Wildflowers...My Inspiration

"Lacey"

2010-03-31T20:41:00.000-07:00

I have been blessed with 5 grandchildren..3 grandsons, 2 granddaughters. This is my oldest granddaughter, Lacey. She recently turned 17 and I think she's beautiful. I haven't seen her in a long time and miss her a lot.

2010-03-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

"Bubbles, Bubbles, everywhere..."

2010-03-18T07:20:00.001-07:00

It's amazing what a small bottle of bubble soap and a beautiful afternoon can do for a "curious" little gal. Ziola just didn't know what to think.

"Hey...what's that?"

"Oh my, bubbles everywhere..."

"I think I can make one..."

"Come back...."

"When Irish Eyes Are Smiling...."

2010-03-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

...the Whole World Smiles With You"

Wishing you a Very Happy St. Patrick's Day from one Irish gal to others

"Miss Z...Nana's Little Princess"

2010-02-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

I love this little girl with all my heart....

"Miss Z"

2010-01-25T15:04:00.000-08:00

Ziola is the love of my life... At 18 months, she has already developed a love for animals. Her PawPaw gave her a stuffed duck and she cradles that duck and feeds it crackers...She is such a gentle, sweet child and this picture reflects just that. Just had to share...

2009-12-31T07:17:00.000-08:00

"Christmas With Miss Z"

2009-12-27T06:28:00.001-08:00

This makes Christmas memories for me.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS"

2009-12-08T11:47:00.000-08:00

2009-12-08T11:22:00.000-08:00

This fun activity was suggested by one of my Sugarpie Sistas'. Enjoy!

About the TREE....
1.When do you put up the Christmas tree? The weekend after Thanksgiving
2. Real or fake? Fake...too many decorations for real
3. Lights? What color? Clear
4. Garland? Yes, over the entertainment center
5. Theme or no theme? No theme...Old fashioned looking tree.
6. What kind of topper? Star, been on every tree for 36 years.
7. What's your favorite ornament? Pistol Pete.. Alma Mater Mascot
8. What does your tree skirt look like? Quilted with Christmas icons.
9. Where do you put your tree? Front window so it can be seen from outside.
10. Who decorates the tree? Both hubby and I
11.What's "under" the tree? Right now...nothing.
12. Do you put candy canes on your tree? Sometimes..if grandchildren will be around.

About the FOODS....
1. What's your favorite Christmas cookie? Two... Macroons, and Chocolate Snaps
2. Do you bake cookies and give them away? Absolutely... another Christmas Tradition.
3. Any "special" foods or candy that you only have at Christmas time? Millionaires and Daddy's Peanut Brittle
4. What do you eat Christmas EVE? Hubby's family spends Christmas Eve together.. Everyone brings something...no set plan.
5. What do you eat on Christmas day? Some light...It's usually just hubby and I.
6. Do you like Eggnog? LOVE eggnog, especially Braum's
7. Do you like candy canes? Yes.. Bob's Soft Peppermint Sticks

Decorations:
1. Where do you hang your stockings? By the fireplace
2. Do you put lights on your house? Use to, not anymore
3. Got any outside lawn decorations? Yes, two large wreaths around outside garage lights. Clear lights intermingled with grapevine around door...
4. Do you put up a nativity (crèche)? YES... Have four up right now and could have more.
5. Do you hang mistletoe over the door? No
6. Got a wreath on your front door? Yes, Pinecone wreath
7. How long does it take you to decorate? If you squeeze the time together.. 8 hours

About the movies/show
1 Favorite Children's Xmas TV show/cartoon? Polar Express
2. Wonderful Life/Miracle on 34th St/A ChristmasCarol (Scrooge). Miracle on 34th.
3. Favorite Christmas movie? The Homecoming.
4. Have you ever seen the Nutcracker Suite Ballet live? Yes, long time ago.
5. Ever been to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas show? No, but would love to.
6. Ever gone to the movies on Xmas Day? Yes

