Mommy and Me

We did it! My Mommy and me set out to Costco yesterday and finished getting our menu items for our Christmas Eve gathering. It actually took two trips to Costco. I went alone the week before, and then we went together to complete the feast!
It is a tradition we have carried on for years. We are four generations strong now, and have always spent Christmas Eve together as a family.
I do not know what we did before Costco existed?????!!!!!!!!!

With the prediction of another Winter storm coming I'm glad we bared the elements, traffic, and people and completed our task.

Merry Christmas, and God bless!
xo

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

What a beautiful sight, happy tonight, walking in a Winter Wonderland.
I am amazed at this White Wonderland we are experiencing!
All is peaceful, and enchanting.
And it is Christmas Time!

My Quinn is going to go out picture shooting today. I can't wait to see the results.
He has a true gift when it comes to photography, and a passion for it like his mom!

Love to everyone,
God bless, and Merry Christmas!
xo

Christmas

It is CHRISTMAS TIME!
My little Coey makes this time of year almost magical for me. We twice have gone outside at night and played by Christmas light and danced under the moonlight.
I am very fortunate and blessed and am looking forward to having two grandchildren.

Merry Christmas!
God bless!
xo

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!
A wonderful day for all of us to count our blessings.

God bless,
Loves!
xo

Gentle Stormy Morning

The windows are open, and the freshest smell of rain reaches in my house with each soft gust.
It is a gentle storm outside.
I am thinking of Bruce this morning and His wonderful smiling face.
He ALWAYS was smiling when we shared the few days together the one Summer he visited.
The weather was 90 degrees and we enjoyed an out door concert with our Kesh and Vin and baby
granddaughter Cohey.
Bruce is gentle and kind like the morning storm today. I will remember him in every gentle storm
God gives to me; and every Summer day.

XO

Tears Falling Like the Rain Outside

My daughter Kesha just called and told me our beloved Bruce Thomas has left us.
He took his last breath of air here on earth at 1:00 P.M. this afternoon.
Surrounded by his children, his last words to Vin were "I love you."

My tears are falling because he will be SO greatly missed. He is one of the kindest, most gentle of souls I have ever had the pleasure of sharing time with.
Time...........never enough.

My prayers are with everyone left behind who loves this beautiful man.
Please take comfort in knowing Bruce is now in the most peaceful place.
He is with Jesus, and never again will he suffer from our world.

I love you all.
xo

Saturday

I love the sound of Saturday.
This Saturday morning my home is a wonderful aroma of vanilla and chocolate and cinnamon.
I am doing what I have a passion for; Creating tantalizing edible gifts of art.
Cre'me Brulee so smooth and creamy it literally is like velvet in one's mouth.
Brownies so light, yet rich in a mirage of dark and light chocolate each bite is pure bliss!
Snickerdoodles bursting with cinnamon, spicing-up a smile on every face they meet.
Soft, yummy butter cookies, cozy and warm.

I thank God for giving me a creative passion in life, and Saturday mornings.

May God bless you today too!

xo

Fall Leaves

The Fall leaves are SO beautiful!
The colors of red and yellow and gold make me happy!
I love seeing them all over the ground and falling from the trees.
Salem Oregon is truly gorgeous this time of year.

God bless!
xo

COLOSSIANS 1

I listen to the radio station K-Love all the time.
If I am driving, it is on.
At home, when I am doing projects I have it on softly in the back ground.
Even though, it is known to play the sames songs over;
Regardless, the prayers and messages it sends, feel my subliminal mind and keep me focused.
Daily, I always hear a message that lifts me up and brings me closer to God.
Yesterday, it was Colossians 1: 1:9 KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL. The knowledge of God's will results from praying and remaining in His word and fellowship with Him. ONLY this kind of knowledge results in spiritual wisdom and understanding and transforms our hearts and lives.

1:11 STRENGTHENED......ACCORDING TO HIS GLORIOUS MIGHT. In order to live in a manor worthy of the Lord we must be strengthened by His power. This impartation of power is an ongoing experience of receiving from God His own life. Nothing else can enable us to overcome sin, Satan and the world.

To anyone who is hurting or sad. Be one on one with Jesus. Think of Him always. Talk to Him and visualize His beautiful face. Make Him the meditation of your heart. Let Him be the first thing you think of when you awaken in the morning and the last thing at night, and every moment through out the day. Give Him the glory, and through Him to Our Father God.
You will feel His light shine. Your heart will be filled and faithful.
Your doubts and fears will disappear.

xo

Love Life

This weather is absolutely perfect!
Yesterday I had my Cohen all day. The weather was perfect for visiting Grandpa's back yard. We enjoyed being outside and picking up leaves and pine-cones.
It was fun talking to Grandma and exploring her house and touching all her nick-nacks!
Love life.
It is precious.

