Consider It All Joy

Christmas In The Master

2021-11-19T09:26:00.002-08:00

Hello My Sweet Friends

Yes, it has been quite some time since I posted a new blog

However, I am ready today

After spending the past several years avoiding the

Décor of Christmas I am finally All In this year

I have started with my Master Bedroom

As you walk up to the door

You are greeted by Mr. Happy Mail

I decided to add several of my vintage

Christmas Postcards as a glimpse of what's inside

As the door opens

You are greeted by this happy old Santa

Smiling face and Rosy cheeks

Once inside you find a joyfully made bed

And Santa tree on one night table

Close up of the side table Santa tree

The opposite side of the room

Continues the Santa theme with additions of Red and White

This Metal ladder hosts several of my favorite

Red and White Throws and Quilts

Especially comfy in the winter

My vintage dresser hosts various happy pieces

Santa figurines, trees, and a fun candy vase.

My late husband's desk hosts more Santa goodies

These trees allowed for a place to hang

A few Very old sleigh bells

That belonged to my grandparents

I just LOVE them

Another Santa on his sleigh

With a couple of old handmade stackable Santa's

In the bathroom is a cute Santa boot Tree

I've added tiny wooden ornaments

For a fun kids view

My most Favorite piece in the room

Is definitely a reminder of Why we celebrate Christmas

In true Santa form

Here he is to remind us

IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS

God Bless All

AND...The Winner IS:

2021-01-31T18:38:00.004-08:00

The Winner of My first Give Away of 2021 is:

Debi

Please email/pm me your address and

I will send your gift out this week!

Congratulations Debi!

I am looking forward to getting back into the blogging world!

A Give Away

2021-01-30T17:08:00.000-08:00

Hello Hello

On My,

I cannot believe it has been 2 full years since

I have written here on this blog

Tonight, I just want to do a give away

I'm not sure What I am going to give away

But Something FUN

Just comment in the next 24 hours

And you will be entered to WIN

Blessing to you ALL

Maybe I will be Back regularly SOON....

Cindy

8

2018-12-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

It's 8:00 am

December 24, 2010

I awake to find it

A shell

A shell of a life once lived

Now gone

His spirit soars forevermore

With Christ

Alone, I sit

Tears

Somehow un~phased by the

Flurry of people in and out

My life, Ours Lives

Over

Nothing will ever be the same

Empty

And now

December 24, 2018

8 Years

The kids have grown

Moved on to Bigger

And Better Lives

You know the story

Alone Empty

I know tomorrow is Christmas

When we remember

His Love

His Birth

His Purpose

However today

I feel forgotten

Alone Forsaken

BUT

I Promise

I'm remembering the Good

The Blessings

The JOY

2018 Ornament Exchange

2018-12-17T06:46:00.000-08:00

My dear sweet friend Stephanie

The Enchanting Rose

Hosted her first Ornament Exchange

When I heard she was doing this

I knew I wanted to participate

Everything Stephanie does

Is done with Excellence

And this was no different

I was excited to meet my new friend

Anne Marie of

Musings of a Vintage Junkie

I scoped out her blog and tried

To choose items that were vintage in nature

And fit with my holiday color scheme

I think I succeeded but I forgot to take photos

Before I wrapped everything

So, here are a few I took

Once my package was wrapped and ready to sent

It was such a pleasure to receive my little package

I seldom receive 'happy mail' so this was fun

My new friend Abby is a talented crafter

I could tell when I opened the envelope

She blogs at: Little Birdie Blessings

She cut this beautiful bird out of chimney flashing

So cute

And designed this treasured advent calendar

Each day has a wonderful scripture

Printed with sweet details

The little bird hangs on ribbon

Love the hand crafted booklet

A very sweet and now treasured gift

I will always remember my first ornament exchange

Thank you Stephanie for Hosting

Thank you Anne Marie and Abby

For Participating and Being a Blessing

This Year of Letting Go

2018-12-11T18:04:00.001-08:00

It was a purposeful choice to NOT

Pick a 2018 Word of The Year

I didn't want to focus on one area of growth

I just wanted God to lead my year

Looking back, I kind of wish I had chosen a word

It is possible my year would have unfolded differently

However, Because I know God

I believe it was HIS plan to have me
Pass on a word for this year

Had I known how the year would unravel

I may have set aside HIS plan

And set out on an adventure of my own choosing

Yet, and still, HIS plan prevailed

Today, I will share a timeline of what

Would have possibly been my 2018 Word

Since Letting Go is not a single word

I'd have to go with: RELEASE

The first inkling of change came on February 3rd

I packed up and moved my youngest son to a group home

At 32 it was time for him to experience life in a new way

It's been a challenge for both of us

However, we are 10 months in

I see him every weekend for dinner

And we are surviving

Change continued only 1 week later

When my oldest son moved to Texas

To start a new job

There goes another U-Haul
Sent away with HUGS

And tear~filled farewells

From mom, his wife and three daughters

March 31, 2018

The Shop "Tillie's Attic"

Where I enjoyed a fun business venture

And grew in my creative niche: Closed!!

