November came and went so fast and I didn't get one word in on here. Our friend Bob died on the 6th and my closest friend is a widow now. It is just so very sad and my heart hurts for Sue. She is getting through on the surface but I know how fragile she is on the inside. I am just trying to be the kind of friend she needs right now, day by day. God is so faithful in providing her the help she needs on her property and it is a great comfort to her and very humbling too. There is so much more to write about here but my words keep getting stuck.
December 1st was Corky's birthday and the 3rd was Hannah's 4th so we had a party for both of them on Saturday afternoon. We have been trying to get her to try new foods and her excuse has always been "When I am 4 I will do it." She walked in the house and quickly told me she wasn't ready to be 4 yet, maybe a few more days:) I told her that even if she wasn't ready to try new things that she was still 4. Got a big smile out of that:) It was a great afternoon without one family bloop and around here that is big!!
Things in my mouth have been moving along at a fast pace and last week I got 6 of my new permanent crowns in my mouth. More to come this week and I am getting so excited to get all the spaces filled in. Praying that the implant places are healing up as my bone density these days is almost non existent. Corky is getting his impressions done after work today at the dentist so we are just buzzing along. It will all be worth it in the end. Lots of smiles.
I am excited to get my tree this week and get it looking like Christmas around here. The weather has been changing here at the coast and the cold is setting in. Lots of fires to keep us toasty as there is no heat in the house:) I am loving the change and bundling up. We have so much to be thankful for as the Lord is blessing us so abundantly. We don't deserve it but He is so faithful.
Isaac will be here soon so I will close for now and get set up for his school work. I hope everyone has a blessed Monday and week ahead.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Monday, December 5, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Another week has flown by and I need to run faster to keep up.....
This past week was a blur at times. Went to the dentist on Wednesday and during my 3 1/2 hour appt, had three implants and two bone grafts. I discovered I am not as tough as I once was. I woke up Thursday morning looking like someone used my face for a punching bag. My mouth was on fire too:( I am over the shame of it's condition and am hesitant but happy to say I am getting excited. So far, all work has been done on the upper teeth and nothing visible to the eye yet. All an inside job for the teeth that will bring my smile back to me. It truly is a challenge to the dear dentist who is trying to figure things out for me. But I trust him and that is not an easy thing for me to do, trust anyone. God is teaching me some valuable lessons here in my mouth and heart. I am finally friends with my mouth again this morning:) I go back this Wednesday to get stitches out and see how things have been healing. Corky has his appt. Wednesday too and he is going to be sore when it's done too. I am glad we are doing it together so we can encourage eachother.
The guys worked on the school house again this weekend and the rafters are on the roof and the outside walls are sheeted. It is looking so good, snuggled into their yard. I will definitely post pictures when it is complete. Erin and I can hardly wait for the shingles to be on, all the way around the outside and window boxes under the windows:) It is so exciting to share our knowledge of construction with our grandkids. They both will be schooled in this little room for many years to come. Watching Corky and Josh working hard on this makes my heart so proud and Isaac helping out is the icing on the cake:)
I did not get down to see Sue this week but Bob is in the hospital after experiencing too much pain on Saturday. It turned out to be his pancreas that is thrashed from the cancer that has taken over his body. Bob has always been negative and moody for as long as we have known him, 45 years. But now it is ten times worse because of the fear inside him and it's effect on Sue. Her patience has always been thin with him but now it seems to be non existent. They are both so stubborn and proud and time is running out with the sun rapidly setting on their marriage. I have been praying that God opens doors and helps them to restore their love to some extent before it is too late. Sue can also be a hard cookie to get along with unless you know her heart as I do. This is tough all the way around and has Corky and I talking to eachother constantly about our love for eachother, especially now. We have been blessed with trials through our marriage that have made us stronger and closer. It feels like a dress rehearsal for our lives and the future that is before us and it scares me. I never thought I would live to be 63 and still feel like 35 in my heart. I am just so thankful that we know the Lord and He has us in His hands. Bob and Sue have this assurance too. Just praying for both of their hearts to soften towards eachother.
Hannah will be here today and we are going to work in the yard together. The weather has been cooling off and we have had coastal fog lasting half the day for over a week now. I love this time of year and cooler weather. I can't believe October is almost over and Thanksgiving is a month away. This is usually my hybernation time of the year, but not this year. Too much is going on and I need to stay present in body and spirit for many reasons. I still feel young in my mind and just wish I had back the energy to match. Don't we all? Have a wonderful day if you are reading this. I miss you guys but that's what I get for deserting my blog for so long:(
Love and Hugs, Laurie
The guys worked on the school house again this weekend and the rafters are on the roof and the outside walls are sheeted. It is looking so good, snuggled into their yard. I will definitely post pictures when it is complete. Erin and I can hardly wait for the shingles to be on, all the way around the outside and window boxes under the windows:) It is so exciting to share our knowledge of construction with our grandkids. They both will be schooled in this little room for many years to come. Watching Corky and Josh working hard on this makes my heart so proud and Isaac helping out is the icing on the cake:)
I did not get down to see Sue this week but Bob is in the hospital after experiencing too much pain on Saturday. It turned out to be his pancreas that is thrashed from the cancer that has taken over his body. Bob has always been negative and moody for as long as we have known him, 45 years. But now it is ten times worse because of the fear inside him and it's effect on Sue. Her patience has always been thin with him but now it seems to be non existent. They are both so stubborn and proud and time is running out with the sun rapidly setting on their marriage. I have been praying that God opens doors and helps them to restore their love to some extent before it is too late. Sue can also be a hard cookie to get along with unless you know her heart as I do. This is tough all the way around and has Corky and I talking to eachother constantly about our love for eachother, especially now. We have been blessed with trials through our marriage that have made us stronger and closer. It feels like a dress rehearsal for our lives and the future that is before us and it scares me. I never thought I would live to be 63 and still feel like 35 in my heart. I am just so thankful that we know the Lord and He has us in His hands. Bob and Sue have this assurance too. Just praying for both of their hearts to soften towards eachother.
Hannah will be here today and we are going to work in the yard together. The weather has been cooling off and we have had coastal fog lasting half the day for over a week now. I love this time of year and cooler weather. I can't believe October is almost over and Thanksgiving is a month away. This is usually my hybernation time of the year, but not this year. Too much is going on and I need to stay present in body and spirit for many reasons. I still feel young in my mind and just wish I had back the energy to match. Don't we all? Have a wonderful day if you are reading this. I miss you guys but that's what I get for deserting my blog for so long:(
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
A One Room Schoolhouse, A Fog Horn and A Flood Of Memories...
My grandkids are being home schooled and a little 12'x14' school room is being built in their back yard. Grandpa and Josh are building it and Saturday, all 4 walls were framed up and secured in place. Josh is an accountant now but when he was Isaacs age, he and his brother went to work with Corky over summer break and earned money cleaning up on the jobsites. Over the years they learned how to frame and build things, use the power tools and learn about working for their money. Isaac was so excited to help with keeping the site clean and of course hoarding cut off ends of wood and lots of nails to build the things only his little mind knows. He is an inventor you know. My heart was overflowing with pride to be watching three generations of my guys working together.:)
I was there to play with the kids and give mom the day to clean her house so Hannah and I did manicures and pedicures and had so much fun. Of course she was so happy with hers that she had to change clothes 4 times while I was there because all her clothes "matched" with her fingers and toes. While she was sitting on the patio table with her feet on my knees, her little hands were free to move about. She stroked my hair and checked out my earrings, tickling my face with those little fingers and said "Gramma, I love these earrings you wear, the dolphins are so pretty." I have had them forever, my Sissy, Corky's sister gave them to me for my birthday long ago one March. I am a Pisces and so is she and so is Erin (mom). Hannah loves my jade necklace too. She is so gentle with my jewelry and sees it on me all the time. These are things I will pass on to her when I am gone. A tradition starts as I did not have these special things from my childhood handed down to me. Way too long a story to get into right now. We dressed her dollies and Isaac took a work break to join us and take apart a Kodak Easy Share camera that had broken. The three of us had great conversations at the table while the guys worked on and mom continued cleaning:)
This is not your ordinary school room that is being built. Erin showed me the book she got her inspiration from. It honestly is my dream garden cottage I have always wanted to have in my garden!! It will be shingled all the way around and window boxes with flowers, dutch door, on and on, my perfect garden shed:) Our labor of love we gladly help with for the two most special little people in our lives. This is such a wonderful and rewarding time in our lives together:)
I mentioned the fog horn because it is still dark out this morning and with the window open in my office as I sit here, I hear the fog horn down the hill at the harbor. I love this time of year when we get our seasons with the ocean. You can smell the sea in the air up here and it is magical. I love to watch the fog roll up the street and through the yards, it is moist and wonderful and so full of life. I don't really like driving in it as it makes people crazy on the roads, but I love it.
Sunday we went to Bob and Sues and it was a great day with friends. They have 4 acres about an hour south of us and inland. Sue loves horses and has two of them. She is my horse friend:) She is trying to get more stables built so she can board horses and help meet the mortgage since Bob is dying and no longer bringing in an income. She found some pipe she needed on craigs list so we went in search of the property so she could pay the guy and arrange delivery. Corky stayed with Bob as he cannot be left alone. Another old friend Steve stopped by just in time so Corky had extra company and help. With Google directions we managed to get ourselves lost for over an hour, out in the boonies, street signs faded out from the sun. Memories started flooding in my mind as she apologized for wasting my Sunday afternoon getting lost. Over the past 41 years of our friendship, we have gotten lost too many times to keep count. I can't think of one person I love to get lost with more than her. I told her and the memories started pouring out. I loved the smile on her face that broke the fear on her face of such a sad and unimaginable future unfolding in life right now. We raised our sons together, riding in cars with hardly any brakes, the boys loose in the back seat, no carseats back then and we had to agree that God had his angels surrounding us in those days as always:) HE has always been the glue that binds our friendship through all of the ups and downs we have experienced personally. Our pride has always been the thing that got in the way but not anymore. God has been working on all of us with this and it is a blessing to be obedient to HIS gentle discipline. Such a long time to learn this but HE truly closes the gaps of time that our pride had stolen. And HE does it quick and instant.
