My Reading Blog

After a wonderful week with family and friends A ten hour drive home with no problems A happy pooch to greet us at the door Two special friends to welcome us back A glass of wine and snacks to relax Homemade soup, salad and bread to nourish our bodies Home, unpack, catch up on mail, laundry Home sweet home! It's always great to spend time away, but there in nothing like your own bed.  I am so grateful for my family and our special friends (who I consider my family). Happy Easter to all!  He is Risen!  He is Risen, Indeed!

At the beginning of the week, we had talked about a sleepover at Uncle Scotty & Aunt Jen's house.  As the week progressed, we continued to talk to the girls about it and they were excited.  The day came, we went to the library and came home, hoping they would take a short nap.  It was not a fun afternoon and Mommy threatened that there would be no sleepover if they didn't behave.  There were tears, Mommy was stressed, Grandma was at a loss of what to do to help. But, after a walk to the park and some more talk, it was decided the sleepover was a GO.  We gathered all of the paraphernalia - clothes, potty seat, pack 'n plays, etc. - no toys required - Aunt Jen had that covered. We arrived bringing dinner and all the necessities.  The girls were enthralled with the trains and tracks, the dolls and books, Mickey & Minnie ....  We ate and talked.  Then Mommy & Daddy left.  The girls gave hugs and kisses and said "See you later". ...

  Today is my baby's birthday.  She's xx years old (I'll let her tell you if she wants).  So my slice today is in honor of Michelle. She is: Awesome         Beautiful Caring Devoted            Energetic Friendly Gracious     Helpful Incredible                          Joyful Kind       Loyal Mother         Neat                Outstanding Precious             Quiet Reserved Stressed Teacher Unique              Versatile     Witty            Xtra Special Youthful Zealous This was written with the help of Dad, Scott (brother) and Jen (future sister).  We love you, Michelle, and hope...

Off to the library we went To Listen and Sing-a-long To Clap, Jump and Dance To Twirl round and round To march and run in place To fall down softly To fly like a bee  And buzz like one too To say "I love you" with hand motions To watch the other kids To pick out some Easter books And back home again.

Our adventure for Tuesday was making cupcakes.  The girls were so excited when I arrived.  They showed me the bunny decorations and the frosting with sprinkles and the cake mix and proceeded to tell me that we were making bunny  cupcakes. So we sat down to read the instructions on the cake mix box.  I told them the ingredients we would need.  We got out the mixing bowl, the mixer and a spatula.  Next was the measuring cup filled with water, 3 eggs and the oil.     They were very willing helpers.  I measured and they poured it into the bowl.  Then we stirred it very slowly to get everything mixed.  Next came the fun part of using the mixer.  P had already learned how to turn it on.  We mixed and mixed.  Ready to put in the cupcake holders.  Taking turns, they put the batter into the cups and into the oven it went.  They were ready for the frosting and decorating and it was hard for them to wait, but ...

After spending the morning shopping and playing, it was time to "try" a nap. Michelle says the girls don't like to have quiet time when at home.  They nap at the day care, but come weekends (or spring break), it's more fun to talk and play than to nap. So Grandma & Grandpa said, "Let's take a nap together".  M said she would stay with Grandpa and P wanted to go with Grandma.  So Grandpa and M cuddled on the couch (well, Grandpa was on the couch, M got her sleeping bag and laid on the floor.  Grandpa told her to close her eyes and he would close his.  Every so often he would check to see if her eyes were closed.  As soon as he opened his, M would quickly close hers.  This went on for five minutes and then Grandpa opened his eyes and M was fast asleep. I took P to their bedroom and laid my blanket and pillow on the floor by P's bed.  She got into bed, up and down, this way and that.  Always checking to see if my eyes were open or ...

Even though we were exhausted after our ten hour night drive, we couldn't help but be enthralled with the antics of our 3 years old granddaughters - Michelle has shared many of these stories over the month.  We had such a great day with them and have many more to come this week. As Michelle has written, M & P love to read and yesterday was no exception.  P pulled out several books and asked me to read.  M sat on the other side and said read to me and handed me another book.  And so we read.  P sat and listened, M got up and played, but still listened.  P said, "Grandma, I'll read."  She proceeded to read me the book, not word for word, but in her words telling me the story and pointing to the pictures. A view minutes later M sat down on the sofa while I was sitting on the floor.  She proceeded to open up the book, turned it toward me so I could see the pictures and told me the story that we had read. Later M picked up a counting book a...

