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

Five Favorites for Friday

Happy Friday! Here are five of my current favorites for you to take a peek at over the weekend. Enjoy!

1. Commercial: 
This Snickers Recovery Room ad makes me laugh every time! Yep, Snickers ALWAYS satisfies and if you're hungry you might be distracted.

Snickers ad photo source:http://www.adforum.com/creative-work/ad/player/34541844/snickers-recovery-room/snickers

2. Book Series: The Mitford Series by Jan Karon.

In the late 1990's, my Mom sent me the first book in the Mitford series. The author, Jan Karon, has written 13 books in the series, plus many spin-off books including a cookbook and a children's book.

The characters are so likeable, and the town is small and quirky, a bit like Stars Hollow in the "Gilmore Girls." You will adore Father Tim, the Episcopal Priest. I appreciate the way the author weaves faith throughout all the story lines. Last month I discovered that she'd written two new stories that I hadn't read! I quickly ordered  Somewhere Safe With Somebody Good and Come Rain or Come Shine. They did not disappoint. I hope Jan  will continue the adventures! I think the sign of a good series is that you want to start it all over again...

Photo source:https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/99/df/5d/99df5df971a9451383090c6bb5ed05f5.jpg

3. Favorite Victorian-age activity I wish we did now:

Last week I mentioned binging on the Masterpiece Theater series "Victoria." I loved the way they'd have formal dances on Saturday evenings. I love the idea of a dance card; letting the attendees know the order of the dances such as the "Grand March" and the "Waltz" and helping them keep track of who they'd promised to dance with. Check out some of the etiquette and customs on this "Victorian Pride" article. 

Photo source:https://earlydance.org/sites/early-dance.de/files/indexnew.jpg

4. Find at Home Goods:
I love the Hello Spring new kitchen towel I spotted while at Home Goods. I think it has an Anthropologie look to it at half the price.

5. Favorite weekend outing for girlfriends:
Yay! This Saturday my bible study group is heading up to Woodenville in a Limo to go wine tasting together. Friends, wine, nibbles, beautiful grounds, safe driver...sounds perfect! I'll have to do a recap of our fun later. We're going to start at Chateau Ste-Michelle where I've been to some wonderful summer concerts.

https://www.ste-michelle.com/visit-us/chateau-experience

That's it for now! I'm off to help a friend get ready to sell her house, then work. Hoping my cough goes away so it won't hinder my fun get-away tomorrow. Of course there are lots of basketball games to watch. I'm cheering for the Dawgs: Gonzaga and Butler!

My "dance card" is full this weekend, is yours?

Grateful for Grace and In His Grip, 

xo Jane

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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

5 Favorites for Friday

Happy Friday Friends! Here's what I'm loving right now:

1. My "one" word:
I'm glad I chose the word NOW, to focus on this year.  I have gotten SO much done in the last three weeks due to being intentional and not procrastinating. I'm eating healthier, getting myself to the YMCA or around the block, and my house is getting tidier. You can read why I chose my word (NOW) and more about choosing a word on the post I wrote here a couple weeks ago.

2. Podcasts:
Lately I've been tuning into LPL (Living Proof Live) podcasts that were recorded by the bible teacher Beth Moore. Just put the app on your phone, plug in earbuds, and get inspired while you exercise or do chores. I have learned a TON from her bible studies and she challenges me to dig deeper into understanding God. I forget where my husband heard this quote but when I tell him things I'm learning he often replies with a "well if Beth Moore said it, Jesus agrees with it." He can be a smarty pants. If you've done one of Beth's studies, which was your favorite? I loved Esther and Believing God.

3. Product membership:
I signed up to be part of the Grove Collaborative. This company sells affordable and effective natural products for the home. I joined during a promotional week so I got some free products in a cute white caddy. I chose some Mrs. Meyers kitchen soap and Method bathroom cleaners and dishwasher tabs. I get to decide how often I receive a shipment and I like that it's a small company and a Certified B Corp. Maybe in the future I'll try some laundry detergent or beauty products. 

It's probably a good thing to have a box arrive on my doorstep rather than wander the aisles of Target since items not on my list often jump into my cart. 
If you want to try out Grove Collaborative, please use my referral code. Thanks! https://www.grove.co/referrer/252903/

4. Anthropologie Scent:
Friends, I am OBSESSED with the Capri Blue scent of Volcano. I looked up what the fragrance actually is: Volcano: tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons and limes, redolent with lightly exotic mountain greens. I guess it's the closest thing to a trip to Hawaii I'm going to have! I adore the candles that I can buy in mercury glass, my sweet daughter gave me the hand lotion for Christmas, and I bought the diffuser for my foyer table. Yay! Now when people walk in my front door it smells good instead of like a 1970's remodeled house. I need to purchase another one for our master bedroom. I highly recommend it!

