More Clint is 25!

Clint and his buddy, Mackenzie
Licken' candles?

Luke, don't bite it!!

Like this!?

Clint and his buddy, Luke

I WANT CAKE,

not candle!

Happy Birthday, Clint.

Bookshelf Babies

What is that on the Bookshelf?

Clint turns 25!!!!!!

The Been Working look.

But what a great smile!

Steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans

and chocolate cake!

"Cars" cups!

Nemo banner

and Pooh hats.

What a party!

OH, Yeah, I forgot the Frozen Coke!

The deal breaker for a workin' Clint!

A Cake full of Candles.

25 years!

August 10th, 2006

Mackenzie is in True Uniform

August 10th, 2006

Improvised Uniform

baby boy white shirt

navy mini skirt

green flower short under that peak out the bottom

white socks

black church shoes.

Pretty good for what we already had!

August 9th 2006

My baby is going to Preschool.

Luke Lovin' on Baby Daisy

Tiger has grown attached to

Mackenzie's baby Daisy.

He feeds her.

He loves on her.

He carries her around.

August 2006

Luke's new shoes

No clothes, but I got shoes!

Princess Mackenzie

Princess Mackenzie

and her royal jewels

April 2006

(Or whenever it was that Aunt Brittney gave them to her)

She loves them!

Grampa at his finest!

This is how Grampa "recuperates" when he is out in the jungle.

He can sleep anywhere anytime!

Mackenzie went to school!!!!

I took Mackenzie to Verbo Private School

and dropped her off.

We visited yesterday.

She has on an improvised uniform

(white blouse and a blue skirt)

(with shorts under it, that stick out because the skirt is too short.)

until the one we ordered to have made will be ready.

(thursday)

I have not cried yet but I am well on my way!

My baby went to school.

August 2006

Fun Facts

*Tiger says thank you every time you hand him something.

He says "da-ah"

and he expects you to say "your welcome".

*Tiger also raises his hands to the sky for "amen".

He reaches out his hands when we say "let's pray"

He expects to hold hands.

He keeps handing us the "prayer bear"

(the bear that talks a good-night prayer) and

raising up his hands during the "amen" part!

He is so cute!

Luke 16 months

August 2006

The Man in the Green Jeep

A modern-day David-versus-Goliath story took place in Denver, CO, on July 10-14 when Hannibal Books, a small Texas-based company with a unique philosophy, set up its display alongside Christian publishing-field giants such as Thomas Nelson and Tyndale.
The staff of Hannibal Books was pleased when its eye-catching exhibit, which featured a full-sized, green 2007 Jeep Wrangler promoting one of its newest releases, attracted just as much attention as did the well-funded, glitzy displays of major publishers at the 2006 International Christian Retail Show, the largest and most prestigious gathering for Christian bookstores and publishers in the world.
The July show at the Colorado Convention Center annually attracts publishers, book-store buyers, authors, printers, and a whole host of others interested in Christian book publishing and related products.
Hannibal’s featured release, The Man in the Green Jeep, is typical of the niche market that the Garland, TX, publisher tries to fill. The children's book by Viola Palmer is about a Christian missionary in Honduras who uses a green Jeep to cross rugged terrain to take food and other necessities to impoverished flood victims who lost their homes and crops in a torrential downpour. Hannibal specializes in books by and about missionaries.
“Using a green Jeep, which was loaned to us by a local Denver dealership, illustrates the title of the book quite well, but it also shows the creativity that we have to go to sometimes to compete with the 'big guys,'" said Louis Moore, publisher of Hannibal Books. “We are not a million-dollar company yet, so every advertising dollar needs to be effective and productive.”
Besides promoting The Man in the Green Jeep, Hannibal hosted seven other current authors’ books at the trade show. These authors traveled from as far away as Japan and Honduras as well as South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, and Texas. These authors included Christy Brawner, Steve Hunter. Kelly Malone, Gene and Jean Phillips, Carol Weishampel and Viola Palmer.
July 2006
The book is available at www.amazon.com and www.hannibalbooks.com

Mackenzie is 4!

