And so it goes...

Six years ago, this past Sunday....

The best Grampy, my Hero, my Best Friend...

My Daddy...

He gained angel wings and ran into the arms of our Lord.

Heaven celebrated while we mourned, but oh what a day for him!

I cried, I miss him, I love him still..

One day, I will sit right by him in Heaven.

We will sing together, hold hands and he and I will be forever together again..

I love you Daddy....

I am going to start doing a “photo of the day” every day until Jan. 1 2020.  If you are interested in purchasing any photos, please contact me here.  All of my photo’s are copyrighted.  

This little dude kept following me around a small park near my home.  Every time I turned around he would just sit so still and nearly pose for me.  Such a cutie.  As I sit here staring at this photo, I cannot help but see the hand of God in this little critter.  His paws, the different colors in his fur, his little smile.  Then the green leaves and brown bark.  God is so good...to every critter.  All made up in different ways, unique yet we pass by it all the time.  We are too busy to take the time and see what our differences are and accept them and love them.  This little guy or gal taught me tolerance and patience.  Let him teach you that too.

until tomorrow,

Three years.  Tomorrow at 12:30pm.  Three years...  How did this happen?  How did we get here?  How is this beautiful young lady growing up with out her best friend, her hero, her ride of die?  So young and even at the end she still was full of life, though it was dimmed.  She was my best friend.  She was my back bone.  My hero, my fighting post, my worst enemy...

I know and believe we dont go until we are ready to let go and I know she was ready for herself, but not for Kenna.  I know if she could, she would have kept fighting til she had absolutly no breath left in her body.  But her body was tired.  It was her time to close her eyes and wake up seeing the face of Jesus.  She is free and not in any more pain and that is what helps me face days without her, but for Kenna...it is so much more.  She wants to be with her.  To hold her hands, to have the never ending hug.  She wants to see her face again and let her meet her love of her life.  (She would adore her too) 

So as my heart aches for my loss, it is tearing apart for my God Daughter Kenna.  I wish I could be with her, and hold her up right now.  I wish I could say a magic phrase and Shahonna would be right back here and well no more Aplastic Anemia.  But I cant...but sweet Kenna, know as I am typing this my prayers are for you and your heart. For there to be peace and comfort as you remember this day.  As you remember how brave she was remember that is how brave you are too.  She is inside of you...she will never leave you!  

I love you MaKenna with all my heart and your Mom is so much with you...just be still and know she is holding you now.

Creeping up on another year with out them...

Another year of not hearing their corny jokes or hearing their silly laughs

More time without their pep talks

How can this be?

On Sunday, August 18th, at 9pm it will be 6 years since he was here. 

6 years since I beat myself up for not being there (you didn’t know that did you?)

He was my hero, my best friend, my everything I fought so hard for. 

Gone.  With one breath, just...gone.

On Saturday, August 17th at 12:30 it will be 3 years since she was here.

It was like her to go that day, so I wouldn’t think of him.

that was your sense of humor twisted yet so real.

She was my hero, my best friend, my back bone. 

Gone.  Another breath and...gone!

My Daddy fought like hell to beat colon cancer (that spread) With every breath, with every beat of his heart, with every single drop of the chemo.  He gave in.  He called FINISHED!  We ran Home to be with his Mom, Dad, Brothers, Grandbabies, his FAMILY waiting for him.  I miss him.  With every.single.beat.of.my.heart!

My Bestie fought like hell to beat Aplastic Anemia.  With every transfusion, with every IV, every bone marrow aspiration, she fought.  She fought til her final breath, not for herself, but for her beautiful Daughter, Kenna.  She ran home to be with God.  With her Grands.  I miss her. With.every.breath.i.take!

I will never forget you both!  I will never stop loving you, never stop believing in your fight, never stop reliving the memories..I love you Shahonna Lynn and George Russell.  