We had everything planned. I went to Branson for a card making class I'd come home We'd have pizza with friends Leave Max Go home and finish packing Leave early on Sunday morning. Change of plans I went to Branson for a card making class I called home to say we were leaving Hubby says "St. Louis & further north  is going to get heavy snow. We need to leave when you get home". New plans I get home at 5:00 p.m. Hubby has everything ready I finish my packing Get everything turned off, unplugged We're out of there by 5:15 p.m. Drive all night and arrive safely at 3:15 a.m. I'm still waiting to hear that St. Louis got snow and that this change of plans was the right thing to do. A nap is sounding real good, but I am ready to get some lovin' from our granddaughters ( and Mom & Dad too).

 Even though the calendar says "Spring", Old Man Winter is not ready to give up.  Thursday they predicted that we would be getting snow starting at noon - 3 to 5 inches, but the sun kept shining.  By 3:00 p.m. the clouds had rolled in and by 4:00 p.m., there were flurries in the air.  When we went to bed it was still snowing and there were 2 inches on the deck.  This morning we woke up to this. The snow was wet and heavy. The little bushes were covered and hanging low. The branches of the Crepe Myrtle were blanketed in white. No sunshine this morning, but the temps are moving upward and the snow has started to melt.  The heavy snow is falling in clumps from the trees.  By tomorrow, we will be able to see the ground again.  We need the moisture as we've been in a drought for several years.  But must winter keep hanging on?  I am ready for Spring!

A little Chickadee flitting about Searching for the right place Checking out each beam on the porch Away she flies Coming back with a twig And off she goes Back again with some moss The wind blows Grass, twigs, and moss fall to the porch Little Chickadee comes back to search for another spot Back she comes with a twig Her perseverance is amazing Soon her nest will be built Eggs will be laid Babies will be hatched The cycle continues on and on.

Forty-three years ago today, Hubby and I celebrated our wedding day - the first day of spring.  It was a beautiful day - sunny and in the 50's - one of those nice days in Illinois.  Weddings in a small town in the 70's were much different from today's productions.  It was a simple ceremony with two bridesmaids and two groomsmen.  His parents escorted him down the aisle and my parents walked with me.  They gave me away that day to a man that I love more and more each day that we spend together. After the ceremony, we had wedding cake and coffee in the fellowship hall and then we opened our gifts.  My Mom made dinner for our immediate families and special friends.  Shortly after dinner, we left for our "honeymoon".  We drove about a hour south of where I lived and stayed overnight.  And then it was back home to pack all of our new belongings so that we could move to Delaware, where Hubby was stationed in the Air Force.   And so o...

My hubby is very supportive of my challenge to write during March and on Tuesdays throughout the year and he usually reads what I've written shortly after I've posted it.  After reading my slice, he procedures to our daughter's blog and reads her slice. The other morning after reading my slice, he turned to me and asked, "Have you thought about putting all your slices in a book?"  Then he proceeded to say that if he knew how to do it, he would do it for me.  How sweet is that! I had done this for Michelle after her first year of slicing and she was totally ecstatic about seeing her thoughts and writing in print.  She's been published three times.  But I hadn't thought about doing it for myself.   But, the more I think about it, I'm liking this idea.  It would be nice to have a book to read of my own reflections and to pass on to my family. It made me feel very special that hubby would think that my writing is good enough to publish (if on...

At church on Sunday, a request was made to help out a friend in need.  Vesta is in her mid 80's, has some health issues.  Her husband passed away about four years ago.  Two years ago she sold the home they had lived in for over 30 years. Six months ago, the people who bought it reneged on the contract and left her with a house in much need of repair.  Needless to say, she was distraught and stressed. Enter our church community.  Needs were assessed.  Plans were put together.  Request for help was issued. Today, we began cleaning.  First there were three of us.  Then, four, five and finally twelve people came to help.  Bathrooms cleaned, walls spackeled, holes filled, walls washed, fans fixed, baseboard painted, outside power washed, bushes trimmed.  Tomorrow, more people, more projects.  Each day this week, more will be accomplished by our church community. Vesta was there - shaking her head in amazement and askin...

