Gratitude!

What a fun weekend this was. The girls were here for a two day sleep over. We did lots of things like let them have their meals out in the play house.

They even put little birds in the window! :)

 

So fun to watch them pretend!

Ellie got a new jacket and headband for Memorial Day!

Miss Josie got a new outfit too! I knew I should have been making outfits a long time ago...just in case they ever got into dolls!  But we had fun picking out fabric from my stash and Angie was reading the pattern to me the whole time. She is learning!

I ask the girls to write down or draw about what they heard in church yesterday.

Jenny was trying to draw the people up front that were speaking, but it was too hard she said...so she just drew a Monkey family in church speaking instead!  Love it!

Jeff spoke in church yesterday, so Angie drew him speaking. She even put creases in his jacket! Amazing!

Then we got up early this morning to go to the Memorial Day Breakfast and Ceremony, that we had at church. I am so glad the girls went with us and learned about all the sacrifice that the Service men and women have given and still give for our freedom.

As young as they are, they still seemed to be touched! 

Then a dear friend of mine and her litle boy came over to visit for a bit. I am teaching her how to crochet, and he played blocks with the girls! He is too cute!

 

After dinner, we celebrated Jeff and Amy's Birthday early...since we were all together. Jeff's birthday is Weds. and Amy's is just 3 days later. They have really celebrated many birthdays together and they really don't seem to mind! We put 9 candles and the candle number 1 on their cake. Because between them they have 91 years together! That was my idea :)

Like Father like Daughter... they both love to sing and enjoy music!

 Audrey helped them blow out the candles!

Presents time...Audrey helping out again! More craft supplies for Amy... she is alot like her Mother too I guess! Look at that happy face!

Here is what it looks like, when you picked out the right gift!

Audrey had to help Poppa too!

It was a fun weekend. Lots of creating and celebrating. I am grateful for both!

Good Night dear friends!

Memorial Day / Jeff's Birthday!

As we celebrated Jeff's birthday today with Amy, John and the girls.

I was touched when at the prayer for lunch, Amy talked about the gratitude we had for those who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom. For the service they have given to each of us and our country. It made me feel good to realize that my kids know it is much more than just a 3 day weekend. And that they in turn are teaching these important things to their kids ( the next generations ). My Dad served, my oldest brother Mike served and  many others including one of our nephews serving right now. Freedom is not free, and we are grateful every day for those who serve and have served...Thank you!

found photo here:
Watching Amy and Jeff celebrate their birthday together once more is sweet to see.  I feel blessed to have a family that always wants to be together, even if we can't.... that is what we wish. And that wish alone makes me happy and grateful!

I can still remember her sitting on her Daddy's knee for her 1st birthday...how could so many years have passed that quickly. Now she is a Mother, with 3 little ones of her own.
My whole life I wanted to have a family who would be close and there for each other, no matter what...and that is exactly what I have! I am truly blessed.
Good night dear friends!

Memorial Day / Birthday!

Today is my daughter Amy's birthday! Yes, she was born on Memorial Day, she was our first and we couldn't imagine how much love this 10LB 10Z dark haired girl could bring into our lives. Even though we were brand new parents, and didn't have a clue what to do, we were so in love with her ...it didn't matter. Some how we figured out all the baby details, and we absolutely loved every minute of it.
Now I look at this beautiful blonde haired woman and realize, not only is she a dear friend of mine, but my daughter too! How lucky could a Mother be?  She is now a Mother too, and so the generations have begun and I feel blessed.

I also feel blessed when I think of all the men and women ( and their families ), who have served... and now serve our country. Words cannot not express the gratitude we feel! How glad I am that we have this wonderful holiday to remember and honor them by.

Hope you and your family had a wonderful Memorial Day!

It is the Soldier

(Charles M. Province)

It is the soldier, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the soldier,
who salutes the flag, who
serves under the flag, and whose coffin is
draped by the flag, who allows the
protester to burn the flag."

"Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation and freedom in all just pursuits."

"Birthdays are good for you.  Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest."  ~Larry Lorenzoni