What I Learned This Fall

Happy December! Only 22 more days until Christmas! Our family is rejoicing over our own little gift from heaven; Gracelyn Love Vanderlinda, who arrived on November 20, eight days past her "due date." I'll share more details below. In just a few hours she'll be a whopping two weeks old!

I'm joining Emily P. Freeman and other bloggers, to share "What I learned this Fall." Below are nine things I learned:

Our town has free lending libraries just like in "Chesapeake Shores!" If you've watched the Hallmark series, you know I'm talking about the cute little book holders where people donate a book and take a book. I love this more than schlepping over to Half Price Books in Tacoma hoping to get a bit of money for my books. If your town doesn't have them yet, check out this post on how to make one.

Photo source: Pinterest

Hazelnut shells keep slugs away!
While looking for some new plants at a nursery for our side yard, I noticed hazelnut shells were surrounding the potted plants and trees. They are a chemical-free solution to a big problem here in the PNW. 

Don't judge too quickly:
While in Spokane this Fall, I went shopping with my son. We put money in the parking meter and were floored when we came out and found a ticket on our windshield even though we still had time left.

I snapped photos "for proof" and we went in search of the mean/misguided traffic policeman. Well, we found him and we plead our case. He listened patiently, and then calmly explained that the ticket was given because my son's license plate tabs had expired-back in February! Yikes...

The Fall purse search is over! 
I have a hard time finding a purse due to my must-haves. Do you call them purses or handbags? I don't really like the designer's name on the outside of the bag (unless it's a Kate Spade, which I can't justify spending that much on...) I do need it to be of a small-medium size, it must zip closed, and I want both wrist handles and a cross-body strap. I know that my list can be challenging on a budget. Trust me, I've been on the lookout since my birthday in August. I was in Kohl's last weekend picking up nursing bras for my daughter (great place to buy them!) and I took a peek in the accessories department. I looked for a while before spotting "the one" in the clearance section. It had all the necessary criteria, was marked down from $69 to $20, and Lauren Conrad kept her name inside. Score!

Missing church leads to missing church:
For various reasons, or perhaps excuses or laziness, I've missed three or four Sundays at my church home. This is unusual for me. I LOVE worship and my husband and I have been regularly attending for the last thirty years of our marriage. Anyhoo...whatever kept me away left me feeling unsettled during the week. Something wasn't right. Duh, I hadn't spent intentional time in the presence of God with my church family. Whoever claims they are a "believer" but doesn't really show up to join others to worship and hear the word taught, is only hurting themselves. I MISS it when I miss. Advent started yesterday, and I loved seeing our Sanctuary gussied up with beautiful trees and lights to honor the birth of Jesus. (Our Tuesday morning lifegroup had fun decorating it together last week.) If you don't have a "spot" to call your own, I hope you'll consider popping into Chapel Hill on a Saturday night or Sunday morning to get to know Jesus. We'll all do our best to make you know how welcome you are!

There are LOTS of go-into-labor suggestions:
My daughter was eight days overdue when the baby arrived. She never did end up going into labor but needed an unplanned Cesarean. As the days marched on past her due date, she was given lots of interesting ideas. Did any of the following work for you? Eat fresh pineapple...eat salty meat like salami...run or crawl up and down stairs...do deep-knee bends...play music down near your private area...

Her name fits:
My sweet Grandchild was named Gracelyn Love and she was born at 12:08 early on a Tuesday morning. She is SO loved and her first name is a version of her Great Grandma Grace and the middle name of her Mommy's sister. She is already bringing our family so much joy! I smiled when I reread  this old poem:

[Monday's child is fair of face

Tuesday's child is full of grace

Wednesday's child is full of woe

Thursday's child has far to go

 Friday's child is loving and giving

  Saturday's child works hard for his living

 And the child that is born on the Sabbath day

Is bonny and blithe, and good and gay.] 

My favorite view has changed in the last two weeks:
It used to be the view out my window. I love the Harbor, mountains, trees, and boats. 

Now I prefer to spend all my time gazing at my Grandbaby's sweet face. Isn't she adorable? 