5. Trader Joe's Find:

There are so many fun things to discover at Trader Joe's. On Wednesday my hair appointment had to be rescheduled (ignore my roots for a few weeks please,) so I headed over the bridge  to run errands since I had a little free time. I brought home a little Herb Garden for my kitchen counter. It's a good thing to have green life in the room, it smells good and is very useful! I have Rosemary, Thyme and Sage growing outside, but it's been SO wet that they aren't doing great. The potted mini-garden was priced at just under $7 so it's an affordable surprise to bring home.

Since the Presidential inauguration is today, I'm tuning in a bit this morning. This is the closest our country has to the pomp and circumstance of England. It's interesting to see what the First Lady wears, watch the faces of the people in the crowd, and PRAY that since Mr. President Trump will be laying his hand on two bibles that he indeed will ask for God's help to lead our great (hurting and divided) country. Please join me in praying!

^“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior…” -1 Timothy 2:1-3 

We won't be cheering on the Seahawks this weekend since we lost to Atlanta, but I have a fun baby shower and friend's birthday party to attend so I'm looking forward to the next two days. Plus, my man is home!

What are you loving right now? Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by "See Jane Learn!"

In His Grip,

xo Jane

Can you imagine the scurrying happening at the White House today to move one First family out and the new family in?...

5 Favorites for Friday

Happy Friday! I'm relishing our last clear, cold day here in the PNW...Apparently the rain returns tomorrow. Here's what I'm loving right now:

1. God's Masterpiece:
Oh the moon has been glorious!  I'm borrowing some photos to show you what we've been enjoying here out our windows. 

Thanks Theresa!

Thanks King 5 and the awesome photographer!

"The Heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1

2. Household helpers:
I've been quite the busy bee this week working on my cupboards and drawers. Thanks to the clear containers I found at Home Goods and the Dollar Tree (yay! $1). plus my Dymo label maker, things are looking mighty tidy around here. 

3. Cat cuddles:
Every morning, after Thor has eaten and run around wild for a bit he settles in right on my chest to snuggle and purr. He reminds me why I keep forgiving him for the occasional "accident." 

Do NOT look at my oldish neck... (Or refer to the book written by Nora Ephron, I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts On Being A Woman.) Just like a baby needs his Mommy's heartbeat to calm down, this growing orange fur-baby of mine needs mine.

4. Wine Alternative:
In my quest to cut back on my alcohol consumption and calories, I've been reaching for a La Croix served over ice in a wine glass. Granted, it is NOT as satisfying as red wine, but I'm doing it for my health. Lime is my favorite flavor, but I know there are lots of other options. Unlike my husband who has totally stopped drinking until our trip to Florida next month, I'm just cutting back.

5. App:

I love the prayer app called "Echo."  I forget who recommended it to me, but I'm thankful. It's a simple way to keep track of prayer requests. When you tell someone you'll pray for them, by quickly adding it to your phone, you won't forget! You can edit prayers or say they've been answered. Give it a try, I think you'll love it too!

What are you loving right now? Have a wonderful weekend friends!

In His Grip,

xo Jane

5 Favorites for Friday

Happy Friday! Here are five of my favorites this week:

Fiction Book~ I'm so glad I asked for Beth Moore's first work of fiction for Christmas and that my husband bought it for me! I finished it in a week. I loved the characters and the message of redemption. It reminded me a bit of one of my favorite series called Mitford. I highly recommend you check it out.

Quote~Said by Tiger Lily in the movie Pan;

“Home’s not where you come from, it’s where you make it.” 

I grew up in Carmel, Indiana and moved away when I was 35. The past 22 years I've been learning how to put down roots in all the towns and houses we've lived in; Grayslake Illinois, Gig Harbor WA, Glen Ellyn Illinois, Fox Island WA, and now downtown Gig Harbor. I thought I'd ALWAYS live in Indiana, but God had other plans and I'm so thankful for the path He's taken our family on. 

