My Rose-colored Glasses

Update...

2010-08-21T15:59:00.006-04:00

Our New Family...minus Meghan, James and Adalie. They are still in Korea. :o(

Ryan, Mark and Austin

Mark and I. Our first dance!

My goodness how things have changed since my last update. Things like my NAME...Mark and I were married 4 weeks ago, July 24th. I am now Lisa Carol Koontz. The past four weeks have been lovely! We have such a good time and everyday is exciting just to come home and be together!

At this moment, I am sitting at the hospital with Mattie. She is 34 weeks pregnant and having contractions. It's not the first time she's been here to be monitored and stop the contractions.

I suppose Miss Kyndall (yes, it's a girl!) just doesn't want to wait much longer to meet her parents...and her MARMIE! But it's just too early, in 4 more weeks , it will be OK.

We are a blessed family, there is yet another baby on the way! Meghan and James will be welcoming their second child in April! We are all very excited.

Lily will be moving in to her DORM in September! She will be attending SCAD, Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah Georgia.

Clancy is living in Edgewater, close to the beach and has a lovely girlfriend, Cassie. It's hard to believe but my little "boy" turned 24 last week!! (Happy Birthday, Clancy!!) Where does the time go? He has grown in to a handsome young man.

Now I have two new son's...Ryan and Austin, Mark's sons. They live together in Orlando. They are both in college, one at UCF and the other at Valencia. Both are wonderful young men, very sweet and especially handsome!

I continue to teach several yoga classes each week in various locations. My students are the most awesome people. Each time I leave a class, I feel blessed to have taught them. I consistently receive astonishing reports of how much yoga has helped, everything from improved balance to healing previous injuries.

Just recently I began a new blog, Namaste...today! (namaste-today.blogspot.com). I will be sharing some of those stories from my students as well as other yoga related topics. So check it out!

Forever!!!.....

2010-04-01T16:51:00.002-04:00

It's been forever since I've posted!

Lot's of changes coming in the future, one just as exciting as the next. I'm engaged to Mark! No date as of yet...I'll keep you posted.

My second grandchild is on the way. Mattie will have another sonogram in May and then we'll know whether to buy pink or blue. She's hoping pink!

Lillian graduates from high school in May and we're waiting to hear what school she will choose.

Keep you eyes open for a new YOGA blog followed by a YOGA website!!!

Hoping each of you has a Blessed Easter.

He is risen! He is risen indeed!!

When I Grow Up I Want To Be Just Like Addie

2009-08-18T09:49:00.002-04:00

Have you ever been surprised by God's revelation to you? Taken back with His choice of teaching? I had just such a moment this morning.

As I read in my devotional book "Jesus Calling", these words spoke to me: "Anticipate coming face to face with impossibilities: situations totally beyond your ability to handle. This awareness of you inadequacy is not something you should try to evade. It is precisely where I want you--the best place to encounter Me in My Glory and Power. When you see armies of problems marching toward you, cry out to Me! Allow Me to fight for you. Watch Me working on your behalf, as you rest in the shadow of My Almighty Presence."

One of the Scriptures for the day was from Psalm 91. As I turned there in my Bible, I remembered it well. The whole chapter. I remember during previous times in my life reading it as a prayer. It was completely covered in highlighters of different colors, beginning to fade with time. As I read I realized that more than the ink on the page had faded...so had my belief.

Not my belief in God, mind you. My belief that God IS Who He says He IS.

As I read verses 14-15, highlighted in pink and green and underlined in red, I realized I wasn't living day to day like I believed it at all. "Because she has set her love upon Me, therefore will I deliver her; I will set her on high, because she knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake her, no never]. She shall call upon Me, and I will answer her; I will be with her in trouble, I will deliver her and honor her. "

Then as I do every morning, I picked up my next devotional book, "GOD Calling". I read, "You seek My Presence and they who seek shall find. It is not a question of human searching, so much as human consciousness, unconditional surrender to My will in the small, as in the big things of life. This it is that makes My Guidance possible."

"You know the difference between taking a glad, loving, joy-springing child with you along a way, when the child anticipates each direction, accepts naturally each decision as to each turning--and the child who resists, and, rebellious, has to be forced, even though in its quieter moments it may say, 'Yes. I do want to go with you. I cannot be left alone, but I hate this way.'"

It is not the way, but the loving rejoicing in the way and the guidance, that matters with My disciples. You are ready for the guidance but you do not rejoice as you should."

That's when I remembered Meghan's (Adalie's mother) facebook comment from yesterday. "...at play dates or running errands or any activity outside the house she is so good!" I have seen that it doesn't matter where Meghan takes Addie. She is happy, content and joyful whether her Mother is strapping her in to the car seat to go to Target or across the ocean to Ireland. Addie "accepts naturally each decision as to each turning" because she trusts in her mothers goodness to her. She is at rest in her mothers presence.

As I consider the path that I find myself on today and the prayers I pray each day concerning my path, I see that I am the child who resists. Yes. I DO want to go with you Lord. I cannot be left alone. Yet each day, as walk "in the little daily stones of the way" and encounter problems, though I cry out to You for help, I continue to tell You "I hate this way"!!!! I do not rest in the shadow of the Almighty, watching Him work on my behalf because I don't trust and believe in the Goodness of the Lord.

So today, with God's HELP, I want to grow up and be like my precious Addie. I want to be the child that doesn't question that "the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises". (Psalm 91:15). I want to be she "who believes in Him (and) shall not be put to shame nor be disappointed in her expectations." (Romans 9:33) I want to walk along today's path knowing that He is not only holding my hand as I walk but is guiding my every footstep on this path.

"AND A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM". (Isaiah 11:6) I never could have imagined that the Holy Spirit would use my 15 month old granddaughter to teach ME about ME.

Thanks Addie.

Catching Up

2009-06-22T09:55:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted in FOREVER!!! Not that I haven't tried to post...and my reasons are:
*Facebook! Just like my sister Beth from Alaska, Facebook takes up my time and is so easy to upload photos and such. I can do it right from my iPhone.
*Computer Virus!! Apparently my computer was full of them. Every time I actually tried to post my computer would freeze up, kick me off or some such nonsense.
*And now that it's fixed...I'm SO sad to say, ALL OF MY PHOTOS ARE GONE. LOST.

So no pictures today. Just a "hello", I'm still here and VERY busy.

As some of you may know, I'm preparing to return to Ireland in just two weeks. I loved it so much last year I wanted to go back to celebrate my 50 Birthday! Wow!! That sounds soo old.

Anyway, I'll be there for almost all of July. I'm doing a house exchange with the McKenna's. from Dalkey, Co. Dublin. We "met" online through a house exchange web site. Do you remember the movie "The Holiday"? well, if you do, that is what I'll be doing for July.

We are are very excited but extremely busy getting ready for another family to move into our home and drive our car. It's like spring cleaning on steroids!!!

Now that I've caught you up on what's been going on in my "Rosie World", it's time to get started with all that's on today's "TO DO" list.

If anyone out there has done a house exchange before (this is my first), I welcome tips from you own experience!

Thanks.

Lisa

The Little Princess Is Turning One

2009-05-11T19:09:00.003-04:00

I'm so excited...Adalie will celebrate her 1st Birthday at Marmie's house!!

We are all thrilled to have this opportunity to be with Addie Bug as she turns one. Lillian and I went to Orlando this week end in preparation for her special day. The results are above.

So, be sure and check your Mailbox for your invitation!

