Well, this time it's absolutely true! Without a doubt, I know it!
The people who bought my home placed an offer on it before they had even seen it. I thought that was the craziest thing I had ever heard. Why would anyone do that? Are they nuts? What kind of people are they?
Guess what? I have just done the same thing!!!! And I promised myself I was going to proceed with caution on my next home purchase. (I do have a reputation for impulse buying!) "Take your time and find the perfect home," said Jo Ann. Apparently Jo Ann wasn't listening.
Today my friend and my real estate friend were riding around "looking" and found what they have described to me as a home with my name written all over it! They looked at it, photographed it, sent the photos to me, and told me I had to make an offer...TODAY! It's being sold "as is" in an estate that needs to be settled. I listened to them and looked at the photos. WOW! It looks wonderful! The kitchen and master bath have been completely remodeled to perfection, and those are the most expensive rooms to re-do. I called my sister and told her to get in her car and go have a look. I told her the home was unoccupied and to pull in the driveway, get out and walk around. Look in the windows and tell me what you see. She called back and said it looks terrific. Her husband said so too. Great house they said.
So here I sit, waiting for a contract to be e-mailed to me. I'll need to print it, sign it, scan it (never done that before), and e-mail it back. Also need to scan a copy of a check as my deposit. Can this be happening to me? If HC Baker were buried in the ground, he would not be rolling over in his grave but jumping up through the dirt! He is, however, still in his box on a shelf in the den. Should I go and tell him what I've done? I sure could use his "smarts" right about now. He was always able to help me through these crazy situations I seemed to attract. He was the person who "fixed" my problems and made everything OK. (I'm sure there were MANY times all he wanted to do was strangle me.) Well, I'm on my own now and hope and pray I'm making the right decision. If it's meant to be, it will happen. I will then be able to cross the fourth goal off my list for 2014 - find a home in Louisville.
So here's my plan. I will get in my car on Sunday or Monday, drive to Louisville, look at this home with an inspector, decide if it's for me, then drive back on Thursday. I haven't told Nutty or Maggie yet, but they love a road trip! And they should be able to get a "wiff" of their possible new home don't you think?
Someone told me tonight they thought my life was so exciting. Is it or have I lost my mind?
xxoo
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Let me say this again!
It came to my attention this weekend that there are some people "out there" who believe I made a mistake moving to northern Michigan. I did NOT!!!! I have absolutely NO REGRETS! After I accidentally sold my Louisville home at the yard sale, I realized my life was different now. I was a widow in search of a new life. When you spend all your life in your own personal "rut", anything new presents new challenges, new thoughts, new wonders. I did look at possible homes in Louisville but felt I was not ready to make that kind of decision. Where could I go? I still had a home in northern Michigan and I loved my blue cottage. HC Baker and I had created wonderful memories there. AND I had grandchildren close by. G & G are my two youngest grandchildren and I had missed lots of their lives. This was my opportunity to catch up on those moments and I decided to take it! So, I stored my personal household belongings and headed north. These last three and a half years have been so special to me. I have witnessed G & G growing up to be delightful persons - full of energy, brains, personality and love. I have grown closer to Emily and Brett and seen the gifts they have to give their family and others. It has been a wonderful blessing to me. I'm so happy I came. I've made new memories and new friends. All of this helped me to transition into my new life as a widow. I have not been alone. I have been surrounded by family. And TR Baker came to live with me. We have both grown in our hearts to be better people. So...I did NOT make a mistake. I simply started a journey, a new chapter in my life.
Now, that being said, it's not all been perfect. There have been plenty of ups and downs. And I survived them all. Right now my plate is very full and there is a bit of a struggle happening in my heart. As I prepare to move, TR Baker has chosen to remain here. He loves it up north and has found a lovely lady and her family, lots of new friends, and he enjoys his work. I'm so happy for him and hope and pray his life continues to bloom. He will move to Petoskey (where he works) in the next few weeks and share a home with his new family. He and I have talked about this move and what he will take with him out of the home we have shared. I have decided I am not going to move anything I will not use. I'm tired of lugging around all this baggage I have! Plus TR Baker and I have continued to "house" all the things he chose of his father's. He will take all of that and begin to build his memories in his new home. His lady will move to their new home next weekend and once she is settled there, he will begin his move. I'm excited for both of them but realize his move from this home will be difficult for me. There's such comfort in not being alone, yet that's exactly what I'll be...again.
