The Lion Cubs

Asheville does not have a zoo. (Too many Peta animal rights dwellers in that area.) So Monday being our coolest day for the week, Carson, Sommer, Ava and Dan headed for the Tulsa Zoo. I went along for the photo opt. The lions were too hot to set on even on our coolest morning. But we had to go for the traditional family photo at the zoo entrance. It had been nine months since we have seen our children. Carson, age 4 and Ava, age 6 have grown so much. Ava has lost her front teeth and Sommer has her first set of braces at the age of 32 (33 on July 13th.)

Papa's A Happy Man

He calls them his beauty queens and handsome prince. They are getting ready for the hot tub with the heat turned way down. It's Tuesday morning. They have been up since before 7:00 and now it is 8:00 and they've had breakfast and their parents are still sleeping so we'll going out on the deck.

Happy Nana Celebrates America Through Family Time

We all went to the 5:00 pm service at COTM and then preceeded to our home for a time of fun. But before anything else could happen, everyone had to put on a American Flag shirt for the family photo. So sorry Joel and Jen's family could not be with us but they are coming later this week. There were hotdogs, salad and watermelon. Then the children decorated brownie cupcakes with red white and blue fruit.
There was the snappers and poppers.
And our neighbor had the real fireworks which the children got
to enjoy.

Below you can see all of us on our back deck in our Old Glory Flag shirts.
We were sad that Joel and Jen and family had not yet arrived but they will be coming later this week to see Dan and Sommer. More photos will follow.

Our House Is Going To Be Buzzing and Poppin In A couple Days

Yep, the Colliers are coming and we can hardly wait. Talked with Sommer today and they will be leaving Asheville NC Friday, hopefully at noon. If they can stay awake, they may drive through but if they are too tired then the will arrive Saturday. Then Jennifer is also suppose to drive up with the two little girls next week. So it will be a house full of little happy giggles and smiles. I tend to drive them crazy taking photos. I already have the July 4th USA flag shirts ready for a family portrait.

Have not seen Ava and Carson now for nine months so have no photos to show. But you can be sure they will be coming. Stay tuned in for more news and photos.

Joel Preaches Through Interpreter

As an interpreter myself (sign language) and having interpreted hundreds of messages, I found these photos interested.
This is Joel, Preaching in Costa Rica in the Spring, 2009.
(We had Sydney during this time.)
I found the photos on Facebook and put them together for this site. The scenery is beautiful isn't it. I'm sure the ministry was glorious.
Personally, it is interpreting the Word of God that is the most exciting of all interpreting for me. (Well, I'll have to admit that interpreting someone else having a baby is pretty exciting as well. Both are incidents of giving birth to new life.)
The crazy thing is that I've been told that my specialty is interpreting funerals. What a speciality to have! I really don't enjoy death. Perhaps it is the hope of life after death that makes interpreting a funeral an OK thing to do. But what in heaven's name makes it such that people tell me that is my speciality .... what I do best? I think I need to ponder this a bit to figure it out.

Father's Day Eve is a Guy Time

Ken had a special day with his oldest grandsons today. He loves his boys and especially doing the things boys like to do. Well first of all, there was some very hard work in the yard on a very hot day (which they sorta don't mind doing when there are bucks for their pockets when the job is done.)

But the greater joy is the times eating junk food, going out for hamburgers and goofing off together.
You would never guess that it was the Nana's idea to go for the haircuts.
Don't they look nice after they have been sweating out in the hot sun all morning.

What Is It

Another Riddle for you. Who wants to guess what this is and how it came about.
Go to my website
http://nana-splace.blogspot.com/
Be creative with your solution on how to solve this painful event.

While you are at it, join as a follower of Nana Scriv's Safe Place. You won't be sorry you did.

This is so good

My friend, Pam put this on Facebook. It is so good, I want to post it again.

The quotes were published in 1942, by William J. H. Boetcker, a Presbyterian minister. He released a pamphlet titled Lincoln On Limitations, which did include a Lincoln quote, but also added 10 statements written by Boetcker himself. They were:

1. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
2. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong
3. You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.
4. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
5. You cannot build character and courage by taking away man's initiative and independence.
6. You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
7. You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.
8. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
9. You cannot establish security on borrowed money.
10 You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they will not do for themselves.

People who got the pamphlet thought the 10 statements were written by Lincoln and they have been distributed widely under Lincoln's name.
Does our US Government know or believe any of this?

