Is you heart fit for a KING?

It is easy to keep Christ in Christmas if he is already in your heart.

 Unfortunately we all get so caught up in the decorating and celebrations, baking and gatherings with friends and family that more time is spent planning than actually celebrating HIS birth.

I am guilty for sure, however today as I spent the day decorating, I started to think about Christ and  wondered if my home is fit for a king?  I can't keep it simple when I decorate, I have to create. I quickly thought. Christ doesn't care what my home looks like- It is my heart that he holds dear, so I then wondered
Is my heart fit for a king?

Keeping Christ in Christmas means daily revealing the character, love and spirit of Christ that dwells in you, by allowing these traits to shine through your actions.   I decided that in addition to all the traditional things I take part in I was going to do something different this year. 

I am going to set aside some private time to read the Christmas story in
 Luke 1:5-56 through 2:1-20.

I am going to give

 God one very special gift just from me to him:

I am going to choose a gift that would be a sacrifice to me. David said in 2nd Samuel 24 that he would not offer a sacrifice to God that cost him nothing.

I am going to stop each time I walk past the Nativity scene in my home and say a prayer.

I am going to give a gift of service to each of my immediate family members.

so many people get upset when someone in the store says "Happy Holiday's" instead of Merry Christmas.  Consider this maybe they are unsure of what or how you celebrate so it is easier, maybe even polite in their view.  They can cover any celebration that you take part in be it Christian or Jewish or any other religious beliefs you do or do not have.  Don't let the person selling you "Christmas" remove it from your heart.

And so here is my suggestion to Christians about how to keep Christ in Christmas: this season, worry less about the holiday policies of non-religious institutions, and worry more about whether we are actually listening to, and then doing, what Christ told us to do. In short, keep Christ in Christmas by acting like Christians.

I will still do my Christmas baking, decorating, and attend Holiday gatherings.  I will still have a heart of excitement as we welcome our granddaughter for her 1st Christmas.  I will thrill at the falling snow, and I will sing Christmas songs both Christian and traditional.

What I will also be mindful of is my Heart and pleasing the King who lives there.

What Sandy left behind

How many of us have complained about the weather today? 
 
Did you dread getting out in this rain and driving your car? 

At least your car is not floating away, submerged in water or tossed on top of a building.

3 days ago most of us sat in front of the television for hours watching the path that Sandy would take, maybe even doing a little preparing ourselves for a possible power outage. Since she hit land we have been watching, reading, surfing the net for pictures anything to get just a bit more information, and see just a few more photos.

Today though I though a lot about the devastation.  I sat in the comfort of a warm, safe environment and watched the trials that many, in the direct path faced.

Over the next several days and possibly weeks do me a favor;

When you sit down and are eating a hot meal, take time to pray for those who have little food and no way to prepare it.

When you are thirsty and drink, pray for those that thirst who have no more water.

When you lay your head on your pillow at night, Please pray for those who have no pillow or warm blankets and may be getting very little rest.

When you walk into your home, go from room to room and each room you are in stop and pray for those who no longer have a home.

When you take the last look at your children before you go to bed, pray for those who cannot find their children, pray for those that Sandy took with her.

When you are having a frustrating moment, a moment that you are feeling like life just isn't fair.  When you are wishing you could be anywhere other than where you are, look at this devastation with compassion and with each photo PRAY.  These people are in pain and need to feel the power of God's love and the peace of his protection.

Drip Drip in my cup

When I began this blog my desire was to post daily about at least 1 thing that inspired me daily.  While I am certain, that daily I am being inspired by something, life gets in the way and I do not post daily.

I stopped worrying about that and post when I,

 1. Have uninterrupted time, and
 2. am feeling inspired to do so.



If you have ready many of my posts then you know that often the inspiration comes from my children so it is of no surprise to me that after spending a long weekend with them I am again so inspired.

Have you ever felt like your cup is so full that is is going to spill over? Full of good, not full of stress and things to do and decisions to make.

 We spent a long weekend in North Carolina with daughter Ashley, son in law Rick and precious granddaughter Audrey, and having son Mike and daughter in law Meredith fly in from California.  As we drove away, the car silent I began to cry.  I was crying for the things I would miss Audrey doing, I was crying for the length of time it would be before we would all be together again, for the distance we all live from one another, but mostly, simply because I love them all.

