~~More Smiles~~

This was a gift to me from my very dear friend, Juliene. Today I offer this as a gift to all who, whether a mother, teacher or caregiver, deserve this thank you!!!

~~~~~~~ Before I was a Mom, I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations. Before I was a Mom, I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night . Before I was a Mom, I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep . Before I was a Mom, I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom . Before I was a Mom, I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy . Before I was a Mom, I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom May you always be overwhelmed by the Grace of God rather than by the cares of life.

~~~~~~~

Wishing you all Happy Mothering!!! You are all so very good at it!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Smiles~~ Mosiaic Monday~~

As I worked on the reunion cookbook this weekend and as I sorted through the picture archives available to me I so enjoyed comparing pictures. Here are just four of many, many that I have been privileged to see. There is such beauty in the smiles and the heritage they contain.

~~^j^~~
Thanks be to God!

Please visit Mary and The Little Red House. Her pictures are grand and so are the pictures of others!

Bad Haiku Friday

It's been a while since I've written any Haiku...and as I reflect on this one I see how really bad it is...

I took a brisk walk
A blustery day indeed
My hair is a sight!

Wishing all a grand weekend in which you can walk briskly, talk adamantly, relax restfully and enjoy greetings with all you meet.

~~^j^~~
Thanks be to God!

If you wish to join in the fun drop in on Laura at Catholic Teacher's Musings. We do have a grand time.

~~Tea Talk~~

Tea and books-Mmmmm, two of life's exquisite
pleasures that together bring near bliss.
Christine Hanrahan

~~~~~

I'm having...Black Cherry Berry tea by Celestial Seasonings. MMMMM (again)!!

My teacup is...another of my teapot/tea cup sets. This was a Mother's Day gift from Wes, Annie and the Girls.



I'm feeling...rejuvenated. Yesterday, I completed most tasks I set out to do.

On my mind...The Hagemeier Family as they bury their husband, father and grandfather today. He was a grand man, farmer and cattleman. In his 90 years he touched the lives of many people. May God greet Henry and embrace him as he enters the home of his Father.

~~^j^~~
Thanks be to God!!!

Now won't you join me and visit Ruth at Celebrate Friendship is hosting Tea Talk at her house? Share a cup of tea with us.

Getting Reacquainted

My first harp. A humorous story for
another day!

Recently, I became reacquainted with my friend, Harp. Today we begin a new journey. It's one that is filled with fear and trepidation. "What can this be?" you might ask. Well, I have been away from Harp and have only just picked her up again. Yes, tuned her and plucked her. But for the persistence of a friend, that may have been all I would have done. Cyndi is a gifted and talented harpist. She is also a music therapist at Saint Mary's Medical Center here.

Every other Tuesday a group meets at the hospital on 6 South and plays in the waiting room. Well, dear friend, today I am going to join them...my skill is lacking and there is much to be said for my talent, but for some reason I am being called to join this group. Think of me at 5:00 this afternoon. Please pray the angels will be conducting and doing the editing...

~~^j^~~
Thanks be to God!!!

Oh, before I forget Carol at My Painting Room is having an anniversary give away. It has been a year since she began blogging. Stop by and visit! She has a delightful blog.

Spring Progresses~~Mosaic Monday~~

It's been a rainy weekend. Not much to see but the trees, the birds and plants all dealing with the elements. Still a beautiful sight!

~~^j^~~
Thanks be to God!

Please visit Mary and The Little Red House. Her pictures are grand and so are the pictures of others!

In Praise of God

Love is a mystery that transforms everything it touches into things beautiful and pleasing to God. The love of God makes a soul free. ~Saint Faustina Kowalska

It is important that our Lord be praised in the love offered to us, and so I praise Him.

I praise him in my children and grandchildren, for the gifts and talents he as produced.

I praise God in the love of my husband for the example of generosity and compassion he offers to others.

I praise him in Sundays, those holy days of rest.

I praise him in my friends who support me and care for me

~~^j^~~
Thanks be to God!!!

Now venture over to My Chocolate Heart and read others words of praise and perhaps add your own! It's been some time since I have participated but it does do a body good to write it down or say it out loud, "Praise God!"

Information of National Importance to Women!

THE CORRECT WAY TO WEIGH YOURSELF!

I'M SO GLAD I FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS!

I can't believe I was doing it wrong all these years.

WE MUST SPREAD THE WORD.
~~^j^~~
Thanks be to God!

I don't know to whom I should give credit for this but it made my day! So I guess I will thank Karen who sent it to me!!!

The Crockpot!

In the POT...boneless turkey roast, red cabbage and scalloped potatoes.

~~~

It was very tasty!

I have loved cooking with the crockpot for over 30 years. And for Valentines Day I got this wonderful set of crockpots. It cooks an entire meal!!! It will keep foods warm not cooked in the crockpot for serving. I really enjoy using this terrific kitchen tool...

~~^j^~~
Thanks be to God!!!

C. A. J. E. Rally Tonight!!!!!

As I prepare to attend the annual Congregations Acting for Justice and Empowerment (C.A.J.E.) rally tonight at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville, I was considering the reason I attend these. We, personally, have only been "rallying" for a few short years, but C.A.J.E. has been working for the needs of the poor and disenfranchised here in the area for a number of years. They work with area leaders in government and education to encourage improvement in the lives of those in need. This year's continued topic is affordable housing and expansion of transportation. It's amazing what numbers of people can accomplish. A few short years ago a free dental clinic was built out of concern and determination. It works. One must persevere. With large numbers together One becomes Many and if we all persevere GOOD will prevail.

The poor must know that we love them, that they are wanted. They themselves have nothing to give but love. We are concerned with how to get the message of love and compassion across. We are trying to bring peace to the world through our work. But the work is the gift of God. by Mother Teresa from Love: A Fruit Always in Season

And so tonight, I rally! I encourage! I am encouraged! I live in a place where rallying seems to make a difference.

~~^j^~~
Thanks be to God!!!