Awards Night...

I feel a little strange, mentioning in one full swoop being nominated for the two wonderful awards going around right now! But since they both came my way within days, then I guess I will go ahead...

As someone who the "awards parade" occasionally passes by, I can honestly say I was both completely surprised and blessed this week in blogland.

I was first honored by Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee by her nomination of the



Now, coming from Linda, who I have dubbed the Queen of Humor with her Dave Barry-isk style, you can imagine how thrilled I was to be one of her nominees.
Now, my husband's mouth will probably drop open at this title, knowing me as his old-movie- buff, born old-fashioned, Nat King Cole-kinda' wife. (Does my singing The Partridge Family hits on the monkey bars in third grade count?) Hey...I rock.

And here's a few other rockin' girl bloggers:

The Woman. She is not only funny, fresh and real...but truly rockin' with her latest trend of posting great vintage rock and pop clips! She is truly so much fun!

Meredith from Poppy Fields is an American living in France, and like me, has two little girls. She has such a gift for writing...sometimes laced with sharp wit, and I love seeing life in Province through her eyes.

Anyone who knows Melanie from This Ain't New York knows she is truly a rockin blogger, with her tongue in cheek humor. And if you listen really hard, you can almost hear her southern accent...

Corrie, from One gal's life in the raw, is also a riot. I haven't known her long, but I wish I could just sit back over coffee and let her tell me stories. She's that much fun!

And someone who I don't even remember how I found...(I could be wrong but I don't think she makes the blogging rounds all that often) is a delightful first-time 40-something mom, whose blog is entitled Growing with Julia. I haven't stopped by nearly enough, but whenever I do, I am usually left smiling.

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And now, I was extremely touched to have two special people nominate me for this next award...

This award amazingly was started by a sixteen year old girl, who wanted this award to be passed with much thought to those

"...who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, and have been a Godly example to you. Five Bloggers who when you reflect on them you get a sense of pride and joy... of knowing them and being blessed by them."

I was first nominated by a dear blogging friend, Dawn. To think someone with her life experience and godly wisdom could be positively affected by someone like me was truly amazing.

Here's what Dawn said:

Tammy at Family Doin's is a home schooling mom of two adorable little girls. She is doing a great job. She had her children later than some and is enjoying every minute. I love her take on life, and her writing is exceptional as well. She does great fiction, which is a skill I definitely do not have, but admire greatly in others! I'm glad we met somewhere along the line, Tammy.

Thank you so much, Dawn...your nomination meant so much and I am so very glad we met, too!

Then, I was completely surprised when someone else whom I admire greatly... someone who writes with such beauty and intelligence, also nominated me. Grafted Branch is also currently home schooling her girls...and though I'm sure they aren't perfect, they all model such purity and what I consider true girlhood. So you can imagine how I felt when she said these words:


Tammy from Family Doin's sidebar is conspicuously void of awards and I don't "get that" because I know her traffic is steady and respectable. And I know that because on the occasions when she has linked me for whatever reason, I see a fair increase in my traffic. Which is to say it doubles. She's always got a good attitude about things, she relishes her family, respects her husband, honors her mother, loves her adorable daughters (who would be playing with mine if she didn't almost live in Canada, and I almost in Mexico) and is just. a genuinely. kind. blogger. An accolade is long overdue this sweet woman. So, Tammy, thanks for being one of the nicest bloggers on the block! And in being so affable, reflecting Jesus' concern and availability to everybody.

Um...I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say I was so affable- at least not all the time- nor do I always have a good attitude! (My family might beg to differ with you, especially before I've had my morning coffee...) But my love for this blogging community is genuine...and your recognition meant so very, very much, GB! Thank you!

*Edited to add that I just found out that e-mom from Chrysalis also has nominated me...I am truly overwhelmed! Especially when her site is one that I go to for inspiration on a regular basis. (If you haven't stopped by there, be sure to- you will be blessed!)
To be nominated by three women whom I greatly admire is just unbelievable for me!

So now, I get to nominate five others for the Blogger Reflection Award who have touched me...I can so easily find them...the problem is narrowing them down to five! But many whom I am choosing are newly discovered gems...


