A Very Special Family Reunion

My mom's cousin's from ND were in town for Thanksgiving and Rebecca, who lives here, invited all of us over to visit and catch up.

Here are some pictures from what was a really fun evening!

My Great Aunt Dorothy (Grandma Ione's younger sister) and my mom.

Rebecca, Jan, John, and Julie...hanging out telling stories.

Carol, Caroline, Dorothy, my sister Carrie, and our Madison.

Mom, Mary, Bill, Mark, Grandpa Leon and Dorothy.
Dorothy is very special because she is Dorothy, but she carried a touch of my Grandma with her and I was blessed to see a glimpse of those little things...movements, expressions, and a smile that I have missed so much.
God gives so many treasures, both in family before us and the memory of those who are with Him.

These brief moments, like reassuring touches to a cheek, remind us of His ever present love for us.
He gives us moments that make our hearts dance with joy and I am so thankful for such a special gift.

My Grandpa and Great Aunt Dorothy

...with mom too.

Madison and Mary...third cousins!

I couldn't resist...
Uncle Mark was laughing so hard I thought he was going to fall off his chair...love it!

Grandpa telling stories about "Zip" at the VFW drinking "booze".
(I am Zip in this story, hanging out with Grandpa, drinking a "Shirley Temple" at the Post...for those of you that haven't heard the story)

Why Zip?
My Grandpa gives nicknames...I am Zip (for all the running around the place I did when I was little), there is also Crunch, Zaster, Hot Rod, Ding, Ajax, Eau Claire, Num Nuts, Babe, and Mr. G...to name a few.

Mom, feel free to chime in with the rest, I know there are some other good ones worth mentioning!

More great stories and lots of laughing!

Uncle Mark

Me at the age of 5 in my cousin Rebecca's wedding to her husband, John...sorry about the glare that cut you out, John. :(
Check out the SWEET "Dorothy Hamil" hairdo that I am rocking!

From top left to bottom right:

Julie, Jan, Mom, Rebecca, Mary, Dorothy and Carol.

We had a great time and may even plan a trip to visit the ND relatives soon!

Change

A new man has been elected to lead our country.

Here is what I know...

He is a husband who appreciates and openly declares his thanks to the “love of his life”.

He is a father to two beautiful girls, and like other men I know, wants the best for their future and would do anything for them.

He is a man who loves his family, especially his grandmother.

He is a man who is passionate, well spoken, and has inspired and united many with his hope for our country.

Many did not circle his name on the ballot, but I hope we can all circle around him with our support.

I will happily add this upcoming presidency to my prayer list and I pray you will too,

as like the men who came before him, he will be faced with challenges that can only be solved through prayer.
The most certain thing I know about today, whether you chose this candidate or not…

our president will always change, our King never will.

Top Ten Facts...No Matter Who Wins the Election

1. God is still on the throne and Jesus is still seated at His right hand.

2. The Bible will still have all the answers

3. Prayer will still work.

4. The Holy Spirit will still move.

5. There will still be singing of praise to God.

6. God will still pour out blessing upon His people.

7. There will still be room at the cross.

8. Jesus will still love you.

9. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

10. You are still forgiven.

AND, God approves this message!

(Isn't it great that we know who is REALLY in charge!)