A visit to the Beach!

Lil G took her first trip to the beach.

Im so thankful for weather that allows her to get outside to play.

......Because a rainbow scarf goes with EVERYTHING!

okay this is NOT what I expected!

 Lets go HOME!

she kept signing cake, sand...    

hey this isnt too bad!

I especially love crashing Papas creations!

Im not so sure about the water.....

let me sit on the edge and I am fine.

All the way home she said happy, signed sand ,

and sang along with her favorite tunes!

Some days not eating dinner till 8:30 is so worth it!

It's time for a change......

I loved autumn, 

the one season of the year 

that God seemed to have put there 

just for the beauty of it.” 
― Lee Maynard

a fellow blogger asked,

"What are your favorite things about Autumn?"

Hummingbirds and monarch butterflies migrating.

pumpkins, 

enjoying hot tea, chai ,and hot chocolate

cool weather-

lil G doesnt sweat so its been a long hard summer.

beautiful moments with my family.

                          

studio sneak peek

I havent been home this past week so 

I thought I would post what I had done 

that was creative and artistic......

We went to the pumpkin farm.

It was raining so most of the people were leaving

just as we were getting there.

perfect.

The lighting wasnt too harsh either.

these havent been tweaked but I still wanted to join in.

I gotta crop the water bottle out of this one.......

each time I see this one I am filled with emotion......

my parents.

(shes getting her groove on...... any shoes are her dancing shoes!)

(Mom, you are cracking. me. up!)

Leave a comment and let us know you stopped by!

Yarn Along and a book review

Please don't fall over,

I am actually posting.

I know......Such a shock.

This is a post that should have been written and posted two weeks ago.

It seems like it takes so much energy to keep things going lately

Blogging just had to wait.

I cast off on the beautiful baby blanket I've been knitting.

With much humility I will admit there are two rows where I messed up the seed stitch pattern

Near the beginning,

I had wrestled with ripping out weeks of work,

After getting off to a bad start - an error I found on the pattern nonetheless!

I am sure the error is no longer an issue because I was given a copy to be a test knitter

Not sure if you remember when I cast on, the border was meant to be garter stitch 

I decided to use seed stitch.

I think I needed a healthy dose of humility.

the mistake in the beginning caused problems in the end.

The seed stitch didnt line up. Im not sure how a seasoned knitter wouldve fixed it.

Im wondering if adding a stitch where it didnt line up would have been the best option?

if Id known it would be a problem in the end as well.

I mightve gone on ahead and ripped.

If you've read this far you will now have the treat of reading a book review!

I was elated to be chosen by Bethany House Publishers to review "Full Disclosure" by Dee Henderson. 

I've not done a review on a book yet to be published ~

much less an author I adore as much as I do Dee Henderson.

 When my daughter was a teenager we read all of Dee Hendersons books many times over together.

with her living so far away and all the changes we have gone through 

it was neat to read a book I knew she would enjoy receiving in a care package!

 This author does such a beautiful job of developing realistic characters and situations to keep the readers attention. Her attention to detail surpasses many of the authors I have read over the years. 

I am so glad that she has broken the haitus- its been 5 years since her last book! 

This book started with intense action from the first page and didn't stop until the very last word .

 I loved that The author brought in the characters we had read about in her other books. 

This caught me off guard and was such a pleasant surprise. 

If you are familiar with her stories Im sure you will enjoy this as well

 but its not necessary to enjoy or understand the plot.

As I've mentioned many times before when reviewing a book, I love when a story is unpredictable. 

This novel did not leave me disappointed. 

I did guess one part of the story which did leave me awfully proud of myself,

 but there was so much more that kept me on my toes.

This is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone that has time to spare

 to get caught up in a fictional world full of suspense and drama.

If youd like to read the first chapter or see the trailer go to this link.

I would give it 5 out of 5 stars!

Id like to thank Bethany House publishers for the early release copy that I recieved for review purposes.

This review is my own personal opinion.

Our creative hearts

This post really makes me happy.

Through and through.

Yesterday when I was reading my bloglist during lunch

A very inspiring Artist, Ms Junelle, posted a "how to".

As I was watching my Darling Lil G was watching too.

She kept signing, "paper, pencil, paint."

over and over.

Suddenly the light bulb went off 

 I realized she wasnt making a statement

she was asking.

I asked her,

"Lil G, do you want to draw too?"

She signed yes while saying, "yeah!" quite emphatically.

A.DOR.A.BLE!

"so now how is she doing that?!"

I grabbed my new camera

and did my version of creating.

 creating memories.

Lil G loves to wear her scarf. 

Its her fashion statement.

I helped her write her name.....

every artist needs to sign their work.

Hope you enjoy - 

keep counting the grace filled moments

keep your hands open!

maybe take time to fill them with a crayon! create

Yarn along

I've made progress on my baby blanket this past week.That is saying a lot.

Between painting and moving Lil G into the bigger of the bedrooms

My other motherly and wifely duties, plus whatever has been ailing me

I feel like I am burning the candle at both ends Maybe even in the middle!

                     (thought youd enjoy seeing the  purple in Lil Gs room)

I finally put on my big girl panties,Made an appointment

And chatted with my dr about the situation.

Thankfully she has been my Dr for long enough to know

I let it get pretty bad before I cry mercy~ wave the white flag.

She sent me for bloodwork, 8 vials!

(they may be get to see Lil G next time she is due)

Reminds me of when I had Lyme disease in 2006.(eerily so mind you)

I don't have a diagnosis but she did send me home with some meds she hopes will bring some relief

I am thankful, I don't really care for a name,

Just a cure!(if only it were that easy!)

                                                     (FIrst day of dance- see the rainbow!)

What am I reading? I am simply giddy about this!

 I was chosen to review Dee Hendersons latest book. "Full Disclosure"

Meaning:advanced release readers copy In MY hands!

I have read all of her books at least once, Many twice.

Given we've had swimming lessons each morning,

Dr appointments And dance class,

I'm happy to report I'm already on chapter 6.

If you like action, suspense, romance and faith.....This would be a great choice!

The book will be released on October 2nd.

This post was to link up with Ginny at small things

but the linky closed- usally we link up on Wednesdays

thats showing you how swamped Ive really been. 5 days later!

(Washcloths my oldest daughter knit up for me, havent been able to bring myself to using them)

I will update you that weve been staring at a hurricane headed our way

and are thankful that at the moment it seems to have set its sights elsewhere.

gas cans are filled, non perishables purchased,

trees trimmed and lawn furniture put away,

generator prepped, cars filled.

schools closed......

Im sorry for those in New Orleans.

Given how close we are in Hurricane distance

 Lil Gs neurologist appt has been cancelled.

Not real happy about that but what are we going to do?

I will also mention that the medication sent home last week

is no longer an option.

Had a really rough time of it over the weekend from side effects

Id rather walk around exhausted and in pain.

pretty disappointed about that to say the least.

Yarn along and a book review or two!

As summer is winding down I'm like most mothers in the trenches.

I've been trying to mark things off my list, 

say no, 

and stay focused.

Easier said than done I assure you!

I've been knitting a baby blanket for a few months now.

It's a little slow going but that is completely my own fault.

It's a well written pattern and I love the yarn.

Maybe in a month or so when it starts to cool off I will find my knitting mojo.

I've read a few more books this summer.

Right now I am reading  "Same kind of different as me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. I'm about halfway through and it's very gripping. I'm glad I grabbed it out of my daughters "things to donate" box.

 Speaking of my oldest daughter, 

yes we did drive to Kansas and back last week. 

Technically it's an 18 hour drive. 

Hauling a loaded trailer going 65-70mph and a little one on new meds adds several hours.

 I wish we could've taken 3 days each way, 

but we did it and next year when we go for a visit I'm sure it will be easier. 

I'd appreciate continued prayers for my daughter, Ashley.

 I know that God is allowing hard circumstances in her life to develop her character and draw her to him. 

It is hard for a mother to watch tho.

 I'm really ready for things to start looking up for her.

The two books I've finished recently were very good.

I will start with "Travlers  Rest" by Ann Tatlock. 

I have not read any of this authors novels and see that this is her ninth.

 I loved the ease of the story and how the characters stories intertwined. 

This story was very realistic and not sugar coated which made the story enjoyable.

 I find some stories of faith are too simplistic and happily ever after. 

The story takes place in the present with the main characters engaged. 

He gets called off to war and comes home wounded.

I have not read any stories with this plot so it was very intriguing.

 I loved the moral questions that arise and how Jane works through finding her answers.

 I highly recommend this story and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

"Short Straw Bride" by Karen Witemeyer is a novel set back in 1870 in rural Texas.

 The story takes off from the start with action and suspense. 

The reader finds themselves reading about the main characters twelve years before the story actually takes place~

 setting the background  for the rest of the novel.

 I loved the spunky main character and her "I can do it myself" attitude.

 I also enjoyed watching her mature as the drama unfolds.

 The characters meld so nicely and there is enough tension and drama that I had read the book in two reading sessions of," just one more chapter."

There were many candid moments that actually made me laugh out loud!

I dont know when the last time I read a novel that had this effect on me.

 I enjoyed that the book was a wholesome romance and know there are several young ladies in our circle that will appreciate that fact.

 I will give this story 5 out of five stars despite the predictability because of the writers attention to detail and the reprieve it provided!

I have received both of the books reviewed from Bethany House publishers. 

The reviews are my honest opinion.

Studio Sneak Peek!

Summer is just flying by!

I have been savoring the moments 

Play date ......

Quiet moments with family......

Vacation Bible School

oh how I wish this hadnt been impossible for Lil G

But we were showered with love

and everyone knew her name

and lots of hugs and happy dancing......

focusing on the good.

Music in the park on Thursday evenings.

