A Step Ahead ....

How is it possible that I will be basting a turkey in just a week and four days?  Think I will make a point to go and buy all I need this week, less the turkey.  I'm thinking it will be one less thing to worry about in preparing for the day and I like the sound of that, a step ahead.

My thoughts naturally jump ahead to Christmas, which I know is going to be here about the time Thanksgiving dishes are done. This year I am fulfilling a desire I have always had, yet has gone unfulfilled, a picture of my family on our Christmas card!  I really wanted to do so when my sons were little but of course that was never an expense I could have justified.  Well, I ordered them, received them and will be addressing envelopes this week.  Those cards will be in the mail December 1st, yes another step ahead !

I have been purchasing a few small gifts throughout the year, and Saturday I purchased a few books that are gifts as well.  This year is going to be very simple in the gift department, as thoughtful as ever just the same.  This is the first Christmas I have looked forward to since losing my Dad. I am determined that this holiday season my focus will not be about who I don't have (Dad) but of who I do have.  I want to spend the time enjoying my family, making our moments together count.  Of course I will think of Dad, as well as  be mindful of the reason for the season, the birth of our Savior in a more powerful way than ever before.  I have grown so much in my spiritual life, which of course is the reason for my happiness returning in regard to the holiday season. All this because I chose to be a step ahead, I'm ready!

My goal is I will be ready for Christmas decorating on or around Dec. 1st, and, done shopping. Yep, a step ahead. My intention is to have my Christmas music filling the house, while I simply enjoy the decorations, anxiously wait for the mail to be delivered daily (the only time of year that happens).  The excitement of opening Christmas cards from the people I love, a little something that tells me I was thought of.

Planning, the actual making of the decision to purpose to be a step ahead, really does bring me a feeling of calm in this crazy fast paced world.  I've been thinking  a lot the last several months of making sure I am ready in my spiritual life as well.  I am mindful that the more I grow in my walk with God, the easier it will be for me to weather any storm that may come my way.  Whatever the world throws at me, I will be ready, prepared, and with the assurance I will survive no matter the size of the mountain that needs climbing. 

While I am mindful not to attempt to get ahead of God, the idea of being a step ahead in the details of life helps me to feel ready for anything, less the anxiety that comes with not being prepared. Now if I could only get to the gym everyday...a step ahead of next summers bathing suit!  This is what echos from my heart today......

The Sub-Total ~

On Friday  I was asked to attend a get together at my friend Debbie's clubhouse.  Debbie teaches English as a second language at a local Jr. College. Several of her students were there along with eight or so of Debbie's American friends, myself included. Approximately eight tables were set up in a very large circle, with an American seated at each.  The idea was these students would, in 8 min. increments, move clockwise around the room, table to table with a list of questions they wanted to ask us Americans.  They were told in advance that they could ask anything of us. The students were from, China, Japan, Vietnam, Belgium, and Thailand a wonderful mix!

My Friend Debbie and I :-)

Two students at a time would be at my table for eight minutes for a total of nearly an hour, nervously asking me their questions.  The questions asked ranged from, what do you do and do you like it, if not why? Have I ever been to their country and what if anything do I know about their country. A highlight for me was the question, "what was your most embarrassing moment?"  I shared with the two young women at my table that my most embarrassing moment, was without a doubt, in my early 20's while on an airplane. I was using the restroom and imagine my surprise when in walked the Pilot. What could I do but give a smile and a polite wave? Yes, I had failed to lock that door! I love a man in uniform but under different circumstances, never would  I would have imagined it like that.  These two students (China and Japan) were mortified, in fact surprised I could even speak of it! They giggled and told me how life changing that would have been for them. :-)  Further into our 8 minute question and answer period they asked if I have ever been to another country.  I replied, " sadly no because I no longer like to fly".  They started laughing and said,"oh" as they smiled and waved...in reference to my earlier mentioned experience.  Too cute, they felt the incident with the handsome man in uniform was my reason to no longer fly :-)  As if!