Sometimes you just need a quiet place to unwind and think.  Sometimes you just need a little time to yourself.  I get in my car at least twice a week with my camera in tow, and set out to clear my mind, talk with God and a lot of that time, I sing.  Blare the music real loud in my car, and just let it go!  This is my way of worship.  Since the big drama in the last church we were in (or should I say cult, sorry but that was how it was feeling to me in the end  do as I say, not what God says, but that story is for another day)... We haven't been to a church except to visit my home church for funerals or Christmas services.  My language has gotten rough again, but I have realized one thing through all of this...no matter what words I use, or how bad I may act, God has me.  He always has and always will, even His word says NOTHING can pluck me from the hands of God.  We let go, he never does!  

Today was the Joyce Meyer “concert” if you will in Hershey Pa.  A girlfriend of mine from church invited a bunch of us to go, so we planned and today it was just 3 of us.  We took 2 cars (silly but that is how we roll) and I thought with all the cars, we would have to wait in line for a century but we went right up, through security and into the building.  Got amazing seats (4th row from the floor) and when Natalie Grant took the stage, it was amazing.  She has this voice that...WOW.  I mean I dont think I could even muster a word that explains her voice.  She sang awesome worship songs (Good Good Father, Miracles, a few others that are not coming to mind right now sorry) it was awesome to see a packed house and nearly every single arm up praising God.  Whew...goose bumps!  Then Momma Joyce took the stage and WOWSA!  She is hilarious, such a great speaker and makes things point blank.  Not that others dont but I am just saying.  I used to not like her so much, but I do really appreciate the way she brings things right down the middle for a home run!  AWESOME.  After Natalie took the stage again and sang “How Great Thou Art” and The place erupted ...it was majestic!  I am so blessed and so thankful Jen wanted to go and God laid it on her to invite her friends.  God is so so good and blesses us daily we need to open our eyes more on what HE is doing than what the world is doing.  I love you Abba...

Until Next time,

I was praying about 2 weeks ago and I asked God how am I to show your love to everyone.  He said start with who you already know.  Ask me to pick a person and then post on your facebook all good things about this particular person and always be gracious and show loving kindness in everything you say.  So, I began ...I said SHOUT OUT FOR TODAY IS...then I tagged them and said what I felt led to share and posted a picture of them.  Most of the people said how wonderful it was to hear such uplifting things about themselves and how it really turned their day around.  Well if that is all it takes, I am game.  So I am doing it daily.  I scrolled (with my eyes closed) my friends on facebook and when my finger stops on a person that is who I call out for the day.  It has been real rewarding for me as well.  Just to see their smiles, or hear how happy it made them.  I dont do it for me, I listen to God but in turn I have to admit it puts a smile on my face as well.  

Today was our church’s annual picnic at a family farm in Wrightsville.  They have 175 foot slip n slide for the older kids/adults and a 25 foot one for the little kids.  We had lots of food, awesome talks, a ton of laughter, and amazing time going up and down the slip n slide.  

We got to the farm, and had a good time catching up with our “family”.  We blessed the food and ate (and ate some more) and then the fun began.  We all gathered on the other side of the make shift pond they made at the end of the slip n slide.  I got my camera out and got some awesome shots but as I was sitting there, talking to my Sister’s in Christ, I was reminded of a vision I had last week during bible study.  I swore I knew what it meant but today it was made clear that I didnt, until now.  

Let me regress a bit.  As we were sitting in a semi circle, Pastor was praying I got this vision of me (today) standing in the back of the sanctuary and I was dancing with a little girl.  The closer I looked, I realized that little girl was me at that age.  I thought it was meaning I have come full circle and I have my JOY back (at this age, was the happiest time of my childhood) Today, talking with a Sister (soul sister wink wink) I realized that person wasnt me, it was God (He can take on many forms to get your attention) and the little girl was how He sees me.  A joyful, full of life, and love little girl dancing and smiling all the time.  It is the little things that turn into big things once you get the big picture.  

