Forward Motion

It's truly amazing how God can change one's heart in an instant. Then again, maybe it wasn't an "instant", maybe He'd been working on this for a while and I just finally caught on. That is more than likely!

Change isn't easy for most of us. I can say it doesn't bother me, it's part of life and I expect it; however when changes come they often knock me for a loop. I dropped my daughter off for her last day of high school on Tuesday and then proceeded to bawl the next half hour on my way to work. This lead to a mopey head achy day. I believe I have already mentioned I am so proud of this young lady and I truly am thrilled to see her set off and share her gifts with the world; but the transition is killer. It was hurting me, making me feel sad and washed up. I could feel God dealing with me. I knew what I needed to do but was having trouble doing it.

Then we attended the Senior Baccalaureate. The Baccalaureate is a church service for the senior class and their families. What a blessing to watch young adults from a public school honor God in their lives! The theme was wisdom, which the Bible tells us is found by always putting God first. The pastor spoke on moving forward, and that's where it clicked; not only do these teenagers finishing high school and taking the next steps in their journey have the opportunity to move forward but so don't I! And by the looks on other parents faces there were quite a few of us that felt God's touch that evening. Remembering is nice, sometimes bittersweet, but we can not live in the past. What good does it do? Oh the peace I felt! And the revelation! Though these thoughts had been trying to break through the jumbles in my mind, they didn't truly sink in until that night. God has plans for ALL of us, and we must remember that although God is unchanging, those plans will move forward and grow and change at different stages of our life. Praise God!!

Graduation was last night. What a beautiful group of youngsters. Such potential. My daughter is pursuing the criminal justice field and she is more than ready. She, as well as her classmates, have worked hard and I am sure that was just the beginning! I was so proud of her and will continue to be, but I didn't fall apart like expected. I felt God's peace, and the excitement of my daughter's future before her as well as my own. Only God can do that!

I leave you with a verse to ponder. Ask God today, what does lie ahead? He doesn't throw us away at a certain age, we seem to do that to ourselves. All things are possible. ~Blessings!

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of  me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:12-14

Accepting God's Will

Wow that title sounds intimidating! There are so many trails this post could take to explore the depths of this title, but I am merely discussing what I need to accept at this stage in my life; my children. They are growing up and leaving the nest. I promised myself for years I would handle this gracefully. I would give the a hug & a kiss, a little prayer of course and wave goodbye. I would keep busy in a multitude of ways and soon enough the visits from college would be upon me. Well, here it is, nine days from my daughter's graduation and I feel like my heart is being ripped out. My mind has wandered back to preschool and those adorable little granimal outfits, elementary school began the sports rush with teeball and soccer. It's like some sappy movie. Then suddenly I am going from sappy to sick to my stomach, how can we be here so soon? Life is moving too fast...blah blah blah..blah BLAH!

I make light of it here, but truly some days it really gets me down. I walked in from work today to see her graduation gown hanging in the dining room. This is just not going to go away! Then in my spirit, I heard God ask me, "Are you rejecting my will?"  Oh. Ooops again. (Maybe I should call this blog "Ooops"?) Why didn't I think of that before? I love my kids, but He loves them more. I have let the attitude creep in that I wish they were still little. "I miss that age", has come out of my mouth more and more when I see a little one under 5. But God let me know pretty clearly, that's not right. He has an INCREDIBLE plan for my children, and they need to graduate and grow up and discover that plan for themselves. What He also needs me to know, and deep down I need to realize this may be more important for my well being for me to "get this", is that He has incredible plans for me. I love being a mom. I truly wasn't one of those girls that planned and dreamed of the day, but when it was time for me to be mommy it fit me like a glove. Of course I'll still be mom, but my role is changing quickly. I must admit it scares me. Not only do I love being a mom, but although I wasn't perfect, I feel I was good at it. So now I am seeing I'm scared to not have something I am good at; and God is saying, "Are you rejecting My will?"

And I will say, "Of course not." I may have to start over trusting Him a few times. And He will definitely have more of my tears to collect; but as soon as I heard His voice and realized how disobedient I had been, I felt His peace.

