It's Been A Year ...

Since we kissed and said our goodbyes to our little granddaughter Rowan.

 You know .. we have this little wonderful way of remembering her .... every day we spy a heart somewhere along the way ... in the shape of a stone, cloud, pattern in wall plaster ... you name it .. our hearts are bent on never forgetting her .. and our hope is in one day being reunited when we pass from this world into the loving arms of the Creator. 

Now our days are blessed with another wee grandbaby AND his big brother.  I LOVE being a grandmother and try each time we're together to imprint a little bit of family knowledge, tradition and love for God upon their hearts, minds and souls.  These are wicked days we're living in ... and there is a struggle to preserve history, truth and wisdom in this next generation.

Dedication Day

 

 

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14



God Has A Plan

... and I'm anxious to see what is in store for our newly employed son!  Answered prayer .. It's a good thing!

Christmas Week

... finds the Mac home making preparation for the coming celebration of the remembrance of Christ's birth.  Often times this gets lost in the secular world .. but as Christians .. it is foremost in our home.  I've done some baking, more decorating, and cleaning.  We will have a houseful this weekend.  Our oldest daughter and her family will be staying overnight on Christmas Eve.  Christmas day will find 12 people at our dinner table including family and friends. 

Today the weather was in the low 40F's .. clear skies .. this tempted me to do a load of laundry to hang outside ... just because :)  too bad it all got washed yesterday .. it may be quite a long time before another spring day happens this winter.

Nathan is home from school this week.  He continues to amaze me with the progress he's making.  currently he is working on bathing skills AND learning how to cope when other people laugh out loud (LOL).  This has been a tight rope walk until now.  I can honestly say that life is more typical in our home with his new self control capabilities .. can I get a big AMEN!?

Cookies have been baked.  Most of the grocery and gift shopping is done.  Mr. Mac has been the gift wrapper extraordinaire again.  It's nice to have someone help with the extra work Christmas brings. 

Chocolate Brownie Drop Cookies

Have a blessed day.

Giving Thanks

... the day after.

Yesterday found the Mac family at home celebrating many blessing.  Food, warmth of home, family, friends. We had a bounty of goodness served up at the table.  Reflecting at prayer time .. each person gave a short offering of thanks for what they were most grateful for.  I had to give a BIG shout of thanks for the progress Nathan has made:  He is developing the skills to EAT in the dining room at the table with the whole noisy lot of what is his family.  Just a few weeks ago, this was only a dream. Now, he regularly eats with us.  I'm praising the Lord and saying AMEN!  Thanking the dedicated work his therapist is doing ... we call here the miracle worker!!  Next on the list of miracles:  Haircuts, baths, and trimming toe nails.  Hey, with God in control, we have success!

Our Day, Plus 30 Years

 Old Irish Blessing:

May God be with you and bless you
May you see your children's children
May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in Blessings
May you know nothing but happiness
from this day forward

Today marks our thirtieth wedding anniversary.  We've been celebrating all weekend.  First with a lovely dinner out on the town Saturday, an overnight get-a-way, Sunday brunch  ... and dinner with our family last night.  

Mr. & Mrs. Mac - On This Our Wedding Day, 11/8/1980

Mr. & Mrs. Mac - 2010

With all of that merry making .. I'll return to my Monday night football widow status.  Mr. Mac has been enjoying a week of vacation time at home.  Rainy weather and a cold front moving in this week should make for a final end to the summer season. 

A Weekend Not Soon Forgotten

Scarf sister style!  We finally met for a reunion.  It was with regret that more could not attend in person, but I know many were with us in heart and spirit.  Can I just say BLESSED!  That is the overwhelming feeling after the fact.  God ordered such a perfect weekend:  good weather, safe travel, good food, conversation, Bible study, and a lasting friendship between gals that were once strangers and now friends.  Amen!  God is good.

Summer Vacation - Part III

... company. 

My parents are visiting and playing catch up with their grand kids.  Jacob has his Gigi wrapped around his little finger as she is a good audience for his imaginative play.  We're trying to squeeze every living bit of summer warmth out of this season ... it's predicted that our winter will be rather snowy.

Photos:  My parents (mom and step-dad, Helen and Otis), Jacob and his Gigi 'wearing' plastic volcanoes as hats, story time with her grands.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
       From the house of the LORD we bless you.

Psalm 118:26

Graduation Time ...

... again.

