My Niece and My Mother's Voice

Today is one of my nieces birthday. I believe I was 10 years old when she was born. Jannell was a real life doll baby and one of those tiny little souls anyone would love with a quiet, compliant and sweet personality.

The bicycle in the photo above is the one I rode for most of my childhood. It wasn't in style then either, but I have many fun memories zipping up and down the hills of dirt and gravel all around my home. It was mostly sky blue with white stripes and quite a bit of rust. I loved this bicycle. In 2000 when Daddy sold the home in which I grew up, it was very important to me to make sure I got this bicycle. Since I've had it, it has continued to rust and now I don't believe there is any blue left on it. I know, that's sad isn't it?

I would put a towel and pillow in the basket for "padding" and sit Jannell down in the pile of fluff. She would hang on for dear life as we rode along with the wind in our hair and the dust covering our sun kissed freckled faces. I can still see her tiny fingers gripped around the upper wire rim. She didn't laugh or squeal, only expressed silent joy with her entire being. My mother would say, "Now Rachel, you be careful. I don't want that baby to get hurt!" I was. She didn't. We're both here and I just want to wish her a very happy day.

Happy Birthday Jannell!

Love, Rachel

Step By Step

A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

Old Testament Proverbs chapter 14 verse 15 NIV

A friend was getting rid of this adorable shabby pink bench. How could I resist that? I think it makes a perfect "flirting bench" for our "romantic porch"! It's so tiny that you would surely need to sit closely!...and those precious footprints...well, they're just another whimsical touch from one who fills our home with love and laughter! Oh yeah, and the notches in the old tongue and groove fir wood flooring, came from a squirrel who apparently thought it would be a yummy place to sharpen his two front teeth...(or is it four ?)...anyway he notched the flooring in no time flat!

Have a restful day today!

Love, Rachel

Fresh Strawberry Cream Pie

The birthday boy wanted pie!
And so being the doting mother that I am (smile) he had pie! MMMmmm was it ever yummy!! The new driver is doing great. His mother (me) holds her breath and hangs on! It is so interesting to me with riding in a car almost everyday of his life, how there are things he still has to learn. I remember this with our 18 year old. It amazed me then too.

After receiving 100%, on his written test, the reward was the keys to the Yukon and a stint behind the wheel. Now who could tell a kid "no"? Just a few minutes down the road, a dog ran into the road right in front of us, and narrowly escaped with his life. He was so close to the car when he entered the street. Interestingly enough a similar thing happened on our eldest sons second time behind the wheel, only that time, it was three deer. How did the animals know to jump out at the last minute and give the new drivers a scare and test of their driving skills? Needless to say there was a flurry of conversation and comparison of "new driver stories".

Well ta ta for now! Keep us in your prayers!
Love, Rachel

Happy Birthday, Son!

July 8, 8:26 a.m. I heard you cry! And so I cried!
Now your big brother had a permanent playmate. I was happy! What could be more perfect?

But now that you are 16 today, it is time to explore new ideas, options and interests.

You put away your little toy cars. I saved all of them. You will soon drive a real one.

I held you and rocked you until you outgrew my lap. You will never outgrow my love. Happy Birthday, Daniel.

I love you, Mom

Candle Vapor and Birthday Greetings!

After I took this picture and downloaded it into the computer, I noticed that I could see the vapor rising from the flames of the candles.

It made me think about the concept that my actions create reactions that I don't always see. I want the reactions that radiate from my actions to be ones of love, laughter and joy in this moment, this is all I have.

Have a beautiful Monday, and Happy Birthday to my twin nieces with which I have so many fond memories.

Love, Rachel

Independence Day

July 4th, Independence Day, freedom and red, white and blue, forever may you stand, long may you wave.
May your day be filled with special moments of breathtaking beauty as the sights and sounds of the day fill the air.
Celebrate the memories of the past,

the present,

and hopes for the future! Have fun, bring laughter, love a lot!

From one "Romantic Porch" to another, Happy Independence Day!

Love, Rachel

My Thoughts Are With You

My heart goes out to the victims of the wildfires in California. I am so sorry you are going through this.

Love, Rachel