Bits-and-Pieces

• Weather news: We've had gorgeous weather this week. "Hello Summer, its so nice to feel you again."

• In entertainment news, did you know Kelli Preston, 47 and John Travolta 56 are expecting a baby? Also expecting? engaged couple Alicia Keys (her first!) and Swizz Beatz.

• In family news my mom is functioning pretty well but continues to battle side effects from the Leukemia and/or regular chemotherapy. She has been fighting a nasty cold for about 5 weeks. Because her white blood cell counts are so low she doesn't have the immunity fighters to kick the infection. She also copes with bone pain in her lower extremities. Some days the pain is worse than others.

• Our family flies out Tuesday for our Disneyland trip with my mom. This is her dream trip with our kids. I can't wait to experience the magic with my mom, hubby and the kids.

• In medical news: yesterday afternoon I had a freak accident (go klutzy me). While walking down our stairway my right ankle collapsed and rolled outward. I wasn't even wearing fun shoes! Thankfully we were able to get an emergency sitter (she was here in 3 minutes tops) and Jeff took me to the doctor. After x-rays it was determined that I have an avulsion fracture. When an avulsion fracture occurs the ankle ligaments that tore pulled off a small piece of bone from its attachment site. As a result I am immobile and my ankle area is swollen with an attractive purple hue. Hoping and praying I can actually stroll Disneyland without too much pain. Please pray that it will heal quickly and that it will not impede a good time in CA!

• We went camping last weekend at Boyd Lake State Park. We had a great time hanging out on the swim beach, taking walks and watching the kids ride their bikes round and round the campground. Even Papa Grandma joined us for a day!
  

• In home decorating news: Yesterday, before the ankle accident I was having a blast giving our front door a face lift with some red paint. I'd share the finished pics but due to my ankle accident its currently mid-project - primed and ready to paint a new shade.
  

• In kitchen news: I made these Nourishing Protein Bars the other day from a blog that I frequent. Try them they are delish!
  

Mother's Day

Mother's Day began early.

There was no sleeping in, or breakfast in bed (sigh) but instead I gathered with fellow friends to rehearse the music for our Sunday morning church service.My mom begged (groveled even) for me to sing a solo during the worship service. Even with a cold (courtesy of my mother) I was grateful for the opportunity to give her that gift.Mother's and Daughter'sIn the afternoon we took a nice drive to Helen Hunt Falls, a wilderness area in North Cheyenne Canyon in western Colorado Springs.

A short while in to the hike my mom was feeling weary.

"I need to sit down for awhile," she said. "I'm tired."

We assured Weary it was okay to rest.

Sitting on a log she encouraged us to forged ahead.

Several turns later I hollered down that she was going to miss the amazing views up ahead. The little lady at my side also gave her a supportive cheer.

Towards the top, I glanced back surprised to see Weary making her way up the hill. Huffing and puffing the mountain air she put one foot in front of the other.

When we caught eyes she said, "I want see the views. I don't want to miss out".

She did it.

She didn't miss out.

Climbing that mountain was a piece of her destiny.Even my little lady shouted "Nana, you did it"!At the top a few salty tears graced our cheeks while we soaked in the views of the canyon. It was a moment of beauty, of gratefulness.

God is Faithful

When I enjoy the great outdoors I recognize more fully the majesty and strength of God. The sights, the smells, and the feeling of open space overflows my senses. When we went on this same hike as a family about a month ago I was praying to God that my mom would be able to walk this trail with us. I was hoping God would spare her the ability to travel so that I could share this beautiful hike with her. And it came to pass.
At the top of the 'Siamese Twins' rock formation the snowy pinnacles were breathtaking against the blue sky.
In that moment I was reminded that "God is faithful".

I don't say that lightly.

Sometimes it doesn't seem like God is faithful because he doesn't answer our prayers as we expect him to.

But even in the darkest moments I am reminded that God is in control and that as I keep turning my face towards him, he is faithful. He is faithful to be with me, faithful to watch over me, faithful to work in me and to mold me to become the woman I am called to be.

"This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him." Lamentations 2:21-24

Mother's Day Tea

Tuesday was a special day.
My peeps hosted me and my mom (aka, Nana) for a 'Mother's Day Tea' at their preschool. Our 'tea' included yummy treats and hot tea poured from glass tea pots by my little ones. After the yummies the children performed four songs. One song included rhythm sticks. The other songs arm movements.
As a memento Ms. Vicki had the kids decorate magnetic frames for the pics she developed from the tea. Its perfect refrigerator decor!Ms. Vicki & Carissa
It was also extra special to share the tea with my Mom. Thankful tears welled up in her eyes during the kids performance. A blessing of time.

A Gaggle of Gals

Who are these lovely ladies? (why, thanks for asking!)

These are the gals who participated in my annual Voice Studio Recital. I have the privilege of teaching these young ladies the ins and outs of vocal technique and performance practices every week. I so enjoy our time together and I was proud of their accomplishment on stage.

The gals are like my little flock.

Introducing: the Gaggle(L to R, top to bottom: Sarah, Kara, Kate, Rachel, Sarah, Olivia, Kacey, Marie, Bailey, ME, Laura, Julie, Katie, Chanelle, Stacey, Bailey)