Shades of...What?

Today on the news ...who will be playing the main dude in "Shades of Grey" . On TV...on the RADIO...my kid asks..."Why are they making a movie about that?  Isn't it bad?"  That's a good question....Isn't it?  Even if you read the books and loved them.  I started the first one and didn't finish it as I was offended.  I am by no means perfect...I have so many faults and regrets that I have a vault full of them.  I have things I wish I could change about my past and my NOW.  I remember getting a hold of a book that was considered "risque" when I was a 5th grader, ha...it was nothing compared to what a kid would learn if they got a hold of a copy of Shades. And I'm sure many have.  Is this what we want our daughters and nieces to believe to be a true relationship between a man and a woman?  Is this what we want our sons and nephews to think is a man's role in love and relationship?  Granted, I didn't finish reading the book or the series, it may ;have had a lesson in it or a good story...but do we have to be so graphic in life to be entertained?  Myley Cyrus got slammed for swinging on a wrecking ball in the nude (I helped slam)...but its ok for kids moms to go on about books like Shades of Grey?  Again, I'm not judging...by no means...I just am not understanding why this is ok.  Back in the day, you could see women reading "Romance" novels...and you wondered about them...they aren't real life either...but they were a fairly innocent excape into a fantasy world, and they didn't shout from the roof tops that they read them...I guess I just don't get it...and I will be honest and tell my kids my feelings on it.  And try to teach them what a relationship between a man and a woman should be.  I was impressed that my kid got that it was bad...thank you LORD!

Roller coaster

What a day... What a week. Never truer could this cute prayer I ran across be.




Yes it's silly. But there are days that this is so true. I'm lucky that I truly believe that The Lord is the One that is truly the answer to that statement... But sometimes coffee and wine get us to the point where we can see again. ☺️ Yes I am bad, but try not to abuse it. And Jesus did turn water into the finest wine now didn't he. Wow, now that opens up thoughts and can send me in a totally different direction. He can take those not so good moments in a day. ( ok make it full days. Oh. Crud... A week) and show us blessings when we truly need them. Like the gift of flowers and a big smile from someone that I would like to get to know better, thanks Bette...the prayers helped too.




The fact that last night was such a fun night with my amazing kids. I see on Facebook parents who
Are proud of what their kids do so well and that is just wonderful. Truly. But I am so proud of my kids hearts. I'm proud of their bravery...and their caring and empathy for others. You can be the smartest and the most athletic but if you've never had to feel pain, or understand what it's like to be heartbroken, different, whatever your difference may be in life then .. Well it's just sad. Empathy can break your heart.. I know. You can be absolutely aggravated with someone but somehow find a way to love anyway...bless in spite of.. And hope for growth and the Lords will. Feeling that strongly can shut you down and make life difficult. But I can't imagine not "feeling" as strongly as I feel about people, things and ideas. I worry about those closest to me and what they think. Yes. I may seem crazy to them. But I care and love fiercely and will forgive and understand any fault. I am in no way perfect. And yes, my poor guardian angel has had to work overtime ... But God has shown me great love and forgiveness and for some reason he has saved me from myself. I pray He does that for my amazing kids and I still can't believe that they were sent to me for a time. He must love me a lot.
My mom just jumped on a plane early this morning to visit Judith in Red River. There were a few years after the kids got a little older and before the job, that I was able to tag along. It was the best of times. Trips I will never forget spent with women that I am so blessed to have in my life. Judith, I love you and hate that I'm not there with you and mom. Pretend I'm there on the sofa helping with knitting. I love you both so much. You have made a huge impact on my life and I hate that you are so far away. Hopefully we can get there this summer. Hugs. Have a great time. Remember past times and make new memories and know that I love you both.
Enough of the pity party...and the blessings party as this post has gotten way too long. But it has been cleansing...healing...and a few tears never hurt a thing. God bless whoever reads this. Rest in His arms and feel His love. And try a taste of the best wine that He created for us to share.
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Paths Cross...

