Thursday, September 25, 2008

Morning jog

Although the picture is a little dark, here we are on our morning walk together. We go about 7:30 am each day, and you can see that the day is still a little dim. Just around the corner we took the last picture, and already the day is much brighter.

We enjoy our walk. It is our time to talk, to encourage one another with scripture, to plan the day (maybe even the week), and especially to see the beauty the Lord has put before us. Judy is my best friend and so much fun to walk with. Her stride is shorter, and slower, so I am always stopping to let her catch up. Of course, stopping to pick up pretty leaves, etc., doesn't help her stride any at all. But it is what makes her so intriguing to be with.

We pass two beautiful ponds, beautiful houses, beautiful trees, and many nice people also out walking. Before long we will have to bundle up, or give up our walk until early spring. There is the mall, but it just isn't the same.

And here is some eye candy for you. It is one of two beautiful ponds we pass, just down the block from our house. Enjoy.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Brent

This picture, taken in July, is so out-of-date for Brent. He turned 1 year old on September 9th. He is walking now. But he is still happy as can be, easy going, tender, etc. He is the love of his mom and dad's life, along with their beautiful Caitlyn. Can you tell by the picture that his Mimi adores him and is so happy with him? Me, too!

In a very stressful and terrible time of my life, Brent was born. Shortly after his birth everything in my life blew up, and the pain and experience were excruciating. But just before the blow up, Brent came. So when I think of that time, I think of Brent; so happy, so charming, so warm and accepting. God always knows how to counterbalance and overcome the terrible things of life. This year, just before the first year anniversary of the most unthinkable period of my life ever, Brent turned one. So instead of the grief, I can rejoice in the goodness of God in the land of the living. He gave me this absolutely adorable grandson.

Happy birth month, Brent!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Stephie's birthday

Today is our younger daughter's birthday (I won't say how old). Stephanie entered the world in charge of life. From day one, it seems, she knew what she wanted and she went after it. Stymied along the way sometimes, she never was stopped. She just found another route. Sometimes at odds with us, sometimes at odds with God, sometimes at odds with herself. But finally at peace with life and God and us and herself. She always said she would have a handsome, strong husband, two children (a boy and a girl), a two-story house and a dog. She has all of that. I knew she would, just didn't know how soon it would all come to pass. But it came sooner than later, and now she has the time to enjoy it for many years. The family is involved in church and in life in general. God is blessing them abundantly, and they are sure to acknowledge His hand on their lives. I am thankful for that.

After she grew up and moved away, she would often call me and ask my advice about some decision she was facing. I would always answer, "Well, Stephanie, just pray about it. God will show you what to do." (She would and He always did.) But she said to me on one occasion, "You make me so mad. When I was growing up, I didn't want your advice and you gave it to me. Now I want your advice and you won't give it to me." But my greatest advice to her (and anyone) is to pray about it. God is always faithful to work it all out just right.

Here is a collage that her mother, Judy, made for her today. (Click on the picture for a bigger view.) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEPHANIE. My favorite red-headed daughter.


Monday, September 15, 2008

First Fire

Tonight was a special night. In July my girls bought me a fire pit for my birthday. I have been waiting for the first cool night to come along so I could use it. Today began with a 55-degree temp at 6:30 am., and although we had a beautiful, sunny day, the evening came in a little cool. Judy made BLT sandwiches for supper, and we ate out on the patio. So I made a first fire in the pit, and after supper we moved our chairs around and enjoyed the fire till it went out. It was a small fire because I wanted to season the fire pit, and we didn't want to spend too much time outside. But here are pictures of the event.



Another bonus of these pictures is the view of my mother. She has recovered so well from the effects of Parkinson's. Although she is taking medicine to control it, she had gotten down so weak, malnourished and dehydrated before they found the cause. She could hardly walk, wasn't able to get up by herself, and couldn't even turn over in bed. She is now eating well, walking well (with a cane for safety), even going up and down stairs without assistance. So nice! (Click on the picture and you will see a great smile on her face.) We are enjoying her living with us, and God is so gracious in providing everything we need for her care.