FBC Women's Retreat 2010

WOW - what a wonderful, wonderful retreat, the gals of First Baptist, Galena, Kansas had this past weekend at the lakehouses in Bella Vista, Arkansas! God gave us the perfect weather, beautiful accomodations and such a sweet time together! Here is the group that went and I've had several who couldn't go already tell me they will be going next year!

Back row (left to right): Rachel Cox; Karri Watkins; Karen Meier; Shayna Gibson & Debbie Swart

Middle Row: Kellie Boyes, Jenae Shoemaker, Leigh Ryan, Angela Owen, Derenda Shoemaker & Janet Gant

Front Row: Randi Wade, Anna Lisa Dunaway, Jessica Hall & Stephanie Moore

A picture of the beautiful, serene lake. The ladies and I were so appreciative of my sister, Kaye & brother-in-law, Rob for allowing us to use their lakehouses for our retreat. Thank you, Sister/Brother!

Of course, we had some good eating too! Here are two of my favorite girls: Leigh Ryan (our wonderful church secretary) and the one who did so much in getting this retreat together and my precious daughter, Rachel......

After dinner, we played a fun game and laughed and laughed. The name of the game is "4 On A Couch". We played it several times Friday night as well as Saturday!

Rachel was our guest speaker for the weekend. She spoke on "Making a Difference with Your Life...Leaving a Lasting Legacy." It was her first time to do something like this and I was very proud of the excellent job she did!! All the gals fell in love with her -- and she with them. Thank you, Rachel Ann, for allowing God to use you in blessing us!

After Rachel spoke, then Kellie had us play another fun game...."What is in your Overnight Bag!" Lots more laughs!

As with almost all women's retreats - there was lots of visiting - till the "wee" hours of the morning.

Saturday morning, Rachel got up early and went down to the dock to spend some time with the Lord in preparation for what she was to share that morning - and to enjoy God's beautiful creation.

After breakfast, Rachel led our second session from Acts 8 encouraging us to live lives that produce 100 fold fruit for the Kingdom of God. Again, she did a wonderful job.

After snacking and more game playing, we all journeyed down to the dock for our last session where I shared with the girls how to make their own picture prayer books and also encouraged them to journal.

We closed the retreat with a time of sharing our hearts. So sweet!!

A group hug picture:

Goodbye, beautiful lake - till next time!

Here is a slideshow of many pictures -- several of the girls contributed to this slideshow so they are not in order.....if you want to see the captions and/or comments, please click on it and open the link to the Picasa album:

Andy's 30th Birthday & Laine's Shower

Rachel & I had made plans to go to NWA on Friday for Laine's baby shower on Saturday. So it was an extra treat when Carman invited us to a surprise 30th birthday party for Andy on Friday night. It was great to see many of the Metro church family again, as well as some of Carman's family and other friends/family. I will only post a few pictures, as the slideshow at the bottom of this posting have all the pictures of the weekend. If you click on it and open it, there are also many captions to explain the pictures.

Happy Birthday, Andrew Ryan -- what a "milestone" year for you -- leaving your twenties and becoming a Daddy!! We love you and are very proud of the man you have become!

Andy's b/day cake with the Cowboy's colors :-)

Laine's baby shower was at MiMi's in Rogers on Saturday. The hostesses had asked that those who would - to bring books to begin Laine's library.......

She received lots and lots of wonderful gifts -- again, the slideshow below will show more of those gifts.

Four generations.... Laine, Carman, Carman's mom, Donna and Donna's Mom (Laine's great grandma).

Debbie and her girls: Rachel, Carman, Laine and Erika.....I love each one of you!

The sweet hostesses -- you all did a superb job - thank you!

Here is the slideshow......click the arrow to get it to start.... or click on it and open the link and you will then be able to see the captions to explain many of the pictures. Thanks again to everyone who blessed our kids with such wonderful gifts!!

The Babies are Arriving!

