Ronnie B and Me Roadtrip at Seventy-Family, Felix, and RV Fun

 

Home again, home again after a five week journey in our casita on wheels. What a fun-filled trip Ronnie B and I had celebrating accomplishments of our grandkids, graduations, birthdays and just being present in life with our kids and grands. Here we are back home once again so many memories made along the journey. I failed to blog on this trip but that was because my mornings were filled with conversations, cartoons and just catching up. There is a routine when I am at home that lends itself to blogging. I get up early and do a Bible study with my coffee and then share my heart, my faith, and my life on this page. So here I sit back in my spot on my mom’s couch which she gifted me when she journeyed to heaven. My coffee is hot after a third zap in the microwave and I want to share one thing that has blessed Ron and I. 

 Natalie and Nate entrusted us with Felix for a few weeks. He left his home and jumped in the rv for an adventure with Noni and Papa. This is our second trip with him and he is pure joy and wonder. Always up for what comes next. He is convinced that he picked out all our camp spots and confidently said he found the perfect one each time. The last one had a pair of stray, black kittens that we watched bounce around and fed. Felix reminds me that we are to take life as it comes and be glad in it. He had a broad idea of how long we were traveling and the states we would pass through getting from Washington state to New Mexico. But mostly he put his faith in us believing that we had great plans for him and he would simply go along for the ride. 

Isn’t that how we are supposed to have faith? Believing that even in the worst moments God is with us and will never leave us to deal on our own. There were a few rough patches on our trip. Felix hates blood and gets in a panic not when there is blood but even at the prospect that there could be blood. But knowing we were there with him helped immensely. I feel honored that what usually takes Mama’s kisses and warm hugs could be calmed with Noni and Papa. 

 Felix has not asked to go home but enjoys sharing FaceTime calls with his parents and Auggie multiple times a day. I am sure Felix being gone has been hard on his almost three year old brother. But Auggie is getting all his parents attention and having adventures of his own with them. It will be lonely when Felix returns to Washington but this time with him has been one of the greatest gifts we could receive.Ron and I learned about Pokémon and so much more that Felix could teach us. We were blown away at how well he reads for a kindergarten graduate. It was apparent that we could not be sneaky and spell things because this kid is sharp. His reward when we arrived in Los Alamos was a binder specially made for Pokémon cards along with a pack that he spent time organizing. He assured us that he didn’t need our help and quite frankly didn’t need our input to get it filled. After all, he knows more about these cards than we do and we would only mess it up. Such a joy this kiddo that I get to have as a grandson. 

Thank you Nate and Natalie for allowing us the pleasure of spending time with your family and then trusting us to take Felix, your little man, on this trip with us. I hope there will be many more in our future. After all, Papa and I have the sign on the back of our Chinook……..Adventure before Dementia. And so far at seventy, we are still able to drive and take these fabulous roadtrips. Heck, we have even got enough energy to hang out with all the families and friends. Last night, our granddaughter, Elissa, came over with her two and almost four year old and Felix played in the back yard for hours. I will say that Papa and I slept soundly in our own bed with Felix on a Noni made bed on the floor right beside us. It is good to go but it is also so good to be home. 

In Him,

Joyful

7-2-26

Sandy Romping into the Pacific, Then and Now

 What a treasured moment I just had.. When I was a Young Life leader, I had the honor of taking middle schoolers to camp near San Diego. Many of these young teens had never seen the ocean and we ran hand in hand into the crashing waves. God is good! Yesterday, Carrie sent me this message along with a video of her daughter seeing the ocean for the very first time. I am humbled that she remembers me being with her for her first time seeing the Pacific and dipping her toes in the sand and surf. Carrie was a teen that had a rough start. She and her sisters became so special to me. Their mom and my son didn’t always make the best choices with addictions leading their choices. Carrie often was left with babysitting my grandgirl, Elissa. Years later, Elissa went with me when Carrie’s daughter, Maeve, was born. I took her a baby blanket I crocheted. Elissa fell in love with this newborn and her lovely name. Here we are years later and my Elissa is married with two kids of her own. She now has a daughter of her own named Mayve. That tiny baby who just saw the ocean for the first time at almost seven years old touched Elissa when she was only fifteen. Life evolves and God connects us to others if we will allow Him. 

I love that Carrie is enjoying the majesty of His ocean with her Maeve as I type these words. A couple weeks ago, Elissa had her kids at the beach in Los Angeles. Crazy! Can I add that Carrie is now a teacher and is spending her life in a classroom the same way I did.  Maybe He showed her the same life path I lived with kids that touch us in beautiful ways. 

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

It is always a day to be glad when I am reminded of how God allowed me to share His love and my faith with others. I am no longer a Young Life leader but am still in touch with many of my girls who ate breakfast at our home most Saturday mornings building relationships with each other and with Jesus. My life  mission is to know Him and to make Him known. Life is wonderful, difficult, heartcrushing and fabulous. Through life I never want to walk alone and am so thankful that I have Jesus always by my side. That is why sharing my relationship with Him especially teens, makes me so joy filled. 

