This evening has been bitter sweet. Isn't life that way though? You just never know what can happen from one moment to the next. We had all been looking forward to spending some time together. Jane has been working 50+ hour weeks as a pharmacist and now has 3 days off in a row! Woo Hoo! It was definitely time for three generations to enjoy an evening of relaxation and laughter!!
Madison & Grandma
Tonight we went to Benedetto's for some wonderful Italian food. The atmosphere was quite romantic with the piano player singing and playing Frank Sinatra oldies. We all got dressed up and had a very festive evening! I took lots of photos and when I came home, I realized that I hadn't put my memory card in my camera. Bummers! Thank goodness, Jane had her camera so we got a few good photos. My old camera lets me know when I forget to put the card in and my new one doesn't. I depend so much on photos to tell my stories, I won't forget ever again!
Michael & Mom S
When I walked in my room, my phone was ringing. It was the nursing home letting me know that Mom S's oxygen levels were too low and they couldn't get them up plus she was having trouble breathing. I gave them permission to take her to the Emergency Room and called Michael. He was at the new members Orientation Meeting at church and had his phone turned off. He is calling Town Hall and will call me back ... now, I wait.
This evening is a reminder to live in the now because you really don't know what's ahead. Appreciate every moment with those you love. It's okay to have dessert and to splurge on a meal prepared by a distinguished chef.
It's been such a long while since I've dined at such an exquisite restaurant. My tummy is full!!
Jane & Tim
Tomorrow morning, Jane and Tim are running a 15K. Tim has been struggling with a bad back all week so we'll see how he does. I wanted to be there at the finish line with my arms open wide to welcome them in but looks like Grandma "." will be on Katrina watch duty. I was there when Jane ran her first marathon ... I followed her in the car and welcomed her across the finish line. Some things in my kid's lives, I'm just NOT going to miss.
Katrina just came into my room. She is so funny. We looked at some old photos of me and there are some resemblances ... it's fun to see the parts of us that get passed on to our children and grandchildren. She told me she thought we should go swimming tomorrow morning. Sounds like a plan. Maddy was next to come in ... gosh, I love that girl. She has cheerleading competition tomorrow and Sunday. Tim is going tomorrow and Jane and I will go Sunday.
On the way home from the restaurant tonight, Jane had the car radio cranked up and she and Tim sang to "You Never Let Go" by Matt Redman. I thought about the love I have for my family and friends and for the Lord who keeps me safe and sane ... I will never let go!! If you're struggling with someone or something hang on tight to the one who makes everything come out okay ... no matter what!
Good night, everyone ... I hope that all of you have had a wonderful day. Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... ya you!!
Good Morning, Readers! Another beautiful day in sunny Florida. I make sure I am up early to give Katrina a hug and a "have a good day" before school. She looked especially beautiful today as you can see from the photo to the left. Family is and always has been such an important part of my heart and soul. It's something that money can't buy and you don't know how wonderful it is until you experience it. I am living my dream in reality!!
Clearwater Beach
I am writing from my perch in the lanai. The birds are singing magically today and I am drinking in the beauty around me. God truly has created a wonderland ... not only in North Texas but in this area of Florida as well. I don't know about you but, when I think about it, I've thought everywhere I've been has offered something beautiful in the terrain. God has given us such beauty to behold!
I have been reading in Deuteronomy for several days and have now, moved on to Joshua. In Joshua 5:13-15 it is written: "As Joshua was sizing up the city of Jericho, a man appeared nearby with a drawn sword. Joshua strode over to him and demanded, 'Are you friend or foe?' 'I am the Commander-in-Chief of the Lord's army,' he replied. Joshua fell to the ground and worshiped him and said, 'Give me your commands.' 'Take off your shoes,' the Commander told him, 'for this is holy ground.' And Joshua did." Today, look down at your feet ... you ARE standing on holy ground. We live in a world created by the almighty. Give him honor for the land beneath your feet!
Sooo Pretty!
Last night, Jane and I took Katrina to gymnastics then decided to do a little outdoor mall walking. Of course in window shopping we spied some tempting clothing and jewelry and decided to "touch"! Well, you know what happens when you "touch"!!! Jane found some wonderful clothes for work and play and she generously bought me a Brighton necklace and earrings. It was fun to hug and laugh and just spend some mother/daughter time. My love language is quality time so it was especially fun for me whether we bought anything or not. The stores weren't very busy so we had clerks all to ourselves. What fun chatting with them, wishing them well and thanking them for their personal service.
