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.