Goodreads Summary:  "Let’s be honest: it’s far too easy to go through day-to-day life without a sense of the mystery, the marvel, or the awe of God’s presence. Have you ever felt your relationship with God isn’t as vibrant as you want it to be? Have you ever felt like God seemed far away—even in the midst of devotions, prayer, and church?   You’re not alone.   We Were Created for Wonder.   You were created and designed to experience wonder. Woven into the fabric of our humanity is an innate ability and desire for the wonder of God. It’s felt in the moments when you watch the sun melt behind the horizon, when you reach out to cradle a baby and smell the sweet scent of new life, when you can’t help but smile as you witness two wrinkled souls renew their vows to each other. Such moments remind us we were made for something more than deadlines and debt, carpools and coffee breaks. Yet despite such wondrous moments, we can still find ourselves going through the motion...

Yesterday, Lynn, was imaging the signs of spring and warm weather.  We've had a couple of warm and sunny days and today rain.  And today, I actually saw those signs that she was imagining. As we were driving home from church, I spotted: Forsythia bushes blooming Wild daffodils in full blossom arranged here and there  across the fields and ditches A wild plum tree was completely covered in white Little buds on the the dogwoods My butterfly bush with green leaves Even the grass (and weeds) have started turning green Springs coming!  Springs coming!  Springs coming!

Goodreads summary:  " When Elm Creek Quilts announces openings for two new teachers, quilters everywhere are vying to land the prestigious post. The impending departure of two founding members means untold changes for the Elm Creek Quilters. As they begin the interview process, a single question emerges: Who can possibly take the place of beloved colleagues and friends? "We must evaluate all of the applicants' qualities," advises Master Quilter Sylvia Compson. "Our choice will say as much about us as it says about who we decide to hire." Who merits a place among the circle of quilters? Will it be Maggie, whose love of history shines through in all her projects; Anna, whose food-themed quilts are wonderfully innovative; Russ, the male quilter with a completely original style; Karen, a novice teacher whose gifts for language complement her deep understanding of the quilters' mission; or Gretchen, the soulful veteran whose craft is inspired by quilting tr...

Borrowing an idea from Michelle's slice last week, I thought I take a look at the song titles on my MP3 and here's what I came up with.  I listen to a lot of Gospel and Country music, so some of these titles might not be familiar to everyone. Sundays Are Made for Times Like These Joy to the World Right Place, Right Time Home Here in the Real World Somewhere Over the Rainbow Chasing the Neon Rainbow Are You Enjoying the Show A Good Heart Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You Dream On Fix You Never Give Up Pray For Me

I just read one of the Kids Blogs - they had just finished studying the 1950's.  I loved their comments - "it was boring", "I loved Leave it to Beaver", they commented about the poodle skirts and rolled up jeans, standing up in class to answer questions.  It was fun reading their comments on this era. I was in elementary school during this time and some of the things I remember were: We listened to The Lone Ranger, Fibber McGee & Molly, Red Skelton, Jack Benny, The Grand Ole Opry, Gildersleeves on the radio. We had a black and white TV that we could only get three channels on. We had a party line telephone and had to use the crank on the side of the phone to get the operator to make a call. We didn't go out to eat once, twice, three times a week,,, - all meals were homemade - no processed foods. We didn't have McDonald's. We had sock hops We wore dresses to school - no jeans We played outside and created our own games We worked arou...

The joy of being retired is being able to do what you want, when you want to.  Today was no exception. When Max and I walked this morning, it was in the 30's.  There was frost on the house tops and a definite chill in the air.  But, the sun was shining brightly in the sky telling me to be prepared for later in the day. The fireplace was giving off some much needed heat.  I only had one load of laundry to do and a workshop to attend.  Hubby said it's going to get in the 60's today. When I got out of the workshop, the sun was still shining brightly.  There was a slight breeze, but the temperature (according to my car) was 74.  As I was driving home, I could envision myself sitting on the back deck, reading a book and absorbing the warmth of the sun.  And that's exactly what I did.  Max was ecstatic to be sitting outside too.  But, then his internal clock told him that it's 4:00 and I need my food!  And it was time to go in. ...

Goodreads summary:  " Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumors in her lungs... for now. Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumors tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind." Another YA book recommended by Michelle.  The author wrote an excellent novel about a difficult subject - cancer, cancer in children.  Moving....

Our church has the Ladies Guild and the Vespers and also a group called The Divine Divas.  You may think that a bit pretentious, but we're not.  We formed our group because we have women of all ages going to four different services who really didn't know each other.  We wanted a catchy name to include all of the women of our church to join together in fun and fellowship. We started off six years ago with an evening of pampering - we served dinner,  had devotions, tried different crafts, some yoga and had an overnight pajama party.  Not everyone stayed for the sleep over, but we did have about 30 women between the  ages of 30 to 70+, doing what we did when we were young. We survived, everyone enjoyed themselves and talked about it for many days afterward and asked when we would be getting together again. The first couple of years we tried to create 3 or 4 events and each of them have been successful.  We always have an "Advent by Candlelight" in...

