Fall

Fall finally made it to East Texas. Definitely my time of the year; the winds turn cool ~ gently tuning the wind chimes that speaks words to my heart, leaves turn to hues of color that only God could imagine and I sigh with great relief. Some feel that New Years Day is the start of all things anew.... that first true Fall day is the same for me.
This has been a very extraordinary year of changes for me. Like the trees I rejoice, in living color, for all my blessings and I'll wait calmly for a new dress of green that will sure to come in the new year. Mostly I rejoice that the tapestry God weaves for my life, looking like a mess from my point of view, is a work of art that only angels see the beauty ~ and every once in a while ~ reveal to me with quite whispers to my soul.

Thanksgiving Day

Such a wonderful day. The weather was perfect, dinner was excellent and I had some very rare, quite moments with Tim (and his deep thoughts about life & future in general). He is quite an awesome young man; even if I say so ~ very often ~ myself.

I frequently look back on the collection (well... 100s) of photos I've taken of Tim over the last 18 years; this one is at the top 10 favorites. The look is one of 'exasperation' at my constant camera in his face, but the conversation lingers.

His struggles are with making 'mature, responsible decisions' (translation - good Mom advise) and doing the things that are whimsical and youthful folly.

To him ~ the end result is yet to be seen.
To me ~ the end result is an unspeakable feeling of 'job well done, Mom'.

The Game of Life

ga
It was a warm fall evening. Tim & Jesse are watching after the baby sis, Justice. It didn't take long before this pre-teen gal was bored. Tim came to the rescue with a board game. .. but he quickly became a poor loser - claiming the girls always cheat.... How do you cheat at LIFE????? I sided with them ~ voting that he is a poor sport... he retorted that girls always gang up on him and cheat... hahahahha... fun with the kids.

For me... such a deep breath of LIFE as these kids fussed and griped and accused each other of cheating and happy as everyone had a wonderful few hours... me, especially.

Thanksgiving

I have seen 50 thanksgiving come & go.... that's a lot :( :)
I am thankful that I have a wonderful family and everyone is healthy and each have wealth they don't even recognize, but alas, that is the way we have come to be.
No doubt; like most, I could write a book on my blessings, but neglect to do so with simple words.

here is a list of things I want in my life:

Things We Could Learn from Dogs.... and be happier for it.

1) When loved ones come home, always run to greet them

2) Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride...
then allow the experience of fresh air & wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

3) Take naps

4) Stretch before rising

5) Run, romp, and play daily

6) Thrive on attention and let people touch you

7) Avoid biting when a simple growl will do

8) On warm days, stop to lie on your back and roll in the grass

9) On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree

10) When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body

11) Delight in the simple joy of a long walk

12) Be loyal

13) Never pretend to be something you're not

14) If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it

15) When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by & nuzzle them gently.

Oh, if only I could be a pampered, and lovingly spoiled dog :) vlm

Tim & Jesse had a whole herd of friends over for a scary evening of food, games and fun at Jesse's house. Tim opted for appearing as a Ninja, and oppps...I forget what character Jesse chose. I got a lot of hand-me-down pics of the fun... this was my favorite. Crazy kids...having good ole fun.... yeah for them.