A Texas Visit and Homecoming Surprises

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Easter this year was very special for my family.  My grandmother who is 87 years old, and legally blind due to macular degeneration, traveled with my Aunt R to be with our family in Texas over Easter.  

When I heard she was coming, I knew I needed to go, but wondered how it could happen. As my husband and I talked it over, our son and daughter told me that they were willing to take over all the chores around the place that needed to be done so I could go.  They were not able to go because of school and work, but they wanted me to be with my family for this special occasion. I appreciated both of them doing this so much, as they work and go to college, and to add any extra to the load was a lot on them, but they were willing to do it so my family could all be together for my Gram's visit.  


My dear sweet grandmother with a pensive expression 
as she tries her best to see what is happening around her. She can see shadows and movement,
but otherwise the world around her is a dark place.  With all the love and laughter, good food, hugs and joy with all our family gathered together, our time was simply wonderful, and I know she was glad she came, as was I!  I appreciated my Aunt R coming with her, and making the trip possible.  What a blessed time we had!  

I also got to see my precious mother-in-law who had been admitted back into ICU for the sixth time in a little over two months.  First it had been sepsis, and since the sepsis episode, her blood sugars have not normalized.  While I was there, we spoke to the doctors and case managers, and finally some arrangements came about for her to be transferred to an acute care facility for longer term management of her diabetes to help her sugars stabilize and hopefully return to a sense of normalcy after the acute episode of sepsis.  We had a wonderful time with her, and we are so thankful for the Lord's help and care for her during this difficult time, and appreciate all the many prayers prayed on her behalf! 

~~~~~

I have picked some of my favorite pictures from my trip and will share them with you below: 


Roses abloom in my parents yard. 


A sweet niece and nephew feeding the fish at my brother's pond. 


My brother's pond at dusk, as a storm was settling in for the night. 


Gorgeous roses abloom, oh how they make my heart sing!  



I made all of my family members a bookmark with their initials on it 
to use in their bibles or a book. There were 28 of them!


A trifle dish filled with a Mississippi Mud Cake made by my sister.  Yum! 


My sister-in-law makes the best asparagus!


 A heaped-up plate full of food, an amazing meal 
as we celebrated Easter and the risen Savior together. 


One of the wild cats that comes to my parents' house to be fed.  
She watched me carefully, not sure what my camera meant to her. 


Honeysuckle in bloom... 
not many blooms left thanks to all the rain, 
but I found these two hanging on! 


My parents' hummingbird feeders were nonstop with activity with the hummers feeding. 


This beautiful cardinal was in my parents' yard feeding at dusk. 


Too soon, it was time to return home.  The flight home was bumpy, and when we landed, I saw why... a huge thunderstorm hit just as I got to my car. 


And then...  this rainbow graced the skies as I drove home, what a joyful welcome for me to see!  

Upon returning home, I learned that Miss Riley had missed me very much.  Too much! 
I found a new pair of shoes that I had not even worn yet, destroyed.  
She had also managed to find some fish fertilizer that I feed my plants with 
and dumped it all over the mud room floor.  
Oh the smell was awful!  

Otherwise, our kids had done a great job taking care of everything, and as I checked on my chickens, they are were all well and content.  

It seems Miss Riley was still quite upset with me for being gone, 
and continued to find things of mine to chew on... 
a sweater, another shoe, a scarf... the little rascal!  
It took her a couple of days with me being home to feel secure 
that I wasn't going to leave her again.  
I paid a price for being gone, lol! 



The next day after being home, I found a package waiting for me to open!  My precious friend Debbie who blogs at She Graces Her Home held a giveaway to celebrate her blog anniversary...
and I was the lucky winner! Isn't that the most beautiful box you have ever seen? It is three dimensional, and hard to see in the picture, but the graceful beauty of the peacock is stunning!


Inside the gorgeous box were all these lovely wrapped packages... 


A beautiful card, with a very precious handwritten note from Debbie, oh how I love these notes, they are so special to read, as she is ever an encourager, and shares from her heart! 


Included in the box were so many wonderful things!  I found a hand repair kit with cherry blossom hand cream, cuticle cream, an emery board and brush, and gloves to wear at night after the treatment... oh my!  Just what these gardener hands will need! 


A set of 4 heart-shaped coasters, oh they are lovely!  
Dear Stephanie of The Enchanting Rose  made these... oh they are so pretty! 
I can't wait to have a tea party with them :) 


And this room spray smells simply divine!  I took it out right away to my porch where the fish smell lingered and sprayed away... it certainly helped to curb the bad smell! 


Oh my, she had also included this gorgeous wooden plaque that says "Be Joyful Always".  This is something Debbie shares so often in her blog, to be joyful always, and what a precious and lovely reminder this is!  It is just darling! I have it sitting where I can see it during the day. 


Two gorgeous towels with pink pompoms sewn on the edges, they are just the cutest!  
I have a kombucha jar that sits on my countertop, 
and these will be lovely to drape over my kombucha tea as it brews.   
I save my nicest tea towels for this job, 
because when one cooks with iron skillets, strange things happen to nice linens, lol!  
So these towels will be saved to use with my kombucha :) 


I didn't take a separate picture of the two heart glass jewelry boxes, but oh they are just so dainty and perfect for those special pieces of jewelry that you want to be able to see easily!  She also sent me some hand sanitizer spray made with oils, and it smells divine!  

All together a most lovely and amazing gift! Debbie truly blessed me abundantly with this extravagant gifting in celebration of her blog anniversary, and it came at exactly the right time, just as I had returned home, and needed a moment to sit and just relax 
and enjoy the goodies she sent me.  

THANK YOU my dear Debbie, from the bottom of my heart!  She is such a gracious and kind lady, a precious friend, and if you haven't met her, do drop by her website to say hello... you will be blessed beyond measure by the graciousness, joy and peace she shares there! 

