Happy Birthday to my second grandson. What a special boy, inside and out. He touches my heart every time I'm around him. I feel like I am watching something special, growing inside this child. He has captured my heart and it will be so exciting to see how he is used in this world. He has brought me so much joy to our family. His sensitivity to those around him is beautiful to watch. I love this boy and I am so thankful God saw fit to place him in our family. Happy Birthday Trey.

What a wonderful weekend. I hung out in Nashville Indiana with my beautiful daughter and my handsome husband. Food, shopping, relaxing, reminiscing, laughing and making memories. I purchased a new "Life is Good" shirt and truly, it is. Looking forward to more of God's rich blessings in a new year. I have far more than I deserve.

Here's a few pics about my last post

Thanksgiving 2011.... what a great weekend. I notice more all the time that I have learned to really embrace the moments. Kerri, Riley Trey, and Jen ran in a race Thanksgiving morning. Evan ran a mini race which was absolutely priceless. He was running for more than the love of running, he was running for the cookies and when the cookies didn't appear.... well let's just say Pickle was not happy. The medal and the coloring book didn't quite make the grade. But never fear, we located the real prize and all was well. Next was the 4 miler. Evan and I went to the car for awhile eating cookies and listening to Christmas music. Just a simple moment in time but one I have etched on my mind. We got out of the car and began walking toward the finish line. I wanted to see them cross. There is something about watching runners, even those I don't know, that moves me. I won't elaborate because I can't seem to find the words, it just is exciting to watch them nearing the goal. Kerri spotted us first and began waving along side Riley who seems to be a natural born runner. I'm sure she will remember this first race with her first-born forever. Mother and son, running side by side, finishing together. We cheered them on and waited. We waited and waited and here they came. Jen and Trey. Trey doesn't run as fast as he would like but his determination is what gets him there. We cheered and they smiled and we cheered and they smiled and at that moment I was totally embracing the moment. You see, sometimes I can be ahead of the moment in my mind and realize at the end of the day, that I have missed so much. I wish I had learned how to do this earlier, but I am so glad that I have finally figured it out. Truly living in the moment means not thinking about past regrets and not rushing to get started on the next big event. It's soaking up everything around you so you don't so easily forget as you move on through life. Life travels so quickly but they only way I have found to at least try to slow it down is to relish, embrace and really live every moment.

Wrapping up October

It seems like I went to bed October 1st and woke up and it was October 25th. How did that happen? I love October and I don't know where it went. I didn't get to do a lot of the things I like to do, specifically the pumpkin show or at least a pumpkin patch with the grandkids. Oh well, they'll be more Octobers. I am excited however at how it is ending. I'm leaving today to meet Mike at market to see the new showroom and catch up with some old friends. Then we will drive to Pinehurst, the golf capital of the world and play a little golf and let Mike rest and relax after a very successful market. While I'm gone I will be getting a new bathroom complete with a bubble tub! Yahoo!

I've been slightly emotional lately. Not sure what that's all about. My oldest grandson is really growing up and I am struggling with that a little. He is such a special guy and he seems so old lately. I remember him being born like it was yesterday. I'm struggling a little with 4 of them being an hour away. I know, I know... I need to put on my big girl panties and get over it. My gosh, they've been there for a while now. It seems like I am having a delayed reaction to them moving. I love visiting them though, what a great place for them to be. I really am happy for them.

Mom seems to be doing pretty good. She has her days but overall she has kept a pretty good attitude. Talk about big changes! I hope I do as well as she has. Well, off I go to celebrate the end of October. You'll find me on the golf course!

It has been so long since I have posted a blog.  I'm not sure why.  However life has been very busy. Mike and I went to Florida for a few days over Labor Day Weekend.  It was fun to go somewhere new and different.  We have had a beautiful fall season so far.  Its really nice to be able to keep the french doors open to the porch this time of year, not too hot, not too cold.  Mike will be leaving for market Sunday and I am flying down to see the new showroom and then we will drive to Pinehurst for some relaxing fall golf.  It's a great way for him to unwind after market.  My sister just left after spending a few days with us.  Always good to see her and it does mom so much good.  I know my mom misses her, wish she was closer.  The grandkids are all growing and loving life.  They are such happy kids, my life would be so quiet without them.  I am thankful everyday for all five of my wonderful blessings.  Trying to start on some gift projects for Christmas, I better get hoppin'!

