Best Wishes + Good Health...

Happy Birthday to Angie & David on this breezy Oct. month. Breathe* Breathe in the air... Look around, choose your own ground... Best Wishes for a wonderful birthday, full of all your hopes & dreams come true. God Bless you both always, Andy & Ana..

Remember: Enjoy life to the fullest with God's blessings to guide you...

Credit: Polyvore.com/augustana....

DESTINOS DE TAINOS

• Destiny of the Taino Indians - natives of the Island of Enchantment .. .Mi Isla del Encanto, Puerto Rico.. Andy and I have been watching PBS /Destinos (channel 8) ...It's about a young man, an artist who left home on a ship to find his destiny. He came to shore on a beautiful Island and loved it so much . He decided to stay and live there. His daughther is given his charcoal drawings of his life journey. She cherishes them with all her heart. The daughter then continues on the quest of learning of and finding her true self, as to why she feels for, thinks about,cares and enjoys with appreciation her Spanish culture so much. I can truly identify with her love for her 'gente'(people). CREDIT: My Polyvore Set...ENJOY: Una Rosa para Ti...
  
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HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY, JOEY

Yesterday, Sunday (Domingo-dia de Dios), was Joey's 10th birthday, and we celebrated it at our local Fireman's Park, the theme was ' Colonial America'. Almost everyone dressed in period costumes. Mama wore a beautiful blue cotton dress with ecru-laced collar and cuffs, topped with a puffy white hat. She looked like Betsy Ross. Joey looked very handsome, as he wore a costume of a countryman named 'Bostwick', a famous New England family name, if I remember well. Davey was dressed as George Washington, he kept walking around with a flag and I thought (your gonna poke your eye out) Davey looked cute with (my school colors) gold & navy blue.

The Flemings came with hugs and a good conversation with their girl, our future 'Doctor without Borders'. Joe & Becky's neighbors, Joanne and Richard, Heidi, Rayah and Joshua joined us. Also, a little boy from the homeschool group, too. Joey's cousin, Jasmine, and cute friend 'little Emily' both wore pretty red calico dresses. And his long-time friend Rayah's mom took pictures of all the family and friends enjoying each other. It was great watching and listening to all the children laughing and playing.
The best part was the 'Apple Betty ' Joey baked, it was a delicious surprise. Joey hopes to be a chef, to honor my father,Wello, who was the 'Head Chef' at the Americana Hotel in NYC. He has plans with his cousin Jasmine (Lord willing) to have a restaurant someday. Joey enjoyed opening his presents, with Davey next to him, both anticipating each one with wide-open eyes. He opened his first gift from Poppa and Bucky, a baking pan plus from Wilton's, he loved it. The following gifts were from the children whose choices, I suspect, were for joined enjoyment, as they all proceeded to show how each worked. And mothers smiled at the wise and safe choices, while everyone agreed in amazement.
The gifts were all very nice grown-up toys. One cute gift was from cousin Wesley, a tube of aquatic animals. I also saw a kangaroo with a little joey in it's pouch, real sweet. Joey also received a 6 games in 1 attache case, very nice.The bags were cute, too, one clear with white bubbles on it. At the bottom, was a big box with yellow balloons gift wrap ( wonder who), it's from Papi and Nana, a giant Erector set with sixteen ways of building pieces, wow! Joey's and Davey's eyes danced at the possibilities.

Having had a wonderful, fun and fellowship day, excited yet exhausted, we headed home to awaiting comforts. Slept well with good memories, it was a 'good tired'...

Remember: Enjoy family & friends celebrating children's milestones, while honoring our country.

Credit: Betsy Ross- for our first Flag...

A good tired...

I've been busy this past week, catching up with the boys. I had not seen them in a while, and I really missed them. They have been coming over during the week and spending some fun times with us.
We went to the library and Davey got the first book of the Cat trilogy, and a silly cow-farm book that he read to me today. He read it to me (instead of me to him), because I have a sinus cold-headache.
I really enjoy the days we have together, it's so much fun. Yesterday, we visited the local art museum and checked out our local artists. There was a display of wooden bowls with small white beans and beautiful quilts. The boys touched and felt the textured art, it was very interesting. We also like sitting across from the museum and having some ice-cream.
Usually, we go to a local shop called Candy Stick however, unfortunately, it burned down yesterday morning. A sad time in Ferndale town history, as this cute shop had Retro-red & white leather jackets hanging on the walls from our local Wildcats football team. Andy and I used to love going there for bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches with fries, especially since the vinyl booths were real comfortable.
Hopefully, it will be restored soon, maybe in time for the holidays.

