5x7 Folded Card

Colorful Wishes Birthday Card

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Scouting for Food

This Saturday we will be picking up bags of food for the food pantry in the Texarkana area.  Scouting for Food is a great way to share our abundance with our neighbors much like the Pilgrims and Native Americans did on the first Thanksgiving.  I am reminded of something a friend shared with me years ago.  She worked in a food pantry and told me the items needed most.  The majority of people served by the pantry are senior citizens and families with children.  These people cannot afford to buy protein items or items specific for their health needs.  Here is a list of things that I am going to look for to fill my bag. 

Canned Tuna or Chicken

Low Sodium Nuts

Peanut Butter

Canned Fruit in its own Juice

Low Sodium Soup

Oatmeal

Shelf Stable Milk (look in the cereal isle)

100% Juice

Low Sugar Granola or Cereal Bars

Low Sugar Cereal

Malt O Meal

Dried Beans

Instant Rice

Chili Powder or Chili Seasoning Packets

Raisins

Sugar Free Jello or Pudding

Please share the items you are going to put in your bag.

From our family to yours.  May you be blessed this Thanksgiving. 

Sunrise on the Battery-Booksneeze Book Review

Sunrise on the Battery by Beth Webb Hart

This is a wonderful story of a family and their journey to find peace. The setting is in Charleston and the imagery is wonderful. I felt as if I were walking on the battery myself. I loved how Beth gave voices to the different characters so we could feel the full range of emotions for the family. The story had a twist towards the end that I enjoyed. I thought I would know how it would go then was pleasantly surprised there was more depth to the story. I look forward to more books by Beth. I was given a copy of this book by Booksneeze and had to obligation to give a positive review.

Teenage Years

Over the years I have heard parents lament over the fact that they are in the dreaded teenage years.  Honestly I can say we are enjoying these years.  My children are 16, 13 and11.  Every stage of life has been a joy and new experience.  I loved when they were little and each experience brought awe and wonder.  I loved their kindergarten drawings and adoration for mama.  I love seeing them make friends and develop independence and a sense of who they are in the preteen years.  And now I love this transition of teen to adult.  Don't get me wrong.  In a few years when its time for Brittany to leave home I will need a box or two of tissues.  I am not pushing her out of the nest but this time is also precious to me.  We are developing a friendship I know will last for the next forty to fifty years.  I was as excited as she was for her first date.  All the wonderful experiences of a teen becoming an adult rushed back to me when I saw her beaming.  I am so blessed to be a part of this journey with her.  I want to be here waiting as she peers over the nest into the unknown world and hold my arms open to welcome her back when her heart is broken.  And we all know it will be broken.  I am a proud mama of my children.  I don't get to hold their hand walking across the street anymore or rock them in the early morning but we are going fishing, camping, vacationing, sharing and loving just the same.  I hope you enjoy the teenage years as much as I am.

Full Moon in the Cemetary

These photos were taken at the cemetery across the street from us.  They are quiet neighbors but never come to visit.

Beautiful Night to Fish

Last Saturday night we decided to go fishing.  My boy loves fishing!  He can sit there all day waiting for that bite. 

 His best friend was able to come so that made the trip extra special.

 The light was amazing when we arrived.  I am so glad I brought my camera.

 We were at Millwood Lake.  There is supposed to be an alligator in the lake but we haven't met him yet.

 I wonder if we ever do meet him if he will pose for me.

 The geese were beautiful.  I think they were flying the wrong direction.  Go south and bring winter on down please.

In terms of being able to eat fish we were not successful.   In terms of quality time spent together in the beautiful sunset we were rock stars!  Sweet dreams my little man.  We will catch the big one next time.

David and the Old Man

I reviewed this book for Booksneeze and found it to be very touching.  This true story is about the struggle of a young man with anemia in the 1960s.  Since this disorder was undiscovered at this time the family struggled to make sense of a young boy who refused to eat.  The family’s love for each other is amazing even through the hard times of a parent unable to force a child to eat.  I liked the viewpoints of other family members and found it interesting how perceptions are different even in the same household.  I received no compensation for this review other than the free book and had no obligation to give a good review.