Flashback to this day in 2009...

This is a flashback post because there really isn't anything new to talk about.  I started blogging in 2009 and posted this on June 30th of that year.  If you have followed me for any length of time, you know that my Marine Nephew Justin served two terms in Afghanistan.  This was a vacation surprise that made my heart skip a beat.  Look at how little my Grandbabies were.

Flashback to 2009...

This was one roller coaster of a day! We are at the beach and it started out... honey please, what an exciting morning. Let's just say, there was someone at the door to "work on the balcony", it was a total surprise at my door. MY MARINE NEPHEW surprised me and boy did he. OMG, we had the best day! I can't remember enjoying a day like this. Alex didn't feel good all day... but the rest of us really enjoyed ourselves! I always enjoy watching all these kids have fun but this big one, the one who has been in the desert for a month? What a joy? They played and played and those smiles well you'll just have to see it for yourselves. I took 92 pictures yesterday and it is really hard to just show a few.

Breakfast day one...

To have Justin saying the blessing at breakfast, priceless!

Justin was building Avery a turtle... Austin was adding the water.

I love you MOMMY:)

The place we are staying at has a lazy river and a kiddie pool!

Hey, wait... where's the water?

Two Marines "chillaxing"!

He had a ball!

First ones up...

Autumn watching the others dig in the sand

Justin and Avery checking out the ocean...

He was so tired but refused to take a nap... until he got still:)

At the end of the day, Alex went to the doctor. She had just been laying around all day and not feeling any better, fever keeping down with medicine. So... beins she has the best Mommy ever, she took her to the doctor and she got two shots. They said she had pneumonia. Dang. She will probably feel better and believe it or not already looked better by bedtime. I can't think that today will be as good as yesterday because Justin had to go back to his base but it will still be a great day:)

Love sun pictures...

Love you all!

Thanks for reading my flashback post from 2009.  Enjoy your day dear friends, sending HUGS and SMILES your way!

A little getaway...

My little getaway...  I spent the weekend at my Daughter's house while she was on an overnight trip with her friends.  I had to share all of her pretties!  Flowers and plants all over the place, Tracy loves them just like her Mama.  Her Mother's day tomato plant from us is thriving and has little tomatoes!  I love beautiful flowers!

These two Grandpups relaxing while I had my coffee.  Frank was hiding I guess:)

When I got home yesterday, these little blooms were waiting for me!  They were saying welcome home:)

These little tomatoes were waiting to be picked.  They are tiny but delicious!

Not much going on this morning.  My coffee is hot and really yummy.  The day ahead is to be a hot one.  Enjoy your day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

It's today again...

This is how we are living, not much going on and it's today again:)  We spent the last couple nights and days working on my Husband's laptop.  It was locked and we spent lots of time on the phone with technical support.  It is fixed and taught us a good lesson about making sure things are backed up.  He didn't lose anything but it was iffy there for a while.  Anyway, we are up and running on this TODAY!

I hope you enjoy your TODAY!  Sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Taking more time...

I am just taking more time "taking more time":)  Sometimes we need to take a break and refuel our thoughts and minds, adding positive energy and nothing negative.  I didn't open my laptop AT ALL yesterday, short break from it all.  The news is mostly bad and the virus is spreading again.  I complained about being sheltered in place for so long but it has kept the virus outside of our house and I am thankful for that.  Masks are now a part of my attire and although they aren't comfortable, it looks like they aren't going away YET!  I chose this picture because it seems nice for troubling times... 

That's all I have today.  Let's share encouraging thoughts, we all need them!  Sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Good things are on the way...

This is what I am praying for!  Good things are on the way, it has to get better... right?

I hope you all are having a great day!  Sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Whew, tired but it was fun...

We spent the weekend with both of Marc's daughters celebrating Father's Day.  We had the best time, eating lots of good food, playing games and constantly laughing.  It was a great time together.  You know you are having fun when it's time to go home and there are NO pictures.  OK... let's gather together and set the timer:)

These Grandchildren are getting so big:(  They are funny, helpful to their Parents and very smart.  We loved our visit and looking forward to the next time!

Today is my Niece Crystal's b'day!  Happy Birthday Crystal, I love you and hope you have a terrific day!  This picture was 2 years ago at her surprise 50th birthday party, SO much fun!

Anna and Richard's garden is beautiful.  I took several pictures but this was my fave, the blooms and a tiny strawberry:)  Love seeing the beauty!

I am tired, it seems like the travels drain my energy more and more the older I get.  Just keep going, that's what I tell myself.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and Father's Day!  Enjoy your Monday and week ahead, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

My favorite Dads...

