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

In Honor and Memory of Lori Wantz

I was thankful to be able to attend our dear friends Memorial service this past week. Lori was very loved. I just had to put a few pics on my Blog in Memory of her. She always said, it was like we were talking to each other, when she could read my blog. I love you Lori, Thanks for being in My Dash.

Lori, Denise (Gulliver) and Greg at KMBC.

Lori and Greg, graduation day at KMBC.

Three of my favorite fellows....Jason, Greg and Matthew, at two weeks of age. OK, you crazy men, get my baby out of that tree! ;-)

A few years ago, and 40 years ago

My Mommy and I. You know what they say about the third child. You have less pics than your older siblings. I only have a few baby pics, but these are my fav's!! I have been enjoying looking at pics with my kids and just have to share some ;-)

My daddy and I! I don't have any memory of this picture being taken. I would actually have to ask my parents if it was taken in Michigan. That's where I was born, and didn't move until I was three. Of course this was before our 6 cousins came to live with us in Mo., which was when I was four.

All grown up!!

I guess the three of us, were in the same place, at the same time, so we got a picture together. I like it. ( pic - By Larry Mofield) Denise, Davie and Dennah

Childhood Friends

( Picture was taken for their 50th Anniversary)

I don't have a memory, of a time, when I did not know Br. and Sr. Ghramm. ( a.k.a Lawrence and Velma ) I have always called them, Br. and Sr. Ghramm. I know a few people reading this may know them, but not many. They were my childhood buddies, from the Wesleyan Church in Joplin. I know that may seem strange. But it wasn't to me. I thought, they were WONDERFUL! And they loved me! I loved spending time at their house on Sunday afternoons, and he took us on the railroad tracks, to check things out. He worked for the railroad. She loved to cook for people, and I just enjoyed being with them. I felt special, just being in their company. Only warm, good memories of them! We have kept in touch over the years with cards and letters. Sr. Ghramm made Matthew a wonderful quilt, when he was born......... then shortly after, I received the news from Br. Ghramm, that his wondeful wife of 54 years had gone to be with Jesus. I will always remember the moment, .....sitting in the van, reading the letter. I cried, and sobbed like I have rarely ever cried.

I was truly going to miss her. I had lost something precious in my life. Br. Ghramm and I still write at Christmas. I have tried on many occassions, to express to them, how they touched a little girls heart, and it lasted a lifetime!! Even though I haven't seen them for years, when God gives you a friend, they are always a friend!! I love The Ghramm's!!

Family Favorite

Front row: Belva, Mom (Denna) holding Mark, Denise, Dennah, Dad (David) holding Bobby
Back row: Davie, Robin, Deanna and Kathy.

Now, here is one of my favorite pictures. I was about five when this was taken. We were all between the ages of one and nine or ten, depending on when birthdays hit. We were living in Joplin, Mo. There is a lot I could say about this pic, but I think I need to keep those thoughts to myself, for now. I keep this picture in my Bible, because it is a special one, too me! Thank you Lord, for Family! Now and then!! Many years have passed.....I do not get to see my family that often, I miss them. Dear Lord, I pray your peace and protection over them, AMEN.

HUNTER - King of Our Yard

Hunter is seven years old now. He was born on August 13th, we believed he was born on my birthday, and then found out it was the day after.....on his papers. Matthew was 5 and Denae 2 1/2 years old, when we got him. He was always an easy dog to train, and especially to love. He loves Matthew and Denae, but he is more friendly with adults when it comes to strangers. He loves me, of course, giggle...and Jason. I like to call him "My Linus" because he comes to me whinning at times, out of great excitement to see us, all the while carrying his towel around in his mouth. He is a big Golden and reminds me of a lion with his coloring and whispy hair. Thank you Hunter, for being there to love and be loved, and protect my kids and be a comfort to our family!

