Let's Talk About LIfe

 Happy Friday even though the temps today are going to be raging! 

Let's talk about Life today!!  We've got facebook, instagram and all other kinds of social media that seems to have taken over our lives. But what I am more interested in is REAL LIFE!  The kind where I burn my toast, I stump my toe on the corner of the table, life where my sacred kitchen drawer is now overflowing.....where I lose my keys in the bottom of my suitcase!!  (This really happened)

The truth around here is, every little thing, even that drawer being stuffed full, is part of the grand recipe for a happy life. 

Although I throughly enjoyed our vacation, I know that my daily life is where I can find the small, unassuming details of happiness...

I visited my neighbor yesterday and we chatted for a good bit..... this equals happiness!

I received a short text yesterday from a friend that simply said..."Checking on y'all."  This too equals happiness.

I had a good laugh yesterday when I literally changed from pants to shorts....in the parking lot at the mall.  I really did!!  I had an appointment and it was one where I needed to be dressed up a bit.  But afterwards, I needed to run some errands....it was way too hot to have on pants, so I changed into the shorts I had carried with me.  

I thought I was going to throw up when I stopped at a favorite restaurant to pick up some chicken salad for Sam and I.  Just so happens that I had to walk past a manhole to get to the restaurant.  You would not believe had bad it smelled... On my way back to my car, I held my breath until I got past the manhole.  I tried to laugh as I was holding my breath...  lol, didn't work out to well.  

Even the frustrating things in life, play a big part in our daily living. These things teach us patience, grace, and they teach us to recognize that things do not always go as planned.  Some things often teach me that I always end up with sore teeth when I grit my teeth when frustrated.  

I don't know about the rest of you, but for me.....I have so many more days that are filled with sweet roses than days filled with nasty weeds.  Life is layered isn't it??  

My mother always told me that a good pot of stew needs to be layered.  You have to add some sweet carrots but you also have to add some savory ingredients as well.  The mix of ingredients is what makes the stew so delicious.   Same for life!!  We must never underestimate the little things.....the good, the bad, and all of the things that makes for a happy, well balanced life.  

                      Balancing Life

Just another day when my mind thinks deep! lol

Shug....

Two Months and Counting.

 In just two short months, our youngest grandson Trey and his beautiful finacee Savannah will be tying the knot.  It seems like yesterday they were announcing their engagement, and now the big day is almost here. 

I honestly can't remember if I've shared this update or not....(imagine that)....but their journey to the altar has hit a few unexpected bumps.  The venue they had carefully chosen and fully paid for, recently contacted them with the news that no couple wants to hear: the business has gone under, and they will no longer be able to host the wedding.  As of today, no refund has been issued.  To say this has been stressful would be an understatement.  Wedding Venues are not cheap!!  This in itself might be an UNDERSTATEMENT!!  I just wonder how many other couples who booked this popular venue are having the same issue...with no return on their money?

To make matters more complicated, most other venues in the area are completely booked for their wedding date.  And yes, the invitations have already gone out.....with the original date and the now cancelled venue, printed in lovely script on them.  Talk about a curveball!!

But...here's the thing.  I truly believe this will still work out beautifully.  Somewhere, somehow, the right spot will open for them. Maybe it wont' look like the original plan, but it will be special, sacred, and filled with love. 

It amazes me how weddings rarely take place in churhes anymore.  I know I'm a bit old-fashioned, but there's something so meaningful and peaceful about exchanging vows in God's house.  Just something to think about, right?

At the end of the day, it's not about the chandeliers or the view.  It's about two hearts, standing side by side, beginning their forever. 

I have no doubt that Trey and Savannah's wedding ..... wherever it's held ...... will be filled with the kind of love that shines even brighter when tested.  

Two months and counting, y'all......it will be here before we turn around.  This young couple already has a STORY don't they?  

"Sometimes the detour leads to the most meaningful destination. Love doesn't need a perfect venue....just two hearts ready to say "I do."

Shug.   💛

Photo Post...

Thinking today that I will just do this photo post.  More of Colorado...Many of you have probably already seen these places, but I wanted to make sure I had them on my blog before I have a book printed.  

 

 

The cobble Column.

Thought this was so neat.

You can read about it here.....→→→→

The flower baskets hanging all around town were absolutely gorgeous...

We hiked to see the Troll....

"Isak Heartstone"

I posted about this when our kiddos visited him a couple months ago.   

I did walk across the rocks in the stream...with Trista's help...  

My feet in the freezing cold water.   Oh my...it was so cold, but after a few minutes, it felt so refreshing...

I was standing high up on the Royal Gorge bridge.....I zoomed in on the rafters floating down the river.... 

Another Birthday celebration for Trista...Her grandkids were so happy to surprise her with this birthday cookie...It was so good....

Love this photo of Pop-c (sam) and Tyler at the Garden of the Gods.  

Our oldest grandson and youngest granddaughter climbing the rocks!!

Not a video....

I learned how to play "Pickle Ball!"

My favorite thing of all.....

Seeing my kiddos just hanging out...

They were watching a video on Shanda's phone of some funny days when they were kids...

I took close to 200 pictures of this wonderful trip.  I love being able to look back at all the memories we made...

Happy Wednesday Friends...

shug....

Well Friends....We are Home

 We are back....and oh, how I have missed you all.  

               The Denver Airport Tram

Our trip to Colorado was just what we needed. The air was fresh and crisp, the views were absolutely breathtaking, the places we stayed at were so very nice, and the best part....Sam nor I had to drive a single mile.  

Our sweet daughters took the wheel and Sam, Mylee Jo, and I kicked back in the back seats of the Suburban.......lots of laughter went on back there.  Most of the laughter was due to the antics from Mylee.  This girl kept us rolling.  

The beauty we saw was nothing short of stunning. From the towering red rocks of the Garden of the Gods to the majestic views riding the Cog Train up to the top of Pikes Peak. Riding the Cog Railway to the top of the mountain was something we all enjoyed.  We did use a can of oxygen while we were on top of the mountain, but this did not stop us from enjoying the warm and most amazing cinnamon donuts from the shop at the top. 

While we were in Breckenridge, the five of us rode a ski lift....a first for Sam and I.  There may have been a lot squealing involved, but not all of it came from me.  This was such a fun thing to do and if we had had the time, I would have ridden the lift up and down, over and over again....It was that fun!!

The food? Oh my.  Let's just say we did not go hungry.  We found some fantastic restaurants and made sure to sample a little bit of everything.  In Breckenridge, we also went down to the river.  I LOVED putting my feet in the COLD water as it rushed past the rocks.  I even crossed a big stream by walking across the rocks.  

There is so much that I want to talk about and I have so many great pictures to show you.  I think I'll stop here for today and make this a two day post.  My post for tomorrow will include the Troll we visited, Playing some Pickle Ball, Our kiddos new home, The Birthday Cookie, Me losing our car keys, Our shopping adventures, Our trip to Royal Gorge, and lots of photos.  

Stay tuned for part two. 

Shug.....