Today's Ama's Birthday...

Christmas Eve 1974- Ama is in center flanked by husband, children, in-laws and grandchildren (pic taken by big bro Auggie)

August 12, 1925, Juanita Romo Alba was born in Mexico.  She was soon to have a difficult life as her mother, (also named Juanita) at the age of 26 died a couple of days after giving birth to her first little girl.  Ama (mom) was raised by her father Ignacio, who married 5 years later.  The stepmother passed away 7 years later, and Ama held the fort down-- cleaning, cooking and caring for her younger brother, Jesus.  My grandfather married again, and a couple of years later, Ama married Francisco Mora Lopez on Nov. 13, 1943.

The couple migrated from Jalisco to Baja Californinia in 1944.  My dad (Francisco or Pancho) met his father, Augustine for the first time.  He had been raised by his paternal grandparents, never knowing his father or mother.  In 1953, the young couple with 4 children and one on the way immigrated to the United States- arriving to La Verne, CA where Apa's 'Tio Salvador' lived.  Apa and Ama worked hard to purchase their own home in 1957.  By this time, they had 6 children- Augustine (Auggie), Josephine (Josie), Maria (Mary), Ofelia (Ophie), Ruben, Graciela (Gracie),  and Ramon Ezekiel (Zeki).  Cecilia (Ceci) Maria would follow in 1960.

Ama did wonders with the meagor income they had.  She remained at home while her children were young.  Later, when the youngest children were in grade school and the older girls could babysit, she went to work for a local nursery, specializing in making cuttings of bare root roses.  Needless to say, Ama's yard was filled with flowers and plants.  She loved gardening and tending to canaries and wild birds she would nurse back from near death.

Ama and Apa moved from La Verne to Riverside, CA in 1992 to be closer to family.  Ama passed away on January 17, 1999 at the age of 73 of a massive heart attack.

We (her kids) miss her every day.  She was a beacon in times of darkness, reflecting her faith of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Her 3 sons and 5 daughters agree that Ama's legacy is in
Proverbs 31:28~ "Her children rise up and call her blessed;  Her husband also, and he praises her."

Proverbios 31:28~ "Levantaronse sus hijos, y llamaronia bienaventurada; Y su marido tambien la alabo."

Happy 88th Birthday, Ama.

Summer is Here...Almost

It's the 5th day of June and summer keeps peeking from behind the 'June Gloom' clouds.  Here in Riverside when summer is in full swing, it can be easy not to wish it were over with the triple digit temperatures our summers are known for.  But, it can also be a great season for those of us who have become accustomed to it.  We drink lots of water, do our chores early, and enjoy evening walks.  These walks usually end up at the vintage Dairy Queen on Magnolia for a chocolate dipped ice cream cone.  Then there are movies in the park, which I definitely plan on going to this summer.  And, of course, who can't resist the fireworks on Mt. Rubidoux?  These last couple of years, we have ditched the holiday traffic to just stay home on the 4th of July.

So, welcome summer; it only comes once a year.

4th of July Block Party 2012

Mt. Rubidoux - Riverside Citizens Speak Out

Cross at Mt. Rubidoux on Early Easter Morning

 

 Riverside's Mt. Rubidoux cross was threatened to be removed because a group who wanted to stir things up claimed it violated constitutional rights to those who are not Christians. Here's the good news~  The city took a smart move.  They decided to auction the property with the cross on it so it would no longer be in the hands of the city.  It worked.  There were two bidders.  Both had the intent to purchase the land so the cross could be saved.  The auction was over in a minute.  The bidding started at $10,000, which was the minimum required, then the second party bidded $10,500.  It was the last and final bid.  What I don't understand is why the group that wanted to remove the cross wasn't interested in putting their money where their mouth is.  I guess it goes to show that those who preserved the cross loved it more than those who disliked.  Point well taken.

How Fun is That?

Now that spring has arrived, it makes for weather to be perfect for having fun.  It's not just the pleasant temperatures that cause us to spend more time in the great outdoors.  It's also the smell of fragrant fruit trees and flowers.  The colors come to life.  Both in the cloud streaked sky to the dark green foilage on the trees and bursts of colors on the ground.

Little Camryn searches for Easter eggs.

 

Easter came early this year, but everybody seemed to be ready.  Eggs were dyed and painted.  Everywhere you looked was something to behold, from chocolate bunnies in bright yellow and pink foil wrappings to the variety of plastic grass to fill the Easter baskets with. 