This Blog is having a half Birthday

It was last January during the ice storm that I first started this blog just to see if it was right for me. Well, it's been about six months now and I've rather enjoyed documenting a tiny piece of myself and left it open for the world to see. I realize not too many have delved into this 'tiny piece of life'- but it's been good for me. It is good for this brain to keep learning while becoming a bit vulnerable when speaking about self. As a matter of fact, it's been fun enough that I've already started building two other blogs .....
The second one for the grandkidsonly was started shortly after the first when I realized that much of what I talked about was grandchildren. Young children (or is it the parents) have not found this fascinating enough for much participation, but that is OK ...... On those rare times when someone leaves a comment or participates in a riddle or game is a high moment in my life. Does not take much to make an ole' granny happy.
And the third blog is of our recent Mediterranean trip. We had so many pictures and memories that I wanted to document them in a fun way. Ken is creating videos of our travel experience. (His brain work has been learning to use his Mac fully with all it's 'bells and whistles' which include websites and movies.) Scrivtravels is far from complete. As all blogs are, it is a work in progress. Having said all of that, Happy Half Birthday Nana Scriv's Safe Place. I think I will keep you a while longer. And it is perfectly fine if one creates a blog and the only followers who check in are myself and my husband ...... my blogging has a captive audience!

How Beautiful are the Feet ....

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger bringing good news,
Breaking the news that all's well,
proclaiming good times, announcing salvation,
telling Zion, "YOUR GOD REIGNS!"

Finally Made The Trip to See Sydney's new sister Blakely

I was taking all kinds of shots of Sydney with her baby sister, Blakely and she wanted to take some pictures also. So this is one she took of Nana and Blakely. Are digital camers not amazing in the hands of a child!

Our little six pound bundle is now up over nine pounds. She really does look like Sydney's baby pictures - minus the one dimple. She is precious. I got to do a couple night shifts with her and did not mind a bit.

There Goes Ken Playing With His Camera Again

He had to try a night shot with only natural light. Here is our front entrance to our house with time exposed night shooting by the Papa Ken.

The Camping Clip Story

Those Precious Grandkids

We had a cookout at our house today for the Memorial Day weekend. Here they are with their new hats from Pops and Nans. Rosie, Hailey, Lily, Devin and Elijah. This is five out of fourteen.

The Stained Glass in Spain

Remember I posted a photo of our old stained glass window out of an old cathedral in Europe. Well, this is what I saw in Barcelona at the Sagrada Familia. I still like mine. I'll have to admit that Gaudi' did a much better job on the house of God than our builder did on our house.

Remember Those Who Gave Their Lives

Floral Haven in Broken Arrow. A celebration to remember those who have given their lives for you and me.

Been to Rome and Back (self portrait)

Left Tulsa on April 26 for our big 52 year Anniversary Celebration. A trip we dreamed of and finally it happened. I'll have to admit I learned I am a bit of a wuss when it comes to travel in other countries. Not knowing the language and not knowing where to go next are uncomfortable moments for me. And definitely, we will never again travel with a suitcase that weighs 50 pounds -- even if they do have rollers. The Internet predicted rain so we had clothing for all weather as well as formal attire for the ship on formal nights. Whoo! Next time it is two pair of underwear and three changes of clothing and that it is! ...... maybe. But we have made memories to last the rest of our lives with a couple thousand photos to wade through and organize, cut paste and delete. Will show you a few in time. But we did love every part of our 2 1/2 weeks away. Landed in Barcelona on Monday, took the train to Salou, Spain for four days, then back to Barcelona to board the Celebrity Summit. Friday we spent the day in Cannes, France and drove through Provence to a medieval city, Saint Paul. Luckily we missed the International Film Festival by a couple of weeks. Saturday we were in Livorno, Italy and took a country drive through Tuscany country to a vineyard and olive farm outside a little town, Monte Carlo, Italy. And here in the photo, on Sunday, we missed the Pope by twenty minutes -- but we still made it to the Vatican. Missed the Pope's blessing but we were still highly blessed by our Good God. Well, this is enough information for now. More than you ever hoped for will come later. http://scrivtravels.blogspot.com/

Blakely O'Neal Scrivner

• Blakely was born while we were in Salou, Spain. We were sitting in a British Pub eating fish, chips and mushy peas when the news arrived, April 28, 2009. We still have not seen her in person. Perhaps can visit this weekend. Joel said she looks exactly like Sydney did when she was born. Doesn't Big sister look proud! In the lower left corner are Jennifer parents, Diana and Charlie Duty.

Smokey is ready for the Trip

1. Ken got a shoeshine while we waited. We tried a Ben and Jerry's icecream.

Smokey waiting for the plane to leave. We are now in Newark/NewYork Airport

From Houston headed to Newark/NewYork

On plane in Houston ready to take off to NY. Love ya. Mom n Dad
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Life, how does it get this way?

