We Become grandparents

We were shocked beyond belief when Michelle and Kevin told us we were going to be grandparents. They told me that they had a "special" mother's day gift for me but they wanted to wait until Kevin's mom was in town and they would give us the gift together. Well, we met in Gastonia for supper and Deb and myself were presented with our "mother's day gifts." We had to open them together and they were the willow tree angels that said "grandmother." I just couldn't believe it was true but it was. We were supposed to become grandparents on my birthday December 22nd, 2009. You can imagine the excitment. Michelle's doctor changed her date to December 15th but Mora had her own idea of when she wanted her birthday to be. She came into the world on December 21st at 10:07 PM. I got to go in to the birthing room along with Janelle and we got to experience the birth of Numora Mae Stinehart. It was one of the greatest things in the world and we love her so much already.

A Daughter Married Away

September 20th brought a happy day for my sweet husband and myself. He got to give his only daughter away to a fine young man, Nate Evans. Deanna has been dating Nate for 5 years and I figured if they weren't sure by now - they would never be sure. It was a lovely lovely day at Wyandotte Lake in Kansas City. The weather was perfect and the atmosphere was too. It was a very rustic setting and she got married with lots of family and friends to witness the occasion.

Hubby did very well and I don't think he cried at all. He was very proud of his daughter as she said "I do" and "I will." Bill's son is in Iraq and we were all very sad that he wasn't there with us, but several hours before one of the cousins had the bright idea of Stephen watching it on a webcam. So, we went and bought one at Sams and Stephen was able to talk to all the cousins, the step sisters and brothers and witness the tying of the knot. We were so happy it worked out. She was a pretty bride and we wish them the best. They have a cute little apartment to start out in and all the furnishings to go with it to make it a "home." We wish them the best and trust they have many many years together.

Easter Tea.

Saturday March 21st found our ladies group from church at the Tea Room at Caniche in Salisbury. Everyone was to wear an Easter bonnet. Well, most of the ladies made one and it was so fun. We had probably 30 teas to pick from (cold or hot) and then had a little snack in a nice cozy atmosphere. There were 18 ladies there and it was a great time of fellowship and fun. Amy Kelley Montgomery won the hat contest. She had purchased a sombrero and decorated it with eatible peeps. It was the cutest thing. She did a great job. This is Teresa Beaver Kluttz, Jessica Kluttz, Janelle (my daughter) and myself. It was fun making the hats also. I actually made mine and Janelle's. I got all the things at the dollar store and made these goofy hats. It put us in the Easter spirit and now we are excited about coloring eggs and making baskets.

My Smart Husband....

I know I haven't blogged in awhile...so please forgive me. Sometimes, I marvel at the man I married three years ago. He loves to make cool things out of wood. Mom had been wanting a toy chest so, for Christmas he decided to make her one. This is it, with Kyler looking on. He made the girls clocks and he made me an ink pen awhile back. He has a wonderful shop with all kinds of machines in it. He is now making me a toy chest just like this one. He loves doing things to make people happy. My mother was indeed a happy camper. Now her toys are in a nice toybox instead of ugly brown boxes.

December 10 - tomorrow.

It was four years ago tomorrow that God literally dropped a present into my life. I had been single for 9 years, and was very happy and content. I had a lot of wonderful single friends and didn't feel a need for a new man. Well, God had other plans. Two people were working behind the scenes to try to get Bill and I to meet. Those two people were Ron Scruggs and Bill's brother Howard. Bill and I had both been through a lot of hurt in our short lives and we both had some baggage. Finally after months of hearing about each other, I got to work and there was a short email from Bill Russell. He wanted to call me on the phone that evening. Well, sure enough, he did and we talked for hours. We continued to talk for a couple of weeks and he mentioned that he had 2 weeks off for Christmas and was trying to decide what to do. I already had plans to go to Ohio to see my parents. Mom had been sick with cancer and I felt like I had to go. However, he mentioned that he might come to Ohio also (to visit his brother) and maybe we could meet for lunch or something. Well, as time went on, the girls really wanted me to come back for Christmas so, I decided to go to Ohio before Christmas and I invited Bill to come to Salisbury. After I invited him, I decided I was crazy. I was very upfront on the phone. What if we couldn't stand each other and I didn't want him around? I was having all kinds of thoughts. He flew in on Christmas day and was to leave on New Years day. Of course, I was a nervous wreck. Janelle helped me pick out "just the right outfit" etc. The girls made sure my hair was ok and I looked fine. Off I went to the Greensboro airport to pick up a man I had never laid eyes on before. He told me what he was wearing and I told him what I was wearing. After wearing a path in the floor, I finally called his cell phone and he informed me that he was coming down the escalator. I looked up and there was a man on a cell phone and I knew it had to be him. Well, after spending a wonderful week together we felt that it was a "match made in heaven." After having a long distance relationship for 1 year and 4 months, we were married on March 12, 2006. Our marriage is one of the most wonderful joys in my life. He is a wonderful husband, a wonderful provider, so considerate of me, a great listener and he makes me laugh all of time. I could say so many things.... we just have a wonderful relationship and I am so glad that 4 years ago, I answered a three line email from Bill Russell.

Mom turns 76.

Well, yesterday was mom's 76 birthday. We had a little celebration at my house with cake and ice cream. Everyone that lived in the area was able to attend.

Mom hasn't been feeling well, and we weren't sure we could have a celebration. But, she felt a little better by the end of the day. She is going back to the doctor today to see what is going on.

This woman has been my mom for 52 years. She has always been a wonderful example of godliness and has always had such a giving heart. She would always give of her time to help people in need. I remember many times when she gave of her time to help others. When her sister was left single at a young age, she babysat her two kids so that Evelyn could work. We became very close cousins and still to this day, remain close. She was always giving. She volunteered for years at our Christian School where we attended. She would drive us there everyday and then stay there and work in the office. She did this for years with no pay. She gave to the bus ministry at her church for years and years. She still at 76 years old, plays the piano at her church and gives endless hours to the Gideon ministry. She continues to give to her children daily. She has the whole family for dinner every Sunday without fail. She loves having the family together. She babysits the baby grandson when she has the energy to do so. He does take a lot of energy, I'll vouch for that. He is non-stop all the time. But we love him dearly.

I hope you had a wonderful birthday and hope you have many more!! We all love you!!

Family...

I love having family around. I think the older you get the more you cherish your times together. This past week, my father-in-law went to be with Jesus and we traveled to Pennsylvania for the funeral. We stayed a couple of extra days and just had a good time with Bill's family. I am just getting to know them all, as I am one of the newest members but I love them all dearly. There are 5 boys and 1 girl in Bill's family. Then there are 15 grandchildren and I think 38 grandchildren. EVERYONE was there except two grandsons and their children. It was a crowd. It was just a wonderful week-end. We laughed and cried at all the stories. When the wives are together, it is amazing how much the boys are alike. They hate the same foods and have a lot of the same traits. It is just so funny. The last evening we were there, one of the nephews built a bonfire. We sat around, sang, roasted marshmellows and laughed some more. It was just a wonderful time together even though were sad to say good-bye to Bill's dad. He is so much better off and we would never wish to have him back. He is running around on the streets of gold - something he has looked forward to all of his life.