Have you ever walked up to a beautiful blooming rose - lean your nose into it - take a sniff expecting to smell its sweet aroma only to smell nothing at all?? This may not be the most gorgeous rose of all but I so wish you could lean into the computer and actually smell it! It's called Sweet Juliet. I've had this rosebush in my backyard for maybe 8 years. It is the sweetest rose I've ever smelled! It comes in for a close second to my favorite flower - (gardenia). I've always said that if we ever move south enough I'm planting my yard full of them!! But this sweet smeller will definetely do for now:)

If you look closely at the photos above you can see something that I used to as a young mother see as a nuisance and quickly hit with the windex. But as a Nana I now see something that brings tears to my eyes and warms my heart. (an adorable little hand print) A gift left by a sweet grandchild after his last visit. I don't know which one and don't really care - they are all so wonderful. As I walk by the glass door and see what I see now - it's not a nuisance at all - I see visions of precious little hands and adorable little smiles and I hear little voices that I love calling my name. Wow how things can change - No windexing today! I'll enjoy this beautiful picture for as long as I can!

We had such a fun and busy weekend! Lots of laughter (some crying), water fun, wedding fun, food fun = Family Fun:) I'm so thankful for my family! They are loving - they are funny - they are adorable - they are kind - they love the Lord - they love their children and their spouses - and I love them more than I can put to words - so I'll let some of my pictures do the talking......... We missed you Thomas - Macy and Logan:(

Today I'm thankful for fun projects - I tried my hand at making a small rock fountain. I'm still not sure if I'm perfectly happy with it. The visible cord bothers me so I may end up putting it in a different corner to hide it. I enjoyed making it but I think I strained my back carrying it inside and putting it on the table:) It's very heavy! Eventually I'll redo it and put some kind of light filler in the bottom and rocks on top of that to make it lighter. It's a fun project and I love the sound of water as long as it sounds like a creek and not a drippy faucet. Reminds me of my younger years when we used to live by a creek and the times that we went up to the Tellico mountains in Tennessee and played in the river searching for the perfect river rock - Now it's off to doctor my back and take some kind of pain reliever! It was so worth it!!!

This is a picture of my mom and dad that hangs in my mom's home over her fireplace - I'm so thankful for such wonderful parents.................

Today I was cleaning the tub and I noticed a hair on the side - I was just about to throw a cup of water on it when I noticed something interesting....

It's a perfect cursive letter R - I thought it was worth sharing and it made me think of my dad - (Ralph). I know that's strange but other than the fact that I was first fascinated by this hair writing - I was immediately reminded of a man I love dearly whose name started with this letter. Today and everyday I'm thankful for my dad - A man who helped teach me (along with my wonderful mom) to always try to be a good - honest - loving and faithful person...to work hard and to never give up. Even though he left this earth more that 10 years ago - He has been and will always be a great influence in my life. I look forward to reuniting with him someday. I know my mom is too - but we hope that's not for sometime yet - we want to keep her around for as long as we can:) I Love you Mom and Dad!!

This is one of the flowers in Susie's garden.

Just got back from a short run - I was hot - I was sticky and I was wishing I had a third lung but I can actually say it was enjoyable. That's because I'm lucky enough to have a friend to exercise with. We have jogged outside and inside the gym - lifted weights together - taken a few exercise classes - done some yoga - biked - shared some workout dvd's - shared some healthy recipes and some yummy but not so healthy ones:) - solved global issues - complained a little and laughed a lot! Today I'm thankful for Susie - She is also an awesome gardener! - flowers - berries - and veges and she shares:)

I love horses! - always have.... My Dad bought us several ponies as I was growing up and I loved each one of them! I know it sounds really strange but I don't even think that horse poop stinks. This is Petey and I think he's the most beautiful horse I've ever seen. He's so sweet and anyone can usually ride him. I love to ride but don't really make the time or have the time much lately but I'm really thankful to my Heavenly Father for creating such gorgeous animals for us to care for and enjoy:)