Lillian Masie-Photo Shoot, Solutions Bridal Salon

2009-04-23T17:52:00.002-04:00

I'm very proud of my little star. This past weekend Lillian did a photo shoot for a store in Winter Park, FL. The photographer was our favorite...CAROLINE JOHNSON. She is soooo amazing (let me know if you need to contact her). These are a few of her photographs...enjoy!

The Move to Tucson

2009-04-03T10:23:00.000-04:00

You may have noticed that I have not updated my blog in a while. That's because I've been driving across the country from Columbus, MS to Tucson, AZ. As many of you know my son-in-law is a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and he has been transferred to Tucson to train on the A-10. So I flew up to Columbus on the day the movers came to load the furniture.

This is Adalie when we first arrived at her empty house after the airport. She was a little shy with me at first (in comparison to when I left her). I took this picture as we sat on the floor of her empty bedroom and played while becoming reacquainted.

The four of us spent the night across the street at Celia and Tim's who so graciously gave us their home while they were out of town. They will be making the same journey shortly as Tim will be an A-10 pilot as well!!!

The next day we strapped Addie in her car seat, gave her her "Lovey" and off we went...the first of many days in that car seat. I might add that my little granddaughter was a perfect Angel the entire way across the country!

Addie had many a meal at fast food restaurants along the way. She, of course, was eating whole grain cereal mixed with organic fruits or vegies...WE adults were the ones eating the fast foods because sometimes that's all that is available!

And so this begins the first two days of my 10 day adventure with this sweet little family. More to come shortly! Enjoy.

P.S. Isn't this the most beautiful baby ever!!!????!!!!

Hand and Foot With The Girls

2009-03-18T09:36:00.002-04:00

This blog is, once again especially for niece, Michelle who lives in Japan. I spoke to her on the phone as I was on my way to pick up the pizza and promised her pictures of the evening.

Hand and Foot is a card game that is so much fun. We laugh and laugh while we play. Of course, we laugh when we are together doing ANYTHING!!

"Valentino's" pizza: pepperoni, green peppers and sausage. My mouth is watering just looking at the picture. It was so nice and hot...Delicious!

Hand and Foot requires a LOT of cards. We are using 9 decks here.

left to right: Julie, me, Mom, Maura, and Melanie. When we play cards we like to practice our Irish accent. Maura (whose family is Irish) says a phrase just like her Auntie Marq's and then we try to repeat it. That's when the laughter erupts! I'd say we are easily entertained.

Mom made the most wonderful salad. Sister Jewels (Julie) has to have "roughage" with her pizza, you know.

Counting points! Look how serious Mom is...that's probably why she ALWAYS wins!!!

The Saga of the Retractable Dog Leassh: WARNING, Graphic Photo!

2009-03-18T09:11:00.003-04:00

My sister Melanie asked me to blog this story in order to inform you of the dangers of the retractable dog leash.

Below is a photo of my leg, the result of being caught between 1 dog on a leash and 2 bigger dogs NOT on a leash. The retractable leash is thin and round like a rope. As the dog on the leash tried to get away from the other dogs, the leash wrapped around my leg. The wound was deep, like a burn.

Although I treated it for about 2 weeks with neosporin and saltwater bathes, it still became infected.

I'm happy to report that after 10 days on an antibiotic (4 times a day), silvadine cream, lots of hot water and wrapping it when I leave the house...it's healing nicely. My doctor informed me that it WOULD leave a scar. (Any scar preventing/removing remedies out there????)

Interestingly, when people ask me about my leg, if they have a dog...the have had a retractable leash injury! They are simply dangerous!!!! So my advice to you is to find another type of leash!!!!!

Graphic picture follows:

Happy St. Partick's Day

2009-03-04T10:02:00.003-05:00

In honor of the holiday Ireland has shared with us all, St. Patrick's Day, I'd like to spin an Irish tale. (It's a completely true story...but you know, I did KISS THE BLARNEY STONE and therefore received the "gift of eloquent speech" or as others would say the "gift of GAB".)

I have lived my life believing that four leaf clovers were a fairy tale until Beth Nash told me her mother could always find them, wherever she looked. And she said, "If you find one, you can always find more." When I was visiting Beth in Alaska I actually found my first four-leaf clover right in her yard! (Yes, it was SUMMER!!!)

When I was visiting Ireland last year with Beth and my Irish sister, Maura Moynihan Berzman, I looked for the clover treasures everywhere I went. It's a wonder I saw any sights because my head was always searching the ground. I thought there could be nothing as special as finding a four-leaf clover in IRELAND, the land of the shamrock, the land of wishing steps, hills and bridges, the home of "luck"!

This is my friend Siobhan O'Leary Wills and I in front of her B & B, the La Cita Inn, which is just a very few miles from Blarney Castle. Siobhan's sister, Marion Walker is my neighbor here in La Cita, Titusville, FL. Anyway, she also has a vacation rental home in the country where Beth Nash and I stayed for a few days after leaving the B & B.

Isn't it a lovely home? Beth and I decided to take some pictures of the house as we were leaving, traveling back to Dublin to fly home. Our time in Ireland, this magical, green land was coming to a close without a four-leaf clover.

Before I got in to the car I thought, "This is my last opportunity. I'm going to take one more look." So I walked straight out in front of where you see me standing and looked into the grass.

And...you guessed it! Right in the center foreground of this picture I spotted the largest FOUR-LEAF CLOVER imaginable!!!!

And THIS is it!!!

Isn't it beautiful and amazing!!!

Even more amazing...just like Beth's mom always said, it was NOT the only one!

Beth and I spent at least another 30 minutes looking through the grass where she found 4 and I found 3 more! I framed all I found, one of which I keep in my bedroom to see it often. One is hanging at Siobhan's in the La Cita Inn and another is in La Cita, Titusville at her sister Marion's. (I framed the 4th for my Irish sister Maura for Christmas but I put away somewhere and now I can't find it!)

As I was having my quiet-time this morning, journaling and actually LISTENING to to the Father speak, He reminded me of the verse in His Word, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

And then, of this clover and the entire day (which held more special surprises).

As I remembered this day I heard Him speak to me, "I know you Lisa, I gave you what you longed for. It was not even necessary to ask Me. I told you in My Word 'I will give you the desires of your heart' and I DID". I will continue as you continue to delight yourself in Me, just like this (morning)."

And then I realized for the first time that a DESIRE OF YOUR HEART is just that...it's something that my heart longs for. Something I hold inside. How many times do we pray and beg God for the things we want? He knows full well what is in our heart spoken or not because He KNOWS us.

As I mentioned earlier, there were other special things, spoken and unspoken desires that I didn't even consider praying about because they seemed trivia in the grand scheme of things and certainly they were nothing I NEEDED. But God, He gave them to me anyway. Not only that ...He LEAD ME TO THEM (remember Bethie?). And the result was being completely overwhelmed with His goodness and kindness to me, which means so much to me that even now as I think of it, I FEEL it and my eyes well up with tears.

So if these things that I didn't NEED (Does anyone NEED a clover?) and didn't pray for, He gave to me because they were a hope in my heart...How much more will He DO when we ASK Him in prayer?

Either way, the thing is, we must first KNOW Him and SEEK Him... ENJOY Him and His Presence. Do you?

My Hair

2009-03-04T09:33:00.000-05:00

This is especially for Meghan (in MS) who would like to see my hair shorter and Michelle who can't see my new haircut because she's in Japan.

So girls, what do you think? I know, I know. It doesn't look any different to you, does it?

For Girls Only

2009-02-20T15:58:00.003-05:00

My Friend Brandy emailed this story to me and it made me laugh. I thought you girls out there might enjoy it too. We can all use a laugh every now and then, can't we?

