Personal Post Monday...a few tears and lots of faith

So today I said goodbye to these four as they started out on a journey at 6AM, that will take them over 1600 miles away.  I have to admit .... I felt like shedding a few tears - but did not.  Instead I took time to pray for God to keep them safe and that this adventure will bring them nothing but blessings!!!  My faith sustains me through good times and bad.  Thank you God for those I love.

 

So in the past two weeks I have had three Gramma days - trying to get a special day in with each of them before they left, as it could be a year before I get a chance again.  Here I am with Paisley - she chose Golden Corral for lunch and painting at Jarz of Clay.

Next I had a great day with Prince - he wanted to see the new DC comics movie "Suicide Squad" and so we did -then headed to Subway for dinner.

Finally I had a day with Miss Zamarah - who also chose Golden Corral - because she loves all the desserts.  Then we too went painting at Jarz of Clay.

Had an amazing time with each of them - time to talk and get to know them better - time to let them know how very much they are loved.  Thank heaven for Facetime :)  See you all soon!  ~Maureen

Sunday Morning Musings - Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing women out there - especially to those who have been a part of my life.  You mean the world to me - and I hope your special day is wonderful!!

This has been a tough week for me - really missing my Mom in heaven this Mother's day!  Life is a bit overwhelming and what I wouldn't give to be able to sit and have a cup of coffee with her to discuss it all.  She was such a wise woman.

Also, missing my daughter Heidi, son-in-law and grandkids in California.  But I am fortunate to have hubby, daughter Jenee and her kids here with me - so am counting my blessings as I get to hug them.  Here they all are - sans son in law Aaron - he was probably hiding.

I'm so behind in life right now that no one got hand-made Mother's day cards from me this year (except Paul's Mom) - but I was able to do some stamping with the kids yesterday, so they could make cards for Jenee.  

They had such a good time - and are good little stampers.  I know their Mom will love the cards and their creativity.  Now on another note - you all know my addition to coffee - well - I guess my daughter's do too - here is part of what they gave me for Mother's day!  Heidi sent me the one on the left and Jenee gave me the one on the right this morning :)  They are just too cute!

My lovely goofs - Heidi and Jenee!

On a final note today - if your Mom is still alive - I ask that you please honor her.  It is a thankless job in so many ways (paying off with hugs and kisses) - but it's so nice for them to know that you appreciate all they do.  So now's the time, while you can - an extra call, card, flower, hug or kiss - do it!! Happy Mother's Day y'all!  ~Maureen

"Honour thy father and thy mother"

Personal Post Monday - Father's Day!

Finally - we have a computer up and running, internet service, and a few minutes to actually blog.  This moving stuff is NOT for sissies - lol!  But we are settling in and though there are boxes everywhere still - we are making progress.  Shortly before our move we had a chance to get together with our entire crew at Heidi's to celebrate Father's Day!  So here is the King Crew!

The Jones Crew!

Papa and all his grandkids -

And with his girls - (note we had a couple of photo-bombers for this last picture) -

 It was a wonderful day with family - we are so blessed and miss this group - but hopefully we will have many, many times of celebration and visiting together even though we moved.  Stop back in the next day or two for info on our last downline meeting.   ~Maureen

Memorial Day Fun!

This week we had a little backyard BBQ at our home here in Southern California- and it will likely be the last we host here.  Our house has sold and if all goes as planned we'll be moving officially to our home in Prescott, AZ the last weekend in June.  It is all so exciting - but lots of work to do.  We have been packing and most of my cute and personal stuff is put away already so our house seems a little cold and less like home to me - so I was thrilled when my daughter Heidi brought me this adorable little decorated basket of candies as a hostess gift to put out. The red-white and blue significant on this day of remembrance.

Also, my friend Elaine, brought me this pretty bouquet - so I was able to have some color in the house.  Even without all the extra normal personal stuff I'd have it out - it was a wonderful day of celebration.  Once we move we'll be farther way from our girls their families and that is going to be tough - so will just have to make the most of every moment we do have together.

Hope you had a great day of remembrance and celebration also!  ~Maureen

Mother's Day gifts....

Finally getting around to posting my Mother's Day gifts.  This year Paul and I went out to dinner earlier in the week to avoid the crowds, and then on the actual day, for the first time ever I did not see my kids or grandkids - so it was all a bit sad :(   But I was not forgotten - besides the dinner out from hubby, my daughter Heidi gave me these gifts - 1) an amazing "cloche" that she picked up at a local swap meet.  It is so vintage looking and she filled it with a pot of succulents to grace my table. The first picture is without a flash and the second with so you can see the detail a little more.

 

She also made me this rustic ball jar wall hanging for our new house.  It can be used for art pencils, pens, etc. or even fresh flowers.  Looking forward to finding just the right spot to place it.

