Birthday Boy!

One year ago right now I was on "pins and needles" wondering if we would be able to make it to Stillwater in time for the birth of our first Grandchild. The good Lord saw to it that we were there by having Bridget's Dr. feel it best to induce her, due to high blood pressure. We arrived the evening of Sept. 30th and Bridget was induced on the morning of Oct. 2nd. Becoming a grandparent is all that I had heard it would be and more. I would have never dreamed that I could feel the love in my heart such as I felt when our own children were born, but let me assure you, the love was full to overflowing when I laid my eyes on that precious little Grandson. The nurse's remark when I took my first look at Clancy was, "I think we're witnessing a Grandmother being born." For sure!!


This past week-end we had the joy to celebrate Clancy's first birthday. Yes, I'm well aware that he has no idea that he is about to be one year old, but, none the less, I feel sure he is well aware of how much he is loved and how much we enjoyed celebrating his first year of life.






Clancy wasn't exactly sure what to do with his cake, but after his Daddy cut a small section out for him, he realized that it was okay for him to dig in, and he did.

Spending time with Poppa

Waiting with CiCi to have his first year portrait taken

Looking cute in his Halloween outfit

Three generations

It is the desire of my heart to be a Grandmother that my grandchildren will always enjoy being with and making memories. But, more importantly, that they will see the love of God in my heart and life and know the greatest desire their CiCi has for them is to know and love God and accept Him, and be all that He intends for them to be.

Men and Deer Season - Part II

I know that many of my "faithful blog followers" have been waiting with baited breathe to see the Hyatt Deer Stand put together and in it's "rightful place" in the woods. So, here you are! Tommy gave up on hopes of it not raining and things drying out and just decided that he and some "strong backed" buddies would "brave the elements" and take it on up there today. All went as planned and the stand is "waiting and ready" for deer season to begin.
Tommy would have nothing but for me to climb up in the stand and take a look inside and then take a peek out of one of his windows to see how far he could see the little Bambi's coming. I guess, if I were a deer hunter, that I would think this stand was definitely a real prize. But, as I've stated before, I can't think of being more miserable than sitting in that little box from early morning until late evening, being quiet and getting up "close and personal" with nature. ~smile~




After he showed me the stand, we went to take a load of sweet potatoes and spread them around to feed the deer and get them ready for the season. Tommy has never fed the deer sweet potatoes before, but had heard from hunters that did, that is was a worthwhile endeavor. So, off we went on the 4 wheeler through the woods and mud holes.




It really was a fun outing and gave me more insight into the "art of hunting" and the enjoyment that it brings Tommy, and we made a memory!

I bought these shoes two years ago to take on our Alaskan Adventure and knew that they would likely come in handy at some point after that. Today was a day that they were definitely handy. I prefer "prissy, stylish" shoes, but those just will not work for some things. Besides that, I feel like a "real woman" when I put these on!

Lists to Live By

Image via Wikipedia

I have been reading the book "Lists to Live By," a Christian collection for everything that matters. I'm enjoying it so much that I think I may share "bits and pieces" of it with you, my bloggers, from time to time. The one I will share today is entitled:

God's Stress Management Plan

Work Out your difficulties with others.
Help those around you.
Rejoice in the Lord always.
Slow Down and be gentle.
Remember that "God is Near."
Let Go of all your anxieties.
Hand them over to God.
Allow God's peace to guard your heart and mind.
Focus on the positives of life.
Do what you already know you should do.
Be content with whatever situation you are in.
Claim the promise that "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Accept the help and encouragement of others.
Trust god to meet all your needs.
Give God all the glory.

We are all plaqued by stress in some "shape, form or fashion." It is a daily part of our lives. May we all seek to keep a balance in our lives and remember God's Stress Management Plan. May all your stresses be happy stresses! *smile*

Men and Deer Season

I know, the above picture looks very much like an "outhouse." But, let me assure you that it is not, it is the top to a "first class" deer stand. Over the course of 38 years of marriage, I've seen deer stands evolve into small Hyatt Hotels. *smile* Tommy spends hours drawing out plans, getting the materials and then painstakingly building his "home away from home" for the duration of deer season.



When he has the top built, he then builds the stand to place the "hotel" on. His measurements have to be exact so that when it comes time to put the two together, they will fit perfectly. Of course, they are not put together until they are both carried to the woods. There would be no way to haul them to the woods if they were together beforehand. I have never been a part of the "raising" of the deer stand and don't imagine that I ever will be. It is a very intense endeavor and safety is of utmost importance. Safety has always been a top priority for Tommy and I always know that he will be extremely careful in setting up the stand. He gets an able bodied friend to assist him and off they go.