This is definitely the time to begin new projects or set new goals, such as more exercise, and less television time.  The days are getting longer, and now there's no excuse for not putting on the running shoes and hitting the pavement for a few miles of exercise. 

So, with renewed purpose and determined will, I plan on making the most of this season.  I hope you will too!

 

Fall Back...

It's so interesting that we take our clocks back an hour every fall.  Suddenly, the days shrinks considerably.  It's dark when you're eating dinner, and don't even try to do yardwork after you get home from work, because it is useless.

It reminds me of the fact that we also "fall back" psychologically at this time of the year.  We begin to "roll up the sidewalk" so to speak.  We spend cozier times instead, eating warmer, comfort foods, and suddenly the furry slippers that were not seen for several months are a daily essential.

I am not amazed of seasons and the purpose of them.  God said in Ecclesiates 3: these words~

"To everything there is a season,

a time for every purpose under heaven." 

 

How true this is.   So here's to slowing down a bit, taking stock of another year, and making the most of the beautiful season and holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family and friends.  God had the right idea when he changed the seasons of the year.  However, I don't think man was very smart at turning back the clock.  This one was one that could have been left alone so we could enjoy the fall season naturally.







Four More Years

The votes are in and we will continue to have four more years of President Obama.  I hear that the election process cost billions of dollars.  This was a very expensive pause in the course that was sure to continue.  I wonder how much better the money could have been spent if we simply reverted to having an eight year presidential term with no re-election.  It's not only the money, but all the time and energy spent on campaigning that our president could have used to do his job.  I know that I'm only one person, and not a formidable advocate on a large scale.  My voice may not be heard on the national news, nor in the halls of Washington, D.C.  But, I am sure there are thousands upon thousands of those who agree with me that our nation needs to have more common sense.  It bends to the voice of the expedient, not weighing the wisdom of consideration.  I love what the bible states about conducting ourselves in such a manner that would yield long and lasting results, not only for ourselves, but for future generations~"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold."

Wisdom is a rare commodity.  Yet, it is available to those who seek God and follow Him.

Our New Little Grandson...

My husband asked me why I hadn't blogged about our new little grandson, Carter born on October 25, 2012.  I simply answered, "Oh, because I didn't have a picture of him to add."  But, later I thought about this and marveled.  It's not like me not to write about something just because I don't have it all together with all the components I need.  I am a 'piece work' type of an individual.  The real reason I hadn't written about Carter is because I was still in quiet fascination of the miracle of birth, and still taking it all in.

Carter weighed 8 lbs. 2 oz. and measured 21 inches long.  A big boy, considering his mom is a hair below 5 feet tall.  I saw him just hours after he was born, and of course I thought he was a beautiful and precious baby.  I immediately saw his daddy's chin and mouth.  He had a full head of dark hair and his eyes reminded me of his mom's when she was born, although not so 'Yoda', but I think they are going to be big, like hers.  He's a strong little guy.  He favors his little fists up against his cheeks, and even breaks loose from his swaddling blanket to accomplish this pose.  I think that this determination probably will serve him well when he is an athelete.  He'll see the goal, and not let anything deter him from accomplishing it.  (You notice I'm not saying what sport?  This is because I want him to have all avenues before him as his playing field.)  Carter is going to be strong in whatever he chooses in life.

As a grandmother, I cherish the privlege to pray for my grandchildren.  And, this was no different for my littlest one.  As I held him for the first time, this was my prayer for him:

"Lord,
You see this little baby that you have given to Anicia and Brian.  Bless him with your love, guidance and strength.  Give him a good character, one that would love mercy, and walk humbly with his God.  Watch over him, protect him, and guide his steps.  Help him to glorify You in all that he does in life, and how he lives his life out before others.  Always help him to go to his mom and dad when he struggles, and above all to go to You in small and big matters.  You have fashioned him from the moment he was conceived, and know his every fiber-- his weaknesses and his strengths.

More so, help me to be a grandmother to him that would support him in prayer, in words of advice, and even the occasional chastening when needed that would help him through the rough spots in his life.  Make his heart tender to always receive correction so that he would not sway from Your perfect will.  Amen.

A Beautiful Wedding Day~

The wedding is over for our daughter Trish and husband Patrick, and I have to say it was just beautiful!  The outdoor setting among orange trees and fall flowers only added to the ambiance.  The bride was beautiful in her ivory lace dress.  Charlie, who officiated the ceremony added such calmness and soft humor, that there was no doubt it put the nervous bride and groom at ease.

