Winter Blessings

Every winter seems long to me. I don't like being cold. (Don't whine, Denise! chuckle...) Summer is my favorite season! This winter seems extra long due to the fact, that since the beginning of January, Jason has been laid off. Construction this winter has been so, very, slow. I am thankful for the work God has supplied and that we have looked to Him to provide and not just a pay check. I have remained calm, through what is usually a challenge for me! I believe God is becoming more and more precious to me, as the things of this world become less! It is easy to say "we believe" through the smooth moments of life, but if you can breathe easy, even in the uncertain times and know that God is Lord and provider..... Well, I just know, that is when I have grown stronger and closer to Him.

I really just wanted to take a moment and acknowledge the fact, that as hard as the world trys to tell us what we need...it has been proven to me again and again...the world and all it has to offer, has no idea what its talking about! Jesus is what we need and he supplies in his way and time. He is always faithful! I have found great comfort in that fact this winter. And, it at least warms my heart, even if my feet stay cold. Being thankful ~ Denise

Christmas Greetings!

At Uncle Josh and Aunt Tricia's wedding - October 2010
He is "as tall as me" but not taller. He wanted to stand on the higher part of the rock, of course....ha.
Daddy's little girl.... she's growing up! ( pictures by Matt Lynch, thanks Matt.)
Greetings and Salutations from the Moore Family! 2010 has been a very full and at times, different year for our family. I was thinking about writing a newsletter to send out with our cards, but could not come up with words to share. This year I decided to just write in my blog, if I could find the time. I haven't been on here for a long while and now, I am having a hard time picking up where I left off.

I will just begin with today. I am trying to pack for our trip to KY. We are visiting my parents for Christmas this year. Jason was laid off for a while, until yesterday. Now he is working at the Veterans hospital. He likes it...but it did change our plans some, for going to my parents. We will still leave for the the weekend and then he will have to come back to work next week. He will return to Ky. so we will all be together for Christmas, and then we will come home on the 26th. It was important for us to get there, since my sister, Dennah's family, can't go. Her husband Jeff had surgery a few weeks ago, and the doctor's do not want him to travel. We will miss all the family cramming together at Dad's and Mom's this year. It was never TOO crowded. ;o) ( Still hope to see Aunt Leona, Davie, Robin, Mark and their families.)

Sometimes life throws curve balls at us. We have to adjust, go with the flow, cry, laugh or whatever is necessary. Just a few days ago we found out that Jason's Uncle has cancer. It was sudden and is serious. Things can come at us and become overwhelming. Celebrating Christmas can be so joyful and at the same time be very hard for people who have suffered loss this time of year. Or, going through a hard time even this Christmas season. I am most thankful for Our Savior who is a gift to all. We really need Him! He is our comfort and Joy. Jesus, the babe in a manger is a promise of a Risen Savior! I really do enjoy celebrating Christmas with family and friends. I am thankful to have a true reason to celebrate!

Jason, Matthew, Denae and I, think of you often, miss you more and hope you have a wonderful Christmas season. And a very Happy New Year!!

Summer 2010

Matthew asked me today, "Mom, how long has it been since you wrote on your blog?" As you can see it has been since April..... This could be bad. Sometimes I have too much going on in my head and don't know what to do with it all. At times it helps to write it down, but it has been some busy days that have gone by. This may come out in a mess!

I believe this has been one of the busiest summer's since we had kids. We sure haven't been home much and my poor garden tells a story of neglect! Finishing up the school year, which was Matthew's eighth grade year ( Yes, he is in high school now ) and Denae's fifth grade year, was a feeling of accomplishment for each of us. Denae thought we should have a party and so we did! Then things got busy!! Both kids had Retreat where they competed in music and drama. They do so well with those. About the same time we spent a few weeks helping our cousin move. Cleaning, painting ect... It was good to help. Celebrated Matthew's 13th B-day and recommend Toy Story 3. It was appropriate for the occasion and difficult to think about Matthew growing up so much this year! You just MAY need a kleenex. We had our second annual Family camping trip at Holly River, which we really enjoyed. It is good that Jason the kids and I, all enjoy the camping scene!