Let's get ready to party!

A festive family foto!

Why is someone always without a shirt on in our pictures?

Pink Cake

Pink Icing

New "Princess, Birthday, Church Dress"

Mackenzie's 4th birthday

July 12, 2006

Saddest Moment Ever!

Tiger kept pointing at a collage of pictures on the wall.

Every time he sat in his high chair,

He pointed emphatically at that picture!

I kept saying: "oh, da baby, look at dat baby Kenzie!"

Tiger kept pointing, almost angrily.

Today I took him over for a closer look.

He reached out...

deliberately....

and gently placed his tiny hand...

on the beautiful smiling face...

of his Granny!!!!!!

I was (and am) fighting tears.

I thought about calling but I just knew I would cry!

Luke is 16 months.

He knows something is missing...

and He knows what is missing.

We miss you.

Love,

Tiger, Kenzie and da momma.

Dinner Conversation

Mackenzie’s random comment had us all speechless.

She just wanted to be a part of the dinner conversation.
M—“There is only one true God
He lives in our hearts and in heaven at the same time.
That’s it. Only One True God.
That’s all”.

We read the kid Bible at night for story time.

We were in the Old Testament

Reading about Daniel and his friends,

and Idols.

Mackenzie 4 years old

August 2006

Luke and His New Shoes

When Tiger can’t find his shoes,
He brings Mackenzie’s shoes over
and demands that they be put on him.
Luke— 16 months
August 2006

To Grampa 2:

Yesterday we were playing at the fort.
Mackenzie was rambling on about everything.
Mackenzie was talking about all the improvements you will make on her fort.
Adult swings right here
Adult swings right there
A roof
Extend the fort all the way to the goat barn.
Just a short tiny slide with boards on the side where the slide goes.
And when she goes to Isaiah’s house she is going to
take it with her so she can share with Isaiah!
She was having a great time dreaming up modifications.
Creativity in bloom!
(You guys have been talking about building things lately.
Grampa’s garage/apartment.
Jeremy’s chicken house.
Clint’s trucks. The list goes on.
She was just taking her cue from you!)

August 2006

Agua?

Luke just walked into the room

and said: "Agua?"

I got him some water,

He threw his toy down and

grabbed the water,

drinking fast.

I guess that was pretty clear.

Water? Agua?

To Donna:

Mackenzie started calling "Uncle Clint"

Clinton Kelley

Everytime she uses his name.

How cute!

He just laughs.

Last night--in Her words

Me--"The internet is not working"

Kenzie—"One day, before this day,

That was close to this day.

The internet was working."

(meaning—Last Night)!!!

Finally another tooth!

Tiger is getting one more tooth.
It has been months and he only has a few.
Bottom left second tooth
(for those of you who care!)
Still no real words.
No mama.
No dada.
Just "NO" with different entonations.
He sort of says more than that.
He attempts to say "all done" when he wants out of his highchair.
Boys and Girls are different but they both can learn to be obedient.
Luke is definitly more stubborn.
I am more stubborn than that.
(mostly)
Discipline is tough on both me and him.
A necessary pain.
We see the results already.
He is sweet.
Mackenzie and Luke play together more.
It is SO sweet to see.
Luke can also "chase" better when she "runs away"!
They attack each other equally!
Mackenzie taught Luke to "dance".
They are great siblings.
I pray they grow up close.
July 2006

Come to me like children

Mackenzie was playing and said:
"Why is this cross here on the wall?"
Pause shortly (no answer)
"Thank you, God for dying on this cross"
The End …she moved on to another task,
Just like that.
I almost cried.
Children say it best.
Jesus said "come to me like children"
Mackenzie, 4 years old
July 2006

Parenting 101

Make them choose to obey.
Tiger had a noisy toy.
He was making noise in his sister's face
While she was watching TV.
I went over, squatted down and said:
"Luke, no, put the toy in my hand"
Luke hit is sister with the toy.
I repeated: "Luke, no, put the toy in my hand"
Luke threw the toy on the floor
I picked up the toy and put it back on the chair in front of him.
I repeated: "Luke, no, put the toy in my hand"
Luke took the toy,
Pushed it towards my outstretched hand.
I repeated: "Luke, no, put the toy in my hand"
Luke grabbed the toy and smashed it in my hand.
He was furious, but not crying and
He choose to obey.
He quickly moved on to another task.

