Saying “Good-bye”

Kale and Kayla are on the road (even as I type) for their new life in the Houston area. This momma has been dreading this day for a long time… and praying for it at the same time.  We’ve long dreamed for him and Tyler to grow up to be hard-working young men who love the Lord and do well in life.  We thank God every day for His goodness.

But, today we had to say “good-bye” and it was tough!

  Not smiling much in this photo because I was fixin’ to lose it… and then I did, so I’m not in the photos afterwards. Ha!    

I sure am going to miss seeing those kids as often as we’ve been able to during his college years.  Looks like I’ll have to put the new Christmas gift that David got me to good use!!

Destination: Conroe, Texas

Merry Christmas!

Kale and Kayla have been in since Monday evening and we’ve been busy, busy ever since.  We’ve spent the last two days with our family and friends. Last night, we had supper at David’s sister’s house.  Carla is an excellent southern cook and she had a huge feast fixed for us. (She uses ALL her cast iron and everything!)  Carla and her husband, Gweldon, became grandparents last winter during the ice storm and it was so fun having baby Rylee in the mix this year! She livened up the party!

On Christmas day, we usually go to Jodi’s and Gary’s and then to my folks house. We had a good laugh when Jodi gave Kale his present.  Apparently when we had our Christmas service at church Wednesday night, their dog “discovered” Kale’s gift under the tree and tore into it.  There were some goodies in it and he had eaten quite a bit of it. Ha!

Here’s what the package looked like…

We always have a fun time when our families get together.  Today, Gary started up his Victrola and we listened to OLD vinyl records. Jodi fed me biscuits and chocolate gravy… that was my first time and I was pleasantly surprised.  It reminded me of eating a chocolate long john donut!!

Kayla and the cute apron she got

Two cuties… Tyler and Jodi’s daughter, Jessica

Jodi always makes her gifts fun by adding some extra “goodies” like my mint M&M’s. Yum! (I look sunburned???)

The Howards

The Wallaces

The girls.  Jess grabbed Jodi around the waist just as the picture was snapped.

The Men

 

Afterwards, we went home for a little while before heading to my parent’s house.  I didn’t get a head count, but there were lots of people there.

The kids … Kale was messing with me

Mom, Kevin (#10) and (part of) his family

Suzanne (#3) and Mom

Sharon (#9), her son, Tanner, and oldest daughter, Krysta

My niece, Becky, and her boyfriend, Jordan. (She shares your first AND last name, Becky)

Becky’s brother, Brandon, and his wife, Alicia

 

Me and a couple of my peeps  

Sharon (#9)

Jack (Val’s husband as well as Dave’s cousin) and their son, Hunter    

The Goulet girls: Suzanne (#3), me, Mom, Sharon (#9), & Val (#4).  We were missing my oldest sister, Cathy (#1) and youngest sister, Kristin (#11).

I hope you all enjoyed your family and friends today and celebrated the joy of Christmas together.

I was reminded of its true meaning this past Sunday when we sang “O Holy Night” (my favorite Christmas carol) in church.  The words to the second verse really spoke to my heart as I envisioned myself at the birth of the King of kings…

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts By His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,

Here come the wise men from Orient land.

The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need,

To our weakness is no stranger,

Behold your King!

Before Him lowly bend!

Behold your King,

Before Him lowly bend!

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

A New Day Has Dawned…

A couple of weeks ago, David came home and mentioned that for his next phone he wanted an iPhone.  I just laughed.  You have to know Dave to understand the humor in that statement.  David is not fond of technology.  He gets around pretty well with our DishNetwork remote.  And he does know how to answer his cell phone. But, that’s about the extent of it.  I’ve texted him so many times in the past and he never even knows he’s gotten a message! Ha!

So, when he said he wanted an iPhone, I was a little shocked.  I explained to him that it would be a good idea to work on his current phone using all its features before he wanted to take on the extra expense (and learning curve) of an iPhone.

So, the next morning, just after I got to work, my phone chimed and it was a text… from DAVE! It said, “are you still cold?” Ha!! I texted back and told him that my under-the-desk heater was cranked and that I’d be okay.  He then texted Kale… who texted me with “What the heck? Dad just texted me!”

Ever since, Dave’s been texting me a few times a day… I think we can say that we’ve officially taken our relationship to the next level.

Some things that make my heart happy

One of the things us Goulet girls like to do is take our Mom on a day-shopping trip.  She’s usually game to go… and we like to find a fun place to eat for lunch.