~~~~~

I'm glad to be back home after such a wonderful trip,
 and it has become that busy time of year when spring is here 
and much work outside needs to be done.  

It is time for seeds to be started in the greenhouse, 
and I am busy planning and working in my garden, 
getting ready for the season ahead. 


While out in the yard, I got this rare picture of these two within length of each other, as usually Pepper chases poor Sal off.  Sal just runs, so no fights ever ensue, for which I am thankful. 

 Our mud has dried up, and buds are on the trees... 
tulips haven't bloomed yet, but they are working very hard on it.  

I saw my first hummingbirds here this week, 
and that is one sign that tells me for sure that spring is really here :) 

It was quite an eventful, blessed and busy week, but I'm so thankful for all the precious memories that were made on the trip.  Best of all, our family had a time of prayer together before my grandmother and aunt left, and the presence of the Lord was so sweet in the room.  There were tears on our faces, because one never knows when we will gather together again on earth, but what joy it is to know that with the resurrection of our Lord we can look forward to eternity should we never meet again on earth, to be with Him.  And that hope is what draws us together as a family. 

It is a hope that lives on in our hearts...  as we remember the victory of the cross and what it means to our lives here on earth... indeed the greatest gift of all is knowing that eternal life awaits us, and it is that hope that carries us through all of life's turmoils and difficulties.. because we know that here on earth, as wonderful as life can be... this is not our lasting hope, but our true hope is in HIM and the finished work of Calvary.  

I think of spring as the season of hope, when the earth springs back to life after a long winter's cold, with the joy of new life coming forth, and my heart is thankful for the reminders all around me as I work in my yard and garden, that fleeting and fast as life may be... there is always joy in the season of hope that comes with each new spring.  

Thinking about hope, a favorite verse of mine comes to mind: 

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; 
that ye may know what is the 
hope of his calling
and what the riches of the glory 
of his inheritance in the saints.
Ephesians 1:18 

May the hope of the Lord Jesus 
in the riches of His glory 
be made known unto you 
in exceeding and glorious ways today! 

