Mother's Day with Gina in Seattle

Saturday afternoon, Jim and I drove north to Seattle. Our daughter Gina invited us up for Mother's Day. We arrive about 9 PM and spent the night chatting until it was after midnight! Eric is on tour, so we didn't get to see him. We all slept in and Gina fixed us a wonderful brunch. Their home is lovely and very comfortable. Here's my baby cooking me breakfast!

We had an egg and veggie dish, potatoes and fresh fruit....along with lots of Seattle coffee. You have to drink coffee in Seattle!

This is my grandpup....Rico! He is a cutie and such a companion. I'm not a big dog fan, but I have to admit, this little guy stole my heart away. He is a good little dog.

After breakfast, Gina took us to her favorite nursery....Swanson's. Oh my, oh my! It was an adventure! It was the most awesome nursery I have ever visited. It's a good thing this isn't in my neighborhood. You can see Jimmy sitting on a bench doing some people watching. Gina and I spent 2 hours looking at everything and doing some shopping!

This red peony was just beautiful! Gina was soooo tempted, but decided to think about it for awhile.

A pink beauty!

The nursery is divided up for easy shopping!

The roses are blooming a bit early in the Pacific Northwest....isn't this a pretty one?

I took a picture of this lovely plant so I could find it back home. I just love the flowers.

I think Gina was in heaven! Look at that smile.

The last section we visited was the Asia building with so many different maples. I wanted them all!

Thank you Gina for making my Mother's Day so special. I love you lots and am blessed  to be your mom. 

A Special Weekend Away

My very favorite bible study author is Beth Moore. I have worked through many of her studies in two different churches and every time I finish a study, I am looking for another one! You can image how excited I was last December when my good friend Lynda let me know that Beth was going to speak in Seattle in February 2015! Lynda has been my friend for a very long time and we just never get much time together. Can you imagine how delighted we were when we discovered that we were both free on the dates! Lynda was so sweet to book our seats and our hotel room plus she agreed to drive! I am just scared to drive in Seattle. Thank you so much my friend for setting everything up for this weekend trip!

We decided to drive up on Thursday so we would be fresh for the event on Friday. We had lots of time to talk, rest, do a bit of shopping ( I will be sharing a fun blog on Thursday with you) and we even had dinner with Eric and Gina in Bellevue. We met at a wonderful restaurant called Seastar. It was so good to see my kids but I totally forgot to take some pictures~sigh.

So Friday we set out for Overlake Christian Church. It is a beautiful and very large church. Can you imagine 6000 ladies? Can you imagine the lines for the bathrooms on breaks? We all seem to get through it and it certainly was worth it.

This is the front of the sanctuary all set up before we began. Travis Cottrell leads the musical group that  is in charge of worship for these events. He has been with Beth from the beginning~they celebrated their 20th anniversary with Lifeway. He gets the whole arena standing, clapping, singing and yelling! The group is contemporary and loud at times but absolutely fantastic! I love that Travis works in those old Gospel songs too. The sound of all those women singing was like a choir of angels or a rock band!

Here we are...Lynda and Linda! We think we were very blessed with our seating! When Lynda  purchased our tickets, they told her we were in the overflow room. No, we were in the main area, about 20 rows from the front and we had an aisle right in front of us, so we were very close to Beth when she left the stage. As you can see, she is a tiny little live wire! She's from Texas and has quite a sense of humor. She moves so quickly, I'm afraid several of my pictures we too blurry.

The man off to the side would shadow her when she came out in the crowd. We are sure he was a body guard. Sad, but that's the world we live in now.

Travis and the band were rocking! I can still hear it in my head and feel the vibrations.

Lynda and I bought black bags to hold our bibles and workbook, but unfortunately, mine broke. So I purchased this cool bag at the event. They are made in India by woman who need employment to get out of prostitution. A wonderful cause.

My workbook notes. Her main message and instruction was on God's Resting Place and we worked in Isaiah. How wonderful to learn more about God's Resting Place, where and how God rests. It means that He is over us and stays with us not that He has to find a place to nap! I love to learn with Beth as she loves to teach and it's meaningful. Who doesn't want to grow in their faith?

After our break on Saturday morning, Beth came out into the audience to talk with a few women. This was a time to ask questions or just share a story about coming to the event. Several ladies didn't want to come, but found that it was just what they needed. We are all dealing with LIFE. A retreat can be emotionally draining. Everyone is going to take something away with them...soul searching, relief, acceptance, encouragement, renewed hopes and oh many more things. Lots of tears flow but it's all so good. Beth spoke about making plans and following through. This gal had been working on a book for 8 years. She was now ready to get off the internet and finish it up! She had dealt with some mental health issues and wanted to write about it to help other. I love that Beth mentioned creativity several times.

This little gal came with her mama and her grandmother. Beth is a grandmother and was so sweet and gentle with this little one. She then had all the young ladies under 21 stand and spoke to them about social media. Very interesting. She speaks the truth but doesn't condemn.

This sweet lady was a cancer fighter! She really had tears flowing and most of us were reaching for a Kleenex! Can you see Beth stroking her hair and just being to tender with this dear lady?

She would stop after each woman spoke and then she would pray over everyone. There is nothing like a group of women coming together!

I really could go on and on here, however, it's hard to cover so much information in a blog post.
When we were driving out of the parking lot, Lynda asked me what areas in my life were touched during the two days. Oh dear, more tears! I am still sorting things out and just letting some things settle in my heart. I am so thankful for this opportunity to be with my friend, to hear Beth Moore and to think over how this all plays into my life. I got a gift of being alone for awhile. Jim is in Idaho and I had two days to just rest in the Lord and let Him rest upon me. 

