Marianne's Musings: August 2010

John and I recently celebrated our 35th Wedding Anniversary and are getting ready to enjoy our gift to each other......a trip to Alaska to visit with some very dear friends Tod and Lorilee!

We have never been to Alaska and just can't wait to see the beauty and all the amazing things about which we have heard so much. I really want to see a Moose but I will gladly pass up on any bears! I love salmon, so hopefully, we can get out fill of it while there :0)

I have my packing list all written up, now it's time to start laying things out for the suitcase and crossing them off the list. John keeps reminding me we don't have to take much because Tod said jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirt, light jacket and tennies are the main clothing we will need. Well, underpacking is not my problem, I just have such a hard time deciding on WHAT jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirt etc. to take. After all, who knows what color mood I will be in when I am there. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!!!!!

I understand we are in for a long day of flying and lay-over so of course my crocheting will be going with me. Did you expect anything else?????

Well, just wanted to update you on our upcoming adventure. Please keep us in your prayers for a safe trip there and back and a wonderful time with wonderful friends.

Once again, our CreateCrochet Team has posed another question: "As summer is winding down, what was your favorite moment, trip or activity this summer?"

I have had so many exciting and wonderful experiences this summer. I had the privilege to participate in and represent our team, CreateCrochet along with the Relay Wranglers in the Relay For Life Kingman 2010. This event is held annually to raise funds for the Cancer Society to finance research in finding a cure for this EVIL known as CANCER :-[ It is my honor to say we raised an amazing amount of money and the majority of it came from the wonderful donations from my crochet teammates that were sold at the event. WOOT!!!

That event started my summer and it just got better in so many little ways that add up to mean so much. Our youngest grandson turned 2 years old and just about the whole family was there to celebrate. It was wonderful to have so many of us together, two families joined by the marriage of their children now celebrating joyfully our children's children!

To top things off, because Daddy (B.J.) had to work, Papa got to play golf with our oldest grandson in an Adult/Junior Golf Tournament. He was so very proud of our grandson for his ability (this was his first year) and that he not only won TWO Trophies for tournaments during the season; together they took FIRST PLACE NET in his age division in this big tournament!!

Proud Papa

Total Six Trophies for the Six year old!

Shortly, John and I will be celebrating our 35th Wedding Anniversary; and we will be doing something so out of character for us! We are going to ALASKA! Yep, we're going to Alaska to visit friends who summer up there and have invited us. I am so excited, so be prepared for lots of pictures. I really want to see a Moose and eat FRESH SALMON :0) YUMMY!! I do Not want to see any bears though.

This summer has provided so many moments of joy, reflection and anticipation. I am holding onto the joyful anticipation as well as living in and celebrating the moment! I don't know what is around the corner, but I'm remaining POSITIVE! I am BLESSED with the most amazing and wonderful husband, John, two outstanding sons, the oldest B.J., his loving wife, Bridgett, three grandsons and our youngest, Brian, who will soon marry Shelby (whose wit and tenderness is a perfect fit for this family and whom we already consider a "Maticic")!

I guess without realizing it, my favorite moment of any season is FAMILY! During the good, the difficult, the laughter and the tears, as long as we are together, we can get through anything.

F A M I L Y

Where Life Begins and Love Never Ends

And to think that it all started with Daisies :0)