These kind of tears tend to make us nostalgic or least they do me.  I began to think about what has gone into my cup that has made it so full that it is running over and was not surprised when my thoughts continued to take me to my children.

The birth of my son and the pure joy of first time parenting.
The birth of my daughter and the immediate connection that my then 3 yr old son had with her.  The unexpected, unplanned (somewhat) adoption of my 2nd son continued to bring Blessings into my life.  As I continued with my thoughts I quickly realized that each layer in my cup was lined with a memory of my children.

As the miles took me further from them this weekend I reflected on what the weekend gave me.  I had another opportunity to see what an amazing mother my daughter is to her own daughter now.  drip drip in my cup!  I got to see how happy she is and how well cared for she is by her husband. drip drip in my cup! I got to see all the wonderful new things that Audrey can do since last we saw her. drip drip in my cup.

I got to see my son and his excitement for the impending birth of his own son. drip drip in my cup.  I got to see my daughter in law as she carries that precious child drip drip in my cup. I experienced our family celebrating this new generation, how sister and brother shared this new honor.  They were not competing, they were sharing.  drip drip in my cup.  I listened as conversations have changed from the likes of what is the latest greatest movie you have seen, to advice from one to the other on diapering and what are the must haves for baby care.  drip drip in my cup.  I watched as one grown man now a father showed another soon to be how to put the car seat in the car and how to put the baby in said car seat. drip drip in my cup. 

I watched my daughter and son in laws excitement and nervousness as they anticipated the first big event in their daughters life, her Baptism and what that meant to them and their commitment to her. drip drip in my cup.  I watched (and teared up) as my son stood in front of the church by his sisters side along with his wife pledging too that they will always be there for Audrey. drip drip in my cup. 

So many moments contributed to the tipping over of my cup but I realized it wasn't just about the moments it is about how we got here.  How my son and daughter are truly friends how their spouses have blended in so well with the family, how Cameron is loved  and molded into the family.  There will never be one of us in need that another will not be there.  Distance though painful is not a barrier to our love.  Watching my family this weekend I know that memories and moments will continue to pour into my cup so much so that a cup will no longer be big enough to hold all that is precious to me.  My cup runneth over for sure but the love that was spilled will not go to waste.

Audrey Shows Nana her cheerio skills

A Piggy back ride for Rick

 

Rick shows Mike how to put Audrey in a car seat.

 

Audrey being silly as mommy dresses her for church.

 

Nana reads to Audrey before church.

 

Proud God Parents with Proud mom and dad.

 

I am so Blessed!

 

Auntie Mere,Mommy, Daddy and Uncle Mike with Audrey.

 

Nana and Audrey.

 

 

 

 

My beautiful Audrey.

 

 

 

Audrey LOVES her Uncle Cameron!

 

 

 

 

 

Choose JOY

I recently read something that partially inspired my post today The author was saying that she felt like in order for someone to have "good writing material" it seemed something bad had to happen.  She was saying that she felt when something rocked her world in a bad way her words flowed out in a more inspiring way.

While I understand the emotions that come with sadness can lead to some high powered writings I think the opposite to be true.  I think the passion that comes from good news, good feelings, positive experiences that is where inspirational words flow.

My first born, a son now 31 is expecting his first child.  This past Sunday it was confirmed through an ultrasound that he and his wife are expecting a son.  What a joy to hear the excitement in his voice as he shared what it was like seeing the images of his child.  It became real for him.  It became another reason for his being.  It gave him a new hope for the future.  In all honesty it gave him another reason to continue his love for "toys". 

On Monday he was online buying his son a onesie that said he was his daddy's co-pilot, and looking at plans to build him a pedal plane.  Being a dad is so much more than onesies and pedal planes, however the act symbolizes his excitement , his desires, the love he already has for his son.