Despite everything, God is STILL in control:
Things have seemed a bit out of control lately. My Mom was put on hospice back in August, and yet she's still on Earth and she just celebrated her 92nd Birthday. I thought for sure my daughter would deliver her baby by her due-date, and SHE thought she'd be in the Midwifery building when the time came, not the OB/ER. The citizens of Anchorage did NOT expect to end their Fall with a massive Earthquake last Friday. The people of California did not think the wildfires could move so quickly and devastate so many. 

We all have hopes and expectations that don't always line up with circumstances and our reality, but we can trust that God is with us through it all and knows how the story ends. Sending prayers to all who've been affected by the recent natural disasters.

What did you learn this Fall?

In His Grip,
xo Jane

See Jane Keep Going

I am half-way through doing the Whole 30 Diet. I'm proud of me! One of my sweet friends decided to join in the "fun" and started the program yesterday. I wish her much luck much success and patience! I think a few people who know me well (and my eating and drinking habits) decided "If Jane can do it, anybody can..."

"Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You are not your own." 1Corinthians 6:19 NLT

I was surprised that even as I walked the aisles of our healthy "Main and Vine" store the other night and Trader Joe's yesterday with list in hand, HOW MUCH STUFF THAT I CAN'T EAT! 

BUT...I am doing OK. I am not cheating, haven't really been craving anything in particular and when I look down at my tummy, it doesn't look like I'm 7 months pregnant anymore! I've got a whole new food vocabulary and over the weekend we made some delicious dinners including shrimp and vegetables with avocado pesto sauce over zucchini "zoodles."

Here's a look at the stash I brought home from TJ's. The Garlic Herb Chicken Sausages were very tasty, and the flowers were a "just because we need to enjoy simple pleasures."  $1.99 for Orange Gladiolus was a steal! They go great with the pink ones I cut that are growing out in our front yard.

I promised I would talk about my unhealthy eating habits sometime, so here you go! I'm a child of the 60's and 70's, and both my parents worked full-time from the time I was in second grade. That said, meal preparation was a combination of a tight budget, and not a lot of time! Keep in mind, I was raised in the Midwest...we ate differently than families do here in the PNW. I apologize in advance for the length of this post.

My Growing-Up Years: 
Typical Breakfasts: Poptarts, cereal, Instant Breakfast shakes, Hawaiian Punch, Eggs, Pancakes or Waffles on the weekends.
Typical lunches: school lunches, peanut butter or bologna and cheese sandwiches, Pringles, snack puddings and fruit, Hostess treats for field trips.
Dinnertime: LOTS of casseroles, cube steaks, iceberg lettuce with homemade thousand island dressing (mayonnaise and ketchup) and canned vegetables. We didn't eat out much but when we did it was a Friday night at Pizza Hut!

College:
Whoa. I gained more than the "freshman ten." I really took advantage of the Dorm cafeteria buffet line. If I didn't like the main course I could always make a P and J sandwich followed by the ice cream machine for dessert. My besties and I ordered LOTS of Dominos pizzas and helped the Frat boys drink their kegs. Self-control towards food and drink just hasn't been in my "make-up." 

I need to give a shout-out to my freshman college roommate and Chi Omega sister, (Cathy Marx) Catherine Ebeling RN BSN. She wrote the book The Flat-Belly Kitchen: Superfoods For A Flat Stomach: Lose 2-3 Inches From Your Belly in Less Than A Month. Many of her recipes are Whole 30 Compliant, and I will definitely be incorporating her meals into my life in the future.

Raising my Family:
I did get a grip on my weight after college/before my wedding and went a bit up and down with four pregnancies. Fresh food DOES cost more, and while we were raising our four kids we were pinching pennies and just trying to fill their tummies. I bought LOTS OF BOXES; macaroni and cheese, Stovetop stuffing, frozen pizza, etc. I love that despite their childhood lack of great nutrition they've learned to be healthy eaters as young adults. Menopause has not been my friend. Enough said.

Before I began this Whole 30 Program:
Wine. Lots of wine. Crackers and cheese, Greek Yogurts, English muffins and peanut butter, Blue Cheese dressing, BIG portions, burgers and fries, Teriyaki chicken and fried rice, pasta, French Bread and butter, desserts, ice cream, Margaritas with lots of chips and salsa. You get the idea...not a lot of self-control.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 

gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22

Some reflections after 15 days: 

• It does gets easier to be around friends who are enjoying wine while I'm sipping a La Croix. It's sometimes entertaining!
• My energy has improved and I haven't had a headache in two weeks.
• I haven't weighed myself (following the rules) but my pants are looser and my husband has lost 11 pounds (he cheated and weighed himself.)
• Lots of people have "Whole 30" stories~it's a community. 
• I don't yawn as much. (My friends noticed.)
• I wish the restaurant "Flower Child" wasn't only in California, Texas and Arizona! 
• Fresh, clean, Paleo-type food really is better for us and does NOT come in "boxes."
• Even though it can be frustrating to discover all the things I CAN'T have, there are lots of interesting options.

