When Cousins Come to Town . . .

The Dischers recently visited (only a couple of weeks after becoming citizens of Missouri!), and when cousins come to town, creative events will happen! Hmmmm . . . what shall we do? I know! A garden party! But the garden is in transition from winter garden to spring! Oh, nevermind . . . it will still be wonderful. Let's get moving and set everything up. Then let's dig out the lovely spring prints and hats. No mind that it is still coolish and windy today. Let's have a garden party!

Margaret Anne contemplates hats, teas, linens, finger sandwiches, cookies . . . (and grandmother contemplates where in the world that blue line has come from and how in the world can she get rid of it!)
Emma Jane tries on a lovely hat. Hmmm, probably a little too heavy and Eastern European for this event!

Mary greets us with a cup of hot tea, while she maintains her hat status. I guess EJ decided to go hatless.

Mama/Aunt Molly sits at the little table (where did that scowling prince come from??)

The granny corner is just the right spot for Grandma Sue and me (hey, I said it was a breezy day, okay!)
Young ladies fill their plates with dainties, homemade scones and lemon curd. Everything was delicious.

The lovely maidens' table. It was a beautiful day, despite the winds.

Wonderful fellowship and conversation. The time for beloved cousins to leave for home will come too soon.

Margaret Anne shows off her babies, the Brussels sprouts. We enjoyed them a few days later. Nothings better than wonderful fresh produce from the Stricklens' garden!

Aunt Beth with another interloper prince! What fun we had with Baby Paul while he was here!

Callie displays one of the remaining (huge) collard plants. These are so delicious!

Amanda snuggles with her little buddy before they sweep him off to Missouri.

Abby in her gracious hostess mode. We had a wonderful time, Abby!

Rosie and her "other cousin", the Lady of the Garden.

Two of my sweet, godly daughters and me. What a wonderful day we had. We miss you, Dischers, but what a blessing to have the Stricklens nearby!

Better Pictures, I Hope!

Here are some better pictures of Baby Nathaniel Charles Stricklen. He is at home and about 1 and 1/2 days old in them.

Such a rosy, healthy boy! William was a little perturbed at being "dethroned", but now he is a proud big brother.


Granddaddy loves holding this little bundle.


Grandmother had to get her arms around him, too!

Big sister Callie gets him when his eyes are open! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

Wonderful News!

I am putting together a quick post, so family and friends near and far can get the news and see a few pictures, such as they are. The pictures of Precious Baby were not good, so I hope to have better ones very shortly.

This Friday evening, as our family was hosting a "patriot" meeting in our home, and the Stricklens and Dischers (visiting from Missouri) were faithfully helping with serving, Molly let us know that things were happening and Baby Stricklen would likely be making his appearance in the next few hours. She went home to get a good nap, and we all finished cleanup and headed for bed.

It wasn't too long before we got the phone call. We headed over to the birthing center about 1:30 a.m., and the exhausting, but endearing, process began. Grandbaby number 25 was about to come into the world!

Molly, walking and working to get things going.

Faithful maidens, waiting and praying.

Grandmother and Granddaddy, expectantly and patiently waiting.

Molly, getting serious about those uncomfortable pangs that bring forth new life.

Faithful sister Beth, giving a comforting backrub. What a blessing that the Lord saw fit to send this baby while the Dischers were still here visiting. Beth was so faithful in comforting, encouraging, soothing, cheering. Molly was so glad to have her there.

Molly's Daddy came in to ask the Lord's blessing before things really got intense.

The precious little bundle arrives, with his mother exhausted but lovely!

Molly's Mama loves being there for her girls in any way possible.

Sisters -- what a blessing to have sisters for support and love.

Margaret Anne takes the challenge and cuts the cord.

Beautiful young ladies learning the ways of Christian womanhood. Well, there is one gentleman in that group! He's not quite sure how to take this new little cousin!

I am so sorry this is the only picture I have of little Nathaniel ?? Stricklen! I will try to get better ones when we visit this evening. He came into the world at 6:43 a.m., March 20 at 8 lb. 7 oz. and almost 22 inches long. God bless you, Sweet Baby!!

Last Trip to the Beach

Well, finally, the "Farewell Tour That Never Ends" has . . . ended. The Dischers are safely in Missouri, and the Florida family is "Discherless". Before they left, they wanted to take one last trip to the beach. Although we live within one hour or less from either coast, we seldom make it to the beach. So Granddaddy said, "Pile into the RV, and let's go!" Never mind that it was winter in Florida, which, believe it or not, does occasionally resemble winter elsewhere -- and that day was cold and windy. But off we went!!

Gracie and Kitty -- " Hmmm, was this a dumb idea? Nahhh, the beach is the beach! It will be wonderful!"