Before we left I showed Sue pictures of my grandkids. I am getting better at realizing that she won't be a grandma, so her horses are her babies like my grandkids are to me. I am okay with that but wanted to put precious faces to the precious little people in my life. I think you have to be a grandma to really get it. I get that now. The most important thing right now is that our friendship is back on track and will stay on track. No room for pride anymore. My closest friends husband is dying and I want to be here for her, whatever she needs me to do to help her through. I seem to bring out the tears in her more often these days but she says it's all good, keeping it real as it happens. I want to share her pain and burden, it's the least I can do.
When I count my blessings I lose count so I just keep thanking the Lord for all that HE continues blessing us with because of HIS love for us.
It feels good to get things out here. It has been too long and I feel it is not entertaining to readers like you but if anyone still visits me:), I really miss and appreciate you.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
I was there to play with the kids and give mom the day to clean her house so Hannah and I did manicures and pedicures and had so much fun. Of course she was so happy with hers that she had to change clothes 4 times while I was there because all her clothes "matched" with her fingers and toes. While she was sitting on the patio table with her feet on my knees, her little hands were free to move about. She stroked my hair and checked out my earrings, tickling my face with those little fingers and said "Gramma, I love these earrings you wear, the dolphins are so pretty." I have had them forever, my Sissy, Corky's sister gave them to me for my birthday long ago one March. I am a Pisces and so is she and so is Erin (mom). Hannah loves my jade necklace too. She is so gentle with my jewelry and sees it on me all the time. These are things I will pass on to her when I am gone. A tradition starts as I did not have these special things from my childhood handed down to me. Way too long a story to get into right now. We dressed her dollies and Isaac took a work break to join us and take apart a Kodak Easy Share camera that had broken. The three of us had great conversations at the table while the guys worked on and mom continued cleaning:)
This is not your ordinary school room that is being built. Erin showed me the book she got her inspiration from. It honestly is my dream garden cottage I have always wanted to have in my garden!! It will be shingled all the way around and window boxes with flowers, dutch door, on and on, my perfect garden shed:) Our labor of love we gladly help with for the two most special little people in our lives. This is such a wonderful and rewarding time in our lives together:)
I mentioned the fog horn because it is still dark out this morning and with the window open in my office as I sit here, I hear the fog horn down the hill at the harbor. I love this time of year when we get our seasons with the ocean. You can smell the sea in the air up here and it is magical. I love to watch the fog roll up the street and through the yards, it is moist and wonderful and so full of life. I don't really like driving in it as it makes people crazy on the roads, but I love it.
Sunday we went to Bob and Sues and it was a great day with friends. They have 4 acres about an hour south of us and inland. Sue loves horses and has two of them. She is my horse friend:) She is trying to get more stables built so she can board horses and help meet the mortgage since Bob is dying and no longer bringing in an income. She found some pipe she needed on craigs list so we went in search of the property so she could pay the guy and arrange delivery. Corky stayed with Bob as he cannot be left alone. Another old friend Steve stopped by just in time so Corky had extra company and help. With Google directions we managed to get ourselves lost for over an hour, out in the boonies, street signs faded out from the sun. Memories started flooding in my mind as she apologized for wasting my Sunday afternoon getting lost. Over the past 41 years of our friendship, we have gotten lost too many times to keep count. I can't think of one person I love to get lost with more than her. I told her and the memories started pouring out. I loved the smile on her face that broke the fear on her face of such a sad and unimaginable future unfolding in life right now. We raised our sons together, riding in cars with hardly any brakes, the boys loose in the back seat, no carseats back then and we had to agree that God had his angels surrounding us in those days as always:) HE has always been the glue that binds our friendship through all of the ups and downs we have experienced personally. Our pride has always been the thing that got in the way but not anymore. God has been working on all of us with this and it is a blessing to be obedient to HIS gentle discipline. Such a long time to learn this but HE truly closes the gaps of time that our pride had stolen. And HE does it quick and instant.
Before we left I showed Sue pictures of my grandkids. I am getting better at realizing that she won't be a grandma, so her horses are her babies like my grandkids are to me. I am okay with that but wanted to put precious faces to the precious little people in my life. I think you have to be a grandma to really get it. I get that now. The most important thing right now is that our friendship is back on track and will stay on track. No room for pride anymore. My closest friends husband is dying and I want to be here for her, whatever she needs me to do to help her through. I seem to bring out the tears in her more often these days but she says it's all good, keeping it real as it happens. I want to share her pain and burden, it's the least I can do.
When I count my blessings I lose count so I just keep thanking the Lord for all that HE continues blessing us with because of HIS love for us.
It feels good to get things out here. It has been too long and I feel it is not entertaining to readers like you but if anyone still visits me:), I really miss and appreciate you.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
There Is No Restoration Like God's Restoration....
As I had said in my last post that got sent into cyberspace, God has been working on my pride and I am so thankful to be obedient to his small and still voice. Corky and I went to visit Bob and Sue on Saturday and it was such a beautiful sunny day spent with the best of friends. I had told Sue that we were scared to see Bob in such a frail state but God would get there before us. He is frail and hasn't been able to eat in over a month and keep anything down. I baked him his favorite cookies of mine and told him he could just smell them if he wanted. There were many hugs and smiles and tears and God's peace and comfort and unconditional love. The day was perfect and I just listened to Sue's heart, her fears, hopes, needs. God had closed the time in between and it was wonderful.
Sue emailed me to let me know Bob has eaten two cookies each day and kept them down.:) He is also able to eat some small portions of food and keep them down too. I am thanking the Lord for this small step. Yes, the cancer will take Bob but starving to death is just plain not right. I just looked up from my desk and have this scripture written on a post it: Proverbs 16:9, In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
We are going back down this Sunday to watch the Nascar race together and just hang out for the day. I am making a mental list of the things that they need done around their property and what we can do to help get it done. Eric stopped in on them shortly after we had left and offered his help too. They were so excited and surprised to see him. I am proud of him for following his heart that has been buried under so much turmoil since the beginning of this year.
I have so much more I want to write about this but will wait for another post. Isaac and Hannah are doing great and they keep so much joy buzzing in my heart constantly. They are my true treasures and so is Corky.
I am so thankful for God's discipline in my life right now. Obedience is a humbling and necessary step in this walk of life. HIS restoration is so precious.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Sue emailed me to let me know Bob has eaten two cookies each day and kept them down.:) He is also able to eat some small portions of food and keep them down too. I am thanking the Lord for this small step. Yes, the cancer will take Bob but starving to death is just plain not right. I just looked up from my desk and have this scripture written on a post it: Proverbs 16:9, In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
We are going back down this Sunday to watch the Nascar race together and just hang out for the day. I am making a mental list of the things that they need done around their property and what we can do to help get it done. Eric stopped in on them shortly after we had left and offered his help too. They were so excited and surprised to see him. I am proud of him for following his heart that has been buried under so much turmoil since the beginning of this year.
I have so much more I want to write about this but will wait for another post. Isaac and Hannah are doing great and they keep so much joy buzzing in my heart constantly. They are my true treasures and so is Corky.
I am so thankful for God's discipline in my life right now. Obedience is a humbling and necessary step in this walk of life. HIS restoration is so precious.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Another Month Has Flown By............
Okay, so I am only getting in my second post in March here but I am trying to get better. So far this year has been a blender of ups and downs and many emotions. I choose to focus on the ups and the good things.
My yards are starting to come around again after the major mess up and clean up. I am so glad it is Spring, rain or shine, Spring. Working in the yards has been such good therapy for my soul and it is much needed. The jasmine is exploding all over the yards and the smell is just heavenly everywhere I go. Orchids are blooming and are so beautiful. Freesias blooming and smelling wonderful and all the tropicals are happy. I love hydrangeas and they seem to love the lack of direct sun in my yards. I got brave and really pruned them back as God has been pruning me back and I have to say they needed that just as I have needed it. My fushias are crazy and all grow into trees for lack of sun. The hummingbirds love them and are back in full force buzzing around the yard. My garden is not structured. It dictates what it's going to do and I follow it's lead. Our soil is clay, the kind you build adobe houses with and I have lost hundreds of bulbs to the abyss of clay. So they get planted in containers so I can keep track of them. I need to start taking and posting pictures again but I think I have forgotten how:(
Corky is back on working days and it is so good to have him home and spend time in the evenings again. This next week will be hell on wheels for him as he is getting a $5 million job finished. His boss asked him if he would postpone our vacation for a week to get this done and offered him $10,000 as incentive. Corky would have done it for free but hey, why not get rewarded for it too? Yes, we will pay taxes on it but it is a blessing. We had no plans except to go up to the redwoods for a few days to spend time with dear friends and just hang out. The rest of the time is just relaxing and enjoying the grandkids when they are here. Yesterday they were both here and Grandpa's heart was full to overflowing. He has barely seen them these past five months. My heart just melted watching the three of them yesterday!
We baked cookie cake, their absolute "sugar high" of choice. I measured, the kids mixed the dry ingredients and Corky mixed it. It is the family favorite for generations here. It had ten more minutes of baking when Daddy got here to pick them up and he gladly waited for it to cool before cutting into it and going home:)
I have a few prayer requests and would appreciate your prayers.
1. Sweet Kelli is so close to getting the kidney she so desperately needs and my heart is just so heavy for her and all she has been through. I love this girl whom I have never met and want Gods best for her now.
2. Eric is struggling and could use prayers. It is so hard to watch him fight with himself and not realize that he is his own worst enemy. He probably learned that from me as I am still my own worst enemy at times. I just want him to experience Gods peace in his life.
3. Annabel is in the hospital again and needs His healing touch. This little girl is one tough cookie and she humbles me. She and Cathy need our prayers.
