Midlife Poet

The Beginning

2012-01-14T10:18:00.001-07:00

We officially met on my 26th birthday, February 26, 1979, but we had been eyeing each other on my weekly shopping trips to Bayless for quite some time. Coincidentally, at that time, their advertising on TV was

“A. J. Bayless…your store for meat and more”.

Nuff said.

So, we met at Sunrise Ski Resort on Chairlift #3, when I skied up and shouted SINGLE and Gary pushed his friend over the cliff and called back SINGLE.

We skied together all day, taking the last chair up the mountain at dusk. We each had a secret we were keeping from the other; mine was that although my heart was very available, legally, I was not. His was that he already knew, for the first time he saw me in his store, he ran to the cash register and pulled out my check to see who I was!

Most definitely Love at First Sight!

Obsession.

We were absolutely crazy about each other.

Finally, my knight in shining armor had come

to save me.

One of us will die inside these arms.

Circa 1979

2012-01-13T08:17:00.001-07:00

Well I wake up in the night now

And don't you know I think of you

It's the fire in your eyes

That keeps on cutting through

There's nowhere I can run to

Can't seem to lose the thought of you

I never really was a bad girl

But you got me in trouble again

Well I used to walk the straight line

I knew what I was doing all the time

There was nothing that could move me

I always held my ground

But you got me where you want me

And now you're always here to haunt me

I never really was a bad girl

But you got me in trouble again

Lyrics by Karla Bonoff

He’s my kind of trouble, my Brawny Man.

Note To Self

2012-01-12T09:33:00.001-07:00

Memories of Christmas

2012-01-11T11:19:00.001-07:00

The soldier and his family have long since returned to Fort Hood, leaving the “Papa Chair” empty until evening time, leaving our hearts with a longing for more time . . . more time with the grandchildren . . . more time please.

My Bad Alice has returned to work, leaving me without a walking partner once again; without my True North.

Empty arms and an empty house left me feeling a bit . . .

empty for a while.

(Ehren meets Itty Bitty Emma Kitty)

Yet, look here, all my many blessings, though some are a thousand miles away, all are right here, deep in my heart, frozen in time, in a memory.

And one click on my computer.

Today, Lord, once again, I give you my “busted heart”

and I’m not taking it back this time.

***Prayers for my Beloved Anne***

Christmas Love

2011-12-28T10:45:00.001-07:00

Please Help and sign petition

2011-12-24T09:42:00.001-07:00

End abuse of Autistic students in Mercer County, Kentucky - Sign the Petition!

Why This Is Important

In Mercer County, Kentucky, nine year old Chris Baker, an Autistic student, was told by his special education aide to climb inside a gym ball bag for punishment to "control his autistic behavior" in mid-December 2011. He was placed in the bag with the drawstring tightened and left in the hallway in the school. When his mother, Sandra Baker, was called to the school to get her son, she demanded that he be removed from the bag right away. The teacher struggled to undo the drawstring, and Chris emerged sweaty and non-communicative. According to the teacher, this had been done several times over the last year, but Sandra didn't know until this latest incident. While she met with state officials on Monday 19 December 2011 before a possible meeting with school officials, there is no guarantee that those meetings will prevent this kind of abuse from happening again -- either to Chris or to other students.

If you think it's wrong to tell an Autistic child to climb inside a bag intended for gym balls and tighten it with a drawstring, which could potentially have led to serious injury or death, as punishment, then please sign this petition. This is wrong. This is abuse. It needs to stop.

8900 signatures are still needed!

· · Sign the Petition · 13 minutes ago via Change.org ·

I realize that this is not a pleasant Christmas Eve post, but I also know I have awesome friends who will help. NO CHILD should be treated this way, let alone a special needs child. For those who do not already know, my grandson is on the autism spectrum, so this strike the heart of my home. I promise pics of Das Babes tomorrow.

Let The Season Begin

2011-12-19T11:39:00.001-07:00

Got My Baby back!

I Know You By Heart

2011-12-09T13:28:00.001-07:00

Just feeling Big Love for my Brawny Man.

Please stay for a long time yet.

Songbird

2011-12-01T12:50:00.001-07:00

♥♥ Love Love Love ♥♥

She now sings in Heaven.

You Carry Me

2011-11-30T10:28:00.001-07:00

How can my soul not rejoice, for is the desert sky not cloudless and

blue blue blue.

My blessings are beyond numbers, and I thank You, Father God, for all of them,

especially my beloved Sisterfriends,

for you carry me.

Life’s messy; clean it up!

The Honest Cries of Breaking Hearts

2011-11-28T17:53:00.001-07:00

Just today, I’m a mess, and not so beautiful.

