A couple of Aspen's Hairstyles

This week has been crazy...I wanted to blog on Tuesday, but couldn't find what I really wanted to post...perhaps I'll wrap of PawPaw's Home-going in the next blog. For now, I need something a bit more upbeat..........

On Wednesday, my poor 'sweets' was teething something miserable! Or was it Thursday?! I believe it was both actually. I fed her cold banana thursday evening to give her a little treat, and also try to soothe those little gums too. Doesn't she just look pitiful?!

Today she was WAY happier. Can you tell?? Lol Aspen & I were able to sleep in...it was do nice as I hadn't slept well lately, and sleeping in was def. not an option. I gave her a bath, then she went down for a morning nap...her hair went a little crazy!!! Poor thing...since it was just the two of us, I decided it didn't really matter. Then, I realized I needed to run to walmart...so, I put it all up in 1 ponytail. Doesn't she look like such a big girl?! She has lots of "wispys"...they make her look older. ;-) I had our favorite light pink bow in the car, and stuck it in her hair once we got to our destination. She looked super cute! On our way out, I looked at her hair, and realized we'd lost the precious bow!!!! :( I was so sad....we retracked our steps...which meant we literally went from one side to the other, and also front-to back- to front, then back across. Much to my disappointment, I was unable to find it. I know it's a long stretch...but, I'm praying, and am going to try running in tomorrow to see if perhaps it's in the "lost & found." I know, it's just a bow...but it was SO perfect for Aspen. It's just the right size, and dresses everything up...it's not your typical little bow... Paw Paw's Paw would say, "I wish I had a ribbon for my hair. :)" (which wasn't very thick...lol)

Aspen also discovered she can remove most the books off her little book shelf. I need to get her decorative shelves hung so I can put her piggy bank and other breakable things on it, before she tries removing them from the shelf.

Waterproof Mascara

I don't like waterproof mascara. It's takes way too much effort to get off...but, let me tell ya, when I face days and weeks like today, I thank the Lord for it! I almost bought a new tube of it when I ran into HEB for the necessities for this week - hose, eye shadow, deodorant and milk on Sunday, but prayed instead that the tube I had in the bottom of my makeup bag was A) still good, and B) not empty. :) Thankfully, I had enough for Sunday & Today. Lord willing, I'll have enough for tomorrow too. If I don't, there's NO doubt I'll have brownish/black rivers of salt water streaked down my face. Lol...

Okay, so I'm trying to make lite of my heavy heart. It's 10:15 p.m., nearly the end of a day I've dreaded for years, especially the last few. Although I knew the day was coming, I wasn't looking forward to it, nor ready for it. It was my PawPaw's visitation. Seeing his body, there in a beautifully crafted, wooden box, padded so perfectly, made the fact that I'll never see him wearing his khaki pants & "pink" polo wavy hello (or goodbye) from his front door. Reminded me that he won't be there to answer his phone on Tuesday, around 5 when I call him. Or keep me laughing and focused on the most important things in life. I love how I'd tell him to have a great evening, and his response was always, "I just did." So many memories, stories, quotes flooded my mind as I realized those are "just memories" now...no longer reality. I stood there next to my pawpaw tonight, with my little family, thinking "this is it", Aspen's tired, unsure cry brought me back, and I realized it's up to Brian & I to teach her PawPaw's legacy... Daddy & Aunt Laura gathered our entire family together in a circle for prayer as we left the funeral home tonight. Wow...how sweet it was, but how rough! PawPaw has always been there for family prayer...he established that (I think) in our family...how grateful I am. Thank you Daddy for carrying that on for us!

My heart is heavy tonight as we go into tomorrow. Thank you for all your prayers. His grace has been sustaining each of us, NO doubt!!! We can all sense His presence & help. Please keep the prayers going! I'm sorry my thoughts are all scattered tonight...it's from my heart...and just what's going through my mind. I praise the Lord that my PawPaw is with Him now, no longer lonely or anything!! The best part---I'll see PawPaw again!!! :D I'll miss him here on earth, but we'll be reunited one day! Until then...I'll just keep using my waterproof macara. ;)

(sigh)

You know how days seem to pass, but your life is at a stand-still? You can't seem to focus on anything...can't really sleep...low patience level...not much of a sense of time, date or day? That's pretty much how it is over here...well, at least for me. Everything is all blurry, and yet, I can feel & see the Lord's hand. It has been amazing today! I sang a solo in the ladies ensemble at church, and I knew I'd cry all through it, but the Lord helped me as I knew He would. PTL!!

