany three tables of people playing the game.

Annie with some of her readers and Brother Shiozawa. Everyone seemed to enjoy the picture taking as much as the games.
Everyone smile and say "cheese". This photo started out being LST workes and church members when all the children wanted to be included. Who can resist a child's smile?
Some of my readers and their children posed with me for this photo. I sure did enjoy getting to spend some free time with readers and I just loved their children.

Beauty of Japan - THE CHURCH MEMBERS in Hachinohe

2008-07-12T15:18:00.000-07:00

The church family in Hachinohe is AMAZING! They are a people who serve God and each other. They were always looking for a way to serve not only God but His children. They met us with open arms, making us feel at home and loved. They cooked for us, welcomed our readers with coffee, tea and goodies and always, always made everyone feel glad they had come. Members shared in the fun during parties, displaying a sense of humor and enthusiasm for every game and activity. Many members drove us around for errands, shopping and some showed us the sites in Hachinohe.
My life is blessed to have been able to worship with them, work with them and have the opportunity to serve and share the short time I had with them. A special place in my heart will always belong to them!

Shimamori

Mel Shaw, Annie, Sharlene & Yoko Shaw

Kaneko & Tomoyuki Matsuzaka, Chieko,
Sharlene, Hisao Shiozawa and Annie.

Chieko

The Church Family on our first Sunday in Hachinohe

Beauty of Japan - THE PEOPLE in Sendai

2008-07-11T08:01:00.001-07:00

An amazing young woman, Sasha, has been working as a Missionary Intern in Sendai since October, 2008. Somehow she fitted time with us into her very busy schedule. She impressed me with her people skills, her ability to speak and understand Japanese, the amazing ability to decipher the bus schedule, her driving skills (on the left side of the road & the right side of the car!), and her love for God in sharing Him with the people of Japan. She did all this with such humility which is an even bigger accomplishment. She is pictured here with the daughters of one of Annie's readers from 2006. Annie had a great time with the little ones.

Debi, she opened her home and her heart, as well as her classroom, to us. She has been in Sendai for at least 2 years - I just loved listening to her speak Japanese. Right now she is teaching English to kindergartners (ages 3 to 6) and we were able to visit her classroom - such a neat experience. Debi reminds me of my daughter Pamela.
Yukie, Mikio, Keiko and Annie at the party. Keiko was Annie's reader two years ago. It was great to meet these people, I have heard so much about them and now I can put names with the faces. Yukie and I visited quite awhile and I am going to have to send her some Kansas sunset pictures. Annie had a great visit with Keiko and Mikio.
Crimsen, Haruka & Yukie - Crimsen was so excited to see them. I think Haruka was about 5 when she first came to Japan. It had been almost 2 years since Crimsen had seen them and she seemed shocked at how much he had grown up. Haruka got to practice his English a little bit in conversation with me. They were such friendly and welcoming people.
Four Sendai Christian women, Sasha, Debi, Akiko, Yuko & Annie. Annie loved being with them and was so thankful that they hosted a party so she could see old friends and former readers. Annie just glowed that evening - well, really the whole trip. It was easy to see why she loves the country, her readers and the friends she has there. The stop-over in Sendai was such a blessing!

Beauty of Japan - THE FLOWERS

2008-07-11T07:11:00.001-07:00

There were beautiful flowers everywhere we went in Japan - in gardens, in yards, along the street ... just everywhere. We had fresh flowers in our home - placed there by Shimamori. She also created pictures with dried flowers and plants - BEAUTIFUL! Most flowers had no role but to be there for people to enjoy and we "oohed and aahed" over them on a daily basis. We did have one rice dish with yellow chrysanthemums as an ingredient - it was a little sweet and tasted pretty good.

I kept saying that we were taking the pictures for my sister, Brenda who works in a flower shop. In reality, I think I took them as much for me as anyone else! I'm going to have to have her help me identify the ones I can't name.

Beauty of Japan

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

I'm thinking that I might have to change this post before I even start it. I thought about posting pictures and writing a little about the "beauty of Japan" and when I started to add the pictures I realized there are different "types" of beauty. There is beauty in moments that will only be pictures in my heart & mind for I could not have captured the moment even if my camera was near.

*the tear that drops from a reader's eye as you pray with them
*the smile and serenity on an elderly preacher's face as he closes his eyes and shares the gospel with his church family
*the shy smile on a child's face as he hands me a homework paper to hang on my refrigerator in Kansas
*the smile on a reader's face when they understand the meaning of a Bible story or passage
*the looks on the faces of 6 precious souls as they wave good-bye to us on the morning we left Hachinohe

I pray that God keeps these "pictures" sharp and clear in my heart.

Party #2 - Happy Birthday!