What a fantastic day..... you know, one of those days that you will always remember. For most it would just sound like another fun summer day. But for me, and I won't be able to convey why, it was a day I will always cherish. It's been a somewhat disappointing summer, hurting my leg and unfortunately taking so long to rebound. It has really slowed me down. But today, I spent the day at the Columbus Zoo with four of my grandkids and my daughter. I had purchased memberships for both Kerri and Mikey's families, and I had yet to visit this fun Columbus spot. They spent the night which is always a treat and then we headed out bright and early this morning. We hit all the environments of the wonderful animals and took in Cora's squeals of delight as she experienced her very first trip to the zoo. After a fun lunch, we headed to the rides. The year before I had watched Trey leave heartbroken because he was too short for the log ride. Riley decided not to ride either as it would leave his brother watching from the sidelines. So needless to say, they were bursting with excitement. I felt like a kid again. I was giddy. We were drenched and the smiles on their faces were PRICELESS!!! Cora even got into the action and we road the flying elephants together. I'm not sure she knew what to think but she really thought she was something special. Then I rode one of my childhood favorites... the swings that glide around, high in the sky with your feet dangling in the air. Next to me was my Evan, looking at me with that toothless smile and saying, "this is my favoritest ride, ever".
At that point I realized that this was a day I will always remember when I think of one of my happiest. It really isn't about the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.

One Fantastic Day

I love the book of Isaiah. It is my favorite book of the Bible. Beginning around chapter 40 and going through to 50. I find so much comfort in it. It reminds us of who is really in charge; something that I find very important today amid all the economic strife. It also reminds me just how big He really is; something our finite mind could never truly grasp, but Isaiah helps us to try. It points out how He has chosen us and we are more important to Him than anything. If we ever wonder which way to go, all we need do is ask (and we can trust His answer to be right) Read these chapters for yourself, He will say to you exactly what you need to hear. These are just a few of the wonderful, rich words that have seen me through a lot of difficult times. I have note after note scrawled all through these pages. It's fun to go to my ipad and read these verses from The Message. (I've downloaded The Message, what a wild and crazy world) I like to mark certain scriptures as prayers for people in my life. Isaiah 46:3&4 was marked for my dad and it remained true for him until God took him home. The Message says this: "I've been carrying you on my back from the day you were born, and I'll keep on carrying you when you're old. I'll be there, bearing you when you're old and gray. I've done it and will keep on doing it, carrying you on my back, saving you." It truly blows me away to realize, as I read Isaiah, that the God, the one and only God of the universe holds my hand on this journey and won't let go all the way to the end. And that is just the beginning.

I just realized today how quickly (once again) summer is passing by. We had a great vacation but it won't be long until the start of a new school year. I really hope I can spend some time with the grandkids (pool, zoo, creekside, ice cream etc. etc.) just enjoying summer. I am trying to take better care of my knee this week so maybe that can happen. I'm trying not to get frustrated but if its not better by the end of the week, I'm going back to the doc. This is one of the tough times of the year with Mike's travel schedule. Hope I can do some fun things to pass the time.

Thirty seven years. It's hard to believe. I'm not sure what I ever did to deserve a man like my husband. He loves me unconditionally, supports me in whatever I face and believes in me when nobody else does. Thanks so much for being everything and more than I ever dreamed of. You make me a better person. At the risk of sounding really sappy, you complete me. Yea, that sounds pretty sappy but oh well, too bad. It's a perfect description of my relationship with my husband. Happy Anniversary Mike!

My Dad built this snowman for me. Yes, that adorable little girl is me! As you can see, whatever my Dad did, he did it all the way. He had no time for doing something halfway. But I'm not referring to just the building of snowmen, how he kept his yard, or or how serious he took his job as an usher at our church. You see, my dad had a heart bigger than the grand canyon and he filled it up with love. Unconditional love for his God, his wife, his family and his friends. Oh yes, and for life in general. He loved every minute of every day. My dad .... words just fail me. I still feel him here with us, that great big smile and that great big heart. Simply the best!

I became completely overwhelmed tonight as I was turning out the lights. I have pictures of my 4 grandsons hanging on the family room wall. They are all from younger days. Time sometimes feels as if it is literally slipping through my fingers like sand. The feeling of love for those four boys was almost stifling. I have often reminded young mothers to take time with their little ones because it all changes so quickly. I was reading from one of my books by Bob Benson and as always, he was able to say exactly what I so often feel.

Skipping Rocks

It was a bright, sunshiny morning -
the first of ten days off for me -
and I was out in the yard early, working on a wall down by the lake.
Knee-deep in pleasant, warm water
I could hardly have been happier or more at peace.
Patrick came down and began to throw rocks in the water.
You don't have to teach little boys to throw rocks - they just seem to be born
with the skill and the desire.

