The little photo book-card above has lived on my husband's work desk for the last 10 years but now it has a place at home. We are very grateful for the 14 years which my husband was well enough to work and had full-time employment, even though his health was a constant struggle. This month, after three years of mostly being on sick leave without pay, his employer made the hard yet fair decision to release/retire/fire my husband from his work position on medical grounds. My husband's complex and seemingly unending mental and physical health issues are worsened by any level of stress. So there have been even more medical appointments and many forms for me to fill out for him along with the gathering of medical details etc etc. We are hoping and praying that over time, and with ongoing treatments, his outlook and conditions will improve so he will enjoy living each day and consistently participate in family life in a more meaningful way.
Having five children still living at home is a wonderful blessing - each one adds much to the fun and creative dynamic of our days. The younger three (15, 13 and 9) are still being homeschooled, and as they are all rather independent learners now, our school days tend to roll along without too many hiccups.
Our friends and church family have been very thoughtful and caring as we look to a future of many uncertainties. God has blessed us in many ways and we know that we are not alone. There is a precious peace to rest in, knowing that it's God who ultimately controls our futures and knows everything we go through. Choosing to trust Him and enjoy the blessings of each day while trying to make wise decisions about our future. The beautiful mauve and pink roses (above) from a friend's garden are a lingering reminder of many good things.
The other flowers above are from a visit to Flowers by Bonnie, a local florist shop. Stepping inside Bonnie's always boosts your mood and is a banquet for the senses. So pleased I am welcome there anytime.
Walks over our infamous crooked road, rail, water pipes and pedestrian bridge have the added bonus of observing the beginning stages of the construction of a much needed second bridge - a straight one! Being winter here, the days are mostly more pleasant for walking than during our summer heat.
I have thoroughly enjoyed stitching a few more Ice Cream Soda quilt blocks (design and papers by Jodi Godfrey of Tales of Cloth). I love having a small hand stitching project to work on. This month I also finished a queen size quilt I have been working on for our son and his beautiful wife (delayed due to my shoulder dislocation which continues to heal slowly but surely). Last night I finished stitching a quilt label and plan to attach it tonight. I hope to gift the quilt to them in the next few days, and will share about it soon. :)
There is much to be grateful for, always.
* If you hover your mouse/cursor over the photos above, some will have text details to accompany. *** You can read more details about most of these photos on my Instagram feed which I add to several times a week. You don't have to join Instagram to view either - just click on the little blue square camera logo under my blog profile (top right hand corner).
Sharing at Skywatch Friday.
Every day we have the opportunity to choose a positive attitude, to be the change we want to see and to encourage ourselves and others to face the future with faith and hope. There is always something to be grateful for, always some grace and beauty to focus our attention on, always new dreams to dream and work towards. Life is an incredible gift. What I see and capture through my camera reminds me to focus on all that is beautiful, excellent and praiseworthy - and there is never any shortage of those things if I will but take the time to look.
(Details of each photo will appear as you hover over them with your mouse/touchpad)
I have never seen a bride as relaxed, happy and friendly as Jess. Our eldest son, Master J - or perhaps I should call him Mr J, is delighted to have found such an amazing young lady to be his wife and we are absolutely blessed to now have Jess as part of our family.
Last Friday we drove up the Armidale up on the tablelands in preparation for the Saturday's wedding. Jess and J took us for a quick drive to the Dangarsleigh Hall where the reception was to be held, a country hall which Jess has fond childhood memories of. Then it was back to the wedding rehearsal in the chapel on campus - the church Jess grew up attending with her family and the church Mr J has been involved with since commencing his university studies a few years ago. The weather was unusually hot and humid both days for Armidale.
Jess's mum had reserved tables at an historic hotel in Armidale for all family members both sides who were in town Friday night. It was an excellent opportunity to meet some of Jess's extended family prior to the wedding - and all of them are treasures! So honoured to be joined by marriage to these wonderful people.
Everything about the wedding and reception was beautiful, relaxed, simple and friendly - and mostly organised by Jess, her sisters and their friends and church family. The sticky, uncomfortable heat of the day thankfully gave way shortly after the service to cool breezes as thunderstorms circled around but kept at bay. The afternoon and evening was one we will never forget - for all the right reasons!
Just when I was about to stop smiling and come back to reality from the excitement of the celebrations, guess who walked into our home yesterday with a bunch of flowers for his mother! Mr J and Jess took us by surprise and dropping in for lunch as they traveled from their first honeymoon destination to their second! So I'm still smiling - and so were they!
It took very little time to realise what a special lady Master J had befriended over the last five months. There is so much to love about Miss J! We had the pleasure of spending a few short days together, including a visit to Iluka on Monday. The Iluka Nature Reserve never disappoints with its World Heritage listed rainforest right by the seaside.
The rainforest walk meets the sea at the Iluka Bluff, where we all enjoyed searching among the many rock pools, spotting an amazing array of wildlife, including sea snakes! After spending the last 24+ years staying in safe areas, watching over our many babies and small children, I also am now having a chance to wander freely and explore - and loving it!
We even spotted some whales out to sea, a beautiful way to finish our walk. A very pleasant Monday afternoon indeed.
Tuesday afternoon brought the beginning of a brand new adventure. Master J proposed to Miss J! And she said YES! He broke the news to his siblings by asking them if they would like another sister (we have six daughters and two sons). They were all very surprised - and very pleased! Master J doesn't waste time when he makes up his mind about something. The 'JJs', as Miss E (8) calls them, are now busily planning a wedding for early February, (just after Master J's 22nd birthday) before the 2017 Uni year commences. Exciting times ahead!
*Master J is studying engineering - his shirt defines Engineer as "Someone who does precision guesswork based on unreliable data provided by those of questionable knowledge. See also: wizard, magician". Love it!
**Miss J is studying teaching at the same Uni and has a wide range of interests - but not sport.
***Text for each photo will appear as you hover your cursor over it. :)
