While too busy for getting out cards this year, we made plenty of time for our greatest blessings: family and friends.
We've already had our own family gathering, due to our daughters-in-law's much needed time w/their families on Christmas Eve and Day.
And what fun it was as we chose to do our Holladay traditions this past weekend, including all of the kids coming in to spend the night, staying up late playing games, watching movies, eating good food (creamy tomato basil soup, muffalettas, Kev and Dee's amazing spicy pretzels, Tim's best batch of beef jerky, and lots of cookies baked by myself and Ben the day before: spiced oatmeal, lemon/lime bars, raspberry filled Irish butter, cream cheese/peppermint, and blueberry white chocolate).
Then came the opening of gifts early on (faux)Christmas morning, the 18th.
Lots of gift wrapping and bags went flying as each checked out the presents Doc and I had so much fun selecting.
Kev's main gifts were easy w/his love for hunting as Deanna helped me select arrows for his bow, and insulated boots for when he's trudging the cold ground in search for that elusive big buck.
One of my favorite moments was watching Deanna read our main gift to her: a trip for the time of her choice to take Kade and go back later in the year to visit with her folks (and our dear friends) in Alliance, Nebraska. Having all my chicks so close by makes me more sensitive to Art and Becky being so far away. And it gave me much joy to see Dee's happiness at knowing that she's only a plane ride and a few hours' drive away from her amazing parents.
Kade was especially fun to buy for as it's been a long time since I've picked out baby toys. But as always, this little one was more enamored with the boxes, bows, and gift bags than the actual gifts themselves. And simply because I'm ornery, I looked til I found the 'back in the day' corn popper push toy for him to create even more noise than he already does. :o)
Doc and I will certainly love going with Tim and Mal next month to enjoy the Maverick tickets, hotel stay and dinner out with them that we knew they would love.
With Jon and Chee's move into their country home, we knew that appliances were their greatest needs, so washer/dryer and chest freezer were part of our presents to them.
Our unborn granddaughter will have special books waiting for her when she arrives. "Guess How Much I Love You" and "Wherever You Go, My Love Will Find You" express how each of our hearts feel about this, and all of our little ones.
It's so much fun shopping for my girls as I search through the household/kitchen items in stores like Homegoods and Ross. And Doc pitches in when help w/each of the boys is needed.
Editing for Michael's second novel, tires for Daniel's truck, and clothes/shoes for my evergrowing Benjamin (13 yrs old, 6 feet tall, and size 12- for now- shoes!) rounded out their big gifts.
Throughout their lives, our boys have always been taught and expected to work and pay for whatever they wanted. Because of this, we unashamedly spoil them at Christmas, and this year was no exception.
But nothing can compare to the greatest Gift ever given: the life of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In 1 John we see: How great is the love of our Father that He LAVISHES on us, that we should be called the children of God.
My prayer and goal is to lavish love on my own children and grandchildren in as many ways as possible. Time together, listening, teaching/training, being there when help is needed, giving above and beyond in the most important areas, and creating lasting memories upon which they can reflect with joy are just as much gifts to myself as to them.
It is my heartfelt prayer and hope that, through us, they will always know the merciful, gracious, unconditional, neverending, above and beyond love of our Heavenly Father.
And from our Holladay family to yours during this greatest of holidays, our prayer is the same for you.
We wish each of you a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.
Doc and Polly
Kevin, Deanna, and Kade
Timothy and Mallory
Jonathan, Chelsey, and (soon to be born) Leila Michelle
Michael, Daniel, and Benjamin
Friday, December 23, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Another Grandbaby- And This Time It's A Girl!
Now that Jon and Chelsey have told those closest to them, we are free to share the news with everyone.
How sweet it was to see Chelsey's sonogram and have the doctor announce that they were having a baby girl.
With six sons and a grandson in this Holladay clan, this will be a whole different experience for us and we couldn't be happier.
We look forward to many more additions to our already growing family.
The way Doc and I look at it: The More The Merrier!
How sweet it was to see Chelsey's sonogram and have the doctor announce that they were having a baby girl.
