Cruise 2012

I hope that when I am 80 years old I am half as willing to put myself out there as my mom is.  On September the 23rd my three sisters and I took our mom on a 4 day Carnival Cruise to the Bahamas.  It was glorious.  Sunny, calm and restful.  Well...if you don't count the last night at sea when everyone on the ship became terribly dizzy and sea sick.  One out of four days isn't too bad though.

We started off in two different cities...me from Dulles, Virginia, and the rest of the travelers flew out of Charleston, WV.  Now that sound simple enough.  Just fly to Orlando and meet up with our driver and off we go.  Not so fast.  Their first flight out of Charleston was cancelled.  Then they were rerouted through Charlotte, NC.  No problem.  Then another email came that bumped them back a few hours and put them into Orlando at a ridiculous time and there was no way to make the cruise.  They ended up flying down a whole day early just to make the ship.  Disaster averted:)  I met them on Sunday morning in Orlando and we were off.

Our driver picked me up at the airport sidestepping the 7000 Disney travelers and we drove a few minutes to pick up everyone else.  A mere hour later we were boarding the ship in Port Canaveral and ready to begin our adventure.  

Now...being the seasoned traveler I am, I suggested that just for safety sake everyone take something for sea sickness.  No one listened until it was obvious at dinner the first night that EVERYONE needed it!  From then on we were all heavily drugged with dramamine.  No more issues (until the last night when we would have to have been knocked out to not suffer).

Our first port of departure was Freeport, Bahamas.  Sunny and wonderfully charming.  We had a wonderful day of shopping, sight-seeing, and just being together.  I have to say that the being together, the 5 of us, was by far the best part of all.  If we weren't off the ship then we were in one of our two rooms laughing, talking, or just figuring out what to do or eat next.  The only time we were at sea was at night which was helpful for my never ending bout of motion sickness that medication simply dulls but never eliminates.  

I have to say that this is the first time all of us have traveled together sans husbands and children.  We had so much down time and enjoyed all of our meals leisurely.  I don't know why it took us so long to come up with this idea....remember I said earlier that our mom is 80, but we have determined to make it a yearly event (not cruising but going on a trip) as long as it is physically and financially possible.

Next port was Nassau, Bahamas.  Another beautiful place with so much to enjoy.  We went on a horse and carriage ride through historic Nassau.  I was afraid our horses might collapse from exhaustion but they seemed to hold up amazingly well.  We shopped for our shirts that mom wanted for our photo and determined that she was still and always will be  the boss of us:)  

I cannot wait to see where next years adventure will take us but I promise that there will be more fashion friendly attire and many smiles to brighten our days.  We are so thankful that God has blessed us with such a wonderful mom to enjoy.  She was such a trooper and willing to do anything and everything we suggested.  Life is good!

It all comes down to this...I love my mom and my sisters to the moon and back!

Vacation plus one

Two weeks on the beach.  Who could ask for more, right?  I really had a relaxing time on my vacation this year thanks to my generous and thoughtful husband.  He suggested that I take a week before the rest of our crew came down to Myrtle Beach and our rented beachfront house and just get a small condo to enjoy some extra time away.  Of course, I jumped on that.

On Monday the 20th of August, Emily, Asher, Lucy and I decided to make our way south.  (we chose not to fight the weekend traffic)  Before we even got on 95, Lucy had already had a bout of carsickness because we had failed to eat or drink anything by 7:30 a.m.  After stopping, cleaning her up, redressing her, feeding her some ritz (circle) crackers and promising Chick Fil-a soon, we were truly on our way.  (thankfully, Emily was driving since it is usually my car that one of the grandchildren decides to douse with some bodily fluid on every trip)

Our first week was complete with rain, rain and a little more rain.  The kids never complained.  We took them on the first rain filled day to the Ripley's Aquarium only to find that the entire vacationing population had chosen the same place to spend the day.  After standing in line for about 30 minutes and purchasing our tickets.....the sun proceeded to come out and shine like it had to.  Even that wasn't going to dampen our spirits.  We went in...saw the sharks, soft shell crabs, some saw fish (no idea what it was called) cut in half and devour another fish in the tank, and then spend too much money in the gift shop before we headed back to the condo.  That day was probable the only real sun we saw for the first week.  Every day was either completely overcast or rainy.  Still Asher and Lucy ran in the water and played in the sand every single day for hours.  It really was a relaxing week.