To Grampa:

I was making cookies.
Me—"I have a surprise. I don't think you will like it"
MJ—"why?"
Me—"cuz it has chocolate in it!"
MJ—"I love Chocolate!
Good thing we didn't make it when Grampa was here.
He doesn't like chocolate!"

MJ—"we could make brownies!? Cuz Grampa isn't here!
He does not like chocolate!"
Sorry, At least you don't eat all my chocolate!
We miss you.

To Aunt Becky:

This might be long.
Me—"do you think Granny will come here first

or will we go see her at her house in Texas ?"
MJ—"I think we should go to Texas"
Me—"do you think she will have a tree?"
MJ—"yeah"
Me—"do you think she will have presents?"
MJ—(light starts to shine in her eyes!)

"do you know what? Do you know what we should get?

Do you know what? (starts to whisper)
The girl that has Uncle Chris. The girl that has Uncle Chris

(note the word order).
We should get the girl that has Uncle Chris a….
We should get the girl that has Uncle Chris a Mirror…This big …

(hands show about 12 inches)."
Me—"which girl do you mean? The momma or the baby?"
MJ—"(duh look on her face) Da momma.

But when baby Coralyn gets big we can buy her a mirror too!"

(so proud of herself!)
(how did we get from Granny's house in Texas to buying a mirror for Aunt Becky?!)
Children have their logic.
We may never understand.
I guess Aunt Becky HAS Uncle Chris.
God Bless the Children.
Mackenzie, 4 years old.
July 2006

Tractor Days

This is the best seat in the house

For Both Of Them!!!!!

Grampa and Tiger

February Family Photo

A little old but hey,

We are together.

Family Photo

February 2006

Proud of You Bro

Your first official name plate.

How does that feel?

Ah, the rolling hills of Georgia.
How do they compare to the flatness of Texas?

What a great rainy day!

Toccoa Falls College, Georgia

Dr. Corey's new office

We are so excited for the Gilbert's.

This is a HUGE transition for them but

we know this is the beginning of a Great experiences.

Praise the Lord for His unfailing love.

Praise the Lord that our future is

just as well thought out as our present.

Praise the Lord for the challenges in our lives

that Make Us Grow.

July 2006

Bugs?!

If you had to choose,
which kind of crawly critter would you
rather have around your house?
The lizards that are on every wall (inside),
eat the flying bugs.
They don’t crawl on people,
they just leave tiny poop everywhere.
I have only seen a few cockroaches.
I don’t miss those.
Tiny spiders are more frequent visitors.
But the one that confuses me most
are the tiny dime size (or smaller) crabs.
How did they get in my house and office?
What are they doing this far inland?
What do they eat to stay alive in my house?
We do live close to the ocean, but not that close!
We do live close to a creek that goes to the ocean,
but not that close!
Where do they lay on the food chain of in-home critters?
I guess I don’t really mind crabs in my house!!!!!
Of all the Glorious critters God created…..
Tiny crabs in my house.
July 2006

Look, I am on the Big Swing!

And one handed!

Only for a second, but I did not fall.
I am so cool!

What a great smile.

It is just for you.

I pray you enjoy this blog.

July 7, 2006

Coralyn Happel

at 2 weeks!

at 2 months

They grow up so fast!!!

Coconut anyone?

As fresh as you can get.

The Coconut tree is a few feet away.

Daddy cut the top off.

Mackenzie got the straw.

June 2006

Caught in Action!

I do work around here!

June 2006

Headset?

