Thursday, March 29, 2018

So worth it to go see

Just returned from the movie, I Can Only Imagine. 

Dennis Quaid plays the dad. I think this might be his best performance ever.

Never heard of the movie?

Look it up!
There are lots of trailers online about the movie. Better yet...just go see it!

P.S.
Bring a tissue.


Monday, March 26, 2018

Reading material

When I heard a new book was coming out about Prince Harry, I grabbed my 20% coupon and darted off to Barnes and Noble.

I'm getting to know Meghan through the pages of this non fiction story.

In case you're wondering, these two are truly in love. It's a real life fairy tale.  The American gets her prince. Its a lovely story with a Happily Ever After.  The two managed to dodge the press for at least six months of their courtship. Yes, he's a prince. And yes, we want to know all the details and get a glimpse of the two whenever we can.

I'm so guilty. If I saw the two of them in public, I know for sure I would run to them and take a picture. Ugh. That just sounds so juvenile, but alas, so true. I love the royal family.

Those who are in the public eye most definitely pay a price. Their privacy is taken from them whenever they step out.  Judgement is eminent with their every move. Wearing no make up, the wrong pair of jeans or a poor choice of outerwear...its all up for scrutiny.

For that, I am more than thankful I'm just a citizen living a great life and no one's looking.

"To whom much is given, much is expected."   These two have been given much. It's a heavy burden to be part of the royal family. So much pressure. But, they seem to handling it well.

Can't wait for the Royal Wedding. May 19 can't come soon enough. I'll be the one up early glued to my telly.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

28 years ago

28 years ago at 10:39 a.m., a baby entered the world. A baby girl. 

Kayla Gail
She is perfect (mostly-wink wink!) and she is ours.
It was a rough delivery. Most are. Especially when there's no time for helpful meds! I'll spare you the details, but wow, Kayla came fast and furious.

I wouldn't let her out of my sight. We bonded!

When Great Aunt Alice saw Kayla for the first time, I remember her saying, "She's the most beautiful baby anyone has ever seen."

I just smiled and Alice kept on..."No really, she's the most beautiful baby anyone has ever seen. Most babies are ugly, but not her. She's the most beautiful baby anyone has ever seen!"

Tell me how you really feel, Aunt Alice!!  Bless her soul!

Baby toes are so cute! 

Every little girl needs a dolly.
Chillin' with Gpa. One of my treasured photos of my dad. He's Kayla's angel now. I know he's watching over her.
  Kayla has her father's demeanor. She's always happy.
The two are so much alike. Full of adventure.

Kayla is 28 today. I've been looking back at her photo albums. What a stubborn and extremely strong willed child she was. I have to say her personality has served her well.

She is a delight to our family. Now 28 and married with a life of her own, it's a joy to be around her and watch her as an adult.

Mother and daughter. The two of us couldn't be more opposite.

The more people around her, the more Kayla thrives. NOT ME! I definitely get my energy being by myself.

Tea for me. Beer and wine for her.

Beach holiday for her. England surrounded by gardens and books for me.

Numbers girl =Kayla.
Books=Me

I had to put this song in here. It's totally Kayla and definitely not me! My kids absolutely HATE driving with me! I'm THAT slow! 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvV3nn_de2k

Do you remember this song? Can you drive 55? 

Happiest of birthdays, baby girl. I love you forever.
    





 

Monday, March 19, 2018

Michelle

Meet Michelle, my writer friend.
To know her is to love her.
She's pretty wonderful.

We've gotten to know one another over the past few years and found we have some things in common. We both love to write, both of us are blessed with very supportive husbands, and we both have survived the valleys of mother issues. (That's all I have to say about that!)

Not long ago, Michelle gifted me with her latest published work.
She is living my dream.
Michelle writes on the inside cover...

".....and to all the other hopeful novelists out there yearning to be published. Keep writing-your day will come." 

She's the best.






Thursday, March 15, 2018

Favorite Son In Law

March is a busy birthday month for our family.

All three of my kids have birthdays.

Yep. Three kids. Two boys and one girl.

Meet David. My son in law. He's on the left. The goof on the right is my hubby!
This photo was taken in Panama City. Pretty sure this cinched the deal. If David could handle us on holiday, he can deal with us anywhere!