God bless, xo.

Grandma Mary Beltz

Grandma said good bye to the world she knew here today.
She left us at 3'o'clock this afternoon.
Jesus took her by the hand and brought her home.
Grandma Mary Beltz only loved one man all her life. George Beltz was her true love; and though he passed away 11 years ago, he never left Mary's heart and she remained faithful to him.
I talked to Mary a week ago, and she told me she was tired of missing George and was ready to go with The Lord. Something she strongly believed in; she had "the faith of a child."

So strong and faithful and innocent; Our Grandma Beltz who we will miss.
xo

Salem Alliance Church

The church I am attending is Salem Alliance. It is doing amazing things in Salem. We are building a huge Medical Center on Broadway! It will be a free clinic for anyone who can't afford to go to the doctor. Helping families with young children and the elderly as well. The work will be done by volanteer doctors, nurses and c.n.a.'s
The building will also have a concert hall and coffee shop as well as a lot of other things to numerous to mention.
The ground breaking is set for Feb. 2009. I am SO excited to be a part of God's calling of this WONDERFUL PURPOSE IN LIFE.

Today in church I felt the Holy Spirit everywhere as people sang and we all prayed for our purpose in life. God places people where HE wants them to be. There is a reason for everything and the places He sends us. It is true that heart aches are often blessings in disguise.
They make us strong and who we are and with Jesus by our side there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

I thank God for all the blessings of life.
xo

Isn't Today Beautiful!

Here, today in Salem the weather is beautiful! A perfect flawless sunny day. Breezy and blue sky.
I have been praying for my Vin and Kesh and Bruce and the whole family.
I know Cohen is too young to know what is going on with her Grandpa Bruce but I know her presence at this time in his life is a true blessing.

I have been thinking about life and God's plan. I truly know Jesus and His presence in my life. I wake up each day thanking Him for my life and the comfort of knowing anything is possible through Him. I feel the warmth of His touch and the calming of His love when I try to take matters of the heart in my own hands.

Knowing Jesus and His forgiveness is first in my life. The more I talk with Him, the closer we become. Moment to moment, hand in hand, never letting go.

xo

Writing and Thinking

Finally, I picked up the pen, [actually the keyboard] and felt like writing again.
I have a lot of thoughts going through my mind and this is a good release!
I am enjoying the cool morning with my patio door open and the fresh smell of new rain.
I have been spending time in prayer and today is quiet and peaceful.
I needed some alone time with God.

Yesterday I was extremely tired from lack of a good night's sleep on Saturday. I didn't make it to church, but did stay home and listened to several local services on the radio.
It was amazing how each Pastor's serman touched my soul and renewed my spirit.
I felt God was speaking directly to me and His message will forever stay in my heart.

It was nice gathering in the afternoon with my kids and little Cohen and Katy and Grampy and Grammy for pizza. Even though all of us were tired [except Grampy] It is a blessing to be together. We always miss Ryder, and wish he were with us.

I am going to enjoy the cool weather and do some baking!

I pray God will bless everyone I know with love and kindness today and a peaceful heart.
xo

Live Life

I decided it was time to start living life.
I broke free from the chains that kept me from living life and enjoying the people I love.

A friend told me to get the book "Stop Worrying and Start Living."
I haven't bought the book yet, but every time I find myself worrying about my life, I think of the title and it reminds me to STOP!

There is so much love and happiness in the world and I have missed out on way too much of it.
I have a lot of catching up to do.

I thank God for blessing me with the strength to go forward and not look back.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Refreshing Rain

How beautiful is our God!!!
How refreshing is the rain after the heat wave!
The smell of fresh clean air in rainfall carried by the light Spring breeze.

I love YOU GOD.
"Thank you for all my blessings."
xo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOMMY

Today is my beautiful Mother's birthday!
God ordered this day just for her.
The sun is coming out while all the little birds in the neighborhood are singing a birthday song for her.
I am SO very lucky to have a sweet, kind, caring Mother.
She is not only beautiful on the outside, but on the inside too.
She is my best friend, and the person I can lean on when my world isn't always going the way I think it should.
She always has the right words to say to make everything alright.

I love you Mommy, and I am looking forward to sharing the day with you.

May God bless you this birthday with many wonderful more years to come.

xo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY VINNY

I know this post is two days late; but "happy birthday to my Son-in-law Vin Thomas!!

As everyone probably knows his birthday was Saturday May 17th. I got to enjoy having my little Cohey all to myself while her mom and dad headed up to Portland to enjoy an evening of birthday celebration together.

I love you Vin, and I thank God for bringing you into our lives.
You are a joy, and special to all of us in the family.
Thank you for being kind and wonderful to my precious daughter;
and thank you for my Cohen.

