What's New with Me Wednesday

 It's been a while since I've shared what's new with me.  What better day than a Wednesday to do just that!  ;-)  That and the fact that Wednesdays are my usual blog writing days, AND I'm recuperating from having a tooth implant today, a light, encouraging post seemed the perfect one to write!  :-)

 Some of you might remember my tooth saga toward the end of last year when I was apprehensive about having an extraction and the prospective implant.  I am happy to say both are behind me, and although the implant isn't something I would look forward to having again, it really wasn't that bad.   My dentist and his assistants were WONDERFUL!!  I chose to have just a local.  The staff and dentist were so reassuring and upbeat through the process.  I didn't feel a thing, but saw and heard stuff I'd rather not have... lol.  But all in all, I am very thankful for the Lord's provision of an excellent doctor, caring staff, and peace in the midst of the procedure.  Everything went extremely well, and I have had little to no pain.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Spring in New England started out relatively warm after a mild winter.   Early one morning, my husband and I headed down to Newport to beautiful hiking trails that sit high above the ocean with panoramic views all around.   We were hoping to find the snowy owls that visit there every year.  Although we didn't see a snowy owl, we took in these beautiful views while basking in the warm sunshine.

 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it.  Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

Psalm 96:11-12

My husband and I took an impromptu trip to New Jersey to visit with family.  We all gathered at my brothers for a great time of ping pong, darts, good food, 70s music {our family's favorite!}, reminiscing, and lots and lots of laughs.  My dad perfectly captioned this ice cream cake in honor of the day!

A joyful heart is good medicine.

Proverbs 17:22a

Last month we celebrated my granddaughter's first birthday!  I can't believe how fast this past year has gone by.  My daughter selected an owl theme in pink and gold.   She and my son-in-law worked tirelessly on the homemade decorations and party favors.  My son-in-law is extremely artistic and creative.  The centerpieces and party favors came out perfect!

I tried my  hand at creativity too!  And where does one go to find creative inspiration?? PINTEREST of course!  ;-)  I wanted to make trays of food in the shape of owls.  I was quite pleased with how mine came out. :-)

I was so thankful for my sister-in-law's extra hands.   She created this owl vegetable tray while I worked on the fruit and cheese trays.  I thought hers came out awesome!

My daughter had a vision for Lexi's outfit complete with a gold one on the front of her shirt and a pink tutu!  My very talented daughter-in-law created that vision.

We were blessed with the use of a beautiful fellowship hall next to an old country church.   It was such a memorable and special day for our precious Lexi.

My entire family from New Jersey came up for Lexi's big day.  After Lexi's party, we all gathered at our home for a ham dinner that had been cooking in the crock pot all day.  At that time, we celebrated my sister-in-law and daughter's birthdays.  It was wonderful to have our home filled to the brim with love and laughter.

And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you.

Deuteronomy 26:11

I continue to experience exceeding joy at being such a big part of my granddaughter's life!  I cannot even put into words the love I feel for this precious, precious child.

Lexi is incredibly cute, funny, extremely smart, athletic and physical (which can be scary at times - lol), observant, inquisitive, independent, yet sensitive, has the cutest little voice and laugh I have ever heard, and has been walking since she was 10 months old!    My heart is filled to bursting.

Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged.

Proverbs 17:6a

My schedule continues to be busy working part-time, babysitting and blogging, but the Lord, as always, blesses me in every area.

I recently finished an excellent book that I highly recommend, A Prisoner and Yet, by Corrie Ten Boom.  I share about that book in my blog post, Peace that surpasses all understanding: Lessons from Corrie Ten Boom                   

Next up to read on my Kindle is a book written by my dear friend Alicia Ruggieri called All Our Empty Places, the second book in her Time of Grace series.  Her first book in that series, The Fragrance of Geraniums is a must read!  These books are extremely God honoring and edifying.  You can find them on Amazon.com.

So that's what has been new with me since we last caught up.   All praise and Glory to my God and Father.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

My sweet grandpuppies  :-)

How has the Lord been blessing you so far in 2016?  I'd love to hear about it.  :-)

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