A new blogging friend, Juliet Echo Mike at Holding Short@33 and Bravo
has blessed my spirit so many times- especially with her "thankful" posts. She seems to have such a pure heart, and sweet spirit. She and her husband are about to become parents...any day now, I think! Her enthusiasm not only about this, but about life in general, is contagious.

Another new friend, Nadine from Just Being Me, ministers along with her husband- and is a published author. She obviously has a heart for God and for others...and can speak simple truths that we all need to hear with such clarity! In the short time I've known her, she has quickly become a blessing to me!

Yet another new friend is Myrna from Cherish...The Word.
She is truly a woman of grace...she has been faced with many hard challenges in life, yet she radiates her steady positive outlook, which she bases on Christ alone. She is truly an inspiration of faithfulness and a wonderful model of a woman of God.

Becky from The Butler's Wife, has also been an inspiration to me. She has such a tender heart and is so real...and one minute I can be visiting her and laughing...the next, she has me reaching for the tissues. More than this, she has become a blessing and a true blogging friend in the short time I have known her.

Another new friend and published author who has quickly become an inspiration is Sandy at Reluctant Entertainers.
She eloquently shows us how everyday people (even the ones not bestowed with the gift of hospitality!) can overcome our hurdles and begin to reach out to others in small but tangible ways. The family photos she shares always so wonderful, and I always come away from reading one of her posts feeling edified. She is someone who freely bestows hospitality...and then freely shares her wisdom and tips with us!

These women are truly people whom I admire and have been blessed by. I hope that by visiting some of the ten people nominated for these two awards, you will end up feeling blessed, as well!

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Saturday is my oldest daughter's 8th birthday party, held at a Tea Room, and there are still a few things to get ready! It should be very proper, don't you know...and a lot of fun! I'll be back at the end of the weekend, complete with photos!

Blessings!

Bowl Full of Cherries

Would you all care to hear about our day with grandma? (Or rather, my mom...who the girls affectionately call "Nammy"?)



We had an extraordinary day with my mom on Monday. Mostly wonderful. Mostly.
But first...the scare....

We were blissfully picking cherries when I heard an exclamation come from my mom, behind my back. I turned quickly, just in time to see her falling backwards...almost in slow motion...first to a sit-down position and then falling all the way back, her head making contact with the ground.

I couldn't reach her in time to stop the fall, but was there within two seconds. I probably should have let her lay there to make sure she could be moved, but I am not one who is blessed with thinking skills under pressure, and I quickly helped her to her feet.
I checked her head and it looked fine, and I slowly and carefully helped her to a chair.

Remember, everyone...she is EIGHTY. This was disconcerting, to say the least.

She was naturally shaken, and so were the girls and I! But she didn't seem to be in any real pain, which I was so thankful for, (especially since she once fell and broke an arm about two years ago!)

We are a praying family. We lay hands on each other when we have a problem and we pray. So the girls and I did just that, and though I can't say I always "feel" something whenever I pray, I did this time.

And would you believe, there are no bruises on her...and an hour later she kept her plans to go to the carousel park with us - and even rode the carousel....twice!
I believe God touched her when we prayed! (When I think how it could have been, it is amazing!)

Granted, she wasn't feeling like throwing herself up onto one of those huge horses, but she rode the prairie wagon on the carousel...felt the wind in her face, and was enveloped with the beautiful lights and old-fashioned carousel music.

Here she is, waving to her grand daughters on their horses...


The girls and I also enjoyed riding the carousel, too, of course. It was hard to get good pictures, though, due to the fact I was whirling around with them!
I hope they never outgrow their love of riding carousels...but if their mother and grandmother are any indication, I don't anticipating it any time soon.

And in-between our two rides, we enjoyed the gorgeous waterfront park outside. We snacked, and then my mom and I chatted while the girls played on the playground. And the weather couldn't have been more perfect!


I wished I had taken a picture of the beautiful Willamette River, which can be viewed from the park's edge. But we hope to go back here before the summer's out on another visit with "Nammy".

All in all, it truly was a wonderful day. Yes, even the scary part had it's merit, since it showed God's faithfulness to us in such a tangible way.
(I called the next day and she was still feeling no worse for wear at all!)

And we even brought home enough cherries for me to try my hand at making a cobbler today...

Proving that life sometimes really is a bowl of cherries.

Half a Meme is better than none

I saw this meme visiting a couple friends' blogs recently, and thought it looked fun. But I only have time to do the first half...I'll try to get to the second half next week!

