Oh, how nice to be back in the heat and humidity. Yes, I know some call me crazy, but I love it.
We had a wonderful July. From Millinocket, Maine, we flew to Boise, Idaho for Ron and Georgia Lee Puryear's Moving Up and Family Reunion. It was terrific. We love Boise, and we love Ron and Georgia Lee and their 'family'.
Paul, Paul Edward, Mel, Demetri, Marlee Kaye, Zeke and I took off Sunday afternoon and drove to Seaside, OR for Brad and Julie Duncan's Moving Up. It was so cold! I'm just not made for cold weather. The kids and loved it! Then to drove to Portland for their Family Reunion. What a grand time. They had a 70s and 80s theme for their Platinum Dinner on Friday night. What a hoot! I wish you could have seen the different way everyone dressed. Was that era really that strange?? From Portland, we drove back to Boise (with Paul E and his family) for Theron and Darlene Nelsen's Moving Up and Family Reunion.
Friday night the Nelsen's had karaoke and dancing. Oh, my! Some can sing and some can't!! That's all I'm going to say. It was so fun, though.
Paul preached the Sunday morning services for all of the reunions. I led some praise songs to get the people's hearts prepared to hear His Word. God was gracious and spoke to many. We are privileged to minister during these times.
We did lots of counseling. One week Paul was almost a zombie…so tired! He did catch up on his sleep and rest in-between the Duncan and Nelsen meetings. Melanie and I took the kids and spent a day at water world in Boise.
Paul E, Mel and the children started back home Sunday afternoon after the Nelsen FR. It took them 21/2 days. It's a long drive from ldaho to South Texas.
Paul and I drove to Sun Valley, Idaho with Theron and Darlene and Billy and Sandy Hawkins. This is Theron's old stomping grounds. Many memories for him and Darlene. Billy and Sandy also had some memories of functions that were held in Sun Valley many years ago. It was fun just listening to the stories.
We loved Sun Valley. It is absolutely gorgeous. The weather was wonderful…warm. We had two days to relax and enjoy each other's company….eat, rest and just talk! I'm sure it won't be the last time we spend some time in Sun Valley.
Thom was sick of the rain by the time we got back to the ranch. He said it rained almost every day. It's still pretty wet around here. We need some good sunshine and dry days so we can harvest our hay.
All in all, we were gone for 28 days. That's a long time to be away from home, but we enjoyed every minute of it. However, like I said, it was so good to get home.
I rested a day. Then, Mel, Kelley and I took the kids school shopping. What fun! I"m glad they all wear uniforms…even the public school has a strict dress code. Makes it easy to shop.
We celebrated Kelley's 39th birthday….she's holding at this age, she says!
She, Paul and Thom left for Patriot Academy in Austin with Rick Green. Paul will speak three time this week. We love the Green Family. They have a vision and burden for this country.
We love you. Be blessed, Billie
Be blessedBillie Tsika
Mark, Gretchen and the girls are in Highland, California. It’s hard to believe that they’ve been in California eleven years. Mark is Executive Pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Highland. I would say that he runs the church, but that would be a proud mother-in-law statement. Plus, his pastor probably wouldn’t appreciate it! Sorry, Bro. Rob. Gretchen stays busy running the girls all around southern California. Three girls would keep any mother busy! She also spends lots of time ministering to the younger staff moms and their children. Meagan has graduated and is now working with children. She’s a lover of people and loves working with children. She is very involved in church choir. Marissa is in a world of her own. She loves to sing, dance and is a lover of animals. Who knows what God has in store for her??? Malory….well, she’s our drama queen! She loves soccer and basketball and is now a teenager.
Paul Edward and Melanie keep the ranch moving forward. Paul Edward is head of operations here at the ranch. He keeps everything running and in tip-top shape. He is our resident builder and helps his dad with illustrations and material for speaking, and has been a great help in some of our counseling. Melanie still works in the office and around the ranch while running the roads with three children. Emily is now in the Air Force based in Alamogordo, NM. Demetri is concentrating on basketball and studies. Marlee is involved in volleyball and basketball. Zeke is in the 8TH grade and really growing. He loves football and cars. He is a National Junior Honor Society Member.
Thom and Kelley live right across the field from the lodge. Thom is financial officer here at the ranch. He puts in his hours sitting at the desk and in front of the computer….sometimes on the tractor. He will be taking care of our new website. He is such an asset to the ministry. He has the ability to disarm his dad when things get ……a little stressed! Ha! Kelley has her hands full with our little caboose, Kadie, who will be 5 in June. Shelby is involved volleyball, theater and golf. She is also a National Junior Honor Society Member. Jake is involved in golf and enjoys time with his family.
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