Other Christmas things....
1. Favorite Christmas book or story?
2. Do you stuff your stockings with any types of food? For the fur kids? Clementines, chocolate covered cherries, special Christmas novelties
3. Do you go to church on Christmas or Christmas Eve? Yes, Twice...early for the drama and midnight candle service..very meaningful.
4. Have you ever gone Caroling? Long time ago when I was younger
5. Favorite Christmas Carol? "I'll Be Home For Christmas"
6. Do you believe in Santa? Absolutely!!!
7. Do you leave Santa cookies? Yes..
8. What about Rudolph. If we remember
9. What was your best Christmas gift? A trip to Disneyland
10. What was the worst/most odd gift? a Mexican sucker that looked like it was covered with dirt. It wasn't a trick, the young bi-lingual gal was serious.
11. Do you go to a "work" Christmas party? Use to, not anymore
12. Do you hate going? N/A
13. Do you send Christmas cards? Yes, but the list is shrinking. I find it funny that people who are suppose to be important in our lives can't spend 44 cents to return the favor... I'll spend my 44 cents elsewhere.
14. Do you make a "list"? For Santa? No
15. Do you check it twice? & thrice & etc. I repeat it twice, thrice, but they don't always remember.
16.When do you start shopping? When I see something someone might like
17.Do you shop on Black Friday? Nope, Na-da, Nix Never....
20. ARE YOU READY FOR CHRISTMAS? LOL LOL LOL Are you kidding?

2009-12-08T10:48:00.001-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING...BLESSINGS TO ALL

2009-11-16T10:29:00.000-08:00

"Ooooh Are You Scared Yet?"

2009-11-14T08:56:00.001-08:00

This was Ziola's second Halloween. She went as "Coraline" and made a pretty good one. Isn't this the cutest picture?.... Of course, we're alitte biased.

"Most Precious Little Girl....Sweet Pea"

2009-10-21T15:24:00.001-07:00

How would you like to see THE most precious little girl? Well, here she is....

This is Ziola Pepper Rain Pennington...our 16 month old granddaughter.

She's growing so fast and getting cuter by the minute....

We are truly bless by this little angel.... Love you Sweet Pea!!!

"My Daddy's Love"

2009-10-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

My beautiful daughter surprised me with the most wonderful "birthday weekend". Part of her flying in from Texas to surprise me was a surprise "tea party" that she had for me. At the end of the evening, she stood up and share one more gift... a beautiful wooden box. Inside was my Daddy's Bible that I thought I had lost a long time ago. My ex had it and gave it to my daughter last January. She kept it and gave it to me on my 60th birthday.... included was this poem....

Daddy, take my hand in yours,
and you will plainly see.
How very much I need you now
to love and care for me.
As my little hand grows,
I will need you even more.
Everything I do in life,
I have never done before.
Teach me to be kind, loving
sharing and forgiving,
Show me through your acts of
love the pure joy of living.
The years will pass by quickly
And one day I will be grown.
I will pass what you have taught me,
Onto children of my own.
Hold me always in your thoughts,
And remember when we are apart.
The special love between a child
and a daddy's heart...

Wow...where's the tissues?

"SugarPie Sistas' Fall Swap"

2009-10-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

I view the most fantastic blog everyday...SugarPie Farmhouse. We sistas' decided to have a "Fall Swap". It was totally voluntary. I chose to participate and was paired up with "Dayle" from Florida. This weekend, I received my "package". OH MY!!! There was some of the most wonderful decorations, candles, recipe book, and decorations. I've included a few pictures of my "goodies".

Thank you Dayle... I love each and everyone of my treats!!!!!

P.S. I MUST get some more of those candle tarts...they smell WONDERFUL!!!

"Meet Drake Jordan Pennington

2009-09-28T11:43:00.000-07:00

Drake Jordan Pennington is the newest addtion to our family. He was born September 10, 2009 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His father, Tyler Jordan Pennington, is our oldest grandchild so this makes Drake our first Great-Grandchild. Carrying on a family tradition, Drake is the sixth generation to be named "Jordan" as a middle name. Everyone is doing fine... and we can't wait to see him.

"20 Little Things to Treasure in Autumn"

2009-09-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

Quiet dinners by the fire
Reading mystery novels in darkened rooms
Flannel sheets at the end of a long day
Candles Flickering
Smelling cinnamon, oranges & cloves
Pumpkins
Roasts, Potatoes & Carrots
Fluffy feather beds on a cold night
Watching movies snuggled in soft blankets
Cozy socks
Pie in the oven
Warm crackling wood stoves
Squash with buttered brown sugar
Chili and corn bread smothered in honey
Wind blowing through leaves
Glow of lamps through windows
Laughter filling a room
Scrabble and popcorn
Caramel apples
Family

Fall is knocking around the corner. I am so looking forward to the season. I wanted to include this to let you know, I'm still around. We had a wonderful vacation in Yellowstone and we're still savoring the experience. There will be pictures and stories to come.