The reception was such fun.  Everybody danced including the little ones with their parents.  Even the end of the evening had a flair that will long be remembered... Trisha and Patrick exited the wedding in a vintage black convertible 1963 Ford Falcon.  Bright sparklers were waved at them by the guests and their last song "Don't Stop Believin" by Journey couldn't have been more appropriate as they pulled away with sounds of laughter, yelping, and cheering.  The four mile trip to the Mission Inn gave the bride and groom a few minutes to reflect, as they were further cheered on by other motorists and guests at the hotel when they arrived.

I know this memorable day was caught on still photos and video, and more importantly, it is imbedded in all our hearts as the beautiful day our youngest daughter got married.

Happy days and years to you, Pat and Trish!

Just 3 Days to the Wedding and ? Days to New Grandson

Wow, hard to believe.  It's just 3 days to our daughter's wedding.  This is why I haven't blogged as much as I usually do.  It's been a fun time, but I admit, I hit the pillow hard every night.  I never realized how many details are involved in planning a wedding.  Even though so much was done in advance, it's the little things that are now consuming my thoughts and activities.  Being the mother of the bride means that I also try to keep my daughter's emotions on an even keel.  I don't burden her with too much, because I'm sure just being the bride has enough emotions to fill a wine vat.

I'm excited for the day.  Mostly, I look forward to seeing friends and family all in one place.  What fun to be able to visit and catch up.  Many of my friends saw our daughter as an infant and toddler.  It's amazing how fast time travels and now she is a woman beginning her own life.

As for the other great event in our lives, we're on "Baby Watch", as older daughter Anicia is in the last stage of her pregnancy.  The due date is October 24.  Who knows though, when little Carter will make his grand entrance.  Anicia is either going to be still expecting at the wedding, or tending a new little one.  Hopefully, it won't make her miss her sister's wedding.  But these things happen.  Fortunately, we all are understanding of the nature of this type of event.  We are just so blessed that God is expanding our family this month by two more~  a new son-in-law and new grandson.  This brings our grand total of family to 13!

Octoberisms

        Bride and Groom-to-be come Oct. 20, 2012

Oh, October!  Occiliating, occupying, occasional, occurrence, oceanic, ocular, octagonal, o'clock...

It's the tenth month of the year, yet, I've never figured out why it's root word means eight.  It's the beginning of fall, and yesterday, the anniversary of Occupy Wall Street, (remember that?). 

Birthdays in October-- my daughter Trisha; sisters Mary and Ceci; my dad; future son-in-law Patrick; and of course the arrival of our newest little grandson Carter ETA October 24!

On another note, we have a big occasion to look forward to this month- our daughter's wedding on October 20.  What could be more fun than enjoying an autumn evening with family and friends in the surroundings of a barn and orange groves!

So, here's to October, a great 10th month of the year and the final turn to end another year.  The following poem is written by Pearl L. Sorrels who also felt the magical feeling of this month:


It Must Be October

The harvest moon hangs round and high
It dodges clouds high in the sky
The stars wink down their love and mirth
The Autumn seasons is giving birth
Oh it must be October
The leaves of red bright gold and brown
To Mother earth come tumbling down
The breezy nights the ghostly sights
The eerie spooky far off sounds
Are signs that its October
The pumpkin yellow big and round
Are carried by costumed clumsy clowns
Its Halloween lets celebrate
Come one come all and don't be late
We know now its October
We'll roast and toast some luscious food
For apples we'll be bobbin
While tales are told around the fire
Of timely ghosts and goblins
Oh how we love October
The moon has grown pale
The stars have grown dim
Our Halloween party is over
With a hi-de-ho homeward we'll go
What a delightful month October      

90 Days Until Christmas

It’s 90 days until Christmas!  Wow… I’m just getting used to the beginning of fall, but as history serves me well, it’s really home stretch to the most encompassing, time-consuming, costly part of the year!  It is at this time that I find myself juggling household and family obligations in a mad rush to finish the perfect gift, decorations and party gathering activities.

I’m older now, and hopefully wiser.  My days are gone of having to hide gifts so my children wouldn’t find them.  Sometimes, I miss those days.  Those little ones certainly make for a fun time at Christmas.

