My daughter, granddaughter and I started the morning with a cup of coffee, some chicken biscuits and Little Einsteins. Then, I trekked into "big town" for last minute weekend groceries and such. They straightened up the house, did a load of laundry and cooked a pot of delicious beans to go with dinner later. Lily Kate took a good nap and was ready to go for a swim by the time I got home and the truck was unloaded.

Charla, Dana's best friend since they were in diapers, and her daughter, Cora came over to visit and Cora kept us entertained with her latest "water moves" since she just finished her swim lessons. Lily Kate was, at first,pretty hesitant to throw herself into it like Cora did but she finally did and we all had a splashing good time. Great fun!

After we came inside, Dana started the rest of dinner for tonight -- chicken mole, red rice, cucumbers in yogurt and dill sauce, rolled up in a big ol' flour tortilla. The little girls played and the big girls visited while Dana cooked. Something about the whole scene made me "flashback" to a time in my life that was so good, so satisfying. Just thinking back on it all made me smile.

When William and I were 33 years old and had three children ages 3, 4 and 10, we knew we were being led by the LORD to leave where we were - with the nice salary and the great benefits, nice paid for house, surrounded by both our families and lots of friends - and move to Fort Worth, 4 hours away from home, for him to attend Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary and go to graduate school. Crazy enough --- we heard the LORD and obeyed. We have so many memories -- ALL sweet ones -- from that next 6 years of our lives. We all learned so much. We have some really great stories from those years. Those stories will just have to wait til another day.

When we moved, we very fortunate to get assigned seminary housing. It was a tiny house with a total of 6 rooms, 2 bathrooms. It had been a duplex at one time and was now combined to make a single family home. The house was lacking in many things but the backyard more than made up for it. A couple of enormous trees provided lots of shade. William found a place to buy sand for the kids to play in and we had brought the kids small playhouse/fort with us. Soooo, we had a "playland" for a yard, especially compared with the other hot, dry and treeless yards in the neighborhood.

Surrounded by other little seminary houses we were also central in location, so most afternoons our house was the gathering spot for the neighborhood. There were 5 women and 16 little kids that would come over for playing and visiting.

All the women stayed home with the children, many homeschooling, while the guys went to class most of the day and worked at various jobs until late in the night. None of us had much money and we all were on very tight budgets. So even on the very hottest days, we never ran the air conditioners. Some would run the a/c window unit in one room -- which we all referred to as "the cold room". If you were just absolutely about to perish, you could duck into "the cold room" just long enough to revive so you could go about your business. Summertime in Texas is blazing hot.

I remember so many afternoons --- naptime would be over and the women and kids would start to appear. The sounds of the children playing and laughing would come through the open doors and windows. And we girls would sit where we could see the kids and visit and sweat. I remember one time my parents were coming to visit and they got there early in the day while all the neighborhood was still there. I was in the middle of mixing up and baking cookies for everyone. And someone else had brought over a box of popsicles. There were kids everywhere!!! It was pretty much flat out chaos that day. But fun chaos!! I never found out what my folks really thought of that day. I suspect they just shook their heads in amazement. It really was a three-ring circus! Such fun! Such good memories !

I'm not sure I could even do such a thing today. Of course, that's been nearly 25 years ago, so I'm much older. And, therefore, like my air conditioning more. But I really truly believe we women were all empowered by something beyond ourselves. It was a matter of pride to NOT cave and turn on the air conditioner and spend your family's money needlessly. We all lived on strict budgets. We were sacrificing for the financial good of the family. And none of us wanted the others to think us wimpy. AND almost all of the husbands worked very physically demanding jobs and we figured if they had to be out in the heat every day....then by golly, we could do it too.

Wow! I'm so thankful the LORD didn't leave us where we were all those years ago, but called us out into the unknown for His purposes. AND I am also so glad we heard and responded. We've never been the same. What a great life - then and now!

Gwynie Pie

Garage Sale Finds

I wanted to show you some of my recent garage sale finds.

Above, a sweet little silver jewelry box,

lined with red velvet, it is perfect for

holding my favorite earrings,

my wedding ring when not on my finger,

and my charm bracelet.

I have a three shelf jewelry case,

as you can see --

full of pretties....

and I still wear basically just one pair of earrings,

my wedding ring and

my charm bracelet.

