Monday, April 25, 2011

And so it was.....

Another Easter has been celebrated with much gusto and kinship! As my family gathers to celebrate our Savior, the chaotic happenings of the hour, preparing, blessing, eating, missing loved ones, egg hiding, picture taking (take a breath), at the final hour, I can say "it is finished!"

My thot process ramdomly picks out favorite "moments" of tradition. Brown-sugared ham with company potatoes, green bean casserole and sweet potatoes. Spicey rice salad and a large green salad. Yum!

Jello eggs, apple pie, carrott cake with a side of oreo cake too. Singing happy birthday to April babies (heehee) before the blessing! Sleepy-head napping on the couch! THANK YOU family for helping me enjoy the day!

My Easter bunnies minus Erik and Isak!

The hunt is on!











Sugar expenditure! Most of all, I was surrounded by great and wondeful people, making the small moments a big tradition - reflecting the King of Kings.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Florida's Rural Trail

We finally ventured to the Gen. James A. Van Fleet State Trail. The total length is 29.2 of paved repurposed train tracks. It was named after an American veteran commander from WW1, WW2 and the Korean War.

This trail runs thru the Green Swamp and the headwaters for some of Florida's rivers, the Withlacoochee, Hillsborough and the Peace River.

I recommend experiencing this trail on bike, as you can see we found a Pigmy Rattler on the trail, alligators and also turkeys! We biked a total of 34 miles.
www.FloridaGreenwaysAndTrails.com



Resting at our stopping point at The Bridges. 17 miles in.



Alligators are part of Gods plan and you should keep a respective distance from them!

On the way back, Jim braved this shot. He/she was about 12 feet away! We are conditioned to think our lives revolve around GREAT moments, but in actuality our lives revolve around the simple things in life....


Monday, April 18, 2011

Spring Forward!

A collection of springtime fun while the weather is sunny n cool. For soon, the humidity and heat will be upon us, as we peer out from our windows around noon-time, waiting for sunset! No Foolin! It was April 2nd, 79 years ago Jim's dad was born. We celebrated at our home with family. "He will keep you strong to the end." 1 Corinthians 11:8.
Grandpa Jim, Joann and hubby Jim.


A Day on Tampa Bay.

Our friends Mr. Jim and Ms. Terri across the street invited Jayden and I for a boat ride on Tampa Bay. Oh my gosh, we couldn't pass it up. It would be Jaydens first boat ride! We have a blast and are grateful for this opportunity to have fun in the sun with wonderful people!
My baby stud-muffin helping Mr. Jim to drive the boat. heehee

Platt Street Bridge with graffitti from various competitors in sculling.
Grand-kiddin' it.
Time spent with grandkids makes you "grow" again, focusing on them and serving them, as they are dependant on you.


Squirt-gun-fun with grandpa!


We all need our beauty sleep!


Can't ask for anything better than this! Love 'em. "Gratefulness is perhaps the only quality that a person can claim without seeming arrogant."


I am truly grateful for all my awsome grandkids, Erik, Jayden, Isak, Alana and Aiden! God bless you!