2008-07-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Everyone! We started this party off with everyone signing in by writing their birthdates on the Birthday Calendar. Next we made Birthday Hats. Such creative people! Our readers and church members did a great job of designing their own hats.
Sharlene introduced everyone to the "Penny Toss" game which her girls, their friends, nieces,... all loved. Everyone was a Winner - you toss four pennies and four one yen pieces into muffin tins. If your coins land in a muffin cup you receive the candy or stickers in that cup. Chieko caught on to how American children win at this game!
We played Musical Chairs with music by Annie. What fun - clapping to the music and some very serious players. The youngest guest, Sam, stayed in to the end winning one round against one of the oldest players.
Our oldest Birthday Girl got the honor of blowing out the birthday candles. We found the cake at a local bakery and we served cookies, chips and delicious Fairy Bread ( a treat learned from our Australian/American cousin, Kayla Keesee.)
Masayo and Yurika enjoyed the fun, the games and the food. We had a great time of fellowship with all of our guests.

Saying Good-bye

2008-06-25T06:42:00.000-07:00

This is Wednesday evening in Japan, I have started my good-byes to readers and church family here. I will write this now because I may not be able to see the keyboard through my tears tomorrow and Friday.
Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how much I would come to love these people and the church family here in Hachinohe. When I leave on Sunday a big chunk of my heart will be missing or at least broken.
I do not know if there are words good enough to tell them good-bye.
Many prayers have been offered for my health, fundraising, traveling and so many other things now I ask for more prayers.
*Prayers thanking God for the amazing Christians serving Him and others in this place.
*Prayers for preparing hearts to receive the Word
*Prayers for the Pepperdine Team arriving on Saturday to continue reading sessions for 3 weeks
*Prayers for Annie & I as we say good-bye.
*Prayers that readers will seek to know more and learn more about this Jesus they have been studying about.

Top 5 things about Monsoon Season

2008-06-25T06:12:00.000-07:00

Good things happen even when it rains...
1. The gate closes easier (we close the gate to the property every evening) when it is wet
2. We Americans provide entertainment for the neighbors - did you ever see 2 Americans trying to walk carrying an umbrella AND groceries?
3. Annie did a solo entertainment act - she had THE umbrella, rolled up PJs and 2 bags of burnable trash to take 2 blocks to the dumpster - just imagine how the neighbors must have laughed!
4. Watching the crows, VERY LARGE crows, bathing in the puddles
5. Annie riding to the Post Office in the rain (she just had to mail a letter to Jared) just imagine, Annie, THE umbrella, the bicycle, the wind AND the rain.

Card Party w/Readers & Church members

2008-06-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

Annie teaching readers and members the finer points of Skip-Bo. While 1/2 of the party people played Skip-Bo, I taught the others how to play UNO. We all had a great time! We had six readers plus one reader's son, five church members and the two of us. We had games, laughs, snacks and ice cold green tea and Coca-Cola!
Everyone enjoyed a couple of games of SPOONS!
Ready to play spoons
More fun with spoons
The winners of the door prizes Yurika with Skip-Bo, Yotaro with a deck of Kansas cards, Sam with Uno and Masayo with cards from Chicago. We had a great time. This Sunday afternoon we will have a Birthday Party - I can't wait!

Reader Pictures

2008-06-20T05:35:00.001-07:00

2008-06-20T05:21:00.000-07:00

One morning, my reader, Yuko brought a Japanese children's storybook. It was the story of Jesus' birth. Her sister-in-law had given it to her to read to her two young sons. Yuko read the book to me in Japanese and then translated it into English for me. That was the day we were reading the lesson from Luke about Jesus' birth. What a great experience. The text
The front cover of the storybook

Sharlene and Yuko

Beautiful things God has created!

2008-06-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

Annie enjoys sitting out in our yard. Sometimes she uses the time to think about God and pray and sometime I think she just sits and thinks about Jared.
There are so many beautiful flowers here in Japan. These daisys grow along the street we walk on to go to the store and use for our prayer walks.
There are some amazing gardens. There are gardens everywhere and we get to enjoy them!

TOP FIVE

2008-06-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

TOP FIVE READER COMMENTS
1. "I think God can do anything." when reading about Mary's visit from the Angel
2. "I think Jesus is smarter than the devil" when reading about the devil tempting Jesus
3. "I think this says God is powerful." when reading about Gabriel, the angel, visiting Mary
4. About lesson from Luke 12:22-31 "I think this is a very important thought in Christianity" the passage is when Jesus was reminding his followers how important they are to God
5. "I see, I see. Now I understand" words that every teacher or leader loves to hear!

TOP FIVE THINGS ABOUT BEING AWAY FROM HOME

1. Receiving encouraging emails from my husband, friends & family
2. Phone calls from home (even those in the middle of our night time!)
3. Receiving amazing letters of love and encouragement from Bob, my Mother, The Gordon family and my Bible Class children (my Mom helped them write us)
4. Finding love notes and encouraging cards in my suitcase from Bob, Annie and Pamela Jeane *
5. The sense of peace that comes from knowing God is in control. He is watching over our loved ones in America and is taking great care of us here in Japan.

*Starting in 2001 I wrote cards and placed them in the girls' suitcases before they left on Mission Trips. Some would have scriptures others just reminded them that they were loved, I was praying for them and that God would take care of them. Imagine my surprise when there were notes, pictures and cards from Bob, Annie & Pamela in my suitcase, in my Bible and backpack. YEAH! Boy, do I feel loved!!