With six sons and a grandson in this Holladay clan, this will be a whole different experience for us and we couldn't be happier.
We look forward to many more additions to our already growing family.
The way Doc and I look at it: The More The Merrier!
Monday, December 5, 2011
A Job, A House, and A Baby Boy OR Girl???
It's been a tale of miracles for our son Jonathan, and his wife, Chelsey.
In less than a week's time, they've found an amazing job, the perfect house, and discovered the sex of their first child.
Two things I 'CAN' tell you pertain to the house and the job. The baby's sex is their news to tell... and all in due time. (pun intended)
After going to and graduating from diving school last February, not finding a job in his chosen field, and periodically helping an area master mason, Jonathan has finally been blessed w/a good job in Campbell, TX. He began work this morning at seven o'clock sharp.
After living for nearly a year in a small dwelling at the back of her parent's home, they have been blessed with a four bedroom, two bath country home in Sulphur Springs. It's a great starter, and spacious enough to live in for years to come.
And today, I was blessed to accompany Chelsey, her mother, Cathy, and her sister-in-law, Tiffany, to the doctor for her 'announcement' sonogram. And very clearly, we saw the little one and now know what they'll be having come late April.
Because I'm short on time (decorated tree and house this morning, left for Sulphur Springs by ten o'clock, heading out in a few minutes to see my grandson, Kade, and then off to coach a basketball game in McKinney) I've just posted a few pictures.
We've been blessed far beyond what we could have dreamed. But again, we have a God Whose power is far beyond our wildest expectations and blesses more than we can ask or imagine.
To God be the glory, great things HE has done!
In less than a week's time, they've found an amazing job, the perfect house, and discovered the sex of their first child.
Two things I 'CAN' tell you pertain to the house and the job. The baby's sex is their news to tell... and all in due time. (pun intended)
After going to and graduating from diving school last February, not finding a job in his chosen field, and periodically helping an area master mason, Jonathan has finally been blessed w/a good job in Campbell, TX. He began work this morning at seven o'clock sharp.
After living for nearly a year in a small dwelling at the back of her parent's home, they have been blessed with a four bedroom, two bath country home in Sulphur Springs. It's a great starter, and spacious enough to live in for years to come.
And today, I was blessed to accompany Chelsey, her mother, Cathy, and her sister-in-law, Tiffany, to the doctor for her 'announcement' sonogram. And very clearly, we saw the little one and now know what they'll be having come late April.
Because I'm short on time (decorated tree and house this morning, left for Sulphur Springs by ten o'clock, heading out in a few minutes to see my grandson, Kade, and then off to coach a basketball game in McKinney) I've just posted a few pictures.
We've been blessed far beyond what we could have dreamed. But again, we have a God Whose power is far beyond our wildest expectations and blesses more than we can ask or imagine.
To God be the glory, great things HE has done!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
A Holladay Thanksgiving
Not much time to blog, but here are some new Holladay pics of Thanksgiving to share. You can see them to the left, right, and at the bottom.
We had an AMAZING time w/all of our boys, their wives, our grandson, Kade, and Deanna's sister, Erica, and her husband, Rob.
Later that evening, Doc's folks, Bob and Joan Holladay, his sister (Swirlz owner) Becky Holladay and son, Elijah, Doc's brother, Kenny and his wife, Laurie, and California cousin, Kimberly Wickstrom and two of her daughters, Lucy and Daisy all came to share dessert, laughter, games, and lighting and releasing beautiful Chinese paper lanterns.
What a blessed day with our sweet family!
We had an AMAZING time w/all of our boys, their wives, our grandson, Kade, and Deanna's sister, Erica, and her husband, Rob.
Later that evening, Doc's folks, Bob and Joan Holladay, his sister (Swirlz owner) Becky Holladay and son, Elijah, Doc's brother, Kenny and his wife, Laurie, and California cousin, Kimberly Wickstrom and two of her daughters, Lucy and Daisy all came to share dessert, laughter, games, and lighting and releasing beautiful Chinese paper lanterns.