What I was doing ten years ago...

Let's see...I think I was enjoying Fleet Week with my sailor husband in the Big Apple!
We had been married two years, and were stationed in Virginia for the duration of his Navy days. He was constantly going what are called "work ups"...short little times at sea, in between the long, agonizing deployments (which lasted five or six months).

This time it was only about a week, though...and some of the wives were getting together and flying up to meet with the ship after it docked in the N.Y. harbor for the 1997 Fleet Week. And needless to say, we were excited!

More of the story, if you haven't read it already, can be found here....complete with "celebrity sighting"!

Ten years ago seems like a different life...living in a new part of the country was a big adventure for me.
So was being married after being single throughout all my twenties. But it was hard to have my new husband away so much.

However, the biggest change from then to now was that we weren't yet parents.
It's hard now for me to fathom not knowing and loving my two girls...but then, I think I already did love them back then... a tiny part of my pre-motherly heart must have known them already.

One year ago....

That's easy. I was pretty much doing what I am doing now!
Getting ready for my oldest's daughter's birthday...
enjoying a loosening in the home school schedule for the summer...
and I had just started to discover the wonderful world of blogging.

Only difference was that we didn't have our pup, Mandy yet...she wasn't even born! (Nor did we have our many holes in the backyard and chewed up belongings...)
And we were going to a different church back then...
Oh, I hadn't learned yet that Maui was not the dream destination that our family must move to...

Other than that, I feel as though the last year went by at lightening speed...but I'm thankful for God being with us, protecting us, and guiding us throughout all this time...both our year- and the decade.

If anyone hasn't done this one, feel free and let me know so I can come read!

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Tomorrow we're heading to see my mom for the day. We haven't actually seen her since my sister in law's wedding in May, and we plan on picking cherries off her trees and riding a nearby carousel. (And I think that my 80 year old mom will be riding it, too!)

Blessings!

Missing Dad

Today marks the 19th anniversary of the day my father went on to be with the Lord.

He never got to meet the man I would marry. Never got to meet his two youngest little grand daughters.
But I'm hoping he can view a glimpse of them through heaven's window...and if so, I know he's smiling.

Born in 1925, my dad was my parent's only child in a land that would soon be overcome by the Depression and hot, dusty Texas winds. But he was known to make his many aunts smile and coo over his cute little face, always seconds away from a smile and giggle.
(A story from his childhood can be found here.)



There would be so many changes in his life in the decades to come....some good....some terrible...along with many battles to be fought and finally overcome.
To tell stories of just the parts I know would take months. How he married for the first time at only age 17...became a father at 18... later married my mother...struggled for years with alcoholism...returned to the Lord...and in his later years, with my mom, became a licensed minister.
But there is so much more to all of this...so much living that went in between the dots and phrases mentioned.


He made some mistakes throughout his life and was less than perfect. But his many good qualities, such as tenderness and compassion, were tremendous.
Maybe because he had experienced God's mercy and compassion first hand.

Nineteen years, with all the changes in my own life, seems like a century ago. Yet I can still see his face in my mind, and hear his voice.

And he is missed.



In Memory of Dad... 1925-1988


(Another brief mention and old picture of Dad can be found here.)

My Spring Reading...with strawberries on top!

I know this is already going to be a bit long...but before I launch into my reviews, I just wanted to mention how much fun my little girls and I had picking strawberries today!

We went to a U-pick farm that we know, where the view is spectacular...and they even have a play structure and a few little goats!
The weather was absolutely wonderful after all the rain and chilly temps we've been having. It actually got a little hot picking all those ripe berries!
But wouldn't you know...I forgot my camera! You'll just have to visualize the rolling hills and beautiful farm land, blue skies with smattering of white, fluffy clouds, and my girls looking cute in their little sun hats. Sorry.
But don't you love the close-up of our strawberries....? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As I type this, the last hours of Spring are coming to a close and summer is about to officially begin.
That means only one thing- it's time for me to talk a bit about the books I managed to read for the Spring Reading Thing. (A big thank you to Katrina for hosting this!)

As usual, I didn't actually read all the books I had hoped to for my challenge. But the good thing about making a list is that it helps you to follow through with seeking out those books...picking them off the shelves...and actually turning a few pages!

