Tuesday, March 31, 2009

God Is Love



Today I am taking my tired, happy self to Scottsdale, Arizona, to play with our granddaughter Makenna. She is 16 months old, and loves entertaining me with her little tricks. I hope to teach her a couple myself. I am sure I will love this, and I am also pretty certain I will be whooped at the end of the day when Chris and Maria come home. But I want to know this little girl, and I want her to know her Grandma Ginny.
Yesterday afternoon, I had a great time at McDonald's with Nolan and two of the daycare friends. Hannah came along too. She had not felt well in the morning, so she stayed home from school and by lunchtime, she was up to the trip. We met Judy and Katie there and stayed for about 2 1/2 hours. I just enjoy so much watching the kids having fun. And Nolan spent about half an hour at the Lego table, just building and building. He'd make high buildings, then low, wide ones. He was so focused on his little buildings, I don't think he knew anyone else was around.
Last night, our "Why Catholic" group of 11 people met to complete part 2 of the program. In the 12 sessions we have had together, we have become good friends. We decided to continue gathering once a month or so until the next part of the program begins in the fall. So we will use Fr. John's "Lectio Divina" method of Scripture study for an hour or so, then head to Maya for Mexican dinner. In our gathering last night, we read a passage from the Bible that I would like to encourage everyone to read today. It is called "God Is Love." 1 John 4:7-21.
I have posted the last of the pics from the Haycraft Reunion and the visit to Theresa's new counseling office. Theresa's business partner has the beautiful photo of her grandson on the dock with his dog. Carolyn is advising her about how to best mat and frame it for hanging in her office. We all love the picture, even those who are not dog fans, because of what it portrays.
I have thought a lot over the past couple of days about my weekend reunion experience and all the work and organizing that led up to it. I got much feedback from my cousins about how much they enjoy what Carolyn and I do, and how thankful they are that we do this for them, because they could not be so creative and inventive and technologically gifted to do this themselves. Well I have to give God the praise for giving Carolyn and me the particular abilities we have. We are just using what God gave us, just like everyone else uses their talents for God's honor. My heartbreak in all this comes from some of my extended family who don't see this simple reality. But I return to 1 John 4:7-21. There is where The Truth lies.
Live in The Truth, walk in The Light, and teach with love. Goodbye for now everyone. I love you. :o)

PS Uncle Jimmy and Jonnie have invited all of us to a family picnic/baby shower for Eri and Jimmy Haycraft, who are expecting their first child. The date is June 20, and the location is Lincoln Park in Springfield. There is a playground and a pool there. She asks that everyone put this date on your calendar and plan to bring a dish to share. Please spread the word to your families.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Haycraft Reunion, Allie's Baby Shower, A Visit to Theresa's New Counseling Business

Our Kentucky Haycraft cousins
Nolan sleeping through the early moments of the reunion
Sam and Carolyn setting up for the photo display from our last reunion
Our technology experts
Sam's and Joyce's family members
Jenny from Kentucky and her family (Joe and Marie's daughter)
Kathy from Kentucky and her husband and daughter (She also is Joe and Marie's daughter)
Mike and Jeanette Ryan family from Springfield (Aunt Jessie Lee and Uncle Robert's youngest son)
Bill and Shirley Haycraft, Susie and Joyce
Jonnie, Kathy, Billy, Jimmy, and Jonnie's granddaughter
Mike Ryan's grandsons
Mom sees her great niece
They used to visit in Las Vegas
Time to chow
Dottie and Kayla

Our unique cousin Sam Haycraft--I think he might look a bit like the original Samuel Haycraft!
Brother and sisters, nieces and great nephew

Mary Stella, Dottie, and Bill Duffy

Baby Blake and Bailey

Theresa and Stan

Naeves and a few Dedes
Wrights and Hamms

Team 3 for "What do you know about being a Haycraft" Part II

Should know all the answers.
Last reunion's winning team.

The Downs, the Crows, and Shirley and Mary Stella
Carolyn reading the trivia questions displayed on the big screen
A break for liquid refreshment
I know some kind of deal is being offered here, not sure what

Figuring out all those Haycraft boys' names

Still some deal in the works

This team knows a lot
Carolyn, Mom, and me
Nolan sleeping after a busy reunion night
Uncle Grandpa Jimmy, daughter Allie, grandson Gavin, and Grandma Jonnie

Now at Theresa's new office in Springfield


Receptionist area where Marty works

Waiting room in pale blue

Theresa's office

An inviting, warm atmosphere for helping children and families
Her business partner's office
The schedule book
Mother Theresa's writing displayed on the bookshelf for everyone to see
Another reading on the shelf. I agree.
The weekend was full. Today I am tired in a good way. I will pack my bag for my visit to Arizona and take Nolan to McD's to play. And our last session of the spring of Why Catholic is tonight. I have it prepared, and someone else is bringing dessert.
I like this thought for today: Happy is the one who has learned to hold the things of this world with a loose grip.
I am reminded of what Kris Kristoferson said about Willie Nelson years ago...."Willie wears the world like a loose-fitting coat."
That is about how I feel. I am so tired, I can't hold on to much of anything today!!! But a happy tired is ok. :o)