Just today.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T10:14:00.001-07:00

Father God, we are forever thankful, for You are our All in All. Surround us this day with your strength, comfort, and joy. Give us more of You, Lord. Fill us full and may we overflow, spreading your Kingdom throughout the lands.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Thank you, Lord, for all my blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!

HOOAH, OORAH, HOOYAH!!!

2011-11-11T09:54:00.001-07:00

Happy Veterans Day

to my favorite two-time war vet (and his side-kick)

and to all of those who serve or have served.

Let us honor them not just today,

but every day.

***

Safe In His Arms

2011-11-10T15:12:00.001-07:00

My Babes.

♥♥♥

Sooooooooo

2011-11-08T08:18:00.001-07:00

The roofers came on Saturday.

Pretty cute stuff.

Better than roof rats.

Welcome Home

2011-11-01T16:50:00.001-07:00

Welcome Home, Son, welcome home.

Joy That Cannot be Contained

2011-10-31T08:44:00.001-07:00

The only disability in life is a bad attitude--Scott Hamilton

The Simple JoYs in Life

2011-10-29T10:55:00.001-07:00

After his near-death experience with the pool cleaner,

Woody found that he enjoyed the simple things in life more.

Although every once in a while, he sure does miss his hat.

What I Want to Hear

2011-10-27T12:26:00.001-07:00

I knew this day would come, even as the doctor said “I am so very sorry to give you this news”, even as I would startle awake in the middle of the night in panic, and even as I would lay my head upon his chest a dozen times a day and weep . . . I knew the day would come when I could once again feel

Joy

Like this morning, walking with my Bad Alice, who really isn’t so bad after all, more like a Naughty Alice . . . filled with Joy.

In the midst of her own crisis, a beloved friend wrote to me today, writing that she really didn’t know what to say, what I feel like hearing.

Hmm . . . what do I want to hear? I want to hear that God is good all the time, that God is faithful, that God can and does take what was meant to harm us and use it for our good, that endless blessings await us in the most difficult of trials, if we just accept the blessings. I want to hear Rich Mullin’s “Creed” and sing it at the top of my lungs, shout it to the world.

I believe it, I believe.

Love Song

2011-10-17T08:22:00.001-07:00

For my Brawny Man ~ Lung Warrior

My heart sings to The Lord

all day long

Friday’s One Thousand Gifts

2011-10-14T10:32:00.001-07:00

7. Music.

This is where I am right now, exactly,

every

single

word.

The Silence

2011-10-12T19:33:00.001-07:00

Echoes the emptiness of my arms.

My Sock Monkey, The Brunette, and The Grandson

are on their way back to Texas to prepare a home for the soldier.

Remember me, sweet baby, please remember me.

Sunday’s One Thousand Gifts

2011-10-02T12:21:00.001-07:00

4. The Blonde.

5. The Brunette.

6. Turkey Buns.

One Thousand Gifts

2011-09-29T13:14:00.001-07:00

1. This Man.

2. This Baby.

3. This life, right now. I DO dare to live fully right where we are.

(One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp)

Life is Beautiful

2011-09-27T11:50:00.001-07:00

We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
So Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…
He loves us.

lyrics by David Crowder

I feel your prayers. Please never stop. This is the second day I have been free of the weight upon my chest that was making it painful to even breathe. We have decided to sell the home we raised our children in, freeing us of much work and worry. We have even found a neighborhood of adorable townhomes where we want to live.

And we shall live

Splendidly.

♥♥♥

Love Is All You Need

2011-09-26T14:21:00.001-07:00

And This Baby.

We are so blessed.

I see God’s hand around us.

Note To Self . . .

2011-09-22T13:20:00.001-07:00

Attitude of Gratitude

2011-09-13T09:04:00.001-07:00

I will be changed by my human experiences.

I shall be reduced to love.

♥♥♥

Today I am grateful for:

1. This baby.

2. Ironwood Cancer & Research Center.

3. Brawny Man’s willingness to take on the Big Work of chemotherapy.

4. 70 degrees on my morning walk.

5. Sisterfriends who carry me.

How to begin . . .

2011-09-12T12:13:00.001-07:00

I’ve sat here at my computer quite a few times, thinking of where to begin our story, but to pay tribute to my husband would take 32 years . . . our lifetime together. He has been my knight in shining armor since the first time I saw him. No prince for this girl; I needed a man with a weapon and a fast horse to ride off in the sunset with. Oh, and ride fast horses and drive fast cars, we did … skied black diamond trails, explored the oceans of Hawaii, lost two babies together, and raised a family together.

My Brawny Man has Stage IV lung cancer with metastases to the spine, and I vacillate between “trembling like a hill on a fault line” and standing strong in my faith, ready for the storm. I’m thinking I need to call in the Sisterfriends.

♥♥♥

Strong Enough

2011-08-30T13:04:00.001-07:00

So . . .

