Transitioning

Transition. It’s almost become a dirty word to me. I’ve been stuck in “transitions” for the last 10yrs. Maybe longer but this particular one is taking its toll. We’ll get to how it all started 10yrs ago later but for now, I want to talk about the current one. 

It started about a year ago. It’s taken a few years for my pride to lesson enough to let people help me. Especially my folks. For so long my husband and I kept everything we went through extremely private and attempted everything on our own. Finally we let my folks in more. A little over a year ago my Mama was healed of stage IV breast cancer that had metastasized all over her body. That’s kinda how we got here. 

After her healing we slowly let them in more of how much I am struggling with my health. They stepped up, not only because she was better but in the year she was sick I found how much I love them and enjoyed their presence. That old saying that, you’ll hate your parents from around 14-22 is true. But if you’re fortunate enough they can become your closest friends and comfort. 

Now, about 5-6yrs ago my parents had become snowbirds. Spending 3-4 months at the ocean from Dec-March. This was good. We enjoyed the visit we would take down during this time. Before my Mama got sick, they’d talked about moving. That was a great idea, then. All that changed when she got sick, they decided to be snowbirds for the time. Then everything changed. She got better, I got worse. I needed and loved them being here so much. Mama on bad days just to be “here” and Dad taking me to all my doctors appointments because I didn’t need to drive. 

Then the last 8 months transpired. They kept saying they wanted to move to the ocean. I kept saying to do that they had to put their house up for sale. What was I thinking?? Lol. Their house sold within a couple of weeks and Sept 1st they were at the ocean. My latest transition started. I felt lost, my peace and joy gone. My husband and I were on our own again in this journey. 

Don’t get me wrong, we’re happy for their new journey. I just felt like things would never be normal again. Emotionally I’ve been holding it together with one bobby pin. It’s selfish, right? It’s just after almost losing her to cancer our relationships changed. I hate her & Dad not being 15mins away. The dog and I could run over. I miss my time bonding with my Dad. It took so long to get to this place with them. But I know God is still good. He will take care of me. 

For now, I’m enjoying the trips down to the ocean. Our relationships are moving to a different level. Plus I’m also getting to watch my youngest niece grow and change on these trips and visits. I couldn’t be more blessed. 

Ask and Ask Again....

I know, I know, you’ve already asked Him a million times, I see those eyes rolling. 

But today, ask Him a million and one.

Yes. 

Ask Him AGAIN.

Ask Him again for that child to come home.

That marriage to be healed.

That mountain to move.

Ask Him again for that friendship to mend.

That work to begin.

That end-of-tunnel light to appear. 

Ask Him again for the one who needs rescue, the one who needs healing, the one who needs new direction, new guidance, new focus.

Yes.

Even if that ‘one’ is you.

Ask Him again for what you need.

For what you want. 

For joy in the sorrow.

Help in the struggle.

A sip of living-water in the heat of your schedule...and the time to just sit at the well, amen? 

Ask Him again. 

Ask Him again to provide springs in your land; and while you’re at it, give thanks for that land, no matter how dry it is now, knowing He’s given it to you with good purpose.

Yes.

Ask Him again.

Ask Him again to dig up the soil and plant the seeds.

Ask Him again to stir up and settle, make and remake, pour out His peace that passes all understanding, because frankly; you could use a hefty dose about now.

Yes.

And Amen. 

Ask Him again for all that seems lost and all that seems nowhere even near the city of possible...and ask Him believing He can.

Yes.

Ask Him again.

Not because you don’t think He heard you the first million times, but because you are realizing the longer you {truly} live, that persistence is a pretty strong faith-builder; not to mention how close it keeps you to Him for whom all things are possible and nothing is too hard, and because faith-based strength to persevere and closeness with your Creator is what you REALLY need.

Whew. Yes. Absolutely. 

Ask Him again.

With fresh eyes and a renewed spirit and a passionate resolve that He can, and if it’s His Will...He will.

And if it’s not, you will keep on asking.

You will keep on seeking.

You will keep on believing.

Because persistent faith is where it’s at.

It fastens it’s gaze on hope.

The hope that He is always ahead, providing the perfect focal point. 

Yes.

And it never disappoints.

Amen. 

So today; bow low, look up, and ask Him AGAIN. ❤️

Author Unknown 

Here I Am.........

I can't believe how long it has been since my last post.  Being that at one time I was an every day poster.
So much has transpired in the last year and a half.  I have no idea where to even start!!!