The Wash Cloth

Ladies this has to be read, laughed at and passed on. There's not a woman alive that won't crack up over this. I was due for an appointment with the gynecologist later in the week. Early one morning I received a call from the doctors office to tell me that I had been rescheduled for that morning at 9:30 a.m. I had only just packed everyone off to work and school and it was already around 8:45 a.m. The trip to his office took about 35 minutes, so I didn't have any time to spare. As most women do, I like to take a little extra effort over hygiene when making such a visit but this time I wasn't going to be able to make the full effort. So I rushed upstairs, threw off my pajamas, wet the washcloth that was sitting next to the sink, and gave myself a quick wash in that area to make sure I was at least presentable. I threw the washcloth in the clothes basket, donned some clothes, raced to my appointment. I was in the waiting room for only a few minutes when I was called in. Knowing the procedure, as I'm sure you do, I hopped up on the table, looked over at the other side of the room and pretended I was in Paris or some other place a million miles away. I was a little surprised when the doctor said, 'My, we have made an extra effort this morning, haven't we?' I didn't respond.
After the appointment, I heaved a sigh of relief and went home. The rest of the day was normal...Some shopping, cleaning and cooking. After school when my 6 year old daughter was playing, she called out from the bathroom, 'Mommy, where's my washcloth?' I told her to get another one from the cupboard. She replied, 'No, I need the one that was here by the sink. It had all my glitter and sparkles saved inside it.'
Never going back to that doctor.............................Ever!!

The Running Continues

2009-02-18T10:05:00.003-05:00

Today's post is an update on my adventure in running.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Meghan and Claire have inspired me to begin running as opposed to doing my usual power walk. Taking Meg's advise I began by running 4 minutes and walking for one. (I have been told this is called the Galloway Method.) The first day I tried it I could run for only two cycles of 4 to 1 (on the treadmill with a warm up and cool down). After that I was spent!

This week I was able to do 5 "cycles" of 5 to 1!!! It's amazing how quickly the body responds to exercise. As a yoga teacher I've always been amazed at how quickly we are able to gain flexibility but in the last couple of weeks I see that quick gains are not exclusive to yoga. Every time I have run whether on the treadmill or outside, it has become easier for me.

I encourage you to get some sort of exercise...whatever suits you. I will continue to keep you "posted" on my progress. Hopefully next time I will be able to report some sort of WEIGHT LOSS as a result of all this running!!! Is anybody out there working on losing the "Holiday" weight like I am????? I'd love to hear WHAT you are doing and how you are progressing.

Running

2009-02-10T22:43:00.002-05:00

I virtually never post without a picture but I have to give a followup account of the information Meghan gave me about HOW to begin to run.

As I stated in the earlier post I took Meghan's advise about running for 4 minutes and walking for 1. The first day on the treadmill I was dieing (as I reported in the post). Since then I've been running everyday either on the treadmill or outside. NO MORE power walking...I'm either running or walking to rest.

Today, on the treadmill at the gym I bumped it up a notch. My ratio today was 5 to 1. Five minutes running and 1 walking. I was on the treadmill for over 30 minutes!

The moral of this story is that Meghan gave me some good advise (Thanks Meggie!!!) and it will work for all of us...if you are well enough to run. Give it a try, the sky is the limit!!!

Meet Finn!...P.S......

2009-02-06T23:59:00.002-05:00

I choose the name Finn because first of all he had to have an IRISH name, like all of my children and because it suited him...but the MEANING suits him as well. In the Gaelic (Irish) language, Finn means: Small, Blond Warrior. Don't you agree???...It suits him!

Meet Finn!

2009-02-06T16:54:00.002-05:00

Do you recall my previous post about "Violet O'Hara"? Well last week Violet and I boarded a Plane to Charlotte (I had to slip her a pill for the flight...she was great...THEN!) in order to take her HOME. It/she just was not working out and I knew she never would.

Her Breeder's name is Deborah and I enjoyed my visit with her so much-she is a lovely woman who adores Tonkinese cats. Violet proceeded to hiss at the other cats and did not EVER come out of her carrier. I finally had to pull her out when it was time for me to leave with Finn.

I must say that even though Violet O'Hara had very UN-Tonkinese behavior, at night she was a doll. She would sleep all curled up around my neck and purr. If I tuned to my right side, she'd walk around to be near my face. When I turned to the other side, she'd do the same thing. Of course once sleepy time was over she'd run from me the rest of the day. When it was time to tell her good-bye...I cried! I actually (in a way) hated to leave her. Deborah assured me she would work with her and take good care of her. I've since heard from Deborah that she now keeps

Violet

in her bedroom because the other Tonks don't like her! (Imagine THAT!!)

And this is my sweet Finn...aka the Finn-Man! Isn't he handsome?!!
Can you tell???-Lily says his nose looks like a pig. I think she's right. Sometimes I call him "Little Piggy".

Finn's eyes are the most gorgeous shade of turquoise blue.

So let me tell you about his personality...He's WONDERFUL!! I'm already in love with the boy! He sleeps snuggled up with me all night, usually under the covers, just as close as he can get to me. The rest of the night and first thing in the morning, he gets up next to my face. Usually resting his head on my pillow with his body under the covers. He follows me around the house just like a little puppy. When he wants to be held (which is most of the time) he stretches his legs up on mine and "cries" until I pick him up. When he gets picked up, he "hugs" me around the neck with both little paws! How cute is that!

Now for his ANNOYING SIDE...(You know we ALL have one of those!)...

As you can see, Oscar TOLERATES him. Look at their coloring...Lily noticed as soon as she saw them together how much they looked alike. By the way, Oscar continues to eat his meal plus anything that Finn doesn't finish...just like he has done with the previous Tonks.

Finn loves to play fetch with this little "mouse". He'll carry it around in his mouth, bring it to you and retrieve it when you throw it. Not unusual for a Tonk.

THE COMPUTER...This is his most annoying time! When Lily or I are on the computer, he will NOT leave us alone!! If he's not meowing to be held or have his head scratched, then he's between you and the screen. He loves watching what's going on and chases the mouse when you move it. As much as I love how snugly he is, when you just can't hold him, it is a bit irritating...but THAT...I CAN LIVE WITH!!

Finn is such a blessing and sooo worth waiting for.

At times I wonder why Violet came in to our lives for such a short time. I believe God when He says in His Word that He is the one that directs our paths AND that the things that come in to our lives come THROUGH Him. So I KNOW that the way Finn came to us was God's plan. Quite possibly, I needed to MEET Deborah. I know we will keep in touch...we had many things in common, number 1 being the Lord. Now I she is one of my "Fiends" on FACEBOOK"!!!...Yes, that's right, I'm now on Facebook...Beth talked me in to it!!!....and THAT will be a post for another day!

to be continued......

Meg Runs a 5K!

2009-02-03T14:57:00.003-05:00

Let me start out by saying I have NO idea why my words are coming up BLUE and why everything is underlined! Once again the fact that I am "technology challenged" is showing!

ANYWAY...I am so proud of my daughter, Meghan. She has begun to run her little heart out. Meg's first race was in Jacksonville with her friend Claire. She and Claire ran in a 5K while pushing Addie in a jogging stroller. Meg is smaller now than when she got pregnant with Addie. Both of them are new mom's that look like they were never pregnant.

Beside the fact that Meghan is doing such a great job running she is also inspiring me to run a bit more. Normally I do a walk/run at different intervals.

Meghan told me that one way to train yourself to run a marathon is to run for 4 minutes and walk for one.

Well...yesterday I was on the treadmill at the gym and tried it. I was able to do it for 2 cycles! It's tough!!! But I'm determined to do better so tomorrow (or next time) I'll at least try to run for 3 cycles of 4 to 1.

