Just enjoying the little things in life ....

Sunday, April 29, 2012

~ A Fun Sunday Afternoon ~
We spent Sunday afternoon touring the "Carolina Raptor Center" in Charlotte.  It's a non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates injured and fostered birds of prey.   If the birds are able to be made 100% better after their stay here....they are released back into the wild.  The birds on display are there permanently for various reasons.....a very neat place!!! Here's a few pics from our tour :)














Sunday, April 22, 2012

~Just a little update....


The baby owl we rescued last week is doing well.  He was picked up by "The Carolina Raptor Center" in Charlotte and is being well taken care of.  They determined that he is about 7 weeks old and in very good health.  He should learn to fly in about 3 more weeks and will be brought back to our community and released....thought that was kinda neat and some of you may be wondering how it all turned out.  
Take care and have a great week :)

Thursday, April 19, 2012

~ Being a Mama ~

  When you're the Mama to several children like I am so blessed to be....there's a lot more to fulfilling my calling than meets the eye.  You get to soak up lots of good times and make some great memories along the way.  On the other hand when you have pre-teens, teenagers and post-teens I find it tough to keep up with everybody and their needs at times.   Truth is, everyone of us are constantly changing in some way, whether it be physically, emotionally or spiritually.  I want to be the encouragement I need to be to every member of my family and set an example that they will want to follow.....rather than becoming overwhelmed.  So for now I am resolved to keep this little quote in my mind and remember :

The Main Thing
    is to keep
The Main Thing
The Main Thing.

And then of course, to try to remember just what the Main Thing is!!! 
Hope you all have a blessed week :)   Thanks for stopping by.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

~Great Horned Owl~

Here on the farm you just never know what kind of adventure we'll find ourselves on.   Late yesterday evening Jeffrey was out walking in the field next to us and spotted an animal of some sort..... kind of flopping around.  He couldn't tell if it was hurt but he knew something wasn't right.  After closer observation through the scope on his rifle he realized it was a bird.  He and Johnny ended up rescuing a baby "Great Horned Owl" that hadn't learned to fly!!!

  Do you know how big a baby owl can be?  I sure didn't.....don't guess I had ever seen one.    He was about a foot tall with a 2-3 ft. wing span! He has the brightest yellow eyes.....almost neon in color and his talons are about an inch long!  It's a beautiful bird and seems to be healthy :)
  We contacted the raptor rehab center ..... hopefully they will pick him up today! Enjoy the pics :)

Monday, April 16, 2012

~Our Weekend~

This past weekend was sad and yet bittersweet as one of my mother's "six" sisters was laid to rest after a very courageous battle with cancer.  She accepted her diagnosis with the best attitude and demonstrated great strength and faith throughout her journey.  Her late husband "Uncle Ben" always called her "Rose" and I wanted to share with you a poem that my mother wrote as a tribute to her.  May you rest in peace "Aunt Enid".


Out of His garden of life
God has picked a Rose.
Dear mother, sister, friend to all
Her beauty ever glows.

You faced the challenges of life
With dignity and grace.
 Your sense of humor, charming wit
Kept us in our place.

We loved your little visits
You always brought us joy.
Your sweet and precious memory
Our mourning hearts employ.

May you rest in peace, sweet Rose
Beyond all earthly care.
Our greatest hope is someday we
Will come and join you there.

Rose, you know we love you.

Your loving sister









  • Monday, April 9, 2012

    ~Easter Sunday ~

    "Because He lives.....we can face tomorrow"!!! Hope your Easter Sunday was filled with lots of family time and some good memories were made.  We had a very pleasant day and couldn't have asked for better weather.  Here's a few pics that were snapped throughout the day.....Enjoy!!!









    Friday, April 6, 2012

    ~this moment~    A Friday ritual.... a single photo (actually 2 photos ) ....no words...capturing a moment from the week.  A simple, special, extraordinary moment.  A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.  Inspired by Soulemama.....

    Wednesday, April 4, 2012

    ~ Thank you ~

    Today was my birthday....yes, I turned 39 again....haha!  The celebration began last night when Jeffrey and Kimberly came in with a dozen beautiful roses and Jacob handed me a very sweet handmade card.  Then today, I received more beautiful cards (some of them handmade), countless Facebook messages, phone calls and text messages.  Kimberly took care of making lunch and offered to babysit tonight while Johnny and I went out "alone" for supper.   The older boys were here helping out tonight too.  I am one spoiled girl and would like to say "Thank you" to each one of you who helped to make my birthday "Extra special" !!!
    My shower of birthday cards :)

    My birthday buddy :)

    Tuesday, April 3, 2012

    ~Happy Birthday Keith~

    Happy 11th Birthday buddy!!!  Little did I know that you would arrive just in time for my birthday.  What a blessing you have been to our family. 


    K eeps me entertained with his drawing.
    E ver willing to lend a helping hand.
    I s planning to become a firefighter.
    T ries his best to please others.
    H as a very big heart.

    Hope your birthday is all you dreamed of and more !!!  Love you bunches :)