"Brooks & Dunn"

2009-08-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

I am so bummed out today. I was surfing around on the internet last night and came across a disturbing, at least for me, story about one of my favorite country duos... Brooks & Dunn. After 20 years of singing together, they've decided to call it quits. The story said that they both agreed that it "was time". Secretly, I felt that this day would come soon with the popularity of another duo, Sugarland. I'm SO upset!!! Kix Brooks loves to write and has been heard announcing on the radio. Ronnie Dunn has a style about him, with a rich sultry voice. He often did duos with Reba, another Okie like Ronnie.

One of their songs, "Red Dirt Road" reminds me of my roots... the red dirt of Oklahoma I have nearly every one of their albums and love their style. I'm hoping that this won't be the end. If it is... we've lost a legend.

"Sugar Pie Sista"

2009-08-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

I have the most thoughtful "secret sista". I received this in the mail and wanted to share. It was so thoughtful of her to remember me. Sometimes "words" are so powerful and these certainly are. Thanks a bunch...can't wait to find out who you are.

"Vintage Aprons"

2009-08-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

My mother was a collector of aprons. She wore one when she was cooking and others when she was entertaining.
I was looking at another blog..."Apronista.com" and she's hosting an "apronfest" this week. This got me to thinking about all the aprons I have that were my mother's. I decided to get them out, go relive my memories and then to post some pictures. These aren't the best pictures but I think you'll get the idea. There's a couple where I added a close up of some detail...

There is one more apron that I wanted to share. This is my very first sewing attempt. I had to make an apron in Home Economics. Money was really tight at the time so mother dug out an old mill sack, ripped it open and that is what I used. This apron is 48 years old... I hope you enjoyed looking at these as much as I do. It's part of my heritage...a memory I love to dwell on.

Blessings,

"Ocean Thunder"

2009-07-31T09:12:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful surprise. Ocean, my grandson from Oklahoma, has been on a month long Alaskan vacation with his mother. They were headed home and drove through where I live 'cause Ocean "wanted to see Nana". I certainly wanted to see him.We've always been close and in the short time he was here, we did the things he wanted to do... we stayed up late and ate chocolate ice cream, watched movies and ate pop corn...laughed, teased played jokes on Paw Paw... just generally had a lot of fun.
Ocean is "big brother" to Ziola. They don't live together and it had been a while since he had seen her. We went over and spent some time with Ziola. At first, she was a little leery but soon warmed up to him as the pictures show. Sadly, we won't see him again until December or January...it's hard but we'll get through. I was bummed when he left, but know he needs to get back into his routine since school will start soon for him.

One more thing. Ocean has a very unique name. His first and middle names are "Ocean Thunder". Ocean, because of his parents love of the ocean and Thunder because he was born in a bad thunderstorm. At first it was hard to get use to, but now, he wouldn't be himself if he had been named anything different.

"Time With Nana and Paw Paw"

2009-07-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we had "Sweet Pea" for Sunday afternoon. Even though her birthday was a few weeks ago, we wanted to have her "official" picture made in a little purple dress that Paw Paw picked out especially for her. We quickly changed her into the dress and took her down for the pics to be made. Of course, we couldn't let that happen without taking a few here at the house first. Isn't she a "Sweet Pea"? After the picture taking session, we went to the opening of our new Target store in the neighborhood. "Z" enjoyed the ride but had to tell Paw Paw to "slow down" a few times. There was a few times that the road got a little bumpy and Sweet Pea had to really put on the brakes. She'd look over towards me as to be saying "what's happening?" All in all, we had a very fun day before we had to take her home. Can't wait to see the "real" pictures when they arrive.

