Natural Fireworks at Northcroft

Charles O. took this photo a while back with a little more success but you'll just have to come see it for yourself!

I wish I could bottle up the stars I am seeing tonight at Northcroft and show them to all of you!  They are incredible!  Breathtaking!  I tried and tried to photography them but to no avail.  Needless to say, my time was not wasted, I was entertained and blown away by the clear Spring night with the stars exploding like fire works.  Awesome.

Life's Stream

Water rushing through our property at Northcroft

 speaks words of life and love to my very soul.

Mike, Kim and Kate laced with Shannon, Kristin and Bethann;

My life’s stream flowing with these gifts of blessings, multiplies through their marriages, happiness and children.

I sing praises to the Almighty for giving me such a wonderful life.  I pray for wisdom and grace to love fully, unconditionally, beyond anything of this earth.

Let the water flow gaining purity, depth and strength as it continues and mirrors the ocean of life, making possible all things for those I love.

Thanks be to God for the gift and for my husband who stands with me watching the miracle unfold.

It is so nice to have this time to reflect.

Week end interview...

Kristin came from California (through terrible mid-air thunderstorms and drama!) to spend a long weekend with us, for the sole purpose of interviewing her father (on video), collecting a massive amount of pictures and material, in order to start putting together his life story.

 We got to take in a little family time when the S-C family came over to join us for dinner, games and happy conversation.  The rest of the Atlanta family was off on Spring Break  and couldn't be here to join in the fun.

 Reliving TLC's history has once again proven that he has had an amazing life and hopefully the best is yet to come!

It was good to have you home, Kristin. :)

The House That Built Me

I just returned home from my Mother's house, where I always enjoy going and still feel I belong.  I love taking pictures there; history is in every corner, and the photos, books, paintings and the fish tank beckon to be looked at and enjoyed.  My roots run deep in that old house.  Time tends to do that with people as it does with plants.  When I was young, I was tenderly fed and nurtured there; and now I feel appreciated and, hopefully, enjoyed.

I hope I paid enough attention to the tender little roots planted in my house...I wish I had known then what I do now, for surely I would have made the sun shine even on rainy days.

I know you want the same, because you are building great people at your houses too. I encourage you, even through the teenage years, to persevere and enjoy the fruits of your labor.  These are the best of times.

Oh...and you are always welcome at every place I ever call home.  (I thought today, while I was putting  this video together, that I would like to buy and fix up Shiver Summit and move back in!  For there I could feel memories of all of you.)

What's in a name?

What's in a name?
History passed down through the generations...
Gwendolyn

My mother: gave me a strong sense of family, high standards, work ethic, set an example of what a wife should be and was  consistently dependable in times of trouble. Her house is always the place you can come home to.

Me...Merry Gwen
Gosh, I hope I have passed on the same.

Kimberly Gwen
Like Peter...the Rock. I know she picked up each family strong point and added some of her own. Always brings God into Monday and trusts each day to Him.

Emily Gwen
Still learning what she is going to be, still growing her stock that is already paying dividends. This magnificent, statuesque, beauty, will hopefully carry on the love, dignity and character of the mothers before her and raise them to even greater levels.
We have a mother-daughter lineage in common and a name, untarnished, that has been passed down...
but it took a lot more to make us who we are:
Grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, sisters, brothers, children and other grandchildren whose names (except for the Gwen part) could just as easily fit into the list above, not to mention our faith and a multitude of friends.

Upon reflection, I shall always strive to be the best:
G-gracious
W-wise
E-evangelical
N-nurturing
...Gwen that I can be. :)

Nana in Atlanta for "Oklahoma"!

The Atlanta family is delighted that Nana has come for a visit.  It has been a long time coming and we are grateful she was able to make the trip.

 Today, Andrew performed in the closing  production of his high school play, Oklahoma.  It has had a tremendously successful run and Andrew thrilled us all with his song and dance!

 Mom and Dad were of course very proud, along with grandparents and great-grandparent who attended.

 Andrew greeted William's friends who came to the show all excited to have their picture taken with a REAL actor cowboy!

 Nana was welcomed by a warm hug from a delighted grandson who appreciated her effort to be there.

Me...I was proud all around...to have all the Gwen's together, Andrew's performance, hospitality from Kim and Tom, Mom's effort, Grandad's support and love, William's reading of a story and help in the kitchen.

Family...if you remember nothing else I have ever said in this life, please remember...The gift of a good family makes life oh, so very sweet.

For you all I am grateful.

P.S.  Tomorrow I get to take Nana to spend time with Mike, Mary, Joe and Issy!

Happy 8th Birthday, William!!!