Today is my son’s birthday. He’s forty. Where has the time gone.
I had said that I didn’t want kids but after I experienced motherhood, it was the most joyous part of my life.
I was petrified when I brought my firstborn son home. I didn’t want to break him. What a responsibility! Nurturing another human, when even at 64, I still feel like a child myself.
This boy, always good natured. Trying to see another’s point of view. Which makes for a good husband. He has loved his sister so much. Even though they haven’t been able to spend much time together as adults.
I have witnessed him travel to all parts of the country and world. He’s been in very challenging situations, including walking with his youngest son’s journey with cancer and now with his wife’s cancer trials.
He always strives to improve situations and himself.
I have never actually trained a dog. I am making a lot of mistakes but we are getting there.
We are very close in the housebreaking department. I don’t want to jinx it by saying we are there. Pride DOES come before destruction!
LuckyGirl will, for the most part, sit on command and we are learning lay down and stay down from jumping when she’s excited.
The pulling on a leash we definitely haven’t gotten mastered yet. I think she could be a sled dog! There are just so many smells to smell, and snowdrifts to dive into. Way too much to explore. What is a girl to do? There’s just so much to explore!
She has also become a little more verbal. When I tell her that it’s time for bed, she has decided to talk back a bit. She quickly quiets down and snuggles into her bed.
When we first brought her home, she was very timid, loving and calm. She slept a lot.
At present, she is still loving and calm most of the time, but now she has started to play. She seems to have attached to me most. Inside, she comes whenever I call her. Although, she’s never that far away – my shadow.
She doesn’t always mind Leonard though, unless I walk her to him.
Today, I let her go a bit away from me outside, where there’s freedom and see if she’d come when I called. I left her leash on, just in case I’d have to go after her. Something to try and grab if she didn’t come.
Today, is my brother’s birthday. We always meet up for each other’s special day. It was such a beautiful day to share lunch by the water. A woodpecker and some geese joined us. Or should I say, we joined them.
It blesses my heart to spend time with those close to me. I was my brother’s first fan when he would perform on a flat bed trailer in our yard. He has been all over the world performing. Yet, I don’t think he’ll have a more sincere fan. I’m so proud of him for who he is.
Mostly, I’m thankful that he always keeps in touch. He’ll reach out if he hasn’t heard from me.
I definitely am one of the lucky ones to have him for a brother! ❤️
Looks like I should have worn sunglasses 😎!Woodpecker Geese enjoying the water and weather
My sister-in-law, even at 75+ years old, continues to be involved in children’s lives at the Ellsworth community school. She substitues teaching in all levels, does an after school program and attendendes all sporting events, ect. Being that she is so involved during the school year, she has more free time in the summer. So, after our Thursday Bible studies each week, she plans some form of excursion. She calls them stay-cations.
This last week after Bible study, we checked out the new “Friske Market” in Atwood. The revitalized market is humongous! After lunch we went to “Banks Township Park”. This is where Leonard and family spent their Independence Day celebrations. So, it has sentimental value for my sister-in-law. This was followed up by visiting Antrim Creek Nautral Area. You can check the area and directions out here. Tranquil would be the best way that I can describe this area. Often, people go here to rock hunt. Every outing seems to be rounded out with ice cream of some sort. This week, we stopped at “Fudgies” in Central Lake. I had the caramel-sea salt and it was fabulous! I am lucky to have a sister-in-law that likes to explore.
My son and family were able to go to Korea to visit family and many of the tourist attractions. They are having a great time, for which I am thankful. They have not had a visit in five years. While they are gone, we are taking care of their dog and two cats. It is a bit of an adjustment for us, especially having them for a month, but it is okay.
Leonard and I went fishing for the first time this year on Deer Lake. The Lord provided us with two Perch, two Bluegill and one Catfish/Bullhead. Yesterday, we fished on Six Mile Lake. We went in the afternoon, which is not prime fish time. Yet, again the Lord provided. It was a fun, sunny, peaceful afternoon. We caught many fish with the majority returning to the lake home, yet we were able to come home with two Bluegill and one Bass.
Isaac is our first of three grandsons. Andrew is just 6 months younger and Lucas will be ten in September. I am so thankful for each of these three boys.
Saturday, Isaac turned 12. I feel that it is happening quicker than when I had my own kids at home.
Isaac is responsible, funny, respectful and has a sweet disposition. He is such a joy to spend time with.
They were quite busy this weekend, but stopped by so that we could share in his birthday festivities.
On his actual birthday, he had a sleepover with friends, go carts, put-put golf, trampoline fun, going out on their pontoon and more. Seems like a pretty “lucky” guy!😉
April 2023, we have had some beautiful sunny days and snow and rain and clouds and days of summer-like warmth. There have been other days that have just been down and out cold!!! Isn’t that how life is? Days where you are going along and everything is sunny and bright and then… there is the cold shoulder of someone you love, Or you get a health diagnosis or lost your job or, or, any one of many other situations that will bring us down.
I choose to focus on the fact that we ARE the Lucky Ones. Those blessed by God, Himself.
Last weekend, we went and saw the movie, “Nefarious” with another couple. I was excited to double date until I really started thinking about what this movie was about. Aprehension set in. Yet, we went on the double date, had a nice dinner at Outback and went to the movie. Sometimes, it was a bit hard to watch, but there was a lot of truth in it. It was such a joy to spend time with this other couple.