MONDAY MORNING:
I got all excited when I went to the mailbox... I had another package from my Sugar Pie Secret Sista...I could hardly wait to get into the house to open it. And mercy... what a nice surprise. She sent me a daily devotional book titled "Simply Refreshing" by Ellen Banks Elwell. The neatest thing was that I had just finished reading another devotional book and had gone shopping for a new one this weekend. My store had gone out of business, so I decide to wait. There was a reason and it's because the Lord knew this was in the mail. Isn't it wonderful how the Lord works in mysterious ways? She included the sweetest personal note. I sure hope I get to meet her one day and that we remain friends beyond the blog we chat on. I have a picture of my new treasures....

Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday as I'm having...

Blessings,

Best Hamburger Joint...

2009-07-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not...this is one of my favorite places to get a "good" hamburger. All the home people know about "Meers Burgers". This place is in the middle of nowhere yet people from all over the state and elsewhere, travel to indulge in this terrific sandwich. I know that it looks like a "dump" but it's not.

The burgers are served in pie pans because the meat patty is so large that it hangs out the edges of the bun. Comes with fries and all the trimmings.

Afterwards, you finish your meal with a slice of homemade pie..Ummmmmmmm yum. Wish I were close to Meers right now. Just another reason I miss "home".

"Chicken Buc Buc"

2009-07-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite blogs is "Sugar Pie Farmhouse". Aunt Ruthie has some of the neatest ideas. One is a hen sitting in a pail of straw with baby chicks emerging from beneath. I love that idea, and since we use to have some hens, I decided to go on a quest of finding my own hen. Well... I think I have. She looks just like a hen we had named "Checkers". I have the perfect crock to set her in...I just need to find some baby chicks. I also wanted to share the cutest dish towel that I received from my "Secret Sista". On this same blog, we have secret sistas that we send cards, gifts or whatever to. We got started alittle late but that's okay. We'll carry this through until our reveal in December. It's so much fun. Should my secret sista read this... "THANK YOU" so much for a darling towel. It fits into my theme so well.

2009-07-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

Ziola Pepper Rain didn't even know that it wasn't really her birthday...which was July 7th. We celebrated yesterday, July 11th. The day was fit for a Queen, but she's Nana and Paw Paw's Princess. She has the crown to prove it. No party would be complete without balloons and Paw Paw and Sweet Pea made sure of that. And naturally there HAS to be a cake. Isn't it pretty? It's good too. Just look at that precious face.

She got a lot of gifts and her favorite was a puppy that sang and spoke and barked. She quickly fell in love with it as the picture reveals.
All in all it was a wonderful FIRST Birthday party. What you can't see is that she's taken two steps on her own...has two teeth...and her hair is turning blond. Here's a few more pictures to end the day.
We had a wonderful day... Can't wait until next year's celebration...Love you "SWEET PEA"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY "SWEET PEA"

2009-07-07T13:12:00.000-07:00

Today is our little "sweet pea" 1st Birthday. She came into this world smiling and hasn't quit. We don't see her as often as we'd like but she's still a cutie. Nana and Paw Paw love you bunches...

2009-07-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

Check out this cute blog... "The Life and Times of June Cleaver". She is having an "apron giveaway" this week. Click on the button on the sidebar and follow the instructions by leaving a comment, etc. Ooooohhhh I hope I win one of the aprons.

2009-07-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

For me, the 4th of July has another meaning. It's the day my Daddy went home to be with the Lord. It's been 30 years and there's not a day I don't think of him. It hurt so much to lose him when I did. Now,I only think of it as the day he truly gained his "Independence". Every daughter should be as lucky as I was to have the kind of father he was. He put everyone else first and never complained about anything....was the perfect example of how a parent should raise a child. I never heard any inappropriate language come from his mouth, he never talked about anyone else and dearly loved not only my brother and I, but cherished our Mother. Here's a cute analogy of our Fathers...the author is anonymous

4 years: My Daddy can do anything!
7 years: My Dad knows a lot…a whole lot.
8 years: My father does not know quite everything.
12 years: Oh well, naturally Father does not know that either.
14 years: Oh, Father? He is hopelessly old-fashioned.
21 years: Oh, that man-he is out of date!
25 years: He knows a little bit about it, but not much.
30 years: I must find out what Dad thinks about it.
35 years: Before we decide, we will get Dad's idea first.
50 years: What would Dad have thought about that?
60 years: My Dad knew literally everything!
65 years: I wish I could talk it over with Dad once more.