If you are a regular "Swart Life" blog reader, you will recall this picture from one of my Christmas postings. When the Boore family gathered at the lakehouses in Bella Vista for our family Christmas, three of our girls were expecting. My niece, Shawna & husband Nathan were due in March; my niece, Shannan (who is Shawna's big sister) and husband Mike, due in April, and my daughter-in-law Carman and son Andy, who are due in May.
Well, two of those babies have been born - both early! Tristan Ezra Tunnell was born March 5th (over a week early) but weighed a healthy 7 lbs even. Here is a picture of him with proud mom and dad (Shawna and Nathan).

Such a cutie!!!

And then to everyone's surprise, little Cooper Jackson McEuen was born 3 weeks early on March 17th! He is a little guy - weighing 4 lbs, 13 ozs., at birth. My niece Shannan barely made it to the hospital...giving birth only 16 minutes after arrival - didn't even have time to fully undress! Thankfully, all went well and Mom and baby are home. Isn't he precious!?!

My sister, Bev, is "NaNa" to both of these boys, so she has been one very busy grandma. Unfortunately in the midst of all the excitement, she spent almost a week in bed with the H1N1virus and Influenza A. Thankfully, she is on her road to recovery and trying to help her girls out as much as she is physically able to. She is keeping Shannan's other two children, Madyson and Zachary this weekend to help give Shannan and Mike a break.

Congratulations to Shawna, Nathan, Shannan, Mike, Bev & Don on these blessed additions to your family!!

So the Swart family are now anxiously awaiting the arrival of our baby!! Laine Virginia is due May 1st, but if she follows the example of her cousins, she just may come early! I am amazed at the technology they have these days. This 4D ultrasound was taken of Laine at approximately 31 weeks. She seems to have some of Andy's features....nose and lips, but I'm sure she will be as beautiful as her momma!
This is Carman at 32 weeks.....pretty girl!

To our sweet granddaughter, Laine,

DeDe and Papa are so very excited at your soon arrival. We have waited a long time for a grandbaby to hold and love and you are the answer to our long-awaited prayers! We pray for you daily. Not only that you will be healthy and normal and that your delivery will go without any problems, but that you will also bring joy to all who know you. Just as I prayed the following for your Daddy (and your Uncle Josh and Aunt Rachel), I will be praying these things over you daily. My desire for you, precious girl, is that your life will always bring honor and glory to Jesus and that you will love Him with all your being.

YOUR DEDE IS PRAYING THAT:

1. Nothing will hinder you from accepting Christ early in your life - Psalm 63:1; II Timothy 3:15; Matthew 19:14.
2. You will learn to know God and have a desire to do His will - Psalm 119:27.
3. You will have a genuine love for God and His Word and that that will be a basis for making decisions in your life - Ecclesiastes 12:1.
4. You will have a keen sense of what is right and wrong - Romans 12:9; and will have a hatred for sin - Psalm 97:10.
5. You will be caught when guilty - Psalm 119:17; Galatians 6:7-8 (Oh, how your Daddy, Uncle & Aunt hated this one!).
6. You will be protected in your life physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally and socially - John 17:15; Luke 2:52.
7. You will have a responsible attitude in all of your interpersonal relationships - Daniel 6:3.
8. You will respect those in authority over you - Romans 13:1.
9. You will desire the right kind of friends and will be protected from the wrong friends - Proverbs 1:10-16.
10. You will be kept from wrong mates - II Corinthians 6:14-17.
11. You will be kept pure until marriage - I Corinthians 6:18-20.
12. You will be totally submitted to God and will resist Satan - James 4:7.
13. You will be single-heartedly sold out to Jesus Christ - Hebrews 12:1-2.
14. You will be hedged in from wrong people and wrong places - Hosea 2:6.
15. You will develop a thankful heart and a positive attitude - Psalm 126:2,3.
16. That God will protect you from Satan and from evil - John 17:55.
17. That God will destroy the enemies in your life (selfishness, disobedience, etc.) - Psalm 120:2.

