Giggi's Goings On

Baking Extravaganza

2010-12-24T09:50:00.007-06:00

I cant believe that Christmas is already here! Whitney and I having been baking up a storm over the past three days. We are headed to Smithville to spend Christmas with my side of the family. I think I heard that there will be 38 people there!! Whew! I think there are plenty of goodies to go around. Ray's about to get the chex mix finished and then we'll be loading up the car and getting on the road! God's blessings and safe travels to everyone!

Sausage Cheese Bites:

Bakerella's Cake Pops:

Cream Cheese Cookies:

Sugar Cookies:

Whitney and Ben decorating

Merry Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Time to do the Baking!!!

2010-12-20T23:19:00.003-06:00

I think Whitney and I pretty much finished our Christmas shopping today! Yay!!! I'm sure we'll think of a few more things we need to run to Target for, but it sure is a good feeling to kind of be finished! Now it's time to get busy in the kitchen!

First I'm going to make sausage/cheese balls. It's one of the things Mom always made. They're really yummy, and the recipe makes a ton so I don't have to worry that we'll eat them up before we head out of town for the big day! Next I'll do some cream cheese cookies. Have you ever had anything with cream cheese in it that was not delicious? Lynn gave me this recipe years ago, and last year I discovered the dough was a pretty good consistency to go in the cookie press. So now I add a few drops of green food coloring and start shooting Christmas trees onto the cookie sheet! Makes a lot and they're really good with a cup of coffee! Then we'll make a batch of chex mix! Ray likes to use his mom's recipe and most years he makes it! His annual cooking event. Ha! It doesn't hurt that it's his favorite snack either! I usually save the sugar cookies for last because they are the ones we have the most trouble not eating up as quick as we can! Whitney has turned into a gourmet chef. She amazes me in the kitchen, and loves to cook. She has some really cute cake pops picked out to make! Here we go! Recipes to come!

Next month we'll work on diet plans!

We Wish you a Merry Christmas!!!

2010-12-06T09:59:00.004-06:00

Maybe we'll dine in here. Usually Pokey is the only one who brings her food in this room!

The living room. A good spot to read by the fire. Nana you need to come back, your chair is waiting!

The big tree. Tried to copy a tree I found on Traditional Homes.com.

Whitney helped me do the snowman room when she was home. My little girl has turned into Martha Stewart.

God bless you with a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and remind you of the hope we have Him!

2010-12-03T11:28:00.004-06:00

Hello Again!

Wow! It's been a long time since I sat down to write a blog! I still read yours tho! I love to read them, even tho most of us spend way more time connecting on facebook these days. It's fun to follow my nieces and nephews. To see what great parents they are, and watch their kiddos grow up! I get inspired to read how many of you walk thru hard times with such a strong faith, and how God carries you! It's fun to read the decorating blogs and see how people decorate their homes - something I've always loved to attempt even tho I'm a little hit and miss in my own efforts. Its always fun to run across a new blog!

I think one of the main reasons I haven't updated in so long is because I really felt like it needed to be an amazing tribute to my Daddy. My precious daddy passed away shortly after I wrote my last blog. I never felt like I could write a tribute to do him justice, (it's not possible!) and to find the words to try always made me realize how much I missed him. My blogging kinda froze, so now I am going to attempt to revive it. It might be a little tear-stained if it were on paper, and I hope if anyone reads it, it will not make them sad but only grateful for the love God allows us to share while we are on this earth. A love that will only be sweeter in eternity!

Daddy was almost 87. He was on a ladder when he fell. High on a ladder. Why? Because he saw a job that needed to be done. My daddy never saw a job that needed to be done that he didn't feel like he should take it on himself to get it done. He lived by that philosophy. It was a mission that often caused those of us who loved him to worry. It took him into bad neighborhoods, to prisons, to help hundreds of people we won't know this side of heaven that he helped. We won't be surprised. It was his life. It was the Spirit of Christ living in him. He didn't know what it meant to retire. He retired from a 21 year military career, one that spanned thru 4 wars, lots of moves, many awards and promotions, always done with the strength and dignity that he modeled for us. That retirement led him to career number two. He went back to school (ACU) for 4 years and got his teaching degree. Summa cum laude of course. With three little girls and a wife to provide for, which as an adult I find amazing. They did it with such grace that I didn't realize when I was young what an amazing feat it was. I say they, because he couldn't have done it without my mom's full time help and support. She worked at ACU to provide for his tuition, came home in the evening to take care of her babies, and after we were fast asleep she sat up and typed his papers while he went to work at his night job at Gibsons Department Store. If you knew my Dad, you know those papers had to be typed to perfection, in a day before computers made it as easy as a backspace! How did they do that? They did it in such a way that the years we lived in Abilene were some of the favorite years of my childhood. Only as a parent did I come to realize how hard it must've been! Then the teaching years began, with a move to Smithville and I think 15 or so years teaching high school there. Yes, he taught while we attended there. Usually that was a good thing, and it certainly made me try a little harder to stay out of trouble and be on good terms with my teachers! He started the distributive education program there, and later switched to teaching special ed. He helped and encouraged a lot of students that others would've given up on. He always felt rewarded with each step they took towards being able to lead the most independent lives possible. I know he also took their struggles to heart. He had a weakness for caring too much!!! I think that was also one of his greatest strengths! Retiring from teaching only led him to find a new career! He did not believe in retiring to sit on his laurels! He spent the next phase of his working years as a baliff for Bastrop county. I think he loved that job as much or more than any of his previous ones. Loved serving, loved the people he worked with, loved still being able to work which he continued until he was 85! I would have to say that he had a fourth career as an elder in the church in Smithville. He served in that role for over 40 years. He carried burdens and made difficult decisions. He made sure odd jobs around the "church-house" were taken care of which is what he was doing when he fell. Changing the filters in the churches air conditioner. I can't think of anything he would've rather been doing than serving at church. He reached out to families in crisis that we won't know about because he kept their confidences. There were usually only two elders because the church is small. That means the weightiness of that job was not carried by very many. But God helped him. Anytime you went in to tell him goodnight he would be reading his bible, or having already read it it would still be laying on top of him. He knew where his strength came from, and taught us where ours comes from as well. He was an inspirational man of God! He lived a life to be honored and modeled.

One of my favorite things about him, and one of the things I miss the most, was his humor. He was the funniest person ever. Some people might be surprised by this, I think he often saved it for those he was closest to. He had a comeback or a one liner for everything! I wish we could remember them all, but the ones we do remember always make us smile! He always reminded me of a Christian version of Johnny Carson. He never lost his sharp wit!

I am grateful to God for the sweet Christian parents He gave me. Momma, I'm sorry if this made you cry! Love you and I know that you miss him more than anyone! You are the best wife and mother God ever made!

If he was here to proof read this, he would be embarrassed that I would think about publishing it. But for sure it would have more than a few red circles on mistakes that needed to be corrected. Wish I didn't have to settle for spell check! I love you Daddy! I am so thankful to know that our separation is a temporary one!

I will try to do better on my blogging now! Maybe get a few in before the pictures are of Whitney's college graduation!

Graduating...

2009-06-01T11:35:00.002-06:00

This was actually at bacculeareate. So glad I took it because my camera conked out at graduation! It's had a busy year! Looking for a good camera repair shop!
Here are some other graduates! Kyle with his masters & Sam from the nursery!
They came to celebrate this night with the Whit, tho!

My babies! Matt ran upstairs to his office & let us borrow the camera he uses for his work at church. Yea for a few pictures after all!

Jack & Aunt Whitney! He'll be wearing one of these before you know it! He's going to be getting ready for pre-K for now, tho!

The family!

We had a full weekend! Graduation was followed by her class's project graduation. They had so much fun spending the night at Texas Motor Speedway, even getting to ride a few laps in a speedway car going about 120 mph! Don't worry, the pro's that work there were at the wheel. The rest of the night was all games & prizes. They had so much fun!

Almost Summer!

2009-05-15T22:18:00.006-06:00

Senior Sunday

Richland Prom
Why are these so little???

Will the water ever get warm enough???