Birthday

Happy birthday to ME! I am 40 today, and thought I should post "something". Especially since it has been almost a month since I wrote anything. Never thought I was all that interesting, Always believed the people who have crossed my path or blessed me with their friendship were so much more intriguing. -Today, I began to think of my kids and their butterflies, which they released this past week. Something they do every year now, for the past three years. --My Dad and Mom have told me of when I was born, for some reason we just can't remember that day ;-) And I remember the day I was Born Again. Thanks to Jesus! There is just something about Birth and a fresh clean start that is so wonderful. God's amazing plan! And so, I just reflect on those thoughts today, and thank The Lord for His plan and purpose in my life today and every day!

MATTHEW

Our Matthew is 12 years old today. I have only one regret. That so many wonderful people, friends and family, can not be with him and know him as we do. He is that wonderful! Thank you God, for seeing me through my difficult pregnancy and giving us James Matthew Moore ( meaning "gift from God") 12 years ago. MY, how we love him and daily give him to you. You care for him better than we ever could!!
We are having a cook out tonight. Hope it does not rain. He is having his friend JT over to spend the night. Then tomorrow, he wants to go and watch the movie, "Imagine that." Recommended by KLOVE christian radio. Happy Birthday Matthew!! We Love you ~ Dad, Mom and Denae

13 YEARS / JUNE 16th

This past week, Jason and I celebrated our 13th anniversary! God brought us together at college about 16 years ago and we married three years later. As you know, God gave us two marvelous children and just the right people to support us each step of the way. We are especially thankful for our incredible parents who have been our closest friends!
We are thankful to Our Lord and Savior for guiding us and giving us strength and Joy through our journey together. Marriage has been changing through the years and it is being be-littled by this world we live in. I take this moment to honor God and my husband for all our marriage IS, CAN and WILL BE, because of God's love for us.
(Jason and Denise..... below)

Mother's Day Pictures

Matthew took this picture.

Someone said, "You took a pic of those." I said "Yes!" I thought they were beautiful! MMmm

Jungle Jane..... I mean, Denae.. One hand. She loves to swing on the Vine! Neat, huh.

I had to down load some pics this week, a little differently.... so I needed Jason's assistance. Finally got the job done. And wanted to share these with you. Mother's day was great, and I owe alot of that to Jason. I will just say this bluntly.... since so many people tell me this. God, Jason and I made two beautiful children together. I love you Matthew and Denae. It is my JOY to be your Mother!

Jason did a wonderful job taking care of his Mom and I last Sunday! Thank you, Jason!!

He helped the kids give me homeade (by the computer) Mother's day cards. And they gave me the "A New Hallelujah" CD by Michael W. Smith. And made breakfast for me, in bed. Then he made his Mother and I dinner. And I have pics to prove it. That afternoon we played and then had a camp fire and Smoore's. I Love a camp fire! It was a great Day....Just wanted to share!

Happy 44th Anniversary

My Mom and Dad, Denna and David, now and then. They are right where they should be. Right next to each other...... for 44 years. Happy Anniversary, Dad and Mom. I love You ~ Denise

"A Handful of Weeds"

Sunday for Mother's day, our Music leader, had four girls get up and help lead our worship. Denae was one of them. It was special!! They also sang a special. It's a song by Sheri Easter....

"A Handful of Weeds", good song. Denae sang the first verse as a solo. I really enjoyed it. I was going to put the song on this blog, but I was having problems doing that. Just put Sheri Easter's name in google and the song will or should come up. If you haven't heard it, the song is worth listenng too. --Just one of the many great things that happened on Mother's day.

Snow tubing

Let's go back in time..... I think I mentioned that we went snow tubing in February. Well, I just got our pictures back from a water camera we have been trying to get developed for a very long time. The actual place is called Whisp. And the snow tubing area is called Bear claw. I did not think the kids would ever tire out. Up and down they went. You can not fully appreciate the size of the hill from this view. There are several jumps on the way down. To the right was a tube pull. Kinda like an escalator. Very necessary to get you back up, after you come down. And you came down ....fast. Jason said, "That was faster than I thought it would be", and as the day went on ,it became even faster. I am thankful that it is spring now, but memories are nice!

