Happy Anniversary To Us!!!

June 23, 1972

Don't you dig the "dutch boy" hair and the funky glasses on Rick? And my "parted-down-the- middle-shaggy" hair?

Boy, the stories I could tell. There is not enough time in this life to tell you all about us in our 38 years of marriage. But, I will save you the math and the questions - yes, we got married when I was 16 and Rick was 17!

S-T-U-P-I-D...perhaps.

Let me make one thing clear right up front...I did NOT have to get married!! We put ourselves through college (after we finished high school). And, we waited 9 years before having children. That had to be a God-thing. Back then we were just young, in love, ignorant, and stubborn. I have often wondered over the years, why my parents would allow me to do something so ridiculous. To even think about allowing Matt or Sarah to marry at 16 gives me the shivers! So, in my quest for answers, this is what I do know -

God had a plan. My parents had to sign for me before I could marry that young. Who in their right mind does that for their 16 yr old daughter? (unless there's a very big reason) Only God could have orchestrated their hands to move that pen along the line...signing their only daughter away to a young, immature boy.

My parents loved him like a son. He loved them as his parents instead of in-laws. Their passing was almost as hard on him as it was on me. Have our lives always been a bed of roses? Absolutely not! We have had our share of problems, issues, hard times and dark times, but through it all our love has prevailed...God's love has been the glue in our marriage. Without Him, we would not still be together.

God took us 38 yrs ago, and has been patiently teaching us about commitment, devotion, loyalty, forgiveness, perseverance, dedication, trust, and unconditional love. Some lessons we've learned the hard way and some lessons we are still learning. Marriage is a never-ending growing experience. You can never stop "watering your garden" or it will dry up and wither away. You must work at it...all the time. It is to be taken care of, honored and respected, and most definitely held onto - for better or worse. So many young people today go into relationships with the mindset - "If it doesn't work, we'll just get out." That has never been an option. We took our vows very seriously, even though we were young. There have been valleys, pits, hills, and mountains all along the way, and God has intertwined our hands together with His each and every step of the way.

So, Happy Anniversary to us! I love my DH very, very much and he loves me... maybe even spoils me a little too much! He is a wonderful, caring, loving man and a great father and Poo-Paw! Matt and Sarah, I hope you know how blessed you are to have a dad who loves you so!

Before and After

What a difference a few hours can make. One minute here in the "Bermuda Triangle of Arkansas", *have I mentioned the bizarre weather patterns in this little valley?* a gnarly looking storm brews up out of nowhere, drops a gusher for about 10 minutes, clears off, and later produces a canvas of vivid colors in the sky! I love this place!

A Storm is Brewing
God's Canvas

There's an old Gaither song, "Joy Comes in the Morning", which came to mind as I reflected on the strange weather and drastic changes in the sky throughout the day. My mom and dad used to love this song. I still love it because it has such a simple but significant promise - "hold on my child, joy comes in the morning." Even though this storm cleared and the joy came in the evening, the truth was still the same - joy did come.

Just as this atmospheric storm came in unexpectedly, the "storms of life" can hit without warning too. And, just as the sky cleared and later produced such a splendid sunset, life's storms clear and sometimes even without our knowledge, something beautiful comes from it.

If you're being tossed about in a storm right now..."hold on my child, joy comes in the morning."

"...and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy." John 16:20

The Journey of a Tadpole

As I've mentioned before, I love to raise tadpoles! The transformation from tad to frog fascinates me and is very fun to watch. Last October I found some tads, which was strange to me because I usually find them in the Spring. I had watched for them all summer with no success, then VOILA...October Tadfest!


Sarah helped me gather a bucketful and I took them home to begin their journey to adulthood. I have no idea how long they had been in the little stream where I found them, but they were about the size of my pinkie fingernail...some smaller.


I've done this whole project before, with the transformation taking about 6-8 weeks and producing the tiniest little frogs you can imagine...I'm talking itty bitty. When December rolled around and the freezing weather hit, you can imagine my dismay and confusion that my tads were still...tads, just bigger. Since I had been keeping them in an aquarium on the back porch, my first thought was - I will have to bring them inside. The hubby put the halt on that right away! He thinks I'm ridiculous anyway, and bringing critters in the house is not on his list of fun things to do. So, I continued to watch over them, feed them, change their water, break the ice on the surface of the water, wrap their tank with a blanket - fearing all the while that they would freeze their little tails off.


