Rainy Days And An 80th Birthday

 It has been raining for 40 days and 40 nights ...

Actually, this has only been day 3 of the rain but it really does feel like it's been going on forever.  I'm going to need Noah's blueprints on how to make a boat.  This was Tuesday morning during my morning school run.

And it looked like this poor rabbit was trying to figure out how to get inside the car for shelter.  

Since I've been missing from blog land for a little bit I wanted to share a picture from last Friday when Brianna went to the 8th grade school dance.  She met up at the park with some friends for pictures.  She said it was fun.  As we are closing in on the school year she's prepping to say goodbye to middle school and she's ready.  

And I need to give a special shout out to this amazing woman.  My mother had always been the most sweetest and welcoming person.  In her late 60's she suffered a stroke and the odds of her surviving were not good.  She wasn't supposed to make it to 70 but tomorrow she turns 80.  

Last weekend my brother and sisters made a trip from Long Island and we met up at my parents house to celebrate.   Saturday was her birthday party and then we met up again on Sunday morning for a Mother's Day breakfast before they headed back home.  

My dad gave us the news we expected but did not want to hear.  The neurologist confirmed my mother is in late stage Alzheimer's and is showing signs that her end is coming.  It could be a year or two but she's already beat so many odds so I'm relying on God and not doctors to say when.  It brought tears to our eyes thinking about losing her.  I actually don't want to think about it, instead enjoy every moment I do have with her.  Tomorrow after work I plant to visit and see her as she officially turns 80.  

Goodbye Feathery Friend

 

Just a little over twenty years ago we took on the responsibility of this cockatiel named Elvis when Rob's grandfather passed away.  We had only been married for a few years and lived in an apartment at the time and he came with us when we moved to our house and was there when we brought both babies home from the hospital.  He and my daughter seemed to have developed quite a bond.  He was often grouchy and mean with others but loved whenever Brianna went near him.  He would perk up in her presence and sing sweet songs to her.  Every night she would say goodnight to him and it would set him off into a song.  

Unfortunately, last night as she went to say goodnight she found him laying lifeless in his cage.  I feel so bad that it was her that saw him that way first and it was so unexpected.  After having such a great day this was not something she needed.  She cried hard and I hugged her for a long time.  

I'm sure you think it's silly to mourn over a bird but he was very special to us.  This is the first day we've experienced being in this house without him and the first day the kids are experiencing life without him.  And as my husband mentioned last night, he was the last piece of his grandfather we had left.  

Rest in peace, Elvis.  It's going to be so quiet without you.  

I found this video from September 19, 2019.  A girl and her best friend.  

Ending April With Sunshine And Lilacs

The purple flowers from our lilac bush has bloomed bringing a refreshing scent in the corner of our backyard.  The daffodils wilted away but I'm happy to see these guys have awoke.  They caught my eye and nose on Sunday as I was mowing the yard.  The weather has now been beautiful and that's something I've been desperately looking forward to for a long time; however, I'm now experiencing allergies and that's no fun.  I guess you have to take a little bad along with the good, right?  

My favorite part of this time of year is getting to open the windows allowing the fresh air in and the nasty lingering germs of winter out.  My house could use a good spring cleaning and that's something I'm slowly getting to.  

Tomorrow is the last day of April and then it will be May.  May is probably my most favorite month of the year and I'll explain why in the next post.  Today I want to enjoy the beauty of the sunshine, the warm air, the sounds of birds chirping and ... refilling the holes my Siberian Husky has dug over and over again the back yard.  Again, a little bad with the good.  

Have a blessed day, friends!  Thanks for visiting and being part of my blogging journey.  

Five For Friday

 I had been thinking of what I could focus on today for Five For Friday but after some time in prayer I decided to share some things I am feeling thankful for from this week.  It's been a struggle for me.  I'm in a midst of struggling through marriage, raising kids and fighting depression.  But even in those struggles I can redirect my mind into finding the blessings through it.  So let's see if I can come up with five!

FIVE FOR FRIDAY

1.  My son passed his written test on Monday and is now permitted to be behind the wheel.  It's a scary time for a parent but as someone who doesn't do well on tests this is one thing he can put behind him.  Watching him grow has been a bittersweet experience and I often wish to go back to the time when he was little but it's been an adventure in seeing what kind of man he's growing to be.  

2.  My daughter has been facing some challenges lately with some of the "popular" girls that she had danced with in the previous dance studio, who are also in school with her.  She's also been facing an issue with a current friend.  I'm grateful she does not care about fitting in and acting fake just to gain popularity.  She's happy being who she is and has a ton of great friends who enjoy being with her because of who she is.  As hard as it is to see her struggling and hurt I know these are the things that will develop her character.  I love her heart.  

3.  My job has been a blessing and something I enjoy doing.  Being a school van driver means I'm on the road in the morning for drop off and then back on the road again in the later afternoon for pick up.  It allows me time in between to be home in a quiet house where I can focus on getting things done and taking some time just for me.  It also allows me the time to be home in the evening with my family.  

4.  My husband and I have been stuck in a rut in our marriage.  As I've been emotionally feeling myself push away he insists on pulling me closer.  He prays for us and refuses to give up.  

5.  The weather has been amazing and beautiful this week.  I'm certain I can now say goodbye to those winter blues and find joy under the warm sunshine.  The birds are chirping in the trees as the squirrels and rabbits run through the grass.  The grass needs mowed and the pollen has set off my allergies but I am still so very thankful in it.