Son you are moving into another chapter of your life which ultimately comes closer to closing one for me.  I keep repeating over and over, he is going to be a dad.  I have had a lifetime to prepare for this, sometimes wanting it to come quickly, but ever thankful that the Lord shows me that it is NOT about me!
.
My thoughts cannot help but to keep returning to my son as a little boy.  An image of your face appears before me and I see that little face as you look up at me with those big brown eyes and say "can I"?
You know me well enough to know that this event would not go without your mother getting all emotional and celebratory.  Protecting you and preparing you has been such a big part of who I am it is hard to redefine my role and accept that my job is done.
 

I have vivid memories of the promises I made you as you slept below my heart many years ago.  Promises I am certain that were kept and some broken.

I am allowed to indulge myself, as Nana it is my right. Part of me sees the baby you were, taking his first steps while the other foot sees a young man going forward with his foot stepping into a world of promise.  You did not step forward you leapt into a world of freedom, adventure, independence a world where you are capable, competent and smarter than I will ever be. ( Do Not ever use this on me).

Even though I am your parent, have been your teacher, your friend, your disciplinarian I can see that I have also been the pupil, you have taught me so much son and you have taught me well.  It isn't just about what you have done, it is only about who you are, your value is in your existance.
I hope as you move into this role as a parent that I have taught you by example, but more than that you are led by your heart.

Your world is about to open up to more than just, lego's, and model planes, it is not just about the Easter Bunny, or Santa Claus.  You are no longer just a son, brother, or husband you are going to be someones dad.  Having to be both mom and dad to you, my hope is that I gave you enough tools for you to be the dad you desired for yourself.

My son there is nothing I can give you that you do not have, but there is much I cannot give you that you can take;

No Heaven can come to us, unless we find rest in today- Take Heaven.

No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in the present- Take Peace

The gloom of the world is but a shadow behind it, yet within reach is joy- Take Joy.

Congratulations son, may this journey be your greatest adventure.

6 More Summers

As I have readied my little man for 6th grade, I realized I have only 6 more summers!

6 more summers of my young mans life and he will be leaving my nest empty once again. I can assure you though as much as I am so Blessed by him I will not fill my nest again with a little one.

I am not sure what it is about a new school year but there is always an emotion attached.  A mom sends her first born to Kindergarten, another mom sending her first child to High school, another to college.  What is the real emotion that ties us all together?  Is it change we are oppossed to? Is it a love so strong we don't want to share them? Is it hard to trust them into the hands of others?

I have never been the mom that said "I can't wait until school starts again" I enjoy the relaxed schedule that summer brings, the lack of routine and deadlines.  I like, that for those few months my children are learning from me. It isn't math I am teaching them at least not directly, or science or history.  I am teaching them about life, and love, and patience, and family.  About compromise, decision making and choices as well as consequences.

Tomorrow as my last bird boards the bus for 6th grade I will feel overwhelmed as we begin another year of learning and say goodbye to another summer, leaving us with only 6 more summers.

It seems like a lot of time yet but when you put it into perspective it is no more than 1 1/2 yrs, or 18 months, 540 days of summer that he will be under my care.  Sure he will still be our son, he will come home from College, but decision making will be his, career choices, next steps, the direction of his life will be his to decide.  It makes me realize how important these next 6 summers are for us. 

Our Children are a gift from God, so wherever you are in sending your child off to school, be it Kindergarten and you still have 12 summers left with them, cherish each day you have with them and as your summers dissapear may you feel like they will leave the nest with 12 summers of education, Love, and the desire to return to the place where summer memories were made and a lifetime of learning was had.6

Things I LOVE, HATE,SMILE and CRY about

Because I had a major surgical procedure 2 weeks ago today I have had a tremendous amount of time to do a tremendous amount of nothing. 

I am notorious for having to always be busy doing something. I somehow identify my worth with how much I can get done.  I have realized though in the past two weeks that nothing happens when some of these things are not done. 

I have learned a few things about myself, things I love, things I hate, things that make me smile and things that make me cry.

I HATE being in the hospital away from my family, I LOVE that the Lord see's me through ALL the trials.

I HATE slow recovery, I Loved being reminded that it is in GODS timing and not mine therefore HE taught me to relax and enjoy quiet, still time

I HATE pain, I LOVE pain pills! (Just sayin)

I HATE relying on others I LOVE that I have others to rely on.

I HATE that every time I started to take a nap I would get a phone call, I LOVE  that I have family and friends who call me and keep me from taking a nap.