Last week, my friend since third grade was in the area and we were able to find time for lunch. Yesterday, this friend and another friend from school were all able to meet for dinner. (We usually also have another classmate in these encounters, unfortunately, she had not returned from being a “snowbird”)We had much conversation, For myself, it was a most enjoyable time. I feel that these times are gifts from God that touch my soul and bring me joy. I am quite grateful for their friendship.
Our son and daughter-in-law, amidst the things that are going on in their world, were able to check out a movie. This blesses my heart.
Today, we went out to dinner to celebrate our 43rd wedding anniversary. We dined at the “Thirsty Sturgeon” which was most enjoyable. We asked a gentleman outside of the restaurant to take a pic. He ended up taking 4 of them!
I am thankful that we have been together for 43 years of marriage. Yet, to be honest, there has been many dark days as well as sunny days. I am always thankful for the sunny days and realize that the dark days are just part of life. We continue to be…
There are so many things to be thankful for, we definitely are the lucky ones. Lucky that God loved us so much that He sent His sinless Son to the cross. The cross that allows us the privilege of coming to the throne of God. The enormous sacrifice that Jesus paid so that when we stand before God, He sees Jesus.
We are also so privileged to have children and grandchildren that love us!
Even though our son,daughter-in-law and two grandsons were not with us for Easter, our hearts were intertwined.
Love these guys!❤️
We were lucky enough to be able to have my daughter and family over for Easter. So thankful!
Beautiful day. I like to make desserts for every holiday.
May we always thank God for His goodness to us, which continues to make us The Lucky Ones.
Everyone has things that go on in this life that are not good. We, as we journey through this life have a series of highs and lows. That is life.
Despite this fact, God is always taking care of us. He shows us bits of himself through friendships and loved ones. As we talk with Him, He gives us peace through the storms. Yes, we are the Lucky Ones to have an Awesome Father and those friends and family that touch our lives.
We had the opportunity to go visit my son and family. It was an amazing and enjoyable trip. My daughter-in-law was feeling good and we had the opportunity to not only see our grandson, Andrew’s first theatrical debut but also his band concert the next night. What a joy that was.
Even though he had a minor part. He did an excellent job!
Rather than giving him a bouquet of flowers for his performance, I made a candy bouquet.
Andrew is in the back with the green folder, playing trombone.
They did an amazing job!
On our way home, we were able to visit my daughter and grandson. Seeing both my kids in one weekend!
Today, I was blessed with talking with three of my friends. One of those friends that has been my friend since elementary school, treated me to lunch and gave me a beautiful card, some flowers and a little “smiley guy”. These are the connections that God designs to bring joy to our hearts and boy, does it! I am thankful for these times. He has blessed me with true, praying friends that I cherish so much!
If you know me, you know that I like “smiley faces”. I was excited when I came across this great find…and they go so well with the smiley guy! I just think that’s so fun! I feel smiling and laughter are God doing something special for His kids.
I am thankful to those whose kindness goes well beyond what I could ever dream.
Christmas is the day that we celebrate the birth of Jesus. God, in the form of a baby, with the sole purpose of saving us from this world and giving us peace. To emulate His gift to us and to celebrate peace on earth and goodwill toward men, during the “Christmas season” we exchange gifts and gather with family and friends.
We, the Lucky ones, had the priviledge of doing just that. I am especially grateful for the gift of family and time spent with them. We celebrated Christmas morning with reading Luke 2, the Christmas story, having a breakfast casserole and opening gifts. Every gift from Leonard was tagged with: “To my lucky wife”. 🙂 In the afternoon, we had the special opportunity to visit our daughter’s family. She went to much work to prepare many appetizers and a wonderful meal. Our grandson was not feeling well, but we still had a special time. I hope that they can feel our deep love for them.
The following day, I talked Leonard into going to an extended family Christmas party. It was a blessing to see our nieces and nephews. They hold a special place in my heart. I was not able to speak with all, but those that I did, were special moments for me. I have heard that Leonard’s dad always had short visits and when he was ready to go–it was time to go! I think Leonard has inherited that trait.
The following day, we were blessed to have my son and family come for a visit. Leonard has always been the “gruff” one, but recently, he has had a way of touching family. Especially my daughter-in-law…in ways that touch the heart and say what we are both feeling. I am thankful for this and yes, I am his lucky wife. My wish is that they feel the depth of our love for them.
We, the lucky ones, truly cherish each moment that we have with our children and their children. We have been blessed and I praise God for His gift of family to us that we so enjoy.
I’m not sure when we started having “dumps” or landfills. I do know that people used to put things they didn’t want anymore on parts of their property away from their living space.
Obviously, in times past, they probably didn’t have as much waste as we do now. In any case, our property did have older items out in the woods. Leonard found some hubcaps that we found kind of fun.
This insignia was on the hubcaps that Leonard found. We later found out that they came off of an Edsel car.
Even though I think summer is my favorite season. All the other seasons have a beauty all their own. We are so lucky to live in an area where we can witness God’s marvelous handiwork!
This year, the colors are breathtakingly beautiful!!
We Are the Lucky Ones 