2011-08-25T12:18:00.001-07:00

I was tending to my garden in the front yard this morning, when I noted pinecones lined up on a fence post. Spankin’ new pinecones from our very own pine tree.

Brawny Man, I sure do love you.

♥♥♥

Sleep Pretty Baby

2011-08-18T10:10:00.001-07:00

Do not cry,

And I will sing a lullaby.

Oh how I love This Baby.

♥♥♥

sigh

2011-08-17T10:19:00.001-07:00

This is why

2011-07-23T16:52:00.001-07:00

I will miss you, Amy.

Who would have thought . . . a contemporary Christian music lover

loved you all along.

No more pain.

Blue skies all the way.

♥♥♥

All The Ways I Love You

2011-07-22T18:47:00.001-07:00

Yes, he recorded the entire book for his Family.

He has become so much more than I ever dared dream of.

**sigh**

Safe In His Arms

2011-07-20T09:38:00.001-07:00

To the one who's dreams are falling all apart
And all you're left with is a tired and broken heart
I can tell by your eyes you think you’re on your own
but you're not all alone.

You will be safe in His arms
'Cause the hands that hold the world are holding your heart
This is the promise He made
He will be with You always.

When everything is falling apart
You will be safe in His arms.

(lyrics by Phil Wickham)

Until you are home again, we carry your heart in our hearts.

♥♥♥

Early Promotion

2011-07-11T09:32:00.001-07:00

Brawny Man and I were promoted this weekend…babysitting BOTH grandchildren at the same time! Ehren and I were busy sewing baby blankets

while Papa and Jasen had boy time in the pool.

Don’t judge me!

Home on the 4th of July

2011-07-05T08:02:00.001-07:00

Love at first sight.

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T08:22:00.001-07:00

This little one is pretty happy . . .

her Daddy will be home in a few hours.

Talk about Love at first sight.

♥♥♥

6pounds 5 ounces of Perfection

2011-07-02T09:06:00.001-07:00

Fresh from God.

Even though your Daddy is 7600 miles away,

already he is wrapped around your tiny little finger.

Your Mommy is over the moon with joy.

And me?

Awe, you had me at Baby Girl.

You Would be so Blessed

2011-06-25T11:01:00.002-07:00

You would be so blessed to visit Nick Charles, a man I never knew of until today, the day of his death; or more accurately, the day of his new life in Eternity.

Thank you, Mr. Charles, for touching my heart today.

Love IS the only thing that remains.

Thank you for the Life Lessons.

♥♥♥

It Was a Pink Day

2011-06-23T08:35:00.001-07:00

A pink day filled with pink punch and Cathy’s Rum Cake,

and so much good food that I was too busy eating to take pictures.

Oops.

A pink day filled with much love and laughter

And a certain Auntie who stole the show with a fantastically self-centered gift…

with every piece of clothing on the adorable clothes line referring to how much

Baby Girl loves her Auntie!

(I MAY have helped with this)

Why, yes, that IS Bad Alice’s awesome salt water fish tank in her most awesome

new home (A.K.A. the new party house).

Ehren Elise, you are already so loved.

**sigh**

We have now entered the Holding Pattern

2011-06-20T09:38:00.001-07:00

The entry to a holding pattern is often the hardest part for a novice pilot to grasp, and determining and executing the proper entry while simultaneously controlling the aircraft, navigating and communicating with ATC requires practice.

We’re in a holding pattern. A time of waiting.

Much like my patient little friend.

Oh sure, there are lots of things going on in the garden, special days to celebrate, but really, nothing compares to waiting on a baby.

Not even born, and already she is the center of our world.

Two weeks and counting . . .

Better Than a Hallelujah

2011-06-09T13:23:00.001-07:00

We pour out our miseries

God just hears a melody

Beautiful, the mess we are

The honest cries of a breaking heart

Better than a Hallelujah.

Such a beautiful mess my life is right now. The beautiful in my children . . . Daughter growing up so wonderfully, a beautiful young woman with a very good heart. Son has grown by leaps and bounds into a good man who, bottom line, will always do what is right. It's looking like mid-tour leave will coincide with the birth of his first child, His Daughter. It is all more than I ever dared to dream. My house is filled with the noise of a child again and much laughter and joy. My heart is full.

The mess in my aging parents. Mommy, who is 88, fell at church and fractured her hip. Daddy is 90 and in very poor mental and physical health. They chose to move to another state years ago when they retired, where they have had some of the best years of their life. One life. They are one person together, for 69 years now. I have teased Mommy for years that when they die, I will mix their ashes together and sprinkle them around their beloved home, which they built with their own hands, and more upon the mountain range that has been their front window view for over 25 years, the mountains they so love, where they feel God.