4. Corky needs our prayers to get through this next week without losing his mind to stress. He is such a faithful employee and this company relies on his strength to get things done. He is a wonderful man and husband:)
5. Me, you can pray however you'd like for me to continue to rise above the depression and keep my ear in tune with what God wants me to hear and learn in this season.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone and thank you for visiting me. I love you all.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
My yards are starting to come around again after the major mess up and clean up. I am so glad it is Spring, rain or shine, Spring. Working in the yards has been such good therapy for my soul and it is much needed. The jasmine is exploding all over the yards and the smell is just heavenly everywhere I go. Orchids are blooming and are so beautiful. Freesias blooming and smelling wonderful and all the tropicals are happy. I love hydrangeas and they seem to love the lack of direct sun in my yards. I got brave and really pruned them back as God has been pruning me back and I have to say they needed that just as I have needed it. My fushias are crazy and all grow into trees for lack of sun. The hummingbirds love them and are back in full force buzzing around the yard. My garden is not structured. It dictates what it's going to do and I follow it's lead. Our soil is clay, the kind you build adobe houses with and I have lost hundreds of bulbs to the abyss of clay. So they get planted in containers so I can keep track of them. I need to start taking and posting pictures again but I think I have forgotten how:(
Corky is back on working days and it is so good to have him home and spend time in the evenings again. This next week will be hell on wheels for him as he is getting a $5 million job finished. His boss asked him if he would postpone our vacation for a week to get this done and offered him $10,000 as incentive. Corky would have done it for free but hey, why not get rewarded for it too? Yes, we will pay taxes on it but it is a blessing. We had no plans except to go up to the redwoods for a few days to spend time with dear friends and just hang out. The rest of the time is just relaxing and enjoying the grandkids when they are here. Yesterday they were both here and Grandpa's heart was full to overflowing. He has barely seen them these past five months. My heart just melted watching the three of them yesterday!
We baked cookie cake, their absolute "sugar high" of choice. I measured, the kids mixed the dry ingredients and Corky mixed it. It is the family favorite for generations here. It had ten more minutes of baking when Daddy got here to pick them up and he gladly waited for it to cool before cutting into it and going home:)
I have a few prayer requests and would appreciate your prayers.
1. Sweet Kelli is so close to getting the kidney she so desperately needs and my heart is just so heavy for her and all she has been through. I love this girl whom I have never met and want Gods best for her now.
2. Eric is struggling and could use prayers. It is so hard to watch him fight with himself and not realize that he is his own worst enemy. He probably learned that from me as I am still my own worst enemy at times. I just want him to experience Gods peace in his life.
3. Annabel is in the hospital again and needs His healing touch. This little girl is one tough cookie and she humbles me. She and Cathy need our prayers.
4. Corky needs our prayers to get through this next week without losing his mind to stress. He is such a faithful employee and this company relies on his strength to get things done. He is a wonderful man and husband:)
5. Me, you can pray however you'd like for me to continue to rise above the depression and keep my ear in tune with what God wants me to hear and learn in this season.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone and thank you for visiting me. I love you all.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Sunday, March 6, 2011
~Happy Birthday Blessings Today ~
It has been a great weekend and birthday today. Corky had told me to get whatever I wanted and cost didn't matter:) Hmmm. Friday I brought home my second adopted cat from the shelter. She grabbed my leg when I walked by and just chatted her heart out to me. She is about 2 years old and is a fluffy black and white Tuxedo girl, with the most precious face ever. And she stole my heart. She was free because she had a seizure when she first came in and broke her leg in the bars of the cage. She is all better now but will be on seizure meds for the rest of her life. She also came with a $400.00 credit towards the future vets costs or meds. She is a lover and Isaac went with me to pick her up. He was so stoked:) After observing her personality since Friday afternoon, her name is Zipper, like the flying bug in the Rescue Rangers with Chip & Dale and the crew. It is amazing the peace she has brought to our home. We are cat people and I am a cat girl through and through. They are my therapy always. Her effect on Eric has been amazing. He is missing his two cats so much too but doesn't get to love on them anymore. Zipper is my free birthday gift and she loves everyone here. A great gift for sure.
Speaking of Eric, he is working on rebuilding the backyard room. Insulation, drywall, new door that he is making into a dutch door (yay) and new roof. It was a mess out there and lots of water damage. All of the junk stored in it for years is now stacked in the yard that is waiting for Spring. I am working around it and know it will be so great when it's done. We can use it for a guest house after he is back on his feet. He is in his element when he is working construction. He has been more at peace these past three or four days and I am so thankful for the prayers that I know are covering this. When he is all done I will paint the inside and outside and get my landscape put back together. I want to paint the outside aqua or turquoise and keep the inside light. We bought all the materials and our labor is free:) Call it room and board and I am happy.
Thursday when Hannah and I were hiding under cover from the bears and snuggling and wrestling, my gold chain with my very special piece of jade broke and the jade fell off somewhere. My heart sunk. Corky bought me this back in 1995 on Mothers Day when I was visiting him in Taiwan where he was working. It was the Mothers Day when the boys birthday falls on Mothers Day Sunday. It has a lot of sentiment to me. Eric searched and Hannah got down on her precious hands and knees to look for it. Eric found it and I could breathe again. Hannah has loved my jade necklace since she was about 4 months old. I never take it off. She is always careful in handling it when she is snuggling. She will get this when she is older:)
Speaking of older, I still don't know what 63 is supposed to feel like now that it is my age. It sure is evident in my body but my heart feels so young when I count my blessings over these years. I thank God every morning when I open my eyes and find myself still here and next to my heart and soul mate. It is a comfort that I have been blessed with that scares me so much sometimes. I don't want to think of losing my best half if it was to be God's will. Out of my hands and in His.
Hannah will be here tomorrow and get to love on the new cat while Isaac is in school. She will tell him all about it when she gets home tomorrow, as he told her about getting to go pick her up with me. They are so funny about the ownership they feel over our house and all who live here:) I wouldn't have it any other way. They also called this morning and sang Happy Birthday to me. Melted my heart. So this day has been a very blessed one for me all the way around and the sun was out like Spring too. I am slowly but surely adjusting to all the things going on right now and I am content with it.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Speaking of Eric, he is working on rebuilding the backyard room. Insulation, drywall, new door that he is making into a dutch door (yay) and new roof. It was a mess out there and lots of water damage. All of the junk stored in it for years is now stacked in the yard that is waiting for Spring. I am working around it and know it will be so great when it's done. We can use it for a guest house after he is back on his feet. He is in his element when he is working construction. He has been more at peace these past three or four days and I am so thankful for the prayers that I know are covering this. When he is all done I will paint the inside and outside and get my landscape put back together. I want to paint the outside aqua or turquoise and keep the inside light. We bought all the materials and our labor is free:) Call it room and board and I am happy.
Thursday when Hannah and I were hiding under cover from the bears and snuggling and wrestling, my gold chain with my very special piece of jade broke and the jade fell off somewhere. My heart sunk. Corky bought me this back in 1995 on Mothers Day when I was visiting him in Taiwan where he was working. It was the Mothers Day when the boys birthday falls on Mothers Day Sunday. It has a lot of sentiment to me. Eric searched and Hannah got down on her precious hands and knees to look for it. Eric found it and I could breathe again. Hannah has loved my jade necklace since she was about 4 months old. I never take it off. She is always careful in handling it when she is snuggling. She will get this when she is older:)
Speaking of older, I still don't know what 63 is supposed to feel like now that it is my age. It sure is evident in my body but my heart feels so young when I count my blessings over these years. I thank God every morning when I open my eyes and find myself still here and next to my heart and soul mate. It is a comfort that I have been blessed with that scares me so much sometimes. I don't want to think of losing my best half if it was to be God's will. Out of my hands and in His.
Hannah will be here tomorrow and get to love on the new cat while Isaac is in school. She will tell him all about it when she gets home tomorrow, as he told her about getting to go pick her up with me. They are so funny about the ownership they feel over our house and all who live here:) I wouldn't have it any other way. They also called this morning and sang Happy Birthday to me. Melted my heart. So this day has been a very blessed one for me all the way around and the sun was out like Spring too. I am slowly but surely adjusting to all the things going on right now and I am content with it.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
It Is Now March And Spring Is Right Around The Corner.
Wow, September was my last time of posting and I have no excuses except life getting in the way.
Things here are very tense and I find myself running around to find the joy that gets me through. The tension started Christmas night as Corky said something to my grandkids mom regarding who's house she was in and a conversation across the room that she had no business voicing an opinion in. She gathered up the kids and my son and left in tears of frustration. I did not see Isaac and Hannah until a week later when Isaac had his tonsils out. I went to his house to see them three or four times. No mention was made about them coming here and everytime I asked, an excuse was given. A poor excuse at that. It wasn't until the middle of February that she announced her new schedule for the kids. Hannah for 4 hours on Mondays. None for Isaac until I mentioned that I would pick him up from school on Fridays and he could spend some time with me until his dad picked him up after work. After over ten years of not crying once, I was in tears and feeling punished for something I did not do. I have settled in on this new schedule for now as there is nothing I can do.
After the new year, my other sons wife told him to leave and she was divorcing him. It hasn't even been a full three year marriage. He had lost his job and was on unemployment, still is and she reminded him of it daily. Construction is still at a standstill here in California as it is so many other places. He was told a year ago that she no longer loved him. This is her second divorce and she never let him deal with the teenager who was arrested for selling drugs, drove their new family car without even having a license and the car burned up, totalled. He stole checks from Eric and forged them for over $500 and was told to not get on the kid for it. The kid is now 18 and on probation and still screwing up. Eric is no angel, has a drug problem himself and dealing with rejection and failure of his marriage. To be honest here, Corky and I felt it was doomed before it ever started and we don't believe in divorce. So now Eric is living back at home here and I am sure feels like a total loser. He brought a lot of this on himself and is in denial that it is over. Lots of anger outbursts and tension in our home that was so peaceful before Christmas. Top all that off with the grandkids mom already having an attitude problem with her husbands twin brother and I feel this is what changed the kids schedule in coming here besides Corky politely putting her in her place. There is too much testosterone floating around in this house right now. And Corky hasn't seen Isaac and Hannah since Christmas. He has been working until 11:00 pm for the past four months and is now back on regular hours, thank God. These are all things that have kept me from posting here because I am ashamed and feel like a bad mom at times. But I need prayer so I am posting in case anyone still checks in. I don't blame you if you don't. My heart feels like it weighs a ton most days and I am able to find nuggets of joy to keep me going. I have to keep reminding myself that my sons problems are his own and I can't fix it. I have to tune out the ranting and raging until it gets personal and disrespectful and then I have to stand up for myself. My heart breaks for him and yet I want to just haul off and bitch slap him when he won't stop ranting. He used to be my baby that I never thought would face these times but here we are in March 2011 and it is happening. We never stop being moms no matter how old our babies get. My twins will be 40 in May. God is teaching me things that I needed to learn and I am focusing on these things. I just miss a peace filled house and Corky and I being alone together. We are doing fine and talking a lot about not enabling our son. Until his veil of denial drops, his life is going to just suck for him.
