Pirate Beards

Yes, this is an amazing family. . . . who will humor their mother and actually pose for a picture in pirate beards.  So thankful for each of our kids and their spouses. . . and of course grandkids!  We are extremely thankful for every moment we get to spend together.

 

 

 

Summer

The summer sure does go by quickly.  I'm so thankful for a job in the school district.  Having a couple of months off during the summer, but knowing there is another busy schedule coming just around the corner, definitely enhances my appreciation of leisure time.   I like to be busy, but I also like to "putter".   I like to be with people, but I also need some time to myself, and I crave time with family (which is a challenge now that Woody and I are at least a long day's drive from any of our family).  I am very thankful for summer puttering and summer visiting. 

So far we have enjoyed time with my mom, time with some dear California friends, time with our kids (and grandkids) in Oregon, time with Heidi and Brady (and Sandi Patti - the dog) as they came through town on their road trip to Oregon, time working in the yard, and plenty of time puttering.  I actually just looked up the word puttering in the dictionary.  It means "to occupy oneself aimlessly, as in wasting time".  I feel like I should look for a different word now, because I believe that my time has been spent productively, and productive puttering would seem to be an oxymoron.  Oh well.  I am still going to give myself permission to continue puttering this summer.

Another blessing is that as I was struggling today with the technology of downloading pictures from my camera to my computer (should be a simple task I know), I found a file of pictures on my computer that I hadn't seen for a long time.  One thing about missing Sara is that it is such a gift to randomly come upon a picture of her, or something of hers that sparks a memory.  It's the same with special songs, funny stories, or little things I see that I know she'd like. I hope and pray I have those sparks in a constant and consistent way for the rest of my life here on this earth.  We are going to celebrate Sara's birthday in Oregon with all of the kids this year, and we will embrace all those memories as we wish we could be embracing her. 

A picture from Sara's senior year in high school

                                   

Time with Wyatt & Ellery

                                   

Time with my amazing mom

Being creative in our backyard

351.  The Happy Book - a gift from a much-loved friend

352.  Antique stores

353.  Browsing

354.  Summer rain

355.  Yard art

356.  Flowers

357.  Good books 

358.  New songs

359.  Air conditioning

360.  A comfortable home

361.  Salted caramel coffee ice cream cake

362.  Road trips

363.  The funny things children say

364.  Being honest with yourself

365.  So many daily blessings that I never want to take for granted

366.  Time to be quiet

367.  God's never-failing love, patience, & forgiveness  

368.  Learning to yield

369.  Creative outlets - like crocheting pirate beards - Pirate musical coming the end of July!                    

My goal is to number at least 1,000 gifts and blessings.  I haven't gone back and read through the first three hundred, but I'm fairly certain there are many repeats.  That's okay.  When I get to 1,000 I'll be interested to go back and see which blessings are listed over and over again.  Most of all I want to keep cultivating a thankful heart.  Not holding on to things of this world, but keeping my eyes on God, the One who provides, and finding joy in Him.   

          

                                                                               

Birthday Blessings

Yesterday was my birthday.  I had set my expectations pretty low in anticipation of the day, or even the week.  As May rolls into June the memories that flood my mind are of my birthday in June 2009 when Woody and Sara and I headed to Reno to "get Sara's knee fixed" and then spend the day celebrating with shopping and dinner.  Instead we began our journey with Sara's cancer. 

In June 2010 Sara bought a heart charm and had it engraved on one side "June 2009" and on the other side "Phil 4:13".  She was done with her year of treatment and set to move forward with her life.  She said she wanted something to always remind her of what God had brought her through, and she wore it on a bracelet.  I wear that charm now, and I will always remember.

There's a line in a song. . . ."HE gives and takes away, HE gives and takes away.  My heart will choose to say, 'Lord, blessed be Your name!"  It's hard to accept God taking Sara away, but He has given me so much.  My birthday was a great reminder of that.  Thankful list continued. . . .

331.  My parents. . . I miss my Dad. . . my mom is absolutely AMAZING!
332.  My brother and his family. . . don't get to see them much. . . love them to pieces
333.  My husband. . . such a blessing. . . and his family . . . blessings overflowing
334.  Our kids and their spouses. . . .they fill my heart
335.  Early morning phone calls
336.  Grandkids. . . oh what absolute JOY!
337.  Ellery Sara Swenson born 5/29. . . . pure preciousness!
338.  Airplanes!!
339.  Friends and family near and far. . . . gifts from God every one
340.  A job I love. . . with a staff and kids that are absolutely wonderful!
341.  Laughter with co-workers. . .even when things are hectic and crazy
342.  A ga-zillion birthday wishes and hugs from my kids at school
343.  Watching kids grow up. . . investing in their lives. . . loving them
344.  High school kids. . . graduations
345.  Flowers. . . fun pots/containers. . . watering early in the morning or late in the evening
346.  Summertime
347.  Planning musicals
348. The end of a school year
349.  Memories. . .
350.  The grace and mercy of God that gets us through each day!

. . . . . could go on and on. . . . gotta go to work. . . .second to the last day of school with kids!

Blessings in a Bucket

After 17 years of living in our house, we have finally gotten around to doing some landscaping in our backyard.  It took us a long time to figure out what we wanted to do, but now it's kind of fun to have some trees and plants out there. . . and to see which ones we can actually keep living and growing!

This weekend, I decided I needed some "containers with character" that I could fill with flowers to add some interest and color.   My dear friend has a store here in Fallon called "Blessings in a Bucket".  Besides loving the name of the shop, I just had a hunch that she would have the sort of treasures I was looking for . . . and I was not disappointed.   I think this is going to be my on-going summer project. . . . collecting containers and planting flowers! 

I also found a RED table . . . which reminded me of Sara.  It makes a perfect addition to our back porch "chair time"! 

Ellery Sara Swenson

Today is the birthday of our second grandchild and first granddaughter.  Sam and Kimberly are the proud parents of this little (actually not so little) bundle of pure joy.  Ellery was born this morning weighing 9lbs 14oz, and 22.5 inches long.  It is already evident that she will have her daddy wrapped around her little finger.  We are so thankful for her safe delivery and that both Kimberly and Ellery are doing well.  Our hearts are in Oregon tonight. . . . and our bodies will be there as soon as possible.  So blessed!

gifts. . . .

322.  Reading stories written by 1st graders
323.  First graders
324.  Spring planting
325.  Perennials that actually come back after a Nevada winter - at the Swenson's
326.  An awesome school staff who declared this week "Counselor Appreciation Week"
327.  So You Think You Can Dance - so many memories of watching this in the hospital with Sara
328.  Granddaughter Ellery Sara Swenson due May 25th - praying for safe delivery for baby and mama
329.  Craft projects
330.  Dancing in the rain 

Happy Mother's Day

I am so very thankful for my mother.  I have always hoped to grow up to be just like her. . . and that is still my hope!  Mom you are one of life's biggest blessings and you are greatly loved.  I am thankful that God has so blessed me as a daughter and also as a mom.  Sam. . . Heidi. . . Kari. . . Sara. . . all precious, precious gifts!