Christmas Angel baby

I've been busy knocking off a few "bucket list" items with my husband in Florida this past month. Be sure and read my previous blog about getting your bucket lists in order! 

   Merry Christmas to you from me. I do realize it can be a difficult time for many families and individuals during the holidays. You don't always have your holly jolly going on and it can be a challenging time in your life right now. My heart goes out to you. xoxo  I'm going to share a little experience from yesterday and I hope it encourages you to celebrate the season.
    Just yesterday I offered to babysit my granddaughter so that my daughter could finish her last class on line to renew her CPA license. I knew I'd have the sweet little baby girl all day so as I swept her away the last thing my daughter said was, "Call Carolyn (my neighbor) and have her come over to see the baby". Great idea! The two of us are good friends and love to chat over tea and catch up on our busy lives. The last time I really spent time with her was when we were in France in June and she was there  on extended holiday and we arranged to meet up to see her and have dinner in a quaint restaurant. Neighbors meeting up in Paris! How fun is that!? It was a memory I will always remember.  So I gave her a quick call and she said YES she'd love to come to our house and would be there as fast as she could!  In typical Carolyn fashion she came with Christmas cookies in hand ( but I told her NOT to bring anything as I have a boatload of treats to share!) and a gift bag which turned out to be a special little something for my sweet granddaughter.
We talked and served tea and ate treats while granddaughter Hayley delighted, entertained and snuggled with us. Carolyn admitted that she was having a hard time getting the proper attitude for Christmas and having a baby in her life today was just what the Dr ordered. Life and all it's "stuff" can just get in the way and you lose your focus. Your holly jolly goes kaput! We opened the little gift bag and it was a white little stuffed bear with angel wings! Hayley giggled and squealed when it came out of the bag. You could not have asked for a better response from a 1 year old! After several hours of chatting, snacking, changing a diaper, feeding the baby, more tea, and solving all the problems of the world Carolyn had to go home. Having a baby in her life yesterday helped her remember why we celebrate Christmas. Carolyns' words sum it all up neatly in an email she sent me:

"Oh thank you for brightening my day, and that little baby reminding, that Jesus is the reason  for the season."

 We were calling Hayley the Christmas Angel baby! My phone call came at just the right time to perk up a neighbor and friend. That baby in the manger came at just the right time too... Maybe today is a difficult one for you. Pick up the phone and see if I can come over with my Christmas Angel baby Hayley to put your spirits back into focus for Christmas!!! Better yet, let's let the Christ child in the manger do that for us.

Christmas blessings to you

Bucket Lists

   It's been several weeks since I last wrote a post. I'm really sorry for that.  I've been busy crossing items off our bucket lists!  Actually I was emotionally marrying off my adorable son to the love of his life in mid September(see earlier post We're Getting Married). My husband and I then took an 11 day trip to New Hampshire and Maine to see fall colors and visit family. We love to experience this part of the country.Rural and simple living. It's sooooooo different than California which has been my home for 32 years and even more different than my home state of Montana the 23 years before that! (Yes, I'm 55 if you just did the math...Happy Birthday to me September 2.)  To say that the fall colors at peak time in New England is stunning and amazing doesn't even begin to touch how beautiful it is. Put it on your bucket list to visit there in the fall. Do it next year and don't just wish you had. The God given time we have for a short 100 years or passes quietly and days turn into years and then suddenly my kids grew up and a blue eyed cutie pie child is calling me Nana! Whaaaat? When did THAT happen!? Free advice for today...start saving and plan for a fall colors visit to New Hampshire or Maine.
   I realized 11 years ago today that life was way too short. I lost my best friend Claudia to breast cancer. She was 44 years old.  She slipped away peacefully to the Lord and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about her and miss her face. God took her young life and I had to accept that. I decided that day to begin turning a new leaf (see, I was in New Hampshire!) and start living differently. I'm not a procrastinator. I do finish projects that I start and I am crossing items off my bucket list now. Have you ever said out loud, "I've always wanted to do that." ?  Wellllll then my encouragement to you is to make plans to accomplish just that thing! Have you even made a so called bucket list!?
    Okay, so speaking of bucket lists...My husband always wanted to go see where they filmed On Golden Pond at Winnipesaukee and Squam Lakes in New Hampshire. If you are too young and haven't seen this fine film that had 7 academy nominations in 1979 then you must do so. We combined a fall colors trip and went to the famous lakes this fall. We even did a touristy boat tour and saw movie sights and the loons! This random act gave us such happy hearts and we saw a lovely part of the USA as well. Checked it off the bucket list and even added visiting a couple of lighthouses we'd wanted to see in Maine and NH. Bonus bucket list points! I've had some strange bucket list items but it doesn't matter how odd they are because they are YOURS. Want to go see Niagara Falls? Ride your bike across the Golden Gate Bridge? Eat at a greasy spoon restaurant in Los Gatos called The Happy Hound? Eat gluten free for a week? Visit Italy? Learn and then sing to your mom a song called Sweet Lorraine that you were named after? See the fall colors in New England? Write a book...?(Wet Mittens)   Those are just a few of my bucket list items I've completed in the past 10 years.
   I am giving you a nudge as I remember my friend Claudia today and all the FUN adventures we had together. One of my favorite adventures was a summer road trip to Montana to visit Yellowstone, the Tetons and my family in 1990. We bravely drove there with our 5 children under 8 years old...I aided in a bucket list dream for her and sweet memories for me of our wild trip across several states.Tearfully with great joy I will always remember that special trip we made together.