Sweet Sam, running the bubble mower over the concrete!

Such a helper!

Can't believe there are only a few more days of school! We've had a busy, busy spring! Whitney will graduate on the 29th! May is a busy time for seniors! Proms, parties, banquets, awards assemblies, bacculareate, graduation, project graduation.... Fun, but busy! Not to mention her senior scrapbook presentation & ring turning ceremony in less than a week! I'm learning to be a pretty fast scrapbooker!

Kyle completed his master's degree & is currently on the job hunt! We are so proud of him. He could teach us all a lesson in perseverence! God has great plans for him!

Matt & Christine & the boys got to go on a wonderful vacation with some of their best friends to Destin, Florida. They had a great time. So thankful Tine has been feeling better & so thankful for such sweet friends to share their vacation with! We love the Critz family!

Mom is doing great after having open heart surgery on April 7, her 85th birthday! They were able to successfully repair a valve. It hasn't been an easy recovery, but she is amazing me with her progress! Thanks to all who sent up a prayer for her! We are thankful! She's quite a lady & I'm proud & thankful she's my mom! Dad's been a pretty good trooper too!

Praying...

2009-03-31T20:46:00.005-06:00

I've been so blessed this semester by a ladies Bible study at church called "Live a Praying Life". It really stresses that our prayers have power when they are from the heart of God. There's no manipulating God with a formula, but when our prayers come from His heart we have it right. Wow. Doesn't that seem like common sense, but for 50 years I've just been praying my heart & thoughts thinking that praying was my talking to Him, and reading the Bible was the main way He talks to me. I hadn't really realized that He might have a prayer that He wants to put on my heart. It is a communing thing, and I'm really remedial!!! I've often been guilty of throwing my will out there first, and then saying half-heartedly "If it's Your will". This study has really been a blessing to me, and helped me grow a little more in my understanding of the importance of prayer. I haven't explained it very well, but if your looking for a Bible study to do, check it out. It's always better with a group, but very doable on your own as well.

My prayer list is long at the present. In fact, I'm beginning to feel a little like we are the bullseye of a target. Satan is attacking. Yes, there's a battle going on. But greater is He who is in us then he who is in the world! (I John 4:4) So my prayers are for God to bless & protect His children. I know His children are always on His heart & He never stops working in us, through us & on us! So I'm praying for our sweet Christine, today being two full weeks in the hospital. Yuck. Four white walls, an ipod, a tv & long days of feeling crummy & missing the people she wants to be home with. My precious, precious, precious Mom struggling with heart problems, recovering from a heart attack we didn't even know she had had & going in for a cath on Thursday. Sweet Sharon, who's my favorite "chemo diva" and an inspiration of how to go through trials praising God all the say. I've always looked up to her, and now am truly amazed by her. Rick & Amy and your sweet girls. If you read this, I hope you know I think you're amazing. I love your humor and your faith. The sick list of family, friends, and church family has never been so long . So many struggling in other ways, too. Jobs, finances, family... Life.... You are all on my heart. But more importantly, you are on God's heart. So, if your faith has gone out for a test-drive, hang on. Things are happening that we don't yet see, and in faith we can be certain of what we don't yet see. (Heb. 11:1)

Sorry to be all preachy. Well, I'm really not. But I am praying HARD!

Spring Breakin'

2009-03-19T18:09:00.003-06:00

Gotta love Ashley Allen Photography

The Lady Cards grand finale!

We are already over half way through with spring break. Whitney & I spent Tuesday doing some marathon shopping looking for & finally finding a prom dress. My feet are honestly still throbbing! Today she is off to Abilene with Elliott & his family checking out ACU & taking the ACT test they offer there. They will have lots of fun, & I can't believe in 5 months they will be there for school! Wow, that just doesn't seem at all possible.

We are enjoying life after basketball! It seems like that is pretty much all we did for a few months! The Lady Cards made it all the way to the final four. Whitney played her last game with a pretty bad case of the flu. I was so worried about her, but what do you do when it's your senior year & you get to go to the state tournament. She wasn't about to miss it! She spent a few days in bed after that & got well just in time to go with her senior class on their trip to Disney World! They had so much fun!

Kyle was home for a few days last week for his spring break. He will graduate in May with his masters, & still hoping to get a job teaching in Japan. If not, he'll be doing some serious job searching this summer, & maybe we'll get to have him a little closer by! We are just praying & trusting God to put him in the place where he should be!

Christine is still having lots of health struggles. In fact, as I write this she has been in the hospital for a few days. Keep her, Matt, & the boys in your prayers. And pray for Giggi to have a big burst of energy to keep up with two little sparks of energy! I try to just have fun with them when I have them (they are easy to have fun with!) and don't really attempt to accomplish much else. That's one of those things you finally figure out when you're the grandma. Also, I know they really want their Mommy & Daddy & home and wouldn't do anything to rock their boat! OK, yes, they have things going their way here. But I give them credit because they are such little troopers & just adjust to whatever we need them to do. I hate that Christine & Matt have had this seemingly long, drawn out health battle to deal with, but have also been blessed by the many ways the Lord has carried them along. What seems long & overwhelming to us is just a blink in relation to eternity. So we press on & we trust that God will provide all of our needs, just as He promises in His Word.

Be blessed!

On The Road Again

2009-02-22T22:09:00.003-06:00

Pregame -" Oh Say Can You See" -- it's a little blurry but these are our girls!

Whitney warming up.

Giggi's cooking baking helpers - yummy!

Sam can play ball & bake cookies at the same time. So talented.

Fresh out of the bathtub in their super jammies -
Sam loves to yank Jack's cape off & go running! I don't think

he's going to get it this time!

I've covered a few miles since my last post. I finally made it down to Smithville to spend a few days with my mom & dad, and am so thankful that they are doing much better! It was great to see them and all the family down there. I made it back just in time to see Whitney and the Lady Cards win their 2nd playoff game against Trinity Cedar Hill. After a quiet weekend, Matt woke me up around 4 am Monday as he was on his way to take Christine to the ER and was dropping the boys by. She ended up spending the week in the hospital, but got to go home Saturday night. Please keep her in your prayers! I had my sweet little grandsons for the week, and we had a lot of fun. Busy, busy, busy! Their Aunt Emily picked them up for the weekend, and Ray & I headed to San Antonio for the regional playoff game. The Lady Cards beat Brentwood Christian School, and next will play in the state tournament this next weekend. They will play Liberty again (our third match up this year!) on Friday night, and the winner of that game will play in the State Championship game Saturday. Go Lady Cardinals! I'm so proud of our girls, how hard they've worked, how far they've come this season, and the great team spirit and attitude they've shown this year. No one has tried to be the stand out & they have worked together like a team is supposed to, and that's made all the difference. It's been fun, and this weekend it will all wrap up. I'm proud they have made it to the final four no matter what happens next. Go Cards!

Pressing On...

2009-02-05T23:00:00.005-06:00

Senior night ~

Mom, take the flower.

Super stressful game!

Jack knows whats fun about a ballgame.

Sam just wants the basketball!

The last week has been quite a roller coaster ride! As you can see, we've spent a lot of time watching Whitney and the Lady Cards play some basketball. Since one of our games last week was postponed because of icy roads, we ended up playing Friday night, Saturday afternoon, Monday night, Tuesday night, & will play our last district game tomorrow night! Whew! We lost to Lubbock by one point! But then we turned around and beat Liberty (who was undefeated in district) by one point. Honestly, I didn't know we had won until I managed to pry one eye open and see our girls jumping up a down! Next, we beat Southwest Christian by four points! We have to play Liberty again tomorrow night. If we win, there will by a three way tie for first place, and if we lose I think we will either be 2nd or 3rd. Either way, that means we will move on to playoffs. It's been way too exciting for me!

While I watch all this excitement unfold, my heart is in Smithville where my mom has been in and out of the hospital a couple of times recently with complications related to her congestive heart failure. I am planning to get down there soon & love on her a little bit. If you're reading this, please say a little prayer for her! I am so thankful for my sister, Lynn who lives nearby & takes such good care of things & assures me I'm where I need to be right now. And for my other sister, Jody who gets a sub for her kindergartner's and heads that way to help out. But still, I just can't wait to get there myself! I could not be more thankful for my family! I am blessed beyond measure from one generation to the next!