With the loving help of their church and neighbors, they were able to convince the social worker to release Mommy to home instead of rehab, so they could stay together. The church has arranged home nursing care, rehab, and meals. We cannot travel until Monday to check on them. My greatest fear right now is that social services will step in and declare them unfit to live alone.

My parents are old and in constant pain. They have expressed their wishes to die at home. We should all be so blessed to have the wonderful life that they have lived. I pray that the government will not step in and condemn them to a nursing home (they even refuse to let me take them in).

A time to be born; a time to die. It is part of God’s plan for us.

I believe it, I believe it.

Thank you Mommy and Daddy for the gift of Faith.

If you don’t believe it, that’s okay too. I love my non-believing friends the same. I am not imposing my faith upon anyone, for our God is not an imposing God. I am simply thankful for my faith, for without God,

There would be no beautiful in this mess.

Awe, right now, my life is a

Beautiful Mess.

Evening

2011-05-20T20:07:00.001-07:00

It is evening now. Somewhere in the middle east, my son stands guard with his battle buddies. Rest well, we are in good hands. Brawny Man enjoys a Friday night of well deserved leisure, watching a game on the TV at our backyard Cantina. I remain inside, quietly pondering the events of the day. I hear my grandson joyfully playing in the next room, amazed at how extraordinarily well he has taken all the recent changes in his life. Beloved daughter-in-law rests in her room, growing my granddaughter. I hear her hearty laughs at some silly show she is watching, and my heart soars. Spoke with my Bad Alice on the phone, ending with the usual

“I love you, Mummy,” and "I love you, baby.”

Life is good.

I have everything I need.

Happiness is . . .

2011-05-14T18:24:00.001-07:00

Having an adult daughter who invites Mom over for a Mother’s Day Barbeque

at HER house.

THEIR house.

♥♥♥

Happy Mother’s Day from Iraq

2011-05-08T10:01:00.001-07:00

From the big guy.

Godspeed Son, Godspeed.

♥♥♥

What Kind of Angel are YOu?

2011-05-06T08:38:00.001-07:00

Having reached the “mature women” age of 58 this winter, I set off to one of my favorite shops for a little help. The darling (and tiny) young girl in the fitting room suggested a full coverage bra, lined with memory foam.

I looked her straight in the eye and asked,

“How far back can it remember?”

Just askin’.

sigh

2011-04-18T08:36:00.001-07:00

Have I mentioned how much I love my current season of life?

Fear not growing older . . .

Focus on the

G R O W I N G.

It’s been one of THOSE mornings . . .

2011-04-14T08:40:00.001-07:00

You know the kind . . .

When the morning air has just the right amount of crispness, filled with the perfect balance of orange tree/lemon tree blossom scent . . .

When the birds are singing so joyfully you’re certain that they are singing

Praise God.

When as far as the eye can see is filled with New Life of Spring,

and the flowers are shouting the

Glory of God . . .

Yep, it’s been one of THOSE mornings . . .

As perfect as it gets.

A Holy Time

2011-04-05T09:19:00.001-07:00

Lately my thoughts have turned to this amazing thing called Life . . . paths we choose or do not choose, some we have no control of. Twists and turns, the highs and lows, witnessing parents at the end of life here on earth, just as new life is growing right here in my home.

It is all Holy.

We must live Splendidly.

I have a very special friend who has always been a great source of inspiration for me. Now that friend is walking on Hallowed Ground . . .

a twist in the path that was not foreseen, and she carries herself and her love

Splendidly.

Visit Roo here.

Take a little walk in Grace with her.

Carry her in your heart.

♥

All is Well

2011-03-21T08:58:00.001-07:00

♥♥♥ Thank you for your prayers ♥♥♥

With her son home from the hospital

and flowers from Iraq,

she’s all smile again.

Prayer Request

2011-03-19T09:34:00.001-07:00

Prayers needed for my grandson for quick healing.

Prayers for his faithful mother, who has not left his side.

♥♥♥

**grateful kisses**

So Deb, Where’ve You Been?

2011-03-16T10:20:00.001-07:00

Oh, I’ve been enjoying life, walking under blue skies, past blue water,

stopping to smell the orange blossoms that permeate the crisp morning air.

I’ve been watching our winter visitors, who just may be thinking about flying home as the morning cool of 58 warms up to 91 degrees today.

I’ve been thinking about New Life and feeling ever so grateful for the many blessings bestowed upon me

and the seven very special children that I have the privilege of working with each day, of how they feed my soul, how we can never stop growing, or learning, or becoming MORE.

I’ve been enjoying the beauty that surrounds me in my home, the joyful

♫♪ Good Morning ♪♫

that greets me each day from my grandson, as he and my daughter-in-law take refuge here with me during this year of deployment.

I’ve been dreaming about the Granddaughter who is making herself more evident every day.