 I have learned that there is really nothing about the TLC channel that is tender, loving or caring. I mean really "Here comes Honey Boo Boo" ! A mouthy disrespectful, child that I would not label as Honey Boo Boo.

I Smiled when I woke from surgery and saw my husband and daughter in law, I Cried when It was so late and they had to leave.
 
I have smiled when my husband came into my hospital room and said "lets take a walk," while we figured out how we were going to take all the equipment I was hooked to.  I Cried when I realized I was hooked to all that equipment.

I Smiled every day when I get many cards from friends and when the flowers being delivered made my room look like I was being buried (actually I laughed) and then I got not 1 but 2 sweet edible arrangements with fresh fruit, including chocolate covered bananas and chocolate covered Pineapples.

I have smiled as my boys anxiously waited for the mystery meal that would be delivered by wonderful friends from church and I cried because I had no desire to eat any of it.

I have watched countless hours of "a baby's story", Say yes to the dress, I found the gown, four weddings, I Love Lucy, Leave it to Beaver, The Dick VanDyke show, Andy Griffith and I have smiled that I am watching shows I do not normally watch, though I have ALWAYS loved Beaver, I love Lucy and Andy Griffith.

I Smile when I put in a good movie and lie on my bed and do nothing but watch it.  I have learned to Love being ok with this.


I can almost say I LOVE not having to go to work and I can definitely say I HATE that I am not getting paid!

Well it is almost time for me to put in my beloved Christy dvd as I am watching the whole series and I am LOVING it!

Just stuff!

Wow I just realized it has been a month since I last posted. That could mean that ,
1. I have been real busy.
2. I have been real lazy.
3 I have been real tired. or
4. All the above.

If you guessed 4 you are the winner of nothing more than a good guess.

So just what has been happening? I have been doing a little bit of everything and a lot of nothing because I have not felt wonderful.  Surgery in q week should remedy that and then 6 weeks to recover so I am compiling my reading materials and extensive movie list.  I am OK for the first bit when I won't feel so well , however as I start to improve I do not sit well leading me at times into overdoing it.  SO I AM GOING TO TRY HARD NOT TO DO THAT!

• I have been doing a bit of sewing for the newest grand baby who will be welcomed into the family in February, and for our darling princess that has been in our family now for 6 months WOW! Our family is growing and I am loving it. 

• I have been surfing nursery decorating again and I know it will end up like before, 1 thing will be found and an inspiration will be born.

• I have been toying a bit with photography and feel absolutely stupid when I get into my photo shop program.

• We lost a beloved pet.
• I have done a bit of redecorating.
• I have been studying "SonShip" and have learned so much about myself and am continuously amazed at God's grace.
• Welcomed my son and daughter- in- law back to the states from Bahrain. YEA!
• Watched my beautiful grandaughter
• Spent time with sisters
• Took quiet walks

Enjoy a glimpse into the past couple of months.



Have a great Friday and I will be back soon!

Full circle- Again

I have the distinct pleasure in announcing that I am going to have another grandchild.  The first thing you hear when you announce 1st time grantparenthood is " Oh you will love it, there is nothing like it"  I was not disappointed and found this to be very true.  Hearing for the 2nd time holds just as much excitement however I don't have the anxiety and impatience as I have one already here to make the waiting period easier. 

If you are one of my blog followers then you know one of my passions is motherhood.

Do I have others? yes.  Does it define me? No. Is it the most important thing I have ever done? yes.

Many people search their hearts for years trying to figure out what that one thing is they want out of life, that one thing that would make them complete, I have always known.  I wanted nothing more than to be a mother.  I spent endless hours playing with my baby dolls.  I saturated the interest of my sister, friends, neighbors, cousins.  " Isn't there anything else you want to do but play with dolls"?  "No" I would say.

My dolls depended on me.  I clothed them, fed them. kept them warm, I rocked them, sang to them, and most importantly I loved them.  My dolls were not toys despite the many times I was told they were by my not so kind brother.  Telling me they were just plastic  and they had no feelings.  I rescued them from being tossed into the air and I would comfort them because I knew they could feel.

