It's All About The Grands!

Today....it's all about the grandkids! I am blessed to have three beautiful grandchildren! Each has their own personality. I enjoy spending time with them.

We celebrated Willow's first birthday in January. It was a lovely warrior princess party!

The fabulous cake was made in Lakeland. Michelle and I drove 10 hours to Mississippi and it survived with minor settling.

Willow is doing well and is back in her child development class. Her last scan shows no further growth of the neuroblastoma.  We continue to believe the LORD for her complete healing!

She has her own Facebook page "pray for Willow" that includes photos of her journey.

Thanks so much for joining our praying warriors for her cause. She is such a joyful blessing!

~Lynda

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Happy Siblings Day!

Happy Siblings Day.....to my sweet sisters! It has been 2 years since we visited Paris together......time for another trip! Rick Steves took me to Italy last night on PBS....I think it is time we go! Happy Trails this lovely spring weekend!~Lynda

One cup

Bonjour peeps!

     June has been an awesome Hebrews 12 month for me! If your not familiar with Hebrews 12 you should be.....brush the dust off the family Bible, or Google it....find a version you are comfortable with and READ....just drink it in! It is an awesome chapter in the Bible on trails. We don't like pain, suffering, bad news,...but it is real life if you are a child of The Most High. After the first 5 verses, the writer quotes Proverbs 3. Interesting." My son, do not make light of the LORD's discipline, and do not lose heart, when he rebukes you, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

  My trial began on 2/28/2014 with a gallbladder dx and surgery 3/1 that came with the promise of more surgery with a "lesion" they found on the right kidney. More Dr. visits and  one MRI later....did I tell you my MRI experience was like being swallowed by a large octopus, placed in a freezer, and shot by a firing squad! They need better earplugs for the patients...wow! After another consult with Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa....we opted for the 34 year old doctor from Brown University to remove the lesion using robotic surgery. All I can say 5 days post-op is AWESOME job folks!
   
   

Which brings me to this photo of a canvas....a real piece of art created by me....but it was not my idea....if you Google Vicky Papaioannou you will find a You Tube video entitled Art journal: Take life one cup at a time. I watched and learned by this master artist and did my own version because I do not own all the supplies she has, but I am thinking mine is good enough to sell. The entire amount will be given to the charity TAKEHEARTAFRICA.org.

Their mission

1. Prevent human trafficking by providing aged-out orphans with educational opportunities and safe living conditions.

2. Promote and expand fair trade by networking with Kenyan artisans in order to provide sustainable income opportunities allowing them to impact their local communities.

3. Provide widows with the vocational training and access to healthcare and clean water needed to provide for their families.

It would look great in your kitchen! Email me by July 12....it goes to the highest bidder in the continental USA. Opening bid is $30.00. The entire amount given will go to Take Heart.

The canvas is an 11 X 14" and unframed. The cups are made from scrapbook paper, with each cup hand cut from different papers. The background is made from 1 in squares applied with matte gel. The title is black paper cut with the cricut machine.

Email your zip code for a estimated cost of shipping. Lyndalhcropshop@gmail.com

Ignore the green umbrella that is tilting because the whipped cream is melting on the hot coffee...did you notice my shot at humor with Mary Engelbriet's take heart pin keeper. My coffee cup is also ME given to me by a friend. The lovely flowers are from my sister that brought them to the hospital.....there's just something special about a fresh bouquet! I know....it reminds me of PARIS...which is where we were a year ago! I am oh so thankful to the LORD for allowing this 34 year old whippersnapper to remove the lesion without difficulty and this healing that is going on slowly by surely! Thanks to all for the prayers!

~Lynda~

P.S. Happy Father's Day to my son! You have such a gift in your arms! I am so thankful for the man of integrity and wonderful father you have become! Mandi is the most excellent wife and mother! (She is worth the 3 years I prayed for her!)

Isn't he the cutest grandson ever?

Happy Father's Day!

Okay, you peeps behave yourself....and if you are blessed with fatherhood....read Proverbs 5....incredible warnings in that chapter....the devil would love to steal your joy.

Ephesians 6:12......For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

October Memories

I have been a slacker, lately, when it comes to posting.....We have spent 2- 4 day weekends out of town plus preparing for the Fancy Flea in Plant City....just feeling overwhelmed.