I’ve been thinking about New Life and feeling ever so grateful.

It’s Getting Springy Around Here

2011-02-23T07:32:00.001-07:00

Wee greenlings are popping up everywhere! Funny how a hard freeze seems to make everything grow back stronger.

May I just say that I am ♫♪ madly in love ♫♪ with seven new people in my life.

Today’s gonna be such a good, good day!

Just Another Day in the Desert

2011-02-22T06:59:00.001-07:00

As the sun rises on this crisp February morning, I thank The Lord, God, for all of my blessings. I am grateful to be able to shelter my daughter-in-law and grandson during this year of deployment. My heart and home are filled with JoY.

Under this very same sky somewhere in the Middle East, my son keeps watch.

Today I begin my new job at an elementary school in a special needs class as a “Paraprofessional Technician”.

Working on another special order.

Life is full. God is good, all the time.

I have a new man in my life . . .

2011-02-15T09:09:00.001-07:00

I’m talkin Serious Crush.

My main squeeze doesn’t seem to mind.

I’ll be visiting you all soon, I promise, but right now I’ve go to go swing.

Back From the Land of the Frozen

2011-02-08T13:25:00.001-07:00

Yep, it was THAT cold in Texas.

Can you say burrrrrrrrrr.

Oh, wait; here’s another one . . .

can you say BABY GIRL!!!

He’s My Son

2011-02-06T11:06:00.001-07:00

But he’s her everything.

Godspeed SPC Ryan.

Waiting . . .

2011-01-25T07:50:00.001-07:00

Beloved Son, hearts around here are growing heavy as we wait for the news about deployment. Again. I had wondered if it would be any easier this time, having gone through it before, but the answer is clearly no. We’ve heard stories of war. Yet, that is not what is making my heart heavy; the truth is that every day I live and breathe, I love you more.

This time you leave behind a wife; a wife with a son who you love as your own. A wife who is carrying your child.

I keep this picture of you on my desk, the one from boot camp graduation. The one that bears witness to your becoming a man of honor, a man who in his weakest moment found his strength and calling. A man with the Sign of the Cross over his heart. Just as you were marked with the Sign of the Cross at your baptism. You belong to Him.

I do not think of the difficult years any more. You have become So Much More than I ever dared to pray for. You, Son, have changed me. You have made me a better person. You have reduced me to love. I know that our song has always been “Happy to Be Stuck With You”, dating back to the time when you were that colicky little baby, but over the past few years a new song has taken residency in my heart when I think of you, which is about a million times a day. For I would not change a thing.

It is my greatest privilege and honor to be your mother.

Godspeed, Son.

The Perfect Deployment Gift

2011-01-21T06:08:00.001-07:00

Mini Bauer!

My daughter-in-law is some kind of wonderful.

Gray Day

2011-01-20T07:45:00.001-07:00

Awe, Pretty Blue Planet, I love you to the moon and back.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

2011-01-19T09:56:00.001-07:00

I am not a winter person. Which is why I live in the desert. I require a lot of light.

And a lot of green. Even in the winter.

Oh, and don’t forget blue.

And early spring.

My New Crush

2011-01-16T10:38:00.001-07:00

Yep, the Rebel.

For not really knowing what I am doing, I’m quite impressed with the depth of field and the clarity.

On the other hand, MeowMeow is not as impressed.

I’m Ready for My Close Up

2011-01-14T07:10:00.001-07:00

Actually, MeowMeow is. I’m ready for my CPR final today. Here’s hoping I can save the dummy! Playing with my new camera again…low lighting, no flash, patient model. Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Probably should not tell you this if you are dealing with C O L D weather, but we are expecting a high of 72 today; 76 by Monday. Oops. Sorry. Did I just say that out loud?

**happy smiles**

Good Night Tuesday

2011-01-12T12:14:00.001-07:00

Although I have not had time to learn any more about my new camera, I did run out last night to try to get a shot of the incredibly beautiful sunset. This photo is not color enhanced . . . straight off the camera.

I’m thinking my Rebel has pretty awesome true-life color.

Photography class, here I come!

Blue Day

2011-01-07T12:32:00.001-07:00

The trees just lost their leaves and are forming buds already. Winter in the desert is short. I like that about the desert. Winter is too dark for me.

The desert also suits me because nothing is barren or dormant for long. There is always new life, new hope, and new beginnings for a New Year.

Blue water, blue skies, blue boats.

Blue skies all the way; not a cloud in sight.

(or a bat)

Blue sign on a blue street on a blue day.

I’m thinking the Rebel enjoyed our walk today.

Two million more settings to learn.

Good thing longevity runs in my family.

Happy Friday my friends.

3.4 Pieces of my Heart

2011-01-05T17:18:00.001-07:00

Are in a car heading East to Fort Hood, Texas.

