Flag Day

It was decided by 2 of my kids that the munchkins would see fireworks at Ft. McHenry. I love going to the fort. I love to wander the grounds, watch the boats, sit up on the cannons and just relax and take in the sights of the Harbor. I enjoy watching the movie educating the public about the beginnings of the Star Spangled Banner. It is always fun and enlightening to watch a reinactment of the daily life of the soldiers inside the main fort area. That's what I love about the fort. My idea of a fun time does not include 5,000 people or more crowded on the open field at Ft. McHenry looking towards the water as fireworks go off. However my munchkin's parents wanted to take them to the fireworks for Flag Day. Of course it was a wonderful time. My little munchkin's faces were lit up with glee and excitement. 1 year old, Squiggles would point and run around making sure everyone had seen the bright lights before sitting down her her daddy's lap again, only to repeat the same thing over and over again. Four year old Minnow was a pro this year. The last time she saw fireworks at the Harbor on New Years Eve she was still a little nervous. But, not this time. She was loving it! The 5 year olds sat a little off by themselves and ooed and ahhhed pointing towards the sky when a really loud burst erupted in the sky.
But what touched my heart the most was at the end of the night, as we were all walking to our respective vehicles. I was saying my goodbyes to everyone. Tiger and Minnow went one way down the street with their daddy, Spinner and Squiggle's parents started down another path towards their car. I had just turned toward my car when Spinner came running back up to me, hugged me again, looked into my eyes and said,"Thank you Nana for coming to see fireworks with me. It just wouldn't be the same without you." Yep, that's why I love a crowd on a weekday inside Ft. McHenry!

A Moment in Time

I have moments in my life I wish I could take back. Snapping out an answer when I should have kept my mouth shut, ignoring a homeless person that I had a tug on my heart to talk to, turning down an opportunity to teach a class, not picking up the phone when you see it's someone that will keep you tied up for hours. Yes, and I'm just sharing the better worse moments of my life.
But then there are the perfect moments that always brings a smile to my face when I think about them.
The moment your new born baby snuggles up to your neck and wiggles into that little spot under your chin. The time your son is playing right field and hasn't caught a ball all season and this catch will lose or win the game. As the ball lands safely in his mitt, you realize you had been holding your breath, in that perfect moment as the crowd roars and your son flashes a great big smile of gratitude and relief.
The instruments that are being played in church all stop and all you can hear are angelic voices singing in perfect harmony. Walking through a meadow overlooking a stream. Stopping to take it all in and looking up see an eagle gliding right above you. Sitting down to dinner, everyone excited to talk about their day and each one listens to the other and all share and laugh together.
There are usually no words to describe a perfect moment. But you feel each one in you heart. It brings you to the reality that God is in control, even when we think he has deserted us.
I am so thankful for each perfect moment God has given me.

Showers of blessings

                        My Munchkins... Spinner, Minnow, Gator, Tiger, Squiggles, Peaches

I am blessed. I don't always looked blessed, nor do I always feel blessed, but I do know in my little corner of life I am blessed. I am blessed with family that has gone before me, men and women who have braved hard circumstances and overcame what was placed in front of them.My ancesters were people who loved their families, loved this country and loved their God. They worked hard and loved much. In this last year I have started looking for my ancesters and have been amazed at what I have found out about my heritage. Not all was a bed of roses, and some history would better be forgotten, but all in all, wonderful people who lived life to its fullest.
I am blessed with family and friends that have enriched my life. When the drama gets swirling and I have to go clear my head, I can smile at the commotion and re-enter heartfelt conversations.
My kids range in age from 23 to 34 that have been a joy, an exasperation, spinning out of control, difficult at times, but all in all blessings beyond my imagination.
My grandkids range from 1 years old to 15.During my younger mothering years I would hear how much fun grandkids are. Love them and give them back. Never, I thought would grandkids be as much fun as I am having with my children. ahhhhh, right. Grandkids are the ultimate fun. And also the ultimate wear me out dog tired.
I have a job that enables me to interact with others many times less fortunate than myself. They are so grateful for the little things I am able to do for them. I am humbled at the glimpse of a life that I'm not sure I would have the strength or the courage to live on a daily basis.
I am showered with blessings where I stand.