My Youngest-Day 31

It seems like only yesterday when my youngest was born, but today I proudly wished Jamie a happy 25th birthday!  What a joy it is to watch him growing into such a handsome, kind and witty young man with a beautiful young lady as his girl!  I anticipate him accomplishing great things in the years to come.  He is entering some of the very best years of his life!  Happy birthday, my son!! 

Under the Weather-Day 30

Why oh why is it my turn to have a terrible cough, scratchy throat, and a headache?  I'm definitely NOT at my best but isn't it crazy that I felt the need to get up off the couch and come up with a photo for my project!  Hoping and praying for some quick relief!

My Dad the Inventor-Day 29

I am so proud of the accomplishments my dad has made in his lifetime.  Serving as a general engineer at NASA for the majority of his career, he was responsible for testing materials and propulsion on the many space vehicles from Mercury to the Space Station.  During his time at NASA, he co-invented the NASA DeBakey Heart Pump, now known as the Heart Assist 5.  One of my proudest moments was when my brothers and I were invited to travel with my dad and Dr. DeBakey to Washington D.C., when a national award was presented to the co-inventors and the heart surgeon for this pump.  I love that my dad, to this day, is continually pondering difficult situations in life, and problem-solving to create solutions.  He currently holds 16 patents, and has 2 pending for inventions.  Wow!  Isn't that amazing? 

Surprise-Day 28

What a wonderful surprise when my brothers, Jerry and Clay, arrived in Bryan this morning to celebrate Dad's birthday with him!  We enjoyed a delicious barbecue lunch and birthday cake with him, and then used Face Time to call Michael, our other brother, who had made a weekend trip back to Colorado!  Happy 77th birthday today, Dad!

9 Months-Day 27

Today we celebrated 9 months since the birth of Amber's twin boys, Adrian and Noah!  Their chattering back and forth to one another in their own little baby language, their sweet smiles, and heartwarming snuggles and hugs are a few of my favorite things that I enjoy each and every day!  Happy birthday, babies!

Carnegie-Day 26

Another beautiful sight in downtown Bryan on Main Street is the Carnegie Public Library, which first opened to the public in 1903.  Like the Queen Theatre, it has also been restored and then was rededicated in 1999.  The Carnegie now houses many local history collections, old photographs from our area, and rare books for adults and children.  Taking this photograph this evening prompted me to want to schedule time to visit in the near future to learn more about the history of Bryan!

Queen-Day 25

While driving around in historic downtown Bryan, I was struck by the beauty of the newly revitalized Queen Theatre!  In late September 2011, the theatre received her newly repainted crown, along with a new roof, and beautiful lights to spotlight her royal appearance!  I was pleasantly surprised to notice that the crown was spinning as I was studying this Bryan landmark this evening.  I also learned through a little research that this theatre, located on Main Street, opened in 1939.  How grateful I am for those who have paved the way for the revitalization of this area! 

Storming-Day 24

What an interesting and kind of scary hail storm that just hit Bryan with a tremendous burst of wind!  We are fortunate to still have electricity but some of our neighbors do not!  Unfortunately the storm woke up one of the twins so I will be cuddling with Noah until he goes back to sleep!  Perfect afternoon for snuggling!

Catching Up!-Day 23

Today I realized that I was 2 months behind on the twins' scrapbooks I started for them when they were born!  For my own children, I began preserving their childhood memories when Lynsey and Amber were in high school and Jamie in middle school, so I set a goal to keep up with a book for each of my grandchildren for their first year!  Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays flew by in a wink, and now it's almost February so out came their scrapbooks!  Pictures are now developed and ready to be placed in their books, along with some journaling about Adrian's and Noah's first holidays.  What sweet memories we have of them bonding with our extended family! 

Steaks-Day 22

After traveling home this evening from Tyler, we decided to end our beautiful weekend by grilling steaks and roasting vegetables for our evening meal!  It sure felt strangely like spring today!  Now to enjoy our meal and a little wine! 

Memories-Day 21

On our way to Tyler on Saturday, we drove through Rusk and took a mental walk down "memory lane".  David's grandparents built this wonderful home in 1936, and then his parents moved into the home following their retirement.  In November 2008, David and Mary made a difficult decision to sell, and to move Mary to Bryan to live with us.  Our memories include Christmases with extended family, summers exploring the creek, seeking and finding old treasures in the attic, and backyard cookouts and picnics.  We reflectively reminisce fond recollections of David's dad, Frank, also known as Pappy, to my 3 children.  Sometimes I feel sadness about letting go of this home filled with such heartwarming memories. 