On Saturday morning we checked out of the condo and headed a little further north to our rented beach house.  Since we couldn't check in until 3:00, we decided to just park at the public access and spend the day at the beach waiting for everyone else to arrive.  Now is probably a good time to let you know that the temperature at the time we loaded the car...67 degrees.  Not really beach weather.  Cloudy and overcast despite the weather man assuring us that it was going to be a wonderfully warm and sunny day.  Finally about noon things started looking up and we had a glorious day at the beach.  However, remember that check in time?  Well that simply did not happen.  Everyone arrived by 5:30 and we still had no access to the house.  We were sitting on the porch with all of the mosquitoes waiting for the cleaning crew to finish and give us the go ahead to begin our vacation.  (that coincidentally happened at around 6:15)

Sunday and Monday brought more cloudy days with peaks of sunshine but the children were completely content digging and running on the beach in and out of the waves.  It was so nice to be there all together and have the kids all love the water and the sand.  Trust me, it hasn't always been that way.  Lucy was probably the one who seemed to be the most fearless in the waves.  She would get rolled 2 or 3 times before Emily and I could reach her even though one of us was standing right there.  Every single time she would pop up and be giggling and rushing right back in.  We had so much fun watching all of them enjoy the beach each in their own way and together.

By Tuesday, the rain came back in full force just in time for the guys to head out for a round of golf.  Boo to that!  We just let the kids play indoors and finally around noon or so it cleared enough to go out to the beach for a while.  The rest of the week was warm and overcast with peaks of sun.  We didn't even care.  The humidity was low, there was a breeze, we were all on the beach together, no one was crying because they were too hot.  GLORIOUS!  On Friday, our last day, the sun came out and gave us the best day of the two weeks.  All day long we enjoyed time on the beach.  No one even wanted to come in.  It was simply perfect!

One week is not long enough.  Two weeks might be close.  But I am thinking that next year I 'll just  spend a month at the beach and get my fill.

It all comes down to this...spending time with family is something that can never be overdone:)

I am going to let you all in on a little secret.....40 years is a long, long time.  A couple of weekends ago I attended my 40th high school reunion.  It is amazing just how much one can forget over the course of 40 years.  Oh we had reunions at 10 and 20 years.  I don't know what happened that we missed the 25 or 30 year one...but somehow those years simply flew off the radar and our class deemed them unimportant to celebrate.

Anyway...I have to say that I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed being there.  Of course, there were still the same old crowd that hung together and had their mini reunions inside the bigger one, but for the most part, everyone seemed glad to see one another.  The funny thing was that no one remembered there being a division of status at all.  There isn't one now obviously, but when we were in high school...it absolutely existed.  Isn't it funny how we see everything differently with adult eyes?  I wish we could make our children see that we do know what we are talking about when we tell them that age changes perspective.  It truly does.

I am not saying that anyone in my graduating class was discriminated against.  I am not saying that anyone thought more highly of themselves.  It was high school after all.  We didn't know there was any difference in our status in society.  We were simply a group of kids enjoying growing up together and experiencing all that life had to offer.

I was 16 years old my entire senior year of high school, and was what many would refer to as a "goody-two-shoes" girl.  Never skipped a class, never smoked or drank, didn't sneak out at night...and the list could go on and on.  "Goody-two-shoes"!  Therefore, when I went to the aforementioned reunion many people recognized my face but didn't have many memories of me attending the parties discussed during the weekend.  I grew up in a very sheltered existence.  For that I am eternally grateful.  
I never struggled with some of the difficulties that many of my former classmates have endured.  Not because I am better but maybe because I chose a different path.