It seemed, at the time, I was losing everything I loved

Until, of course, the next step of Letting Go

Literally took me to my knees

My son came back for his little family
Texas or Bust her sign reads
To Texas they went

Little did I know that I would follow
A day later to sign papers for the house I bought them
So happy I was able to see their new home
And give them all more great big {{{HUGS}}}

In August was my brothers family's turn to load a U-Haul
He had been working in Texas for nearly a year
Commuting every weekend
Although we hated to see them leave
His wife and kids were thrilled to finally
Be together again

Then came the surprise of all surprises
In October mom went to Texas for a little visit
She wanted to see the RV Park my brother's family purchased
And get a feel for where so many of our family members
Had ventured off to

Well, a week into her 'visit'
My sister and I received a call
We were NOT waiting for
Mom decided to Move to Texas

My sister and I spent the next couple of weeks
Cleaning and packing moms home
Putting it up for sale
And preparing her move

Her little place in now and the market

And on December 1st
Here belongings headed for Texas

I'm not over the leaving of my kids and grands
Now my brother, his family and my mom
Are all off on their own adventures

In the midst of all these transitions
We lost 2 wonderful family members
My mom's SIL - Aunt Loretta
My SIL's mom - Cora
We miss them terribly
And are sad to have lost them to eternity
Although, They are eternally Happy

This has been a year of letting go and sorrow
YET,
It is not over

What is, I believe and pray,
The final loss of 2018 is only weeks away
But already in progress

I've held this knowledge for nearly 2 years
I've been keeping a secret until the timing was right
Not my timing, of course
But the timing for the person whose
Decision will change my life

My boss, of nearly 12 years
Has sold her Pediatric Practice
Although I have known every step of the process
She has finally told the staff and patients
She is phasing out and the new owners will
Take over December 31, 2018

I will remain employed
My job will change
(honestly, I'm not positive what I will be doing)
My salary will decrease about 30%
My heart is breaking
I do have bouts of fear and depression
I'm 60 and don't quite know what to do

God is My Source
My Refuge
My Provision
My Peace

However, being a widow
With such a year of great loss and change
I'm, quite frankly, feeling overwhelmed

Many days I get home from work
Head straight to bed
Struggling to sleep
Forcing myself to get up in the morning
Only to do it all again
All the while, just wanting
To sleep it all away

I haven't even put out a Christmas Tree
Or one single decoration

Well, that's spill the beans
Those are just the major losses
For 2018
Can't even talk about daily life ~~~

I think I may just choose a Word for 2019
Hmmm...
What shall it be?

This Eve

2018-10-23T20:28:00.001-07:00

Tonight

As I write on the eve of what will be

The beginning of my 7th decade on this earth

I ponder 60 years of life

Grateful is a word that is

Prevalent on my lips

So many wonderful memories tucked

Away in my heart

Treasured are 30 years of marriage

To a man who loved me well

Though he is missed daily

I treasure the gift of his presence

Adoption: another treasured word

Not only has God blessed my life

With two amazing sons through adoption

His love for us means we are

Adopted into His forever family

How amazing is that

Family, more precious than jewels

So many that God has placed in my life

Grateful for each and every one

I wear their love around my neck with honor

Friendships, both far and near

Grateful cannot suffice in depth of those

Whose love and faithful understanding

Have truly saved my life at times

Work/Jobs have afforded me opportunities

To live a life of comfort

But more importantly, they have blessed

My life with community and courage

The House of God

Feast or Famine, no matter the season

I believe that God's House is a Great and Mighty

Place of peace, rest and maturing

Seasons, dry, hard, dark at times

Joy-Filled as well

Yet, in all of them there are

Treasured moments of Increase and Change

Change

Oh change, always abundant in life

Never shall our lives remain in stale vapidity

Change is ever present

This year has been no different

More so than in previous years

Both children have moved away

As have my DIL and granddaughters

Leaving my home empty and devoid of warmth

A brother and his family

A momma also following suit

Gone to new adventures

But not forgotten

A business lost to rising rents

Those friends dispersed into varied locations

Change, oh crazy change

I have saved the next for tomorrow

Another change, another life decision

Ahead

Adventure or Stagnation

Where will God lead?

Will my will bow to His

Can I let go of comfort, of contentment

To allow HIS plan to unfold?

Change, oh crazy change

Where will this 7th decade take me?

No matter where it leads my prayer is that, YOU

My faithful friends

Will continue to watch God move

And join me on my next adventure!!

