Happy Birthday Travis!

Travis is our newest "nephew in love" married to my sister's third daughter, Emily.  Tom and I have amazing memories from their wedding...it was the last time we danced together before Tom's recurrence.

September 24, 2011

"Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband."

Ephesians 5:33

Travis & Emily are the proud "parents" of Roxy, their black lab!

“Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”

Matthew 15:27

Travis & Emily

"Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves."

Philippians 2:1-3

One of my favorite pictures...cousins & their "country boy" husbands!

Tim, Lauren, Zac, Sarah, Emily & Travis

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God."

Ephesians 3:14-19

Travis was an amazing catcher for the MVNU Cougars!

"Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."

I Corinthians 9:25

Thanks Travis for playing the game of life with the imperishable in mind. We love you and pray your birthday is one to remember!

Love, Uncle Tom & Aunt Lisa

Last Saturday night the whole Kline Clan (26 of us) gathered here for dinner, minus Papa and Granny.  Thank you to my sister who pulled off another challenging meal.  Not only is it a challenge to cook for 25, but with three people having dietary restrictions, makes it even more challenging.  We enjoyed grilled chicken, herbed sweet potato pan fries, baked potatoes, and green beans.  Aubrey made two delicious salads, I threw in some rolls and the plethora of desserts were cupcakes and apple dessert (Kelly), peanut butter brownies (Cheryl) and strawberry shortcake (Lauren)!  What fun it was celebrating Declan's introduction into the "crowd".  We certainly missed mom and dad, however we realize our size is making each gathering a challenge...next time we may need to rent a larger facility!

Sarah introduces herself to Declan!

Tom started another chemotherapy drug Monday night.  He will take this medication daily for two weeks.  So far, Tom is tolerating it well.  We made it to therapy yesterday with no "roadside incident" and we are so thankful.  He is sleeping well at night and for that we give thanks.

So often when I write I think whoever reads this must think all we do is eat!  Sometimes it does seem like that.  I want to honor and say thank you to all who have brought food and I have found that this is the best way to do that...and, maybe it will bring inspiration in your meal planning!  Last night we enjoyed a Mexican Fiesta compliments of Tari Hooley.

White Chicken Chili

Chips & Black Bean Salsa

Individual Coffee Cakes for Breakfast & Pineapple Cake for dessert!

Thank you Tari...you're a blessing!

Last Fall while the leaves were piling up and gathering in our gutters, we noticed our neighbor was having an estimate on gutter guards.  We decided it would be a smart decision for us to do the same.  This past Monday and Tuesday the gutter guards were installed so now this Fall Tom will not have to worry about the gutters getting clogged with leaves.  Another task that Tom always took care of and now is unable to.  With all of his limitations, he continues to be so positive and never complains about what he can't do...he is amazing.  I think the two hardest limitations he has is walking and reading.  We who enjoy those things can't begin to imagine what it would be like to not have them, yet he perseveres with an amazing attitude...just like Tom!

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

James 1:12