18. That God will make you successful in the work He has planned for you - Psalm 118:25.
19. That you, sweet granddaughter, will have a strong sense of belonging to a loving family - Psalm 133.
20. That your entire life will be a testimony to the greatness of the love of Christ - Philippians 2:15-16.

I love you so very much, Laine Virginia and cannot wait to hold you!! Hurry, baby, hurry!

DeDe

Mom's doing well

My Mom, Dorothy Boore, had major back surgery on Monday, March 15th at St. John's Hospital in Joplin, MO. Dr. James D. Smith from the new Orthopedic Stateline Surgery Clinic (near my house) was her surgeon and did an excellent job. The surgery was more extensive and took longer than anticipated but prayerfully it will be successful in removing the pain she has had for six months and she will be able to resume the active lifestyle she has always enjoyed. We are very appreciative of all those who came prior to and during Mom's surgery and those who visited her during the week, sent her cards, and/or called her.

Here are a few pictures (she'll probably shoot me for posting these--since she doesn't have any make up on or her hair fixed). But I think she looks pretty good considering what she had been thru!
This was her Physical Therapist.....I don't know that I ever got his name. But he reminded me of Rocky Balboa (from the movie, Rocky....Sylvester Stallone). He was excellent in working with Mom and had her up walking the very next morning!

Holly & Aunt Freda came by to see Mom on Wednesday. While they were there, a nurse brought in a ?beautiful? flower arrangement and handed it to us......I looked at it and thought (to myself) oh my, what in the world? But didn't want to say anything in front of Holly & Freda.....so then I opened the card and the first name I saw was "Holly" and I thought, oh goodness, I'm so glad I didn't make fun of it -- but then I read the rest of the card and it immediately hit me what this was!!! It was one of those ugly "white elephant" gifts we got at the Bunco party and then hid them around Holly's house before our departure! Holly, said the nurse gave her such an odd look when she handed it to her and asked her to deliver it to Dorothy Boore in about 15 minutes. So Holly had to tell her it was a "family joke." HA -- we laughed so loud about it in Mom's hospital room, the nurse who was attending the woman who was Mom's roommate had to ask us to step outside cause the Doctor couldn't hear what his patient was saying!! So Nancy--your wonderful gift is still giving.......

Holly & Aunt Freda holding the beautiful creature.

OK, Boore Clan -- you all haven't seen the last of this beautie!!! Thanks, Holly Anne for the laughs!

Mom was released from the hospital on Friday morning and I brought her to my house. We were both pretty worried about how well she would do, since she was still in so much pain with any movement at the hospital. But thankfully, she's really doing well. Each day, she seems to get stronger and more independent.

We are so grateful to those who have provided delicious meals for us: Leigh Ryan; Jennifer, Jenae & Derenda Shoemaker, Joy Lee French, and Judy Hall and family. After a week of hospital cafeteria food or fast food, the homecooked meals have tasted so good!!

Kaye was suppose to drive up from Conway, AR on Sunday to get Mom and take her home to Girard and spend the week with her there. However, the first day of Spring, brought us a large snowfall (we have about 4" and could have up to 4-6" more with sleet)! So we have cancelled all services for Sunday and Kaye will wait until Monday to come (if the roads have cleared).

To all of you who have prayed for Mom -- I know God has heard those prayers and has answered - thank you, thank you!

FBC Ladies Bible Study

Our First Baptist ladies recently began the Beth Moore Bible Study, "Esther, It's Tough Being A Woman." I have been thrilled that 50 gals have participated in either our morning or evening groups. It has been especially refreshing to me, that they have been so consistent in their attendance. What an encouragement that is to any facilitator! I highly recommend this study--this is my second time to do it and I have learned so much.

I am so thankful to the Lord for anointing Beth and using her in such a tremendous way in my life and in so many other women's lives. I pray often for God's hedge of protection and continued wisdom and knowledge for Beth and her family. What a blessing she is!!