The two weekends in October were absolutely beautiful! Wonderful weather....fantastic time spent with family celebrating birthdays!

How about this GRANDson? Gheez did I have fun with him this visit! He is so much fun to watch....growing so fast, playing patty-cake, running in his walker, crawling around and pulling up on everything!

Our son, daughter-in-love and grandson

My husband and I at the pumpkin farm.....

The entire family was able to make the trip....so glad to have my daughter and her hubs could make the trip too....

The boys took the jeep "off road".....better take this thing to a car wash in a hurry!

Thanks, Grant and Mandi, for hosting the weekend!

The next weekend was the sisters' trip to the Country Living Craft Fair in Stone Mt. Ga.

The fall harvest display was the meeting place for lunch......incredible color here.

Vendors everywhere....fabulous merchandise....so much to choose from!

I had my photo made with Cari.....HGTV's star of "Cash and Cari".....she had an amazing booth!

I can't thank my sisters enough for the lovely weekend! They organized everything....even a scavenger hunt for the birthday presents!

It is stunning how two weekends away can make you want to retire......not old enough yet...

The color change and cooler weather was refreshing....ready to tackle middle school again!

Thanks again, Sisters! What a blessing you are to me!

Ain't life GRAND!

Happy Valentines Day! I know everyone will be sending/giving cards with sweet wishes today. We have another new reason to love in our family. A sweet baby boy was born....our first GRAND CHILD! Now that is a reason to celebrate!

Here's a different picture.....comparing father and son...

How very special are newborns?

Life is also pretty grand. Especially precious when you have a close call.

Mine came on Sunday evening. We were all home from the hospital, all rushing around trying to help the new mom, take photos, etc. I jumped in the car to run to CVS just down the road to pick up a few items when I heard the siren. It had gone off earlier that day when we were shopping at Sam's. Yes I did know it was bad weather but we were busy getting things ready at home. There were pictures to order, steak, chicken and veggies to get ready to grill.

When I heard the siren I was pulling into the parking lot at CVS on Hardee in Hattiesburg, MS. I quickly made my selection when the lights went out. Holding the medicine in my hands, I rushed to the nearest counter by the Pharmacy and placed the items down. I didn't want anyone to worry about me taking something I had not paid for....then I heard " the train". I remembered my Mom saying it sounds like a freight train so there is no time to waste here it is time to act...I reached behind the counter and opened the door letting myself in the restricted area trying to find a counter to get under. I quickly removed what appeared to be a recycle bin and climbed in. I started praying OUT LOUD to the LORD to keep us safe, pick up the tornado and keep the family safe and all of our loved ones....I don't remember what else I said besides" I just had a grandbaby and I want to see him grow up!" After a while the lights did not come back on, but someone said it was safe to come out. I paid cash for the medicine and they unlocked the door to let me out. The girl at the door said," Looks like we were lucky" and I said " Luck? Didn't you hear me praying?" Her eyes were big as saucers as she replied"Yes I did!" The LORD kept us safe! No doubt...I took pictures on my way home but didn't capture the entire path of destruction....

Directly behind the CVS was a path I guesstimate to be 3 car lengths wide. My son saw the other side the next day and said the tornado skipped over CVS and took out a church behind the store on the other side. I am telling you this is one grateful, new GRAM, grandma, or whatever this child wishes to name me! We were without electricity so we cooked supper on the grill, corn and all!

We used our smart phones....thanks for the flashlight app.....and a caving helmet to see. The lights did come on before we went to bed, but no cable or internet until Tues. afternoon.

We continue to pray for those who lost homes in MS. I still do not know if any lives were lost. We are thankful for the LORD's hand of protection! Do you know the power of prayer? Have you tried it lately? You don't have to wait for a tornado sister, He is listening for you to acknowledge the GREAT I AM.......

Colossians 4:2  Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart!

Blessings to you and your family!

~Lynda~

Parties below:

Brown Family Christmas Party

Merry Christmas Everybody.....this year's Brown Party Brunch was hosted by the Glen Brown bunch. They are the only ones with enough grandchildren do perform the manger scene complete with baby Jesus....Jason shared a book he had printed of an interview with his grandfather. It was very special. Missing my dad, of course, this year I at least made it completely through the party without tears. Let's visit Christmas past....just a few pictures that are handy...

Above: Aunt Sabrina reads a story to the children.