Today we stayed indoors and the boys played a 'Knight' computer game, they enjoyed that a lot.

"Stay at home, my heart, and rest, Home-Keeping hearts are happiest, for those that wander they know not where are full of trouble and full of care, to stay at home is best," Longfellow...


Remember: Enjoy & Thank God for local sites...(you never know for how long)...

Ladies Retreat 2008

Here is a picture of our Resident Nurse, Sally & her mom. They were the first ones we met when we got to the campsite. She hugged me, she's so nice and friendly. Sally and Rebekah get along really well and have a lot in common, as they are the only two nurses present (others are retired, but once a nurse always a nurse). It's always a joy to see Sally, as she reassures everyone, in case they need medical attention. I spoke to her mom, finding out Sally hails from Quebec, Canada. I enjoyed going there once, the streets were so clean.

It was great seeing everyone and meeting new faces. I gave some ladies a copy of my favorite post with my e-mail. I hope they check it out and write to me. We met a lovely lady from Roseville (Church of Christ) Ca., Betty does missionary work in Mexico. She asked if I'd be interested in going to Mexico to work with children. I thought Spanish and children are two of my favorites, I'd love to. Becky said she'd be interested in taking the boys.

One of my many favorite parts of the retreat was the Center stage presentation. A sister in Christ hand quilted a Theme Quilt- based on the 'Fruits of the Spirit' (Gal 5:27), she wanted to preserve a heritage taught to her by her mother and grandmother.
The beautiful purple and white quilt consisted of: (one square each=3 in a row= 9 blocks total area).
One picture of each 'Gift of the Spirit' (Virtues) is represented by each Patchwork square :
First Row-The Three Squares are Love with a Heart; Joy with a Star and Jesus name; and Peace with a Dove; Second Row-Middle Three Squares are Patience with Praying hands; Center Square Kindness with a basket of 3 flowers (representing: Father, Son & Holy Ghost); and Goodness with an Angel;
Third Row-Bottom Three Squares are Faithfulness with a Bible; Gentleness with a Butterfly and Self-Control with (and this is funny) a Lady's face with tape on her mouth. I kept going up to examine the stitches and Becky took a picture to share with her mom and sister.

Another decoration I really loved was 'Scripture-Pictures' framed with cream-colored lace, posted throughout the meeting room. The young lady who designed them gave me a site: Free Foto.com.(cut and paste deal), I hope to learn how to do the same creative pictures process soon.

Remember: Pray Daily and Support *Sierra Children's Home & Agape Villages*
(Central Church of Christ- Stockton, California )

The organizers-shared gifts and talents were appreciated and enjoyed by all the ladies. The three days flew by with great fun and enthusiasm experienced by everyone.

Remember: Your love has given me great joy and encouragement...Philemon 7 (NIV)

Northern Californis Ladies Retreat 2008

This picture of me, Starla; Genieva and Rebekak was taken ( 2007) at the Ladies Yearly Retreat. Update: September 2008- With the Lord's help and guidance, we got there safely and on time. Becky said it was easier to find this time around. The weather was really nice, and as you can see Lassen Pines is a beautiful and peaceful place. We enjoy three full days of fun and fellowship. The carpeted cabins are modern with six sleeping bunks, double vanity and private shower with stall. The campground has a beautiful lake. We took a hike up to the Paul Bunyon statue. This year we had a mascot a cute black lab came into the grounds and proceeded to follow everyone around the area.

The theme was 'CHOICES OF THE HEART'

Guest Speaker: Susan Giboney hails from Pepperdine University,

also: Pat Evans on CHOOSING THE HEART OF A SERVANT, and our own Rebekah Chappel on the book: RAINBOW FISH, who shared because he cared. Everyone loved it and grandmothers are going to buy the book for their grandchildren.

I met a lot of Christians members of 'The New Testament church of Christ', it's great to be among like minded ladies. The singing was so inspirational, I can still hear it in my minds eye. I learn more each year from my christian sisters' wisdom & comfort in our Holy Lord God. We were asked to meet in the hall for a 'Caregiver-sharing', it amazed me how many seniors were taking care of their elderly parents. One sister was greatly comforted, as she took our mascot the black lab home to live with her (after exausting all local resources of lost & found). She named the dog 'Val' after our Valentine hearts theme. I was so happy for her I grabbed her hand in excitement.

Enjoy: Our Lord Gods' Abundant Blessings with Care & Share...