Is it the times we live in or is it that I'm just getting old? Here we are packing to take off on an extremely exciting trip in our lives: Barcelona, Salou, Cannes, Florence, Rome, Naples, Sicily, Tunis, Palma De Mallorca ....... we've been planning it for months and both of us working our fingers off to pay for it. Ken and I are very excited: so the laundry is done, the walking shoes are purchased, the suitcases are measured, and weighed and off we go!
But back home, our little Blakely is still not ready to be born and will probably come while we are out to sea. And both of my oldest sister's husbands are not doing well. Sarah and Scott in Ellicott City, Maryland and Paula and Jim in Ontario, Canada. They need so much love and help and day to day support. I talked to my oldest brother, Bill in Greenville, SC today. He just lost his wife last month and now his youngest son, Dan will be having a triple bypass surgery on Tuesday. And I talked with Paula and with Barbie and Buddy last night on the OJO, telling them I'll be praying for them. I am so glad that last fall, Ken and I took a driving trip to visit all of my siblings. Little did we know that it would be the last time we would see some of our family. Our lives are as the grass, it grows for a season and then ........ eeeeeekkkkkk, here comes the lawn mower.
I'm glad we have God's promises:
"You're my servant, serving on my side.
I've picked you. I haven't dropped you.
Don't panic, I'm with you.
There's no need to fear for I'm your God.
I'll give you strength. I'll help you.
I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
Count on it..................................."

And with that, we are off to places we've read about and never seen. You can be sure it will be a picture taking event. We'll be back with plenty of photographs. And back to the question, is it the times, or are we getting old? I think we're gettins old and our world is changing very quickly.

Trip to Dallas

We made a quick trip to Dallas to see Joel, Jennifer and Sydney. We were hoping we might also be introduced to Blakely but we only met her still growing inside Mommy. It was a great trip and wonderful to see our children as well as visit Covenant Church. Sunday morning we visited the youth group called legendary with our son, Pastor Joel. We loved their praise and worship, the preaching on friendship and how the young people shared that friendship in small groups at the end.
Covenant Church is unique in many ways. It is the most 'International' church I have visited. The choir alone represents 52 different nationalities. I love their music and their teaching. Being a Dallas Church, the adult services are much more sophisticated -- in decor, rituals, dress. It reminds me when I was a child and my mother also insisted that you act your best and dress your best in God's House. Even though I would not want to live in Dallas, it is nice to visit. Of course it is very special since we have children there.
The Blue Bonnets were in full bloom so before we left to come home, we visited a field for some photos.
Oh, I forgot to mention that on Saturday evening, we ate Ethiopian food at the Queen of Sheba .. yummy, spicy.

Resurrection Weekend

The JW were in our neighborhood inviting neighbors to celebrate the death of Jesus with them. We declined in preference of celebrating the birth, death and resurrection of Christ. For the JW there must have been a very big push this year as several others mentioned that they had received the same invitation to celebrate the death of Jesus. I decided that this year we would celebrate in a different fashion. For the first time, we did not do Easter Baskets for the grandkids. I did not dye eggs and offered no Easter Egg hunts.
I decided that was another persons's job. (I've been told by Pops for years that I tend to go overboard.) Well, it does not mean I won't do Eggs or Baskets or family dinners next year or future years, it is just I did not do it this year.
The Tulsa area is rich in Easter celebrations, so Ken and I put our energy into visiting three of those events. It was good for both of us. I've been thinking about the experience all day today and I think I will write a blog just on that experience alone later on. For now, I'll just mention that we went to our COTM service on Good Friday evening. We sat with April and Dave and afterwards, met up with them and Kevin's family at Fuddruckers for dinner together. Ken and I had the Buffalo Burgers. I do believe all of us were very full when we left. Saturday was a beautiful day. I worked up until time to go to our second Resurrection celebration in which we visited a neighborhood church near our home. This morning we went to Ken's happy place .... and I went with him. Today is raining and we are enjoying a quiet afternoon by the fire. There are steaks to grill later on. See what I mean. No traditional ham, no deviled eggs. Just rain outside and warmth inside. It is a good day! We've talked with Joel and Jennifer to learn Joel was preaching twice this morning and Jennifer seems to be having that baby sooner than thought -- within two weeks. And Sommer and Dan were having a quiet day at home this morning. Ava and Carson had opened their Easter Baskets and their day is sunny. Their church was having their Easter service tonight. Praise God that all our children are celebrating the resurrection of our Lord today!

European Cathedral Window

Ken is still playing with his camera.

When we first received our Cathedral Stained Glass, I checked out books from the library to discover the particulars of it. Now, I've forgotten what I learned. I do remember that it is painted glass and is probably European and I'm guessing the time is 1700's or 1800's. At any rate, we have loved it and thrilled that it has an 'S' in the middle of it and it hangs over our front entrance window at the stair landing. I'll add the reason Ken is practicing on his camera is we will be taking photos of real European cathedrals next month.

What a difference a week can make

We got a new roof -- and the guttering is yet to come. The insurance adjuster forgot to measure the sun room so the roofer was back to confirm the need for more tiles. And then Saturday was beautiful. Ken is still playing with the new lens for his Cannon.

Here are those same plants which were frozen last week. Isn't God amazing! A constant reminder of our own human ability to bounce back.

Today we are listening to music by Fernando Ortega. So calming and peaceful today. Fernando was at our church this weekend. Ken bought two Cd's -- that means it is music 'older codgers' enjoy.