Growing up, growing older and moving on is all part of God's will in our life no matter who you are. The blanks get filled in differently for each of us. The change that most of us fear is precisely what He is asking us to accept. I pray we all learn to accept it with grace and thrive in His will.

Oh Lord, help me!!

Philippians 2:14:16 tells us to

 Do all things without complaining and disputing,  that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

OUCH! My bible studies took me to this passage this week and I got stuck. Not only was I stuck, I was stunned and convicted, AND downright depressed! Do I do ALL things, every single thing without complaint? Ummmm, no. When the office is crazy and everyone is not quite getting along and big changes are coming down the pike, do I resist complaining? Not usually. (I advert my eyes from you). When I get home from a long day and the kids have MORE paperwork for me to look at that is due like yesterday, do I hold back the grumbles? Rarely. (I hang my head a little lower.) To top it off, when I see those gas prices go up another four cents, do I bite my tongue? Not a chance! (I am about on my belly now!)

Oh, Lord, what are you going to do with me? I wrote a few days ago about Miss Audrey, the sweetest lady I have ever known. Now, I am sure she wasn't perfect, but she was very close, and I never saw her complain. I admit, after spending time with her I would come home ready to turn over another leaf. "I will not complain. I will not complain. I will not complain." (I clicked my heals as I spoke!) Not surprisingly this didn't work. The pressure eventually turns up and I blow. Not the obvious, angry, scene-stealing blow; just the cranky, headachey, run of the mill type.

So if I can't control myself, and God clearly tells us in His word, that we are not to be whiners. Why? Because we are to be the lights to show people Jesus. Who would want what we have if we are miserable? See what His point is? Yes, ouch.

This is where the sweet Holy Spirit comes in reminding us that God's grace is enough. He loves us, and has given us everything we need. ASK for His help to change, and He will give all you need. Matthew 19:26 tells us, Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

What a relief! If I pay attention and ask God for His help, He will do the impossible in me, and enable me to do His word. What could be better than that?

Do You Vote?

We recently had a special election in our district to replace our Congressman who had fallen from grace. Politicians falling from grace seems to be a bit too common in these times, but that is a post for another day. "Mudslinging" is not a new part of politics, it just seems to be more invasive these days. We see commercial after commercial on television where one candidate says this about the other party's candidate and then it is "right back atcha" thirty seconds later. Our mailboxes are filled with flyers, and now even our voicemail is full of automated messages from organizations wanting us to see the issues their way. It is annoying, and unfortunately it has turned many a citizen away from voting all together. This saddens me deeply as both a citizen of the United States and as a woman.

We take much for granted in the United States.I am not pointing fingers here, I do it constantly.One thing though that I have tried not to forget is that as a member of a democratic society it is a privilege to have the opportunity to choose who will represent me in government. And as a woman that privilege was fought for with much more difficulty. Women's liberation is full of conundrums. As a thirty-something woman I felt guilty for years that I didn't agree with all I heard said and done within the women's movement. I am engaged in my own study of the Women's Rights Movement right now, simultaneously studying the early movement, particularly Susan B Anthony, and also the movement of the 1960's. What I have learned thus far is that there was not one all encompassing movement that fit every woman's personal beliefs and desires perfectly. There was often dissension in the ranks, which makes sense; God gave us all our own personalities and gifts. But as time goes by, history seems to get lumped together. Learning this has made me feel better about my views already.

So back to voting. Do I believe that my vote makes a difference or that a particular government official can make a difference. Not all the time I'm afraid, I am a little jaded. But we have this beautiful right to speak out, and when enough of us do, I believe change happens. When I say that a women had no right to vote in most state prior to 1920, that may not even mean much to you looking at today's political atmosphere. But when I say in general, a woman could not own property, had no recourse if her husband left with her children, could not keep money she may have earned or inherited, then the right to vote for women and all the changes that came about because of it seems more substantial. The world was not perfect way back when, husband's were not always kind and gentle willing to take care of their wife's every need. A woman had no defense against any wrong doings against her. The right to vote is that important.

