I am the first to admit I am slow on the uptake, making me no match for people with agendas or who are looking to tear others down or make others accountable for their unhappiness, bad decisions or life in general....being a 'fixer' by nature I buy into their drama and I am constantly having to re-learn that I am far happier and more effective when I realize I have a choice of who or what I want to be around ~ it is freeing and my spirit is uplifted ~ it is like a long time storm has moved on and the sun is shining ~ it is true the lesson is repeated until you LEARN! Now if I will maintain my lesson learned and not sink back into my old ways!
My adorable, complex, intelligent, intense and perfectionist grandson Dylan has the purest heart and sharing gift. He is my nature boy. Last spring he loved finding caterpillars in our yard and placing them in jars with leaves and watching them turn to chrysalis and then to butterflies and releasing them. He loved it so much he was gifted for his birthday a nature kit, complete with caterpillars and directions. He decided that since his little brother is in kindergarten he wanted to share this lesson with his brother and the class. Here he is telling the class how this process works....they are all so excited!
My hard working MaMa exhausted herself in SD - even tho I told her if she overdid my brother was going to be upset with me. I am the first to admit my house is non stop from dawn to dusk and we are used to living that way. There is always something going on and we always have a project and people in and out....it's our lifestyle and since she lives alone she is not used to all that. Even when I try to dial back it is hectic for her. So we pampered her up at the day spa and drove her to Phoenix so she can stay with my brother for awhile.....
The weather in Arizona was perfection! We got to spend time with The Addie and Ms. Shannie and our precious Grand dogs....
We had long morning walks with Rocky, Mitze (Mom's dog) and Bailee (Bo's dog)....one of each size and it was like precision kite flying.....
It is hard for me to slow down to the pace at my Brothers....it is my favorite paradise and like being at a spa....after a few days I can start to kick back and not feel like I need to be doing something!
His amazing friend is a wonderful lady and an incredible cook! She made us a wonderful Fiesta!
Refried beans from scratch; starting out in this picture....
Chop Chop Chop loads of peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, limes....I was in charge of chopping and the onions were so hot I cried my eyes out!
Grilling some ingredients for salsa....
She made Pork Barbacoa....it was amazing, tender, moist and flavorful!
Also home made Spanish rice....
Mild salsa....
Spicy Salsa
And the feast itself!
Melt in your mouth delicious!!!! I love that girl!
After that we all needed a little siesta - Rocky showed us how
Mom and I hit the Arizona Thrift Stores....I scored on some great things....I am really into wood lately and found two wood trays, a primitive copper picture, 2 matching little birds (vintage), some toys for the boys and a 4th of July slate plaque for outside
Then when I get home it is all about 'placement'....trying this here for fruits....notice there are none as I haven't shopped yet, but I think will look good with apples and bananas.
Trying this one for end table....eagle eye Kristen spotted it first thing when she came over....she can find a needle in a haystack that girl!
A perfect place for one of my little birds; the other is for someone who is special and brings happiness to all that know her....
It was shower time for a lovely bride....I gave her this Gardening Basket
and had this mosaic stain glass plaque with her new last name personalized on it. She once told me she and her future hubby were like 2 sea turtles just floating in the ocean and enjoying life....once I heard that I knew just what to get them! My girlfriend owns a custom design shop and worked with me on the design and creation.
When I come home from being away I see things in my house that can be improved upon....(well I see lots of things in my house that need to be improved upon - especially when I look in the mirror - bada bing, I will be here all week folks)...and when I saw this little owl I painted a few years ago he looked so one dimensional....
I painted him brown all over and then wiped him down and now he has a little more character!
These two are NOT SLOW on the uptake and made me proud by running in the Cinco de Mayo Trail Run
As the song goes 'They will learn more than I will ever know'....my wish is that they learn, get it and keep it!