The most popular question was how old my children were and do they live at home?  I told them my son's ages and explained though they live near by and no longer at home that I would love them to still be living with Mom :-)  Both a girl, a boy from China and a young man from Vietnam all shared with me that they live at home much longer in their countries, as having the family all together is so important to them. However a young girl from Japan seemed happy to no longer live at home and explained that wasn't as important in her country.  A young man from China said, "you are like my Mom, she loves me so much she wants me living with her at home". "You made me miss my Mom". I smiled feeling bad that he missed her so and asked, "how long have you been gone from home?'   He replied, "three days".  How sweet is that? Poor young man is going to really find out what homesick is as he continues his schooling here in the states.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these students.  At the end of our time we all posed for a group photo,a photo to capture our time spent on this beautiful November day.  As I began to leave I turned and said another good bye.  My young man from China said, "thank you for the Mom thing".   Of course I knew what needed to be done, I replied, "let me just give you a Mom hug", and we did :-)

I went home and in the quite time I purposed to have, started thinking about how most American children can't wait to move out and begin there newest phase of independence.  Though I don't see it as wrong, I am none the less glad my sons stayed a few years past eighteen. I wondered what the rush is for us to be on our own. To become responsible for everything, not just the cleaning our bedroom and taking out the trash, but everything! I suspect it may be different if we knew back then that there will be plenty of years later in life without opportunity to spend together as a family, but, we don't.

I am happy our children are on their own and experiencing much of what we all have experienced on our own.  As a parent it is often difficult to watch them struggle, or to know they are ill and or not be there to save the day :-) On the other hand,  I'm also very much enjoying life with my husband in a totally different form of companionship than when the kids were still here.  It's like getting to know each other in a different way and not having to split our time at home amongst the children on a daily basis....now just amongst the two of us.

I enjoy the quite, and practice while in that quite, listening to God, really listening. I feel the nudge to do or not do something. I sense when I should reach out to another with a need , when I might otherwise have missed that opportunity to do so. Also in that quite time I reflect.  Reflect on where I've been, how I've changed, and most importantly, how through my trials I've learned.

I can at any time (and often do) pull out a photo album and feel that I have not just my family and extended family, but all that have played a part in my life in some way or another, right here with me because of that photo I hold in my hands.  A photo can bring me to a place that I can actually feel what I felt that very day that particular memory was made. A photo can bring my family all together again in the turn of a page.  I suspect, as I glance around, its the reason behind the many, many framed photographs on display in every room of my home. A photo can help me to remember, all those memories that when added up become the sub-total of me, thus far.

I intend to spend more time, being still and knowing He is God.  I suspect in that time I will be reminded of events in my life He has carried me through, occasionally unaware of Him doing so.  I will be reminded of many who have touched my life in powerful ways, most totally unaware of their impact on me. Most importantly I will be reminded that because He is God and He releases my future a moment at a time, there is no need for me to worry about tomorrow. Why worry about a time He hasn't released to me yet....

I'm so thankful for my time with the exchange students. They likely don't realize that this experience with them has made me even more aware of my family and the importance of each moment I have with them in my life.  Moments that add up to the sub-total of me.  This is what echos from my heart today.....

All in One Spot

I recently received the greatest gift...  Bob and I have been together 14 years and last Thursday was the first time we have had all of our children and grandchildren in the same spot at once!  The four of our children and spouses all have different days off and one, Joseph is in the Army and hasn't been stationed in California.  Joseph, wife Angel and their two children Dominic and Calib came to visit and I was determined we would get a family photo done while we had the chance!  Success at last...

We gathered at a park for photo's and then all headed to Uncle Tony's Italian restaurant for a "family" dinner.  It was fun watching all the different conversations going on as well as an occasional grandchild moving from one end of the table to another.

Our Grandson Gavin,  loves to play Superman as well as his favorite, Bob the Builder. He was sporting a cape (dinner napkin) on this night, and he was Superman but we had to address him as Bob... a combo of the two :-) I watched as our oldest Granddaughter Julia hurt her back going under a table and turned to Grandpa in tears for comfort. Grandpa held her like a baby for a short time and all was well.  She is growing up but still loves to be held like in her younger days. (She'll always be our baby girl) I was thrilled to just glance around the room and note the personality's of each, memories of a long time ago...just being a Grandma that was happy holding one or two of her Grand kids at a time. Answering the precious little questions kids ask or listening to little Dominic talking to me again about what his Halloween Costume was going to be; he will be dressed as a monkey that is dressed as Buzz Light year ???? Yet another combo...  Grins.......I loved just providing Grandma hugs and letting them know how much I love them.

Joseph and family are now back in Kansas (Oz) :-) and we already miss them.  I don't know when we will all have the chance to be together again, but I do hope I don't have to wait another 14 years!
I don't expect any of them to get what it meant to us having them all within hugging distance, or to look down the dinner table and see every child and grandchild, it was heaven!