I found the unused copy of My Utmost for His Highest Journal

by Oswald Chambers. It is a beautiful devotional.

Also found the never-been-used "Leather and Lace"

scented candle....smells great !

This is the skeleton of an old lamp shade.

I've been looking for just such a shade for a while now --

I have great plans.

You'll be seeing this again soon....

And this little two-tiered metal tray just had my name

on it, ya know?

I put it in the center of my dining table

with the saucers we use as coasters,

a few forks and spoons

and some long iced tea spoons

for easy table setting.

Under the tray is a piece of a very old

cotton seed sack.

It is so soft and worn, the printing is

off center and faded

and I love it !

I just love these recent garage sale finds.

They have all been incorporated into my home

and

look quite comfortable here,

like they've been here forever.

Soooo, nothing earth-shaking --

just wanted to show you my new finds.

Happy Day!

Gwynie Pie

July 1st

Happy first day of July !

What kind of fun things happen at your house

to celebrate our country's Independence Day?

William and I usually go down to the Concho River

in downtown San Angelo with quilt, lawn chairs

and ice chest in tow.

The SA Symphony presents a wonderful

program of patriotic songs,

we spread out the quilt and lay out the food

we brought.

Lots of people (over 30,000) come to town

for this annual event

and we always see lots of folks

and get to catch up with friends.

Some years we do it the easy way and go by and pick up a pizza

or a bucket of chicken.

Haven't figured out the menu for this year --

something fun and different.

And COOL !

We sit on the riverbank and eat and visit

and listen to the music and

then the evening ends with a spectacular

fireworks display.

Oh -- and the flyover. There is almost always

a fantastic flyover. That's usually when I start to get emotional.

I am always moved to tears at some point

in the evening -- try as I might to remain in control.

It's just so moving --- I mean,

here we are -- living in the greatest country

in the world, in the greatest state in the country

(I do hope you love your state as much

as I love mine).

I'm blessed to be living in the kind of

community where life is slow and

friends are forever,

and where we still get choked up

over the presentation of the flag

and the playing of patriotic songs.

It's a powerful thing to reflect on our country,

the people who settled it and

founded this way of life and

then fought with all they had to

make this country great

and to keep this country free.

Happy July everyone!

May your celebrations be fun and safe --

Gwynie Pie

Summertime and the livin' is easy

Rather, the livin' will be easy.... as soon as I get my house back together

AND get the mountain of laundry done

AND get all the dishes washed

AND change sheets on beds

AND mow and weedeat

AND vacuum the carpets

AND plan meals for the week

AND buy groceries

AND okay so --

Maybe the livin' ain't so easy at this very moment

on this bright and shiny Monday morning.

But, it's gonna get that way fast,

because.....

company's comin' !!!!

Dana and Lily Kate will be here Tuesday,

Blake follows on Thursday after work.

Colin and Ronnie are arriving Thursday evening

and

Devin is hoping to join us either Thursday or Friday.

THAT = a full house, lots of fun,

and the livin' will be easy !

This weekend will be chock full of July 4th

fun with the annual Pops Concert at

the Riverstage downtown.

We've missed the last couple of years

but are excited to go this year with the whole family.

Then Saturday afternoon we are all working at

FreedomFest,

a wonderful, family fun time

that is sponsored by our church.

This will be held at Colt Stadium

and the fireworks that end the evening

are absolutely great !!!

There will be a world-renowned illusionist

earlier in the evening....

hmmm??? how'd they do that???

So fun !!! and so baffling!!!

We are soooo looking forward to the week.

I just have a few things to do first,

'scuse me, gotta run, talk later.....

What does your week look like?

How are you celebrating the 4th of July????

Super Productive Monday to you all,

Gwynie Pie

HOSA Sale Saturday !!!!!

Is this THE cutest thing ever ??????? Uhhhhh, that's just a frying pan bottom, Gwyn.

Yes, and this is the frying pan top. Cute, cute, cute !! Looks just like my frying pan, with the little discolored places around the top edges that comes from frying eggs with oil in the pan. Ooops !

And here is some perspective on this adorable little Revere Ware miniature pan. It's tiny ! Just big enough for one egg.

I don't know any history on this replica pan, but I had to have it !

