Happy Birthday Haley Rain!!!

Happy Birthday Haley!

 Today Haley turned eight years old!  She was so excited she could hardly control herself.  This year she choose a custom designed ice cream cake from "The Ice Cream Depot" . It was filled with all her favorites, espresso chip ice cream, cookie crumbs and fudge filling.

 It was so nice to have her with us for her birthday this year, we missed her so very much last year. It was very hard not to celebrate with her.  Gae and I hope that never happens again, there are times when she tests every bit of our patience.  But we can't imagine not having her with us everyday.  Theresa and Haley love each other very much.  I'm sure God had something special in mind for all of us when he let two special young ladies into our lives. For that I will always be grateful.  So Happy Birthday to my special helper, no one else helps me cook, bake and vacuum the way you do!!

Where Did Spring Go??

Okay, I'm going to ask a silly question.  Where the heck is spring?  Today we woke up to the first official 2011 spring snowfall.  I am so sick of snow and winter in general.  I know I'm not the only one.  It's not unusual to have a spring snow every now and then. But really, enough winter already!  The other day it was simply gorgeous, a lovely 70+ degrees, with very low humidity.  Who could ask for a more perfect day.

The change in weather felt good.  My muscles were stronger, it was definitely one of my better days!  I can't wait for the real spring weather to finally arrive.  It will be so nice to do some work in the yard.  We plan to move one of the flower beds, and relocate and increase the size of the veggie garden.  Gae and I also want to add a small swing set for Haley and Theresa.

So, hurry up spring there is a lot I need to do outside.  I'm going stir crazy!  I want to feel the grass under my feet and smell the dark rich soil!!

Coming SOON to a garden near me!

Special Blessings

My niece Theresa Anne is eleven years old today!

She has a very special place in all our hearts. A child full of love and happiness, she has a great big smile and makes everyone around her appreciate even the smallest things life has to offer. Every day with her is a blessing, I can't imagine life without her. 

My sister has not had an easy life caring for Theresa, there have been many long nights in hospitals and trips to specialist. What mother wouldn't want a child who could run and play, call your name, or reach out and give you a hug. Theresa may never do any of these things, but we love her for the joy she brings with her beautiful smile and her silly laugh. So on this special day I'm asking God to continue to bless you with many more happy days for all of us to enjoy.

Signs of Spring!

It has been a long winter to say the least.  

I enjoy the cold and snow as much as most, but this year I've had my fill. Even today, after many days of warmer weather and lots of rain I still have snow in my backyard! 

But this morning I took a closer look, and to my surprise there they were "Signs of Spring". 

What a beautiful sight, the Hosta and Iris leaves

are starting to peek from beneath the cold winter ground. The rabbits have come out to graze on some new growth, even the birds that nest in the eaves of my front porch have been extra busy the last few days. It will only be a matter of time before the groundhog that lives under my backyard storage shed will pop out to enjoy the weather!

There are so many things to look forward to this season. A chance to start over, a time for renewal, removing clutter from my life, some of it physical and some of it emotional. A time to build on new friendships and to continue to nurture old ones.

In recent months I've learned to find joy in the smallest of improvements. As I continue to struggle with MG, this too has taken a positive turn along with the weather . The warmer temperatures have given me some added strength. My arms and legs have been feeling better than they have for several months. For this I am extremely grateful.

3rd Annual Cricut Cookie & Candy Recipe Swap

Here is a sneak peek at my recipe card for JeanP's third annual Cookie & Candy recipe swap on the Cricut message board:

My cookie this year is a Butter Ball Chiffon, they are made with instant lemon pudding and there are no eggs in the recipe.

My Life is a Blessing!

The past year has been difficult for me and my family to say the least.  A very special part of our family was away from us for awhile, and I have been dealing with a life changing medical problem.

During the past few weeks things have begun to turn around for the better!  My beautiful niece has been coming home for weekend visits. It's been such a pleasure to have her home with us again, I can't wait until she returns to us for good!  My neurologist has increased my medication, the improvement has been a godsend!  I may never be my "old" self again, but I'm learning to except the limitations of my "new" self.

I am so very grateful for the love and support of my family and friends, for without them daily life would be so much more difficult.

Remember, each and everyday day is a blessing. Good or bad, it doesn't matter. Enjoy the smile on a little child's face, the sound of their big feet running across the floor, or the picture they drew for you that day.  

There are so many blessings to be found all around us, all you have to do is look!

A Perfect Morning

This morning was so beautiful, it was perfect for a morning walk.  The sun shone brightly, the sky was full of big puffy clouds, a crisp fall breeze kissed my cheeks as a made my way through town.  I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day for a walk.  The only thing missing was my camera.  I must remember to carry it tomorrow. The colors of the leaves are gorgeous!

Thank you God for another beautiful day!