79 comments

  1. It sounds like you had a wonderful trip full of family and fun. What a blessing. We went to a family wedding last night. We hadn't seen some of the relatives in twenty years. It was so good to reconnect with everyone, we were actually tearful at one point. We have to make the time to go and do or we will miss out on the important moments. I am so glad that you went...xxxooo

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    1. How wonderful that you were able to connect with your family! We really do have to make the time to spend with family, and it is so important. We had a wonderful time at Easter, and I am so very thankful I was able to be there. Memories last forever. :)

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  2. How blessed you were to have time with our grandmother and MIL. What a wonderful Easter!

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  3. Hi Marilyn! What a news-filled post! I'm so glad you get away and see your family. My dad had macular degeneration too, so sad that your grandmother has gone blind from it. Reading was such a joy for my dad, but at the end it was very difficult.
    I think your trip was worth the shoes, right? Lol! God bless the kids for helping you to travel. What would we do without our families?
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    1. Macular degeneration is a horrible disease, making doing simple things so much harder. It was definitely worth the trip, and sweet little Riley was forgiven :) Hugs to you today!

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  4. Hi Marilyn, I enjoyed your post so much this Sunday evening. What a blessing to visit with family and your precious grandmother and Aunt R. So sweet to see your niece/nephew feeding the fish. The roses are so beautiful! Of course, you know I love that sweet, innocent little kitten. Easter dinner looks absolutely delicious. My husband adores asparagus.
    How wonderful to see the rainbow as you were driving home. Debbie's gift to you in the giveaway was very sweet and so full of useful items. She gifted me a teacup in Stephanie's exchange two years ago and I blogged about it last Sunday.
    Sounds like you will be very busy this Spring - enjoy every minute. Have a blessed evening. xo

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    1. Thank you for your very sweet comment Mildred, I appreciate your visits so much! The trip was delightful in every way, and I'm thankful for the memories made, and then to come home to such a lovely box of goodies, how blessed I was :) Hugs to you today!

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  5. p.s. I really meant to compliment your bookmarks. I love them!

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    1. The bookmarks are really fun to make Mildred, easy too! Hugs :)

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  6. So happy to hear about your wonderful trip to Texas to be with your extended family. That's a great plate of celebration food. That prayer time with your family sounded divine. Our daughter in law brews Kombucha, too. Oops about your puppy taking it out on you. So glad for the hope we have.

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    1. Thank you for your sweet comment Ellen! It was a wonderful trip in every way. Making kombucha is so good, we love it here. And yes, the hope we have gives life to all we do! Hugs to you today :)

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  7. Oh, Marilyn. I am so glad you were able to spend such precious time with your family. What a blessing that was...and also that you made arrangements for your MIL to get some dedicated care for her condition. She is lucky she survived sepsis at her age. That is often deadly.
    Great pictures and you won a sweet giveaway. Debbie's gift was a wonderful array of treasures! Lucky you!!
    That'll teach you to leave that poor little pupster behind. It would have been cheaper to buy a baby carrier and carried him around papoose style....lol
    Hope you have a great week-xo Diana

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    1. You are right Diana, sepsis is often deadly. She also had two huge ulcers on her feet during that episode as well. Those have completely healed! The Lord is her healer, she is a strong believer in the touch of the Lord. She is doing much better now.

      Debbie's box to me was so amazing, I was so blessed! And that little Riley has been forgiven, the little stinker! Shoes can be replaced :) It was good to go and visit, but always good to be back home too :) Hugs to you today!

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  8. I am so thankful you had such a wonderful trip and time with your family, sweet friend. I know that just meant the world to you! And, CONGRATULATIONS on winning dear Debbie's amazing giveaway!!! She surely thought of everything, didn't she? She is a precious soul and dear friend to us all. So many times she has encouraged me through our correspondence. I know God will bless her richly for all she does. SO very thankful you found everything in order when you arrived home (well, almost, anyways!)...that little Riley was trying to teach you a lesson not to leave her again, huh? She is a character!! I am also very grateful your dear mother-in-law is now getting the care she needs and deserves, bless her heart. Such a terrible ordeal she has been through, and it is so hard on those who love her, too. God bless you and keep you and your dear family! Sending much love your way!!

