My Heroes

This Memorial day I salute two of my beloved veterans. My husband served in the Navy aboard a Destroyer during the Viet Nam War. My father served with the Air Force during World War II as a tail gunner on a B-17. His plane was shot down and he was held as a POW. I am so proud of both of them for their courage and devotion to their country. I love you guys!!!

Memorial Day Gratitiude

We enjoyed a quiet holiday this year as Dad is still recovering from his serious bout of pneumonia. We watched a few special programs about different wars and battles and how the heroes of the past sacrificed their lives for their country. I cannot begin to imagine the fear they must have known, the sorrows they must have felt, and the love of their country and families that they carried in their hearts. Battles like "Pork Chop Hill" where almost every soldier engaged in that battle gave their lives, and yet we seldom hear about that battle of World War II and hundreds of others. It still goes on today in Iraq. I am so profoundly grateful for all of those who have given their all, who have suffered in every way possible way, and died for the freedoms that we enjoy every day. I just can't take it in, but I know they are in the arms of our Heavenly Father, for they laid down their young lives, on behalf of their brothers and sisters. May we never forget, and always be grateful for all that has been done for us, and may we constantly pray for those still in harm's way at this very hour.

We bought a new flag for our pole this holiday weekend. I never tire of looking at it and remembering the great blessing of being a citizen of this nation. We also added a bunch of new chicks! They are adorable, and this batch gets to live in the utility room for awhile. The first ones I raised a couple of months ago, I kept in the barn. They didn't see or hear me much, and consequently they are a bunch of wild orphans, and scatter every time I come near them. So, I thought it might be better to become the "mother hen" to this group, so that they will come to me. I'll never forget the cute little chick that we hatched on the kitchen counter a few years ago. The first voice it heard was Brooke's and it followed her around forever after. She was its mother.

The lilacs were blooming in spectacular glory just in time for the holiday weekend. They are so fragrant, and fill the whole farm with their fragrance as the breeze blows. I have also just planted some beautiful herbs, and the rain this past weekend has made them smell so good. As I pass by them, I get a whiff of rosemary, then one of mint, and some wonderful lavender. The earth is so full and then some, and I am so thankful for all the blessings we enjoy.

"I Stand all Amazed"...

There are things that come in my life that drop me to my knees in humility and amazement at what the Lord can do. The events of this past week have been so well written on Cheryl's blog. I attempted to write them here for almost an hour and then somehow deleted them accidently. I think that happened because most of the story is already so well expressed by Cheryl. As of tonight, Tonia is scheduled to be released from the hospital tomorrow, but certainly will need our prayers as she continues to recover from her surgeries, and ponders her baptism and the baptisms of her family. Corbyn seems to be a little improved from his terrible case of pneumonia. He has been as sick as I have ever see anyone,but the IV treatments are providing a little relief this evening. He has a long way to go. And as for me, I am so very grateful for the blessings of heaven on my family, and for the love and support that they give me. I love them so very much. Cheryl said it best, "miracles and tender mercies" have been abundant in our lives. As I have said many times in the past couple of weeks, "I stand all amazed".

Scrappin' @ "the Garden"

Yesterday Tonia L., Tonia P., and I had a blast for almost 12 hours scrapbooking at the store. We made never-ending cards, paper bag books, and layouts, as we talked and ate and ate and ate a bunch of very good food. Tonia P. won a big prize, a QK. die set, "Vixen". I have always wanted that one -it is so-o-o cute, and has some Christmas shapes included. We took in the Cinq de Mayo parade downtown so we could watch Chelsea marching with the KU band. She is so cute!

We were really tired at the end of the day, but we had such a great time with each other. I have the coolest daughters on earth - I am one lucky mom!!!

Tonia & the Klamath Symphony

What a joy it was Friday evening to attend a performance of the Symphony and enjoy the wonderful talent that Tonia shares with her violin. The sweetness of the music always moves me, and I am reminded of her selfless, aged, violin teacher, Brother Shults, who helped her to develop her wonderful talent, and then gave his violin to her before he died. Somehow I feel him near to us as his talent lives on through her. I believe that as we share those gifts that our Heavenly Father has given us with others to bless their lives, that we live on. Last Friday evening as the beautiful music from her violin filled the air, our dear Brother Shults is still with us.