A New Day

Do you ever have those days where you wake up and realize how wonderful it is. ('It' being everything) One of those days when you feel like you can take on the world and succeed in changing it in a positive spirit-filled way. Today's that day.
Rejoicing in my life and my God.

Shine the way you're meant to.

Having Fun

No, that's not Halloween photos. That's Clay and Cody having fun dressing up in Devony's heels, costumes and semi-formal wear.They were so funny prancing around the house and 'striking a pose'. They really got into it. The funniest part is that Cody doesn't know us. Last night was the first time we met him!


Don't be concerned about what other people think, just Shine. And have fun while your doing it!

Best Friends

Who would have known that the man I married all those years ago would become my very best friend in the world. It didn't start out that way. That sounds kind of funny but what I mean is it started out me just marrying a man that I loved. A man that made me happy. A man that is hilarious. (living with Doug is like living with your own personal stand up comedian) A man that became an easily teared-up old softly after we had kids and a romantic old fool of a husband to me as the years have went by. (although he would adamantly deny it if any of his friends ever reads this)

I married a man that was meant for me.

Let the best friend in your life know how much they make you Shine.

I won't tell you about the 'heated discussion' we had last night about who was going to clean the toilet. ;)

Canine Couch Potatoes

They have the right idea. It's a cozy rainy day and they know just how they're going to spend it. It's where I was spending it until I got up to do some things. When I came back 'someone' had stole my spot in the recliner. Such spoiled dogs.

Oddly enough, I'm reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle this morning. The dogs in the book are an extremely important part of the boys' (Edgar) life. Hmmm, that sounds familiar.

After I'm finished with it I'll let you know what I thought of the book. But I can tell you already, I think I'm really going to like it.

Have a truly wonderful day and Shine.

Back to School

Oh, the lazy days of summer are over. Say it isn't so. No more staying up half the night. No more snoozing til noon. No more sleepovers with friends that lasts for days. No more swimming and barbecuing, vacationing and lemonade. Yes, lemonade. It's just better in the summertime.

The carefree days have come to an end.

Oh, but the things we have to look forward to. School. Autumn and falling leaves, shorter days and crisp afternoons full of sunshine. Apple picking. Sweaters. Mugs of hot cocoa and sitting around the fire-pit during a wiener-roast on a Sunday afternoon. Halloween with pumpkins and witches, black cats and spooky ghosts.

Then comes 'the Holiday Season'. Gathering with friends and family around the table for turkey, fellowship and stories of thankfulness. Discussing Christmas plans. you have no idea how much i love Christmas The lights, parties, presents and Christmas Carols, it's all so beautiful. That spirit that fills our lives during December is the best feeling. There IS 'magic in the air' around Christmas-you can just feel it!

Kids, I know you already miss Summer but get ready, we've got some great things in store for us! But for now, grab that backpack and put your Thinking Caps on. You've got a bus to catch!

Shine bright!

Ice Storms and Sunflowers in August

Sigh.

Today is the last day of my vacation. Boy does it go by fast. So how am I spending my last few hours of freedom...scrapbooking. Am I scrapping about our wonderful trip to Florida? Heck no! I got a wild hair to make a layout about this years first day of Spring. You remember, the ICE STRORM!! The one that was predicted and happened March 20th. Yes, that's where my thoughts are this afternoon.

Maybe I'll get around to putting together an album of our vacation time next Spring. No. I can't wait that long to put our beachy pictures in the super-cute, official COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA scrapbook album that I puchased at the Discount Souviners & More shop!

My Sunflowers bloomed profusely while we were in Cocoa, of course, and since my head is in an ice storm in August and returning to work, I thought a little cheering up would be nice. So I snipped a few and brought them in to look at while I work/play/create...play!

It's done the trick!

Have a blessed day and remember to always Shine.

I have no idea why that picture is sideways. And try-as-I-might, I can't fix it.

Sunflowers

Wah-Lah! My very first bloom!

These poor little sunflowers have been put to the test. I'm surprised they even bloomed for me after what I've done to them. First, I left them out and they got a little frostbite on them, but they pulled through. Then, when they were still in their little greenhouse/terrarium and only 3-4 inches tall, I set them in the sun for awhile and completely forgot about them. For two hours! Oh it was bad. When I lifted the lid, steam poured out. They were layed out on the soil looking like cooked green spaghetti noodles. Surprisingly some of them, again, pulled out of it. Others were not so lucky. Thank goodness most of them were hardy!

I can't wait to see what it looks like in a couple weeks when all of them bloom.

Hopefully it will be sooner.

Enjoy your day and remember to Shine.

:)