Hello Monday (Wait - it's Tuesday)

Don't you just LOVE it? 

This week is going to go by FAST!

AND, Lord-willing our family will be camping this weekend...

I can hardly wait. 

So the past few days my hubby and I hung out at our house and got so much done!

My husband cleaned the front and back porches, cleaned up the garage and his van

and got a jump start on some jobs lined up for this week.

I finished entering all the data for our business on spreadsheets for our accountant, 

and I went through all the files in one particular file cabinet. 

I shredded tons of documents and filed away others.

In other news - 

today was weigh-in day. 

It didn't go well. 

I totally believe the program works if you work the program. 

I am not working the program. I'm not a big fan of limiting what I put in my mouth. 

I make wonderful and healthy choices...then I want chocolate. 

Not sure what I'm going to do. It's very discouraging. 

The last time I successfully lost weight, about 14 years ago, it came off easily.

I had to work at it, I watched my calorie and fat intake, but it consistently came off

so it was much easier to work at it. 

NOW, one bad day seems to get me right back to square one. 

I don't look bad, but I do have about 10 extra pounds of fat in my body.

Most of it likes to hang out around my stomach area. 

What am I going to do? 

Tomorrow Ethan and Abbey will be here. 

I'm so excited! I just love when they are here. 

Grandchildren are wonderful blessings from Heaven above. 

Lazy Sunday Afternoons

I just love lazy Sunday afternoons! And tomorrow being a holiday is a bonus.

Friday evening I finally finished entering all the data on spreadsheets 

to turn in to our accountant for our business taxes. 

Yesterday, I filed away lots of papers while I listened to music. 

My hubby was tending to several things that needed attention in and around our house, 

and he ran a few errands that involved servicing the generator in our bus.

I was a little on the down side but managed to navigate through the day.

Then our older son called and invited us over for dinner and a movie.

That sure put a smile on my face (and my heart), 

and made the rest of the day go by quickly. 

I caught this picture of the beautiful sky on our way to our son's house. 

We got to spend time with our son, daughter-in-law and two of our granddaughters. 

I got a kick out of these three lined up on top of a dresser in Sarah's room

and just had to snap this picture:

We had so much fun, AND we ended up watching the newest Star Wars movie.

It was WONDERFUL! 

We got home LATE! I'm talking midnight, hahaha, 

but we were going to second service at church today so we didn't have to get up super early.

Of course, we still did - but we both slept well and felt rested when we woke up.

Service was great today, and then we picked up some Spanish food for lunch

(it ended up being our dinner, too).

We put on a movie, and fell asleep for a wonderful afternoon nap. 

When we woke up, we had to rewind the movie some, but that was ok. 

And now I'm chatting with you here because it's been a few days

and I miss when I don't write. 

I hope you are having a relaxing holiday weekend, too. 

Let me know what you did. 

A Revelation

So, last night I had a revelation. 

It dawned on me my hormones may have gone awry. 

I thought I was long past dealing with hormonal issues, but maybe not. 

It is something I would have talked to my mom about, 

but of course, I can't do that anymore. 

So I messaged a friend who sent me a link that answered some of my questions. 

Then it dawned on me that the crying episode from the other morning

and some other things my body has been dealing with may indeed be from crazy hormones. 

My friend explained that all the emotional things I've been through will mess with my hormones.

Makes sense to me now. 

I'm so thankful for the friends God has brought my way. 

True friendship is such a gift from God!

So this morning, I'm looking through a basket in my closet where I keep cards for sending out. 

I know of two ladies who are homebound right now and might need some cheering up.

In searching through the basket I stumbled upon this envelope

I do keep cards that have been given to me, but I don't keep the envelopes...

why I kept this one, I could not tell you, but you can imagine the impact it had on me.

This is my mother's handwriting and it is all she had written on the envelope. 

I don't remember what card was inside, and it's odd that it didn't say

"Happy Birthday Daughter" or something like that -

no, it just said "Love ya" 

and that is a phrase she would say to me if I was going away, or if I called to check on her.

This morning, my mom was checking on me.

Funny how something so simple, those two words - could have such a powerful affect. 

