I've been in an unintentional brainstorming sessions.  You know, one of those that erupt out of the blue, and suddenly you're taking notes, making drawings and buying material? Well, that's where I've been. And usually, it is totally exhausting, but this time I'm energized.  But, before I get too far into it, I had a fit of normalcy and thought "You'd better take some pictures!".  Now, if I could only find my camera . . . .

. . .  and that was (going to be) the post back on Valentine's Day, you know, about a year ago!!!!  What is it about February? Sure, it's a short month - but this year a day longer, and still it vanishes. I found the camera, took some pictures and next thing I know, it's almost my daughter's birthday. So, instead of crafts today, it's time to focus on Jessie.

What a dream of a daughter.  Often my dh, Chris, reminds me how different our lives might be if Jessie were "normal".  But not it a bad way . . . in a "I'm-so-thankful-she's-Jessie" way. 30 years ago, Jessie was born via C-section, the last of my five children.  The abnormality?  Down Syndrome. Yeah, I know, no problem . . . but back then . . .

She barely survived her first 2 months, having an AV canal in her heart, meaning basically she had wide open chambers in her heart.  Fortunately, Dr. Bailey of baboon heart transplant fame was available to repair Jessie's heart, but truly it's her heart that repairs us. Talk about open chambers ~ she lets everyone into her love-filled rooms.

Jessie, her dad and I all call each other "King" and "Queen".  Jessie's getting a little ahead of the day, wearing her "crown" all day long today.  What's not to love about Jessie's excitement about her birthday?  We all get whatever we want on our birthdays in this house, and Jessie wants: breakfast in bed (bacon, poached eggs toast and milk) and prime rib, asparagus, green salad for her birthday dinner naturally followed by cake, ice cream and presents. And with each fulfilled request, Jessie beams with gratitude followed by her cooing little "unnnnh".  One of the other differences about having a daughter like Jessie is what she is genuinely happy to receive as a present.  Just ask her. "Anything." she'll say, then turns to smile at her imaginary friend and unnnh. Ah, to be queen ~ the true queen of hearts . . . Jessie.

(Sam, Jessie's boyfriend and the birthday girl last year)

Can't wait for tomorrow . . . . unnnnnhh!!!

Dora

Sneak (p)review of where I WAS going with this blog 2 weeks ago . . .

 

Look forward to talking to you in the next few days.

Thanks for reading along,

Dora

Today's Word . . . Gratitude

Today, in of all places, the Dollar Store, I mindlessly thumbed through a book, and read something along the line of living by purposeful gratitude/thankfulness.  There is so much in my life to be grateful for. My dear son Josh came for a visit after we had missed each other in passing over the past 13 years. We moved to Oregon from California only after all the boys from my first marriage were at least 18.  I wanted them to feel free to come with us, but none did. Months turn into years, thoughts turn to the immediate goals of building dreams and holding down jobs, lives slip through the years.  I am so thankful for this visit.

Josh, Jessie, Me, Chris

While Josh was here, he helped us stack some wood

 and to my dear hubby's delight, helped fill sand bags and reinforce the shooting range. 

Josh left for California today by Greyhound, 

so when I got home, I wanted to document his efforts on the barrier wall and was drawn to taking pictures all around the home, I am grateful for the blessings I've been awarded. Come take a walk around the porch.  You can see a lot from here.

Boots from yard work, Jessie in her room

Jessie's practice hoop, tonight's bbq 

The vegetable garden's promise of spring ~ 

the gazebo to rest from the garden's work

late season hummingbird, chickadee blending in

the memorial and the neighbor's horses that grace our view

Lots of places to pass a lazy afternoon . . .

Grab a rocker, watch the sun as it leads us into evening, grab a hunk of wood on your way in . . . it's getting chilly out here.  As always,

Thanks for coming by,

Dora