Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Heavenly Days

It's summer time and the livin' is easy....well, not really, but it sure is fun.  I've been AWOL from the blog for a bit but I have good excuses.  First my baby brother and his wife came to see me, with baby being relative, of course.  (I had my hair all cut off for the summer - love it! cause I just wash it and go!)


He's a retired policeman....looks like one too, don't you think?  He was a deputy sheriff in Texas for a while too and he reminds me of some of those old cowboy stories.  :)  He did lots of things when he was working - undercover, drug unit, had a dog for a while, stuff I don't really want to know about.  Once when we were both about 30 years younger he came to see me and I didn't recognize him when he came to the door - he was undercover and had long black hair and a long, bushy black beard and was dressed in dirty old clothes...scared me to death!

I made a quick red, white and blue table runner to send home with my sister-in-law.



And then my sister came to see me for a bit of R&R.

She had just spent 8 weeks with her youngest daughter and family after her daughter had some very serious complications with childbirth.  Mother and son are doing great now but I know she panicked when her mama left!  Or maybe that's just me.  I would have panicked!
She sent me three chicken feed sacks some time ago so before she got here I made market bags out of them - two for her and one for my oldest daughter.  They both love chickens...my daughter just has a few but my sister has almost 30!



After she left we bought a new umbrella to put behind that couch - it's mostly shaded on the deck but midday to mid-afternoon the sun hits right there.  I love that the outside is the same color as the cushions but the inside is floral!



Then it was time for the Fourth of July and all my kids and most of the grandkids were in and out from Tuesday night to Saturday night.  They had some water time, even though the water is still cold here at my house.


There was a lot of playing inside the house too - my poor living room!


Cushions, blankets, pillows....all went into the making of this tent!  And games were kept nearby for dragging under there with them.  :)

One of the grandchildren was born on the Fourth of July so we had a double celebration.  She got a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake - sinful cake for sure.



We went into town to a big community gathering to see the fireworks.  There were children playing everywhere.




Even the big kids played!


And then there were fireworks!



The weather was a pure blessing - in the 70s in the daytime with a nice breeze.  I even had to cover up at the fireworks!

And before the weekend was over a wonderful sweet friend was passing through and I got to visit with her for a few minutes!


Sometimes I think we get so wrapped up in our day-to-day lives that we forget to count our blessings.  But this holiday always makes me thankful - for freedom, for the men and women who fought and sometimes died to give me that freedom, for family and for friends, for the food we take for granted and the homes that shelter us.  My heart and my cup overfloweth!

23 comments:

Tracy P. said...

This is how I always feel in the summer too Marlene--way too busy enjoying life and people to begin to do justice to telling the stories. Glad you had a few minutes to post these treasures! Amazed that you managed to make ANYTHING, even if "only" bags and a table runner. :-)

Jeanie said...

Looks like such a delightful time...or as you said "heavenly days." What fun memories for all!

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Oh you have been so very busy, and it is great that you realize how blessed that you are.

Ray and Jeanne said...

Wow, you might need a vacation to recuperate! Your life sounds like it has been wonderful lately. When we do stop to count our blessings, isn't it amazing how long the list is? ~Jeanne

Susannah said...

Marlene, Just let me say how much I absolutely love your hair. You look wonderful and so pretty! And that is coming from a hairdresser that has been in business for over 45 years!!!!! You just look so cute!!!!

Susannah

Julie Fukuda said...

Isn't family time the greatest ... even in big doses! I love your summer cut and creative use of fabric.

Dorian said...

What a wonderful time you've been having Marleen! I hope you are finding some relaxation in this SUmmer too :)

Needled Mom said...

That is the best blogging break you can take. I'll bet you enjoyed every bit of it, even though you were probably beat after all of the excitement.

Sandy said...

As always, your writing captures the essence of life. You've been my bud for a long time and I appreciate your kindness, friendship and the sharing of your wonderful talents.

Sandy said...

As always, your writing captures the essence of life. You've been my bud for a long time and I appreciate your kindness, friendship and the sharing of your wonderful talents.

JudyCinNC said...

What wonderful memories were made - everyone certainly looks like they are having a fun-filled summer. My DH is a retired police officer and I agree, the less I knew the better. Hope to get back to sewing soon since we seem to have run out of things to plant in our new yard. Judy C in NC

Sparky said...

ahhh yes summers are for just that HEAVENLY moments...and you a lllll look like you are enjoying every moment...and yes your B. does look like a P.O. through and through..you look great M.

Karen said...

Awesome Family Fun!!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post with all things happy. Life is wonderful!

Val said...

You are a busy bee!!! Happy Times!

Kyle said...

What a wonderful post to remind us all to count our blessings one by one.

molly said...

That short haircut looks so goodon you...and cool too I'm sure. Looks like you're still stitchin' whereas I ---maybe sewed on a button or two since January. Must change my ways, get to those UFOs. Thanks for the reminder to be thankful!

Sharon Dawn said...

It sounds like you are having a wonderful summer! I hope the rest is as good.

Belinda said...

What a wonderful summer you are having Marlene!! I have a hard time not envying you!!!

FlourishingPalms said...

I sure enjoyed seeing YOU, and what you've been up to! Love your haircut, Marlene. It's so stylish, and the color is wonderful. It's a great cut for you. I'm having to stylist-hunt again, and it's so frustrating. I'm happy for you to have had family in for the holiday, even if they did pretty much trash your living room! Worth every blanket you had to fold later, right? I'm envious that you had a nice gathering. It was very quiet here, and we didn't even see fireworks (not allowed in The Villages). Anyway, it's good to know you're having a busy, and blessed, summer. Continue to enjoy.

Rosa said...

Such a beautiful pics and of course, enjoying your vacation with your family and friend!!

Lana said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE your hair short!!! I wish I could do that!!!
All those visitors..you are having a GREAT summer!

Carol Swift said...

It looks like you're having a fabulous summer so far! I love your hair and all the fun photos. I've worked around undercover guys before and know how scary they can look when they are in disguise. :O)