He wanted me to stop and play with him.
"Teach me how to make them skip."
"In a little while," I said, "let me get a little more of this wall built."
After a while he got tired of waiting and started up the hill to the house.

I figured he'd be back in a few minutes,
but later in the morning when I went up for a drink he was in the bed with a high fever.
It turned out to be a very serious illness
that was to spread through the whole family -
not to mention my vacation.
It took some of us to the
hospital and all of us to bed.
Fortunately for us it was all over in a month or so,
having run its course with no lingering effects.
And there have been other days and other chances
to skip rocks with Patrick.

But I can still see him trudging up that hill -
a long pull for his short legs and I'm reminded that you never know
they're coming back -
there aren't any guarantees,
and the only time you really know you can skip rocks is when you're saying
"in a little while."

Ten years ago, my son reached down as I lay on the couch, and gave me a big hug.
He was leaving for the evening, out with friends.
A few hours later the phone rang and the hospital told us to "hurry".
I can honestly say that my kids and my grand-kids are never in my way. They are always my #1 priority. Because I've learned......
you never know.

It is amazing to me that life is such a circle. We start out so dependent on our parents. Mommy and Daddy clap as we take our baby steps and we smile. We are excited about our accomplishment. We grow up, learn how to take care of ourselves, hold jobs, have children and grow older. My mom was always clapping for me. She was one of my biggest supporters, along with my dad. She called me this morning. She was facing her first morning of getting ready for her day by herself. Six weeks of hospital and re-hab and now she was alone to shower and dress and get herself to her meals. She was feeling a little fearful about the shower and wanted me to come and be there in case she struggled. She did great. I think she surprised herself. I found myself telling her how proud I was of her and it made her smile. I stopped short of clapping for her but I was clapping inside. Baby steps are part of every chapter of our lives. I'm glad God has blessed us with people that are willing to clap for us. Without that it would be a very lonely way to live. She has almost come full circle and I'm going to clap for her til she reaches her home.

Made a quick trip to D.C. Had a good time but it was sooooo hot. Hard to do a lot of sight-seeing. I was determined to see the Holocaust Museum and the Viet Nam Wall. Saw both. So glad I did. Both left me speechless. I was dumbfounded also at the lack of response I saw out of so many school kids walking through the museum. For some of them, it didn't seem to make any impact at all. I realized so many live in a video game world, nothing seems like reality. They see so much violence in t.v. and in games, they seem to have developed a very casual attitude to such things.
I also saw the W.W. II memorial. It was beautiful and I felt an unusual closeness to my Dad while I was there.

Mom will be returning to her apartment tomorrow. We are very excited for her and very thankful for her recovery.

Fun times yesterday. Mom was able to spring from rehab for a few hours and come see the great-grandkids. I think it was really good for her. She is doing so much better. The kids were really wound up and had so much fun just running around in the good weather we finally had.

Mike and I are leaving for a quick trip to Washington D.C.today. He has to make his appearance at a show so we thought we would take advantage of the time and see some sites. It's been a long time since I've been in D.C. Hopefully I can check out the holocaust museum and the Viet Nam Wall. Mike needs to get away and sort some things out. The stress of the job is almost unbearable for him right now. Not sure where it will end. But I know it will work out for the best, one way or another.

We handed off the Rendezvous to Kerri and Eric yesterday. That really makes me smile!

Taking Mom to the heart doc today. I am trying to stay optimistic hoping I hear that she is right on track with her recovery. Not sure that is true. Once again, I am trying to live one day at a time. So glad Mike will be home more this week, I need him for support.

I am really enjoying walking. Up to 4 miles a day. Got some new shoes so I'm ready to rock 'n roll.

Can't believe it's the middle of May and I turned my heat on and lit my fireplace this morning to get the chill off. crazy weather!

Went to church with Kerri and the family yesterday. Wonderful sermon at the Mt. Vernon Presbyterian church. Great art show by the kids too. Pickle accidentally painted the back seat of Pap's car with his super hero cape he made in children's church. Uh-oh! Never a dull moment.

Wonderful week-end.

"Why did this have to happen?" I hear her ask this questions as I look across the hospital room. My mother, once young and vibrant, always there for me now frail and scared. She called me Thursday morning early and asked in a weak voice if I could come help her. She just couldn't get herself to breakfast. She couldn't get herself out of her chair. To our shock she had experienced a heart attack some time ago and now she was suffering from four blockages. How was she still here? No wonder simply answering the phone had been a struggle. Why did this happen? It's just life, that's the only answer I had for her. I'll never forget hearing her tell her doctor, "you see, I know the Lord and whatever happens is just alright with me." It happens because things happen on a journey. This is just a journey, it's not our destination.