I don't worry about him only mourn my loss...He's walking with The Master...how could anyone complain about that.... Love you Daddy, always will.

* Thank you Ellynanne from Apron Memories for finding this keeper.

2009-07-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY !!!

The holiday is upon us and we're all busy with plans. Some will have big family gatherings, others will celebrate on a much smaller scale and there are some where the day will go unnoticed.

Fourth of July is so important to American History... it's the day we got our Independence and became a nation of our own. There's been tough times throughout history. We've gone to war many time to defend our rights and privledges

And of course, no holiday would be complete without FIREWORKS!!!
We won't be firing off any fireworks but will enjoy those "light" shows done throughout the valley. None will never compare to those from our time in Tuttle, Oklahoma. For that to be such a small town, they put on one fantastic display. I truly think its the best I've ever seen and I've seen the one in Washington D.C. and Las Vegas.
Regardless of how the holiday will be spent, I know a few things. I'm so proud to be an American. There's not a day that goes by that I don't thank the Lord for allowing me to live in a country that's free. I praise the thousands of military servicemen that have gone and fought for my freedoms, especially those that gave their lives. I had a great grandfather that fought in the Civil War...a grandfather that fought in World War I...and uncle that lost his life in World War II and a brother that spent 26 months of his life in Viet Nam... I truly have a family history of heros.

Have a blessed and safe holiday and remember... America First!!

Grape Harvest

2009-06-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

When we moved to our home seven years ago, one of the requests I made was that I wanted my backyard as "lush" as possible....like an oasis in the hot desert. We got busy planning how we wanted the yard to look...Having a grape vine meant a lot to both my husband and myself. I can remember as a young girl, spending "hours" under the vine making my famous "mud pies"...."Only use the grapes on the ground" my dad would tell me. My husbands paternal side immigranted from Italy so you can figure how important "grapes" would be for him....
The first few years after planting, we got mostly foliage. There were a few grapes but the birds always beat us to them. Each year there after we got more and more fruit.
Now in the present...the economy is in havoc and many are returning to simplier ways. More and more are putting in gardens or doing container gardening. I've always known that the Lord would take care of us and He's proven his promise this year.
We noticed early that a lot of grapes had formed. We watched everyday, determined that the "birdies" wouldn't get them this year. We were prepared to take desperate measures if need be.... A week ago, we harvested a large mixing bowl full of the "fruit of the vine"... then this past weekend, we hit "pay dirt"... We got up early, to beat the heat, and harvested about 25 pounds of grapes!!! Mercy...now it's time to do more canning...Isn't it wonderful how we are blessed each day by the promises of God?

*Pictures are a sampling of our harvest... isn't it spectacular???

2009-06-26T08:30:00.001-07:00

In Memory of Michael Jackson

This has been a "hard hitting" week in the entertainment world..First the passing of Ed McMahon, then Farrah Fawcett and finally Michael Jackson.
I can remember where I first heard "The Jackson Five". It was in 1969, I had came home from class in Stillwater and I heard them sing "ABC". I remember thinking, "boy, they're good". Little did I know that was to be the beginning of a 40 year career, ending so tragically. Michael had gone through so much...highs and lows...and he was working on a "comeback" to begin in London in about a month.
This just goes to show you that in EVERYTHING... God is in control. May he rest in peace...he will always be remembered.

"Little Chef" Vintage Oven

2009-06-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

All of us girls can remember playing "house" and making delicious meals with our imaginations and our toy stoves. I didn't have one, but always wanted one. My speciality was "mud pies" made under the grapevine, using the warmth of the sun as my "oven" and adding grapes as an ingredient.

Well...one of my favorite blogs that I love to visit is "Sugar Pie Farmhouse". Aunt Ruthie has the most wonderful spirit and it's obvious that she loves the Lord. She also has the most darling home, which she spends so much time and love into making it a special place for her family. One of her accents in her kitchen is a little oven...I noticed it the very first time I saw it. I've been in pursuit of one ever since. I finally found one and it's on it's way to my home... I can't wait.

Right now, I've got my eye on some utensils that go with this little oven. I hope I am able to get those too.

I decided to try to find some history of this "find" and came across a Little Golden Book that was not written to go with the oven but has little recipes that can go with the oven. If I can find one of these, I'm hooking it too.