Anyway, Thank You Mom. I love YOU, too!

I got a lot done yesterday and hope to finish out today.

My husband and I hope to go to Epcot for a few hours tonight so I'm writing now. 

Have a blessed day everyone!

A Better Day

Today was a better day! 

My plans got changed a bit, and I ended up being home 

but I got a lot done and that made me SO happy!

I hope your day was a good one, too. 

Today is hump day, and a long weekend is coming up. 

I hope you have some plans for fun or some R & R. 

Not sure what we'll be doing yet, but I'm feeling optimistic. 

Be Blessed! 

Feelings

Well, the scale said this morning that I had gained a pound.

I was not surprised, but today starts a new week, so we will try again. 

I slept like a rock last night, but remember dreaming heavily...

I don't remember most of what I dreamed, 

except that my friend Shelly who lives in Washington was with me.

I got up and started getting ready for the day.

I had several errands to run and needed to get out the door by 8:30 am, 

That is usually a challenge for me.

I was moving along pretty well, until the floodgates opened up. 

It's really hard to put on makeup when you can't keep your face dry from the tears. 

I'm not sure what got me going, but I managed to stop long enough to get my makeup on.

The day was uneventful, until the evening set in. 

Attempting to wrap up jobs from today brought in its share of frustration

but tomorrow is a new day, and I have much to be thankful for. 

I honestly hate that I'm on such a downer lately...

that just isn't me, but it is what it is, and lately that's how I feel. 

Honesty

I've been struggling lately, with a lot of things. 

For one thing, this Weight Watchers thing isn't going so well. 

It's a wonderful program, and I did great the first two weeks

but since then, I'm having a real hard time staying on track. 

Tomorrow is weigh-in day - we shall see how much that reveals my mess-ups.

The other thing I'm struggling with, is my mom being gone. 

My mom lived right next door to our house in an apartment that connects by a breezeway. 

I have a hard time going in that apartment. Every time I do, I see her everywhere. 

I see her driving her scooter around in front of her computer and waiting for me to fix her breakfast.

She liked oatmeal. She would eat it practically every day.
I got tired of fixing it, but she never got tired of eating it. 

She would thank me, and tell me no one could fix it the way I did. 

She wasn't eating much the last year of her life, especially those last months. 

I should have enjoyed doing those things for her more than I did. 

I didn't want to have any regrets when she was gone, but to be honest - I have plenty. 

We are suppose to be fixing up her apartment. It needs new flooring and fresh paint, 

but I can't even go IN there, let alone think of transforming it in any way. 

Lately, I've been wishing I could hear an audible voice from God

My husband and I need some direction.

We own a business that is thriving, and we are very thankful

but the work load has become so great, we are having trouble keeping up. 

My husband is working long hours again, and weekends now 

because of a good account that requires weekend work. 

My husband has been a hard worker all our married life. 

For this, too, I am thankful, but there has to be more to life than work, work, and more work. 

I don't know what the answer is. I wish we knew where to get some council or good advice. 

Ultimately, it's a decision we will have to make. 

We have thought of selling our home, but they say you should not make any major decisions 

for about a year after a loved one dies, so I'm trying to hang on, 

but I fear that we will work until we die. 

My husband and I have noticed this past year, that despite our efforts to stay young

our bodies are changing, we are, in fact, getting older.

We don't have the energy we use to. It's getting harder to run up the stairs. 

I hear of people dying all around us and there are things we want to do while we still can. 

Sometimes I wish we were brave enough to make a change and go after our dreams. 

We have always done things the safe way, I want to be brave, but I also want to be in God's will. 

It's hard being so open about these things, but I feel if I keep them inside I'll explode. 

I don't want to explode, and I'm not quite ready to die, 

although the other side is looking sweeter all the time!

Lord, please give us direction...

and help me not to be too depressed tomorrow when I get on that scale. 

The Reappearance of the Snoopy Dog

 I can't believe how quickly the days go by

and they are always filled to the brim with things to do...

but that's a good thing, I suppose.

Thursday night Manny and I went to a Christian Concert nearby.