God's Handiwork

2008-06-15T06:09:00.000-07:00

2008-06-13T03:30:00.000-07:00

If you read my last two posts you had some serious reading! I have two stories to share which will make you smile and maybe even LAUGH out loud like Annie did - HA! HA!

THE FORK
On Monday evening the ladies of the church fixed supper for us after our reader orientation. I was wondering what the rules were for sitting at the table I did not need to worry my place was the ONLY one with both a fork and hashi or chopsticks. Everyone laughed and they were all surprised when I proceeded to eat with the chopsticks. (I have done fairly well and some foods are even easier to eat with chopsticks)

JAPANESE PLEASE
On Thursday one of the church ladies came to answer the phone, help us and to fix our noonday meal. It was delicious. I was trying to say "very good" in Japanese and butchering the phrase. She laughed out loud and said "I think your Japanese is like my English" (truthfully implying that neither one of us spoke the other:s language very well) We all had a good laugh!

2008-06-11T16:25:00.001-07:00

I am thinking that one of the reasons God sent me to Hachinohe was to teach me some lessons for my own Christian walk. There are many things we are aware of, things that we know are in God's word but maybe we don't really know what God means or we just don't do them.
Two of my readers have asked about Mary being a servant of God and "what is servant?" I am convinced that the Japanese people know what it is to serve. During these discussions I had to dig deep to explain just what it meant to be a servant of God. God sent many thoughts my way!
*maybe before we can lead, we must first serve. Jesus told us the least would be the greatest
*serving does not come naturally - we must learn to serve
*as we learn to serve we become more like Jesus
*I don't think Jesus wants us to pick and chose who to serve - we must serve even those who make our
lives difficult

That:s my deep thinking for today - have a great weekend!

2008-06-11T03:18:00.000-07:00

I have debated whether or not to "borrow" the idea of Annie's Top Five List which she "borrowed" from someone else - I guess I will...

These are things that I want to share with you about the church, the readers, the people and the country that I have learned or experience since I have been in Japan. I can understand why Pamela and Annie have a heart for Japan and its people. I have been amazed by so many things since our arrival a little over one week ago. I hope to add some pictures and will try to keep you updated.

TOP FIVE THINGS ABOUT THE CHURCH

1. No matter where you are, you can feel at home with God's people
2. It makes me feel good inside when handed a translated song sheet so I can join in
3. Communion with God and the church has no language but the language of the cross
4. Brothers and Sisters greet you like you are family, and you are
5. Christians enjoy visiting over a good meal

TOP FIVE THINGS ABOUT HACHINOHE

1. The Christians - amazing people with servant hearts
2. Reading sessions - getting to talk to & share with my readers
3. The Gardens - the most beautiful plants and flowers I have ever seen & there are fresh flowers in the building every day!
4. The food - gyoza, ramen, tempura and so many other great foods
5. Time with Annie - it does my heart good to share this time with her

TOP FIVE THINGS ABOUT SENDAI

1. The amazing Christian women (Debbie, Sasha, Yuko) who live and serve there
2. The Party with Readers
3. The food (and yes, I am attempting to eat with hashi or chopsticks)
4. The hospitality of Americans and Japanese who live there
5. Getting to be with Crimsen for a short time

Konnichiwa from Hachinohe!

2008-06-07T01:50:00.000-07:00

Annie and I are onsite in Hachinohe. We took the train from Sendai this morning (Saturday) and arrived quickly and safely. Four Chrisitans welcomed us at the train station. After delivering our suitcases to the building they took us to lunch and grocery shopping. The lunch was delicious and it was as close to American food as we could get in a Japanese restaurant in Japan. They ordered for us and so we didn:t even have a menu challenge. Now we are settling in to our new home.
We have many readers signed up to start on Tuesday morning. Please be praying for our readers' hearts, our recall of all we have studied and that God will give us the words to share
I am just so EXCITED! I will post a little about our time in Sendai later, but I will say that our time there was a blessing. I feel that God used that time to acclimate us to Japan and slowly get us ready for the language and cultural experiences.

Ready To Go!

2008-05-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

I am so excited, just 15 days from now Annie and I will be on our way to Hachinohe, Japan!!! All of the trainings are completed and now the real work begins. Annie has been my trainer plus we spent one weekend in Ft. Worth with some training for our team. The questions have been answered, we’ve practiced reading sessions, studied about our host site, worked on our team dynamics and now it’s time to get busy.
I am overwhelmed by the prayers, words of encouragement and the financial support of my friends and family and amazed at what total strangers will do and give to help spread the gospel.
Bob has done all he could to help me. He made my address labels for my support letters, encouraged me to study my Luke workbook, fixed meals while Annie and I did training sessions. He’s driven me to Great Bend for trainings and even kept Annie’s dog for our Ft. Worth training. More importantly he’s prayed with me for the work, my health and this trip.
We depart June 2 from Wichita, KS and will return to Wichita on June 29. Just 27 days to plant the seed and be an example to all we come in contact with. I know many people are praying for the readers, the local Christians, and the work we'll be doing.

I Thessalonians 5:17