I wanted to share our fishing spot with you, especially Bob and Anna Mary. We fish at Rachael Dam. It's a sportsman club you can belong to for about $40 a year. This camera was a water proof, throw away...but hopefully you can see it all well enough. We love to fish together and it is so relaxing. ~ I love my kids, and Jason. Mother's Day is just around the corner. One of my favorite holiday's. I pray all you Mom's and just --great Women, have a special day!

(Sorry, no fish were in these pictures.)

PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE!
I want to share with you something that happened to me and the kids yesterday. I took my kids to their piano lesson and about three thirty we were on our way home. Matthew and Denae's teacher lives on East Run Road, (not that this means anything to anyone that does not live here.)
This road is right off of 250 the main state road for our area. You do need to be careful getting on and off East Run, due to a mountain that makes for a little blind spot. And people are moving about 55mph on 250, at this spot. As I was approaching 250 on my way home, I saw a white vehicle at the stop sign, waiting to get out on 250. They pulled out, and the next thing I hear ( because of the mountain I can not see ) is screeching tires. All of a sudden a white blazer
crashes into the stop sign and guard rail, right in front of me. The Lord stopped me from pulling forward, because two seconds sooner and It would have been us they crashed into. I got out of the car, called to a man out in his yard to call for help and prayed that the people inside the vehicle were OK. About the time I went to open the door to see, a man crawled out the passenger side door and said, "I'm OK, I'm OK." Another car stopped to help, then the ambulance and fire truck were there. They asked me to stay as a witness. And then after it was all over, a fireman helped me get out on the road safely. We were a little shook up, but I really felt protected and safe, the Lord really was there with us. ( By the way the other vehicle that pulled out in front of the man, just took off. Never stopped to see if everyone was OK.)
God be close to you~ Love the Moore's, Denise

April 30th, Happy Birthday to Christine! My Mom Moore, and Mamaw to my children. I am so very thankful for her and say a prayer for her each day. There are many things I could share about her, which are all good. But she is kinda private and I am hoping I can get away with posting a pic of her to share with you all. Christine is a wonderful Mom and a special Mamaw to her Grandchildren. So here she is...... (with Jim )

top picture: left-clockwise, starting with Hope, Faith in blue, Denae next to Faith, Kayla, Kara and Joshua ( Robin's kids ) in back, Mom, Matthew, Deena Marie (Davie's girl)on Grandpa's ( dad's) lap.
Below: left to right, Dennah, Denise, Davie, Robin, Mom, Dad in the center

Happy Birthday to Hope, Dennah and Faith. I tried to find some up to date pics of them together, but these were the best I could find, from Christmas. These were pics of us all together with Dad and Mom (Mark was there at another time.) Most of you should be able to pic everyone out. If not, just ask. Hope's birthday was the 13Th, Dennah's was yesterday the 23rd, and Faith's birthday is today the 24Th. Aunt Leona's birthday and Grandma Williams also have March Birthday's. Busy month for our family.

I am starting to find out, I may be a monthly blogger. I have pics I want to show you, but I haven't taken them off a water proof camera we have. And there have been things I would tell you, but at the time I did not get to the computer. God has been blessing and helping us. Jason has had several services to preach at, and although we miss our church, it has been good meeting new people. I think their are people who think about, where all, we can go pastor...... But we must be careful to listen to God's leading. There is much work to do here in Mannington. In the church and out of it. We are so thankful for your prayers!!

Jason had work and nightly classes last week, I felt very lonely and out of sorts last week, when he was gone from morning 'til night, and the kids really miss him. He will have some extra classes again in May. ( Welding) This week they have changed his schedule from 4 ten hour days to five eights. The guys were not too happy about that. And they go in an hour later too. Jason is an early riser and likes to get his work in early, so this is different for him.

Last week I went out and bought flooring for our bathroom, got a good deal and someone gave us the glue to put it down. As soon as Jason gets the floor glued, everything can go in. We use what little free time we have to work on our house and it is exciting to see it come together.