Wishes-Day 20

Well, when the doorbell rang this morning and I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers my husband had not ordered, he wondered if I had a secret admirer and I was pleasantly surprised!  Thanks, Jana, for the flowers and wishes for a beautiful day!  I love them, my friend!

Understanding-Day 19

It's so hard to know how to comfort someone who has lost a spouse or loved one, and I really want to be an instrument of comfort and peace for my brother, Michael.  My wonderful pastor recommended the perfect book for me to read and share, entitled Good Grief.  I was delighted when I received it in the mail, but even more pleased when I sat down to read it last night and this morning.  What a beautiful, well-written book on the subject of grieving and the 10 stages one could experience when someone they love dies, or one moves to a new city or state leaving behind all that is comfortable for them, or one loses a job.  I am grateful for the opportunity to read this book, and to better be able to answer the call from above to love and minister to those individuals in my life who are grieving for one reason or another.  Praying God will direct my path to sharing the hope through understanding!

Let Them Be Little-Day 18

I eagerly look forward to our Wednesday afternoons with Kyleigh!  We are so fortunate that Lynsey lives in town so we are able to pick Miss Kyleigh up early and have play dates before her mommy and daddy get home from work.  Today was such a joy-I had planned a cookie-baking afternoon for our activity, and as you can see, our 3 year old grandangel was thrilled to assist with this "big girl" adventure just with her hunny while her twin baby cousins(as she calls them) played with Pop!  Did I tell you that I simply love being a grandmother?

Brrr!-Day 17

Beautiful springlike day-cold night-warm jammies and blankets-hot chocolate! 

Flowers-Day 16

Strolling quietly on a cloudy day earnestly searching for some sign of beauty for my daily photo!  I love the beauty and wonder in every intricate detail of these flowers-some of our many God-given treasures on this earth! 

My Love-Day 15

Thankful for a day of rest, teaching, worship, and reflection!  My heart has been heavy over the past few weeks, but my faithful encourager, friend and husband has stood lovingly by my side and providing the support I needed along the way.  Whether it was booking flights, grocery shopping, driving to the airport or a memorial service, or indulging my last-minute whims to go walk in a park for quiet time, he has been unwavering in his commitment to me as his wife.  Just this evening, he appeared in the doorway with a beautiful little pot of flowers and his handsome smile.  "Thought you might need a lift today!" he said!  Love you, David!

A Walk of Hope-Day 14

After spending a day celebrating my sister-in-law's life in Clear Lake and driving back home this evening, I craved an opportunity to jump in the car with my camera and David just to take a walk and enjoy the setting of a beautiful Saturday afternoon!  Such peaceful, quiet reflections! 

Hope in Action-Day 13

Productive morning while babies were napping!  I successfully started my very first indoor herb garden with two kinds of parsley and some onion chives.  David found cute little pots specifically designed for herbs so I'm smiling!  Can we say simple but cute?  It's my hope that they will thrive in my laundry room window. 

Hope-Day 12

Simplifying my life has been an aspiration of mine since retirement, and tonight I was truly inspired by a dear friend, Peggy!  In my early years of marriage, I was a faithful planner of simple meals as far as a month in advance, and a shopper for 30 days, but with my 29 years in education, I lost my energy and momentum for those necessary home tasks after dedicating 10-12 hours a day to students and teachers.  Over the past few years, I became a last-minute meal planner and a shopper by the day because of the great convenience of a grocery store less than a mile from our home and because I was always mentally and physically exhausted to tackle even a weekly menu and shopping list.  Thank you, Peggy, for opening up your home this evening and sharing your strategies and thoughts about planning ahead, with some tried-and-true meals that my family will love intermingled with a sprinkling of new recipes to explore!  Now off to complete my menu and shopping list for next week with simplicity in mind!

Hope-Day 11

I'm speculating that my thoughts have been on flowers and gardening because of the beautiful weather we experienced today!  Dreaming also of a weekend getaway cottage or farmhouse in the country so as I strolled towards the checkout register at the grocery store this evening, Country Gardens caught my eye and ended up coming home with me.  I've never been very gifted with gardening, but I am hopeful that I can learn! 

