Back to Normal . . . Sort of

Life Lessons

The past two weeks have been very reflective after the deaths of two grandparents so close together.  They were both amazing people whom I do not want to forget.  Nor do I want to let their life lessons turn to dust after their passing.  Therefore, I want to highlight a few things that are worth remembering!

First of all, my grandpa did not gossip.  You couldn't pay him enough to even rat on himself let alone anyone else!  Although he did not talk about other people, he did spend a considerable amount of time checking on everyone he knew that was important to him.  This was evidenced by the number of people who told on him at the funeral.  Family members and neighbors recounted how he would call regularly to make sure everyone was doing alright.  He sent cards and newspaper clippings to let people know he was thinking about them.  He visited friends and family on a normal rotation.  He had no idea what facebook was; well, maybe he did, but he spent more time face to face.  What a golden example!

Lesson:  Don't gossip.  Get face to face with people!

Family Thanksgiving - a long time ago!
Dad is on the back row holding me in a red jumper.
Grandpa is on the far right.  

Next, Memaw was devout in her relationship with God.  She took it seriously that everyone needed to know God.  I remember one of her granddaughters telling me that Memaw asked regularly if they were in church and taking her great-grandchildren.  The pastor at the funeral also talked about Memaw's concern for her quilting circle.  My family attends church with our children every Sunday.  However, I need to evaluate how I present myself to other people outside my Christian circles.

Lesson:  Make sharing Christ a priority.

40 and Fabulous! 
Also, my dear sweet mom stressed to me that I need to get into shape!  She pointed out that my first grandmother died at the age of 63 with Ovarian Cancer.  My mom had Breast Cancer about nine years ago.  She recently made a plea for me to get into shape, so I downloaded a Nike app on my phone that includes workouts.  The one I tried is a fifteen minute workout with rotations of exercises each minute.  It allows me to pick my workout music too and has a guide talking me through each step.  Fun times!  I picked the Newsboys.  This album has great energy.

Lesson:  Get into shape so I can be around to take care of my parents in their old age.


In addition to getting into shape, I need to make myself presentable in shorts!  Admittedly, I don't shave as often in the winter.  And my legs are super white!  I will be shaving and using a homemade sugar scrub to help get my skin ready to be seen.  There are many recipes on Pinterst for sugar scrub.  I just use a simple one consisting of 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and one cup of sugar.  This helps to get rid of dead skin and give moisture back at the same time.  It is also gentle enough to use on your face.  Just don't do it every day.  Once or twice a week is plenty!

Open Book

I'm currently reading two books:


Not For Sale is about the global slave trade.  It is real!  Slavery is not legal, but it still exists.








I'm also reading The Scarlet Thread because I need some entertainment.    As the title suggests, I'm predicting some infidelity somewhere in the book; however, because the author is Francine Rivers, I'm expecting forgiveness and reconciliation at the end too!



Valentine's Date

Even with all of this going on, my husband and I were able to go on our annual Valentine's date.  We attend a local scholarship dinner which includes a steak dinner, dancing, and auctions.  This year we were thrilled to take up an entire table with our Sunday School class.  These are such wonderful people!

Crafting

I also had enough left from my skirt to make one for Model T!  Isn't she just the cutest?