Here are some random shots of the FBC ladies.....the first two are some from the morning group......

And then the evening group......

Thank you, Ladies, for your commitment to studying God's Word and the encouragement and love you have given me!

Time with Mom and Sisters

It's a very rare thing for "just" us 3 girls to be at Mom's by ourselves. The majority of the time it's with our husbands and/or children/grandchildren. In fact, I don't recall doing this since the weekend of Dad's death. So this past weekend was a special time. It was also the very first time Beverly had driven by herself from Texas to Kansas. Way to go, Bev! Prayerfully, you have arrived safely home by time this posting is complete. Bev and Kaye drove to Mom's from their respective homes on Thursday. Since I had Bible study groups in the morning and evening of that day, I didn't go then. Instead I meet all 3 of them Friday morning at the new Orthopedic Doctor's Clinic very near my house. Mom had an appointment with Dr. Smith there. We were very impressed with these facilities and Dr. Smith who was thorough and kind in dealing with 4 women (ha!). It was determined that Mom will be having back surgery March 15th at St. John's Hospital in Joplin. From the doctor's explanation of what has happened to some disks in her back, it appears to be her only option to be pain free. And Mom is so ready for that as she's suffered with back and/or leg pain for almost 6 months. She's always been very active and this has just about done her in. Bev & I both have had back surgery, so we can definitely sympathize with her misery. We appreciate your prayers for a successful surgery and a quick recovery.

After her appointment, we came by my house, so Bev could see where we lived, picked up Jeff and then went to a really neat indoor/outdoor interior decor place called Sandstone Gardens. They have a delicious restuarant inside where we had lunch. Jeff took our picture on a pretty staircase in the store.

Saturday morning, we stopped by our cousin Kimbra Brunk's restuarant in Girard, Peppermill Cafe, so we could say hello to Sandy Virnardi who was working that morning. An extra treat was to also visit with her daughter Amber who was there with friends eating.

Then we headed to Pittsburg for a fun afternoon of Bunco with Boore cousins and aunts at Holly Viet's new home. We had three tables of 4 players each. Since I was taking the pictures, I'm not at one of the tables at this time, but did play (unfortunately was one of the "top" losers!). But it was fun anyway! Here is Michelle Hardister and her daughter, Cara, Aaron Boore, and Jeanice Bradshaw (roommate of Chelsea Boore's).

This table consisted of Kaye, Holly, Chelsea and Morgan Boore (who was recently crowned Girard Homecoming Queen - whoo hoo)!

Mom and Aunt Freda Hardister were our "audience" since the game is fast moving - they decided to just "watch."

The last table consisted of Beverly, Nancy Boore, Shawnee Viets and Aunt Judy Boore.

We played 4 rounds (I think), then had a break for food and fellowship :-) Then played another 4 rounds. Then it was time for prizes!!! Each one brought a "white elephant" and those were awarded as prizes. Lots and lots of laughter and fun! Here we are before the prizes were chosen.

Our only boy in attendance (of course) picked the gift bag that had a dress in it!!

Sweet Jeanice relieved Aaron's of his embarrassment by taking away his gift (we played it like you do at Christmas.....).

There was only one gift worth taking home and Chelsea got it, lucky girl!

Thanks so much, Holly, for opening your pretty home to us for this fun family gathering. Sure hope next time, I can get ONE Bunco!

I love my family and am so thankful for each of you!

The Passing of Jeff's mother, Evelyn Gaston

We said goodbye to Jeff's mom, Evelyn, on January 30th. We rejoice that she is now experiencing all of the glory of her heavenly home and is no longer in pain or suffering. But as with all deaths, it was sad to say the final goodbye. Our lives are so busy these days trying to wrap up her affairs, so I am attaching the link to our daughter, Rachel's blog, who did a great job posting a memorial tribute to her grandma.

Please take a few minutes to read it:

http://rachelanncox.blogspot.com/2010/02/in-loving-memory-of.html

Thank you to all of you who have been so kind us during these days. We love you!