Short and sweet little story today. Last week I reserved a couple of books on line from the library.  My hubby was going to be near the library the day they were pulled and he said he would pick them up.  I gave him my card and the names of the books I requested. He found them and took them to the counter.  The gentleman who checked him out gave him a look that said, "Really?  You're kidding me right?"   Hubby smiled and said they're for my wife - here's her card.  The gentleman just smile back and shrugged his shoulders. Guess I'll have to show hubby how to use the self check out!  

There are certain household chores that I really don't like to do and put them off as long as I can.  Cleaning bathrooms is at the top of my list, however, one that can't be put off.  Another one is the dreaded DUSTING.  We heat our house with a wood burning fireplace and it creates a lot of dust, so it's necessary to clean off the surfaces on a regular basis. And so it was this morning that I had to clean the bathrooms followed by dusting. Something came to mind while I was doing this task and I thought of how much I missed when I didn't dust.  Of course, I'd miss all the dust bunnies and dog hair that accumulates - but no, that wasn't it. I would have missed picking up my parents picture that was taken at their 45th wedding anniversary celebration - seeing their smiling faces and remembering how happy they were. I would have missed moving the wedding pictures of my parents and grandparents - the black and white photos that bring back memories of ...

No matter how old your "kids" are, you still worry about them and want to help them.  And sometimes I feel so helpless knowing that all I can do is pray that all will be okay with them. We've lived 600 miles from our kids for almost 14 years and there are times when I wish we lived closer.  I love where we live and I really don't want to move back to all the traffic and fast pace of the suburbs, and yet I think "if only..., then I could help out more".   I could be there for support and to give hugs. I could be there to help with my granddaughters - to teach, to share, to love. I could be there to help with wedding plans and welcoming our  future daughter-in-law into our family. I could be there..... But, I'm here and I pray and listen and let them know that I will never stop being their Mother.

Sometimes I wonder where time goes.  What do I accomplish each day?  Do I do something construction or is it nonsensical stuff?  So to review my Saturday: Devotions and prayers Checking e-mails and posting my slice Commenting on other slices Reading/finishing a book Calling my aunt and another friend Doing laundry Playing Scrabble and Words with Friends Taking a walk with Max Going to a jewelry party Balancing my checkbook Playing some games on my Kindle Working on a cross stitch project Taking a nap Enjoying the warmth and sunshine So the answer to my question - some constructive and some nonsensical - the best of everything - at least for this day.

Goodreads summary:  " Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life - and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding. This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie's struggle to sort her own melody o...

This Peanuts comic strip appeared the other day and Max could fill Snoopy's shoes (paws).  This describes him to a tee. Max will be sleeping soundly and something in his brain tells him that it is 4:00 p.m.  He comes downstairs, puts his nose on my chair and looks at me with those big brown eyes.  I look at the clock - sometimes he's early and I tell him "It's not time yet".  He lays down in front of my chair, eyeing me and just waiting for the moment that I will move.  Five minutes later, he jumps up and stares at me.  I ask him if he wants food and he does his happy dance. This happens every day and there are very few days when he is wrong about the time.  I guess his internal clock is like mine - I just wake up at 5:00 every morning.

Wind  Gentle breeze Blowing from the north Puffing from the south Gusting Howling No wind at all It speaks to me Telling me To come out and enjoy the coolness on a warm day Telling me To bundle up it's cold Telling me   It's warming up Telling me To batten down the hatches Telling me A storm is brewing Telling me   All is calm

Last September we got a call from our son.  Not unusual, but this was in the middle of the morning on a Friday.  Again, not unusual since he has Fridays off.  Hubby answered the phone and after the normal, hi, how are ya, he said  "get Mom on the other phone:"  At that point, I got rather concerned and wondered what was wrong (a typical things Moms do). He blurted out "I just got back from the jewelry store with a ring". I said, "As in engagement ring?"  and his response was an astounding YES.  I could tell he was just bubbling over. I had to sit down quickly, because this is something that I thought would never happen.  He has been single all of his 40 years and apparently happy.  But he has finally found the right gal and we adore her. He told us he was going to ask her that afternoon when she got home.  It wasn't two hours later and we got another call.  SHE SAID YES! When he got down on his knee, she thought he was p...