My two favorites!  I love you both!  Happy Father's Day to the best Daddy ever in Heaven.  I love him SO much and miss him every day.  AND to my Husband.  We married when Tracy was 12 and he has been such a good Step-dad and role model.  I am proud of their relationship!  

Have a blessed Father's Day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Time to visit...

We will be visiting with this family this weekend!  It's Father's Day on Sunday and it will be Richard's first without his Dad:(  The firsts are always the hardest.  I look forward to seeing these "GROWING UP TOO FAST" grandkids running toward the car for hugs!  Time flies by quickly, grasp family times when you can!

Enjoy your day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Lots to celebrate today...

Happy 92nd B'day to my Mama's best friend and my BFF Celene's Mama!  I love you Henrietta and hope your day is as special as you are to me!

It is also my sister-in-law Becky's birthday!  Happy Birthday Beck!  I love you and know you will enjoy your day!

Happy 6th Anniversary to my Nephew Bradley and his wife Tiffany!  They have a beautiful family and I love them all very much!

See this little girl!  My Great-Niece Alayna, it's her birthday too!  She is 21 today!  Happy Birthday Alayna!  I love you and hope you have a wonderful day!

I am enjoying this cool weather and getting my day started!  Have a blessed day, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

When your jammies match...

When your jammies match, gotta get a picture and send to Ganky:)  Autumn makes my day by sending pictures of these two little sweeties.  When you have GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN and they live five hours away, you can't wait to see the daily smiles on these little faces.  They truly make my day, thank you Autumn for sharing your babies with me.  Jameson is growing like a little weed and Brooklyn is being the best big sister to her little brother.

Yesterday was busy for me, HUGE grocery shopping trip with my mask on and about 10 days of food ready to cook.  While some things are getting back to normal, it is a different normal, but "normal normal" is what I am praying for:).  Still so many people sick, prayers continue for everyone.  Enjoy your day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Something good in every day...

It's Monday again and this clock shows about the time when I opened my eyes:)  The coffee maker is set at night so that it is ready when I am!  While there is SO much going on in this World, I am thankful to have peace within the walls of my home.

This quote is SO true!  What was good in my yesterday?  I enjoyed watching my Church Service on-line.  A young girl sang "I am Blessed", and I am!  We need love in our hearts, lots and lots of love...

Have a blessed day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Peaceful...

Good Sunday morning to all!  My gardenias continue to give me joy and a sweet scent all around inside and outside!  Peaceful...

Late yesterday I sat outside while dinner was cooking!  The wind was blowing and my wind chimes and whirligigs were twirling!  Again... peaceful!

Enjoy your Sunday dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Perfect day for a swim...

The weather was perfect and a great day for a swim.  We have been sheltered in place for months now, no big family gatherings etc.  We have had tiny celebrations with social distancing and not very many of those.  My daughter Tracy and granddaughters Alex and Avery wanted to come swim in Ganky and Pa's pool.  It was hardly used last year for one reason or another but yesterday there was lots of laughter and splashing on an absolutely gorgeous day!  I sat mostly in the shade and soaked in every moment.  We had a light lunch with some of their favorites and everyone enjoyed their day at our pool!  After the swim, I pulled a few plants for Tracy around my yard!  She said she would love to have any of my shared plants:)

It was a good day, everyone agreed... we will do it again!  It was the last day of shelter-in-place for my age group and I guess you could say I celebrated:)  Now it is Saturday and I have NO plans as of right now!  Have a blessed day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Perfect weather...

I thought about what to write today... perfect weather won out:)  Today and a few days ahead are what I call PERFECT!  Sunny and low humidity...  Yesterday and for a couple days, we have had lots of rain.  I know the flowers and garden are drinking it all up:)  I was grocery shopping yesterday, got home and had just put the groceries away when the bottom fell out.  I was thankful that it didn't come while I was still out!  IT rained SO hard and did again several times before bedtime and overnight.  This morning, the sun is shining and I plan on enjoying it.  Feeling thankful for this beautiful day ahead! 

So, the 2nd cup of coffee is about finished and I am getting outside!  Enjoy your day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Artwork of weather and Happy B'day...

My Granddaughter Alex's artwork is similar to how the weather was yesterday.  I found this in a trunk some time ago and saved it because it is pretty and  special:)  It rained a good bit, the sun was shining at times and the flowers were drinking it all up!  Today is supposed to be a carbon copy of yesterday.  I have to make a run to the grocery store at some point but otherwise, just a dah-dah-dah day.  I am thankful to be alive and blessed to be healthy!

