Codes

Loving my new found Ya Ya Sisterhood!!
...and there's something to be said about the "code"....TAIGSAT!!!
<3

Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Father's Day

Nobody told us that being a parent is easy; on the contrary. Probably the most difficult job I've ever had.
I was #2 of 3. Fortunately for me, was the only daughter. Talk about being spoiled!! I knew it; believe me. My daddy made sure of that!! I want to wish my daddy Happy Father's Day as he celebrates in heaven looking down. I think he would be pleased with the way his children turned out. He has great sons! He did a great job as a parent!! My brothers are following in his footsteps, and that is an awesome legacy.
My Hubby is a great daddy, too. He has done a great job and his legacy will live on one day as well.
Happy Father's Day to the men in my life~~~I love you all!!

Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Girlfriends--------

Sisters

"sisterhood"--even if not related ;)
Ya Ya

Besties

Buds

Twiddledee and Twiddledum

.....twins of a different mother.....

...girlfriends...

Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Memory Lane

Today, someone on facebook (a necessary evil) suggested that friends write a little blip/memory of the connection they have with you. I've had friends, old and new, post some interesting memories. Some of those I had even forgotten. Strange that, so far, those would not be the first memories I had of them...all good, however. I've enjoyed the sharing...


Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Again.....really?

How many times in a girls' life can she tolerate the cheese being moved? Okay. Now how many times in one year? Okay.....I've done enough for everyone....y'all are good!

Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

My bestie

My best friend....what more can I say? She and I are like "peas and carrots".  I love her like a sister, she knows me (probably) better than I know myself, we've had some great times in the last year! Don't know what I'd do without her!!
My bestie is going through some tough times; her extraordinary plans for this year could possibly be put on hold. You see, her daddy is really sick, her FIL is really sick, her oldest is flying from the nest....talk about emotional struggles. I hate she has to go through this. I've got your back, dear friend, and am always there for you!! What are sisters for, anyway?
I love you......

Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Friends

Make new friends, but keep the old
........one is silver, the other gold.......


Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

The kid in us...

Remember when you were a kid, the excited anticipation you felt when (not so patiently) waiting for Christmas, summer vacation, or something like that? That's what I have felt for the last week or so in anticipation of my visit to California. Having never been there I really wasn't sure what to expect. 
It was everything and more. Didn't get to do ALL that I wanted, but hubby made sure I crammed as much in as possible without giving me any grief! All that means is another trip out there to finish what I started. Next time, however, I think I'll make it a December trip; I nearly froze in May!! The highlight............bucket list item checked. Hot air balloon ride was phenomenal!!!
You're never too old to be a kid........never!!


Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Anxious anticipation

It seems my posts come in spurts! Just when the mood strikes, I guess, and I've been too busy lately to feel any other mood than pooped!! :)
Some of you may know that hubby has been a bit "displaced" in the last few months. Maybe soon he will find a permanent place to light; keep your fingers crossed. But, on the up side, he is on a temporary gig in sunny CA which happens to end in a couple of weeks. In order to take advantage of this arrangement, and never having been to sunny CA, I will be joining him for the long holiday weekend coming up! Since the employment future is uncertain at this moment in time, we have put our 25th Anniversary trip on temporary hold, but wow, does he ever have a great weekend planned: San Fran (and all the fun that I can cram in), Muir Park, Napa Valley, sunrise hot air balloon ride (bucket list item), massages.......he has outdone himself just for a weekend. Really looking forward to our 'early' abbreviated anniversary celebration!! Thanks, hon.......


Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Mother's Day

It rolls around every year...thankfully so...
There really are not enough words to describe my mom. The words that come to me just don't seem adequate. She gave me life, loved me, nurtured me, taught me, did her best to prepare me for what lay ahead, kissed boo-boos, prayed for me, protected me, beamed with pride at the smallest of accomplishments...the list is endless! I feel her presence even though she is not physically sitting next to me.
Mama, I miss you so very much but thank you for so very many pleasant memories!!


Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Pomp and Circumstance

No, this isn't to address what is the obvious time of year for many--graduation. This is dedicated to the 'Royals'.
I remember, like it was yesterday, the wedding of Charles and Diana. In those days, before DVR, if we wanted to watch something we had to watch it "real time". So, there I was. Watching the wedding of the century. She was so young and beautiful, marrying her prince. There was so very much fuss over the matter. Every bride should be fussed over! The formality of it all, the pomp....the circumstance.
It is a new century. There will be a new princess tomorrow. I will, again, be watching. We will have the opportunity to watch Charles and Diana's first born take a beautiful bride to be his princess; him, her prince. It will, no doubt, be a beautiful occasion. There will certainly be pomp...and circumstance. It is a new era for the Royals. Blessings on their union. His mummy would approve and be very proud of her 'Little Prince'.

Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

somber

Life would be so very boring if we didn't have the emotional fluctuations, wouldn't you agree?
It is a somber Wednesday, this week. My sweet young woman of a daughter must deal with the emotions of a miscarriage. We've had so many emotions running crazy in the last 2 weeks. First we find out we will have a holiday baby; get used to the idea; and now we must grieve over the loss. So much for a young woman to deal with...
Yes, my precious daughter, you WILL be a great mom.
I love you so much.........


Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Feelings

You remember that feeling I had not so very long ago that life changes were headed my way? Now I know what they are..........
I'm gonna be a Nana!!!! Yes, can you think of many things bigger than that?!
EXCITED!!!!!


Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

...more blessings

Circumstances over the last year have made me stop and think about life, goals, desires, and most certainly blessings. More blessings...


Hunormous                                               Small
my children                                              the funny things they've said for years
education                                                 nursing school memories
health                                                        exercise
empathy                                                   tears
Disney                                                       giggles
southern roots                                         sweet tea and blessed hearts


TGIF for the GRITS!!


Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Dreams

It occurred to me today that my dreams are simply little blips. You see, I have a dear friend who is going on an incredible journey this year, which was a big dream......now come true. I thought about that for awhile and decided I really must start dreaming a little bigger. I must take this one step at a time......or I'll become overwhelmed. Let's see...........I think I might continue my education, first, even at 52.




Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Blessings

Life is so full of many small, and sometimes hunormous (as Caity would say) blessings.
Hunormous                                                 Small
awesome parents                                        blond hair
hearing                                                        musical talent
sight                                                            flowers/trees
smell                                                           the ocean and rain and a baby
relationships                                                memories
Sandy                                                         a front porch friend

Happy Wednesday....they have a whole new meaning in my life!!!

Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Life's changes

Did you ever have this deep down feeling that life changes were on the way? 
I'm really not sure what to make of the feeling, but I hope I am prepared for whatever is ahead....I pray I'm up for the challenge...


Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

My girls

I didn't really realize it had been so long since I've visited here. It's been a busy month around these parts.
I have been enormously blessed with two beautiful daughters. Now, I'm not going to lie and tell you that each and every day was a beautiful day...it hasn't been. Nonetheless, I am truly blessed. I don't know what I did right that God saw fit to permit me the single most important job of a woman's life, but I'm sure glad He knew I could muddle through, somehow. 
My oldest gift was 23 on the 12th; my youngest gift, 21 on the 20th. I strategically planned a St. Patty's Day birth, but missed on both accounts. The oldest decided it was necessary to arrive 3 weeks early.....that's the very last time she's been early for anything!!! Late is her middle name. The youngest, fashionably arrived on the anticipated due date. To this day, she is on time for everything. Both girls are blessed with strengths and weaknesses, as we all are. I love all of their traits unconditionally. The oldest is coming into her own, finding her way; trying to exercise those responsibilities that are bestowed on the #1 child. The youngest, well...she's just as special as #1


Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Valentines Day

To the one I love, now and always....


I love you!!!!!


Blessings...


G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Fresh Air

I think I'm actually seeing light at the end of the tunnel! The sun has been out for a couple of days, now, even though the snow isn't quite completely melted. Temperatures are expected to warm up to at least 60 in the next couple of days. The bulbs I planted last year are about 2" high (no flowers yet). The bird feeders are full and they are flitting about. And I excitedly donned running SHORTS today for my jog in the park with my buddy, Roxxi. 
It's all good.......


Blessings...

G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)