I am so thankful for all of those wonderful people that I have crossed paths with in my life.  I learned at an early age that we have no control over what happens to us and that we are to take each stage in our lives and learn how to fit it in and learn from it.Not only have I learned so many lessons from others....everyone of you...now matter how brief the time was...you have made an impact on my life.  I've learned over the years that seeing the person...truly as God sees is the key...loving, understanding them in their place in their lives..in your life.  Oh my, what my life would have been without you in it!  It can't even be imagined.  Whether good or bad...its brought me to the place where I am where I should  be, who I should be and doing what I should be doing.  Looking back on the things that broke my heart...and knowing that it all has become what HE meant for it to become.  Every speck...every being, every memory...a beautiful blessing.  I  hate how I am not able to just let everyone know what they mean in the space of my life...YOU KNOW?  really...I wish I could give my memories to my husband and kids...how they would know me better..through you all.  Some things maybe I would like to tone down a bit...but maybe not.  :)  Living life in full throttle...mistakes made...lessons learned and blessings given.  Oh my glorious God...the blessings given.  You know who you are...and even if you think...maybe she isn't talking about me I didn't know her that well...I"M TALKING ABOUT YOU!  In so many ways I am...don't ever doubt the impact you have on someones life...even in the aisles of Walmart...don't doubt it!  You can choose to make an impression...good or bad...a smile a frown...a look of indifference.  If you see me frowning pop me one...truly...you are are blessing!

Birthday Wishes for Mom

Well , today is my mom's birthday and I just couldn't let it go by without saying what is in my heart. How did I manage to be so wonderfully blessed to be born to my mom some 50 odd years ago? Some of you know her as Gaye, Norma Gaye, Aunt Gaye, Mrs Bippert, Mrs Belcher, Nana and Mom...some of you don't know her at all. But let me tell you what an amazing presence she is in my life. She was there for my dad in his illness and then took on the jobs of both mother and father to my brother and I. She went back to school, got a job and gave us a great life. She cooked breakfast every morning and dinner every night. She sewed dance costumes, school clothes and prom dresses. She had a great job that took her away from home some but she always did the right thing and was always there for us. We went on vacations that I will never forget for as long as I live. She has loved my friends and treated them like they were her own. She's a wonderful cook, throws a great birthday party and is so much fun to be around. She loves deeply and will do all she can for others without asking for anything in return. She does not judge and accepts our weaknesses and for that I'm extremely grateful. She loves her grand children and goes out of her way to do for them daily. I am so thankful that she is my mom and my best friend and that even though I'm not worthy, the good Lord decided that her home was where I should be. I can't even begin to thank or re-pay her for all she has done for me in my life...but just to say. Mom, I love you and am so happy you are my mom. I hope you have a wonderful birthday, even if we are dragging you out of town for a football game instead of throwing you one of your wonderful birthday parties. Happy Birthday Mom!



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Father's Day

I'm sitting here at Port A thinking about the fact that tomorrow is Fathers Day. There are pictures going up on Facebook of my friends fathers. Some passed and missed, others still around being the great dads that they are. I have been extremely lucky in my life. At first it didn't seem so when my wonderful daddy was taken away so young...




He continues to be a blessing in my life and am so blessed to have him as my father.
The good Lord has sent other men into my life since then that I have been so thankful for. Early on after dad died a new family moved into the neighborhood. Ill never forget the first time I saw him. He showed up at our door in full beard and sun tanned skin after returning from a hunt. Woody Glasscock and his family became such an important part of our family. He is loved and missed.




Later mom met her second husband Donald through my grandmother and Papa Joe. Papa joe was Donald's dad and mom and him got together and married. Even at an older age having a new dad was such a blessing. Donald has been an amazing dad and grandpa to us. I thank The Lord everyday that he was placed in our lives.




When I finally met the man of my dreams and father to my own kids, he brought another amazing father into my life. Gerry was such a great man and I truly can't believe how lucky I am to have been considered one of his daughters. We miss him so much.




And Michael...you are an amazing husband and father. I still can't imagine what I ever did to have you come into my life. The good Lord has truly looked out for me and I am truly blessed.




The blessings just keep on coming as a few years ago Renee married a great guy that has just slipped into the role of dad so smoothly...and brought along a wonderful family. Rodney, we are so blessed to have you in our lives and we've already made some great memories.




I can't forget to mention Mitch and Papa Joe...and my grandpa Griggs, oh the memories...thank you grandma for picking so well.



Happy Fathers Day to all dads out there, those that are with God and those that are still with us. Thank you for being such good role models, playmates, and inspirations. We learn from everyone that God places in our lives and He has placed them well in mine.
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Happy Mother's Day!

