A Proud Moment

My nephew, Matt, received his Doctorate in Ministry Degree from Westminster Theological Seminary on May 24.  Kat, Daniel, Abby and I drove to Souderton, PA, to attend the ceremonies.  R.C. Sproul gave the graduation address. He was incredible. Wish I had taken my tape recorder so I could have a copy of the text of his message.  Basically told the graduates to preach the gospel as we have it presented to us in the Bible. We can't tell the creator and author of salvation how to improve on His plan for salvation. Great message.  Both Sproul and James I Packard received honorary degrees. Rev. Packard's presentation was done on video from England. Matt's parents, my brother and sister-in-law were there as well. It was good to have a family get-together for such a happy occasion. After the ceremony we went to the hotel where they were all staying and enjoyed an evening meal together before we drove home. Long, happy day.

 R.C. Sproul addressing the graduates.

Peter and Andrew watch and wait for their dad to receive his diploma.

Let me introduce the Reverend Doctor Matthew Charles Mitchell, affectionately and humbly known as "Pastor Matt."

Heather, Andrew, Matt, Isaac, Peter, and Robin.

Congratulations, Matt.

Love,
Aunt Susie

Daniel is now 3

Daniel has worked for quite some time now to properly hold up three fingers when someone asks how old he is. He finally managed to make an "Okay" sign and hold up the middle, ring, and pinky fingers. That works!
On his birthday he went to Monkey Joes with some friends in the morning then they all came to Grandma and Pop-pop's for lunch and to play some more.

 After Monkey Joes, a jungle-themed cake (of sorts)

 Kat made a great Daniel banner to decorate the party room

 Lunch - hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, carrots, grapes, apples, goldfish, and cake!

 A drum set from Disney's Cars movie - the favorite gift of the day

 Fun cards, great gifts, wonderful friends - what more could any three-year old ask for?

For Julia

I have been scanning in slides of Japan for my dear mother-in-law, Julia.
Julia, Here are a few of your slides. I will send the digital pictures to you soon. Maybe Donna or Lynn can help you get to see them!

Love, Susan

 Bangkok Temple

Around the Shiratoki family table

 Kyoto Gardens

 Mimi-san

 Nikko Post Office

 Shopping in Japan

Daughter and Mother back home in Cocoa Beach

Mother's Day and Abigail's Dedication

Mother's Day was especially wonderful this year with the dedication of our sixth grandchild, Abigail Reagan. She joined 24 other babies who were dedicated that day. In fact, the entire service (both of them) was given over to dedication of the children.  After the service we joined the Marquiss family for dinner at a new restaurant in Carlisle called Momma Spriggs. Kat and Jason had a flowering plant and a card for each of the moms (Beth, June, and Susan).  We are so blessed!

 Three generations

 The charge to the parents.

Pastor's prayer for Abigail.

Our pastor, Phil, thoroughly enjoys this day. Baby dedication is one of the most important services he leads during the year. He is laughing at a 2-year old who is climbing on the steps in an effort to join him on the stage! The little guy later crawled between his legs while Pastor Phil was dedicating the child's baby brother.

More Signs of Spring

I enjoy being able to sit at my computer desk and watch the wildlife outside my window. Even though we live just on the outskirts of the borough, sometimes it feels like the wilds! The bird feeder constantly attracts cardinals, red-wing blackbirds, and goldfinches, adding lots of color to the scene. The fox came by the other day carrying a rabbit. (My picture of him was from a previous day when he was out hunting.) Rich brought in the first roses of the season.   Ahhhh, Spring!