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    1. Thank you sweet Cheryl for your precious comment, it means so much to me! Debbie really blessed and pampered me with her amazing box and I still look at all the things she gave me, and it brings me such joy. Little Riley has been forgiven, she is so cute, how can one not, lol! It is good to be back home, but I am so thankful for all the precious memories that were made while I was in Texas! Big hugs to you today dear friend!

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  9. wow !!!
    how lucky you are to have such loving kids who sent you to meet your grandma, she is beautiful and graceful lady,no one can imagine that these huge beautiful eyes cannot see anymore but i believe that the love of all of you makes life easy and nice for her my friend!

    i wish your dear mother in law a long healthy life asap.
    thunderstorm pic is breathtaking!
    rainbow well comed you at your home .
    how lovely to receive a gift from blogging friend!
    i am so happy for you my dear .
    you have very loving heart to have such full of love life around you

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    1. My grandmother is such an amazing woman, someday maybe I'll share about her life. She is an inspiration to us all! Thank you for your prayers for my MIL, she is doing so much better, and for that, we give the Lord thanks. The rainbow indeed was such a gift to arrive home to! Appreciate your visit dear friend, you are a blessing! Hugs to you today :)

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  10. How blessed you are to have family like this and a grandmother who is still living! Wow! Loved the photos and your lovely stories of a beautiful, meaningful Easter time. Now if Riley would just behave! LOL!
    Blessings, Marilyn!

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    1. Sweet Riley is so cute, she has been forgiven, I somehow knew that might be the case when I left, since she is still just a puppy. It was a blessed trip in every way, I'm so thankful for the memories that were made! Hugs to you today :)

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  11. I'm so glad you got to make the trip...it will be one you'll always remember! Love the bookmarks you made. That was a wonderful idea! Nice that your family helped at home and you came home to some sweet packages to enjoy. Have a wonderful week and enjoy the photos you took on your trip! Hugs, Diane

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    1. Thank you Diane, your sweet comment and visit is appreciated so much! The bookmarks were fun and easy to make, although making 28 of them turned into a bit of work, lol! Appreciate your visit, have a blessed weekend :)

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  12. Again, you take us along on your adventures and it's so much fun!
    Visiting family is always a joy, especially when it's a great celebration, Easter!
    The picture of your grandma is really cute.

    Riley, Riley, Riley!!! She is a stinker, but a cute one!

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    1. Sweet Riley, she is a stinker, for sure, but we love her so! Appreciate your visit so much, have a blessed weekend!

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  13. What a blessing that you were able to go and be with your family for this wonderful holiday. So thankful for Christ and what He's done for us and how we are blessed by Him.

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    1. It was a blessed time, and indeed, how thankful we are for that time of prayer together, truly the Lord is the bond that holds us all together. Hugs to you today!

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  14. hat a lovely visit, how good that your family made it possible for you to go. And how nice to come back to such a special gift.

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    1. It was all lovely, and so blessed in every way! Appreciate your visit Barbara, have a blessed weekend :)

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  15. It looks like you had a fabulous trip and I know that your sweet grandma was overjoyed that you visited. Great photos also to document your lovely visit. And oh my...that awesome rainbow is amazing! Congrats on winning Debbie's giveaway...WOW, just WOW...so many gorgeous things, let alone that beautiful box! May your week be blessed, Marilyn!

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    1. It was truly a blessed event in every way, and what a joy to have Debbie's box to open when I got home! God is so good! I'm thankful for all His many blessings! Hugs to you today :)

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  16. So very glad you were able to travel to be with family and that your precious kiddos took over the chores. Your fotos are just awesome. Thank you so very much for taking the time to share on my little link-up. Oh, and those bookmarks....what a sweet, lovely gesture for your family. I KNOW they appreciated them! HOPE you have a great week. Happy Monday!

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    1. I appreciate your visit Debbie, it was a joyful thing in so many way... it is always good to visit with family and I will always be thankful for those memories! The bookmarks are quite easy to make, but making 28 of them was a bit of work :) Hugs to you today, have a blessed weekend!

