One Last Hurrah for a Blue Monday

It was a cool and rainy afternoon last Friday when we made the drive over to say good-bye to the old house and bring the kids to our house for the weekend while Mommy and Daddy made the move to the new house. What fun!! I didn't envy their work that was cut out for them on this rainy (pouring down floody kind of rain - a toad floater) weekend, but it had to be done. We had the easy? task of the kids for the weekend. The pleasurable task, I should say.

All wrapped up to protect their critters 

Double rainbow!

Friday and most of Saturday was spent inside due to the rain. It was lazy and very relaxing. When the clouds broke up, we went to the mall to buy Legos for the kids and, of course, Dipping Dots and a ride on the carousel. You really can't go to the mall without those two things. However, this trip they made a new discovery. Grandpa and I had gelato and when they had a taste of that, they were in hog heaven, as they say. Yep, we had to go back for more! (I might add here that a trip to the mall on the weekend before school starts is INSANITY!!!! You could hardly walk through without bumping into people and the lines were awful.)

After the mall, we went to church, then out to eat, and then home to begin work on the Legos projects. They both kept after it and the only assistance I gave was to find the pieces they needed and to push in the small pieces that didn't want to connect.

Jack's raceboat

Kate's Doggy Day Care

 And today, it's:

Readin' and writin' and 'rithmetic!

We took them back home yesterday and saw the new house! Although it still is in a state of finishing touches, it looks beautiful. It's been a wonderful summer, but as we drove away from them yesterday, I couldn't help feeling the mixed twinges of happiness and sadness in my heart for the transitions that are happening right now, but know that everything is fine. I don’t like it sometimes that my personality has a tendency to be so melancholy. Right now melancholy is raising its head and tears come in thinking about the fact that the seasons of life are so very visible and present in my life … more so than ever before as changes are happening.

God is good. 

He is working in us and all that we each face every day. 

Life changes, people change, but praise God, He never does. 

He never has and He never will.

Life Changers

Each year on this date, I muse about whether to mention the anniversary of another August 20 that was a life-changer for me. On that day 31 years ago, I discovered how quickly a fairly tranquil world can be turned upside down - in the blink of an eye. 

You wake up, life is normal, you bid your husband good-bye as he goes to work ... and he never returns. You receive the dreaded phone call that nobody wants to get ... and nothing is ever the same. I remember that day vividly. The panicky drive to the hospital, the news the doctor had for me, the people who came to my aid in that time of need, the weather, my emotions, sleepless nights, it is all etched in my memory as though it happened yesterday. 

Since that day, I have experienced many other life-changing days and received news that I didn't want to hear. The good news is I'm stronger now than I was then and I have learned to cherish the time we have knowing that no day is ever guaranteed. I do not dwell on those things that brought grief and loss in my past, but thank God that with His help, I have been able to move on and He has blessed me greatly in my life. I can trust my tomorrows with Him.

A strong woman believes that she's strong enough

to face her journey ... but a woman of strength

has faith that it is in this journey that she will be come STRONG!!!

Not as strong as I want to be. 

Life still throws curve balls ... and always will.

The best news is that

God has been good to me. 

Saturday 9: The Trolley Song (1944)

In this movie clip, just about everyone (except Judy) is wearing a hat. Do you wear hats for fashion, for warmth or for both?

I would love to wear hats, but each time I buy one and put it on, I feel as though I stand out too much. Plus, once you put on a hat, you are committed. It's the hair thing. 

A friend and me with our hats!

2) This song is from Meet Me in St. Louis, which was a huge hit and the second highest grossing movie of 1944. When is the last time you watched a movie in the theater? 

Yesterday we took the kids to see Nine Lives, which I thought was extremely silly and a waste of money and time. I guess it was supposed to be silly, but I did not find it funny.

3) The movie follows the Smith family as their hometown, St. Louis, to prepares to host the 1904 World's Fair. What's the biggest thing happening in your hometown? 

Probably all the construction going on, new restaurants, shops ... our town has been small, but is really expanding now. 

4) This week's featured artist, Judy Garland, is best known as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. That movie is shown so often that Sam thinks she may have seen it a dozen times. Is there a movie or holiday special you've seen over and over?

I've seen Meet Me in St. Louis several times, and more than I can count, It's a Wonderful Life, Gone with the Wind, Ben-Hur, Imitation of Life, The Long, Long Trailer, The Wizard of Oz and more. But you said only one! I am so excited to see the new Ben-Hur that is being released today. 

5) Judy admitted to being perpetually tardy. Are you usually prompt? Or are you always running late?

Always early. To be late stresses me out. 

6) Judy's first professional performance was a rendition of "Jingle Bells" when she was just two. How old were you when you entered your chosen profession? 

My first job was at 18.
7) Thinking of "Jingle Bells," here's a wintery question for a hot summer day: What's your favorite carol?

Probably O Holy Night, although I love most all Christmas carols that have to do with the birth of Jesus Christ.

8) Judy was a very demonstrative person. She enjoyed hugs and admitted that, when she nervous, she took emotional support from physically reaching out. Are you demonstrative?