Recreating ... Not the Answer

2018-10-04T16:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Sweet Friends

2008

It seems like a lifetime ago

In the weeks leading up to my 50th Birthday

I challenged myself to try new things

Face some fears

And reach for far off dreams

I did Canon Balls in my pool

Played my piano daily

And vowed to stand on the edge

Of the Grand Canyon to see the sun rise

My fear of heights was No match

For my Dream to be their

I did … And so did my husband and sons

It was a time of strength, growing

And JOY

Nothing could stop me from

Embracing a new decade and enjoying life

2018

Life is so different

My husband has been with Jesus for nearly 8 years

My oldest son and his family live in Texas

My youngest son lives away in a group home

I am here … Alone …

Trying to recreate my 50

It's Not The Answer

It's taken me 40 days to realize

That I was trying to recreate a time in my life

But it is Not were I am today

I cannot go back

I cannot recreate

I desperately want to embrace 60

In the same way I did 50

Yet, I am not the same

Nor is my Life

I'm done with 60 to 60

I bought myself some flowers

After work yesterday

Just Because

I treated myself to a pedicure today

Just Because

I don't know what the next 20 days hold

I just know, It will be different

It won't be a Joy-Filled journey

To the next decade with my family

But, It Will Be...

Day {30} of 60 to 60

2018-09-24T23:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends

Welcome to Day {30}

Of my 60 days to 60

Half way there and being honest

It's been a tough few days for me

I won't bore you with details

Here are a few photos from the past 5 days

I treated myself to a post rain storm walk

Although there were no rainbows

I found the gold for the day

ADOT

Sure can come up with some fun

Highway signs

Caught the 'love' sign this week

Got my Flu Shot

Important when you work in a pediatric office

Received a new piece of AZ petrified wood

To go with the two I already had

Cleaned out my [2] sock drawers

Some sweet people received some brand new socks this week

And, I reduced my collection to only [1] drawer

However, a friend had challenged me to reduce this by 1/2

Not sure it will happen, but I'll try

Had my Sunday dinner with kiddo #2

Where did we eat this week?

Yep, Texas Roadhouse Again

He LOVES Steak

Little glimpse of the full moon

Need to learn more about my camera

Volunteer Night

Thanks for stopping by

IF you happen to think of me this week

I sure could use prayers

Blessings to YOU

Day {26} of 60 to 60

2018-09-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

An update of 3 JOYS

Today

It's only about the JOY

An unexpected mid morning text from my oldest granddaughter

Just to say Hi and I Love You

Nothing could have made my day more Joy~Filled

This Girl

I love her so...

After month's of tests and doctor appointments

Our family has confirmed that our mom is truly a CAT

She has survived a Whipple Surgery at age 70
(look it up - it's seldom survivable)

A broken hip at age 73

A stroke at age 77

A craniotomy at age 79

This summer she has been faced with the

possibility of spleen cancer

NOPE - not her

And today was receiving the results of which we were prepared

Would be early Alzheimer's or Dementia

NOPE - not her

She has evidence of 3 strokes

But NO Alzheimer's, No Dementia

Just a bit of early cognitive memory loss

We think she has MORE than 9 lives

And may just outlive us all

Thank you Jesus for a woman who taught

Her children to believe and trust in YOU

A Lovely Post Rainstorm Walk

A perfect sunset to end a beautiful day

What could be more Joy~filled

Blessings To YOU!!