We had some precious friends bring us dinner tonight after church. We invited them to join for dinner & dessert....it was such a sweet time. Exactly the encouragement I needed. Thank you SO much Chris & Naomy! They are so thoughtful, and have such a servants heart!!! They even offered to take Sandie for a few days this week so she won't have to be locked up for days...that's a very small thing if you don't have a dog, but it's huge if you do! It's a little thing, that is often overlooked, even by me, and it means so much that they did that for us. Maybe I'm just emotional, but I praise the Lord for our sweet friends who fed us physically, encouraged us spiritually & emotionally, and helped us in little ways - that mean SO much. I'm very grateful for all our family & friends who are supporting us during this tough time. I thank each of you from the very bottom of my heart.

The main purpose of this post...is to update y'all on the details honoring my Paw Paw. The visitation honoring Fredrick McDonald will be from 6-8 pm on Monday, September 26 at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia. There will be a private graveside service at 10 a.m. on September 27th, and the Victory Service (Funeral) will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Columbia Methodist Church in West Columbia. We covet your specific prayers during these specific times...if you feel a need or desire, you're welcome to come to the visitation or/and Victory service. (please do not feel obligated!)

I've included a sweet picture of my bundle of joy...she was helping me do laundry last week. Thought it'd be a fun picture for today.

Tough Day....

Today was a hard, tough day...the first of several, I'm sure...for me, my family & other sweet friends. We received word today that my sweet Grandpa had gone home to be with His Lord. It came as quite the shock, and quite honestly, I still feel numb....reality is sinking in, but part of me doesn't want to believe it... It's selfish of me...I am SO excited for him! He's with the Lord!!! His battle on earth is over..no more pain...no tears, no suffering! Its where he's wanted to be, especially the last few years. But, my heart aches, and my tears flow freely...I wanted him here. Here to make me laugh & smile each Tuesday, and every time we talked...there to tell me all his cute jokes, and remind me of his love. There to encourage my husband as only a grandfather/retired band director could... Yes, it's selfish. Yet, on the other hand, I smile, knowing he is too, praising our Lord and worshiping The King. My Paw Paw was an incredible man, and I praise the Lord for each memory I have of him. We covet your prayers this weekend, coming week, and weeks to come as we press on... I want to ask special prayers for my dear Aunt Cindy, Aunt Laura & Daddy...My Great Aunt Ginger, and all the grandchildren (my cousins.)

I know Paw Paw wouldn't want us to be sad, but rather Praise the Lord for all He has and continues to do. Paw Paw had realized he was a sinner in need of saving, and accepted Christ as His personal Lord & Savior. When he did, his name was written by God in the Book of Life, and I know I'll see him again in Eternity. Will I see you? I hope & pray so!!! If you have ANY doubts, please contact us so we can share all the Lord has done for you, and you can spend Eternity in Heaven. We need to be ready to face death...you never know when your time is up...

Friday Night Lights 2

I know, y'all think Friday night football is all about the football game...but, it's not. You know what it's really about??!! The band! Why else would the band play in the very middle of the football game?! It's like Hostess Twinkies...the best part is the middle! :p The band is certainly the reason I'm there...well, my husband is the reason I'm there! :) I'm SO proud of him. He's take a rough situation, and is motivating his students to do their best..and it's working!!! :) I've attached a clip of just a tiny section of the marching show...it's still really early, so they have stuff to clean up, and perfect, but they're doing so good! :) Thought I'd give you a glimpse into the band world of my life. (just know, this video doesn't do it justice...you'll just have to come hear & see in person!)

