Hey soul sister...

 

It had been 7 long years since I got to hug this one...

this sister,

this friend.
She was here for a special visit over my kiddos spring break
and I could not have been be happier...
I mean do a cart wheel
and twirl all around kinda happy.
And just like that the week flew by and she had to go home.
But, while she was here, it was like no time at all had passed us by.
 

We giggled like little girls, we walked downtown, we talked about younger days,
and of course we got some shopping in.

She got to spend precious time with my kiddos and that
meant the world to me and to them.
She liked our little town and all its hills,
and people treated her mighty fine.

We had a bonfire a couple of nights out back and
Ethan's friends came by to hang out...
Alicia loved it.
The boys all sang, played guitar, and, well...
acted like boys...
boys who serenaded us with Wagon Wheel, Mumford and Sons style.

I didn't capture their rendition, but thought I would include
the song for your listening pleasure.

I had to take her down the road to see the lovelies that I visit nearly every day
. She loved them as much as I do.
I think they liked her too.

The last time I got to see my sister was just after our lovely Mama passed away,
It was so bittersweet.
This time
we promised that it would never be so long again,
that we would see each other soon.
I cried like a baby through the airport when she left.
Tears that were so reminiscent of all those years ago when we had to say goodbye.
The sweet time with my sister was food for my soul,
I will cherish the memories we made until we
are together again.
Thanks sis for making the trip...
It meant the world!!!
Now to get my other sister and my nephew out here!!!
Happy Monday Friends!!!!



Happy 2013

Hello Friends...

Happy New year to you!

 

This past year is waving goodbye and I am not sure if I am ready to let go.

This year brought us some hard times,

but sure brought us many Blessings as well.

Nate had to be away a little while for work, but was brought home safely to us

and for that I am grateful.
This year taught us a lot about patience, about love, about loss.
It taught us how to be strong, how to love better.
We are forever learning...that is a good thing.

 

We celebrated, We mourned, We grew.

We said many goodbyes...to pets, to sweet, dear neighbors, to precious loved ones.

Cameron became a teenager,

 struggled with bullies and triumphed over difficult circumstances,

 Ethan started high school, taught himself how to play the drums,

 and knew heartache for the first time,

Madi broke out of her shell, and found a passion in

gymnastics.

I got the privilege of being a stay at home mom since June

and while I have been looking for work,

 I have treasured every minute that I have been able

to be with my 3 wishes.

 

God has a plan for us...

We are only to be obedient and wait on His timing.

I tried some new things this year and

feel ready now to let some old things go.

 

I want to accomplish some good things with this little blog of mine,

I want to be more intentional in my writing.

I want it to touch others, to mean something,

to grow, to matter.

Thank you to all of my readers,

You have blessed me more than you know. 

 

I don't know what is in store for my little family,

but we are ready.

My prayer for the new year is that

my children continue to grow in Christ

and give more than they take,

That I am obedient to what the Lord

would have me do,

and that we are able to be with family more.

 

I pray each of you have a safe and Happy New Year

and that God blesses and keeps you.

 

Would love to hear from you,

please share your dreams, goals and wishes for the new year!

 



A party for Fran...

We said goodbye in grand style

to our beloved Fran today.

 

She will be here a few more weeks packing up her little log cabin

before joining her lovely daughters in Ohio.

 

She has been a wonderful neighbor to us.

She loves our children well and,

she spoils me when

I go and visit her all by myself.

She insists I sit and relax
and we talk about things of the past or watch

a game show together.

 

We have come to love her.
She is wise and even a little sassy,
which I delight in.
I hope to be as sassy at 90.

She was so happy today to see all the kids running around.

And to visit with all her friends.

It was such a lovely day.
Fran will move and there will be an auction,
she told me me she couldn't bear to see her things sold
to whoever happened to be the highest bidder.
I don't blame her.
I too, think it would be so hard to see a lifetime of
treasures taken away
by strangers.

She takes with her, though,

a lifetime of memories,

Memories of her and her love moving into this little cabin in the woods,

memories of friends and neighbors

who love her and care.

She won't be leaving empy handed or hearted.

She leaves with us

grateful hearts that we

have the honor to know her and

 share her life with her

even if the time was far too short.

We will write, send pictures

and maybe even visit her in her new little part of the world.

But, it won't be the same as walking across

my yard and having tea,

talking of long ago,

and sharing our hearts.

 

Today was filled with mixed emotions as I celebrate my Mom's birthday

and am reminded once again

how her life was cut way too short.

I know she would have liked Fran also.

I think she would have enjoyed

the party.

Happy Birthday Mom!

 



Leaving Ohio

Saying goodbye is such a difficult thing to do! Especially when you are saying goodbye to some of your most favorite people, my husband's family (my family), to be exact,  is some of the most generous, fun loving and kind people on the planet.  Summer is coming to an end and so is our time in Ohio. It is back to Branson and school, sports activities, routines and errands. Fall will be here before we know it and with it new experiences to share with each other.!! I have been blessed this summer to be able to spend time with people that I love and to meet some amazing new people that touched my heart in a special way!!! With goodbyes come hugs, tears, and hopes of seeing each other again very soon. I will be sending much love from Branson!