Days {10} ~~ {25} of 60 to 60

2018-09-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

Hello My Friends

My goodness, instead of blogging more often

I seem to have fallen off the blog wagon

Where do the days go

Here we are (already) on day 25

Of my 60 to 60 Series

Because it has been about 2 weeks since I last posted

I will leave you today with an

Over abundance of photos

Few words

These are the things I started, accomplished

Saw, did and enjoyed over the past 14 days

My Lula Girl Spoils me Rotten

Always adding a piece of cute jewelry to my order

My God Always spoils me rotten as well

Coming home from long work days

To His creations in the yard

This week

Bunnies and Quail

It has been since February 3rd

When my youngest moved into a group home

That I have cooked anything

I finally fried a steak for myself

It was yummy

This is my new fall favorite

I'm not a coffee drinker

Or a Pumpkin Spice Girl

Just give me something with salt and sugar

Got to visit more of God's creatures

In the neighborhood

Finally finished my living room

I find great peace in this place

I even find a place to exercise

Although that happens {seldom}

Some of my favorite

Rocks, Beach Glass and Wood

One day mom asked me to bake her a cake

Always follow orders *wink*

Decorated her fall tree

She has had this for a couple of years

I get to redecorate it for each season or holiday

It's been fun for me and she enjoys it

The HUGE project over the past 2 weeks

Has been the clean out of my closet

There comes a time to just Gut and Redo

I only kept 4 or 5 purses

The rest are going to a charity that gives them

To women who are being rescued from trafficking

I only kept 2 pair of these

Plus my everyday and tennis shoes

If the charity will take these, I will donate them as well

Empty and CLEAN

Just can't get rid of Mark's special box though

Always a Project

Because I love to use tools

I made myself a Jewelry Board

5' x 3' Felt covered with hooks

I just have too much jewelry to fit in my armoire

Although I should get rid of some

I just couldn't do it

At least is doesn't take up as much room as shoes and purses

I still keep my special pieces in the armoire

And good pieces in the safe

But this is so organized and makes getting ready in the morning

So. Much. Easier.

Having gone through clothes, shoes and purses

I also went through my linens

Everything is neatly packed and labeled in these bins on the

Top shelf of my closet

Shoe/Purse cubbies are nearly empty

Clothing is hung by style

I probably unloaded 1/2 of my clothes

Wow, does it feel great!!

I'm sure you have had enough by now

I'm tired ~~ I worked so Hard - just kidding

Thanks for sharing my 60 day journey to 60

Tomorrow I take mom for her neurology appointment

Where we hope to get all the test results and answers we need

May God Bless YOU This Week

Days {5} {6} {7} {8} {9} of 60 to 60

2018-09-03T16:29:00.000-07:00

WOW

When I first decided to celebrate the 60 days

Preceding my 60th birthday

I knew I wouldn't be able to blog everyday

But I really had no intention of going nearly a week between posts

Oh Well ~~

Day {5}

I met up with a friend and received my new rocks

Purely decorative to me

Although some people would spend many $$ on them

I worked for awhile in the morning and then

Headed over to pick up my mom

So she could have her full body PET Scan done

She had not eaten all day

SO, when it was finally time for a meal

She did herself proud

Mom has always been a big eater

Although she only weight 97 lbs

But even the waiter was impressed that she finished

The Entire Burger!!

There are times I have trouble sleeping after a busy day

I picked up my crochet hook

And worked a bit on this piece when I got home

Someday ~~ I will finish this

Day {6}

Had me on the road to my mom's again

Arizona lost her long term Senator last week

This was one way they honored Senator McCain

Our ADOT team come up with some

Very creative signs during the year

Took mom in for her Oncology Visit

The results of her PET Scan and labs

Oh yeah, eating again!!

Everything was Perfect

Not signs of Cancer

Doctor Sud believes the mass they found in her spleen

Is residual scar tissue from her Whipple surgery

Almost 12 years ago

We were and continue to Celebrate

Yes - With Water

I did go home and indulge in my

Lemon Meringue pie from the night before

Day {7}

Truly this was a day about work

Having spent the previous 2 days

With mom and doctor appointments

I needed to get back to my desk

I am trying to and thinking about

Growing my hair long

At least my bangs out

It is such a struggle to figure out how to keep them out of my face

And still have my hair look decent

It may just get chopped off again

Day {8}

It actually didn't start where this photo was taken

I slept in and just relaxed a bit in the morning

My brother was in town from Texas

So, my sister, BIL, mom and I all hung out with him for the day

After I got home

I went out to my back yard and cut down my dead lemon tree

I have worked so hard to keep this thing alive since Mark's passing

But this summer just took it's toll and it died.

Sorry Mark

My brother had come back into town to pick up

Another load of items

I won't share all of the photos

But getting this golf cart onto the trailer

Was A Hoot ~ well, for those of us watching

The wheel base was much more narrow

Than the trailer panels and

Well, they had to 'rig' things to make it work

No Duck Tape was used in the process - LOL

Day {9}

I found my marbles

Although, they are not were they are supposed to be

Really, I needed to clean the jar

Again, something used for décor

I received my last couple of pieces of clothing

I had ordered

I don't think I will need anything new

For A Very Long Time

After a long week

And super long day

I was greeted in my driveway

By a baby bunny

It's momma was around as well

And 3 quail hanging out in the front yard

It was a nice treat

Although I live in the city

I certainly enjoy getting daily visits from creatures in the neighborhood

Well,

I will attempt to not keep my blogging day so spread out

But, I'm not making any promises

I'm still working toward embracing the changes in my life

And will at least share photos on Instagram

You can follow me here

Days {2} {3} {4} of 60 to 60 And Keys to Life

2018-08-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hello Sweet Friends

Tonight I will start with day 4 of my 60 to 60

My day didn't start out as planned or 'normal'

I couldn't find my work keys

Yikes!!