What a blessed day with our sweet family!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Oh What A Night: Celebrating Michael's Success
November 4, 2011 was a night to remember as we held a graduation, publishing, and book signing event for our fourth son, Michael Dane Holladay.
Michael is a unique and amazing creation of God. We all are! But for this evening, we celebrated what God has done, and continues to do, in the life of this precious son of ours.
Using his God-given talents, Michael began writing his first novel, "The Dark Legion" at age fourteen. Through countless hours of hard work, revisions, more revisions, seeking out and hiring a professional editor (thank you to the amazing John David Kudrick), learning the ropes of the publishing world, submitting his book to many, being rejected many times over but never giving up, Michael’s work was ultimately accepted and he signed on with John McClure at Signalman Publishing.
While other young men and women his age were honored with graduation services last spring, we held out for the time when Michael's work was finally in print and available for purchase.
Celebrating with him this outstanding accomplishment was a joy to both Doc and me as we've watched Michael grow through the years and work so hard on his craft.
For this big night, we created a theme with both decor and menu to fit his medieval Christian fantasy. The combined efforts and generosity of dear friends resulted in tea stained muslin and burlap cloths that covered food service and dining tables. Crosses, candles, swords, and medieval books served as centerpieces.
A memory table was set up with pictures of family and friends, Mike's accomplishments, and works he's studied and read throughout his homeschooling experience.
Knowing a taxidermist came in handy for our friends, Syd and Kathleen Newman, as they were able to borrow a huge wild hog’s head to use as one of the main exhibits on the food table. Jeff and Jeremiah Frankland contributed by setting traps and catching a wild hog to butcher, and Vicki roasted the head, complete with an apple in its mouth, which was also featured as the finishing touch as it sat high on top of a pedestal alongside the stuffed head.
A feast of smoked wild hog, pulled pork, smoked chicken legs, roasted hens, freshly baked artisan breads, roasted rosemary potato wedges served with a creamy horseradish sauce, and whipped yams w/honey cinnamon butter was set out for the nearly one hundred guests to enjoy. Huge dough troughs and heavy pottery were used to hold the various culinary creations.
As guests seated themselves, other servers walked through w/wooden platters of select cheeses, grapes, brown sugar/butter/walnut stuffed baked apples, and spiced oatmeal cookies.
Doc and I welcomed the arrivals, gave thanks for the meal and the fun began.
Once plates were filled and folks were settled in, special guest speakers took to the podium and gave Michael charges to consider as he moves into another season of life.
Close family friends, Jeff and Vicki Frankland, spoke about Michael's attributes, encouraging him to continue to pursue his service to God. And they presented him with a beautiful sword as a reminder to hold fast to the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
His editor, John David, talked about how we met and the bond of friendship that's taken place between him and our family. He spoke to Michael from Scripture, and encouraged him to keep on the path that God has for him.
Then a slide presentation was shown, complete with music Mike had selected and featuring pictures from birth to the present. Michael then welcomed his guests, thanking them and paying special tribute to those who have played an important part in shaping the man he’s become.
Then Doc and I spoke to our son, relaying particular memories of his childhood and citing Scripture as his path to follow.
And last, Michael returned to the stage and was joined by godly men who have made an impression and/or set the highest of examples to him over the years: Doc, Kevin (our oldest son), Daniel (our fifth son), his papa: Bob Holladay, our pastor: Brad Aldridge, family friends: Jeff Frankland and Bill Ragsdale, and John David. What a fitting end to the program as each man prayed over our son and asked for God's continued blessing and leading in his life.
The evening closed with guests able to visit with Michael and given the opportunity to purchase and have him sign his novel.
With emphasis on denying self and submitting to the Father's will being heavy in his first work, Michael is hoping to touch the lives of his readers in a way that inspires them to follow God's leading.
Becoming a man of God is a high calling, and as Michael seeks to use his gifts to bring others to the Lord, we pray blessing upon blessing for this amazing son with whom we've been given the honor of raising, directing, teaching and ultimately giving back to our Heavenly Father for His glory and continued work in Michael's life.
