The storm is raging outside! 
The wind is blowing the rain against the windows. 
I have been going though all my photos and I came across this picture of a summer-time flower! 
Bright and cheerful on a dreary day.
I bought a new phone on BLACK FRIDAY. 
BEST BUY, had awesome deals! 
It's been 2 years since my last upgrade and I am more than ready to have NEW features and a phone that WORKS!
Don't get me wrong, I loved my Samsung phone.. but the battery was going out and I had somehow scratched the lens on my camera so it wouldn't focus.. 
I fell in LOVE with the LG Inspire! 
It's square like a tablet. 
The 5" screen is awesome for all my viewing. 
Pictures look great, dial phone pad is huge! 
I just LOVE IT! 
I can't wait to take pictures with the 8mp camera..
I can personalize my phone with so many options, I can't even begin to remember all of them.
I've had my phone a week now and am finally feeling comfortable with having everything the way I want it. lol, yeah, I'm slow.. but I get there eventually.. 
My daughter and her husband both chose the Motorola Droid Maxx..
The phones were free with a 2 year contract.. so that worked out great for them. 
They really are enjoying their phones and I get to reap the benefits having all the video  
chats with my Granddaughters!
I was able to see my Granddaughters first steps.. LIVE!
Boy, you can't put a price on that!!! 
I know, most people have been video chatting for a while now.. but my old phone didn't have a front facing camera so it was impossible except on the computers.. now, all of us can move around, capturing all the action of daily living we miss living so faraway from one another.. it's WONDERFUL!
Thanksgiving was better this year.
The Holidays are NOT usually  my favorite time of  year.  
Being out of touch with 3 of my adult children. 
I usually slump into a depression and hope that the days pass quickly. 
But this year, I have 2 granddaughters that BRIGHTEN my days. 
I am letting my heart heal..  
Transforming hurt and longing for my absent children and grandchildren, into smothering the two granddaughters, I do have in my life, with LOVE and AFFECTION. 
Makes a big difference trying to break though the past and all it's ugliness. 

BUT....

My Thanksgiving prayers for healing were answered THIS BLACK FRIDAY, when there was a knock on my mom's door. 
It was my SON. 
He came to see my mom..
I welcomed him in and he was quick to seek out my mom.. he found her emerging from her room and he greeted her, wishing her a Happy Thanksgiving.
I stayed on the sidelines, holding my breath, so
afraid of saying or doing something that would end in disaster.
My youngest daughter and her husband were out shopping for their new phones and I was happily being a grandma spending time with my 2 granddaughters who now stared at the strange man in the dining room. 

I held my 11 month old granddaughter in my arms as I stood mesmerized by the GROWN MAN that stood before me.
Standing behind me my 2 year old granddaughter was holding on to my legs, peeking out shyly, up at the man that stood tall before us. 
I said, "Abi, this is your Uncle Jacob." 
I can't tell you how, just speaking his name, out loud, sent flutters in my stomach.
I think that was the defining moment when Jacob as well as I knew...... 
it was going to be okay. 

After about 5 min.. he asked my mom if she would like to see the baby? 
I held my breath.. 
My mom replied.. "YES, of coarse.. I would LOVE to see the baby!" 
He went out to his truck and returned not only with my Granddaughter, that I thought I'd never see or hold, but his wife whom I've never met. I've only seen her from afar. 
We all had a GREAT first visit after so many years.. 7 to be exact.. 
I got to see and kiss my new Granddaughter. 
Whom is BEAUTIFUL by the way.. 
She looks like my sister and my oldest daughter. tiny and petite. 
She is very alert and aware of all her surroundings.. 
I can't wait until we can meet again!
The LORD in HIS AWESOMENESS granted me my prayer request. 
As usual, HIS timing is not ours... 
HE knows all..
and PERFECT timing is when the outcome will mater the most. 
NOT just to those involved but also to those that witness the miracles of answered prayers.
  
BLACK FRIDAY, is not just the best deals of the year...
but rather the day JESUS died for our sins..
HE gave us all the BEST DEAL we can 
ever have..
I thought that my son and his family were lost to me forever.. 
I lost my faith that anything would ever change.. 
I GAVE up, it hurt too much to want. 
I'm so THANKFUL that the LORD is FAITHFUL and NEVER gives up on US..
THANK YOU JESUS!
I'm a HAPPY MOM, this BLACK FRIDAY after THANKSGIVING DAY!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I'm up early to start cooking, well, baking anyway. I'm going to attempt to bake zucchini bread.  Than I'm going to start the stuffing!

 My daughter (the baby, my youngest child) and family are heading down and we are all going to my sisters for the day. 

My oldest daughter is working so she is not going to be able to join us for dinner. I was hopping that she would be able to come for a while, a short visit before work.. but so far, no commitments on her end. Last year, my son-in-law and my grandson came for dinner.. that was a step toward healing..

 I pray that the same might happen this year. No pressure, just prayer. :) 

 No progress on my son's..

 I keep praying for them too! 

The Holidays are always a tough time for me to get through. It's some better with the birth of my granddaughters whom I get to be a part of. They rock my world and I love to spend time with them.

 I'm so THANKFUL for the JOY they bring!

 Children are a BLESSING!

I'm so THANKFUL that my sister is clear from cancer this year, and that we get to spend time together!

I'm THANKFUL for my Mom.. she is hanging in there and able to remain in her home the way she desires.. may all her dreams come true!

I'm THANKFUL for my baby girl, who is always there for me! I love her dearly!

Thank YOU LORD, for all my BLESSINGS!

I had a "Wonderful" time at the ART SHOW!  

NOT a lot of people buying, but it was good to have people out and enjoying all the arts and crafts. 

Receiving complements on certain paintings was illuminating and inspiring! I loved having people stand close and really SEE my paintings! It was awesome!

There were so very many talents, I was totally in awe..

I can't wait until next year to do it again!

A two day event is tiring.. but worth every moment spent.

My Mom did well.. she slept the day away. (which was expected) I'd rather see her mobile and able to fend for herself.. but she still has no interest in anything but sleeping and TV.

I think next year, I'll plan to have my daughter come and stay with her to help keep her company.

Off to PAINT!  :)

Getting ready for the ART show today.
Vallejo Open Studio's. 11-5 Saturday and Sunday!
http://vallejoopenstudios.com/ for more info.









My Sister is showing her paintings too!