Heaven, made me think of what's  in store for me when I leave this world...For me, Heaven is where those who in faith, believe God's Word and His promise, that we will spend eternity with Him.  A gift of a lifetime given to all of us, if we will only receive it. All together in one spot forever, and hopefully with everyone I love!

I'm puzzled how quickly many people choose to believe a respected News anchor, teacher, neighbor, friend and even, a President.  Puzzled that many take the words they speak and decide they must be true because they said so. Puzzled we all believe what we learned about in History classes in school... puzzled that these same people choose to not believe the Bible, God's Word.  This book, is a History book, yet its not believed by many? It contains sixty-six different books, 40 plus authors over a 1500 year period, all in perfect unity. All inspired by God, the words of God given through the writers. The Bible is filled with detailed accuracy of days past and of days to come. Proven as true by many who's life purpose was to prove it as otherwise, false.
( Read  "More than a Carpenter" by Josh McDowell.....)

My hope is that people, especially in this troubled world we live, will take a second look at the most important book of your history. Denying the Bible as truth is no different than denying the Holocaust took place....it did!!  I personally would like us all to be together in one spot when this is all over.  I want to look down the table and someday see each of you.  The alternative is not  so comforting a thought for eternity.


If you feel that Christianity is false information and it turns out your wrong, there is no changing your mind when you take your last breath. Not believing and finding out you were wrong, ...That results in a horrible suffering  for eternity not to mention being apart  from some that you love.  It will cost you eternity in heaven as promised in His Word.....   Let's just say you decide to believe it and it turns out not to be true...what have you lost ?

Hoping all those I love will one day be, all in one spot ... forever... this is what echos in my heart today....

Our Children, Our Classroom....

 I recently spent two days in my daughter in law Katie's kindergarten class.  Let me first say, our teachers are under paid and more than that, under appreciated.  Yes, they chose to follow this career path and I have to say, thank God they have!  Who among us can even begin to imagine five days a week with, in this case, twenty three, four and five year olds? I mean today I am dealing with day four of taking care of my Grand Dog Turk while his Dad catches big fish in the Sierras.  I love Turk but I'll tell you, he is very similar to caring for a toddler.  He doesn't eat as often or wear a diaper but it takes one older woman's time and attention just the same...and yes, we baby him.

In Mrs. Stevens class (Katie), add to that moment of imagining, that most of these kids have never been to preschool and therefore never away from home until that first day of school.  Factor in that, many parents do not speak English in the home and those that do, its minimal.  Three of these kindergartners do not speak any English....really? Really.  The question I posed to my Katie, " they are at such a disadvantage how are they expected to succeed ? "  Basically she can only hope parents will themselves attempt to learn some English in order to help their child.  With twenty three children she can't possibly give these three constant one on one time that is needed for them.  By the way, parents are welcome to come to class and learn along with their child, the language that will help them succeed.

A few of my new little peeps :-)

I spent most of my time with one little boy that understood no English.  No English to the point that  for a time I thought he may have some serious hearing loss.  When Katie was teaching it was clear he wasn't "present" in the learning.  When she spoke any Spanish at all, this little boys head turned instantly to his teachers voice.  Though Katie's knows quite a bit of Spanish, she can not nor should not have to speak Spanish to a majority English speaking class.   My heart broke for my little friend who failed to hear his teachers direction, I wished I could be there daily to assistant him.

At the end of day one (4 hours for me) I was exhausted!  On day two, a teacher and the Principle separately said when they passed me in the hall, "you came back".   Don't get me wrong, as a volunteer I loved being with all these kids and watching my Katie do a great job with them.  They made me smile many times and even laugh when I shouldn't have :-)  On my last day of that week, several said good bye as they walked out in a straight line with a finger to their lips as a reminder to walk quietly through the halls.  " See you tomorrow Mrs. Horton",  to me telling them " I won't be back tomorrow but will visit again soon.  The expression told me they would miss me....maybe I wanted to see that...but I trust I did.

Loved this little wall Katie created...

Though I hope to help Katie as much as I can this school year, it made me wonder, why don't more parents help out, volunteer? Fact is most of these parents likely have more children at home and then there are those that work outside the home.  So, what about people such as myself ?  Why aren't they volunteering?  My guess, they, much like me haven't a clue of how great the need is.  My hope is that one or two of you who have the time will seriously consider volunteering at a school near you!  Though the line is used rather loosely in my opinion,  its quite serious......these children are our future. Yours, mine and those we leave behind!

