Spring Break...

is really different at 50! What a wonderful week...biking on the Katy, picnic in Hermann, lots of shopping, sleeping, and decorating. You just can't beat this spring break life!

This has been an all around really good week. For the first time ever I thought...you know, retirement would not be too bad...I could do this. Maybe! I've never before thought about retirement as an option. I believe life here continues until you get to heaven, where life really begins. However, this week has shown me there is more to life than WORK, WORk, WOrk, Work, work...

I spent lots of time with my grandchildren. Grandson #2 came to visit on Tuesday afternoon. Grandkids #1, #3, and #5 on Tuesday night for a short visit. Little #4 dropped by for a few minutes. I haven't seen him much this week at all. All day on Thursday with #3 and #5. Purina Farms was wonderful! We loved the Easter decorations and all the baby animals. My little grandgirl was so pleased with this trip. Milking the cow and swinging on ropes was much fun for the #3 grandson. My daughter's doctor appointment was really good. I'm so blessed! I love the time I spend with them. These are the times that refill my life tank and reminds me of why I'm here...love and laughter make a life.

Friday with Nan...shopping was a delight. You never know how much time you have with those you love. Celebrating the good days seem to be the way to handle aging, yours and those you love. Then, when life begins in heaven and you are left behind, there are no regrets.

From this day forward ... remember to LIVE life ... !

Herman, Missouri

If you need a day away from it all, may I suggest a road trip? Today I experienced a relaxing day that began geocacheing in Jefferson City. There we located the coordinates and searched for the cache that had to be in someone's yard. As a "newby" I wasn't about to go into the yard of a stranger to locate a cache. After, we drove along Rt 94 with the river we stopped at the Katy Trail State Park near Portland, MO and unloaded the bikes. We road along the river as the breezes cooled us and we loved every minute of it. After returning to our vehicle we decided Herman would be the destination for lunch. We found the Hermannoff Winery near the river's edge and went inside for a basket lunch for two. The sausage, cheese, apple and french bread were wonderful. The black cherry pop was a treat. Definitely worth the drive and time to visit. As we ate our lunch in the gazebo we were reminded of just how wonderful springtime can be and how much fun we can still have together!

Happy Birthday, #3

Today #3 Grandson is 8 years old. I'm wondering just how this has happened. He is my big hearted, freckle faced, hard lined boy of all boys. He is playful and tough and thoughtful all in one. His grin will melt your heart and his chuckle will make your heart sing. Happy Birthday my sweet boy. I love you with all my heart and want you to have a wonderful day!

A Trip for the Preschoolers!

Life may be uncertain in today's economy, but we found a wonderful FREE trip for our two little preschoolers this weekend. Orschelen's Farm Center had chick days March 3-12. I decided to plan a trip for my youngest grandchildren ages 2 and 4. We would drive to visit the farm center and see the babies and have a Happy Meal at McDonald's, not free but fun. When we arrived at the Farm Center we were met by the peeeping of baby birds. As we followed the sound through the store their anticipation grew and grew until finally the little girl put her sweet little hands to her cheeks and said "tiny, bitty babies" while the four year old jumped up and down and said "Yook, Yook, Yook." (Look, Look, Look!) We spent about 30 minutes checking out the different types of fuzzy, little peeping chicks, ducks and rabbits. The ducks with their translucent bills and webbed feet were quacking in an open heated container for all to see. The bunnies with their soft fur and long whiskers loved the attention that we had so much of to share. As the children walked circles around the little babies I was reminded that it doesn't matter what you do with a child, it just matters that you do it. You could not have purchased a gift that would have given me more pleasure than watching my grandchildren enjoy the simple wonders of God's big earth. The economy may not be great, but the most important things in life are still free: joy and love.

Joy of Grandparenting

It was an absolutely gorgeous day! The temperature reached the low 80s and for this time of year that is spectacular. All through the day as I worked I couldn't help but be excited because tonight was a "grandma" night. The number 3 grandson was coming over. I love the time I spend with each of them and it was finally his turn. When I picked him up and looked closely at his face I saw all the things that I love about children: freckles, sparkling eyes, joy of doing something fun, and anticipation. Well tonight would be just about him. We stopped for a slush and he did a little "diddy" to decide which flavor - grape seemed best for today. As soon as we were home he climbed the apple tree and played on the swing. Then, as light gave way to evening we built a fire and roasted hot dogs and made S'mores. The end of the evening found our little visitor snuggly wrapped in a sleeping bag watching Hatari! his very favorite movie. Grandparenting is easy when the grandchildren are so sweet!

Poetry by Langston Hughes

I rediscovered this poem today.

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow.

Langston Hughes

Snow Began To Fall Today...

and I was reminded of God's great love for us. We are, as the earth, covered with the debris of sin. There are huge boulders that seem unmovable in our hearts based on our unbelief. There are small twigs that seem to trip us up as we walk along, the little sins we harbor. There are huge holes where we've been hit by life and the damage is still present and the vast space it spans is filled with pain. But, as the snow began to fall this morning it covered it all - the twigs, the boulders, and the huge holes. I was amazed at the spotless, whiteness that covered everything. Just as Jesus' blood was shed for our forgiveness it cleanses our hearts when we invite him in and we become as white and spotless as the snow. This thick, white blanket covers us and reminds of us of his vast love - all spotless and white.