As you look at the pictures to the left, right, and at the bottom, I hope you are as blessed as we've been in this incredible journey of life.
Michael is a unique and amazing creation of God. We all are! But for this evening, we celebrated what God has done, and continues to do, in the life of this precious son of ours.
Using his God-given talents, Michael began writing his first novel, "The Dark Legion" at age fourteen. Through countless hours of hard work, revisions, more revisions, seeking out and hiring a professional editor (thank you to the amazing John David Kudrick), learning the ropes of the publishing world, submitting his book to many, being rejected many times over but never giving up, Michael’s work was ultimately accepted and he signed on with John McClure at Signalman Publishing.
While other young men and women his age were honored with graduation services last spring, we held out for the time when Michael's work was finally in print and available for purchase.
Celebrating with him this outstanding accomplishment was a joy to both Doc and me as we've watched Michael grow through the years and work so hard on his craft.
For this big night, we created a theme with both decor and menu to fit his medieval Christian fantasy. The combined efforts and generosity of dear friends resulted in tea stained muslin and burlap cloths that covered food service and dining tables. Crosses, candles, swords, and medieval books served as centerpieces.
A memory table was set up with pictures of family and friends, Mike's accomplishments, and works he's studied and read throughout his homeschooling experience.
Knowing a taxidermist came in handy for our friends, Syd and Kathleen Newman, as they were able to borrow a huge wild hog’s head to use as one of the main exhibits on the food table. Jeff and Jeremiah Frankland contributed by setting traps and catching a wild hog to butcher, and Vicki roasted the head, complete with an apple in its mouth, which was also featured as the finishing touch as it sat high on top of a pedestal alongside the stuffed head.
A feast of smoked wild hog, pulled pork, smoked chicken legs, roasted hens, freshly baked artisan breads, roasted rosemary potato wedges served with a creamy horseradish sauce, and whipped yams w/honey cinnamon butter was set out for the nearly one hundred guests to enjoy. Huge dough troughs and heavy pottery were used to hold the various culinary creations.
As guests seated themselves, other servers walked through w/wooden platters of select cheeses, grapes, brown sugar/butter/walnut stuffed baked apples, and spiced oatmeal cookies.
Doc and I welcomed the arrivals, gave thanks for the meal and the fun began.
Once plates were filled and folks were settled in, special guest speakers took to the podium and gave Michael charges to consider as he moves into another season of life.
Close family friends, Jeff and Vicki Frankland, spoke about Michael's attributes, encouraging him to continue to pursue his service to God. And they presented him with a beautiful sword as a reminder to hold fast to the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
His editor, John David, talked about how we met and the bond of friendship that's taken place between him and our family. He spoke to Michael from Scripture, and encouraged him to keep on the path that God has for him.
Then a slide presentation was shown, complete with music Mike had selected and featuring pictures from birth to the present. Michael then welcomed his guests, thanking them and paying special tribute to those who have played an important part in shaping the man he’s become.
Then Doc and I spoke to our son, relaying particular memories of his childhood and citing Scripture as his path to follow.
And last, Michael returned to the stage and was joined by godly men who have made an impression and/or set the highest of examples to him over the years: Doc, Kevin (our oldest son), Daniel (our fifth son), his papa: Bob Holladay, our pastor: Brad Aldridge, family friends: Jeff Frankland and Bill Ragsdale, and John David. What a fitting end to the program as each man prayed over our son and asked for God's continued blessing and leading in his life.
The evening closed with guests able to visit with Michael and given the opportunity to purchase and have him sign his novel.
With emphasis on denying self and submitting to the Father's will being heavy in his first work, Michael is hoping to touch the lives of his readers in a way that inspires them to follow God's leading.
Becoming a man of God is a high calling, and as Michael seeks to use his gifts to bring others to the Lord, we pray blessing upon blessing for this amazing son with whom we've been given the honor of raising, directing, teaching and ultimately giving back to our Heavenly Father for His glory and continued work in Michael's life.
