Blog Friendships

I was commenting with Lola today, on blog relationships. It's a wonderful, love filled, friendly community of friends, who mostly have never seen each other, but have special bond. I stated that my blog friends know me better than my own family does. As Lola suggested, is it because we feel more free to be ourselves?
All I know is that I can't imagine life without any of you. We've laughed, cried, prayed, praised, and supported one another through some of life's most important or special moments, good times and bad. In day to day life, I can't count the number of times I've seen or done something that reminds me of one of you. Through laughter and tears, we share a secret sisterhood, not understood by anyone else. As Lola said, we're considered weird. I had Diane say once, that she was told to get some "real" friends. I guess to those on the outside, we aren't real, breathing, living creatures. Yet, we are. And in this amazing blogging world, we have formed friendships, real friendships, with other women all over the world. What could be more amazing, or more real than that?
I love all of you my dear friends, yes, really love you! You are as important to me as anyone could be. If I had one bucket list wish, it would be to meet everyone of you in person. And Melinda, I'm still rooting for you on the chickens!
Love,
Laurie

Two Very Special Daughters

I have two very special daughters in my life. Though not blood, they are my daughters. One is Jenny. Jenny is my son Chad's wife. This young woman is so special to me. I couldn't ask for a better daughter in law, in fact I hate the term in-law. Jenny fills our life with such humor, and I can't imagine life without her. Chad and Jenny are so happy, and so in love. To watch them together fills my heart with such joy. I love Jenny to pieces, and always will. She and Chad have blessed me with two of the most wonderful grand daughters, and I couldn't feel more complete.
The other is Becky. This girl has been in my life since meeting my husband 24 years ago. She was only 4 then, but it was just the start of a very special relationship. Becky is Ken's step niece, but became an important part of our family. I basically raised Becky from 6 to 11 years of age. I'm so fortunate to have her in my life. She has blossomed into a beautiful woman, a wonderful mother, and special friend. I consider her my daughter in every sense of the word.

Yes, I have been truly blessed by these young women. I can't imagine life without them, but what mother could? After all, they're my daughters!

Inspirational video - Turning disappointment into joy: SURFice dog Ricochet

Portraits in Black and White

I read a quote today, that said "When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. When you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls" The quote was by Ted Grant. So I decided to experiment with Jenna, Kayla, and Preston. He's right.

Preston, now 3 months old.

Kayla

and Jenna.
It's also said the "the eyes are the windows of the soul." Beautiful aren't they?

Pleeeze Don! Can Melinda Have a Chicken?

I know you would really like them, they're such friendly little creatures who really like to be around people.

And besides white

they come in so many different, pretty, colors.

Feed time is so fun, rattle the food container and they'll follow you anywhere.

And think of all the eggs you can use for yourself, or sell. No worry about e-coli. Really, they are a lot of fun, besides being practical! So think about it Don, they don't go in the house, they fertilize your yard, the manure is great for the garden, free eggs, meat if you want to go that way, and free entertainment! What more could you possibly want!? Plus, they would make Melinda really happy, and isn't that what you want? Huh?

I'm Home!

I've been missing in action! I went up to my brother and sister-in-laws for a couple days, and ended up staying for 5 glorious days while waiting for Wendy and Dan's car to be fixed so I could follow them home.
What a relaxing time.

We took Miss Claire to the park,

Watched Jay in his garden,

watched as Claire fed chickens with Aunt Cheryl,
enjoyed the wild turkeys

While sitting on the porch of the cabin,

and watched my other two sisters, Kathy and Marti, play.

I'm ready to go back. Jay and Cheryl make the perfect hosts, cook the most awesome meals, home made bread every day! Always a very fun time, I'd love to live up there. No pollution, total quiet, peaceful, and very relaxing.

The Little Princes'

Two little sweet babies.

Toby and Tyler are closing in on 4 months old. Toby is totally tame, and a little love bug.

Beautiful, but such a wild spirit, I still can't approach Tyler.

I'm really at a loss on what to do, Ken said he wants them gone, and he means it.

They couldn't be neutered, Toby went for shots but went completely out of control from fear, and I had to pick him up. No shots either.

Tyler is not adoptable. Toby is a one person cat, just like Andy.
So I just continue to pray for a solution.