Just one of the perks of organizing and working

the First Ever

Hospice of San Angelo

garage sale, I guess.

It will be this Saturday from 7 a.m. til 2 p.m.

at 61 N. Chadbourne.

We have tons --- I mean this literally, people ---

tons of great, fun, useful items.

Something for everybody !

Come by and

Come buy !!

See ya there????

Gwynie Pie

Updates & Random Thoughts

Tonight begins Week 3 of our summer Ladies Bible Study,

Discerning the Voice of God

by

Priscilla Shirer

I really love doing a bible study like this for many reasons:

1. I love God's Word and learning from it

2. I need to be held accountable to stay on course.

3. I need this "ammunition" in order to live life better

today than yesterday.

4. I truly love knowing that the LORD keeps on working with me,

keeps on pressing, pulling, pushing,

conforming.

That's the BEST part !

That's also the HARDEST part !

Priscilla says it this way "When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit

begins to sanctify us and change our personalities to suit His design.

We assist in the process of conforming to His image through

obedience to His Word."

And that brings me to the next "update" --

As of this morning -

I have lost a total of 9 pounds !!!

Finally -- the scale moved.

It took over 2 1/2 weeks of denying myself all kinds of good

(tasting) foods to get the thing to budge.

And I learned some important things during these few days.

1. God loves me! Okay, I already knew that. But it's so affirming

to have that love shown in yet another way.

2. It really is all about God's sanctifying work in our lives.

The only time in the history of the world that God

didn't continue to "work" on a child of His,

was with His own child, Christ, who was

perfect!!!

The rest of us ---- when we accept Christ as our Savior,

the sanctification process begins.

God loves us so, so much that He isn't going to overlook our

flaws and our rough spots and our sins.

He isn't going to leave us like He found us !

Praise you, LORD!

He's committed to us. He wants to see us

"conformed to the image of Christ",

Romans 8:29

Now, THAT is beyond cool !!!!!

3. I really CAN do all things through Christ who gives me strength !!

Philippians 4:13

4. Losing weight really is so much about obedience.

Making His desires for me, my desires for me.

AND desiring it enough to deny myself a momentary "taste-treat"

in order to reap the desired results at a later time.

Guatemala Trip Update

William got back from his week to Guatemala. The team of 16 people built

houses for four widows and their children.

They also helped at the feeding centers, played with the children

and delivered clothes, shoes, food and toys.

The work was very physical, but

the extreme altitude was a real physical challenge as well.

All those West Texas flat-landers were breathing some

very thin air !

William came home with a stomach bug and was flat down, laid out

in bed until Sunday morning.

This, of course, miffed me so! :)

I was looking forward to talking and visiting with him and

hearing all about the trip, but....

So, this week he has felt much better and I'm just now

hearing all about the trip.

Great stuff ! God is good!

The only pictures we've seen from the trip are on Facebook and I can't figure

how to get them off there and onto my computer.

BUT --- pictures will be posted soon.

Guatemala is a breath-takingly beautiful country!

You'll love seeing the pictures.

Well, that's it for the "updates" --

I'm off to help get ready for a big Hospice of San Angelo garage sale

event this Friday night and Saturday.

It's hot and dusty where we'll be working

and no potty and no a/c ! Yikes!!

Have a great Wednesday !!!

Gwynie Pie

Seasons - I love 'em ALL

As I was vacuuming the pool last night and William was doing some yard work ---- Yes, I see you smiling....I was too working hard ! I was !!! back to my story .... We were talking about how long summer seems when it stretches out in front of you and then by the 4th of July, it seems to just evaporate. And before you know it, it's Fall. I mourn over this every single year, because I am a summer girl ! I have always had a love affair with summer and all that it brings :

* warmer weather

* swimming in the pool every day

* floating rivers

* picnics

* weinee roasts

* Coppertone --I've been known to buy Coppertone in the dead of winter just for the smell---ahhhh

* fireworks

* Memorial Day and 4th of July celebrations

* vacations

* beaches and seashells

* eating meals on the back porch

* summer vegetable gardens

* and oh so much more !!!!

I LOVE summer !!!!

And THEN -- there's Fall !! I do love Fall ! Ummmmm.............

Fall smells so good.

