Sea and Sky Spectacular

Philip and I, along with my Dad, Rachael and Sheri and Bill spent Sunday afternoon at the air show down at the beach. It was a spectacular show and the day was just perfect for sitting on the beach. It was cool, crisp and bright blue. We were a little early and the show started relatively slow. I was beginning to wonder if it was worth the drive when the Blue Angels came in with a roar and really put on an excellent performance.

While sitting on the beach we ate a picnic lunch. Rachael somehow lost her balance and fell over in her chair. She kicked up the sand and needless to say that was the end of our "sand"wiches! If that were not enough for the people around us to wonder what was in our water bottles, while watching the show, Philip had dug a small hole at his feet. Upon his standing to leave he took a step in the wrong direction ending up in his hole and on his fanny. He has a good sense of humor and that comes in handy in situations like that. We made our way home and both of which found we should have used the sun screen!

Little Pebbles

I look so cute!

It runs in the family :)
Clay has yummy food.

Happy Halloween

Well whether you are one who celebrates; or whether you are one who chooses not to Halloween is here. I am not into the sinister side of the day, I do however love how it allows children to use their imagination and be anything the wish to be. This jack-o-lantern was carved by myself and my daughter Rachael. It was a fun but very long experience. My grandchildren will dress up and do the traditional Trick or Treating. My oldest grandson will be Thomas the Train and is twin sisters will be 1950 Be Boppers. My youngest granddaughter will sport a Pebbles costume from the Flintstones. It should be a fun day for all. Philip and I plan to sit out front to hand out Candy to the neighbor children. Happy Halloween.

A note to parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles …


Millions of children celebrate Halloween each year with costumes, parties, and hi-jinks. But what are they celebrating? Where did these customs arise?

Some Christians strongly denounce any involvement in this spectacle of ghosts, witches, and evil spirits. Others wonder, "If it's 'All Hallow's Eve,' what in the world is 'holy' about it?"

The truth is that Halloween's deepest roots are decidedly pagan, and unlike Christmas and Easter, it as kept those pagan roots, despite its now Christian name. The controversy surrounding this holiday goes back well over a thousand years to when Christians confronted pagan rites of appeasing the lord of death and evil spirits. But the early Christians didn't simply speak out; they tried to institute a Christian alternative. All Hallow's Day (November 1) was a celebration of all "the holies" - those people who had died faithful to Christ.

Light against darkness. Life against death.

But Halloween in our culture has become an odd mixture of tributes to Draculas and roaming spirits, TV superheroes and comic characters, and participation in innocent harvest festivals and costume parties. Through the centuries, Christians of most persuasions have tried to transform this pagan holiday into a Christian one. How does one take a genuinely Christian stance today?

"Trick or treating" becomes a special problem. Children love the adventure of going out in costumes, but some parents have rejected trick or treating entirely. They argue that no matter how universal and supposedly harmless, "blackmailing neighbors for candy" is hardly appropriate. Instead, some create a wide variety of wholesome parties. Others carefully supervise their children as they canvass the neighborhood, perhaps having them add "God bless you" to their thanks for treats.

Certainly of all people, Christians should be joyful. The challenge is to use the creativity of the Creator to celebrate both the light and life He brought into this world, and His victory over evil - and evil spirits - which extends into the next.

A few more pictures of our trip

North Georgia Visit

We had a glorious day in North Georgia. We took a drive up highway 76 to Young Harris to a beautiful little winery called Crane Creek Vineyards. This was a requested trip by my father, he wanted me to pick up a gift for a friend. We did and it was a very pretty place.
We then traveled up to Hiawassee and the Georgia Mountain Fair. Today was the start of the Fiddlers Compitition and we sat and enjoyed about a half hour of good ole mountian music. I think the fair remains exactly the same as the last time we visited. We had a good time though.
This picture is what has been in the news non stop since we arrived. The drought has really caused lake levels to drop to the point of panic among residents. We are saddened to see the low water levels, but joyful to be in a place of such beauty and peace.

This morning I was sitting on the deck watching the chickadees and tufted titmouse come in for breakfast at the bird feeder. It was so relaxing and enjoyable to just sit and use all of my senses to take in this place that brings me joy. What a blessing to have such dear friends who will invite us to stay in their home and glimpse just a bit of God's glorious creation.

A few days in the Mountains

I am really looking forward to a quick trip to the North Georiga Mountains. Just three days of work, then off to the Georgia Mountain fair. We are hoping the leaves will be at peak, but with the drought we may see less color change. This will be our first trip in a very long time so we are counting the days. I am so very grateful to my dear friends Bill and Anne for their hospitality! You are the best.

What a difference a day makes!

Well we are back to blue skies and not too soon. I am enjoying a lazy morning due to Columbus Day and I am grateful for wonderful weather!

Rain; Rain go away; Come again another day!

This is our normally rainy months in Florida; September and October. We usually have afternoon thunderstorms and then they are gone. The last three weeks have been a deluge of biblical proportions! We wake up to rain, and go to bed to rain. Now, please don't get me wrong. I love rain. I have always enjoyed the sound and the smells after. But we have acceded all sane peoples ability to stand it.