OK, so I will take a moment to tell you the kids are doing well. I say kids, but my, they are both growing up on me. I noticed last week that Matthew puts his arms around my neck now to give me hugs. Now that is a sign of growing taller than Mom, if I ever saw one. Not yet though. And Denae is changing too. She is finding it hard to decide if she is Daddy and Mommy's little girl or if she just has to be a Big girl now. People are noticing changes in them and I am preparing myself. Sad and excited all at the same time. They both have district quizzing this weekend, they would appreciate your prayers. Denae and Matthew are both singing for Talent and Mathew is playing a piece on the piano, " Here I Am To Worship/ I Can Sing of Your Love Forever". He has been working very hard on it. They are both doing a "Stick" drama presentation at Easter with 4 other kids. They will do it to the song, "Arise My Love". So, yes, they are active. And we are flying through our last days of 7Th and 4Th grade schooling. yeah.

I am REALLY enjoying the sunshine and spring weather here. Although it is a little cool it is so much better than....COLD!! We miss you and keep you in our prayers. Stay in touch, because we love it! I send our Love, For The Moore's ~ Denise

Little bit of everything

Hi! So Jason checked our blog and said to me, "You haven't written anything since January?"
I said, "Guess not" I have just been occupied with a lot of things to accomplish, and places to go.

I should write something before I forget it all. I'm sure you can guess we are still plugging away at getting the house done with it's building project. I should quit talking about it, as if it is going to get done someday soon. Jason has at least to other projects he wants to do after the office/closet/master bath is complete. He wants to close in a laundry room and make our living room bigger. While we are in the middle of building, Jason and I have begun a Financial Peace class through our Pastor. We decided it is real hard to have a strick budget while being in a building project. Breathe...... We will get through this!

This past weekend..... Valentines weekend, we decided to do something different. Jason and I took our two sweethearts ( Matthew and Denae ) snow tubing in Maryland. Not too far from WV. I took pics of the slope/mountain we went down, but I do not have them ready to post.
Soon hopefully. The kids really loved it, I thought they would never get tired. We were there from about 10am Friday to 3pm. Then we drove back to Mannington, packed the kids a bag so they could spend the night with their Papaw and Mamaw...... because Jason and I had a date.
It was the most romantic date ever, not really. ha. We went out to eat and then did our homework for our financial peace class. That included a budget. We have a budget but it wasn't as strick or laid out like they wanted, so we went by their rules. With the economy the way it is, we needed to look over everything again anyways.
We had a nice evening alone, and the kids like staying their grandparents and playing games.
( We tease our Pastor and tell him he will have to do marriage counseling after this class is finished.) I'm teasing, you know that right?!

Sunday night we had another quiz meet and this time it was at our church. I had to be the quiz master for my class. The kids get to compete against the adults, and the adults are fairly willing.
It's a good time had by all. Matthew and Denae had perfect scores again. It will get harder from here on out.

I did want to mention before I bring this note to a close, that Jason preached his first sermon at a Baptist church, a week a go Sunday. His boss, Dave's church is without a pastor, and Dave asked if Jason would come preach. So Jason said "yes." They treated Jason (us) good. Jason will preach again at a Nazarene church the first week of March.

This past week we had some high winds of 60 to 70 mph. I was amazed to see the wind blow so fierce, this was not good. I have only ever seen winds like that on the news. Yes, there was damage, and electric was down in places, schools closed. What really amazed me was the wind took a huge awning off at the doctors offices down the street, but the wood and construction at our house stayed put. I thought we would for sure have some broken glass or something. Thank the Lord, no damage.

I think I caught you up on at least a few things going on in our lives. Even though it is cold
here today the sun is shining bright! We miss each of you and pray you are doing well!

Signing out for the Moore family, With our thoughts and prayers....
~ Denise

Friends, Pets, and Myself.

