Mother's Day Weekend

It was one of the most "special" Mother's Day weekends I have ever had!! It had followed a blessed week of being able to stay with my granddaughter, Laine, for 3 days. Rachel met me in Springdale on Friday to spend a couple of hours with her new niece . Then we traveled together to Kansas. Saturday, my Mom came down to spend a couple of days with us. Saturday night, Rachel, Mom and I attended the annual Mother's Day Banquet at First Baptist Church in Galena. What a wonderful event it was!! The theme was "There's No Place Like Home." There were almost 200 women who attended. The food was delicious and served by our men. I was thrilled that my Aunt Freda Hardister and cousin, Holly Viets also joined us for the evening.A wonderful program followed the meal with beautiful specials in song by Kelli Wade and Shay & Shelby Gibson, hilarious videos with Merline and Shirlene and then a touching and convicting message by my daughter, Rachel. Thanks to all who made this evening so memorable!

Sunday morning, Andy, Carman and Laine joined us for worship. Here is great grandma Boore getting her first peek at great granddaughter, Lainey Bug:

Of course, she had to hold her too!

Not only did they honor Mother's in the service, but it was also Baby Dedication Day, which was so neat, since Laine was present (as well as other babies). Here is a pic of the dedication....

After church, Leigh holding Laine.....

Before going to eat lunch at Outback Steakhouse, we came by the house to get some family pictures. Paul & Mary Mooney were going to lunch with us, so they stopped by the house so Paul could take the family picture.

This is a "four" generation picture: Dorothy Boore (great grandma); Debbie Swart (grandma/DeDe); Andy Swart (dad) and baby Laine Swart.

The family that was present (we did miss Josh and Erika and Derek). Hopefully soon, we'll all nine be together!

Andy, Carman and Lainey Bug.....

Good friend, Mary Mooney getting her turn.....

After lunch, we came back to the house and while Mommy and Daddy took a nap, Papa, DeDe, Aunt Rachie and Great Grandma got their share of holding the baby. I took a couple of pics of Lainey with blankets that had been given her. This one was crocheted by a friend of ours, JoAnn Silk and mailed to us from California. So pretty, JoAnn-thank you!

And this one was made by FBC Galena member, Betty Brookshire with the help of her great granddaughter, Aubri. So pretty!

It was sure hard to say goodbye to the family early Sunday evening, but Jeff & I are excited to see them again in a couple of days before we fly to Florida for our vacation.

Thank you, Lord, for my Mother and the godly heritage that she and Dad gave me! And thank you, Lord, for allowing me the blessed privilege and honor to be a mother. I love my kiddos: Josh, Andy & Rachel. I am also thankful for the privilege of being a mother-in-law to 3 great spouses of my kids: Erika, Carman and Derek. And then my heart is full of thanksgiving for allowing me to finally become a grandmother. WOW, God, are you so good to me! Thank you, thank you!!