A big thank you to Meghan and Claire for being such inspiring young women who happen to also be first time Mom's. (Did I mention Claire is a nursing Mom? How DO YOU DO IT???) Please enjoy the pictures of their race.

Meghan and Claire are on the far left.

Isn't Addie looking gorgeous for HER first marathon?

You girls look so beautiful...please tell me this picture was taken BEFORE the race!

P.S. Did you noticed the text is now in black??? I have NO IDEA WHAT I DID!!!

Celine Dion In Concert, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

2009-02-02T13:34:00.000-05:00

This past weekend Melanie invited Maura, Julie and I to join her in Ft. Lauderdale to attend the Celine Dion concert. So we loaded the car with our overnight bags and made the three hour drive for 24 hours of "girl time". This picture was taken at dinner before the show. Don't let the lovely food presentation fool you. This restaurant was in our hotel and convenient. (Julie and Mel had been warned NOT to dine her but we thought "How bad can it be?") What it WASN'T was good. I ordered two different entrees and the waitress kept coming back..."We're out of that"! Julie and I ordered the same salad and were both still hungry when through. So, we finished off Melanie's leftovers. Then we stopped at Friday's around 1:00 for a bedtime snack. You know how it is with the Sister's...always an adventure and LOTS of laughter!!

These are some pictures from the concert. This was the last song and it was so beautifully staged. Can you guess which song she is singing in this photo?......................................................................

If your guess was the theme from "Titanic", you guessed correctly. Celine Dion has such an amazing voice!

And an unbelievably powerful voice for such a little person! Her show included dancers, costume changes and different staging. Her mother was there, sitting just in front of Melanie and Julie. Can you imagine how proud she must be of her little girl?

This is a close up of Celine. She's very beautiful, isn't she?

Michelle, I'm sorry you weren't able to be here. I know these tickets were bought for you all but We really did enjoy being there in your place.

And another big THANK YOU to Melanie for blessing we sister's!!!!!!

Adalie Visits Her Great-great Grandmother and Great Grandparents

2009-01-14T07:44:00.003-05:00

We've enjoyed Adalie's extended visit more than words words can express. But alas, our time with the "Princess Baby" is drawing to a close. Addie and her Mommy will begin the trip back to Mississippi tomorrow...back to Daddy. (Thanks for sharing them, James!)

We have taken so many pictures of special moments with special people. Here are a few of them:

Adalie and Meghan stop by Columbus, GA to visit Great-great Grandma Skipper on the way to Titusville. Grandma Skipper is 99 years old.

Addie and Great Grandmother Eddings during one of our Christmas Celebrations.

We went over to Grandmother and Grandaddy Eddings house for a visit and Addie entertained us. What did she do? It doesn't really matter WHAT she does, we just like to watch her!

As Adddie and grandma pose for a picture, Addie assumes her favorite position...Legs in a "V" with her hands holding her feet. This is actually the beginning position for a wide-angle forward bend (a yoga pose) that Addie and I have been working on. JK

Can you see how entertaining this child is?

We LOVE Taylor Swift

2009-01-12T11:39:00.001-05:00

TAYLOR SWIFT

Hopefully you've noticed that I've updated my music selections.

At our house...we LOVE Taylor Swift!!! She such a lovely, talented girl. She's seems very humble and appreciative, which is so endearing. I hope you'll enjoy listening to her songs (Taylor writes them as well as sings them beautifully.), as you catch up on the happenings around the McCotter Home.

MORE CHRISTMAS!!!!

2009-01-12T09:29:00.002-05:00

We had such a wonderful Christmas! It was so special to have a baby in the house this year. James has gone back to Mississippi already, back to work, but Meghan and Adalie are still with us. I'm going to miss them so much when they leave at the end of this week. Speaking of missing...I missed Michelle and Judd who celebrated Christmas in Japan this year, where they are stationed. Judd is a JAG in the Air Force. I am immensely proud to be an Air Force "Mom" AND an Air Force "Aunt"!!!

James, Meghan and Adalie
Lillian Masie (her stage name) opening a gift on Christmas morning.

Mark and I in front of our tree...THE MOST AMAZING TREE EVER!

"Marmie" and her little Addie-Bug.

Aunt Mattie and Addie...Mattie makes this little girl laugh and laugh and laugh. As I've observed Addie over the past few weeks, she reminds me more and more of Mattie as a baby. She's very content and happy...a real joy just like her Aunt Mattie.

Mattie, Lily and I...Christmas Eve at Grandmother and Grandaddy Eddings house.

Melanie and Micah...Christmas Eve.

This was taken at The Mall of Millenia on our last shopping trip before Christmas.

Addie's First Christmas

2009-01-04T16:30:00.001-05:00

These are just a few pictures of Addie's First Christmas celebrated at Marmie's house. She looked too adorable in her Christmas dress and headband.

Addie is sitting beneath the Christmas tree amid all the presents. How appropriate since she is certainly God's special gift to all of us!

What a surprise...she was actually opening her gifts at just 7 months old! What an intelligent child. Of course the paper went straight in to her mouth.

Addie is posing with one of her gifts.

Stockings are a big thing at out house. Many times they hold the BEST gift of all! You know what they say about gifts that come in small packages!!

More Pictures From This Special Day

2008-12-27T11:43:00.000-05:00

Aunt Lillian and Adalie

Adalie with her Godparents, Matt and Claire Williams and Mom and Dad

Is this the "Gerber Baby" or an Angel??...Oh...it's baby Addie! Isn't she precious!!!

Baby Addie and Jonathan. Addie LOVES his beard!

The Baptism Celebration Continues

2008-12-27T10:54:00.000-05:00

Adalie Cavanaugh Darlson's Baptism

2008-12-27T10:50:00.000-05:00

Violet O'Hara

2008-12-17T08:44:00.002-05:00

Michelle, this post is especially for you. Meet Violet O'Hara, our Tonkinese kitten.

Violet is a Platinum Point Tonkinese from Charlotte, NC. She arrived in our lives just after Thanksgiving by way of Jacksonville, FL., courtesy of Matt and Claire Williams. (They picked her up from the breeder in Charlotte and drove her to Jacksonville.)

Meghan, Addie and I picked her up in Jacksonville and Violet "cried" all the way home...And that was just the beginning!

The beginning of what you ask?

The beginning of the END of this little Tonkinese being a part of our family! I came to the conclusion just yesterday that she is just NOT going to work out!!!!

The Tonkinese breed is a Siamese-Burmese mix. They are a smaller than most cats, have hypo-allergenic fur and loved for their dog-like personalities. Violet's personality, while very affectionate, is more like an alley-cat! She is very skittish and runs away, hiding from me. When I reach my hand out towards her, she can not get away fast enough.

My last Tonk, O'Malley, was so much like a dog. He was always underfoot, followed me everywhere, would play "fetch", loved everyone and very affectionate...he was perfect! And he was not unusual for the breed...Violet, however IS!

So it looks like we will be switching her out for another cat as soon as one is available.

Our 2008 Christmas Tree

2008-12-15T12:29:00.002-05:00

I'm excited about Christmas in general but I am so thrilled with our Christmas tree this year, I just had to share it with you! I think it's the prettiest tree I've ever had. The idea for brilliant blue came from Alaska.

When I was visiting Beth in Anchorage, as we drove around the town I began to see these amazing blue lights on the trees and buildings. The blue was such an intense color. It was especially spectacular reflecting off of the white snow. In Anchorage they put up their lights early and take them down late...it seems their Christmas lights are up from fall to spring!

I was so taken with these blue lights that it became the basis for my color palette this year.

