May Snippets

I've had some thoughts lately here and there--snippets, if you will. For whatever it's worth, here they are:

ADR: Alyssa's dance recital. She had her last dance recital at Progress Village Middle Magnet School of the Arts and I am sad. This is her last year there and since she is not going on to Blake School of the Arts, it may very well be her last recital ever. I remember her very first dance recital for Becky's Dance World at the Lakeland Center. As Miz Becky was giving out the awards at the end of the program, our three year-old tiny dancer tugged on her dress, looked up and said, "What about me, Miz Becky. Are you proud of me, too?" What more can I say? My daughter is a fine dancer and I wish she would continue to use her talents--to the glory of God. I know the Lord holds Alyssa's future so please keep her in your prayers.......

MD: Mother's Day weekend was very nice. Shane and Angie and Landon bought me dinner and dessert (I had the lemon raspberry cheesecake--YUM!) at the Cheesecake Factory at the International Plaza on Saturday night. Christian was able to join us on his dinner hour. One of the joys of my life is spending time with my kids! As Angie said in her blog, Landon entertained us (or did Grandpa entertain him?) while we waited for our meal. Then we found a quiet, inconspicuos spot to snap a couple of photos before CJ had to go back to work. We strolled the mall and let Landon enjoy the play area and visit the toy store where Chloe had such a great time a few weeks before!

On Sunday after church, we picked up my mom and met Doug's mom and the Johnsons at a park in Brooksville. We had fun playing bean bag toss and some board games while the guys waited on us hand and foot! Last year the meal was more elaborate and was held at Dan and Vicky's home. I think the guys got smart and figured out that a cookout would be easier--no dishes or pots and pans to wash. Dan and Vicky brought their motor home so we even had our own toilet facilities! Before we all headed home, we climbed the observation tower and got a beautiful view of the sun dipping into the water......

OY: It was a year ago on May 15th since our beloved cat Courtney died. Anyone who's ever had a pet for any length of time (in our case--23 years) knows what i'm talking about. I have some regrets but I am thankful to God for sending him to our door in Tampa as a stray and that we had him for as long as we did. During his last two months I was able to baby him and nurse him as best as I could. He was happy and content to lay in my lap or at my side. He continued to purr even though he was so sick. Time after time, during the months of his illlness, we thought it was the end but time and again he snapped back. Once he even dragged himself to our bedroom door and meowed for me. Now, I know what is meant by a cat having nine lives. He gave us all he had but in the end, he had used them all up........

HC: This was the month one year ago that I did something drastic. After years and years of having my hair long, I decided in a moment to cut it. I'm glad I did. It was time for a change.....I shocked everyone (especially my children who didn't remember me ever having short hair!) and I have to admit, the feedback was glorious. 99.9% of everyone, friends, family and strangers alike had something positive to say. I STILL get compliments to this day......I will always admire beautiful, shiny long tresses, after all a woman's glory is her hair! I may let mine grow a little longer but I'm content with my new look--for now......

CM: I attended National Scrapbook Day at my Creative Memories consultant's house on the 13th and 14th. It's a weekend where you can come one day or the other or both. Those who come both days (like me) can leave all their "stuff" at their table. This eliminates having to pack it all up until you're done. It's something I really look forward to each year--hours of uninterupted scrapbooking! This year, my friend Marleen came and shared a table with me. It's fun to talk and crop with old and new friends. My consultant treats us to loads of goodies, prizes and great food and snacks. What I love most about it is that it's "me" time, something I get so little of! I don't have to answer the phone or the door, cook or wash dishes or clothes. I get to do what I love to do--scrapbook!

DIL: I'm always bragging on my kids and grandkids but I wanted to say something about my daughters-in-law. They are the absolute BEST. They are thoughtful, beautiful, intelligent, sweet and kind and the most wonderful wives to my sons and mothers to my grandchildren that I could ever ask for! I'm very thankful to have them in my life........