It may be difficult and time consuming to find the issues. It may be discouraging to see how people act in the limelight. But I encourage you to keep at it, vote, because it is a hard won privilege. Vote because even if we don't see all the changes we wish to see, those who vote do have the opportunity to have a say. We honor those with the foresight to know that we as women citizens would have better opportunities if we had a voice in our democratic process.

Goodbye Miss Audrey

Every now and again an amazing person will grace this earth, and if we are blessed, we will have the opportunity to be part of their lives. Then again, maybe life is so busy, so cruel, so fleeting that we don't notice the angels in disguise among us. I think I had a foot in both scenerios.

About ten years ago I belonged to a wonderful women's ministry at our church. It's quite common now in the Christian church to have all sorts of programs to help the members of the body "connect". Our church had long had "care groups" that met at designated times in order to share needs and study the Bible together. Our women's ministry wanted to take this further and start a mentoring program. A "mature" woman helping younger or newer Christian women along the way. In theory this was a fantastic idea. How often do we crave a guiding hand or an encouraging word from someone who has navigated the likes of marriage & childrearing or dating & full time employment? We all do I believe; but in reality, matching people up took a important job right out of God's hands. Needless to say it didn't work, and I was more than dissappointed.

Our ideas and plans may not have worked, but God's did. I didn't realize at that the time, but God had placed a mentor in my life. This is my foot in the "I didn't notice what was happening field". Audrey and her husband had been friends from church with my parents ten years prior to me darkening the door. When I accepted the Lord and began bringing my little ones to church, she latched right on to us. About ten years older than my parents, Audrey had children, grandchildren, and even great grand children and still had the time and energy to adopt more into her fold. She never called herself mentor, she just followed her heart. I will never forget the days she would call me up and insist I bring the children and any other little ones hanging around to cool off in her pool. The consumate hostess, there were always homemade cookies, cool drinks and a cute hat that I must wear to keep the sun off. I was a young mother and a young Christian and she was a gentle balm to my soul. The kids would swim and we would talk about family and faith. I was learning more than I ever knew.

Audrey always had a smile, always asked about my children as they grew. She mourned with my family when my dad passed away and I know she has been a dear friend to my mother. At 77 she has gone on to be with the Lord. The whole time I knew her and she was doing these wonderful things, she was fighting cancer. Oh how silly and selfish I can be!

I say goodbye to Miss Audrey, looking forward to the day we all meet again. Until then I pray God shows me how to be selfless and gentlehearted, and to watch for the moments that I can bless others as that beautiful woman did.

Coming back

It's been a long time; feels like forever. I started this blog to connect with my new world of on line friends mainly from the MaryJane Butter's forum. I found a community of women that enjoyed many of the simpler things I was discovering. Organics, domestic arts & crafts, photography and a variety of other passions.

I still keep in contact with some neat & inspiring women. But my life has changed in the years that have followed. As my life has taken some turns, not unlike changes in many other peoples lives. My father passed a way, I went to work full-time & my children are reaching highschool graduation. Nothing that the majority of women and men alike go through at some point. As cliche as this sounds, I do not life to pass me by. In 2009 not only my beloved father, but also my Aunt & my grandmother passed away. I do not want to waste time. I want to experience life and grow. I want to be a giver & doer. I have had a dream to write ever since I could put letters together to form words. This blog will change to reflect the changes in me.

I still have the desire to create & grow & be close to the earth. Unfortunately, working full-time has limited my creative time. I have not sewn at all in two years. I realized recently I could if I really wanted to, but something has shifted; to everything there is a season. This is the season of soul searching.

I realize I may be just writing these posts for myself. There may not be a single soul interested in what I have to say. So be it, acceptance is part of maturity. I add this on to my old blog for a number of reasons. Namely, one, I hope to reconnect with old friends & two, I want to compare where I was and where I am going. Am I for real?