Inside these hotels (he has about 4 of these stands) are a very comfortable chair, portable heaters, and carpet. He carries a backpack with all kinds of "good eats" and between eating and napping, he finds time to do a little hunting. No, I don't understand it at all and nothing about it seems enjoyable to me. But, I think everyone should have a hobby that brings them enjoyment and I feel sure that Tommy would say this is one of his most enjoyable hobbies. For me to get up way before daylight, drive miles up into the woods, and sit in a deer stand and be quiet would be the ultimate form of misery. *smile* But, I bet Tommy would say the same thing about some of my hobbies, such as blogging. I'll have to do another blog about this years season when it is over. I know you can't wait!

Decked out for Fall.........

There has been a "nip" of fall in the air this week and it caused me to begin thinking in that direction. So, today I decided I would do a little fall decorating. Well, might you know, it was a very hot and humid day and anything but "fall like." But, I had made my plans and I went forth with my decorating. I am so glad that I live in an area that "celebrates" all the seasons of the year. I cannot imagine living where there is virtually no change in the seasons. How boring!! My favorite seasons are spring and fall. I just do not find winter and summer all that exciting. In the spring I think of bedding plants, decking out the patio and a "fresh start." In the fall I think of pumpkins and mums, all the cute little ghosts and goblins at Halloween and the beautiful colors of the trees. God "shows off" His creation the best in both spring and fall.
I use to do a whole of decorating on the inside of our home, but in recent years I haven't done as much. I guess I've grown tired of pulling it out and putting it up. But, I still enjoy a small amount of inside decorating for the seasons.



Yes, we are "decked out" and ready to celebrate fall and all of the exciting things it holds in store for us. A happy fall to each of you and take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy His handiwork.

I Would Have Never Dreamed...............

Image by Lawrence OP via Flickr

If someone had told me a year ago at this time that my Mom would pass away and my Dad would remarry in the next year, I simply would have wanted to go and bury my head in the sand. It would have been more than I could possibly have imagined. And, that is exactly why, as christians, we must depend on Him everyday for the strength to face another day. We do not know what each new day will bring and the Lord knew that was the only way for it to be. If we knew what the future held, we would not need to depend on Him. Well, one thing for sure, I've had a great lesson in that the past year and I can truthfully and honestly say that He has once again, proven Himself faithful to me. Just as the 23rd Psalm says, He has led me beside still waters, and He has restored my soul and He hasn't just done it once, He has done it continously.

Grief is so strange and having never felt the kind of grief that I have felt since Mom's death, I had no idea what to expect. But, I do know that I would not have imagined it taking so long to get through it. Now, I do not sit around and cry continously or go and sit at her grave. Yes, I have cried many a tear and I have certainly visited her grave a few times. Not a day has passed that I have not thought of her and I just never know when something is going to spark a memory of her. I have definitely experienced healing, but still have more to do and I will not be concerned with how long it may take. There are no set time tables, it varies from individual to individual.

My Dad has been keeping the company of a wonderful woman in recent weeks and this week he proposed to her and they will be married at some point in the near future. I knew from the very beginning that there was something very special between them and knew that marriage was a real possiblity. But, knowing something with your head and accepting it with your heart is so different. This week, when Daddy shared with me that they would be married, my heart hurt so badly I thought I couldn't stand it. I didn't understand that at first and felt very badly feeling that way. Why would my heart hurt, I am so happy for the two of them and I could not have "hand picked" anyone for my Dad any better. She is such a lovely lady, and I know that she and I are going to share a very special relationship. And, she is not a replacement for my Mother, she is someone for my Dad to enjoy the rest of his life with. Yes, it has been a very emotional time and I have come to the conclusion that what I feel is very normal. And, that makes me feel better.

Image via Wikipedia

Something I read this week stated that we cannot put grief in a time frame. I thankful that I do have to because HE continues to support and comfort me as I lean on Him.

An Eagle or a Duck

Bridget has been sharing with me about her upcoming year with her new class of 5th graders. She spends the first couple of days of the new school year to line out the year. That includes such things the class schedule, the class rules, etc. Bridget loves her job as a teacher and feels very "called" to the profession. She tries to make a real difference in each student's life and that can be a real challenge at times. But, she says she wouldn't trade her profession for any other. That makes me very happy because I am a firm believer that one should be happy with and in their work.

One of the "truths" Bridget shared with her students last week was that of "The Eagle and the Duck." She told them that she wanted all of them to soar like an Eagle this year and that would involve doing their best work and having a positive attitude.

Image by law_keven via Flickr

Image by law_keven via Flickr

She contrasted the Eagle to a duck. A duck putters along, and makes little progress along the way and will serve as their example of a negative spirit this year. She ended by saying, "which do you want to be this year, an Eagle or a Duck." Of course, they all responded, "Eagle!"

I've thought a lot about this since she shared it with me. I had to ask myself, do I soar with the Eagles or putter with the ducks most of the time? I believe as a Child of the King that He would have me soar with the Eagles. In fact, He instructs us to "mount up with wings as Eagles" in the scriptures. I'm always grateful for opportunities to grow and this simple illustration spoke volumns to me and I'm committing to spend my time "soaring" rather than "puttering." I invite you to join me!