Happy New Year 2011

Rory and Reagan enjoying Mimo and Papa's Christmas Tree.Papa loves Reagan. Uncle Ben with Reagan.

Reagan in Papa's CLEMSON coat.

Reagan goes to her first Clemson basketball game.

Mimo and Rory in one of Meredith's outfits!

What a year 2010 was for us. I look back and it is a blur but it is a blur with lasting memories especially for me. We had the delight of having my Mom with us from February 1 until September 25 when she went to be with the Lord. She talked about it often and was so assured of her Salvation. She loved her room here. When I go in there now I think about how often she would say "leave the door open so I can enjoy looking out". I think she mainly enjoyed it because she could see a lot of her own furniture and it comforted her. I am grateful to Hospice the last two months because they were able to keep her out of pain. She loved her visits from Monica. It was precious to see her old friends in Chattanooga at her funeral that she loved and I love too.

We also had the joy of seeing more of Meredith and Ben. We were togther with them Christmas 2009 and then they both came to see Mom in June. We are so glad that Reagan and Rory got to meet Mom and get to know her. When they came for the funeral Reagan went into Mom's room looking for her and could not find her. I know she did not understand.

Reagan and Rory are such a complete joy to us. Many told us being Grandparents was life-changing and now we totally understand. When John and I are sitting and eating supper we watch the pictures flash across our computer and we enjoy it so much. We find ourselves talking to the computer and telling the girls we love and miss them. I am so glad we have these pictures and memores to watch when we cannot be with them. I was always close to my grandparents. It was just a 30 minute drive and I was there. I wish things were the same with Reagan and Rory.

John B continues to amaze us with his recovery. He just had his 3rd MRI and it showed no growth of the tumor. He is off medication and is so disciplined about being healthy. We are very proud of him and of Meredith whose faith and undying love and compassion has really encouraged us. They will learn in May of the Air Force's decision about John's future. It is wonderful to know that our God is in perfect control.

Ben continues to work in California. He likes the group he is currently working with and is learning a lot. We are hoping he will be able to come home in the Spring for a vacation. He was blessed to have a family invite him to their home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas which was good for me and comforted us and we did not want himn to be alone.

I have loved seeing sweet friends and meeting for lunch and just talking. What a blessing friends are. I have worked a bit at Propp Drugs during Christmas and have seen many friends that did not even know we had returned to Anderson. I have also been able to make a trip to Columbia to see John's sister, Katherine, and shop. It is only two hours away. John continues to work with the team at Owens Corning to work out the kinks at the Plant and get it to running consistently. I pray for him everyday. John and I both miss Brazil. I find myself thinking in Portuguese often and so does John.

We had many other answers to prayer this year. The sale of Mom's home was our biggest answer. Our wonderful realtor, Claire, would agree with me. It needed so much work yet was approved by FHA for a loan with no repairs. A MIRACLE. We attended my 40th (yes 40th) Class Reunion. I was privileged to see many old friends and to see how many had grown in the Lord. It was heart warming. The Reunion Committee headed by Claire (I don't see how she does it) planned a weekend that was just perfect. Finally, John and I unpacked the last box from Brazil this past weekend after ONE YEAR. I have felt in limbo and it is a settling feeling to feel more organized.

We have lots of room so if you are EVERY close we would love to have you stop by and visit. We miss all of you very much and we are so grateful for your friendship.