Leaves falling.

All the world is getting to rest awhile.

Then ---- --- there is Winter.

and I am pretty fond of Winter.

Winter always gives way to Spring. And I do love Spring !

New leaves,

New life everywhere.

Yeah, I do like Spring!

'cause Spring always brings you back to

Summer !!!

Okay, okay ---- I like 'em ALL !!! And not only because I get to change the

decor with every season. Sometimes, I change it all up

for no reason at all !!

Just because !!

Bottom line is this --

I just love life

and every season

brings something fun and something new.

Life is pretty great !

I do hope you enjoy your Summer!

Gwynie Pie

Happy Father's Day, Honey !!!

William and our first baby, Dana.

We were so young ! Too young and silly to know we ought to be scared.

What a blessing!

A few years later -- holding our 2nd baby, Colin.

Again, we are blessed!

And just 14 months after -- here's William meeting our 3rd baby, Devin.
Devin was born the day before Father's Day that year-- what a great gift, huh? -- and was of course, only
one day old on that first Father's Day with all
three kids. The next year ------...they gathered around to give him his gifts.

Parenting brings so many challenging and exciting and frustrating
and delightful moments and all the stories and all the pictures
can't be contained in a book
and certainly not on this blog.
We parents keep those precious moments of life
in our hearts
and take them out through the years
and remember.

Here are just three of my favorites of the kids and their Dad ---

William with Devin and some children of Anapara, Mexico.

Devin worked in an orphanage in Juarez for several months

and we went to visit.

Devin was certainly "in his element".

Colin and William

on a mission trip in Juarez.

A very, very emotional Daddy and a very, very emotional bride.

William walked Dana down the aisle to give her away to Blake,

then performed the ceremony.

Much emotion ---- tears and laughter !

That was a beautiful day in the life of a Dad !

I am so very thankful to the LORD who gave me this husband

and

so very thankful that He then gave us our three children.

Only the LORD could have brought us together,

kept us together,

and blessed us

in such amazing ways !

He gets all the glory and all the honor

and all the praise

for everything good in our lives !

Happy Father's Day, Honey !!

I love you so !!

G

What??? My baby is HOW old?????

Dana, Colin and Devin --- a couple years ago. And still one of my very favorite pictures of my three kids. They love each other. It makes a momma happy.................

Sweet picture of "Uncle Hoot" and his niece Lily Kate. Lily didn't feel good that day so Devin just sat and held her while she slept.

A friend of ours used to refer to Devin as a real "Opie-boy". Is this the cutest picture or what?!?!?

Brothers !!!

Darlin' boy!!!

I pray for God's very best blessings in your life!

I love you, Devin!

Happy, happy 28th birthday !!!

xoxo

Mom

Cousin Toyah got to my house around noon on Monday and just left for her home in Kerrville

a couple hours ago.

I really didn't even realize how much I needed this 3-day slumber party.

And that's pretty much what it was too.

We stayed up late, late, late -- went to bed at 3 a.m. one night.

We ate just what and when we wanted.

We made a pot of coffee every night at about 9

(decaf, of course)

and drank it with cream and sugar until the pot was empty.

One night -- I suddenly remembered the recipe for

cinnamon bites that I posted some time ago,

and since we had all the stuff --

we made them.

And then ate them - all !!!!

We spent the hottest afternoon this week at the ABA barns....

some of the best antiquey, junky, flea-markety stuff

in town....well worth the "melt-down" we endured wandering

around huge metal and un-air-conditioned barns.

We just moved from fan to fan.

Looked at everything and had a blast !

We went to Paula Sue's for dinner

one night with my mother (the above pic is my mother and Toyah)

and had a nice visit and meal with her.

Toyah went to Wednesday ladies bible study with me.

It was really good and she got to meet a few of my friends.

They all "know" Cousin Toyah already even if they've never met

her. I talk about her and our growing up

shenanigans a lot !!

This week with Toyah has been such a treat for me.

I think I really just needed a little break

from the usual. And, as a busy pastor's wife,

I know Toyah needed a little "no pressures" break as well.

There was no pressure to keep up with a schedule of any kind.

We just did what was relaxing and fun !

I think I'll take the rest of today to clean, change sheets and vacuum

and get the house ready for Colin and Ronnie

to visit this weekend

AND for William's return on Friday night.

