I truly do love our little baby ducks, and goslings in our pond.
I also appreciate my hubby who, with my sons, helped orchestrate a surprise visit this weekend from my own babies. Good company. Inspiring music. Lots of laughter. Making memories. 
Happy Day! Be Nice to People!
Mother’s Day is one of memories and gratitude, smiles and gifts. I recall as a child going to church and trying to understand the symbolism behind each color of corsage worn. I remember feeling sad for those whose moms were no longer living.
Fast forward to my mid-twenties. While I celebrated my own mother…the last place I wanted to be was in a church that was all about Mother’s Day. A gift for the youngest mom, the oldest mom, the one with the most children…..and then ~all mothers called to the front. I would be left in the pew feeling that everyone was staring at me while I tried to hold back the tears. I longed for our baby in my arms.
Be mindful on this special day. There are many who have lost their precious children, others whose hearts ache to have a child, children who never knew a true mother, and many who’s mothers are no longer on this earth. Broken relationships. Tough love. It is a day to cherish. But is can also be a mournful day.
Two young women who are very special in my life….continue to pray to be blessed with a child. My heart hurts for them. But I find comfort in knowing that every evening, they are each held in the loving arms of their husbands. The very young men that I dreamed of someday holding…….now hold them.
For this child I prayed….1 Samuel 1:27
“Maters”…..an Oklahoma term for homegrown “tomatoes”. Moving on….. 🙂
I promised my mom a couple of weeks ago that I would post the tomato method that we are experimenting with this year. So now that everyone in Oklahoma has already planted their maters…..here is the link to planting tomatoes that hopefully will prove to be a little more care free AND produce an over abundance! Tomatoes and Their Need For Water
Hubby tested the process at our house first, then we made a trip to my folks ~ and he did it again! now an expert
If you are truly interested, just click on the above link for an outstanding tutorial. In a nutshell…..drill holes in the bottom of your bucket AND another line of holes all the way around it, about 10 inches from the bottom. Dig a hole deep enough to somewhat bury the container, then fill it with compost. Circle your tomatoes and mulch. Fill the bucket with water every two days. This will supply your plants with the nutrients through the compost and moisture they need. through the drilled holes By the way…..the race is on between hubby and daddy to see who produces the first red tomato. As of yesterday, hubby had a few tiny green ones….somehow I suspect there will be many a fish story told this summer. Stay tuned….. and happy gardening! 🙂
Our two sweet little pound puppies turned eight years old today. It’s their assumed birthday…but they don’t question it, nor do they seem to mind. We began the tradition of egg hunt after their first year. It seems to be their favorite game of all times. The race is against each other to pop open the next egg. Of course the treat is devoured on the spot….so no basket is necessary! Happy Birthday Sugar and Baby. 
Adopt A Pet. Change their life and yours.
This would be why I try to take my camera with me everywhere I go…..rare ~ sweet moments. Have a great one, friends!
This week hubby and I are relaxing and goofing……but I wanted to pop on today and throw out a request. A challenge. A Be Nice to People ~ Pay it Forward kinda celebration.
This is my birthday week and I am feeling quite blessed at an opportunity for another number. Even if it is larger 🙂 My suggestion is pretty simple. Please consider joining me in my celebration by doing something extra special for someone else. Drop off groceries with a local food bank or a family/neighbor in need, if you are able. Help someone with lawn work, share flowers, pick up trash, volunteer at a pet shelter…. Spend time with someone who is home bound. Speak an encouraging word. Write a letter of gratitude. Life is a gift. Give.
Soooooo ~ please Celebrate with me AND, if you like, share your experience here in the comments. Individuals can join together and make a huge difference….all across the world. Happy Birthday to me soon…..Happy Birthday to you, everyday.
Much Love ~ Paula ♥
Remembering 4-19-1995 ~like it was yesterday ♥
The Survivor Tree~ a 90-year-old American Elm that was witness to the violence of April 19. “The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated; our deeply rooted faith sustains us.”
May we never forget ♥
John 3:16 For God So Loved the World ~
Found in the Moore tornado debris.
Good Friday. I never really understood why it was called good. I’ve read the account repeatedly. I could understand Easter being called “Good Sunday”. But Friday was a horrific day for Jesus. For those that loved Him. For His mama.
When I ponder on the heartache I have held for my own children, I cannot begin to imagine Mary’s. Illness. Struggles. Disappointment. Mistakes. A mama wants to fix these things for her children, no matter their age. The hardest place is when you come to the realization that you have no power to change a circumstance. Were the many prayers sent up for this child all in vain?
And then I reflect upon Mary. She had no power. No prayer left. Her heart exposed. I cannot help but wonder, when her eyes met His eyes that day ~did she know? Did she know through the tears, the blood, and His broken body, that He was to save the world? Did that tiny speck of hope still lie somewhere deep within her aching soul?
She was a mama. Mama’s always have hope for their babies. And somehow, I think she knew….
Sunday was on its way. ♥
(In reflecting on Good Friday, I was taken back to this post of a couple of years ago. When I relate my feelings for my own children to even a smidge of what Mary might have gone through…..it brings it home….it makes it real. I needed to make it real. ♥)
Springtime is making a real attempt to be sPrUnG around here. The birds are once again trying to build a nest in our outdoor grill, while green is slowing creeping through the smushed grass. Blossoms are popping open in every direction, and the clouds have had some amazing formations lately, as cold fronts battle warm. Spring brings hope. New life. Changes~
I have looked into your eyes with my eyes. I have put my heart near your heart ~ Pope John XXIII
stuff i tell my sister 