NEVERTHELESS................

I just finished reading a book, that reminded me of the importance of this word.......nevertheless. A word that is used in scripture very often, by God, teaching that we may be experiencing something negative, or hard in our lives, but the ending result of these experiences often is positive, or rewarding. Examples.......Life hurts. Nevertheless, it is a gift worthy of honoring. --- Some one has died. Nevertheless, they are now with God. --- I have had a disappointment in my life. Nevertheless, I have learned something valuable that will help me in the future. --- I have a heavy burden to carry. Nevertheless, God's strength will help pull me through it.

I am just amazed, everyday, by the love God shows to us. Since everything ends with God, those who trust in Him, and put their faith in Him will have a good ending...........eventually. I am soooo thankful for His love !!

Which one would you choose?

Birthday Spankings for JAXSON!

HEY DUDE!! YOU"RE AWESOME ~
I was going to say "Birthday Kisses", but knowing Jaxson, the typical 11 year old boy that he is (I can't believe it Jaxson - you are ELEVEN!) he wouldn't want kisses from Grandma! So spankings it is!! Thanks for the yummy chocolate cake Sonia............ummmmmmm. And Happy Birthday to my oldest Grandson! LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!

To my Beautiful Daughter.....................

Take these burdens, so heavy now,

and if you bear them you’ll learn somehow;

That as you wear them they’ll grow light

And soon you can lift yourself into flight,

For the wings that lift us out of despair

Are made by God from the weight of care.

You Should Have Seen it in Color.........

This Friday I will be out of town for my Jackman Family Reunion.
I won't be able to do my "five for friday", but in honor of my Jackman Grandparents, here's a great song with some of their pictures. They started
a great family that has grown tremendously, and since I will be spending some time with them this week, I thank them for all of the great traditions they started, and the good times we have together.
THANKS EZBON & KILLARNIA ~ LOVE ALWAYS!



"I said, Grandpa what’s this picture here
It’s all black and white and ain’t real clear

Is that you he said, yeah I was eleven

Times were tough back in thirty-five

That’s me and Uncle Joe just tryin’ to survive

A cotton farm in the Great Depression

And if it looks like we were scared to death

Like a couple of kids just trying to save each other

You should have seen it in color.............

This one is my favorite one

It’s me and grandma in the summer sun

All dressed up the day we said our vows

You can’t tell it here but it was hot that June

That rose was red and her eyes were blue

And just look at that smile I was so proud

That’s the story of my life

Right there in black and white.

And if it looks like we were scared to death

Like a couple of kids just trying to save each other

You should have seen it in color............

A picture’s worth a thousand words

But you can’t see what those shades of gray keep covered

You should have seen it in color!"

Yummy Recipe!!

I got an e-mail from my friends at Biaggi's Restaurant. It was this new recipe. Have to tell ya! Just like everything Italian.........it is FABULOUS!

Ingredients : 6 cups of day old bread (baguette cut into 1" cubes)
1 lb. plum tomatoes - halved
1 cup cucumber - seeded and diced
1/2 cup red onion - thinly sliced
8-10 basil leaves - thinly sliced
pinch each of salt and pepper
1/2 cup balsamic dressing - (more if desired)
1/4 cup kalamata olives - pitted
Place bread, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, basil, salt, pepper and dressing into a large serving bowl and toss gently. Allow to sit for 5 - 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Toss again and serve. Garnish with the olives.

For variety - Add diced salami, ripped prosciutto, or break up some cold smoked salmon.

Buon appetito !

Five on Friday

I was out of town last Friday, and so this week is a catch up! Alot has been going on for the last two weeks, but I will just mention the highlights. Life gets so busy in the summertime!

It's hard to slow down enough to enjoy each little morsel,

because all of it is so sweet!!

1 - I have already mentioned the sweet passing of our Dad, and Grandpa. He is gone, but will never be forgotten. The funeral was very nice, as far as funerals go. I think that the thing that keeps me going, is knowing that he is happy now, and with so many other people whom I love so deeply, preparing to welcome each one of us home when it is our turn to return.

2 - Last Friday was the 4th.

Our country's birthday, and a day we celebrate the many freedoms we enjoy in our lives. We were out of the country, but enjoyed somewhat of an American dinner celebration onboard our ship. No fireworks though.........it seemed wierd. Yesterday at Dad's graveside, we had a military ceremony to honor Ralph for the service he paid to his country during WWII. I always love seeing the way these soldiers pay tribute to our flag and country, and to those men that have so bravely sacrificed part of there lives for our privilege to live the way we do. The flag retirement is a beautiful ceremony and to watch these men do it with such grace always touches my heart. There have been a good number of men in my family that have had some sort of ceremony done at their passing, and each time I watch it, it reminds me that I love this country, and the great examples of patriotism that I have witnessed in my lifetime. Thank You!

3 - Joey was able to come up this week for the family stuff that has been going on. It's always great to have some time with him, and catch up on what is going on with him and his family in St. George. Of course we missed having Em and Tess here too, but we are looking forward to fun times in a couple of weeks when they can join us for our family reunion. We're counting the days girls!!! Love You!

4 - We got tickets to WICKED !!!! Yipee!! Even though it is about a year away - I am so excited that we got tickets, (thanks for your help with this Vicki!) and will actually be able to do this in Salt Lake, and not have to travel too far to see it. Our family has to split up and go on two separate nights, which is kind of a bummer, but all is well.......we will still enjoy it!! I can't wait

5 - Last week we enjoyed a cruise up to Alaska.

It was amazing! I can't wait to post some pictures, and tell you a little about the trip, and since it's impossible to narrow it down to just one favorite part, I'm trying to narrow it down to just a few pictures ( the scenery was just beautiful, and I think I'm in love with Seattle & Victoria!!) Anyway it was a great trip, and I think the thing I miss the most about being home, and not on the ship is that I don't have those cute little darlings (Ryker & Ethney) knocking on our balcony door in the mornings, bringing in the sunshine and the pure joy of their excitement for another day full of new adventures!

Tribute to a Great Man!

Here is a tribute from my husband Roger, to his father. He passed away last night. We are happy that he has returned home, and is no longer suffering with his old worn-out body.
Instead he is with Mom, and they are dancing to "Blue Spanish Eyes".

My Dad

He isn't much in the eyes of the world
He'll never make history
No, he isn't much in the eyes of the world
But he is the world to me.......

My dad, now here is a man
To me he is everything strong
No, he can't do wrong, my dad.

My dad, now he understands
When I bring him troubles to share
Oh, he's always there, my dad.

When I was small I felt ten feet tall
When I walked by his side
And everyone would say "That's his son"
And my heart would burst with pride

My dad, oh I love him so
And I only hope that some day
My own son will say
"My dad now here is a man"