I think I live with my work keys more than my car/home keys

I never know when I might receive a call or text

And need to head into the office

It's just part of the job

However, I panicked when I couldn't find them this morning

I was to open the office at 7:30 and nobody else (with keys)

Would be there until 8:30

Long story short,

I called a fellow employee and stopped by her house

On my way into the office,

picked up her keys and opened the office

As I walked into my office, I opened one of my desk drawers

As I also set my purse and phone down on my desk

My phone opened to a visual of a post entitled:

What are your keys to Life?

And, my keys were lying in my desk drawer

Yep, there they were, in my desk drawer

My keys to life!!

At least a good portion of my life!! :)

Here is my take and why I started this past 3 days

Of my 60 to 60 with this:

I realized that most of the past 3 days have been about

Life, everyday, regular day life

No special events or treats

No projects being finished or worked on

Just every day life :)

Here we go!!

Day {2} of my 60 to 60

Didn't take me out of the house until 3:00 pm

I think I over did on day {1}

My body was achy and I was over tired

Didn't fall asleep until 4AM and didn't get up until noon

However, I was so happy to have dinner with son #2

Some of you were able to guess

We had a super dinner at Texas Roadhouse

Madi just LOVES steak...

We had a little shopping trip to the Wallyworld

I usually go get Madi snacks and stuff after our Sunday dinner

Came home and placed my 'bulk' trash

Out to the curb

Then in for the night

Day {3} took me to the office

For a regular day in front of my computer

I was so very sad to hear the news of one of our

Long time Arizona Senators passing away over the weekend

I was so grateful to see our local post office flag at half mass

No matter your political bent

We should all be thankful to anyone who gave so much of his life

To and for our country!

I pray for his family and friend over the next

several days and weeks

As they will need to hold their chins up

And be stoic as they go through the process of

Allowing our country to mourn this great loss

Regular life found me paying bills

Mailing packages that needed to be mailed

And praying over a special package

That will arrive at my granddaughters home tomorrow

This is the first grandchild birthday I will have missed

In the 14 years I have been a Nana

I'm so sad to miss K~Bels birthday

But pray her blessings and favor in her new life

Yep,

There are those keys in my desk drawer

Just were I left them :(

Another important key in my life

Of balance and community

Voting!!

I went to the polls today and put in my 2 cents

Again, I don't care what your political bent is

To me, it is an honor and joy to have cast my vote

In Every election since I turned 18

Because I worked in the front office today

(which is always a bit stressful for me)

I had to sneak into my office to grab a little 'protein'

During the day ~ LOL

To end this day {4}

I found 'Happy' mail in my box

Oh, yeah, it's a small package of garnets

And some beautiful oceany blue pieces of ???

To help decorate my LR, when it is complete

So, there you go, Days {2}, {3}, and {4}

In the books

Lots of 'keys' to life and understanding balance

Have a great rest of your week

I will be taking mom to a couple of important doctor

Appointments over the next two days

Hope to fill you all in of Friday

Blessings

Day {1} of 60 to 60

2018-08-25T17:44:00.002-07:00

Day {1} of my 60 days to 60

Began with me sleeping in until 8am ~ YAY

I decided to take a photo of this sign I have hanging in my bedroom

I will remind myself of these good rules for life

Motivation from my honest post last night

Took me to my dining room table

Where a brand new rug has been laying for a couple of months

It was definitely time to fix my table issue

With the help of my BIL and sister (last weekend)

I had my dresser and desk hutch moved to my living room

It has been waiting for some TLC

Which it received today

On the opposite wall

The entry area

I fluffed a few pieces that were already in place

Moving over to a corner of the room

I added a few bits and pieces from my beach cottage collection

My new rug finally found it's home

As did a couple of pieces I have received/purchased from friends

This room is not complete yet

But I made a huge start on it

And feel that my first day of 60

Has been successful

Thank you, to each of you who took the time to

Respond to yesterday's post

I will send personal replies soon

Now, I will have a bite of dinner

And relax for the evening

Thank you for sharing in my journey!

Hello from MIA and I need your input

2018-08-24T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Sweet Friends

I know I have been MIA for so many months that I'm not sure anyone is still out there.

It has been a grueling and HARD year for me.

I have not taken care of myself and put all of my energy into taking care of others and other things.

My youngest son has moved into a group home,

that was on February 3rd of this year.

I see him every weekend, take him to dinner and do a bit of shopping for his 'wants'.

He still struggles with not being here,

but he is in the best place for now.

My oldest son moved to Texas on February 10th of this year.

After commuting for several months,

his wife and daughters have now joined him.

I purchased a home for them in Mineral Wells, TX.

I made a quick trip out there in July to sign papers and

help get them settled.

