"Happy Memorial Day"

Patriotism, as defined by our Webster's Dictionary, is the

devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; an absolute loyalty. When I was young this was taught to us not only in school, but also at home. I can still remember my father taking us outside to hang up the flag and with my mother, coming to the United States as a little girl and later on becoming a citizen,  saying that no matter what we were without we were always blessed just to have been born here. With that being said I feel that it is our responsibility as parents to do the same. 

And may God Bless America and our troops!

I pledge allegiance to the flag,
of the United States of America,
And to the republic for which it stands,
One nation, under God, indivisible, with
liberty and justice for all.

Character 101

Instead of a lesson for the children, this week I felt that it twas I who needed a refresher course in character. Even we parents need a reminder from time to time to help keep us on track and I just so happened to stumble upon the book of Luke, chapter 6:27-38, and what perfect timing.

Her eyes are homes of silent
prayers.
~Alfred Tennyson.

______________________________________

This is the precious present
 regardless of what yesterday was like
regardless of what tomorrow may bring.
When your inner eyes open
you can find immense beauty hidden within the
inconsequential details of daily life.
When your inner ears open
you can hear the subtle, lovely
music of the universe everywhere you go.
When the heart of your heart opens
you can take deep pleasure in the company
of the people around you...
family, friends, acquaintances, or strangers
including those whose characters are less than perfect
just as your character is less than perfect.
When you are open to the beauty, mystery, and grandeur
of ordinary existence, you "get it"
that it always has been beautiful, mysterious,
and grand and always will be.
This is the precious present.

~Timothy Ray Miller

"A Mother's Love"

(Dad, Mom, & myself, 1978)

I lost you 25 years ago to cancer, 

  and I will never forget

your kindness,

 your struggle,

 your strength

But the greatest lesson that you had ever taught me in life,
was to love.

  I love you Mom ♥

 RIP

 5/31/87

 

"Keep Your Eye On The Ball"

Isabella has the passion to become many things and it has recently come to my attention that one of her countless conquests is to become "the President of the United States". "That's a pretty big goal", I said. "But if you focus, you can do anything that you put your mind to. Just don't do too many things at once!" Someone once said, "If you chase two rabbits they will both get away!"

"All men dream:  but not equally.  

Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds 

wake in the day to find that it was vanity:  

but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, 

for they may act their dream with open eyes, 

to make it possible."

 ~T.E. Lawrence,  

Seven Pillars of Wisdom, 1926


Push Play!

"Uphill"

"Sometimes the path you're on is not as important as the direction you're heading."
 ~Kevin Smith

"Income-ing Breaking News!"

The past few weeks have been quite interesting to say the least. Do you have a moment? Sit down and I'll tell you about it. As some of you may know my husband and I share the responsibilities of both working, paying the bills, and parenting our four growing children. My husband has recently returned to his old profession, roofing, and with all of the rain here in Michigan of late, he has not been working as much as we had hoped. This led to some cuts in the budget putting our cable and internet services onto the chopping board.  Like I told the kids, "You can't eat television!"

"Oh why don't you save all the money you earn?
Well if I didn't eat, I'd have money to burn."

~ Harry Mac McClintock

Hallejuah I'm A Bum! 

PUSH PLAY!