Some Tips:

• Do not drink a Kombucha at night. I won't be having it again for the next two weeks. Sources say it has sugar (the devil!) Apparently it has natural caffeine and I was awake half the night!
• Spicy V8 and cashews and almonds or an apple really tide me over at work.
• There are TONS of resources online (especially Pinterest recipes.)
• Give away all your Dairy and Bread to friends.
• Clean out your refrigerator and freezer of non-compliant foods and put them in a garage freezer if you have one.
• Hide all your wine and spirits in the closet. (Out of sight, out of mind.)

There are a few places around my Harbor Town I really miss going to, just to enjoy the gorgeous view while sipping a glass of Vino. (Hang in there Jane, just two more weeks!) Plus...Napa Valley is only fourteen days away!!

Photo source:http://evewine101.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Napa_Valley_welcome_sign.jpg

"God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when tempting food troubles come, but you will be patient." Colossians 1:11-20

In His Grip,

xo jane

Friends, Fathers, Some Favorites, and Faith

Happy Friday! Yes, I know it's been a couple weeks since I've written or posted. Why? Good question and I have no answer... It's not like I have school-age children with end-of-year activities and graduation for my son happened in May. I have had a lot on my mind, but thoughts wouldn't come out on the page as written words that would be at all encouraging.

My heart has been heavy the last couple of weeks. A very good college friend of my husband's passed away this month. He was one of our groomsmen in our wedding 34 years ago this week. A life cut too short. My memories of G.P. always include laughter. Greg was very talented, a friend to MANY and he always made people feel special and loved. As I grieve, I pray and trust that he came to know Jesus before he died. We aren't able to get back to Indiana next week for his service, but my prayers and love are with his wife and son that he left behind...
(The happy picture at the top was taken of G.P. and I on one of my visits home to Indianapolis.)

There are many, many things that happen on Earth that don't make sense and we won't get answers to until we get to Heaven. Until that day, I hope and pray that you and I can hang on tightly to God's promises and our faith. as we navigate the ups and downs of life.

Since Father's Day is this Sunday, I've been thinking about my incredible Daddy who passed away 24 years ago. I think of him OFTEN. I have his photo on my dresser and memories surface when I least expect them. His name was Vaughn Dube' Story and I am proud to be his youngest daughter. To any of you out there who have lost your Dads, I know and feel your pain and hope your memories bring you comfort.

I don't think they had colored photos back when I was little...

Dancing at my sister's wedding...

There is no way I can compete with the Mother's Day weekend "extravaganza" Mike spoiled me with back in May, but Sunday I'll be celebrating the amazing father of our four children. I wish the kids could be home! When I fell in love with my husband I had no clue what a fantastic partner he would be in raising our children. As each little one joined our family he adored them, put up with the crazy times and now continues to love and support each one even though they all live out on their own. He teaches, counsels, equips, coaches, encourages, points them to Jesus, helps and even acts as a financial advisor/money-lender. He's going to be an amazing Grandpoppy some day...

Mike with Baby #4

Dinner out, "back in the day."

I also want to wish my husband's father a Happy Father's Day. He is a retired Air Force Colonel who was gone serving our Country quite a bit during his four kids younger years, yet taught them how to lead, make decisions, help your neighbor, fix all the things, keep a beautiful yard and show respect. He also has passed on his talent for making great fires!

Grandpa and Baby Mitch (30 yrs. ago!)

Some current favorite things include: 
1. Snack: Nature Valley Almond Butter Granola Cups. (Pastor Megan, you got me hooked!)
2. Listening to: the Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey Podcasts while I take walks.
3. Making: Protein smoothies made with a frozen banana, almond milk, vanilla protein, spinach and peanut butter powder.