Oh my how I MISS THOSE GIRLS

As I began coming to terms with being an empty nester (alone)

After 33 years of care giving for my special need son

And 10 years of care giving for my late husband

It seems my mom will need extra care and time

I have been taking her to doctor appointments almost every week

We have 2 next week and 2 the following week

There is a possibility that she may come live with me

Sometime in the future (more near than we might like)

But that is a last resort, it depends on what all the test results are

I believe my caretaking days are not over

With all that said and SO SO SO much left out

I am asking for input

In 61 days I will turn 60

As I approached 50 (a decade ago)

My life was so very different and I embraced the change

Planned many fun events and enjoyed life

Today, life is not so fun

I'm extremely tired, worn down and battle depression

To the point I have had serious thoughts that I won't share

My goal is to begin to embrace 60 with Joy

And Hopefulness instead of hopelessness

I want to celebrate the next 60 days in special ways

Here is where YOU come in

I need ideas

Ideas of what small things I can do each day to Love myself

I'm talking things that don't cost a lot of money

And don't take up tons of time (that I don't have)

Here are a few of my own ideas:

A pedicure (I haven't had one in more than a year)

A Vacation DAY for myself and NOT a doctor appointment

(I haven't had one of those in over a year either)

Go see a movie (can't remember that last time I did that)

Finish a Project or two or thirty!!!

Read a magazine - WHAT???

You can see, I have not treated myself with any love,

respect of gentleness

For more than a year,

In fact it is probably more than a decade.

I try very hard to put others needs before myself and

I believe that is good (in general)

But I am 'nearly' at my highest weight ever

Am battling anemia 'again'

Battle depression and would rather pull the covers up over my head

And stay in bed all day, than to get up an leave the house

I am in excruciating pain everyday

I take way too much Excedrin and suffer from insomnia

I MUST make some changes and I want this to be a start

60 Days to 60

What should I do??

Another Ending...

2018-03-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

My Dear Friends

Thank you for continuing to stop by

Even though I was MIA for so long

Tonight I write about another loss

Another ending in my life

Oh, it's not the most horrible kind

It's just another ending

For the past year and a half I have been

Joyfully fluffing and refilling my space

At Tillies Attic

Oh how I have enjoyed creating and filling my space

With fun and beautiful treasures

It has been a life long dream for me to be a part

Of an antique/gift shop

Therefore, it was so exciting to have joined

A fun and unique shop

Unfortunately,

The owner received word that the

Landlord doubled her rent and

Leased the space to another business without warning

So, it is will sadness

That the shop will be closing on March 30th.

My heart continues to reel from all of the life changes

I have been facing over the past several months

And now into the next few as well

I do wish God would write me a lovely letter

And tell me what HE is doing in my life

Why I am facing so many endings

And changes

However, we know that is not usually how our God works

I again pray and wait

Without answer

Hopefully

On day soon, I will be able to share Good News

Blessings to you All

Texas Called --- They Answered

2018-03-02T17:31:00.000-08:00

Well Sweet Friends

Time slips away and I've failed to update

On my Second life changing event

Honestly,

This one is hard to write and I've procrastinated

Hoping it weren't true

But first, an update on Madi

The first two weeks of his new living arrangement were tough

Lots of tears shed and many phone calls

I tried to go see him twice a week

Things have slowly gotten better

And he is definitely settling in

I go up on Sunday evenings

Take him to dinner and a bit of shopping

He calls each night at 9:00 when he gets ready for bed

It's a sweet talk and good night

I miss him but know this is what is best for this season in our lives

On to the next change

Andrew, my oldest son, accepted a job opportunity in TEXAS

He left one week after Madi moved out

February 10th

So far, he Loves his new job and is quickly adjusting

To his new life

His sweet Melissa and My 3 K's will be moving

To be with him when school is out in May

My heart is so terribly torn

I KNOW this is a great opportunity for their family

However, I can hardly wrap my head around the idea of

Them moving to Texas

Talk about an Empty Nest

I wish I had the energy to write much more

But I have been working 7 days a week

And will continue to do so until April 5th

Which will lead me to my Next life changing event

I know God is doing Something

I am just Not Sure What!!!

Do you even wish He would just Write you a Letter?

My Heart Aches........

Blessings to you All

Until I Announce my next Change *wink*

Fledging and the Empty Nest

2018-02-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

Sitting in my home office

Watching the sun shine on my 1949 pick up truck

Memories flooding back of happier times

Tear stained cheeks

Sad that this moment has arrived

But filled with gratefulness and pride because it has

Whispers early on of poor prognosis

Years of therapy and hard work

Have yielded to spreading wings

And the fledging from the nest

Yes, the youngest has fledged

And my nest is now empty

Little Madi has moved into a group home

30 miles away

I know it's not that far

However, it is a Huge move

And a major change in both of our lives

Madi has been my side kick since Mark passed

December 24, 2010

We have shared so many laughs

And shed tears of joy and sorrow

Today, Madi is hanging out in his new nest

My prayers are for safety, peace and joy

Timing is right, it's a new beginning

The first of 'several' major life changing events

That will take place for me

Over the next several months

Has happened

Although, I've been away from blogging for some time

I shall be sharing more

As the next life change

Will begin to take place next weekend

I'll share as things unfold

It's hard to live with puzzle pieces

And today, that is all I have

But, I'm excited to see all the pieces be put into place

To have a clearing understanding of what the Lord is doing

And how this picture comes together

I'll be back next week with more to the story...