Yesterday I was speaking to my dear friend Anne up in North Georgia and she said they are under watering restrictions due to no rain. I guess you either get feast or famine. All I know is I am ready for our late afternoon showers to return and the rest of the day sunny and clear. I will say the one good thing is I have had to begin walking the dog because he refuses to go out in the yard it is so wet. So maybe that is the entire purpose of this rain; to get me up and moving again. O.k. I will thank God for the blessing of rain!!!

Vanessa is 1!

It is absolutly amazing that Vanessa is already one. I am sure time has begun to fly by. As a young child I remember some days would drag slowly and others would fly; as if it had wings. Time lately appears to be a bullet train on a fast track to who knows where. It seems just a few days ago that my sweet Grace was headed to the hospital to have little Vanessa.

Today we celebrate; but yesterday is the day of her birth. I sang to her via the phone yesterday. She spent her day with her Mom and Dad, pictures....that did not happen (fussy)and a trip to the Zoo. Happy Day my sweet little Vanessa!!

Birds

Well most who know me know I enjoy my coffee. I don't cloud the brew with milk or sugar; black is how I like it. This morning after a leisurely late saturday morning in bed, I got up and brewed a strong pot of coffee and after taking my sweet husband a cup to drink with his morning news; I opted to sit on the patio and watch the birds come in for breakfast.

We have a bird feeder located in the center of my yard and it draws in the Blue jays and Cardinals. I know more will come when word gets out amongst the birds that their is a really nice tall, bald man who fills it with wonderful treats. We added a half of an navel orange this morning for their delight! Clay is of course wanting to be out too, so we are watching the birds and they are watching us, Clay mostly, wondering if this big yellow dog will terrorize them; he is oblivious to them.

I think that Saturday mornings are among my favorite things. They have a pace all their own and we can stop and enjoy this wonderful world God made, if even just for a few minutes. I also think that Philip has made the yard a place you can sit and enjoy both the birds and the beautiful flowers!

The Twins turn 2!

Caitlin and Silvia celebrate their 2nd birthday with a party.

Early Riser

Most days I am like most people, waking at sunrise and starting my day. However, there are days where I wake when it is dark as night and lay in my bed tossing and turning wondering why I have been cursed an early riser. Oh sure there is a lot to be said about starting your day before 5 a.m., but most of it not positive. The worst part is now married I run the risk of waking my sweet husband. So out of bed I crawl making my way to the main room of the house and collecting my laptop and a nice warm blanket. I am very grateful for both right now.

I know that if I did not have this to do I would be forced to climb on the treadmill across the room and actually exercise like I have be saying I would do for nearly the year it has been there. Lest you think it is never used I do occasionally walk in the evenings and Rachael is a regular jogger. On this day, I am content to sit here and reflect on my week, as today is finally Friday.

Each year as school reopens, I find the whirlwind exhausting. We are a small school, but with only two of us on the administrative side and a growing staff and student body I spend a full nine hours a day trying to accomplish all that needs done. I then find myself committed to a plethora of other activities each week; PTP meetings, committee meetings for church, small group bible studies. This list goes on.

Our church is in a 40 days of community campaign and we have many things going on. It is a drive to help the church members to leave the building and minister to those in the community. I was at my dear friends home last evening, John and Pam for the first of six meetings designed to lead us as a group to pick a mission project outside in the community and last nights study was on Love. It focused on all the things in life we might think are important; the things we say, know, believe, give or accomplish that really mean very little with out Love. We also learned that Love is a command. We are commanded to love one another. It is also a choice; not a feeling. It leads to feelings, but we choose to love and when we love it is unconditionally. We also saw that love is conduct that we can say we love, but if we never demonstrate that love, those we claim to love will begin to doubt what we say. Finally, love is a commitment, sometimes we love in spite of how we feel and loving someone and liking someone is not always hand in hand.

Well I guess I have typed my way back to tired. I think I will crawl back into bed for an hour and see if I can sleep. Good night............

Fresh Paint

Well since Philip moved in two weeks ago, we have worked very hard to combine two homes into one. My home had plenty of junk and even though I try to keep from collecting unneeded items, I had my fair share. Philip too has a great many things and we really want to make an effort to have my home become "OUR" home.

Rachael is on a two week break, before she finishes her B.A. in Biology at UNF. She decided that we need to fix our guest room and turn it into the "Livingston Suite". She has removed old wallpaper, patched holes, painted and then today she enlisted Philip and I to help with moving in furniture. We worked very hard and I think Philip was right when he said, "This is the prettiest room in the house!" I agree.

In has only been two weeks since Philip moved in, but we have accomplished so much in this short time. I am so very happy to have him here. It is a blessing and really so much better than I ever imagined. I love my husband and as we sit here on the couch watching TV, I smell fresh paint.

Tiny Lizards

Each morning I rise early and prepare for work, I arrive there around 6:45 to 7:00 a.m.. Upon arrival I park and walk the short distance to the front door. I love as I walk to see the tiny lizards and now toads scatter across the sidewalk making a quick dash for the nearby shrubs. They amaze me how they can avoid my steps as I make my way down the walk. I laugh as I see probably 40 or more little lizards running for their lives from the woman who ruins their morning warming in the sun on the sidewalk.
I have really been busy and let my blog posts lapse, however I really am enjoying married life. For those of you wondering a post on tiny lizards...I just thought I would give you a smile!