To add to the excitement I've been having a few dental problems. The dentist thinks I may be getting TMJ. "Have you been clinching your teeth a lot?" Well, as a matter of fact... maybe just a little! I hope our next exciting adventure is a vacation!

Time is Flying!

2009-01-24T22:09:00.003-06:00

It's hard to believe that Whitney's senior year is already over half over! I'm happy to say that I have officially begun her senior scrapbook, have finished 5 or 6 pages, and sorted through a ton of pictures! What a trip down memory lane! We've all changed a bit in her 18 years! Too bad I don't have a scanner, or I would share a few of those with you! I have a few more months to get it all together, and may have to plan a scrapbook trip with some of the other senior moms. I think that would be a fun way to get it done! After basketball season is over!

The Lady Cardinals are currently 6 wins, 1 loss in district play. This next week we'll have 3 home games, and two of them are really hard! Little stress! Say a little prayer that they'll do their best and not get hurt! I'm telling you this game gets rough! After that we'll have just a couple of away games and the regular season will be over. We'll see what happens next! They have worked so hard! It is so hard to believe that after all these years at the Cardinal gym, this will be our last week to have a child playing in it! Hope it ends on a high note! I'll keep all of my 3 readers posted!

Tagged

2009-01-06T20:29:00.004-06:00

My dear friend Mindy tagged me, so here it goes:

4 things I did yesterday - Lots of laundry (almost got to the bottom of it!), worked on getting my house back to its non-holiday look (why can't I remember where things were before?), cleaned my utility room good (can you tell I have an exciting life?), Jack & Sam came over for a little while (the best way way to liven things up!).

4 things on my wish list - to do better this year with those big priorities (time with God, family, better care of ourselves, yeah, yeah....but really, I mean it!), to see my kids & grand kids grow in the Lord, and to be happy, healthy, safe, and watch their hopes & dreams come true (is that too much to expect?), scrapbook lovers to come to my aid (yes, I have a senior & a May deadline!), to enjoy this last Pinson child playing Cardinal's basketball & quit wringing my hands over it (why is this so stressful?).

4 favorite restaurants - El Rancho Grande, La Hacienda Ranch, Reposados, & I still love good old El Chico's. Could this have anything to do with my cholesterol? At least guacamole has some good cholesterol to add to the mix! These are 4 reasons those resolutions are so hard to keep! These and chocolate. I feel sabatoged.

4 favorite TV shows - I am an HGTV addict so I will count that as one huge show that could easily wreck your whole day, there's nothing better in the morning than the Today show & a big cup of coffee or two, The Office is always good for a laugh, and I'm ashamed to admit how many times a day I watch the news. Why? I can't explain it. I'm boring but I can't think of any more shows I'm that sure to watch.

4 people I tag - Heather, Ashley A., Ashley B., Allison. You go girls!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

2008-12-29T18:49:00.006-06:00

Four generations of Christmas under one roof!
Macy

Reid, Riley, & Nana

Jaxon

Jenna & Reese

Avery & Macy

Brooks

Jack - the incredible hulk

Jaxon & Sam, very interested in each other's stuff!

Eyes on the ball, Sam!

Jack, finally got his light sabers!

Tine & Sam

Kyle - with our high fivin' snowmen.

Here are a few photos for my family and friends of our fun and crazy Christmas. I'm not even sure how many of us were there, but for sure a house full (a couple of house fulls and 4 rooms at the bed and breakfast to be exact!). Everyone was able to be there, including our fabulous five, now one year olds! I got a picture of each of them, but we gave up getting them all in one picture at the same time!!! They were a little busy for that! Santa was good to all the kiddos, but mostly the good Lord has given us all soooo much to be thankful for! We had a blessed Christmas and hope you did, too!

Go Lady Cards!!!

2008-11-11T22:19:00.003-06:00

One more basketball season for the Whitster!

2nd place in the University of St. Thomas Tournment in Houston,

lost to Houston Westbury.

Whitney is holding the trophy, which is hard to see since it is clear! We really did get one!

They played a great 1st tournament, and we had a fun weekend in Houston.

Uncle Rand & Aunt Jane

Thanks to our Houston fans for braving the traffic to come to the game! Your traffic makes ours look rural!

It was so fun having all of you there!

Macy, Reid, & Heather

Go Cardinals!

It's Fall Y'all!

2008-11-11T22:07:00.003-06:00

Giggi's house is well guarded!

What Happened to August & September???

2008-10-17T10:01:00.002-06:00

I can't believe that I've gone 3 months without blogging! Well, it's been a busy three months & so I guess that is why!

The most exciting news, and news that makes me hold my breath everyday, is that Christine finally got in to see the specialist in Dallas that we had been hoping & praying to see. He found stones in her bile duct, through a test that only a few doctors seem to do. I don't really know why that is the case! But anyway, he was able to remove them the next day & she is doing better every day. I hold my breath because I really feel like & pray that this is the answer we've waited for for so long! God is doing mighty things in their lives, & we know He is always faithful even when the storm is long. Christine was able to sing "I Will Praise You in the Storm" at church a couple of weeks ago. What a testimony to everyone who has seen her name on the hospital list for the past two years. I was blessed to hear her & Matt share their story, & how God has carried them, with the FWC middle school last week. I have longed to see these blessings come out of their sufferings, and thank God for these sweet experiences. I believe God will use them mightily, because even though things may not make sense to us at the time, He never wastes a single trial that we go through.

After spending so much time as the Granny Nanny, I am reconfiguring how I spend my days. I am definitely not complaining, just readjusting. As much as I looked forward to normal (whatever that is), I find myself missing the little bugars! Jack came over the other day, & we snuggled up to watch cartoons. He said "Giggi, I love you more than the sunshine. Do you love me more than the sunshine?" Be still my heart, more than the sun, moon, & stars! And little Sam -- what could be better than a pacie pulled out of his mouth so he can give you a big juicy kiss? They are precious!!!

Now we are in full swing with our baby girls senior year of high school!!! She turned 18! I still find myself missing the big huge bow on her head! Next week is the official start of basketball season! After I'm not even sure how many years of basketball games, I can't believe this is the last one & I intend to relish every minute. Praying for no injuries this year & just an overall good season! I know next year we will miss it (and her!) so much! Go Lady Cards!

Kyle is looking in to going over seas to teach English. He is interested in Japan & Korea. I really have to trust this one to the Lord. He has to make sure he can stay healthy, as he is still receiving treatments every 8 weeks for his colitis. He is feeling great right now, and assures me there are English speaking hospitals there that are very good. I say so...I won't be able to run up there & make sure they are taking good care of things! But that is borrowing trouble. Maybe he will never have have a sick day there!!! If it works out for him to go I will trust that it is God's will. Like I said -- I have to put this whole thing in God's hands.

One day at a time has been one of my biggest lessons through these trials. One day when I was leaving the hospital during Christine's illness I was whining (yes, sometimes I realized my prayers were whining for sure) to the Lord, & I really felt like He impressed on my heart to "just do today". No, we don't always know how things will turn out, or how long a storm will last, or what will happen tomorrow, but we can just do today. I think that was pretty much stated in the sermon on the mount. "Don't worry about tomorrow, each day has enough trouble of it's own". How sweet that God knows the befores & afters and we are each hemmed in by his grace.

Blessings to you my sweet family & friends!

Quick Update

2008-07-03T23:50:00.002-06:00

Thanks to all of you who are praying & checking in on Christine. I just wanted to let you know that she has been at home this week. She is still dealing with a lot of severe pain & nausea, and they are waiting to get in with a pancreatic specialist. The plan is for him to do further testing on a outpatient basis. The hospital seemed to think she was stable enough to go home to wait for this doctor to be available. Keep her in your prayers, and that these tests will bring answers! God bless!

Mission Piedras Negras

2008-06-29T21:01:00.005-06:00

We started our days early, about 6:30 am, so we had a few hours before it got really, really hot. Whitney's right in the middle with a red bandana on.