What are some of your "Bucket list" items?

In case you were wondering...sky diving is NOT on my bucket list.
Lovingly,
Lorrie
 

"We're getting married!"

In less than a month my son Grant will be marrying the most amazing young woman-Taylor. We prayed for this day and for Taylor, even when she was a young girl and we didn't know her. We prayed for her family who was raising her too. This really is a match made in heaven, as they say. I remember telling my son a few years ago that he was a fool if he didn't marry her! So glad I have a smart intelligent son who has chosen well for marriage, even though his mother threatened him!  Just kidding...well kind of.
I remember the day we finally got to meet Taylor's parents for dinner in southern California before a college football game during parents weekend a few years ago. Grant told me that I would just love Taylor's mother and we would be fast friends. Sure... I would son...right? The dinner and conversation was easy, fun and full of laughter. As both children desired we all seemed to get along wonderfully! Later Taylor's mom Dee Dee told me how relieved she was to meet us and that we weren't weird or anything. Haha She also thanked me for raising such a wonderful young man who cherishes her daughter. Tears ran down her face as she looked me in the eye and said that. I'm still emotional when I think back to that day and our first "meet the parents" event. I think I became friends right then. We often joke as parents who is getting the better deal when they got engaged last fall. They are getting a son they love and appreciate in Grant (who loves golf too) and we get a delightful loving daughter with Taylor! A few weeks ago I attended a bridal shower for my future daughter in law and had some lovely quality time with her family. Dee Dee told me she doesn't mind sharing her daughter with us...What a gift for her to say that! She told me how much she loves me. I mean really who has in laws like this!? She kept saying all weekend that "we're getting married". I just cracked up laughing every time she said that. It's true though, our families are getting married. We are joining together what we all prayed for as young parents raising these 2 young-uns years ago. I prayed for a bride that would compliment my son and be strong where he is weak. I wanted her to be fun and pretty too! I wanted him to be crazy in love with her. I prayed she would love us too and be thrilled to be in our family. I prayed her parents were caring and loving God fearing people.  I'd say all my prayers are answered. My heart is full of such love as the special day approaches. My last child is getting married...and John and I will be kicking up our heels in celebration! Yep, "we're getting married"!!!!

You Just Never Know

It's funny how things sometimes work out...

I have a new friend Bonnie who contacted me about help with her book she's writing. She overheard me telling someone about finally publishing my book "Wet Mittens"  and decided to contact me. (Yep, now that I'm an author I've apparently got skills!---- wellllll, some tiny small  itty bit of knowledge anyhow. haha) I'm so happy to encourage and help a fellow author find her way through this journey of writing and publishing. I found myself  TOTALLY "getting her" when she explained some thoughts and challenges she was facing. I realized that all the time, energy, sweat, tears, discouragement, joys, money & drama I experienced writing my own book was worth it all today as I conversed with my young friend. I've grown up a ton. I've matured in many ways.The refining process sharpened me as a person. I suddenly was quite thankful for the growth (and the completion of my book!) Listening to her it's evident she has so much together already. She's miles ahead and organized far more than I ever was! Her topic is going to be so helpful to many. The excerpt I read was just delightful and on point.She's going to nail it!  I see the same passion I have as a fledgling writer. I tingled with excitement a bit because I know what's ahead for her when she endures this process of writing, creating and reaches the finish line! She told me that she prayed for someone to come along side and help her. Bonnie told me I was an answer to her prayers...gulp. That is just sinking in a bit to me now this afternoon. That is not something I hear everyday. It has humbled me to the center of my soul. Never saw that coming when I agreed to meet. Just linking arms with another woman author and BAM- I'm the one encouraged!
Go Bonnie! Remember it's marathon, not a sprint race and your medal and prize is at the end.
 Yes, It's funny how things sometimes work out in your life...

I cried in Paris

   My husband John and I have been planning a 2 week trip to France for quite awhile.We visited Paris, Loire Valley and Bordeaux regions. I still can't believe we actually pulled it off and have returned safely to home sweet home this week! Now that the jet lag is wearing off and my head is clearing from a head cold I picked up, I thought i'd tell you a few things I learned, enjoyed and observed.
~Paris is much bigger than I realized it would be! 14 million...that is a lot of baguettes my friends.
~I don't know what your experience has been... but the French were very friendly and helpful.
~ The Queen of England came to town for D-Day and our tour guide was quite "miffed" that the only flags they had on the main boulevard was for England. We learned later her motorcade traveled that route so I'm sure they had American flags out for President Obama on his route too! The French are very grateful to the Americans for rescuing them. Normandy is hallowed ground.  They have streets in Paris there named after our presidents!
~We went to church at Notre Dame Cathedral. Didn't understand a word but loved it. Wow is that place jaw dropping.
~The French countryside is simply lovely. Half of the population of France lives there. I did not see one Target or Walmart.
~ The cheese in France is really good. Really good. REALLY good.
~Everyone drives little black cars
~We tasted a lot of different kinds of wine, but again came home to California and said the best is right here where we live. It's not bad wine, it's just different!
~The Louvre Museum will simply boggle your mind. We could of gotten lost in there for months.
~No matter what we did, we still looked like Americans. haha
~the French don't eat broccoli.
~The Chateaus in the countryside are stunning. The French revolution thankfully didn't destroy everything.
~My French history is better now than before I left!
~It is a wildly romantic city...

