Another Saturday In Hawaii

Our Nicole updated their family Blog and I couldn't help it...I just had to share some of my favorite images with our friends as well. I love that this cute little Navy family is determined to make the most of their adventures in Hawaii! We so appreciate their many photos and desire to keep all of us connected with them. We MISS & LOVE The Zach & Nicole Reich Family!!!

Meet Our New Grandson

Hudson James Zern
Arrived On Monday, July 19, 2010
6 lbs. - 17" Long

His 1st Week On Earth Was Pretty Rough...
But Prayers Are Heard & Answered
Miracles Do Happen!
We Love & Adore This Little Man

Recent Purchase

Recent Book Purchase
Okay...I know I said that I wasn't going to buy another book until I read the two sitting on my bookshelf but I couldn't help myself! I was going through a personal crisis and I just NEEDED a different perspective and uplift...Something that I felt might connect with my Spirit. I started reading this morning and I'm already highly recommending this book! So Fantastic!

All of us are here on Earth to have an "Experiential Journey," if you will...To exercise Personal Agency, to Learn, Grow, Understand, Connect, Love & gain Wisdom. While my Personal Journey is unique, Elizabeth Gilbert shares personal insight that I understand & relate on so many levels.
Love This Book!

A Good Book = Fantastic Adventure

I LOVE TO READ!
Just had to post some of the latest books...
Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay
A Day In The Life Of Ancient Rome by Alberto Angela
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
Ahab's Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
and currently
1776 by David McCullough
and am looking forward to
Master by Toni Sorenson
&
I'll Be Seeing You by Jerry Borrowman

My Husband, My Sweetheart, My Friend

Doug & I were driving home from a cousin's Wedding Reception and chatting about our first year of Marriage...That led to the first few years of Marriage...Which led to some discussion over the course of our near three decades together. Unlike most Newlyweds, we relatively eased right in to Married Life with little adjustments. As we discussed those really Joyful times, when life was far less complicated, we reflected on the many things that we used to do Together...Just For The Fun Of It! As our family grew, and responsibilities mounted, we forgot how to have Fun...Just For The Fun Of It! Mind you...I'm not saying that we haven't had Any Fun over the years, as we have thoroughly enjoyed raising a family and the many Joyful times shared...But, the busyness of life can sometimes cloud our perspective and get in the way of what used to be as natural as breathing. Doug proposed that we make the rest of Summer 2010, really fun-filled! Of course, I jumped on the idea with great enthusiasm! Why? Because very recently, some unpleasant circumstances surfaced that caused me great pain. It was my Husband, my Sweetheart, my Friend, who came to my defense and who was there to help me sort it all out. He patiently listened, gave some very sound counsel and offered up strength and encouragement. From time to time, I still find myself feeling melancholy and the tears spilling over, but I've come to know that it is my relationship with my Husband, Sweetheart and Friend that will surely last long after this mortal journey of mine is complete. Thank You, Doug, for asking me to share life with you! You are my Everything and without You, I am Nothing! Always...I Will Love You!

July 4th - What It Means To Me

July 4th
America
The Star Spangled Banner
Liberty
Freedom
Blessed Country
Land That I Love

Last year, at this same time, I was in Honolulu helping my youngest daughter, Nicole, who had recently given birth to her 2nd baby, our 3rd grandchild. Having a son-in-law who serves in the Navy, we ended up celebrating the 4th of July at Pearl Harbor, along with a great many military families.

The theme...Patriotism, as I have not seen since 9/11...Families decked out in Red, White & Blue...Little Girls with ribbons, headbands & bows/Little Boys wearing T-shirts that proudly displayed the American Flag or dressed representing our Nation's colors, military men and women in camouflage clothing, all participating in the fun of games and booths set up to entertain kids of all ages. A spacious field filled blankets and folding chairs, strollers, coolers and people chatting, laughing and enjoying the close-knit bond of friendship and family...ever connected as one very large Military Family.

I marveled at these young families who well understood what it means to be an American. Those brave men & women who join the fight for my very Liberties & Freedoms, families who sacrifice their loved ones when Duty calls, parents who teach their little ones to reverence The American Flag and our National Anthem.

The Fireworks, accompanied with patriotic songs, took place over the waters of Pearl Harbor. It was fantastic! I watched the delighted smile of my grandson, as he looked up to see the beautiful colors and to hear the loud Boom of the cannons. I reflected on the very different scene that must have taken place on December 7, 1941, over these same waters. Though I was missing the rest of my family and my sweetheart, at home, my heart was Full...of Gratitude, Pride, Emotion, Hope...Thanks in large part to those, whose very presence, I felt honored to share on that tropical evening.

Thank You to all who serve to protect this Nation, the place I call Home! God Bless you brave Men & Women, God Bless your families and may God continue to Bless America!