As you look at the pictures to the left, right, and at the bottom, I hope you are as blessed as we've been in this incredible journey of life.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
TODAY! Michael At Living Waters Bookstore Signing His Debut Novel: "The Dark Legion"
Our son, Michael, will be at Living Waters Bookstore today from 1:00-3:00 to sign his debut novel, "The Dark Legion", book one in The Keiratha Trilogy. Stop by to visit with him and get your signed copy for $16. And thank you, David Norwood, for graciously allowing him a spot in your store and carrying his novel on your shelves.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Celebrating Another Holladay: Jon and Chelsey Style!!
Last month, we found out that we have another grandchild on the way. Jon and Chelsey announced to our family that they are expecting their first baby, due in April.
While I've loved and still love raising our sons, these grandbabies are going to be even more fun because this time we get to do less work and more PLAY! And play we will, as Doc and I grow older and get to experience the joys of grandparenthood.
Please pray with us over this little one, that he or she will grow strong and healthy within, as we also pray for our children as they prepare to raise their children to love, honor and live for our Lord.
While I've loved and still love raising our sons, these grandbabies are going to be even more fun because this time we get to do less work and more PLAY! And play we will, as Doc and I grow older and get to experience the joys of grandparenthood.
Please pray with us over this little one, that he or she will grow strong and healthy within, as we also pray for our children as they prepare to raise their children to love, honor and live for our Lord.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
"The Dark Legion" Has Arrived!!
Our son, Michael, received four copies of his debut novel, "The Dark Legion", in the mail today! These were gifts from his publisher, John McClure, of Signalman Publishing.
The first one out will be on display in our home, and ultimately taken with Michael at the time he moves into his own home someday. Then we will replace it with our own copy, having it out in honor of Michael's hard work, dedication, and in tribute to our Lord, Who gives amazing gifts and talents to His children.
What an exciting time for all of us to see Michael's name on the cover of his own creation! We pray for much success as he pursues a career in doing what he loves most.
For anyone interested in purchasing his book, you can contact him on facebook: Michael Holladay. It's also available online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble for ebooks ($9.99) as well as in paperback ($15.99).
Our family will be hosting his first book signing in Paris on November 4, at Christ Community Church from 6:30-8:30. For friends who would like to stop by, give me a holler and we'll make sure and have plenty of food to enjoy during your visit. Future book signings will be posted on facebook and in the Paris News.
Pray with us as we pray over this amazing and unique son of ours, that he would continue to use his gifts to the glory of God.
"To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done!"
The first one out will be on display in our home, and ultimately taken with Michael at the time he moves into his own home someday. Then we will replace it with our own copy, having it out in honor of Michael's hard work, dedication, and in tribute to our Lord, Who gives amazing gifts and talents to His children.
What an exciting time for all of us to see Michael's name on the cover of his own creation! We pray for much success as he pursues a career in doing what he loves most.
For anyone interested in purchasing his book, you can contact him on facebook: Michael Holladay. It's also available online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble for ebooks ($9.99) as well as in paperback ($15.99).
Our family will be hosting his first book signing in Paris on November 4, at Christ Community Church from 6:30-8:30. For friends who would like to stop by, give me a holler and we'll make sure and have plenty of food to enjoy during your visit. Future book signings will be posted on facebook and in the Paris News.
Pray with us as we pray over this amazing and unique son of ours, that he would continue to use his gifts to the glory of God.
"To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done!"
Monday, August 22, 2011
Our Son, Michael, Has Signed His First Book With A Publisher!
After years of hard work, thousands of hours at his computer, completing his first manuscript, hiring an editor, submitting queries to a multitude of publishers, waiting, praying, working some more, our fourth son- Michael Dane Holladay- finally heard from an interested publisher: John McClure of Signalman Publishing.
Michael, Doc, and I visited with John by phone this evening and he was so helpful and encouraging, answering all of our questions. Feeling that this was the right decison, Mike prepared to sign the contract.
Before doing so, we held hands and prayed with him, thanking God for how He's created and gifted Michael, and asking that no matter what the outcome, His Name be glorified.
While this is more Michael's story to tell, I just wanted to share how proud we are of our amazing and unique son.
