Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. My daughter2 is graduating from university this month and plans to teach elementary school. What are three qualities you most want to see evidenced in a teacher?
1 - Love of her students
2 - A desire to see them all succeed
3 - Passionate about her job as a teacher 

2. You can tell a lot about a person by____________________.

the way they handle adversity

3. What song makes you think spring?

Oh, this is going way back but when I read this question I immediately thought of "Everything's Coming Up Roses."  And, that song has nothing to do with spring but the question wasn't  about what song has something to do with spring. ~smile~  I like the happy rhythm of the song, thus the reason it reminds me of spring.

4. May 1st is Mother Goose Day...share your favorite nursery rhyme.

Oh, how can I pick just one.........I have always loved Little Jack Horner because of the "pulling out his thumb."  I know, so silly, but I always like it as a child.

5. What makes someone unforgettable?

The way they make you feel.  Some folks have such a way of making a person feel so important and special and they engage you in the conversation.  They remember it is not "all about them." 

6. Should music and/or art be part of a well rounded education?

I really do because I think it makes for a well rounded person

7. What social situations make you flustered or nervous?

It is rare for me to feel flustered or nervous in social situations. But if I happen to be among more strangers than acquaintances or friends then I'm not as comfortable.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

When we moved my Daddy from the nursing home on Monday it meant saying good bye to some very special folks.  One such person was Amber. Amber came to work at the nursing home as an aide the day my Dad was admitted and he was her very first  patient.  Amber has been with him ever since.  Other aides on his hall have come and gone but Amber was his constant.  Never did I one time see her display anything but a sweet spirit and a sweet smile.  And, my Daddy was very, very needy when he arrived at the home and remained that way for about 4 months.  I am sure there were days that she was in his room tending to something he needed every 20-30 minutes.  Can I just tell you that I got very emotional when we said our goodbyes Monday morning.  Amber has been God's special angel to us and we will always love her for that. 

Thanks Joyce for another fun Hodgepodge!  You always "show up" for us girlies and we love you for it. 

Miscellany Monday

Oh, my, it's been too long, just two weeks, but too long.  Yep, it's been that long since I've gotten to participate in sweet Carissa's Miscellany Monday.  Can I just tell you that I am thrilled to be back.  Okay, off I go.............

A precious family............

One of the main hi-lites of our time in Charleston was meeting up with this sweet family.  Yes, it is non other than our Carissa and her sweet family.  We met them for dinner our last evening in Charleston and it was as though we had known them all our lives.  No joke, it was like being with long time friends.  We wanted to bring them home with us, but................  We felt honored to have the company of such a sweet young couple.  We have no doubt that the Lord has even greater things in store for them.  Loved our time with Kelly, Carissa, Hunter and Sage!  They have a special place etched upon our hearts. 

The Move..........

Today we will be moving my Dad to his new home.  He will go from a nursing facility to an assisted living facility.  It was such a disappointment when going home was not an option for him and at that time we began exploring other options and The Arbor seemed to "fit the bill."  It is a lovely facility and one I am very familiar with.  My MIL spent about 2 years there, so I am not going into uncharted territory.  He will have a mini-apartment with a small kitchenette, a sitting area, a bedroom and a bath.  It has a big bay window and another smaller window and he will be able to see outside (which will be a real plus).  They have a lovely dining room where he can enjoy eating his meals with others.  It will be a new experience and there will be many adjustments but hopefully it will feel more like home but still offer him the assistance that he needs and he will be happy.

For love of the game.........

At the George Strait Golf Course in San Antonio - March 2012

Our son was a seven year old little boy when he picked up his first golf club.  Little did he know that it would become a sport that he would end up enjoying throughout his life.  Hubby played golf and introduced the game to Brandon.  Brandon played on his high school team and later went back to his high school and coached the golf team for a couple of years.  Golf and Brandon were a "match made in heaven."  Hubby and I were thrilled that he chose a sport that he could enjoy for a long, long time.

