THANKFUL THURSDAY

Well, it's no secret what I'm giving thanks for today! :)  What a shower of blessings my dear granddaughter has been and continues to be every single day ~ I am amazed at how quickly the past year as gone by.  It really does seem like just yesterday that I was holding her in my arms, just hours after her birth, my heart filled with overwhelming joy and love.  That love and joy grows each day as I see her grow ~ and I celebrate her birthday today knowing that Abigail Elizabeth is a special, wonderful little girl, dearly loved by many.  Happy Birthday, Abby!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

MONDAY MUSINGS

A year ago this week we were eagerly and not-so-patiently awaiting the birth of my first grandchild, Abigail Elizabeth -- yes, as trite as it sounds -- time does fly!  It truly seems like only yesterday that my beautiful daughter was captured in this pose...

And each day brought us closer to the anticipated arrival ~ surrounding our newest baby girl, the fifth generation (!), with prayers of peaceful love.  No doubt about it, when she made her debut, she did so with grace and peace ~ has it really been a year?  Happy Birthday Week, Abby!  Mimi loves you :)

MONDAY MUSINGS

You know it's time to "embrace your age" when...

• your Facebook doppelganger is Diane Keaton and you're actually flattered...

You know it's time to "embrace your age" when...

• your "not-much-younger" (!!) brother tells you the following joke and you find it very funny ~

Rod Stewart has a new song out - "Da Ya Think I'm Sixty?"

You know it's time to "embrace your age" when...  

• your youngest daughter informs you that AARP has announced the age group doing the most "sexting" is over 50...

You know it's time to "embrace your age" when...

• same daughter tells you, in an attempt to make you "feel better" that none of her friends can believe that you're really that old????

You know it's time to "embrace your age" when...

• same daughter (she's on a roll...) points out how close you're getting to the senior special at area restaurants...

MONDAY MUSINGS

"Being Mimi" is such an incredible journey for me.  My first granddaughter (and first grandchild), Abigail, arrived in February of this past year and has had me smiling ever since. :)  From the first time her mom, my daughter, placed her in my arms - just hours after her birth - to today's impromptu Monday moments when she pulled up on my jeans and put out her arms to be picked up, nestling her head into my shoulder for a cuddle, I have found that "being Mimi" means priceless smiles, treasured times, and warm memories in the making.  My heart is full each and every day with the blessings of this journey.

MONDAY MUSINGS

Ok, yes, I'll admit it, I'm guilty. Completely 100% guilty of blog neglect. I've ignored this thing first for a few days, then a couple of weeks, and before I knew it months, and now a new decade has dawned -- what was I thinking?! :)

So, new year, new decade, time for resolutions and all that, right? Well, at least I can give it my best shot at breathing some new life into the blog world here and see what happens...

Looking back at 2009 ~ becoming Mimi (welcoming my first grandchild!); finding love and saying "yes" (how wonderful to find and share such happiness); road-tripping with my youngest around the country (just call us "Thelma and Louise") for fun, soccer, and college exploration; saying a too-soon 'good-bye' to my remarkable, strong, and so loving father; celebrating my grandmother's 99th birthday (her "secret"? one highball everyday at 5pm)...

Looking ahead to 2010 ~ celebrating Abby's first birthday (my creative daughter has already selected a wonderful theme - "Winter ONE-derland!") ; celebrating "soccer girl's" college commitment (stay tuned - she's close to making an announcement, I think!), her high school graduation, and her travels abroad (Spain this spring, Nicaragua over the summer); planning our "simply" wonderful (key word is "simply") wedding and terrific trip; welcoming my son home from Tanzania for a three week visit before he returns to Africa to extend his work with the Peace Corps...much to look forward to in this new year and in this new decade, indeed.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

WHOA, A NEW MONTH!

August already? Where has the summer gone? Well....here's an idea of what I've been up to ~

~ Being "Soccer Mom"

~ Preparing for Hannah's senior year of high school...helping her research colleges, making some visits, prospect camps for soccer ~ lots of road-tripping :)

~ Playing with the beads :)

"Turquoise Dreams" Necklace


"Playing with Fire" Bracelet


"Mint Juleps"


~ Enjoying my Mimi time with Abby




~ Falling in Love :) :)






Well, it HAS been quite a summer! Here's to a great August!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, July 6, 2009

Outside my window...the afternoon sun is warming and skies are blue, a beautiful summer day.

I am thinking...of Andrew, grateful to have word from him and looking forward to chatting in a short while to catch up and get the full story on his harrowing encounter!

From the learning room...enjoying the wire wrapping and looking over the new schedule of classes being offered in chain maille ~ interesting!

From the kitchen...the couscous salad for the 4th was wonderful (and still is!) :-)

I am wearing...brown and white "batik" print shorts, white tee and my new cross necklace ♥

I am creating...turquoise necklace is laid out, ready to be put together ~ bracelet and earrings to follow.