Thank you God for the blessing of my children. I am still in awe of the beautiful gifts my children are. Help me to be the mom they need and the mom you want for me to be. Steer me on the right path when I fail and watch over my family. Days like this make me realize how incredibly blessed I've been in my life. There have been a lot of tough times but The Lord has always pulled me through.
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Healthy concoctions

Had to share a couple of things that I found on Pinterest and have made me feel better. Don't know how to link to Pinterest from this blog app but have the photo and link for the one. First. I read about drinking parsley water to clean out kidneys. Boil parsley in water...keep in refrigerator and drink some every day. Gets rid of all the salt and other junk that stacks up. The other was a cough remedy but the ingredients in this, especially the cayenne pepper is good for so many things its crazy.




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Duchesses and Wendy...

Life's been crazy.  April was a whirlwind and hit May head on with a trip to Corpus Christi for Buccaneer Days.  Beautiful Miss Haley King was a visiting duchess for the coronation and we had a wonderful time drinking in her charm and beauty :)  It was like a fairy tale seeing everyone so dressed up and having a great time.  Something to remember always.  Thanks Tammy and James for including us...it was a very special time and will always be a special memory for my family.  A few shots...

I've also finished a crochet projecct that I had put on the blog earlier...my Wendy blanket is done and I love it.  I actually got to use it for a nap the other day with our lovely cool weather.

I still havn't gotten photos up of the trip to St. Thomas...what's up with that?  Like I said, tired, stressed and a bit depressed...must kick that in the butt and turn it around...we can't have any of that!

Thoughts for Holy Week...

    Happy be your Easter-tide. Peace and joy with you abide,

and upon you one above, shed his blessing and his love.

 

Some days are for searching for that "something"...that cork to fill the empty spaces...The words that bring "hope" to the light, healing to the broken hearted.   Words that bring peace to those that feel there is no peace in sight.   Help to find joy where joy is hard to come by.  There are days that you wonder why we have such heartache and pain in this world.  Why we have a hard time seeing the beautiful blessings that are in our lives.  Why we can be drug so far under that we can't see and feel the blessings that are right in front of us.  Joy feels so very far away.  We dwell on the hard times, the mistakes, the why me's, the I screwed up agains...  I don't know about you but I could use a little "Easter"...a little BLESSING, a little FORGIVENESS...alot of JOY...  What in the world made God send His only Son to die for me?  For this world?  We hurt each other...we take each other for granted.  We grow hard in our hearts and we don't forgive.  We forget about the BIG ...major...unselfish LOVE that we've been given.  We've been given a clean slate...(I don't deserve it)...probably not many of us do.  We are a poor excuse for His children.  We just want more more more (like the commercial says) and just expect it to be so...to be given without anything in return.  Only with Jesus is that gift given.  And let us know...and believe in our heart of hearts that yes, we are here because it was planned...and it was planned to be good, full of joy and hope for the future.  If things are tough maybe it's so we'll see the blessings in the little things...we'll appreciate where our "help" is coming from...from whom the sacrifices have been made.  Jesus didn't have to go to the cross for us.  He had the capability to say no...not today, they aren't worth it Dad...they won't even appreciate what's been done for them.  Please God...during this HOLY WEEK , help me to see the LOVE around me...feel the PEACE you've given me...glimpse the HOPE that can come in believing in YOU, and dance for the JOY that you want me to have...that I was born to have...

Jeremiah 29:11  New International Version (NIV)     ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Isaiah 55:12 - "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." (NIV)

