Fiesta numero uno fin de semana

(By the Way, the title is 'party number one this weekend')

We just got home from the party for Courtney's 18th birthday party! It was so much fun! I spent it with my closest friends and best friend, Sara, for the whole day. In the morning, after arriving at their house at ten o'clock, we talked for a little bit and then had a delicious brunch. (I could kick myself for not bringing my camera!) The table was set beautifully-all matching (of course!)and very elegant. The food was delicious; they made stuffed sausage garlic bread, mini egg quiches, gourmet coffee (my favorite!), ham, and fresh grapes. We all did so much talking we didn't eat much! After that we kept talking, but moved into the great room for Courtney to open her gifts from us. Then we all had petite slices of a tiny cake that was really a child's smash cake but just small enough to be used after the brunch! After this we all bundled up and drove to a nursing home in Mckeesport to sing a few Christmas hymns for the elderly. They were all so sweet and nice. I think they really liked us coming and singing and I'm glad we blessed them.

After this we travelled back to the house and helped get ready for the birthday dinner for Courtney and Lila. We all chatted while we cleaned up, baked, cooked, etc. So it really took hardly any time at all-and it was fun! We all got a chance to hang out for the rest of the night and talk to each other-a whole day with one's closest friends doesn't seem sufficient to me! When my dear friend, Michaela, left with her family I still felt (even after being with her all day) that the visit was too short! Courtney and Hannah, being assistant hostesses, looked to be tiring out when Mum, Sara and I left at about quarter past nine. This day is going to stand out to me for the rest of my life as one of the most memorable and fun days with my friends. I got to spend a whole day with, Sara, Courtney, Hannah, Michaela and Morgan-and yet when I left I still felt the visit was short. Time flies when you're having fun. I am so glad the Lord blessed me with all these kindred spirits! Here are some pictures from the party, taken by Sara. She took some great ones!

Courtney and I

Sara & I

Mrs. Sames and MumMichaela and Morgan Williams

Some of my blessings....

My three "Little Women"....I am so blessed! I love this picture of the girls...not only are they my daughters, but also my best friends.....honestly, there is no one else I would rather spend time with than Ron and all 4 of my children! Anything we do as a family is always better than if we do it seperately, or with anyone else!

One of my greatest blessings...my wonderful hubby! After 22 years together, he is still (and always will be) my special guy...my world revolves around him...and my children.

These are just 3 of my blessings...Ronnie, Anna, and my incredibly cute nephew, Ty in the middle! In our house, we call ourselves the "Ty Fanclub"...when he is here, none of us can concentrate on anything else...he is that cute! The most alert, nebby baby I've ever seen...wants to look at everything at the same time....just thought this was too cute...had to post!

I am blessed...I have all that I need! ~Sue~

Nothing else I need...

The words to a Jeremy Camp song are filling my head this morning..."and you fill my life, you're everything to me, and there is nothing else I need anymore..."

God has been so gracious to me recently (everyday, actually...if I pay attention)...in making His presence with me and my family every minute of the day felt so strongly...there really is nothing else I need, but Him. He is my Savior, my provider...He provides everything I need, including hope, comfort, peace and trust...that He is in control of the world...all of our circumstances...and He loves us.

Ronnie is better today...we thought we might have to take him back to the hospital for re-hydration, he had been so sick and lethargic...but by last night, he was acting better and now he is fine...Praise God!!! Now if only Anna doesn't get it, too! Again...I keep telling myself, that God is in control and I simply need to trust Him with my children's health...and not worry about it. ( I AM keeping a large supply of gatorade in the pantry, though, just in case!)

Today is a special day...my wonderful nephew, Shayne turns 17 years old! He is such a great guy...hard to believe he graduates next year....he is one of those kids who really never gets into trouble...minds his own business, would rather shoot hoops with his buddies than go to a party...he has a good head on his shoulders and we're very proud of him. Happy Birthday, Shayne! (we'll celebrate as a family on Sunday....along with his beloved Steeler football game!)

We actually have 3 birthday celebrations this weekend. Today, Meghan and Sara are at a special birthday "Day" for their dear friend, Courtney's 18th birthday...starting with a birthday brunch, then a special trip to a nursing home that Courtney ministers at to sing and visit with the special people who live there...then back to Courtney's for a special birthday dinner...a wonderful, full day!

We are blessed with such a wonderful group of friends! Along with everything else we need, that He provides for us, He also has provided us with just the special, like -minded, kindred spirit friends that He knows we need in our lives...for each child. It will be interesting as Ronnie and Anna grow older, to see who the Lord brings into their lives...I'm already seeing some special friends for Ronnie...friends that they can encourage each other in right behavior as well as just having fun together and enjoying each other's company...

I pray, everyday, that I always remember that there really is nothing else I need....He knows my every need, thought, and even desires of my heart...and He will provide what I need....from rest, to comfort, to joy, to protection and provision....He, alone, is all any of us need.....especially during this Christmas season....let us all remember that He has already provided all that we need...and He tells us so in His love letter to us! May you all have a very blessed day! ~Sue~