My life has been rich and full of laughter and joy.  Oh, sure there have been trials but there has always been someone bigger than me to carry me through.  I had a wonderful time reconnecting with old friends and actually making new acquaintances with people that I should probably have known 40 years ago but maybe was too intimidated and immature to even make conversation.  Isn't it amazing how age changes things?  I could walk up to anyone now and immerse myself in their lives.

It all comes down to this...people are people.  All we are called to do is love them and share Christ with them every chance we get.  I hope everyone I reconnected with at my "40th High School Reunion" knows that above all else I am a follower of Jesus.  Everything else is just icing on the cake of life:)

Some days you can just feel the excitement building.  Today was one of those days for me.  Today I got to see the latest addition to our family in all "his" glory on the ultrasound.  God has abundantly blessed me with such wonderful, healthy grandchildren and I am so thrilled that another little guy will come our way in December.  


This story is such a wonderful testament to the amazing grace that has been bestowed on our ever growing family for the past almost 8 years.  Fourteen years ago this past June, I got a phone call that would forever change my life and the lives of my family.  Someone I didn't even know called me to just talk because she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and her daughter knowing my relationship with the Lord suggested to her that I might be someone who could offer encouragement and support. 


Thankfully I was blessed to walk with her through all that cancer could throw at us for 6 wonderful years.  There were lots of hard times, doctor's appointments, MRI's, chemo treatments, radiation treatments...and the list could go on and on.  I say all of that to simply acknowledge the grace of a mighty God.  He carried my friend through a lot of joy and suffering during those six years.  Because I grew to love her so deeply as a friend and sister in Christ, I knew that my life would somehow be changed forever.  How I wasn't sure...but changed...absolutely.


Over the course of our journey and near the end of her battle, I made a promise to her that I would, as long as the Lord allowed, take care of her daughters and welcome them into our family as my own.  Those two "inherited" daughters are our children in every sense of the word.  I always knew that I would adopt in some way.  Randy and I even embarked on that road a few times, but God continually closed each and every door.  Why?  Because as Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  He knew all about my sweet friend and her comings and goings.  He knew all that those two young ladies would need.  He knew just the right family to place them in.  He knew from the beginning.  He orchestrated every last detail.  How great is our God?  


Today I saw new life on a screen.  Sometimes I am sad because of all that my dear friend is missing since she went home to be with the Lord.  Not today.  Today I am rejoicing in all that she trusted me with.  Today I am thankful that she is with a loving heavenly Father that loves her beyond what I can imagine.  Today I rejoice in the reality that we are going to be a family of 15 this year.  Today I am completely and totally in awe of a mighty and awesome Lord!  Today I honor my friend and know that she knows how much I love and miss her everyday:)


Congratulations Anna and Kevin.  


It all comes down to this...love knows no bounds.

A Day At A Time

Ever have one (or many) days where there simply are no words to express where you are in life or what you are feeling on a particular day?  That scenario has been my lot in life these past few weeks.  So much happiness, suffering, loss, new life, rebirth...etc. has been a part of my daily routine and I have really  struggled to put it all into words.


I know fully that my lot in life is to serve a risen Savior in any and all ways that I can.  Notice I did not say that I accomplish this fete always, but I believe that I am called to continue to strive for just that goal.  My absolute understanding of all that I live for eternally is just that..eternal life with my Heavenly Father.  However, on this earth, I am to serve Him in and through my daily walk.  I know I am rambling here, but stay with me.  


In this life, we will all have struggles.  This much is a promise.  When we love someone, it hurts to see change come and take them away from us.  If only we would stop and think, we would ultimately realize that nothing is ever really ours anyway so letting go should be a simple relinquishing.  Not that simple.  When we love someone, we love them deeply.  Family, friends, even just a brother or sister in Christ that has crossed our path.  It hurts to let them go.  So many times the cliche' of "they are in a better place" is just too much to even listen to.  In my mind that is absolute, but in my heart...


