Simple Pleasures Of Life!

This week has been crazy, but in the midst of all of it I realized some of the most simple things in life are what bring us joy.

This week I had a car accident and it shook me up for a couple of days. I went to rent a car only to find I had a flat tire when I went to drive it to work.

After taking care of business I laid down on the couch and fell asleep. I woke up feeling Gracie's little paw tapping me on the top of my head. As soon as she realized I was awake she ran over to her food bowl, turned her head as if saying "I'm hungry".

To some it may be nothing but it made me smile, she is so smart to wake me up and go sit by her bowl with that cute this face.

I never would have that a pet could have so much personality!

Chapter Three ~ 2011

Book Two just arrives in the mail, and it is a little smaller than the first but within it's pages are the real me. If there was any doubt of who I am or what I think.... those days are gone! :)

I have many opinions about issues of life, but the main thing that matters to me is my family. I have spent the last couple of years trying to point those I love in the right direction. I have never declared I have arrived or know everything, but one thing for sure in I can stand before God knowing I did my best. My intentions have never been to hurt anyone, I am compelled by God to speak what I believe to be true.

So, with that said I continue on the journey of life. Some love me, and some think I am intolerant, judgmental and uncaring. I have come to a place where I am okay with that.

Tomorrow is Mother's Day and it is one of the most difficult days for me emotionally. I no longer have my Mom, Dad, Grandparents or anyone older than me to point me in the right direction. Maybe that is why I feel it is so important to journal what I think and believe. Our days are limited and once we are gone all that is left is others perspective of who they think we are. In my case there will be no doubt...

In honor of my Mom I decided this week to spend a little more time outside in my little garden, and plant some seeds. Although they are natural they are symbolic of the spiritual. As we walk through our lives we can plant weeds or seeds, in either case we will reap some type of harvest. My hope is for the latter, a harvest for Christ to reflect my thankfulness of His sacrifice for me. I am forever grateful to those that have loved me unconditionally and pointed me to the truth in God's Word. We are all in need of a Savior, it's just who do we choose to serve?

Again, as I start this next journal I thank my friends and family for loving me unconditionally and allowing me to be me. :)

Sharing A Family Tradition!

Cooking Chicken and Noodles has been part of our family for a least 7 generations. During our vacation in Big Bear Bonnie and I made the famous dish with the help of Benjamin! Yummy! Of course we couldn't have done it without our taste tester Zack! LOL

My Garden, A Place Of Paradise In The Desert!

Enjoying the day with Manny planting rosemary,herbs, a lovely purple Salvia and bright orange mary golds.

Fresh air and sunshine is just what I needed today!

A Beautiful Day!

It's a beautiful day! Spring is in the air and the desert doesn't feel like it's the desert this morning. :) I opened the blinds to let the sunshine in and my roses are in bloom and the trees have the most lovely green leaves. Most people take that for granted in places like Pasadena.

It reminded me of my Mom, and how she loved her flowers. In fact this particular planter outside my living room window is one she and I would work in together. I would always have the yard work done when she was coming to visit except for this one planter. She loved to sit outside and pull the weeds and trim the flowers.

I never really understood her appreciation for flowers when I was young. But this morning I felt the pleasure she had when I lifted the blinds and saw the different colors of roses.

I miss her everyday, but she left me with an appreciation of Gods beauty in this sometimes dreary world.

So with Gracie basking in the sunshine, Manny and I are on our way to the Nursery to pick out some flowers to plant on this wonderful day God has made for us!

Big Bear Vacation!

Spending time with my family in Big Bear was a delightful time. We took too many pictures to post, but these are the highlights of the week. Cooking with Bonnie was a lot of fun! Playing in the snow, fishing and playing games are memories I will never forget. The most wonderful experience was when Zack told me he enjoyed spending time with me. It is so important as parents to know after raising your children that they will still spend their vacation with you. I love Bonnie and am so thankful for our relationship. Of course, everyone knows how I feel about my boys! LOL Then there's Manny, I am so thankful for his unconditional love for me. It is a wonderful thing to have a husband and companion that "gets me" and allows me to be me. I am blessed beyond words!