Alone. What a word. I have thought and thought and thought about that word. It's just a word. It doesn't have to describe a life. A life is what you make it. You can live your life alone OR you can fill your life with wonderful things! For me those wonderful things include my family. Jeeze Louise...they have stood by me and loved me through all of this (while some of them have had their own serious concerns). Another wonderful thing I have is my friends - the absolute best in the world! One dear friend is my Saturday night date. She calls me every Saturday night and we have a date on the phone. Most often, we surf the internet together deciding what we'll buy or sign up for, or telling each other what we figured out the previous week! And we laugh, usually at each other! My friends pray for me and I pray for them. We all support each other every way we can. Another wonderful thing in my life is my church, and I will be so happy to return to that community. I've missed my church and the wonderful body of believers who lift you up with their love and support.
So yes, I will be by myself, but I won't be alone. The Lord is ALWAYS with me. He keeps me grounded and focused. Whatever comes my way, He is there with me to see me through. And He will, of that I have no doubt. Trust and Obey...
My sermon for the day! Happy Sunday!
Now, that being said, it's not all been perfect. There have been plenty of ups and downs. And I survived them all. Right now my plate is very full and there is a bit of a struggle happening in my heart. As I prepare to move, TR Baker has chosen to remain here. He loves it up north and has found a lovely lady and her family, lots of new friends, and he enjoys his work. I'm so happy for him and hope and pray his life continues to bloom. He will move to Petoskey (where he works) in the next few weeks and share a home with his new family. He and I have talked about this move and what he will take with him out of the home we have shared. I have decided I am not going to move anything I will not use. I'm tired of lugging around all this baggage I have! Plus TR Baker and I have continued to "house" all the things he chose of his father's. He will take all of that and begin to build his memories in his new home. His lady will move to their new home next weekend and once she is settled there, he will begin his move. I'm excited for both of them but realize his move from this home will be difficult for me. There's such comfort in not being alone, yet that's exactly what I'll be...again.
Alone. What a word. I have thought and thought and thought about that word. It's just a word. It doesn't have to describe a life. A life is what you make it. You can live your life alone OR you can fill your life with wonderful things! For me those wonderful things include my family. Jeeze Louise...they have stood by me and loved me through all of this (while some of them have had their own serious concerns). Another wonderful thing I have is my friends - the absolute best in the world! One dear friend is my Saturday night date. She calls me every Saturday night and we have a date on the phone. Most often, we surf the internet together deciding what we'll buy or sign up for, or telling each other what we figured out the previous week! And we laugh, usually at each other! My friends pray for me and I pray for them. We all support each other every way we can. Another wonderful thing in my life is my church, and I will be so happy to return to that community. I've missed my church and the wonderful body of believers who lift you up with their love and support.
So yes, I will be by myself, but I won't be alone. The Lord is ALWAYS with me. He keeps me grounded and focused. Whatever comes my way, He is there with me to see me through. And He will, of that I have no doubt. Trust and Obey...
My sermon for the day! Happy Sunday!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Just when you thought you were doin' OK!
Soon to be four years ago, HC Baker died and my heart was broken into a million pieces. Quite honestly, I didn't think it would ever heal. Plenty of days it seems like yesterday and other days it seems like forever. I decided then, I would create an invisible shell that would surround my body to protect me from any future heartache. Then I went on about my business. I sold a couple of houses, made a significant move, sold another house, bought an old house, spent nine months renovating it, lived in it for three years and now I have sold it! Time to move again!