Back to the picnic...My sista was egging me on to go down the slip n slide (before I swore I wouldnt do it because last time, I ended up with bruised ribs) but, I finally walked up that HUGE STEEP hill (and thought I was going back down the hard way) and got on that slip N slide and WENT!  Whoosh right into the pond.  I couldnt get up right away, and then I fell back into the pond.  However, I was laughing, my family was laughing and it reminded me...dont take life too seriously.  LAUGH when the enemy strikes (he really hates that) LOVE fiercly with all God has given you and never ...and I mean NEVER let the big things blind you from the little things.  Those little things will be big things one day.  Just let God do His work in your life.

Until next time

Today a few of us got together from our church family and headed into York to what was the Rescue Mission (now Life Path Ministries) and helped serve lunch to about 45 people.  

This is really me being a servant for God because I hate the city (I am such a country girl at heart) and I usually am not that outgoing of a person (until you know me well then I wont shut up) but I put my name on that list and even though the enemy really tried to make me not want to go, I got up did what I had to do and off I was all by myself driving into the big city (ok it really is just a large town but to me..city).  There was 8 of us that met up and in the waiting area was a young   man sitting slumped in a chair with a baseball cap over his face.  One of the men from our team asked if we could pray for him and talk with him and he was very sad, very beat down and just not very happy with “society” or God.  My heart hurt for him.  What he was saying, sadly was so true.  I mean, a lot of the people from our church have a past with drugs and alcoholism, I (thankfully) do not.  I mean, I have family members who are alcoholics or were drug addicts, but I personally never dealt with those demons, so I have no idea what it is like.  So, he said to one man from our team that only he would understand, the rest of us wouldnt.  And if he said he didnt want prayer, we would look down on him (which is SO NOT TRUE at all.  I mean, we totally will respect that but then we will pray for him no matter what privately)  So after that encounter, I wasnt sure what the day ahead would bring.  

We went to the kitchen and everything was already to go so we divided up.  Two woman in the kitchen handing out sandwiches and soups, Pastor and I at the iced tea stand, Two men at the water station and a man and woman at the desert table.  As we could, we got their trays and dumped them for them, we would talk with them and if they were open to it, we would pray with them.  After warming up, there was a younger  man that walked in with a shirt that said on the front I MATTER and on the back of the shirt it said I AM important, intelligent, fearless, (and I cant remember the rest of the quote) but that shirt really hit me because ALL ...EVERY SINGLE ON OF US matter.  So, I kinda asked God...do I talk to him?  So after a few moments, I went up to him and told him I really loved his shirt.  That he does matter and I hate how divided we are now...rich vs poor, healthy vs sick, black vs white.  WHY?  And we began to talk and he thanked me for taking time today to help serve. I thanked him for being him.  For blessing me.  He had this huge smile on his face.  If that was all that happened today, I was blessed.  But nope God had to show off more...( I love it when He does that)

After we began to clean up, a gentle man with an obvious mental disorder came up to me and began talking to me about this surgery he was to have this month to stretch his esophagus.  He missed the appointment and he wondered why and I said God is going to heal you.  (now me saying that to a stranger is something new for me and a big step in my faith)  I asked him if I could pray for him and he said yes then I asked if I could put my hand on his throat and he said yes.  So I prayed for this man and I could tell not many people do that for him.  He asked if I could take him to our church tomorrow and as much as I would love to do that, I cant.  But he did give his address to another man from our church so..let’s see what God does there.  He was so sweet and took my hand in his and thanked me.  God is so good.  I mean, I was dreading this today and he took my bad attitude and turned it right around.  I came home talking to God in the car and just praying for the people he put in my path, for the man in the waiting area, and the ministry itself.  I felt so good about being there.  I want to take my family and serve a few times a year if not monthly.  What a blessing that would be.  Funny thing, on the way home I wasnt even worried about where I was in the city...I felt. SAFE. 