Tea Cup Exchange Reveal

2017-11-08T17:34:00.002-08:00

What a joy it has been to participate in

Stephanie's

Tea Cup Exchange

For the past several years

Each time I participate I am blessed beyond measure

By the kindness and generosity of those

Who have received my name

Before I share what I received

I will share what I sent out and to whom

Deb at Garage Sale Gal

I have had the pleasure of 'knowing' (in cyberland)

Deb for a couple of years

We have exchanged Pocket Letters

And other fun goodies over time

She has been a blessing to me

And I truly have enjoying getting to know her over the years

You can check out her blog for her reveal post

This year I was especially blessed to receive a package from

Michele at The Nest at Finch Rest

She sweetly put together a delightful fall package

Because we don't get much true fall weather

Here in the desert southwest

It was a treat to receive such a gift

Everything was wrapped so beautifully

So many lovely treasures that I am enjoying daily

Well, not daily any longer because the cookies are gone

Adorable tea cup and saucer

Love the colors and the warmth

Beautiful pumpkin which has fit in nicely with my décor

Lots of pretty smells

And Decadent Tastes

Thank you Michele

For Blessing my so

With love and generosity

Thank you Stephanie for putting so much love and time

Into these fun and friendship forming parties

I have truly enjoyed them

And thank you for allowing me participate

May you all be Blessed

Until we meet again

A Few Favorites

2017-09-04T18:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Sweet Friends

It's been a long while since I last posted

No sense in trying to catch you up

Let's just say

Summer in HOT in Arizona

And my body is revolting

I had the Huge Blessing

Of traveling to San Diego

With my Dear friend

It was much needed for both of us

Here are just a few of my favorite moments

It was a joy to watch a couple of ships

Come in to port the first night we arrived

Enjoyed spending time at this cute Light House

'Old Point Loma Lighthouse'

Tried on some Conquistador Juan Cabrillo body armor

I'm wise enough to NOT share the full body photos - LOL

Visited the Beautiful and Peaceful

'Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary'

Blessed

Some Years and Better Than Others

2017-05-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

This year has been tough

Well, This Day

Today would have been our 36th wedding anniversary

But God saw differently

And I'm sad

Today, I'm lonely and tired of being so

I Never thought I'd be a widow

Never thought he'd be gone so young

I am thankful for good memories

But also and honestly bitter for all that

Could have been, but wasn't

Is that wrong?

I feel angry today

And, let down

And, abandoned

And, unworthy

And, sin~filled

And, tired

And, unloved

Nothing is different today than yesterday

But today...I just feel off

I want to scream and cry and pout

But, I had to work and be up and be mom

And, I didn't want to be

Honestly, I just Don't Want To Be

Tea Cup & Mug Exchange Reveal

2017-04-18T20:37:00.001-07:00

Hello Sweet Friends

It's time for a very special Reveal

One I look forward to twice a year

For the past three events

I have participate in Stephanie's

Tea Cup & Mug Exchange

And OH What Fun It Has Been

Stephanie Joyfully and Prayerfully

Matches participants for the exchange

You send to one person

And receive from a different person

It is Always a JOY to participate

This time my recipient was

Marilyn at Mountain Top Spice

I will let her share about her package

But it has been delightful getting to know Marilyn

And I found great joy in putting her package together

I was SO surprised when I received a lovely

Thank you package from her

How sweet are all of these delightful goodies

Thank you Marilyn for blessing me so

You never know where you will send a package

Or where your package will come from

This time both sent and received packages

Went/Came from ladies in Idaho

How Fun Is That

My package came from

Tilda at Huckleberry Stitches

Oh My how she blessed this momma heart

I opened the package to find a gift for Madi

I was shocked and blessed

A beautiful hand made tea matt and a 'to color' book mark

What a sweet surprise and blessing

The rest of the package was stuffed FULL of beauty

With an Ocean theme, everything was had picked and made

By Tilda and her two daughters

Hot Cocoa, note pad, tea towels,

fragrance sachets for home and auto

Napkins, flower seeds and a hand sewn tea matt and book mark

The Tea Cup is a lovely shade of Aqua with white

Beautifully scalloped edges that remind me of sea shells

Absolutely Perfect

I feel so spoiled!