I decided to Google tadpoles and see if I could figure out why they weren't changing into frogs yet. Much to my surprise, I found out they were North American Bull Frogs, which can take over a year to transform. Geez! I hadn't really planned on caring for tadpoles that long, but I wasn't going to let the little things die either. So...here I am, in my ninth month of tad care.


But, sayeth the angel, "Behold, I bring good tidings of great joy. For unto you, froggies will emerge and you shall set them free."


Today I set three of my wee ones free into the big world. There are two more almost ready for release and all of them now have legs. I began with 21, had 3 casualties along the way, so I am now the proud mother of 17 froglets!


Need I say that I am releasing them far away from the house? Can you imagine the "music" 17 bull frogs would make??? Thus Rick's orders to take them far away!


I have far too many pictures to put on here, but you can view my Tadpole Album on Facebook at the link below if you are just dying to see the transformation in a little more detail. (I know all 4 of you are just sitting on the edge of your seats) Ha Ha!

Gathering of the TadsTiny Tads in The Tad HiltonGrowing!
I Have Back Legs! I Have Front Legs Overnight!
I'm Looking Like a Frog
I Am a Frog!
Huey, Duey and Luey Go Off to College

Once again, God's world never ceases to amaze me! Oh, that everyone could take such pleasure in the "simpler" things of life...like spending nine months raising tadpoles!! ;-)

Here is the FB link if you're interested:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2056993&id=1014707481&l=1268bd7860

Enjoy...I know I have!

Babies, Babies Everywhere!

Greetings from Texas! Summer grand baby #1 was born on May 17! Rick and I flew down for Sawyer's birth then flew back the same day, as Rick was right in the middle of hay season. He had a "window of good weather" to be cutting, raking and putting up hay, (you farmers know what I mean) so we had to get back to the farm. But Susan's mom and dad stayed for a week then brought Natalie and Parker home to Danville to stay for a week, giving Matt and Susan time with Sawyer. Sanni and PooPaw kept Natalie for a few days, Nana and Papa kept Parker for a few days, then we switched! What a great time we had with the kids! I'll post pics from that week at a later date. My pictures from that adventure are on my computer at home! I am back in Texas now......so for now, meet

Sawyer Linton Millsap!

Sunday I flew with Natalie and Parker back to Texas, which was quite the adventure! Ever seen a "germ-a-phobe" travel with children??? YIKES! Let's just say, we used a lot of Germ-X! I think the funniest moment I had with the kids in the airport was when it was almost time to board the plane. Parker, who is 2 and in the middle of potty training, had not been potty in about 3 hrs and I knew it would be a while before he would be able to go. When I suggested we all go potty before we got on the plane, his response was what it always is - "But, I don't need to go". So my very creative and devious self quickly responded with, "But they won't let us on the plane unless we have all gone tee-tee. When we get to the man who takes our ticket, he's going to ask us, 'Have you gone tee-tee?' And if the answer is no, he will say, 'Then you can't get on the plane until you go.' You should have seen the looks on the people's faces around us! One lady was laughing so hard - she leaned over and said, "Well, I just went tee-tee, so I'm getting on that plane!"

Needless to say, we tried, but Parker still didn't go. He waited until we got to his house...about 2 hrs later! Way to go Parker! **Oh, to have a bladder like that!**

I will be staying here until Wednesday to help Matt and Susan "get their feet on the ground" with all three kids. Then...this Sanni is going home to rest up for Summer Baby #2, Ayla!! She will be here in 5 weeks - give or take a few days! Sarah and Ayla are doing well! Sarah just sent me the link to her maternity pictures - wow! They are so good! I'm sure she will be posting those very soon!

God is so good!

Deep Roots

As you all know, I love taking pictures! I'm always seeing a "Kodak moment" in things most would just ignore or pass by. Even my DH often asks, "Why are you taking a picture of that????"