Hi, What's up! I'm Matthew, and this is my dog Hunter. I am eleven years old and in the seventh grade. I like it here in Mannington, West Virginia. I used to live in Somerset Kentucky, but my dad needed a better job, so we had to move here. I made friends fast but three of them, (Ashten, Auben, and Hunter Hines) our pastor at the time, also had to move. We do see them every so often like at quiz meets and childrens camp. Our new pastor and his family, the Dooleys, were welcomed into our church, and the pastors son J.T is now one of my closest friends. He has a dog named Max who is really fond of me.

Speaking of which, the funny thing about my dog is when we give him towels to chew on, he always chews the tags up first then rips the towel up. I have heard somone say there is a sort of comfort only dogs could give. Through experience I know this to be true. A pet was just as much a need as it was a want when I was a kid.

I am writing a book called The Hunters and I only write when I'm at the computer and something comes to me and I haven't written anything in it since the beginning of December... I guess you could say I'm in a slump, but something will come to me. See ya!

Posted by: Matthew Moore

Happy Birthday!

OK, so this post is going to be a hard one for me. There is no way

I can put into words what I want to say...... but I am going to give it a try!

Tomorrow is a very special person's birthday! You see I've had a great,

wonderful, and special friend since I was 14 years old. Even though we

have not lived in the same state since I was 17. We have kept in touch.

She writes me faithfully. And responds to my questions that I write back,

almost immediately. ( Unless she is off traveling or something.)
She prays for my family, and her and her husband have helped us

financially, when we really needed it. She sends my kids a birthday

card every year, as if they were one of her grand kids.

I believe she is pretty ( I know she likes that word ) And she IS pretty,

and a very beautiful person. I have cherished staying in touch with her

all these years. I will never know what she saw in me that caused her

to care..... but I thank God on a regular basis that HE chose to introduce

us to each other over 25 years ago.

May God bless and keep her, and to help her daily, put up with Bob!
( You know I had to write that!!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I love you Anna Mary Stonoff, Really I Do
~ Denise

Quizzing kids

This past weekend we went to Parkersburg, WV. for our church
quiz meet. Matthew and Denae's teams both have 6 quizzers each.
Their were 12 churches represented . Matthew and Denae have
big smiles on their faces because they both won first place with
perfect rounds.

This year there is the possility of going to Florida for the World Quiz.
Jason and I are not sure about making that trip, we'll see. I am happy
for Matthew and Denae's win! They studied hard and it paid off.
( We are doing Exodus.)

For the Kids, Denise

Snow, Snow and Moore Snow

We've had snow for almost two weeks now. The other day we got about 4 inches all at once. I would say in total we have had about 8 to 10 inches.



The kids, Mamaw and I decided to go out and play in it. Of course our dog Hunter had to come along too. He loves the snow, even the taste of it. ha He kept bringing me his frozen, snow covered ball..... So I had to take a pic.

Stay warm, but If you get snow...... go out and play for a little while. You will feel like a kid again.


~ Denise

Dad Moore's Birthday

1. 

We celebrated Dad Moore's Birthday, yesterday on

January 8th. Happy Birthday, Jim!

Denae and Matthew

Matthew and Denae

are back at their school

work and into more of a

schedule again, after a

nice vacation. We had a

good trip to KY and then

a little play time at home.

I just love taking pics of

them, and they are a joy

to be around everyday.

I have a wonderful job.

I really don't even use

that word.

Just needed to put a

picture of them up for

you to see and make

this blog a lot more fun!

Denise

Salutations

Salutations! I have to give a big shout out to Glen and Jeff Snyder
who have inspired me to start this blog. I have been thinking of
doing this for years and finally, here I am.



I love seeing pics of people I only get to see every once in awhile
and hearing the stories going on in your lives, past and present.
I love keeping in touch with people and maybe 2009 is a good time
to start doing that in a different way. I'll see where this takes me
this next year.

Stay in touch..... Jason, Matthew, Denae and I love hearing
from you, in whichever way you choose to do so.



OK, so this is my beginning blog ~ Denise