Whit & a few friends ready to put those muscles to work.
Whitney's boyfriend Elliott & his twin brother, Nick, came on the trip. I'm pretty sure they had no idea what they were getting into! They worked really, really hard.
We missed our directory photo, maybe this lovely family shot should be turned in. Not.

Tying rebar on the roof.
Passing up the mixed buckets of concrete. Yes, this became a roof bucket by bucket of concrete.
Working hard, never to be outdone by the youngsters.
Elliott & Nick on the scaffolding passing up buckets for at least two hours. I tried to make them take a break, but they wouldn't. Hard working boys! This is the finished roof about a bazillion buckets of concrete later. I climbed up on the hill where the children's home is being constructed to take this picture. A group from Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma was up there working on it.

A couple of weeks ago, Ray, Whitney, & I were blessed to go along with the juniors & seniors in our church's youth group on a mission trip to Piedras Negras, Mexico. It is a town just across the border from Eagle Pass. We has a great week working with the church there to put a concrete roof on their church building. Eventually they will add two more floors to the building, and it will connect to a home for disabled children at the top of the hill. It is an amazing thing to watch it all come together, to see how hard teenagers are willing to work, and the great camaraderie among the group despite the long, hot days! There is a sweet, sweet Spirit among us to accomplish such a feat. Here are a few of the pictures from our week. God bless the work done this summer by many, many young people from all of our churches setting out to do mission work all over the world. They are living examples of giving a cup of cold water in Jesus' name!

Faith, Joy, & Perseverence!

2008-06-19T23:17:00.003-06:00

Have you ever laid eyes on a more precious miracle? Baby Sam turned one yesterday. This time last year the only thing he was eating was through an NG tube, but yesterday he attacked this cupcake like he had been waiting his whole life for it! He did not hesitate one bit! The bittersweetness of the day was that he was in a booster seat at the foot of his Mommy's hospital bed! He had to make her feel a little better though because he put on a wonderful show! Christine was admitted to a new hospital in Dallas on Tuesday. It is a large teaching hospital, and we have great hope that the One who knows us inside and out will reveal more pieces to the puzzle with new doctors researching her case. Until the answers come, our families long for that miracle as well! We'll have an all out celebration then! Keep her in your prayers!

Back again!

2008-05-31T19:18:00.003-06:00

I hate to say it, but Tine went to the ER Thursday night & this time they decided to keep her. She feels awful & we would all appreciate your prayers, once again! I am hopeful that their doctor will give them a referral & they'll get insurance approval to go to someplace where they are more equipped to figure this whole medical mystery out. We are weary of seeing her suffer! They desperately need a break! They are a loving , talented couple & I long to see God's plans for them go forward without the hinderances of sickness, hospitals, bills, & setbacks. I believe that is God's will, too. They are His children & they have clung to Him & His strength throughout this ordeal. Whenever Christine is able, & even when she really doesn't feel up to it, she is up there on the praise team giving it all she has. Even though it completely exhausts her, she refuses to let Satan defeat her when she has the opportunity to praise God. It makes me well up to even think about it. Matt has amazed me continually by his ability to balance his time at her side, with the kids, keeping the house & yard up, and at his work. He is exhausted! I know the Lord has been the one carrying him, but also long to see him be past the trial & on to the testimony!!! Thanks for being our tireless prayer warriors for the last year & a half! We are blessed to be a part of God's family! How do others make it through the valleys? I'm so thankful for faith, family, & friends!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope & a future." Jeremiah 29:11

God Bless America!

2008-05-26T17:20:00.003-06:00

Baseball, hotdogs, apple pie....

Hope you are all having a nice day off, enjoying family & friends!

I'm a little overdue in letting you know Christine is home from the hospital. She came home last Wednesday. She is still feeling a little rough, but we are hoping the medicine changes will make her feel better soon. We are also looking into some other options as far as medical answers, so keep her & Matt in your prayers.

We are blessed to have Kyle home this holiday weekend. He was in a wedding last night, and it was really sweet to watch two of his best friends marry each other. Congratulations to Stephanie & Jeff. It was a beautiful wedding in the Japanese Gardens in Fort Worth. We are also blessed to have a little birthday celebration with him, as he will turn 24 on the 28th! Wow! How can that be? It seems like not that many Memorial Days ago he was born, and we were at Harris Hospital looking for the doctor on call! Time does fly by!

Whitney will have finals this week & then school will be out for summer, and she'll officially be a senior! Talk about time flying! She already has a summer job, and has gotten two paychecks already! Go Whit. Tomorrow we will go open up her very own checking account. My baby girl...

Hope you all had a great day, enjoyed your time off, appreciated the freedoms we have in the good old USA, and taken time to thank those who fought and are fighting for them. We love you!

God bless the USA!

Lemonade Anyone?

2008-05-14T09:16:00.005-06:00

They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I hope this won't be too tart! I'll try not to forget to add some sweetener!

Today makes one week for this hospital stay for Christine. 8 days if you count the day at the ER. About 10 days, I think, of having trouble keeping anything down & hurting more than anything seems to help. I'm afraid that we still have more questions than answers, and more tests to do. About a year and a half of being in and out of the hospital. Close to 9 months of being in the hospital if you add it all together. I feel so bad for her. Please pray for her. All we want is normal. Just normal. Normal is something to be grateful for, but something we often don't acknowledge until we lose it. Does anyone know anything about the hospital in Florida that specializes in adhesions? I mean more than we can read on the internet. Like know someone who has been there or anything? Good reports, bad reports? It might be something to look into if it is a reputable place.

Pray for Matt, too. It is hard to balance time at the hospital, do a good job at work, be a daddy to some boys who are missing Mommy & Daddy. He has a heavy weight on his shoulders right now.

Pray for the boys. They are seeming a little like I feel after a week's vacation. We've had some fun, but they just miss home. Mommy, Daddy, their own beds & toys. We go over there some during the day, and last night Matt took them home & they enjoyed some Daddy time & slept at home. We make some short hospital visits. After Mommy's bed has had a few adjustments, we've checked out the vending machines, nursery, elevators, etc. that's about time to go.

One thing I always enjoy when the boys are with me are the funny things they say. Well, Jack says, all Sam says is hi dah & holds his hand up. Its very cute. The other night we were reading bedtime stories & Jack was running back and forth to the bedroom to get more books, which are almost out of his reach. He decided to get the bible story book, which was a little heavy as well as a little high. I heard him yell, help, help, help me Giggi. I need help with the true word of God. Paw Paw & I had a good laugh.

Sam is crawling on all fours now. He is amazingly fast. Yes, that little tiny baby can move. He is determined to get to Pokey, who is no longer a puppy but a grouchy old dog, at least as far as hospitality is concerned. Pokey & I are determined Sam will not get to her. How much time can a dog spend in the utility room? Alot.

Sam has learned to operate the walker during this stay, at least on the wood floors. Once again, he is fast. The other night Whitney & Elliot were pushing him back and forth, and jumping around him. I was like, be careful, and Sam was cackling. He thought it was hilarious.

Only a couple more weeks of school. Hooray. This semester has been a booger!!!
After paying tuition since 1990 something, we seem to feel this school stinks. Wow, can we get a refund? Add a good senior year to your prayer list!

Hope I'm not too big of a whiner! I promise to pray for you, too!

"Is anyone among you afflicted? He should pray. Is anyone glad at heart? He should sing praise." James 5:13 - from the true Word of God.

It's Me, It's Me, It's Me, Oh Lord!

2008-05-11T22:26:00.002-06:00

Yes, here we are again standing in the need of prayer! Christine had to go in the hospital again last Wednesday. She is having a really rough time, so please pray for her & that all the tests she is being put through will reveal the answers that lead to wellness!!! I think I have spent a lot of my life taking my health totally for granted! The last 5 or 6 years have shown me what a gift it is to enjoy good health! She has suffered so much & missed out on so much, too. Her grandfather is in the same hospital recovering from major heart surgery last week! And her dad is also struggling with his health & having serious heart problems, too. Needless to say, her whole family needs your prayers! I hate watching everyone struggle so much, and feel so helpless in wanting it to all be OK! But we know God is in control, He knows us inside & out, and is our Great Physician. I pray He will highlight the problem with a neon highlighter to the doctors as they do tests this week on Christine.