But, in all honesty, those days were very stressful.  Especially when my children asked for things that my pocketbook could not afford.  It wasn’t as though I raised my children to be so materialistic, but let’s face it—they saw what other children received at Christmas, and it made me feel sad when they were disappointed that they could not get the same.  It was at this time that I grew to cringe at even the thought of Christmas coming. 

Now, as a grandma, I am still very sensitive about the deficiency that parents feel at this time of the year.  I have grandchildren now, and my husband and I try to be as generous with them as we possibly can be.  But, I also know that we cannot give them everything.  This is a part of the reality of life!  However, I also know that which I just referred to is of an earthly nature.  For we have all riches that are without measure that are available to us.  These are the most important in the big picture of things.  So this Christmas, I am going to be very generous.  My pocketbook may have limits, but not my spirit.  It is in this realm that I must first though fill up with God’s resources.  Galatians 5:22 speaks of gifts.  I must possess these ‘gifts’ before I can give them to others.

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, …”

What this says to me is that these are the gifts I need to possess as I am scurrying about the Christmas season.  It’s what I carry in my spiritual ‘pocketbook’, so to speak.  These gifts will guide me through the times I am tired and just can’t take waiting one more minute in a long line at the store.  It is what will keep me in check when my budget needs to be obeyed and not the temptation to buy a more expensive item even though it’s hard to resist.  Finally, it will give me the joy to be able to reach out to others who are in desperate need of kindness.  This is because above all these ‘gifts’ is One who is the mantra – Jesus Christ.  It was His birth and death that allows me to receive eternal life.  This puts the Christmas season in perspective.  The day after the holiday when the season’s merchandise is slashed by 50% and the store aisles look as though a tornado went through, God’s eternal gift remains untarnished and precious. 

So, 90 days it is.  Will I fear or stress?  Oh yes, I will have my moments—after all, I am simply a flimsy mortal.  Why else would I need a Savior?  But, having God in my life does make a difference.  If I had to have a goal for this Christmas season, which I do; it is this~  This Christmas season, I want to make it count.  Not in how many earthly, temporary gifts I can give, or how splendid my house decorating turns out… But, my measure is by how much I can give out to others that would translate into the reflection they would see of the One who’s birthday it really is after all- Jesus Christ.

Years ago, when our children were little, we always made sure that they knew who’s birthday it really was at Christmas.  I even would have a birthday cake where my kids were able to sing “Happy Birthday Jesus”.  I confess though, that I very often forget this unchanging truth, and focus on the attributes of the season that actually remove Jesus from the holiday.  So, in writing this, I renew my commitment to keep Jesus first in the holiday, others in extending love and kindness, and taking time for myself to really see the beauty of Christmas.

In essence, this is what Christmas is really about:

Jesus

Others

Yourself

 

So, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come!”

Septemberisms

What is a septemberism?  I don't know, but it sounded good, so I looked it up in the dictionary; and this is what I found.... (actually flipping pages of my Webster's right now)..... drum roll~

...The word septemberism doesn't exist in itself, I learned.  The closest I came was "septennial".  So, I looked up the suffix 'ism' and of course, this means - action, practice, quality, characteristic, state, condition, illustration, doctrine, or instant.  It made me feel a lot better about using this word.

September is a starting line for me as my birthday is on the 11th day.  I usually like to take stock of my life-- have so for years.  I make my own 'new year resolutions'.  I laugh at the ones I've made over the years... way too numerous and unrealistic.  But, I admit, I still do set goals-- I like to see progression in my life, but I have learned to simplify and be more content with not-so-lofty targets.

Another definition of September in my life is that it's the beginning of fall and the last  full season of the year.  With that comes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.  It's a time of days getting shorter, leaves abandoning their home, and cozying up with a cup of coffee under a blanket to watch a football game. 

September brings lots of birthdays besides my own that I like to remember... son, Tim; nieces and nephews Christie, Terri, Aubrey, Maddy, and Albert; other family member Gretchen; and friends Susie and Tena. 

Finally, September is a nice pause in the year.  Kids return to school in new clothes and backpacks, and the stores begin their advertising for the Christmas season.  In the words of Earth, Wind and Fire's song "September"-- I too remember...  Two other songwriters Anderson and Maxwell penned their words to a September song that I also related to~

 

"Oh, it's a long, long while from May to December.

But the days grow short when you reach September.

When the autumn weather turn leaves to flame,

one hasn't got time for the waiting game. 

Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few...

September, September , I'll spend with you."







Today is Tim's Birthday

As today is my youngest son Tim's birthday, I felt it only appropriate to post one of his pictures I just viewed today from his blog. Seems like yesterday he was born. I know, it sounds like a cliche, but I was only 28 years old when 'Timmy' came into the world, and interestingly, this is his age today. As a mom, I think I will always keep in my heart my kids as little ones, even though they are now mature adults~ that's how it rolls in the minds of moms... it's a 'mom thing' I suppose. Even as I write this blog, Tim is in Colorado on business and is spending his birthday away from his family, friends and girlfriend Tiffany. But, one thing that I have learned about Tim, is that he values spending times with those he loves; and this is no different. He plans on hanging out with his long-time friend Adam in Boulder this evening. I'm always glad for others in Tim's life. It's reflected in his relationships the great person he is. So, Tim, have a great birthday! As I have told you before, "You're Still a Young Man"! I love you much...

Lucy and Ethel

We still love Lucy (and Ethel)...

 

What is it about Lucy and Ethel's friendship that I find so endearing?  I think it's the openness and the quick forgiveness that makes it so attractive to me.  Lately, I have been gathering all things 50s for a bridal shower for my daughter.  It began with some red dish towels with cherries on them that I saw she had registered for.  It was easy after that.  I printed up some recipe cards with cherries and distributed them with the invitation (which had a picture of Lucy and Ethel with captions).

Along with Lucy and Ethel's complete confidence in one another, I love the simplicity of the everyday normalcy of the 50s.  Things were pretty much black and white then (including the t.v. screen).  Even though it made for good entertainment, there were lessons to be learned in watching two zany women finagle everything from competing for the same dress to perform a song in, to out- doing their husbands in not caving into modern conveniences.  There was a camaraderie that I love.  Lucy was herself, and didn't put on any airs.  Ethel was patient, but when she had enough, she made it plain; and Lucy, as strong willed as she was, was able to bend for her dear friend.

It makes me think of my friends and sisters.  I am grateful for having those who put up with my zany ways.  We laugh a lot at life.  I guess this is what you do when you realize that sometimes, you can't change circumstances, but you have the blessing of having those around you who hang in there with you.

And the Heat Goes On...

Whoa... We're two thirds into this month and the heat goes on.... To the tune of the Sonny and Bono song, "The Beat Goes On",  we keep going forward, maybe at a slower, withered state...

We've been experiencing over 100 degree temperatures for the last two weeks.  I wrote the following email to several friends and family members recently about my observation of others (including myself) during this heat wave and am recounting it below....

So, what do people do when the mercury reaches over three-digits?

----SNIP...People cut corners. They jaywalk to not have to walk more steps to the crosswalk. They snip their hair-- just notice how many people are at Super Cuts getting a impromptu cut to get their hair off their necks. Even clothing takes a "snip" of a sort-- lots of rolling up of sleeves and pants or shirts untucked and tied at the waist or left hanging loose in order to get more air in the waistline

----SNAP...Unfortunately, this is part of the swealtering heat. People get mad for the smallest things. I've seen this in the post office (too long of a line), the intersection (people's car conditioner may not be working and they're fuming that the pedestrian walking across the street is taking too long), and at the Dairy Queen where the single attendant can't get the ice cream cones made fast enough for the crowd standing in the heat.

----FAN...It has been quite amusing to me how inventive people become when they need a fan to bring down the temperature. I've seen fans made of the following~ their hand, bank statement, keys (this didn't work so good), magazine from the newstand, brochures, and receipts. Additionally, people even try to make a fan out of the items they're about to purchase. This includes, (but isn't limited to) the following~ merchandise boxes, packages of underware, and school supplies (spiral notebooks are popular as this is an essential Back to School item).

----SIGH... I've heard so many. They range from soft, loud, mean, defeated, repeated, and obnoxious.

----SWEAT.. Oh, yeah. Yuk... it's hard to be around this. Even the coolest building now is experiencing the sweat of its patrons. Usually it's the men that sweat the most, but I've seen lots of ladies too. Usually though, it's only the men who are brave enough to wipe it away shamelessly.

----DRESS INAPPROPRIATELY...Either too much or too little. (Need I say more?)

----ROLL THEIR EYES..Brings back memories of my kids growing up... (You moms know what I mean.)

----BARE... I've seen too much. I don't want to see anymore. (Bellies, tattoos in strange places, lines, wrinkles, and bulges.)