Ann will be wearing her cap and gown on Monday night as she graduates from dental school at the local community college.  Then she will be 'hitting the pavement' with her resumes in search for a job.  Here's praying for a successful career Ann!
The sad part of it all is that we couldn't get a sitter for Nathan .. which means Mr. Mac will be attending the graduation .. and I'll be picking up Nathan from his first day of summer camp .. coming home and throwing together a light supper/dessert buffet.  The sacrifices we make at times are painful ... but we rejoice in the privilege of having Nathan .. at home .. and in good health.

Saturday's Fix

1. Sunrise with the birds from the front porch rocker
2. Awe for God's nature
3. Hot coffee and quiet before the rush of the day
4. Buttermilk pancakes hot off the griddle .. topped with homemade huckleberry syrup
5. Laundry hung outside
6. Fresh sheets to sleep in tonight
7. Clean windows
8. Plant more herbs
9. Set a nice dinner table
10. Give thanks to God for all blessings

copyright free image from here

Church 'For' The Birds

Another Sunday rolls around and I'm home bound .. alone with Nathan.  He does not 'do' church well (period).  Today's Bible lesson was one that was observed from the comfort of my backyard perch wicker chair.  A pair of binoculars and a Western Bird field guide ... along with scripture were my instruments for learning.  God often speaks to me when I'm in the back woods observing His creation.  Today at the feeder I spied a red headed 'purple' finch.  The description in the field guide informs that this (male) bird appears to have been dipped in raspberry juice :)  I wonder why he's called 'purple'?  Anyway ... being in the presence of God's creation is very fulfilling.  The scripture says... Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky ... (Gen. 1:20).  Some days I envision all of man's devices for following God null and void.  When you strip all but the very basic form of worship .. you have communion with Him that has set the stars in place.  Just think how blessed we are to have written scripture and the ability to read.  Even so, without these abilities, we should still know that God is the creator of the universe.  He has left enough finger and foot prints for us to follow.  Have a blessed day.

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."    Romans 1:18-20 (NIV)

copyright free image from here

Psalm 118

Psalm 118

¹ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

² Let Israel say:
"His love endures forever."

³ Let the house of Aaron say:
"His love endures forever."

⁴ Let those who fear the LORD say:
"His love endures forever."

⁵ In my anguish I cried to the LORD,
and he answered by setting me free.

⁶ The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

⁷ The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies.

⁸ It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.

⁹ It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.

¹⁰ All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

¹¹ They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

¹² They swarmed around me like bees,
but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

¹³ I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.

¹⁴ The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.

¹⁵ Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
"The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!

¹⁶ The LORD's right hand is lifted high;
the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"

¹⁷ I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

¹⁸ The LORD has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

¹⁹ Open for me the gates of righteousness;
I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.

²⁰ This is the gate of the LORD
through which the righteous may enter.

²¹ I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.

²² The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone;

²³ the LORD has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.

²⁴ This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

²⁵ O LORD, save us;
O LORD, grant us success.

²⁶ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you.

²⁷ The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up to the horns of the altar.

²⁸ You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.

²⁹ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

I received this Psalm in an email today from Felisol. It spoke to my heart in many areas, especially in regards to our bankrupt political system.

Photo: by & digitally 'mastered' by Mrs. Mac. October 24, 2009. Taken aboard a fast moving train in Northeast Washington State.

Shopping Day

Today I am actually looking forward to going to Sprawlmart! It's been ages since there has been any quick snack food available .. not a bad thing .. but when in the depths of despair, ... aaah, well, maybe just a little package of Red Vines candy will be a good thing ;). First I must get the little guys fed their breakfast (Nathan & my little grandson, Jake). Then daughter, Ann, is 'letting me out of my cage' to go shopping.

Today's blessing: Health & a fully stocked garden & freezer full of good eats.

Soldier Boy Makes Mom's Day

It snowed 4-5 inches yesterday ... Soldier Boy is home for all the holidays now. I'll let the pictures speak.

pictures: snow 'bombs' falling, Home Coming for Patrick, Mrs. Mac & Patrick, sister Ann with Patrick, replica of tank Soldier Boy 'played' with.

Today's Grace

Father we thank thee for winter.
A renewal awaits your creation
as we wait patiently for the earth to produce new life.
Let's not be wishing away the days
but embracing each one
knowing that they are a gift from you.
Amen

Mrs. Mac 1/18/09

Today's Grace

For warmth of home and love of family;
Father, I thank thee.
For inner strength when I am weak;
Father, I thank thee.
For Your sacrifice upon the tree in place of me;
Father, I thank thee.