All during this time I hated that invisible shell. At first it became my friend because it seemed to be working. Bad things just seemed to bounce off me, or more accurately, I avoided bad things. I focused only on good things and the shell began to disappear. I found I was returning to some of my former self. I ventured out more, made new friends, saw some of the world, learned quite a few lessons, and gained a new comfort to my life. In the past year I decided to try a few new things, open myself up to a new beginning, see what else is out there. I used to be brave and wanted to be brave again. I wanted to give something...not sure what, but I just knew there were new experiences and renewed experiences waiting for me, looking for me. Thinking about it was exciting. Last fall I began to search for hidden opportunities. Nothing life-changing but within my comfort zone. I can do this now. The shell was gone. My heart said step out there, try this. You'll be safe.
Now here's where it gets interesting. You know that saying about men having two brains (not intending to offend anyone)? Well, last weekend I discovered I have two brains. I have the one in my head and the one in my heart. And I discovered they don't always blend their thoughts together. How is it my "head" brain sees so clearly and my "heart" brain wears rose-colored glasses? Or is it the reverse? Curious! After what I thought was a great deal of mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation, I had the rug pulled out from under me! Thought I was prepared, but obviously missed some very significant signals.
I've read quite a few of the "grieving" books out there and didn't finish any of them! They didn't sound like me and what I was experiencing. What I want is a rule book. How do you "play" this new life? How do you trust this new life? Where can you find this new life? I'm still new to this and did warn myself I could stumble and fall, but I had hope. Hope is a part of that "heart" brain thing.
So here's what I've decided. Right now, I have an incredibly full plate. The house has sold and will close in 30-45 days. After that, I have ten days to vacate. I have to get straight with the movers, get packed, find a new home for me and Nutty and Maggie, and get all the details of this home settled so I can make a new home and start again. I'm hoping to find the excitement in that!
And the shell is back!
All during this time I hated that invisible shell. At first it became my friend because it seemed to be working. Bad things just seemed to bounce off me, or more accurately, I avoided bad things. I focused only on good things and the shell began to disappear. I found I was returning to some of my former self. I ventured out more, made new friends, saw some of the world, learned quite a few lessons, and gained a new comfort to my life. In the past year I decided to try a few new things, open myself up to a new beginning, see what else is out there. I used to be brave and wanted to be brave again. I wanted to give something...not sure what, but I just knew there were new experiences and renewed experiences waiting for me, looking for me. Thinking about it was exciting. Last fall I began to search for hidden opportunities. Nothing life-changing but within my comfort zone. I can do this now. The shell was gone. My heart said step out there, try this. You'll be safe.
Now here's where it gets interesting. You know that saying about men having two brains (not intending to offend anyone)? Well, last weekend I discovered I have two brains. I have the one in my head and the one in my heart. And I discovered they don't always blend their thoughts together. How is it my "head" brain sees so clearly and my "heart" brain wears rose-colored glasses? Or is it the reverse? Curious! After what I thought was a great deal of mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation, I had the rug pulled out from under me! Thought I was prepared, but obviously missed some very significant signals.
I've read quite a few of the "grieving" books out there and didn't finish any of them! They didn't sound like me and what I was experiencing. What I want is a rule book. How do you "play" this new life? How do you trust this new life? Where can you find this new life? I'm still new to this and did warn myself I could stumble and fall, but I had hope. Hope is a part of that "heart" brain thing.
So here's what I've decided. Right now, I have an incredibly full plate. The house has sold and will close in 30-45 days. After that, I have ten days to vacate. I have to get straight with the movers, get packed, find a new home for me and Nutty and Maggie, and get all the details of this home settled so I can make a new home and start again. I'm hoping to find the excitement in that!
And the shell is back!
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
What can I say about...
The snow and the cold!
It just keeps coming. This morning it is -5! I have to force the dogs to go outside. Poor Maggie's arthritis keeps her cautious most of the time, but she is really struggling to walk around outside these days. Nutty's little short legs makes it quite difficult for her to find just the right spot!!! I swear I do believe these piles of snow will still be here in June! Last Friday, TR Baker and his friend Danielle headed to St Ignace (just across the Mack Bridge) to catch a plane to fly them to the island for a winter weekend of hiking. Well, the snow moved in and they could not even get across the bridge. It closed down because of the winds. This is not just any bridge, it's an interstate highway - I-75 to Canada! It was closed until 6am Saturday morning and then they were escorting cars across a few at a time. Think about it. An interstate highway closed. It's the only way in Michigan you can cross to the upper peninsula. And the airport shut down and didn't fly until Sunday! So much for that weekend! They did spend their time in Petoskey at the lovely historic Perry Hotel. They had a fine time after all!