Though we aren't responsible for the fact these particular children don't speak English, they and all the others in these classrooms deserve a bright future just like the ones we wished for our own children.  This blog is not at all about who speaks what language, it is about that fact these kids deserve to succeed  regardless and its about the blessed teachers who spend every day with them. It's about the fact they go un-noticed and under appreciated by most of us even if it is due to just being unaware.

I am willing to share some self portraits these little ones drew with you.  I found it odd, that though they are priceless and totally cute, almost all of them drew their mouths just under their eyes.....they may be unaware but  I'm going with the fact that what a child see's and hears,  is very close to what comes out their mouths and how they live their lives .....hmmmm.....

I fell in love with twenty three cute little faces that want to be excited about learning, once over the separation from Mommy subsides :-)

This morning I thought about how we play the role of teacher when we become a parent.  From day one we begin to teach our children the rules of the classroom, that is really what every home is, a classroom for life.  They look into our eyes with an excitement about learning from someone who loves them, " how big " ...... " this big " :-)

This morning I was looking back on my job as Mom to my boys Mike and Brian.  The early days, gone but not forgotten.  Always wanted to be a Mom, couldn't wait to be a Mom.  Didn't do it all right, but that's where God's grace comes in.  I do know they were and are my heart and I hope they live their lives based on the good and right things I taught them, the example of how I treated others, the fact that the designer label doesn't define who you are.

They had to have learned  a home can be full of love and security for them even if  you don't have money for all that " everyone" else had.  I know they learned that just because everyone else's Mom lets them watch " it " on television, their Mom was more concerned with the message it delivered than being popular in any other persons eyes. That I was given them to teach the ways of the classroom not to be there friends.  Plenty of time for that when they reach adulthood.

I'm painfully aware of parents that have tried to be a friend to their child rather than their parent.  In those classrooms its acceptable to use bad language, dress without modesty as a factor, be alone in a house with a boy or girlfriend, watch movies that are not appropriate, miss school when they aren't sick, quit at something because its hard, talk disrespectfully to another human being, teach its acceptable to lie on a whim, that its not required to be accountable or deal with a consequence for a bad choice.  They want to be the "cool" parent to their child and their friends, rather than one who takes a stand  and does so at the cost of being unpopular in their own child's eyes for a time for the simple fact that they love them.

It's most important to me that how my son's live their lives and treat others, is a reflection of what they learned in my classroom, with me as their teacher.  That all things are possible with God and that forgiveness is not an option, its theirs and mine for the asking.  With that gift of forgiveness is the fact that God cannot forgive us if they aren't willing to forgive another.

So teachers are extremely important people both in the school classroom as well as  in our  homes.  I hope that some of you will give the greatest gift you can to a teacher near you, volunteer a few hours of your week.  Praying for those parents and their children who choose to be the friend of their child rather than accepting the most important assignment of their teaching career, preparing them for the classroom of life.

This is what echos from my heart today.....

Forever Happiness ...

While cleaning out cupboards yesterday I discovered a small off white, silk mesh bag about 5" wide and six" long.  My friends Tami and Scott sent me a beautiful glass bowl with a wide rim for my 50th birthday.  Along the edge are the words, faith, hope and love.  Inside the bowl set the little silk bag filled with the little cards that read along the top edge, "Wishing You".  The idea was that at my birthday celebration my guests could leave birthday wishes for me!

I took a break from my cupboard purging to read through the thoughtful words of my friends and family.  The second to the last card I read, I recognized his printing, was that of my sweet, wonderful Dad.  His wish for me read, "I wish you forever happiness.  Pop ".  When I read it after the party I remembered thinking how  sweet it was.  When I read it yesterday, all I could think was, "what my Dad wanted for me, was for me to be forever happy "! This card I once thought sweet , today is a treasure, a gift of words from my Dad, his words written, by his hand.  I framed it and put it in a place where I can be reminded everyday of what he wanted for me.

As a Christian, my Father God's will for me is to be joyful.  Ideally as a Christian, an attitude of joy should, be my natural state!  I've learned that there is a big difference between being happy and being joyful.  Happiness tends to be dependent on my current circumstance, my latest reason to wine if you will.  Joy, on the other hand comes from within me and has nothing to do with my current circumstance.