I believe God's Word is the best medicine. "They are life to all who find them, and health to all their flesh." Prov. 4:22. One of my favorite healing scriptures is found in Psalm 103:2-5. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness, and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagles." Wouldn't that be a great testimony!? What are some of your favorite healing scriptures?

Yea Team!

2008-04-29T17:29:00.003-06:00

We did it! We walked our five miles, and the last time I checked the website Team Brock and Brody had raised over a $1,ooo for the March of Dimes Walk for Babies. I'm pretty sure we really walked at least 6 miles, because it seemed like an awfully long way when we realized we were just at the starting gate! A 70% chance of rain held off, and we had a cloudy, cool, & breezy walk. Thank you, Lord! We had a wonderful time just being together, and knowing we were helping a good cause at the same time! I am so proud of everyone who walked in spite of obstacles that could've easily held them back. The children did great - in & out of their strollers. Jack and Riley occasionally jogging, Macy, the birthday girl, scootering along, Sam patiently riding & riding & riding even though his naptime had come & gone, Reid taking care of Avery as she took a little nap while strolling along. I worried about Christine walking, and we took a lawn chair hanging on the stroller in case she needed it, but she walked the entire way! It was me with the nauseous migraine on the way home, borrowing her nausea medicine! And thank goodness she had it!!! Even so, it was a great weekend & I'm so glad we were able to join our sweet team captain, Ashley & our first annual? Team Brock & Brody! Thanks to everyone who supported us in any way! You are part of the team, too! Yea team!

My fwiend, Jack

2008-04-22T08:52:00.002-06:00

Rock climbing
Spiderman
Ready for the beach!

It was such a beautiful spring day, Jack & I went to try out a new park down the road from my house.

I think three and a half might be the perfect age for the playground and the camera. On the way he said "your my fwiend, Giggi. And PawPaw is my Daddy's fwiend." "Yes" I said "And PawPaw is your daddy's, daddy." He said "mmmm." Deep thoughts for a three year old. We had a great time, the hardest part was getting him to leave, which required the promise of a sonic coke! It's the little things that make a great day!

Go Team Brock & Brody!

2008-04-18T10:25:00.004-06:00

Next weekend I am so blessed to be joining my sweet niece, her husband, and precious daughter in the March of Dimes walk in Houston. We walk to honor their precious twins, Brock & Brody, who were born just a little over 4 years ago. They came into this world just a little too soon, and soon were safe in the arms of Jesus. We'll never forget the mark they made on our hearts and on this world in their short time on this earth. We all wish they could be here to play with all of us - but we find enormous comfort knowing they are in Heaven and we will join them there someday. I often think of my Granny Price, who loved babies so much, doting on them there. That would truly be heaven to her! We will have a grand family reunion one day with all of those who have gone before, and introducing them to those who have joined our family since. I look forward to that day, thanks to the blessed assurance offered me in Christ.

I also walk to show my gratitude for the amazing care my own grandsons, who were both born prematurely, received. They are now happy, healthy little boys. Often God answers prayers through doctors, nurses, and medical breakthroughs. We pray that more medical breakthroughs will come through the research done by the March of Dimes, and more and more babies will grow into happy, healthy children.

I'm looking forward to a roadtrip, where I will join my niece's family, my sister, other nieces, & friends. You can read more about the march on their blogs -- Ashley A., Lynn, Christine, & Mindy -- all on the links to the right. They have links, if you want to contribute to the walk, but most of all keep us all in your prayers! God bless the babies!

The Sassy Saga

2008-04-08T12:54:00.002-06:00

Well, the girls decided this morning to officially hang up their pom poms. We discussed it from every angle, and prayed and encouraged them to pray, and they just believe this is the right thing to do. I'm a little disappointed that her senior year isn't even here yet, and has started on a sour note. But on the bright side, we should have a happy basketball coach, a few less ads to sell (still have to cover the costs of the uniforms already ordered), and one less camp this summer! Maybe we can go on a vacation! I need one! Thanks for your prayers & encouraging words!

Happy Birthday to Nana!

2008-04-07T20:41:00.004-06:00

I have the best mom in the world and today is her birthday!

Everything I ever needed to know I learned at her feet.

Like you should always buy Jergen's lotion, Joy dishwashing soap, make your bed and your whole room instantly looks better... I could go on and on with important lessons. But most of all she has taught me the true meaning of loving unconditionally. She might purse her lips at you, but she'll always love you. Bad grades, bad friends, fights with your sisters (only one or two! haha!), she'll always be there to love you and pick up the pieces. She loves so much that I know it sometimes hurts & keeps her awake at night thinking of her babies, grandbabies, and great-grandbabies. She lives her most important lesson-- she is a model of Christ's love and grace to all of us, and to everyone she meets. And we all love her sooooo much, too! Happy Birthday Mom! You'll always be my best girlfriend!

The Sassy Girls

2008-04-04T13:43:00.003-06:00

These are the Sassy Girls. They're a little like the Ya Ya's. The number they are holding up is their official Sassy Girl number. Most of them have been best buddies since kindergarten. A couple of them are about to graduate and head off to college, and the other four will be seniors next year. Like sisters, they might pick at each other, but nobody else better mess with them. Last week one of them got in some trouble and was called in to the office. I'm not going say much about that, but just that it wasn't Whitney so her aunts, cousins, & nana can take a deep breath now. The girl was called into the office, she very honestly admitted her mistake, and in a very harsh punishment was kicked off the cheerleading squad for next year. To show their support, and that they believed their friend was treated very unfairly, the other three (including Whitney) went in the office yesterday and resigned as cheerleaders for next year. They have until Monday to change their minds, but I don't think they will. I have very mixed feelings about all of this. I've really never been the typical Texas cheerleader mother, but I just don't want them to regret giving up their last year of cheering together. I'm also proud of them for taking a difficult stand, and for being loyal friends. So, say a little prayer for Whit and the Sassies to know that they are doing the right thing. And throw up a little prayer for the principal's heart to soften while you're at it! Drama, drama, drama! I'll keep you posted! Thanks!

Sunny Day

2008-04-02T20:12:00.003-06:00

Sunny day, we've got things goin' our way!

(To the tune of Sesame Street, of course. )

Aren't they cute! And so, so busy!

When they go home, you could knock me over with a feather!

But when they're not here I miss them like crazy!

This is the life of a granny!

Love it, love it, love it!

The Prom

2008-04-01T14:22:00.003-06:00

The hairdo
The pretty dress
Elliott & Whitney. He didn't get to go, but maybe Matt could photoshop a tux into the picture!
Whitney & her girlfriends, also known as the "Sassy girls"

Nana, here's your baby granddaughter all dressed up for her junior/senior banquet & prom. It took Matt & Kyle approximately 30 minutes to get ready for their proms. Shower, throw on a tux, grab the corsage out of the fridge Mom ordered, and head to meet their date. Whitney started at 10:30 am with a hair appointment, followed by a makeup appointment at the mall at 1:00, back home to finish getting ready & start taking pictures at our house, and then at a friends. Not to mention the manicure & pedicure with her girlfriends the day before! Being a girl is lots of work!!! I have to say, she was gorgeous. Not that messy ponytail we like so much around here! I think she counted 78 bobby pins when she took her hair down after the big night! Kinda makes me want to scratch my head just thinking about it!!! Can't hardly believe she is so grown up!!! Just a few months away from officially being a senior! Wow!

Just Catching Up!