This tree (or what's left of it) is at the side of our house. *Have I mentioned that we live in the "The Arkansas Bermuda Triangle"?* The weather patterns and happenings are just bizarre in this little valley. Hercules (this mighty little tree) has been through so many hardships (really, ya think?) but as you can see, it just screams, "Look at me! I'm not finished yet! Please don't give up on me! I think I can, I think I can, I know I can!" I don't believe for one second that you could convince this little tree to give up. It is determined to make it through whatever comes its way.

It has endured brutal freezes, straight line winds that have uprooted many large trees, tornadic activity, hail, and drought. It has been split in half, snapped off in the middle, and stripped of it's bark from the freeze...but do you see the plush growth moving up this tree of determination and courage? My hubby has threatened to cut it down several times, but I can't bear the thought of killing something so determined to survive.

How humbling to compare the perseverance of this mighty little tree to the fortitude of most of us. How often have we felt torn apart, worn down, broken in two, defeated, knocked down, destroyed or too weak to care? Oh, that we could all be as dauntless as little Hercules! He may be bruised and beat up, broken and ragged, but he is obviously sturdy and ready for battle!

I asked myself why this tiny little tree stub continues to withstand the storms and the hardships. Bigger and stronger trees have fallen or wasted away, yet this one has been heroic and brave. Perhaps it has something to do with the "root system".

Only when we have a deep, strong, solid root foundation can we withstand the storms and hardships that inevitably come our way.

So, how is your "root system"?

"Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand."
Psalm 37:24

Dear Mother

Dear Mother,

Happy Mother's Day! Sunday was such an exciting day - Sarah's first Mother's Day! Ayla is due in 9 weeks! Plus, Sarah's Baby Shower was Saturday and she is just "over the moon!" How we wish you were here to be a part of this grand event! And the upcoming birth of Matt and Susan's little Sawyer. Sarah has 9 weeks left and Susan has 9 days left!

Saturday morning I was in a nostalgic mood and went upstairs to dig through my box of treasures...things I found and kept after you and Daddy passed away...things I find myself drawn to from time to time when I am especially missing you both. Your smell is in that box. You and Daddy are in that box. MY LIFE is in that box! I love going through it and remembering the story or the event behind the treasures I kept. Below you will find just a few of the things I hold near and dear to my heart, especially on this sweet weekend...Sarah's first baby shower and the day before Mother's Day. I just wanted to share them with you. I miss you and Daddy so much! Happy Mother's Day! I hope you enjoy this little trip down Memory Lane...

Your Baby PictureYour Wedding Picture

So many stories, so many memories, so many treasures, so many adventures

all tucked away in this plastic box. I need to buy a really special trunk to store all these treasures in. They are far too precious for a Dollar Store plastic tub!

My Box of Treasures

Wow...the emotions that came flooding in when I picked these up! I put your rain bonnet up to my face, breathed in your fragrance...and just burst into tears. It was like I was hugging you right then and there. Your 'scent' was so strong in that moment, it was as if I had you back for a brief second. It was the same when I picked up Daddy's yardwork hat. The only difference was, I laughed through my tears because of the way he always cut little diamond-shaped holes in the top of his hat so his "head could breathe". My goodness, I love that man! He was so funny! Oh the sweet, precious memories!

Just a Few of Your Many Sewing Boxes

Your Mother's Bible. I had no idea she and I shared

a deep love for the same scripture!Daddy kept his pennies on top of his dresser in this

shaving cream cup for as long as I can remember.Daddy's Cotton - he had this for years, but I

don't remember where he picked it.

Back in the day, I was a Modge Podge wizard! Being young, married and on a tight budget, I often made your gifts instead of buying them. These boxes were Christmas presents (I think) from at least 35 years ago. How sweet that you kept them on your dressers for all of these years.

Your Bible...just as you carried it to church for the last time - with your candy, kleen-ex and Dr. Pepper lip gloss still in it.

After Daddy was diagnosed with lung cancer, I made these for each of you...just as a reminder that God was ever present in your time of need. Little did we know that you would be diagnosed with cancer too, just 8 months after losing Daddy. I should have made myself one of these!