O: Yes, that O. I love Oprah (yeah, I know Christians aren't supposed to love Oprah)! But---I do! She is funny and smart and REAL. She respects women. Most importantly, she helps women (me included) be their very best! Most of her shows are very educational, uplifting and challenging and I believe she's worth watching. There. I said it. P.S. I don't idolize her and I don't agree with everything she says--I just admire her compassion and genuineness AND I have been motivated to be a better "me".....

E: Exercise. I have come to conclude that EXERCISE is my friend not my enemy! I have struggled with exercise for years--from my very first gym membership (Louisa International Spa in Tampa and a gift from Doug) to co-ed gyms with my husband and now to a little exercise room at the apartment complex. I've walked at Lake Hollingworth and Lake Parker in Lakeland. I've walked at the Lakeland Mall and for a short time, at the Brandon Mall. Doug and I have walked miles on the beach (much preferred!). We've ridden our bikes when the mood hit. But it all boils down to this--aerobic exercise of some kind (I'm not an excellent swimmer but wish I was, especially now as summer approaches!) and the weight circuit. There simply is not a better way to get in shape or keep in shape......Now, I am beginning to LIKE exercise because I FEEL better! Not only does my skin look better, my legs feel better (good for the circulation), my butt looks better (hey, I'm working on it!), I am stronger and my mood is definitely better!

G: Graduation. Our nephew Luke graduated from Pasco High Friday night. Another one out of the nest (or almost). I can't help but think about Alyssa's graduation day circa 2009.....it will come all too soon.....but aside from a good family time, Alyssa dragged me up on the dance floor to do the Electric Slide with her! Just a few years ago, I wouldn't have done it! I'm telling you--I wouldn't! BUT, I really wanted to do it for her and besides, Doug's stepbrother Paul was telling me "You're only young once!" Hey, that's all it took--and a lot of guts! My daughter later told me I made a fool of myself (that's what I get for asking!) but my husband said I did good. I suspect the truth lies somewhere in between......

BL: Babysitting Landon. Shane and Angie warned us the night before that we would have our hands full with this 2 year old dynamo but it was --great! Alyssa and I dug up some of her old toys and cars (yes, I still have most of them!) and put them in a box. We put on the Wiggles (one of Landon's favorites) and Shane and Angie went on their merry way. He didn't cry, not a peep! Doug and I played with him and then we took him to the gym so we could get our workout in. He went into the playroom with Alyssa and her friend and he shouted out when he saw the toy vacuum cleaner! Landon, loves to clean or at least play at it, so this was good. (I can't wait until he wants to really clean!) There was a zillion cars and toys for him to play with (I know 'cause Alyssa deserted us after a while and Doug and I had to clean them up!). On the way home we had to stop at the playground to play some more. Then we took a trip to Publix where he "drove" the truck shopping cart. While I prepared dinner, Doug watched Landon in the bubble bath. I think Landon took pleasure in splashing Grandpa like the whale in "Free Willy"! I learned that Landon likes potatoes with catsup and green beans with catsup and....well, you get the picture..

But the absolute cutest thing was when I put "Finding Nemo" on. He settled on the couch next to Grandpa, took Doug's finger and pulled his arm around himself! It was a fun day. I love being a grandma! What a blessing and what a priviledge little ones are.....

CO: Stands for our new church--Crossover. I can't tell you what a blessing it is to be part of a cutting edge ministry that is growing and has welcomed us with open arms. We were so unsure about this church in the beginning. It was hip, it was hip- hop. It was definitely a younger crowd. It was different and maybe--weird. But our daughter really liked it so we kept going. The young pastor is approachable and genuine and wise beyond his years with a heart for urban people (as a matter of fact, his rap name is "Urban D" as in disciple) who are uncomfortable with mainstream churches. We prayed and prayed, kinda like "Oh Lord, let this 'cup' pass from us". But then we knew. This is where we belong! There is a ministry for us here. Even when we were at CHC in Lakeland, the people who were "different" always came to us for prayer..... and we aren't bothered by color or culture or speech or clothing. We simply want God's purpose for our lives.....and so, we've found our family...and we are excited and grateful and awed......