COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

"Count your blessing, name them one by one, count your many blessing see what God has done"
It's that time of year when we stop and maybe list those things we are thankful for. My list is long, important to some but not to everyone. Some will make me laugh and some will bring a tear to my eye.
At the top of my list is my loving husband. I am so grateful he came into my life. I can't imagine what my life would be without him. He completes me.
Right below Steve,would be my three beautiful daughters. They bring so much life into our home. Their sweet sprits just radiate when they are around. They are beautiful, great moms, and the best daughters any Mom would want.
Next would be my son-inlaws. When asked how many children I have and I respond three daughters, sometimes I will get the comment "no sons" ? Well, now I can reply two. Richard and Cody are my sons. I wouldn't love them anymore if I had given birth to them.
I have eight very special blessings. Each one is unique. I can't imagine what my life would be without these grandchildren. They have taught me so much. I look in each of their eyes and see such wisdom and unconditional love. They bring such love into our home.
I am blessed to have extended family as well. My sister and brother and their family have brought so much joy into my life. Just to know that each are only a phone call away and knowing that they are always there for support and love.
Ivy and Erv what a blessing they have been to me as well as to my family. I know I have many more blessing but now it's your turn. Count your blessing it may surprise you just h0w blessed you are.. I know it surprised me.

FRIENDSHIP GARDEN

I love this time of the year! I find myself reflecting on the long hot summer, the family time, vacations and my "friendship garden". I would like to tell you a bit about my garden. In the center of the garden is my very best friend, my husband, Steve. He is my world. We do everything together and share our lives completely. Surrounding Steve you will fine three beautiful flowers, Heather, Jaymi and Stephanie. I love spending time with them doing lunch, and even once in a while sharing a girls night out going to a show. My favorite movie of all times is Mamma Mia, I couldn't wait to go with the girls to that movie. Along side these flowers you will find two strong growing plants, my two son-in laws. Not having any boys these have been a great addition to the garden. They are the BEST! Moving along the pathway I come across the area marked as special friends. First one there would be my sister, Pam, growing up you could find us struggling to surrive. Pam has become a very important part of my garden. We are survivors. Next you can find my sister-inlaw, Susan. She is such an inspiriation to all those she is around. When I think of Christ like attributes she is at the top. About twelve years ago a new flower joined the garden, Ivy. She has been such a big part of my life. We have shared so many special moments, we have laughed, we have cried, and we have supported. This bond will never be broken. And now, I have the chance to add another flower to the garden, after not being in contact I have finally reconnected with my childhood friend, Linda. We lived next door to each other for over eighteen years. Her entire family became my family. We shared our first apartment together, we shared all our teen age secrets, and we shared some trouble we got into.
We formed a strong friendship in our early years and though we choose different paths we have always found our way back. I believe this is a once in a lifetime friendship. It has passed the test of time. Who is your friendship garden? Does it need some attention? Again, I am so grateful for my garden of friends.

JOINING THE GANG

I finally gave in to the temptations to start my own blog after reading all the others. I now know who will help me alias, Heather, Stephanie, Jaymi and Aunt Pam. I have enjoyed each of their blogs and am looking forward to sharing pictures and thoughts with each of you.