2008-01-19T23:21:00.000-06:00

I have been a horrible blogger! I mean Thanksgiving seems like ages ago! I sure had fun looking at everyone elses blogs tonight & catching up on your holidays and pictures (my favorite part). So here I go adding a new post to mine & updates on all that's been keeping us on the move the past couple of months. This was our year to stay in town& had the Pinson Christmas at our house. Santa was very good to all, and we had a great time having a big part of our crew here. We missed those who had to go other places, and missed everyone in S'ville. I really wish we weren't so spread apart! Maybe in Heaven we can all share a street or two. We still have not been able to get out of town, and I still have a few Christmas presents in my living room! But we have been busy watching our Lady Cardinals! They currently have 21 wins and 9 losses. Most of our losses have been in tournament play where we were up against some big schools. In district we are currently 4 wins & 1 loss. Whitney is doing a great job & even got to start in a couple of games this week. She got her nose broken in our first district game, and will have to have surgery to pop it back in to place (ouch!!!) when the season is over. I'm amazed at how she still plays without holding back at all. She is one tough baby girl!
Kyle is back in Abilene, busy with graduate school & work. We loved having him home for a few weeks, and things always seem extra quiet when he leaves.

I've also gotten to have some good grandma time this month. I always have fun when Jack & Sam come to Giggi's house. Jack has his favorite things to do here, like wear this old hat & a pair of his Daddy's old boots. He loves the computer games, video games, & of course videos, & we like to make cookies & other bad snacks. Giggi really needs to leave that last part off of the plan!!! Sam is growing by leaps and bounds! He is at such a fun stage, and seems to have changed and learned something new everytime I see him. It is so fun to watch him interact with Jack, and he really thinks everything his brother does is the funniest thing he's ever seen. Christine is feeling better, and did an amazing job singing at church tonight. It is such a blessing to get to watch her use her talent to praise the Lord. Matt is still loving his job, coaching a little boys basketball team, and busy with his family. We are blessed! God's best to all of you in 2008!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-30T01:01:00.001-06:00

2007 has been quite a year!!! At times the burdens have been heavy, but we've had the good Lord & each other to help us carry them. And lest we forget, we have soooo much more to be thankful for! We've had lots of answered prayers & even a few miracles! I thought I would share a few of the pictures from our holiday. Hope your Thanksgiving was a good one, too! Give thanks to the Lord above!

Super Jack

2007-10-25T22:20:00.001-06:00

Did you ever wish you could be super? Well, you can. All you need is a cape. Believe me, I spent a good part of my afternoon with a green baby blanket tied around my shoulders, and now I am "Super Giggi". It's awesome. If you're a baby, sorry you have to wait. You're too little. Well, maybe for a few minutes if your daddy or someone can fly you around a little bit but that's all. And if you have a super memory, this picture may remind you of another super in the family, about 25 years ago. He had an almost identical pair of jammies which were worn to a shred! I think it's genetic.

My Baby Girl

2007-09-21T20:18:00.001-06:00

She's 17!!!
Whitney & Emily

It doesn't seem like 17 years ago that I was hoping & praying for one more addition to our family!!! Actually, the hoping & praying begin long before that.

There were a couple of years of praying, buying EPT tests & being sad about the results. I begin to wonder why, tried not to get obsessed or depressed, and had decided the next month was time for a specialist when my doctor's nurse came out to the waiting room to tell me the blood test was positive. "Aren't you excited?" she asked. I guess I was so stunned & afraid of being disappointed after two negative home tests that I had a really blank look on my face. 9 1/2 months later we brought home all precious 6 lbs. 11 ounces of her. For the next couple of years she was decked out in more bows & ruffles than I could afford to buy, but I loved every minute of it! I can hardly believe how fast the time has flown by & that next year she'll be getting ready to fly the coop! The years in between have been full! She's kept me at ballgames as much as her brothers before her. She keeps me on the edge of my seat whether she's playing or cheering. She might look a little like I did at her age, but lucky for her she definitely got her Daddy's athletic skills. I sit amazed as she shoots three pointers, clears hurdle after hurdle, or back flips across the field ahead of the football team as they make their grand entrance on Friday nights. I assure you I have never done any of those things! Nope, not even a cartwheel! I am proud of the student she is, the leader at school & church, & all the good choices she is making, but most of all I'm just proud of her & the fine Christian woman she is becoming. When she was little she always wanted me to lay down with her at night & before she would go to sleep she would say, "If Jesus comes back I want our whole family to stay home." At first I tried to explain why we would want to go, but after about a year or two of this nightly routine I groggily began to respond "OK". How sweet to watch Jesus work on her heart through the years. How thankful I am that He sent her to live with me, and blessed to know that she belongs to Him.

I know that I'm a little late with this birthday post, but I wanted to wait until after she & her BFF, Emily had their birthday bash. It was so fun, but I have to say I'm kinda glad there are no big plans for this weekend. Of course, that's been known to change around here. Some of us don't like a dull minute!

Home Again, Home Again Jiggedy Jig

2007-09-13T20:48:00.000-06:00

Matt says I always said that when we pulled in the driveway. I really don't remember it, but can't deny it being true! But for the best home again news, Christine came home from the hospital on Tuesday. She is slowly recuperating & resting at home! Praise God! He is good all the time! I really can't wait to see her well enough to stand before the church & sing her solo,
"You are God Alone". She has modeled His unshakable nature through these difficult days & what a great testimony to our faithful God it will be to hear her sing it again. "In good times & bad, you are on your throne, you are God alone. You're unchangeable, you're unshakable, you're unstoppable that's what you are. You are on your throne. You are God alone." I will be boohooing in my pew. They might have to call the paramedics for me! I have to look no further than sweet, perfect baby Samuel to realize that God has heard & answered many, many of our prayers. No further than the way he has held Matt up by his power, & how precious to see our church family rally around him daily at work. Praise God for his job at church. No further than sweet Jack adjusting to constant change & entertaining us all the way. We are blessed & I KNOW that God who has begun a good work will carry it through to completion. He has great plans their family & he will love hearing her solo best of anyone! Praying & believing for her good health!

Up, Down, & All Around

2007-09-03T20:34:00.000-06:00

Enjoying a great dinner at Cabo Wabo, no tequila I promise. The arch where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean.

Precious little miracle.

Taking a break from playing on the computer to pose.

Baby Sam growing like a weed! And yes, in charge at Giggi's house!
Jack trying to give one more smile up for Giggi's camera!

Be fruitful & multiply!

From three daughters came lots of grandbabies, their spouses, & great-grandbabies!

Happy Birthday to Poppi!
Jack sings just like Mommy!

Mom & Dad
Better known as Poppi & Nana

It's been awhile since I posted, & a lot has happened since then! On the upside, we had a fun trip to S'ville to celebrate my daddy's 85th birthday & my parents 65th anniversary! Wow! We had a great time & got to see lots of family & friends that are spread out all over Texas. It was also a great time to reflect on the blessing my wonderful parents are to us and so many others as well. They are truly some of the most loved, and most loving people you could ever hope to find. Blessed beyond measure to be their baby!

Kyle finished up his internship at the church in Tyler. We loved having him home for a short time. While he was here Ray, Kyle, Whitney & I managed to take a quick vacation. We spent a few days in Cabo & had a blast. As we started home we found we had several call ASAP messages because...

On the down side Christine has been very sick again. She has spent the last few weeks in the hospital. She had to have the surgery she had done last fall redone about a week ago. She's had several other setbacks with two blood clots, some unexplained internal bleeding, elevated liver levels, and just plain being miserable. She is still having a lot of pain and nausea. You can read more on her blog and Mindy's blog, too. This has been going on for about a year now. It is very disappointing for her to start feeling better and then be so sick again! Please keep her, Matt, & the boys in your prayers! They need a break! I've tried to take a lot of pictures of the boys while she's been stuck at the hospital, so I'm going to try to add a few to the post! That means I'll be done in an hour or so! Ha! I really stink at this but I'm too proud to ask Whitney to help me! Well, when an hours up I might! Love you family & friends!

OK, I added a few pictures. They're not exactly in the order I intended, but I'm sure you can tell what goes with what paragraph! Less than an hour, I might add!

Happy, Happy Birthdays!

