Welcome home...

Walking through the forest,
my favorite thing to do is look for beautiful flowers and evidence of the creatures that we so rarely see happily ensconced in the suburbs.

With camera in hand,
I lay on the path,
creep nearer to odd objects
and frequently cause my eldest to wonder
if she could steal my camera in my sleep without retribution.

I have always enjoyed imagining who lives inside the nooks, crannies and holes along the way. Wouldn't it be fun, to be shrunk down just for a moment to see what really is down those holes or be able to fly up and peek inside the tree trunk hole?

Now, I don't want to be eaten or harmed,
so on my imaginary journeys,
I seem to always be safe.

This morning I read Hebrew's chapter 11
just like my good pastor has assigned.
(yup... she gives homework...imagine that)

The chapter talks about faith and trusting in what we do not see.

I read and read thinking, "man... yay for these people... apparently they are much more faithful than I am..."
and then... then I saw Abraham's name and laughed! Yup! I laughed because Abraham doubted God's plan for descendants enough to do some seemingly yucky things.
It was then I smiled... I figure if Abraham was listed as faithful and he saw angels who he just couldn't trust their message. Then... well... then if I have just a tiny bit of faith... if I allow God to use me... Ahh... I'll be all right.

So,
today...
May you be blessed with the faith you need for life's adventure.
May a smile find its way to your lips
and may you know you are a treasure.
.. a light...
someone special.

You are loved.

French Toast

Coming home from work,

I stopped for a large diet pepsi,

turned the radio up

and rolled the windows down.

With the wind blowing delightfully,

I sang to the radio.

This is my normal routine,

though sometimes I get a coffee instead of the soda.

Since I get out earlier in the summer,

I had time to run a few errands

before I got my youngest daughter

from her grandparents' house.

I picked up some registration information from the high school for my oldest and traded last week's books for some new ones.

Heading home,

I smiled.

It was french toast night.

With fruit and whipped topping,

it is one of my favorite dinners.

Easy and quick...

and I've recently discovered a new added indulgence.

I love to spread peanut butter and jelly on top of the french toast before adding the fresh berries and whipped topping.

Sigh...

trust me...

it is like I imagine heaven to be....

The only thing left is a cup of coffee

and later

when all the kids are asleep,

a trip out to the swing to watch the stars.

Tonight I hope for you,

a peaceful evening,

the knowledge that you are loved by those who matter most.

May you be blessed this week and always...

Playing in the water

The water was calling us.

My son lost his shirt with a grin.

I handed over my cell and keys to a friend and followed him in.

Playing in the water,

watching minnows swim past my toes,

sitting in the water...

Happy.

Peaceful.

We were at Old Man's Cave today,

located down State Route 33 about an hour or so from Columbus.

Nestled in Hocking Hills State Park,

surrounded by trees,

moss,

cool air,

happy people...

It is a place to leave the outside world,

relax,

smile.

Although we favor the Old Man's Cave area,

there is absolutely no place in the whole area that isn't lovely.

Visit http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/tabid/743/Default.aspx to consider a trip for yourself. Go for a day trip or come for a weekend or longer. Leave the stress of the world somewhere else. Play in the water, walk the trails... enjoy the company of those you love or come solo and enjoy the peaceful views yourself.

May your day,

your night,

your always,

be blessed by the beauty of our world.

Peace to you.

A Beautiful Adventure....

Laughing,

sitting in hay with fourteen children...

Petting,

deer,

bunnies,

steer,

horses,

kittens,

chickens...

Leading ponies,

with delighted children aboard...

Eating together,

sharing cookies

and laughter.

Playing in the play barn,

climbing to the tippy top with the children,

following the peacock

with a smile mirrored on every face.

Marmon Valley Farm,

delightful and caring staff,

gentle animals,

quiet happiness.

Count me in.

Sigh...

Life is full of beautiful places.

Check out Marmon Valley Farm at: http://www.marmonvalley.com/ .

I can honestly say that it has been a long time since I have been to a for profit location that felt so honestly like a family that cared for it's loved ones.

If you are up for an adventure about an hour outside of Columbus, Ohio, please click on my link.

Call for more details and speak with wonderful people.

(ph 937-593-8000)

May your evening,

your tomorrow,

your forever...

be blessed.

I wish you happiness,

a sure path to follow

and a hand to hold on the journey.

The One who made us,

the dear ones He gave us...

They are with us on the path,

we are never alone.

Happy Birthday!

Chocolate ice cream cake made by my eldest...

A trip to a park...

Kiddo videos playing on endless loop in my living room...

Pizza for everyone.

Family

no need for anything fancy

simple joys

Presents

thank yous

smiles

Moments frozen in time

everyone welcome in my home

the blessing of sharing time

of supporting each other

of caring...

Phone calls to check up on each other when we are hurting...

Chocolate to share!

Laughing and not taking things too seriously...

Tonight,

I thank God for my sister...

for her little son...

for birthdays and time together.

May the simple moments

that we share with the ones we are given to love

make our lives worth living.

May the things not able to be bought in a store

bring us the kind of joy that lasts forever.

May this spring,

this Easter season,

bring us all peaceful hearts.

May you be blessed.

Tonight,

Tomorrow,

Always.

Kitty Kitty Katie Bear!

Twelve years old and an amazing artist, my youngest daughter has a contagious smile and a mischievous streak.

She also has autism.

With her love of Metro Parks, cookies, pizza and jewelery,
she is definitely my girl!

Sometimes when her "issues" combine with her normal preteen attitude, I wonder if she'll be grounded when she's thirty.

But, this afternoon, as she walked the awakening Inniswood Gardens, she held my hand happily and just smiled.

It was a moment of silent bliss.

A time to treasure.

I filed it away in my mind,
a snapshot if you will,
a happy thought to help us on the gray days that come in normal life.

May your travels bring you hopeful and happy moments with the ones you love.

God Bless you,
Now,
Tomorrow,
Forever!