By: Mrs. Mac 1/11/09

My Big Boys

Jacob and Grandpa Mac spending a relaxing moment rocking on the front porch.

Six Things That Make Me Happy

My dear friend Virginia at gramma_s place has awarded me with the Kreativ Blog Award. She is a talented woman that has blessed my life since meeting her through her daughter Mrs. Darling at Dishpan Dribble. Gramma is always inspiring me to walk closer with God each time I visit her site. She has given me the simple understanding through her writings to be content in all circumstances. For years I have struggled with feeling guilty for not regularly attending church. But that, my friends, has been laid to rest. Our family has been blessed with a special needs child; a young son with Down syndrome. The task of 'fitting in' at a traditional church is a great challenge to say the least. Knowing Virginia's daily walk with God has inspired me to rethink 'church'. Day by day I've come to accept that I can either raise the white flag of defeat (by not attending a regular weekly service) ... or stand up to defeat and learn to walk moment by moment with God and using every day situations to do the work of the Father. The idea of seeking out people in need and acting upon those needs is my service to God. For that I'm grateful to my blog friend. Now, I'm supposed to tell of six things that make me happy ... and pass on the award to six friends:

1. Creation through the awesome power of God.
2. My child like faith in the simplistic message of the Cross
3. The love of my family and friends
4. The privilege of living in the United States of America
5. Meeting like minded blog buddies from all parts of the world
6. Being a wife, mother, grandmother
   

I'm passing this award on to: Pat ... a fellow homemaker that is full of insightful wisdom and sage advice. Amrita ... a Christian sister from the land of India making progress one day at a time for her country. Saija ... on the Manitoba Prairie of Canada; she is always full of the Joy of the Lord. Miss Terry ... a dear sisterly neighbor also living in Canada that has such a giving heart. Margie ... living her daily walk with God out in the open each day on her blog. Sara ... a talented writer & psychiatric nurse that has way too much insight for one person.

Shhh, Grandma's Baby Is Sleeping

Last night was my oldest daughter's final class of dental school. She's been burning her candle from both ends for quite a long time now. I've tried to help out with 'free granny daycare' (a luxury I somehow escaped years ago). Her schedule has included opening at a local eatery (leaving home at 4:30 AM) ... coming home after her shift ... taking a nap ... studying and homework ... and off to night school. Somewhere in there she took care of baby and her husband. To reward her for her efforts, I offered to take the baby for the night (not that I don't see him enough ;) ... so she could have a 'date' with her husband. Of late the baby is very fussy when they take him to a restaurant. Gone are the days of this quiet little fellow content to look at his toes from the comfort of his infant carrier. My home is not too baby friendly ... two stairways and no fenced backyard. So I'm closing for now to take a reprieve as he slumbers for the night. I hope your fourth was celebrated with great food, friends, legal fireworks, and appreciation for the country we call home.

More UPS than DOWNS

I'm a mushy mommy this morning. Sunshine boy Nathan has gone and filled my heart with joy overflowing. His sweetness is filling the air today. We're spending the weekend and part of next week without his dad and sister. They're off on a family reunion in Illinois while we get the whole house to ourselves. Five days of quiet ... no rush schedules ... no to do list ... just mommy and me time. His extra chromosome must be the one in charge of hugs and good cheer. Blessings on your Sunday.

He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:2-4( NIV)

Photo: Mr. Nathan ... about 2002
his clothes need a good soaking ;)

Savor -vs- Squander

How many years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, seconds does a body have here on this blue planet? Only the Lord knows the exact amount ... just as he knows how many hairs you have on top of your head. How many of these units of time do you savor and enjoy. How many do you throw away down the drain? Earlier this year I turned FIFTY years young and I've had time this week to think about this new decade I'm entering. My younger decades were spent in school, and raising a family. Now with that semi behind me ... I'm starting to savor every breath I take and realizing life is too short to not slow down to smell the roses. Somehow, this week the sky seems bluer ... air cleaner ... life more precious. On my morning walks I try to drink in all of the glorious views from the top of the mountain. I enjoy my gardening hobbies and even my housework. And to think I was looking in the want ads a few months ago for a part time job ... silly me ... my hats are tipped to you ladies that can pull off working and homemaking. Exhaustion comes sweetly at the end of each day ... and the cycle of life ... ebb and flow ... arrives whether ready or not. How are you savoring your days?

Photo by Mrs. Mac