These past few months I have taken the time to really pray for those who are struggling with hard things in their lives.  Some have lost a parent.  Some are losing one.  One is losing an amazing wife.   Others are trying to understand letting go of their mom.  So much suffering but much more grace.  I am so moved by the strength God gives just when we need it.  What do people do who don't know Him when they are trying to continue to live when someone they cherish has died?  


I will continue to pray for miracles because I believe that God loves us enough to let us be a part of them. Not always, but sometimes.  I do know that He is in control of every situation and that He is never surprised by circumstances or their outcomes.  I am so thankful that He holds our future in the palm of His hand.


It all comes down to this:


2 Corinthians 12:8-12
Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.  But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Let me begin this with a disclaimer that I do not nor have I ever considered myself particularly crafty.  However, this past weekend I was blessed to have given a bridal shower for a sweet young lady who is marrying one of the nicest young men to have ever crossed my path, ( and just happens to be the best friend of my equally as gallant son).  Anyway, I digress.  When I began the planning stages of this aforementioned shower, I had absolutely no idea where to go with it.  I didn't really know many of the ladies coming, and I just knew I wanted it to be nice and special for Ryan and Amanda.

One day while at Michael's looking for something for another shower I am giving in May, I happened to see some adorable black and white Gerber daises.  Next isle....I found some little glass bottles....and  black and white ribbon that said Happily Ever After.  I was on to something.  I continued my search in the wedding isle and picked up some wine charms which happened to be little tiny frames.  Now all I needed was to put them all together.  I reduced one of Ryan and Amanda's engagement photos for the frames.

This is what I came up with.  A cute party favor which I decided could double as a reminder to the guests to pray for this sweet couple and their journey together.

The rest of the decorations came in spurts as well.  I  made crepe paper poofs in black and white, had black and white plates and napkins and serving dishes.  For a novice in planning....I'd say it all turned out okay.

It all comes down to this....you'll never know what you can do until you try.

Stay tuned for the pink parade scheduled for May.  It proves to be another challenge in my laking skills set:)

I'm not sure I really know where to begin, but since we arrived in Addis, Abba, Ethiopia at 7:10 on Monday, March the 5th, I guess I'll start there.  After a decent, somewhat turbulent, 13 hour flight that was completely full, we landed and checked into the Addis Hilton at around 9:00 a.m.  I have to say that I really wasn't too surprised with the surroundings since several friends and family members had already traveled to Ethiopia to visit or bring home sweet children and I had seen their photos.

After a quick breakfast of coke and rolls (the breakfast of champions), we headed out to the America World Transition Home where I have to say the staff and all of the workers were so completely and overwhelmingly loving and kind.  Just seeing their love for the children was amazing.  I was so fortunate to see a sweet family from North Carolina meet their baby girl.  They had their three children with them and all of them were so simply enamored with her.  What an example those parents were of God's love.  Over the course of the week I was privileged to see four more families spending time with their precious blended children.  It was so heartwarming to see and feel the joy and love they all were experiencing.

Next we were taken by the America World driver to the American Embassy where the ladies had a meeting with some of the staff there about procedures and clearances.  There was a lot of discussion about changes that might be necessary to alleviate some of the red tape that seems to cause so much delay in placing children with adoptive parents and frankly, I probably zoned out most of the time because I was just counting the moments until I actually got to see more kids:)  I did have a little altercation with one of the guards outside of the building because I had the audacity to take a picture of a flower and photos are strictly forbidden.  Really....a flower?  He was just doing his job and I did offer to erase it.

From the Embassy we headed to a government run orphanage...hard, hard, hard!  There were probably 35 toddlers - ages 3 or 4 and under all clamoring for just a moment's attention from us when we walked through the door.  I could have stayed there all day and just picked every last one of them up!  The nannies were with them at a table while they were having a snack.  As we moved into the baby room the overwhelming sense of sadness increased at least 3 fold.  I saw what seemed like an endless number of little babies lined in cribs around and through the middle of a room that was probably 9 feet by 9 feet.  I was so distracted by trying to keep the flies off of the babies with feeding tubes and the ones that couldn't roll over to even give an estimate of how many there actually were.  I am going to guess that somewhere around 40-50 babies were in those cribs.  Two, three, sometimes four in a crib.  None were being held, none were plump, none seemed to feel any love from their care givers.  Truly one of the saddest points of all.  Was I surprised?...no.  Was I saddened by the lack of care?...definitely.