Well, it's true, we never know what a day will bring. Mom is in the CCU, has at some point had a massive heart attack and has two almost complete blockages. She's a tough little lady. I'm not sure why she is still with us except that it once again points out that God is really the one in control not our weak bodies. She is getting wonderful care and the doctor looked at me and said. "I strongly believe you have to have a beautiful heart to have a beautiful smile and your mom has a beautiful heart." Wonder what today will bring? Whatever it is, I want to smile.

I had a very good week. That's not always true when Mike is gone but I made some progress getting through a strange time that I have been experiencing. I accomplished some practical things, spent time with family and accomplished some personal things that needed to be done. I feel more centered than I have in a while. I've done some soul searching and realize that I am more in love with the people in my life, (God, husband, family) than I ever have been and that realization brings about a real peace. I am truly a blessed woman and I am so glad that those blessings don't depend on what I have done, they are just mine for whatever reason. I thank God for all He has given me, I truly don't deserve it.

Yesterday was one of those rare days that seemed to go on forever. I couldn't understand why, most days fly by in a blur. I know why now.....thank goodness it is finally Thursday again. They can start playing basketball again. I felt lost, no where to go. BUT, it's Thursday and here we go again. I know, you're asking me what I'm going to do when it's all over for the season. DON'T! I can't think about that right now. Hopefully the weather will break and I can be outside doing something summery. Until then... let the games begin again. I love college basketball. GO BUCKS! (What if they lose you say? I can't hear you!)

It is unbelievable. All four of Kerri's kids have strep. Even baby Cora. It has been such a tough winter and it seems they have had everything imaginable. But never fear, spring is still going to make her appearance. It won't be long. Yesterday was very nice and we are going to get the mustang out this week-end. That is a true sign of spring. We went to Mikey and Nicole's for dinner last night. I wandered around the yard and had flash backs of me playing with chalk on that driveway as I watched my grandson. I went in the work shed that dad built and I sensed him there, piddling. They are really enjoying the house and it makes me happy that the family memories are continuing in that place. I am so blessed with beautiful memories. It is a real gift.

We had such a good time marking Cora Jean's first birthday. It was a great party and she is such a little sweetheart. Just thought I'd share a few pics of the day.

I am in Indianapolis In. enjoying the Big Ten basketball tournament with my husband. OSU plays again at 1:40. I am hoping they win. While getting ready I was watching the news scroll across the bottom on the t.v. screen. The devastation of the tsunami is horrific. People missing, property gone, earthquakes, nuclear power leaks. Sounds like a nightmare but it's real. As I stood there reading "AND IN OTHER NEWS" came across the screen. "the N.F.L. has not met their deadline.....yada,yada, yada! REALLY? Are you kidding me? I'm already sick to death of it. The only thing that saddens me are all the "little" people that depended on the nfl for their income. Do the players care? Do the owners care? I won't even take the time to answer that. Trust me, I will get along just fine without the nfl this fall.

What a good week-end. We celebrated Cora's 1st birthday. What a little darlin'! I just don't understand why time must travel so quickly. She looked adorable in her little tutu and boy does she eat up the attention. She loves people. God has such a good sense of humor, giving my introverted daughter a little girl that already loves to be the life of the party. She will definitely make life interesting. Then today, Mike and I went to the last OSU b-ball game. Can't believe the regular season is over. And what a finish!! So much fun. Sorry NBA, you don't even come close to the excitement of a bunch of college kids, playing their hearts out. All from so many backgrounds playing for the love of the game. There's just nothing like it. Now on to the Big 10 Tourney and yes, Mike and I are going. We bought tickets to all the sessions, the entire week-end full of b-ball. So looking forward to it. Then bring on the madness. March madness.... the most wonderful time of the year. And this year we just might win it all, at least it should be a good ride.

I guess that's what life is all about... always having something to look forward to. What's after March Madness well, golf of course and the beach and more birthdays!

This precious little thing is turning "1" tomorrow. What a wonderful gift, the unexpected kind... the best kind possible. She has already filled our lives with more joy than any of us deserve. Happy Birthday Cora Jean. Nana loves you.

This precious little thing is turning "1" tomorrow. What an absolute gift she is, the unexpected kind, the best gift you can have. She has already filled our lives with more joy than any of us deserves. Nana loves you precious Cora Jean.