I am so thankful Spring is coming and none too soon. I come out of hybernation after a long winter but this winter I have not been able to restore myself with hybernation. I am exhausted. I know God is working and I am doing my best to listen when He speaks to my heart. It is hard to walk a fine line when both sides are screaming at me. So there you have it, the reason I have been away from the one place I can be myself and get prayers.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Things here are very tense and I find myself running around to find the joy that gets me through. The tension started Christmas night as Corky said something to my grandkids mom regarding who's house she was in and a conversation across the room that she had no business voicing an opinion in. She gathered up the kids and my son and left in tears of frustration. I did not see Isaac and Hannah until a week later when Isaac had his tonsils out. I went to his house to see them three or four times. No mention was made about them coming here and everytime I asked, an excuse was given. A poor excuse at that. It wasn't until the middle of February that she announced her new schedule for the kids. Hannah for 4 hours on Mondays. None for Isaac until I mentioned that I would pick him up from school on Fridays and he could spend some time with me until his dad picked him up after work. After over ten years of not crying once, I was in tears and feeling punished for something I did not do. I have settled in on this new schedule for now as there is nothing I can do.
After the new year, my other sons wife told him to leave and she was divorcing him. It hasn't even been a full three year marriage. He had lost his job and was on unemployment, still is and she reminded him of it daily. Construction is still at a standstill here in California as it is so many other places. He was told a year ago that she no longer loved him. This is her second divorce and she never let him deal with the teenager who was arrested for selling drugs, drove their new family car without even having a license and the car burned up, totalled. He stole checks from Eric and forged them for over $500 and was told to not get on the kid for it. The kid is now 18 and on probation and still screwing up. Eric is no angel, has a drug problem himself and dealing with rejection and failure of his marriage. To be honest here, Corky and I felt it was doomed before it ever started and we don't believe in divorce. So now Eric is living back at home here and I am sure feels like a total loser. He brought a lot of this on himself and is in denial that it is over. Lots of anger outbursts and tension in our home that was so peaceful before Christmas. Top all that off with the grandkids mom already having an attitude problem with her husbands twin brother and I feel this is what changed the kids schedule in coming here besides Corky politely putting her in her place. There is too much testosterone floating around in this house right now. And Corky hasn't seen Isaac and Hannah since Christmas. He has been working until 11:00 pm for the past four months and is now back on regular hours, thank God. These are all things that have kept me from posting here because I am ashamed and feel like a bad mom at times. But I need prayer so I am posting in case anyone still checks in. I don't blame you if you don't. My heart feels like it weighs a ton most days and I am able to find nuggets of joy to keep me going. I have to keep reminding myself that my sons problems are his own and I can't fix it. I have to tune out the ranting and raging until it gets personal and disrespectful and then I have to stand up for myself. My heart breaks for him and yet I want to just haul off and bitch slap him when he won't stop ranting. He used to be my baby that I never thought would face these times but here we are in March 2011 and it is happening. We never stop being moms no matter how old our babies get. My twins will be 40 in May. God is teaching me things that I needed to learn and I am focusing on these things. I just miss a peace filled house and Corky and I being alone together. We are doing fine and talking a lot about not enabling our son. Until his veil of denial drops, his life is going to just suck for him.
I am so thankful Spring is coming and none too soon. I come out of hybernation after a long winter but this winter I have not been able to restore myself with hybernation. I am exhausted. I know God is working and I am doing my best to listen when He speaks to my heart. It is hard to walk a fine line when both sides are screaming at me. So there you have it, the reason I have been away from the one place I can be myself and get prayers.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Last Day of September and Moving Along Just Fine:)
It has been a good month, and the weather is doing it's crazy thing. Really hot this week and last week was really cool. The yards are loving the heat as there hasn't been much to speak of this summer.
Isaac absolutely loves kindergarten and I am so proud of him. Hannah and I pick him up on Mondays after school. I love seeing his face light up when he sees us outside the door:) The first day he yelled out "Gramma" and the whole class turned around and smiled. Yeah, they all know who gramma's are:) He is doing great and has made a good friend named Jack. He is so shy like his dad was at this age. I love this little guy so much.
Corky has been working a swing shift at work so he is gone by 12:00 and home by 11:00 pm. It will probably be this way until after the holidays. Not a lot of time to do much when we sleep until 7:00 am. And he only gets to see Hannah right now on Monday mornings. He really misses them and they miss him a lot too. I am thankful for his job and know it won't be forever but he is so in love with these two kids!
Hannah is the apple of his eye:)
I have been working on myself since my last post and am making progress in little steps. I appreciate the prayers of those who still come here. They mean a lot to me and I can feel them. I have been eating healthier and curbing some bad habits too. I've been working in the yards and keeping things pruned back so they don't get out of hand.
It's hard to believe tomorrow is October 1st. I am glad it will be Friday and Corky will be home for the weekend. I need to go buy Iron Man 2 tomorrow so we can watch it over the weekend.
My heart is really heavy for Connie and John Thompson. Mallorie Rose who was almost 4 died almost two weeks ago and I can't imagine the pain they are going through. She was one of my Trisomy Sweethearts who proved that her quality of life was wonderful and just perfect the way God created her. She is healed but the family is left with an empty spot in their home and hearts. I loved her and I miss her so much. She taught me so much in her full little life.
I hope everyone has a great weekend and that you feel God's blessings all around you. They are everywhere:)
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Isaac absolutely loves kindergarten and I am so proud of him. Hannah and I pick him up on Mondays after school. I love seeing his face light up when he sees us outside the door:) The first day he yelled out "Gramma" and the whole class turned around and smiled. Yeah, they all know who gramma's are:) He is doing great and has made a good friend named Jack. He is so shy like his dad was at this age. I love this little guy so much.
Corky has been working a swing shift at work so he is gone by 12:00 and home by 11:00 pm. It will probably be this way until after the holidays. Not a lot of time to do much when we sleep until 7:00 am. And he only gets to see Hannah right now on Monday mornings. He really misses them and they miss him a lot too. I am thankful for his job and know it won't be forever but he is so in love with these two kids!
Hannah is the apple of his eye:)
I have been working on myself since my last post and am making progress in little steps. I appreciate the prayers of those who still come here. They mean a lot to me and I can feel them. I have been eating healthier and curbing some bad habits too. I've been working in the yards and keeping things pruned back so they don't get out of hand.
It's hard to believe tomorrow is October 1st. I am glad it will be Friday and Corky will be home for the weekend. I need to go buy Iron Man 2 tomorrow so we can watch it over the weekend.
My heart is really heavy for Connie and John Thompson. Mallorie Rose who was almost 4 died almost two weeks ago and I can't imagine the pain they are going through. She was one of my Trisomy Sweethearts who proved that her quality of life was wonderful and just perfect the way God created her. She is healed but the family is left with an empty spot in their home and hearts. I loved her and I miss her so much. She taught me so much in her full little life.
I hope everyone has a great weekend and that you feel God's blessings all around you. They are everywhere:)
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Pruning My Gardens as God Prunes Me...
So I have been working in my gardens and pruning things back so they are in some kind of control:) My gardens are more of a free-form jungle as all of my tropical plants are growing by leaps and bounds. I love vines and have them everywhere and in order to keep them healthy and happy, I need to wack them back. God and I have good conversations while I am doing this and it makes the time so sweet and sweaty.:) When I don't tend to these things, the old dead layer remains under the beautiful new growth of jasmine that smells heavenly.
God has been showing me that my life is the same in many ways. He is showing me the old things that still need pruning out in my own life and it sometimes hurts to see the truth. My biggest challenge is taking care of me now. Because of my childhood, it is easy to take care of those I love and neglect myself. And neglect myself I have done. Working on me is a painful process and I have been informed by God that I do not love myself as He wants me to. I need to lose 55 pounds, taking meds for high cholesterol and my blood pressure is higher than it should be. I am ashamed to admit that I am a smoker. It makes me feel like such a hypocrite and I have hung on to this crutch forever. I need to get to the dentist and get some serious work done on my teeth and it won't be cheap. I don't remember how long it's been since I have smiled face to face with someone, except Isaac and Hannah. I miss smiling so much and laughing is my drug of choice:) It has been two years since my last mammogram and this is not smart after being 14 years free of breast cancer. I know God holds me but can you believe He now wants me to help Him? :) If I don't do it for any other reason I need to do it so I can watch my treasures grow up. They love me so much and they need their grandma.
So, that is what I am dealing with at this stage of my life and I need encouragement to stay with this learning curve I am in. I covet any and all prayers and encouragement as it is easier to neglect myself than to nurture the me God wants me to be at 62. Childhood abuse is a real soul crusher that follows a person through their lifetime, in one form or another. So much has healed, but now we are down to me and it just hurts.
Please pray for Kelli as she waits for her transplant. I have much to learn from her example of patience and grace. Thank you for stopping by as my lack of posting has lost me followers. I am just trying to navigate my way through this time.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
God has been showing me that my life is the same in many ways. He is showing me the old things that still need pruning out in my own life and it sometimes hurts to see the truth. My biggest challenge is taking care of me now. Because of my childhood, it is easy to take care of those I love and neglect myself. And neglect myself I have done. Working on me is a painful process and I have been informed by God that I do not love myself as He wants me to. I need to lose 55 pounds, taking meds for high cholesterol and my blood pressure is higher than it should be. I am ashamed to admit that I am a smoker. It makes me feel like such a hypocrite and I have hung on to this crutch forever. I need to get to the dentist and get some serious work done on my teeth and it won't be cheap. I don't remember how long it's been since I have smiled face to face with someone, except Isaac and Hannah. I miss smiling so much and laughing is my drug of choice:) It has been two years since my last mammogram and this is not smart after being 14 years free of breast cancer. I know God holds me but can you believe He now wants me to help Him? :) If I don't do it for any other reason I need to do it so I can watch my treasures grow up. They love me so much and they need their grandma.
So, that is what I am dealing with at this stage of my life and I need encouragement to stay with this learning curve I am in. I covet any and all prayers and encouragement as it is easier to neglect myself than to nurture the me God wants me to be at 62. Childhood abuse is a real soul crusher that follows a person through their lifetime, in one form or another. So much has healed, but now we are down to me and it just hurts.
Please pray for Kelli as she waits for her transplant. I have much to learn from her example of patience and grace. Thank you for stopping by as my lack of posting has lost me followers. I am just trying to navigate my way through this time.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Thursday, September 2, 2010
August Out--September In--And Jimmy On My Mind...