Chipmunks. (This was actually staged. When the RV is in motion, they are much more safely seated!)

William and Emma Jane explore the old well at the Gamble Plantation.

Along the way, we stopped at the Gamble Plantation in Ellenton. This is from the state park website:

"This antebellum mansion was home to Major Robert Gamble and headquarters of an extensive sugar plantation. It is the only surviving plantation house in South Florida. It is believed that Confederate Secretary of State, Judah P. Benjamin, took refuge here after the fall of the Confederacy, until his safe passage to England could be secured. In 1925, the house and 16 acres were saved by the United Daughters of the Confederacy and donated to the state."


Danny and his "girls" in front of the plantation house. We are always amazed at the ingenuity and creativity of the folks in times past. They may not have had electronics, but they had real creativity in solving day-to-day difficulties.

Musing on the second story balcony.

At the beach near Venice, FL. The picnic areas were secluded in the palmettos. The day was quite chilly, so there were very few people there anyway! My kind of day at the beach!

Granddaddy and Grandmama doing their favorite thing -- spending time with grandchildren!

Little Paul preparing for life in frigid Missouri! He doesn't care -- he's just happy to be outside!

Kitty and Mary, contemplating getting into the icy waters of the Gulf.

Beth and her grown up girl Sarah.

Cheery Abigail!

So far, the rocks are warm enough.

Molly and Beth, sharing time in the sun. Sarah: "Something tells me a camera is nearby! Hey, there it is! "

Little cousins Rosie, Margaret Anne, and CJ snuggle up.

Kitty and the Big Blue Sea.

Gracie loves it, too.

We took another route home and went through Arcadia. We met sweet friends, the Franklins, for dinner at a local, small town restaurant. Much more picturesque and interesting than a fast food chain.

KelliPaige and Patrick and children were pleasant dinner companions. They are "Discherless" too!

Poor little Wills! A long day comes to a pleasant end! It was a different day at the beach, but I am sure it sent the Dischers off with good memories of living in Florida! Thank you, Lord, for our family and the many good times we have had together.

A Very Special Occasion

Over 18 years ago, when our family found out 3, count them -- 3 precious bundles would be born in the same year, what excitement was everywhere! First would be RG, the first male grandchild and first child of Robert and Katie. Then Callie, Molly and Chris' first baby. Then Gracie would be born the third child of Beth and Eddie. They would be grandchild 3, 4, and 5 (respectively). Oh the joy of that year! They were so different, each bringing amazing things to our family! RG was a big boy (everyone always thought he was older than his actual age) and all boy. Callie was a wisp of a girl, but so vibrant! Gracie was a fluffy butterball with a smile that never left her face.

This Christmas in Arkasouri, we carried out a family tradition started when Kitty and Sarah each turned 18 years old. The parents and grandparents take the 18 year olds to dinner without the other children. It is a wonderful (and emotional) time of recognition of their coming of age. Danny and I like to give something of significance, such as a family heirloom, and each family has its own tradition (well, this is the first for the Stricklens and Millers, but the Dischers have been doing this for a couple of years!)

Granddaddy and Grandmother with RG. What a special young man he has become! The Lord knew exactly what he was doing when he sent RG to our family for such a time as this!

Callie Sue with Granddaddy and Grandmother (and Grandmother's great big ole purse!). She is still a wisp of a girl, but so full of love for the Lord and her family, and so diligent in preparing the skills she will need as a woman of God!

Gracie with Grandmother and Granddaddy. She has certainly outgrown her butterball-ness, and never ceases to amaze us with her talents wisely used for the Lord's purposes and for the benefit of those she loves.

RG with his parents. It is amazing how the Lord places children in the care of the perfect parents for them. Katie and Robert have diligently worked to guide and mold this strong young man of God -- and He will surely do amazing things through RG for His kingdom!

Callie with her parents. Molly and Chris are so different in personality, yet Callie seems to
have both of their strengths! She has already begun influencing those around her for the Kingdom of God, and is becoming such a strong and lovely woman of God.

Gracie with her parents. Beth and Eddie's consistent guidance and direction have given Grace a unique personality and character. Her diverse interests and talents and her graciousness continually delight her grandparents!

Aunt Molly's poignant reflections of the years gone by had us ladies totally choked up! Sorry, y'all -- this is one emotional family, especially remembering three little folks who have made life so wonderful!

Everyone spoke a word of remembrance and admonition to the young adults. My own heart thoughts were, "Never forget who you are. God put you in this family for His own sovereign reason. Acquaintances and even friends may come and go, but your family and your heritage will never change. Remember who you are." God bless you, young adults! His Kingdom will be in good hands when we are gone to Heaven.