Right after we got back from camping, Matthew went to his Junior high camp. Jason went for one night so he could go White water rafting with Matthew. Sorry no pics. The company's card messed up. A good time was had by all! Then it was Denae's turn. I went to the camp ground with her, but she was in her dorm with the girls and counselor, while I stayed in a cabin with my cousin and had some relaxing time....with a little work thrown in too. Denae is a social butterfly and made so many friends at Junior camp.

We have had some days of swimming, gardening and home time for a week or so now. It is good to be home. Once again we leave this week for Kentucky! I am going to visit my parents and look forward to it, deeply! I hope to see other family while I am there, also. And it is still July. What else can we fit in before school starts. Oh, the kids have plans...Some time at the fair and Family camp too. When we get back.....

So life happens and these are a few things that have taken place in past days. I didn't mention that Jason has been laid off from work since we went camping as a family in June. That is a story. The company he was working for had not been paying his savings, insurance or pension...... It made for a mess and now we are waiting for that mess to get cleaned up. Hoping for an answer to prayer before our insurance runs out. Thankful that Jason has been working with his dad and helping build his brother's house while we wait. God provides!!

We hear news of people being very sick, my sister needs an answer to prayer physically, another family member who we care deeply for, needs...well, we know what she needs and it's hard to share! A friend whose house burned down, but no one was harmed. The list goes on. I think of the way God has provided and is so faithful. Tears are shed but the Joy is greater! Life ~ I look back and I am thankful and learning. I look forward and I am hopeful and encouraged...... I am thankful for the Strength of my heavenly Father! I am thankful for my family and friends that fill up my life and for those that once touched my life. Until next time, when I need to just jot a few things down....Be well and God bless ~ Denise

I think I almost forgot to write or share about this yummy memory! Came across the pics today and I also realized I have not blogged in a long time. I have missed it! - This was our ice cream supper. Matthew had a shake, Denae had a sundae and Jason and I shared the banana split...It was bigger than this picture shows. It was just HUGE! We had fun together and made a memory! ;)

Bob and Anna Mary Stonoff

January 2010 - Matthew, Bob, Anna Mary, Denae, Denise and Jason.

Together again...Just like 'old times'.

Awe...We must have tuckered them out, even Wolfie. OR...maybe, they just needed a nap!

Everyone! I would like you to meet Bob and Anna Mary Stonoff. Maybe, I have showed a few people, pictures before....but just in case, I wanted to post these.
Our story begins when I was 14 years old. About, 26 years ago, the Lord introduced me to the Stonoff's. ( My parents were Pastoring the Tempe Wesleyan Church in AZ. at the time.)They showed a young girl love and affection that still holds true, today. -My family and I were blessed to be able to spend a few days with them, this past weekend, here in WV. My kids love them and Jason, now understands my love for them. Memories have been made and a relationship made stronger. The Lord sure knows what He is doing and gives us gifts of friendships, that last a lifetime. Our visit wasn't about doing things....It was about being together!

( We loved having you, Bob and Anna Mary..... yes, even Bob! Come back, anytime. We do hope to make it to AZ. sometime soon.)

Denae's 10th Birthday - Dec. 6th, 2009

The weekend of Denae's birthday was so busy, I did not have time to write about it. I just want to take a moment and ponder the love I have for my daughter. She was born a fire cracker and to tell the truth we aren't that much alike. I do know, that the Lord gave her to us and created her, just as she should be. Energetic, bubbly, strong willed, courageous and beautiful! We certainly do love her and are thankful to be able to celebrate her life once again, this year, on the day of her birth. We suprised her with a spaghetti supper party, and she has been waiting several years for her Kodak digital camera. We had a nice time together and here are a few pics of our ten year old, to share with you. May the Lord be first in your life Denae, Always!


Deane with Hunter, on her birthday.

Denae took this pic of herself, with her new Kodak camera.

Denae on her 10th birthday. After we decorated our Christmas tree.

My Dash

My Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone, from the beginning
to the end. He noted that first came her date of birth and spoke
the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of
all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.... are there things you'd like
to change? For you never know how much time is left, that can
still be rearranged.

If we could slow down enough to consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand the way other people feel
And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile.
Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash.....
Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash.

....I'm glad you are in My Dash.

Author Unknown