You were Super Woman! You worked a full-time job at the County Health Dept., came home and cooked dinner, attended all of the ballgames and various activities of mine, Harold's and Craig's, did the household chores, ran a taxi service for all of us, and still managed to sew almost all of my clothes. Often you would stay up until 1 or 2 a.m. to sew after we were all in bed. It wasn't until I was in my twenties that I finally understood and appreciated all you did. I made this for you one Mother's Day with a note of thanks for those tireless hours of sewing your heart out for me...this is you at your sewing machine just happily working away! Thank you for treasuring this little gift of appreciation and hanging it above your sewing machine for all those years. A Special Place for Your Sewing Plaque and Your Baby DollWhen you died, I purchased two of these and placed the pictures in them. You wore one to "take with you" that day and I wore the other one that day

...forever connected.

You saved one of my baby blankets and a little quilt Mamaw made for me! Maybe Ayla can use them!

...and last but not least

My Favorite Picture of You and Daddy

I will forever miss and love you both! I hope your Mother's Day in Heaven was special!

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed..." Proverbs 31:25-28

My How Time Flies

I just returned from a Women of Joy Conference in Branson, MO. What an awesome time of good fellowship, good food, good speakers, good concert, bad storm, bad seating, pretty rainbow, good shopping and great worship! Sarah decided to stay home, which at this point in her pregnancy was probably a good idea...long drive, lots of walking, sitting, and climbing stairs. We missed her. This weekend was the beginning of many busy weekends to come!

Somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind, I seem to recall hearing that life slows down when your kids become adults and you enter the "empty nest" period of your life. What alien came up with that idea???? I have found that life gets crazier and busier every day...not in a bad way, but all of that time I was supposed to be having is now filled with other busy things. I love to be busy, but I also love to be still. There is a balance in there somewhere-I just have to find it.

I have discovered a big secret. The Golden Years is a myth. So far I haven't found anything "golden" about gravity tugging at my face and boobs, dealing with the illnesses and loss of both my parents, practicing preventative medicine (colonoscopies, mammograms and such), thinning hair, leaky bladder, surprise "snoots" (as Natalie calls them) and creaky joints. There's more, but it would be way TMI...more than I've already disclosed...more than you already wanted to know. Just want you younger gals to know what's ahead for you. You can thank me later. Honesty is always the best policy, right?

There is however, one big joy that comes with this stage of life - grandbabies! Natalie and Parker have already been so much fun and brought so much joy to our lives. Very soon Sawyer and Ayla will be here to add to that joy!!! I can't believe Susan's and Sarah's pregnancies have flown by so fast! Not a day has gone by that these precious daughters of mine and their babies haven't been prayed over for safe pregnancies, safe deliveries and perfect, healthy babies! Thank you God in advance for these precious babies we will soon hold in our arms!

May/June/July promises to be a whirlwind of excitement, fun and probably exhaustion. Hubs and I are going to TX this weekend to see Matt, Susan, Natalie and Parker. Next weekend is Sarah's baby shower!! Yay! We (especially Sarah) have waited a long time for this moment and we will soak it in with much gratitude and praise to God for allowing this day to come! Sawyer could come anytime after that, so we will be going back and forth to TX for his birth, bringing Natalie and Parker to Arkansas for a week or so, then taking them back. That brings us to June, which will be a few short weeks away from Ayla's arrival! Whew...I'm already tired! hehe What fun we're going to have! We will be a little anxious until Ayla arrives and Sarah and Ayla are safe and sound. Ayla is measuring big and Sarah's doctor wants her to avoid a C-section if at all possible, due to her previous surgery issues. Looks like Ayla may be induced a little early. So, let's pray for a safe and easy delivery please. Big babies seem to run on all sides of the family. Sorry Sarah. :-)

Never a dull moment! It's always an adventure in the Millsap family! So, your prayers are always welcome!

I leave you with a few recent pictures - reminders that our God is always present...always faithful!

A Big Storm is Brewing in Branson

God's Promise After the Storm

Women of Joy Praising the Lord

God's Beautiful World

More of God's Beautiful World