Product~Last summer I talked about my Maybelline dark circle eraser. Since I'm always on a quest to hide my mean, dark, under-eye circles and didn't have time to buzz over the bridge and spend $$ on the Bobbie Brown corrector, I found a replacement that's only about $6 at the local drugstore. Meet my newest weapon in the war against under-eye circles!

NYX Dark Circle Concealer Corrector

Pinterest Find: Craft idea to make~

I LOVE this idea! I have a perpetual calendar for birthdays down in my laundry room, but this plaque is adorable and I want to share it as a possible craft idea for the MOPS mommies to make. Never forget a family member or friend's birthday again...

Show on Netflix~ If you were a fan of Downton Abbey, or Call the Midwife, then I think you'll love Landgirls. It's a BBC program about women who helped the WWII war effort by working at a farm in England. Great drama, background music, period costumes. I learned a new word! Conscription is another way of saying "drafted." This show really gives a realistic view of what life was like during this difficult time in our world's history. I'm on the third and final season and don't want it to end! 

Any suggestions of shows you love? Enjoy your weekend friends!

In His Grip,
xo Jane

http://www.hdwallpapers.in/walls/rooney_mara_tiger_lily_pan-wide.jpg

Things I'm Loving Right Now

Hi Friends!  This is a BIG week for our family. Our baby girl will be graduating from college in exactly one week. More about that on another day! It seems like just yesterday we were posing for her high school Senior prom!

Since I want to be a person who chooses joy, here's my latest list of "things I'm loving right now":

I love discovering something fun and random on a drive. On the way home from our Women's retreat earlier this month, I spotted something colorful out my window. Luckily my friends in the car are also spontaneous, so we drove closer to see what was happening. A small private school was celebrating "May Day" with an old-fashioned Maypole Dance. It's "roots" are definitely not Christian, but so pretty and festive! These families were having fun and also enjoying a pot-luck picnic lunch. I was reminded of a time when I was a little girl and my teacher had us do a Maypole dance for a program. That was a LONG time ago!

I love being a part of the MOPS ministry at my church. If you know me, you know I've been a Mops mentor for years. When I moved to the Northwest back in '97 I was involved as a Mom and enjoyed being a DGL (discussion group leader) and then on "Core" as the DGL coordinator.   I adore the relationships I have with the Mamas who range in age from 20's-40's, my fellow mentor moms who are all my dear friends, and then of course there are the babies, toddlers and preschoolers... We gather twice a month at church during the school year to hear speakers that talk about relevant subjects and occasionally do hands-on projects.  I'm so impressed by how talented and smart these young women are and the variety of careers they have, or are taking a little break from, while their children are young. There is no right way to "do" motherhood!

"MOPS International encourages and equips moms of young children to realize their potential as mothers, women and leaders, in relationship with Jesus, and in partnership with the local church. If you want to learn more about MOPS, check out the link at Mops.org.

I love that I have not one, but two part-time jobs that are fun! I get to enjoy the retail world at Charlie Barnes, and also substitute teach preschool at my church. Both allow me to hang out with little cuties and wonderful adults.

I love the "app" First 5 from Proverbs 31. It's free and it's a wonderful way to spend the first five minutes of your day focusing on God. There's a great wrap-up video every weekend too. Right now we're in ACTS and I love that our church is in ACTS too. Double-dosing can be a good thing!

I love this quote: "God never asks us to give up anything without offering something far greater in its place." (Wendy Blight from Proverbs 31 First 5)

This Potluck Recipe is a winner: When I need to bring something hot and yummy to a breakfast/brunch, my go-to is always this hash brown casserole. It's easy and always polished off at Mops gatherings.

Our rose bushes have started blooming! Thanks to previous owners, we have 12 rose bushes. The first rose of the season is one of my favorite colors and is SO fragrant! Since I love having cut flowers in the house, I can save a bit of grocery money when our own "free" flowers start blooming.

I love the way my four kids spoil me. I didn't get to SEE them on Mother's Day, but I got to talk to ALL of them and cards have been arriving. I laughed when I realized how this card was addressed. I bet it made the mail carrier smile too! I AM Mama Sama!... (I also answer to Mom, Mama Bear, Momma, Marmie~depending on which child is writing or talking to me.)

Even though I often wish my daughters and sons were still under our roof, I'm thrilled that they are all thriving!
"Forget what happened in the past, and do not dwell on events from long ago. I am going to do something new. It is already happening. Don't you recognize it?" (GWT) Isaiah 43:18-19a

What are you loving right now?

In His Grip, 
jane