The Dark Legion, the first novel in Michael's "The Keiratha Trilogy" will be available for purchase in a couple of months. In the meantime, his second book awaits first stage professional editing, and Michael is currently working on the third book in this series.
It's been our honor and privilege to raise this extraordinary young man, and we can't wait to see what God continues to do in his life.
Michael, Doc, and I visited with John by phone this evening and he was so helpful and encouraging, answering all of our questions. Feeling that this was the right decison, Mike prepared to sign the contract.
Before doing so, we held hands and prayed with him, thanking God for how He's created and gifted Michael, and asking that no matter what the outcome, His Name be glorified.
While this is more Michael's story to tell, I just wanted to share how proud we are of our amazing and unique son.
The Dark Legion, the first novel in Michael's "The Keiratha Trilogy" will be available for purchase in a couple of months. In the meantime, his second book awaits first stage professional editing, and Michael is currently working on the third book in this series.
It's been our honor and privilege to raise this extraordinary young man, and we can't wait to see what God continues to do in his life.
Friday, July 15, 2011
New Pics of the Family
Lots of time visiting these past few months, and so we have some new pictures to share.
Our sweet grandson, Kade, is nearly 6 months old, and the shots of him show so many changes. He's SO MUCH fun for all of us, and we look forward to lots of time spent together watching him grow and learn.
Life is far more blessed than any of us deserve, and we are so thankful for our healthy, happy Holladay homes.
Our sweet grandson, Kade, is nearly 6 months old, and the shots of him show so many changes. He's SO MUCH fun for all of us, and we look forward to lots of time spent together watching him grow and learn.
Life is far more blessed than any of us deserve, and we are so thankful for our healthy, happy Holladay homes.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Check Out Our Easter Blessing
In all of his Easter finery, Kade David looks as sweet as any Easter treat. What a joy he is and will be. And what a charge to us to be godly examples, and to teach him about the love of Christ and the ways of God.
We are blessed more than we deserve with all that this holiday means, and with the love we have for one another in this amazing family.
We are blessed more than we deserve with all that this holiday means, and with the love we have for one another in this amazing family.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Old Pics, New Pics, Memories In The Making
Looking through facebook makes it nice as I find pictures my kids post that I can save and add to our blog site. You'll find some new ones, and some old ones- they just remind me how quickly time flies and how wonderful to have still shots of memories.
All is good in the Holladay household as we work hard and have great times together.
Milestones are happening as our sons continue to grow and mature. Today, Daniel is making his first long trip by himself to work in Texarkana. Doc and I prayed with him before he left (school work, guitar, cds, and clothing packed for a 3 day stay), and reminded him of trustworthiness, safety, and following God's ways. But in the end, as Doc reminded 'me', he's in God's hands and God is ultimately in control, loving Dan far more than we ever could.
Michael continues to work on his third novel while seeking either an agent or a publisher for his first. He has embraced and used the talents that God has given to him, and I'm so proud. I eagerly look forward to seeing how God uses this uniquely gifted son of mine.
And Benjamin tries to stretch and grow up way too quickly while his daddy and I try to keep him our little boy just a bit longer. He'll be 13 this next month, an age many cultures consider to be at manhood. I pray for wisdom to hold on and then to let go, little by little, as he learns the lessons we strive to teach him.
I had time with Deanna and Kade yesterday. Our sweet guy is getting chubby and was so sweet as he smiled at me with heavy lidded eyes, and then fell asleep in his mommy's arms. And as you'll see, I posted a picture of Kade w/his daddy. I love the smile on Kevin's face as he holds and talks to his son. Brings back great memories of Doc doing the same w/each of our boys.
A few days ago, Chelsey gave me a call and we chatted for quite a while about all that's going on with her and Jon, as Jon waits for 'the call' to head out into the field of his chosen career as a diver. Thankfully, he also recently received a call to work for someone else in the meantime, welding and getting a paycheck to help until his 'real' job begins. Chelsey is enjoying her time as a full time housewife, taking care of their little place and also helping her parents however needed.