 

Hope this makes you smile, and maybe even chuckle. Remember that good humor keeps you cool and relaxed. As for me, I think I'm going to go and pour myself another cold glass of water.

All About August or AAA

August has always been for me an uneventful, hot month.  I've written about it in the past, but am re-visiting it once again.  However, I learned this week that August has been slated as the month that 'National Neighborhood Day' is held.  Our neighborhood plans on recognizing this day on August 7 with a barbecue/potluck and featured guest speakers from the police department and other city resources.  I think I'll go check it out.  I learn quite a bit from talking to our neighbors.  For example, a couple of days ago, one neighbor told me about a garage fire that ocurred down the street. Our local newspaper made no mention of it.  So, it caused me to re-think whether I should continue my subscription with the Press Enterprise.
So, this hot August month, my goal is to enjoy the nothingness of it:
-Adjust to the heat and humidity
-Attack the weeds in my backyard
-Allow myself to relax with nothing but hot summer days to bask in...

How's that for all about August?

St. George Pizza

 We had a fun dining experience over the weekend.  St. George Pizza in Huntington Beach is awesome!  Joining our son Tim and girlfriend Tiffany, we were right at home with the family atmosphere the restaurant provided.
     I've had lots of pizza in my lifetime, but I have to say that this pizza was a "cut above" (sorry, no pun intended).  We ordered the 'New Yorker' which was generously covered with sauteed mushrooms.  The crust was to die for-- crispy, yet with some bite into it.
     Definitely a must-try for anyone who loves a good pizza.  The best part of good food is the friendly service and attentiveness we received by owners George and Christine.  My only regret is that I live 60 miles away, otherwise, I would hit this restaurant every week for my pizza fix.
     If you have a chance, check it out... it's in Huntington Beach on Edinger at Newland.  You'll be glad you did....ENJOY!

Ady the Artist

Ady is my 7 year old granddaughter who has a flair for art.  Recently, she spent some days at our house, and did the posted water color of our house.  Her rendition is precious as I see that she is very detailed oriented and took the time to draw the panes of the front door window.
I am excited to see her develop her artistic talent.  She follows close behind her dad and brother, whose works I always enjoy.  Abel (Ady's dad) recently gave me an oil painting of a red '57 Chevy he did in high school.  It's going to be part of the 'Grandkids Red, White and Blue Room'.

Carter James' Cool Rugged Style

This is the look that I imagine Carter James, our newest little grandson due to be born in October to daughter Anicia and husband Brian will sport.  ( I copied the picture from a children's clothing ad.)  Just from what I see in his daddy and mommy, Little Carter is going to be spending time in the great outdoors.  Both parents are avid hikers and campers, and little Carter is going to benefit from their fun excursions that he will be a part of.

Can't wait to meet my new little grandson.  Boy, does he have an exciting life waiting for him!

Love,

Grandma

It's A Trip

With the upcoming events of the marriage of my youngest daughter Trish, and the birth of our newest little grandson to daughter Anicia, it's no wonder I'm pondering life's happenings, and reminiscing about my own journey.  I started writing a manuscript and here's an excerpt....


"…Marriage is part of my journey on earth.  It began with wedding plans -  a map of sorts;  necessary to-do lists, lots of paperwork (marriage license, name changes, social security number obtaining process, etc.); and many preparations that were necessary.  But, that was only the beginning!  So much more was to come—children, career changes, challenges, and age.


   But, there’s nothing more wonderful about being married.  If it were not so, would God have established this covenant?  Truly, His plan for marriage doesn’t fall in the category of what we see around us today—broken ones, sad ones, violent ones, distant ones…. This just isn't  what a marriage was designed to be."

David and me on a recent trip...

This November, I will be celebrating 37 years of marriage.  They have gone by surprisingly fast.  I am thankful that God allowed me to live this long to be able to see my own children getting married and having children of their own.  Recently, I was tickled when I see the delight in my granddaughters' eyes as they looked at my wedding dress I dragged out of a box.  My 7-year-old Ady even asked if she could wear it.  When I put it on her and had gathered several tucks with safety pins so that it would fit her snugly, she pranced around our backyard, complete with sister Camryn holding the train of the dress.  I just smiled (and yes, I secretly fought back tears).  This is because I know that it won't be too long from now when I will see my granddaughters in a real wedding gown, providing that God graces me with the years to see them.

Happy events lead to happy memories re-visited.  I pray for a happy marriage, and safe baby delivery for my girls this upcoming October-- (the 20th and 24th respectively).