Thank you Tilda and girls

For your kindness and tender hearts

I am enjoying getting to know you and your family

Some day I plan to go visit my brother and niece/nephews in ID

I will make sure to visit BOTH of the beautiful and kind ladies

I never know how to thank Stephanie for hosting this wonderful

Tea Cup & Mug Exchange twice yearly

She certainly could be doing many other things

But has chosen to bless each participant

Thank you Stephanie

You are A TREASURE

Blessings to ALL

Happy 81st MOM

2017-04-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends

I haven't blogged in such a long time

I almost forgot how to download, edit and upload photos

Hopefully, in the weeks ahead

I will blog more and fill you in

On where I've been and life in general

Today

I want to SAY

Happy 81st Birthday to my Mom

In the past 10+ years

This sweet lady

Has endured a

Whipple surgery

Broken Hip

Mini Stroke

Valley Fever

And something that has eaten a good bit

Of her skull away

Yet, we celebrate 81 years

With Great JOY

She has

4 Children

11 Grandchildren

12 Great Grandchildren

We had a delightful Celebration at my home on Sunday

I'm sharing just a few of my favorite photos

Cousins and Braces

Cousins and 2nd Cousins

Laughter and Silliness

Which pretty much describes our lives

Why would this be a favorite photo?

It is a reminder of:

Family, food, fellowship

Joy, blessings and Happiness

And Celebration of a life well lived

Remember that messes

Are a Symbols of LIFE

Happy Birthday Mom

Prayers for a Friend

2017-02-12T15:05:00.002-08:00

Dear Sweet Blog Friends

Sometimes there are few words

That can express our pain

We've all felt it and been there

But I cannot imagine the pain

My Dear Friend Leah is feeling today

Leah became widowed about the same time I did

That is how we met

She was very blessed to find true love again

She married Joel and together they blended their families

Within the past 2 years they have

Added 3 siblings fro Bulgaria to their family

As well as a child they had been fostering

Together, in a few short years

They have 9 children

4 of whom were orphaned and still young

Last night

My Dear Leah

Became a widow again

Joel succumbed to complications after emergency surgery

I am at a total loss for words

And especially for understanding

Here are Leah's words:

There are no words to express my thanks for the outpouring of love and prayers concerning my precious Joel! He is now in the arms of Jesus! We hurt so badly but are so thankful this "goodbye" is only temporary until we will one day be reunited in Heaven. We will still need your prayers for a long time to come but especially in a few hours when I have to share this heartbreaking news with his 4 youngest babies. #Godisstillgood

Please, if you are so inclined,

Pray for and remember Leah and her family

In the days and weeks ahead!

God Be With Them

GOD had a Plan

2017-02-08T19:41:00.001-08:00

Hello Sweet Blog Friends

Although I've been fairly sporadic in blogland of late
I have a little anniversary memory to share

10 years ago today, I announced and acted on
The most difficult decision I had ever made
Up until that point in my life

Although settling on that decision was a
Long and arduous process
I knew it was the right decision

After spending 11 years at our home church
Working as the Church Administrator for 7 years
Serving as the Women's Ministries Director for 4 years
And spending about 80% of my waking hours at the
Church for many years
The Lord directed me to quit my job

On this date 10 years ago
I thought that was all the decision would entail
I would quit my job and continue the rest of life
However, others also get to make decisions
Once I announced that I was quitting my job
Everything else was taken from me

I was asked to step down from Women's Ministries
Within 12 hours my family and I were no longer members
Of the church we had loved and served for 11 years

I spent a week in bed
Cried for hours and days
Didn't answer or take calls
This isn't the way it was supposed to be

BUT GOD
Had a Plan

'For I know what I have planned for you,' says the LORD.
'I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you.
I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.'
Jeremiah 29:11

YES!
His plan walked out over the past 10 years was
Definitely filled with hope.
Heartache and loss as well, but I see His hand in it all.

The future was not clear to us 10 years ago
The perfect job opportunity that would open up for me
Which allowed me time to truly enjoy life with Mark
Our sons and our oldest granddaughter

We didn't see the weeks and months that
Mark would spend in the hospital
My ability to be with him so much of that time
Never would have happened had the changes not been made

God had a Plan that we could not see
But stepping out in Faith solidified our walk with HIM
And strengthened our commitment to each other

Yes, there have been some very difficult and life altering
Moments in the past 10 years
Moments I'd love to change or forget
I've faced loss, sadness, loneliness
And washed my fair share of tear stained pillowcases

Yet, I would not change a moment of it
To go back to where I was 10 years ago

Being married to your job,
Your church, your ministry or
Anything else that pulls you away from
God's heart and His Plan
Is not healthy or beneficial

My heart and life are more balanced today
Because
God Had a Plan
Even though I couldn't see it at the time

Be Blessed My Friends
Enjoy 'Heart' Month