May this be a year of many blessings and happiness.

In Christ,
xo,
Mommy K.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GRAMPY!

Happy birthday to my Grampy!
I hope you enjoy the day and do what you want to do.

Grampy loves plants and flowers and making things grow. I always look forward to this time of year, and visiting his back yard and enjoying all he has created.

Starting in Spring his first flowers appear, and it becomes an endless mirage of color through out the Summer.

Every year I photograph his amazing flowers.....They are award winning in beauty.

Thank you for always being there for me Grampy.

I love you and will always be here for you too.

God bless,
xo, Flap

The Honey Bee and Me

I was thinking back to when I was a child running barefoot in the yard and the first time I was stung by a bee!
It was an experience I will never forget.......My Mother slathered my foot with a cool paste of baking soda and I hopped around on foot for the rest of the day.
Once was enough for me;
After that:
In those fun filled Summer days I looked before I leaped.
Running through the sprinkler meant finding a spot in the yard without clover and the buzzing of the honey bees in it.

Sadly now, there are rarely any honey bees to be found.
Science had been trying to figure out why for the longest time?
Be growers would release millions, only to have them disappear and die?
What on earth was [or is] killing the "Honey Bees?"

They now have the very sad answer.
Pollution.
The Honey Bee's little sensors can not smell the flowers anymore because pollution in our air is drowning out the scent they follow to the flowers.

This is going to cause a huge host of problems and I will not go there now.

Please pray for the Honey Bee.

God bless.
xo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINNY!

Today is my GOOD friend Linda's birthday.
I am taking her to lunch at "Orchard Heights Winery" today.
She is a special friend and it will be fun to just hang-out and chat for a couple of hours.
I thank God for bringing her into my life.
She is one of the most understanding people I know and has always been there for me through thick and thin.
Linda loves life and is always ready to go and have fun!

May God bless my friend, today and forever.

xo

Scottish Shortbread Cookies

Scottish Shortbread Cookies Dipped in Organic Creamy Chocolate by SugarnSpice Baking Co.

If anyone wants some, they are being delivered to "Spencer's Alley" today and should be on their shelf this weekend.

God bless.
xo

Coffee and Bible

Another refreshing morning.
With a warm sweatshirt and my ughs I enjoyed having coffee on my porch while reading my bible. I have been studying the time while Jesus walked the earth and His perfect teachings.
Though I have read this part of my bible many times; I always learn something new and can't get enough of Him.

God has made a place in my heart for the Soldiers fighting in Iraq. I take time to pray exclusively for them every morning. I pray God will end the terror and our boys can come home.
What they wouldn't give for a cool refreshing morning like we are having here in Salem.
Aside from Jesus;
They are truly the ultimate Hero in my eyes.

And Jesus said: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

xo

Good Morning in Salem Oregon

The sweet smell of fresh morning rain in Spring.
Take a moment where ever you are to step outside and experience this special gift.
Say "good morning to God, and thank Him for the day and the air you are breathing.
Do not take life for granted and be thankful for all your blessings.
Take each day as it is given and do not worry about tomorrow.
Love, laugh and be happy.
Your life is a gift.

xo

I Love The People God Brings Into My Life

One of my favorite things in life is hanging-out and talking to people; enjoying casual conversation.
I do not think we can comprehend what "Heaven" will truly be like; but I believe it will be a peace we will only know once we are with God.
And "hanging-out" with Jesus, and the people who love in tranquility and harmony in perfect surroundings is my cup of tea.
I miss my Grandma and Grandpa Duncan and I am looking forward to talking to them and spending eternity with them. I was too young when they left, and missed out on getting to know them.

I have cravings to sit beside a beautiful waterfall and smell fragrant flowers with my Grandpa.
I want to feel warm pure sand beneath my feet and breathe in fresh ocean air.
I want to feel the warmth and happiness of love that never ends.

Anyway, just a thought that I felt like sharing.
Thinking about "Heaven."

xo

SUNSHINE and OUTSIDE TIME

Wow!
What a gorgeous day!
I am making every excuse I can to be outside.
I think my car is yelling at me to wash it.
The porch and the drive way both asked if they could be swept today.
A long walk in the neighborhood is in order as well.

I really appreciate the Sun coming to visit today.

May God bless your Sunny Day and fill it with joy.
xo

PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

This morning my house smells like "peanut butter cookies."
I am baking dozens of peanut butter cookies today.
I found the recipe online. The cookies are crispy on the outside, and soft and chewy on the inside.
The woman who created the recipe is now a million dollars richer, after entering them in a baking contest and winning! So I would have to say it is a million dollar recipe!

It looks as though the sun is going to shine today. It is brightly shining in my window as we type.