On Tuesday morning we were heading to 4 more orphanages.  One was a boys home that was owned and operated by the government and the other three were privately owned.  The boys "compound" was for ages 7 through ?  There was actually a 28 year old living there who told us he had gone to university but could not find a job.  While this was disturbing on many levels, the real tragedy was and is that there are 210 young boys living there in dire circumstances with only FOUR nannies to help care for them.  DURING THE DAY.  At night there are no nannies on site to protect or care for those little boys so lost and alone.  The tension and fear was sometimes palpable between the younger and older boys.  All I could think was - NO HOPE.  Of course, I know their hope needs to be in the Lord, but no one seems to be interested (government wise) in saving them.  Three of the 7 year olds finally spoke to one of the America World staff and told her, in fear, that they actually knew their families and wanted to go home.  The police brought them there and have done nothing to help them.  One of the boys called his mom and she told him not to come home.  She said that she didn't want him any more.  Another one has a dad, mom and siblings but trusted a neighbor to take him to the city and then got separated from him.  Surely his parents are frantic, but no one will step up.  He even told them his name and address but to no avail.  So much to even bear for such a little child.

Next visit was to a very well run private orphanage named Abeneezer.  Children there all seemed to be happy, healthy and well cared for.  The director there was very involved with the kids and it had a seemingly good reputation.    We also visited a private home named KidCare.  The director there was such an elegant and strong woman who had such passion for the children and their care.  She was so well spoken and was a very strong advocate for the children.  The children were very responsive to her and she was so kind to us.  They served us "ceremonial coffee" and amazingly tasty organic popcorn.  Thankfully the director suggested that the coffee was too strong.  (Ethiopian coffee is always strong so the fact that she noticed a difference was alarming in itself since I don't even drink coffee but was trying my hardest to not offend anyone)

The next stop was another privately run orphanage where there were 56 children (all ages) waiting for clearance on paperwork.  The director was a young man who seemed to have all the right answers to questions asked by the America World staff.  All of the children were very respectful and genuinely happy.  Hopefully homes will be found soon.

On Wednesday I stayed at the Transition Home while the staff had meetings all day.  I just played with and held babies and children for hours.  The babies were all so happy and well taken care of.  So loved by their nannies and very attached to them.  My heart simply melted in the toddler room.  Any new face excites most of them and they demand your attention.  If I sat down...four of them were on me.  If I stood up...at least two wanted me to immediately pick them up.  Beautiful babies - just wanting desperately to be loved and held.  Again, their nannies - AMAZING,  One little girl cried when it was time for me to leave.  Trust me - I would have gladly stowed her and at least 3 more in my carry on luggage and brought them home.

I sat on the steps for about 30 minutes with a little 6 year old girl.  She was so curious about everything.  We listened to praise music on my ipod while she sang and danced.  Amazingly sweet.  All I could hear in my head was the song lyrics "You've stolen my heart, yes you have".  She didn't know much english and since I know absolutely nothing in her native language, we spoke in a lot of broken phrases.  I think she understood a lot more than I did.  One thing she made sure I knew without a doubt was that she didn't have a family.  I promised her I would pray that God would send her the perfect a family some day very soon.  The smile that came across her face was priceless.  I think about her constantly and cannot wait to get the news that God has answered our prayers and given her her heart's desire.

I am overwhelmed by all I saw on my first trip to a third world country.  It is so incredibly different than anything most of us have ever experienced.  One thing I know for sure...children are children no matter where we go, and making their lives an easier journey should be what we all strive for.

What a work God is doing in this hard place!

