Now neither Marie or Spud would consider themselves ‘gardeners’, I’m sure.  Marie just loves flowers, like her Mama does; and she loves to plant things.  So every time I go to their house, I get to see all these beautiful flowers. And Spud likes to put his own touch on things- he loves to build stuff, including an awesome treehouse that any kid would love. In fact, I would imagine lots of adults would enjoy this treehouse (including me)!

I love to go visit Marie and Spud- they always make visitors feel welcome. Of course, I don’t ever feel like a visitor, I feel like family.

And that’s one reason I like this rose so much- it reminds me of Marie herself.  She’s a beautiful person, especially on the inside, where most folks can’t see.  She’s a sweet loving person who would do anything for you.  She will pray for you and with you when you need it (and even when you don’t think you need it); she’s one of the kindest people I know; she’s compassionate;  and she’s got the most loving heart of anyone I’ve ever seen. I’m so proud to call her my friend.

We’ve got an arts and crafts show planned for Saturday morning; a bike and car show on Saturday afternoon, and local performers during the day; we’re also having a cowgirl beauty pageant, a welcome home tea and a Sacred Harp singing lesson.

I hope all our friends and family members plan to come be a part of the weekend- mark your calendars. It’s April 24 and 25!

Joseph on New Year's Day

Here’s my first day’s entry in the Photo a Day challenge.  I shot this one with my Canon Elph.

I always love having a camera or my cell phone with me- most kids love to look at pictures of themselves, or other kids. My cell phone (a Palm Centro) is loaded with lots of  pictures of kids and animals, and a video of some dogs my husband shot. No matter how shy, I can usually get a child to at least stand near me when I offer to show them pix!

My husband and I are very blessed by our children- sure, they’ve messed up sometimes, just like we have, but I would not trade anything for them.
And even if you don’t want to consider things from a biblical stand, consider this: the more children we have, the bigger the work force twenty years from now. As there are more workers, there are more wages to tax, and more services and products to sell.
And as far as there not being enough land or food for the people we have on earth now- that’s a bunch of hogwash… if we’re running out of food, why is the government paying farmers not to raise certain crops?

Oh, and as a balance on stopping life from beginning, check what Arlen Specter has to say about older folks who are at the end of their lives- http://www.onenewsnow.com/Blog/Default.aspx?id=426486 – nice huh?

Do you remember the Cosby show episode where Rudy asked Cliff what a bunch of letters spelled? he told her ‘zrbrt’ and then proceeded to give her a razzberry on her cheek. Ever since, I’ve given my grandkids and other beloved children ‘zrbrts’ on their cheek or neck; they’ve learned that if they hold their chin up, it gives me more room under there, and then watch out! the noise is great, and the look on their face is even better. Thank you, Bill Cosby, for helping me make good memories with these wonderful kids.

Why is it that we feel so much younger than we thought our parents were at the same age?

Of all the things I regret, one of the things I wish I could change would be to go back in time, and find out more about my grandparents’ lives. I remember vividly so many things about my mother’s mother, like watching her stand by the sink washing dishes, singing ‘hey, good lookin’ by Hank Williams. Or that she always loved to drink Dr. Pepper – I wish I could find a bottle that looks like the ones from my childhood.