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  17. Oh I am so glad you got to go and enjoy your grandmother. How awesome! This made my heart melt for you. I wish I had my grandmother to talk too. She too was legally blind. My papa was deaf later on in life and my grandmother was legally blind. Needless to say, she was his eyes and he was her ears. Love the pictures and the RAINBOW! WOW! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. That rainbow truly was such a gift to drive home and watch it! It was amazing. Being legally blind is such a tough thing, it is such a difficult thing to deal with, but my grandmother does it with such grace. Appreciate your visit Cindy, have a blessed weekend!

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  18. I sure enjoyed visiting with you today. All the pictures of your trip were wonderful, so glad you got to go be with your family. That little Riley, I think she was little angry that you left her behind. The gift box from Debbie, oh my, what a treasure. She and Stephanie and such sweet ladies. Hope you are having a good day.

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    1. Oh indeed, Debbie and Stephanie are so precious, and generous in amazing ways. I was truly blessed by that box! Sweet little Riley is glad to have me home, she won't leave my side... I know now that separation is hard on her. Appreciate your visit Mary, it means so much! Have a blessed day :)

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  19. That photo of your granny is gorgeous! You should order a photo canvas (maybe in black and white). She's beautiful!
    Oh, the food! I would love a bowlful of trifle!
    Your bookmarks are so cute, so special.
    Well, Riley is probably calmer by now. I hate the thought of pets missing us and I don't want to leave our Timothy!
    I hope spring is cheering you!
    Oh! That DEBBIE! She's so kind! I was so happy that you won the giveaway, good Marilyn!

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    1. I think that is a great idea PomPom about the canvas! I think I will do that! Trifle is amazing... so rich and yummy! The bookmarks are easy to make one at a time, but 28 of them, a bit of work, lol! Riley certainly is glad to have me home, and we now know she doesn't like to be left alone! Yes, that Debbie is so precious! I was so blessed, and am soo thankful! I look at the things she sent me every day and they fill my heart with joy. Appreciate your sweet visit! Have a blessed day :)

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  20. That's wonderful news that your family was able to meet up together and your grandmother was able to attend as well. It gets kind of tough when our older generation get into their 80s, and we wonder if this is the last time you will meet, like you say. That's quite a nice photo of your grandmother, I think she looks quite content. I know my dad always seemed happiest when all his family was together even though he didn't remember who we were individually, I think he knew and accepted he was "home" with us all. You got some beautiful things from Debbie. She is such a sweet, kind lady. Enjoy your week ahead!
    Wendy

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    1. You are right, family is everything, and even if they are not able to do what they used to be able to do, just being with everyone is a joy to them, as it was to us. I was so blessed by the gifting from Debbie, so blessed. Appreciate your visit, have a lovely weekend!

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  21. Oh MY, there is SO much beauty and wonder and joy here in this post, I don't know where to begin! But I think my favorite thing of all is the picture of your Grandmother...that is a keeper! I know she was soaking in all the love and joy of family being together, even if she couldn't fully see...she could feel and hear and knew that you were near just for her. What a special time that was. All the rest was wonderful...and that rainbow! How perfect is that? Oh thank you for sharing all of this with us. I feel blessed, just like i was there too.

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    1. Yes my grandmother was so glad to be with us all, and we had such a blessed time, I'm so glad I went! The rainbow and Debbie's box were such a joy to come home to. I feel very blessed indeed! God is so good! Hugs to you today :)

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  22. Dearest Marilyn~~ what a beautiful post!
    Your grandmother is darling as she sits there with those big beautiful eyes taking in the love of her family. Though she may not see, she hears and in her heart she is filled with joy I'm quite sure.
    Your Easter looked as if it was absolutely positively God honoring.
    Look at that amazing rainbow!! God certainly graced your homecoming, didn't He? Maybe because He knew just what you were going home to due to Riley's missing you. :-)
    Those precious fur babies have a way of getting our attention at times.
    You are too sweet, Marilyn! I appreciate you sharing your winning gift and my heart is blessed knowing it found its way to you. :-) Enjoy!
    Thank you for sharing your loveliness with us.