Here's my original list, composed in March. Take a quick jump to the link and you'll see all of my hoped for reading.
Here's what I actually read:

Fiction:

Sisterchicks in Gondolas! by Robin Jones Gunn.

Although she is one of my favorite authors, I actually like the Glenbrook series which she wrote even better than the current Sisterchicks series. And that being said, I like some Sisterchicks books more than others.
Sisterchicks in Gondolas takes two friends to their obvious destination- Venice. A place I always thought would be wonderful to visit. But reading this account left the desire in me waning...and that is not necessarily the fault of Gunn, but perhaps simply a realistic account of how Venice sadly now is...extremely crowded and a bit shabby in places.
However, it was not just the description that I didn't love...but the story line and characters did not really draw me in all that much.
Simply stated: It was just a so-so ride down the canal for me.

At Home In Mitford by Jan Karon

I had heard way too much about this series to hold out any longer, so decided to take the plunge. As I plucked it from the shelf of my church's wonderful library, though, I was surprised on how thick this first one was! (So this should count as two books, right?)
Since I'm a Mayberry kind of gal, I knew life in a small town would appeal to me...and I was right. I just loved reading about Father Tim, a bachelor rector set in his ways, who takes on a big wild pup, and later a slightly wild boy- both who disrupt his quiet life but end up giving him so much in return. (And then he meets an attractive neighbor woman, too, to upset his life that much more!)
I found the first half of the book to be kind of like a pleasant stroll...but the second half actually pretty exciting and I didn't want to put it down!
I thought Jan Karon does an fantastic job making the characters come to life.
In fact, I started the second book this week, and I already am wondering how Father Tim is doing where I last left him off...I really should go pick it back up and check in on him! :)

Stranded in Paradise by Lori Copeland

Well, it started off pretty interesting. And seeing how my last trip to Hawaii had it's share of disasters, it felt sort of good to read about someone else's.
But as things progressed, the disasters- both big and small- began to be so much that I was growing weary of it all!
She meets a nice, Christian man- who though she gets off on the wrong foot with at their meeting, begins to share her many Maui misfortunes with and he is able to lead her to the Lord.
However, though I've liked other books by Lori Copeland, the writing and characters were a little lacking for me somehow. Overall, it was OK, but a little tedious...and I think I'll just stay on the mainland for awhile!

Non-fiction:

As you might be able to tell, I lean a lot towards fiction books. But I did manage to read most of one -and a little of two- from the non-fiction genre!

Lessons from a Sheepdog by Philip Keller.

This one disappointed me a bit. I loved aspects of this, but after several chapters, I honestly felt that he was being overly repetitious. The true story behind it is beautiful, though, and I love the allegory.
But I actually enjoyed the children's book of this which I read to my girls even more, believe it or not!

Say Good-bye to Whining, Complaining and Bad Attitudes in your Kids by Scott Turansky D. Min. and Joanne Miller R.N., B.S.N.

I loved what I read of this so far...the only reason I haven't finished it yet was that those pesky fiction books kept getting in the way!
I did read several chapters, and I thought the advice is great- very practical!

The Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado

I just started reading this...three chapters so far. I really am liking it a lot and I have a feeling it is only going to get better. I just need to commit to reading a chapter or two every week...like keeping some meat in the diet and not just ice cream (aka non-fiction)!
But I've noticed that it's not heavy at all so far...but speaks right to the heart, telling how God has a plan for each and every one of us if we really take the time to seek this out. So I'm definitely going to finish this one!

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Well, that's it. That's all she read!
I should say, in all seriousness, that I have read some incredible fictional novels in my life that God has used to truly bless and speak to me. So, really I shouldn't say that fiction is just dessert, should I? Well, OK...to me it's ice cream...but even ice cream has some great nutrients!

I'm hoping some of you will also be posting on how you did with your reading challenge and what you liked and maybe didn't. Let me know if you do so I can visit!

Now that I am on a little home school break, I am finding I have some extra time and energy to squeeze even more reading in now days! Ahhhh...if only I had a hammock to go with my strawberries and books, life would be about perfect!

Alright...there's still the housework to do...but a gal can dream!

School's Out! (sort of) and Linky Promise II

"School's Out, School's Out, Kiddies let their Teacher out"
...(Or is it the other way around?)