So, if there is a shelter near you, I ask you to step out and go help.  You will be blessed.  Just smile, be kind that is more than they get daily from anyone else.  That shows God’s love in huge ways sometimes a lot more than words.  

Until next time

Have you ever heard of being baptized in the Spirit?  I grew up hearing how you can have two baptisms.  One being “washing in the blood”  In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, then they dunk you fully under water.  It is a symbolism after accepting Christ as your Savior you are to do.  Any way, most people are baptized as infants in their respected churches.  I was 3 years old when I was forced to do it, it was more of a traditional thing in my church and in my family.  I wore a fancy white dress that my Mom borrowed from our neighbors and friends.  It was lovely.  I remember walking down the aisle with my Mom and I began to cry, because everyone was looking at me and I got scared.  No one ever talked to me about what it meant to do this “thing” or if they did I was way too young to understand or pay enough attention.  They dripped water over my head and said a few moving words and that was it.  I never accepted Christ at that age, it was purely for my family and church family.  I fell into the same trap when I had my kids.  My Son was 3 months old when my Brother got a beautiful silk Christening gown (that is what the Catholics call it, Christening) I dressed my 3 month old up in this gown, with a bonnet (yeah dont ask...PLEASE) The Pastor, my (ex) husband, myself and our Son’s God Parents (my Brother and my Best Friend) stood up there along with an Elder from the church and sprinkled a few drops of water on my Son’s head.  The same with my Daughter.  Since then I have learned what the true meaning of baptism is.  The bible says in John 14:15 If you love me, keep my commandments.  So, if you profess and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior (this is something that you do.  No one can “save” you and no prayer or words you repeat save you.  Just simply ask Jesus to come into your heart)  The bible goes on to say in Matthew 28:18-20 And He commanded (not asked HE TELLS US) to be baptized.  A person who accepts Jesus will want to follow Him in baptism.  It is a public dedication that you are and will follow Him.  Ok, now after that history lesson from the bible... Let me tell you the rest of my story....

So, I fearfully accepted Jesus as my Savior in November of 1988 I was 14 years old and in a Southern Baptist church in Maryland.  The preacher said “If you go out those doors tonight and are in a car accident and die.  If you dont have Christ in your heart, if you do not accept Him as your Lord and Savior YOU WILL GO TO HELL”.  I will never forget those words because it scared me to go up front.  I was never taught what salvation was or what it meant.  So, I the naive 14 year old girl thought “alright, God has me..I am good to go for the rest of my life”  HOW WRONG WAS I?!  So, after many bad choices, failed relationships, and MANY years later, in July of 2008 (funny how it was almost 20 years later) I was standing in a non denominational church a few doors down from where we live now.  I asked with tears streaming down my face for God to save me.  To make me a servant for Him.  I wanted nothing more than for Him to be in my life always and forever.  On August 29 2010 at yet another church (this began our church hopping days this was a fundamental Baptist church) My Husband, my Mom and a few friends went to the river and were fully baptized.  Fully submerged in that murky water.  But after I came up, I still felt...dirty.  On the inside.  Fast forward to December 2014 in (yep you guessed it ANOTHER Church) I felt the Lord calling me to be baptized, for real this time.  To get the “dirties” off me and my life for good and my Daughter chose to join me.  So my family gathered in this mega church and I went in first and I told the Pastor leave me down a few moments just to make sure the muck and mire get off me!  Then I scooted over on the edge of this huge hot tub looking thing and my Daughter joined me.  She went under and came up with this HUGE smile on her face.  It was an awesome thing to do together.  So thankful for that moment in our lives.  So, I was baptized not once, not twice but three times with the water baptism  but was never baptized in the Holy Spirit.  