My home being for sale!
The signs went up on the trees (snow too deep for yard signs) front and back on January 30. This evening at 6:15 I will have my first showing to a prospective buyer. The real estate office called yesterday to ask if that would be agreeable and I said of course. Sell this house!!!! I'll spend today making sure everything looks sparkling and then this evening the dogs and I will take a ride. Keep your fingers crossed!
Girlfriends!
I really have the best. And when you tell them something and ask for prayers, I KNOW they pray. And I know they support me in my decisions and are happy when I'm happy. What a blessing they are to me. I hope all of you have special friends like mine in your lives.
A very dear friend I have reconnected with after 40+ years!
A friend who drove up to see me in the worst weather possible, who was put off the interstate in blinding snow in a place he had no idea where he was, going 35 miles an hour trying to see the car in front of him, wearing his seat belt (bless him!), two hands on the steering wheel in an act of self-preservation, talking to his "on star" connection to get him further north! WOW! He made it safely and pulled into my driveway with a smile on his face. He brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. Very special...
Psalms 115:1
It just keeps coming. This morning it is -5! I have to force the dogs to go outside. Poor Maggie's arthritis keeps her cautious most of the time, but she is really struggling to walk around outside these days. Nutty's little short legs makes it quite difficult for her to find just the right spot!!! I swear I do believe these piles of snow will still be here in June! Last Friday, TR Baker and his friend Danielle headed to St Ignace (just across the Mack Bridge) to catch a plane to fly them to the island for a winter weekend of hiking. Well, the snow moved in and they could not even get across the bridge. It closed down because of the winds. This is not just any bridge, it's an interstate highway - I-75 to Canada! It was closed until 6am Saturday morning and then they were escorting cars across a few at a time. Think about it. An interstate highway closed. It's the only way in Michigan you can cross to the upper peninsula. And the airport shut down and didn't fly until Sunday! So much for that weekend! They did spend their time in Petoskey at the lovely historic Perry Hotel. They had a fine time after all!
My home being for sale!
The signs went up on the trees (snow too deep for yard signs) front and back on January 30. This evening at 6:15 I will have my first showing to a prospective buyer. The real estate office called yesterday to ask if that would be agreeable and I said of course. Sell this house!!!! I'll spend today making sure everything looks sparkling and then this evening the dogs and I will take a ride. Keep your fingers crossed!
Girlfriends!
I really have the best. And when you tell them something and ask for prayers, I KNOW they pray. And I know they support me in my decisions and are happy when I'm happy. What a blessing they are to me. I hope all of you have special friends like mine in your lives.
A very dear friend I have reconnected with after 40+ years!
A friend who drove up to see me in the worst weather possible, who was put off the interstate in blinding snow in a place he had no idea where he was, going 35 miles an hour trying to see the car in front of him, wearing his seat belt (bless him!), two hands on the steering wheel in an act of self-preservation, talking to his "on star" connection to get him further north! WOW! He made it safely and pulled into my driveway with a smile on his face. He brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. Very special...
Psalms 115:1
Sunday, February 9, 2014
February 9, 1978 - February 9, 2014
36 years...WOW! Today is TR Baker's (Harold Charles Baker, III, for those who wonder what his actual name is) birthday! I'm cooking bacon and sweet rolls for his breakfast. I remember his birthday for several reasons. Got to the hospital (Baptist East) around 8am and he was born at 11:46am. (This was before all the current methods of determining the sex had been discovered!) Since the day I was told I was pregnant, we had decided ourselves (HC Baker really!) this was a boy. After many months of discussion, we decided (HC Baker really!) his name would be Harold Charles Baker, III and he would be called TR. I wanted him to be called "Chip" as in chip off the old block, but HC Baker wanted him to be called by initials. So there you have it! The history of TR Baker's name.
