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



Merry Christmas

It's been a very busy month .. one that has blessed us with the arrival of our wee little granddaughter, Rowan.

At nearly two weeks of age, she is still in the hospital after needing heart surgery .. and may be home in about a week.  Need I say that we are very blessed to have her and can't wait to hold and spoil her.

We had a lovely dusting of snow Christmas Eve and have plans to spend Christmas Day with our loved ones at home. 

Amid the hustle and bustle of this busy season, it's nice to remember why we celebrate.  In a few hours, there will be much chatter and tearing of paper as the young and old open presents.  Platters of food .. and sweets to be passed at the table.  It is good to remember that Jesus is ...

... a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
   and the glory of your people Israel. ...Luke 2:32

Happy Birthday Nathan .. God's Gift

Our youngest turned 15 years old today.  If you don't know it .. he was given a 2% chance of survival at birth.

It's a miracle he's growing up so strong and healthy .. full of life .. and a blessing to all who know him.  Thank you Lord for the honor of being his mom. 

 
Life would be many blessings short without our Gift! 

Good Intentions

of taking down the Christmas decor on New Year's Day .. but oh, I'm still enjoying the tree lights, door wreath, and instrumental (flute, violin, harp) music.  Why all the fuss to get it put away so soon after Christmas .. not going to happen .. I'm waiting until Friday when hubby can help.  It will be more enjoyable working together .. memories to share as we take the ornaments off the tree together .. not so much a dreaded solo chore. 

Besides .. this will give us a chance to start a new/old tradition .. that of celebrating the Epiphany .. arrival the the Three Wise Men to visit the Christ child .. 12th day of Christmas.  

Savoring in Him,

Starting Off The Holidays

... with a BANG!

Sunday afternoon found us at a rare concert (rare as in I don't usually go to concerts;)  .. the Trans Siberian Orchestra was playing in Spokane, Washington.  The performance was OUTSTANDING!  If you haven't been to one of their shows, be sure to catch them if they are performing near you.  Picture Beethoven on crack ... and you've got a good idea of the energy, sound, fireworks,  flames and snow to kick it up a notch.  Thank you Patrick for the early Christmas present.

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. 

New Graduate ...

Now employed.

Ann hustled the week after graduation dropping off her polished resumes and cover letters at area dental offices.  Last week she was called in for an interview ... and today had a paid working interview ... and ... and ... and ... was handed a new employee packet at the end of the day.  Yippee!  Praise the Lord ... Thankful girl ... hard worker ...

Pic:  (1) Ann's grad night, (2) Ann and Patrick, (3) Ann heading out the door for her first interview, (4) Excited Ann with employment papers :)

 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength"

Philippians 4:13

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.

Mother's Day Memories

Though Many A Mile

We Distant Be,

Together Forever Our

Hearts Shall Be

Happy Mother's Day

Mom

Photos from Mrs. Mac's family collection:

Top .. Mrs. Mac and Mom about 1966

Bottom ... Mrs. Mac with her mother and brothers about 1967

His Sheep Know His Voice

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.

John 10:27-28 (NIV)

copyright free image from here

Whatever Happened To ...

... Mrs. Mac's Hives?

After changing my diet by removing any and all processed foods (anything not in a whole state) my years (four) long battle with hives has come to an end.  In a way, I'm thankful for such an annoyance (the hives) because it/they were a giant wake up call to the toxicity of store bought, prepackaged foods.  Has it been easy?  YES (because I'm blessed to stay home and have the time to cook without the 'help' of prefab food.  Was the change in diet worth it?  YES!  With the awakening of the American populace about the horrific nutrition of ready made foods ... have you been tempted to include more whole food items in your diet?  Are you trying to eat more seasonal foods? 

Photo credit:  Carl Larrson

Relax This Thanksgiving

Take a tip from our Canadian friends, they too celebrate Thanksgiving, albeit a month earlier than in the U.S.A. I had the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada last month. I must say, they are way more relaxed about the holiday than the lower 48 states. To grocery shop the day before was a breeze .. no different than any other day. No long lines, shortages of cranberries, road rage in the car lot over a parking space. A simple meal of ham, veggies, potatoes, cranberry sauce made for a tasty meal. I think we Americans over emphasize the non significant ... and ignore the significant reason for most celebrations. This year in keeping with my new found 'freedom' from slaving away in the kitchen, I'm going to simplify my Thanksgiving menu. We still will have turkey, mashed potatoes/gravy, sweet potatoes, one green veggie, and cranberry sauce. Gone will be bread stuffing, salad, rolls, three desserts, and tons of munchies before dinner. Keep it simple sweetheart is my hubby's motto. Pumpkin pie is being provided by Elizabeth, mashed potatoes are being prepared by Ann. And EVERYONE will help clean up the kitchen ... or no listening to the football game on the radio ;) (yes, radio ... we have no TV service) (yes, on purpose;)

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.

Tomorrow ...

Soldier Boy arrives home early tomorrow afternoon (Lord willing). He's stopped for the night along the Columbia River (Oregon) and has about four hours to drive tomorrow. Our flags will be up and flying (stars & stripes and the U.S. Army flag) to welcome him home. I'll take some pictures to post. It has been a long time coming to have him home (other than on leave).

Eight and a half years ago, Mr. Mac and I said farewell to our eldest son as he enlisted in the United States Army. A journey that has matured and sharpened a young man and helped him see just how fortunate he is to live in the land of the free. Today, I proudly can say that his tour of duty as a tank crewman is officially over. He will be making his way home during the next week with a few stops along the way to visit his grandparents and a goodbye dinner with relatives. Thank you son for your service and for all of the other young men and women that selflessly give years of service (even life) to their country.

This is the BEST birthday gift this mom could ask for!

Homeward Bound

Late in January I took a trip to my folk's home to visit my dad for his 80th birthday. He was so surprised when I pulled up in his driveway in a rental car, sporting my new silver locks and not expecting me, that he asked, "may I help you" ... as I got near to where he stood in the garage. Most likely he thought I was a friend of my mom's. It wasn't until he took off his glasses and I said 'surprise' that he started getting emo on me. Pop's bottom lip quivers when he's lost for words. You can still see the look of surprise on his face in the first photo. This was on a Wednesday. He would often ask if my brothers knew I had flown in ... but I kept putting him off by telling him they were too busy to come up so last minute. But on Saturday (1/31) both of my brothers and a sister-in-law showed up. Pop was again speechless. Not long after they arrived the doorbell rang. I told Pop I knew of no other surprises ... but there at the door stood his grandson, Jon, whom he had not seen in five or six years. His visit was a surprise to Pop, Mom, and myself. The last time my brothers, parents and I have visited together was five years ago when Pop turned 75. That night we had a very nice family style meal at a Basque restaurant and came home for cake and home made ice cream. On Superbowl Sunday, I had to return to my home but took with me many great memories. (click on photos to enlarge)