So if you stop by, I thank you. Please leave a note. Have you lost a dear loved one and want to share, or are you suddenly faced with the empty nest symdrom? Let's chat. Do you have a dream (job, excursion, etc); have you taken steps to get closer to it?

Let's take the journey together!

New Life

First things first...for my blog winners that have waited more than patiently, or perhaps have given up altogether thinking I'm a doodoo-head; your gift will be in the mail tomorrow. Let's just say I've had a minor brainfade the last month...
That said, we have had an incredible spring up here this year. It is not even June yet and with the sun & warmth we have had the gardens are GLORIOUS. Yes, we need rain, and we may be paying the piper later, but for now I'm lovin' it.
I ignored the gardens and the outdoors in general last year. Not healthy, not good..very bad! This year, coming out of the darkness that for me was 2009, I feel like I am seeing it all for the first time, like God is putting on this spectacular show just for me! And I am not letting it go to waste. I have weeded & planted & planned with tender loving care. I have a new perennial bed that I did plant irises in last year and that I have been adding to this spring. I call this my "memory garden" It does't look like much yet, but I'm like a kid in the candy store watching my new irises bloom.
Oh, they are like my babies out there!!
Thanks for stopping in, hope all is well with you!
~Blessings

Earth Day 2010

A little Earth Day Give Away!
Leave a comment on this post and I will draw a name (or two or three) next Friday.
The winner(s) will win a pair of crocheted dishcloths.
Have Fun!

Time Passages

How sad of me to be such a sporatic blogger. I love to write; I do it all the time in my mind! I just rarely find time to get the words out. I have not visited in so long. I miss my blogging friends and hope you are all well.
I will apologize upfront to all of you who have become followers of my blog with the expectations that you would read something about quilting. I was an avid quilter up until about a year ago. I love quilts, I enjoy quilting and all things quilty (especially quilty people!) But life changed drastically last year and I have not threaded a needle since. I considered changing the name of my blog, but decided not to because I know someday the time will come to sew & quilt again, and I believe quilted together has many meanings in my life.
I have not been sans creative outlet. My mother made another attempt to teach me to crochet last year and amazingly enough it caught on and I have been a crocheting fool ever since. Dish clothes fly off the hook gallore and I have even finished afgans. I am in the crocheting groove and enjoying it. I especially enjoy the fact that I can take projects with me to work on during my lunch break. Someday I just need to remember to take some pictures.
The change in the weather here has me a bit meloncholy. It's been over a year since my dad died; coming up to the year anniversary of my Aunts death. Life is so, so, very different and still, by the grace of God we do go on. And we smile and laugh and live. But "those" moments come, and as spring blossoms here in the northeast, and farmers bring out their shiny green tractor and till the earth, I feel an aching in my heart that I have never known before. It is truly my dad's time of the year and his absence screams at me right now. Oh, how I long to hear his voice, and see his smile...hear his stories. Miss you dad.
Life can be so ironic. It is funny and most interesting as we grow to look at life and see how it comes together. Have you ever just suddenly realized something...connected a moment to another moment perhaps, and just sat in awe at how the dots all connect? This is so silly, but I guess it just shows how we move through life, becoming the "next generation" and how sometimes we stop long enough to see the changes. I rarely listen to the music of my later teenage years, the "hair bands" they are called; bubble gum metal in my book. Not usually what I go for anymore, but the spring time weather and my "angry at not having my dad" mood called for some loud guitars and screechy vocals. I cranked it up on my way home and a song came on that I hadn't heard in years. A corny power ballad by Poison, called Every Rose. The song means nothing, but I remembered being about 17 and baby sitting my infant neighbor across the street. She cried and cried in her parents' absence and I was not experienced with her age group at all. All I knew to do after the bottle/change diaper trys was to walk with her in my arms and sing. Why I chose this song is beyond me. All I can say is, hey, I was 17! But I sang it over and over, until she either fell asleep or her parents rescued the both of us. Fast forward 20 years later, and this young lady came to my mom's house a day after my father's death to comfort us with all she could offer; her love and a plate full of chocolate chip cookies. And that's what I mean; these two stories didn't connect until a little over a year later; but when they did, when I heard the song, it was electric. Is it lifechanging; no, but somehow it means something. We grow up, we change, we take care of each other. And if we watch we see the beauty in every day actions.