Computers make good phones.

At least I look good in a headset!

He looks like a helicopter operator.

Daddy on the phone,

Luke copying.

Birthday Photos

3 -1 = 29!

Mackenzie dumped the sprinkles.

May 2006

Luke Walks!

Luke walks!

Just as sure as I told my mother Luke crawls more than he walks,

he decided to walk!

Luke is walking about as much as he crawls.

He is still pretty wobbly.

He would rather walk holding my hand than me carry him!

What a step, no joking.

They grow up so fast.

1 week before his 15 months.

June 2006

Update on Grandma Murray

Prayer Warriors,

The Lord is Good.
My Grandma’s surgery went well.

They did not totally sedate her so they used more local anesthetic.

It is a more “modern” technique.
They did the surgery, she recovered in a room and they sent her home the same day.

By home, I mean she had to ride the 2 ½ hours from Oklahoma City

to her home in Comanche, Ok, that night late. Poor lady! What a trip!
Praise the Lord for HIS blessings even in the trials of life.
Praise the Lord for the doctors and nurses.
And Praise the Lord for the life HE has given my Grandma, Ruby Murray.
Thank you Jesus and thank you friends.

God's Blessings

God Pays Bills.
The Lord Almighty is faithful in the details.

One year ago, March 2005, Jeremy had a stomach surgery to tighten his esophagus and pull his stomach back down into his tummy. Incessant heartburn, acid reflux and general discomfort were the main signs of this problem. The doctors said with the degree of acid reflux he was experiencing, the likelihood of him developing esophageal cancer by age 40 were in the dangerous range. Our current insurance company declared the condition to be “pre-existing” (we all know what insurance is like). Therefore, they refused to pay for the procedure. Do to the delicate nature of the procedure which was done laparoscopic (6 tiny cuts and no big hole) and the location of the surrounding major organs, the doctors here in Nicaragua, at the best hospital, strongly recommended Jeremy to see a specialist in the USA. After much pain and deliberation the date was set for 2 weeks before Luke was born. Yeah, not a great idea. In Corpus Christi, Texas where we went to my mother’s house to have Luke. No, thank you, I did not want Granny to deliver the baby in the jungle.

The surgery went well. The recovery was a test of discipline for Jeremy who eats too big a portion. He learned to eat smaller portions more often. He felt like an infant, eating as often as Luke! As the bills rolled in, the numbers went up. The total came to a whopping $24,626.06.
In December 2005, Jeremy went in person to the offices of the anesthesiologist, doctor and the hospital. Knowing that Jeremy was paying himself (not insurance) and that he was willing to pay a good portion of the bill right then, the doctor and his assistant went from $5,552.00 to $800.00. Which was paid in full on the spot. The doctor did know about our job as missionaries in the jungles of Nicaragua. Praise the Lord. And the Anesthesiologist went from $1,170.00 to $585.00 because we were paying ourselves (not insurance). That was also paid on the spot. Praise the Lord. Now all we had was the hospital, $17,904.06. We started payments of $100 each month and filled out a financial aid form at the hospital. We placed our burden at the feet of Jesus and left it there. Praise God for his faithfulness.

Last month, May 2006, Jeremy thought about the bill and the financial aid form and called the hospital. The nice lady on the other end of the line said: “Your bill has been taken care of. And we are sending you a check for $400, please do not send us any more checks….no, sir, there is no notification to the patient when your financial aid has been accepted.”
The shock is still overwhelming. We are missionaries, we don’t make money. However, GOD PROVIDES. Thank you all who helped financially and in prayer during this journey of faith.
We will never understand His ways but if we trust in HIM and obey….the blessings are astounding.

Prayerfully in His path

Mackenzie and Granny

These two have a special relationship.

Granny reads OLD books to her and she LOVES it.