Bless them, Oh Lord, and hold them in Your Hand of protection

and deliver them safely home.

(Baby Bauer is hiding and has no idea he/she has already been to Hawaii)

A few things my camera enjoyed in Hawaii

2011-01-05T05:04:00.001-07:00

A lot of this

and some of that.

Even a cloudy afternoon looks good in Kauai.

These two also enjoyed Hawaii. Apparently my camera really enjoyed its time with the lovely Gillian, because it decided to go home with her.

No worries.

Meet my new camera.

The EOS Rebel T2i.

Now I just need to learn how to use it!

Just Happy

2010-12-28T10:48:00.001-07:00

The desert air was crisp and cold on my morning walk, reminding me of the early years with the Brawny Man and skiing. As I breathed in, the memories were so vivid, I could almost feel my braids blowing in the wind. Flashback to 1980, Purgatory, Colorado. Upon arriving home, I immediately pulled a scrapbook off the bookshelf and began turning the pages until I found our first ski trip. I like the fact that I wrote this quote on the page:

“How kind you were to open the Gates of Heaven and give me that little glimpse of heaven.” (from an 18th century letter)

I am in love with God, life, blue skies, new generations, and my current station in life.

And my Brawny Man.

May you be blessed with Great Love today.

♥♥♥

Merry Christmas from Debville!

2010-12-27T10:11:00.001-07:00

It has been a most busy and Happy Holiday Season here in Debville and I have truly missed visiting all my beloved friends.

So much JoY

with the newly engaged

and the newlyweds.

I will be returning to Blogland after New Years, since my camera is currently in Hawaii with SPC Ryan and Gillian!!!

Aloha!

♥♥♥ Wishing you a Blessed New Year ♥♥♥

Random Ramblings

2010-12-17T08:53:00.001-07:00

♫♪ I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day,

I’ve got more highlights in my hair than the month of May.

I guess you’d say what could make me feel this way,

My Hair Girl.

Talkin’ ‘bout Krystal. ♫♪

Yep, it’s the happiest day of the month, so I wanted to leave you with a few updates since I will be bleaching my hair today and will be unable to form complete sentences for a few days.

Pretty houses across Val Vista Lakes.

And just look how clever Baby Bauer is, growing fingers and toes!

I really love this baby ♥♥♥

In my over-processed state and impaired communication abilities, I shall be catching up on all of my beloved Sisterfriends this weekend. Always remember, I am ignoring you all equally.

**minty Christmas kisses**

Wee Houses, Faux cupcakes, and Goose Down

2010-12-16T09:02:00.001-07:00

I fear I may never catch up on blogging, for I have been in a Christmas frenzy creating wee houses

faux cupcakes

and snowmen,

climbing Christmas Mountain

finding a faux Santa

and a goose down!!!

More Christmas Adventures tomorrow . . . as soon as I get the hot glue and glitter off my fingers.

♥♥♥ Christmas Kisses ♥♥♥

Greeting! Hello! Hi! Hola! Bonjour!

2010-12-08T13:02:00.001-07:00

Please excuse my absence . . . I’ve been busy Christmassing! Sunday we spent a beautiful day at the Mill Avenue Art Festival near ASU.

For those of you in snowy conditions, I will reframe from revealing the temperature. Let’s just say it was sunny blue blue blue.

There were interesting people to meet,

yet I found myself fascinated with the local architecture

and contrast.

**sigh** I need a bunny.

A big, giant bunny.

And one of these in my yard.

Oh, I most definitely need this!

Sunken entries and inverted buildings,

And lot of sparkling glass.

Interesting signs,

Signs from my era,

and more shiny glass and angles.

A Mountain.

No, really, A Mountain!

The Tempe Normal School class of 1918 was responsible for installing the first letter on Tempe Butte. When the school changed its name to Tempe State Teachers College in 1925, students retained one side of the "N" to form the stem of the "T."

The school changed its name to Arizona State Teachers College, and in 1938, the letter "A" was installed on the butte. In 1952, a bomb blast destroyed the letter. The present "A" stands 60 feet tall and was built of reinforced steel and concrete in 1955.

Guarding the "A"
Each year, during the week leading up to the ASU vs. UofA football game, the Student Alumni Association coordinates the guarding of our beloved gold "A" from being painted by UofA students.

Oh my, he IS handsome in red.

So now ya know!

About Sunday.

Saturday is another story for another day!

I hope to catch up with all of my beloveds this week.

**blows kisses**

sigh

2010-12-01T10:16:00.001-07:00

I love this Baby.

Apparently

2010-11-29T14:29:00.001-07:00

Paul, the Elf on a Shelf

is having a difficult First Christmas

without Children in the house.

Although, I must admit,

I’ve never seen his eyes sparkle so.