And my other daughter, Jenee, sent me a beautiful card with a Spa Finder gift card - once we get settled I plan to find the perfect place to pamper myself with that.  I was planning to take pictures of the cards and post - but realized I had already packed them - lol.  This living between two homes if for the birds!  So even though I was a little lonesome - I am abundantly blessed!!!  ~Maureen

Personal Post Monday

No stamping today - just Easter memories.  Celebrated with the Kings and some other family and friends.  Missing Jenee and the kiddos something awful.  But remembering all the things we are thankful for - life is so full of blessings - can't dwell on things that are not perfect.  So sharing a picture of Heidi and Aaron and the kids.  Glad they were able to be here.

Kyan, Heidi, Aaron, Kamili, Zavian and Makai

Didn't get any other pictures - not sure  how the day got away from me.  Did get a video of the Easter Egg hunt though - so have that to remember the day by.  Also wanted to share the beautiful eggs I dyed.  Just couldn't let Easter go by without a few eggs.  The rich colors come from starting with brown eggs - love how they turned out.

Hope your day was wonderful too!! Check back soon for more stamping ideas!  ~Maureen

Christmas in Prescott - Personal Post Monday :)

Today just want to share some of the memories we made in Prescott with the family - for those that don't care - see you next time - but this blog has become an amazing memory keeper for me - so sometimes on Mondays - this is what I do :)

Birthday Cake for Jesus - Paisley and Prince

New PJs and video games - Prince, Zavian, Kyan, Makai, Heidi and Zamarah

Craziness - Prince, Makai, Kyan, Jenee and Zavia

But so much fun - Prince, Makai, Paisley and Kamili

Happy with her Presents - Makai and Jenee

Sick little Zamarah - but still part of the fun!

Kamili and Papa

 We took a little trip to a local set-up of Christmas displays -

Jenee, Heidi, Paisley, Zamarah, Makai, Prince, Zavian, Kyan, Papa and Kamili

One of the best parts of the week (besides family and Christmas of course) was an amazing day of snow - 6 1/2" total and it was the most beautiful snowfall - huge flakes - great for snowmen, snow-angels and snowball fights!

Front yard the day before the snow.

Pretty much the same shot part way through the storm - so pretty!

Blessings of the season.

 Hope you're Christmas holiday period was wonderful - before you know it Christmas 2015 will be here.  ~Maureen

Personal Post Monday - Halloween Celebration!

So on Halloween we spent the evening at the Kings' house - she made an amazing Halloween spread including this "brain" punch -

 "brain" watermelon -

 and a "mummy" pan of brownie -

Their family dressed up in a Ninja turtle theme with "April" (Heidi), "Shredder" (Aaron) and the four little Ninja Turtles -

Here are the cutest little turtles I ever did see - Kamili, Zavian, Makai and Kyan. 

Couldn't spend Halloween with Jenee and the kids this year (first time ever :(  ) - but they had an amazing time trick-or-treating with 4,000 other kids at Mt. Vernon in Prescott.  Here is Jenee dressed up as a KittyCat!

And her kiddos Prince, Zamarah and Paisley - aka Luigi, Green Bay Packers cheerleader, and a French Maid.  So adorable!!

I love all the FUN associated with Halloween (but hate the evil stuff) - so am so glad everyone was safe, sound and had a great time!!  Stop back soon for more stamping :)  ~Maureen

Birthday Cards

For the past several years I've been luck enough to celebrate my birthday while at Convention.  What could be better :)  So I wanted to share some of the cards I received this year.  They are WONDERFUL!  Thank you to everyone who remembered me - I am sure I'll be casing some of your ideas. ~Maureen

Kathy B.

Sarah

Maria

Heidi

Jeri

Karen O

Had to share this as I thought it was so cute - it was stamped on the envelope from Karen O.

Not to be left out all the other amazing cards I received from family and friends.

Fun Time In Arizona

We recently had an amazing vacation in Prescott, Arizona.  Most of you know we own a home that we plan to retire to there.  My daughter Jenee and her kids already live there.  So we took a week and relaxed and had time with family.  Here's a picture of me with my grand-daughter, Zamarah and Jenee at the local brewpub which is one of my favs!  Prescott Brewery - check it out if you're in that area.

And here's Paul with grandson Prince, and grand-daughter Paisley.  We had such a fun family night with them.

Paisley and Prince already started school last week - here is their first day of school picture!

While we were there we had several days of rain (it's Monsoon season there) dark clouds would roll in, and we'd have a good old fashioned thunder storm - I really miss those from our mid-West days.  Here's picture of what Jenee saw yesterday - a beautiful double rainbow!!!

Great trip, great time with family, and now back to real life :(  Oh well - someday!  Stop back soon for some more cards and stamping!  ~Maureen