God bless your day.
Wishing you happiness and peace;
and peanut butter cookies.

xo

WONDERFUL WEDENSDAY

I woke up yesterday at 6 am anticipating jury duty.
I really did not want to be the judge of another person's wrong doing in life, so I prayed about it and told God how I felt.
At 8 am I phoned to see if I was still needed to appear, and WOOPIE!!!!!!! The case had been resolved and I was excused!!!!!!

I couldn't make any plans for the day except wait and see, so yesterday turned into a free day!

I baked brownies and did some research online I had put off. I went for a long hike and took in God's beauty and filled my lungs with tons of fresh air.
I got around and drove up to "Bridge Port" and did some much needed shopping; and after that I stopped at "Keizer Station" and bought a car seat and stroller for my Cohey..............
And then I went to Applebee's to visit Quinn.
Katy was there and I enjoyed visiting with her too!

Life is good, and I thank God for my family, and the people he has brought into my life.

xo

Friday Night with Cohen

I am at Cohen's house tonight enjoying having her all to myself!
Her Mom and Dad went to Portland to a concert.

Cohey is talking and walking. She is changing and growing up fast. I love spending every minute with her. We played with all her new birthday toys and read the book Coco Counts. [A little Chick's First Book of Numbers.] It features a cute little yellow fluffy chick!

Cohen and I wore each other out! She said she was sleepy and was ready to retire for the night, so I tucked her in, and she is fast asleep.

I decided I would write!

Before I left to drive to Cohen's, I was at home baking cre'me brulee and watching Brad Paisley singing in concert on T.V.
He explained a song he wrote about his wife called "Everything."
It was just a very simple love song, but sweet.
It brought tears to my eyes to think that there are men on this earth who cherrish their wives in such a special way that it comes out in a song from their heart.

I went to my computer and down loaded the lyrics to "Everything."
I brought them with me to Cohen's and told Vin about them; he of course has written love songs about Kesha....."Take My Breath Away."
I told him it made me cry, because I have never known the special kind of love. The kind of love from a man who cherrish's every thing about you and makes you feel special and loved.

It is sad to me, that I will never know this kind of love with a man on earth.
But it is OK.
I know how much I love Jesus.
He is my Prince.
He rescued me from darkness and shines His light all around me.
He is every breath I take, and holds my hand when I am afraid.
His love for me is stronger then I can comprehend, and He gave His life for me.
Knowing and loving Him gives me peace.

I will always be a hopeless romantic. And I will always love to listen to love songs. I can't change my nature.

So here are some of the sweet lyrics from Brad's "Everything:"

She's a Corola with a sun roof
with her blond hair a-blown
She's a soft place to land
And a good feeling knowing
She's a warm conversation
That I wouldn't miss for nothing
She's a fighter when she's mad
And she's a lover when she's loving

And she's everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
I talk about her I go on and on
"Cause she's everything to me

She's a Saturday out on the town
And a church girl on Sunday
She's a cross around her neck
And a cuss word 'cause its Monday
She's a bubble bath and candles
Baby come and kiss me
She's a one glass of wine
And she's feeling kinda tipsy

She's the giver I wish I could be
And the stealer of the covers
She's a picture in my wallet
Of my unborn children's mother
She's the hand that I am holding
When I'm on my knees and praying
She's the answer to my prayer and the song that I'm playing

She's the voice I love to hear
Someday when I'm ninety
She's that wooden rocking chair
I want rocking right beside me
Every day that passes I only love her more
Yeah, she's the one
That I'd lay down my own life for

And she's everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
Yeah she's everything to me

SUNNY WEEKEND!

Here it is! The SUN is going to be out all weekend!

My weekend is fully booked and I am excited about the beautiful weather.

God bless,
xo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY COHEN!

One year ago today........The sun came up, like it always has; but there was a special feeling in the morning breeze, and the sun's rays were brighter and warmer then usual.

The Spring flowers were blooming every where; and little birds were singing "today, God is sending a bundle of JOY into the world." "Her name will be Cohen, and she will fill your heart with great love and happiness."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY COHEY!!!!
Cohen is the symbol of the brightest star in the sky.
Her smile is the symbol of the warmest ray of sunlight.
Cohen's eyes are the symbol of the bluest ocean and Summer sky.
Her love and purity is refreshing like the Spring Time rain.
Just like the Spring rain God has chosen to refresh all the beautiful flowers today;
In celebration of our Cohen.

God Bless Our Little Angel Today. She Is Truly Our Gift From Him.

Love,
Grammy K.
xo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER!

Happy birthday to my ''Beautiful Sister Jodene."
She was born on April Fools Day; however there is nothing foolish or silly in her character at all!

I believe the Sun came out just for her today, a reflection of her bright disposition and her love for all the Spring plants and flowers.