Last week after bible study (and twice a month) we have prayer and worship night.  We play worship music and share prayers if we felt lead and last week God had a different plan.  Pastors went person by person (there was about 11 of us total) and after they were done praying, Pastor said “I am coming back to Kristin, Kim and Deb” and I was like whoa what did I do?  (my husband and I laughed but at the same time was wondering what God laid on their hearts) He came to me and said ” I feel God wants you three ladies to accept the baptism of the Holy Spirit” (which I thought was awesome because as he was talking about it in bible study, I was asking God quietly how do I get this Holy Spirit baptism...WOW does God listen) So they had me stand up front with our Lead Pastor in front of me and my husband on the left side of me and soon to be Associate Pastor on my right side.  He asked me to repeat and confess that I want the baptism of the  Holy Spirit, which I did (right before he asked me to confess that, he said THIS WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE and I relied with BRING IT ON!!!)  All I remember is his hands on the top of my head and the other Pastors hands on the back of my neck, my Husband was holding my left arm.  He prayed.  Then he prayed more and I must have crumbled like a sack of potatoes because all I knew was I was floating.  Me and God.  No one else was there in that moment.  I was crying, speaking in tongues like never before and I felt this awesome presence over me.  Then I was still in that moment, but I also could hear everything around me.  Kim was crying on the floor next to me (at this point I knew I was on the ground) and hearing her cry, made me cry again and then I heard this amazing voice singing in tongues and I realize it is my Mom.  I began to sing and praise God even more with tears just streaming.  It was so awesome.  I tried to move my arms, but I couldnt.  I wasnt scared, I just knew God didnt want me to move yet.  So I laid still.  I even got a cramp in my back and I said to God “ouch this hurts, can I move” and I heard Him.  I HEARD God speak softly saying “take a deep breath in, then let it go and relax” and I did and the pain went away.  I opened my eyes and saw my Brothers and Sisters in Christ praising God and singing “There is Power in the Name of Jesus” so I sang along.  I finally could move my arms, but God still didnt want me to get up yet.  So I felt my Husbands hand on my left arm.  I looked up at him and just began to laugh.  The joy that over came me...I cannot even begin to explain.  It was AMAZING.  I sat up.  I felt so light headed.  So I chose to keep sitting there for a few more moments.  Then I asked my Husband to help me up, I tried and ended right back on my rear!  I laughed so hard.  It had to  be hilarious to see too:)  So Pastor grabbed on hand and Husband grabbed the other and when they pulled me up (mind you I am 5 feet 3 inches tall and weigh (sadly) 260 pounds) I was off the ground in a LEAP!  It was hilarious!  God is awesome.  So, now that I am saved by the grace of God, baptized in the blood and now in the  Holy Spirit it is time to live for Him.  I am praying more, reading my bible more and humbly serving Him.  I am listening more to Him (and yes there have been a few times, I didnt listen sadly but I am learning) I am just so in awe of the God I serve.  He is totally 100% REAL and AMAZING!

ALL GLORY GOES TO GOD!

Until next time,

This photo has been getting a lot of attention (ok so not A LOT) on my Facebook page.  I asked what people saw in these clouds.  I have heard everything from chickens, to Pluto (from Mickey Mouse) Mickey Mouse, an angel, a face, a teddy bear, a fist, a yellow submarine, a school desk...so many different things.  I just thought it was such an interesting sunset that I wanted to see what others saw.  What did I say, you may ask (thanks for asking...) I saw on the left the side of an angels face and the light shining off the halo and a teddy bear on the right.  Oh I forgot others have seen a lion, a cub, a lion and a cub...

I just think it is very interesting to put up pictures of clouds and have people take a few moments out of their day to settle their minds and use their imagination in a useful way (not saying you arent...but we get so wrapped up in our own lives that we dont take enough time to enjoy the simple things in life God has gifted us, such as this sunset.)  

So what do you all see?  Stop for a moment, take a look at this picture and forget about the stresses of the day.