I was not prepared for how impressive the Eiffel Tower was going to be. It is a sight to behold. I must of taken 100 photos of it alone. Not caring for heights, I saved John loads of $$ by not desiring to take the lift up there.  Everyone told us to take a night cruise or evening dinner cruise on the Seine River to enjoy Paris "lit up". So our last night in Paris we did just that. Champagne to toast as we set sail for 2 hours of dining and viewing! Many others couples snuggled near us. I wondered what their "story" might be!? One couple was celebrating their 2nd anniversary and they were older than us! We chatted about how a few months from now our son Grant  and his new bride would be enjoying their honeymoon there. xoxox It was a special magical evening as we visually drank in the sights of this lovely place. I could not wipe the smile off my face. At the top of every hour in the evening, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes. We were so excited to view this from the river boat. We passed by this famous structure and it was lit up golden and full of beauty. Soon it began to sparkle...then the music from Whitney Houston... "I'll Always Love You" came on. John held me close and I rested my head on his shoulder. I began to cry. The moment was just too special for me. My soul was bursting with thankfulness to be sharing it with my sweetheart of 34 years. I don't think I can capture all the emotion in that moment in words for you.  Ah, Paris you captured a bit of our hearts!

Old friends

Remember this song?  "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold".

   I chatted on line with an old friend from high school today. It's just amazing to me that we have found each other after 35 + years of no contact and are enjoying picking up where we left off back then, today. He saw a post I made on a mutual friend's Facebook page several years ago and discovered I was still alive!  We are slowly reconnecting. So sweet to find an old friend isn't it? There is nothing like that feeling.
    He was a polite shy guy back then. He always made me laugh. He had a big huge smile I will never forget. He was so kind. I recall he was tall and skinny.(I'm glad he didn't say he remembered me as short and skinny!) He is now towering at 6'2 and served in our military. He is exactly the kind of guy you want protecting our nation. He had a strong faith in God then and it encouraged me during those turbulent high school years. I will never forget the day in high school when he told me he had a crush on me. I thought he was so brave to admit it and tell me! We were only meant to "just be friends" though, but I probably broke his heart. That part makes me sad.  As we chatted today, I told him he will always be my friend and brother. I never forgot him and often wondered where life took him. Life has taken him on many painful journeys I'm learning. Maybe now it's my turn to be the strong helpful friend he once was to me. My turn to pray for him and tell him how grateful I am to have him in my life again. My turn to be a silver and gold kind of friend.
   Pick up that phone and call an old friend today. It sure did my heart some good.

Closing out a chapter

   We've spent this past week celebrating 2 loved ones finishing college (Yeah Ashley and Sean!) and relaxing at a condo with John's elderly parents. It's been interesting watching various individuals reach the finish line and close out chapters of their lives. My nephew graduated with honors, is starting a new job, has an adorable new girlfriend and is embracing a bright future. He closed out a remarkable college career and is finishing this chapter with much joy and accomplishment. Ashley, (daughter of our best friends) finished her degree in 3 years! Talk about being proud as punch to hug and celebrate her short amazing journey! We were very proud and thrilled to be there to see them receive their diplomas. Sean's mother Robin and I shed a tear of pride too. Years ago I promised to be there when he graduated and I delivered! My dear friend Laurie just could not hold back the tears as I snapped pictures of their ecstatic family. Their arms were wrapped around Ashley with wide grins displayed.. I love graduations. Maybe I just love endings. So many hugs, kisses, smiles, tears and CAMERAS! Parents were just bursting forth in pride for their graduate. You know...I have a great quote I'm quite proud of I'm going to share with you ..."There are no sad parents at college graduation." It's sooooo true. I saw it on the faces of so many parents. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.You can quote me if you'd like... (insert smile icon here)
   John's parents bought a vacation condo in 1980 the year we were married. Now in their 80's.They have decided it's time for them to hang up their condo exchange vacations after 34 years of enjoyment. So we are helping them experience closing out that chapter of their lives this week. Lots of memories of great family gatherings were shared all week. Golf scores from condo adventures long ago had to be bragged about too! It was a different kind of celebration with less fanfare as we ushered out many joys we had as a family during condo week. Chapters closing for our loved ones. It's all a little bitter sweet as I realize this is our last time with them here. Our special times with them will one day run out like it did this week with the condo.  Ahhhhh maybe I don't like endings like I thought I did. I did enjoy all the memories, hugs, tears though! Be sure and cherish those you love every single day.