I have been tossing around the idea of blogging again.  I'm not sure if I want to continue at this blog,
Ramblings From the Foothills, or to start fresh.  I don't think I'm the same person who started this so long ago.  So while I am trying to decide I thought I would share some pictures of the last year and a half.
As I showed on my last post, Chickie Monkey was consuming our time.  Now, she will be 3 next month.

Here is DH.  It was a day trip to Augusta.  It's hard to believe I've spent the last 14yrs with this amazing man, I don't know how he has tolerated me, but so blessed he has!!

Here is Chickie Monkey.  She's growing so fast.

Here is my BEAUTIFUL friend Marie, who is a fellow blogger. 

I was blessed enough to go meet her in person in April. 

We also have this new little bundle of joy in our lives

Meet Dandy Andy

More pictures of Chickie Monkey

Chickie mad her first road trip to TX this summer. 

And she sleeps.  She's a little princess that monkey!! 

Oh How Time Flies....

It's amazing to me anymore how much time flies.  Oh yes, when I was younger, "older" people kept saying it would fly by quicker and quicker.  I did not realize how true this would be.  Tonight I was looking for this Dangerous Chocolate Cake Recipe.  It is from one of my earliest post when I started blogging in late 2008.  Who would've thought??  I started reading over several entries and I was in awe of how much has happened in all this time.  It has been over a month since my last post.  At one time I was posting daily, I had days I posted certain things, and so forth.  Now I'm lucky to post once a month?  

Time flies...........Life happens. 

I've made several friends here.  It has been awkward at times to say, "my friend, well from blog land" but you know, some of these ladies have become dear friends.  Who truly are as much my "life" known friends and more.  I still try to read blogs, but life happens.  

I've met new friends and lost old dear ones.

I've seen new life, and seen lives pass. 

Old homes wash away, new homes created. 

I keep thinking I will post more.

Or I'll start fresh with a whole new blog and ideas but this happened....

She came into our life unexpected.  Now she is the brightest spot. 

The situation is not the best, but we continue to believe God is in control.

So for now I will post when I can post

Read what is going on with everyone else.

but most of all, 

Enjoying Life

because

Time Flies.......Life Happens before you know it.

No Title

It seems almost impossible that I haven't blogged since Oct 24th, actually it seems longer.
Even harder to believe that Christmas is a week away.
Life has overtook anything I know of online.
It seems between work, work, more work, and everyday life there is no time.
A little gift of joy has entered our life, and is filling our weekends when we're not working.
So this Christmas instead of baking treats and making candy
I sit here taking a much needed rest not doing dirty dishes, or washing clothes but watching
my babies sleep.  In seconds of seeing them I am overwhelmed with love & joy.

They love napping together. 

I love seeing them snuggled.

We have been so blessed by having Chickie Monkey here with us on the weekends.

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year with your family & friends.

Florida Trip Highlights

So here are some pictures from my all girls trip to FL.

These first few pics were taken the first Saturday on arrival.

Shortly after dinner on the beach, 

the sky grew dark, and the storm blew in from Mexico,

which decided to stay for the next 30hrs.

This is down the beach from Pier 60

We both found new addictions while there.

Kat's just happened to be this Cuban coffee from the 

Havana Cigars & Coffee Lounge

This became my addiction.

Yes, this Gyro is actually as big as the lunch plate it is on.

This lovely Gyro came from Acropol Inn Restaurant

I won't mention that it's less than $6 

I already want one **sigh**

This next picture and the pizza below are from the 

Gondolier Pizza on the beach in Clearwater.

It was our late night spot.  

Open until midnight.

 One day we spent in Tarpon Springs, FL just outside of Dunedin. 

How do you say that again Kat?  Ok, never mind. 

This is a picture from the Sponge Docks.

It is actually really cool down there.  The whole Greek seaside village.

The atmosphere and people are wonderful.

You should definitely try the bakeries.  

Oh they are to die for!!

Ok, so maybe not DIE, but they are pretty darn good.

Here are Kat & I at Crabby Bill's 

 We were able to watch to sun set during dinner.

Which was pretty good. 

Justin was our waiter.  He did a great job.

 The last few hours of my trip, 

spent on this sunny beach

soaking up the sun

the air

the water.

I can't wait to get back and get my toes in the sand!!

Hope you enjoyed the picture trip!