Sunday, June 24, 2018

Joy Among Tears

Happy Sunday to you all.  It's been a good weekend, although mixed with some tears too.  I'm wishing I was with my sister in these hard days for her, and yet Mandy and Piper are here and Jamie, Kyleigh and Caleb were here for a few days too.  Jamie and kids left this morning and Mandy and Piper will fly back home to Omaha on Thursday.  Dennis and I will take them to the airport early in the morning and then set off to drive to Omaha.  Only one ticket was available to fly with them and it was $669.00!  No rental cars because of the College World Series.  Oh well.

We had a few warm days this week and since we have no pool, out came a sprinkler and Piper had a great time running around in it.
 I told her that when I was a little girl there was no pool available so we always cooled off in the sprinkler in the summertime.  She is quite the ham!
 On Friday we went to downtown Spokane to Riverfront Park and she got to play on the big red wagon.  That's her going down the slide and it was HOT from the sun.  After this first trip down she learned to tuck her dress under her legs and slide!  This wagon is quite popular among tourists and residents alike.  It's a radio flyer!

Building blocks close to the wagon and the Spokane River.  The World's Fair was held here in 1974.
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 Another view, this time with the clocktower included.  We have had absolutely perfect weather all week.  Upper 70's and a storm or two in the evenings.  Today is the first day we've turned the AC on in almost two weeks.  I love having windows open day and night.
Then Piper and I rode the 109 year old Looff Carousel.  They just reopened it within the last week or so after building a beautiful new building to house it in.  The timing was perfect because it's been closed down for a quite some time while the rebuilding was going on.  We had a wonderful time!  Just look at that smile. :-)
Lots of geese and mallard ducks roaming freely throughout the park.
On Saturday we took all three kids to a trampoline place at the mall called "Get Air."  I've never been to a place like this before, but I do have to say that it made me feel very, very old. :-)  Those kids run and jump all over the place.  I would break every bone in my body. Ha!

Here's Piper!
Piper in the front, Caleb to the right and Kyleigh in the back.  They would prefer that we not post photos of the two oldest grandkids, but you can't see them clearly here so I think this will be okay.  My goodness they had a great time.
 We took a picture before church this morning on the back deck. Dennis, Jamie and Mandy in the back.  Kyleigh, Me, Piper and Caleb in front.  Sorry about the blurred faces.  Again, no photos online.  I did want to share this picture though because it's the first time we've been together in several years.  It was a great weekend.  
I finished several more pairs of mittens this week.  I am officially sick and tired of them so I'm going to take a break until we get back from Omaha.  I'm planning to make some baby blankets for awhile.  It will be better anyway, because I'll lose dpn's, stitch markers and other small items in and under the seat in the car.  This way, I'll use a pattern that just calls for a circular needle so I can't lose anything!

Please continue to pray for my sister Melanie and her kids.  The Celebration of Life service for Mike will be next Saturday.  Dennis and their son-in-law Tim will be speaking.  I know this will be difficult for Tim especially because he was very close to Mike. My heart just breaks for all of them and I feel so far away.  

Oh, and if you noticed, I have photos again.  I don't know what it was, but our computer genius son fixed it and several other things for us in less than five minutes on Saturday.  I am ever so grateful!

I hope you all have had a lovely weekend and I'll be back soon.

"Let us them approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we many receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Blessings always,
Betsy

18 comments:

  1. Your family continues to be in my prayers. Sometimes life is just HARD, true? My thoughts are with you always.

    I'm so glad Piper and the other grands could bring a little sweetness to the week. She certainly chose a beautiful pony to ride!!!

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  2. How wonderful that you were able to snap a family photo during Mandy & Piper's visit. Running through the sprinkler was a fabulous way to cool,off when I was Piper's age. Love the slide and the building blocks - very clever.

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  3. That is one beautiful carousel. I am so happy you got to spend some time with your Grands, they always make things better. Travel safely and I hope your grass doesn't grow to high while you are gone:)

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  4. Oh joy and sorrow at the same time ......God does work in mysterious ways. Betsy you look amazing in the photos!!!!!!! My mom loved carousel horses and had some little statues she loved. Hmm I now wonder where they are? Prayers for all.

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  5. I'm glad you had a fun time with your family this weekend even though you were sad from loss of bro in law. Yeah..carousel ride at riverfront park. Relived my time there thru your photos. I need to come back and see the other half of riverfront park one of these years! Prayers for your trip to Nebraska for safety, health and well being. Hugs and blessings my friend!!

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  6. Keeping your sister and all of your family in my prayers sweet friend. ((hugs)). Oh, what fun to get to have all the Grandchildren together at once. I always love seeing pictures of your sweet family. Enjoy your time with your two sweet girls, and then safe travels for you as you travel to Omaha. Blessings to you and your family sweet friend. ((hugs))

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  7. You sure made use of every moment together. It looks like a great time!!!

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  8. I'm so glad your son fixed things up for you to share photos! It's usually something fairly easy to fix. Did you cut your hair? Or is it in a chignon on the back of your head? You look very classy and pretty, my friend. It looks like you had a blast with all the kids there. I'm so glad your daughter brought Piper to see you and your son brought the kids. I wish I could see them and see how they are growing up. :-( Take care on your trip and you're all in my thoughts. ((hugs)), Teresa

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  9. What a wonderful time you had with your family. Nice when the cousins can be together too. I love that wagon slide. How neat! So many fun things to do with them. How heavy your heart must be for your sister and family. Have a safe trip to Omaha. Nancy

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  10. So thankful you are enjoying your sweet visitors, Betsy! I am praying for you and your family as you often come to mind. I so understand how this feels. May God comfort all of you and hold you close during the service and in the sad days to come. Your dear sister...may God just reach those sad places deep inside of her that no one else can reach.

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  11. Answered prayer re photos dear sis. How precious is the time with family, amd so e joyed all the pickies... but sorry you’re torn to be with your sister too, praying Tim and all are upheld by LORD at the memorial (thanksgiving service as we call it here) service. Our God is able.
    Praying for safety travelling too dear sis amd strength for you in all,
    Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz.x

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  12. Piper is growing so fast. She is adorable. I know you had a lovely time with her, and the boys as well. I miss you.
    xo Kris

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  13. HI, I'm sure you had a marvelous time with your kids/grands... That is so special. I KNOW... My sons and families mean the world to me!

    Prayers for your sister and family... Losing a loved one is always so hard. Have a safe trip...

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  14. Fun photos from Spokane; is that wagon-slide new? I guess we need to get back there soon! So sorry to hear about your sister's loss. Life sure can be hard at times. Our extended family lost a much anticipated baby this week. Enjoy your time with Piper; she sure is a cutie. Hugs.

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  15. Looks like you all had a fabulous time Betsy! Thinking of you and sending comfort your way.

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  16. I am so sorry you can't be with your sister right now but you will be soon and that is what counts. Your family times sounds wonderful Betsy, Piper is growing up so fast. Wishing you a safe trip.

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  17. Just catching up Betsy my sincere condolences for your loss, your sister and family will be in my prayers.

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  18. That wagon slide is fantastic. Looks like a beautiful park. I'm wondering the same thing as Teresa -- did you get your hair cut short?

    I'm very sorry to hear about your BIL's passing.

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