Most of you know that we home school. I hope to expound a little on our learning plans for the summer in a post coming up soon...we still plan on doing some schoolwork and some plain ole fun learning a bit through the summer...(we're always learning, by the way!)
but our regular, everyday studying ended last Friday, and I have to say that it feels a bit strange. I'm a little at a loss on the one hand...but on the other, I feel almost like a kid myself with all this freedom!
In actuality, I absolutely love home schooling...but I am ready for a little break.

My second grader was such a good student this year, and my four-turning-five year old did well, too. And I think we had some fun along the way.
So maybe I should be celebrating the end of the year break...like doing a cartwheel followed by hailing the ice cream man. But the cartwheel thing might get the neighbors to talking...
So, I think for now I'll just revel in a little extra reading time here and there... maybe even start scrapbooking again.
Oh yes...and you may notice I'm even starting to comment again on some of your posts!

Anyway, I wanted to hold true to my promise of completing my 12 links to current posts that I loved reading...I did six already....and so, finally- here are six more.
(If you are not among them, remember I could only pick 6 out of all the ones that I loved reading this past week or so. And you know I loved reading WAY more than six posts this past week!)
So, if you all can, be sure to check these out:

1) Stop by at Barbie's....she recently gave birth to her fourth beautiful little girl and she told about having to laugh when things go wrong. If you scroll down, she gave such beautiful descriptions of her love and gratefulness for her newborn- and all of her family- during these first precious days.

2) One of my newer friends is Corrie at One Gal's Life in the Raw. She writes with such fresh humor, it's almost as if you're chatting with her while sipping a latte over at S*tarbuck's. Even when she has a bad day, as in her recent post.

3) Judith at Flight Song (and the mother of Barb and Bev, as many of you know) wrote so beautifully of her grand daughter's upcoming wedding next Saturday.

4) I was blessed reading this post from Morning Glory. Her honesty about being true with our own feelings- and her obvious love for her husband- were so refreshing.

5) A riveting story of a day in a sailor's life back in 1967 held me in suspense by Pamela from The Dust will Wait.

6) And if you ever wanted to glimpse a charming way to celebrate your daughter's 12th birthday, and see grace and beauty shine through her eyes and those of her friends, go read Grafted Branch's account. (Plus, you get to listen to Claire de Lune play delicately in the background...)

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Although I mentioned the ice cream man earlier, I must say that indulging in this cold delicacy hasn't exactly been on my mind too much in the past ten days or so...nothing but cool weather, rain and overcast skies. It has not seemed like June at all, but more like March- on a really bad coming in like a lion day.
But late yesterday afternoon, the clouds began to billow slowly away...revealing patches of blue and sunlight. And today's forecast calls for 83- a good twenty degrees warmer than it was just a couple days before!
Just when I was going to bring in the last of the wood and light a fire....

I think this Thursday is the end of the Spring Reading Thing. And again, I did not meet my overly ambitious goals. But I did get some good reading in (and that's what the challenge is really all about, right?) so I hope to post a couple reviews later this week...stay tuned!

And now, I must go read the second book in the Mitford series that I picked up at my church library...(can you tell which one of the books on my list that I really liked?)
*Edited to correct an error typed last night at midnight...and there's probably others- just overlook them!

Blessings!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to my sweetheart~ the Daddy of my two little girls....


You have helped to nurture and love them through their baby and toddler days...









And though you are so busy, working hard so that I can stay home with them and school them...

You still find time to be their Prince Charming.













Happy Father's Day, Honey!



















(And for all the other hard working, loving dads out there, my wishes go out to you, as well. Happy Father's Day!)

We Love Lucy

My little girls have just discovered a new show.

OK, maybe it's not so new....In fact, maybe it's one of the oldest classic TV shows in Americana.

One morning, a few weeks ago, I was hunting around for a "kid show" and stumbled on the listing for "I Love Lucy." I'm not for sure, but I think maybe my usual routine was upset and the computer was down. At any rate, I suddenly felt like sitting back with my morning coffee and sharing with my girls the classic show made a half century before their birth.

At first, my five year old was very disappointed not be seeing her expected Diego or Little Einsteins. But as the show wore on, and Lucy was up to her old antics, even she was laughing along with us.