Riding high......

   

Do you know that looking at this picture gives me the "hibby gibbies?"  I mean, my little cowboy grandson just can't be big enough to be riding a horse.  But, he got his first saddle a few weeks ago and is now riding "in style."  Well, he isn't riding by himself (thank goodness) his Daddy (see hand on right side of picture) is leading the horse.  I may really have the "hibby gibbies" when he has the reigns to this big guy in his own little hands.  Heaven help this CiCi!!!!

Oh, Vera, oh, Vera.......

As in Bradley.........On our way to Charleston we stopped in Birmingham for dinner.  There was a neat shopping area in the same location so we thought we'd walk a while and check out some of the shops.  This Vera Bradley shop lured me right in the front door.  I mean, how can you not smile when you see all these gorgeous prints made into such cute bags and such.  Hubby found a comfortable seat and let me take it all in.  I left empty handed but sure did enjoy browsing.  I do have to scratch my head and wonder how something like Vera Bradley can create such a phenomenon for women ages 1 to 99.

 

  

Checking in.............

 It has been 12 days since I last blogged and I have missed it so much.  But, there are just times when "life" has to take priority over blogging. ~shucks~  

A part of this time, Hubby and I went on a wonderful spring trip to the Atlanta area (to visit family) and the historic city of Charleston.  I can hardly wait to tell you all about our trip, but it will have to wait for now.

Since I knew that all of you were worried and concerned (grin) I wanted to at least "touch base" with you and let you know that I am alive and well.  Stressed a bit but alive and well.  We are in the process of moving my Dad to an assisted living facility here in our city and, as in all things of this type, it is no simple matter.  You would not believe the paperwork, medical forms, etc that have to be filled out.  And, then to round up the furnishings and household items he will need.  It is a small apartment with a bedroom, living area,  efficiency kitchen and a bathroom.  He will spend his first night there next Monday. I will tell you more about this transition too.  In the meantime, please be in prayer for my Dad as he makes this move.  He is excited on the one hand and very anxious on the other.  We want this to be a positive move and one that will give him more independence.

Okay, gotta go, I have my vehicle loaded with items to take over to Dad's new home and must get busy.  Again, I miss you and can't wait to be back on my regular schedule of blogging. I'm expecting to return on Monday.  Yea!!!

 

Two Very Special Southern Ladies

I did not plan to do a Friday Favorite post this week but yesterday had two very special happenings that I felt I just HAD to share so thus, a Friday Favorites post was born. Thanks Rachel for hosting us each week. Click the button below if you would like to join up or read more Friday Favorites.

 

I have had a very busy week and have felt a bit overwhelmed at times.  Hubby and I will be leaving this morning for a 9 day trip and preparations for this trip were ever present.  Then I have a couple of other issues (will share at a later time) going on and a few times I let it all sort of consume me.  I bet a few of you know exactly what I mean and have shared those same feelings at times.

Our Women's Mission group hosted a mini-concert by our former church pianist yesterday afternoon.  Let me just tell you that this lady can play the piano "like nobody's business."  She plays with such ease and you have no trouble telling that she is "in her element" when she is playing the piano.  And, might I add, she is a Southern Lady in the truest sense of the word and holds a very special place in my heart.

She played such songs as: Come To Jesus,  His Eye is on the Sparrow, To God Be The Glory, If My People and Amazing Grace and some secular songs to name a few.  It was the best 45 minute therapy session that I have had in a while.  I sat there soaking it all in and felt the Lord just lift my spirits and once again assuring me that HE has it all under control.

After the concert we enjoyed a time of fellowship and cake and coffee.  I was visiting around with those present and I felt a gentle touch on my shoulder.  When I turned around it was Claire.