Credit: Photos courtesy of  Shutterfly

Weaverville

Our trip to the Ladies Retreat continued on to Weaverville. As we descended the mountains this beautiful quaint town came into view. It looked like a Norman Rockwell painting in the middle of the mountains. The tree lined streets have pastel shaded Victorian townhouses. A small barbershop with the candy-stick pole out front with moms & pops store in view. Antique shops had old fashion furniture on sale out front. A small friendly town with a wonderful panoramic view of the Sierra Mountains.

Remember & Enjoy: Our lovable 'Weaver' friends & family...

Credit: www.trinitycam.com

Take the High Road

This past weekend my daughter in love and I went to our yearly Ladies Retreat. We headed north towards the mountains, and I got a bit car sick due to climate change. The air grew thinner as we climbed, and it was very hot-80 degrees. I placed a cool damp cloth on my forehead and a black head band inside my shades to blackout the bright sun and motion. Our first stop was Willow Creek a tiny town, we got gas and snacks and continued on. We were really looking forward to seeing our sisters in Christ from all over the West Coast. We played inspirational songs; hydrated ourselves with water and ate snacks. I felt better after a nap and my medicine started taking effect. Here's a picture of the road.

Enjoy & Remember: God is with us wherever we go...

Credit: www.trinitycam.com

Camping with Cousins

Our son Joe, his wife and boys have gone camping with ( Garberville, Church of Christ) Becky's family. I know they will have a great time. The weather was perfect today, and I hope it continues so through out the weekend. Every year before starting home school again, they all go to the lake and have a big fellowship cookout. They will even get to worship outdoors in nature on Sunday morning, that should prove to be inspiring. The boy's get to go fishing with their dad's and the girl go trail hiking with their mom's. After camping outdoors, the boy's will spend the week with their wonderful grandparents; aunt and uncle, and cousins. A great time will, I'm sure, be had by all.

Enjoy: The great outdoors with loved ones...

Credit: God for his wonders in natures creation....

Birth Verses

While wandering through the web the other night, I found a site under 'Christ justified' about Bible verses based on a person's birthday. The sites is www.birthverse.com. I decided to check it out and I'm glad I did. I clicked on the day and month of my birthday, and up comes a birthday card with a personal verse.

The story begins with a gentleman who works at the publishing company, he prayed to God for inspiration and immediately thought of a birthday bible verse. As it happens, at a dinner one of his co-worker a lady shared how she had prayed for an idea. He almost fell out of his chair, when she shared her immediate thought was a birthday bible verse. Coincidence or God's providence, I'll leave it to beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

Based on my birthday the verse that coincides is: Nehemiah 8:10  Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to the Lord. Do not grieve,  for  the joy of the Lord is your strength. I'm not promoting numerology, but this certainly is a worthwhile exercise. Check it out and see what matches with your birthday, and you may just trust and be born again according to the scriptures.

Enjoy: Counting our day's and getting a heart of wisdom....

Credit: Comfort we get from God's own word...

September Morn

I have been spending a wonderful time with our grandson's lately. They both have a few weeks break from home school and come over first thing in the morning. The weather has been really nice, it's clear and cool. Sunday was a beautiful day, I thought 'Indian Summer' like in New England.

The rest of the week has been really great nice and sunny. The boy's and I especially enjoy going to Fireman's Park, where together they play star-wars and swing from the monkey bars in the new jungle gym. We went around the Victorian Village window shopping and running errands.

We walked to the library and our librarian was laughing about something, she sounded so cute and funny. The boys couldn't help but giggle. We shared our latest book finds with each other and Bonnie our librarian. Joey is reading a cat trilogy and Davey is into Wishbone the PBS detective dog. My three book picks were based on my favorite authors: Augusta Trobaugh and Willo Davis Roberts our librarian Bonnie told me she went to school with Willo's daughter. Willo Davis Roberts wrote juvenile mystery books. I bought one and read it in three days, it was only 166 pages. The title was 'Don't hurt Laurie', about a young girl abused by her emotionally unstable mother. It was a sad, yet 'good reading'. The book was recommended for social workers to help understand domestic violence. On a lighter note, I got a book by Roald Dahl. I love to read 'juvenile books' in this weather because they are short and sweet.

Hope to downsize a lot of old books after the holidays. Next week is our town's yearly 'September Yard Sale' there will be yard and store front sales and books for sale at the library, back to square one. Well I hope your having a nice transition into fall and enjoying all the wonders the season has to offer.

Enjoy: Try to remember a day in September when all was sweet and life was mellow.

Credit: Bible verse from Ecclesiastes in Cross stitch...