Reflective

Cole and I attended a memorial service yesterday for the father of Henry & Helen Mellhorn, friends of Cole's from The Rep.  I knew of Johnson but never had the pleasure of getting to know him as a friend but he was obviously an amazing man as evidenced by the standing-room-only at the church and the wonderful eulogy given by his best friend.  Now that I'm older, I realize that being a "great" person is not based on how many countries you traveled to, how many books you wrote or the number of dignitaries that attend your funeral.  No, the legacy you leave behind is most evident in your family...a wife or husband that was cherished, children that were loved unconditionally, friends that were there through the good times and the bad and whom can tell endless humorous stories.  My wonderful Grandfather taught me these lessons and many more by the life he lived and the memories he left behind.  I cherish all the years I had with him and miss him everyday.  It was obvious Johnson Mellhorn's family and friends were blessed too, by a wonderful loving husband, father and friend.

I can think of no better goal than to completely love and be loved.

"Always be full of joy in the Lord.  I say it again - rejoice!  Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do."

~Philppians 4:5

Paintings

Since I have had some free time, I have been doing a little painting...

This was a special order and I love the way it turned out.  I think I may have to paint one of these for myself. 

A birthday gift.

A plate for Rabbi Levy, who is one of Brad's customers.  

I am loving the "therapy" I get from painting and am already trying to figure out how to get all my painting supplies back to LA.  I don't think it's too much to ask if we have to tie one of the boys to the top of the car so my supplies can be packed in the seat, do you?!

Our Christmas tree, a/k/a the Jungle Gym for Kobe, has provided him many hours of climbing this year...

The sweetest, most ornery cat that ever lived.

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."

~Hebrews 11:1

Relaxing Weekend

It is so unusual for me to say I had a relaxing weekend during this time of year but that's exactly how it went.  Watching Christmas movies, making cheeseballs, going to church, watching more movies....it was so nice.  We have scaled back this year on the presents we are purchasing.  Instead of buying gifts for each member of the family, Brad and I made a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project in their honor.  Instead of buying each other gifts, we agreed to spend more one-on-one time together.  The boys get three gifts each (it was perfect for baby Jesus) so that makes it easy. What a difference it has made in my attitude this year; instead of being crazy, I'm celebrating what this holiday is all about....hope, love and faith.

Merry Christmas.


"Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain in my love."
~John 15:9

Relaxing Week

Life around the Ewing house has been "normal" this week and I am loving it.

It has been overcast and rainy but there are some members of our family that just don't care what the weather is, they need to get out and romp....

Notice Rusty dives in and Max won't even get his feet wet!

Tuesday night, Brad and I went Christmas shopping and then out to dinner with friends.  It was sooooo nice, just the two of us.  I don't know why we don't do that more often.

Who can keep a straight face when Cole is taking the picture!

I'm hoping we can drive around this weekend and look at Christmas lights.

I hope you all are enjoying this magical time of year.

"God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.

God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied.

God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh."

~Luke 6:20-21

It was a doctor, party, doctor kind of weekend

Don't you love when you're mopping the floor with the Christmas tunes just a playing and you hear a "thud" and immediately you know that that is not a good thing.  That's exactly what happened Friday morning and the "thud" was Cole's left foot hitting the kitchen wall as he was trying to jump over Kobe.  (Spencer said he was involved in hand to paw combat!)  Cole, just like his brother, is a tough one so when he laid on the floor with tears in his eyes, I was concerned.  When he got up and went to the couch and got sick to his stomach, I was on the phone to make an appointment with our pediatrician.  The x-ray confirmed that yes, indeed, his third toe was broken and dislocated.  But, also like his brother, Cole couldn't just break it.  Oh no, we need to amp it up a little.  The break was in the growth plate which required a visit to the Orthopaedic surgeon to see if he would need surgery.  Thank goodness, he came out with his toes wrapped and a lovely boot to wear for two weeks.  I so wish my boys were not overachievers in this respect.

Sunday evening, Brad and I hosted the annual Hearts & Hooves Christmas party.  We had 24 people for dinner and we had so much fun but I think the next time we build a house, I need Brad to install a disco ball that will drop down out of the ceiling so we can amp up the fun factor!

This morning was Spencer's post-op checkup.  He got a FANTASTIC report!  Dr. Richter is very pleased with how everything looks and how Spencer sounds.  He is hopeful that over the next 3 to 6 months, Spencer voice will become very strong.  We will go back in April for a recheck.

So, I have been back in my pj's since 10:47 a.m.!  Cole built me a fire and I sat on the couch and watched movies and addressed Christmas cards and enjoyed a little downtime.  

Merry Christmas!

"So now I am giving you a new commandment;  Love each other.  Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are disciples."
~John 13:34-35

Soggy to Snow

If you live have lived in Arkansas for any length of time, then you are probably used to the large amount of rainfall we get in the fall and winter.  This past weekend was no exception when it began raining around 1:00 a.m. Sunday morning and rained straight through until it turned to snow Tuesday night.  What a surprise it was to come out of the grocery store Tuesday afternoon and see it snowing!  It's December!  Uh oh, is this a hint of what this winter will bring?

I was shocked to walk out of the garage to this yesterday morning!  

Wow!

I bet you can guess who was so excited to go on their walk in the snow?!

Of course, one of the Ewing animals prefers to be by the fire.

My poor hydrangeas.

We woke to a beautiful sunrise this morning...

Looks like the perfect start to a gorgeous day.

The boys are busy with school, Brad is busy with work and I have been a cleaning cahuna since we are having several Christmas parties at our house this year.  I love parties!

I hope you all have a fabulous day.

"I am the light of the world.  If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."

~John 8:12

We are still alive!

Two weeks since I blogged?  Sheesh, where has the time gone?  Oh I remember...we've been decorating, crafting, cooking, planning, enjoying the cooler weather, more decorating, spending time with friends and family and getting ready for Christmas.  You've been doing the same, haven't you?

I have really gotten into decorating this year.  Usually, we spend Christmas in Florida so I don't decorate that much but since we are staying here this year, I got ALL of the decorations out!

I made new stockings, out of burlap, to hang on my front porch.

We put up the big tree, even though that was not our original plan.  We convinced Brad that it's just doesn't seem like Christmas unless we can put all of our ornaments on the tree.

The boys and I cut greenery from our yard and decorated the dining room light.

Since we don't have a mantle, I use drawer pulls that I stick between the rocks, to hang the stockings.

While Brad and I were setting up the tree, Spencer was taking care of Cole!

This elf got a great check up this week from his pulmonologist.  He weighs 118 1/2 pounds and is 5' 3 1/2" tall and his lungs are clear as can be.  Thank you Lord.

Don't let this sweet face fool you...he's always looking for or creating trouble.

A new painting for the dining room.


Spencer is back to normal and is not on any pain medicine.  His post op check up is December 12th.  Cole is doing great and enjoying his break from acting.  Our plan is to head back to LA January 3rd.  And Brad and I are happy to be spending the holidays with our family.


Turn up your Christmas music loud and rock to the beat when you are out today.  All that humming and smiling makes people wonder what you are up to!


"Sing a new song to the Lord, for He has done wonderful deeds."
~Psalm 98:1