Now, back to his birthday. Needless to say, this pregnancy was a surprise so I decided (no input from HC Baker allowed) I would go from delivery to surgery and get myself fixed to avoid any more surprises!!!! When TR Baker was born, HC Baker and the doctor decided to keep the sex of this child a secret to me and they hid him from me. Everyone thought it was quite funny except me. Finally when I threw a post delivery fit (and it was a good one!), they let me see him. He was so beautiful with perfect skin and blonde hair standing up all over his head. HC Baker was so happy he put a fabulous emerald and diamond ring on my finger. Quite the romantic! I was the talk of the hospital! Shortly I went from delivery to surgery.
Now here's where it gets interesting. When I began to wake up from the surgery, I was in my room and I could hear HC Baker talking to TR Baker. Not able to fully form words yet, I just listened. It was a beautiful conversation. A few moments later a nurse walked into the room to get the baby, and I heard HC Baker tell her the next time she brought the baby to him, please bring a bigger bottle because TR Baker drank all the water in that little bottle and seemed to want more so HC Baker refilled it with tap water!!!!!!! I heard the nurse say "Mr. Baker, what have you done?" and she ran out of the room. In a few moments another nurse (probably the boss nurse) came back in and asked, "Mr. Baker, explain to me what you did."
*Things to note here...
This was the first baby for HC Baker as he adopted the girls when we married.
HC Baker had no idea what to do with a baby.
HC Baker was not stupid.
HC Baker loved a really good practical joke.
HC Baker wanted to let people know they had made a grave error and needed a few
new procedures in place for first-time Dad's.
HC Baker was pleased whenever I couldn't contribute to a conversation.
Back to the story.
My brain is screaming at me to help my newborn son but my mouth still could not form words and I couldn't seem to get my eyes open. But I could raise my arm! So in the midst of this conversation, I lifted my arm in my attempt to get someone's attention. It worked. The nurse came over and asked if I was OK. I grabbed her arm and shook my head indicating I had something to say. When HC Baker realized I had heard all that was happening, he knew if he wanted to go home with this new baby and me, he'd better straighten up and fly right. So he explained to the nurse how interesting it was that when you buy a washing machine, it comes with instructions. However, they brought a brand new life, one that he was responsible for, into this room with absolutely no instructions. He assured them he was not stupid enough to give this baby all that liquid and then more out of the faucet, but he could have!!!!
He suggested they review their policies and create new ones for the safety and protection of everyone. The boss nurse said "You're right" (two of HC Baker's favorite words). The nurses left the room, HC Baker kept TR Baker with him, and from that point on, HC Baker did whatever he wanted during our stay. No questions asked.
So that's the story of TR Baker's first day of life. Not a day has gone by since that hasn't been just as interesting and exciting! There have been good days and bad days, laughter and tears, bravery and caution, and lots of learning experiences for ALL of us! And the wonderful news...it continues to this day.
Happy Birthday to my son, my heavy lifter, my yardman, my fixer, my cook, my vacuumer, the recipient this mother's love for a son. I'll always remember your special "birth" day!
xxoo
Now, back to his birthday. Needless to say, this pregnancy was a surprise so I decided (no input from HC Baker allowed) I would go from delivery to surgery and get myself fixed to avoid any more surprises!!!! When TR Baker was born, HC Baker and the doctor decided to keep the sex of this child a secret to me and they hid him from me. Everyone thought it was quite funny except me. Finally when I threw a post delivery fit (and it was a good one!), they let me see him. He was so beautiful with perfect skin and blonde hair standing up all over his head. HC Baker was so happy he put a fabulous emerald and diamond ring on my finger. Quite the romantic! I was the talk of the hospital! Shortly I went from delivery to surgery.