    Have a glorious day~~

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    1. Dear Debbie... Your gift to me was beyond amazing, it was just chock-ful of joy and love, brimming over with beauty, and meticulous down to every detail that has continued to bless my heart every day. Thank you again dear friend, what a joy you are to me! I appreciate your friendship so much, and give the Lord praise for allowing our paths to cross in "blogland". Truly the blessings of the Lord never cease to amaze and bring joy to my heart! Thank you again dear friend, praying the blessings and presence of the Lord are with you in a special way!

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  23. What a nice idea concerning the bookmarks. The bookmarks are lovely. Your Grandmother is a beautiful lady. God Bless her.
    Marilyn

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    1. Thank you Marilyn for your sweet comment and visit! The bookmarks are easy to make, but 28 of them was a bit of work :) Have a blessed weekend :)

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  24. Great kids to take care of the homestead so you could go and spend precious time with your family. I can only imagine all the joy of being together with your grandmother. It's so easy to take our eyesight for granted, isn't it? Bless you dear grandmother's heart. I think you all gave her something that she will cherish daily. I didn't realize Texas is home to cardinals. I miss them so much. They're beautiful birds. Have a great week, my friend. Hugs, Nancy

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    1. My kids are pretty special, I'm so thankful for them! It was a joyful time with everyone, and what a gift to have those memories to cherish forever. I've made an album of our time together so we can look at the memories and continue to be blessed by them. I don't have cardinals here either, and I wish I did! They are so beautiful. Appreciate your visit Nancy, have a blessed weekend!

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  25. Marilyn, what a lovely holiday! Poor Riley. I'm sure she didn't mean to chew up your things and no doubt she is sorry. Being away is nice but being home is the best (in my opinion!).

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    1. You are so right, it is wonderful to get away but so good to come back home and be in my own bed :) Little Riley is so cute, she was forgiven :) Appreciate your visit, have a blessed weekend!

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  26. Wow! It sounds as though you had a wonderful time with your family and that your kids took such good care of your home while you were away. Minus the few mishaps from Riley. ;)

    What a wonderful box of treasures that were awaiting in your return. Very thoughtful and full of joy!

    Your pictures are just amazing Marilyn!

    I hope you enjoy your week!

    Hugs to you,
    Amy

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    1. Thank you Amy, it was such a joy to be able to share such a special time with my family, and then to come home to such an amazing gift by Debbie, how thankful I was! Appreciate your visit so much, have a blessed weekend :)

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  27. Hi,
    I had to chuckle about Riley. ;-) I am so happy you were able to make the trip. Your kids are special. I can tell what a special relationship you have with your family.
    I enjoyed your photos.
    Carla

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    1. It was a special time in every way, and little Riley of course has been forgiven, she is just too cute! Appreciate your visit, and praying for you and your family! Hugs!

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  28. So glad you got to go spend time with family. That is always such a treasure!

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    1. It was a special time in every way Abbi, I'm so thankful for all the memories we made! Hugs to you today :)

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  29. Your grandmother looks like such a sweet lady. I'm so glad you were all able to get together. Family is so precious and you are right, you never know when or even if you will see some of your loved ones again.

    I'm sorry Riley chewed up your new shoes among other things. Doofy tends to destroy things when we are gone too much (which in his mind is longer than a few hours).

    That package of goodies was amazing. What a wonderful giveaway win that was. :) I'm sure you will enjoy it all!

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    1. It was such a blessed time with my family, how thankful I was to go and be with them all. Little Riley is such a cutie, of course she has been forgiven quite easily :) Shoes can be replaced :) And I was truly so blessed by Debbie's gift, what a treasure box it was. I am just so thankful for her generosity! Hugs to you today Debbie!

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  30. Wow, you have had many blessings in your recent days, how wonderful! I love that rainbow to welcome you home, what a great photo! Poor Riley must have missed you terribly, awwww. It's hard to stay mad at them, isn't it?