‘Poems teachers Love” (undated book.)
The Raggedy Man

exerpt:

Oh, The Raggedy Man! He works fer Pa;
And he’s the goodest man ever you saw!
He comes to our house every day,
And waters the horses, and feeds ‘em hay;
And he opens the shed and we all jist laugh
When he drives out our little old wobblely calf;
And iffen our hired girl says he can—
He milks the cows for ‘Lizabeth Ann.
Ain’t he a’ awful good Raggedy Man?
Raggedy! Raggedy! Raggedy Man!

- - - - - - -

So, the writer in her wrote a poem:

Raggedy, Raggedy, Raggedy Kid

The Raggedy, Raggedy, Raggedy Kid
Plays with balls and baby dolls,
She jumps on beds and hold baby pigs
And plays with Taco the cat,
She’s a Raggedy, Raggedy, Raggedy kid.

The Raggedy Raggedy, Raggedy Kid,
Has a goat named Happy
She wings in her swing
And teeter-totters Happy.
But doesn’t take him to church.
She’s a Raggedy Raggedy, Raggedy Kid

by Viola Palmer

(off the top of her head and written on a coloring book!)

June 14, 2006

Granny Viola Speaks

Granny Viola all decked out in her "speaking gear".

Please invite her to speak to your children, church, or school.

She has a website and everything!

www.violapalmer.com

Granny's sidewalk flowers

Mackenzie, almost 4 years, loves to pick the flowers for her mom and her Gran. She puts them in tiny vases on the table and everywhere. Oh, but the sun is so bright. Don't make me smile.
Love you, Gran.




Luke, 14 months, loves to tear up Granny's flowers on her sidewalk. But, he is just so cute doing it!
Wuv u, Gran, Luke.




June 2006

Luke busted his lip!

Luke fell on his face and busted his top lip.

See how sad he is!?

June 2006

Just a Great Picture

Kelly Gilbert at Comanche, Oklahoma

This is just a great picture I wanted to share.

June 2006

Big Mouths

Luke was sitting in his highchair at the mercy of his Granny.

Granny thought it might be funny to do an experiment.

She handed him chex cereal, one at a time.

He put them straight into his mouth, one at a time.

Granny counted 8, before Da Momma stepped in

and rescued the bulging cheeks.

Granny said he looked like chubby bunny.

She said he is just like his daddy.

We were laughing so hard, we were crying.

June 2006

Creative Minds

Mackenzie was "reading" Dora, Big Sister.

She knows most of the words by memory.

The family wears special pins, capias, to celebrate the new babies.

Mackenzie wanted to know:

"How does Boots pin the pin on,

if he has NO clothes to pin it to?

He can't pin it to his skin!"

This is an interesting question.

I told her he used tape and tape sticks to fur.

She was satisfied....for the moment!

She will be 4 next month.

The Ever Expanding Vocabulary!

Luke attempted new words in the last two days:

"bottle"

"agua" (water)

"open" as in:

open the door and let me outside NOW

"uh, oh" as in:

really, it was an accident that

I dropped that on the floor again! :)

They are not really words yet but we are getting somewhere.

Luke is also trying to walk.

Just a little, at a good 14 months old.

June 2006

Two word vocabulary!

Luke's two word vocabulary has been:

"NO" and

"ou" as in ouch!

(like when his sister get's spanked for hitting, kicking, and/or biting him)

or when he falls on his face when attempting new things like climbing and walking.

June 2006

Mold and VCR's

Did you know that Video tapes mold faster than wet leather?

Ok, maybe not faster, but just as fast!

I just threw out 8 video tapes yesterday because of mold.

I put a tape in last night to watch a movie I taped off TV,

The tape looked clean.

The VCR got white snow only. (moldy)

I ran the cleaning tape over, and over for 2 hours

and you could just slightly see the picture within the fuz.

Then I gave up and went to bed.

The VCR is still not working today.

I am running the cleaning tape again.

You are supposed to run the tape for only one cleaning cycle.

I ran the whole tape over and over for 2 hours.

I guess those are the perils of the jungle.

But boy, isn't that frustrating?

Be thankful for your vcr and videos, without mold.

June 2006

Some great days!