Today is our Grandson Maverick's 9th B'day!  Happy B'day Maverick, we love you!  We hope to see you soon!  Packages delivered and card in the mailbox.  Celebrating when we can't be together with a phone call later this evening!

Enjoy your day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Maters are coming, flowers are blooming...

We buy tomatoes at our local fruit stand but I only eat homegrown, weird but true!  There is just something special about the taste of a homegrown tomato.  They are coming along but a little slow to suit me:)  What's growing around your place?

My lilies are SO pretty and the gardenias are hanging full!  I will be cutting a large bouquet shortly to bring that sweet gardenia scent inside!  Upper left is the main lily with little shoots popping up all around, bottom right is one of the shoots blooming.  Top right is the dwarf gardenia and bottom left is the bush creeping under the fence and blooming out by the pool.  I love plants that spread:)

Not much hap'nin around here this morning!  What's for dinner?  I would love to have something different to cook:)  Enjoy your day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Sunday drive and a nice visit...

After months of quarantining, we visited my Step-daughter Marcy and her friend Glenn.  They fixed dinner for us and we had a wonderful time sitting outside on the deck overlooking a flowing creek.  Marcy lives in Florida and we don't get to see her very often.  Loved our time with Marcy and Glenn.  We promised to do it more often.

After dinner, we made the short drive to the Veterans Memorial Walk.  They recently added the Vietnam Memorial Wall.  Marc's best friend Terry Smith was killed in Vietnam and we found his name on the wall.  Many years ago we also visited the wall in Washington.

Visiting this park was certainly heartwarming.  My Dad served in WWII and my Nephew Justin and Grand-son-in-law Seth served in Afghanistan.  There were displays for every war.  The little rock was left on the Vietnam memorial, SO SWEET!  There were lots of people getting out yesterday, all social distancing.

It looks like rain on and off for a few days here where we are.  Have a wonderful day and week ahead, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

There's a light...

I want PEACE in this world...  I want the light to shine peacefully at the other end of this tunnel we are in right now.  I try to keep my blog upbeat and happy, but I am disturbed by all that I see these days and I will pray, pray, pray for safety and peace for ALL.

Have a blessed day, stay safe and happy!  Sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

The smallest things...

A kind word, a smile!  I was stuck at the grocery store for a while yesterday during a horrible thunderstorm.  I can't tell you how many people showed their smile thru their eyes from behind their mask and said HI as we passed on the aisles.  The storm passed but the feeling of kindness from strangers stayed with me.  These days we need more of this.  Smile, be kind and make someone's day... that is what warms my ❤️

Enjoy your day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Kindness...

We need more kindness!  The mean and unkind people are getting under my skin.  I am praying for peace and love, Amen!

Yesterday was my Sister-in-law June's Birthday!  Kindness should be her middle name, there isn't anyone like her.  I love her like a Sister and can't remember our family without her.  I love you JUNE!  This picture was a few years ago and I remember this day with lots of happy thoughts!

Today is laundry and grocery store for me.  I will be thankful for this day and not complain about simple chores.  Have a blessed day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

My newest little love...

Jameson Allen was born early Sunday morning and is he ever a cutie-pie!  They only allowed one person, so his Daddy was there with his Mommy.  Great job, Autumn and Seth!  We are thankful that Jameson is happy and healthy.  GREAT-GRANDCHILD #2.

While they were ALL busy at the hospital, we entertained Brooklyn at home.  We read, we danced, we sang, we went for walks and ate lots of fruit loops:)

Ganky and Jameson, I love him SO much!

Now we are home and the first thing I did was walk around to see what's blooming.  This pretty caught my eye first.  Isn't she lovely?

Tomatoes are growing!  There are lots of blooms and little cherry tomatoes!

This lily is looking mighty pretty!

I have a lot of gardenia bushes.  This one was transplanted from my Sister Barbara's yard when their house flooded.  It has bloomed in past years but not this many blooms!  When I step outside, the scent is heavenly!

Yesterday was my TWIN Niece and Nephew Britani and Bradley's 27th birthday!  I talked to both of them and sent cards but wish I could have seen them both to give b'day hugs!  Happy B'day to these special people in my life!

I enjoyed my trip to help with Brooklyn while her brother was being born, I enjoyed spending LOTS of time with my Daughter Tracy, granddaughters Alex and Avery and I enjoyed being there when the family returned with Jameson.  Brooklyn was the cutest when she saw him!  Best friends, that's what they will be.  

I missed you all and will be catching up to see what you have been up to.  Have a blessed evening!  Sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!