March and April 2013

Here, on the west coast of Florida, February through March are such delightful months, giving us reason to enjoy the outdoors before the heat and humidity of summer. King’s Farm is one place we love to spend time, whether just to see Bubba, the donkey or to pick yummy blueberries and peaches. Mark and I were given the gift of a Table to Farm dinner at Kings and it was such a wonderful experience that it deserves it’s own blog post… one day maybe. Our beautiful weather also means that friends and family come to visit and we love it when they do! Mom’s sister and brother-in-law came for a week and we had fun playing tourist with them.

As you can see the Grand Trio is growing up so fast. They each add so much to our family. Their unique personalities constantly amaze me and teach me so much. My heart is full.

Looks like I am slowly catching up here… hopefully I will be back soon.

orchids for your weekend

“Back so soon!”, you say? Just learning to go with the flow and not concern myself with the order of things or with catching up.

I just love orchids! Don’t you? Several years back my neighbor moved to NC and gave me his orchids. Some have since passed, several still remain faithful. But this started my love affair with these amazing plants. What other plant can you totally ignore (or so it seems) and then they produce such a magnificent show of beauty?! Mom and I took an orchid care class at a local orchid farm once, but it was way too complicated for me. Seriously, I do very little with my dozen or so orchids. They sit on my porch where they enjoy morning sunlight or hang on a shepherd’s crook under the white bird of paradise that provides some filtered shade. When I remember, I spray them with the hose or plop a couple of ice cubes on them. Occasionally I will give them a good soaking in a bucket and feed them some orchid food. That’s it. Once they begin to bloom I bring them inside where we enjoy God’s artistry.

Have a lovely weekend. Be kind. To yourself. And those who God brings across your path.

February 2013

Yes, it’s the middle of May but better late than never I suppose. February, the month of love, was truly that for our family. We spent TWO weekends together! Cool Dude, Prince Charming and Sweet Pea sure do bring us much love and joy. They are growing so very fast! We celebrated both Evelyn’s and Veronica’s birthday. Birthdays are a gift… the gift of another year to love those we hold dear.

February brought us lovely weather too. On the cool side for Florida, so a fire on the patio was a nice place to be. The dogs especially liked to snuggle up to the heat. I love to enjoy our beautiful west coast weather with walks around the beautiful property of the Ringling Museum, through the banyan trees, rose garden and along the bay.

Poor Max injured his leg. Surgery was suggested but not an option at the time. He has good days and bad days. These four-legged creatures sure do find their way into your heart. Hoping he has many more years with us.

February brought VERY EXCITING NEWS to our family. Prince Charming is going to have a baby SISTER!!!! We are so excited… two boys and two girls! Can’t get much better than that. Praying for sweet baby girl as God grows her there inside her mama’s womb, warm and protected.

Praise be to God and blessings to you all.

happy birthday times two

Well hello there! It’s been awhile, once again. Life is just humming along and we are trying to keep up! Last month our family celebrated a very special birthday. Evelyn turned one!

Forgive me Evelyn for being so late in putting this together. Even when you were born, Nana did not create a slideshow just for you. You had to share it with your brother and cousin. Guess it’s just the way it goes being the third grandbaby. But oh what joy you have brought our family… your sweetness, your beautiful eyes just like your Daddy’s, and all the pretty things that being a girl brings. As it turns out, today… the day I am finally ready to share your very own slideshow, is your Daddy’s birthday. I think that’s perfect. Because you LOVE your Daddy and he loves you!

I am grateful that my granddaughter’s father loves her so much, takes his role of leading his family seriously and is an engaged father. Thank you Jesse and Happy Birthday! May God be with you and bless you with His grace and strength.

And here, finally, is your slideshow. Happy Birthday sweet Evelyn! I love you so!

evelyn’s slideshow

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