It was WONDERFUL!

We love attending Christian Concerts and go whenever we can.

We are blessed that groups like coming to the Central Florida area.

This is the concert we went to see 

We had a great time. It actually ended up being a Night of Worship.

As we were leaving, Manny caught a picture of the Tour Buses

Friday was a good day. I got some things done, but not as much as I would have liked. 

That evening we got to watch Sweet Pea, while her mommy, daddy, and brother

went to a high school graduation ceremony for mommy's cousin. 

Funny thing happened while she was over, 

the long lost Snoopy Dog toy made an appearance. 

He mysteriously disappeared last year after an episode of him being dragged 

around and around  our house by Princess Sarah and Ethan. 

By the way, Snoopy is very noisy when he gets dragged around like that, hahaha.

Anyway, Abbey seemed to enjoy this old Snoopy Dog

which use to be her Uncle Manuel's toy a long time ago.

Yesterday (Saturday) I spent a lovely afternoon with three sweet friends. 

One of our friends couldn't make it - she had a wedding to attend, 

but we missed her being with us so we took this picture.

It had a special meaning - this saying will always make us think of our friend Jacque.

This silliness took place before the 4th gal arrived. 

By the way, we got into a little trouble in this store -

it involved music, dancing, and a broken ornament - we'll just leave it at that.

We had a nice lunch at the local diner. 

This lovely piece of pie caught my eye as soon as I walked in, 

but I left in the dessert case instead of my tummy. 

I wasn't completely good though, 

because there were other tempting treats elsewhere in this little village.

See what I mean?

We each decided to indulge in one scoop of gelato.

After sampling a few, I wound up with the Creme Brulee.

Only one of us was brave enough to try the Violet flavor. 

Amanda (pretty one in pink) thoroughly enjoyed it!

It was a lovely afternoon with friends. 

I've gone many years without sweet friends like these.

God used Origami Owl to bring us together and we are so thankful. 

I love you gals! 

Today was church and a much needed day of rest. 

Manny worked on our bus, while I took a nap and watched TV....

it was WONDERFUL! 

Rejoicing

I got up EARLY this morning! Early for me, anyway...6:30 am.

I missed my usual Weight Watchers meeting this week since I was out of town

and in spite of my epic fails of counting points and making wiser choices

I am somehow committed to shedding these extra 10 - 12 pounds.

So I went to a different class that met on Thursdays (instead of Tuesdays)

and this one started at 8:00 am.

To my amazement, I had lost .4. I am not sure what that is.

(I probably SHOULD know, but I'm not sure). 

Ok, so I just asked a WW Coach on their chat and they say it is 4/10ths, 

so that's almost 1/2 a pound  I lost. Whoopie!

I'm just grateful I didn't gain. So now to get back on track. Lord please help me!

So - I get out to my car and my phone rings. It's my niece. 

She says, "Aunt Dar, are you awake, I need to talk to you?"

I held my breath. Then she proceeded to tell me that her surgeon had just called her, 

and he rarely does that. He doesn't like to give information over the phone. 

He said the news was so good he had to share it with her: 

"My pathology report came back. There was no signs of cancer. My lymph nodes were completely clean. Yay !!!!!! 
And my tumor was completely gone. The technicians couldn't even find the tumor that was there. Hallelujah praise Jesus GOD IS GOOD."

Those were her words! I started to cry! We were so  happy!

After all the worry, the 8 rounds of chemo, the waiting, the wondering, 

the double mastectomy....FINALLY some wonderful news

Thank You LORD!

There isn't much that can top that news from today...

but then I was blessed with a few hours of pure joy

Their mama was getting her hair done. 

Oh what a GLORIOUS Day! Thank you Lord! 

Amazing Example of Courage and Faith

I got back home today, just a few hours ago. 

It was hard leaving my niece, but she's in such good hands!

First and foremost, her Lord and Savior is right there by her side, 

along with her loving and devoted husband,

her precious daughter (a fine young woman herself), 

 her sweet mother-in-law and some wonderful friends 

(one in particular who has proven to be a true friend, indeed).

