The next generation in the family heirloom

Last month, on June 16, I wrote a blog post about our family cradle.   I had no idea that early the next morning, the next occupant of the family cradle would be born – almost 2 weeks early.  The Lord knew the exact right time for Joey to be born and he is doing so well (as I write this, I am enjoying babysitting him while his parents are out on a date.  He has been an ideal baby this evening, sleeping, drinking, cooing, and stretching – what more could a Grammie ask for?).

Because so many of you have asked and because this blog is titled Recognize and Remember (and these photos deserve to be recognized and remembered) – here are the photos of Joseph Isaiah taking his place in the Joseph family cradle.

God is so faithful to fill our family cradle with this little boy.

“The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD.”

Psalm 146:10

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Safe in His Hands…

Grandpa and Joey snuggled in – Bill’s hand covers his entire back.

On the 4th of July, we went to the Saint Lawrence River to watch fireworks over the Boldt Castle.  It was very different for people from Pittsburgh who are used to seeing the fireworks over the 3 rivers, but it was very pretty.

Bill was holding baby Joey, who wasn’t sure about the whole experience – so Bill took him away from the crowd and covered him with his big manly hands.  Joey felt secure and loved in Grandpa’s hands and tucked himself in under Bill’s chin and fell asleep.  He stayed that way throughout the loud grand finale and the walk through a noisy crowd to the car.  Safe, loved and cared for a by strong, gentle man.

Watching the 2 of them  made me think of the Psalm 91 – where God’s protection  is compared to sheltering us under His wings…

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
He is my God, and I trust him.
For He will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with His feathers.
He will shelter you with His wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”

Psalm 91:1-4

That was what Grandpa was for baby Joey, protection – a shelter – a place to feel safe enough to fall asleep.  And that is what God is for us  – He protects us and shelters us when we are afraid and overwhelmed with the loud noises of our world.  Picture yourself being safe in God’s presence with His arms wrapped tightly around you and snuggle in tight to your God who will hold you close and take you safely to  home.

Grandpa’s finger compared to Joey’s.

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Is June really almost over?

This month has flown by and I am amazed that in just a few days it will be time to change the calendar to July (always one of my favorite months, thanks to my oldest daughter Alycia).

Here are the highlights of the last month….

Memorial Day picnic with family.  Bill made this table for me for Mother’s Day and ever since we have played a lot of checkers.  I have only won 1 game against him (he thinks through every move – I am more interested in talking).  I do love my checker table and how it looks on my front porch – very inviting and cozy.



Wedding Planning with Jason and Alycia.  September 25th is coming!!!

My Beautiful Clematis plants that grace our deck trellis (another thing that Bill made for me).  These flowers are so faithful, they come up every year with little effort on my part and each year are so beautiful.  Reminds me of 2 things – my friend Beth as she always appreciated and was envious of  my clematis flowers and Grace (these flowers come up even though I do nothing for them).

Becoming a Grammie to Joey (nothing more to say)

Representing Blessings Unlimited at the Christian Home Educators Convention in Akron, Ohio.  I got to meet Shannon, another Blessings Unlimited Consultant and she was a real joy to work with.  That is such a benefit of this job, meeting all of the wonderful people associated with Blessings Unlimited.  I also had a wonderful Prayer Legacy Gathering with several wonderful women this month.

This is the only photo that can be shared from a fun, crazy boat trip with our family.  Let’s just say that the day included a borrow board that didn’t always run properly, the lake patrol, a rainstorm, no utensils for our food and lots of fun in spite of all our mishaps.

“God has given us these times of joy” Psalm 81:4 (TLB)

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A New Man in My Life

There is a new man in my life….

Joseph Isaiah was born yesterday, June 17th at 9:27 am

He weighed in at 8 lbs 7 oz and was 20 1/4 inches long.

Even though I was supposed to be at his birth – he decided he needed to come in a hurry and arrived after only a few hours of labor  (not enough time for me to get there for the birth).  But Bill (the Grandpa) and I hurried as fast as we could to drive the 6+ hours to meet our new grandson.  He was well worth the trip.

I am pleased to introduce Joey…

The very happy Grandpa and Grammie

God is so faithful and good — Praise His name forever!

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