The Sun and I hope she will have a special day, and take some time to relax and enjoy Mr. Sun's gift of warmth.

May God's sweet blessings be with my Sister today and always.

xo

Orchard Heights Winery

Yesterday I enjoyed a wonderful birthday celebration with my family and a couple of good friends at Orchard Heights Winery.
It was nice to relax and chat and take our time enjoying the yummy variety of food choices they offer.
It is a fun place; with a wine tasting room combined with a cute little gift shop.

If you have never been......You need to go!

xo

The Simple Things In Life

The simplest things in life are my favorite things.
Waking up to a peaceful morning and enjoying a good cup of coffee with cream.
Gathering my thoughts and praying for my family and friends.
Thanking God for all my blessings and the people He has brought into my life.

This morning I am enjoying the simple things in life.

xo

Happy Birthday to Me!

I woke up this morning to a little bird outside my window singing the sweetest song;
"Wake up, it is your day to do what you want."

Having a quiet, peaceful morning to myself was much needed.
Now I am enjoying reading and writing with the perfect cup of coffee.

My beautiful daughter Kesha offered to take me out for breakfast with my Cohey and good friend Linda; and my mother offered to meet for lunch as well........I opted out on both invitations and decided on a party with family and friends on Sunday at Orchard Height's Winery.
We will meet after church for a wonderful brunch.

I have my day all planned. I want to go swimming, and then a mid morning hike. I have some baking I want to do and then I'm off to go shopping!

I have been in prayer daily for strength and courage to take a huge step in my life. I feel God working in my heart and moving me toward my goal. It is the best feeling in the world to have "no fear" and know dreams do come true.

Anything is possible through our Savior Jesus Christ.

God's peace and blessings.

xo

Happy Easter

HE IS RISEN!!!!!!!

GOOD FRIDAY UNTIL MIDNIGHT

Good Friday was good to me.

I enjoyed making cre'me brulee in the morning, and also a cre'me brulee coconut cake for my friend Mickael who is the executive chef at Alessandro's. It was his birthday gift from me.

I went to see my Cohey before she went to bed and enjoyed holding her. I love her more then life.

I met Quinn and Jake at Red Robin and enjoyed talking and laughing.

I got home at 10:30 pm and enjoyed the 1 hour and a half left of Good Friday by relaxing and reading my bible.
I wanted to read all about Jesus and his teachings and give Him All the glory. I read and prayed until after midnight.
I fell asleep thinking of Jesus on The Cross and how He gave His life for us.

Love and peace in Jesus.
xo

Waking Making and Baking

Upon awakening this morning I knew in just a few hours I would be making and baking cookies.

It is wonderful to fill the kitchen with the aroma of pure vanilla and cinnamon.

Pure natural organic yummy cookies dipped in dark organic chocolate.

Good for the heart, and good for the soul.

Wishing you the pure pleasure of peace and joy through the nibbling of the yummiest cookies ever.

For your free sample, please visit SugarnSpice Baking Co. at www.sugarnspice.org. You can email us and give us your address and we will send our cookies for you to try.

God bless,
Cookies made with love,
SugarnSpice
xo

Please Don't Go Away Today

I am enjoying doing projects and taking my time with them today.
I do not want the afternoon to end.
I wish I could make time stand still and not have to end these projects until they were all finished.
Unfortunately, the time will end at 4:20 pm and something else will be demanding my time the rest of the day and evening.

My family and friends know exactly what it is!

Oh well, I still have almost 3 hours of freedom left.

God bless,
Love and peace.
xo

Time Change

The time change has really messed me up!
I worked late last night and slept until 8:30 this morning. I got up to have coffee and get ready to go to church when I realized it was 9:30 going on 10! I had to miss as I would not have made it on time.
My little Cohen is on a schedule; it has to mess her up too.
I.m not sure I like the time change!

xo

Fun Friday

I had a fun time with my Cohen today. She had just awakened from a nap when I arrived at her house. We hugged each other and loved each other and gave kisses and played patty cake and practiced walking and we did 120 sit-ups together and then bundled up and got the stroller and went out for a wonderful Spring weather walk!!!!!

Now I am home and it is raining and I miss my Cohey Girl.
xo

Yesterday

Yesterday was very pretty and sunny outside.
Talking to Quinn last night he told me he enjoyed his day and began it by going running at Bush Park. He said all the sunshine made him not want to go inside to work! I told him the sun came out just for his birthday as the weather man predicted rain the night before.

His girlfriend Katy is SO sweet and did SO much to make Quinn's birthday wonderful. Bless her little heart. Even though she had opened Starbuck's the morning of Quinn's birthday and worked late the night before; she managed to surprise him with 48 cupcakes she made and invited a ton of friends to show up at Applebee's to celebrate his birthday while he worked.
I love her! She is very special and I am thankful she is in our lives.

