Sad news

A dear and godly woman, Charlene Layne, went home to be with Jesus on Sunday morning. She will be dearly missed. Charlene was the director of women's ministries at Grace Chapel for many years. She did a beautiful job too. Charlene had been in remission from leukemia for a number of years, and just a few months ago was diagnosed with another (rare) form of leukemia. The treatment she was getting at UCLA Medical Center was intense chemo. Just a few days ago she contracted pneumonia and her weakened body couldn't put up a fight against it.

At the end of second service yesterday, Pastor Chris couldn't hold back the tears as he announced that Charlene had gone home. It is a very sad, bittersweet time right now. We grieve with her family, but we rejoice (with a bit of jealousy) that she is face to face with the one who loves her best. Please pray for her family.

Storytellers Cafe

The highlight of our trip to Disneyland today was a place called "The Storyteller's Cafe." It is actually in the Grand Californian Hotel which in downtown Disney. A friend had told Rita about it, so we searched until we found it. The hotel itself was a treat ~ the decor, the peacefulness, the grand piano in the lobby with a pianist playing disney songs and old standards.









Today we were interested in trying new things. We rode the Disney Fire Truck for the first time too! Jerry, the driver, took our picture. He taught us how to wave from the truck: "elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist, touch your lips and blow a kiss."

Long-time friends

Way back when we lived in San Diego - back when Nici and Jason were born - God blessed us with Larry & Jeri Anderson and Bruce & Janet Baumgartner. As usual, God scattered us all over the place as we obeyed his call. Larry & Jeri have been in Phelan for almost 20 years. Bruce & Janet are now in Hawaii. And we're in Lancaster. But we all got to see each other again at Bruce's dad's funeral in August. We sat outside after the funeral and chatted and chatted until it was dark and we needed to drive home. How refreshing to be with old friends!

Larry & Jeri

Nici & Jeri

Duane & Bruce

Janet & Cathy

Jeri, Becky, Janet & Nici - today is Becky's 23rd birthday. Happy Birthday, Becky!

Gwin Family Reunion (July 2007)

I realize it has been months since July, but here are some photos from the Gwin Family Reunion in Kingsland, Texas. I promise to post more later. I kind of favor Carolyn's family in this post, I noticed.

This is my dad - Charles Gwin - the reason we have a Gwin family.



Randy & Caden Cox. Randy is married to my niece, Tiffany (Carolyn's daughter).



For the reunion, we rented a 7,000 sq. ft. house on Lake LBJ (Lyndon B. Johnson). This is just one picture of the gorgeous sunsets that we saw.



Avery Cox - Randy & Tiffany's daughter. She is such a cutie!!



Adam McDonald - my nephew.



Ruthann (Adam's wife) taught everyone (who was willing to learn) the 'electric slide' line dance. She is in the middle in the green shirt. Randy is in front with the Stetson hat.

A "Wicked" Night in Hollywood

Friday night we had the privilege of going with the Grace Chapel youth staff to see the musical "Wicked" at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. You can see the "Wicked" advertising picture above our heads right below the "hollywood" neon sign. It was an amazing performance. The trip was a 'thank you' from Kevin & Alan Bertaiume to the high school and junior high youth staff for serving during this last school year. Since Jason was the only one in our family that actually serves on the youth staff, we were doubly blessed to be invited to fill the seats of those who couldn't attend! Kevin and Alan served dinner and beverages to all of us on the bus ride to Hollywood - they could put any flight attendant out of a job!

Jason sported a new gotee - and a Mr. Potato Head tie! Check it out!

Brock & Tricia visit Nana

Brock & Tricia (our nephew and his wife) came to visit Nana earlier this month. They came to church with us, then we went to Texas Cattle Company. Tricia is pregnant - due next month. She is so cute! We had so much fun with them. Our friend, Whitney, went to lunch with us too. She is from Texas too, but has repented and converted to become a Californian.