Memorial Day Memories to Share

Please allow this belated recount & photos of our Memorial Day celebration...

Longing for the color-filled windox boxes in Germany, Grace & I went with Nate/Steph to Woldhuisfarms Sunrise Greenhouse. Their motto "Growing quality plants to the glory of the Creator" http://www.woldhuisfarms.com/
I was simply in AWE of the extent of their blooming enterprise. Anything you want or have dreamed about for a garden is there. Wow! In prep for this post, I found their handiwork is a purposeful reflection of the glory of God. Now that is worth sharing!

So, we loaded up with geraniums, petunias, lavender and herbs (grilling in mind) for planting later on. Afterwards, we went back to Steph's dad's house for some grilling & sprinkler fun for the Gracie girl. What a nice time which included some park play & the race/chase Gracie game she loves to play. She was in her element, running in a wide open space when she got close enough to see a neighboring backyard that had a HUGE waterslide play thing. As we sat & watched Grace run, we hoped she wouldn't see the fun those kids were having on their private waterslide. Well, she noticed & now - watch her run faster & with purpose. Nate finally caught her as she neared the kids. We could hear them yelling - "It's ok -she can come" which made Grace run even faster. Though we were worn out from chasing, Gracie's like the energizer bunny...She keeps going & going & going. :o)

Memorial Day itself brought a curbside view of the South Holland parade with LOTS of fire trucks, one lone tractor and NO horses; all of which are parade staples. We applaud our veterans as the primary reason we gathered; to ackowledge & salute their service for the USA.

Of course, Grace loved the candy raining down on her! But not as much as she loved playing in the pool later at Gramma Chris & Papa Jerry's house! We were not prepared for swimming but when you are a toddler, au naturel is the way to go when you exhaust your pull-up supply. :o) She still talks about the doggy jumping the pool, chasing the ball. That Pedro dog is something else!

Good fun, good fellowship & a heart felt thanks to those who served so we could be free! That's what it's all about~

The Cinnamon Trees

Perusing the news this morning, I ran across an article about the aftermath of the tsunami in Sri Lanka. It seems Sri Lanka is world's largest exporter of cinnamon, 80% of the world market & a vital source of income to the tune of 58 million dollars last year. 18 months after the tsunami uprooted centuries old cinnamon plantations, experts feared all was lost due to the salt infusion into the soil. Contrary to those fears, the soil is now richer. "You stick anything in the soil and it grows like magic" according to the report on Yahoo News. Not just the cinnamon, but the coconut trees are producing more coconuts. Flood ravaged Sri Lanka produced more cinnamon this past year than prior years, marginally but still an increase despite the devastation. In fact, people are building bigger and better storehouses in expectation of largest crops & harvests!

So, I was thinking about this...Isn't that just like life? You go through some of most arduest trials - backbreaking, devastating, grueling, punishing, strenuous trials that you think have surely done you in. Be it sickness, financial duress, emotional breakdown, relationship woes, or other tremendous loss...You think you're down for the count. I've been there & most everyone I know has been there or come close. But God...

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We are pressed on every side by troubles,

but we are not crushed and broken.

We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit.

We are hunted down, but God never abandons us.

We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.

Isaiah 43:1-7

the Lord who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt, Ethiopia,* and Seba as a ransom for your freedom. 4 Others died that you might live. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.
5 "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from east and west 6 and from north and south. I will bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the distant corners of the earth. 7 All who claim me as their God will come, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them."

http://www.blueletterbible.org/

So, like those cinnamon tress - we endure the ravaging floods and come back stronger, flourish and thriving; producing more fruit that ever. I tell you, I'm excited about this! I'm building bigger storehouses in anticipation of a greater harvest. My soil is infused with strength & fortitude that comes from enduring the flood.

