Esther's Endeavor

25 years of wedded bliss!!!

2008-08-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

Rachel & Jeff celebrated 25 years of marriage this year, and they had a beautiful ceremony to renew their vows on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008. It was really nice and even brought a tear or two to my eyes! Then afterwards, their kids put on a really nice party for them - enjoyed by all!

As their son presented them, "An OLDER version, of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff McCallus!"

Tina, Jeff Jr, and Jordan

Stacey and Justin

And once again, the happy couple!

I liked this picture of the three sisters - not too often do we pose together - (Tara's idea!)

A week on the lake....

2008-08-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

We spent a wonderful week on Lake Titus this past week at "our" rented camp. I was SO privileged to have Tara and baby Emily up here for a WHOLE week, and Don & Wendy were so gracious as to share the week with us, as well as with Aunt Marilyn Rudolph! WE had some rainy days, but it was OKAY - we also had a few beautiful days and were able to swim and boat and catch a little bit of sunshine. Then again, some days we just stayed in our PJ's most of the day and ate warm cookies fresh from the oven, that Wendy so happily baked for us almost every day! It was a great week. As you can see, the lake was not the focus for many pictures, we seem to have focused alot on one sweet little lady!!!

And...by the way....next year I WILL beat one of you at Super Scrabble, Don or Aunt Marilyn!!

Emily napping in her borrowed car seat.

I'm not sure what scared these two, but look at those faces!!!

Aunt Mern relaxing...

And of course, me...slaving in the kitchen! (Just kidding, Don & Wendy did more of the cooking than I did - it was GREAT!)

Grandma got to help give Emily her bath at the Lake - what fun!

July 5th - Henderson Harbor Lake House!

2008-07-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

I was invited to spend the day with Tony, Jenn and Brandon at Jenn's aunt and uncle's Lake House in Henderson Harbor and it was a beautiful picture perfect day!! I was so happy to get to spend some time with them and of course, to do my part in spoiling my little grandson! He's getting so big and grown up!! (Well, not really grown up, but it's amazing how much difference a few weeks makes at this age!) So here are a few of the pictures of the day. My camera battery was running low so I didn't get too many pictures.

This is the new lake house - absolutely beautiful!!

This is the previous lake house, which is actually closer to the water, and they now use for extra sleeping space when they're there, and/or it's available to rent to people they know (which would be me!!)

Sitting up ALL by himself!! Right on his new beach towel that Grandma brought for him!

Here are the "cool kids" heading out on the four wheeler! They didn't really have far to go, but wanted to take a ride anyway.

"Are you talking to ME, Grandma??"

Brandon & Daddy!

Women of Faith - Rochester, NY June 6 & 7, 2008

2008-06-09T06:38:00.001-07:00

What an exciting, fun-filled, emotionally and spiritually uplifting weekend!! We laughed, we cried, we sang and we listened and learned. Here are just a few of the many pictures I took, I'll try to post a few more soon!

ANITA RENFROE - one of the funniest women I've ever heard!

NATALIE GRANT - a young girl with a POWERHOUSE voice!! Amazing!

From left to right, Marilyn Meberg, Sandi Patty, Patsy Clairmont, Sheila Walsh & Natalie Grant...yes, I was sitting that close to them (well, with a little zoom help!)

SANDI PATTY - another one of the world's most powerful female vocalists! I love her voice!

And of course, PATSY CLAIRMONT - one of the spunkiest "older" women, I've ever seen! She has more energy than most 18 yr. olds!

Everyone home for Memorial Day weekend!

2008-06-03T11:10:00.001-07:00

We had kids home, grandkids home, lots of family and friends from away and it made for a very beautiful weekend. Tandy Kay got married on Saturday and the wedding turned out absolutely perfect! And then on Sunday we had a dedication service for little Emily Joy and some of David's family were able to join us for that, so it also was a memorable day! I was sad to see everyone head for home again, but will live on the memories and many beautiful photos until I get to see them all again!! Here are a few, of course, the cute babies FIRST!

Brandon James enjoying all the bright and pretty things on the table at the reception!

And this was Emily Joy's reaction to her first wedding! But she looked so pretty!

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Shaffer!!

And a group shot of the Powell clan after the baby's dedication!

And then on to OHIO to meet Emily Joy - who arrived on April 16th!

2008-04-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

There's plenty more room in Grandma's heart - and LOTS of kisses too!!
"I'm home!"

And last but not least...all ready to go on my first outing with Mommy, Grandma and Great, Great Aunt Mern - we went to Target and STARBUCKS!!

A quick visit with Brandon James.....who gets cuter EVERY day!!

2008-04-26T16:31:00.001-07:00

I love sitting on Daddy's lap, right up to the table where I can see EVERYTHING!!

