Faith, Family and Friends

Hey, Hood~

this one's for you~

These sweet curls

became much shorter today~

and I felt like crying.

Then we got this snapshot of our oldest grandson,

and I did cry.

Why do they have to grow up?

{and Ian graduates from K-4 Monday night; get the Kleenex ready, Hood}

And He Waited ~

Elexis is coming to swim!

Noah was so excited, and watched for her.

Because they were running late, we went on over
and he suited up in his swimwings and vest~

Then she got there!
(And seems to be saying, "what IS that you are wearing?!"
If you were to see the large version of this snapshot,
you can tell Noah has his shoulders thrown back
as if to say, "so just what are YOU wearing?!")

And this one? This waterbug?

He was happy ~ jumping, swimming, and laughing.

Elexis wasn't quite sure about the wet stuff,
but then it was like opening a toybox!
What fun this water is!!

And Noah? Mr. Braveheart?
Nah, he didn't like it.
In fact,
he didn't like it at all.
So he let us all know it.

Then he tried to scale his mommy.

I personally think he wanted to sit on her head.

Anywhere but in the water.

So Nan got him, dried him off,

and we came back to the apartment.

Where Pizza Hut brought us pizza,

and we had chocolate chip cookie cake!

It's bragging time once more~

This was taken Saturday.

Our Mississippi girls, Leslie & Stacey.

I miss them lots.

Love them even more~

And yes, I'm overdue for a visit.

Are you reading this, John?

And here's Austin with a bass he caught himself!

John says it's a largemouth.

I thought he was talking about me.

Sweet 'Laina ~ she is growing up too fast.

I think this is her "I-want-to-see-you-Nan" look.

What do you think?

Again, are you reading this, John?

It has been a nice Mother's Day ~ quiet, calm

Shannon and Elexis came for lunch

and brought a sweet gift and their laughter~

Ian and Noah brought a gift, and lots of love~Elexis is a bit younger than Noah, and took such delight in playing on the porch.This person made me a mother, a mommy, a mom ~ and I am so in love with her.
Our day was a really nice one ~ how was yours?

Happy Mother's Day!

(I just love Google notes!)

This child loves his cars. And trucks. Anything with wheels.

And his Pa loves watching him.

He mutters and makes motor sounds.

He doesn't often ask others to play with him,
but loves it when you offer.

And when he isn't with things that roll,
he's climbing over things to get to you

so he can get close enough to giggle with you.

Yep, I'm in love~

Happy Mother's Day

The moment a child is born,
the mother is also born.
She never existed before.
The woman existed, but the mother, never.
A mother is something absolutely new.
~ Rajneesh ~

Whether or not you gave birth to your child does not matter.

What matters is that your heart now belongs to another being.

It is a dream come true for me.

And I shall take delight within this realm for the rest of my life.

Gulf Shores ~

I just returned from spending three days with a dear friend. She sold her home here, purchased a dream home, and asked if I would follow her as the movers took everything she owned south to the Gulf Coast. Of course I said yes!! What follows are a few snapshots I took to show you what we accomplished in a 48 hour period. There are items she will purchase and ideas we're still bouncing around in our heads, but the bulk is done and she is happily residing there as I type. Ah Deborah, it was hard work but such fun. I look forward to returning, shopping, eating, and walking on the sand and listening to the surf ~ for those are things we didn't have time to do this time! But there are trips to be made!

Coming in the front door, you come into the living area ~ note the gorgeous views! We got Deborah's items in place, then went to Kirklands, and a few consignment furniture shops. Gulf Shores is a mecca for shopping and outlets, let me tell you! Below is a snapshot as we were finishing up in the living area. Note the leather chair! Yay, Kirklands!

Here's the After shot as I got ready to leave Friday. Deborah had just hooked up the stereo and DVD player and was trying to get it all in working order once more. The framed maps are old and we thought they looked smashing over the mantle. There is an awesome view from each window! Who needs coverings? And the porch wraps around 3/4 of the house! The kitchen. Uplights as well as down. Beautiful tile work. Knobs are dated, but replaceable. With her travels during the military years, we were able to place many items that held sentimental memories for her. She quickly put her mark on this house, and it shows.

This was one of my favorite kitchen vignettes. The dining room opened to a part of the porch she plans to use as an 'eating porch'. There is a gas outlet, which she intends to hook up very soon for grilling! Have I told you she's an awesome cook? Just ask those that visit and are treated to a meal! Light fixture is dated, but again, replaceable! Don't you love those inexpensive ways to make a place look better?! Here's the after snapshot. Above the soon to be filled wine rack, are two framed cork collections. This tied the corner in beautifully! I predict many meals with laughter here.
The Master Bedroom. Wow, talk about an open area! We should all dream of rooms like this. The previous owner left a beautiful iron gate piece that Deborah decided to keep as a headboard, and I seconded the idea. Again, she's thinking about a rug, a chaise, and live flowers. We watched carefully each night and realized that none of the nearby neighbors had windows that faced hers! The vegetation is beautiful, shady and yet she is within a rocks throw of neighbors. It's a beautifully planned community~ and after we moved some of her items in~ the bed is to the right in a huge sleeping nook.
I returned home yesterday afternoon, but before I left we drove down Hwy 59 to the Shrimp Basket. If you've never eaten there, it's a treat. I am not used to a constant wind blowing, which is what happened the closer one gets to the Gulf. I could smell the salt, and of course there were the gulls. Food was good, friendship priceless, and a safe trip on top of that. I look forward to many more, and I'm taking Johnny just in case he wants to purchase the home next to Deborah. As much as our daughters love the beach, I think they would love a second home there more than they would in Gatlinburg. Hey John? There are several homes for sale there! {wink,wink}
Oh, did I say Gulf Shores is a mecca for shopping, eating, and relaxing?! See you soon, girlfriend!! You may have unleashed a monster~