4. Wearing: My new Lula Roe leggings I purchased at the silent auction last week. SO soft and comfy!
5. This worship song: "Our Father" by Bethel Music. (In honor of Father's Day weekend.)
I love the lyrics, tune and how when the team at my church sings this I always sense the Holy Spirit. I hope it resonates with you too!

My VERY favorite was celebrating our 34th anniversary in Seattle last Sunday! We put the top down, had Dairy Queen treats on our drive up to the city, walked around a street fair, enjoyed a beer at Brouwer's Cafe and ate outside on Lake Union at Duke's Chowder House. (Our first dog's name was Duke!) The sun was shining and it was perfect. I'm thankful to be in this marriage journey with my husband. Did I also mention what a great Dad is is?!

Wishing you a Happy Weekend wherever and with whoever you'll be spending time with. I'm hoping you have met and know GOD, the OUR Father in Heaven and for all Eternity.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"  1 John 3:1

In His Grip,
xo Jane

A Bit of Bragging, Some Beef, and Babies!

A bit of rain couldn't dampen our smiles!

It's going to be a sunny Memorial Weekend here in the PNW and we are HAPPY about that! Let me start by acknowledging, thanking and remembering the men and women who are the reason we have a Memorial Weekend; those who died while serving in America's armed forces.

I was born and raised a Hoosier, so of course I'm thinking about the 500 Mile race too, which takes place on Sunday in Indianapolis. "Lady (only one woman this year) and Gentlemen, start your engines!!"

So I must brag. My third child graduated last weekend with his Master's in Family and Marriage Therapy and he is already employed. Successful Launch! At the moment he is in Sri Lanka, and then Nepal, studying the culture. It's his final class. Prayers for safety would be appreciated.

If you are a Mom of an elementary-high school son who is causing you anxiety due to his lack of motivation and/or desire to read or study, let me give you hope and encouragement. A LOT can change once your son goes to college. A LOT. My boy who didn't like to read and spent way too many hours playing X-Box. Now he's earned an Undergraduate and Graduate Degree from a stellar University (Whitworth), he LOVES to read, and he is passionate about helping others. He's also a husband and wonderful brother. My Mommy heart is just so full and proud.

About Beef: Our family has a tradition. Every time one of our four children entered college as a freshman and then again when they graduated, we all drove a half hour East of Spokane to the Wolf Lodge Inn Steakhouse in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. It's a "hole in the wall" spot with lots of taxidermy on the walls, but amazing steak, and rolls to die for. By the way, there is fish too, if you're not a Carnivor. With four undergrad and two graduate degrees to celebrate, we've been there ten times! Look through the sign-in welcome book for the Carver family!

Here are some pictures from last year when Sarah graduated:

That's our oldest son, Mitch, in the middle. He wasn't able to fly up from L.A. this time.

About Babies:
I was going to the Steam Plant Grill Friday afternoon and I discovered a Baby Boutique right next door called "French Toast Baby." Oh! So cute! Perhaps this was a sign that I'm not supposed to dream of moving to Spokane to be near my kids and opening a baby store...

I am a proud Grandma...of three kitties! My son and his wife have Walter and my youngest daughter has an eight year old rescue cat name Mimosa (Memo.)

 Walter did NOT want his picture taken.

This is Memo-I never actually saw her on this trip. She hid under the couch the WHOLE time!

Sarah decided she needed a kitten too, so meet Layla May! Oh my goodness she's adorable! We all had fun playing with her during our "TJ send-off brunch" at Sarah's apartment.

I also got the privilege of meeting a darling newborn human baby belonging to a friend's sweet daughter. Oh little Mary, you are perfect!

My friend Kimberly was in town too, so we got to catch up while we snuggled little Mary.

Other hi-lights of our trip to Spokane last weekend included dinner and stories at TJ and Katie's apartment, seeing Allie's cute spot (yep, 3 or my 4 kids live in Spokane) and watching the nighttime Lilac parade off the patio of our hotel. Night time parade plus cocktails? Win, win!

Of course we popped into two of my favorite places downtown on Sunday before leaving; Atticus, a coffee house with great gifts and Anthropologie. I was good, I didn't buy anything, I just looked!!

As I finish this post, I'm sitting out on my deck, listening to the birds chirp and the boats honk, sipping a glass of Rose' and munching on Trader Joe's pizza while I enjoy the beauty down in the Harbor. I am blessed. Thank you for taking the time to read "See Jane Learn" and I wish you all a joy-filled Memorial Weekend!