Do I need to photoshop Cricket? Off to the vet!
This morning, Tim and I are taking Oscar (cat), Cricket and Teddy to the vet. When, I said that this family is continually on the go, I meant it. I am finding that their energy fills me and I am less tired and want to be a part of that action. They are good people. Selfishly, to see the fruits of my parenting is so awesome. God has blessed me with some awesome children and grandchildren!!
I giggled this morning when I started reading my DW Bible ... On my "Your Daily Walk" section, it said, "There is a special place for people without problems -- it's called a cemetery." Joshua 12:7-24 lists 31 of General Joshua's victories, each achieved in the strength of the Lord. How many victories have you enjoyed in your lifetime? The use of your tongue? Money? Relationships with your spouse or parents? Your time? Church? Family? Temper? Addictions? I thank God that my progress in so many areas has been strong and ongoing. I take it one day at a time and one step at a time and that works for me!!
As I have mentioned in past blogs, one of my favorite shows is Criminal Minds. One of my favorite characters has left the show and here is a quote that stuck with me:
"I'm thankful for my years spent with this family; for everything we shared, every chance we had to grow. I'll take the best of them and lead by their example; where ever I go. A friend told me to be honest with you, so here it goes. This isn't what I want, but I'll take the high road. Maybe it's because I look at everything as a lesson, or I don't want to walk around angry. Or maybe it's because I finally understand. There are things we don't want to happen, but have to accept; things we don't want to know, but have to learn, and people we can't live without, but have to let go.".~~AJ Cook spoken by JJ
Why has this stayed with me? Maybe because in my 63 years, I am so very thankful for time spent with family and friends who have come and gone. In Alanon, I learned to "take what you can use and leave the rest." To live unselfishly ... to take the high road ... to be submissive and obedient to those in authority over me (God, my husband) ... to accept the things I really didn't want to know but have had to learn. To let go of those that I love but knew it was necessary to do so... This has been my life in a nutshell.
By the grace of God, I am sitting here this day doing exactly what I am passionate about ... writing for the common man and living within the most wonderful family God could have put on this earth. What more could I ask for?
Ever heard the old adage, "problems are opportunities turned inside out"? Well, it's true ... Just like the battle of Jericho, sound your trumpets and shout Amen! Come on, put those hands together and sing along!!!
Have a wonderful day ... Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Our evening last night started out with merriment and the joy of being together. With a scream, "Lucy ... there's something wrong with Lucy," our focus immediately changed to the little hamster who had brought so much joy to the Borne family. Today, I want to pay homage to the little redhead who touched so many hearts.
Lucy was christened Lucille Borne after the famous redheaded actress Lucille Ball. She was a perky little rascal ... gentle, never aggressive. Although she slept a lot during the day, she became alive in the evening offering the family many chances to watch her roll around on the floor in her ball, hold her, and snuggle with her. She was famous for her friendliness!
There are many who would say, ugh ... rodent ... but, to her family, Lucy was special. Instead of allowing her to die alone, she was held and loved until she took her last gasps of air. Each member of the family was able to say their good-byes.
Katrina wrote a book about little Lucy telling her how special she was and how she wanted her to get well. Her sensitivity was an inspiration to all of us. How do we as parents and grandparents explain death to a child? All we could do is cry, hug each other and talk about how important Lucy had been. I could picture Lucy in heaven with God doing the "hamster dance".
Jane lined a box with soft tissue and we held a funeral for Lucy in the backyard and buried her under a tree. We all gathered around, held hands, and Katrina gave the prayer and eulogy celebrating Lucy's life. "Dear God, Lucy was a good hamster, she was my friend and I loved her very much. I know you will love her as much as I do. I will miss her."
Why am I dedicating this blog to Lucy? Because no matter how small she was, God had a purpose for Lucy and she fulfilled that purpose of bringing together a family. She will be missed by many who cared for her and about her. Lucy was a celebrity in her own right!!
Lucy & Friends
Lucy & Madison
Lucy & Katrina
Consider this a hug your pet day! Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!
Good Afternoon from sunny Florida! What a pleasure it has been to wake up and toddle out to the lanai and have coffee and do my Bible reading! It reminds me of my back porch at home in North Texas! The sound of the water falling off the spa into the pool sounds similar to my angelic fountain. Ahhhhh ... inspiration at it's best!!