David is an excellent golfer. Yes, I know. He's mini golfing in this photo!  But, I'm telling you, he can golf with the best of them. Pretty sure he'd give Tiger Woods a run for his money! Family members run scared when they go up against David in a round of golf. Yes. He's that good.

When David joined our family, so did Finley. She's David's niece. Don't you just want to squeeze her little cheeks? She's so stinkin' cute!
A Christmas stocking with his name on it sealed the deal. Means he's officially one of us! 

I love many things about my son in law, but one that is really important to me is how he treats his grandmothers. It's quite obvious how much he loves them. To me, this is a huge character trait. Genuine love for those older than him. It's a joy to watch. Such a special bond.

Of course, I love how he loves my daughter. Unconditionally. He truly completes her. We are the blessed ones to have him as part of our family.

March 13, David turned a year older. So did his sister, Katie! Nope. Not twins. Katie is three years older than he. I'm thinking Katie probably didn't appreciate having to spend her three year old birthday at the hospital because her new baby brother just stole her day! Forever!  I think it's kind of special to share your day with a sibling. Not many get to say that. David is good to his sister. Another thing I love about him!

We love you. Happy birthday dear son.




  






Monday, March 12, 2018

Air date

Remember my writer friend, Rachel?
The one whose book is being made into a Hallmark movie?
Once Upon a Prince.

Well, we have an air date.
Saturday, April 7.
http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/once-upon-a-prince

Check out the preview.

Thursday, March 8, 2018

1/4 of a century

March 9, 1993 my sweet boy arrived.

He's not so little anymore. He's a quarter of a century tomorrow. Half my age.

Oh what a ride its been thus far.

This is one of my favorite photos of the two of us. He had just walked me down the aisle for my  daughter's wedding.

I could go on and on about Mark. He is simply a kind human being. We just love him so much.
The kid knows how to enjoy life. (Sometimes maybe a little too much??!)

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy.
You are certainly one in a million.
I will love you forever. 

Monday, March 5, 2018

Nine Years Ago

Once a long while ago, a girl  happened upon a quaint little village in England...
Every corner she turned took her very breath away. Spires pierced the skies, English roses climbed archways...it all was so enchanting.

As if it couldn't get any better, a red Mini Cooper with a British flag a top its roof appeared from nowhere.  Giddy doesn't begin to describe that moment. The girl  knew right then that someday she would own one. She didn't know when, but it would happen.

Throughout that trip, the girl subconsciously took photos of Coopers. She hadn't realized just how many until recently.
This one's her favorite! The trip may have come to an end, but she kept the dream alive and one day, the Happily Ever After happened!


That very girl who traveled to that quaint village was me. My dream of nine long years  has just come true.

I am now the very captivated, overjoyed, charmed, enchanted and jubilant owner of a Mini Cooper!

Jubilant. My year of jubilee continues!

It took me awhile to decide which color and other fine details, but it now sits in my garage as I write!

I'm trying to find the right name for her.

Serendipity? Hmmmm...Diana? Not quite sure yet.

She's smiling though, don't you think?
I love my flags! Does this surprise you?! After much contemplation, I decided against the red. Too flashy for me. I like to live under the radar!

I'm still a bit in awe of the whole thing.  Just this morning as I walked into the garage, I was taken back. Still hard to believe I own a Mini Cooper! It's all a bit overwhelming.
And to think it all started as I dreamed a little dream in a quaint little village across the pond nine years ago.

Any dreams you're working on?
They do come true you know.






 




Thursday, March 1, 2018

Casket

Due to the untimely death of our friend, articles and news stories written about death pique my curiosity. 

This one caught my eye. It's about Billy Graham's casket.
No matter your opinions concerning Billy or religion, you have to admit, he was intriguing. US presidents and the Queen of England thought so.

So do I. He was a man filled with integrity. I was privileged to visit his library in Charlotte, NC,  years ago now.
Such a humble human being. He led his life by example. I want to live like that. He has left a legacy that we will likely never see again this side of heaven. He never wavered in his faith. Oh to have known him.

He is with God now. He is at peace. 


https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/the-story-behind-billy-grahams-casket-and-the-prison-inmates-who-made-it/ar-BBJL0YZ?li=BBnb7Kz