The actual tree (a gift from Mark...which has a story of its own) is a fresh tree, tall and full and VERY fragrant.

Don't you think this is the most wonderful time of year?

Our Very Own Addie Bug!

2008-12-13T17:58:00.003-05:00

Adalie changes so much between our visits. She is a wonder baby, always so happy. You should hear her laugh!

Addie, fresh and clean after her bath.
LOVE this picture...she what she has to put up with when she comes to visit her aunts?

Now that's a beautiful baby!

I adore this picture a Adalie and her mother. Meghan and Adalie look like two angels.

OK...I just HAD to include at least one naked baby shot (Addie's very discreet.)

Thanksgiving Continued

2008-12-13T09:09:00.003-05:00

We had such a wonderful day...and the thing that makes any day special is always the people you're with. These are just some of the special people that went spent Thanksgiving 2008 with:

Mom and Dad having coffee by the fire.
We had the best time outside, sitting around the fire and playing word games. From left to right: Erin, Gavin, Felicia and Sarah.

Mark and I

Meghan and James

My sister, Julie

Thanksgiving

2008-12-13T08:37:00.003-05:00

I thought I'd better post Thanksgiving before I started taking Christmas pictures. We had a wonderful day AND night with lots of friends and family coming and going. There was SO much food!

Great Grandmother Eddings and Adalie
Everyone loves the baby!

Caleb

Mattie and Felicia

Mark and Lee with the dueling turkeys...yes, there were two. Now that's what I call a feast!!!

Beth's Senior Recital

2008-11-26T08:30:00.000-05:00

This is Beth and her accompanist, Gwen in the Recital Hall at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. THIS moment was our excuse, I mean REASON for going to Alaska in November! Beth was truly amazing. She sang songs in English, German, Italian and French. Tears came to my eyes as I listened to her sing. Beth has a beautiful voice and her personality shines through as she performs...I am overwhelmingly proud of my sweet sister!!!

Beth and an Alaskan friend (whose name slips my mind right now) after the performance. Doesn't Beth look stunning?

This is Debby, Beth's sister from Arkansas serving at the reception following the recital.

The "SISTER'S": Debby, Melanie, Julie, Beth and Lisa.

To Beth's House We Go!

2008-11-24T16:26:00.001-05:00

Julie, Melanie and I decided to travel to Anchorage, Alaska to visit Beth and attend her Senior Recital. We just didn't tell her Julie and Mel were coming! This is us as we're traveling on the L-O-N-G flight there.

The mountains were amazing as we were about to land in Anchorage.

For all of you who haven't visited Beth and Dale...YET, this is their living room. Doesn't Beth have an awesome view when she's playing the piano? The windows to the right face downtown Anchorage.

Another view of Beth and Dale's lovely home.

La Cita Bed and Breakfast

2008-11-04T10:46:00.001-05:00

This is Siobhan O'Leary Wills and I in front of the La Cita B&B. Siobhan's sister, Marian lives just around the corner from me and their family owns the La Cita...we also LIVE on the La Cita Golf Course here in Titusville. If you're going to Ireland and plan to kiss Blarney Stone, you'll want to stay here! It's just minutes away! Check it out @ lacitabb.com.

Meet Siobhan's daughter, Orla. Isn't she a beauty!

Another beautiful girl, Niev. Niev is Siobhan's niece and she helps out at the B&B...it's a real "family affair" at the La Cita and while you're there, YOU ARE part of the family!! Doesn't Orla look like a little doll baby in this picture?

Beth and I are pictured here in our room at the La Cita. What are we doing...well, I'm displaying all the magazines that I brought and bought while in Ireland. And Beth...I think she was collecting playing cards.

So...On We Go!

2008-11-01T13:00:00.003-04:00

Well, this is our beautiful drive from Powerscourt to Cork and the LaCita Bed and Breakfast (More about La Cita later.). Cork is south west of Powerscourt.

Look at the building to the right and back of this photo. For we Americans, it's quite and awesome sight to turn the corner and see a CASTLE!!
This is a lovely street. What town are we in??? I have NO IDEA...it was a town that we entered by accident...yes, in other words...we were LOST. I take full responsibility as I was the navigator. Beth was the official driver because she is much better at driving on the wrong side of the road than I am! And besides, I'M better with the map and I have a pretty good sense of direction. Oh...that's right I'M the one that got us lost.

Can you just imagine opening this gate everyday to come home to this vine-covered house?

Notice the church in the far left background.

This is the same little town as the picture before. You can't see it but just beyond the wall is a wide, beautiful quick flowing river. We crossed a bridge to enter the town.

On Thursday, November 6, I'm headed out to Alaska to see my sister, Beth. So...It's time to complete (I know, FINALLY) our Irish adventure.

My Sweet Mattie Caitlin

2008-10-20T22:17:00.004-04:00

Mattie and Libbi
This is truly my sweet Mattie, so full of life, always making me laugh!!
Isn't she a beauty? She's just as beautiful on the inside as well.' Mattie and Lillian, posing before Homecoming.
Well, this picture was mistakenly added twice...or...maybe it's Libbi's twin sister, Lacie!! You never know with those two. (O.K. girls, just kidding, I've been able to tell you two apart for years now!

I've spent the past 24 hours with my precious daughter, Mattie who now lives in St. Petersburg. She has a lovely apartment right on a canal. It was so beautiful this morning when I opened the blinds and looked out to her "backyard". It's not a small canal, it's quite wide with a lot of boat traffic.

I'd post pictures for you to enjoy her view as well but my camera no longer works due to an accident. I'm waiting for my new one to arrive.

Which brings me to the "WHY" of the title of today's post.

Mattie informs me that my blog is boring, she would like a little more excitement than "Ireland" pictures and my music is...I THINK she called it "lame"???

So...I suppose I have some work to do!

I am, however, posting Mattie's picture to keep you all entertained for the time being!!!

P.S. THERE WILL BE MORE OF IRELAND TO COME!!!

As We Leave Powerscourt...

2008-10-15T09:14:00.001-04:00

Love this angel watching over the gardens of Powerscourt.

This is my DREAM HOUSE! Love the house and love that
it "lives" in Ireland.

One of the many churches that I was so taken with. I never
had the opportunity to go inside of church (that wasn't in ruins). That will be on my "To Do" list for the next visit.

The View From Powerscourt

2008-10-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

Please enjoy the beautiful view that surrounds Powerscourt. Can you see the sheep on the hill in the distance?

Powerscourt, Continued

2008-10-13T17:58:00.000-04:00

These pictures are taken in the same room as the previous post. This
is an arch around a doorway. Notice the brick work. In the near-center of the picture, there are some raised shapes. These are sea shells! What a surprise.

This is a close up picture of the shell detail.
A lovely Cherub statue.

This room is actually below first room I posted. This one is a beautifully restored ballroom.

Powerscourt

2008-10-10T21:40:00.000-04:00

Powerscourt is situated in the mountains of Wicklow and was originally completed in the year 1300. It passed to many families and underwent many renovations throughout the centuries. In 1974, a major renovation took place inorder to open the house to visitors. But in November there was a fire that left the main part of the house a roofless shell. And what remains is the most interesting stonework dating back to the 16th century. So the following pictures are what remains and is opened for visitors to enjoy. I've been to many wonderfully old homes and Castles but found this one so interesting because I was able to view the way it was built and the materials used to build it.

Isaac Timothy Delisle

2008-10-08T09:56:00.002-04:00

This is baby Isaac, the baby you all prayed for. He was born yesterday, October 7, weighing 4 lbs. 12 oz. and 17" long. He lived for 16 minutes.

