Summer!

Whew, it's always so amazing to me how quickly the summer goes by.

Since I work at a school, I have some time off through the summer and
almost always have quite a "to do" list made for myself. Sometimes I actually
do get some of the things done off of it! This year I did have a list, however
I decided in May, that I was going to make sure I made time to just enjoy things
while I was off and I'm so proud I have (for the most part) done that!!

I got to go on a day trip Amtrak ride with my grandson! The look on his little face as he looked out the window and kept saying, "I can't believe we're really on the train" was so great! (now I am thinking I would enjoy getting on one and traveling several days just seeing the sights and new places!)

I have also taken him several times to the little waterpark near where they
live. It is such a fun time and really does make me feel like a carefree kiddo when
I'm with him!! (we even let his parents tag along sometimes!!)

I have enjoyed the flowers in my yard again this summer. I plant zinnia seeds
all around the flowering bushes and it's so fun to watch them blooming and see all
the butterflies around them. It's like an encouragement to me, the flowers and the
butterflies!

We were able to take the kiddos to the lake in the boat this summer and it only took one trip for Caleb to become a fan! It was a totally relaxing, fun day and we're planning to do it again before long!

We got to go to Hot Springs, Arkansas for a vacation trip and it was such a great, relaxing trip. We got to stay at Lake Catherine State Park in a cabin where the back porch swing was looking right over the lake. We cruised around the lake on the jetski and although we did encounter a thunderstorm during one of the times out, we had so much fun! There was a mother duck and 7 babies who made it part of their morning routine to come to the back of our cabin for me to feed them cheerios! I think I got more pictures of the ducks than anything else!! We got to go to ride on the Belle Riverboat ride at Lake Hamilton also.

I've gone to the nearby lake to fish off the dock several times this summer, which is something that I love to do. It's very relaxing to me and a great place to enjoythe beauty of the water and peacefulness.

I enjoy working in the yard and think it's theraputic to me to keep it done.

I am so thankful for all the opportunities I've had this summer and all the things I've gotten to enjoy! I'm planning to continue to remember to take time to enjoy such things as these in my day to day life. Next week I will begin work on preparing for a new school year and plan to remind myself to count my blessings daily - there are SO many there each day!

~Bonnie

Thankful Thursday

Today is my first Thankful Thursday post. I've been reading them for a while now, from my daughter's blog.

Today I am especially thankful for my parents.

My Mother lives in the town where I do and I am able to see her regularly. I am thankful for her guidance through the years. I am thankful that she's close so that I can lend a hand when she needs it. I am thankful that she's in good health and able to get around so well.

My Daddy passed away in December 2005. I miss him each day and am thankful each day that he is/was my Daddy. I'm thankful that he taught me how to change a flat, change oil (although I take it and have it done) and listen to what a lawnmower sounds like when it doesn't want to start and know what to try next! He taught me the importance of integrity and honesty. He taught me that a parent loves and supports their child, always.

I'm thankful for the relationship I had/have with both of my parents. I am thankful that God gave them to me!

I am thankful this week for the freedom's we have due to those who served to secure them.

~ Bonnie

After the Rain

The last 2 days we have had some spring-like rain. It's such a refreshing smell and sight, just after the rain. I was outside earlier today, taking pictures of the many blooming flowers in my yard and thinking. (thinking happens to be one of my specialties!)

As I walked from plant to plant I smiled as I saw the new blooms. I noticed so many butterflies going from bloom to bloom as if they couldn't decide which one to pick! I was thinking how the lightening before and during the rain, along with the thunder made it sound so mighty and fierce. Thankfully there was no wind with these showers, however sometimes there are. Sometimes the wind, rain, lightening and thunder all come upon us and can be a bit frightening in the midst of it. It's important to have the confidence that God's there and faithful, regardless of what is going on all around. For me, having that confidence doesn't mean that there is confidence in myself, but rather an inner peace, knowing that He is in control of even the storms.

When the storms pass (and they always do) there is that fresh smell and newness. Just as all the plants this morning had bright new blooms from the renewing of the rain, we can begin anew after a storm, "blooming" through whatever our day holds.

Thank you for reading and thank you for all the welcomes I've received!

~ Bonnie

A Place to Start

After being encouraged by my daughter, Bethany, to do a blog, I've decided to dive off into one!

I'm not sure yet what I will write about, however she assures me I will have no trouble finding something to write on it, so here goes!

I follow several blogs and find them encouraging. It's amazing to me the amount of information we have available at the click of a mouse now days. I hope that I will use this blog to be an encouragment to others, as well as a way to express some of the things that are going on inside my heart!

Thank you for reading!