I think most of us are in agreement its easy to be happy when all is going well in our lives, but how can we possibly be joyful when its not?  My big lesson in being joyful ironically came from an evening in the hospital with my Dad when we had almost lost him quite unexpectedly.  I prayed so hard for God to not take him this way, not suddenly! I spoke to God and said "We'll take it as a heads up that you want him God, and I know that You are preparing us, as well as allowing us a few more days with him".  When he made it, when God heard my prayer, my literal crying out to not take him....that is when I first experienced true from the heart joy.  Joy from God in a time I wasn't experiencing happiness.

During those days of heartbreak during and following his death, I was so joyful that God gave us those extra days and provided me the strength to get through them.  The testing of my faith in that hospital was producing spiritual growth in me.  After that  "growth spurt", I became more confident than ever that God hears my prayers and that I will endure any heartbreak that comes my way, because He will carry me through it.

Looking back on my life, that had many trials, many self induced, I now see that those very trials were challenging my faith, a faith that needed to grow and mature.  It took me a long time to get here and I'm so grateful that I at last I learned about joyfulness.

I chose to be joyful at a time of very little happiness and in that I experienced a change on my inside circumstances.  My free time was now focused on learning more of what God has for me to learn.  I don't want to miss any of what He wants for me.

So yesterday when reading my Dad's note I was reminded that both my earthly Father as well as my heavenly Father want the same for me....forever happiness which comes from the joy I am now filled with.

" These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full".

                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                            John 15:11

Joy is available to all of us that are willing to humble ourselves and turn to God.
This is what echos from my heart today.....

A Time Such as This.....

Last Thursday my Son  brought my Mom over for a family dinner...It became evident by the end of the evening she was suffering and in a lot of pain caused by her sciatic nerve which is creating problems in her leg, hip and back.  She stayed with us that night and has been here since.  It was clear she was having enough difficulty getting around that she shouldn't be alone.

I'm at a place in life where I'm fully aware that, life is short. It's been two years without my Dad and it hasn't gotten any easier.  I want to make the best of this time my Mom is with me.  I want it to not only be the best for me so that I can always have these moments, but, I want it to be the best for her.  Even in the midst of the pain she is currently suffering, I want her to see that she can experience joy in the midst of it all. I want her to be proud of how I care for her, I want her to feel loved and not alone.

I try and put myself in her situation at this time.  I'm sure while suffering she misses my Dad more.  I'm sure while having difficulty doing the simplest things she is reminded she is alone in her home.  She has experienced so many changes since losing my Dad.  Not only losing her husband, she has had to leave the home they shared all those years, a home full of memories.  I think she is able to see now the memories are with you regardless of your zip code.  Yes she misses her friends, yet at the same time she has made many in her new place.

She has lost her travel partner, driver, friend and husband.  She has had to watch the family her and my Dad created go through some painful changes since he is no longer with us.  It has been tough for all of us, but we as her their children are or should be doing everything to ensure her heart is at it's happiest.  If there is a single thing that can ensure that happiness, I pray it be done by each of us, their children.

Relationships can be difficult, I'm by no means suggesting this time is easy. Situations such as this require changes to be made in one's schedule,  patience will need to be ever present, adjustments will need to be made here and there.  Very glad I have my son's and daughter in-law near by to help out in any way and a husband who is more than willing to keep my Mom safe and cared for.

My hearts desire is to fulfill the promise Bob and I made to my Dad, which is to make sure Mom is always taken care of.  My hearts desire, my prayer is that I asses the heart in this situation, that it all be done in love. It's so important to me that my Dad is proud of how his family is handling life without him, that we are caring for my Mom as promised. For him to look down and see nothing that would sadden or disappoint.

My prayer is for this time to be as stress free as possible, to make each and every moment count, in a time such as this.  This is what echos from my heart today......

Wrapping Up the 2010 Road Trip....

I slacked off on blogging towards the end of our trip.  I chose instead to spend every waking moment enjoying my time with our great friends Scott and Tammy, knowing those moments would be mentally recorded for a future "story".

Tammy and I spent a couple days shopping (she is a bad influence...this was determined as fact).  We shared so many laughs and along the way realized more than ever how much alike we are.  The fact that possibly having to ship home some of my purchases just about came to be, however the memories made were greater than the sardine packed vehicle when we left!

