Cinderella's job security

Yummy meals...for the love of my life.

De-junking...and finding things to take down to the TN kids.

Checking on rental issues...are all in a day's work!
 

A Saturday morning drive

I had to dig out six dead bushes.  I am now in the process of filling in the front with new perennial plants.

I headed over to Grand Haven on Saturday morning to meet up with Grandma Jello.  We shared the morning together.  I brought her a special china cup from Mom's collection for her apartment.

Mom's dearest friend was a blessing to my heart again.  So many years and memories together in Michigan.  Making plans to spend time again in June!

I then went over to SpringLake for the bridal shower for Paige (Alec's fiancée).  It was a chilly day, so the event was moved inside Paige's childhood home.  We had a lovely time with yummy pizza from the Village Baker.

It was so fun to meet Henry and catch up with the girls.  We are looking forward to seeing everyone again in June for the backyard wedding.

I was able to meet up with Sean while on duty.  We met at the police station!

We got to visit for about an hour before he was summoned.  I am so proud of his work and willingness to serve and protect his community.  Time with family...no matter where, when, or for how long is always something I will be grateful for and not take for granted!

 

A special gift from a friend...

and I am using it daily.  Wonderful reminders of the hope we have in Christ to meet each and every need on a daily basis!  I am thankful for friends that speak life and truth to my heart!
 

Early Tuesday morning trip to the airport

was under a full moon!  But we couldn't see it till it got lighter and the fog lifted.  God gave us safety through the orange grove country to Fort Myers.   We left Sebring at 5:00am so I would be able fly out at 8:05am.  TSA was not very efficient but I got through in plenty of time to stop at the bathroom and basically walk right on the plane.  I was in zone 8 for boarding anyway.

This time I was the one at the curb waiting for my cute driver to pick me up!

Can you say, "Excited to see Mommy!?"

Everything is so lush and green with beautiful spring weather!  The flowering trees are done flowering!
 

A yummy welcome home!

Ted gave this little package to me on our way home from the airport.  "Welcome Home!  I am sure you need some of this!"  OOOO...Belgium chocolates from his bosses and co-workers that came this week to visit the plants and processes here in Michigan.  "Yes, and Thank you!"

The chocolate is so yummy and smooth.  It was a nice little treat for him to give me...and I noticed a couple missing here and there...so Ted is enjoying a little treat too!
 

Mom saved this Sunday School paper from 1975

and I found it in the file of assorted papers.  I was 5 soon to be 6 years old.

This was so perfect to find just in time for Mother's Day 2025.  Dad and Mom taught us about Jesus from the day we were born.  Mom sang to us.  She was our junior church teacher for years.  She read to us.  She helped us learn Scripture.  She told the continued story at VBS every year.  She played the piano and taught us to sing.  She lead me to Jesus and prayed with me the day I gave my heart to Him.

My Mother showed me that loving and serving Jesus brought joy even in the difficult days of life.  How did I celebrate my Mother on this Mother's Day?  By honoring her as God commands in Ephesians 6:2 by practicing all the things she taught me for 55 years.

 

I sat in Mom's crafting corner to catch my breath.

I walked through each room of Dad and Mom's house today and just cried it out.  Yesterday was Mother's Day...Mom's first in Heaven and her absence is felt here on earth in a great way.   Last year, Ted and I were able to spend Mother's Day weekend in Florida with both of our Mothers!  I never thought that it would be the last time we would share a meal, a laugh, a hug and picture.  But God knew!  He orchestrated the whole timing of that trip, and I am so thankful!  I had the privilege to come down again this year to be a help and companion.  I did my best to be helpful and present, so as not to waste any time.  God watched over each part of this visit and gave direction.  Today (Monday) was a little slower and a chance to finish a couple things.  Grief punched me in the face as I looked for a specific note and saw Mom's handwriting in her address book with little notes and reminders.  I finally sat in Mom's crafting corner to catch my breath.  I thought it would help me regain my composure.  It took a long while...so I opened the drawers and looked at all the stamps, paper, accessories, and thumbed through cards.  I found all the ones I had painted for her during her treatments.  I looked at the books on the shelf.  I went through a few pictures.  I just sat and took in little touches around the room.  My heart hurt.  So many memories of so many things through the years...so many things she passed on to us.  I wonder if she knows now how much she touched people.  All week, I have had people telling me how much they appreciated my Mother and why they appreciated her.  We truly do not understand the impact we have on others with our words and actions.  

My heart is full!

Our sweet kids...and I am missing them today!  What a joy to see them soaring high while remembering when they were little and still in our nest!
 

Mother's Day 2025

Dinner for Dad and Mom....Mississippi Pot Roast and smashed potatoes.

Checking on a new app...

I saw 4 alligators today!  The one big one at the pond by Dad's mobile slid into the water and headed to the lily pads.  I saw two more little ones.  I drove by the other pond and saw another alligator sunning itself on this cloudy day.  Most I have EVER seen here.

 

Saturday with a friend

I drove up to Winter Haven...an hour away...to meet up with my teacher friend.  The storms clouds rolled in and the torrential rains started just as I got to the complex.  I had to sit and wait in order to be able to walk in without being totally drenched!

My kindred spirit...in many ways!  Miss Kim and I met because of our Mothers...and it is another blessing that I am counting this week.

We sat and talked as the much needed rains came down.

I got to help her finish a big project for her Kindergarten Graduation this week.  We talked about everything as we worked.  We shared supper at CiCi's Pizza.  Then she showed me her school and classroom.  All too soon it was time to go home to Mom's.  I technically didn't have a curfew, but Mom was worried about me driving in the dark.  I brought a peace rose pot from Kim for Mom...and we laughed. "Tell her I am sorry for keeping you..."  Ha ha! "But the light of the full moon will help light the way!"

 

Saturday coffee and projects

I made Mom some lemon blueberry scones upon her request and we shared a quiet morning.

I prepared to help Dad with a couple things and met him at his house.

The hurricane winds beat the hibiscus plants up and they are not doing very well.

We got a couple things taken care of and checked out.

Turns out shredding stuff is quite mesmerizing!

I miss Mom coming down the hall, rocking in her chair, asking if I need coffee, showing me a picture or a card.  Dad came down the hall and asked me if I needed a cup of coffee.  We have shared pictures back and forth.  Things change...but memories are cherished...and new memories are being created.  And time with the people I love is something I am holding close...because I know life is short...but God is good!
 

A Girl's Day Out

Mom had a special treat in mind...so we drove over to Wachula after finishing some morning work.

A vintage tea room in a big, old house with a huge, wrap around porch.

The selections...and we chose the Signature Blend for our pot of tea.  So yummy!

I loved all the special touches.

A perfect place to spend some time together...

full of things that reminded me of my Mother.  We all like these dainty pretties!

The bathroom was unique.

Each room had neat items.

And lots of hats, gloves, and feather boas if you wanted to embrace the whole tea party experience.

What a beautiful day!

Driving through the orange groves...

the beautiful sun, skies, and clouds of Florida are filling my soul after coming out of the winter months of Michigan.

Another supper to share with Dad...one I had told him about and it tasted very good again.

We shared the yummy ice cream from Maxwell's for dessert as we sat and reminisced as it poured rain and got dark.