Luke's great smile!

He loves driving the golf cart.

Mackenzie, what is that?

Look Ma', I got a Piggy!

Great picture of Granny Viola
Granny reads a story to the babies.

Luke enjoys making this difficult.

May 2006

Sidney E. Murray 1912-2006

My Granddad died at 2:30 pm on Friday May 26, 2006.
His wife, my Grandma, did not go to her follow-up appointment

with the Cancer doctor. She stayed with my Granddad.
The funeral is this Tuesday in Comanche, Oklahoma.
I don’t know more than that.
I am stuck here in the jungle.
Thank you for your prayers.
My Grandma has many decisions ahead of her.
Ruby just turned 90 and Sidney was 93.
They were married 72 years. (Yes, to each other!)
I counted 82 members in their family.

Great-Great-GrandParents.

5 Generations.
Summer Palmer
Memoral Day Weekend

May 2006

Prayer Request

My Grandfather (my mother’s father) is dying. His kidney’s shut down last Thursday and he is not expected to live beyond the week. He has been “dying” any minute for the last 7 years after a serious heart attack. Praise God for the 7 years He gave us. He is 94 or so years old.

ALSO, my Grandmother (my mother’s mother) (yes, the wife of the dying grandfather!) HAS BREAST CANCER AGAIN! She had breast cancer at 72 years old and is now 90. (my mother had breast cancer at 34 and 42)

I don’t know what this means for my Grandmother. I am guessing surgery. But I don’t think she can handle chemo or radiation at 90 years old.
There are 5 daughters (my mom and sisters) but so many decisions. I know there is nothing I can do but pray but…..It would help to be near. Living so far away is difficult. My heart aches for them.

My mother is Jane Gilbert and her parents are Sidney and Ruby Murray for you to add to your prayer lists. There is about 65 or 70 people in their family by now. Great, Great Grand children I think, maybe even one more great! (my cousins have grandchildren)

I would appreciate your prayers as this unfolds before us.
May 22, 2006

God Provides!

I had a wonderful opportunity to attend a women's retreat

for International Christian Fellowship in Managua.

It was a last minute thing so I packed in 30 minutes and

was on the plane that afternoon.

I had a wonderful, well needed retreat.

I left both babies with Jeremy

who was MORE than happy to have me back!

That is why God created mommies,

Daddies just can't do it the same!

God Provided the much needed fellowship of

Christian women in His service.

The isolation of the jungle is a tough job.

Thank you God

Oh, yeah, and on my birthday too!

May 2006

I am old!

Happy Birthday to me!

My sister-in-law said it best:

(she is 20 days older than me!)

"I guess I'll just have to get used to being 29

since I will be this age for many years to come."

May 21, 2006

Doctor Corey Gilbert

Family Psychology

Mother's Day

Alex's baby dedication

May 2006

Doctor Corey Gilbert!

I am proud to pass on the great information that my brother,

Corey Gilbert, passed his dissertation defending

thing last friday morning!

Corey will soon be PhD. in Marriage and Family Therapy.

He has also just accepted a position at Toccoa Falls College

in Georgia and will be relocating his family this summer.

It has been quite a journey.

Praise be to the Lord Most High.

All things are possible in Jesus Christ our Lord.

May 2006

Jeremy felt left out?!

Jim has sunken more than one boat!

Viola has fallen out of boats!

Clint has sunken a boat!

Jeremy was feeling left out.

So, Yesterday, He boarded a tiny dug-out canoe,

Pushed off shore, and his tiny 200-some-odd pound frame.....

Sunk the boat.

Jeremy now feels like "a real missionary".

Boy, I don't want that status!

May 2006

Honorary Missionaries

We had a Road Crew that wanted to be "real" missionaries.

So they got honorary status

by getting 6 flat tires

in what should have been a 1 1/2 hour drive!

After a few hours, we sent reinforcements out to get them.

What a long day!

You know who you are,

Great Job Guys,

and Girl! :)

April 2006