Well, August flew by and I didn't get one post on here. No excuses will work:)
Today, the 2nd of September came so quickly, it honestly did. On my calendar is written "Jimmy in heaven for one year". I can't believe the time has gone by so fast and that Jimmy has been gone from here and in heaven with the Lord, Kelly his wife, Jack his father in law and many others we have known for many years. This is hard for me to sit here right now and try to say how much I miss you Jimmy....
We have known each other for all but the first 17 years. We grew up together here at the beach from that time to just one year ago when you left. The best friend to Corky and me always, absolutely always. You were the first to meet the twins when we brought them home in the laundry basket:) You became their Uncle Jimmy from that day forward and you are truly loved as their uncle. You were the only one we trusted to watch them the few times we needed to get out:) You let them jump all over you and chase around the house till they were worn out, and you were laughing the entire time. That "Jimmy belly laugh" that sounds like a thousand smiles:) I miss that laugh so much.
At each and every party we have had here in the past 34 years, you were here helping right along side us, enjoying every moment. The boys 18th birthday party with live band in the backyard. Around 250 kids, helping be one of the "bouncers" along with Rick and Bob and Danny.
You helped Corky coach the boys soccer teams through the years and became all the kids Uncle Jimmy. Our team name-Outlaws- and we were. Most of the boys were having troubles at home with divorcing parents and lives falling apart, but they all felt safe with you and Corky, letting them vent and really listening to them was such a ministry you guys gave them. They even ran away to our house:)
I can't even begin to write about all the memories I have in my heart because there are so many years of them stored up in there. But I have to do this because I haven't allowed myself to grieve for you, it hurts too much but I need to do it, a little bit at a time.
One of the biggest blessings was the night of Josh and Erin's rehearsal dinner in the backyard garden. Corky cooked his famous spaghetti and I baked five cheesecakes and we had the yard fixed up pretty special for them. You and Kelly honored Josh's request and served the dinner to the 36 guests. You two were so great and warm and chatting with everyone. You made it so special and you kept my sanity from cracking as the events unfolded that day, the day before THE WEDDING DAY and anything that could go wrong, did. You laughed and help get things organized, ran to give Eric a jump for his dead battery twice on his way to pick up all the guys tuxes and get to the rehearsal. Using your AAA road card to tow Corky off the freeway offramp just before our turnoff to home, so close but he had to pick up his tux. He was so stiff for the rest of the week, hitting a military humvee going 60 mph to a complete stop.
You had the totalled truck towed and parked in the driveway and covered it with Janes tarp so I would not have to see it when guests started arriving after the rehearsal. I had to not think about it until after the wedding was over. I would have fallen apart. The devil was working overtime that afternoon. But you just looked at me and laughed and said the devil can just go to hell. We agreed and made our way through to the most beautiful evening that held so much meaning for us to have you as our family.
My only regret over all these years is the thing that cuts into my heart the most when I remember how much our neighbor hurt you with his ignorance. It rocked our world that Christmas and I watched you in so much pain and knew in my heart you would never hurt a child, ever. His apology, a few years too late felt so empty and yet it was at least admitted. I work on that forgiveness daily and it is not easy running into him from time to time. I haven't told him you are gone. He does not deserve to know. He does not understand the depth of the damage to ones spirit.
Jimmy, I know that you are healed and at the weight you always wanted to be. You were always teased for being overweight and I know it hurt you. Corky and I loved you just the way you were, the most perfect friend with the biggest heart!! No one can fill your shoes or big pants for that matter Jimmy. You are one of a kind and I am so thankful to have God put us all together in this life. You have always been our "Big Jimmy" with love and respect in our hearts. Thank you for telling me over the years that I didn't have to go to your funeral. You wanted to be remembered as you were the last time we saw each other. I am so thankful you had said that. I could not go to your funeral, I just could not let you go that soon. I am sorry but know you already forgive me. I love the memories I am thinking on as I go about my day and talk to the Lord. I know we will see eachother again in heaven and I am so glad. It is just the absence of you here that makes my heart hurt. I now understand when people say just one more day would be nice. But it would never be enough. I love and miss you Big Jimmy, so very much today.
Love and Hugs, Laurie (your sister)
Today, the 2nd of September came so quickly, it honestly did. On my calendar is written "Jimmy in heaven for one year". I can't believe the time has gone by so fast and that Jimmy has been gone from here and in heaven with the Lord, Kelly his wife, Jack his father in law and many others we have known for many years. This is hard for me to sit here right now and try to say how much I miss you Jimmy....
We have known each other for all but the first 17 years. We grew up together here at the beach from that time to just one year ago when you left. The best friend to Corky and me always, absolutely always. You were the first to meet the twins when we brought them home in the laundry basket:) You became their Uncle Jimmy from that day forward and you are truly loved as their uncle. You were the only one we trusted to watch them the few times we needed to get out:) You let them jump all over you and chase around the house till they were worn out, and you were laughing the entire time. That "Jimmy belly laugh" that sounds like a thousand smiles:) I miss that laugh so much.
At each and every party we have had here in the past 34 years, you were here helping right along side us, enjoying every moment. The boys 18th birthday party with live band in the backyard. Around 250 kids, helping be one of the "bouncers" along with Rick and Bob and Danny.
You helped Corky coach the boys soccer teams through the years and became all the kids Uncle Jimmy. Our team name-Outlaws- and we were. Most of the boys were having troubles at home with divorcing parents and lives falling apart, but they all felt safe with you and Corky, letting them vent and really listening to them was such a ministry you guys gave them. They even ran away to our house:)
I can't even begin to write about all the memories I have in my heart because there are so many years of them stored up in there. But I have to do this because I haven't allowed myself to grieve for you, it hurts too much but I need to do it, a little bit at a time.
One of the biggest blessings was the night of Josh and Erin's rehearsal dinner in the backyard garden. Corky cooked his famous spaghetti and I baked five cheesecakes and we had the yard fixed up pretty special for them. You and Kelly honored Josh's request and served the dinner to the 36 guests. You two were so great and warm and chatting with everyone. You made it so special and you kept my sanity from cracking as the events unfolded that day, the day before THE WEDDING DAY and anything that could go wrong, did. You laughed and help get things organized, ran to give Eric a jump for his dead battery twice on his way to pick up all the guys tuxes and get to the rehearsal. Using your AAA road card to tow Corky off the freeway offramp just before our turnoff to home, so close but he had to pick up his tux. He was so stiff for the rest of the week, hitting a military humvee going 60 mph to a complete stop.
You had the totalled truck towed and parked in the driveway and covered it with Janes tarp so I would not have to see it when guests started arriving after the rehearsal. I had to not think about it until after the wedding was over. I would have fallen apart. The devil was working overtime that afternoon. But you just looked at me and laughed and said the devil can just go to hell. We agreed and made our way through to the most beautiful evening that held so much meaning for us to have you as our family.
My only regret over all these years is the thing that cuts into my heart the most when I remember how much our neighbor hurt you with his ignorance. It rocked our world that Christmas and I watched you in so much pain and knew in my heart you would never hurt a child, ever. His apology, a few years too late felt so empty and yet it was at least admitted. I work on that forgiveness daily and it is not easy running into him from time to time. I haven't told him you are gone. He does not deserve to know. He does not understand the depth of the damage to ones spirit.
Jimmy, I know that you are healed and at the weight you always wanted to be. You were always teased for being overweight and I know it hurt you. Corky and I loved you just the way you were, the most perfect friend with the biggest heart!! No one can fill your shoes or big pants for that matter Jimmy. You are one of a kind and I am so thankful to have God put us all together in this life. You have always been our "Big Jimmy" with love and respect in our hearts. Thank you for telling me over the years that I didn't have to go to your funeral. You wanted to be remembered as you were the last time we saw each other. I am so thankful you had said that. I could not go to your funeral, I just could not let you go that soon. I am sorry but know you already forgive me. I love the memories I am thinking on as I go about my day and talk to the Lord. I know we will see eachother again in heaven and I am so glad. It is just the absence of you here that makes my heart hurt. I now understand when people say just one more day would be nice. But it would never be enough. I love and miss you Big Jimmy, so very much today.
Love and Hugs, Laurie (your sister)
Thursday, July 8, 2010
First Week Of July Over..............
Since I am not getting any younger as this year is half over, I thought I'd better get on here and chat a bit:) Isaac and Hannah are finally well!!!! After three months of crap and misdiagnosis, Isaacs horrific sinus infection is finally gone and he is back to being himself in technicolor:) He slept through the best part of his birthday party, campfire and s'mores and stories:( He was so exhausted and sinus infection not diagnosed yet. That was the end of May. Grandpa promised him a trip to the toy store for his birthday present. He was well to go yesterday when grandpa got home from work:) He told both of them to go potty and get in the car to go shopping. They were ready in a flash. I have to tell you here that Hannah decided about three weeks ago to potty train herself and wears her Dora underwear proudly.:) I can't believe that she took it all on herself to do this. She is 2 1/2 now and is such a crackup kid. She had a meltdown when she had an accident and peed her Dora panties. I really had to console her and make her laugh. Sheesh, it is so strange to see her do this on her own. Her mom and I are amazed and just smile when she does the "happy dance" when she is finished:)
Life here has been good and I have no complaints. Corky's job continues and we are so darned grateful for this. Health insurance costs went up, what's new? But we are glad it's there. We had a quiet Forth of July watching movies, Nascar, World Cup and in bed by 8:00pm. The fireworks didn't even wake us up:) Ahh, the life of ex-party animals, still alive to be here and laugh about it. On August 10th we will be celebrating our 42 years of marriage. Holy Cow, what a journey it has been to get to here. Truly a God Thing let me tell you. And we agree that with exception of the aches and pains, these are the best years now, being parents of two great adult sons and two of the greatest grandkids.
I've been trying my best to keep up with the yards so they don't get out of control again. Especially all of my vines:) They remind me of my personal life and how it gets out of control so easily when I don't pay attention. But pruning is good for me right? And I am headed for some pruning with much resistance. When will I ever grow up?
I need to get back into taking pictures of the grandkids when they are here so I can start posting them here again. They are growing up so fast and I am so proud of them.
That's it for now and if anyone still comes here, have a great day!!
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Life here has been good and I have no complaints. Corky's job continues and we are so darned grateful for this. Health insurance costs went up, what's new? But we are glad it's there. We had a quiet Forth of July watching movies, Nascar, World Cup and in bed by 8:00pm. The fireworks didn't even wake us up:) Ahh, the life of ex-party animals, still alive to be here and laugh about it. On August 10th we will be celebrating our 42 years of marriage. Holy Cow, what a journey it has been to get to here. Truly a God Thing let me tell you. And we agree that with exception of the aches and pains, these are the best years now, being parents of two great adult sons and two of the greatest grandkids.