Thursday was another day of enjoying the children in the Transition Home.  After more meetings and time spent with staff, we headed to the airport for our 17 hour flight home.  We had one short stopover in Rome to refuel.  Couldn't wait to get home to something recognizable to eat:)  I have to say that 5 days of goldfish, granola bars, wheat thins and peanut butter ritz crackers is about my limit.

I have such a new respect for all of you who have extended yourselves and expanded your families to include some of these precious ones who simply need love.  You are my heroes!

It all comes down to this....

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.  James 1:27

Ever Have Those Moments?

Ever have those moments?
 Those clearly defined teachable moments where it seems almost irresponsible not to impart your newly acquired knowledge and understanding with anyone and everyone within the sound of your voice.  One of those eye-opening moments when what you have heard in a sermon or teaching truly must have been meant for someone to glean life lessons from.  "They" really needed to hear this message.  When all this time...the teaching is absolutely and completely meant JUST FOR YOU.  Our ability to "share" wisdom with others and help them "hear from the Lord" sometimes clouds our own judgement and vision and keeps us (me) from the teachable moments meant for us (me).

It all comes down to this.....I am the student who needs those moments.

Teach me your ways, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.  Psalm 86:11

Rough Week

This past week has taught me to be more diligent in my prayer life.  I know God is always listening, but a lot of the time I fail to ask Him for seemingly small things.  However, this week has been an especially trying one for me.  Clearly I am not a good sick person.  I do not function well "under the weather".  I am such a whiner and complainer when it comes to not feeling well and I really even hate to admit that.  All that to say that I had a real eye opening experience this past week while spending my nights and days on the couch. (because when I laid down I coughed non stop and pulled a muscle in my side)

On Saturday night, after the festivities for Colton's big 1st birthday, I started to feel a little yucky. (medical term, I know)  My left side of my throat was on fire and I just had a dry and hacking couch.  I did have a few chills but nothing too dramatic.  By Sunday evening I was full on feverish and probably contagious.  For the next 5 days I did literally nothing but sleep for 2-3 hours a night and lay on the couch.  Early Monday morning I was convinced that I would be going to the doctor for my sore throat but as I finally fell asleep around 3:15 I decided that maybe I should just turn it over the the Lord and let Him show me what to do.  Brilliant, I know.  In the big scheme of things this is seemingly small potatoes, but when I woke up at 5:00 a.m. my sore throat was completely healed.  I mean truly no sign of it.  Did everything else clear up as well? No.  Did I sleep through the night for the next 4 nights? No.  But my sore throat was gone.  

My week has been full of sleepless nights and exhausted days, but in this I can be sure...I serve a living God who cares about all of my needs.  It all comes down to this..."The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him."  Psalms 28:7

Even though 5:00 a.m. would not be my rising time of preference, I do feel like I have been extremely productive today.  Don't ask me what I have done because I have ridiculous blank spots in my memory right now.  I think I will probably remember some of it later in the week,  just not today.

I have to say that the sound of little children laughing, playing or just chatting with each other has to be one of the most rewarding moments of anyone's day.  Then there is that first few minutes when one of them wakes up after a (hopefully) long night's sleep or an equally long afternoon nap.  Nothing like it.  Those cuddly few minutes that can't be replaced by ANYTHING!

Blessed beyond belief to experience these again with my grandchildren is really amazing.  Remember when you were rushing through your days and nights with your own children?  There was no time to stop and enjoy all of the little happenings that occurred EVERY SINGLE DAY.  Those are the ones I am talking about.  Those are the ones I am relishing.  Those are the ones I am choosing to enjoy.  Those are the ones I don't want to miss.  Probably because I missed some of my own children's special moments making sure that my day wasn't interrupted by chaos.  Chaos that I seem to be enjoying continually these days.

I guess it all does come down to this.....with age comes wisdom:)

Thirty four years ago today I became a mom.  The thing I wanted most in life and God granted my petition.  He gave me Emily.  I really can't begin to describe all that she is in my life.  She is laughter.  She is joy.  She is love.  She is happiness.  She is stubborn.  She is determination.  She is immense talent.  She is an amazing mother, wife and friend.  My list, although only partial, gives you a little hint of how blessed my life is because Emily is a part of it.