This morning, I was reading in Deuteronomy 31-34 ... the conclusion of Moses' life. After a parting message to the Israelites, Moses climbed Mount Nebo to catch a glimpse of Canaan then died and was buried in a location only known to God. There has never been another prophet like Moses (v 34:10)!!
Nicholas the Fireman!
Have you ever wished you were someone else? My grandson, Nicholas, loves to dress up in costume and "be" that particular character. Our teens model themselves after their favorite movie stars copying hairstyles, clothing and makeup. As adults, we often wish we were like a popular personality, successful executive, decorator and on and on.
Sometimes it's difficult just being happy with who we are. There's always the danger of forgetting who you are "not" and the real you showing up. Trying to make yourself into someone you aren't can be potentially harmful because we don't feel comfortable in our own skin. It's tough living a lie. God never asks us to be someone we are not or to do something He does not equip us to do. When God asked Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, He did not expect him to be another Moses. For deliverance from Egypt, Moses was the chosen man, right for the job. For military conquests and leading the people into Canaan, General Joshua was God's choice.
This is totally me ... casual with a smile!
For many years, I was a copycat because I wanted to learn to be a better me ... I wanted to learn how to cook so I bought a good cookbook; I wanted to be fashionable so I learned what clothes looked best on my shape; I wanted to be the hostess with the mostest (!) so I observed those who entertained with ease; I devoured books taking a little from this book and a little from another maturing in many areas. I chose people that I admired and learned from them; yet, I always marched to the tune of my own drum choosing to learn then lead. From the time I was small, people saw me as a leader and a good person. The problem was that my parents saw me as too talkative, too bossy, a pest and never good enough. Little children tend to believe the view their parents have of them and even though I fought them like crazy, their voices moved into my subconscious. I learned that God doesn't make junk and that included me!
As a young adult, I was always worried about what people thought of me. Then, I learned that people have busy lives of their own and realized that they really could care less. I had a serious surgery in the mid 1980's and the first thing I asked for when I woke up was my make-up. God forbid should someone see me less than perfect. I still battle those thoughts.
God has had jobs for me where I have been able to use my talents, gifts and abilities in service to him and my fellowman. How about you? All you have to do is ask Him to show you what it is He wants you to do. Whatever He does ask of you, He won't ask you to be someone you are not. Allow Him to use you and equip you. Some years ago, I taught the class, The Power of a Praying Wife. I would sit at my computer to write the lesson plan until the Lord began moving my fingers on the keyboard. He used every weakness I had for His glory!!
"Don't be afraid, for the Lord will go before you and will be with you; He will not fail or forsake you."~~Deuteronomy 31:8
Tim & Teddy ... A man & his dog!
My time in Florida has been such a blessing. I feel so energized ... Just to be here for Teddy's adoption, to be able to see first hand the girls do cheerleading and gymnastics, and to spend time with Tim and Jane getting to know them better has been such a gift. There is such peacefulness here yet a liveliness that is hard to describe.
Madison
Madison came home from school today and I just had to grab her and give her a bear hug! She is an outgoing teenager with a mind of her own. I like that. She makes me smile. Soon, Katrina will be bounding through the door. I look forward to being here to welcome them. I have this window of time and I want to make the most of it!! Aren't grandchildren the best? I see bits of me in them and selfishly, I like that!!
Katrina - Ready & raring to go!
Katrina is abuzz with questions and activity. Her mind goes a mile a minute. She is definitely a decisive leader yet she has this soft sensitive side that endears her to everyone around her.
I hope that you are enjoying my world here in Florida along with me. I know that many of you have family who live a distance away and, like me, you don't see them often. I have learned so much in the few days I have been here ... the most important being that I need to make coming here a priority. People are important ... some other less important things need to take a back seat!!
It is time for me to head for the kitchen. I made homemade chicken soup with salad and fresh bread for dinner tonight. Ahhhhh ... another evening of family togetherness!! I love it!!
Jane, Tim, Madison, Katrina
As the day is coming to an end, I am filled with awe at how much love I feel for my family. Each moment has been filled with specialness ... I do believe I could fly!!
Blessings and love sent out to all of you ... always remember, you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!
Good Morning from the Sunshine State! Right now it's a little cloudy but oh so peaceful and quiet (other than the birds singing!). It's going to be a day of rest, relaxing, and writing. I am starting to write book one of the Hamilton Elf series for children. I want to use Hamilton to instill good character in a way that children can readily accept and understand. In just the short time I have been here, Katrina has expressed some thoughts that are pretty awesome. Since I have grandchildren 7 and under, that's my targeted range for readers.