Yes I was born to be a mom.  When I was a child I would hear my aunts say "she will probably have a dozen kids"  I said I loved kids I am not crazy!  I was however fortunate enough to give birth to two and adopt another.  Each  time I became a mom again is a moment that will always be clear to me.

I loved the feeling of knowing I had life growing inside me.  Each day brought new excitement and anticipation. I did not have to pretend anymore I was going to be a mom.  I was responsible for the growth and development of this being.  I can still feel the flutters, the hiccups, the toes under my ribs and each time they turned to place themselves in a more comfortable position.  I remember the daily, yes daily for nine months seeing my breakfast more than once but thinking this is the greatest reason for being sick.

My body began to take on changes I never knew possible.   I could sit down and see a foot form on the outside of my stomach or watch a knee protrude as they turned around.  I  was home for this child for nine months.  No one else could feel them, feed them or keep them warm, they grew because of me, what an awesome feeling.

What amazed me most was you, my son and daughter were the deciding factor as to when you would arrive.

The joy I felt when each of you were placed in my arms, this here this was a productive day!  These lives I had nurtured for nine months now looking up at me, so small in my arms, so big in my heart.

I can still feel the touch of you, smell the sweetness of you and if I close my eyes I can hear your little sounds.  My heart was full and I had real life dolls to play with!

I marveled at each finger and toe, which I already knew would do great things.
Every new thing that you learned would be a milestone that I was certain no other baby ever accomplished!  It is amazing how excited an adult can get over a baby rolling over.

I was a spectator at many sports events, I sat in many audiences watching you perform, I was your opposite character as we practiced lines for school plays, I was a taxi driver, I nursed your physical health as well as your emotional needs.  I was your best critic when you needed me to be, I have been a party thrower, Halloween costume maker, tear wiper.  I have donned the responsibilities of Santa, the Easter bunny, and the Tooth Fairy.  I taught you what Faith was and made sure that church was a stable part of your lives.
I have been your mother and I have been your father.

As you grew older I became your confidant, a giver of advice, a listener, a shoulder to cry on, a supporter, and encourager, and always, always someone who believed in you.  As you grew, so did my love for you.  No one should ever be without that one person who's love is unconditional.

As you have gotten older, and will continue to do so, it doesn't change the insides of your mother.  You will always be my children.  The role has changed but the privilege remains.  Mothers still love as passionately as when they are nurturing little ones.  I still desire to know you are safe, to share in your joys and in your pains, to be part of your failures and successes. I don't want to spend time with you now as I did when you were children, to teach and nurture, I want to spend time with you because I like being with you.  You have both developed into fine young people who I want to be around, not to consume your lives or your time but because we are family and I love you.

As we all grow older and develop new relationships they cannot replace our relationships we hold most dear, they instead should become a part of those relationships, an addition not a subtraction.  You have both found that in your spouses and they have only enriched our relationship.

To my beautiful daughter, now a mom you can relate to the amazing journey of becoming a mother.  To my wonderful son as your journey is just beginning savor each moment of anticipation and embrace fatherhood with your heart.

I am now a mom of adult children but no less a mom.  I would still say today my goal in life was to have children.  There are many pains to parenting, there are many more joys.  I have accomplished a great many things in life none have been greater than motherhood.  I can still proudly say I am a mom...... I am your mom.

Audrey's 1st blog post!

I have been hearing Nana talk about a blog and that she needed to post something as it has been awhile, and I thought she has been so busy taking care of me I think I will do it for her. 

I arrived at Nana's on Wednesday the 13th to spend 5 nights with her and Grandpa and Uncle Cameron.  I have been having so much fun but Nana she doesn't stop !  That is why I have to do this for her.

Nana and I have been spending so much quality time together, she thinks I am the greatest!  She said something about how tight I had her wrapped around my finger.  Hey I work fast, at only 5 months I have that much power already.

Nana can act real silly and I just humor her by showing her my big toothless smile. Sometimes I will give her a belly laugh and make her extra happy.
She and I were dancing in the kitchen and I laughed so hard I got the hiccups.
Oh and mommy, she found that spot under my chin that sends me into giggly fits.