Claire is the Granddaughter of one of our members and I have known her since she was a little girl.  Claire has Downs Syndrome but is very high functioning.  She has a beautiful voice and often sings solos in church.  Yesterday as I turned around to her she looked at me and said, "Ms. Lea, I think you are beautiful and one day I want to look like you."  Okay, do you see those tear stained eyes of mine in the photo above?  I mean, I could hardly contain myself.  I told Claire that I was soon to be 60 years old and that she knew how to make an "old woman" feel mighty special. 

Yes, I almost did not go to this special event but what a blessing I received by putting forth the effort.  It lightened my heart and put a big smile on my face all because of two very special ladies.  Now, I'm outta here gals to enjoy some "down time", this beautiful spring weather and see and meet some very special folks along the way.  I'll have more blog fodder than the law allows when I return.  Hang on to your hats!!!  And, I may or may not be visiting your blogs  while I am gone. But, hey, don't forget me!  Love you girlies!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday and that means it's time for Joyce's questions.  Today's are some of my most favorite, so sit back and enjoy and if you would like to read more Hodgepodge, click on the button above and enjoy some more.

1. Have you ever played golf? Any interest in playing? Do you have a significant other who loves to play? Did you watch The Masters this past weekend?

Hubby's enjoying a round

Other than miniature golf, I have never played the "real" game. No, I am not interested in playing.  It seems to me to be a most frustrating game and I'd be so tempted to throw the club when that little white ball would not go in that little bitty hole when I wanted it to. ~giggle~ Yes, my significant other does play and enjoys it very much and has for about 35 years.  Hubby watched a lot of The Masters and I watched parts of it and we were absolutely thrilled when Bubba Watson won.  How refreshing to see someone so humble win!

2. Hats are back in fashion this spring...how do you feel about wearing a hat? (fyi-I'm not talking baseball caps) When was the last time you wore one? 

 A club that I was a member of about 15 years ago had an afternoon tea and we all wore hats.  It was such fun and I loved it.  I think hats are the height of femininity!  It's definitely something that you have to get use to but I think I could get "into" it. 

3. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 meaning proficient and 1 meaning "I'd starve", how adept are you at using chopsticks?

A whopping #1, I'd starve slap too death!  

4. Has technology taken over?

I was just discussing this very fact with someone yesterday.  We are so connected today and it is not always a good thing.  I think it is of utmost importance that we all find a healthy balance in our use of these and to remember that we have lived without them and did just fine.  It's amazing to me how often we go into a restaurant and see a couple sitting at the table, both on their cell phones texting or playing games and never breathing a word to each other.  Something about that just isn't right!

5. In the course of a day how often do you look in a mirror?

Oh, I guess about 2-3 times and it mostly to reapply my lipstick.  I'm "into" lipstick and like for it to look fresh and neat all day. ~did you doubt that?~

6. Tulip or Daffodil?

I would have to say tulips!  They are a much happier flower to me and I love their many colors.

7. I am proud of myself for __________________.

Oh, this is hard!  There are several,  but the one that jumped out first was starting my blog. I have enjoyed it more than I ever imagined that I would and I've met so many fantastic folks on this journey.  And, almost daily I hear of someone else that enjoys it.  I did it solely for myself but when someone else enjoys it, well, that's just "icing on the cake." 

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Hubby and I will be leaving on a Spring trip in  a few days and that means that I have to pack.  I have traveled tons and tons and still have not learned the "art of packing."  I  usually over pack but I like to have choices and I enjoy having all my accessories with me.  We will be driving on this trip so it is easier to take more and more.  When we fly then it all HAS to go in a suitcase and that will often limit what I can take or how much.  I have a "method to my madness" when I pack.  I get each day's outfit one at a time and then get the accessories to go with that and then go to the next day and on and on until I have each day covered.  That way  I have my bases covered.  If I get all my outfits packed and then the accessories that go with them, I always forget something.  I'm quite certain that I could worry a whole lot less about it and things would be fine, but I might not be near as put together while I was gone. ~big laugh~ I had a lady tell me that a good pair of black pants and a 2-3 tops and a pair of jeans and 2-3 tops and 2 good pairs of shoes will take you half way around the world and back.  And, she said you wear the same jewelry with all of it.  Wow! how simple that would be!  But, doubt it's gonna happen.