I know this all sounds silly but it's fun to re-live some of our past childhood memories. Those are days that are long past and sometimes can't be recaptured.

Blessings,

Our Secret Garden

2009-06-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

One of the conditions on moving was that I wanted a green "lush" garden....something to remind me of home. We've been working on creating just that.

We tried many different plants and shrubs and found that roses grow well here in the heat. We have many different roses, some going down the side of our home...most are in the backyard garden.

All gardens need a "garden gate". Upon entering our garden, we have a beautiful mandavilla vine called "Stars and Stripes". Hopefully within time, it will grow and cross over the arch above the gate.

As you look past the patio area, you'll see a gravel path leading to our solitude bench under the grapevine. Nearby, we have an old Franklin wood burning stove with a wine barrel sitting on top. The reason for that is we have a "puppy" that likes to get on top of the stove and peek over the wall into the neighbors yard....Hunter is a real character.

Moving a little to the East is another view of our solitude bench, nestled in the grapes. Nearby, on the wall, is a collection of whimsical birdhouses. Some birds use them, most just stop to look.

Even though our yard is not very big, we've tried to make it as "lush" as possible. One of the things we did was to use a Chaste bush and trained it to be a tree. Every Summer, we get the most beautiful purple sprigs of flower for a couple of weeks and then it provides much needed shade.

One thing for sure is that the heat will zap all the moisture out of everything. On a trip to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, we picked up two rockers made by the Amish. Every summer they have to be repainted or they become "kindling" waiting to happen. This season, we've painted one, Cherry Red, and are waiting for a calm day to paint the other Forest Green. We love to have splashes of color throughout the garden.

As you can see, our garden is a "work in progress".... we still have another patio to build (as you can tell by the pallets of stone). Hunter has worn patches in the grass that need to be replaced...all of this takes time and "elbow grease". Yes, I would love to be home in Oklahoma but for now, this is our "getaway" from the hustle and bustle of a hot, fast city. ... More to come.

Soda Pop Box

2009-06-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

On a recent visit to our local grocery store, we discovered a rustic looking soda pop box. We both examined it and without saying a word, we both thought, "we can make that and make it even better." The price tag on the box was $129. WHEW... that's a lot of money for a poorly made box.

Well.... we talked about it on our way home and knew we already had some of the materials that we would want included in ours. Wayne has an excellent eye for spotting things along the highway and had previously found a bundle of styrofoam (normally used for insulating ). Our son, whose in the sheet metal union, had given us two 3'x4' sheets of galvanized sheet metal. We had some scrap lumber to build the internal frame....all we needed was the Redwood lumber for the outside finished product plus a hinge and something to use as handles.

We jumped on starting the project quickly...first visiting the local Lowe's to get the Redwood lumber and other hardware. This project actually took 3 weekends because, after all, he does have to work. He started by building the very bottom, making it 4 inches thick, this included the insulation and tin. He next build the frame, which included the legs. He then added the Redwood sides and completed the bottom portion by adding more insulation to all four sides. He then covered the inside with tin and used silicone caulk to seal the seams. The last major portion of building was the lid, which included a 1 inch thick plug that would seal the top.

When it came to adding the handles, we quickly decided we had bought the wrong style. We ended up going to the local feed store and purchased some horseshoes for the end and top handles. Of course, we had to have one "pony" shoe for decorating the front. We added a few rustic metal stars and all we're lacking at this point is an authentic "Coca Cola" wall mount bottle opener, which we are looking for.

We have a store here that sells vintage soda pops...Bubble Up, Nesbit Orange and Grape, Sasparilla, Old fashioned Root Beer and Cream Soda. ALL of these are made with cane sugar and have the "old fashioned taste" that so many of us grew up with. Even our glass bottled Coca Colas are made with the cane sugar...

Oh by the way... the total amount of money we spent on this was around $40 and we are sooooooooooo proud of the way it turned out.... Bring on the 4th of July...we're ready.

Our Precious "Sweet Pea"

2009-03-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the most precious face.... this is our "Sweet Pea".... Ziola, 8 months old

Happy New Year

2009-01-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

I'm still not "in the know" to this blogging thing. I can't seem to remember to add something more often than I have. Please bear with me, as I'm still learning to add pics etc. In the meantime, here's wishing you a very Happy New Year. Hope that this year brings you all the joy that you desire...