So yesterday four of the six of us girls took Mom to Branson. It’s pretty unusual for so many of us to be able to go on the same day.  I can’t believe I didn’t get any photos… well, except for this one that I sent to Jodi because it reminded me of something someone we know would’ve bought…and I was having her “guess who would like this?”

My sister, Suzanne (#3), had me meet her at 7:30 in the morning … which, by the way, is not unlike 4 AM to me when it comes to “be ready and meet me by time”.  We stopped along the way and picked up Valerie (#4) and then my Mom (she’s #1 to us!).  We drove to Harrison and left Suzanne’s vehicle at the dealership for a service appointment and my younger sister, Sharon (#9), drove us the rest of the way to Branson.  It was tag-team driving.

We got to the Landing about 30 minutes before the stores opened and it was 20-something degrees!! So, we found a little coffee shop opened and headed in there to get warm and visit for a while.

After the shops opened we took Mom on a little shopping trip in Coldwater Creek to pick out a few things for her Christmas gift.  We had her in a dressing room for like an hour and a half or two hours.  It was fun… and I told Suz that I wish we could do that for her every week.

We ate at Cantina Laredo and it was SO good! I had the Enchiladas Veracruz (chicken and spinach enchilada)… and their vegetables were incredible!

Afterwards, we went on to Kohl’s and then finally to TJ Maxx… where my heart rate increased greatly just pulling into the parking lot.  I got the cutest little shirt-dress for $19.99, oh yes I did.  No purses though… TJM greatly disappointed in the purse section.

I suppose it IS the season for giving to others, not self, though. Ha!

We got home around 6:00 and then Dave and I met up with Jodi and Gary for “modified” pizza.  To top off the rest of our romantic double-date, we headed to Lowe’s.

* * * *

I got a “thank you” card from Kale a few days ago.  There’s just not much sweeter than that!!

* * * *

Today, Kale is taking his two final tests and then he is FINISHED with college.  We are SO proud of him and for his hard work and discipline these last four years (not to mention the 13 years of effort before that).  He has accomplished so much and done so well for himself… and in a couple of weeks, he will begin his life as a career man as he begins his full-time job in Houston with the company he’s been with for the last two years.

We are SO proud of you, Kale!! You’ve come a long way, baby!!

Well, I’m off to jump in the shower (I know it’s 1:30 in the afternoon and I haven’t showered yet)… Dave just texted me and asked if I wanted to go do something.  It’s a new day in the Wallace house… more on that in my next post.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year #5

What I Want For Christmas…

This year David and I started sponsoring a Compassion child.  His name is Amit.  He is 4 years old and lives in India.  I’m overwhelmed when I realize how our small monthly contribution can mean the difference between life and even death for Amit. 

This has been a tough year, economically for everyone.  As a matter of fact, we had just began sponsoring Amit when we received the news that our wages would be REDUCED as we all do what we can to ride out this economic crisis.  But, God has been faithful to us and even when things SEEM hard for us… they are truly hard for SO many who are less fortunate.  We have a roof over our heads.  We have food on our table.  We have clothes on our backs. We have so much to be thankful for… and we are thankful for the opportunity to give and to help provide for Amit.

This Christmas, I made a commitment to Compassion to help find a sponsor for a child.  Meet Janeth…

Janeth lives in Tanzania.  Across Tanzania, thousands of children like Janeth face a harsh, daily struggle for survival.  Many children go for days with little or no food or have little access to safe drinking water.  They are often sheltering in unhygienic conditions where disease, violence and abuse overshadow their lives.  Many live in constant fear and danger.

Janeth is almost 10 years old.  She lives with her mother who is sometimes employed as a farmer.  Janeth helps by working at home buying or selling in the market, washing clothes and making beds. There are 2 children in her family.

Playing jacks, singing and art are Janeth’s favorite activities.  In primary school her performance is average and she also regularly attends church activities and Bible class.

Janeth especially needs your prayers, because she has epilepsy and is receiving regular medical treatment.

Through Compassion’s sponsorship program, children like Janeth are being given the chance of a lifetime to break free from poverty, receive an education for the first time and know what it is to feel loved, valued and highly esteemed as one of God’s precious children.

I ask for your prayers to help me find a sponsor for Janeth during the month of December.  I am committed to pray that she will find one this month.  I ask that you prayerfully consider sponsoring Janeth yourself.  All it takes is $38 a month.  $38! What is a meal or two out for us, is hope for Janeth.  Hope for her next meal. Hope for education. Hope for the treatment she needs for her epilepsy.  Hope to have joy in her life.

