Kaiya Turns One

 Isn't it amazing how such a little person can make such a big difference?

 You were never one to brag...but showing off is part of a grandpa's job description.

 You're a wise woman with a wealth of knowledge and a world of experience. And just when you think you'd seen it all...you become a grandmother. And then nothing has been the same.

There's always someone there to remind you that sometimes it's okay to stop and pick the dandelions. Quotes by,Myra Zirkle.
Learning to laugh in the midst of sorrow is also part of my life. God gives me sunshine days to cope with the rain. Laughter to cope with sadness. So tonight Rudy and I celebrated. Our second grand daughter turned one how fun!

Oh, Lord I do not ask for much,
Eternal beauty, or youth , or such.
Just give me a little hand to hold,
And I'll forget that I'm growing old.
I do not ask for cloudless skies,
A life that's free from tears and sighs.
Just give me a little face to kiss,
And anxious moments will turn to bliss.
For what is there, really, that means so much
As little hands that reach and touch,
As little eyes that search and see
Only the best in fragile me?
So let me grow more loving and wise
By looking at life through their wide eyes.
For through these little ones, you have given
This grateful grandmother a glimpse of Heaven.
Author: Barbara Burrows

Saying Good Bye

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
Jim Elliot

Picking through the jig saw puzzles of my heart and saying good bye to a lovely lady. My friend Marie went to be with the Lord today. Even though I knew it was coming, I still said good bye with tears. No more coffee and cookies.  No more smiles and questions. Good bye to a lady that embraced life with graciousness and kindness. Who was frugal and witty.Whose mind was lost in forgetfulness and yet still smiled with recognition in her eyes. You were more than a friend, you were the third mom I needed. A step grandparent to my grandchildren. Your life touched everyone you met. So thank you Marie, my life was blessed by you. You are now with your dear Howard in heaven the place you longed to be. RIP Feb 23, 1923-Feb 9, 2013.

The Sun

The sun is literally shinning done on me and dare I say for fear of it's disappearance ...it feels good.

Cinnamon buns in the oven and my front doors unlocked, just waiting for the pitter patter of little feet. Yup survived and enjoyed 9 glorious days of utter turmoil and utter sweetness. My grand babies and me along with my husband squeezed the daylights out of every last morsel of energy we had. And pumped out enormous love into the hearts of those two little babes. And dare I say having a 1 year old and a 2 and 1/2 year old around...well Katie my daughter don't know how you do it. Between potty's and poops, and I wanna eat sumping, walks and drives, bills and housework. Katie my darling daughter and Ben my son in law, hats off to you. Glad you enjoyed your vacation.

December 31st Reflections

Hello my friend. It's been awhile since I've let myself reflect on life and made myself vulnerable. December was a very difficult month. A month of acceptance of what I can't change . A month of grieving what I have lost. A month of celebrations to get through. A month of personal reflections. Is it any wonder my mind completely went blank? So a new blog , a new day dawning. Merry Christmas was not so Merry. Along with laryngitis, stomach flu, and my daughter Katie in emergency, my friend Marie in the hospital...Merry took on new meaning. For the last three years Merry Christmas has taken on new meaning. My life is not ribbon's or bows, tinsel and trimming...but hard gut wrenching reality, despite what my outsides have looked like ,my insides show different. I do not share my heart for sympathy but to maybe help another fallen soul. Merry-full of high -spirited gaiety, why do we wish that for others? We are wired to enjoy life and all that God has created for us. Yet we know in this life we will have trouble, the bible makes that clear. And to walk in the life God has designed for me I must learn to accept myself the way I am. A sinner saved by grace by the death of Christ on the cross. No more , no less.  A baby in a manager so many years ago, brought much joy to Mary and Joseph. A son hung on the cross brought the ultimate sacrifice. For you for me. I'm sure there was much sadness in the hearts of Jesus parents that day on the cross. Yet there sadness turned to rejoicing as Jesus the Messiah rose again, sacrificed His life to give us life. Everyone of us. So Merry Christmas offers us all hope. Merry, hope of a future. Hope of things to come. Courage to face another day. Maybe you feel like me. Maybe you don't feel very Merry. That's okay. God holds each tear in a bottle . He sees each hurt. He heals each wound. And that is what I look forward to in the New Year. Happy New Year Everyone. May it be Merry because He has made it Merry.