Three weeks ago we went furniture-shopping . and after much deliberation, bought a recliner and sofa with a chaise.  The furniture arrived this afternoon while I was at work, so hubby arranged it as we had discussed.  I love it!  The colors are right, it looks good in the space of the great room, is comfortable and makes me happy. Max snuggled in the "old" chair And now, the rest of the story.  In the past, Max has pretty much decided that the couch was his domain and stretched out to take up as much space as possible.  Heaven forbid that we should have company and they would sit on HIS couch.  About a month ago, he decided that hubby's recliner was also a great place to settle into.  If hubby would get up from his chair, Max would immediately jump into the chair and give hubby the evil eye.  One day hubby was ready to sit down and Max jumped up in the chair and wasn't about to move. Now, Max's frustration - Monday we moved the old couch...

Today my Dad would have been 96 years old, but he passed away almost ten years ago. He was a farmer and carpenter by trade.   He was a devote Christian and shared his love of the Lord with whoever he met.   He loved life and participated in it fully.   He enjoyed people and struck up a conversation with everyone.   He was happy-go-lucky and fun to be around.   He was a story teller.  One that I remember him telling often was when he was in high school in a study hall.  He was being somewhat disruptive and the teacher told him to go to the principal's office and to "Wipe that smile off your face, Milling".  My Dad proceeded to literally wipe the grin from his face.  The whole study hall erupted in laughter.  I'm not sure what the teacher did. He was my hero, my mentor, my encourager, my guide. He was always there for me and my family. I miss him and think of him often. Happy Birthday, Dad!

Usually we have an abundance of sunshine in the Ozarks, however, the last couple of weeks have only given us a tease of sunshine some days, other days only clouds.  I thrive on sunshine.  It is my attitude adjustment. This morning when I was getting ready for my walk with Max, Hubby said, "Better take the camera, the SUN is shining thru the clouds". And so, upon leaving the house, this is the miracle that God showed us The colors were awesome - pinks, blues and purples. Then turning to yellows and oranges. And finally, the sunrise appeared (the picture doesn't do it justice).  It's amazing how quickly my mood lightened and all was well in my little corner of the world.  Thank you, God, for the sunshine. P.S.:  The sun was actually out all day and the temps got in the 50's.  Can Spring be far away?

We've been thinking about new furniture for quite some time, but I have hesitated because I really don't know what I want.  Hubby needs a new recliner - so that is a given, but do we get a sofa and love seat, a sectional, a sofa with a chaise?  And then there is the fabric - we have a dog so it must be some type of fabric that does not attract hair.  And, of course, what color do we go with - should it be green or stay with the burgundy or do we change it all together?  So many decisions.  Usually I know what I want and when I see it, I know.  But this time around, I really don't know. So off to the furniture stores we went.  First one - a new one in town that said they had EVERYTHING - well, I'm not sure of their definition of "everything", but it was lacking in variety.  The second one was better and they had a recliner that  hubby really liked, but of course, it had a sold tag on it and no other in stock.  And, they didn't have an...

Today, I thought I'd share a little about myself and maybe in making my list, I'll find more slices. Who am I? I'm a child of God - forgiven and loved A daughter raised by two wonderful parents, who are watching over me from Heaven Wife to a wonderful husband, who you will hear more about this month Mother to two great adult kids (still kids to me) - a son, Scott, who will be getting married later this year and a daughter, Michelle (from the Literacy Learning Zone) - they too will be part of my slices this month Grandmother to twin granddaughters - you've heard about them from Michelle and me, but there will be more. Sister to one brother Aunt to many Niece I'm a Stephen Minister through our church An Office Professional (glorifed secretary) part time Reader Writer (SOL) Scrapbooker Card maker Crocheter Cross stitcher Singer And because I'm a child of God, He has blessed me with all of these gifts that make...

I have a hard time believing that it can be March already, but here it is.  A beginning - a new month, a new challenge to write every day, new thoughts, new slicers - an exciting time.  I remember last year when Michelle (Literacy Learning Zone) my daughter, encouraged me to become involved in this challenge.  I can honestly say that I was definitely nervous (and yes, somewhat intimidated) about having others read my thoughts, but after only a few days and many comments from this great community, I found myself enjoying the challenge. And so, I made it through the whole month - writing every day and then, I went on to continue writing and sharing every Tuesday.  I missed a few due to vacations, but I have found that this has become a habit and I look forward to writing, reading, commenting and sharing. So, welcome to all who are joining us this year and to those who are returning for the 2nd, 3rd ..... times. Thanks to Stacey and Ruth for hosting this challenge...