For Your 17th Birthday! Once a Princess Always a Birthday Princess! For Your 17th Birthday! Seventeen candles, bright and bold, Dreams in your heart, new stories to be told. Though life has placed us far apart, You’re always here, alive in my heart.   You’re growing up, finding your voice, Facing tough choices and making your choice. Even if we don’t always see eye to eye, I pray you feel God’s love and his presence nearby.   “May the Lord bless you and keep you” every single day, Guide you through challenges, help you find your way. “You are fearfully and wonderfully made”—hold that truth tight, You’re one of a kind, meant to shine with God’s light.   When the life feels overwhelming or loved ones aren’t around, Remember Christ gives you strength to stand for what’s true. God has “plans to give you hope and a future,” too There’s nobody else on earth quite like you.   So laugh with friends, be brave and be true, D...

  Bridging Generations with Charlie Kirk’s Spirit of Dialogue As a grandmother and former elementary school teacher, I spent years teaching children that when you disagree, the best thing you can do is simply talk it out. That’s a lesson Charlie Kirk practiced—he always made time for real conversation, even when opinions clashed. For example, Charlie was known for engaging directly with college students from all backgrounds, encouraging honest discussion rather than shouting past each other. Though I never met him, I admired how he would truly listen and encourage open dialogue, even in difficult moments. I love speaking and having dialogue with my granddaughter, and I just wish I could have more of those conversations. But due to divorce, she often only hears one side of our family’s views, which isn’t always the whole truth. Sometimes, when grandchildren get older, they think our values and beliefs are old-fashioned. But once you sit down and start talking, you’ll discover ...

  Back-to-School,Tears and Finding Light in the Space Between Back-to-school season always puts owls in my mind. Maybe it’s the wisdom they symbolize—or maybe it’s just the old classroom decorations, with wide-eyed owls perched on colorful letters. As I thought of owls, I remembered a special book from my days as a kindergarten teacher: Owl at Home by Arnold Lobel. In one story, Owl pours out a cup of his own tears and bravely drinks them, learning to sit with his feelings, even when they are lonely or sad. Lately, that image feels far too real; I think I could fill a whole cup myself some days. Reading to my Granddaughter This time of year is especially hard because I wasn’t able to see my granddaughter off on her first day of school. Divorce has a way of carving spaces between people, and I fear sometimes those spaces are too wide for words to cross. I pray for her every day. Some days, I’m afraid I’ll leave this world without telling her, again and again, how much I love her...

  When the World Feels Heavy, Prayer Lights the Way: Lifting up My Granddaughter, our Children and a Hurting World These past few weeks, I’ve been spending a lot of time in prayer—lifting up the start of the new school year and especially asking God’s protection and guidance for my granddaughter. I’m also praying for the blessing of many more years to share in her life and witness all that God has in store for her. Chiming Belle and her Granddaughter My heart has been heavy for those affected by the devastating flooding in Texas and for families facing loss in so many places around the world. The news can feel overwhelming at times, with conflict and tragedy on every side. Praying with my Granddaughter But I believe in the power of prayer, and in bringing our worries and hopes before God, trusting He hears us even when answers aren’t always clear or immediate. If you feel led, I’d love for you to join me in lifting these concerns up to our heavenly Father—for our families, our ...

  Magical May Tea Parties May is a perfect time for a tea party and tea parties have become a cherished tradition in our family over the years. Sometimes, we even set a special date, making it a meaningful opportunity to connect and spend quality time together. These tea parties are often a wonderful way for me to bond with my granddaughter, sharing stories and laughter over delicate cups of tea. Sharing Tea, Giggles and Precious Memories with Granddaughter When my sweet granddaughter was younger, we used to play tea party with her toys as well-setting up tiny cups, plates, and little treats for her dolls and stuffed animals. It was such a joyful and imaginative way to extend the fun and make the experience even more magical. Enjoying the Magical Moment of the Tea Party! Depending on the weather and mood, we either host the tea party outside, surrounded by blooming flowers and the fresh spring air, Tea, Laughter & Sunshine  or host a formal tea party indoors with elega...

 Dear Olive, As another Mother’s Day arrives, I find myself thinking about you more than ever. It’s been three years since we’ve spent this day together, and I miss you deeply. Not a moment goes by that I don’t think of you and wish things were different. I remember our little traditions—how we’d bake together, or how you’d help me pick what to wear to match you. Those memories are treasures I hold close to my heart, especially on days like this. First Mother's Day With Sweet Olive Life sometimes leads us down unexpected paths, and I understand that growing up can be complicated. But please know that the love I have for you is constant.  No matter the distance or the circumstances, you are always in my heart. I want you to know that I pray for you every day. I pray that you are safe, happy, and surrounded by kindness. I pray that you feel God’s love, wherever you are, and that one day we’ll be able to reconnect. I pray you are able to find joy in the little moments and re...