God bless our Katy.
xo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO QUINN ALAN

Today is Quinn's birthday!
Twenty six years ago today I held him in my arms for the first time.
I nicked named him " Finner Guy." and I call him that to this day!
He started smiling at people when he was brand new and he has never stopped.
His first word was "hi" and he never met a stranger he didn't greet!
If you have the chance to meet him, he will greet you with his beautiful happy warm smile, and look at you with the bluest eyes of a pure Summer sky.
He has brought joy and comfort to my life.
He is kind and soft spoken with a gentle spirit and a passion for Christ.
I thank God for my Finner Guy.
He is truly a gift and a blessing.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Missing My Cohen

I do not want to sound selfish, but I miss my Cohen and wish she was just a short drive in my car away.
I really was at the point of not missing anyone desperately; but then God sent Cohen into my world.
I think about her all the time and pray for her well being.
I had finally reached a point in life where I felt my children were all safe and doing well in God's hands.........Not that I never missed them, I would, and do.
Knowing they are all grown, safe, and smart and healthy helped to cut the cord.
When they were babies growing up I was overly protective at times and worried when ever they were away from me.
Now it is starting all over again!
My heart aches for my little Cohen and I can't wait to hold her in my arms again.

I am happy for her Grandma Lisa and Grandpa Bruce, and her Aunties and Uncle to have the time to share with her as she is the essence of pure joy.
It is especially fun that she gets to spend time with her cousins. I know someday they will be very close and the best of friends.

In the mean time,
I will pray that she is safe and healthy and happy until she comes home and Grammy Kathy gets to hold her again.

Protected in Christ,
xo

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

What a beautiful day here in Salem Oregon.
The sky is blue and the sun is shining.
Cheerful little flowering buds are every where just waiting to open.
Spring is singing she is just around the corner waiting to surprise us with all her spectacular wonder of plants and flowers.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!

LOVE AND JOY IN CHRIST,
XO

KESHA FERN MARJORIE'S BIRTHDAY!

I woke up this morning to a beautiful sunny day.
Beautiful and bright with Spring in the air and little birds in the trees singing "today is Kesha Fern Marjorie's birthday!"
Today, Feb. 9th my darling daughter turns 24.
She is my pure joy, and pleasure in my life. My only daughter, my true gift from God.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I LOVE YOU!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO,
Mommy

GOALS

CORRECTION ON MY LAST POST!

Healthy Wealthy and Wise

I am really on a health kick!
I have prayed for strength and happiness for months;
God has given me insight to what it takes to achieve such gaols:
"YOU CAN'T LOVE, IF YOU DON'T LOVE YOURSELF"
AND YOU CAN'T BE FREE, IF YOU CAN'T ASK FOR HELP"
I'm not sure what I just said makes sense to anyone but me?
"It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down.
It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground."
Jesus first.
Healthy organic food/the purest, closest to what God has created, with wonderful herbs as well.
Exercise; whatever kind you love and crave.
JUST DO IT!
You will then watch your body and soul and well being sore.
You must be healthy first, to be wealthy and wise.

In God's love and peace may you live and thrive.
xo

The Wind

One day last week it was windy and stormy outside.
I had been indoors all day working.
When I finally went outside around 8:30 that night to walk to my mailbox, the wind blowing on my face and in my hair felt SO good and refreshing. I wanted to stay outside and walk and run and play in the wind.

Thank You Father God for the wind.

xo

COHEN

I love my little Cohen more then words can say.
I can't believe the pure joy she brings to my heart.
It is SO much fun being Her Grand Mother.
We have a special bond; I have to pinch myself,
I am truly blessed.

Thank you Jesus for life and the gift of my Cohen.

xo

Snow Falling

Waking in the morning to snow falling outside.
A beautiful soft white blanket covering the trees and ground.
Peaceful, quiet, enchanting morning.
xo

Plain and Simple

God created the Heavens and the Earth.
We are not humanly capable, or have the mental capacity to think beyond or before.
In the bible God asks us to have a "child like faith" or "the faith of a child".
After our lives end on earth and we meet Him, it is then we will be given the knowledge to our unanswered questions.

God loved his animals first. They never broke his heart. It was after He created man kind that His heart was broken. The hearts of men were corrupt, and evil doers became abundant on God's earth.
As difficult as it was God destroyed all of man kind, except Noah, whom God instructed how to survive a life ending flood.
With a broken heart, God said He would never destroy the entire earth with a flood again; and a new generation of man filled the earth.

