My daily inspirations..............

I love this verse, it has always been a favorite of mine. It hangs in my dining room for all to see. I have never seen a better example to this verse from Corinthians, than in my fathers love for my mother. Every day I am amazed by the devotion he has to my mother and her happiness. His love has persevered through so much and is as strong as the day he pledged his love to her. I am glad I have that example to follow. God did bless me with wonderful parents!!

This next verse hangs in my entry way and I look at it as I enter or leave my home. I get inspired to follow the way I should each and every day!

Our little gem Jade.....

Just a few shots captured by my husband of our 'little kids'! Jade thinks she is hiding from us! We have such fun watching the antics of these two cats. They are full of such curiosity, bringing such joy to our simple little lives. He tried to capture Mason, but he was taking one of his many little naps.....oh, such a tired little guy. Seems like he is a fireball of energy in the middle of the night, as he jumps on the bed to wake us at at all hours! It makes up for it every time we come home, he runs to greet us and seems to meow "hi, I missed you!", at least that our interpretation...... ;)

Simple entertainment....

These two are not from the same momma cat, but you would think they were brother and sister. I guess we picked two of the best cats, they are so cute together. It is funny one minute they groom and lick each other, the next they bite each other, then back to being buddies and licking. It is fun to watch these two.......simple little things in life.......

There is just no comparison.....

My husband took me to pick out a new home theatre system with a 5.1 HDMI receiver, 46" 1080p LCD flat panel television and a blue ray HD DVD player. My mother needed a new television, so we gave her our old television and really haven't sacrificed a bit without it! Wow, there is no going back to the old after watching HD satellite and blue ray DVD's. This was my early birthday and mother's day present, since my husband already has this set up downstairs (although his is a bit larger at 65"). Now, when my netflix blue ray DVDs come in, I won't have to fight him for the player downstairs! I truly am very fortunate, as my husband is pretty good to me! I think, when he went with me to hook up our old TV for my mother, he noticed how much she as progressed. He knows how I enjoy watching movies and wanted to do something nice for me! We ran into his boss/golf partner at Best Buy when we were picking it out and he asked Jim if he was gonna have to dig deep this time....into his pockets. Jim just laughed and said...."always"! I'm usually spending money on everyone else and I think he notices that and does such nice things for me.

Happy Mother's Day!!

I hope every mother had a relaxed, and peaceful day! Motherhood is hard work and it is nice to have a day to spend with family to celebrate the best job of your life. Here are words for thought.........


"The best conversations with mothers always take place in silence, when only the heart speaks." ~Carrie Latet


Today my mother was very quiet, but I guess you could say our hearts spoke. Each time I looked at her the little smile she would give spoke wonders to me. I wrote a poem about a year ago about my mother and I thought I'd post it today. I have learned so many valuable things from her, mostly from the life she has led! So, here is the poem.......

Hopeful Remembrance
to my dear mother, Patricia Ann.

They said you have Alzheimer's, but I refused to accept it.

Why does this happen to someone so loving, kind and giving?

You've taught compassion, respect and selfless living.

Hate to see what you will face; empty stare and confusion.

Tough to see you with self doubt, humiliation, and self departure.

Not yourself, only a glimmer of a spirit that was once so vibrant.

Yet you've faced your uncertain future with such dignity.

Eager to share with you my thoughts, accomplishments and feelings.

You care, gone within seconds; only to tell and retell again.

Certain that deep down you do know, care and understand.

Yearning to go back and remember; happiness, love and laughter.

Realizing what a valuable mother and dear friend you have been.

Grateful that I am blessed with such a wonderful example.

Wanting to take you from this state of loneliness and uncertainty.

Back to a life of treasure, with hopeful remembrance.

Linda L. Ditto

A Formal Affair...............

Just a few pics from my son's recent prom he attended. This is he (a freshman) and Kristina (a senior); they photographed well together. The weather didn't cooperate, as we had to move to another location to shoot more pictures inside. People say as your child grows, your wallet shrinks, and that is so true. Just for this one evening it was over $300 for the tickets, tux, corsage, pictures and dinner; not to mention the bowling 'after party'. I really shouldn't complain because if I had a daughter....now that would be costly.....wedding and all......OK, I'll stop complaining. The main thing is that he had a great time with his friends......that smile on his face.....priceless!!!





This is he and a friend he has had since 1st grade. In 5th grade they made a pact that they would go to their first prom together....well they did, just not with each other.

I'd give anything.....

I have been thinking about my mother quite a bit lately. It seems as though she is slipping into another "phase" ( as it is termed) of Alzheimer's. There are times I know she knows who I am, and ten minutes later talk to me as if I am just someone who lives with her at her assisted living facility. One particular time she asked me if I was going to go to Linda's with her. I know she was talking about me and said, "sure.....is this Linda a nice person (to go along with her)? She replied "oh yes, she has such a kind heart...I am sure you will like her too". That was probably the nicest thing she could have ever said to me. I would just give anything to have the times back where we could go shopping, plant flowers, volunteer together or just spend time talking about life. She just doesn't deserve this. She is the most beautiful person I know both inside and out! This picture was taken about 25 years ago (wow am I aging myself or what). I love you Mom!!

Golf Jamboree...

Just a few more pics of my son playing in a golf tournament with 4 teams competing. One player from each school in every foursome. He did great! He is getting better every day. My husband and I seem to be a minority as there are very, very few parents (if any) that come watch. I guess being a teacher has it's benefits of getting off at 3:00 each day. My husband's boss lets him leave at 2:30 to watch them. I still say to my husband, golf is just so boring. He says that it is the competitive nature of the game that keeps him enthralled. I just can't seem to get as excited. Turn me loose at a mall, a greenhouse, or with a new recipe...........now that is fun!!


What a handsome young man (in the maroon) if I do say so myself!!