As I picnic with my granddaughter, I still remember the energy on campus that April day in 1970—the very first Earth Day.  The world felt like it was waking up to the importance of protecting our planet. Students gathered together, holding handmade signs, planting trees, and sharing hopes for a cleaner, greener future. Being in school during that historic moment shaped the way I see the world and deepened my love for the outdoors. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for nature. Our Love Grows Stronger with Every Outdoor Adventure Together There’s something magical about camping—waking up to birdsong, feeling the cool morning air, and watching the stars appear after sunset. Nothing is Better than Hotdogs by the Camp Fire, Nature Stories & Giggles with my Granddaughter Fishing, too, connects me deeply to nature; the quiet focus, the anticipation of a tug on the line, and the shimmering beauty of the water all create a sense of peace. Reeling in Memories: Teaching...

This year, I made a promise to myself: to take back control of my health. After waking from a coma a few years ago, I never imagined I’d become so familiar with pill bottles and pharmacy aisles. While modern medicine gave me a second chance, I’ve learned that sometimes the gentlest remedies—like managing my acid reflux naturally—make the biggest difference. Every pill I don’t need to take feels like a small victory. Grocery Shopping for Healthy Ingredients   But here’s the real motivation behind my health journey: my granddaughter, Olive. Whether we’re rolling tortillas for her beloved bean tacos, racing to the swings at the park (well, she races—I cheer!), or dissolving into giggles over her silly jokes and Snapchat lens antics, these moments are my heartbeat. That’s why it troubled me when, after meals or tough stressful days, a fiery discomfort would rise in my chest, threatening to steal my joy. Acid reflux had long overstayed its welcome. Silly Poses using Snap Chat Filters...

Saint Patrick's Day celebrates more than Irish culture; it honors a man who found divine strength in adversity. Kidnapped and enslaved in Ireland as a youth, Patrick's unwavering faith became his shield. His story of resilience echoes through the centuries, inspiring those facing their own trials. Celebrating St. Patrick's Day with my Granddaughter Today, I think of my granddaughter Olive, separated from part of her family and navigating her own challenges. Drawing inspiration from the ancient "Breastplate of Saint Patrick," I offer this modern prayer of protection and hope for her: A Saint Patrick’s Day Blessing  for Olive   May Your Laughter Echo Through the Years and May God Bless You Always!  Olive, I pray you wake up with courage, Guided by the triune God, symbolized by the shamrock's three heart-shaped leaves. May God's wisdom illuminate your path, And Christ's kindness shape your words. When life's tough, remember you're not a...

This Valentine's Day, my heart exists as a collection of cubist fragments - broken into a thousand pieces, all longing to be pieced back together. February, the month of love, carries a bittersweet resonance this year. As I prepare to celebrate 50 years of marriage, my heart simultaneously aches with the pain of separation.  Love You Soooo Much Olive For the past three years, I've found myself embodying Picasso's " Weeping Woman, " my emotions as fractured and complex as his iconic painting. My once-whole bond with my granddaughter, Olive, now resembles a Cubist masterpiece, each jagged piece a poignant reminder of our involuntary divide. These years have painted our separation with harsh strokes, leaving my heart shattered into angular fragments, each one reflecting a cherished memory. Like the subject of Picasso's portrait, my eyes have become wells of sorrow, shedding invisible tears that daily erode the fabric of my being. Yet, even as I weep, my love r...

  Breaking Free from Illness: A Year of Intentional Health  Illness has been a constant companion, this year and I’m truly exhausted from feeling sick and tired all the time. This year, I want to shift my focus toward improving my health. My hope is that by prioritizing my well-being, I can reduce the frequency of illness and make this year a healthier one. I know that as I grow older, the risk of health challenges can increase, but that doesn’t mean I can’t take steps to improve my quality of life. I’ve struggled with being overweight for most of my adult life, and this year, I’m determined to work toward becoming healthier. It’s not just about losing weight—it’s about feeling better, being stronger, and giving myself the best chance to thrive. This isn't about perfection—it's about progress. Every small choice matters. Every healthy decision is a victory. Generational Goal Setting in Progress Here I Come, 2025 ! On my journey to a healthier self 🌟