My niece has been so incredibly brave! I am SO proud of her!

By the way, her surgery was for a double mastectomy.

This picture was taken shortly after her surgery, once out of recovery

doesn't she look absolutely AMAZING!

I know we don't really know how we would react if we traveled this journey

but I honestly don't see myself being this brave. 

Angela you are amazing! 

I know this journey has not been an easy one, by any means, 

but you have handled it with such faith and courage. 

You have been SO BRAVE!

I love you! 

So, surgery was scheduled for Monday morning around 9am, 

but they didn't actually begin until 12 noon. 

She was in surgery for about 3 and 1/2 hours. 

Tuesday (the very next day) she was released to go home!

That was just crazy to me, but she actually slept really well at home.

I think it might have been all that laughing we did once she got home. 

You would not have expected laughter, but it was sure happening. 

I think it must have been God's Holy Spirit just flooding our hearts with joy after so much heaviness.

Now that surgery is behind her, recovery has begun. 

I had posting this question on my Facebook page:

"I believe Christ is all we need but I can't help but wonder if loved ones who've already made it to Heaven can rally in support of things we deal with here on earth?"

What do you think?

Whisper A Prayer

It's been a crazy, busy weekend. 

Yesterday we attended an association picnic about 90 minutes away.

The distance was not a problem - the food, however, was 😔

I tried hard to stay on track, but the desserts were just too tempting.

When we got back home we had a graduation party to attend.

That ended up being a problem too. See what I mean?

I'm honestly so discouraged, but then I realize others are carrying much bigger burdens
than shedding a few pounds. My sweet niece is one of those...

Tomorrow morning she is having surgery for breast cancer.
She's already been through eight rounds of chemo.
Through it all she's been incredibly brave and strong!
She's trusting in The Lord to see her through,
Which He has certainly done, and will continue to do.

As you read this, please whisper a prayer
because someone out there is dealing with this same issue,
maybe someone you know - who is near and dear to your heart.

And all the people said "Amen!"

A Fun Day at Universal Studios

So, yesterday we were at Universal Studios in Orlando for the whole day.

Hadn't been there in probably ten years. 

We had such a great time, although I have to admit 

by the end of the day I realized my body is ten years older, ha ha ha

but we had a wonderful time and the weather was beautiful!

It, of course, was hot, and we were sweaty but we still had so much fun!

I love days when we can all be together 

and the fact that it was in the middle of the week made it even more special. 

Here are some pictures from our break for dinner:

Hannah and her beautiful mother Darla

Sarah, Ethan, and Abbey (do you see Abbey?)

Meagan and Mark

(Ethan and Abbey's beautiful mommy and daddy)

Manuel (who hates having his picture taken and always makes some sort of a funny face)

myself and my hubby.

OH - and this was my meal - their Steak and Blue Salad

(it was SO GOOD!)

And THIS was probably my favorite picture of the day

caught (by accident) at nearly the very end of the day.

So precious - my heart! 

What are your plans for the weekend? 

Tomorrow our day is full and I may not get a chance to write.

Sunday, after church, Lord-willing I'll be heading to Ocala 

to be with my sweet niece who will be having surgery on Monday. 

You'll be hearing more about that here later.

My Happy Place

Usually, once a week, I am blessed to spend the whole day with two of our grandchildren

while their mommy and daddy work. It is truly the highlight of my week! 

I don't get much done, but I treasure my time with them. 

As I've written here many times before, 

I'm so thankful for the "do-overs" you get as a grandparent.

Why did I not spend more time just playing with my children

instead of cleaning the house and doing the laundry? 

I should have taken more pictures from today...

I need to remember I've started writing in my blog again.

You would have seen a living room with toys sprawled out everywhere

and a trail that led to the kitchen...hahaha - GOOD TIMES!

Today, Papa was able to come home early and work on a project with Ethan.

Ethan LOVES his Papa! 

We love all our grandchildren, and we adore our granddaughters, 

but it is fun to have another boy around again.
It really takes us back to the years we raised our boys, although those years are a blur to us now.

The simple fact is, we were so busy trying to make a living as we were raising them, 

we didn't get to enjoy the moments as much as we would have liked.