Thinking back...homecoming...so blessed

Tonight I'm thinking back on so many years ago.  My dad left us ( due to brain cancer on the 15th of March) 40 plus years ago..  My sweet brothers birthday is tomorrow.  yes St. Patty's Day...he'll be 49,  most people don't count each birthday as a wonderful milestone.   Unless you have a devastating loss of someone you love at such an early age.  I remember being so afraid.  That I'd loose my mom, that i wouldn't make it past 34...  It's funny what molds your life.  I have been very blessed.  yes there have been very tough times...Losing a parent at 10 years is tough... But...daddy died at 34...on March 15th...buried on March 17th...on my brother's birtday.  Yes that sucks.  Life can suck.  But through faith, love,  and perserverance....that same life can be good.  You see the people that have supported you through the years...you understand the unique way you have been raised...(by the amazingingly strong super woman strength)   Monte and I were blessed with the most amazing parents. I can't event begin to explain that.  I don't have the words.  I just know that it has been terribly difficult to live up to in my life time.  But I also know that the good Lord doesn't expect me to be compared...just to carry on the amazing lives that have carried me forward.  We (my family) has been carried by the good Lord and people that have meant so much to us...people that daddy touched in his life, people mom touched in hers. and people that I've had the great priviledge to cross paths with in my life.  I am daily blown away by the beauty and compassion that I come across daily.  I have total positive feelings toward the people in our world today. Daily I cross paths with amazing, compassionate, caring people.  yes...there are the negative aspects out there...but I know they are hurting in ways that they can't get past right now.  I've been there, felt the pain...over and over again.  I just pray that those people who need to feel the love and compassion of their savior allow HIM to come into their lives, totally wrap them in HIS arms...feel HIS comfort...HIS compassion...HIS love...  Bask in it, believe in it...be healed by it.  Totally pass it on to those you love and to those that you feel a blockage to...we are here on this earth to show love, compassion, blessings to others.  We are all here because HE chose us to be here...Yes at the same time, together, with HIM...bringing others to HIM...sharing HIM with others we love, we know, we don't know, we see at the store.  Do  it, it's your job, it's your calling...it's the reason you are put on this earth.
Love you all...especially those that are closest to me...you know who you are.

Amazing Wine...Amazing Food

Some of you may not know this...but I love wine. :)  I love good wine.  I love going to Wine Country...everything about it...  I also appreciate really good food, clean food, prepared so that you taste the real essence of what you've started with.  It's been a long time since I've been able to escape to Wine Country, but last night I was in heaven as Wine Country came to Castroville!  Don Hartford of Hartford Family Winery (facebook page)and Republic Dist. worked with Chef Lynn Oefinger at Le Chat Noir (facebook page)to bring us an amazing evening that we just don't get to experience too often.  Lynn & Monte started off by tasting the Harford Wines last week and along with Don Hartford they chose 5 to highlight with a food pairing in a 5 course meal that we experienced last night.  Lynn did an amazing job pairing the foods with the wines and Don Hartford praised  her for the great job that she did.  Mr. Hartford was amazing to listen to...how he described his wines, how he described the food with the wines and how they complemented each other.  I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved listening to him!  He was also a truly nice gentleman.  Now I didn't sit down and enjoy the meal with everyone, but I had the priviledge to help serve it.  And it really was a priviledge.  I forget how much I enjoy enabling people to have a good time...funny...I know, but I really enjoyed pouring, serving, removing dishes.  I got a taste here and there of the wonderful food, learned a little bit about how to get that wonderful panacotta out of those darn little cups!  I had my own wine glass around the corner and every one of the 5 wines was superb!  Only down side was that my feet were killing me by the end of the night...but it was worth it.  Thank you to everyone that came out...and I so wish that everyone has a chance to enjoy that kind of quality food and wine some time in their lives...even if you don't think you like wine, or that weird looking food, or whatever your preconceptions are.  Try something new in life and start off with the best...you may learn of a new kind of heaven...

Yarny Friends, Wendy, a 31 party, and welcome home Wyatt!

     I got to eat lunch with a bunch of women that I miss terribly...Funny how work can get in the way of your fun!  I've really missed them...my loosely knit wine friends...they were at mom's today and I got to sneak over and join them...get hugs...and laugh... Miss them.  Mom made a delicious lunch...salad with strawberries and a wonderful raspberry viniagrette, and a home made pot pie!  Heaven!
     Still crocheting on my Wendy Blanket...did my 60 squares and now working on the 8 rows after...then 74 squares...ugh...But it's a cheerful project and I'm enjoying it!

    We painted the bathroom...dying to get to work on the bedroom, but there seems to be other plans...funny how that happens!  Maybe when I'm supposed to be sleeping?  I'm also re-purposing an old chest of drawers...need to by some shelves and paint them...Can't wait to get the master bedroom and bath liveable again!
     Had a 31 party on Saturday.  I really enjoyed preparing for company...cooking...having a clean house...The 31 party was fun...thanks Roxanne and all that attended...Can't wait till my pretties come in.  I got some luggage type items to use on my trip in April.  And of course Ashley needed a couple of things...:)
Here are a few of the things I made...

