How do you say good bye...

Today, our life changed just a bit...

Not in a bad way, but in a necessary way.


My Granny, the boys Great Granny, was placed in a sweet little home today.

She has been in the hospital for several weeks for various reasons and has shown increased signs of confusion (progression of her dementia/Alzheimer's).

My sweet Grandpa has demonstrated his love for Granny in his care and sincere affection for her for a very long time.

However, Granny has become harder to care for in many aspects.

The decision was made a couple of days ago to place Granny in a personal care home.

The home is beautiful and she has her own bathroom and bedroom complete with french doors leading to the wonderful backyard.

But, the question is...How do you say goodbye to the "Holidays at Granny and Grandpa's", Seeing Granny walking around in her immaculate home with her classy house shoes on, Watching Granny cook perfectly prepared meals in her kitchen with so much love, Sitting around the huge dinning room table with her sitting at the head watching her smile at each of us like we were her favorite...so many things I just don't want to say goodbye too.

How do you say goodbye...to things that you have known all your life.

Granny I love you.

I will always hold those memories of you in your home with Grandpa very dear.

However, through my tears, I am ready to make new memories with you in your new beautiful home.

Pictures taken in September 2009

I don't want to forget...

Last night, I took the boys out for a "Momma and Boys"night. We had some fun things planned. As we drove into town and came off the interstate, the boys noticed a man standing with a sign in his hand. My heart just broke when my car was the one that stopped right next to him waiting for the green light. As I looked in the rear view mirror, the boys were just staring. THEN, came the questions... I tried so hard to talk about God's love for the man and why we take food to church for the pantry...BUT in my stumbling explanation about poor and homeless, all that really seemed right was that we needed to pray for the man. Pray that he had a warm bed to sleep in tonight, that he would have food to eat, and that he would find the hope in God.

We pulled into the store parking lot and I turned around asking the boys if they would bow their heads so I could pray. K-man, looked at me with his big blue eyes, "Momma, I would like to say the prayer." As my little boy prayed for "all the poor" and the "those without a bed or food" I knew God heard his prayer and smiled on his sincere worry for the man.

I don't want to forget the boy's faces of concern for the man, the prayer that K-man prayed, the feeling of thankfulness that swelled up in me, and the urgency of the need to pray.

A Date with Me!

I took a couple of hours today and enjoyed the movie Amelia.

1. I was one of the younger people watching the movie...The 1:20pm time could have been the reason. However, I was happy to share the theater with two older ladies sitting beside me (maybe late 70's) totally enjoying the movie. Probably visiting many childhood memories.

2. I really do love movies based on real people and real events. I often find myself very inspired by their lives. The story of Amelia is no different.

3. I wish there were more PG movies.

4. I really want to go grab a book on Amelia's life...too many books, too little time!

5. There is something wonderful about going to the movie alone.

Halloween is the life for me...

Halloween this year was a full adventure...

We picked the perfect pumpkins, had a Pumpkin Carving Party at our house, went to the Fall Festival at the Elementary school, and Trick or Treated... The boys thought this was the best Halloween ever!

Here are a few of the pictures taken over the last couple of weeks!

Hope you had a Fun Halloween!

Such a Pain!

I work out of the home on Thursdays and Fridays. To make it easier on my husband getting the boys ready for school, I usually leave the house about 6:3o am. It works like a charm most mornings...However, this past Friday I became a bit distraught about finding a pair of jeans that fit "appropriately" (Ha!) and tossed a basket of clothes into the corner of my room. As I briskly turned around I hit the floor...YEP- I tweaked my back. I couldn't get up...I couldn't move. Do you remember labor contractions? That is what it felt like shooting down my lower back into my legs!! My adorable husband lifted me to my bed as tears filled my eyes. While all this activity is going on 4 little sleepy eyes come strolling into my bedroom. Needless to say, the morning became a Non-typical school morning.

What have I learned from being flat on my back the last several days:

1. I am not a medicine taker...However, I have become a two Motrin every 4-6 hours kinda girl~
2. I understand when my patient's give me an evil look when I tell them," your going to have to work through a little of that pain to get stronger."
3. The ceiling fans HAVE to be cleaned!!
4. There are many new shows on the Food Network and HGTV
5. I need a lap top computer because sitting at the computer is killing me as I type this!
6. I can't stand lying around all day...I have become moody, teary...plain stir-crazy!
7. My adorable husband is very capable...I knew this but I have been reminded.
8. I feel fat!
9. Being in pain is very tiring.
10. Picking up my boys and squeezing them brings me joy- I have missed that
11. Blowing drying my hair, putting on your own shoes, picking up a pot off the stove, reaching the bottom drawers, picking something off the floor, sitting at the dining room table for meals... (need I go on)...are all things I take for granted.
12. I miss Sunday church services when I don't go
14. I feel so left out laying around. Again, I am not a sitter!
13. I have had way too much time to think...HeeHee!


Things are getting better...I am still in a bit of pain and discomfort. I know this will linger for a while, I am just going to have to rest when I can and try to protect my back for a while!!!-BUMMER! FYI...No pair of unattractive pants are worth this!

Fall to Me...

Fall to Me Means...

decorated porches,

mums and pumpkins...

spooky trees filled with ghosts, pumpkins and spiders...

spiders on spider webs...

spiders on pumpkins...

decorated doors...

orange, yellow, and brown...

fall colored pillows on porch swings with a cool light breeze...

pumpkins hiding everywhere...

decorated homes...

with spice and cinnamon smells filling the air...

Oh- And who could forget pumpkin shirts and Charlie Brown!

What does fall mean to you?

I'm 3!!

Well, it finally arrived with MUCH anticipation from one little boy!

Ever since K-man had his 5th birthday party, Little Bit has wanted to have one of his own.

Finally, the big day arrived with much HOOP-La!

Horse Cut-Out cookies for Preschool...

Horse Pancakes for supper...

Yes, Little Bit is VERY proud to be three!

Conversation Birthday Morning:

Momma: B. How old are you today?!

Little Bit: THREE!

Little Bit: (with a twinkle in his eye) Hmmm... I think I will go to Kindergarten!

(Little Stinker!)

These are the cheers following the opening of each gift.

As Little Bit opens the gifts K-man whispers, "We have to share our toys , right?"
(Little Toot!)

Then the festivities continue with a much awaited Horse party!

Braden was VERY clear that he wanted a cake with horses on it, horse balloons, and a horse pinata! No problem!

Sweet Birthday Boy!

We had horse color pages, horse goodie bags to decorate, pin the apple in the horses mouth...

but the horse pinata was the fun of the party for Little BIt!

Swing....

Could there be more fun the Candy and Gum falling from a the sky?...well at least falling!

Here is what we make kids do...

Here is what kids WANT to do!

Here is what our family tries to look like...

This is what we are REALLY like!

Little Bit, I hope you had fun on your birthday! You are so blessed to have grandparents and friends who would spend time celebrating your life.

You make my heart smile and you bring laughter to our lives.

You are precious to me and I am honored God has entrusted me with you.

I am so proud of the little boy you are becoming and the man you will one day be.

I love you!<>