I have long been a lover of classics...classic movies, classic old shows...and now, to get to share these with my girls is so much fun for me! Even though I've seen each one of these episodes 30 times over, I'm seeing them new through the eyes of my little ones...just like with everything else in life.

Lucy, Ethel, and Fred putting on a hula show to try and convince Ricky to take them on his business trip to Honolulu had us giggling this morning....and last week, was the famous "Lucy has her baby" episode! (For you trivia buffs, that episode broke records as the highest viewing ever. 72% of all homes were glued to their sets that night in 1953!)

Believe it or not, there is one thing about this show that as a parent in this new century, sticks out like a sore thumb...
Why is it that Lucy and Ricky can't get through more than one scene without a cigarette in their hand? It seems so foreign a concept to see these people smoking like chimneys on each and every show. (And I know it had something to do with their show's sponsor, a tobacco company...) I can almost smell the smoke coming through my screen.
Needless to say, I have added some comments along this line as we watch, and my girls know all about the dangers of smoking!
But aside from this, the show is such fun, and gives them a glimpse of another era. Yet, the humor is timeless.

Of course, we limit TV viewing around here...honestly.
But some mornings, Mommy let's them watch just a little bit longer. Because right after Lucy comes the cheerful music of another wonderful classic from the 50's...

Sharing I love Lucy and Leave it to Beaver with my 21st century kids? Who can resist?

Gee, Wally...not me!

The Tantrum

My five year old, Lil Cherub, is one of the sweetest, most compassionate little girls in the world, and I say that without any motherly bias....(well, maybe just a little...)
But yesterday, she entertained us with a big ole meltdown.

Both girls have had colds- and no wonder after being drenched Saturday in the pouring rain! (See post below). Not only that, but their whole weekend was pretty full, and yesterday was a dental appointment. So my almost eight year old actually took a nap this afternoon.
But did my five year old? No, she did not.

Funny, I had just picked up a Parenting magazine in the dental waiting room and read how some moms always use the "tantrum room". When their little one is crying and screaming, the child must take it to "the room".
While my oldest has been more of the drama queen, her tantrums are now few and far between.
And my little one? She might get whiny when she's tired, but not really one for any out and out tantrums...
Ho hum, I thought, putting the magazine down.

Five hours later, my youngest was doing quite well without her nap. While her oldest sister blissfully slept, Lil Cherub and I were having some magical time together- just the two of us- as she told me a story and I wrote it down for her so she could make a book.
It was just like one of those N*stle Tollhouse commercials, only without the cookies...

Suddenly...the book we were making wasn't right. Suddenly....according to my little sweetheart, it was ALL WRONG.

It started out -not slowly-but like a tidal wave of pent up exhaustion and emotion as she exploded with a real, authentic, honest to goodness melt-down.

My oldest came downstairs to witness the commotion, while she herself remained angelic, having just had her beauty sleep.

Meanwhile, I actually remained very calm (I surprised myself!)
Finally recalling the "tantrum room technique"I had read about only hours before, I gently placed her on the stairs and informed her she must go upstairs to scream and cry, but if she wanted to remain down here, she must now be quiet. After much deliberation (read: arguing and wailing) she finally trudged upstairs.


As I went about fixing dinner, I was shocked to hear my normally sweet five year old screaming that "tantrum scream" at the top of her little lungs, as I forced myself to continue my tasks and take deep breaths...

Moments later, she emerged from upstairs without a sound...as she calmly said,
"I'm done crying and screaming and ready to be downstairs, Mommy."
As I stood in numb silence, she turned sat down by her sister, and said to her,
"Sorry for screaming..." then to me, "I'm sorry, Mommy."

I can count on one hand the times when my littlest had tantrums of this magnitude...they are just plain rare! But this one scored a 5.2 on the rictor scale.

But it was also some kind of record in how my little volcano vented and returned to her old sweet self. And enough to melt my heart at her sincere little contrite heart.

And enough to make me wished I had soaked myself in Calgon.

Raining on their Parade

A blessed Sunday, everyone!
To my fellow bloggers, I am so far behind again, but hope to catch up tomorrow...bear with me!
And I hope most of you are having better weather than we currently are...

Some of my husband's family has always had the tradition of going to see the parade every year...the big Rose Festival P*rade.