In His Grip, 
xo Jane

P.S. I want to give a shout-out and congratulations to my Omaha nieces Mattie and Nicole, and my nephew Connor, who are celebrating graduations this weekend. Love you!

Spring Break in San Diego (Part Three: Lessons Learned)

We always learn new things when we visit new places and in this third and final Spring Break post I'm sharing some tips and things I learned last week in San Diego:

1. Engage in conversations with people you meet. 
We made friends with a sweet gal in the gym, some of our waiters, the hotel staff, and a couple sitting next to us at Happy Hour. If we hadn't been aware of others and struck up conversations we would have missed out! It can be so interesting talking with new people and hearing their "stories." I even had a challenging faith discussion with one of my Uber drivers named Lance who is also a self-published author. My motto: "strangers" are just friends I haven't met yet...

2. Wear sunscreen and if you feel you're getting a tan, that's all that matters! 
I'm a fair-skinned girl who has battled skin cancer twice but I do love to lay out and get some color. I kept reapplying sunblock and I never really burned. I got a bit of color; I see swimsuit lines! I also "grew" some new freckles. You really should ALWAYS tell someone who goes to a sunny location that they look happy, healthy and tan. Please?!

3. Let your daughters go order beverages.
My oldest daughter somehow managed to get us free drinks from the pool bartender without even flirting! Cute girl, bikini, talking about basketball all equaled money saved. Thanks Allie! 

4. Explore new spots but try to revisit favorites. 
The fun part about returning to a city I've had the pleasure of visiting in the past, means I have favorite restaurants or hotels that I get to revisit. Last time I was in San Diego I was with my oldest son and his wife. This time it was fun to return with my daughters and watch them enjoy the spots. Besides the two places I picked, I let my girls decide where they wanted us to go. We also asked the concierge and our Uber drivers what they suggested, took notes, and were really happy with their recommendations!

5. Watch the 2016 Netflix documentary called "Minimalism: A documentary About the Important Things" before doing any shopping. 
You'll be reminded how material things aren't what life is all about, you'll save money and you won't drag home unneeded souvenirs or new clothes. I did buy one new top at the LOFT, but it was on sale and quite cute! Instead of stuff, spend your money on a massage!  I mentioned the Bangkok Spa in part one. SO good!

6. Location, location, location.
Just like finding the perfect neighborhood, try to find a hotel or VBRO in a centralized spot.
If you stay at the Kimpton Hotel Solamar, try to get a room on the same floor as the rooftop pool and fitness center on the 4th floor. We walked out our door and BOOM, we could walk out to the patio or to the gym. Kinda felt like it was our own swanky condo!

7. When flying home, if the plane ride is bumpy, open up your ECHO prayer app.                This takes your mind off your fear and instead you focus on praying for friends and family. 
(And that the pilot can land safely!) When we finally did land without incident, we discovered the PNW was having a major wind storm and power was out in some towns. I missed you immediately San Diego!

8. Take a trip with your adult kids! 
Mothers and  Daughters or Fathers and Sons. This was the first time I have had an intentional get-away with my two daughters. What fun it was to be together in such a beautiful place! Memories we make together help us through weeks that aren't so fun...like my sweet youngest daughter getting in a car accident yesterday. Thankfully she wasn't hurt too badly, (her car is history) but she is definitely wishing we were still on vacation!

"The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again." Deuteronomy 6:4-7

How do I love thee, San Diego? 
Let me count the ways:

Sunshine, walkable, the airport is close to downtown, lots of food and drink options, interesting people, nice Uber drivers, great atmosphere for having wonderful talks with my daughters, THE OCEAN!, pretty pools, cute boutiques, pretty ships and sailboats, seagulls, flowers, restaurants with outdoor patios, NO RAIN (at least not while we were there.) 

I LOVE to travel. One of my daydreams is to be a travel blogger or have a show like Rick Steves on PBS. Since Rick's covering Europe, I volunteer to cover America! After all, he's from Washington State, and I live in Washington State too! A girl can dream...

I am so grateful for the opportunity to escape with my beautiful daughters (and to have my husband join us at the end of our trip!) to one of my favorite cities in California. I hope you get a chance to visit too! Thank you for reading my three-part series on San Diego.

