Memorial Day fun

Sunday morning began and ended with storms and heavy rains. We did have some fun in between and on Monday though. 

On our way to the park.

This rabbit knows it's futile to try and catch him!

Sneaking up on him.

Nope! Not possible. He got away again!

Beware: 

Oreo shakes may cause some strange effects.

Just having fun at the Sonic!

He fell in love with my newest bear.

He named it Beary and took it home with him!

We played Candyland, store, drew and colored lots of pictures, sang, danced, went to the park, put out the flags and talked about what Memorial Day means.

Meanwhile, down south of us, their cousins are having fun with the other cousins!

Heroes

I've seen a photo of my Dad in his uniform, but don't have possession of it. I'm guessing this one was taken on a base in the State of Washington either before or after serving in the Philippines and New Guinea. 

My Dad, my husband, my uncles, cousins, and friends have served during peace, during war, all making their contribution to keep our nation free. My aunt's first husband, Henry, died in WWII, leaving her a widow with two small boys. May God continue to bless those who are willing to lay their lives on the line, and may those who died rest in peace.

My nephews, Billy and Chase

This is from a night tour of the Korean War Monument

in Washington. D.C.

Peaceful Sunday

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,

Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.

Field and forest, vale and mountain, 

flowery meadow, 

flashing sea,

Singing bird

 and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,

Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!

Below are pics of a field behind our fence filled with weeds and a few wildflowers. 

Saturday was a beautiful day bright with the sunshine we needed to help our flowers grow. This morning we were greeted again with thunder, lightning and heavy rain. It looks as though it will rain all day. What to do, what to do?

When I took Trudy out this morning, I saw this strange little sight and wondered what it was. A closer inspection told me that one of the dove's eggs hatched out and there might be a little baby up in the nest with her. The other little eggshell told a sad story. One of the babies did not make it. 

Little Mama

It's all part of life in our fallen world. God's creation now with storm clouds, weeds, death, and broken dreams. Thank God for His Son who has redeemed us from this broken world to replace the broken places with love, joy, peace and love!

Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;

Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;

Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man.

Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife,

Joyful music leads us sunward in the triumph song of life.

Happy Sunday!

Joyful, Joyful
Words: Hen­ry J. van Dyke, 1907

Pink Saturday

Linking up today for Pink Saturday with How Sweet the Sound. Happy Birthday to you!

Thunder and the sound of pouring rain awakened me on this Friday morning. Very stormy morning and the wind was blowing every which way. We were so glad to see it clear up before driving over to see the little ones graduate from pre-K and especially one little guy in particular. It doesn't ever seem to rain straight down in Texas so an umbrella wouldn't have been of much help to the little girl below with the high winds blowing. 

photo credit

I counted 28 blooms in this mandevilla plant which survived our mild winter. I was so pleased that it came back and is showing off its pink!

  

How is it that red roses are blooming on the pink flower bush?

Perfect pink rose

My bougainvillea plant is losing its leaves.

I'm too embarrassed to show how it looks as I write this.

I think it is getting waterlogged from all the rain!

I like the way the peonies look in the center of my mom's

doily along with the white ceramic clock 

and a Precious Moments figurine from a friend.

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This little sweetie is too cute!

We are so happy she and her family are back in the states 

after a two year stint in South Korea.

She was born there, but was MADE IN THE USA!

(Hearsay)

Graduation Fun

Today marked the graduation of the youngest grandchild from preschool sending this little arrow out into the big world next year of Kindergarten! It was a big day for a little boy!

"I get to keep this shirt, Nonnie!"

Of course the tall ones always end up in the back row,

but thankfully he was able to rise above it for a few short seconds to wave to us!

The Malt Shop afterward for snow cones

With his beautiful Nana

He can tell a fish story just as big as the rest of the guys!

 Happy graduation, Sweet Jack. 

You are so loved!