Randy, this is for you~ Larger storehouses for a greater harvest; the latter rain is greater than the former. Let's go, friend! :o)

Ode to Uncle Randy

My Ode to Uncle Randy

I love my Uncle Randy
He's nice as he can be
He let's me climb up on his lap
and gives me yummy candy

Uncle Randy, he's a shopper
He has great taste in clothes
He keeps me dressed in all the best
Cute from head to toe

Oh how I love my Randy
nothing can compare
Except my love for Uncle Bob
but I have enough to share

This is no competition
But you might have an edge
Keep me close & hold me tight
Falling is a dread

Rocking horses, safety seats
So much to remember
Buckle up is a must
Or Mom's wrath you will encumber

With Emily, we all agree
You are quite a treasure
Giggles & glee
'specially for thee
My ode to Uncle Randy

With love,
Your Gracie

Grillin & Chillin

Hey these are my wonderful neighbors, soon to be known only as "Emily's mom & dad". We were wrapping up a yummy meal straight from the grill, enjoying the lovely river view from my deck. Oops - well, you can't exactly see the river in this shot, but it's right there. Gracie's demonstrating the proper way to eat a good piece of watermelon: feet up with hands & mouth fully engaged. Now if I could just get her to spit those seeds out just a bit farther...Oh, I live for summer & sunshine~ See ya & have a memorable Memorial Day weekend. Parades, tributes, food & fellowship are headed my way. Enjoy~

Because I want to...

Hey there- it's been a couple of weeks since I've said hi via Grace Full Days. They're no less full these days but with more sunlight & grilling out & fun stuff. Classes are over (Thank GOD) but due to start back this week. No rest, eh? I'm in the throes of planning the Swirly Twirly Birthday bash for the little sweetie who is convinced her birthday is "morrow". She knows she wants pink - pink birthday, pink presents...PINK. It'll be fun for sure & pink. Wish ya'll (that's MO code for everyone of YOU) could join us though miles separate us from celebrating with many. We know you'll sipping tea in your party dress along with us in spirit. :o)

So what's new? Hmmm...finished the quilt for baby Emily. Perhaps I can get my hands on it again to take a pic to share. There's just something about crafting a gift for someone special or not so special cause it's the giving that brings reward. Anyway, I was pleased & hope Em's mom & dad were pleased as well. Gracie sure would like to have it back if they're not. :o)

As I mentioned, classes begin this week. Articulation/Phonological Disorders & some kind of behavior managment class for special education which I took but gee...it was almost 20 years ago. 20 year ago...that sure sounds OLD! Oh, gosh - OLD! So, perhaps managing children has changed over the years & I'm getting up to speed at the rate of $430. Hmmmm..I better learn something for that price. On the bright side, no more classes with the Gestapo Professor - not another class with her - yippee skippee! I managed a B & A in my classes last semester, which was decent considering a large number of students either failed or dropped out of these REQUIRED classes. Feels good that I stuck it out. Cultivates character, right? Mmm, I'm feeling characterized. :o) Or maybe caricatured? :o) Hey, it's late & I'm writing, not because I'm procrastinating but because I want to.

Ok - so congrats to Taylor Hicks. He was my favorite since he 1st auditioned way back when. Plus, Gracie says his name sooo cute! We had pizza with the neighbors to watch the sometimes corny finale...ugh! We made it through Puck & Pickler - did anyone else think that was patronizing & pathetic?? Anyway - just past Prince, was the revelation that indeed Taylor was indeed America's favorite. I'm pleased, but can't wait to buy Elliot's 1st recorded musical work - what's it called? Not album, not record...CD? Is that correct? Regardless, you know what I mean.

Did I mention Gracie was big AI fan?? Of course, she had her own way to enjoy the show which typically included a twirly dress & hat. See pics above. Tonight, with my neighbors as witness, she actually asked for a microphone. She's destined to sing...perhaps not on American Idol but she'll "sang for Jesus". Too bad we left our fancy hat at Auntie Jeanette's today. All we had left was our knit winter cap. She dances just fine without the hat. :o) Funny, while the Brokenote Mountain piece was playing, she just happened to be riding her horse from the Uncle Bob collection. Not sure if you can make it out in the pics or not but perhaps my commentary brings some clarity.