Tim and Mallory are both working hard, Tim building cabinets, coaching, playing softball, and helping with music at church and Mallory at the radio station as an ad agent and taking care of their home.
Life is far more blessed than we deserve, and I pray I never take our blessings for granted and at the same time enjoy them to the fullest.
All is good in the Holladay household as we work hard and have great times together.
Milestones are happening as our sons continue to grow and mature. Today, Daniel is making his first long trip by himself to work in Texarkana. Doc and I prayed with him before he left (school work, guitar, cds, and clothing packed for a 3 day stay), and reminded him of trustworthiness, safety, and following God's ways. But in the end, as Doc reminded 'me', he's in God's hands and God is ultimately in control, loving Dan far more than we ever could.
Michael continues to work on his third novel while seeking either an agent or a publisher for his first. He has embraced and used the talents that God has given to him, and I'm so proud. I eagerly look forward to seeing how God uses this uniquely gifted son of mine.
And Benjamin tries to stretch and grow up way too quickly while his daddy and I try to keep him our little boy just a bit longer. He'll be 13 this next month, an age many cultures consider to be at manhood. I pray for wisdom to hold on and then to let go, little by little, as he learns the lessons we strive to teach him.
I had time with Deanna and Kade yesterday. Our sweet guy is getting chubby and was so sweet as he smiled at me with heavy lidded eyes, and then fell asleep in his mommy's arms. And as you'll see, I posted a picture of Kade w/his daddy. I love the smile on Kevin's face as he holds and talks to his son. Brings back great memories of Doc doing the same w/each of our boys.
A few days ago, Chelsey gave me a call and we chatted for quite a while about all that's going on with her and Jon, as Jon waits for 'the call' to head out into the field of his chosen career as a diver. Thankfully, he also recently received a call to work for someone else in the meantime, welding and getting a paycheck to help until his 'real' job begins. Chelsey is enjoying her time as a full time housewife, taking care of their little place and also helping her parents however needed.
Tim and Mallory are both working hard, Tim building cabinets, coaching, playing softball, and helping with music at church and Mallory at the radio station as an ad agent and taking care of their home.
Life is far more blessed than we deserve, and I pray I never take our blessings for granted and at the same time enjoy them to the fullest.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
It's Been A Busy Day....
But my mind keeps wandering back over the years of training our children.
We started out basically two kids ourselves, Doc and I, having children in our early twenties.
What the heck did we know about raising kids? What we 'thought' we knew could have filled volumes. What we 'actually' knew would have filled a thimble. What we've learned and are still learning is vastly more than we ever thought possible.
Like most parents will say, we did the best we could. I think most of us look back on each day, weighing our words, actions, reactions- and we either feel really good (if we were really nice) or we feel the heavy weight of guilt because we allowed ourselves to let irritations, impatience, selfishness....whatever, get the best of us.
Our intentions were/are good, but our actions were/are not always the very best.
In this life, we get one shot. I know how terribly I've messed up at various times when all I've ever really wanted, most of all, was to be a loving, patient, supportive, godly wife and mother.
And I know it's only by the mercy, grace, forgiveness and love of a heavenly Father that I'm blessed beyond measure to be given second (and third and a million more) chances and am in the place where I am today. I have the love of my family, the joy of being at home with them or times of visiting with our older sons and their wives, and now, our precious grandson, and the chance to continue making memories- hopefully good memories- with each of them.
Yes, it has been an incredibly busy day. But it's been a day of working beside my three sons who are still at home. It's been a day of reflecting, and being so thankful that we raised them to know how to work, to help out, to be independent and yet able to see the needs of others.
It's been an evening of welcoming my hardworking husband home, having a healthy meal ready for him, sitting at our dinner table and listening to my sons' father read to them from the Psalms and then talking about the importance of following His statutes and principles in order to reap a life of peace and joy.
It's been a time of blessing after blessing. And as this day closes, I'm going to head back to each of them: Doc, Mike, Dan, and Ben- and wrap my arms around them and tell them how much I love and appreciate them for the blessings they are to me.
I pray that you're feeling the same measure of love, peace and joy in your own lives.