Donations for a playground to honor Isaac's life may be made to:

Mountain View Community Church3401 Urbana PikeFredrick, MD 21704Attention: Pam Wilson-- Isaac's Playground

Let's all continue to in our prayers you Stacy and Spencer as they walk the difficult road before them in these next days.

Request For Prayer

2008-10-05T17:49:00.004-04:00

My daughter Meghan has been following a young woman's blog for some time. She just sent me an email requesting prayer for her. I thought you'd want to join in praying for this little family.

Hi Mom,

A friend from my bible study had this girl's blog on hers.... so basically this is a friend of a friend kind of thing. Anyways, She is pregnant with a boy, Isaac who has a chromosome disorder and is not expected to live more than a few minutes after birth. She chose to carry him to term and deliver, while praying for a miracle even when all her medical advisers told her to terminate. So, I have been following her blog for a month or two and she is scheduled for a c-section on Tuesday. Even though I don't know this woman I feel called to pray for her. Could you pray too? Here is her blog address: http://www.sgirl79.blogspot.com/

Love You,
Meghan

Please take a look at Stacey's blog, "He Will Carry Me". You will not read her words of faith with dry eyes.

It's so wonderful to read of a person's strong faith in time of trouble. It's the kind of story we all want to read. The kind of stories they write books about and put on the Oprah Show.

I think we're drawn to this such story because we can't imagine going through it ourselves. How would we possibly cope? But for Stacey and her husband it's not A story, it's THEIR story. It's their life and it's breaking their hearts as they live it.

And so here we are. Each of us is now given the opportunity to be an unseen, unknown part of Stacy's story. We can each lift her and her sweet family before our Heavenly Father. (She has prayer requests listed on her blog.)

James 5:16 says "...The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

As you read her post for today, Sunday, you'll read Stacy's remarkable insight into scripture. Her request today is to be able to hold Isaac "while he's still living and breathing".

Please...read this blog and pray for this family! You can get there quickly by scrolling down the right side of this page and clicking on HE WILL CARRY ME.

Finally...Day 3!!!

2008-10-01T14:17:00.003-04:00

This is Maura and I with Maura's Auntie Margarete. Auntie Margarete lives in Sandy Cove. We had a lovely visit with her in her home. She is such a lively woman, very energetic! I wish you could hear her accent. I could have sat and listened to her talk all day long.

Our next stop was an area called Powerscourt. There is a brand new, beautiful Ritz-Carlton here and one of Maura's cousins was in its building. The next few pictures are of the gardens

This was our view as we sat outside (in the rain) and had lunch on the terrace. We held umbrellas over our heads as we ate. Of course we were the only ones to finish their lunch in the rain. Where is the picture, you ask? If I showed you the proof, Maura and Beth would kill me! They were both in the midst of chewing as I snapped the picture. They are both beautiful women but trust me...it was pretty! And you know what they say, "Turn about is fair play.".

I love this angel statue. She's so majestic looking over the garden. It's as if she's guarding the grounds.

A Good Laugh

2008-09-29T13:23:00.003-04:00

For all you ladies who NEED or just would LIKE a good laugh, go to Ruthie's Blog. You can click on it to the right and below this entry. Read Ruth's entry entitled "For External Use Only". I'm stilling laughing jusy thinking about it! Enjoy.
"Laughter doeth good like a medicine."

Captain and Mrs. Judd Bean

2008-09-25T17:24:00.005-04:00

This is my niece, Michelle and her new husband, Judd on their Wedding Day. Judd is a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. He is a JAG lawyer and they are stationed in Japan.

The wedding was held here in Titusville, the reception at LaCita Country Club. I could write a book about the whole wedding experience...It would be a Comedy!! And as I think of the bride, it would definitely have hints of the classic "Gone With The Wind". Michelle's favorite line is "Fiddle-de-de, I'll worry about that tomorrow!". Her second favorite phrase is "It will all work out!". The truth is MOST everything did work out. And we had such a fun time!

This is such a cool shot by our favorite "family" photographer, Caroline Johnson. She is the most creative photographer I've ever seen. Caroline has an eye like no other. Those eyes of hers are constantly scouting out the next image. Her brain has to work quick to keep up with her body. You wouldn't believe the energy this woman has!

These next two pictures are my favorite thus far. (We've only seen the initial "sneak-peak" photos.) With the beautiful bride and the magic of Caroline, I think these could be used in any bridal magazine ad. What do you think?

This is Judd and Michelle on the dance floor. Michelle says this is one of her favorites. I miss you two already!!!

You can check out Caroline and Michelle and Judd's Blogs by scrolling down and looking on the right side of mine. Just click on it and you'll automatically be taken there. (That info is for any of you who are more computer illiterate than me...which is probably NONE of you!)

Adalie Comes For A Visit

2008-09-25T16:57:00.003-04:00

Adalie with her Aunt Lillian
Adalie's now 4 months old. Can you believe how big she's getting?

Time Out

2008-09-11T19:20:00.002-04:00

I know I'm still stuck on the second day in Ireland and I WILL get back to it, but...Adalie is here for a visit! She's taking up all my time. It's hard to download pictures when you're adoring a beautiful 3 month old baby smiling up at you!
Pictures of Adalie to follow too!

The Pictures From "More Of Killiney Hill"

2008-09-01T10:55:00.001-04:00

These are the pictures that go with the dialog below. I tryed to combine them but couldn't figure out HOW to do it except by retyping everything...Not Happening!

Are You All Reading My Blog???

2008-08-31T08:39:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm beginning to wonder if you all are reading my blog.
No one has mentioned that fact that I've had a bit of technical difficulty with my blog this past week. Didn't you wonder where the pictures were that went with the captions? Aren't you curious?
I'll be fixing the problem, adding the pictures soon, PROMISE!
P.S. It's like having spinach stuck in your teeth. Your true friend swill aways TELL you!! LOL

More Of Killiney Hill

2008-08-27T11:27:00.001-04:00

We came across the old stone wall in
the middle of the woods. So of course
we walked through it! Isn't the ivy
growing on the wall so beautiful?

This is one of my favorite pictures from
Killiney Hill. I love this couple on their
stroll as if no one else existed. They
were just talking queitly, enjoying one
anothers company as they walked along.

ANOTHER wall in the woods. Don't
you wonder why they were there?
What were they protecting? Who or
what were they keeping out? Or may-
be they needed to keep something IN.

The three of us standing in the very spot
where we believe Beth's camera lense
cap became lost. We looked and looked
and could not find it. We came to the
conclusion that it must of found a new
home in the pocket of the very nice
British man that took this picture for us!

Killiney Hill

2008-08-27T10:42:00.000-04:00

A walk in the
woods of
Killiney Hill.

Beth and Maura

Maura and Beth

Our Walk Up Killiney Hill

2008-08-21T20:27:00.003-04:00

This beautiful structure
is called "The Wishing
Steps". This is the first
of many wishing
structures.

I've climbed to the top of the "The
Wishing Steps" and I'M MAKING A
WISH!
NO! I'm not going to tell you what I
wished for!
You know it won't come true if I tell!

And this...is the awesome view looking
out from "The Wishing Steps".

So onward we go. We are headed in to the woods.

