More High School Friends

While I was in Joplin last week, some of the girls I graduated with 30 years ago got together at Starbuck's. We had a nice time visiting and getting reacquainted!
Pictured below: Gay Cragin Currence, me, Martha Lee Walker, Debbie Ames Restivo, Karen Patterson Hall

Karen and Gay

Pictured below: me, Judy Green Gurley, Martha Lee Walker, Debbie Ames Restivo

Musical Instrumental Endeavors

Late last year, Jason developed a desire to learn to play the cello. We greatly admire our friend, Doug Wiseman, and enjoy his music so much (which we heard up at Faith Bible School a couple of years ago, and we hear occasionally at Hobe Sound Bible Church online). Also, Rowen played the cello in grade school many years ago, so it has always been a favorite instrument in his life. We looked into the possibilities of renting a cello and taking lessons. Since Jason had a job last summer, he has money saved to do this without it affecting the family budget.

He has had 4 lessons so far from a home school student who is quite an accomplished cellist. He is using Suzuki method and doing very well.

Janet also is trying to learn to play the cello. I don't know if I can keep up with Jason, but I am trying. I am using a book The ABCs of Cello for the Absolute Beginner. I figure I am even more of an "absolute beginner" than Jason. :)

Emily has wanted to play the violin for at least a year. We told her she would have to pray for a violin and for money for lessons. She has been praying for God to provide. First, she had the opportunity to help babysit with Beth. Then, a couple of weeks ago, the lady that she babysits for asked her if she needed a violin for her birthday or if she already had one. She had one that had never been used and wanted to give it to Emily! What a huge answer to prayer!

We have a book The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner that we are going to use before she starts lessons. God has given her the desire to play violin, He has provided the violin, and we are confident He will give her increasing ability for His glory!

My Joplin Trip

Back in November when we saw a good price on airline tickets to KCI, we purchased them so I could go and help with Randy and Joy's new baby who was supposed to arrive in February. Micah actually arrived January 26, so he was already 3 weeks old when I went to "help" with him.
So on February 17, I did something I had not done for 25 years--flew alone! I rented a car at the airport and drove to Joplin. The Lord really helped me, as I usually get very sleepy just driving to Greeley or Loveland. I was happy to spend a week helping with Quil and Micah and many household tasks. I got to spend some time with my parents also. One evening was spent playing Dutch Blitz, Clue, and Password with Randy, Joy, Tim, and Brenda! We had a lot of fun. My family left here at home did me proud by keeping everything done just as if they didn't need me! :) Here are some pictures from my time in Joplin.
My sisters, Sherry and Marlene, enjoying Micah.

Randy and Quil

Joy, Micah, and the cell phone

My mother, Wanda Scoles, and Micah

Quil, 20 months old

Quil and Micah

Grandma Janet and Micah

Micah doing what he does best....

My daddy, Rex Scoles, and Quil

Our new Town Hall

Rowen, Jeff, Beth, Jason, and Emily missed having Janet along as we joined many others celebrating the opening of our new town hall this morning, Feb. 21, 2009. We have only lived in this small town for 20 years, and I was amazed at how many people, young and old, that I knew or recognized. Kind of a good feeling to live in one of the remaining safe, comfortable places in this world.

I can't resist sharing more pictures!

There's nothing sweeter than a grandson......

........

....Unless it is having two grandsons!

I can hardly wait to see them!

Pictures and prayers: all we have right now!

We haven't met little Micah in person yet, but Randy has sent us some more pictures from last week. I, Janet, am planning to fly to see him on Feb. 17 and stay for a week. In the meantime we are doing a lot of praying for him and his family. The SD flu bug flew in over the weekend and bit Joy and Quil. Today they are over the very high fevers, but are weak and coughing still. We are trusting that Micah and Randy will stay well. We are glad Joy's mother is there helping during this time.

Joy and Micah with flowers from Randy

Joy and Micah with flowers and balloons from her parents

Micah wrapped in the crocheted blanket from Great-grandma Scoles