Gwynie Pie

I just have time for a quick few words before my company arrives. But a few words are better than no words. Right? Since William is gone this week to Guatemala, I thought it was the perfect time to get my cousin, Toyah, to come hang out with me for a few days. That way we can stay up late, sleep late, come and go as we please. Toyah and I grew up together. We spent many a summer together, pretty much the entire time. So, this week just feels like "old times". Instead of riding our bicycles all over Mereta, though, we will most likely spend most of our time sitting on the back porch, drinking coffee or maybe rummaging through some junk shops. I'm sooooo looking forward to this!

Oh.....these seemingly random pictures that have seemingly nothing to do with this post? They are just that! Random pictures with absolutely nothing to do with this post! They are pictures of areas around the house that I just love. This one is my living room coffee table top. An bunch of baseballs, collected by my Daddy. I arranged them in a cut crystal Fostoria bowl. I love baseball. That probably comes from growing up watching my Daddy play. He LOVED baseball !!!

Sooo, it's a little tribute to him and to summer and to baseball..................

The other picture is on my counter top in the kitchen. I have had a drawerful of old "silver" ware for years. Emphasis on the old, not so much on the silver. I just decided this would be a fun look. I tied them in bunches with tiny jute twine. I've had the GRACE plaque for a long time. It says "GRACE each day, with Thanks". It always is displayed somewhere in the house. The initialed linen towel, that looks like an antique.....not! I found it a few weeks ago at Tuesday Morning. And it just "went" with all the rest of the mess !

Okay. That's all I got this morning! I'm preoccupied with "when will T. get here?" and "what will I fix us for lunch?" and "what are we gonna do first?" I'm looking forward to a fun week. Hope you are too!!!

Gwynie Pie

On the Road to Guatemala

Cute picture !!!

I love that man !!!!

William in his Guatemala Missions shirt, work hat, passport around his neck and his sack lunch for later today on the way to San Antonio. Egg and bacon burritos from Corner Stop, in case you are interested.

We ate breakfast there this morning --- so good!

I kidded him about looking like he was going off to first day of school.

Especially, when he had on the backpack also.

AND ---- they're off !

San Antonio by bus, SA to Houston by plane,

then Houston to Guatemala City,

arriving at 9:00 tonight.

Tomorrow, will be a lengthy bus ride up into the mountains

of Chichicastenengo.

Please pray for the entire team and

for the four widows and their children

that will receive the houses they will build.

Gwynie Pie

Ready for Summer Fun

I've had good intentions since about April, but finally yesterday finished getting the screened back porch ready for summer fun. Here's the rocking area next to the back door --- perfect to sit in the mornings with my Bible and a cup of coffee. A great place to begin the day !

Across from the rockers is this sitting area. The heavier -than -lead, sure -to -give -you -a- hernia, table was made by my Mamaw. The frame is iron and the tabletops are tiles set in concrete !! Concrete !!! She designed the mosaic tile layout and it says "Rodeo Motel". They owned a motor court on Oakes Street in San Angelo by the same name. I love this table so much!

They always had it out in their yard under the pecans trees where they sat and watched the world go by.................The old door wedged in there between the screened wall and the futon is the front door off my grandparents old house. AND it was William's idea to put it there....I must give credit where it's due, you know. I think it looks really cute there.

At the other end of the long porch is the eating area. I just found some candles I had in a drawer that were all in the same color, sort of, and put them in some old containers I also had hanging around. The stack of saucers serve as coasters for sweaty summer drinks.

The old punched tin chandelier is one of those things that just never worked anywhere in my house, ever. I "inherited" it when my mother moved into a patio home and had to pare down her belongings. But I never really had THE place for the thing. It's been in every garage sale I've had over the last five years and then it would go back to the barn to wait for the next one.

Suddenly.......it had a place to belong. It is just perfect hanging over this old bent bamboo table. It gives off just a soft glow at night. Enough to eat and visit by....soft and cozy. I'm soooo glad I no one ever wanted it.

Well, that's the back porch tour. Come sit and visit with me. We could rock and drink sweet tea and solve the problems of the world.

It'd be fun !

