B is for Bountiful.....

Not so long ago I celebrated yet another birthday.

Oh, dear.  How they DO accumulate...

But this one was well planned by Jonathan and Kelly. We had such fun. 

There was a theme to the day.

(For the record, I like themes!)

It ended up being rather a phonetic celebration.

How so?

Why,

B is for Birthday.

and

 B is for Bowling.

B is for Bowling Watchers and Cheerleaders.

B is for Balloons.

And a darling Boy.

B is for Borrowed Grandchildren

who make Breakfast in Bed for Grandma.

And just what do 2 children who cannot cook or use sharp tools prepare for such a special birthday meal?

Why, carrots, an apple, glass of water in a pretty cup,

and an orange.  Naturally.

My instructions were to use the sharp knife to cut the orange into sections without looking!

After all, it WAS a surprise!

(Fortunately, B was for Bloodless, too.)

 A bit later, we had a tea party.

We baked especially for the occasion.

B is for Bread.

Fresh, warm and just out of the oven.

Yummy!
(Ahem--definitely NOT Bummy!)

B is for Best. Card. Ever.

Not just for the art and message,

but the age of 51 is way off!!!

Way to go, Gigi!

(Please note the Birthday Bonnet.)

B is for Bathroom mirror poetry.

This message lingers long after the fun days ended.

I really do enjoy birthdays like this one.

B is for Berry Sweet!!

A Mother's Day Gift

Today is Mother's Day.

It was never intended to be a Hallmark day of greeting cards, flowers and gifts.

Those are all nice to receive, however.

The concept of Mother's Day began in the late 19th century to birth a progressive political agenda  

leaning toward issues related to women's lives.

Radical Protestant women were the instigators.

 (Somehow "radical Protestant women" is a direct contrast to the image of 

quiet, knitting church ladies in long dresses and bonnets.)

In 1870, just following the Civil War carnage, Julia Ward Howe 

(think "Battle Hymn of the Republic")

expressed the dream of all mothers in the following

rousing prose:

"A Mother's Day Proclamation"

Arise then...women of this day! 
Arise, all women who have hearts! Whether your baptism be of water or of tears! 
Say firmly...
"Disarm! Disarm! 
The sword of murder is not the balance of justice." 
Blood does not wipe our dishonor, 
Nor violence indicate possession. 
As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil 
At the summons of war, 
Let women now leave all that may be left of home 
For a great and earnest day of counsel. 
Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead. 
Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means 
Whereby the great human family can live in peace... 
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar, But of God -

After having read this, can you hear the cry of her heart,

reflecting the heart of all mothers through ages?

What is this theme?? 

Peace and disarmament.

Of course!

It is the mothers who carry a babe within,

give birth, spend countless sleepless nights caring for    
and loving this child,

teaching, nurturing, healing, molding, shaping.

Worrying that goes on for years and years.

War is the direct opposite to her lifelong roles.

***************************

I now want to recognize my beautiful mother,

an honorable and gracious woman who has taught me 

so much through the years.

And continues to teach and advise me wisely.

A woman who loves God and her family.

Who prays daily, faithfully, for each of us.

A wonderful thing, to be prayed for!

Like a warm blanket draped over my shoulders

on a chilly night.

She is a loving mother who is loved in return.

By her children, children-in-law (Is that a word?),

grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

And to show her our love, we just may take her to one of her favorite places to eat--
the local Dairy Queen!

REAL Comfort Food

When we speak of "comfort food",

the images of macaroni and cheese or milk chocolate

often come to mind, almost instantly.

But today I want to pay tribute to REAL,

I say REALLY REAL comfort food.

You see, I had a brief date with a surgeon this past Monday.

His expertise and skill took less than 30 minutes.

My recovery will take, is taking, much longer.

A few weeks, in fact.

And, for this first week,

this innocent-looking walker has been my constant companion.  Thankfully.

But even though offering wheels on the front, I find it bulky,

awkward, noisy (especially at midnight) and ugly.

Just doing its job, of course, and I can't imagine my life without it

 as I hobble around unsteadily.

I will be SO glad to give it back soon.

(God bless anyone that has to rely on a walker all the time.

Grace and patience must accompany its use.)

Yet sweetness has overflowed during this time in my life.

Carrying armloads of dishes, bowls and plastic-wrap-covered

yummies,  a parade of caring, kind friends have come through our front door.

Love spoken loudly and clearly to Jack and me.

Smiles, warm hugs, prayers and delicious, warm

casseroles, salads and baked goods have blessed us.

We have feasted on wonderful meals.

When is a cool whip container not cool whip?

When it holds treasures prepared by a caring friend...

someone who has stirred, 
chopped,       
cut, 
mixed, 
measured and scooped 
fruits, vegetables, meats and dough.

Put effort and care into providing nourishing meals that will aid in the healing of my body. 

And oh, so much more!

My heart and soul have also been encouraged and uplifted by the daily visits 
of these dear friends.  

Sitting down to a table overflowing with delicious aromas 

and a variety of recipes has sped the physical healing of my body by ministering to my emotional side.

I am so grateful to these loving friends who have given so willingly 
of their talents and time 
to bring us such comfort food.

This comfort food has truly brought comfort
in many ways!!