AND before I leave the Grace-American Idol topic...We were going through the mail last week; I'm reading the important stuff in the front seat - not while we're driving but just at the mailbox idling...Gracie was perusing the latest Birthday Express catalog in search of PINK. All of sudden, she says "Amercan Idol" - just like that without the /i/ in American. I look back & sure enough, there's an entire partyware line of American Idol. Now most kids read the McDonald's symbol 1st, but Gracie's 1st was Amercan Idol. Destined to sing, I'm sure of it. Look what Carrie Underwood has done with "Jesus Take the Wheel". Right now I guess we'll keep belting "Deep & Wide" 20X a day & then take a break with "Old McDonald Had a Farm" before we do our daily rendition of "Hokey Pokey". We all know that's what it's alllllll about.

Ok, folks... that's it for tonight/today. Hugs & sunny smiles to ya'll! It's late & I'm going to bed because I want to. Night~

Princess Business

Hi there - of course, you know the drill. I am officially procrastinating submitting an assignment here at 12:24 AM. However, these new photos of Grace taken/shared by one great UB, must be posted without delay. :o)

Not many comments, just enjoy these photos from our Easter celebration in Wisconsin with the Contino Lords & Ladies - talk about a party fit for THE King & His princess girls. AND there's the Gracie girl horsin' around down at Papa's house this past weekend. What I didn't capture, sad to say, were the two black colts bucking around the pasture - well, mud hole at present. Spring indeed has sprung SEVEN new babies thus far at Papa's place. Mom would be deeeeelighted! See ya'll~

Every Blooming Thing~

So happy spring is finally here. The river view out my back window is growing crowded with buds & blossoms that make my heart sing. We play outside everyday; soaking up the sun.

Though classes are winding down, it's full throttle with projects & finals coming up next week. Grace & I are heading Missouri way on Friday for a funeral, unfortunately. Can't wait to get there but wishing to avoid the drive. Ugh! Thank God for nice play areas at the road side parks. Remember the days I used to catch a few winks there? Oh, how you chided me. Now it's all about chasing Grace. Chasing Grace...the reality is Grace pursues us; finding us in the most precarious situations. Aren't you glad He catches us?

More later~ Until then, take good care & take time to enjoy the tulips these days. They fade before you know it. Happy Spring~

Amberg Germany photos ~ just glancing back

This is one of the gates into the city centre or Altstadt. It's like a storybook or fairytale.


A view of my garden & a bit of the Moat Walk around the wall of the city. As the name implies, the walkway is now where the moat encircled the village years ago. There are several small gardens, a park, & pond along the Moat Walk. Though not visible in this picture, just a bit to the left of my backyard is a goldfish pond. Water views in front & back!











This is the view of the Vils river from the front - about 1/2 block down from my house. I could see it clearly from the 2nd floor of my home. Lovely, eh? Quite the water view. The church tower is where the markplatz or village square sits. Check out this webcam of the markplatz: http://www.amberg-live.de/single.php3?liste=2&kamera=1







Heinz & Lisa, my God-gift neighbors

Glancing back...Moving forward

Ok I'm looking back a little this morning - it is 1:30 AM. I went to bed early & woke up refreshed after a couple of hours. Hmmmm- probably should be doing something productive - Phonetics, language samples, billing, laundry, tax stuff (I know, I know - it's the 14th) - all that other "should do/could do stuff".

Joined Weight Watchers this week. Time to get heart healthy. My 1st full day under my belt. Pretty good except for that lil Frescata sandwich from Wendy's that looked so fresh & tasty & healthy - a bit of ham, cheese on a ciabata looking bun. I think I was taken by the name - Blackforest Ham & Swiss... Sounds yummy,eh? Rule #1 - check out the points before you order it!!! 10 whopping points for good sandwich but not 10 points good. Yeow - good thing I had the points available but what a price. Better planning next time. Ok, friends, my journal is fair game. Keep me accountable; ask to see my WW journal. :o) Ask nicely please.

