Flip-Flops

These are absolutely the best flip-flops in the entire world. I got my first pair about 8 years ago. My daughter was on the high school swim team, with an exchange student from Brazil, and she fell in love with the exchange student's flip-flops. When the exchange student left America- she gave Katherine her flip-flops! They were made of the softest rubber (like my very first pair, at the age of 6) and immediately I knew- I have to have my own pair. I googled the name that I found on the flip-flop's from Brazil, and the rest is history. Unbelievably, they only cost seven dollars at the time. I'm sure they are more expensive now, especially since Oprah did a show about them last year but they are well worth the money. I have visions of warm weather ahead and I can't wait to wear my Brazilian flip-flops again... that will be a blessing indeed! Interested? Find out all about them here.

I Tried Again

This gorgeous couple, happens to be my daughter Katherine and son Ben. They wouldn't be in my life today, had I not- "tried again", after the death of my first son Joe. They didn't replace my first born child, but they helped numb the pain. Two of life's biggest blessings for me, because I "tried again".

A Different Child

A different child,

People notice

There's a special glow around you,

You grow

Surrounded by love,

Never doubting you are wanted;

Only look at the pride and joy

In your mother and father's eyes.

And if sometimes

Between the smiles

There's a trace of tears,

One day

You'll understand.

You'll understand

There was once a different child

Who was in their hopes and dreams.

That child will never outgrow the baby clothes

That child will never keep them up at night

In fact, that child will never be of any trouble at all

Except sometimes, in a silent moment,

When mother and father miss so much

That different child.

May hope and love wrap you warmly

And may you learn the lesson forever

How infinitely precious

How infinitely fragile

Is this life on Earth.

One day, as a young man or woman

You may see another mother's tears

Another father's silent grief

Then you, and you alone

Will understand

And offer the greatest comfort.

When all hope seems lost,

You will tell them

With great compassion,

"I know how you feel.I am only here because my mother tried again."

Author Unknown

Snow Day

Finally, we have a snow day in North Carolina! There is only 3 inches of the fluffy white stuff but even 3 inches in this neck of the woods, happens to be a reason to celebrate... and we did. Sleep late, cook a big breakfast, play in the snow, and enjoy this day for what it is- God's way of saying... "slow down and enjoy the magnificent beauty that only I can create"! AND that is a blessing indeed.

Twinless Twin

My friends ( Emily's mom, Emily's twin sister, Emily's dad, and family pet Charlie) continue to face the struggle of a life without their precious Emily. My heart still aches for them and they really need your prayers. College life at Clemson continues for Emily's twin sister (my goddaughter) and she is doing the best she can, to move forward with her life. Months before Emily died in the Ocean Isle Beach house fire, she wrote a letter to her twin sister, expressing how much it meant to her, to have a twin sister. This letter was read at Emily's Memorial Service and I wanted to share a portion of it with you today, giving you a glimpse into the life of my precious goddaughter. She was such a blessing to me and one way to keep her memory alive is to share some of her short life with you.

"Unfortunately, many girls are not blessed with a best friend they can trust through thick and thin. My twin sister is, and always will be, there for me. She is my confidant, my best friend, my support system, she is my everything. But most of all, she's just my silly twin sister that I would not change for the world."

~Emily

(To review my previous posts about Emily, you can get more information from: October29th, November 3rd,7th, and 12th.)

Double the Pleasure

Each Thursday, I have the privilege of keeping these precious twins (my great nieces) all day long... all by myself. They are such a blessing to me and I consider it an honor to be a part of their early childhood development. They have come a long way; born at 29 weeks gestation, spent 43 days in the NICU, a starting weight of 2.6 and 3.2 pounds, and now they are 4.5 months old, weighing 11 and 12 pounds. Aren't they just the cutest babies in the world? Now that is a blessing indeed!

Elmo's Jealous

It is usually just me, Elmo, and Joe around the house, so during Christmas... Elmo seemed jealous! She didn't like others getting my attention and she didn't like others taking up her space. In the picture, you can see that she jumped right up on the couch and made room for herself- between Ben and Katherine. She would even take her nose and nudge them over. If they were in the car with us, she would chase the car and try to follow us to our destination. We had to stop, scold her, and send her home. This really amazed me, as I watched this slowly evolve during Christmas week. Was she really jealous... or was she trying to develop a loving relationship with everyone else that was visiting? Either way- it was interesting to observe her. She is my best friend and has been a blessing to me for 7 years now. Each day with her is one to be treasured and I am a better person because she is in my life. Today, Elmo is one happy dog! She has me and the whole house, all to herself. Now, that is a grand way to start the NEW YEAR... life is good!