I am so thankful that my heavenly Father also calls her His.  She belongs to Him and this is the best attribute of all.  There are so many things in life that we can label ourselves.  Thankfully mine include mom, "ya-ya", wife, daughter, and friend.  Where one ends and another one begins is sometimes just a blur.  For that I am eternally grateful.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all our ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight".

Happy Birthday Emily!

One more thing (or two)

While going through some old paperwork I found this.  I wrote these down many years ago and they are still so relevant.  (or at least to give thought to)

SOME IMPORTANT THINGS I HAVE LEARNED IN LIFE

Life isn't always fair, but you only get one chance...give it your best shot.

People you trust sometimes let you down..God NEVER will.

Accident is just that - don't dwell on the "what if's" - just be thankful you walked away.

Patience, they say, is a virtue and it really gets you extra credit when you need it most.

When you truly love someone, hold on for the bumpiest ride of your life.

Never sell yourself short - you CAN do anything you set your mind to.

Pray about the little things and the big things won't seem so overwhelming.

Trust your heart but listen carefully to what it tells you.

Never turn your back on a friend.  Someday you will need a shoulder.

Hold tight to the memories from your childhood...time passes quickly.

Always keep the forgiveness of a young child close at hand - keep short accounts with loved ones.

Let your feelings be known and not left to be somehow questioned.

Know that the longer you love someone the more you understand what it takes to be "in love".

Never underestimate the power of deception.

Jealousy has no place in a Godly home.

You cannot forgive what you choose not to forget.

Do not judge others until your robe is sufficiently fitted.

If God adorns your life with children, love them unconditionally.

Laugh EVERY CHANCE YOU GET.

Never say anything hurtful.  Words can break hearts.

Don't sit back and let someone else enjoy your blessings.

Be thankful for all that God is teaching you.

Learn anger management early...it will save many tears.

Give unto others before they give to you.

Hold out for the best - you deserve it.

Never compromise your beliefs.

Always cheer for the underdog - he or she is "someone's" child.

Tell your friends how much they mean to you.

Never argue religion or politics - it is a lose/lose situation.

Communication is an intricate part of life.

Death truly is a part of life.

Smiling takes a lot less effort than frowning.

Crying does not a baby make.

You can love more than once in your lifetime.

A heart can be broken more than once.

the gift that keeps on giving

Yesterday I went with my daughter and two grandchildren to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D.  I have to say that I was quite skeptical about the whole 3D experience seeing as I am EXTREMELY prone to motion sickness.  However, I will admit that it truly was an okay viewing.  Both of the kids seemed to love it.  Lucy, the three year old, took multiple "potty" breaks, but Asher, age five, was completely mesmerized and transfixed by the movie.  He had seen it a few times before on the small screen, but with the glasses affixed permanently on his little face....he never moved.  It really makes you stop and think about what all really makes it through the thought process of their little minds.  (probably more than makes it through mine these days)

It is always a great time when I get to spend it with my little ones.  They are truly the lights of my life.  I am so blessed to have them all within 15 minutes of our house.  When we are all together chaos ensues but it is organized chaos.  Loud and mostly cheerful.  There is an occasional time-out or two, but for the most part...they are my gift that keeps on giving!

where do I begin?

There are days that time just simply passes me by and I can't even give you a description of where my time went.  Then there are those times when I really just want time to stand still and let me take in all that life has placed in my path.

For instance...listening to my 5 year old grandson read one of his very first books, or the story of my adorable 4 year old granddaughter innocently asking "how do we get to heaven to see Jesus?"  I mean is there anything more perfect than that.  I am what I always said I wanted to be...a stay at home mom who has been blessed to now be a stay at home grandmom enjoying all that comes with the job description.

Are there challenges?  You bet there are.  Are there rewards?  More than I could ever express.  It all comes down to this:  God is all good, all the time!

This is a journey we are all on.  I want to make my journey count and keep short accounts of my journey.