Small But Awesome! Arcade

I had such a fun weekend with my grandkids. We played, talked, laughed, and relaxed together. One of the highlights though, was putting together an arcade. They named it, appropriately, 'Small But Awesome! Arcade'.
I was amazed at the great ideas the kids had for games, prizes and food. I helped, of course, but they designed it. The end result was four games, fun prizes, and tasty goodies. I will treasure the memories that were created; such as watching Brayden directing his dad, Abel how to play the games and cheering him on when he hit the target; sweet Ady meticulously counting tickets to give treats and prizes, and our prospective clown 'Clancy' (a.k.a. Camryn) curled up on the couch asleep-- canceling her performance where she was planning on presenting her two well-rehersed tricks.
It truly was an awesome arcade!

Fat Tuesday

Having more time on my hands (and mind), I like to find ways to make days go from ordinary to extraordinary, so this year for the first time, I am recognizing "Fat Tuesday" A.K.A. 'Mardi Gras'. I did some research on it, and while I don't agree that we should gourge ourselves just because it precedes 'going lean', I think that it can serve for a fun day. For me, Ash Wednesday (tomorrow), and following Lent (in giving up something, and not eating meat on Friday) went out the window as I learned that my salvation was not based on works, nor was anything I could give up as great a gift as Jesus and His work on the cross. Further, I realized that actions in themselves, done without understanding, such as giving up something for Lent is useless to my relationship with a living God. I now know that the intent of the heart is more important to God than the action itself. So, for many a year, I refused to give up anything, instead concentrating on just being consistent in my relationship with the Lord. However, the Lord has a way of adding meaning to everything in our journey with Him. I now see the value, and strength of my strict religious upbringing, for by it I was taught the 'fear of the Lord'-only to now know about the 'love of the Lord'. Okay, I've gone on long enough-- back to Mardi Gras.
After researching it, I decided to make it a fun day. My friend Rita is coming over for a sewing session, and we'll of course do lunch. Nothing fancy, but I'm going to make a grilled lime-cilantro chicken salad, orange muffins with orange butter, and chocolate brownies. (Talk about gourging!)
Of course, nothing is better than gourging also with the ones you love-- my husband and daughter Trish. So for dinner this is what we're having... Shrimp Scampi, rice pilaf, roasted garlic asparagus, and for dessert...Paczi (Polish Funnel Cakes) ~ I guess the Polish were Catholic too). So with this line up, I have to wish you a happy Mardi Gras-- this is a first for me, and I'm having fun planning it!

Valentines, Faith and Coco Chanel

Valentine's Day Eve, and I'm feeling a little heart struck. Maybe it's the women's retreat I just returned from where Pomona First Baptist (PFB) lived up to it's name in "PAMPERING" us ladies, "FEEDING" us delicious food, and "BLESSING" us with God's Word. But I admit also that I'm a sucker to hearts, sweet sentiments, and of course-- chocolate... Which reminds me of Cocoa -or Coco (Chanel) that is. My talented and blessed-by-God sister, Cindy introduced Ms. Chanel to our small group from snippets of Chanel's life, tying it into the discussions we had centered on "vintage faith".

Happy Valentine's Day-- just another opportunity to tell others how much we love them!