I am going...to see "Mamma Mia" on Saturday! What fun!

I am reading...John Adams (finally getting into it, I think!), A Year in the World...and still be sorely tempted by Breaking Dawn!

I am hoping...that Mom has a great trip, that Hannah enjoys these summer days.

I am hearing...the lawn mower as it makes it passes and rounds.

Around the house...things are quiet but Hannah is popping in and out which is nice. :-)

One of my favorite things...are smiles from sweet Abigail.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

shop photos, FB shop page, "Miriam" work for Hannah :-)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, June 15, 2009

Outside my window...my friend's garden is luscious and full...
I am thinking...of Hannah enjoying her final day "across the pond" and looking forward
to many wonderful stories when I see her.

From the learning room..."remembering WHO I am" and how awesome is that...

From the kitchen...my oldest and dearest friend is in the midst of packing - boxes for here and for a cross-country (literally) move.

I am wearing...NOT my pj's (ha!!) believe it or not, but am dressed for a day of exploring and enjoying the city.

I am creating...finally got the alcohol inks, etc. and the grooved glass squares arrived before I arrived - now need to find time to "play" when I get back home.

I am going...to finally meet a dear friend who've I known for two years but have never seen - yes, indeed! An exciting day!

I am reading...Conversations with God (1) and am amazed...still enjoying John Adams and also enjoying A Year in This World.

I am hoping...that Hannah's flight home tomorrow is safe and uneventful - as is Nancy and Didier's, her dear chaperones; that Mom has some cheery "Abby-fixes" :-) - those smiles and coos are so good for the soul; that I don't get too terribly lost navigating Toronto today ;-).

I am hearing...distant city sounds, but pleasant morning quiet - children playing outside.

Around the house...I am ready for Hannah's homecoming - settled and ready for the busy summer ahead.

One of my favorite things...giving "soccer girl" her first big hug when she comes off the plane tomorrow night - I have missed her much.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
making arrangements for Hannah's trip to Vanderbilt the end of this month; playing with my new alcohol inks; hoping to find Sassy Beads this afternoon on my way home from lunch; having a wonderful conversation about CWG with a great friend.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, May 18, 2009

Outside my window...sunshine is streaming, a hopeful spring Monday...

I am thinking...of my Dad, of Hannah, of Mom, and how my life circles and journeys ahead.

From the learning room...are a couple of wire and beading books waiting for me.

From the kitchen...will be Hannah's "last meal" request before her surgery :-)...whoops, "no nose, Mom!" :).

I am wearing...my pj's still...

I am creating...played with alcohol inks this past week with Ellen and am "hooked" so will be anxious to get some new materials and "play" again.

I am going...to be sticking close to home as Hannah recuperates.

I am reading...not enough - too much "life" interrupting and need to get back to the stack...

I am hoping...that Mom feels better today, that Hannah's surgery goes well with a quick recovery, that Dad's spirit is abounding as the glads are planted this week...

I am hearing..."Your Eyes Are Open," Keane (pandora.com)

Around the house...Hannah and I are organizing chores...again... ;P

One of my favorite things...will be my weekly "phone date" with Andrew, arranged now so that I should no longer just hear funky Tanzanian music when I call...

A few plans for the rest of the week:
planting glads; helping Hannah recuperate - plans include a Harry Potter marathon and much studying - exams soon after she returns (!!); much needed Abby fixes; watching soccer games maybe - but NOT having a player this weekend; hopefully our traditional Memorial Day summer kick-off cookout

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, April 27, 2009

Outside my window...the evening is dark and warm, a quiet spring night.

I am thinking...of my Dad, of "the flood of memories" as Sarah said earlier today that fill my heart as I pray either for peaceful release or for a miracle...

From the learning room...no time this week for anything "formal."

From the kitchen...a hodge-podge of leftovers from a soccer tournament weekend and baptism open house...snacks, fruit and vegetable trays, Gatorade and granola...

I am wearing...my MHS soccer sweats and a red T-shirt.

I am creating...not much right now as "the muse" and time are challenging me...

I am going...to make a lot of trips to Columbus this week and have a trip to Indiana planned for the weekend ~ we'll see.

I am reading..."John Adams," ~ but in all honesty, concentration is difficult.

I am hoping...that miracles really do still happen.

I am hearing...nothing - sweet, sweet silence.

Around the house...things are peacefully settled.

One of my favorite things...will be welcoming Ellen for her visit.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
helping Hannah maintain the "normal chaos" amidst the "so-likely" loss we are facing...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...Abby's baptism

FRIDAY FAVORITES

Welcoming Abigail Elizabeth..."officially" this weekend with a baptismal celebration! Put together this "video" as part of the fun.