Wendell brought me a gift from Sis. Schreckhise today. I LOVE IT!
We also got a nice gift from Cynthia Koontz. Thank you, ladies for the gifts. We really appreciate them!
As a lot of you already know, it SNOWED in Lufkin last night!! We didn't get a lot, but it was enough to say it snowed. I took a picture of it just as it started. It didn't "stick", but that's okay. I had been missing the cold weather we had in Wichita Falls, so I think God sent it "just for me"!
Today we had our Office Staff Lunch at Ralph and Kacoo's. We had such a nice time, being together and no work! We have a wonderful staff in the District Office and they do a great job! As Bro. Russo put it today, "we've" all been in a transition time, but it has been very smooth. We are so thankful for everyone's help. We love you all!
(Russo's, Elms, Cynthia, Carla, Jeannie, and Rhoades)
Following is a plaque I found in a box of "memories". It was Mom Elms'. It says and expresses how Keith was. He was a man that was "bigger than life" and brought many days of sunshine to our hearts. He loved to sing and make music. I remember many times when he would break out into song. It didn't matter where you were at the time. If he felt like singing, he did! :) Such special memories flood my mind!
When Chad, my nephew was a little boy, he saw Uncle Keith coming up the side walk to our house and said, "Here comes Uncle Keith with all the laughs!" Yes, that describes him perfectly!
Ginger, Carmen, Shara and Ryan; Ronda and Karla...I thought of you all yesterday. I'm glad we still have each other to hold onto. I love you all!
I took a few pictures of those who came and thought I would share them with you.
Bro. and Sis. Cooley - TBC President - They are good people! I've known Dedie for quite some time, but have not been around Bro. Cooley at all until we moved here, so we are getting to know him better. He's been very kind to us and we look forward to more times of fellowship with him and Dedie. Dedie is very enjoyable to be around. Anyone who knows her, knows she is a MASTER at the keyboards.
Bro. and Sis. McInnis - Food Services - They are the cooks for TBC and do a lot of work!!! They are also some of the finest people you will ever meet! I love the twinkle in her eyes. :) She makes me smile and I love her.
Bro. and Sis. Schreckhise - Dean of Missions - We are getting to know them a better. Everytime we are around them we enjoy visiting with them. They were missionary's in Hondurus and are now home, but they have seven grandchildren still there. I think they are going to get to see them before too long. I'm sure they can't wait to see them and their "kids".
Bro. and Sis. Rhoades - Facilities Administrator - He takes care of the camp ground! I don't know what we would do without him. He is a worker and always so willing to help us in any way he can! Sis. Rhoades has not been well and I pray for God to heal her body. What a sweet, wonderful person she is. She always has a smile when I see her.
Bro. and Sis. Chad Roberts - Promotional Director for TBC. They recently came to TBC and we are happy to have them here. Just the little bit that I've been around them I can tell they are a lot of fun!
Bro. and Sis. Johnathan Green - Dean of Academics - He makes me laugh! Victoria is very sweet, and I'm enjoying being with them during the Christmas season. This week we've been with them at two banquets and one church service. It's the most we've been around them, and it's been fun.
Bro. and Sis. Russo - Texas District Superintendent - They are incredible people! I'm loving them more and more. They are sincere, caring, and loving. They have been a great help to us since moving to Lufkin. Unless you get to be around people it's hard to really appreciate them for who they are. I'm glad I have the privilege of being with them more.
Bro. and Sis. Smith - Pastor in Hudson, and are some of the finest people you will ever meet! They "take care of us". I don't know how else to say it, except they have "been there" for us. They're wonderful!
The program was excellent!
Sis. Tracy Brock - TBC Office Manager - was the soloist and she has such a wonderful voice and did a great job. I had time to visit with her for a little while after the banquet and it was very special getting to know her better. She is so sweet and sincere! I look forward to being around her more. She "confessed" that she reads my blog. She said she felt so guilty for reading it without me knowing. LOL! I'm glad she's joined us! Love you, Tracy!
Bro. Nate Lawrence entertained us with his "magnificent" saxophone! I could listen to him play for hours! It was so sweet of him to dedicate a song to us. We were shocked when he said "I am dedicating this song to Bro. and Sis. Elms"! What a great man he is. He is Dean of Students at TBC.
Bro. Scott Popec - Dean of Music - got on the keyboard and joined with Bro. Lawrence and did some incredible "jammin'"! I love to watch people that love their music, and you could tell these two men do!
There were some skits and we laughed and had a good time, then the Bickerson's showed up! I remember listening to the "record" of the Bickerson's when I was a teenager so when "they" decided to come and show us what "true love is" I was thrilled! Let me introduce to you....Mr. and Mrs. Bickerson.
As you can tell we had a wonderful time! We are all blessed to have "special people" in our lives, and I'm thankful for every "old friend", "new friend", and all the people we are getting to "know". We are BLESSED!
The "cowboys" are following.
Bro. Neely rode in the wagon and my husband kept him company.
Pulled over for a rest. How about some hot coffee, and a little singin'?
Superintendent Russo and Secretary Elms.
Bro. Neely in the wagon enjoyed "the ride", with Bro. Russo and Bro. Elms.
Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam;
And the deer and the antelope play.
Where seldom is heard, a discouraging word;
And the skies are not cloudy all day.
They had different ones come up and they had to put a drawing tablet on top of their head, draw a floor, Christmas tree, a star on top of the tree, a fireplace, etc. It was quite funny to watch!
Here are a few pictures of some of the ones that participated.
There was another skit that I will call "ME TARZAN!" It was hilarious! Here are two Tarzan's!
Sis. Story(Jane)looking for Tarzan!
I loved watching Bro. and Sis. Russo have a good laugh!
Bro. and Sis. Shiflet. It was great seeing them again.
Bro. and Sis. Jonathan Green.
I had a good time talking to them and the Bennett's.
There was a large crowd and there is no way to take enough pictures or enough space to share them. So, let me just say, I LOVE CHRISTMAS and all it stands for. Along with the birth of our Savior we have this time to spend with family and friends. We can let other's know how much we love and appreciate them. It's wonderful being together! If you haven't had your banquet yet, be sure and go this year. You will enjoy being with those of "like precious faith", and will go home refreshed. I will leave you with one more picture. Santa and Me!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
