And It Isn't Over By A Long Shot!

It's been cold and snowy here, and it isn't expected to get any better soon!

We are under a winter storm advisory, with 6-12" possible between Monday and Wednesday.

I'll be so happy for spring to arrive, my bones need a chance to warm up. Right now they feel like these icicles hanging from the gutters. Brrrrr!

A Special Gift from a Special Friend

I have been so blessed with the most awesome blog friends since starting mine two years ago. I've developed friendships that can't be replaced, and have traveled the world vicariously through so many!

Today, I received a special gift from Jayne, of Journey Through Grace. I've been in love with the beauty Jayne brings every day, through the awesome pictures she takes of birds and butterflies that visit her yard. I've told her many times I'd love to see a coffee table book, or a calendar. So when I opened my mail today, I was so excited, and blessed, to see this special gift. Jayne had a calendar made for me, with every month being another beautiful photo from her collection. These are just three, and I hope you can see why Jayne's talent has me in awe.

Thank-you so much Jayne, I'll treasure this always! And if you haven't visited Jayne's blog, pop over! I'm sure it will become a favorite!

Won't you Join Us?

In cased you missed, I'm hosting a Valentine Exchange starting February 1st! If you haven't signed up yet, you still have time! Just visit the link, and join in the fun! Hope to see your name there, I'm doing this in honor of a dear blog friend who has been through a rough time with cancer. Join us, in support of all who have suffered this terrible disease. As a cancer survivor myself, I can honestly say that I pray daily for a cure for this illness, and the families whose lives have been touched by its fury.

Feeding Frenzy Finally Foto'd

This morning, the feeders were alive with birds; cardinals, blue jays, juncos, finches, morning doves, a flicker, and sparrows. Here are some pictures I took from the bathroom window, the closest I could get to the action without scaring them away.

It's Time to Fold Our Hands in Prayer

My sister Wendy has made her e-mail box a political free site. I couldn't agree more. In her e-mail, she stated she 'prays daily for our politicians, our country, and the world."
This is my sister Kathy's response, one that I feel we could all adapt.

"Prayer is a positive and powerful tool. I firmly believe folded hands have more influence and hold more hope for this country and the world than clenched fists."

Blinding Blizzards and Snow Babies

During a recent winter storm, it was a perfect time to snap pictures of the great nieces and nephews enjoying a snow day.

Marwood Gift Bags

This Christmas, we once again had our traditional Christmas Tea and gift bags for the nursing home. We've been doing this for about 20 years now. When I called this year for the number of people with no visitors, the number left without anyone to assist was 80. So, we took them all! Forty men, and forty women.

Mom labeled the bags, and put in lotions and powders.

Wendy and Robyn filled little bags with socks, candy, and a candy cane.

Kathy, Ken, and Robyn then added the throws used for lap robes, and stuffed animals. This is Robyn, wading through some of the bags that filled the living room, hall way, and kitchen.

Bobby played guard, after the bags were completed and stacked on chairs, the table, and under the table, for delivery on Christmas Eve morning. It took one car, a station wagon, and a Blazer to transport the gift bags this year. We have already started to stock up for next year since we'll be doing this many from now on. Ken cleared out the clearance bin at Wal Mart, of their throws, 60, and bought bins to put them in. We now have a great head start. It wouldn't be Christmas without this yearly project. It just warms our hearts to be able to help those forgotten this time of year.

Good Night, God Bless You, I Love You...

Has been a nightly blessing in our family since I was a little girl. We'd give Mom and Dad a kiss good-night, and before going up the stairs to bed, we'd tell this to our parents, who in turn would say "Good Night, God Bless You, I Love You Too." All us siblings have carried this nightly ritual to our own children, and now they pass it to theirs. Four generations. Sharing a special blessing every night. At Robyn's tonight, I told my triplet great-nephews Good Night, and received a "Good Night, God Bless You, I Love You" from each. And so it continues. Passing on a precious blessing of God's love to those He has so blessed us with.
And so I'd also like to pass this to all of you, my dear blog family. "Good Night, God Bless You, I Love You!"