Once I finish a blog, my mind starts thinking about my next topic... usually a word pops into my mind and today, that word was "adoption"... maybe because Teddy was just adopted into the family here in Florida. When I think about adoption, I think of the meaning to accept or to take in lovingly. There is also adoption of a creed, lifestyle or a myriad of other meanings...
Dottie and Michael 2010
Family is so much about adoption. Michael and I were married in 2003. At that time, I was lovingly adopted into his family. Mom S has been a wonderful part of my life and it has been an honor and privilege to serve her. Michael's children and grandchildren became mine and my children and grandchildren became his. It gets complicated because to be adopted lovingly doesn't always happen and that's sad to me. For my entire life, I've always been an accepting, loving person so it's foreign to me when I am rejected or others are rejected. Coming from an abusive background, my first thoughts are of blaming myself and trying to fix the situation. There have been times that I almost felt like a hamster running as fast as I could in a wheel going nowhere. Thank God, these days, I am quick to apologize for my part in any misunderstanding, make amends, then trust Him with the rest.
I have learned that there will be some people that I rub the wrong way and who will choose not to adopt me into their circle of life and I must be okay with that. I know that to dwell on my rejection only brings me sadness and depression which means I don't have the time and energy to devote to those that have adopted me lovingly. I hope I am making some sense.
You see, I had this big hole in my heart for a long time ... I filled it with busyness, things, projects, men ... you name it. It didn't work because nothing and no one could fill that hole and my own insecurities. I was expecting others to be God which only lead to further emptiness and bigger insecurities. Only the love of my Lord filled the hole and healed me. There is a good book I read written by TD Jakes, THE LADY, HER LOVER, AND HER LORD. It helped me understand that I needed to be filled with the love of God and be whole before that hole would be filled. I was looking for love and to be accepted and man couldn't do that. Good grief, I tried that route enough times. God adopted me FIRST and gave me a sense of wholeness. He accepted me where I was and lifted me to new heights encouraging me to be the woman He created me to be and to use the talents He gave me. At this point, I was able to handle criticism, rejection, and the knowledge that it isn't always my fault...
When I finally "got it" that some rejections weren't my fault, it also gave way to the knowledge that some rejections were my fault and I needed to be brave enough to come clean and be open, honest, and truthful. For years, I attended Alanon and after going through the steps, began to teach them. It was really hard for me for a long time ... it's always easier to adopt the idea that my life was miserable because of "his drinking". Nawww, the drinking and our problems were just a symptom of something deeper that needed to be addressed. Then, I adopted the plan of the steps and also adopted God's way of life. It has made all the difference!! What peace it is NOT to be at war within myself!
I read Deuteronomy 19:17-20 today which is about civil laws. I found it interesting that Moses (as speaker to the Israelites) addressed the subject of gossip and rumors. In 19:15-19 it says,"Never convict anyone on the testimony of one witness. There must be at least two, and three is even better. If anyone gives false witness, claiming he has seen someone do wrong when he hasn't, both men shall be brought before the priests and judges on duty before the Lord at the time. They must be closely questioned, and if the witness is lying, this penalty shall be the punishment he thought the other man would get." How does this apply to adoption? Well, think about it, so much of our perceptions of people comes from someone else's opinion. We need to be careful!
I came across this beautiful ballad about adoption...please listen to the whole song as it truly does speak not only about adopting orphans but also about how God has adopted us!
Have a wonderful day, Readers ... Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!
It has been another wonderful day in my visit to Florida. I woke up this morning to a fresh mocha coffee from Starbucks compliments of my son in law, Tim. I did my Bible study out in the lanai and felt so refreshed.
Katrina & Stephen
I am amazed at how invigorated I feel! Each day has been a gift! Since it was President's Day, the girls were off school and we headed for the beach at Clearwater. Katrina met a little boy, Stephen, and they spent lots of time building sandcastles. The water was so clear and the sand a beautiful color of white. The beach was really crowded but we did find room to spread out and enjoy the afternoon.
Maddy & Gabby
Madison brought her friend, Gabby, along ... they were into some serious tanning! I am thoroughly enjoying meeting Madison's friends. Great bunch of girls! It was nice to sit and chat with Tim and reconnect. He's a great husband and dad and I am blessed to have him come into the family.