2007-08-07T11:32:00.000-06:00

What a busy couple of weeks for the Pinson's. I used to be the only birthday in July, but now I'm very blessed to share! Of course baby Sam had his big birthday debut in June, but yesterday which was his Daddy's birthday was his due date. We are so happy to say he is thriving. He loves to eat & is growing like a weed. Still tiny, but right about the size he would've been if he had been born on his actual due date. He's healthy & strong, and need I even say precious. I could sit, rock, & stare at him all day. Jack had his Mickey Mouse birthday party in July! Fun, fun, fun! Lots of family, friends, a Mickey Mouse jump house, hot dogs, cupcakes, & on & on! He was the star of the show, loving every minute of every thing! I don't even need to tell you how crazy I am about this little guy. He is such a great kid. He was super to have around all through the hard times his mommy went through during her pregnancy. Mimi & I passed him back & forth, drug him all around town everyday, and to the hospital where he made best friends with all the nurses, knew where to find the chocolate milk, brought mommy sweet treats & his own personal artwork, & always was happy to bring her lots of hugs & kisses. I really was amazed at how he handled all this time with such a sweet attitude. He's just a great kid, & his parents have done a great job instilling a love for others & a secure nature in him! The very next day after his birthday was his Mommy's birthday. We are so happy that she is feeling better everyday! It was so hard to watch her suffer for such a long time! I've never seen anyone hurt so much! She is without a doubt the toughest girl I know! We are so blessed to get to claim her as one of our own! I truly feel like I gained a daughter when Matt married Christine, but also her sweet family that we love dearly. She is a great wife, mommy, daughter, and finally Whit has a sister! We love her so much! Just a week later & we are celebrating Matt's birthday! Couldn't be prouder of my eldest son! He is a great husband, dad, brother & son. He is an amazing rock during hard times, and you all know how much fun he is when things are going good! He never ceases to amaze me with his love, compassion, strength, and the way he uses the gifts God has given him. Watching them makes growing a little older a lot more fun! Really, I kinda feel like they just caught up with me & now we can all be the same. Happy Birthday to the junior Pinson's! We love ya!!!

Feeling Blessed & Oh So Thankful!

2007-07-25T13:53:00.001-06:00

Finally home! Wanna play some basketball?
We were blessed by the special prayers of the Roadmap Kids.

Lots of Prayers!

Blessed & honored to be prayed over!

Tiny Baby Sam in daddy's hands

Don't forget Jack!

Proud big brother!

Proud Aunt Whitney & great babysitter if you can catch her!

The last few weeks have been blessed by many answered prayers & sweet memories! Sam has gotten to meet new cousins Jaxon & Avery, see all of his great grandparents, almost all of his aunts & uncles, lots of cousins and we have all throughly enjoyed loving on him & being entertained by his big brother! Just a few more weeks of summer & we'll be busy again, but this has been the sweetest break ever!

Samuel Ray Pinson

2007-06-20T22:04:00.000-06:00

Here are some photos of the sweetest, tiniest little thing you've ever seen. He is just so precious & amazing all the doctors & nurses with how well he's doing. His nurse tonight said "he doesn't realize what a tiny thing he is, he thinks he's big". He's still breathing on his own, hasn't needed an IV, & is feeding well through his NG tube. He's our little answer to all those prayers! Thank you, Lord!!! We trust the Lord to continue growing him & blessing him with health & strength, for we know God has great plans for Samuel.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:13-14

He's Here!!!!!!!!

2007-06-18T22:19:00.000-06:00

Baby Samuel Ray Pinson made his arrival this afternoon at 3:51. He weighed in at 3lbs.14oz. & is 16" long. He's very tiny, but very perfect. He is in the NICU, but is doing very well to be 7 weeks early. He's been breathing on his own and his oxygen level seems to be doing well. He may need to go in the incubator some to help regulate his body temperature. Please continue to pray for the next few days will be important ones for his breathing, eating, swallowing, and growing stronger. Christine is also doing well. Please continue to pray for her complete recovery also. Matt & Jack are excited & relieved, and very much in need of a good nights sleep. Thanks so so much for all of your prayers! Please keep them going! I pray God blesses you each tenfold for the prayers you have offered for us! Love you & hope to have some pictures to share soon!

The Big Day Is Almost Here!!!

2007-06-17T20:30:00.000-06:00

For all of you dear people who have watched & prayed & prayed with us some more these past 4 or 5 months, tomorrow morning Christine will be checking in to the hospital to be induced. It seems so hard to believe that after all the shots to stop contractions that they will actually be giving her something to start some!!! So please join us in praying for her & Baby Sam once again. She is 33 weeks tomorrow, so he will be 7 weeks early. We expect him to be a little over 4lbs. We know he is a strong little fighter, as he reminds his mommy regularly with big strong kicks. We know that your prayers have made a huge difference in getting her to this point. At one point in the hospital we weren't sure if she would be able to get to 28 or 30 weeks. So please pray for things to go well for Christine & Sam, for the doctors & nurses, and all the people God is putting in place for us tomorrow. We are excited to share with you tomorrow when we have really big news to share!

For The Dads...

2007-06-16T11:15:00.000-06:00

In a world where it's often hard to find a good example to follow, I have to tell you I am blessed beyond measure to have many. I am surrounded by such godly men that I would have a difficult time straying very far off of the straight & narrow road. What a blessing to feel protected & guided, what a great gift from God to have these men in my life. I'll have to start with my own Daddy. About to be 85 and still running circles around most of us. I've been blessed not only to have been the recipient of his tender loving care, but also to have always watched him care so much for everyone around him. He was a wonderful son to his parents, making countless trips back to Dublin to care for his father when he had cancer & his mother in all those long years that followed when she missed Pop so much & hated to be alone. He served our country 21 years in the Air Force, and you would be hard pressed to find a more distinguished officer. He taught school for many years after that & I loved knowing he was just down the hall if I needed him. He has served as an elder in the church there for about 40 years. And I do mean serve. He is always doing for others. He sets the example for "if they want you to go with them one mile, go with them two." And he is still busily working at the courthouse where he has many friends & a few admirers, too. He is also a hoot. I mean if you haven't seen his funny side you are missing out. He is hilarious. A great husband, a great daddy, a great grandfather & great great- grandfather. I could go on & on. I am also blessed to have a great father in law. Paw Paw as he is known around here. Some more big shoes to fill. He also sets a great example in service & love for others. I remember them making almost weekly trips to Longview as they cared for their parents there. He too served in the military, the Navy. They are both a part of that great generation of men that helped bring our country through some very dark times. He worked for many years after that, driving his Volkswagen bug to Irving everyday to the Exxon plant. He is a great example of the "just do it" philosophy of life. Humbly carrying out everyday the work God has given him to do. Even though he has been retired many years, he is not one to be idle. He always been there to help with the grand kids, or to help you paint or repair things. He always seems to know how to do anything. He served for many years as an elder, until health problems made it necessary to take a break. But he is still a shepherd & there is no question about that. He also raised a very fine son, who I am blessed to have as the daddy to my own children. He shares the same servant leader traits as our own fathers do. The same work ethic, the same sense of humor, the same love for God & family, the same self-sacrificing spirit that they have modeled for us all of these years. I've been blessed to be his wife for 29 years now. He is the real deal. What you see is what you get. Hard working, I mean if he says he'll do something get out of the way. He will do it 150%. He loves the Lord, his family, friends, etc. He is more tender-hearted than most people realize, but tough enough to be a leader in a company where there are so many depending on his wisdom. I sometimes forget how much pressure he is under at work providing for all of us. We are blessed daily by his self-sacrifice & perseverance. I'm so proud of him. And I have to also say how proud I am when I watch our own son, Matt, be a father. It is the sweetest blessing. He is such a great husband & father. Jack adores his daddy. He lights up when he comes home from work & is just a little shadow of him for the rest of the day. How blessed to watch him be the one who is strong, yet also loving & playful. And in just a few days we get to meet his new little son, Sam. Getting Sam here has been a long road. Christine has suffered so much through this pregnancy that she deserves an Olympic medal! I have never seen anyone go through more with such grace, but that is another blog. Matt has been there right by her side. Spending countless nights at the hospital. Remodeling a house. Spending time with Jack. And did I mention, he does have a full time job. Yes he does a great job working at our church. After all the years growing up where he drew all over the bulletin during church, now I get to pick up a bulletin each week that he has designed. It's really more like a 6-8 page magazine. I get to drive by billboards that he designed, see his posters all over the church, and people running around in T-shirts that have his designs on them. He is so talented, so sorry if I'm bragging but.... OK, I'll stop now. I give all glory & praise to my Heavenly Father, and thank him with all my heart for blessing me with such great earthly fathers. Happy Fathers Day!!!!

