Friday, December 31, 2010

Bye-bye 2010


Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying clouds, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let them die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow;
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
...excerpt from Ring Out Wild Bells
by Alfred Lord Tennyson


Major Events in 2010
Not in chronological order
  1. Mark's wedding--September 18th married Amber Terese Dattilo; the biggest event for 2010. May Amber and Mark have a lifetime of love.
  2. Erynn learns to read--June
  3. Smidge disappeared--October 30th; I sure miss him
  4. Warren sings at the February follies
  5. Annie, the cat, comes into our family, November 14
  6. Rob becomes medical POA for Jane Gibson, August
  7. Everyone comes home, July 4th-who knows when that will happen again
  8. Luke shaves his head totally bald, November 23rd
  9. Jordan starts her online card business

Most of all I am thankful to the Lord for another year on this earth. He is worthy of all praise.

We will sing Your praises, O God almighty.
We will forever sing Your praises, even as they have been sung
for generations and generations. Your Word is unchangeable,
O God; it is as solid as the mountains. Amen.

photo from the web

Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel.
Who alone works wonders.
And blessed be His glorious name forever.
And may the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen and Amen. ...Psalm 72:19-20


photo from Flickr.com

A toast to 2010

It was a very good year! And my husband is good too; aged to perfection like a good wine!

Thank you to all who read my blog. I appreciate you!





Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas


Today is the day we celebrate our Lord's birth. Because our Savior lives, we REJOICE.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing...Romans 15:13


Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Mark is 28 today...Happy Birthday


Happy Birthday, Mark!!!

28 years ago, Mark made his appearance. He was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen and I think he still is quite the handsome fellow!

I remember being amazed that this tiny creature had been inside me. Such a miracle. It is one of the most wondrous things of God, the privilege of carrying a baby and giving birth. I think this makes being a woman very special. Nothing on earth brings more joy. Mark's original due date was December 24th. I was very glad he decided to come a few days early...three to be exact. Since he was born close to Christmas, his little stocking hat that is put on all newborns was red with a white cotton ball attached at the end. He had his own little Santa hat.


He was quite the attraction, although it does not appear Zach was too thrilled with him.


I was a very happy Mom!




Such a cutie!


Mark on his wedding day

So Happy birthday, Mark. I hope you will consider the miracle of your birth, and how happy it makes your loved ones that you are on this earth and in their lives. I hope you have a great year!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Unexpected sight

On Thursday afternoon, Warren and I were driving down Main Street to take the grandkids to McDonalds when we spotted a pickup pulling a horse trailer parked at Farley's. There was a small crowd of people around the horse trailer. There was not the usual horse in this trailer...there was a camel and not an ordinary camel with the one hump...this one had two humps. I wondered if one of the Wisemen had stopped for dinner at Farley's after all it was Christmas time. I asked Warren to turn around the car so we could take Erynn and Reid to see the camel; it is not every day one gets to see such a creature up close. After many excuses and me shooting them down one by one, he finally turned around and we became one of the crowd.
We discovered that the camel was not the only animal being pulled. Tucked in beside the camel was...well, I am not exactly sure what you would call it. The animal looked like a light brown horse, but it had the stripes and was the size of a Zebra. So what do you call a cross between a horse and Zebra? I don't know, but the animal was unusual. The grandkids were thrilled and amazed to have seen such a sight in our little town of Roswell. I am so glad Warren indulged us with the adventure.

Looks just like one of the Wisemen's camels

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Thanksgiving


Warren and I traveled to North Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with our youngest son. It was quite a shock when Luke met us with his new "no hairdo." Yes, Luke looks like Kojak. It did not take as long to get use to it as I thought it would. In fact, I rather liked it because the focus is more on his eyes--and I think they shine and are very nice much brighter than his head.


Luke and his new "no hairdo"

He uses this special razor that has match car wheels.

