Father's--What would we do without them?

I have already posted an entry that is about my children's father and my husband, but I would like to add some words about three other special fathers in my life. Our son-in-law, Scott, is celebrating his first father's day this year! I want to tell him how much we appreciate his love and care for our daughter and grandson! He has been so special to us and I have loved him from the first time that he was introduced to us. He is honest, caring, sensitive and very straight forward in his thinking. There are no hiddens or curves in his character. I believe that he loves God and has every intention of raising his family to do the same. I've told him more than once that I love him for who he is and what he represents in our family!

My own father is beyond hearing of my words, but I would love to hug him and tell him once again that I love him! He was the very epitamy of goodness and right, safety and security to his family. He truly was the hub of our family wheel and we miss him so much! I was Daddy's girl, spoiled and probably a pain to my sisters! We didn't always get everything that we wanted, but we knew that our needs would be supplied! Daddy was fun loving and loved a good joke or prank! He wasn't so excited about it when it was on the receiving end, though! I remember the last time that I hugged my daddy. He and Mother were in Mexico, tending to the mission work through an interpretor while we did a short furlough in the states. Right before we pulled away we told Mother and Daddy good-bye and I remember hugging him and just not wanting to let go. I think that my senses told me that I wouldn't see him again. Daddy was a great cook, disciplinarian, pastor, and it seemed like he could fix just anything! Daddy, I know you are in Heaven and I will meet you there, by God's help!

The other father in my life, my father-in-law, has just left us this past January and we miss him! I told him a few times that I no longer had a daddy, and he would have to be my daddy. He was a unique man, much like his son, but his heart was so good! His aspect to many was tough and uncaring, but he cared deeply for his family and wanted the best for them. He and my mother-in-law were notorious for their fusses, but in the end he adored her! He had a small variety store at his house for years before he got sick and he would sell anything from propane, to gasoline, ice cream to potatoes, shampoo, paper supplies and whatever, all crammed into the little one roomed store, probably not much bigger than most peoples' utility rooms. He was truly the patriarch in the family and what he said was law to us! When he first got sick, our dear friend, Daniel Luna, went to the hospital to pray for him and the Lord moved on him. His life was changed after that, although he didn't say much about it, tears flowed at times and his demeanor was softened by the love of God. When we heard that he was gone, it was unbelievable and we were so sad. Yes, we miss him very much! I would say to my father-in-law, my suegro, I called him, "Hasta la manana cuando encontremos otra vez en la Gloria!"

Happy Father's Day, Manuel!

I want to take this opportunity to thank my husband, Manuel, for being the most unique and wonderful father and grandfather in the world! His hispanic heritage and culture make life very interesting at times, but hey, his kids love it, so what can I say? He's their father! He was the one who always was so ready to get up in the night with our kids when they were babies. He was so proud of them, and he was fine with having three little girls. He would take them with him, just like he would have taken a son around. They were all three "Daddy's girls"! Then, God sent us Noel and I will never forget how Manuel looked right after Noel was born. Just quietly holding him and with such an uplifted look on his face! The peace and love just filled the room as he hugged his little boy that he never expected to have. When Bianca was born, he said, "This is my little Bianca Nicole, isn't it?" And when Mandie was born he was proud of her, too. Dafne's sisters say that she is Daddy's pet, which she denies! He picked out little dresses for eahc of the girls to come home from the hospital in, and he got Noel a little outfit with turtles on it, as I recall. My dear husband came into my life from a totally hispanic world and did his best to fit into mine! I love him for that. When we were first married he didn't know what white gravy was and thought ketchup was a little wierd. He was always polite about whatever I cooked, but it was strange to him. Now, I believe that we have meshed both worlds and taken the best of both. Our children are comfortable in both cultures and that was our desire. My children's father might not do everything just like some think he should (he always has his own way of doing things) but he loves his children very much, including his son-in-law and our precious little grandson, Wyatt. He is very protective of his children, while believing that they need to learn to live with mistakes. Thank you, Manuel, for being the father of my children! Thank you for being my cook and helper when you have time! Thank you for doing the special things that make my life easier. And thank you for the times that you hug me and pray for me when I am really stressed and worried about something. I love you very, very much!

Thank God for protection!

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow . . ." is the song in my heart this morning. Mandie, Dafne and Noel are at the Abilene Youth Camp and were there last night when this storm ripped through Salina, Abilene, and a line of towns. Mandie called last night and said that they were all headed to the basement at the camp. I didn't think too much about it, concerned, but used to bad weather, until I talked to someone who looked on their TV and told me that a tornadic storm was headed from Salina to Abilene. That's when I was so thankful to have Someone to go to. I felt so helpless, but He was right there in the situation and the tornado did not touch down at the camp, but went on to a small town east of there, touching down, killing 2 people and distroying their town. Here are a couple of pictures from the wreckage around the area. I can only thank God that He spared the camp, protected our children, as well as all of the other campers! He answers prayer. Mandie said this morning when I talked to her, "Mom, they said it's not by chance that the tornado missed Abilene!" May this put a desire in the hearts of all of the young people to get as close to God as they can. We just never know what will happen when we get up in the morning!

Stormy Oklahoma!

This is a picture of some of the storms we have been having in Oklahoma. This particular one is located in Western Oklahoma, but there have been storms like this all over! I thought you might enjoy this picture. I didn't take this picture. It was posted on the KTUL weather web page.

Memorial Day

On Memorial Day all of our kids except Scott were in the Independence Park with us and other family members for a picnic. We went over to the cementary next to the park where my parents and other family are burried. I know Mother and Daddy would be proud of these great kids! (I'm not prejudiced at all!)