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    1. It was truly a blessed trip in every way and so amazing to come home to the gift of the rainbow, and the gift box from Debbie, how blessed I am! No, I sure couldn't be upset at her for long, lol! She is just too cute! We love her more every day :)

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  31. I'm so glad you got to visit with your Grandma! I know Riley was glad to have you back!

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    1. It was an amazing trip, and yes, Riley is glad I am back :)

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  32. Wonderful that you had a great time visiting!
    What a wonderful package to have waiting for you too.
    Lovely photos as always too

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    1. It was a special time in every way, and so blessed to come home to the gift from Debbie. Appreciate your visit!

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  33. How wonderful that you could make the trip to Texas and see your grandmother and other family members, many memories were made, I'm sure.
    I read that you had won Debbie's giveaway and such a lovely box, as well as all the goodies inside - what a nice treat to come home to. Helps to make up for Riley's chewing, well maybe a little?
    Enjoy the beauty of spring time back at your home.

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    1. It was an amazing trip, such special memories made, for which we will always be grateful for. And the amazing gift sent from Debbie was a wonderful blessing too... and yes, spring is making its way here, another happy event! Hugs to you today :)

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  34. I'm so glad that you were able to spend that precious time with your grandmother and the rest of the family. That was so sweet of everyone to chip in so that you could do it too.

    My pups are mad at me when I leave too. Normally it's in the form of something smelly LOL

    xo,
    rue

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    1. Ooh, something smelly, not good! We love our pups don't we, and they are quite easy to forgive with such sweetness they share :) Hugs to you Rue, appreciate your visit!

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  35. Spending time with family is so precious. My MIL is also legally blind from macular degeneration and it's sad to see how losing her sight has made her older before her time. She's 86 now and hopes to go into care soon.
    What lovely sights you captured around your parents' house - the blooms and the birds make spring seem real!

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    1. Macular degeneration is a horrible disease, I'm sorry your MIL suffers from it! It really makes it hard to live an independent life. Thanks for your visit, always appreciated, have a great weekend!

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  36. How wonderful to spend this time with your family, Marilyn. And to have that rainbow welcome you home.
    Amalia
    xo

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    Replies
    1. It was very special Amalia to visit my family, and the rainbow was a beautiful gift to arrive home to! Hugs to you today :)

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  37. I'm so happy that you were able to go be with your grandma, and see your MIL, and all your family, Marilyn meow wonderful of your kids to take over the chores. Wasn't that rainbow a beautiful welcoming to your return home??!! Your package from dear Debbie was such a lovely surprise to receive. I know you love all your gifts from her sweet giveaway. Happy weekend to you!

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    Replies
    1. It was a blessed event in every way, Kitty, then to come home to such a special gift from Debbie, how blessed I felt! God is so good to me :) Hugs to you today dear friend! Have a great weekend too!

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  38. It was such a special gift to receive from Debbie, how blessed I was! She is such a gracious joyful lady, and she knew how to put a box together to delight the heart of the recipient! Appreciate your visit as always, have a blessed weekend!

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  39. The cardinal is such a pretty bird....I always put up cards with them on it at Xmas time. How wonderful that you were able to be with your family at Easter. I'm sure it was such a blessing for all of you.

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  40. Oh, how wonderful you were able to visit your family and spend precious time with them. The photo of your sweet grandmother is beautiful! Oh my, what an amazing pond your brother has. I love the fountain sprouting out streams of water. Glorious photo of the rainbow; such a sweet "welcome home" sign. Gorgeous gifts you received from Debbie. She certainly put a lot of thought and love into her sweet giveaway.

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  41. Your grandmama is the same age as my mom. Your post brought a smile to me this morning.

    And oh ... those pictures. You've captured springtime's emergence!

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  42. What a precious post, Marilyn. Thank you so much for sharing about your trip back home for Easter and being able to spend some time with family...especially your grandmother. My father-in-law had MD also and I understand about how limited your grandmother's vision is. What a blessing that you could come home to precious Debbie's beautiful box. She is such a lovely lady. Sorry about Miss Riley and her time of grieving over you being gone. xx

    ReplyDelete

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