Until Next Time-

I have been MIA again and I will say I am sorry, again.  I let life sweep me away a lot.  I cant say that is a bad thing either.  Anywho...Today was an awesome day.  Not just because we celebrate our Earthly Father’s, but because I got to step out of my element today, and I have not done that in about ... well almost 2 years.  Let me explain (as I always do...)

I grew up in a small country church in rural Pennsylvania.  Our church was maybe 100 strong and we had a lot of youngin’s in our Sunday School and youth programs.  I grew up in Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, Kids choir, Youth Group Etc...So it has always been something very special to my heart.  I was a peer leader (co youth leader) when I was 18 for our youth group and I also was a member of Living Waters Youth Ministry (why do I still say it in my mind like a cheesy car dealer ad?)  I loved being involved with the kids. I co taught VBS with my Mom several years, and helped with their musical programs as well.  As I grew older, I grew farther away from God (sadly) and lost all interest.  About 9 years ago, my husband and I chose to go on a search for a church.  The first church was a non denominational church and we were not there long enough when a huge drama broke out and we chose to leave (long story and I will not be a part of a smear campainge)  The second church, my Daughter was going there for Pre School and again no room for us at the inn (so to speak)  The third church was a very VERY small Baptist church (small meaning maybe on a good Sunday 20 people) I jumped into VBS with them and helped with the kids here and there to sing.  The next church ( as you all counting I believe I am losing count as I go haha)  was a very Holy Spirit filled church (again small maybe 12 people on any given Sunday) and I was part of their youth drama team, their dance team and their worship team.  The next church was larger Baptist church and they had a large youth group (seats in leadership were already filled there) and a large kids dance/drama team.  I was asked to join as a co director for their Christmas program and I fell in love with it.  We had kids from 3 to 18 in the program and I just loved their faces when they took their curtain calls.  God lit them up:) I Also was a runner for VBS two years with them as well as a co teacher for clubs (4 to 6 yr olds)  So..long story shortened down..I love working with the kiddos.  I have been dreaming and praying about leading a youth group and also beginning a dance worship team at our new (and forever) church which just so happens to be in the very first church we began in.  Go figure.  

Last week, we had a meeting and they were looking for a leader for a new kids worship time.  I didnt hesitate at all and raised my hand.  So today was the first day and God bless these kids...they had no idea how to handle what was going on.  A middle aged chubby girl dancing and jumping up and down to God songs..it had to be hilarious.  I asked God to take me out of the situation and for Him to be in front.  I used to always get so wrapped up in the “me” aspect of things and would always get discouraged when it wouldnt go the way I wanted it to.  Today, God was there.  Though the kids just mostly sat there, they did laugh and smile at me as I was like them...child like.  I couldnt stop smiling...and even now.  It didnt matter that they didnt dance, all that mattered is I moved aside and let God take over.  Letting go and letting God control situations is the best thing to do and I am so thankful He moved me aside.  The joy in my heart, I havent felt that in a very long time and the smile on my Daughters face...I thought we had lost that for awhile.  IT’S BACK!  PRAISE THE LORD!.. Thankful to God for blessing us in this way, thankful to Pastors Ryan and Lisa for asking and believing in me and to Alicia who said such an amazing prayer before we began.  We have an amazing church family and I am so blessed to be sharing eternity with them in heaven one day:)

Good night all.  Remember to let God move you aside and let HIM lead you!

Until Next Time

This picture just about sums up the past two days.  Fishing.  An American favorite past time.  I grew up fishing with my Papa at the local Fish and Game Club and that continues with my Step Dad until I was too old. When I was married to my ex, we went fishing in the back waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Bay areas.  Only caught star fish.  LOL!!  Now I am on to Blue Gills and Bass.  Trying to get trout...not working for me yet.  This little guy I got today.  Cute little Sunny.  I will be uploading more pictures tomorrow...

Until Then,

What is the definition of strength?  

This woman was the strongest woman I have ever met in my entire life.  I know many strong woman but this one...whew...