Glen, Coot, Sabrina, Pete 

We really missed Aunt Loreli this year. She went home to be with the LORD spring break.

Uncle Coot also had a complete healing in heaven.

The Glen Brown family out numbers all of us put together....I think! They hosted a wonderful party.

We were blessed to have both our married children and spouses this year!

Sam, Michelle, Olivia and Travis

Aunt Jacque and her two sons.....daughter is on a trip!

Aunt Sabrina's family and her caregiver..."mob of Halls"

Uncle Clyde's family

This photo from long ago is one of my favorites...Aunt Sabrina and her brothers

Glen, Pete and Coot. (I am guessing Clyde was in Palatka)

Enjoy your holidays this year and hug your loved ones!

Lynda

1936

Today I am missing my Dad. No particular reason, I just wanted to talk to him. He has been gone about a year now. I do believe in Jesus, and what he taught in John 14. He has many rooms he is preparing for those who trust in him. Are you on the list?

It is really easy to be a Christ-follower. 1." All have sinned and come short of the glory of God". Romans 3:23  2."Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved-you and your household." Acts 16:31  3. Confess our sins. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness". 1 John 1:9

Making a public confession of faith is an important step in becoming a Christ-follower. Revelations gives us a glimpse of events to come. Revelation 22:15 tells of those who are left out.

I wanted to ask my Dad about his mother. She died when he was 8. The tombstone says she was born, Lela M. Brown on 2/6/1898 and died 1/8/1936, just less than a month after she lost her infant son.  Paul Freeman born 11/18/35 and died on 12/12/1935.Was she a Christian? She was only 38......Did she know Jesus? I hope to meet her one day. I have a few pictures of her, but the latest one I acquired from my aunt's album is interesting. I guess they did not smile in those days. She is the teacher on the far right. An educator, teaching others to read and write. What a rich heritage of helping others. How did her death impact his life? My sisters and I enjoyed every minute of mother's teaching until she went home to be with the LORD at age 80. How are we influenced by our mothers and fathers? For those in education, while it may be difficult to have the salaries based on student performance, let's not lose sight of the real reason for teaching:helping others!

On a lighter note....are you enjoying the cooler weather yet? Fall is such a special time of year! Don't we love the changes in color and temperature? May the LORD richly bless you and yours as we begin shortly the holiday season. (Only 61 days until Christmas!)

Lynda

Linking with parties below:

Graduation, 2012

This is one thankful Mom! Our son, Grant Harley, graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville on Thursday, May 10, 2012. He received a doctoral degree in Philosophy, Major: Geography. He has accepted a position on staff at the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg in August. He and his wife, Mandi, will move this summer.

Dr. Harley  ( hooded by Dr. Henri Grissino-Mayer)

B.A., University of South Florida, 2005

M.A., University of South Florida, 2007

Major: Geography

Dissertation: " Tree growth dynamics, fire history, and fire-climate relationships in pine

rocklands of the Florida Keys, USA

Dr. Grant Logan Harley and wife, Mandi McClellan Harley

Dr. Harley showing us his hood/UT colors....

Thankful Moms with the grad....

In front of the UT football stadium gates

Grant's sister, Lindsay will graduate from USF, Dec. 2013

I am thankful her husband, Douglas Heruska, stayed home

to take care of the dogs....we miss you too Doug! Doug I needed

you to take pics this weekend as you can see I still need a remedial class

in photography....

Girls with the grad....we were waiting on the Dad's to bring

the car for us....too far to walk in cute shoes...

Nice Grad hat, Lindsay! It tasted as good as it looked!

Raspberry filling, amazing buttercream icing....

My mother taught school for 42 years. All four of Mildred's daughters are in education....although

I remember declaring "I am going to be a nurse, not a teacher!" Be careful what you say

as the LORD may make you eat your words....I have been in education since 

1995. My sister Sabrina graduated with her Ph.D. in Education 2 years ago. Patsy has

been teaching for ? the last 10 years or so in Middle School( the armpit

of society....LORD bless her with patience)

Michelle, the youngest, has been an elementary assistant principal for 12 years.

As teachers we make a difference in the lives of students everyday. Most of the

time we do not see the end result. We are blessed to come from a 

line of educators. (English was not my specialty....so don't grade me on

spelling, please....)

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend!