Thirty-two Happy Years Later

My sweetheart and I in 1979

Thirty-two happy years later!

What a blessing it has been to share every moment of the last 32 years with such a wonderul man...Happy Anniversary! I love you!

Crafty Grammy is in Over Her Head

No surprise that Olivia wanted to "do a craft" today. We decided on a turkey wreath.

She worked very hard...singing all the time :o)

Cute wreath completed...now grammy asks the fatal question...where should we hang it up?

She tells me we will hang it on our float. Silly grammy asks: "What float?" Darling grandgirl answers: "The one we are going to make...outside...big enough to ride on!" Yikes! Grammy is now in WAY OVER HER HEAD! Besides all the crafting, Olivia and puppy spent alot of time galloping and galloping on her stick horse.

This was (in Olivia's own words) the Ballerina Cowgirl--cute, isn't she?

Little Ella who is not so little anymore spent some time coloring...

And "reading" to the puppy...and dragging toys all over the house :o)

Olivia's plan is to make our float when she comes back on Friday...better stock up on some building supplies!

Beyond Measure

If everything was gone tomorrow but this...

I would still be blessed beyond measure.

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!" Psalm 126:3

Unexpected Blessing

Once again it has been forever since I have had time or the motivation to get something on my blog. The past few weeks months have been full of some very difficult challenges. Wednesday of this last week I was faced with one of the most difficult personal experiences I have ever endured, but God is good and faithful and I believe that healing is on its way. First thing Thursday morning Andy and I woke up to a sweet, unexpected blessing when another baby bird made its appearance in the aviary. Meet Sweet Little Baby Bird (named by Olivia of course)

These birds are zebra finches...the one with the bright orange cheeks is the daddy. Olivia named him Purdue...grandpa was happy about that.

The pretty little white finch is the mama, her name is Snowball.

Olivia was super excited to meet the new baby

She had to introduce "sweet little kitty" to "sweet little baby bird." Grandpa asked what we would call her when she wasn't a baby any more...she said I haven't decided yet!

She was telling me that looking at sweet little baby bird just made her want to cuddle her...so cute!

Grandpa Andy snapped a couple of good shots of two of my favorite blessings all dressed up in our homecoming gear. These girls never fail to make me smile.

Love this one of Olivia and I. I especially love the sweet, slightly stinkery smile.

And one of grammy and Ella...she's getting so big and her smiles are so sweet.

I'm sure there are some really hard days coming...but God has blessed me with the best husband, an amazing family, supportive friends, peace that transcends any circumstance and lots more smiles to come!

Operation Saving Baby Bunny

Meet the newest guest in the Felix zoo...appropriately named by Olivia as "sweet little baby bunny"...

A few days ago Andy found some baby bunnies in the corner flower garden. I was less than excited as darling little baby bunnies eat EVERYTHING in sight. Olivia had an entirely different opinion however.

She fell in love at first sight...

Andy and I were both afraid from the beginning that the mama had abandoned these little cuties

Olivia sang to her new friend...

She asked if "sweet little baby bunny" was friends with granpa's fish :o)

She absolutely did NOT want to give it up but we made her put it back in the garden...I know WHAT was I thinking?!?

Unfortunately it rained last night and turned pretty chilly. When Andy went out this morning he found one little baby had not survived the night and found this one mostly cold but still breathing. My kind-hearted hubby couldn't bear to let it lay out in the cold and die, so he held it in his hands to warm it up. Found it a new towel-lined home and brought it inside. Tom and Jen brought us some baby formula and we began syringe feedings.

Poor little thing could barely open its eyes. I was sure he was a gonner. Jennifer started the feedings out with lots of helpful observers.

Apparently baby bunnies respond well to excessive amounts of attention and tender loving care.

FYI... I have NOT volunteered for the 2 a.m. feeding.

He/She's looking pretty good tonight...If "sweet little baby bunny" survives, he/she will need a new home as she will not be allowed to reside in my garden...any takers???

I Can Post Pictures Again!!!

I have been having major computer issues...the last month with NO access to my pictures nearly drove me crazy. After spending around 8 hours the last two days with three different oh so friendly Norton analysts from somewhere in India I am believe I am finally back on track. Just time tonight for a couple of pics of some projects I have been working on.

I think this may be my favorite pic of Olivia from the summer. She looks so natural and just happy.






And a favorite of sweet little Ella. Isn't she a cutie pie in her bathing suit and necklace combo?!?!




Lastly, the birthday card I made for Olivia's 4th birthday. I like how bright and cheery it turned out. Reminds me of the bright, cheery girlie I made it for.

Happy 4th Birthday Sweet Girl !

Hope your special day is full of happiness and joy...


And sweet surprises -just like you are!

Grammy and Grandpa love you more than words can say! Happy Birthday!

Slip n- Slide Fun!

I should be in bed getting rested up for my super-long work day tomorrow...but these pictures were too cute not to share! The girls came again tonight for a little while. It was still ridiculously hot so crazy grammy decided she could tackle two little girlies, a wacky water palm tree, a slip-n-slide, and a camera. The result --some of my favorite pictures yet.

Our beautiful summertime girl

First trip down

In the splash pool...with an appreciative audience

Uh oh...looks like trouble...and nobody got hurt ;o)


Sweet Ella LOVES water


Time for a drink

Fearless girl

Great, wet, muddy, messy summer evening fun!