Walking on Sunshine

October gave us an absolutely beautiful weekend for Parent's weekend festivities at FSU. I don't attend many football games, so it was a fun experience to do the whole football scene on Saturday, made even sweeter by a win.


Enjoyed the grand tour of Cupcake's new home away from home. Very traditional Southern manor and quite lovely and full of life.

Some of her new sisters. I'm learning a new language... they call Big Sisters just "Bigs" now. And the girl on the left is her "grand big." Fun.

Of course, the best part was just hugging and hanging out with our girl! It's good for a mom's heart to see your heart's delight doing well.

Ancient Paths

Last week I week to a marvelous party that was probably one of the most unique events I’ve ever attended…. in a very good way.

It was held at a friend’s farm. There was barbecue and brownies and wonderful food but that wasn’t the best part. The honored guests were from Las Vegas and are Messianic Jews. They shared their testimonies and then we danced. And danced. And danced. Now what makes you think I was out there in the middle of it?? Well, you’re right.

I have a friend that talks often about ancient paths to God’s wisdom. Paths that have been worn smooth by those who have gone before us. “Out with the old and in with the older” he quips. The Hebrew dance made me think of that. Some of the dance steps had names that were Aramaic, some Easter European, some French. The words as well as the movements spoke of an international bond - ancient paths. It was an amazing evening… here’s some snapshots:

Child’s Play

I imagine that I was as easily entertained as a child as I am to this day. Thinking about the grandbaby that’s on the way has caused me to consider the toys that I love. I think one reason we have “classic toys” is that every parent likes to buy what they loved as children for their children. So from one generation to the next, certain toys endure.

I had my share of baby dolls. My favorite was one I named “Shirley”. She was made of hard plastic so she go could go anywhere. She had been the victim for all my games of beauty shop so she had only an extremely short spiky look when it was all said and done. She had a well-loved look. There’s a new definition for you – aging just causes us to look well-loved. ; )
Just looking at a sock monkey makes me happy. I bought a sock monkey as soon as I found out I was pregnant with Uncommon Blonde. My sister beat me to it on this one; she already bought one for Uncommon Blonde’s little girl.

Everybody’s gotta love Bozo. You can take out all your frustrations on him and he bounces right back, smiling all the time. I think I liked him so much because I could distract my sister with Bozo and avoid being the human bop bag. There’s a lesson in that – maybe I should get one as an office companion. I may be serious. : )

What was your favorite toy? Happy reflections to you!

I’m a Winner

Affirmations. I have talked to myself in a planned way for years. All the goal setting seminars (including my own) teach it as a way to implement change. So I have told myself for years, “I don’t live by my feelings but by the Word of God”.

Guess what? I still live by feelings! The good news is that I swing up much faster than I get pulled down. My swing is up in the air right now as I just read on Big Mama’s Blog that I won a new Third Day CD!

”I’m a Winner” is my new affirmation. I used to say that I never win anything but I am now officially on a roll. I got a call while I was in Dillards last week telling me I had won a raffle that I participated in at the Women’s Expo and I went running from the store in glee to go claim my prize. You would’ve thought I’d won the grand prize with how happy I was with my embroidered beach bag with matching visor and towel.

Maybe I should go purchase my first lottery ticket since Florida started the lottery eons ago. I could throw a big blog party if I won and give away all kinds of cool stuff to my friends. Now that's a happy thought.

Hot tip: Dooce is giving away 5 Wii and 5 Wii Fit as sets. Deadline for entry comments is Weds. at 5 PM. Since I'm a winner I'm playing!! My chances are slightly better than winning the lottery since she has over 15,000 entries at this time.