Looking through some photos sent by my Amberg neighbors - Heinz & Lisa - really like my adopted parents while in Germany. I'm posting a few of my favorites. I had the most beautiful rose bush in all the city right in front of my house. No modesty here, it was the loveliest by far. Lavender graced the base of the bush so the fragrance was soothing; nearly intoxicating to the passerby. My garden...Those who know me well, know that I asked God for 7 things in a home before I even went to Amberg including:

1. garden or space to plant one
2. good neighbors
3. water view - lake, river, pond, whatever - just some water to look at
4. lots of windows & sunlight
5. the privacy of my own home but the security of being connected to another house
6. access to good walking path/trail
7. hard wood floors

Well, I got them all - minor exception, the floors only looked hardwood but was some kind of other flooring. I was happy! God gave me everything I asked for and then some. He's a good God & He gives good gifts to His children. I thank God every day for the home He's preparing for Grace & me. Not the HEAVENLY home, please...but our home while we serve here. Needless to say, I'm thanking God for some specific things in my next home. In the meantime, I'm sharing some of my favorite photos of life in Amberg, Germany. Enjoy~

Easter bonnets, baskets, & bunnies

Springtime is here! In celebration, Grace & I went on an Easter egg hunt yesterday. Despite the cold, it was quite fun. The missy has got the gist of it now. "Run. Eggs. Hug bunny. Mine." That's how she recounts the story anyway. After a word from the Homewood-Flossmoor park people to share out of your abundance with any neighbor who has no eggs...we ran to fill our little Easter basket/purse. What a delight to see those rosy cheeked tots squat down to pick up colored eggs. While kids were content to check out thr 1st egg, moms & dads (me included) were cheering them on to gather more treasures.

The Easter bunny made an appearance after the race for eggs. Grace gave a friendly wave from afar, too shy to get close then insisted "Hug bunny, " as we walked away. She finally gathered her courage, offering the bunny one of her eggs. He took the egg & after a silent but thankful nod, he offered the egg to another kid. "Oooh," Gracie said "Mine." Ok, if you're not going to keep it, Mr. Bunny, give it back.:o) Too cute!

I'm thinking today about traditions - those treasured in past & new ones I'm making in my own family. I love Easter. I love dyeing eggs & making cutie little baskets with that annoying plastic grass. Some of my favorite memories were waking up on Easter morning to a lovely basket of goodies & hunting for eggs after Sunday school. Those eggs would play hide/seek a dozen times before we exhausted the egg-hider. It was delightful becoming the egg hider for my neices & nephew. My mom was thoughtful with the chocolate bunnies and the Easter cake with brightly colored coconut. Across the country or the ocean, mom made sure I had a little bit of home in a chocolate bunny & Hallmark sentiment. What a delight to find an Easter bag-FULL of goodies today from my favorite PC. Heartfelt thanks, Chris, for remembering me & Gracie this Easter - just like mom. We love you~

Now lest I offend the serious & righteous reader among us, I daily celebrate Christ's death & resurrection. This sacrifice securing my access to salvation & healing. We are alive in Christ to the extent we have taken up our Cross to follow Him. As we live a life of worship, His resurrection we celebrate every day.
Happy Easter to you & yours!

PS: Milestones this week~

• Discovered her shadow - cool for a bit then "Stop it, girl"
• Singing phrases to songs: Hokey Pokey (Shake it 'bout), Happy Birthday (Bir'day to you) & Wheels On The Bus (Round 'n Round)
• Expanding social circle - going to familiar folks w/or w/out fruit snacks - thanks Holly
• Says "No Way!" - thanks so much Marge - if she starts saying "Hurry up, mama" - you are in big trouble, girl!