Gwynie Pie

3rd Post of the Day

Today was a busy day in "big town". I drove in to San Angelo this morning

and spent the day running errands for my mother -- getting groceries,

picking up a few things at Hobby Lobby,

and I took her to coumadin clinic.

Coumadin is a blood thinning prescription that she takes

and a bi-weekly blood test is required to make

sure her blood is not too thick, not too thin, but

just right.

I am glad to help my mother out with all these things.

It gives us a chance to spend a little time together and

visit some.

Usually, I drop her off at the front of the building and then find a spot to sit in the car

and watch for her to come out and go pick her up and we're on our way to something else.

Sitting there, watching people, as I love to do, is very hard on me.

I see people entering the building for cancer treatments, cardiologist appointments or

coumadin clinic. In any case, none of it spells "great health" and I usually leave

there a bit depressed.

Well, today was different.

And I've just gotta share it with you while it's fresh on my mind.

I found a spot to sit and wait, right in the front of the building....Primo people watching

spot.

Out comes this couple --- moving very slowly. He is walking with

a bit of a limp and his left hand is turned a bit -- possibly recovering from a stroke?

He is every bit of 90 and she is at least 85.

They are holding hands.

She is wearing a lovely hot pink sweater set with a very pretty, bright floral skirt, heels,

great jewelry and the hair....wow!

She has brilliant white hair that is teased

to within an inch of its life and shaped into the classic "helmet" shape. So cute!!

A beautiful lady, still very shapely and walking tall.

He is dressed in a charcoal gray suit with a light gray stripe, a light gray shirt

and a matching gray tie. He's wearing a black belt and shoes.

And THE worst toupee I've ever seen. Really.

But he was so cute !!!! Just so adorable !

This couple was holding hands, talking and laughing from the time they exited the building.

They obviously enjoyed each other's company.

She just had the sweetest, adoring countenance and he

had such a sweet, huge smile -- the kind that you could see all the dental work

he'd ever had done every time he smiled.

There was just that something about them that drew me.

They were so happy !!! I don't know why they were there today.

Don't know which one is the patient, which one is sick, but they were so

different from everyone else that I saw while sitting there.

They were just so obviously glad to be. Just glad to be, ya know?

They got to their car just helping each other along.

He opened the door for her and helped her in.

Then, he went around and got in. They drove off and I just sat there

smiling. What a treat the LORD let me have this afternoon.

I saw something very, very sweet, very moving, very special.

Very encouraging.

A very old couple still very much in love!

I 've had a good feeling the whole rest of the day.

Gwynie Pie

Second Post of the Day

Yep, some days just require more than one blog post. This is one of those days !

I just got back from eating dinner with William before

he went to the church to help with packing all the big stuff

they are taking to Guatemala.

AND it's worth telling y'all all about it ---

We ate a Hot Dog Combo at Sam's.

If you've never had this DE-lightful culinary

concoction,

go at your earliest opportunity --

run, don't walk

it will sooooo be worth it !!

Now, I'm a fan of the hot dog.

BUT, not just any dog.

I try to eat only the dogs that have been

blessed by the Rabbi.

No, I'm not kidding.

You thought I was kidding??

Oy vey!!

That does mean I'm rather limited when it comes to

hotdog brands -- it's either Nathan's or Hebrew National

and I much prefer Nathan's, which is exactly the brand SAM'S

serves.

Now, when you get your Hot Dog Combo at SAM'S, you will get

a 32 oz. cup to be filled with a delightful beverage of your choice

and a juicy Nathan's dog in a fragrant and fluffy bun.

At the condiment bar, you may add mustard, mayo, ketchup,

relish, onions, and there are cute little packages

of sauerkraut --- Frank's sauerkraut to be exact.

Now,

I don't know this Frank, but the man makes a mean

sauerkraut --- even better than my German grandmother.

You MUST try the kraut.

You will not be sorry.

AND are you ready for this ---

the total of this sumptuous feast for two

$3. 48 !!

Total !!

Yum !!

Give it a try sometime,

Grins,

Gwynie Pie

Happy Birthday Grammy !!!

Today is my mother-in-law's

birthday!

She is 84!

Some of the family took her out to

Cheddar's last night for

her birthday dinner.

It's always fun to get together

and

just get to hang out

and

visit with the family !

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth !

We love you !!!