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!!

Lainey Bug has arrived!!

Laine Virgina Swart was born April 26th at 9:00 p.m. to Andy & Carman. She weighed 7 lbs., 6 ozs., and was 19" long. Carman was in labor for about 3 hours and did a wonderful job in delivering her little girl. Both Mom and Baby are doing great!

I know I'm prejudiced, but she is the most beautiful grandchild ever! The happy and blessed family!

Daddy, DeDe and Lainey Bug....

Very proud Papa, Daddy and Miss Laine....

Delighted Grandma's!

The next morning....

Her first hair bow!

And all dressed up. Such a doll!

Couldn't be more happy!

Here is a slideshow of many, many more pictures......and it's just the beginning, blog readers! We do thank you for your congratulations, well wishes, love, and prayers! God has been so very good to the Swart family - and to Him goes all the honor, glory and praise!

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!