Now here's where it gets interesting. When I began to wake up from the surgery, I was in my room and I could hear HC Baker talking to TR Baker. Not able to fully form words yet, I just listened. It was a beautiful conversation. A few moments later a nurse walked into the room to get the baby, and I heard HC Baker tell her the next time she brought the baby to him, please bring a bigger bottle because TR Baker drank all the water in that little bottle and seemed to want more so HC Baker refilled it with tap water!!!!!!! I heard the nurse say "Mr. Baker, what have you done?" and she ran out of the room. In a few moments another nurse (probably the boss nurse) came back in and asked, "Mr. Baker, explain to me what you did."
*Things to note here...
This was the first baby for HC Baker as he adopted the girls when we married.
HC Baker had no idea what to do with a baby.
HC Baker was not stupid.
HC Baker loved a really good practical joke.
HC Baker wanted to let people know they had made a grave error and needed a few
new procedures in place for first-time Dad's.
HC Baker was pleased whenever I couldn't contribute to a conversation.
Back to the story.
My brain is screaming at me to help my newborn son but my mouth still could not form words and I couldn't seem to get my eyes open. But I could raise my arm! So in the midst of this conversation, I lifted my arm in my attempt to get someone's attention. It worked. The nurse came over and asked if I was OK. I grabbed her arm and shook my head indicating I had something to say. When HC Baker realized I had heard all that was happening, he knew if he wanted to go home with this new baby and me, he'd better straighten up and fly right. So he explained to the nurse how interesting it was that when you buy a washing machine, it comes with instructions. However, they brought a brand new life, one that he was responsible for, into this room with absolutely no instructions. He assured them he was not stupid enough to give this baby all that liquid and then more out of the faucet, but he could have!!!!
He suggested they review their policies and create new ones for the safety and protection of everyone. The boss nurse said "You're right" (two of HC Baker's favorite words). The nurses left the room, HC Baker kept TR Baker with him, and from that point on, HC Baker did whatever he wanted during our stay. No questions asked.
So that's the story of TR Baker's first day of life. Not a day has gone by since that hasn't been just as interesting and exciting! There have been good days and bad days, laughter and tears, bravery and caution, and lots of learning experiences for ALL of us! And the wonderful news...it continues to this day.
Happy Birthday to my son, my heavy lifter, my yardman, my fixer, my cook, my vacuumer, the recipient this mother's love for a son. I'll always remember your special "birth" day!
xxoo
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Excited!
1. Excited we haven't had any new snow in 4 days! In my mind I think it must be over. Son and son-in-law laughed!
2. Excited it was already up to 4 degrees at 7am this morning. That's above zero!
3. Excited Emily, Brett, Garrett and Gracie are back from Orlando safely. They had a great time but wished it had been warmer and not raining. (I reminded them it wasn't snow and 50 degrees sounds pretty good to me.)
4. Excited I got to pick up the kiddos on Tuesday after school and deliver them where they needed to be. (Emily had a meeting.) I hadn't seen them in over a week. Had to take Garrett to my favorite clothing store in Indian River, McClutchey's, owned by my friend Kathy. Garrett needed a new dress shirt for a school project presentation. He needed to wear a dress shirt, tie and sport coat. He had it all but realized the dress shirt was pretty snug. Kathy measured him and we left there with a blue, long sleeved, oxford cloth shirt size...17/35!!!!!!!!!! Tears came to my eyes. He's soon to be 16 years old! How did he get so big?
5. Excited I get to be with Gracie again this afternoon. We always laugh!
6. Excited FB set up that video option. I have LOVED seeing everyone's. Lots of smiles and a few tears.
7. Excited (I think) that on Sunday, February 9, we will celebrate TR Baker's birthday. He will be (oh my gosh, can I say this number?) 36 years old. How did that happen? And he's the baby of my children! The amazing thing about this is all of my children are about to be older than me! Now that's exciting!
8. Excited TR Baker sold his little blue car. It was a bittersweet moment for him as he bought that car brand new 10 years ago. He's on vacation next week and will buy a new one...preferably one that sits a bit higher off the ground and has 4-wheel drive.
9. Excited to have a wintertime guest in a few weeks. I don't have many wintertime visitors so this will be especially fun. With all the snow and the frozen lake, the view is stunning. Cannot wait to share it!