Nana thought she was teaching me something new when I blew raspberries as she fed me my cereal.  I am not sure why she kept doing it to me I guess she wanted to teach me something to bring home to you- but I looked at her did it once and then stopped just like you told me mommy.

Nana is a kissing fool.  How many of you 5 month olds out there are getting kissed like ALL THE TIME!  On the head, on the nose, on the cheek even on my toes.  Well Nana kept kissing me and I opened my mouth wide once as she came toward me and I grabbed her face and pulled it to mine- WOW she thinks I really know how to kiss her when I just wanted to chew her and pull her hair.  I let her think she taught me how to kiss though.

Today Nana bought me a cute, adorable (her words) patriotic sun dress to wear for Uncle Mike and Auntie Meres Homecoming cookout. 

Today though I did something real fun.  Nana bought me a wading pool, well she called it that to me it was Olympic size and I went swimming.  I LOVED it. Again Nana splashed her hands and I followed suit- it is pretty easy to please her at this point.  I sat up and splashed I laid on my belly, and then  I laid on my back and Nana held my head up.  It was awesome and I gotta have one at home.  I will have to work on mommy and daddy, but 1 killer smile and I bet I can have one!

I need to go home to rest.  I heard Nana say she is exhausted but that she didn't know exhausted could feel so good.

So you see I had to do this for Nana as she is right now sleeping next to me and would have gone yet another day without blogging.

P.S- Nana also introduced me to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and I gotta tell you it my favorite show right now. 
Mouskatoodles!

No one ever outgrows a mothers love

No one ever outgrows a mothers love!  My son who has been serving in the Middle East for 2 years will return to the states in 2 weeks.  At the bottom of my Mothers day card he wrote this "I can't wait to be able to call you everyday"

I can't either son.  He is 30, and independent, and successful, and self sufficient and still likes to call me.  He doesn't call because he needs to, or to solicit advice he calls because it feels good, because he can and it puts him in touch with what he holds dear, family.

This had me think about how the family dynamics and how our society has changed over the decades.  How parenting has changed.

What happened to the parents that did not tolerate laziness in their children, instilling in them to make the effort.  Thank you notes were not optional, manners were a must.  Values were learned by what we saw in our parents and said parents were not concerned about being our friend.  Consequences were owned not argued over.

While I think there are still a great many parents who still parent this way, it saddens me how many children are not, and how this will carry them into their adult lives.  I think of all that could be missed.

I wasn't the perfect parent and being a single parent many years, there were struggles however one thing I think that my children always knew is that they were loved and mom had their back however they also knew if they were wrong they needed to own that.  Being a parent does not mean we always have to agree with our children, it is loving them through it and in spite of it.

A bit off track? Maybe but you know how I roll!

I guess my thoughts on this are mothering is everlasting. It will always be, though it will not always be as we remember.  Our childhood layers rust, peels and goes away, but deep down under the surface there is residual.  My kids don't call me because they need me- (well sometimes they do ) or because they have to, but because they want to. 

So much has changed over the years that has a direct impact on the ways of our society.General kindness, civility is an heirloom.  I listen for the past but I cannot hear it.  I cannot even imagine the future of the next few generations.

I canned strawberry jam this week and  I wondered if my daughter and daughter in law will ever know the satisfaction you feel when you place those jars on the counter top and hear the melodious sound of the tops popping.

Last night my 10 yr old curled up in the recliner, nearly asleep he said mom, would you get me your green blanket and cover me up?  I smiled as I went to the basket( which is filled with blankets ) to get him My favorite.  A quilt made for me years ago by my mother.  It is worn, having been washed many times.  I carried it to him and as I laid it on him I thought about the work and love that went into the making of that quilt.  I have loved it back just as hard.  Useful to me, not put away so it doesn't get ruined, not saved for a special day, or so it will be nice when I pass it on- Loved like the one who made it.  He recognized out of all the blankets this one was special.  It had me think about the loss of time when quilts were made for warmth and not for money. 

I know all this from a sentence in a card, imagine what I can do with a whole letter!

So much goes into raising a child, but so much more comes out of it.  I am reaping the benefits now as my adult children can now be my friends.

Choose your words carefully, your actions more so.