~Blessings

Sweet Gifties

Do you know MaryJane's Farm? You do not have to live on a farm or even be from the country to enjoy MaryJane and her writings & products. I picked up one of her books 3 or 4 years ago, interested in her back to basics style and I found so many lovely friends along the way. Her website hosts a chatroom and although I was quite hesitant at first I found the most fantastic group of ladies. Some are true blue farmgirls, some are city chicks; our interests and beliefs run the gammit, but somehow we find much in common.

I wasn't visiting the "farm" much these last few months, but felt the sudden desire to about a month ago. Don't I come back to dear friends waiting with open arms and new friends that have experienced similar heartbreak to mine this year. A topic called 'farmgirl friendship" caught me eye. The author would pair up ladies and 4 times a year when the newest edition of MaryJanes Farm Magazine comes out we send our partner a package. It was a neat idea and something special to look forward to. I received a wonderful package last Saturday as we put up our tree.


Oh I love getting packages!!!
And Wow, what a great letter~
With yummy MaryJane's organic chocolate inside! (yes I ate it, and it WAS yummy!)

Now, one thing many farmgirls have in common is craftiness. We either admire or like to try our hand at a variety of crafts. I have a feeling my farmgirl friend is talented at MANY arts, but she chose to share her quilting with me in this beautiful hot pad! I have not left it on my tree, but hey what a neat idea; a kitchen tree with quilted coasters? Anyways, not only do I love it, it matches my GREEN kitchen!!!

This wonderful surprise did not end there; she added a little container garden AND homemade chocolate chip cooks (also YUMMY!)

How much fun was that??? Thanks to my farmgirl friend!
Most of my decorating is done. Getting ready for two Christmas parties next weekend!!
Blessings!

Goings On

We had a Birthday

And some Thanksgiving

And some surprise gifties from Nancy Jo!

Remember Whensday

Remember when you were an awkward teenager and had to get your picture taken at family gatherings? (Top left...with the big glasses)

I joined a meme here . I couldn't help but start with Christmas memories!

Missed by Many

I'm not the only one to blog about my dad...

http://stokoefarms.wordpress.com/2009/03/29/in-memorium-bob-krenzer/

Truly Thankful

Working in a public office and being connected to the County Court system, one can tend to see the darker side of people. Not every day or all the time, but SOME days I can't wait for nothing more than to get home and turn off the phone and hide! No matter what our jobs, it is often too easy to forget about the goodness in people. We are so rushed and busy we find ourselves upset with others for driving to slow or standing in the wrong place in an isle in a grocery store. Whether it is something as minor as that or the horrific things we see on the TV news; it's really difficult in this life to follow the Lord's command to love others. Then there is that moment...



My family and I have had many of those moments this year. People giving of their hearts and their time. Neighbors, church friends , family & even strangers showing their love at our time of need. When my dad died it was the darkest time of my life but I saw the absolute best in people. They still continue you to bless us. No, it wasn't just lip service when they said, "we are there for you". People meant it, they followed through. They bless me so much when they help my mom. She is 62 years young, but for 40 years, she had a helpmeet, her other half; and as often happens in marriages, the work was divided. Suddenly, it's all on her shoulders or at least it feels that way. My husband, our two teenagers and myself are only 15 minutes away but we have work and school so sometimes are weekly visits are not enough. Sometimes we just haven't had the talents to make up for all those handyman talents my dad had. Sometimes we just got to say, "we don't know how". And when we have felt we are at the end of our rope emotionally and physically; someone comes and helps us along. God just won't leave us there overwhelmed.

There are more examples of the goodness of giving that has blessed my family this year than I count; they all mean more than words can express to us. I just happened to have here a visual journal of a special day that shows what I am trying to say.
Dad built this garage/barn back in the mid-eighties. He tinkered on cars and tractors and who knows what in there! This summer it need a fresh coat of paint and although the job was a BIG one, we had more than enough help. Then men who volunteered with my dad on our church's parking crew showed up early and did a phenomenal job. They organized everything, from how much paint to purchase to brushes, tee-shirts and painters hats!