Again, corruption and evil in the hearts of men.
God our Father did not want to destroy man kind again. Instead we were given another chance to live.
God sent His only begotten Son to earth in the form of a human man.
His name is Jesus Christ.
Jesus walked the earth spreading the good news of purity and love and kindness and all things and ways that were of God our Father, and a chance of eternal life with God.
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.
It became, the only way to our Father, is through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Only through Jesus can we get to our Father God.
Living a life in Christ Jesus. Having a pure heart, free of evil doings.
Following our Father God's Ten Commandments.
The more we become like Jesus, The closer to our Father we become.
When we know and love Jesus and we accept Him into our hearts; it becomes difficult to sin.
We become protected from evil and are drawn to the beautiful light that shines from Jesus.

As a last resort, and as HORRIBLE as it was;
Jesus loved man so much that He died for you and I.
When Jesus died, so did our sins.

Through Jesus, our Father God understands us, and "the only way to The Father is through Jesus Christ."

Our Father God rose Jesus from the dead.
He now sits on the right side of our Father God in "Heaven."
Jesus is the eternal light, and the way for eternal life for us.

You now can make your own choice, whether to live, or die:

It is plain and simple.
Acknowledge that you know Jesus walked the earth and died so you may live.
Ask Him to live in your heart; and have a heart like Jesus.
Ask Him to forgive you for your sins.
He will forgive you and your sins will be gone with the wind, and a new, pure you will be as white as snow.

In Jesus Christ, may you live.

xo

My Saturday Morning

Waking in the morning to a new Winter day.
Thanking God for a peaceful night and a fresh new day,
I have much to say:
My dreams are running wild and my thoughts are understood;
My love for Christ is over flowing and my life is feeling good.
Jesus gives me strength and new beginnings are in store;
Fear is gone no looking back there is a new world to explore!

So many dreams so many places I have yet to go;
Warm sunsets I have never seen and wonderlands of snow!

Thank you God for loving me and shining Your bright light;
I feel Your warmth all day long and in Your arms at night.

May God's grace be in our hearts with all we do and say;
I wish you peace and happiness and love in Christ this day.

xo

My Three Sons

I woke up this morning thinking about my three sons.
In category by age, they are Ryder, Vin, and Quinn.
Thinking about them makes me happy.
They are all three handsome, smart, hard working, honest, true, kind, considerate, happy, loving men.
I am truly blessed.
They make me smile when we are together, and I enjoy just hanging-out with them, talking and laughing.
It is great fun when all three of them are with me at the same time; it is a brotherhood affair and we always laugh our heads off!
I want to tell God and the world how much I love them and how truly special all three of them are to me.

P.S. I love my Kesha girl too, and thank God for her and my Cohey.
I feel like the luckiest mother on earth, and I feel like reflecting on the beautiful gifts God has given me.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Frosty!

Jack Frost visited Salem last night while we were sleeping. I wanted to thank him for creating the beautiful frosty wonderland outside, but I have yet to catch him in the act!

I enjoy snow falling from the sky on Winter days. Christmas day seemed enchanting having the snow falling outside! Although it did not stick to the ground it was Sooo pretty and soft.
Last week believe it or not snow fell on Baghdad, Iraq!!!! I saw it on the news either Thursday or Friday. Many of the people who live there had never seen snow before in their life. The reporter telling the story said there was zero violence on that day.
There is something so very peaceful about soft snow flakes falling from the sky. Almost magical.
I am sure the people who live in States that get dumped with TONS of snow every Winter would disagree. But I am talking about the soft, mild snow that falls gently like rain in places that rarely get to experience it.

I wish for everyone reading this post; soft snowflakes, a heart capable of love and forgiveness, and peace and joy in life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
xo

Thankful for my Beautiful Family and Friends

I am just feeling like I want to write "how thankful I am to have such a loving, caring family.
I had a difficult day yesterday, to put it mildly; I found comfort in a special friend who was there when I needed someone to talk to more then ever! My family also gave full support.

God's blessings to You!xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

For My Friend Bruce Thomas

Bruce,
Thank you for sharing that the loss of Dan Fogelberg took you by surprise too.
We not only share the love of our beautiful grand-daughter Cohen; but also a love for the same kind of music.
Here are the lyrics of another great story telling song by Dan that I thought you might enjoy:

Lessons Learned

You
With the past at your back
And the future unsure
Asked for the chance to try love once more
Well aware of the consequences should the dream fall through
You threw down your last defenses wanting to find something new

You found me
In a sea of confusion drifting with the tide
Living
On love that had long since died

But every time that our eyes meet, baby
I feel more alive
And I'm reminded how much you've made me
Believe in the love that survives

Lessons learned are like bridges burned
You only need to cross them but once
Is the knowledge gained
worth the price of the pain
Is the spoil worth the cost of the hunt?

