Meanwhile back in the jungle

I have a second date with a doctor in a couple weeks to see that there are no worries in the cancer department. My emotions are all over the place. I have three boys that have no idea how fast a train wreck may be bearing down on them. I have six kids to watch graduate, to see their faces light up when they see their babies for the first time, sooo many memories to make. Please pray with me that it will be no more than a minor speed bump.

Little Bear

A long time ago, a little boy was born with deep dark eyes and hair of black. Sweet, loving, tender, he evolved from the grumpiest little boy postnap to a sincere, thoughtful, sweetheart.
As years passed, memories were built. He traveled to NorCal, Iowa and all over AR making friends and memories. He stayed busy mastering Wii skills, pitching almost perfect baseball games & outplaying Pop at horse.
Memories and miles, love and tears...June 26th, he lost his biggest fan to cancer, his Pop. He was brave as silent tears flowed unchecked.
He stood tall as he held my hand at Pop's funeral, silent, with a hand on Nana as Taps was played and the flag was presented.
He started tenth grade in August, his big brother became a senior. His six foot frame gracefully maneuvered it's way through hours of basketball practice. As he took the court last night, I held back bittersweet tears. Poignant, proud, heart wrenching memories flooded my mind as I couldn't help but look for Pop holding our seat as usual.
Today, my six foot teen passed his written driving test. As he finished, he turned to flash me a huge smile letting me know that he'd aced it. I gave thanks once again for everything God gave me in a package of Trevor.

Giving thanks

I went to sleep two nights ago in prayer.

I woke up this morning giving thanks.

Each day, I am thankful for the chance to tell Larry & our six pack how much I love them.

I am thankful that my family, (biological and friend related) are able to take a breathe deeply, are able to run like the wind, are able to laugh deep and love hard.

I am thankful that I am more aware of the love and sunshine, the goodness in the world. 

Tonight I give thanks that Larry and I daily create a family, working together towards our dreams, step by step raising our children.


I am thankful for forty years with my dad, forty and still going strong with my mom, thirty-four years with the little seester.


May we grow healthy, may we cultivate time, devotion, dreams, laughter and love. May we see the beauty of each moment, each hug, kiss, touch...each look in the eyes of love.

May we gently, tenderly hand it to our children, our friends, our families, our world.