A Short Break In The Ireland Posts To Tell You About "FAY"

2008-08-21T10:06:00.002-04:00

For those of you in the U.S. that are following our weather here in Florida and for those of you elsewhere and unaware, let me introduce you to Tropical Storm Fay...up close and personal. About 2:30 a.m., Wednesday morning the winds picked up in a fierce way. I heard an "unusual" noise and as I looked out with the dawning morning light, I saw what had made the noise. It was this palm tree coming in through the screened pool enclosure. It has since been removed and the screen will be repaired if FAY decides to move along. She has spent the day and all of the night just spinning right off of the coast, blowing and dumping rain. I'm hopeful that I will have nothing more of interest to show you!!! God willing! But as usual, I'll keep you "Posted". LOL

Our Walk Up Beautiful Killiney Hill

2008-08-20T10:31:00.002-04:00

Well, it's Sunday morning and after having "church" together in our room, we decided to just throw on clothes (without showers-sorry girls to be telling all of our secrets) and head out for our walk before checking out of our castle-hotel and leaving town. I'm so glad we made that decision. Killiney Hill was one of my favorite things that we did. This is proof that we took NO time in fixing up before setting out on our adventure! The view behind us was breathtaking. THIS is the breathtaking view. The water that you see is the Irish Sea and the land is the Dun Laoghaire (pronounced done leary) area which is just south of Dublin.
Maura pointed out this "house" to me, telling me that it belongs to ENYA! For as many Cd's of hers that I've purchased, I think I own stock in the piece of property!
Now, although this was a sweet, positively charming man he is not exactly what I had in mind when I said I hoped to meet a "Hot Irish Guy!" but he did take a picture of the three of us and was gracious to let us take his picture.

This another "house" in Enya's neighborhood.

We're On Our Way To Killeny Hill

2008-08-19T20:28:00.003-04:00

Isn't this garden amazing? Look...a palm in Ireland! Can you believe it?
I love this gate. It opens up to a church that sits on a hill. We passed it on our way up to Killiney Hill.
This path leads to the church.
And...here is the church.
This is another view of the church. Doesn't this look like a peaceful place to sit on the bench and contemplate life?

We're still headed up the hill to get to the path to walk up to the "real" Hill, Killiney! I'm tired already. No, I'm really tired as in ready for bed. I'll post the continuation of our journey tomorrow since, thanks to T.S. Fay, it will be raining all day.

Finally, Day 2 And Beth Has Arrived In Time for Dinner

2008-08-19T20:09:00.002-04:00

Relaxing in the Hotel Lobby before we head out for dinner.
Beth and I at the hotel.
We're posing for another picture before dinner. This time we're in front of our Hotel, The Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Dalkey.
Another lovely garden.
This is one of my all time favorite flowers, the FOXGLOVE. Every now and then I can coax one to come up for me here in Florida if I try it in the fall. But it never looks as beautiful as this fine specimen!

Yes! It's Still Day 1

2008-08-14T17:13:00.004-04:00

Signs are written in English and Irish/Gaelic. Killiney is a city on the other side of the mountain/hill. The "hill" is called Killiney and we climbed it one day. What beautiful views we enjoyed as well as so many surprises. You'll have to keep checking back for that one!
Sweetly scented lavender in someones garden on our walk home.
The entire stone wall was covered in this beautiful mounding flower. I have no idea what it's called, I've never seen it before. The bloom was similar to a petunia.
A lovely gate leading into someones yard.
I love this house! It's PINK! The flowers were so pretty and it's on the same street as our hotel. It was a perfect evening. Clear and cool. What a lovely walk home we had.

Yes, we ARE STILL on the same day. But Maura and I have started the walk back home to our hotel. It's just that Ireland is so beautiful that I couldn't sop taking pictures. AND I want to show you ALL of them!
P.S. I wanted this paragraph to be at the beginning but it ended up at the END! Sorry.

Ireland-Day 1, Continued...Again

2008-08-13T19:47:00.002-04:00

Maura and I at the Queen's Pub (I think that's the name) in Dalkey. This is my first meal in Ireland.
Melanie...THIS is IRISH Pub food! This was a wonderful Thai-chicken dish. The pub is a so nice, a family kind of place.
Church in Dalkey. I'm in love with these old churches.
Iron gates, downtown Dalkey.
Cemetery...love these too. I think it's the old stone and the Celtic crosses that I'm drawn to.

Ireland-Day 1, Continued

2008-08-12T08:48:00.003-04:00

We passed this house on our walk down to Dalkey from the hotel. LOVE the entry way! The hydrangeas were outstanding everywhere we went.
Coming in to the city centre.
There were the most beautiful, colorful flowers EVERYWHERE.
Look at the size of these begonias!
Hanging baskets outside a restaurant in Dalkey.

Ireland-Day 1

2008-08-12T08:18:00.002-04:00

Ireland was so beautiful! We had a fantastic time and I look forward to returning there. The people are so kind and generous, very friendly and seem so happy. We had great weather most every day (which I hear is unusual). I'll be posting pictures and details of our trip for days to come. I took almost 500 pictures so I have lots to show you. I sat next to Isabelle, a flight attendant for Gulfstream. She was headed to Dublin to work a return flight from Dublin to the U.S. We had such a nice conversation. We are the same age and had so much in common. I really enjoyed meeting her and plan to stay in touch! You may notice that there are no pictures of Beth today. That's because Bethie missed her flight and didn't make it until the next day. But I KNOW that it was God's plan...you'll have to let HER tell you THAT story.

This is Isabelle, a lovely woman (inside and out) that was my seat-mate on the flight from Chicago to Dublin.

The view, landing at the Dublin Airport.

Maura and I at the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, in Dalkey.
This was the amazing view from our beautiful room.

The chocolates were waiting for us in our room, along with a basket of fruit and bottle of red wine. The Fitzpatrick is a wonderful place to stay.

I Leave For Ireland, 7-31-08 and Return 8-09-08

2008-07-30T21:39:00.007-04:00

Well, today's the day! In a few hours I'll be heading to Ireland! I can't believe the day has finally arrived.

My friend Maura is already in Ireland, visiting her family. My sister Beth is coming in from Alaska. Beth and I will meet at the Airport in Dublin tomorrow morning. Then we'll be renting a car and meeting Maura at our first stop, The Fitzgerald Castle Hotel.

Yes, we're renting a car. Beth and I will be driving on the wrong side of the road for ten days...AGH!! She's an old (but young) pro at it, it's my first try.

Please keep us in your prayers, especially on our traveling days: July 31 and August 9. Of course, since Bethie and I will be driving...PLEASE don't forget to pray for our safety on the days that fall between those dates!!! LOL No, but I'm serious about the prayer! Irish roads are supposedly narrow and we are not accustom to the car and road on the opposite side.

I'll post our pictures and adventures just as soon as I can.
Love to you all-Lisa

My Birthday

2008-07-29T22:47:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was my birthday! I had a great dinner at La Bamba, a Mexican restaurant in town. I love their tamales and salsa. But the best part of the dinner was the company.

Me, my sister Melanie and my nephew, Micah

My brother-in-law, Robert, along with my sister-of-the-heart, Julie and her husband, Jack

Sister Jewels, the birthday girl and Mel

As some of you know, there are FOUR Sisters-of-the-heart and ONE of them was missing. But because she is ALWAYS in our hearts and minds, we have saved a place for her.

This book, The Shack, was a gift from Jewels. It's such an awesome book, like no other. She loaned me her copy which I read in 24 hours, just couldn't put it down. God was speaking to me on just about every page! This copy I can keep, reread and mark up with a pink highlighter! If you haven't read this book, get it. It's truly amazing. I'd loan you mine but I'm taking it to Ireland with me and I can't promise that it will be coming home. I've already given away 3 of them. It's just a book that I want to share because God touched me in such a unique way and most everyone who reads it has a similar experience.

The Swallowtail Cycle

2008-07-29T22:26:00.002-04:00

If you remember an earlier post about the Swallowtail cocoon and wondered about them...let's just say things did not go well for them. However, thanks to my sister Melanie's parsley, I am now able to show you the (almost) complete cycle of a swallowtail.