Miscellany Monday

 
It's Monday again and of course, that means it's time to link up with our sweet Carissa and share our random thoughts.

Easter fun........

We celebrated Easter with Hanna Beth and her Dad and Mom on Friday afternoon and evening.  We hid eggs for her to hunt, grilled steaks for dinner and then had a piece of that cute bunny cake.  Can I just say that she loved her Bunny Cake!  I must confess that I did NOT make it but rather the local bakery.  I was going to make one myself and stopped in the bakery to get a board to put it on when I made it and they had one of these on display.  When I saw it, I just couldn't resist ordering one rather than making one.  Saved a lot of fretting and frustration I'm quite sure!

The best hook up...........

If you are still old fashioned and have a home phone like we do then you need to know about this little gadget.  It is the cordless headset by Plantronics.  I have had two in the past 8 years and I clip that little fella on my waist or wherever and never miss a beat while I'm talking on the phone.  I love to multi-task so it is perfect for me.  It has a small loop that fits over the ear (the one I use) and the one that you put across your head like a headband.  My main use is in the mornings when I am on the treadmill and our daughter calls for her morning visit.  And, it is super wonderful if you have to call somewhere and are put on hold for an eternity.  

 Yummy, yummy.........

I just recently put these two together and oh, me, it is some good eating for breakfast.  Put with a good cup of hot coffee and there's no better way to begin your day.  The Honey Nut Cream Cheese is more than yummy!

  And, my new lunch favorite is this sun-dried tomato pesto with thinly sliced smoked turkey on one of these Sandwich Thins.  And, talk about low calorie and still filling.  Yep! I love it!

More Easter............

We celebrated Easter with our Dodge City family via the mail and pictures.  I sent Clancy a "goodie box" and then his Momma shared pictures with us of his egg dying experience and egg hunt.  I asked her why the bib and nothing else on in the picture above and she said that he had on a nice shirt and she didn't want egg dye on it, so she just put a bib on him.  Smart gal!  

Have a wonderful week!  

Palm Sunday and a Photo Shoot are my Friday Favorites

Today is Good Friday,  and the day Christians celebrate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary.  Last Sunday was Palm Sunday and our church choir presented a splendid  Easter musical. It was my Sunday to  provide the arrangement for our Communion Table.

  The arrangement was done in memory of my my Mother and my Hubby's parents.  The cross I used was made by my Dad in 2007.  Daddy came to church Sunday and was quite

thrilled when he saw that I had used the cross as a part of the arrangement and after church he wanted to go up and take a closer look.  I  had a good idea of the different emotions he was probably feeling as he looked at this work of his hands. It sort of brought a big lump to my throat. ~sniffle~

Later Sunday afternoon I had the privilege of doing a "photo shoot" of my Vietnamese family.  If you have been reading my blog very long then you know about them. I am referred to as their "American Mom."
  

Can you believe how that baby has grown?  He is now 15 months old and such a little sweetheart.  I am certainly no professional photographer but I am pretty daggum proud of these. ~smile~

I've never known a harder working couple (one day I will get Le, the Daddy, to agree to be in the pictures) than Amy and Le. They have a nail salon here and it is run like a "well oiled machine."  And, can I just say that their mantra is "cleanliness is a MUST."  I am so glad I walked through their doors 12 years ago.  I not only now have pretty fingers and toes but I have a very special relationship with this precious family.

It has been such fun for me to watch An grow into such a lovely, lovely young lady.  She was 3 years old when I met them and she is now 15.  She is kind, talented, brilliant,a delight and a beauty.

It has been a good week and we will celebrate Easter with our Princess and her Daddy and Momma later this afternoon.  We're going to hide a few eggs, grill some steaks and make some memories.  May you and yours make some special memories as well as we celebrate our risen Lord.