It was our first time to try deep fried turkey as well. It was mighty good. Finger licking for sure. Luke and Warren set up the fryer in the driveway.  Luke gave the turkey a special cajun rub.  The turkey was definitely good.  And Luke made chicken fingers.  So good as well.


Warren lighting the burner of the deep fryer. They had
a fire extinguisher handy just in case.


The Cajun rub

Then, we went Tree shopping...

Luke among the trees.


Of course, I had to take a bunch of pictures of us. That was one of my favorite things to do since I am trying to perfect my portraiture shots.






Here's my stunningly handsome husband

We watched several movies...The Toy Story 3, and The Christmas Carol starring Jim Carey.  We had a great time with Luke over Thanksgiving. I am so thankful God has blessed us with such a great family. I love them all dearly.

Christmas Crisis


"Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:3) These are the words John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus when he heard what Christ was doing, as he (John) sat in prison. In my mind, John's question is even more relevant in our present time as we experience more and more attempts to take Christ out of Christmas. If Jesus is not the one, then we shouldn't follow Him. But if He is, then we should follow Him at all costs. John, of all people, should not need to ask this question. He knew Jesus was the Messiah beyond all doubt.
  • He and Jesus were cousins
  • Mary and Elizabeth (John's mother) were pregnant around the same time
  • We are told in Luke that John leaped in his mother's womb when Mary spoke. (Luke 1:39-45). So, John recognized the Messiah while still in utero!
  • His mission of preparing the way for the Messiah was never a question in John's mind. In John 1: 19-28, John is in a controversial conversation with the religious leaders. It was his job to point others to Christ--not obtain followers of his own. His desire was for his disciple to be completely devoted to the Messiah to come.
  • He pointed Christ out to others as the Messiah. John 1: 35-37, "The next day John was there again with two disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, 'Look, the Lamb of God!' When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. (One of the two was Andrew).
John was clear about WHO Jesus was--he was absolutely certain about the identity of Jesus.
  • In John 1:29-34, the time between the two previous encounters, we find John exclaim about Jesus as He approached John, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is the One I meant when I said, 'a man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.' I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel."
  • Then John gave his testimony: "I say the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remained on Him. I would not have known Him, except that the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'the man on who you see the Spirit come down and remain is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."
  • John declared, "I baptize with water...but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." (John 1: 26-27).
How could someone who knew Jesus was "the one" now send his disciples with a question--"are you the one?" All those close to John had heard him declare the supremacy of Jesus. It must have shaken his follower's confidence. I am sure they, too, were waiting to see how Jesus would answer John's question.
John was having a crisis of faith. How I identify with John, because I experience my own crisises of faith. John was in prison because of Herodias, the wife of Herod's brother, Philip. Herod arrested him for calling his relationship with Herodias an affair. On Herod's birthday, Herodias' daughter danced for him. Herod was so pleased he said he said he would give her what she wanted. Coached by her mother, she requested John's head on a platter. (Mat. 14:1-12). This prompted the crisis--John was in prison about to be beheaded when he sent the message to Jesus. Jesus could rescue him if He so pleased--He was the son of God!
Jesus' response--"Go back and report what you hear and see: the blind see, lame walk, leprosy is cured, deaf hear, dead are raised, good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of Me." (Mat. 11:4-6).
Not exactly what John expected to hear, I am sure. John already knew all that. Jesus' acts didn't eliminate John's doubts. Why would Jesus tell him, "blessed is the man who does not fall away on my account?"
I think Jesus was telling John, I am not going to spare you what is about to happen to you. I am not going to spare your life. Yes, I have done this for others, but that is not the path I have for you. You will be blessed if this does not cause you to fall away. I imagine that was pretty hard for John to take in...to know Jesus had a different plan than what John wanted. Jesus does not save us from pain and suffering, but from meaninglessness. A life without Jesus is meaningless. For Jesus, John was exactly where he needed to be, fulfilling God's purpose in his life. Jesus' invitation is "follow me." He never lied about he danger or cost associated with becoming His follower. He told them up front, " I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes, and innocent as doves. " (Matthew 10:16).
By the very nature of our present worldly culture, which is counter to Christian doctrine, we are experiencing a crisis of faith. John dared to speak the truth and it resulted with him being imprisoned and eventually beheaded. His cost for following Christ and living his life accordingly cost him dearly. We must...I must be a light in this dark world pointing others to Christ. The birth of Christ is what Christmas is all about. I almost wish we would focus on Christ and what He means to us rather than giving presents to each other. I think our greatest gift we could give each other is a note expressing how we see Christ lived out in their life.
It is Christmas! Make others know beyond doubt that Jesus is the One. He is the Messiah. Like the song says, "Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and every where...that Jesus Christ is born!"