Mom, It is your day!

I am sure that many would say they had the greatest Mom in the world. I, however; can say it with the confidence I am right. My Mother, is a smart, classy lady; with a kind, loving heart that blesses all who know her.

She was the "fun" Mom in the neighborhood when we were kids. She became a dear and cherished friend in adulthood. Today she celebrates her birthday and I think that I would like to be the first to say Happy Day Mom, I love you.

My little Angel!

Look at all my teeth!!!

A Green Thumb

Well I knew when we met and fell in love that one day we would find a major difference between the two of us and now I know what it is. Philip, a green thumb has married the girl with the black thumb. My own mother has threatened to buy me a Shirt that says, 'I tried, but it died'. My children have all shared the story about the poor Christmas cactus in my kitchen that shriveled up and died for lack of water!
Philip has spent his weekend working on my much neglected yard. Oh, I mowed it fairly regularly but that is all. No trimming or pruning. I would have never planted new, beautiful growing plants; no matter what some say I do have a heart. Anyway, I went to Lowe's with Philip on Saturday watching as he walked up and down the isles looking and turning and reading those little plastic sticks that tell you IMPORTANT information on the plant. He would then pick the hardiest of the group and move on. I was amazed how he knew so much about plants. Then on home where he began working even though we both were suffering a stiff back from all the moving we had done on Friday. (Still living in two towns) He dug, He planted, He staked. He re potted and spent hours watching where the sun was during the day to make sure the plants were in their best spots. I watched and smiled as I knew he was enjoying having a yard to play in. I also found happiness in knowing that sometimes God fills a need in our lives that even we were not aware needed filled. I Love You Philip and I thank God for your green thumb!

Newly Weds!

Mr. and Mrs. Philip C. Livingston




Bill Corley preforms the ceremony as follows; for those of you who were not able to be there:

Wedding Vows of Evelynn and Philip

Greeting
Dear family, we have come here today in the presence of God to witness the marriage Evelynn and Philip, to surround them in love and share in their joy.
Charge
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the Art of Marriage: The little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say 'I love you' at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family; both hers and his. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding room for the things of the God. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

In 1 Corinthians 13, we read what love is; and more importantly what it is not.
Love is patient; love is kind. Love does not envy; is not boastful; is not conceited; does not act improperly; is not selfish; is not provoked/ does not keep a record of wrongs; finds no joy in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends.

Declaration of Intent and Consent
Evelynn, will you have Philip to be your lawful wedded husband? Will you love him, comfort him, keep him in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live?
Philip, will you have Evelynn to be your lawful wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, keep her in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live?
Exchange of ring
Take and wear this ring as a symbol of my love. With it I wed you, and commit my life to you forever.


Declaration of Marriage
Evelynn and Philip, you are now husband and wife.
Be merciful in all your ways, kind in heart, and humble in mind.
Accept life, and be most patient, tolerant and kind to one another.
Forgive as freely as God has forgiven you.
And, above everything else, be truly loving.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, remembering as members of one body we are called to live in harmony, and never forget to be thankful for what God has given you.
Philip you may kiss your Bride.

After the ceremony we were serenated by Chris to "Sweet Home Alabama"
The cutting of the cake and enjoying our family.

We missed you Jason, Ashley and Ethan, Caitlin and Silvia and Patrick and Anne and David and Jan. We felt the love and prayers of all our dear family and friends from across the Country.

Amazing Fourth

Yesterday was our nations birthday. It was a day with family, yummy food and fabulous fireworks. I have always loved the fourth of July and yesterday was no exception. We were able to cook out hamburgers on my Dad's new industial size grill. The rainy weather held off long enough for all the cooking to be complete. We then headed out to the beach. The drive to Bill's house took us over the intracoastal bridge where we had a 360 degree view of fireworks around the area. I suggested we pull over on top and just enjoy the view but was reminded that would be illegal. It is only a short walk from my Sister's boyfriends home; around 9:15 p.m. we headed out and merged in with his neighbors down the path to the beach.

Locals who must have a budget to purchase fireworks were already in high gear firing off bottle rockets that hung over head as we trekked down the path to the beach. In a few moments time we where standing facing the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean with fireworks going up from the pier to the right of us and the Navel Station to the left of us. It was a beautiful sight and one I will enjoy for years to come. I can honestly say this was probably one of the finest fourth's I have ever had.

Wedding Music

Well we are in the final week before the wedding. I am excited, joyful and a little nervous about our future. I think all these feelings are normal and to be expected. Philip worked on the music for our wedding last night and we made a CD with songs we both love. It was fun to do this and I think it will make the day more special for all. We have tried to make this a very simple, meaningful day. Our only disappointment is that both our Sons will not be at the ceremony. Patrick is unable to come and Jason, Ashley and the children also will not be able to come. We so wanted all of them to be there.

We are so very close and only God knows how long I have prayed for this day.
Until the 7th.