We started out basically two kids ourselves, Doc and I, having children in our early twenties.
What the heck did we know about raising kids? What we 'thought' we knew could have filled volumes. What we 'actually' knew would have filled a thimble. What we've learned and are still learning is vastly more than we ever thought possible.
Like most parents will say, we did the best we could. I think most of us look back on each day, weighing our words, actions, reactions- and we either feel really good (if we were really nice) or we feel the heavy weight of guilt because we allowed ourselves to let irritations, impatience, selfishness....whatever, get the best of us.
Our intentions were/are good, but our actions were/are not always the very best.
In this life, we get one shot. I know how terribly I've messed up at various times when all I've ever really wanted, most of all, was to be a loving, patient, supportive, godly wife and mother.
And I know it's only by the mercy, grace, forgiveness and love of a heavenly Father that I'm blessed beyond measure to be given second (and third and a million more) chances and am in the place where I am today. I have the love of my family, the joy of being at home with them or times of visiting with our older sons and their wives, and now, our precious grandson, and the chance to continue making memories- hopefully good memories- with each of them.
Yes, it has been an incredibly busy day. But it's been a day of working beside my three sons who are still at home. It's been a day of reflecting, and being so thankful that we raised them to know how to work, to help out, to be independent and yet able to see the needs of others.
It's been an evening of welcoming my hardworking husband home, having a healthy meal ready for him, sitting at our dinner table and listening to my sons' father read to them from the Psalms and then talking about the importance of following His statutes and principles in order to reap a life of peace and joy.
It's been a time of blessing after blessing. And as this day closes, I'm going to head back to each of them: Doc, Mike, Dan, and Ben- and wrap my arms around them and tell them how much I love and appreciate them for the blessings they are to me.
I pray that you're feeling the same measure of love, peace and joy in your own lives.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Our Greatest Blessings
Our greatest blessings aren't possessions. They aren't where we go and what we do.
They are who we're designed and destined to be with from day one: Family.
Friends come and go, addresses change, finances swing up and down- so many things are temporary.
But family is forever, and this blog is dedicated to mine.
Each person in this Holladay clan is so precious to me, so unique in our Father's creation, so worthy and needful of my grace, mercy, understanding, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, patience, encouragement, and most of all- love, which binds all of these attributes together.
The older I get the more I appreciate, pray for, want time with, and am thankful beyond belief for each one: my best friend and husband of almost 30 years-Doc, my firstborn-Kevin, his amazing wife of nearly 8 years-Deanna, their sweet new baby and my grandson-Kade, my treasure-Timothy, his darling wife of 5 years-Mallory, my heart-Jonathan, his beautiful wife-Chelsey, my genius and hero-Michael, my kindred spirit-Daniel, and my baby-Benjamin, who at nearly 13 isn't a baby anymore.
Each one is a gift from God, and each moment spent with them an even greater gift. I've learned with them to love no matter what- beauty and warts, good and bad- just like God loves us. And if we truly learn that, then we've learned the greatest lesson of all.
They are who we're designed and destined to be with from day one: Family.
Friends come and go, addresses change, finances swing up and down- so many things are temporary.
But family is forever, and this blog is dedicated to mine.
Each person in this Holladay clan is so precious to me, so unique in our Father's creation, so worthy and needful of my grace, mercy, understanding, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, patience, encouragement, and most of all- love, which binds all of these attributes together.
The older I get the more I appreciate, pray for, want time with, and am thankful beyond belief for each one: my best friend and husband of almost 30 years-Doc, my firstborn-Kevin, his amazing wife of nearly 8 years-Deanna, their sweet new baby and my grandson-Kade, my treasure-Timothy, his darling wife of 5 years-Mallory, my heart-Jonathan, his beautiful wife-Chelsey, my genius and hero-Michael, my kindred spirit-Daniel, and my baby-Benjamin, who at nearly 13 isn't a baby anymore.
Each one is a gift from God, and each moment spent with them an even greater gift. I've learned with them to love no matter what- beauty and warts, good and bad- just like God loves us. And if we truly learn that, then we've learned the greatest lesson of all.
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