time --

When I last wrote in March, we were getting past winter and watching flowers sprout. Now it is winter again and I'm listening to Christmas music. Time flies -- The older I get the faster it seems to go.

This picture of the two newest great granddaughters and their mothers was taken on January 2, 2008 in the fellowship time following Don's dad's funeral. The funeral was a time of remembering a long life 'well lived." Don's mother wanted the service to be a celebration and it was. The service ended with a congregational song, "What a Day That Will Be." And it will be - when we are all together again! We have a godly heritage to remember and teach to all those coming behind.

Being a grandmother

Don and I think being grandparents is at least as wonderful as we thought it would be -- maybe more. Having Rebecca close so I get to see her often is very fun. Don loves to get to see her when he comes home from Austin. --- Having her smile just because 'Honey is here' is soooo heart warming.
I never thought I would be one of those 'silly' grandparents who talks to babies on the phone, but yes, my hand goes up and so does Pop's. We talk to both babies. With Anne far away from us, three or four months in between being with her seems like forever. I observe Rebecca changing and learning things every time I see her (at least a couple of times a week) and I enjoy hearing what Anne is doing today, but we look forward to being with her and experiencing the little person that she is becoming. I tell Melodie to please show Anne our pictures so she will know who we are when we get there again.

I really think that I enjoyed our children as they grew up, but I tell our girls and others that kids grow up so fast. Really, really enjoy babyhood and each stage after. ---- Being a grandparent is joy all over again. I love it!

Check out the pictures that Julie and Melodie post on their blogs to keep up with our babies.

Now that Spring is here, I thought I should blog a picture from
Christmas Day 2007. We had a great time. I feel blessed!

more news

I guess I'm catching up --- since you see until yesterday, I hadn't blogged in months. Life has been soooo busy. Don was activated again and began serving the TX National Guard as Division Chaplain in September. He is working out of Austin in a position that could last as long as 3 years. He is on leave of absence from his Marketplace job. We will keep our home in Mount Pleasant. Linda will be part time at home and part time in Austin.

Rebecca - 2 months old

Anne - 3 days

Rebecca - 2 days old

We are grandparents!

The babies have arrived!
Rebecca Faye Torres arrived September 22. She weighed 7 lb 14 oz and was 20 inches long.
Anne Cecilia Booton arrived November 3. She weighed 8 lb 13 oz and was 20 inches long.
They are both delightful babies -- everyone says so. Of course, their "Honey" and "Pops" would think that!

It has been too long!

Time does fly! I couldn't begin to update everything since Nov. Life is good and busy. Back in the Fall we decided to change churches after 17 years. We are thoroughly enjoying Pittsburg Church of the Nazarene; renewing old friendships and making new ones. Last week I directed VBS. It was a first for me; a challege and a blessing. God blessed and we (the church) were pleased. I'm tired! --- Don has begun a Doctor of Ministry program through Nazarene Theological Seminary. I'm excited for him. --- Seth is currently on Dr. Tom Seabourn's Race Across America support team. They left California yesterday and will arrive in Atlantic City, NJ in about 12 days. It is fun to watch the progress on the website. It is raceacrossamerica.org The team is Men's Solo #123. --- Both Julie and Melodie are pregnant!! Julie is due in Sept. and Melodie in Nov. Both husbands are excited! as are the prospective grandparents! ---- This doesn't begin to update 6 months worth of news, but a few tidbits. Until later ....

Seth

Seth is 21, and we thought was looking quite dashing this day! How do kids grow up soooo quickly. It seems like yesterday .... 

Promoted!

Don was promoted to Lt. Col. on Nov. 19. Col 'Red' Brown, who swore Don into the National Guard 17 years ago and is Don's present commander, gave a promotion speech and removed the old insignia. Linda put the new one on. Our faces reflect the lighter side of the moment after the more serious military style ceremony. : - ) Seth was present, too, and taking the pictures. 

 

 

Mr. and Mrs. Marlin Torres

 

Julie with her grand parents. 

(back to front) Ransom, Justus and Raina Miller with Julie. Addie Miller is at the left. 

 

Our 'family' who got to be with us for the wedding; about 30 from
out of town. 

Julie and Marlin's wedding day

I'll share some photos from the wedding day. It was a beautiful wedding; a wonderful day. Lowell and Marilyn Clark, missionary friends, came to take the pictures. There are too many great pictures to begin to share all -- but we hope you enjoy seeing a few.
 

a new family picture

Our new family picture was taken, Sept. 8, the evening of the wedding rehearsal. Some of us look pretty much the same, but we think the beard that Seth brought home from Kenya makes him look a lot older.