After the egg hatched, it grew in to this beautiful yellow, green and black caterpillar. He is eating his way through Melanie's parsley.

While one brother is still eating, the other has attached himself in order to begin his metamorphosis.

Another view

And about a week later, we have a BIRTH! I forgot to check to see if we have a girl or a boy.

Here's a close up and aren't the colors beautiful. To the left you can see the abandoned chrysalis. After her/his wings dried, she/he just flew away. So now I'll trim up the parsley and return it to Mel. I suggest if she wants to EAT the parsley she should move it into the screened porch...if not , better watch out for very small yellow eggs and/or little crawling things. Or...she good just consider getting her protein in the same bite as her vegies!

My Flowers

2008-07-29T22:09:00.003-04:00

Weeping Golden Dew Drop petals along the path.

Pink Pinta

Pink climbing rose near the front door.

Pink Gerber Daisey

More PINK (Do you see a pattern here?) to greet you at the front door. Recognize anything, Brandy?

I've been lax on adding to my blog so tonight's the night to catch up. My new friend in England has the most beautiful garden and I enjoy looking at her photograph's. Well, it's summer in Florida and too hot for a beautiful garden. However I have found some lovely BLOOMS to share with you. Hope you enjoy my blooms.

Why is there a clock with the time in Ireland on my Blog?

2008-07-21T10:31:00.002-04:00

The reason I've added a clock with the time in Dublin, Ireland is so that all of you will be able to keep up with me. That's right, I'm going to Ireland! I'll be leaving on July 31, returning on August 9. Please keep me in your prayers and I'll keep you posted on my BLOG.

Lillian's Photo Shoot With Caroline Johnson

2008-07-10T22:51:00.003-04:00

Caroline Johnson and Lillian Masie...AGH! The most amazing photographer I've EVER seen...I take her picture and give she and Lillian RED EYES!!!

My beautiful daughter in a Caroline Johnson Photo.

My favorite photo of Lillian.

My daughter Lillian would like to become an actress, which now-a-days is referred to as an ACTOR. So we did a photo shoot in Gainesville, FL with Caroline Johnson. We met Caroline when she photographed Meghan (Lillian's sister) and James' wedding. Her work is so very special, just like she is. So naturally, we turned to Caroline for Lillian's head shots/portfolio.

I've posted our day as well as some of the end results. It was a long and FUN day. What a joy to watch Lillian respond to the camera. And what a privilege to watch Caroline work. She sees things in such a special way! If you've got an event planned and need a photographer...you NEED Caroline!! Please go to her blog and check out more examples of her photography...she travels all over the world photographing weddings. --lifewithcaroline.com

Please enjoy the photos and keep an eye out for the up-and-coming, Lillian Masie and the rising-ever-higher, Caroline Johnson.

Photo-Shoot, Take One

2008-07-10T22:35:00.002-04:00

On location...does this LOOK glamorous???

Caroline's satisfied with the hair, now how about the EYES?

And so it begins...the HAIR.

The genius photographer gets ready for the day.

Accessorizing options.

Photo Shoot-take two

2008-07-10T14:58:00.003-04:00

Multi-tasking Marmie! Mom, photographer's assistant And stylist's baby-sitter.

Caroline and Lillian at work.

Make-up to match this wild look. Caroline looks on to make sure the make-up completes the look she's after.

Did you know Caroline does HAIR as well?

A close up of the girls at work.

Lillian's Photo Shoot

2008-07-10T14:55:00.003-04:00

Lillian's Photo Shoot

2008-07-10T14:44:00.002-04:00

2008-07-01T20:19:00.001-04:00

Lillian in ALADDIN, jr

2008-07-01T19:52:00.002-04:00

Lillian, on stage as the Magic Carpet

Signing autographs

Taking pictures with adoring fans

Another adoring fan...Grandmother Eddings

MORE adoring fans...Lillian's family

This week end Lillian starred as the Magic Carpet in the Cocoa Village Playhouse's production of ALADDIN, Jr. There were four performances in all. After the show, the performers are available for pictures and autographs. It's so adorable to watch the young children interact with their favorite characters. And I'M totally filled with pride watching my precious daughter SIGN AUTOGRAPHS! Lily enjoys every minute of her time spent working on a play. From the audition to the time on stage to the autographs at the end...she's in heaven!

Beach Views-Cocoa Beach, Florida

2008-06-27T11:22:00.002-04:00

Is there anything more beautiful than a thunderstorm at the beach?

O.K., there are alot of things even more beautiful but...

you have to admit, this sky is awesome!!

Then the storm clears and it's a great, cool beach day.

...And...clear, smooth sailing, for the Disney Cruise headed for the Bahamas.

With the Vaughn's at Cocoa Beach

2008-06-26T09:18:00.002-04:00

Jim and Brandy prepared a delicious lunch for us.

A fisherman catches a sand shark.

We get to take a closer look. You should see his teeth!

The release.

Jim and Brandy Vaughn with their daughter, Hannah.

My dear friend, Brandy, invited me to spend the afternoon at Cocoa Beach with she and her family. They were here in Florida, vacationing from Tennessee. We had such a nice time visiting, enjoying the children, and EATING. Jim grilled some Bubba burgers for us and Brandy had everything to go with it. The beach was clear and cool and the water calm after a short thunderstorm cleared. (Pictures of that to follow.)

It's always good to catch-up with old friends, isn't it. The location and scenery are just an added blessing...like icing on the cake.

Lillian's QUOTE OF THE DAY

2008-06-25T09:04:00.006-04:00

Lisa and Lillian after her performance in

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, Cocoa Village

Playhouse, 2008.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined.
--Thoreau

Eastern Black Swallowtail

2008-06-23T15:42:00.003-04:00

My friend Dorthy knows how much I love butterflies, so when she had an abundance of Swallowtail chrysalises, she shared some with me.

These are the cocoons of the Eastern Black Swallowtail. In about a week to ten days a beautiful butterfly will emerge from each cocoon.

There is a picture of one green looking cocoon. In reality this is a wonderful shot of a caterpillar changing from one stage of life to another. Notice how the tip is brown and the body is still green. Amazing isn't it?

If all goes well, next week I'll be posting pictures of brand new butterflies.

My first posting

2008-06-21T13:12:00.005-04:00

Michelle and Emma

Meghan and I on her wedding day.

I'm very proud of myself today...I'm utilizing my computer in a new way and I did it without the help of my children. Amazing!

I have been inspired by three lovely women: My daughter Meghan, a woman I've never met, Barbara and my niece Michelle.

Meghan lives in Columbus, MS with her husband, James (a USAF pilot) and my perfect new granddaughter, Adalie. While Meg was pregnant she kept us all up-to-date with her pregnancy on her blog. We ALL loved and appreciated the updates since we couldn't be with her. Now we crave new postings to get a current glimpse of Adalie!

Last week I was surfing the net and came across Barbara's blog. Barbara is a 69 year old English woman with her own blog, Ramblings from an English Garden. Her blog is so beautiful and interesting...the pictures, her story, her travels...absolutely LOVE it! Anyone that knows me knows I'm obsessed with everything British. Upon communication with her, she asked "Do you have a blog?".

Just last night I was having dinner with Lily (my youngest daughter), my sister Melanie and niece Michelle. Michelle told me all about her new blog, thebeanbunch.blogspot.com and how she went about putting it together.

SOOO...here I am...with MY very own blog! A big thank you to all three of you amazing women, my inspiration. I will try to live up to your example of creativity, interest and beauty.

STAYED TUNED...THERE'S MORE TO COME!