Friday Night Lights

Last Friday was Texas City vs. Pasadena Memorial...or, the Stings vs. the Mavericks. I think we won...lol I really did used to pay closer attention to the game, but now, I'm doing good to have any idea of what the score board might say.

We had the fun privilege of having the Moreno's & most all our nieces & nephews come to the game. I think I got a picture of everyone except Kilyn & Ryler who came later.... It was lots of fun having them there!

Aspen & the Armadillo

I believe it was Monday when I looked over from my kitchen to check on Aspen. She'd been playing in the living room, and the gotten quiet...so I knew she was probably getting into something. Yep! She'd found the diaper bag, and discovered I hadn't zipped it closed completely. She really enjoyed chewing the buckle of my nursing cover...I think it was nice and cool on her gums.

I'm guessing it was Tuesday morning... we were out walking, and this huge armadillo waddles across one(several) of the yards we were walking by. I had to get a picture for all of you who don't live in this wonderful, blessed state!! :) (ok...so, this was my first time too see the armadillo, but my mom says she sees it about once a week.) And then! Lol, this morning, I there was a huge opossum in my parent's neighbor's yard; it got scared and climbed a tree. Lol...we obviously have adventures during our morning walks! You might too, You never know!

Playmates

Sandie (our dog) has discovered that Aspen will soon be a playmate. Sandie tries to play now, but is often too rough for little Aspen...soon though, they'll be chasing each other around the house I'm sure. I snapped these pictures the other day when they were "playing." I later took them to the field across the street. Aspen just sat there, watching Sandie, birds and bugs...and just enjoying being outside. A little boy & his dad came out and tossed a baseball for awhile...I enjoyed watching Aspen's eyes follow the baseball as it was passed from father to son...

Last Friday

Here's a video that goes with the last post. Please let me know if it doesn't work...

Last Friday

Last Friday, I went over and helped my Mom a little at their house. While there, Aspen discovered that can push the little foot-stool. She had so much fun as is glided smoothly across the new hardwood floors.

After helping Mom, we were able to go help my cousin as they're preparing to move this week. I'm SO excited because they'll be so close. Yay! It'll be fun having them to visit & play with. Aspen tried pushing those boxes around, but couldn't quite move them. (isn't Kaleena cute?! She's 31 weeks or so pregnant with their first!)

Amazing Anniversary

I am tremendously honored...I had the privilege to celebrate my parents-in-love's 51st wedding anniversary with them tonight. They invited us to join them for dinner at T-Bone Tom's in Kemah. Brian (or Bear), Aspen, & myself joined Roni & the kiddo's plus one, (Abby) and Mom & Dad for a fun family time together. I'm so thankful & blest to have parents who love each other, and stick together through thick & thin. Thank you Mom & Dad Moreno for such a legacy, and continually loving each other.

After we ate, PoPo gave each grandchild at least $1 for the "claw game/machine". Bear helped Aspen with hers...they didn't get anything but it was still fun. Thank you PoPo!

Watering...

So, in case you haven't noticed, Texas is in the middle of a huge drought. We pray for rain to help with the dying trees, cracking foundations, and thousands of burnt or flaming acres across the state. Yet, we need slow, steady, drenching rain, not a hurricane. We'll see what the Lord sends us. We're praying, and He'll give us what we need, in His time, no doubt. Until then, Aspen and I will continue watering our little trees, bushes & grass on the days we can. All the while praying our dead grass comes back, while the green fades away... Reminds me of the verses in 1 Peter that say, "For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof gallery away: But the word of the Lord endureth forever..." The Word of the Lord endureth FOREVER!!! Now that's excited! We pass away & wither like my dying grass...but not my God & His Word!!!

3-Day Weekend!!!

I. Love. 3-Day. Weekends!!! Not necessarily the Tuesday after, but the Fri-Mon is usually lots of fun. Our Labor Day weekend started off with a bang as we had the football game. After half-time, I came home, and put "the sweets" to bed. Once she was down, I started watering the trees since in was "my" time to. (we are under mandatory water conservation) So, while the trees we're getting water, I started making Daddy's ice cream for our McDonald gathering. :) It turned out really good...through much prayer! And, assistance from my Mom earlier that day. It was a little soft, but froze nicely once it got to the freezer.