Thankful

2010-11-24T07:44:00.001-07:00

I am thankful that Light fills darkness.

I am thankful for the patches of blue that kept me hanging on between the darkness and the light, when my soul was so weary that I doubted I could wait on the Lord to deliver me.

I am thankful for all of God’s blessings,

for the connection of the human spirit that I have with all of you,

my beloved Sisterfriends.

Happy Thanksgiving

from a very grateful heart.

♥♥♥

Prayer Request

2010-11-21T07:28:00.001-07:00

Prayers needed for Michelle’s beloved Stellan.

You can visit Michelle HERE.

I ask, because I met so many of my dearest friends through our beloved Rene, so I know you to be prayer warriors.

Michelle and Stellan are in need of a miracle.

♥♥♥

JoY So Great It Cannot Be Contained

2010-11-18T10:14:00.001-07:00

I just stole this video from Anne, cuz that’s how I roll. And this video expresses how I feel today. However, my wee old fingers are busy sewing and making Christmas delights, so no time for my camera.

SPC Ryan is home from NTC with his family, doing back flips over

Baby Bauer.

Bad Alice, who is not so bad at all, is happily dreaming of a

Wedding.

The weather is brisk and invigorating on my early morning walks.

Tom Turkey is in the freezer.

The Christmas Village, DebVille, is completed.

Brawny Man got all the Christmas Lights up last weekend.

The Chihuahuas are sleeping in their bed under blankets.

All Is Well.

To think that not so long ago at all, I wondered if I would ever feel joy again.

And now,

JoY so great that it cannot be contained.

May you be blessed with JoY today.

♥♥♥

Proof of Life

2010-11-15T12:20:00.001-07:00

Someone has been missing from her blog and missing her favorite people.

Someone grew a beard.

VOTE:

NO like

(not trying to influence your vote)

Someone got engaged.

(leaves hiding diner who did not sign a release for photo)

Someone may have a fatal attraction to plastic bags.

Someone

has been very busy working on an

ETSY SHOP!!!

Opening soon.

Random and Odd Occurrences and a Milo Update

2010-11-10T09:11:00.001-07:00

Everyone seems to be enjoying the new deeper sink.

MeowMeow is missing some fur on her nose.

I found this escapee from some toxic waste pond in my POOL!

EWE!!!

The Canna Cousins are still battling it out.

Milo’s parents are anxiously awaiting his return home!!!

YEP!

They came out of the closet shortly after Milo embarked on his World Tour, announcing that the world did NOT end at midnight on

December 31, 1999.

Although Cori does not think that they are Milo’s birth parents,

as she said that purple and green do NOT make yellow.

To be continued . . .

Life Without Limits

2010-11-08T09:07:00.001-07:00

I was going to post something entirely different today, but happened upon this video and just had to share it. Even if someone is not a Christian, I believe they can still draw inspiration from this amazing young man. Let’s all break the chains of self-limitation and do something amazing with this beautiful day!

Hourglass by Mindy Gledhill

2010-11-06T08:59:00.001-07:00

Baby Bauer, (that’s what your Mommy is calling you for now)

“Please don’t turn around and grow up way too fast.

Just like you, your Daddy was small

Not that long ago at all.”

I’m hoping someone takes a picture of his face when he finally finds out about you.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-03T07:04:00.001-07:00

What a Wonderful World

2010-11-01T08:31:00.001-07:00

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow

They’ll learn much more than I’ll ever know

And I think to myself what a wonderful world,

Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world.

♥♥♥

Yep.

The Newlyweds are expecting a BABY!!!

And guess what . . .

You know before SPC Ryan knows.

He’s at special training and incommunicado for the next few weeks.

We’ll just have to party it up for him.

Congratulations Gillian and SPC Ryan!!!

One More TaDa!

2010-10-27T05:42:00.001-07:00

The dining room chairs are finished and put back together!

One thing leads to another . . .

now I need a new centerpiece.

These were borrowed from the living room.

The Never Ending Story of

Empty Nesting.

It’s a GOOD thing.

♥♥♥

Our Nest is Not Empty

2010-10-26T07:56:00.001-07:00

We’ve been busy feathering it

as we melt into each other

and become US again.

TaDa!

2010-10-25T09:02:00.001-07:00

YEA and a YIPPEE!

I have a kitchen again. Quite a shiny, sparkly kitchen.

Coming up on the list of To Do’s is sprucing up the cabinets.

After putting in the winter lawn.

And the petunias.

The kids are making fun of my retro stove and my 22-year-old microwave, which when purchasing I almost lost my firstborn, who was blown across the parking lot in a stroller during a downpour of a storm. You can read about his near death experience here. See that adorable little red toaster?

It’s one of my favorite new things. Brawny Man was at Home Depot picking up more construction supplies when he picked out this little gem for my new countertop, all on his own. Can I get a collective

AWE!!!