A Fallen Soldier- Ryan Wilson

I love our Country, flaws and all. When my son attended the Naval Academy several years ago my patriotism became even more keen.  My senses were heightened somewhat when I became more aware of what it means for our military personnel to "keep us and our country safe".  My Pride deepened, my emotions stirred.   Each time I was in the position to sing our national anthem tears welled up in my eyes.  It is the same song I have known most of my life.  I have recited to pledge of allegiance all my life, but what was different is my son and his commitment to his career and his country.

I pray for him daily, I worry about the missions he performs, but I know that his safety is in the hands of our Lord.

2 days ago he called me with sad news.  Another young man with similar dreams of those my son has, a young man who also made a commitment to his country, who left behind a family while he too trotted off the Bahrain, He walked the same path my son is walking has lost his life.  Only 26 and leaving behind a wife and 3 year old child.

It hits home for those working with him.  As my son said "I can't wrap my head around it- a few days ago he posted on face book something about the gas prices here and now he is dead" Insignificant I know and so does he but it was his way of saying, We are only here for the present, we know nothing about our future.

Ryan Wilson, I am filled with sadness for your families loss, for what so many think is a loss too soon. I am filled with pride that you were NEVER one moment left alone even after you took your last breath.  That our military values your life and commitment enough though you are gone you still have worth. I can only imagine the smile on your face and tears in your eyes as you watched your fellow mates salute you as you were boarded onto the plane.  You will not be left alone until your body is in your resting place.

Memorial day is upon us this year as we honor the fallen soldiers  you
Ryan Wilson will be foremost in my mind.

Ryan Wilson on right in March getting

Sailor of the quarter.

Rest in Peace and Thank you for your service.

God Bless the Wilson family.



Someday I may have a Porch

"Porches are as synonymous with American culture as apple pie. While not unknown in colonial times, they rose to nationwide popularity in the decades before the Civil War, and remained in fashion for almost one hundred years. Ironically, the very social and technological forces that made them both popular and possible were eventually responsible for their decline." -- from Kahn, Preserving Porches

American Front Porch, Bald Head Island, North Carolina

---

When most Americans had front porches, and used them, nobody thought much about "A front Porch".  The front porch was just there and open addition that belonged to no one and to everyone. 

I try not to want for things so much that I lose sight of being appreciative of what I have.  I fail miserably though when it comes to a large front porch.  I love them and I want one. 

I love the history of the 1700's through the mid 1900's.  Much of my reading materials cover these time periods.  I love the simpler times, the struggles, the challenges, the resilience of the people of these times. 


On EVERY ride I search for the houses with the desired porches.  This is another structure that triggers abundant memories.

The front porch sets a scene for many memory makers.  It was the space that a young couple,just courting would sit.  A place where a Grandma and mama would sit and snap beans, or shuck peas.  A gathering place for the family while daddy turns the crank on the ice cream maker as everyone eagerly awaits that first taste.  Many a glass of lemonade is enjoyed on the front porch.

The porch represented the amercian ideal of family.  It was an outdoor living room.  Often the family would retire there after a long day of hard work.  As the evening air cooled the family could gather there. The children would play in the front yard while the parents rocked.  This simple front porch kept families united.
They may have shared stories or sung songs together. 

The porch started its fall out of grace right around the end of World War II. The advent of air conditioning, automobiles, and a change in social patterns all contributed toward the porch’s slide. It lost its social function because Americans increasingly wanted privacy.

After World War II much of the socialization that was previously front porch activities was moved to the family room or t.v room.  The front porch started to sit alone.

I am not sure what the attraction is now for those that desire front porches.  For me I think it is not only the structure, presenting itself as a place from earlier times that I so love, but an implication that in this space I will sit, I will have quiet time with God, I will relax with friends, I will connect with neighbors. And lets be honest here too- It will give me yet another place to decorate!

So if I am every fortunate enough to be given the gift of a front porch- PLEASE stop by and sit a spell and I will be sure to have some fresh squeezed lemonade ready for you!

Extra Extra read all about it!

I have been asked by several people to continue writing my Blog.  In an effort to increase the readership I am running a contest.


OK here is how it works:

• You must read all 62 of my past posts.
• You must make a comment after each post so I know you have read it.
• When you have finished send me an email at henrydawn1@gmail.com or facebook me  a message.
• Make sure you let me know which post is your favorite.