Update!

2007-06-08T21:57:00.000-06:00

I was surprised to see Matt & Christine walk through the door tonight! She is feeling much better, will have home health care coming by, & is back at our house tonight! Thanks for your prayers!

The Roller Coaster Ride Continues

2007-06-08T08:06:00.001-06:00

It's been a roller coaster week for Christine. On the upside they got to have a new sonogram, and baby Sam looks great. He's so precious, he had his little fists on each side of his head & looked like he was ready to box his way out! They think he weighs almost 4 lbs., so that is really good news. Maybe he'll be a four pounder because it's only 10 more days until they plan to induce. Now for the downside, her pic line became infected and she got really sick Monday night. She was readmitted to the hospital & is probably going to be there at least a couple of more days, until they are sure the infection is no longer active. They are doing a lot of cultures & watching her closely. She is feeling much better than she was earlier in the week. There's the update, and once again please keep her, Matt, Sam & Jack in your prayers!

School's Out For Summer

2007-05-31T00:01:00.000-06:00

Did you used to sing that song on the last day of school? We are enjoying our change of pace! Whitney has already been to cheerleader camp. Next week she has basketball camp at our school, and then she'll be getting ready to head to Ruidoso for her mission trip. She's a busy girl, but she loves every minute of it. Jack is keeping me busy, & keeping me laughing. Today we took Whitney to have some cheerleader pictures made, and when we pulled up to the place he thought the shopping center looked a lot like CiCi's pizza. He said "mmm, pizza, games, & activities". Guess where we went next! He has learned to use the mouse on the computer all by himself, & will sit & play games on playhouse disney as long as we will let him. That's where he picked up the games & activities phrase. He's a hoot. I think Christine is feeling better, but won't really feel good for a few more weeks. That's when they are planning to go ahead & induce her! Talk about the light at the end of the tunnel! She has been through a lot, and we are all anxious for her to feel good & of course we can't wait to meet little Sam! Matt is working like a dog to finish things up & unpack at their new house so he can get his little family all settled in. Kyle is now in Germany. He called tonight & is having a great time. They are spending the night tonight in a castle. How fun! I hope he is taking lots of pictures! I am going to try to post some of the pictures I have taken of my summer. So far, Denton is as far as I've made it! We'll have some more exciting pics coming up!

Three Cheers For Kyle!!!

2007-05-15T20:47:00.000-06:00

"A wise son brings joy to his father" Prov. 10:1

This guy has brought a lot of joy to our family over the past almost 23 years! His birthday will be here in about a week and a half. I can tell you about a jillion reason why we are so proud of him, but last Saturday he made us proud again when he officially became a college graduate! I was honored to be the one to put the hood on him, and walk beside him in my white robe. I sat there behind him looking at what an amazing man he has grown to be. I really think if I was going to give him an award it would have to be for his perseverance. He finished his freshman year extremely sick, and I really don't know how he managed to stick it out to the end but he did. The next fall he went back, but after a few weeks was too sick to stay. He came home for a year & took some classes at TCC. The next semester he & his good friend Shea took a detour to Louisiana College. The next semester he was ready to go back to ACU. This time, with his health much better, he was able to enjoy some of the best time of his life. He worked hard, pledged a club, & made some lifelong friends. He was a hundredth of a point away from being an honor student! What ever happened to rounding up to the next number??? Well, they don't know he was the most honorable student of all! He stuck through thick & thin & got that diploma! As I sit behind him, hoping I would be tall enough to hood him (yes he had to squat down!), I welled up & remembered how hard I tried not to cry when I had to move him home in the middle of that sophomore semester. I wish I could've been able to foresee this graduation day then. God has been good to answer our prayers. I guess that's why we need faith to get through the tough days, & believe what we hope for is on the horizon. Kyle will soon be heading to Germany for a fun vacation with some of his college friends, and then he will spend the summer in Tyler being a youth ministry intern. He plans to go back to grad school in the fall. I know God will continue to use him in a mighty way! I'm so blessed to be his mom!

Believe It Or Not

2007-05-04T08:26:00.000-06:00

I'm still not believing it. After several days of being constantly monitored & watched in labor and delivery, the doctors decided she was one of those people who was just going to contract. They never gave her the magnesium sulfate because of a problem with her IV, but got the results of a blood test indicating she would not go in to true labor in less than two weeks. They readjusted all of her meds, and said she could go home! She is suppossed to be on bedrest. Matt came out to the waiting room to tell Mindy & I, & we just about fell out of our chairs. After soooo many prayers on her behalf, I really believe this is an answer. She still feels pretty rough, but it's great to be out of the hospital. Of course, Jack is thrilled to have Mommy & is providing full time entertainment. A great diversion to what ails you! They will be staying at our house for a while.We are glad to have them here, and help take care of her & Jack. Also, the remodeling at their house is still going on. It's getting close tho, & it's going to be so pretty. When the contractors get out, we can attack the boxes, & try to keep Christine on the couch telling us where to hang what. It will be hard for her to lay there with so much to do, but she'll be a great supervisor. Please keep praying for her to feel better, and for baby Sam to be strong & healthy. She may make it to their goal of 32 weeks after all. Maybe even longer. So many people to thank. People who helped move, remodel, brought food, sent flowers & cards, visited, and especially prayed. It's been a blessing to see God work through his people. You have truly been his hands & feet. I know we are not to the finish line, but I feel like we have made if over some big hurdles. God is good!

Father Hear The Prayer We Offer

2007-04-29T23:11:00.000-06:00

Father hear the prayer we offer
Nor for ease that prayer shall be,
But for strength that we may ever
Live our lives courageously.

Not forever by still waters
Would we idly, quiet stay;
But would smite the living fountains
From the rocks along our way.

Be our strength in hours of weakness,
In our wanderings be our guide;
Thro endeavor, failure, danger,
Father, be Thou at our side.

Let our path be bright or dreary,
Storm or sunshine be our share;
May our souls in hope unweary
Make thy work our ceaseless prayer. Amen.

This song has been stuck in my head all day. It's special to me because it was sung at our wedding, 29 years ago next month. I was only 19 years old & was definitely counting on more sunshine than storms to be our share. I must say it has been almost all sunshine & only a few storms. Tonight we find ourselves in a storm. Most all of you who read my blog know Christine has had such a difficult pregnancy. She's 26 weeks along, & has spent several months of it in the hospital. Tonight she was moved to labor & delivery so she could receive magnesium sulfate to stop contractions. She's not officially in labor, but is having way too many contractions. Please pray for her, for baby Sam, Matt & Jack. Pray for God's perfect timing & His power to touch, heal & protect Christine & Sam. I can't thank you enough for each prayer that goes up!

2007-04-25T15:23:00.000-06:00

Have No Fear

2007-04-25T14:13:00.000-06:00

This is what we found in our pool this morning. Cute...messy... We've tried to run them off. I left a message with animal control. Ray e-mailed the city. For a while I thought they were gone, then I went outside to have my quiet time & there they were enjoying this pretty spring day.
I opened my devotional book, and this was the scripture for the day. Ps. 112:7 "he will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord." This may be a stretch, but I keep asking for & looking for signs that everything will be OK. This has been a rough week for Christine, & her pain just gets worse as the baby grows & stretches that unyielding scar tissue. We are all struggling with fear this week. For her & for Sam. But this verse & this momma duck guarding these little ducklings just felt like a sign to me. They refuse to leave, and I know God is watching over my babies and also refuses to leave us. He knows when it's safe & when the coast is clear! Help us Lord, to trust in your perfect timing. "even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious & compassionate & righteous man" Ps. 112:4