10. Excited I received a phone call yesterday from a friend from college. Phillip is the kind of person who will call out of the blue, and it's seems as if we just talked yesterday. He and his sister, Mary, are two wonderfully beautiful, interesting and entertaining people. I remember what fun we used to have and know we could still enjoy each other as much today.
11. Excited I can sit here with my tea and thank God for the many blessings He has provided me, thank Him for all of you, and thank Him for the wonders of nature I can see all around me. Life IS a blessing. Use it up!
Safe travels on your journeys! xxoo
Praying for CH, LE, B & R, Bill E-S who is having a heart cath tomorrow, and all our military and their families. Two dear friends lost parents this week - Doug and Lanny, praying for you and your families. Peace...
2. Excited it was already up to 4 degrees at 7am this morning. That's above zero!
3. Excited Emily, Brett, Garrett and Gracie are back from Orlando safely. They had a great time but wished it had been warmer and not raining. (I reminded them it wasn't snow and 50 degrees sounds pretty good to me.)
4. Excited I got to pick up the kiddos on Tuesday after school and deliver them where they needed to be. (Emily had a meeting.) I hadn't seen them in over a week. Had to take Garrett to my favorite clothing store in Indian River, McClutchey's, owned by my friend Kathy. Garrett needed a new dress shirt for a school project presentation. He needed to wear a dress shirt, tie and sport coat. He had it all but realized the dress shirt was pretty snug. Kathy measured him and we left there with a blue, long sleeved, oxford cloth shirt size...17/35!!!!!!!!!! Tears came to my eyes. He's soon to be 16 years old! How did he get so big?
5. Excited I get to be with Gracie again this afternoon. We always laugh!
6. Excited FB set up that video option. I have LOVED seeing everyone's. Lots of smiles and a few tears.
7. Excited (I think) that on Sunday, February 9, we will celebrate TR Baker's birthday. He will be (oh my gosh, can I say this number?) 36 years old. How did that happen? And he's the baby of my children! The amazing thing about this is all of my children are about to be older than me! Now that's exciting!
8. Excited TR Baker sold his little blue car. It was a bittersweet moment for him as he bought that car brand new 10 years ago. He's on vacation next week and will buy a new one...preferably one that sits a bit higher off the ground and has 4-wheel drive.
9. Excited to have a wintertime guest in a few weeks. I don't have many wintertime visitors so this will be especially fun. With all the snow and the frozen lake, the view is stunning. Cannot wait to share it!
10. Excited I received a phone call yesterday from a friend from college. Phillip is the kind of person who will call out of the blue, and it's seems as if we just talked yesterday. He and his sister, Mary, are two wonderfully beautiful, interesting and entertaining people. I remember what fun we used to have and know we could still enjoy each other as much today.
11. Excited I can sit here with my tea and thank God for the many blessings He has provided me, thank Him for all of you, and thank Him for the wonders of nature I can see all around me. Life IS a blessing. Use it up!
Safe travels on your journeys! xxoo
Praying for CH, LE, B & R, Bill E-S who is having a heart cath tomorrow, and all our military and their families. Two dear friends lost parents this week - Doug and Lanny, praying for you and your families. Peace...
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Remember that game we played as kids?
For my Sunday morning worship, this morning I decided to play that old game we used to play as kids. I held my Bible in the palm of my hands and let it fall open to where it wanted to go. With my eyes closed, I dropped my finger onto the page and guess where it landed?
Jeremiah 15:16
You spoke to me and I listened to every word. I belong to you, Lord God Almighty, and so your words filled my heart with joy and happiness. (Good News Bible - Today's English Version)
Now I'm taking this totally out of context, but can you believe this verse chose me at this crossroads of my life? Going back in time to June 11, 2010, I was in the darkest hours of my life. The only thing I knew to do was to pray to the Lord to help me get through this, to guide me, to stay by my side and let His footsteps be my footsteps.
About six weeks ago, for the first time in quite some time, I told the story of the night HC Baker died. I can still remember every second with extreme clarity.
The rain.
The moment I knew I had lost control of the car.