Source: familyfreshmeals.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Source: keyingredient.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Brenda on Pinterest

...and they were all yummy...I will make them again.  Had mimosas... with fresh squeezed orange juice and a splash of Pom... and I made Lynn's Brie recipe that is to die for!  It was a good day, but I was exhausted at the end...It dawned on me that I hadn't sat down all day.
     Some really good news...Wyatt came home this week...the neighborhood is a brighter place to be with our buddy back at home...Prayers to Chesney & Weston...and all of the family.

Let's Face it...

...I need a vacation.  This week has proven it to me...I havn't been sure what day it was and what's supposed to be done...yet I'm busy every minute at work... It was 1pm before I realized I needed to eat something today.  Cucumber Salad from Pinterest...out of the frig...

Source: lesleycooks.com via Brenda on Pinterest

back to work...  Next time my head raises...a director comes in saying, I bet you want to get out of here...what time is it?  geez.  I have to get the website turned over to the new one.  Truly, or we will just lose me...somewhere, not sure where...Hiding under a lonely prom dress? (You have to know what is next on the Chamber's agenda to understand this...) Or lost in billing, paperwork, training, market trail day applications?
...ok, back to the I need a vacation theme...my family will have a vacation for Spring Break...skiing...not I...hmmmm when is mine?  On my birthday! April 10th, we will be leaving to the Virgin Islands!!!!!  Michael earned a trip...and we actually get to go!  I'm looking at photos of where we are to stay...

Pretty... I'm picturing the flight in...beautiful...

wow...really pretty, I could really getinto this trip...could this be the view from my room?

...for sure I can picture a drink in my hand...sitting in this chair...not thinking about anything except for what to do in the evening...

...beautiful!  yes...I'm thinking it will be a good time...more time on the treadmill?  Is it possiblel? to take a thinner me to the Virgin Islands?  I'll try, but if not, I'll still have a wonderful time...thinking about nothing...really...nothing...I mean it...not Wine Fest...not Missions Baseball...nothing...but having a good time...with my wonderful husband...and the great people that will be there with us!  As I write this my kids are trying on ski stuff from several years ago...thinking Michael might have to do the shopping if it all doesn't fit...I mean..its ok to pout right?   ok, just went in to check on the trying on...ha...I'm butting out!  The kids are excited...Michael loves to ski and is excited..I'm ok with it...I have all of this to look forward to...

Anybody want to party while they're skiing? lol...just kidding...really...no really...

 

 

 

 

Awesome Talent...Kathryn Legendre!

Wanted to share these beautiful songs! This young lady belongs to a "sister" of mine...daugher of Donna Tschirhart Vebrano, grand daughter of Rodney Tschirhart...so impressed with her music and voice! Awesome job...be on the look out for her!

Also, an update on my Wendy blanket...yes I changed again...no more!  Will carry on from here I promise!

Of course I had to order more yarn, and it's taking me longer to do each round...but am loving playing with all of the colors!  HERE is a link to the pattern.  I'm using Stylecraft Classic DK...loving it!

I had such good intentions ofo going to Alsatian Club for its first night...but I've talked myself into sweats, a glass of wine, and a computer instead...I promise I will stumble to the treadmill later.

Re-do

Frogged...made changes...ran out of lipstick red in the last few inches. Guess ill have to go see if I can find a match in San Antonio. I don't have the patience to wait for shipping from Deramores!


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Hi!

     Wow, How embarrassing, I can't believe how long its been since I've posted on my blog. Life has certainly been busy...work has me busy every single minute I'm there...I'm working at the Castroville Area Chamber of Commerce. Seems like one thing is past and the next is roaring up at me. I really enjoy the people I work with...directors and members so that makes it all good.
     I've finally done some knitting and crocheting again.  I've joined a CAL at the Vanna's Choice Fan Club Forum on Ravelry, I'm going a little bit different route as I wanted to use my Stylecraft DK that I had on hand and wanted to get a rainbow feeling.  I'm loving how everyone's Wendy's are turning out...here is a link to my project page for the Wendy.  The Pattern is by Wendy De Haas and can be found HERE. 

I also knit a scarf from some of my handspun for the Chamber Banquet Raffle that was held last Thursday...I failed to take good photos of it...but it got caught in a photo I took at the banquet...The Pattern is the Oh So Soft Garter Stitch Shawl by Drops Design.  Anyway, not a good picture, but hereit is in my handspun...Charlotte Hoffman won it maybe I can get a photo of her wearing it some time...Off to work I go!