I've been trying my best to keep up with the yards so they don't get out of control again. Especially all of my vines:) They remind me of my personal life and how it gets out of control so easily when I don't pay attention. But pruning is good for me right? And I am headed for some pruning with much resistance. When will I ever grow up?
I need to get back into taking pictures of the grandkids when they are here so I can start posting them here again. They are growing up so fast and I am so proud of them.
That's it for now and if anyone still comes here, have a great day!!
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Friday, May 14, 2010
Another Month Just Flew By.............
I should have known that getting back to posting here wouldn't be easy. What was I thinking? It is Spring (still) and this is when I come out of my winter hibernation. I have been enjoying working in the yards so much, keeping the vines tamed, plants all happy and growing, getting the lawns to fill back in. We have lots of birds feeding out of the feeders and a new family of babies learning how to fly outside my office window. Jake the dog and Amos the huge cat just lay around and watch them go back and forth. The weather has been amazing this Spring, just beautiful. The night blooming jasmine is bursting with the most heavenly smells that drift in the bedroom window while we are sleeping. I just love Spring. I was born in it, come out of hibernation in it, and everything grows new in it.:)
Isaac and Hannah are doing a sleepover tonight at our house. Dad is using the money we gave him for his 39th birthday (holy cow my boys are getting older) to treat mom to dinner and a movie and have some alone time they desperately need. We, on the other hand are looking forward to keeping them up a bit later and snacking. I know it's bad but we are grandpa and grandma. No rules for us:) Isaac will turn 5 on the 26th. He has grown so fast and continues to be my favorite grandson ever born. He just melts my heart to puddles with those big baby blue eyes. I bought a butterfly habitat for his birthday but it came the following day so we are in full butterfly nursery here and have 10 growing caterpillars that will be ready to put into the habitat next week. The kids are loving it and Hannah wants to hold them and rock them. Umm, not right now if you want to see them turn into "Painted Ladys".
Hannah is 2 1/2 and her vocabulary is totally through the roof. I think Isaac has helped that along quite a bit too:) She is in love with Grandpa and plays him like a fiddle. He is always catching himself getting ready to give in to those huge blue eyes and has to stop himself. There hasn't been a girl in the family for quite some time and this one takes the prize. So spirited and happy almost all of the time. Throw in a little "Drama Queen" with this girly girl and tom boy and she is a great mix. Isaac and Hannah have acquired the genetics for a warped sense of humor that only shows up in one family each generation and they can crack eachother up and get the giggles going. Then come the corny jokes between them. Their bond is thick though they can really tease eachother too. Hannah is our most favorite little girl in the world. It makes for a nice balance. I wonder if these alone times we give their parents could accidentally produce a third grandchild. They aren't planning but we know how plans go:) We have enough love to go around if the energy holds up:)
Corky's job continues to be a huge blessing for us. He works hard and is such a faithful employee. We don't take anything for granted during these unstable times but are so thankful as he just passed his 10 year mark that he is still there. And I have to say that he is loved by all in this company. I sure love him tons too and thank him for me getting to be a stay at home grandma too. I am always available any time they call. I love being a part of their lives and knowing they are safe with us.
I better close for now but if anyone still comes here, I am asking that you pray for my sweet friend Kelli as the live kidney donor hunt is on and one still needs to be found. I know God has a plan for her but it hasn't been revealed to her yet. Four years is a long time to be doing this and she needs His strength moment by moment. Thanks so much.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Isaac and Hannah are doing a sleepover tonight at our house. Dad is using the money we gave him for his 39th birthday (holy cow my boys are getting older) to treat mom to dinner and a movie and have some alone time they desperately need. We, on the other hand are looking forward to keeping them up a bit later and snacking. I know it's bad but we are grandpa and grandma. No rules for us:) Isaac will turn 5 on the 26th. He has grown so fast and continues to be my favorite grandson ever born. He just melts my heart to puddles with those big baby blue eyes. I bought a butterfly habitat for his birthday but it came the following day so we are in full butterfly nursery here and have 10 growing caterpillars that will be ready to put into the habitat next week. The kids are loving it and Hannah wants to hold them and rock them. Umm, not right now if you want to see them turn into "Painted Ladys".
Hannah is 2 1/2 and her vocabulary is totally through the roof. I think Isaac has helped that along quite a bit too:) She is in love with Grandpa and plays him like a fiddle. He is always catching himself getting ready to give in to those huge blue eyes and has to stop himself. There hasn't been a girl in the family for quite some time and this one takes the prize. So spirited and happy almost all of the time. Throw in a little "Drama Queen" with this girly girl and tom boy and she is a great mix. Isaac and Hannah have acquired the genetics for a warped sense of humor that only shows up in one family each generation and they can crack eachother up and get the giggles going. Then come the corny jokes between them. Their bond is thick though they can really tease eachother too. Hannah is our most favorite little girl in the world. It makes for a nice balance. I wonder if these alone times we give their parents could accidentally produce a third grandchild. They aren't planning but we know how plans go:) We have enough love to go around if the energy holds up:)
Corky's job continues to be a huge blessing for us. He works hard and is such a faithful employee. We don't take anything for granted during these unstable times but are so thankful as he just passed his 10 year mark that he is still there. And I have to say that he is loved by all in this company. I sure love him tons too and thank him for me getting to be a stay at home grandma too. I am always available any time they call. I love being a part of their lives and knowing they are safe with us.
I better close for now but if anyone still comes here, I am asking that you pray for my sweet friend Kelli as the live kidney donor hunt is on and one still needs to be found. I know God has a plan for her but it hasn't been revealed to her yet. Four years is a long time to be doing this and she needs His strength moment by moment. Thanks so much.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday And A New Week Ahead...
We had a wonderful April shower that hit about 3:00am. It woke me up and sounded so good. I hope it washed tons of pollen away and I know the yards loved it too.
In February my son Eric asked if we would have a surprise party for his wife on their second wedding anniversary. They didn't have a wedding or reception when they got married. The date? April 3rd. The day after Good Friday and the day before Easter Sunday. Okay... We got tons of yardwork done and spring cleaning too. It was a rush to get it all done in time and my Sis in law and I worked our butts off!!! The yards and trees got cut back quite a lot and are now happy and blooming. The party was great and it was so good to see some of their friends and their kids. Just like old times in the yard. So many parties have taken place back there over the 34 years we have lived here. Corky made spaghetti and I baked cheesecakes. Sis and I got buzzed on Strawberry Margaritas and enjoyed the fruits of all our labor. We swore this was the last time yet we have been thinking about the next one:) It was sweet to watch Isaac share "HIS" yard with all the kids that came. He got to help his Uncle Eric build a new set of stairs to the upper yard, using a lot of the old things I had hanging around. They turned out great.
Easter Sunday I got to meet "Logan" who was born February 2nd. He is Annie's new baby. Annie is one of the three sisters who had been my neighbors since they were born. I have been their surrogate mom since they lost their mom to cancer back in 1994. This baby is so healthy, gorgeous and loved. Their dad remarried and still lives next door. Martina, his wife is in labor right now with her first baby. A new brother or sister for Annie, Kristina and Melissa:) The girls all live in Venice and Beverly Hills now but I always see them when they come down to their dads. I will be seeing a lot of them now with the new baby too. This is their home away from home. I love these girls so much.
Isaac and Hannah will be here soon so I will close for now and get ready for a fun day with them. I hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
In February my son Eric asked if we would have a surprise party for his wife on their second wedding anniversary. They didn't have a wedding or reception when they got married. The date? April 3rd. The day after Good Friday and the day before Easter Sunday. Okay... We got tons of yardwork done and spring cleaning too. It was a rush to get it all done in time and my Sis in law and I worked our butts off!!! The yards and trees got cut back quite a lot and are now happy and blooming. The party was great and it was so good to see some of their friends and their kids. Just like old times in the yard. So many parties have taken place back there over the 34 years we have lived here. Corky made spaghetti and I baked cheesecakes. Sis and I got buzzed on Strawberry Margaritas and enjoyed the fruits of all our labor. We swore this was the last time yet we have been thinking about the next one:) It was sweet to watch Isaac share "HIS" yard with all the kids that came. He got to help his Uncle Eric build a new set of stairs to the upper yard, using a lot of the old things I had hanging around. They turned out great.
Easter Sunday I got to meet "Logan" who was born February 2nd. He is Annie's new baby. Annie is one of the three sisters who had been my neighbors since they were born. I have been their surrogate mom since they lost their mom to cancer back in 1994. This baby is so healthy, gorgeous and loved. Their dad remarried and still lives next door. Martina, his wife is in labor right now with her first baby. A new brother or sister for Annie, Kristina and Melissa:) The girls all live in Venice and Beverly Hills now but I always see them when they come down to their dads. I will be seeing a lot of them now with the new baby too. This is their home away from home. I love these girls so much.
Isaac and Hannah will be here soon so I will close for now and get ready for a fun day with them. I hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Almost Six Months Have Flown By...
I have no idea if anyone even stops by here anymore and that's okay. It has almost been six months since I last posted. I am still trying to get things in order around here, both inside the house and outside in the yards. It is coming along but still lots to do. The same is true with my spiritual life and God is showing me how patient He is with me. Be still, know that He is God, and keep moving forward with Him.
The holidays were wonderful, all of them. It is my nature to hibernate in the winter and this season was no exception. When I hibernate, I go inward on myself, looking back to where I came from, the things that have been healed and the things that need work. I am a work in progress and am so thankful that God is not in a hurry with me:) I am in a hurry with myself and am learning to chill out.
I turned 62 in March and in my heart I feel younger than I ever thought possible. The outward appearance is showing the wear and tear of so many years, but my heart keeps getting younger as I work on myself. Isaac and Hannah make me young at heart too. These two treasures never cease to amaze me in feeling loved. They just love me, discipline and all. I would never do anything that would hurt them, physically or spiritually, risking losing their trust. I was hurt deeply when I was their age and life made no sense to me. I heal little pieces of that life everytime I do something right with them and the response I get in return is hugs and kisses and love. The way it should be for all children. I am so blessed to be a part of my own healing process as I love these kids, and my own sons with all my heart. Healing is a slow and steady process with many potholes along the way, but healing is the active adjective that keeps occurring along the way. And I am learning to accept myself more like God does.