Bringing us back to the present, to today -

here is Papa and Ethan working on that project

Today was a beautiful day! 

OH! I almost forgot -

TONIGHT, just a short time ago

Our founders Bella and Chrissy gave the designers a sneak peek 

at two new charms coming out this summer.

Want to see?

Do you LOVE it? I DO! Cotton Candy is one of my favorite things in the WORLD!!!

Yes, today was a WONDERFUL day!!!

One of THOSE Days!

So...today was my "Weigh-In" Day at Weight Watchers

I was sort of dreading it, since I went over my points just a bit 

with Mother's Day and all....

but I have to tell you I wanted to cry when the scale said I'd only lost 1/2 a pound.

I hadn't gone over my points that much!

 Oh well, today starts a new week and I'm hoping to do better. 

I'm tired today.

Ran some errands after my WW meeting, 

then came home to household chores and bookkeeping tasks that need to be done. 

What I really want to do is go lie down and watch a movie, 

but instead, I think I'll go do my 20 minute Pilates workout.

How is your week going? 

The Leaf

Yesterday was Mother's Day. 

It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.

We went to church and saw the kids and grandkids. 

Manuel, Darla, and the girls left early - Sarah was not feeling well. 

After church everyone went home to get some rest / nap the kids

and the plan was to meet up around 5 for dinner at Cracker Barrel 

and then spend a few hours at the Magic Kingdom, 

but Sarah had tummy trouble most of the day so they couldn't make it.
That made us all sad - but you can't help when you are sick.

I received this beautiful card yesterday though, and it made me SMILE!
Ethan had colored pictures and written sweet words inside from him and his sister.

Today was a much harder day for me. 

I went by the Hospice House where my mom spent the last week of her life. 

We had donations come in from some of the family and with the donations
we were able to purchase a Memorial Leaf for my mom on the Tree of Life. 

While I was there and after placing the order for my mom's Memorial Leaf

I asked if I could spend a few minutes in the chapel, which of course they allowed me to do.

It's such a beautiful place and overlooks a peaceful lake.

I was reflecting on the last time I had been in this place, this chapel room.

My mother was right next door, just a few feet away.

(Ironically enough, that room was empty today. 

I walked in realizing that's where my mom took he last breath and then entered into Eternity.)

I spent hours listening to worship music and praying that last week of her life.

I knew the end was near, and I just wanted it to be as peaceful as it could be for her.

My mom had suffered with pain for so many years 

and she had longed to see my dad again.

She is no longer in pain. She is happy and whole and young again, 

and with The Lord and my father, and sister, and nephew

and all the others who entered Heaven's Gate before she did. 

Still - I miss her terribly.

Mother's Day Luncheon 2016

I was invited to attend a Mother's Day Luncheon today by a dear friend. 

We go W-A-Y back, hahaha, met at another church years ago. 

They also had booths for vendors so I set up my Origami Owl.

(Don't look at my table. Somehow my tablecloth got horribly wrinkled :0(

The food was wonderful, the fellowship - even BETTER!

Just love these two.

Linda is now raising my mom's dog Buttons. 

And then came home and stumbled upon this on my sweet friend's FB page.

(I forgot last night she told me not to watch it.)

Of course, I did cry, but it's so beautiful!

Unexpected Kindness

So this is how my day started out...

My niece posted this on FaceBook this morning. 

She misses her mom / I miss my sister (her mom)

and I miss my mom! 

But then when the day was almost over - these arrived at my door

What a thoughtful gift from Pete and April

(my daughter-in-law's sister and her husband).

I thanked them and they explained that they understood how I was feeling

and that they knew this would be a difficult Mother's Day for me.

You see April (and Darla) lost their mother in November of 2014

so they truly understand the pain of losing a mother.

Denise is the one I wrote about just yesterday.

This act of unexpected kindness was such a sweet blessing. 

Thank You Lord for the way you minister to us. 

Missing Mom

I missed writing here yesterday, but I know that's ok.

Yesterday was not as productive a day as I would have liked.

Thought a lot about my mom.