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Our 29th anniversary

Warren and Rob--29 years together. Yeah!

We have been married 29 years and I must say it has been the best adventure of my life. There has been ups and downs, but all in all, it has been great. I would do it again in a heart beat. We actually have been celebrating this whole weekend. Saturday we both had fun preparing a feast fit for a king thanks to Allen Brother Steaks. Warren grilled the steaks, and I made the sides and dessert. He wanted "The Best Cake" with the chocolate ganache and, of course, I wanted the homemade ice cream. So we had both--and on Sunday as well.

I thought I'd better touch up the gray hair that was starting to peek through at my roots. Since it had been awhile since I had an all over job (before the wedding), I decided I was due. I colored my hair, and then asked Warren if he would frost it. He readily agreed, and that is just what we did after a few instructions. I think he did an amazing job. More importantly, it was at a fraction of the cost...$15.00 as opposed to $125. He will be my hair dresser for color from now on.


Rob


See what a great coloring job Warren did on my hair

Today, Sunday, we set out to memorialize our anniversary with a photo of the two of us. All the great spots had people in them, and the sun was setting fast, but we did manage to get a few good ones. Even though we did not do much, I thoroughly enjoyed the day. My husband is the greatest. I am looking forward to another year with him.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Rob's clown outfit

On Halloween night, rather than having a "trick or treat" our church did a "trunk or treat". I was the person who welcomed people to the event and handed out bags to the children to collect their treats. Here is a picture of my costume. The kids had a hard time deciding what I was trying to be--a lot kept asking if I was a clown. It is pretty obvious to me, but for some reason it was not to them. Isn't that a dramatic sunset in the background? New Mexico sunsets have to be some of the best around. I thought it went rather nicely with my outfit.

Rob McKelvy (photo taken my Alicia Mackenzie)

Monday, November 1, 2010

Roswell tornado and Smiggley still missing


Here is a picture of a recent tornado (October 21) that touched down about a mile north of Pine Lodge road and Atkinson. It was taken by a friend from her backyard.

Smiggley is still missing. I am going to go to the Animal Control center today to see if he got picked up. I have looked and looked for him. No luck.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Cat goes missing

Much to my dismay, Smidge did not show up when I called him last night. Occasionally, he will not come in, but is always at the door the next morning. He was not home this morning and has failed to show up as of this writing (late afternoon). Warren and I have looked next door, gone around the block, and up and down the alley calling his name. No Smidge. I hope he is all right and will show up soon. Other than that, I am praying and looking for him. Oh where, oh where can my cat be!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Random thoughts...Tom Norcross

I always think I am going to be so good and post something every day, but the reality of thinking and doing are not one in the same. The days are quite cooler now, and since the days are shorter, I am greeted with the most splendid sunrises as I start out for my walks each morning. It is not that I am getting up earlier, quite the contrary. The sun is later in getting up.

October 4th, was the 26th anniversary of Tom's death. While it is a sad day, it is also one of reflection of all the happy, silly, and great times of Tom's life. There was never a dull moment when he was around. He was an avid balloonist, and never missed the Balloon Rally in Albuquerque. I found some great pictures of this event at www.bonbonrosegirls.com.