I have some prayer requests that I would like to share:
1. Kelli needs a kidney. Her list of transplant possibilities is empty now. I know that this is when God does His best work and I am asking that you remember my dear friend who needs His touch now. I love her and my heart hurts for her to get the miracle only He can provide.
2. Mallorie had surgery and I am praying for her to have a completely successful recovery and that it solves the problems she has been having. She is such a wonderful little girl as is Annabel, who needs our prayers too. And their mommies Cathy and Connie who are my dear friends.
3. Emma Grace, "Especially Heather's" daughter who has been in the hospital fighting for her precious life. Heather and her husband need prayer too. I can't imagine the pain they are in, watching their daughter go through so much.
There are many more but these are my "urgents".
Life has been blessed and I have no complaints, only praise and thankfulness. Corky's job continues to hold on through these hard days for so many and I know we are not out of the woods by a long shot. We just keep trusting Him and He is faithful.
I am loving Spring and working in the yards, getting dirty and knowing something pretty is to follow:) The dandelions are in full bloom, I don't pull them anymore since they are Asher's flowers now:). I love to watch Isaac and Hannah blow the seeds into the air with huge smiles on their faces. I see it as spreading the love:)
Well, that's all for now, more to come in the days ahead, even if I am only writing to myself the words I need to hear and remember. Happy Spring everyone. Hey, do me a favor and let me know if you are here okay?
Love and Hugs, Laurie
The holidays were wonderful, all of them. It is my nature to hibernate in the winter and this season was no exception. When I hibernate, I go inward on myself, looking back to where I came from, the things that have been healed and the things that need work. I am a work in progress and am so thankful that God is not in a hurry with me:) I am in a hurry with myself and am learning to chill out.
I turned 62 in March and in my heart I feel younger than I ever thought possible. The outward appearance is showing the wear and tear of so many years, but my heart keeps getting younger as I work on myself. Isaac and Hannah make me young at heart too. These two treasures never cease to amaze me in feeling loved. They just love me, discipline and all. I would never do anything that would hurt them, physically or spiritually, risking losing their trust. I was hurt deeply when I was their age and life made no sense to me. I heal little pieces of that life everytime I do something right with them and the response I get in return is hugs and kisses and love. The way it should be for all children. I am so blessed to be a part of my own healing process as I love these kids, and my own sons with all my heart. Healing is a slow and steady process with many potholes along the way, but healing is the active adjective that keeps occurring along the way. And I am learning to accept myself more like God does.
I have some prayer requests that I would like to share:
1. Kelli needs a kidney. Her list of transplant possibilities is empty now. I know that this is when God does His best work and I am asking that you remember my dear friend who needs His touch now. I love her and my heart hurts for her to get the miracle only He can provide.
2. Mallorie had surgery and I am praying for her to have a completely successful recovery and that it solves the problems she has been having. She is such a wonderful little girl as is Annabel, who needs our prayers too. And their mommies Cathy and Connie who are my dear friends.
3. Emma Grace, "Especially Heather's" daughter who has been in the hospital fighting for her precious life. Heather and her husband need prayer too. I can't imagine the pain they are in, watching their daughter go through so much.
There are many more but these are my "urgents".
Life has been blessed and I have no complaints, only praise and thankfulness. Corky's job continues to hold on through these hard days for so many and I know we are not out of the woods by a long shot. We just keep trusting Him and He is faithful.
I am loving Spring and working in the yards, getting dirty and knowing something pretty is to follow:) The dandelions are in full bloom, I don't pull them anymore since they are Asher's flowers now:). I love to watch Isaac and Hannah blow the seeds into the air with huge smiles on their faces. I see it as spreading the love:)
Well, that's all for now, more to come in the days ahead, even if I am only writing to myself the words I need to hear and remember. Happy Spring everyone. Hey, do me a favor and let me know if you are here okay?
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Monday, October 12, 2009
Alive And Coming Back Soon!
In case anyone still checks in on me here and I don't blame you if you have given up, I am coming back to blogging soon. I have had a lot of time to decompress from the addiction to looking for sorrow and feel a balance settling in my heart.
I am cleaning the house from top to bottom in preparation for the holidays and it feels so good to have an early jump on it. My sister in law who was fired and retired is helping out of sheer boredom and we are really blowing through the mess. It started with bombing the house for fleas that have been horrible this summer. We are having a great time of fellowship while we are at it:)
God continues to be so beyond excellent in our lives and we are so grateful for Corky's job. He has been out of town for the past month and a half and will be until the end of the month, cleaning up the messes that one individual created who has now been released of his job. Things are turning around in the company for the good now. So, just wanted to check in and say I will be back probably regular in November, just in time for the holidays.
Oh, and the grandkids are just fantastic and I love them more and more every moment of the day.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
PS. I still pray for all of you, my faithful friends.
I am cleaning the house from top to bottom in preparation for the holidays and it feels so good to have an early jump on it. My sister in law who was fired and retired is helping out of sheer boredom and we are really blowing through the mess. It started with bombing the house for fleas that have been horrible this summer. We are having a great time of fellowship while we are at it:)
God continues to be so beyond excellent in our lives and we are so grateful for Corky's job. He has been out of town for the past month and a half and will be until the end of the month, cleaning up the messes that one individual created who has now been released of his job. Things are turning around in the company for the good now. So, just wanted to check in and say I will be back probably regular in November, just in time for the holidays.
Oh, and the grandkids are just fantastic and I love them more and more every moment of the day.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
PS. I still pray for all of you, my faithful friends.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
I Am Still Here: Just Weeding A Few Things Out
I am still here and haven't gone anywhere. I have just been getting some things reorganized in my home and here. We are all fine, life has been good, and getting ready for summer to get here.
We have been having so much fun with the grandkids. They spent the past two weekends with us and it was great, tiring but great. Hannah has stole grandpa's heart completely. She makes his eyes twinkle:) And she knows how to "work" him. I love watching him with her. She is the first girl in the family so it is such a treat. Isaac does everything now with the force of being a "four year old". In his mind, it all became bigger and better with turning four. I just love these kids so much and they are such a joy to have around. I have got to upload my camera and get some pictures up when I get motivated.
I have also done some blog thinning over the past week or two. I am keeping up with all of my close people, but have decided to stop following others for the sake of something to read. I know it sounds harsh, but I really get out there with clicking on other's blog rolls. I want to keep it intimate and always pray for those who come here and ask, but I have to stop looking for other things to carry around with me. I hope this makes sense and please know I will be following all of you who know who you are to me. And new people are welcome too, I am just not out and scouting anymore. I am going back to letting God bring you to me:) What a concept right? So I have thinned my list and probably will do more as I go along. If you bring someone to me for prayer, I will pray for them. Always.
So, I will post more in the coming days, I just wanted to tell you where I have been and what I am doing. I love you guys and hope you hang around with me.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
We have been having so much fun with the grandkids. They spent the past two weekends with us and it was great, tiring but great. Hannah has stole grandpa's heart completely. She makes his eyes twinkle:) And she knows how to "work" him. I love watching him with her. She is the first girl in the family so it is such a treat. Isaac does everything now with the force of being a "four year old". In his mind, it all became bigger and better with turning four. I just love these kids so much and they are such a joy to have around. I have got to upload my camera and get some pictures up when I get motivated.
I have also done some blog thinning over the past week or two. I am keeping up with all of my close people, but have decided to stop following others for the sake of something to read. I know it sounds harsh, but I really get out there with clicking on other's blog rolls. I want to keep it intimate and always pray for those who come here and ask, but I have to stop looking for other things to carry around with me. I hope this makes sense and please know I will be following all of you who know who you are to me. And new people are welcome too, I am just not out and scouting anymore. I am going back to letting God bring you to me:) What a concept right? So I have thinned my list and probably will do more as I go along. If you bring someone to me for prayer, I will pray for them. Always.
So, I will post more in the coming days, I just wanted to tell you where I have been and what I am doing. I love you guys and hope you hang around with me.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A Few Thoughts On This Tuesday
I didn't mean to leave things hanging here after my last post but it got a little busy around here with the grandkids spending the weekend and just life in general. This is just a short update and tomorrow I am going to try and post some pictures to catch up.
First of all, Kristy's baby Hope turned one week old yesterday:) She is just gorgeous and such a blessing to their family. Prayers are still needed for the blisters they are treating and there have been no new ones developing. Praying it stays this way and for Kristy's nerves and heart. She is no stranger to disappointment and needs Gods grace to soothe her weary heart. Please continue to pray for them.
Second, in case you haven't noticed, April Rose's button has been removed from my blog. If you are curious, you can click on the Sundays button or Stellans button for the details. I am so very disappointed that someone would do such a thing here on the blogs of mothers suffering true loss of their babies. Such a low blow to our "Sisters" in the Lord who offered their support out of their own pain. I could go on and on but I won't because it would be easy to fall into judgement and it truly is not my right to judge anyone. This was a big one though my friends and your prayers are appreciated for all involved. So many of my sweet friends were hurt by this. It truly is a sad thing.:(
Corky and I have been enjoying the rewards of our patience with our new and improved plumbing. What a joy to jump in a shower and see new fresh tiles looking back at us:) And to have two working pottys that actually flush and not back up! We are both so content and don't have to worry about company coming over anymore and having to use the yard:)
I have the grandkids coming today so I am going to close this for today and catch up on some things tomorrow. I hope you all have a blessed day and remember to count your blessings. I know I am doing just that all day long:)
Love and Hugs, Laurie
First of all, Kristy's baby Hope turned one week old yesterday:) She is just gorgeous and such a blessing to their family. Prayers are still needed for the blisters they are treating and there have been no new ones developing. Praying it stays this way and for Kristy's nerves and heart. She is no stranger to disappointment and needs Gods grace to soothe her weary heart. Please continue to pray for them.