Summer is going....

2008-08-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

It's hard for me to believe that the summer is almost over. July was a busy busy month for my family. It started off with a VERY quick trip home to Oklahoma. We left July 3rd and returned July 7th. I went to see my oldest son and also to reconnect with childhood friends. There was other motives as well....Ted's, Braum's, Del Rancho...the list goes on and on. We even brought back two huge Black Diamond Watermelons, something we can't seem to find here in Vegas. On the way home, we called son #2 to check on the well being of our "soon to be" newest granddaughter, due the end of the month. He told us that she had been born, she weighed this and was that inches long. I was so upset then he told me he was just joking. BUT, later that evening, more like 1:30 AM..he called us again and said he "wasn't joking this time." Our "daughter-in-law" was in labor and she was at the hospital. I said it in quotes because they aren't married, but you wouldn't know that. We were more than 3 hours away, but quickly gathered our thoughts and drove home, straight to the hospital.

Ziola Rain was born July 7th at 11:09 AM. She weighed 7lbs and 5oz. She was early and even though her weight dictating otherwise, she had some problems. They rushed her to the NIC-Unit and she was there for 22 days. A very stressful time in our lives. But God does answer prayers and she's fine, home and doing well now. Her "big brother" Ocean came to see her on the 22nd and he's still here. Along with him, "Aunt Jan" came and spent a week with us. Needless to say, we're exhausted.

Now we are in the "rest mode"...planning on some fall camping trips and of course, going to see our "precious sweet pea" as often as we can...Life is wonderful, isn't it?

Happy Anniversary Wayne

2008-06-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

Today is my wedding anniversary. Nine years ago, I married the love of my life. It wasn't my first marriage, but it was. I had been a single parent of three for nineteen years. All of my friends would tell you that I always said "I would never, ever marry again". But the Lord works in mysterious ways. Through modern technology, I met my husband on the internet. It wasn't through one of those "chat rooms" but through a mutual friend. We sent messages for 4 months before I allowed him to call me on the phone. After 3 more months, we began a year long relationship of flying back and forth between Las Vegas and Oklahoma City.

On June 19, 1999, at Noon, in the mountains of Mt. Charleston, among the beautiful Aspen trees, we were united in marriage, with my children, our families and friends all present. It was beautiful. It seems like yesterday.

Wayne is my best friend, my soulmate, the love of my life. The Lord brought us together and we've had THE most fantastic life together. I can only wish that others could be as happy as us.

Happy Anniversay ...my knight in shining armour ~ ~ ~ ***

*Picture taken at the site where we took our vows

Blessings,

Honoring My Father

2008-06-15T04:59:00.000-07:00

Today is Father's Day...and I write this to Honor My Father. He has been gone for almost 30 years, but there's not a day goes by that I don't think of him. He was a man of quiet demeanor, soft spoken all the time, loved to share stories, make things from wood, and fish. He never raised his voice, yet you knew he meant business. He spoiled me rotten and taught me a lot. His work ethics were impecable, passing the trait of hard work leads to good things on to my brother and myself. I wish he were here...I miss him so much. Yet, I know, one day we will meet again. Happy Father's Day Daddy... I love you.

Plums from the tree that wasn't suppose to bear

2008-06-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

When we bought this home six years ago, we picked this beautiful ornamental plum tree for our front yard. Most of the other neighbors went with whatever the builder put in. We wanted to be different and also, wanted to create some shade. Each year, as the tree grew, we would get a handful of small plums. We basically left them alone and let the birds have them. This year was different. The tree was loaded with plums. Every time the wind would kick up, some would fall. We'd step on them, thus leaving stains on the sidewalk and sometimes even in the house. Last Sunday, I asked my husband to help me pick the remaining plums off, to eliminate this problem. The more we picked, the more we had. Pretty soon our basket was full. I couldn't resist... I'd been wanting to can again for sometime. So that evening and the next morning, I made plum jam, with the help of my husband. It is delicious!!! We may never have this opportunity again, but while we did, we took advantage of it. Now, I'm looking for other foods to can. It's so nice to open up a jar of fresh green beans in the dead of winter.