Speaking of Tim: he hurt his back lifting Teddy into his truck when he went to get my coffee this morning and his pain has steadily gotten worse. Funny though how God meets our every need. Madison's friend, Gabby's dad is a chiropractor and when they picked up Gabby tonight, he told Tim to come in to his office tomorrow. I am praying for a speedy healing!
The beginning of a great meal!
I got to take charge of the kitchen tonight and prepare Swedish Meatballs and all the fixins. It's Jane's favorite and I always make enough for her to nosh on. I'll bet she will be headed for the refrigerator to have meatballs for breakfast tomorrow am! We ate by candlelight out in the lanai and had a great time. After we cleaned up, Jane and I took Cricket for her walk and had some together time. We are thinking that Thursday would be a good time for the two of us to go out... I think that's a good idea!
You know there's something special about the togetherness of family ... me and Michael, our children and spouses, and their children. The more the merrier. We are all different but that way we can share ideas, learn from one another, and experience the closeness of feeling needed, wanted, respected, and to be of support to one another. We're not codependent but interdependent, each of us bringing something special to the "mix"! Love it!!
I am getting sleepy ... tomorrow's another day. The girls will be back in school and I am going to park myself out in the lanai and work on Hamilton Elf's first book. I still need to find an illustrator and am praying for that special person who can capture my characters and make them bigger than life.
Always remember you are loved and prayed for
... YA YOU!!
The pond where the alligator lives!
From Psalm 23: "He leads me beside still waters and restores my soul..." May the Lord God lead you and comfort you ... may His face shine upon you and give you peace!
Good Afternoon, Readers! Welcome to my world in Wesley Chapel, Florida! What a gorgeous day we are having. I started out my morning with coffee on the front porch and got some vitamin D!
Moses blessing Joshua
As usual, I had some time with the Lord and thought about my blog. I read Deuteronomy 1-4 and there were several verses that popped out at me. The Lord was talking to Moses and He gave him this promise in verse 22: "Don't be afraid of the nations there, for the Lord your God will fight for you." Boy, that's true for us today ... as Christians, the Lord fights for us. We're not alone. Whatever trials we face, He is there beside us. What comfort!
In Chapter 4:9, the Lord gives us additional advice: "But watch out! Be very careful never to forget what you have seen God doing for you. May his miracles have a deep and permanent effect upon your lives! Tell your children and your grandchildren about the glorious miracles He did." It is so important to share our life's stories with our families. We need to be real relating our struggles and victories. If you've never journaled, I would encourage you to do so. You will learn a lot about yourself and the world around you.
Tim is heating up the pool ... yea! Will be time to relax and enjoy a float. Maybe, I can convince someone to take me to the pool store so I can get a floating chair! Ah, I do miss having a pool at our home in North Texas! I have 2 books I want to finish while I am here and that would be a perfect place to read!!
Jane, Cricket, Katrina, Madison, Tim, Teddy
We enjoyed a trip to the dog park this morning. It was fun to watch all the dogs interact and see the different breeds of dogs that are in Florida versus Texas. Cricket and Teddy had fun and we did too.
Next to the dog park was a beautiful pond covered with lilies. Madison and I took a walk out on the dock. We experimented with my camera and she set it up on a timer so it would take a photo of us. Pretty cool! Our teenagers are pretty savvy! (I saw the alligator at the pond today - I am determined to get a photo of him before I leave!)
Jane, Katrina, Dottie
The foliage here is beautiful. As a gardener, I am always so taken by beautiful flowers, trees, and shrubbery. There was a pet cemetery adjacent to the dog park. It was filled with beautiful statues and monuments to beloved pets. I would have liked to photograph the cemetery but the gates were padlocked. Maybe another day it will be open.
I am also passionate about the ocean and look forward to taking a nice walk along a sandy shore. I know that I will not run out of things to do while I am here.
You know, God just seems to know when I need something or someone and I am so appreciative of His constant vigil. This vacation came at a time when I really needed it. In just one day, I feel invigorated and more positive about the world around me. Psalm 13:5-6 says it best: "But I will always trust in you and in your mercy and shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord because He has blessed me so richly."
I hope and pray that this is a good day for all of you ... My heart is filled with love and gratefulness! Thank you to Jane, Tim, Madison, Katrina, Oscar, Cricket and Teddy for making me feel so at home! Until tomorrow ... How Great Is My God...sing with me ...