Everyone who reads all the posts will receive a special gift.

The first 5 who complete all the above steps will get an extra special gift.

The first reader to complete all the above steps will get a $50 gift card!

Game on !

Mother's day Blessings

I can't think of another Holiday that takes on different meanings like that of Mother's Day.

Easter we celebrate Resurrection of our Lord.  Yes we may have traditions in which we color Easter Eggs, or have Easter Egg hunts and fill baskets with goodies but ultimately there is 1 reason in which we celebrate it. 


We can trace the historic American Christian tradition of Thanksgiving back to the year 1623 after the harvest crops were gathered in November, Governor William Bradford of the Pilgrim Colony, in Plymouth Massachusetts proclaimed:

"All ye Pilgrims with your wives and little ones, do gather at the Meeting House, on the hill… there to listen to the pastor, and render Thanksgiving to the Almighty God for all His blessings."

Christmas we celebrate the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, and again even with all of the "woven in" traditions we are still really just celebrating His Birth and what it means.

Mothers day though is different for so many.  In one day we can be celebrating our own mothers while we are also being celebrated for being mothers.  This day isn't like our Birthday where we are celebrating the birth of an individual, we share this day and what a privilege to do so. 

Unfortunately, for some of us we no longer have our mothers with us to celebrate however what better day to continue to honor them. 

When I get cards, or compliments, well written words from my children about the mom I am, I think about my own mother.  Some of the good qualities I learned from her and the qualities I may possess because she didn't are still an indirect gift from her.  She may have parented different than I do, however in her doing so it taught me about the kind of mother I wanted to be.

Mothers day this year is a day of reflection for me.  You see this year I have the distinct pleasure of calling my own daughter on this her very first Mothers day.  I know share this badge with her.  We have been mother/daughter, parent/child, daughter/friend and now we are both mothers.

She will now get it! The mama bear instincts, the pit in your stomach when your child is ill, or hurting, or not near you or struggling with something.  She will get the tears of joy when they accomplish the smallest of tasks.   I will now longer be the only one with that label of motherhood and I proudly share this with her.

In the past couple weeks I have had much time to reflect on my life, and the recurring thoughts I had were about my life as a mother.  I have been very ill and surprisingly it had me thinking about my own mother who has been gone for many years now.  It made me realize that no matter how old we are, how strong we are, how together we think we are there are times we still miss our moms.

I thought about the legacy I would be leaving my own children.  Would it be enough?  Are their minds and hearts stored with enough memories and love to sustain them?  Have I taught them enough? Have I clipped their wings enough? Have they learned all the family traditions the need to carry on? 

My firstborn son now 30, married with a successful and honorable career, sent me a beautiful card and though the pre-printed words were beautiful, it is what he wrote inside from his heart, it is what he does for me, It is him saying that he is so proud to call me mom and the one thing he can't wait for when he returns to the states is that he can call me everyday!

My beautiful daughter now a new mommy with a daughter of her own. She may not know how special it is but she sent me my first Grandma card.  She had a house full of people and was expecting her brother and his wife from Saudi Arabia for a week to meet their new niece and when she learned I was on the hospital she was going to book a flight to be by my side.  Though I would have loved nothing more- the real gift is knowing they were going to be together, these 2 children of mine who love one another so much- Yes I think they get it and I think I did do enough.

My mommy hood though continues on now as I teach a new young man.  I can equip him with the tools he needs, and guide him in the paths I think he should go. Even though he came into our family in a different way he is no less family, he grew not in my belly and not only in my heart but in the heart of my amazing children. Today he put on his tuxedo t-shirt after church and laid a towel over his arm and said "I am your butler for the day" 

So even though gone are the days when I would leave little notes in lunch boxes, or camping bags, Or when we would have marathon talks about life's lessons. When the problems of their childhood days seemed monumental and I had to try to teach them that this will not matter later on. I see the joy in the hearts when we go through their things in the basement to see what is worthy of surviving another move and they say, "wow you still have this"? Yes my child it was so special to me then and it is now. I have clipped those apron strings but I give one to each of you to carry in your pocket.