Prayers for Zavier

Lola, ...and sew on, has a beautiful grandson, Zavier. For some time now, he has been battling cancer. We are praying with faith that this will be the year that he becomes cancer free. Please keep him in your prayers, and also his family. God Bless You Zavier.

My Word for 2012

2012. It's hard to believe it's already been 12 months since celebrating 2011. But here we are, welcoming in another new year. Last year was riddled with tragedies, and in our family several health issues. It was though, a time for births, family gatherings, laughs, and good times.
This brings me to my word for 2012. When I first read Marilyn's post on having a word, one immediately struck my heart. But then, thinking that was just too easy, I started to think of other words. The word compassion came to mind, and I even told Marilyn that was my word. I was sure. But the first word kept nagging me, and I knew that all the words I had thought of led back to this one, and I knew at that moment that God had implanted that word in my heart. And He's never wrong..
So my word for this year is Faith. Faith that health will come to my Mother. Faith that my family will overcome issues. Faith that through prayer, happiness will be more prevalent. That the world will have less disaster, and our leaders will have some sense. So my altar is ready. My candle, lit. And the names of family, friends, and even you when you need it, will be added and prayed for daily, with faith that our Father will answer, and faith that we will accept His answers.
So here is 2012, with faith for a better, brighter year. God Bless You All.

A Cats Tail

I've had many posts about my animal kids, and many have been about Andy. Regular readers are very familiar with him, and new readers, curious. So I decided to tell his story.

I worked at our humane society, and one of the things I did was take potential adopters back to see the animals. One day, a litter of kittens came in, that weren't your normal run of the mill cats. They were a litter of five. The homeliest of all was this little kitten, who rapidly tugged on my heartstrings. When I'd take people back to see the kittens and cats, he would be the butt of many a joke. I knew I had to bring him home, and give him a chance for a good life.

This is one of my favorite pictures, he was 7 weeks old. As you can see, Andy started out with much more hair. Being a Sphinx mix, gradually the hair fell out, and the real Andy appeared.

Now, that he is grown, his hair (or lack of) is what will always be. From day one, Andy has loved to ride on my shoulders, around the house, while I'm cooking or cleaning, or sitting down. I had to have him declawed on all fours because he would climb up my back.

Andy is the caretaker in the house. Toby and Tyler, my two toms I rescued from the yard after their mother, who was dropped off, gave birth to them under a piece of steel roof, are his charges. He stays close to both, bathes, and tends to their needs. He lets me know when they are out of food, and when the water bowl needs filled. And, he always lets them eat first.

So, no, Andy isn't your typical looking cat. I've been told many times that he has a face only a mother could love. I have to agree, I love Andy with all my heart. I don't see what others do, I see his heart. And it's big as gold.

Momma loves you Andy!!

In One Word,

Marilyn, Delights of the Heart, has an awesome blog. She has challenged her readers to come up with a word for the year. A word could sum up a goal or dream you have for the new year? An aspiration? I have a word, and on the first of January I'll reveal what it is.
Do you have a word? What do you aspire to in 2012? In just one word, think, what would it be?

Christ is Born

Joy to the World!
Merry Christmas to Everyone.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds...

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Another Year for a Timely Tradition

Again this year we continued our family tradition of filling gift bags for those forgotten at Christmas in a local nursing home. Each year, they look forward to our call asking for names. This year, we did 60 bags. Sixty. And that's not all that are with no one during the holidays.

It's so great to see the next generation so willing to help with the delivery! Jacob, Jordan, Kayla, and Jason were all on hand to load and unload.

And each child took load after load into the building,

under Ken's direction.

My sister Marlene always helps with the delivery also. And two large carts, two layers high, took the bags to be given to the patients Christmas Eve. Now, it feels like Christmas.