There are so many things I didn't say or do and wish I had. 

It doesn't matter, she knows and understands. 

Today I spent the day with Manny. 

He had a job out of town, about an hour away

and there were some errands we wanted to do nearby. 

It was nice to be together, we spend so much of our day apart. 

It was also nice to get away from the temptation of eating. 

It's hard working from home with a pantry within reach of the computer area

but I've been doing pretty good - staying within my points for each day. 

Shortly after we got home tonight, we were paid a visit 

by our granddaughters Hannah and Sarah, 

so that mommy and daddy could go out to dinner. 

Today would have been our daughter-in-law's mother's birthday

so it was good for her to get a quiet dinner out 

to reflect and celebrate the life of her mother.

Denise was one of the sweetest women I've ever known. 

She loved her LORD and she loved her Family. 

After dinner (we had pizza) I gave the girls each a popsicle. 

When they finished, they asked for a second. 

My normal response would have been "No" 

because mommy and daddy don't like them to have too much sugar

but I know if they were at Denise's - she would have said "YES"

so in honor of her, the girls each got a second popsicle.

They laughed and smiled real big! 

Sarah asked about Heaven and why Mamoo and Grandma Helen are there, 

and Hannah began to tell her sister what an amazing place Heaven is, 

almost as though she had seen it with her own eyes. 

I joined in and we told Sarah what a WONDERFUL, MAGICAL place Heaven is

where we don't have to sleep, there are no boo boos or tears. 

"It is WAY better than the Magic Kingdom" we told her. 

Then Hannah began to tell Sarah about the KEY that gets us into Heaven

having Jesus in our heart and living our life for HIM. 

It made me so happy, so much joy came over us all

for those moments - I don't think any of us feared leaving this earth.

What are you thoughts about Heaven? 

Weight Watchers

So, about 14 years ago I lost 25+ lbs. I did it by using Slim Fast shakes and meals for at least one of my daily meals, and I paid attention to what I was eating. I also started doing Pilates and weights for my upper body. The excess weight came off pretty quick. I was so happy and LOVED the new me. Actually, it was the same me, but less of me. I had more energy and felt better than I had in a while.

Unfortunately, some of those excess pounds have come back to pay me a visit,
partly because I have gone through menopause and that seems to wreak havoc on our metabolism,
and secondly because I had slipped back into some bad eating habits again.
I have tried various things to help me get those extra pounds off
but they keep coming back. I need some accountability.

So last week I joined Weight Watchers.
Today was my 1st week weigh-in and I'm down 2.8 lbs.
HURRAY!
Let's hope I'm strong enough to keep this going.
It's not so much about the weight or the extra pounds,
it is about the way I feel.
Know what I'm talking about?

My goal is to lose about 12 more pounds.
How about you?
What are some of your goals?
Write them down and post them around. It will help keep you motivated.

I'm Still Here!

I can't believe I'm back here again. It seems like FOREVER! I missed writing so very much!  

Not sure I even remember how. I mean - I know how to type, but I've forgotten the format I was using - the font and the style....

Oh well, please forgive me while I get reacquainted here. More that two years have gone by since my last post. My family has grown, but I've also suffered one of the greatest loses of my life. My sweet mother has left this earth and joined my father, sister, nephew, and many other loved ones in Heaven. I still can't believe she's gone. Life will never be quite the same. With the passing of each loved one who was so dear to me, I've lost a part of myself, and sometimes I feel as though there is not much of me left...but I know that's not so, because of these precious lives that keep me going:

Did you notice something in that picture? We have a new addition.

 May I introduce to you, Miss Abigail Leigh, 

one of the sweetest little girls you ever will see!

Abbey was born in February of 2015

The picture below is the year you missed - when she was a growing in her mama's tummy.

(Picture was taken September 2014)

Hannah is now ten, Ethan is almost 4 1/2, 

and Princess Sarah is FOUR TODAY!

Here is one of Sarah and Ethan side by side, taken about six weeks ago

(I just love this picture and adore these grandchildren!)

I'll stop here for now. 

I hope to keep this going on a regular basis. 

I just love writing here...