It's been a looooong winter! I keep telling my self spring is just around the corner. I think we have earned the right to have a really nice spring. Often our springs are so short and rainy and we jump right in to summer. I would love a nice, sunny,warm, open up the windows because there's no humidity, isn't it nice we got a quick spring shower for the tulips type spring. asking too much? I don't think so. Hopefully the Big 10 Tournament and March Madness will be enough to make the time pass til that beautiful weather arrives. And it will, hope "springs" eternal!

Well, sick again. I haven't been sick for soooo long and then twice in a few short weeks. Both times, Mike is out of town. I think I'm on the downhill side of it. Looking forward to Monday, and getting back in the swing of things. Seems like just when I'm ready to get on a roll and get some things accomplished I get interrupted. Next Sunday we will leave for Tupelo Ms. for just three days but I am really looking forward to seeing a friend I haven't seen since we lived in Chattanooga. Wow, that was about 25 years ago. It will be fun to catch up with her.

We will soon be celebrating Cora's first birthday. I can't believe how quickly this first year passed. She is absolutely adorable and has stolen everyone's heart.

Not quite sure what is happening to OSU's great season. Two losses now. You just never know from game to game this year. So many really good teams, not really great ones. March will be fun.

I guess that's it for my thoughts today, sorry so random.

I don't like it when hubby is gone, don't like it at all. After all these years, you'd think I would get used to it but no. However, I have learned that the right frame of mind and plenty of projects makes it somewhat easier. We are going to redecorate our powder room and I am trying to purchase the new items. Overwhelming to say the least but fun too. I also have a scrapbook to finish but I am relying on someone who will remain nameless for some pics that I need. This might be the first one not completed for the birthday party. I know, I know... not the end of the world. I'm having dinner with friends tonight so yes, I am staying busy. Unfortunately market has started with some difficulties but with a lot of prayer and phone pep talks we'll make it. I'm so glad that after 36+ years of marriage, I still miss him.

Back again from Puerto Rico. A very nice week but I can fill my days up with hammocks and poolside for just so long. I love coming home and yesterday we filled up the house once again with beautiful, adorable kids. We finally took Trey for his promised birthday lunch. We enjoyed Five Guys burgers and Graeters at Easton. He is such a fun kid. He seems to be holding on to the little giggle that makes him so endearing. He loves it when Paps picks on him and he loves to pick back, always trying to get one up on his funny Paps. It is really fun to take one at a time and have the time to move in close and really talk and really listen. I often say that I wish they would just stop growing, it is happening so quickly right before my eyes. But.... there is something really exciting about watching and wondering who they will become. One thing for sure, nobody has grand-kids like MY grand-kids!!

Now the sad news. Yes, it happened. We all knew it would. OSU lost to Wisconsin. They gave up a huge lead. I'll just say one thing - Jordan Taylor. Hope they are ready for Mich. St. Hopefully we can win out. Soon it will be selection Sunday and March Madness!! Yes!! Go Bucks.

Cold Sunday morning. Austin was at the emergency room again and with Daddy gone, it was stressful on Nicole, so I was on the phone with her a lot. He's fine after another steroid treatment. He even told his mommy (at two o'clock in the a.m.) " that was fun!" He was telling the nurse about his "baby Coya". I don't know how many furniture markets I have lived through, but I still don't like them. They are the biggest necessary evil in my life. But....once more, I will persevere! February would be brutal if it wasn't for my wonderful husband taking me to Puerto Rico again. I am so looking forward to the sun and sand. I need to find a good book to take and update my i-pod.
I really do have a lot of projects to accomplish, Cora's book not being the least of these. Can't believe she will soon be a year.

We are in the dark days of winter and it is turning out to be a tough one. It hasn't hit our home yet (knock on wood) but my poor daughter has had more than her share. She is the only one in the family that hasn't gotten some sort of illness yet. I really hope they can get past this soon. It ha been far too long since I have seen them and tomorrow is the last basketball game for Riley and Trey. The latest casualty is Riley and he is so upset at the prospect of missing his final game. I worked for hours today trying to find the right house for our beach vacation. Hope we made a good choice. As I look out at the snow and cold, I remind myself that before we know it we will be at the beach once again. Sometimes as I get up in the morning, light the fireplace, turn on the winter lights in my dining room and prepare for another day, I feel a little overwhelmed at how quickly each new day rolls around. I feel as if I am in a very strange chapter of my life. Not bad, just different. I really can't put my finger on it, sometimes I just wonder if I am doing enough with my days to make them count. I hope I leave something behind that has some eternal value.