Fall Colors in the Desert

2010-10-20T08:45:00.001-07:00

I love this sassy Cana Lily.

It’s not enough to just have dots and stripes.

This one really likes to show off.

Even the leaves are two-toned.

His cousin is off in the corner wailing

ME ME ME!!!

Take MY picture!

Yep. Fall colors in the desert.

♥♥♥

The Difference

2010-10-19T07:33:00.001-07:00

I would like to share a favorite “parable”. I did not write this and unfortunately do not know the author. If anyone does, please let me know so I may give proper credit. This is not a direct quote, but written as I remember it.

One night an Angel appeared before me. He announced that he was going to give me a glimpse of Heaven and hell. We arrived first at what was surely hell. There was much wailing and suffering as people sat at tables with bowls in front of them filled with stew, but instead of hands, at the ends of their arms were long wooden spoons, much too long to reach their mouths. The stench of misery filled the air as they slowly starved.

Next we arrived at our second destination. The setting was exactly the same; the same tables with bowls filled with stew, and the same long wooden spoons at the ends of their arms, much too long to reach their mouths. Yet here, everyone was happy and content and joy filled the air.

I asked of the Angel, how can this be, when the circumstances are exactly the same?

The Angel replied,

Ah, HERE they feed each other.

Let us go forth today and feed each other.

♥♥♥

A Call for Prayer

2010-10-18T08:17:00.001-07:00

I see all of God’s paintings around me,

therefore, I know He is here.

Please visit Will, who is fighting for his life with what doctors have labeled as “incurable gastric cancer”. But doctors are only human.

God is God.

Will is in need of Hope today.

Leave your words of hope at

Flying High and Fighting Hard.

♥♥♥

Apparently

2010-10-17T17:15:00.001-07:00

This bag of Christmas fluff looked like good nesting material.

MeowMeow

aka

Not Right In The Head.

Mmmm, pink cotton candy for breakfast.

Today’s Joy is Brought to You by:

2010-10-13T09:23:00.001-07:00

If you haven’t met Stephanie Nielson yet, it’s time that you did.

The NieNie Dialogues.

One of the greatest Love Stories ever lived.

Three minute video of Absolute Grace.

Now go live your day gloriously.

I know I’m going to.

♥♥♥

Weekend Update

2010-10-11T08:08:00.001-07:00

This is what my kitchen looked like all weekend.

Actually, it got worse than that.

It got downright dirty.

So I went looking for my own project.

Ten years ago when I recovered the dining room chairs in this floral I was in my

Romantic Stage.

However, last year we were finally able to replace the old living room set. Did you ever watch “Full House”? Remember the blue plaid couch? YEP. I had one just like it. For a very long time.

Until last year when I fell madly in love with this handsome guy.

I found the striped fabric you see on the right. The lighting in this photo doesn’t show the true color of the fabric; it matches the colors in the couch perfectly.

It now covers the backs of the dining room chairs. I was actually able to find a solid brown for the chair seats that matches the pillows on the couch too.

However,

Brawny Man, being extremely busy with his tile project, was not available to help with the stapling of the fabric on the cushions.

So now I have TWO ROOMS torn up.

I find this greatly disturbing.

**sigh**

Let There Be

2010-10-09T07:21:00.001-07:00

Water!

Captain is quite happy about it.

He was getting pretty dry.

Today’s Gonna Be Such a Good Good Day

2010-10-04T07:27:00.001-07:00

How do I know?

Because this morning on my walk,

the moon was smiling at me.

♥♥♥

Everything But the Kitchen Sink

2010-10-02T08:29:00.001-07:00

No, seriously . . . I have no kitchen sink.

Captain Morgan is concerned, especially after falling into the dishwasher.

Even the stove is off limits.

I’ll be spending the day outside, where perfect order reigns.

**Happy Saturday**

This Pretty Planet

2010-09-30T09:24:00.001-07:00

♫♪ I’ve had this song playing in my head all week long. ♫♪

“This pretty planet spinning through space

You’re a garden, you’re a harbor, you’re a Holy Place.

Golden sun going down

Gentle blue giant

Spin us around

All through the night

Safe till the morning light.”

Arizona Golden Sunset going down yesterday . . .

**sigh**

Just Because . . .

2010-09-27T12:51:00.001-07:00

I believe that music ministers to the human spirit.

This one’s for you.

“This is where the healing begins.

This is where the healing starts.

When you’ve come to where you’re broken within

The light meets the dark.”

Navigating My Way

2010-09-26T14:45:00.001-07:00

Navigating my way through empty nest Holidays . . .

Changing things up a bit.

P.S. That’s my new granite tile counter top that Brawny Man is working on…tiles not set yet, edges are raw. Big reveal soon!