Happy Birthday Big Sister

This is my big sister Kathy and today is her BIRTHDAY!  We had a chance to meet at Mom's house yesterday and celebrate her birthday a day early, which was a blessing indeed.  She has been such a positive influence in my life and has shown me, through example, what unconditional love is all about.  Kathy is constantly giving to others, putting other's needs before hers, and she has a contagious bubbly personality, in a tiny 4 foot 10 inch frame!  She has taught me so much about life; how to put God first, how to be a great mom, how to be an energetic & effective kindergarten teacher, how to be a forgiving and loving wife, how to be a great sister, how to pick myself up out of the mud and keep on going, and best of all: how to recognize my daily blessings and count them one by one!  I love you sister Kathy and I look forward to sharing many more birthdays with YOU, here on earth and... with our Heavenly Father.

Fruit Loop Adventure

Life is good, fruit loops for snack and Nancy to play with!

Mattie thinks Ella may have more Fruit Loops than she has.

Hey sweet sister Ella, will you cover your eyes for just a second?

Okay Mattie, do you have a surprise for me?

Mattie uses the quick fisted grab!

Not me Nancy, I don't have anything behind my back.

NANCY, Mattie got my Fruit Loops and she's hiding them behind her back!

The grandniece twins are nearly 21 months old now and 25+ pounds.  I can still carry them both but not very far or for very long.  They are so full of energy and life, investigating, contemplating, and freely sharing their love.  I never take a minute with them for granted, as I'm constantly aware of the miracle that God has performed in the lives of these two precious girls, and that is a blessing indeed!

Thank You Heath

This rose bush grows beside my garage... blooming faithfully from spring until fall each year, BLESSING me one bud at a time. But the biggest reward in the blooming of this beautiful flower is the reminder of the precious student that gave it to me, as an end of the year gift, many years ago. Each time I see a new bud, or cut a flower for an indoor vase... I think of this young man, say a prayer for him and his family, and thank God that he was in my kindergarten classroom. It is definitely a gift that keeps on giving, year after year, bloom after bloom. Thank you Heath for blessing my life in so many ways and for giving me a gift that keeps on giving.