Our Quick Day Trip to Seattle

Last week, my daughter Angie and grandson Otto rode the train to Seattle to visit my other daughter Gina and her hubby Eric. Jim and I have been missing our Seattle kids, so we drove up Friday morning to be with them and then we could drive Ang and Otto back home. I just hate the traffic in Seattle, but it's always worth it to see the kids! The "sisters" are very close and this gave them a bit of time to spend together. They both live busy lives and these times are special.

It's hard for Aunt Gina and Uncle Eric living out of town when it comes to watching the baby grow. He changes so quickly. Thank goodness for our phones and computers these days!

On this visit, Otto learned to crawl, wave goodbye and open and shut his little hand...kind of an second wave. Eric and Gina's home is just so nice and so spacious for company.

We went out to for dinner before leaving for home. Of course, Otto is the center of our attention. Eric had made a video of Otto crying and then put it in slow motion. It was so funny...he sounded like a dinosaur! We were watching it and laughing while we were waiting for our table.

Three of the MENFOLK in our family....doesn't Eric look handsome? He's all dressed up and looking fine! We missed you Chris!

My girls...sisters! I just love them and treasure the times I have just being with them. Thanks for the memories kids! It was fun.

The kids got a new car! It's a SOUL by KIA and is a nice little car. Gina took Jimmy and I for a ride around their lovely neighborhood. They live close to a beautiful park that even has a beach. Such a pretty area.

The proud new owner! You HAVE to have a good car when you live in Seattle!

Eric pulled this photo up for us. He grew up in Alaska and he was sooo excited when MacDonalds came to town! Here he is with Ronald MacDonald. Isn't it just the cutest picture!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR and A LOOK BACK AT CHRISTMAS

Happy New Year! 2014, you have a long ways to go to equal 2013, but I have high hopes you can do it! We were invited over to the Wirth's home for a little party and yummy food for New Year's evening. Oh Angie and Chris, you really spoil us. We enjoyed all the food and the company. Thanks so very much.

Jimmy and I picked up my dad as the Wirth's wanted him to join the fun. Papa had never been to  their house, so this was a big event. Three generations here....Otto is charming his great grandfather!

Grandpa was ready for anything....fun, food, grandkids! Don't forget the party hats.

Otto was fascinated with the silver garland that was sprinkled around the room.

Who could this be???? One funny daddy with his two little ones. You never know what Chris will be doing for that perfect pose!

Grandpa to the rescue! Little Otto gets so hot sometimes. He is a summer baby for sure.

Even the dollies had to celebrate! They were ready for the party with party foods and drinks!

I wanted to take a minute and look back to our Seattle visit before I say good bye to 2013. On Christmas Eve, we packed up the sleigh, I mean trunk, and headed north. The weather was foggy, but the traffic wasn't too bad for traveling. It was so exciting to go away for Christmas and we were excited to be together for the special day.

 We arrived at Eric and Gina's around 3 pm and got all unpacked. We went to a neat restaurant BLUE WATERS for a very yummy dinner.
Then we went back to their lovely home and opened our stockings. What fun we all had together. One little problem, Jimmy forgot some of the stocking stuffers! OH NO!!! Gina called Ang and she said they could stop by the house and bring them up on Christmas Day.
They had a lovely white tree and everything was just so magical.

This is the little plaque that Jimmy found at the Christmas House that was just so perfect for our family! He put it on their mantel when we went off to bed. Perfect!

The Wirth family arrived on Christmas day with goodies galore! Isn't this cute.

Our great SIL's! We just love these men and they have brought us great JOY! They make our world better!

Grandpa Jimmy is always waiting to feed baby Otto. It's something he really enjoys.

Gina had her Samantha doll all set up in her room and was waiting to share the doll with Ava. This is the doll that was missing for quite a few years. Ava was hoping that she would get Saige for her special Christmas gift.

We let Ava open one present before dinner and look what she got! Saige...the American Girl Doll.

Gina had to get her Samantha out so the two dolls could be properly introduced! Can you just imagine the joy in that room? Sheer delight!

Grandma Kathy came up on the train to Seattle. She enjoyed the ride. Everyone's car was so packed that no one had room for her! She is such a good sport about everything.

Adorable, adorable, adorable......Auntie Gina and baby Otto!

Dinner time! My mom's Noritake china graced Gina's lovely table.

Uncle Eric and the funny bunny! He looks like Santa's little helper, doesn't he?

I also received an American Girl Doll...Rebecca. Here's Otto looking very annoyed having to pose with the "girls".

Having some fun while we wait for the pizza delivery! Looks like mommy has it covered!

The next day, we all went to a great antique store. Can you believe this huge Steiff giraffe? I guess it was used for a store display.

Annabelle got a new little red dresser.

Oh would I just love this cabinet!

Can you believe this little house? A take off on the Wizard of Oz....can you see the witches legs under the house?

Daddy and Ava by the stuffed grizzly bear. Then Jimmy had to get into the act too. I guess we could call Otto Gentle Ben!

Off for some lunch. Oh boy, yummy handburgers for all. So good.

We went home on Friday and the Wirth's stayed for another day to do some sightseeing. Here's the "girls" having a bit of lunch. Saige* Rebecca* Samantha! It was a magical Christmas to end a magical year.