And I met my GREAT-GREAT Aunt Marilyn - we had a nice visit!

A few more of my favorite pictures of Brandon!

2008-04-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

He has the most beautiful eyes!!
Looking at one of his Baptism gifts - so cute!

And with his new "shades" for his upcoming trip to Florida!

What a lovely weekend with family & friends!!

2008-03-28T04:51:00.001-07:00

He is just so kissable, Grandma can't get enough kisses!!! This was after the Baptism service and he was all comfy in his jammies!

At the church, with Mommy, Daddy and Grandma P.

And with the other Grandparents, Oma & Papa Volk!

And then an Easter Sunday pose, (this was before Brandon had a little "accident" in his outfit and we had to change into the alternate Sunday outfit before we went for dinner at Oma's house!)

My sweet little St. Patty's Day boy! 3 months old!

2008-03-18T06:53:00.001-07:00

No time to write much, but just had to put up this picture of Brandon in his "wearing of the green" outfit. He's getting so big and cuter every day, I can't wait to see him this weekend! If you'd like to see more pictures you can check out Jenn's pictures at www.picasaweb.google.com/JPowellPics !!!

Have a great day everyone!

My sweet little valentine!!

2008-02-22T06:24:00.001-08:00

This was my Valentine's Day card from Brandon, I think his mommy might have helped him create and send it!! Isn't he SOOOOOO cute in his Valentine's outfit??

I LOVE my daddy - even if he DOES have a funny Valentine frog on his shoulder!!

Just me, in my adorable outfit!

And a close up, so you can really see how CUTE I am!!

Some more pictures of the little cutie-pie!

2008-01-17T14:36:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure where I'm going, but I hope they don't expect me to MOVE!! Is this what they call a straight-jacket?? Or is it a snowsuit??

I think I must have worn Daddy out - why doesn't everyone want to be awake at 3am???

The happy family by the Christmas tree on Christmas day - what a beautiful Christmas present!

Grandma's little sweetie!

2008-01-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

I spent the weekend in PA cuddling and getting to know my new little grandson (especially during the "wee" hours)!! But he's so sweet, I couldn't help chuckling at him, even at 4am when he came to visit me in my room so Mommy and Daddy could get a little nap. I hated to come home, it was so fun to be with them all.

Brandon James, trying out his infant seat (he usually lasts about 5-10 minutes before he realizes there's not a warm body holding him)!

Look at those eyes, "DAD, what are you doing to me??"
Asleep, but apparently deep in thought......

Napping with Grandma - we did this a lot!!!

Going to see Brandon James...

2008-01-03T07:04:00.000-08:00

Well, I am so excited, I'm going to see my grandson this weekend! Here are some pictures of his first bath! Mommy getting him ready.......
Daddy holding him after the bath.
The wonder of it all....isn't he sweet???
Is there a little boy in there????
Brandon & Tony's feet - how cute!!
So, Aunt Marilyn Rudolph and I will be heading to PA on Friday morning and will get to spend a whole couple of days with Jenn and Tony and the baby. And I think Aunt Tiffany will be coming over too, she's already had a glimpse and is anxious for more of her little nephew! More pictures to come after we get to see him in person!!!!

The Warmth of the Holidays!!

2008-01-03T06:52:00.000-08:00

Anybody recognize this old Santa?? Oh yeah, it's
my brother-in-law - he went to work this way on
Christmas Eve!!!
Tiffany and Tandy with Jordon, aren't they cute??
HMMMM...whose kids are these??
And another one of the cuties!!
All in all, our holiday season was full of fun and love and laughter with our friends and families! It's always nice to see everyone and share the warmth of the season, even though we are almost BURIED in snow up here in Northern New York!!!

Tara's Baby Shower - what fun!!!

2007-12-27T15:35:00.001-08:00

On December 22, 2007 we had a lovely baby shower for Tara here in New York. Tiffany worked very hard to make everything sweet and beautiful for her sister, and indeed it was! We all had a great time, and Tara and Matt got lots of lovely gifts for their soon coming baby girl! Here are a few shots of the party!

A favor for everyone to take home!

Tiffany Jean - our party planner!
Our crowns say "Grandmother to be" and "Mother to be"!!

The expectant parents opening their gifts.

Cute Little Brandon

2007-12-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

All bundled up... and no place to go!

Phew... It's been a long day!

Time for another nap!

Update on pictures....

2007-12-19T15:50:00.001-08:00

Well, this grandma finally did get some pictures via the internet from Tony's digital camera, but do you think I can figure out how to get them on here? I've been trying and I'm a little frustrated. So instead, I forwarded the pictures to the girls, and hopefully they'll get some up on their blogs. Sorry, I'm just not quite as computer savvy as they are. I can only figure out how to post pictures from my own digital camera, so far... Maybe they'll teach me when they're home for Christmas!!