I need hugs and I like to give hugs. 

9) She told Barbara Walters that people would be surprised to learn that she was a good cook and specialized in desserts. Do you have a sweet tooth?

Chocolate cake, brownies, coconut cream pie, chocolate chip cookies ... Yes, I have a sweet tooth, but try to exercise more self-control these days.

Friday Foto Friends

I never tire of trying to get a really great pic of the gorgeous sunsets that are displayed right before my eyes every evening. Of course, it really isn't possible with the iPad camera or the iPhone, but I continue to give it my best shot, as they say!

Breathing in His grace. We all are, aren't we?

The other evening as we were driving home (me driving) the sky was magnificent, and to my left was a rainbow! Of course it wasn't possible to take a pic and DH being on the passenger side did not have the view that I did. But, how wonderful! That evening as I stepped out on the deck to take a pic of the sunset, I turned around to go back inside and there was a rainbow! Yes! Thank You!

It’s Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise

We pour out our praise

It’s Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise

To You only

You give life, You are love

You bring light to the darkness

You give hope, You restore

Every heart that is broken

Great are You, Lord

Have a Wonderful Friday!

Happy Birthday, Sara

Happy birthday wishes today to a very special and lovely woman who has been part of my life for the past 30 years. Soon after meeting my DH all those years ago, (like on our second date) he wanted to introduce me to his children, then 10 and 7. They were easy kids to fall in love with and what a blessing these bonus kids have been to me. 

With one of her favorite teachers, Mr. Pierce

Sara was a beautiful and sweet young girl who never (I don't think) seemed to experience any awkward time in her life. She has always been kind, considerate, thoughtful, smart and loving and is an amazing wife and mother to two fantastic boys. 

Sara graduated with an electrical engineer degree from the University of Texas so that kind of speaks for itself, but she is humble and modest about her achievements. 

She has been able to manage all aspects of her life successfully, at home, with her sons, or wherever she is. She is undoubtedly one of the most organized and efficient people I have ever known and has such a tender heart to care for others. Sara has also taught her boys great organizational skills and to handle responsibility, and also to be grateful and the habit of sending thank you notes. 

Happy Birthday, sweet Sara. In going through photographs and scrapbooks the other day, I found a thank you card you had made for your grandma. It was always Grandma Millie's habit to say, "never send a card without putting a dollar in." Here is a copy of your card to her.

A Creative Hodgepodge

It's Hodgepodge Wednesday. 

1.I read here four creative activities to try this month. They were-calligraphy, make your own cookbook, dance or learn a new type of dance, and letter writing. Which activity on the list appeals to you most? Will you add it to your August? 

I think calligraphy is pretty, but my hands probably aren't up for it and it would likely be a waste of time at this stage of my life. Dancing would be good if DH would be up to it. Making a cookbook would really bog me down. No thanks ... but give me a cookbook to read or a bunch of recipes and I'm happy. I think writing a letter would be more up my alley and I'm already planning my letter.

2. Bertrand Russell is quoted as saying, 'To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.' Agree or disagree? Explain.

If I understand this statement correctly, I think doing without some of the things you want help you to be happy in the sense that you learn self-control, do not need instant gratification, and learn true contentment in knowing it is not things that make you happy.

3. August 17th is National Thriftshop Day...are you a 'thrifter'? If so, tell us about one of your best or favorite finds.

No, but every now and then I go to the local thrift shop just to see what they have. I like my pretty clock, the prep bowls, and casserole that cost me $1.00.

4. On a scale of 1-10 (with 1= almost none and 10=loads) how would you rate your sense of wanderlust? What kicks your wanderlust into high gear?

My wanderlust used to be right up there at a 9 and loved going new places and seeing new things. Now it is probably down to 4 because travel has become such a hassle, and I am happy that we did our wanderlusting while we were younger and enjoyed the trips.

On the Orient Express from Venice to Rome.

5. Has life felt more like a marathon or sprint so far this month? How so?

Neither. I think it's been more like a nice stroll.

6. What do you need to get a jump on before fall officially arrives?

Deciding what to do about the back yard and whether to replace plants now or wait until spring.

7. What's the last thing you did with friends or family where you lost track of time?

This morning some of our Ladies of Grace gathered together in a friend's home for Eats with Erin! We had such a wonderful time, my phone was tucked away in my purse, no clocks were visible, and it was great!

Too bad that light fixture messed with the pic.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am hoping to plan a trip for DH and I to Branson in October for the fall colors. My sister, Roberta and my niece Robyn were there last weekend and had a great time. They said the production of Moses was excellent. I think it will be worth the trip.

Roberta and Robyn on weekend trip to Branson.

"Mom talked me into this zip line thing.

She said it would be fun!"

Are we having fun yet?

I wonder if her bangs are back in place.

Hahahaha!! LOL!

I love these two.

Tuesday Tidbits

Yesterday was Kate's actual birthdate, so we celebrated! ... again!! Sharing just a few pics for the record.

This little 3 lb 6 oz girl has really blossomed.

A phone!

We had steak and cupcakes!

Great looking family.

And another good day!