To wrap up our time with them we all took a trip about three hours up the road to Glenwood Springs, Colorado.  Are you ready....we went through the Eisenhower Tunnel at last!

Scott had earned points for his Marriott stays and graciously shared them with us.  They shared with us at dinner that they would be staying Saturday night as well and that they also got us a room for Sunday night!  The 6 week old Marriott was really beautiful and our room was on the third floor with an awesome view.

Once checked in to our rooms we headed to downtown Glenwood Springs for, well a little more shopping.  If I bought really small items they could be squeezed in to a gap here and there. As we entered town I spotted a "Saloon" called Doc Holliday's Tavern.

I knew I had to get some photos of the signage out front and I knew we would have to check out this establishment.  My youngest sister Donna's husband Ralph Holiday was often called Doc Holiday by many.  I loved my brother in law so much as a person and the fact he made my sister so happy.  I was blessed to have known him as he was one of a kind.  I was with him along with my sister and a few other family members when he took his last breath.  I wanted to share this with my sister....and somehow taking note of it and yep, having a few beers inside in honor of my friend  Doc (Ralph) felt right!

We spent a couple hours there laughing and talking about our time thus far spent together. Bob and I bought T-shirts.....for proof we were really there..... We eventually headed back to the hotel to shower and change for dinner.  Dinner was at the very popular Juicy Lucy's, a steak house.  The meal was incredibly good, the wine was perfect and the company excellent!

We left Juicy Lucy's feeling full and happy.....we might as well see what Doc Holliday's Tavern looks like at night right?

We found a booth and continued the evening totally enjoying ourselves until late into the night, back in our cab for the ride back to our Marriott.

The next morning we all awoke wondering how we ever stayed up so late all those years ago?  We were used to 10:00 bedtimes....four exhausted adults managed to make it out to breakfast.  It was our last couple of hours with Tami and Scott.  Again with the laughs and talk of getting together real soon.
We said our good byes which are not easy with these two people that we love so much.....we so miss being neighbors!

Bob and I now a twosome for the first time in almost a month headed to the spa.  First stop was down to the vapor caves, and I do mean caves.  Dark and hot, a natural giant sauna...my stay down there in the dark was approximately 15 minutes, that maybe an exaggeration, but it felt like longer!

From there we had a 30 minute private mineral bath complete with candle light and music. At our 30 minute limit we were led to our 80 minute full body massage(s).  Needless to say, I found myself falling asleep several times...when I inquired I was advised this was fairly typical.  Couldn't have had anything to do with our previous nights late bedtime......

From our massage we parted ways.  Bob returned down to the vapor caves, I up two flights of stairs to my very first facial.  Nothing quite like it, I could get used to this!  Again a few times startled myself awake, again told it was fairly normal....  :-) I'm going with that..

We left the spa feeling great.....but knew it was going to be an early night.  In the morning we would continue our drive to St. George Utah.  When in St. George we stay at La Quinta Inn and Suites...very nice rooms indeed.  We had a pizza delivered and called it a night.

Excited to know as we left St. George the following morning, we were close to home.  We planned on stopping by our daughter Jackie's to spend some much needed time with her and her husband and the grandkids!!!
We brought little souvenirs for each (the shopping wasn't all for me)...and took some photos.

For Gavin we brought, brown bear slippers from West Yellowstone.  These aren't just your average bear slipper.  A little push of a tab on the slipper and you hear the sound of a BIG brown bear!

Our little Aubrie now sports some frog slippers, and yes, they too have a tab to push which allows ribiting (sp) to be heard as she hops around the house :-)

Our big girl Julia we brought a little silver necklace with a heart attached.  I saw this little heart necklace and thought...she was the first Grandchild and she indeed caused my heart to overflow at first sight.
It seemed just right at the time....then I had brief concern she may be disappointed that she too didn't receive some little slippers that made a noise.



When she opened the jewelry box and saw her necklace, her eyes lit up, opened wide and said "Oh, Grandma I love it!" Uggh....there went my heart again....she is indeed growing up.....

So, four hours later we said our good byes to our much loved CA Grandchildren;

One little brown bear........

One happy little frog giggling as she hopped right by us........

One grown up little girl.... sporting her grown up necklace, doing her homework without being asked :-)










It doesn't get any better than this when it comes to ending a month long road trip.

Dorthy said it best, "There's no place like home"........

Love those ruby slippers!

Special thanks to my driver, traveling companion, husband and best friend Bob....I love you to bits!