It truly reminded me how selfless people can be; how blessed my family is. It's been a difficult year; but I can sit here and say I am thankful. Thankful for the legacy my dad has given me, thankful for a family I can turn to, depend on, love and enjoy. And I am thankful for the goodness of people that will sacrifice their time to do for others.

May you all be blessed this Thanksgiving

What Do We Have Here..

Seems that the mood to talk & write again has come back and you are not gonna be able to get me to hush up! I do have some pretties to share. Mom & I have filled some of our time together prowling through some thrifties. She had decided in April that I needed a china cabinet for my birthday that was in August.


Teacups and saucers seemed to strike my fancy this summer; some of them I had, some we found in our meanderings:

A sugar & creamer set my mom has had forever (must remember to find out where she acquired it from)
The last thing here I'll show you for now are these cute little Christmas plates I picked up at Joanne's. I love that nostalgic look.

I could not resist the Christmas creamer and the matching sugar bowl seen in the forground!!
Not to sound like a broken record,but the loss of my dad and other family members this year has made me extremely sentimental. So when my urge to pay attention to my house came back I started this nesting, redecorating thing. Mom loves shelves and nic nacs. Bells, thimbles, odds and ends found over the years. I was already showing signs of the same symptoms, but now I had the urge to go back to my own child hood. I may regret this down the road and think it all looks tacky, but for now it warms my heart. I found the shelves I had stored away with nic nacs I had packed up from my youth and out they came. This one is in my freshly painted bedroom because I know it has no eye appeal to anyone but me!

I guess a look only a mother could love!

Mom, dad & I and a couple little trinkets he picked up for me along the way.


I know, I'm boring ya to pieces. But just a couple more, I promise. These are new but I just fell so in love with them. Funny there seems to be some "itty bittys" out there of the paper sort. These little bittys I just couldn't pass up. I don't know why I love tiny things so, but I do.

Well Blogger won't let me put the last one up with an itty bitty kitty and a quarter behind her to show the size; so I will leave well enough alone.

Thank you for visiting and and the encouragement!

~Blessings

Recharge...

Who knew it was so hard to get a little down time and recharge the ol' batteries! The work week is busy, the weekends are busy and sometimes no matter what the outer circumstances the MIND just doesn't cooperate and relax!

It just so happens that this week I have managed two days off in the middle of the week. Yesterday DD woke up with a fever, headache and stomach. Swine flu, you say? No to my surprise it was strep. So with my almost 17 year old tucked safely in bed with the appropriate medications in her system I found myself ALONE in a quiet house on a sunny uplifting day. Oh, I just can't tell you what a rarity that has been. What did I do, you ask? I cleaned, I reorganised; I went through all the junk I have tossed aside with little care to where it belonged the last few months. Talk about good therapy!

Today was a scheduled day off. Thank you Veterans for the sacrifices you and your families have made. I have more than enough because you protect me and my family. I was able to be quite self-centered today. Of course I am taking care of DD and she is on the mend. I put the finishing touches on a clean up project but then enjoyed the pleasure of catching up at www.maryjanesfarm.com and on some of my favorite blogs. Oh what a healing balm to share with some girlfriends down on the "farm" telling stories of loss of a parent and the process that follows. What a great bunch of REAL women I have found; they truly hold an important place in my circle of friends.

So tomorrow I will return to work for two days. I find it ironic that I have the most stressful job in my life at the most stressful time in my life. I'm sure God has a reason for that...

~Blessings to you all! Hope to hear from you!

