The Years Go By

It's crazy how time passes yet pass it does; I see been 10 years since I posted to our blog. Both of us are now retired, and we often wonder what took us so long - LOL. Busy as we are, we are enjoying alarm-free mornings as much as possible. Bill enjoys a brisk walk most mornings while I enjoy a slow-move toward a cup of coffee. Following the lead of my Nanny, most days we engage with a short afternoon rest, which [we've found] delivers a shot of energy for the remainder of the day.

Our family has grown a sweet crowd of soon-to-be eighteen. The six Bigs have given us 8 Grands: Ella, Caleb, Isabelle, Natalie, Harper, Nora, John Luke and Jacob ... #9 due Jan 2024 is yet to be born and named. What a joy they are to us!

Two years ago, we sold our house [of 45 years] and moved into the Chandler farm house located two miles down the road. We are blessed to live next to two of the boys and their families. One of the joys we're experiencing is the in-and-out of six of the eight Grands. This was a good move for us to a smaller one-level house. Our Dustin and his family live only 45 minutes away and we see them fairly often. We know how blessed we are to have our children and grandchildren near us. It is always best to never take for granted the graciousness of The Lord!

 This year, Beverly completed twenty-five years of daily blogging, "Morning with Beverly." She continues to write mostly women's Bible studies, which she uses to teach weekly to a group of women at church. She is also serving as worship leader and pianist at the church where we attend. 

One of the fun things we do several times a year is visit our long-time favorite St George Island in Florida. We have strong ties with friends there at the First Baptist Church and Christian Retreat Center. It has become a place not just for refreshment but a place of ministry. How blessed we know we are to have a second church family!

Mexico, February 2013

Change of Seasons

It's been a long time ago, but we do remember when we had one-child home.  Danny was 8 years old when Dennis & Dustin came into our lives, and what I remember the most was the change in the noise level.  Danny was a quiet child so the decibel level went from [what seemed] zero-to-sixty overnight.  Almost 23 years later, we're back to a one-child home and it's quiet again.  Danny is settled with our daughter-in-love, Brittney and Baby Ella on the way and Dennis now has his own place. Although Dustin is still at home, he is away a good bit of the time so ... yes, it's quiet.  It's pretty interesting the seasons of a couple's life: the early and quiet years, the years when pitter-patter of little (then big) feet are present, then the return of latter quiet years.  Although we find ourselves in a new season with family sounds things of the past, I am very grateful the echoes of days-gone-by are sweet and joyous. I am enjoying this season but would not trade yesterday's sounds for anything.  I thank God for His rich mercies of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.