Second, in case you haven't noticed, April Rose's button has been removed from my blog. If you are curious, you can click on the Sundays button or Stellans button for the details. I am so very disappointed that someone would do such a thing here on the blogs of mothers suffering true loss of their babies. Such a low blow to our "Sisters" in the Lord who offered their support out of their own pain. I could go on and on but I won't because it would be easy to fall into judgement and it truly is not my right to judge anyone. This was a big one though my friends and your prayers are appreciated for all involved. So many of my sweet friends were hurt by this. It truly is a sad thing.:(
Corky and I have been enjoying the rewards of our patience with our new and improved plumbing. What a joy to jump in a shower and see new fresh tiles looking back at us:) And to have two working pottys that actually flush and not back up! We are both so content and don't have to worry about company coming over anymore and having to use the yard:)
I have the grandkids coming today so I am going to close this for today and catch up on some things tomorrow. I hope you all have a blessed day and remember to count your blessings. I know I am doing just that all day long:)
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Pleading For Prayers Tonight My Friends
Most of you know already, but for my other friends who don't know, Kristy had her sweet baby, Hope Amelia on Monday. The baby has developed skin lesions where her ID bracelet was and blisters in other places of friction. I don't know much, but I know your prayers are needed urgently for their family right now. They are taking her to a specialist in Pittsburgh tomorrow and Kristy is still freshly healing from her C section. Kristy is heartbroken for her baby right now and I can only imagine the fear that fills her heart. Please be on your knees for them tonight and tomorrow as they travel.
Thank you so much my prayer partners, we need eachother always. I love you.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Thank you so much my prayer partners, we need eachother always. I love you.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Monday, June 1, 2009
June Is Here Already And May Is Gone
Once again, the month of May flew by and today is the first of a new month. I have been enjoying the last week and a half not having any workers in the house. I am getting things put back together and enjoying some of the best showers in my life:) The plumbing is done and everything works excellent. I am a happy camper.
On Friday while watching Isaac and Hannah, there was a knock at the door and it was my Sissy, (Corky's sister). She is a nurse, has been for over 30 years and I thought she was on her way to work. She said she had just been fired. Her boss, Dr. Ross died last summer. He was the most wonderful "old school" doctor who saved my life when I got breast cancer. He considered us family and we were close. He let Sissy be the kind and compassionate nurse God intended her to be with his patients. New doctors in the practice started squeezing her out after his death. Why did they let her go? Because she talked with and encouraged the patients. The doctors say it is their job and yet they don't do it. Oh, I could go on and on but would you just pray for her heart at this time? She is 65 and it is such a blow, like being put out to pasture. I know God has her covered and she trusts Him.
Isaac turned four with a vengence:) Everything he does now is stronger and smarter because "I am four now grandma". I just love this little guy. Last week we went shopping and got all of our water toys for summer. Squirt guns and cannons, Hose hook up water and ball shooter, all things wet! We tried them all out when Grandpa got home. He (Grandpa) couldn't wait to shoot the cannon thing, it goes for about 10 to 12 feet and has power. Hannah played with her purple squirt gun Isaac picked out for her and it was a crack up. She held it backwards in her hand and used her thumb on the trigger, which blasted her in the face each time she squeezed it. She was cracking herself up and loved it. It will be a fun and wet summer here:)
In the next few weeks I will be lining up my appointments for physical, pap smear, mammogram etc. and would appreciate your prayers. It always makes me nervous. Then I need to hit the dentist to get some serious work done. I don't mind dental work at all and root canals are a breeze for me. I am just embarrassed to get started with a new dentist and the condition of my teeth.
On a lighter note, Miss Bolte, Kristy's baby girl will be a June baby after all. She will be delivered by C section on the 3rd if she doesn't show up before then. Please pray for her as she waits and looks forward to meeting her sweet girl. I am so excited for her and am praying for peace and joy to fill their family. This is their fifth child, and Isaac and Asher are with the Lord.
There is not much else going on around here right now. I am going to close for today and go hit a nice cool shower and get ready for the kids to get here. I hope you all have a great day. Say Hi if you stop in, my readership is down lately:) Let me know if you need prayers for anything okay?
Love and Hugs, Laurie
On Friday while watching Isaac and Hannah, there was a knock at the door and it was my Sissy, (Corky's sister). She is a nurse, has been for over 30 years and I thought she was on her way to work. She said she had just been fired. Her boss, Dr. Ross died last summer. He was the most wonderful "old school" doctor who saved my life when I got breast cancer. He considered us family and we were close. He let Sissy be the kind and compassionate nurse God intended her to be with his patients. New doctors in the practice started squeezing her out after his death. Why did they let her go? Because she talked with and encouraged the patients. The doctors say it is their job and yet they don't do it. Oh, I could go on and on but would you just pray for her heart at this time? She is 65 and it is such a blow, like being put out to pasture. I know God has her covered and she trusts Him.
Isaac turned four with a vengence:) Everything he does now is stronger and smarter because "I am four now grandma". I just love this little guy. Last week we went shopping and got all of our water toys for summer. Squirt guns and cannons, Hose hook up water and ball shooter, all things wet! We tried them all out when Grandpa got home. He (Grandpa) couldn't wait to shoot the cannon thing, it goes for about 10 to 12 feet and has power. Hannah played with her purple squirt gun Isaac picked out for her and it was a crack up. She held it backwards in her hand and used her thumb on the trigger, which blasted her in the face each time she squeezed it. She was cracking herself up and loved it. It will be a fun and wet summer here:)
In the next few weeks I will be lining up my appointments for physical, pap smear, mammogram etc. and would appreciate your prayers. It always makes me nervous. Then I need to hit the dentist to get some serious work done. I don't mind dental work at all and root canals are a breeze for me. I am just embarrassed to get started with a new dentist and the condition of my teeth.
On a lighter note, Miss Bolte, Kristy's baby girl will be a June baby after all. She will be delivered by C section on the 3rd if she doesn't show up before then. Please pray for her as she waits and looks forward to meeting her sweet girl. I am so excited for her and am praying for peace and joy to fill their family. This is their fifth child, and Isaac and Asher are with the Lord.
There is not much else going on around here right now. I am going to close for today and go hit a nice cool shower and get ready for the kids to get here. I hope you all have a great day. Say Hi if you stop in, my readership is down lately:) Let me know if you need prayers for anything okay?
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
It's Wednesday And I Am Happy
My tile guy showed up this morning and is working on getting things finished here. I am so glad, I was starting to feel whiney and I don't like to be around me when I whine.
The grandkids will be here in an hour and it will be another outside day of play. Hannah went to MOPS last Friday and came down with another cold. Ugh. This happens every time they go and I told their mom to just leave them with me, that way none of us will get sick. The fresh air will do her good today.
I can't wait to get the work done here so I can make my physical exam appt, mammogram appt, and get to the dentist. I have a raging tooth and am on antibiotics to calm it right now but I need to get it taken care of along with three or four others. I don't have strong teeth and they have taken a beating over the years. I don't smile because I am embarrassed. And I am a person who just loves to smile. ~sigh~ So, this will be my summer agenda.
I have been blessed this month by receiving three emails from mommies who have lost their babies, who found me on other blogs I visit. I am always reminded of God's goodness when this happens because I know it is Him who makes this happen. To be asked to pray for someone who I don't know personally is such an honor. I know that prayer works and God hears. I got an email from a father of a girl who I have been visiting who lost her full term baby to still birth. It is heartbreaking. He wrote to thank me for encouraging his daughter and hoped that in this "cyber world" that I was sincere. What a blessing for this girl to have such a loving and caring father!!
I wrote him back and told him that I truly did care and he could visit here to find out about me. I just love his heart for his daughter.
Little Kayleigh on my sidebar left to be with the Lord in the past two weeks. They could use our prayers for this heartbreaking time. She was so close to going home for the first time since her birth, the one pound miracle. Her memorial videos are beautiful if you have time to click on and watch. Three more babies have gone to be with the Lord just in this month and their families are really struggling in this new reality they are facing. I will never understand this side of heaven, why our little ones must go before us, but I trust God. I read something Heather wrote a while back on her blog that really summed it up for me. She said, "Sometimes, it is in the silence of the answers that Christ speaks the loudest. Maybe, just maybe there is no answer, it is just what it is, His Will." This settled in my heart and allowed me to stop trying to figure God out. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. And I am not.:)
One more favor before I close for the day, please keep Kristy and Miss Baby Bolte in your prayers as her birthday is any time now. Pray for the peace that passes all understanding for Kristy and for joy to fill her heart. This little girl is checking in perfect in all of her appointments as God is doing a new thing in their family. I am so excited for them. Thanks guys and I love you. Have a super blessed day today.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
The grandkids will be here in an hour and it will be another outside day of play. Hannah went to MOPS last Friday and came down with another cold. Ugh. This happens every time they go and I told their mom to just leave them with me, that way none of us will get sick. The fresh air will do her good today.
I can't wait to get the work done here so I can make my physical exam appt, mammogram appt, and get to the dentist. I have a raging tooth and am on antibiotics to calm it right now but I need to get it taken care of along with three or four others. I don't have strong teeth and they have taken a beating over the years. I don't smile because I am embarrassed. And I am a person who just loves to smile. ~sigh~ So, this will be my summer agenda.
I have been blessed this month by receiving three emails from mommies who have lost their babies, who found me on other blogs I visit. I am always reminded of God's goodness when this happens because I know it is Him who makes this happen. To be asked to pray for someone who I don't know personally is such an honor. I know that prayer works and God hears. I got an email from a father of a girl who I have been visiting who lost her full term baby to still birth. It is heartbreaking. He wrote to thank me for encouraging his daughter and hoped that in this "cyber world" that I was sincere. What a blessing for this girl to have such a loving and caring father!!
I wrote him back and told him that I truly did care and he could visit here to find out about me. I just love his heart for his daughter.
Little Kayleigh on my sidebar left to be with the Lord in the past two weeks. They could use our prayers for this heartbreaking time. She was so close to going home for the first time since her birth, the one pound miracle. Her memorial videos are beautiful if you have time to click on and watch. Three more babies have gone to be with the Lord just in this month and their families are really struggling in this new reality they are facing. I will never understand this side of heaven, why our little ones must go before us, but I trust God. I read something Heather wrote a while back on her blog that really summed it up for me. She said, "Sometimes, it is in the silence of the answers that Christ speaks the loudest. Maybe, just maybe there is no answer, it is just what it is, His Will." This settled in my heart and allowed me to stop trying to figure God out. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. And I am not.:)
One more favor before I close for the day, please keep Kristy and Miss Baby Bolte in your prayers as her birthday is any time now. Pray for the peace that passes all understanding for Kristy and for joy to fill her heart. This little girl is checking in perfect in all of her appointments as God is doing a new thing in their family. I am so excited for them. Thanks guys and I love you. Have a super blessed day today.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
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