Scribble Picnic–Octopus

Oliver was so nervous about his first date that he forgot whether they planned to go bowling or play golf.  Oh well, he was prepared either way!

I joined in on the Creative Tuesday art challenge a couple of weeks ago, but it turned out to be the final week of the run of that particular art co-op. Fortunately, CT is being replaced by Scribble Picnic each week, so I'll see if I can keep up with that.  Or at least join in now and then!  This week's theme–Octopus.  (And my first time using color in my drawings.)

G–is for Gum Ball Machine

     As mentioned a few posts back, I decided it was time to start putting pencil to paper again. Through Wanda I found Creative Tuesdays, where this week's theme is–you guessed it–Bubble Gum Machine! So, just for the fun of it, here's my attempt. Guess I was so intent on making it recognizable that I forgot to get creative with the contents. Oh well, maybe next time! Since this will be linked, I suppose I might see a few new visitors, to whom I say, "Welcome!"

F–is for Family

     Family.  What does one do without it?

     I’ve been blessed all my life with an amazing family.  I have SO MANY great memories of family time when I was growing up.  My dad loved the Lord, was the kindest man you could ever hope to know, and absolutely adored my mom.  They were college sweethearts and had over 50 years of married life together.  Mom was the best anyone could ask for, and I’ll forever miss her love, encouragement, and support in my life.  My older brothers put up with their younger sister, and still do for that matter!  I just wish we could get together more often.

     My next level of family began with the answer to my prayers that I found in Benny.  We were late twenties and mid-thirties when we met and married, and both agree it was worth the wait!  Raising a son and two daughters was not without its challenges of course, but those were far outweighed by the good times!  What a joy and privilege to see them develop into such fine young people and find their own loving spouses to continue on with.

     This may have been taken a dozen or so years ago!

     Grandchildren.  Did I mention grandchildren?  :-)  We have four now–ages 3 1/2, almost 2, almost 1, and just over one week!  All the clichés are true–there’s nothing like it, why didn’t we have them first, etc.  With their different ages and abilities, each one is a unique delight!

#4 (#1, #2, and#3 are a few posts down)

     Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins… None ever lived in the same town I was in, which made each time we were together all that much more special.  Of the older generation, I’ve only two aunts remaining. 

     Of course marriage expanded family immediately.  In-laws and their families brought another good dimension to family that I can't imagine not having.

     I can’t leave the subject of family without including my spiritual family.  These fellow believers have taught and been with me through all kinds of joys, frustrations, and sorrows.  Some I’ve known for decades and some for just a few years, but we all have eternity to look forward to because of accepting Jesus Christ into our lives as Lord and Savior.

     Family.

     I think family should be spelled b l e s s i n g!

E–is for EEEEE

     EEEEE!!!!!  I finally made it to 200 published posts!  (Yes, I know that's hardly any for most bloggers, but obviously I don't publish daily, and sometimes I've even gone months at a time without posting.)

     In case you happen to wonder what it is with all the Es on this blog, our last name begins with the letter E.  Five in the family.  Five Es.  There you have it!  Now wasn’t that EEEEExciting?

     In the EEEEExtra miscellaneous information category, the KS instead of X in my blog title has to do with the spelling of our last name.