We all slept in Saturday morning. Brian went and got Aspen out of bed when she woke up...after she was fed, I let her play on the floor in our room. She discovered the spring doorstops...too cute! (see picture above) We crawled out of bed, and it was off to a busy day with church youth activities, which we were honored to have our nephew Jerea join us for! :) That evening, we enjoyed a Labor day celebration with my family. Daddy grilled yummy burgers, and Mama made the best onion rings!!! I love that dinner! Def. a favorite of mine!!! Aspen ate her apple & some of her carrots. We had a sweet time of fellowship as a family, but GREATLY missed Caleb & Becky. :( They couldn't come Sat., and the rest of us couldn't do Monday...major bummer! Hopefully we'll have another chance to get together soon. Rebekah brought fun waffle bowls & ice cream cones to go with the homemade ice cream for dessert...Mmmm! It was fun. Brian, Aspen & I lost track of time and didn't get home Til super late. Thank you Mom & Dad for a great evening!

Sunday was busy...Brian was a sweetheart & took care of something special for me...I'm saving that for another post. We were able to meet up with the Moreno's at Brian's sister & brother-in-laws home. Jason grilled some delicious pork ribs & pico de gallo sausage for us...Roni seasoned the ribs perfectly!!! They make a great cooking team! Mom & Roni made the best mashed potatoes (w/ my fav toppings), along with Spanish rice & green beans to finish up the sides. Oh! And stuffed jalapeños!!! (my mom made some on Sat too!!) Both families grilled them, and I LOVED them!!! :D Nothing but dessert beats anything wrapped with bacon, stuffed with cheese. Lol!!! (ok, that's a bit extreme, but at least you know I enjoyed them!) We really enjoyed the time with Brian's family. We are SO blest to have such dear family so close, on both sides! Thank you Jason, Roni, Mom & Dad for our Moreno Labor day celebration!!! We really enjoyed it!!! :)

Monday was a roller-coaster. We had plans, then they changed, a couple times. We ended up just having a nice relaxing day. Brian went to the driving range so he could think about band stuff & pray about more stuff. He says swinging the club(s) helps him clear his mind & focus. Aspen took a good morning/afternoon nap, then we ran some errands, payed bills, and ended up back home in time for some leftover brisket & sides. We got Aspen to bed, and curled up with ice cream and a Narnia movie (Voyage of the Dawn Treader). It was nice to be together & not stressed. Thank you Lord for my family! Immediate and extended.

Speaking of my family...I have distant extended family who have lost their home by the fire in East Texas. Be praying for them please, and that they could come to know the Lord in a personal and real way through this. My Great Uncle who is 90 and his family who lived with him are now in the hard process of getting things going to rebuild. Thank you!

Foe or Family?!

Tonight was Aspen's BIG night!!! Her very first high school football game. I had the fun opportunity to make her a little outfit, complete with bows...I must say, both where only completed through prayer! :) PTL! Aspen was decked out in school spirit! "TC all the way!! Go Stings!!!" Watch Brian grin from ear to ear, carrying Aspen and being SO proud made sewing each of those tiny beads by hand so very worth it.

Aspen did SO good!!! She LOVED all the excitement of the game. It was lots of fun...and extra fun, because...Texas City played Dickinson! :) Yep, Brians school vs. Daddy's! Foes, or family! Aspen wasn't sure when Brian, A, and I walked across to greet the visiting team, "the enemy" and there was her Granny & Paw Paw, and other friends too! :) The game was too much fun. Brian's band was phenomenal...from my perspective. Yes, they have work to do, but, they've come SO very far & are doing great already this year. So proud of my husband & all the Lord has allowed him to do. Brian's doing a incredible job there in TC!

In case you can't see...the front of Aspen's dress says "I'm with THE BAND" and the back says MORENO. Maybe next week we'll add a #1 to back.... And, maybe next year we'll do one bow with blue in it....half & half... ;)

Fun....................

I don't mind these things, but really don't think them in my house! Earlier this year I found a green lizard hanging out in my dining room! Not. Cool.