We call this "Wild Buffalo Plum Jam"...

Time has escaped me...

2008-06-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that it has been two months since I last posted. There has been a lot going on in my life and I just didn't have it in me to stop and post. After having the "wind knocked out of my sails"... I am now ready to pursue this "blogging" more aggressively.

I had a total knee replacement April 14th. The surgery went without a hitch but it was my reaction to the antibiotic that made me very ill and put me back in the hospital for three days, that slowed me down. While there, my doctor found some other items of concern and sent me to a specialist. He ordered an EGD (throat scope) and it found nothing. I've been wanting to lose some weight but this certainly wasn't what I had in mind. I am 18 pounds lighter...yahoo. All of this set me back with my physical therapy but I'm catching up slowly but surely. The knee pain that I did have had altered my life style greatly...no walking, hiking, camping, shopping..everything. I now have no pain at all, just a little stiff legged. I know all of that will take time to get the muscles and everything else back to normal... I also know that my trust and faith in the Lord will see me through. He is taking care of everything. So... onward and forward, no looking back

Blessings,

It Doesn't Seem Possible

2008-04-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

It was a year ago that we helped Jan, my daughter, move to Irving, Texas. She had lived in Vegas for a few years and wanted to venture out on her own. She and her significant other drove her loaded down car. We pulled a U-Haul behind our truck. Since we were on a pretty close time frame, we had to move quickly. We painted and pasted and lifted and moved and then came time for us to leave. Her place is in a safe part of town and she seemed to have planned everything out before hand. All we had to do is say our "goodbyes" and pull away.

There comes a time in every parent's life where they hear that little "whisper" telling them to let go... and this was the whisper for Jan. I didn't want to leave her behind... had a lot of concerns and worries but knew that it's all a part of that "letting go" process. All I could do at this point was to place her in the arms of God and let Him take care of her for me. He's never failed me before and I had no reason to believe He would now.

As we headed west, we passed by the Fort Worth Stockyards. We had to stop. It was like stepping back in time during the old cattle rustling days. Wayne especially liked it because his grandfather worked at a feed lot. For him it stirred memories. I've included a few pictures. Hope you enjoy.

We stopped at this campsite near Tucson, Arizona

Beautiful Ocotillo and Saguaro

Days end...

Blessings,

Death Valley

2008-04-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

The Fall and Winter of 2004-2005 was very good for Death Valley. The park received a record amount of snow and rain. This caused the wildflowers to pop out in a record abundance. We made a camping trip in February in order to avoid the hot temperatures of the summer. The flowers were gorgeous then. We didn't think they could be any prettier But, we made another trip in March and they were AWESOME. Starting in the southern part of the park, the wide open spaces were covered with blankets of yellow, purple and red flowers, with many other species mixed in.

It was the most fantastic sight and something we might not ever see again. Making one last trip in April, the "carpet" had moved further north clear to Scotty's Castle and beyond.

Blessings,

Welcome to my Inspiration

2008-04-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

This has been a long time in coming. I've been wanting to create my own blog for sometime but just didn't have the courage or the "know how". Through some encouragement of others, I am walking "out on a limb" with the hope that I'll do this right and won't appear a fool. I have enjoyed reading the blogs of others so much that I have a daily routine... First, I check "home" news, then my emails, then I read some of my favorites that I have created "shortcuts" for. I don't want this to become just a scrapbooking, card making, whatever blog. I love a variety of things and want to be able to share in all areas. I just ask that you be patient with me.. I'm sure I will make mistakes and if I do, please accept my apology now.

As the title states "Wildflowers...my inspiration". I absolutely love any and all kinds of wildflowers. When I travel I spend most of my time taking endless pictures from along the roadside. My husband, being very understanding and patient...navigates the vehicle and I jump out and take the picture. We have several books that I drag along to help identify the flower as I shoot it. I keep a notebook in the car and very carefully organize not only my film but my pictures as well... But as I look at the flower, whether it be through a camera lens or just my observation, it brings to mind the one who not only created me but all the flowers as well...God. I honor Him and give Him all the glory for all the beauty He created that surrounds each and everyone of us. One of my favorite scriptures is
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"... Joshua 24:15

God First... and all other things fall in place.

Blessings,