If you really know Grace this is her 

over the top squeal for joy.

Its the best of all the photos I took

camera strap and all.......

Gender reveal shower for the first grand baby of friends-

this next generation.

Its a GIRL!!!

My birthday......

(annoying big brothers!)

 Deep sea fishing trips for big brothers-

and gifts for little sisters.

(the guy driving the boat felt like she needed a 

"blue hat" of her very own)

Last but not least,

Artwork for daughter

A poem we both love

by e. e.Cummings.

the background didnt turn out quite the way I envisioned.

but she loved it

and thats what matters.

I wrote the poem in my own script.

I felt it would be more personal that way

I hope that when she sees it,

it will remind her of me,

of the beautiful times we have shared

and the future moments we have to look forward to

even though many miles will separate us

I carry her in my heart.....

 “I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)

I am never without it (anywhere I go you go,my dear; 

and whatever is done by only me is your doing,my darling)

I fear no fate (for you are my fate,my sweet)

I want no world (for beautiful you are my world,my true)

and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant

 and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root

 and the bud of the bud 

and the sky of the sky 

of a tree called life; 

which grows

higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)” 

― E.E. Cummings

Nap time- and a sneak Peek

Presently, I am holed up in my room.

 Door shut. Light off.

 If you were to be in the room with me you would see with your own eyes. 

That I, in fact, am not napping. 

We started the day off with seizures.

 Again.

 I had been so thankful that the medication seemed to be working.

You know I've been sent for a loop when I take Lil G out for lunch, and barely eat. 

The company was good.

 I was able to give a dear friend a requested piece of artwork. (yay me!) 

I did my first "word art ". 

Plus I was able to get this piece done......

 Do you remember this? I started with an old painting and tweaked it????

Well it was a secret-

In my rush I dont think I signed it, and forgot to get photos! Ha ha!

 It did my heart good.

 She has been the truest of friends.

I know I couldnt have pulled off the rehearsal dinner without her help.

            (art my daughter and I have been working on together this week. pinspiration .Where credit is due.)

The week Lil G was hospitalized and got a diagnosis was hard-

 My oldest daughter was on a road trip to Kansas. 

The beginning of a harsh reality that I stand toe to toe with. 

 Each day, week, moment..... 

They add up to days, weeks, moments.... 

Closer to her actually loading up as much as we can fit into a trailer, the back of the truck, and her car. 

A trip to deliver her to the next leg of her journey.

 It is not my own. 

She belongs to God.

 But she is my firstborn. 

I carried her under my heart, labored 24.5 hours and have been her mother..... 

I cannot separate my heart from what my head knows is good.

 Ive wrestled with anger this past year.

 I've never had anger as an emotion I let stay very long.

 I cannot say that in this year I have gotten better at it.

 But I have given it a name and can call it out. 

Much better than shoving it in the closet. 

When packing your oldest daughter to move, if you are me, 

you find boxes of baby items that had been stored a few long painful years ago

 in hopes of the first grandchild. 

If you are me, you will wrestle with the anger

 that without even a marriage this is not in the near future. 

You would also be faced with the taunts

 of the dark voice of perfectionism at not adopting another child,

 those dreams no longer a possibility when faced with what reality looks like.

  Lil G's new reality. 

Both reasons that we feel adopting again is not Gods will for our family. 

That doesn't make it easier to accept.

 It doesn't make it easier to label the things to sell, package as gifts, or haul to Go*dwill. 

It's like many dreams and hopes are dashed.

And if all this wasnt enough.......

 Add to it the fact that our beloved Great Dane is not well.

 I am faced with her reality many times a day.

 But it's either that or helping her on her journey, and I can't stomach that reality either.

It's been a hard month and I have been Savoring the moments. 

We've gone to a ball game. 

To see a movie at the ball park.

 Swimming at big brothers apt.

So many adventures.

 In the meantime, we've learned that in fact she does not sweat. 

Now wondering if there is a condition to diagnosis for all of the conditions in one?

 We've also had our first blood draw to monitor the seizure medication in her bloodstream. 

This was not for the faint of heart.

 The first day she was stuck twice. The lab decided we needed to go home and try another day. 

It was then decided we would take her to her Drs office. 

The nurse tried 3 times then sent us to go eat breakfast and return later.

 Her Dr decided she would be the one to try and was near tears when it took her four tries. 

I cried more than Lil G did.

. I am thankful that the tears that come so easily are a treasure.

 There is a verse in the bible that God stores up our tears.

 I can remember being told not to cry.

 Being told to stop acting like a baby. 

I am glad that God, who created me, treasures my tears. T

hat he understands why I am angry, 

He understands how I feel -this is unfair,

 I'm glad I don't have to "get my act all together" to be "good enough".

I'm so sad to know we have to start our 2 year count again.

 Increase the dosage of medication, the medication that I love and hate in the same breath.

Linking up with the ladies at StudioJRU Sneak Peek and Paint party Friday