Rockin' Chicks

I hope you all had a great 4th of July Celebration. Erin and Micah came over, and although I refuse to post the sad outcome of our card game (girls against guys), we did indeed enjoy our meal together and visiting. Wish that Meg, Ashley and Casey could have joined us!!!

I haven't been able to visit Blogville much over the past several days as I've been rather busy with processing some recent photo shoots, related topics and family stuff. However, I HAVE been missing my "cyber-friends". :-) I really do need to take moment to post a belated thank-you to Ginger for her vote of confidence and bloggityville friendship. She recently awarded me a "Rocking Chick" award and posted a link to my site. Thanks for thinking of me Ginger!! I too have really enjoyed the many new friendships I am making through blogging...kind of like "cyber pen-pals"!

Since you all know I can't do anything without posting pictures...I decided to give you proof that, yes...Ginger IS indeed CORRECT... I am truly a "rocking chick". (Remember I hit the half century mark this year...so I am an OLD ROCKING CHICK)

Actually, Ginger and I are both old lady rockin' chicks.... here we are during our last visit at the Sr Rockin Chicks Meeting: (Ginger was pointing out to me that she liked my new pair of orthopedic shoes...they are stylin')

As a matter of fact...I have been a "ROCKIN' CHICK" for quite some time...Here I am in my younger years...

See, my status as a "Rockin' Chick" goes waaaaay back.... Here I am as just a young thing... just a rockin' and reading. Of course, this was back before Blogville...so I had to do my readin' the old fashioned way. "And that's the truth!"

And, those of you that know me "in real life"...yes, I do love to sit on the porch and do a little "rockin'" from time to time. Nothing like a little fresh air to lift the spirits. And...I could even be classified as a "fashionable rockin' chick"... (Ginger, you left that part out) Check out my fancy hat!!

And, last...but not least... I want you to know...I have raised our daughters correctly. I have brought them up to be "Rockin' Chicks" as well... spending hours of training by example from the time they could sit at my knee. (or on my knee...whatever the case may be) So...to all you young mothers out there in Blogville... if you want to teach your daughters to be cool rockin' chicks (like Ginger and I) then take my advice... They are never too young to train. You Go Girls...Rockin' Chicks Unite! :-)

Now, to prove that this training from an early age really did take root in at least one of our offspring... I would like to share with you the link for our eldest daughter's new blog: Simply Homemaking!! TA DA!! Stop by and visit Erin and leave her a sweet comment. If the truth be known (and it must be since my name is CANDID Reflections) Erin was the one that got me started in Blogville almost one year ago. I wouldn't be having all this fun if it weren't for her encouragement and tech savvy ways. Ok, so she gets credit for the Blogville part...but, I get credit for the Rockin' Chick training. (you know...we Mom's have to grab credit whenever we can-right? ;-) Now if I could only get our other two rockin' chicks to join us in Blogville once in awhile. Ohhhhhhh wellllllllll.

Thanks for asking....

Happy Anniversary Honey!!

31 Years ago Brad and I went on our first date...

31 years of friendship, 28 1/2 years of marriage, three daughters and two son-in-loves later and we are still going on dates...

and still in love.

Thanks for asking me out Brad! Love you!

Making A Difference

Do you ever wonder if you can really make a difference in someone elses life? Check out this sweet story, then look around to see who needs some extra tender loving care.

(Warning: As many have commented , have box of tissues ready)

Precious In The Sight Of The Lord...

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones." Psalm 116:15

Today Brad and I had the privilege of attending the memorial service for a very dear woman who went home to be with her Lord last week. It was wonderful for us to see this family again and share their joy in Eleanor's life, yet mourn with them in the sorrow of our collective loss.

A woman whose life was well lived, given to hospitality, a keeper at home, full of fun and quick to draw others into their family. I couldn't help but be challenged by her godly character traits as they were recounted, one-by-one. I also couldn't help but be saddened by lost opportunity during more recent years when our lives, both busy in our own circles of commitment, have become less intertwined. Their frequent travels have made it more difficult to stay in touch, but I wish I had tried harder. I have thought of them fondly over the months and years, but often failed to relay those sentiments.

Today was a blessing to reconnect with this special family. It was also a "wake-up" call to me how quickly time goes by, and how quickly we can loose touch. Opportunities lost... have encouraged me, hopefully, toward opportunities taken. Who needs to hear from me? Who has the Lord laid on my heart to contact. Will I heed His gentle nudge? Will I take those precious moments to "stay connected" before the door is closed? Will you?

Photo credits: personal files

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!!

Ashley is home for a visit!!!

What a fun time we've had over the past 3 days since our youngest daughter returned home from the north country for a short visit! We are sad that her Dear Hubby was unable to make the trip with her, but very appreciative that he would share her with us for this special week of fun and surprises! Her trip down was somewhat impromptu and involved pulling off a wonderful secret for some very special friends! The cat is out of the bag, so here's the scoop!!

My dear friend, Renee, currently finds herself in the important position of MOB (Mother of the Bride) as her beautiful daughter, Katie, is preparing to be married this June. I, having been in this position twice previously, am really enjoying the process of adding this experience to the list of events Renee and I have weathered...err, I mean... endured... uuuuhhh, I mean enjoyed together during our 24 year friendship! :-) I'm sure all experienced MOBs understand the bittersweet time and wide range of emotions that the marriage of a daughter can evoke! Renee's eldest daughter, Katie (the Bride) and our youngest daughter (Ashley, her life-long friend) are also having the privilege of enjoying this process together. Katie asked Ashley to serve as her Matron of Honor during this happy event. So... here is where the fun surprise comes into play!!

Here are a few highlights... Katie and fiancé, Josh, have returned to Texas for two special events in honor of their upcoming marriage. Brad and I were able to fly Ashley down to Texas so she can spend a week here and share in both events with her dear friend. Katie's Bridal shower was given last Saturday by some wonderful ladies from their church. They had planned a special time of devotion and encouragement for Katie that culminated in presenting her with a beautiful white leather Bible. These kind hostesses allowed Ashley to be the one to walk into the room carrying the white Bible to present to Katie. As you can expect, Katie was in shock when she looked up and realized it was Ashley standing before her with this gift. Now, HOW FUN WAS THAT????!!!!!!

The Unsuspecting Bride-To-Be...

Katie's Happy Realization that her friend and Matron of Honor was indeed attending her Bridal Shower after all!!

Precious Reunion!

As the "official" photographer, I had a renewed appreciation for the auto focus feature on my camera due to the fact that I really couldn't see much through my excitement and tears.

Of course we have all the fun stories to tell; such as Ashley hiding on the floor of our van as we passed their van in route to the shower. (We couldn't have Katie glancing over to see Ashley sitting in the passenger seat beside me now could we???) Also the fact that Ashley had to hide out in the laundry room while she patiently awaited the revelation of her arrival to her dear friend! What FUN times!!

So our families have gotten to spend a lot of extra time together over the past few days and look forward to a few more events coming up over the course of this week.

Renee and I have gone from delivery rooms to dance recitals to high school graduations to bridal rooms and relish the chance to enjoy each of these milestones of life together. Boy could we tell some stories!! Blessed friend...Blessed friendships... I'm thankful for each one the Lord brings my way!

Katie & Ashley
Then (1989)
And
Now (2007)