HC Baker said "oh brother, hold on", his last earthly words to me, a very prophetic statement.
The car spinning and rolling over and suddenly stopping with a huge sound as it landed on its' side
against a tree.
The silence all around me.
Calling HC Baker's name, touching his leg, and knowing he was dead.
Lots and lots of people, cars, sirens, unknown faces of those who stopped to help.
Screaming at these wonderful people to get my husband out of the car and find our dog Lady.
From the inside of someone's car, watching emergency workers try to get HC Baker out of the car.
Seeing the resignation in their body language. I remember my own gasp.
The trip to the hospital.
The call to Emily and Brett.
Emily and Brett arriving and all of us crying.
Leaving the hospital with Lady in the back of the car, dead.
The drive to Emily and Brett's home. The sun was rising.
Brett burying Lady.
I could go on and on telling you about what happened in the next week, but by now many of you were already receiving the news.
And now, here I am, approaching four years since all this happened. I've certainly done a lot since then. I wonder about it myself! But I believe I've listened to the Lord, and it's not always easy. I believe He has been by my side to guide me. I believe I have followed in His footsteps (with a few little detours now and then), and I believe I have done what He wanted me to do. There are still moments when my heart aches, but there are more moments now filled with joy and happiness. Questions? Yes, I still have them. But I've learned to listen for the very special answers He places in my heart. I hope you're listening too.
Praying this morning for...
Emily, Brett, Garrett and Gracie flying back from Orlando today
Friend of a friend, Robin who lost her husband this week
Bryan, husband of sweet Jennifer
Dear friends R and B, husband and wife both battling cancer
All those facing difficulties in their lives
All of our military and their families and
Thanking my Lord for being there for me.
I'm excited for things to come. xxoo
Jeremiah 15:16
You spoke to me and I listened to every word. I belong to you, Lord God Almighty, and so your words filled my heart with joy and happiness. (Good News Bible - Today's English Version)
Now I'm taking this totally out of context, but can you believe this verse chose me at this crossroads of my life? Going back in time to June 11, 2010, I was in the darkest hours of my life. The only thing I knew to do was to pray to the Lord to help me get through this, to guide me, to stay by my side and let His footsteps be my footsteps.
About six weeks ago, for the first time in quite some time, I told the story of the night HC Baker died. I can still remember every second with extreme clarity.
The rain.
The moment I knew I had lost control of the car.
HC Baker said "oh brother, hold on", his last earthly words to me, a very prophetic statement.
The car spinning and rolling over and suddenly stopping with a huge sound as it landed on its' side
against a tree.
The silence all around me.
Calling HC Baker's name, touching his leg, and knowing he was dead.
Lots and lots of people, cars, sirens, unknown faces of those who stopped to help.
Screaming at these wonderful people to get my husband out of the car and find our dog Lady.
From the inside of someone's car, watching emergency workers try to get HC Baker out of the car.
Seeing the resignation in their body language. I remember my own gasp.
The trip to the hospital.
The call to Emily and Brett.
Emily and Brett arriving and all of us crying.
Leaving the hospital with Lady in the back of the car, dead.
The drive to Emily and Brett's home. The sun was rising.
Brett burying Lady.
I could go on and on telling you about what happened in the next week, but by now many of you were already receiving the news.
And now, here I am, approaching four years since all this happened. I've certainly done a lot since then. I wonder about it myself! But I believe I've listened to the Lord, and it's not always easy. I believe He has been by my side to guide me. I believe I have followed in His footsteps (with a few little detours now and then), and I believe I have done what He wanted me to do. There are still moments when my heart aches, but there are more moments now filled with joy and happiness. Questions? Yes, I still have them. But I've learned to listen for the very special answers He places in my heart. I hope you're listening too.
Praying this morning for...
Emily, Brett, Garrett and Gracie flying back from Orlando today
Friend of a friend, Robin who lost her husband this week
Bryan, husband of sweet Jennifer
Dear friends R and B, husband and wife both battling cancer
All those facing difficulties in their lives
All of our military and their families and
Thanking my Lord for being there for me.
I'm excited for things to come. xxoo
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