Borne
On the first warm winds of feeling newly found
Fly
But remember don't look down
Take as much as you think you ought to
Give as much as you can
Don't forget what your failures taught you
Or else you'll learn them all over again

Lessons learned are like bridges burned
You only need to cross them but once

God bless you Bruce!
xo

Rain and Peace

Today was very peaceful while the rain came down in buckets keeping me company.
I enjoyed working on several projects inside and just being alone "thinking".
I'm the type of person who needs solitude from time to time to gather my thoughts, and when I can't find it, I'm unhappy and will do what ever it takes to have it!
Today it was much needed and the rain falling was the only sound I wanted to hear.

Thank you Father Creator for the rain. It is a blessing and a gift.
xo

Happy Birthday to a Special Man

It was New Years Eve. I was at Alessandro's greeting guests at the front door. It was a cold crisp night and every time someone opened the door from outside a bit of the night air came in to remind us.
I looked up, and there he was. Looking more then handsome, wearing a long cashmere wool chocolate/truffle brown coat. Eyes bright and shining with a beautiful smile to match wishing me a "happy New Year".
My heart missed a beat as I gasped at how wonderful he looked, and how enthusiastic he was as he shared an article in an art magazine with me.
The man was no other then my special friend and boss, Roger Yost.

Roger has a birthday on January 6. Although he is a little bit older then me, one would never no it as his youthful spirit is never ending and he seems to get younger with each birthday!

If you have never had the pleasure of meeting him and sharing a conversation, I can tell you he is one of the most opened minded individuals I have ever known! His passion for art is more fun then I can explain and his sharp sense of business is amazing! He can put on a suit and fit right into the corporate world; and I have also experienced him rolling up his sleeves and enjoying the outdoors and plants.

Sometimes you meet people and they remind you of, or act like someone else you know; and although he does remind me of a couple of famous movie stars, I can truly say "there is only one Roger Yost"!

I know God lead my path to his, and I have learned a wealth of knowledge from my friend, my boss, Roger.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE SPECIAL MAN I HAVE GROWN TO KNOW AND LOVE.
May God continue to bless you in this year of new beginnings.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

A Day for a Hike

It is beautiful and clear outside right now! The sun is shining and I see blue sky!
Our Creator loves us and He knows our thoughts.
I love the rain, but will admit, I thought it would be nice to have a bit of a break.
Here it is!!!
And I am off to go hiking in the woods.

God bless,
oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Dan Fogelberg

I have been wanting to write about a man I never knew personally; but loved and enjoyed through his music. Dan Fogelberg.
I was one of his best fans in the 80's and sang a lot of his songs to my children.
He has a soft, kind beautiful voice that touches a person's heart;
a bit like my son-in-law Vin Thomas.

Every Christmas I would look forward to hearing my favorite Christmas song by Dan on the radio,
"Same Old Lang Syne".

Met my old love at the grocery store. The snow was falling Christmas Eve. I stole behind her in the frozen foods and I touched her arm and sleeve. She didn't recognize the face at first, but then her eyes flew open wide; she went to hug me and she spilled her purse and we laughed until we cried.
We took her groceries to the check out stand, the food was totalled up and bagged, we stood there lost in our embarrassment as the conversation dragged.
We went to have ourselves a drink or two, but couldn't find an open bar. We bought a six-pack at the liquor store and we drank it in her car.
We drank a toast to innocence, we drank a toast to now, and tried to reach beyond the emptiness, but neither one knew how.
She said she married her an architect who kept her warm and safe and dry. She said she'd like to say she loved the man but she didn't like to lie.
I said the years had been a friend to her, and that her eyes were still as blue. But in those eyes I wasn't sure if I saw doubt or gratitude.
She said she saw me in the record stores and that I must be doing well. I said the audience was heavenly but the traveling was hell.

We drank a toast to innocence, we drank a toast to time; reliving in our eloquence another 'auld lang syne'.......The beer was empty and our tongues were tired and running out of things to say. She gave a kiss to me as I got out and I watched her drive away.
Just for a moment I was back in school and felt that old familiar pain, and as I turned to make my way back home, the snow turned into rain~

Out Christmas shopping one evening I heard that song and cried a bit. I can see my own life in the words. I thought about what a beautiful story teller Dan was and wondered what it would be like to hang-out with him and be his friend. I wondered if he knew Jesus?

When I got home just in time to turn on the news the first thing I heard was that Dan Fogelberg had passed away. I was in shock and just couldn't believe how my thoughts had just been of him and now he was no longer on earth.
I prayed for him. I begged that he was a Christ follower and that his soul would be with God.
I cried and felt sad.
I went to my computer and found his web site; he was a man of God. He knew and loved Jesus.

I will look forward to meeting the man I loved but never knew in heaven one day. I look forward to sitting beside him and talking to him; I will have a chance to tell him how much I enjoyed his music and how it touched my heart.

Through his music he will continue to live on earth and in my heart.
God's peace and love to Dan.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo