Time With Loved Ones

Todd on beach at White Oaks Resort

Regan gathering shells

Preston enjoying the water

Alisha

Preston (our house guest for two weeks)

What a wonderful time we had with Alisha, Todd, Preston, Regan and Justin at White Oaks Resort at the California-Oregon border. My only complaint - our time together was too short!

Family Love

There's no vocabulary to truly describe love within a family for its love is alive, but yet its speech is mostly silent. Yes, the family is one of God's masterpieces - and I thank Him for mine.

Cameron, Barbara, Cassidy & Madison

Kellee

Alisha, Todd, Preston, Regan & Justin

Is Your Life Stressful?

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Well, it may be cold outside but it's beautiful too.
This is what daughter Alisha & her family woke up to
Sunday morning (10/04/09) in Bend Oregon.

Next Piece, Please

We are one big family of people,
trying to make our way through
the unfolding puzzle of life.
Sara Paddison

Bye, Bye

The time has come when more of my family is moving from California. It brings mixed emotions of sadness and happiness. I'm sad at their moving but happy to see the excitement in their faces because of the opportunities in taking on the challenges of their transplant to Louisiana, and being near Barbara's family. Well, everything is in order: property in Belmont CA sold, properties in Louisiana already purchased, plans for a new house being finalized, and Madi & Cassie already enrolled in school back there. Barbara, Madi & Cassie fly out of SFO this morning, with Cameron starting back Wednesday (his work will have him spending time in Louisiana and San Francisco). I pray only the best for them.

To My Kids: Praying you have a safe trip, and want to say that I love you all dearly.

One Flaw In Women

I received this email from a dear friend this morning, with a kind personal word. I had to share it although I'd already posted today. It's for the women in my life whether family, friends, church sisters, blogger friends, neighbors, etc., that have touched my life. It's called One Flaw in Women.

Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and carry burdens, but hold love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream, and sing when wanting to cry.

They cry when happy, and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in, and stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer if there's a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

Women love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel, and cheer when friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies, and grieve the loss of family.

Yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run, text, or e-mail you

to show you how much they care.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love, yet have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

However, if there is ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

it's that they forget their worth.

Thank you Lord for giving me special women in my life that make me the person I am meant to be, and loving me when I'm unloveable.

Coast Time in Oregon

Thought I'd share a few photos of what's happening in Oregon. Alisha and Todd took the kids to Florence Oregon to enjoy some family time. Looks like Preston, Regan and Justin had a good time. (It reminded me so much of the days when our kids were small, and we'd take them off to Pismo to ride in the dunes)

What Is A Family?

What is a family? A family is LOVE. And I am so thankful to be in a family that is filled with loving, sharing and caring. We had a wonderful three days in Kerman for the Hopper Family Reunion. There was fellowship with family, fellowship with friends, and most importantly fellowship with our Saviour. Sunday's service was an explosion of revival fire and water baptisms (two of the three being our nephew's sons).

Thank you Susan & Stephen for making it such a memorable time. It was perfect in every way. Thanks to Cherish who provided a multitude of entertainment. And to Misti and Adam for all the special things they did, including showing me the photos of Cody's hair (lol)

Heading for the Hills

I'll be taking a break from blogging as we are "Heading for the Hills"

and NOT these kind!

We are "Heading for these (kind of) Hills"!!!

Yes, we are going to a Hopper Family Reunion at the Hills - namely, Stephen & (niece) Susan Hill who pastor the church in Kerman California (site of the reunion & a special Sunday service). Even with their busy schedules, Susan & Stephen have graciously opened their home, their church, and their hearts to accommodate family (and family friends) for the weekend. In fact, Susan was the one who had the idea of a family get-together when she heard family was coming California way for a visit. Guess she didn't think getting ready for the Ladies Conference in Sacramento next week was enough to do (she is a Sectional Ladies Leader).

Well, I'm signing off - chat with you Monday.

Merry Christmas Loved Ones

Merry Christmas Cameron & Barbara, Kellee, Alisha & Todd - and Madison, Cassidy, Preston, Regan & Justin. May your day be merry and bright, and may each year be filled with an abundance of blessings. To my angels, Mark and Zoe, you are truly missed.
LOVE YOU DEARLY,
Mom & Nana

Madison & Cassidy

Regan, Justin & Preston

A Time of R & R

Rest & Relaxation is in order

for this Labor Day Weekend

Please take time from your busy schedule
to enjoy family and friends - and the Lord!
That's my plan...

Put Down the Eraser!

The slate seems to have no distinct meaning,
But in looking closely, its marks signal times past,
gathered while face to face with love.

Caution is extended me this day,
to mirror images I hold dear in my heart,
not erasing treasures that allow beauty to return.

For a day may come when family and friends are far removed,
and it will be memories that keep me strong, believing life is good,
and then I will reflect and say, it has been worth all the sacrifice.

Many times, we only think in terms of the present or future, forgetting times past with our children and friends. Some say, leave the past in the past, I don't agree (totally). There are many wonderful things to gather. Several blogging posts have reminded me of adventures had with my children - their funny (and precious) sayings, the hugs and kisses, the shared secrets, etc. Then there are the crazy times with friends, the wacky presents we'd exchange, the laughter shared, and the tears of happiness and pain shed. These are reflections that I never want to erase; for if I clean my slate, I have lost a world of happiness, joy and caring.

Erase Not Good Remembrances, for a day could come when memories are all we may have.

Dear to My Heart

Being Valentine’s Day, it is perfect timing to introduce (or reacquaint you with) the ones that are dearest to my heart - my family.

My son Mark (passing in 1993)
My son Cameron, wife Barbara, and granddaughters Zoe (passing in 1996), Madison & Cassidy live in the SF Bay area
My daughter Kellee lives in the SF Bay area
My daughter Alisha & grandson Preston live in Oregon
My husband Gene lives with me on the Central California Coast