Picture Perfect Wedding Day

Cassio and Maria

Shannon and Bethany

Cassio, Bethany, Rich, and Grandpa Jim

Mr. & Mrs. Vianna

Our Beautiful Little Guy, Gavin!

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Technology has come a long way in the last 24 years...in fact, even in the past 13 years! I have to admit to feeling like somehow it is cheating to see my little guy so clearly before his arrival. But that doesn't stop me from  admiring his pictures over and over. I am most definitely in love with our baby boy.

21!!!!!!!!

For years and years Cameron has had a German Chocolate cake on his birthday. I guess turning 21 called for change and so this year we celebrated with Raspberry Filled Chocolate cake. It was a yummy choice! Even if it did put your sisters into a bit of momentary shock when they realized what was happening in the kitchen.

Traveling Birthday Girl

Shannon and Allison

 My first born is 24 today...it doesn't seem possible! We celebrated early as she is spending the next few weeks visiting the many universities she's been accepted into for her graduate studies. The day of her big decision is quickly approaching. What's the path of her future going to be? I'm looking forward to seeing what she chooses. But more importantly I'm looking forward to remaining months she has at home with us. I know they are going to pass far too swiftly.

15 Weeks

Feeling so much better this week! Hurray for the second trimester.

Sunshine for a Dreary Day

Just what I needed. Thank you! I feel loved.

Life As Seen From The Recliner

My nesting place for the past 5 weeks has been the recliner nestled closely to the wood stove. I've watched Christmas and New Year's come and go from my place of rest. I've overseen school and meals and chores from  here as well. And while it's a cozy place to spend the winter, I'm growing weary of it. I want life to return to normal. I want to eat real food and do real work. I want to have energy to go places and see people. I'm ready to feel pregnant instead of just sick. ( I even did another pregnancy test this week to make sure this was real and not just something wrong in my head! It was still positive.) I want my husband to stay home for more than 3 days  of the week!
That's a lot of wants. So to balance it here's my list of things I'm thankful for: Carnation Instant Breakfast, hashbrowns, jello, and ginger ale, a good job for my husband (even if he has to travel 4 days a week), the company of my kids at home, phone calls from Daniel, the fellowship of my church family on a snowy Sunday afternoon (you brightened my day), and most of all knowing that Shannon is on a flight home and will be here when I wake in the morning.

Surprised by Baby G

Life is full of twists and turns...full of surprises. And while Baby G is not an unwanted or unpleasant surprise, it is a very unexpected surprise. Having my 7th child at 44, thirteen years after my current youngest, was pretty far out there on my radar screen! Being 7 months pregnant at my daughter's wedding was the last thing I was dreaming of!!! But as my husband is so fond of saying, "It's all good!". Baby G is a good gift. God knows exactly what our family needs. I'm trusting Him for the stamina to see this through to the end.

From The Hilltop

My Son, My Soldier

PVT Daniel Glasscock

It's Thanksgiving Day and his place was empty at the table, but not in our hearts. I woke up crazy early this morning and couldn't go back to sleep, so I did what I do whenever that happens lately and prayed for my son. Mom's pray for strange things...I prayed that he would be served a good Thanksgiving dinner, WITH PIE, and that he would have ample time to enjoy it. I also prayed that he would be allowed to call home today...even though he told me Sunday that he wouldn't be able to.

I was planning to have dinner on the table by 3. At 2:40 the phone rang with the voice I most wanted to hear on the other end (he always sounds so small and far away). So the turkey sat...stuffing half out and time stopped for 20 minutes while we talked to our boy and shared our Thanksgiving.  He had the best meal he's had for the past 2 months, with Apple Pie, and an hour to eat and savour. God cares about the little things!

Time resumed and our table was full of good food and better company. Our computer in the corner displayed our soldier, brother, son's picture so that he too was part of our circle and close to our hearts. It's been a very happy Thanksgiving.

Giving Thanks for Autumn Beauty

So Happy for You!

 Bethany and Cassio

These two make a pretty cute couple.
Welcome to the family, Cassio!

My Autumn World

"I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." 

Psalm 121:1&2

 

Vancouver Island, 25 Years Later

It's been two weeks today since we stole away for 4 blissful days alone to celebrate the love growing in our hearts for the past 25 years.  We couldn't have ordered better weather or a better place to bask in peacefulness. Shannon chose well when he chose Yellow Point for our honeymoon. We won't wait another 25 years to return!

Now I'm making plans for another trip and a new celebration....Daniel's graduation from Basic Training is on December 15th! We can't wait to be part of this huge milestone in his life. His letters are full of his love for his family and his growing confidence. We eagerly watch the mailbox for more news and wait close to the phone for his Sunday calls. I'm excited to see all that God is doing in his life.

Praying for Daniel

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:9-12

My son, Daniel, left for Basic Training in the Oregon National Guard this morning. He's never been away this far or for this long and I'm going to miss him, I have a Daniel sized hole in my heart. I've shed more than a few tears today. Now I'm setting about the business of praying for him, as I have been for the past 19 years. I'm proud of my son and the choice he's making to serve our country. He's going to be a good soldier. I love you, Daniel!

End of Summer 2011

Our Autumn Rain is home from Canada. 

We've started back to a new school year at our house on the hilltop.

Soon, Daniel will head off to basic training for the Oregon National Guard.

So glad we managed to carve out a few last days of summer to spend as a family at our favorite cabin in the mountains. 

Reunion 2011

  

Qualls' Reunion Through the Years

2005

2006

2008

2009

New Neighbors

 (Photo courtesy of Ben Vogt)

Monday Morning Musings

As of today, there are only six more weeks until we begin the 2011/2012 school year.
So far, I've only marked one major thing off my project list for the summer...weeding out the landscaping around the house.
I haven't yet recorded end of year grades for 2010/2011.
I haven't planned out the coming school year.
The school cupboards are a disaster.
The scrapbook and pictures from our cruise are still waiting patiently for me to create something out of them.

The good news?
I have relaxed with a few good books and beautiful morning walks.
I've enjoyed time visiting with my parents, sister, nieces, nephews and good friends from Germany.
The half way point of summer break isn't here until Wednesday!
I still have time.