And I have to admit, when I do actually go, it's pretty exciting to be just literally two feet from these huge, impressive floats made painstakingly of roses as they pass by...or to actually feel the vibrations of the best marching bands in the northwest, who sometimes stop to do their extra number right in front of your chairs.

But some years, I like to stay home for some alone time.
Or, as in this year...some dry time.

My poor family were among hundreds who sat bravely in the pouring rain for several hours.
Here's a few pictures...

"Oh, when is that Max train going to get here?"


Here come the famous Clydesdales...


And the lovely royal court, not letting the rain "dampen" their spirits...or their dresses!


This cute little pony could even make all the wet Oregonians smile...(notice the pink hooves!)


And I've always enjoyed seeing the Spanish dancers...such wonderful color on this gray day!


My girls weren't exactly thrilled with the pouring rain, but they told me they still had some fun.


I had crazily held out some hope that between the rain coats and the umbrellas and hats, that they might stay somewhat dry...but alas, they came home completely drenched.

As I hugged my girls at the front door and felt how soggy they were, I immediately helped them change into dry clothes and made them hot chocolate. I'm sure it did nothing for my oldest daughter's cold she already has...but I prayed for her and we spent the evening cuddling upstairs with a movie.
(Funny, how in the remake of The Parent Trap, it seems to be raining half the time...which caused us to pull those warm covers up over us even more...)

And what did I do the whole afternoon? Well, stay dry, for one thing...
But I did clean, organize...and oh yes, I finished reading one of the books on my reading list, "At Home in Mitford".
(And why didn't you all tell me this book was so thick? If I had seen the size of it, I think I would have cut my reading list in half!) Yet, I'm so glad I finally dived into this series...I know many of you have already read these, but I'll be doing a little review on it his coming week because now I finally know why everyone loves these so much!

So anyway, it's been quite the chilly, soggy day...
I am so ready for real summer to begin! We had a sneak peek about a week or so ago, and I guess it spoiled me.
Right now, I feel like hibernating under the covers with my next book and pretending it's winter.
So if you'll excuse me...Just wake me when there's yellow and blue in the sky again, OK?

"Sunny Lee...she was a good fish..."

I still haven't forgotten the second half of my linky promise...it's coming soon! (And it's going to be hard to link to just six because I have read so many wonderful posts in just the last two days!)

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But remember the aquarium our youngest received from her daddy for her birthday last month?
Here is the latest on our little two-feet tropical world...

That giant algae eater whom she gave the original name of John to is still going strong. And growing strong. I have never in my life seen such a humongous fish...with such bulging froggy eyes...in my life!
And we've added many tropical fish friends - plus two plain fish friends- and each and every one of them has names.
Half belong to my youngest, and the other half to my oldest. And they all can identify them one and all..

Imagine our delight, when three new teeny-weeny baby fish were discovered last week!
Now, I just don't know anything about fish breeding and their egg-laying techniques...but whatever they did, worked, and we have three new tiny tropical fish swimming around.

But here's the sad part...the mama (which I would have never known was the mama- the girls and their daddy seem to know them all pretty intimately, though) became ill and passed away Saturday night.
Their daddy had checked on the poor Sunny Lee when he first woke up- and seeing her demise, retrieved her before the girls were awake, placing her -well...OK... it was an Easter egg.
Not one of those plain plastic eggs...but a special, very decorative one. No, I'm not sure why.

We were worried about how the girls would take it, but though they were, indeed, sad...no actual tears were shed. But they very solemnly went through a ceremony with their daddy leading and some help from me, giving her a proper burial in the front yard before we left for church.


It was our oldest's fish...so she asked her daddy to pray, and then we all took turns saying our good-byes.

My parents were just as sweet and sensitive when I was growing up with pets, too.

But honestly, it brought back a certain memory...as my parents and I said good-bye to one of my fishies, my mom ceremoniously put it- not in an Easter egg- but in an empty fish stick TV dinner box.

It was awhile before I could enjoy a good all-you-can-eat at Skipper's after that.

Love that New Carpet Smell!

Sunday night and all of yesterday, I was completely disconnected from the bloggy world. And though you all were not far from my thoughts (since I count so many of you as real friends!) my life actually did go on...it was amazing!

And best of all, I managed to almost complete my current read, "At Home in Mitford". (More on that in a few days!)

The reason for my short bloggy break was carpet.

