What more could I ask?

Last Friday was my fiftieth birthday. I might hesitate to mention it, were I not on Facebook. But I am on Facebook, so half the world knows already.

I have never found it difficult to have birthdays come and go. They have never bothered me before. But this one had me gloomy. I simply felt like so much of my time in this world was gone, with so little accomplished for the Lord in the time I've had. Dave was sweet to keep reminding me of the many blessings I've had over these 50 years: family and friends, health and prosperity. And my friend Valerie reminded me to the students whose lives I've impacted, and told me it would be sin to discount the work the Lord has done through the years. And they are both right!

My birthday was full of sweet gifts, surprise visits, and a surprise family get-together in Santa Fe at one of my favorite restaurants. God has been very good to me, and even though the years have passed quickly, I look forward to all the Lord has in store for me, and humbly thank Him for my husband and children, my family and students, and my Savior. What more could a girl (even an old one) ask?

Mini Finni I...

This is the quilt I previously referred to as "the ugly quilt". It is one of those that took on a life of its own, and went in a direction I somehow failed to anticipate. It was a bad matching of fabric with pattern, but since it matches Tim and Nikki's nursery, I figured I could finish it and let the baby-to-come puke on it. :-)
So here it is, done and ready, and I am calling it "Mini-Finni I". Now to sandwich the next one that matches the nursery, and which i like a lot better (Mini-Finni II)!

Wednesday without words...

This morning, in my garden...

My gal Thursday...

On Thursdays I spend time with my friend Valerie. She is one of those friends who I call when I need to be told the truth, or need to process things. I know she cares for me, and won't ever withhold what she thinks from me. Everyone needs that sort of precious friend, willing to wound in love when needed, and there to cry and grieve, laugh and dance.

On Thursdays, we usually walk and talk. It is a delightful highlight of my week. Today we walked in a beautiful (if extremely hot) spot near my home, and Valerie's lovely daughter, Alissa, came with us. It was a sweet time with these dear women, and left me feeling so grateful for their friendship!

Valerie and Alissa- you guys are great blessings in my life!

Wednesday without words...

Delighting anew...

It's funny how life changes you, how things shift and reform over the course of life. The last few years have found Dave and I doing more to look after and care for our parents, doing less to look after and caring for our kids, and having to remember what we like to do when we are not constantly teaching and child-rearing. It's that time to remake ourselves again, recapture our delight in one another anew. What a blessing to rediscover a new time of life with an old friend...