I wish I had a picture of something new and crafty to post, but as you may have guessed by now, I don't. I feel guilty for not sewing and that is just plain stupid, it's a hobby for pete's sakes! I really do yearn to get the creative juices flowing again, I love the magic of creating a pattern out of colors and shapes of fabric, and nothing can beat the feel of a quilted blanket; but I just don't have it in me. My mind just goes on overload when I even look at my quilt table, there are just too many short circuits in my brain from this year filled with loss to concentrate on a project. And I guess that is just life.
I have contemplated renaming my blog. I feel like it's false advertising to say this is a quilty, crafty, family blog. I haven't sewn in over six months. I am sure I will again, it's in my heart. I've been crocheting and have found a pattern I can handle to make some gifts for Christmas. I've been trying to write which is one of those back of the mind dreams of mine. Anyways, I wouldn't know what to rename my blog if I did...so I'll leave it and hope that the friends I've made will hang around through these ups and downs and spotty postings.

September Already?

Well, yes, yes it IS September. I see hints of color in the tree leaves already. We have had a rainy summer followed by a sudden hit of stifling humidity; but this week has ushered in some of the finest days of the season. Still warm and very sunny, but oh so comfortable.
My summer hasn't been all that productive. I have struggled with the lose of my dad, and the oh so many changes that have followed. We move on because we know that is God's design for us, we can not become immoble. That is useless. But it does take ALOT more energy right now to do what needs to be done.
The unexpected death of my father was all too soon followed by the passing of his youngest sister. Another shock. The month after that we lost my great Uncle to whom my dad had grown very close to. It seemed to never end. Now my Grandma, dad's mother, is in hospice care. She has lived a long life, beating the odds of some major health issues in her young adult life. It's been a long hard year for our family. Here is a picture taken by dad's cousin of he and my grandma:


So how do you move on when life seems so rough? Some days honestly I couldn't tell you, but then I am reminded: thinking of others. Life is fragile, we are here for a very short while to share God's love with those around us. I was starkly reminded of this yesterday when my co-worker received the call that her father was being taken to the ER with chest pains. His life here ended yesterday. Just as sudden and heartbreakingly as it happened with my dad only five months ago. And yes, it all came back though it hasn't moved too far away to begin with. But I am gently reminded to poor out the comfort
on my friend as God comforted me in my time of need. We have to focus on others.

Give those you love a hug, let them know you are there. And when life is overwhelming find someone who needs something you can give.
~Blessings

Back in Time

It was a lovely day to watch a Civil War reenactment complete with Abe Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address.



Waiting for the President..


He was quite the story teller!







Oh *sigh*. . .



Mom and I went back Sunday morning for the Union church service..I love a sweet little country church, singing old hymns. But wouldn't ya know they were memorializing a fallen Chaplain. If it was part of the act, we couldn't tell because the tears were flowing. (which of course started our own waterworks)







~Blessings

Can you believe it is July already? I never did plant any veggies this year; but the good news is is that I hear there will be a farmers market right up the street from me this year. The flower beds do look nice and I took a day off yesterday to make the front landscaping look a little more respectable.
We had a parade in town last weekend. Greg drove his grandpa's tractor for the first time since dad's been gone. Must admit I had a lump in my throat~which is quite good for me usually the waterworks start and don't stop!
We also had a weekend full of soccer tournaments. Talk about time flying is on the
U19 team! They had a great weekend of which one of the two days was dry and they came home champs!! My 44 and her #4 BFF
I am still working on crochet. I think I am to the point where I can finish a project and it will look respectable. I haven't really had the energy to quilt, but I can calm my brain down enough again to read. I picked up a Debbie Macomber book for the first time mainly because the cover seemed so relaxing and it's been a nice cheerful read.
I took mom to have shoulder surgery today. From my understanding she had a good sized bone spur removed. This should keep her out of work until her scheduled retirement. She deserves it; she's been making Cool Whi~p for almost 30 years. I wanted her to stay with us, but she laughed at the thought! Honestly she wouldn't get much rest her with the 4 of us and a pup; but I was worried she wouldn't be able to do anything. She seemed great after surgery, though ready for a nap real soon. So I am close enough to check on her and we will see how it goes.

Well, I am lazy tonight...so I am going to pick up a pizza!! Thanks for all your encouraging words!

~Blessings