Going home with the new baby!

2007-12-18T11:22:00.000-08:00

I just talked to Tony and he was right in the middle of packing up everything, including Mommy and Brandon, to go home from the hospital! Now starts the fun part.... and I could hear Brandon crying (that's the first time I've heard his little voice!) because as Tony said, he wasn't taking too kindly to being packed into a car seat! Otherwise he says he's a pretty content baby.

So the holdup on pictures was that Tony wasn't at home to send me his digital pictures, so once they get home and get settled I'm expecting to get some. Then if I can figure out how to get them on here, we'll be all set!!

What an exciting Christmas present, a brand new baby boy to love!!

I'm a GRANDMA!!!!

2007-12-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

Brandon James has arrived! My first grandchild - born to Tony and Jennifer Powell at 3:18pm today, Dec. 15th, 2007!!! I haven't even seen a picture yet, but according to his DAD, "he is beautiful!" So there will be more posts to follow with some digital pictures later tonight, I hope!!

It's a nice feeling, I just wish I was close enough to get to hold him and squeeze him. I'll probably be making a trip as soon as Christmas is over, so I can introduce myself to him!!!

God is GOOD!!

All ready for Christmas....well, almost!

2007-12-08T13:07:00.001-08:00

The house is all decorated, now I just need some PEOPLE here! Are you kids reading this?? The decorating is for YOU, I could live with just my tiny little fiber optic tree that is in the foyer! But it is really pretty when it's all done, and I can't wait until everyone gets home. Of course, Tony and Jennifer won't be able to make it this year, as they'll be busy waiting for little Brandon's arrival, or maybe even taking care of him by Christmas Day! Their due date is Dec. 28th, so we'll see. Tara and Matthew, and Tiffany will all be home for Christmas, and we're also squeezing in a baby shower for Tara while she's home, in anticipation of their little girl's arrival sometime in April of 2008!! Isn't this fun? We get one of each, how much nicer could that be?

So now I have to finish shopping and get everything wrapped, then I will TRULY be ready for Christmas!! Until then...remember the true reason for the season - celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Beautiful weather in Northern New York!!!

2007-12-03T04:52:00.000-08:00

Our first official winter storm is HERE!! It started freezing rain at about midnight (while I was at work!), then turned to snow and it has been snowing all night! All the schools are closed and the snow is supposed to continue throughout the day! These pictures are right out in front of my house, you can even see my blue Impala right in the corner!!

So I thought at least my kids would like to see these, they actually miss the beautiful snowfalls from up here, so here it is for you all to see!

I'm off work tonight, so if I'm snowed in that'll be just fine, I have some good books to read and my house is nice and warm!!

Have fun!

OOPS!

2007-11-28T20:55:00.000-08:00

Well, I AM new at this, sorry for burying the picture of Matthew! I'll try that one again - here goes!

Thanksgiving Day!

2007-11-28T20:36:00.001-08:00

We had an enjoyable day of food and fellowship at Kendall's house. Here are some pictures of the day!

HEY, I have a blog!!!!!

2007-11-22T07:34:00.000-08:00

Well, this kind of happened by accident, but here I am! I wanted to post a comment on someone else's blog and it said, "you have to have a Google Account" - so I made one, and found myself on here! My kids will be SO impressed! Aren't you now? And you better be regular readers of my "oh so exciting day to day life"!

Anyway, it's Thanksgiving day and I have MUCH to be thankful for. I'm thankful for my 3 wonderful children, two wonderful "in-law" children, and soon to be TWO GRAND-babies, the grandest EVER, I'm sure!!! I'm a little sad today because none of the kids could be home and it feels really strange not to have anyone here, but circumstances are what they are, and with the price of gas at 3.35 per gallon here in Northern New York, it's too expensive to drive very far at all!! Back to being thankful, I'm also thankful for ALL of my family that I will be having dinner with a little later here in New York. I'm also thankful for GOD and for salvation and his unending grace and mercy to us as we plod along on this journey! I'm thankful for more "family" and that's those of you who live on the other side of the river - my Canadian family. They've always been SO good to me, even when circumstances weren't the best, they stayed truly family to the kids and I. And on that note, I would be very remiss if I didn't thank God for saving David in the recent past (Tony, Tara and Tiffany's father for anyone who might be reading this that doesn't know, I think they call you people "lurkers", but I've been one too, so that's not derogatory!) and for David's attempts to reconcile with our kids and just generally turning his life around. We leave our future in God's hands, He's a great big God and there's NOTHING too hard for Him! And I'm thankful for that too!

So, here's to my first official "post" - now I'll see if I get any readers!