Holiday Helper

Penguin Percy and I 

have been up to some

Christmas crafting.

⛄️ .  🎄 .  🐧

.           *           .

November Remembrance - The Story & Day 4 of 40

So I had this idea. . .

And as wonderful ideas sometimes do, it's been blossoming into a lovely practice for this, 

the month of Remembrance, that blessed time of year when we intentionally remember 

our loved ones who have passed on.

I'm not sure, she says with a twinkling grin, why it never really occurred to this deep lover 

of the Communion of Saints before that *this* is the perfect time to honor and celebrate 

those I dearly love and a concept that speaks so deeply to my soul. This one is in my bones.

So! With next month being the 40th anniversary of the discovery of my bone cancer and 

my parents divorce, and a friend reminding me that 40 is a significant number in the Bible 

(the Israelites wandered for 40 years and Jesus fasted for 40 days), I wondered if I could 

come up with 40 beloveds that have been particularly close to my heart and touched my

soul over the years? And, if so, might I ask them to pray for and walk with me during this 

holy Anniversary time? 

Turns out, she says with a fond smile, that I came up with more than 40! (Who knew?!) 

As I was listing those treasured ones, dearies that have not yet passed (thank you, 

Mama Grace!) kept coming to mind as well. Smiling big as I remembered we are all a 

part of the Communion of Saints so why not? Could I come up with 40 treasured living 

souls as well? (Turns out there were more than 40 of those as well). So by this time, I'm 

feeling deeply grateful and tenderly held. 

I originally thought I would just make a list of those sweet souls and keep it close and that 

list is here, gently propped against the lamp (a light unto my feet). Then it dawned on me, 

why don't I also put their names on slips of paper - cream for departed, blue for still here - 

and draw one of each in the morning to see who in particular I might ask to spend that day 

of remembrance with me? Then I thought what if I chose a word and an angel card, too, 

and just prayerfully played with how they might all fit together?

With my box of words hanging out on the dining room table this morning, I drew my word 

first on my way here to my chair. "Hmmmm.. Trickster," I thought. Sitting down and settling 

in with my warm cup of creamy chai on this chilly, rainy autumn morning, I gently shook 

up my box of names and drew these 2 beauties out. I'm still grinning big as these two in 

particular had a wonderfully playful mischievous side. Tricksters of the very best kind indeed.

Blessed be. 

❤️❤️

.           *           .

Soccer Time

We sure enjoyed our time at the soccer game today.

I wasn't feeling well last week and so I stayed home.

Our girlie did well!

Dax-Attack! 

(His favorite nickname from several years back)

Uncle Tadd was sitting on the blanket when the snacks were being passed out 

and he wondered where his was. 

We all said "aww" when Noah shared his Cheetos.

Blanket Buddies

This was soooo sweet! 

Juniper was as content as could be in Uncle Tadd's arms.

 

Our sweet baby girl.

Mollie Grace, Aunt Deb, and Owl. 

    

.          *           .

Breathe September 2017 :: Day 12 - Fun

Fun 

... is finding a wonderful surprise tucked in our mailbox yesterday! 

 Such a heartwarming bright spot on a dark and chilly day. 

(Still no power)

#BreatheSeptember2017

.           *           .

Food Truck Tuesday

Getting out for Food Truck Tuesday, 

walking around on a (hot!) summer evening, 

eating supper on a blanket in the shade, 

and a cookie ice cream sandwich 

are all good medicine for what ails ya. 

💕

As does the silliness and laughter that arises 

from trying to get the camera angle just right. 

😉

.          *         .

The Moon Lit Our Way Home

❤️

.          *           .

A Perfect Spring Evening

Twas a perfect evening for my first ride in Sallie 

with her top down since we got her back. 

💜 

And, since he drives her everyday,

and it is spring,

 it was probably about hubby's 20th time. 

😉

.          *          .

Family Fun Night

Last night we were headed over to see our new baby girl again

and bring dinner but then we were in the accident.

We were delighted to get to try 'er again tonight.

My little baking helpers and I made a yummy pineapple angel food cake. 

(And a wonderful memory, too!)

🍍😇🍰

Ballerina Beauties

My sweet big girls wanted to show me their dresses for their 

recital in May

Just a swangin'. 

👼🏻

Big Sister didn't used to like to have her picture taken

but she has warmed right up to it

which delights my heart so much!

After our supper of grilled cheese sandwiches,

tomato basil soup

sliced carrots

applesause,

and while we were waiting for our cake to cool.

Big sister blessed me with a private dance recital.

Such a gift

and so heart touching to be trusted

and loved so much.

Blessed be.

.          *            .

Happy Mardi Gras

Yay!! 

 It's the day we get to eat pancakes for supper. 

Today is called "Fat Tuesday" (or Shrove Tuesday). 

Back in the day, today was when folks ate up the last of their richer foods l

ike eggs and dairy before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. 

And what better way to do that than with pancakes?

Hubby and I have enjoyed this tasty tradition for a good many years now. 

Happy Mardi Gras!

. 🎉 . 🏮 . 🎈 .

.           *            .

Visiting our newest little one

Niece and Auntie bonding time. 

I had just asked our sweet middle girl, 

"so are we gonna to keep her?" 

And she replied, 

quite enthusiastically I might add, 

"no, *we're* gonna keep her!" 

(Guess she thought I was thinking that I might take 

her little sister home with me <wink>)

💕💕

Uncle giving little brother a hand.

(love the love between them)

Big sister is a natural! 

💕

Holding baby sister

💕

Watching Batman after bathtime

.            *              .

Happy Mail Surprise

💕

.             *               .

Cold, Rainy Afternoon in February?

Rouge One!

It's been awhile since we've seen a movie in the theatre

and this was the perfect day.

.          *           .

Rise Up!

Superbowl Sunday 

Goooooo Falcons!

🏈🏈🏈🏈

.          *             .

Savouring January Day 28 :: Now

Introducing "now" to "then."

#savouringjanuary2017

.             *            .

Savouring January :: New

Special pink birthday shoes, turns out both pairs were a little big for our wee ballerinas. 

When offered the option of trading for a smaller size, my two dear nieces quickly assured 

me,  "I'll grow into them!" 

Mama later let me know that their new shoes were removed only long enough for bath time.

#SavouringJanuary2017 

#HeartFilledAuntie

Sharing a quiet moment with my girl. 💕

.           *            .

Birthday Party!

All ready to celebrate our girlies today! 

 💖  .  💜

.              *            .

Shhhh....

Supplies for a fun birthday girlies surprise. 

💕

.          *           .

Halloween Fun

Dropping our nieces and nephews Halloween cards 

in the mail and having a little fun! 

 🎃

Saturday Soccer Fun

Monday Moments

Sunrise Sentries

Drip Sandcastle Lessons

(Just like Grandma used to make)

Big Boys' Rest Time

Lifeguards

The pool was steps away from the back door

and was heated.  It was sooooo nice!

Matching Cuties

(Waiting to be seated for supper at Hickory Tavern)

My sister-in-law took this one of 

her sweet kiddos and me.  

I was so touched by her caption:

"I'm not sure if there is a more adored aunt in all the land. 💜"

And I do *so* love our little ones.

.             *             .