Notice the moon in the right picture--under the balloon

One day I hope to take pictures that looks so amazing. I wish photographers would post the type of lens they used. I talked Warren into taking me to the fair so I could look at the different arts and crafts. He is so wonderful to indulge me and go along. I know it is not one of his favorite things to do. (I do have the best husband). I liked the photography most of all--probably because that is my passion right now. I found myself wondering what camera and lens was used on some amazing pictures. There were some great pictures taken at a rodeo of a cowboy being throw from a bull, and a clown rescuing a cowboy. The action was stopped at just the right moments. All I know is that it must have been taken at a high shudder speed with a telephoto lens. Go to the fair and see for yourself.

One of the things Mara (Tom's wife) did to commemorate Tom's life was to have some of the photos of him taken when he was a small boy (age 3) made into cards. I have no idea who the artist was who did the cards, but I think they were great. Check out the photo and the card. (I know there was a card of this picture, but I was unable to find it, but you get the idea).





He was such a cute kid and I am glad he was my brother.

Not to be forgotten, was Warren's mom who would have been 97 years old on October 6th. She always went to all the arts and crafts shows with me, which relieved Warren greatly since he did not have to go. She was a stickler for proper usage of the English language--something that Warren has inherited from her--and she was smart. She could read at age 4, and skipped several grades in school. She was most noted for her heavy foot on the gas pedal. She was not one of those little old ladies who drive soooo slow. She was like a Nascar driver.

Katie McKelvy- November 1986-

That is my tribute to members of our family who had a great impact on my life. I celebrate their lives and look forward to seeing them again in eternity.

I have several blogs I check out fairly frequently; one is Jordan's. She has posted the details of their latest cruise which I found to be so fun to read. It gives me a glimpse into Luke and Jordan's life and it does my heart good to see how much they love each other. It just makes my heart smile. So check out her blog at http://lifethinking.livejournal.com/

I rejoice in the Lord today. I read in Ezekiel 43:2 that "the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the way of the east...and the earth shone with His glory." Just think, the glory I see when I behold a sunrise is nothing compared to the glory of the Lord. I, also, like verse 5 that says, "And the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house." Truly, God's Spirit does lift me, and I so enjoy being in His presence and being filled with Him. There is nothing better than living in the Lord.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

2 pictures

Warren and I recently went to a barbecue at the Alvarez's. They had a pear tree that was loaded with fruit and soon couples started picking pears to take home. I noticed this wasp who seemed to be having quite a picnic on a piece of fallen fruit. My picture taking did not bother him in the least.


Of course, I had to get a picture of Warren and I.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Rainy days and Fall

Yesterday was the first day of fall which I love for several reasons:
1. Warren was born in the fall and I would not be complete without him. He is my gift from
God and I am very thankful for him.
2. I love the rich warm colors of the leaves turning; the orange, shiny pumpkins; the cool
crispness of the air, and apples.
3. The cool nights and bright stars.

On our first night of fall, it rained and it is still drizzling this morning. It is like the Lord has chosen this time to wash the earth and usher in the fall of the year with a new cleanliness. It is in the fall that the Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. It is also called the "day of remembrance" or "the day of sounding the shofar." (A shofar is a kind of trumpet made from a ram's horn). A popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year. I like this custom since I like eating apples. Another popular practice of the holiday is Tashlikh ("casting off"). We walk to flowing water, such as a creek or river, on the afternoon of the first day and empty our pockets into the river, symbolically casting off our sins. Small pieces of bread are commonly put in the pocket to cast off. I think both of these acts of symbolism are fun and if I still had my children at home, I am sure we would be observing both of these customs. I think God has provided so many good object lessons for us.
Yesterday, I was impressed by Beth Moore's posting on her blog and turned it into a prayer for the Jewish New Year. Just as God used the Shofar to call His people, God uses us as His trumpet to call others to Him. Here is my prayer based on Beth's blog:

God has called me--to use my mouth for His great glory. I don't want to add just noise, but to become a woman of God who opens her mouth with wisdom and with the law of kindness on my tongue. I want the love of Christ to rule and reign in my heart. May I never forget, kindness is not a weakness! Help me to seek the Lord and to head for Him when I am weary and worn down. May I seek the comfort and encouragement from other believers and let them build me back up. I must remember that Jesus' yoke is kind and to make sure it is the only yoke I wear. God led me with your cords of kindness and let me build a welcoming fire in this cold world. Let me live out the law of kindness. Amen.

Be washed clean by the word of God, and be renewing in your mind. Enjoy the fall in all of its glory and richness. God made it for us to enjoy!




Rain on a leaf


Our crab-apples. Not worth eating, but gorgeous colors


A Caster bean plant. I love the rich reds and huge leaves


Our Maxi million Daisies are in glorious bloom

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Mark gets married

"For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." Genesis 2:24

"An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her and he will have no lack of gain." Proverbs 31: 10-11


Mark and Amber arrive at the Inn

The last of the McKelvy boy's, Mark, got married Saturday, Sept. 18 at the Westlake Village Inn Resort. By Friday, the whole McKelvy clan had arrived in anticipation of the events that were to take place for the next two nights. Mark and Amber couldn't have picked a nicer place to have the wedding. The rooms were fantastic with wonderful beds--a necessity for us up in years. Each room had a little outside sitting area which was really nice. (The sitting area is behind the doors with the white blinds.)

The rooms

The grounds were filled with all kinds of greenery, flowers, ponds with ducks, waterfalls, and a vineyard. It had a golf course and a nice pool area, so there was a lot to do while we were waiting for the wedding to take place. This is definitely a favorite spot to have a wedding ceremony, because there were venues all over the place. It was fun to see all the brides in their beautiful gowns. Our rehearsal dinner was held in the wine cellar which over looked a pond. Our food and service was wonderful.


The sign so you can find your wedding


The table for the rehearsal dinner


Amber's grandma and mother (see the wine barrels in the background)


The bride and groom


Mark told me he would shave for the wedding.



Drew and the beautiful scenery

I have so many great pictures of everybody, but I decided I would be formatting pictures for the web all day if I tried to post them all. No wedding can take place without a ton of posing for pictures and interestingly enough no one complained about having to pose. Why can't they be as cooperative when I want to take pictures?



All the McKelvys
Top: Laurie, Ian, Zach, Meghan, Warren, Drew, Mark, Rob, Luke, Jordan
Lower: Reid, Erynn, Adi

Then came the wedding. Ian performed the ceremony for Mark and Amber, Zach did a reading, Luke was a groomsman, and Warren had the money to get us all there, lodged, and a lot of other things.


Ian, Zach, Warren, Mark, Luke



Here comes the bride, Amber. Her brother, Nick gave her away.


Mark waits for Amber
It was an emotional time for both of them.


They are married. Yeah!


They dared taking a picture with all the kids. Amazingly, it is pretty good.
Mark, Aubrey, Amber, Drew
Reid, Adi, Erynn

No wedding would be complete without some sort of mishap and ours was very minor. Adi decided to put the top part of her dress over her head. She looks like a burglar who wears the stocking panty hose over their face.


Adi being bored, but entertaining the crowd.

On the fun side, Mark wanted to make sure all the kids got to see the ocean, so we went; and everyone had a grand time. At first the kids were intimidated by it all, soon found it to be quite fun.


Mark is pretty entertaining as well



Not so sure about this.
Kristina Schomer, the best man's wife, and Erynn



Now everyone is having fun! Good idea, Mark!

I shall end this as I ended each night when I tucked the boys into bed--with a prayer.

"Now may the bless and keep Mark and Amber. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His countenance on you and give you peace. Now and forevermore." Numbers 6:24
 
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