If you want more information or are led to sponsor Janeth, please contact me… and I will HAPPILY get you the information!  Finding a sponsor for Janeth is all I want for Christmas.

A Few Wedding Photos

The kids made it back home Monday morning.  Kale had to be in class early.  The next couple weeks will be the end of his schooling and preparing for finals and graduation.

The photographer will have photos in a couple of weeks, but my Mom sent me a few that she took…

The cake was gorgeous. Not your typical wedding cake, either.

It meant THE WORLD to us that Charlsie was able to attend.  (She’s wearing the outfit that she asked me to shop for.  So sweet!)  Her brother, Lloyd, was her “date” for the evening. 

Charlsie hugged on Kale a little after these pictures and my Mom said she saw her mouth the words, “You’re a good boy” to him.  (He is.)

The ceremony was beautiful, but nothing was more beautiful to me than when they said their vows to one another.  My heart was so full!!

And so, they begin their lives together…

Mr. & Mrs. Kale Wallace

Wedding Day Recap in A Nutshell

Woke early.

Enjoyed omelet – courtesy of Dave.

Last minute errands.

Chatted with Kayla on the phone before her hair/makeup appointment.

Relaxed in front of TV.

Feeling calm and proud of all we had accomplished.

Kale comes home – just chillin’.

One hour until photo session - about to get dressed.

Phone call from Kayla.

Both hairstyles - a DISASTER. Kayla is distraught.

Frantic phone calls… Kay, my wonderful hairdresser, comes to the rescue.

Kayla is happy again.

We all make it to the church for photos about 30 minutes late.

Button falls off Kale’s tux jacket.

Wedding begins ON SCHEDULE (did you notice Brother Steve?)

Wedding was BEAUTIFUL!!

Yes, I cried.

Head to reception - major caterer disaster.

I freak out. Start making punch. (BTW, chocolate coffee punch was the crowd favorite.)

After what seems like forever… food is served.  SORRY guests! We really do love you.

Kale and Kayla off to their mini-honeymoon destination… and off to begin their lives together. Smiling all the way.

* * * * * * * *

The day certainly had it’s tense moments.  But, the kids are just as married and all is well.

I want to thank everyone who helped us: Jodi and Gary (who stayed to clean until 10 PM, they also helped us so much setting up); Steve, Judy, Kelly, Joe and Libby for getting the church put back together for Sunday services; Carla (Dave’s sister) and Ray X. for helping the caterer.

Thank you, Steve, for all the years you’ve been there for our family.  It is a huge blessing for you to marry our “baby” after all these years.

Thank you, Lord, for blessing our son with a beautiful girl, inside and out, to spend his life with and for blessing David and me with a daughter. 

We have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving week!

Dear Kayla

A little over three years ago, we met up with Kale at one of our favorite little spots in Harrison (Neighbors Mill).  He didn’t tell us ahead of time, so it kinda surprised us when a cute little girl stepped out from his car.  We got tickled and said to each other, “oh, look, Kale’s brought a little girl with him!”

Well, that little girl has come to mean so very much to me.  You love my son with your whole heart.  You are kind and warm and sweet.  You make me smile and I love you already as though you are my very own.

Today, on this day that you marry my son, we wish you all the happiness in the world. We pray that God will bless your marriage and keep you close to Him and to each other.

I’m so grateful that he invited you that day to Neighbors Mill.  That little girl has become OUR little girl.

We love you!

PS.  The five year plan starts today!!

An Unexpected Blessing

We had a sweet Thanksgiving church fellowship tonight.  There’s always so much good food (especially the desserts) and good conversation with wonderful church family. 

Afterwards, I was headed to my office to put a few things up and I heard someone in the sanctuary… it was Steve and Judy and they were working on packing up the shoe boxes our church collected for Operation Christmas Child.  So, Tyler and I joined them… and it was so much fun!!

I couldn’t help but think about the little hands that would get to open each box and the smiles on their faces and the joy that those simple shoe boxes would bring to each child.  I only wish I could be there to see them open them with my own eyes.

What a blessing to be able to do something as simple as pack a few shoeboxes to be ready to ship!

And the countdown is on… four more days until Thanksgiving and six more until the wedding.  This will be a busy week!

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year #4

I got this email from XM Radio today!! SO excited! I love me some Christmas music…