Thank you Carrie for reminding me of our sandy romp into the Pacific. I adore you and the life you and your husband are making for your Maeve. Your message touched my heart and made my day.

In Him,

Joyful

6-20-26

Caffeine Jitters or Naptime?

 What the heck? How did I not see that and why don’t I even understand what happened? Oh wait! I am just not even making any sense to myself. Do you ever just confuse yourself and not even know what it is about? That is the kind of day I am having. Nothing is wrong. Everything is going just fine. In fact, I am spending time with my grandgirl and I am really enjoying this relaxing day. But there is something unsettled about the day as well. I can’t put my finger on it. A couple days ago, Brittney said she felt anxious and she had to keep reminding herself that she drank full caffeine coffee instead of her usual half caff. The jitters she felt were from the caffeine not anything she was worrying about. But the day got busy and she kept wondering what was causing her to be unsettled. Then she would remember the three cups of coffee without food that affected her whole day not just her morning. This would cause her to take a breath and remember that there was nothing that she was worried about. Well, that is how my day is going. But I always drink my fully loaded caffeine without food so that is not it. 

I am feeling like the other shoe is going to drop. But I haven’t even had one foot hit the floor so this makes no sense. Okay, when I get this way there is a perfectly effective solution. Pray. Step away and spend a little time with Jesus. That will calm me and let me move into a space of enjoying my day rather than wringing my hands over an unknown fear.

 Are there things currently that have me praying for solution? Absolutely. But I have been doing a pretty good job turning my hands up and giving them to God. In fact, my Bible study this morning was about laying down what I am not meant to carry. The line that sticks with me is that just because I am capable doesn’t mean I am called. Like when I try to micromanage other people’s lives rather than trusting them to figure it out. My job is not to play Miss Fixit but to pray that they will work through whatever situation is concerning. So here I sit with this unusual blog that may or may not make any sense. But in writing this, I am already feeling better. Reminding myself that I am not called to carry burdens but to lay them down at Jesus feet has helped immensely. 

I may just end with my prayer that always comforts me because it has all that I need. 

Lord above, comfort me. Give me courage. Help me see. Guide my actions. Guide my words. Let me know my prayers are heard. Amen

Perhaps it is time to take a nap and wake up refreshed with a better sense of well being. Sweet dreams to each of you. Hope you are having a stress free day. If not, treat yourself to a prayer and a nap. 

In Him,

Joyful

6-1-26

Moving on up in a Variety of Ways

 Moving on up………tis the season. Graduations, retirements, new jobs, summer trips are moving us from one bowl to another. Hopefully, bigger is better. My third grandgirl is graduating high school and her families home life will never be quite what it is right now. I remember thinking that turning forty would surely be my favorite since all my four kids were still home. Here I sit at seventy in my son’s house helping with the bustle of turning the page on high school for now his second daughter. My hope is that this bigger fishbowl and new adventure is not only filled with more water but color, light, new relationships and joy. Whether someone is graduating from kindergarten or retiring from a loved lifelong career, there are mixed emotions of anticipation and the grief of moving away from relationships that have meant so much. Life is full of hellos and goodbyes, new beginnings and last moments. Treasuring all with photographs and memories that may fade but will always be a part of the fiber of who we are is key. Even when the path gets rocky there are lessons to be learned and even an occasional smile at the oh shits of life. All the tears of the final moments are accompanied with shared smiles over what came before. 

Kayla is moving off to college a few hours from home. Felix is going to first grade to learn even more about reading, writing and ‘rithmetic, Lissa completed phlebotomy and will start nursing school in the fall. Our grands are moving forward in wonderful ways to embrace the world. As I write this blog, Millie, my four year old grandgirl is reading over my shoulder and tells me she wants to ride her bike, do crafts, and learn to swim this summer., go camping,, and spend time with her Noni. I may have prompted her on that last one. 

Life is good but it can also be challenging. Thankfully, we have others in our lives to move along the path with us. Even when we are states apart there is always busy chats and phone calls to share what the heck is going on. I am so glad that Papa and I can travel in our little rv. It is best when we visit families of our kids with our own beds just outside on the street. Papa’s code for he is going to take a much needed nap is that he is going to feed Cora her dog food. I believe they are on to us old folks and our need for a bit of quiet and rest. See even we are in a different season of life. Enjoying family but also time to recover and kick our feet up. 

My hope is that you have a sincere filled with others. People you love and want to spend time with. Summertime is just what we need to throw on our flip flops and crank up the barbecue for a bit of charred food and friendly conversations. 

In Him,

Joyful

5-31-26

Let’s welcome June and the warmer weather with a look to the future and all that it holds. 

Nabin is from Nepal and Quickly Becoming a Part of Our Family

 Nabin came from Nepal via Louisiana to stay with us this summer as a lab intern. We are thrilled to have him here. He got here only a week ago and already he is part of the family. Sharing lives, cultures and amazing foods is so rewarding. I already met his parents in Nepal via FaceTime and they invited Ronnie B and I to visit. In only one week, he has made us egg curry, egg fried rice and yesterday my favorite chicken curry. Yum! Nabin has tried green chili scalloped potatoes, bacon, quesadillas, and Greek sheet pan chicken and veggies. 

