Holiday Adventures... more Joy!!!!

Great Niece & Nephews singing you a personal holiday greeting! We had a wonderful time sharing in old memories, watching the children try walking on their stilts Uncle Don made them and we laughed until tears appeared as Uncle Don opened his white elephant gift of a "pair of cows". Then... low and behold, Lori stole them from him on her turn to pick... Aunt Franny had spruced up her basement and everyone brought great things to eat! We were surprised by oldest nephew, Trevor showing up. He had been away playing army. Our New York family members were'nt here but will be in this coming weekend!!!! We thank our Father in heaven for family.

Each "Joyous Day"

Where did November go? Well... I know where we went in November. It was our annual trip to the hills of Tennessee to celebrate Thanksgiving with my brother and sister. Though I do miss the awesome shopping times with my kids when in MI on the 'biggest shopping day of the year', it brings great joy to see my siblings from far away.

Many people have been dreading the holidays. When I ask why they refer to not wanting to be around family. I praise God that he always wants to be in and around us. I thank Him for our children and their spouses. I am learning to thank Him for placing us around those who chose to be unhappy most of the time. We can pray for anyone, anytime. The holidays hustle and bustle tries to ruin the tenderness and caring people need.

That night when Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, I bet they too felt lonely and afraid.
God provided and still does.

The Wonder of It All....

We journeyed north for our 30th Wedding Anniversary and it was awesome scenery. Crystal Mountain view was something I've never experienced at the peak of Fall during the year.

Our family is experiencing so many happenings. Jodi and Christopher are watching as God's little miracle in Jodi's tummy grows and grows. The nursery is painted and the closet cleaned out. The crib is up and a dresser / changing table is being created.
Chris is diligently working on the last phase of his masters degree.

In NY our Newlywedds, Justin & Tiffany, (celebrated Six month Anniv.), successfully spruced up their laundry room and replaced the washer & dryer that were soiling and eating their clothing with a new set.
Previously we visited them and Don, Jay & and Tiffany installed a beautiful new kitchen window.

It is in awesome wonder that I see everyone learning new capabilities. We all have inside of us abilities to start and finish tasks we never thought possible.

My rush to accomplish my to do list each day almost squ ished my priceless time with God.
I thank Him for all that He is. God knows all that I am. Thankfully I am His.
Hunger for His will brings direction and renewing His desires in me to love and encourage others around us.

GREAT NEWS... our niece, Emily, is coming to our area to student teach! This Thursday is her interview. She will be with our dogs while we are at beach this winter.

My verses on my mind....directed at my life.

Ephesians 4:21-23 (New International Version)

21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

Gordon Keillor ~ Hero, Mentor, Now and Forever....

We love you Gordon. We will catch up with you in God's timing. Please give Hugs to our loved ones who made the choice of believing in Jesus. Thank you for your example,

the memories, and sharing your family with us!

Hebrews 12:2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Kacey is IN TRAINING!!!!

Kacey's Journey has began official training!
From what we understand, it is four months long with the meeting of her student at the end of that with thirty days of hands on with student.
Thank you all for supporting our puppy raising adventures.
Leader Dog for the Blind of Rochester is an awesome organization.
Any other "Puppy Raisers" out there???? Search LD Website and go beyond your comfort zone.
It is a wonderful experience.

psj

Maija of Leader Dog in Rochester MI has arrived!

We haven't gotten news of our first puppy beginning training as yet, but we have welcomed our second puppy into our home. She was born on 7-2-08. Mom and Dad owned by Leader Dog.
Her name is unique to her and a friend of the family in Lithuania. At two months old Maija has already visited Grandma Haffner (Dorothy), hung out at Fino's, Bob Evan's, visited Lowes and helped us paint our anticipated grandchild's bedroom (today).

Great NY Party in Honor of Justin & Tiffany Joyner

We just had a nice weekend in Jamestown with Justin & Tiffany as they gathered at Tiffany's parents home in Busti with family and friends in honor of their wedding that took place on March 15th, 2008. A giant pig was roasted and some great chicken grilled.

We praise God for safe travels to and from NY and opportunities to see old friends and get to make new ones.

May God continue to lead and bless us all in our commitment to marriage.

You can Call Us Papa & Grandma

Though we've been keeping a great secret... we can let it out now!
Our daughter, Jodi & son (in-law), Christopher are expecting in January.
It will be the first grand child from both sides of
their family!

Mahan & Pick Wedding - Lynchburg VA

What a beautiful event! Love abounded.
Jesus was the honored guest.
Blessings to the bride & groom!

Celebration is in the Air... Pastor Justin Joyner & the New addition to our family, his wife, Tiffany M. Joyner... come to MI

What a great opportunity to gather and celebrate! Justin and Tiffany were married in March of 2008 in NY and now are traveling to MI to celebrate with family and friends in Justins home town.

It is a blessing to get caught up on lifes happenings and meet with people you have known for a life time or are just meeting!

Praying for safe travel and good weather that day!

Keep on loving each other as brothers Hebrews 13:1

Newest Addition to Our Family -- Cami

Enjoy added additons to your family.

Cami is a cuddler! Soon to be over 65 lbs. as

she is a Great Dane you know!

Her last adventure to grandma's house she spent

playing with Kacey. When they were told 'down'

they both pawed at one another quietly on the floor.

The tenderness of just being near someone you care

about is priceless.... We all need to try this more often.

Sometimes My Brain Can't Obsorb Anymore!

Ah so thankful God is in charge!
Ah so thankful I don't rule the world, my family
Ah so blessed yet so blind help me see you in every aspect of live here on Earth.
Ah so what do you have for me to learn today Lord?