I don't think I mentioned that we are putting new carpet in our living room as well as our little family room area (well, it's not a true family room because the lack of size...sort of an office-family room-laundry-piano room all wrapped up into a very small space!)

The old carpet had already pretty much lived out it's life when we moved in five years ago. Since then, we added our little ones, an old dog with a bladder problem, and a new puppy who liked to find those bad places and chew them to shreds.

So this weekend, the family room project was started. My incredible husband is doing all the work himself...including even putting in new underlying plywood in places- measuring and cutting and stomping down.
I actually anticipated helping him in this whole project, but whenever I pop in and ask what I can do, it seems to always be a point where I would be of no use whatsoever.
Except on Saturday, I did get to put my foot down on a piece of plywood for him. That was great.

But he's is really doing such a good job!
We picked out the durable Berber for this area, and he puts in some new vinyl for the adjoining laundry\bathroom tomorrow. Woohoo!
The living room will be, of course, different, but here's a swatch of what just went in under my feet for your viewing pleasure...

OK...kind of hard to get the feel of in this little square. I'll post a picture of the whole office-laundry area-family room when it's all finished.

And honestly, don't you just love that new carpet smell! Or, am I the only one?

But for now, the drawback is that we're still living without washer\dryer hook-up, a downstairs toilet, and the above mentioned items sitting in my dining room.
Nothing works up an appetite like the sight of appliances and a potty in front of the table, don't you think?
Still, it's a small price to pay for getting rid of our old, worn out, smelly carpets. Plus, there's that whole laundry break thing.

Not to mention little perks...like the girls getting a kick out of eating TV dinners tonight in front of...well...the TV.

In all honesty, I'm completely thankful for these new carpets.
And I'm thinking some major pampering for hubby this Father's Day is due...

In the meantime, just know that I will try and catch up reading some of your posts throughout the day, in between finishing up our last full week of schooling for the year...all the while, looking straight ahead as we pass by "the dining room commode".

My Linky-love Promise...

Some of might remember that I promised last in my blogiversary post, I would mention 12 recent posts that spoke to me in some special way.

Well...today is the day....sort of!


I said it would be Friday...and I'm not making it under the wire, here...the clock just turned and now it's Saturday.
And because of time constraints, I can only post half now...and plan on posting the other half in a few days.

And let me say, that there is many more than just 12 posts that I have enjoyed or that have touched me in the past week or so! But 12 is the number...


1) My first pick is very timely for me. My friend, Susanne at Living to Tell the Story wrote so very well about entrusting her kids to the Lord as she sends them off to camp.
Tonight, I have done the same thing with my little seven year old...and though for only night, it is sometimes so hard for me to let her go and not to worry! So, God used her post to really speak to my heart.

2) I had tears in my eyes when I read the personal testimony of one of my new good bloggy buddies, at Groovy's Rumminations. First, click on the link to Part 1...then read Part 2.
Her story will make you laugh...but will also touch you.

3) Yellow Mama at OneStepUpFromStupid continuously uplifts me whenever I visit. She has such a gift from the Lord in this area. This post really blessed me this week.

4) And as for humor...well, you just have to go check out Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee. (See, even her blog name has appeal...) This week, she had me laughing so hard, my own coffee was dangerously close to coming out my nose. Except that I'm too demure for that...
*Scroll down to "Did I grill the salmon- or did it grill me?"

5) I was truly touched by this beautiful post at My Quiet Corner...about getting through anniversaries of hard times and coming out with a different perspective.

6) And then there's my dear friend, Susie...she just finished Part 3 of her love story, in celebration of her upcoming 40th anniversary. You can scroll back to her older posts to find Part 1 and 2...then come back to read Part 3. She and Bill have a marriage which is so to be admired. She has added the special touches of old photos throughout their life together...and her uplifting spirit is always a blessing.

*Edited to say...some links are only to the blogs themselves...you may have to scroll on a few!

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So, there you go...six wonderful posts to check out, if you haven't already done so- with more to come! (Ladies, please consider the rose above from me to you!)

Now, I'll leave you with some images from this week....

Both girls had their last classes in ballet and ballet\tap, respectively. You know...where the parents are invited in to take pictures and videos of their little stars. Quite a busy week, here!

So, here's my oldest ballerina...

And my little pony-tailed Shirley Temple...


Have a good weekend, everyone!