What have you learned on vacation lately?

Grateful for Grace and In His Grip,
xo Jane

5 Favorites For Friday

I am a happy Mama on this particular Friday due to the fact that my youngest daughter is flying home for the weekend to visit and keep me company. Normally she drives over from Spokane, but due to our crazy PNW weather, the mountain pass is closed and not safe. You empty nester Moms out there understand how much joy a simple visit from our kids brings!

So far our agenda includes: possibly getting pedicures, drinking good wine, watching at least one movie, snuggling with the pets, going for a walk, and organizing old photographs. Hopefully she'll agree with my plans. 

Sarah has started her own blog and it's SO good. Check out Simple Joys.

Here are my 5 things I'm loving this week:

1. Website for parents:

Last week at our MOPS meeting, our guest speaker was Amanda Morgan. She shared so many good ideas for positive parenting. As a mom of four and former early education teacher, I was really interested in all she had to say and her w website is filled with helpful resources. 

Through the years I've read SO many parenting books, taken courses, and even taught one at my church. Amanda's credentials of Early Childhood Education plus a Masters in Human Development combine to bring parents excellent information. Check out her website called Not Just Cute. 

2. The Bells and Whistles on my Leased BMW

Let me start by saying that driving a zippy little car is fun. In the summer it is REALLY fun to have a convertible with the top down on a sunny day. We don't own a boat, but I equate the feeling to zipping through the water. Have you seen the Pepsi commercials lately?...

Heated seat-check. Heated steering wheel-check!! (I don't even need gloves anymore!) 

I'm still trying to figure out the pre-sets for music, telephone, etc. I discovered a VERY handy surprise while zooming back on the highway from a trip to the YMCA and Target. If you go ten miles over the speed limit, the car warns you that you are speeding! There is a chime and a visual message pops up on the screen. This happens whether or not a police car is anywhere near. Thank you BMW for the handy warning. 

It's a bit like the Holy Spirit nudging us: "Beware, you're about ready to sin." We can listen and slow down, or speed ahead into trouble.

3. Current musical at the movie theatre

Last Saturday we drove over to a Vintage theatre in Tacoma called The Grand with some friends and saw the movie La La Land. I really like Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling and their acting and dancing were very good. I want all of the dresses Emma wore (and her figure.) Since we were down in L.A. visiting my oldest son and daughter-in-law this fall and we'd taken the MGM tour, the scenes looked very familiar. If you don't like musicals you definitely don't want to spend money for the big screen, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, along with the popcorn and company.

4. The way these two co-exist

Thor and Sydney. Kitty and Dog. It's a love-hate relationship and constantly keeps us guessing. Lots of chasing happens, the orange kitty paw often pokes as a certain sister-dog minds her own business. Often we hear that horrible sound of claws on hardwood floors as they run around after each other. Sometimes Thor finds places to jump into that provide a bit of protection.. Like the bathtub...

Just when we think they need a sibling separator (something I meant to invent for my own human children) then we'll find them snuggled up together on the couch. If only our government could learn from these two. 

5. The word copious and the Cascara Latte

When I arise in the morning, one of the first things I do is head to the coffee maker and start a small pot. If I'm especially tired due to a restless night (why was I tossing and turning again last night?!) then my mind says "I need copious cups of coffee!" Not sure when I started thinking about this word, but yes I need an abundant supply of coffee!

co·pi·ous

[ˈkōpēəs]

ADJECTIVE

1. 
   

abundant in supply or quantity: 

"she took copious notes"

synonyms: abundant · superabundant · plentiful · ample · profuse · full · extensive · 

[more]

Speaking of coffee, have you tried the new Starbucks drink called the Cascara Latte? It is SO yummy! Bummer. I just looked up the nutritional facts and discovered this lusciousness has 190 calories and 26 grams of carbohydrates. Guess I can't order copious cups of them. 

I need to leave for the airport to pick up my daughter.  I'll leave you with some images that will surely warm your heart.

Meet Oliver Rhodes! He arrived on February 1st.

I get to babysit this little guy tonight.

The "store baby," Britton, turns one in a couple days!

"Babies are such a nice way to start people." Don Herold

Wishing you a wonderful weekend friends!

In His Grip,

xo Jane