I knew her back in 6th grade through 9th.  We were in a talent show together (well, that is until I got sick the night before) and she took the reigns and let the team to first place.  We lost touch when she went to tech and I stayed in our home school.  Thanks to Facebook, we found each other again in 2010 and became fast friends.   She needed head shots done and had seen some of my work and wanted me to do her photos which I humbly accepted.  Before I knew it, we were spending time together having cook outs, she would have my Daughter over for weekends and I would have her Daughter over when she had unexpected visits to the ED.  We even invited her to our church and she accepted Christ there and we were baptized together.  Through the years, we had our ups (and downs) went from being BFF’s to not even talking.  God always brought us back into each others lives.  I am so thankful for that too.

Sadly In December of 2015, we had a stupid miscommunication and quit talking again.  I reached out a few times, but she was in the hospital which I didnt know at that time.  My beautiful friend had lived the majority of her life with Aplastic Anemia and because she was adopted (she did find her bio mom and she wanted nothing to do with her) she fought blood cancer and beat it until this time.  She was our AA warrior!  She was our Wonder Woman.  She beat the odds every single time.  Through NIH in Washington DC, they had a new way of doing a marrow transplant, sadly after the surgery, she went into cardiac arrest and a month later on August 17 2016 she drew in her last breath and flew like the angel she was.  

STRENGTH.  WARRIOR.  AMAZING.  BEAUTIFUL. AMAZING.  FRIEND.  MOTHER. AUNT.  These things Shahonna was and will always be to us.  When I hear the word strength this is what I see.  She never let AA beat her, even in the end, it was AA that took her life.  it was her heart.  

Until Next Time,

K

Tomorrow is the beginning of the summer season.  Lots of people are down the shore, a lot are going to be grilling out and drinking a brewski (or more), but how many of us realize what Memorial Day really is about?  I mean, growing up, it was always about being with family.  Usually we would pack into the car and drive from the Mason Dixon down to the Virginia side of the bay, Onancock Virginia to be specific.  We would go swimming in the bay, eat crabs or burgers on the grill and just spend time with our family.  We would always have the American flag out and would usually wear red white and blue.  But, we never talked about the meaning of the day (I am guessing because my Grand Dad was a WW2 vet) 

I am guilty of doing the same thing with my kids.  We would go to my Sister’s house or they would come to ours and we would have a ton of food, sit around and talk and watch the kids play.  It is since my Daddy died (he was a US Army vet) that we seem to take more time to remind the kids what the day is about.  It is about those men and women who gave all for this country.  Who went into battle, and died for our freedoms.  I see it so much more important now than ever since everyone wants to take our freedoms away one by one.  But, if we do that, then every single life that was taken to fight for those very rights would be in vain.  Now what sense does that make?  I did not lose anyone in my family in a war (that I know of maybe as I dig deeper into my genealogy I will discover that but...)  but my Husband did.  His Uncle died fighting in WW2.  His Great Uncle died also.  We both come from a long line of patriots.  His Dad, my Dad, my Grand Dad, multiple Aunts and Uncles all have been in the service and either did or would have gladly put their life on the line for the freedoms we take advantage of every. single. day.  

So, as we are at the beach, or park or where ever we are celebrating a day off work and school, as we eat the burgers, hot dogs, crabs, deviled eggs, and drink the beer, the wine and the sodas lets take a moment to thank and remember those who gave all.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY and THANK YOU to those who have are and plan to serve this amazing country.  GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Until Next Time,

I will never forget the day I got this picture.  My husband and I were doing what we love to do, which is take long drives.  As we came to a stop sign I glanced over and saw this cutie standing right by the road.  I had to have my husband pull over so I could see if I could get a picture and he just stood there and posed.  He was so sweet and he is the reason I have an obsession with miniature donkeys.  They are so cute and so sweet.  If there wouldnt have been an electric fens between us, I would have snuggled him.  Now, whenever I see a donkey I try to get a picture just because they make me smile.  

until next time,