Nabin has witnessed the bear with us and all our deer friends. He has been busy visiting museums, hiking and even went to the first summer concert at the pond. Our great-grands are getting used to him and are not as shy around him. I am getting used to all the help he gives me. It is hard when I am used to doing things for myself to let him assist. 

Having international students share our home is so rewarding. We learn so much from them and they quickly become part of the family. Ron and I stay in touch with them long after the sheets are washed and the bed remade for the next traveler. We are leaving our home in good hands as we hop in our rv to go to the northwest for family festivities. In July, we will be back to learn and teach more about each other with Nabin. He and all who have lived with us are true gifts to Ron and I. Here is to more delicious meals shared this summer with our new friend/ grandson from Nepal.

In Him,

Joyful

5-24-26

Time for Forgiveness and to Get the Back Story before Judging Other’s Words

 

I admit I have never seen The Sound of Music. Why? Because when I was supposed to go with my family as a child, I was being punished and my mom didn’t allow me to go. So I had to stay home and lay in my bottom bunk while they went. I knew that my mom was disappointed in me for my actions. It was probably when I was little.  But I still feel at seventy that I am not deserving of watching this famous film. 

Last night, a lifelong friend who knows this history told me at our brewery when the movie came up in conversation emphatically that I need to watch it. Her exact words were and I quote….Your mom is dead you can watch The Sound of Music. Needless to say, the other people at the table were shocked. That is because Julie and I knew my story but they did not. Out of context that sounds not only bizarre but messed up. 

So I trust my friend that it is time to sit my butt down and not only watch The Sound of Music but enjoy it quilt free. Not only because my mom would approve but because I need to accept her forgiveness and stop punishing myself for something I did when I was a kid. But because I need to forgive myself for my bad choice back then. I shouldn’t have done it but it is over and time to let it go. Thank you Julie for remembering my heartache and for knowing me so well. We didn’t fully explain to the others but enough for they got it and the conversation moved on. 

 The lessons are clear. Forgive yourself for past mistakes and don’t always judge what you hear. You should clarify if something seems off. Isn’t life easier when we are slow to be offended and when we are capable of forgiveness, not just for others but especially for ourselves?  How can we love others as ourselves if we are holding onto grudges over our past? Let it go……..that is Julie’s best advice. She also is aware that I chose not to go to a musical of The Sound of Music with my kids and grandkids in the next couple of weeks and why I am not attending. You see Julie is my friend but also her daughter and my son married and are raising our four grandkiddos. We are both traveling to Washington to attend our shared granddaughter’s high school graduation. Embracing forgiveness for myself would have allowed me to fully participate in all the festivities. Hmmmmm Julie is a wise woman, friend, mother, and grandma. Who knew? Maybe I should have listened years ago.

In Him,

Joyful

5-23-26

Bear Adventures with Cora and Nabin……..Learning to Utilize Chatgpt

 There be bears in our neighborhood! Tis the season for our dumpster diving friends to come out and feast on the trash that is at our curbs. Ronnie B and I have rarely seen these trashcan flipping creatures in the thirty-six years we have lived here. But this week we have seen four and this guy right here allowed us to follow him and his shenanigans for several blocks. The pictures we captured in the videos we took were not very clear when I zoomed in. So I followed my brilliant brother-in-laws lead and uploaded the photos to chatgpt for better focus. Not only did it focus our furry friend but turned his head toward me. Interesting! Right after he realized this was a bear proof can he jumped the fence and tore the top right off. 

This guy was way smart. Our recycle cans are blue and along his route through many houses he not once tried a blue can but went right for the green, food rich cans. Now he needs to learn which ones are bear proof and which ones are easy open.

The coolest part of our bear adventure was watching him or her climb fences with ease. Also, our student from Nepal got to be in the truck taking videos with us. Cora was well behaved and obeyed Ron’s command to stay so we could have the windows down and not worry that she would jump out. 

Yesterday, Caleb insisted on going bear hunting in my convertible. We didn’t see any bears but saw three deer that he wanted to get out and pet. He loved watching our bear footage over and over again and was excited when I drove past the fence he watched the bear tear up. I am considering stopping by that house and sharing the video with them so they will know who caused the damage. I would want someone to share with me. 

I am not sure if we just have coincidentally happened upon bears this year or that they are more active this summer. But I am putting a call into our county for bear proof trash cans. It seems like the right thing to do. Then they can just come into our yard for choke cherries and apples. Probably healthier for them anyway than our leftover pizza and I asked Nabin what his mother in Nepal said about the bears, he assured me poptarts. 

 When that he did not show her them so she wouldn’t be afraid for him. I love that he protects his mama and her mama’s heart. That is sweet. He is a generous, helpful person and I am so excited to learn from him this summer. I love that Ron and I get to share our home with international students from all over the world. Each of them becomes family that we stay in touch with after their stay is over. How blessed we are! Bears, students, deer and other roaming creatures will make for a thrilling summer in Los Alamos. 

In Him, 

Joyful

5-22-26