Hope in Action-Day 10

Some who know me well would probably say I am obsessed with organizing, and I am perfectly fine with that descriptor.  This past week, my attention has been focused in my bathroom cabinet to organize my towels, washcloths and shampoos.  Such a feeling of accomplishment to have 2 shelves completed and one more to go!  I love having time to get my home in tip-top shape! 

Day 9

Sisterly love!  Madi and Kyleigh love spending time together, especially on the weekends.  These sweet girls are truly treasures in our family.  I cherish my opportunities to enjoy both of them and am thankful that we live less than a mile away from the Little sisters, our first of four grandangels.  This photo prompted wistful thoughts of having a sister of my own, to add to the joy of my three wonderful brothers! 

Hope in Action-Day 8

So often, life is hard when we struggle miserably through defeat, suffer painfully through an accident or illness, agonize sorrowfully over the death of a loved one,  or lament despondently over a broken heart.  I know of no one person or thing in this world that can ease our suffering as we wade through life's trials time and again.  But I cling to the promise that God is near, and assurances of comfort, peace, and healing are for the asking.  I faithfully seek His mercy and grace.  I thirst for the promises in God's Word. 

Sadness-Day 7

It is not in my heart on this day filled with sadness to contribute original thoughts.  This photo is one that means something very special to my brother, Michael.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance."

(Ecclesiastes. 3:1-4)

A Symbol of Hope-Day 6

This symbol of peace and hope was beautifully displayed on my sister-in-law's door to her room in the Hospice Care Center.  Nicolette fought a courageous battle with breast cancer and passed away peacefully this morning at 10:10 a.m.

Try to remember that when you reach a new beginning, just give hope a chance to float and it will.  I believe in the hope of Christ....Linda

Simply Relaxing on Day 5

This afternoon I am relishing a few quiet moments while grandangels are sleeping!  With two very active little boys around, I must plan around babies' nap times to make the most of my day!  A cup of hot passion peach tea and a great book are just what I needed before setting out on a difficult journey this evening.  How refreshing it is to feel the cool January breezes and the wonderfully warm sunshine on my face!  May you find hope in something relaxing today!  Linda

Hope in Action-Day 4

My final treasure still holds a special place on my sideboard as I am struggling to pack it up until next Christmas!  My sweet husband surprised me on Christmas morning with this beautiful Willow Tree Nativity Scene-a set I have always wanted to replace a nativity set we lost in one of our moves!  What a memorable way we will remember the birth of our Lord and Savior each Christmas!  Here's to hope in Christ!  Thank you, David, for purchasing this for our home, and for KEEPING it a surprise! 

Hope in Action-Day 3

When I think of hope in action, hope for the future, I think of someone who:

• Loves our Lord and Savior with all her heart
• Aspires to become a teacher and make a difference in the lives of children
• Unrelentingly strives to be her best on the basketball court as well as her studies
• Reaches for the stars when molding a dream into reality
• Enjoys spending time with family and friends
• eNdearing niece of mine

How proud I was tonight to watch this young lady in action on the court!  She embraced each challenge with courage and confidence!  I love you, Lauren!  May you continue to encourage hope for the future-hope in your actions!

Hope in Action-Day 2

Well, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to capture sweet pictures of the twins this morning as their mommy left them with us to go to work.  Adrian and Noah were sporting their brand-new overalls that we gave them for Christmas and some adorable little hats to keep them warm on our wintry mornings.  While they enjoyed two whole weeks with Mommy on Christmas break, they were excited to get back into their routine with Hunny and Pop.  These sweet boys are truly "hope in action"!  Love, love, love them!

Hope in Action-365(366) Days in 2012

     After considering many ideas for my next project to embrace, I decided to incorporate my love of photography into my new blog by taking one meaningful picture each day during 2012.  My picture for this first day of January 2012 is of David, devouring his very first book on his Nook Color that I purchased for him for Christmas!  I aspire to always encourage and motivate others to read and enjoy books for pleasure, and I believe I have finally found the "hook" for my husband!  He's never been too fond of reading but I'm excited to say he has not wanted to put his first e-book down all weekend!  It could be the book that I recommended entitled The Ezekiel Option, but I'm hopeful that this new device will keep him continuously interested in exploring new horizons through the pages of many future titles!  Happy New Year's to my wonderful family and friends!  


Linda