The surprise!

About 2 weeks ago my husband surprised me with a beautiful set of DIAMOND (yes, they are real) earrings. I should not have been surprised because this was the morning of our 35th wedding anniversary. Of course He had a wonderful card as well. They are called a woman's best friend. I have never ask for or coveted Diamonds but I have to admit they are wonderful. The man who gave them to me is way my best friend, and a lasting love. Diamonds are the hardest gem and thus wear well and last forever. I guess the meaning and love behind the Diamond is worth even more then the diamonds themselves. I still have the original diamond ring that he gave me 36 years ago when he purposed. I have worn it every day since that time and I must say it has held up well. It is only through the Love and forgiveness of our loving God that our marriage has held up also. The day we were united in marriage we were united together as a rope with 3 strands, with Christ holding us together.

I was not expecting anything since the last few years we have not exchanged gifts but rather just purchase something that we had both been wanting or we go or do something very special. Like for our 30th, We went to Niagara Falls in June. and also when our whole family was together we had our old time photo taken. It was so much fun, I love the picture and can still see how excited our grandchildren were. We are thinking about having another done sometime as we now have 2 more grandchildren and even the baby in this photo can not remember this.

Memorial Day

I had been to the National Cemetery numerous times but this Monday was the first time I had ever been at the Black Hills National Cemetery for Memorial Day. WOW! I could hardly believe all the activities and celebration ceremonies. The Native Americans had the first memorial ceremony at 9 AM then lots of music, and another ceremony at 11 AM led by the Veterans. The weather was great with a nice breeze, OK, more like a strong wind but the flags really looked nice.

I could not believe how many people were at the Black Hills National Cemetery on Memorial day. So many of the graves were adorned with cross's, wreaths, floral arrangements and a lot of live flower arrangements too. There was a sign that all flowers had to be off the Cemetery by June 4Th. I guess that is so they can mow and do upkeep. We heard it said that this Cemetery is the Arlington Cemetery of the West.

Many US Flags were flying in the strong Northern wind. It was a very nice setting for many people to pay their respect for those who have gone before us and who so bravely served our country that we might have freedom.

ARMED FORCES DAY

Saturday was Armed Forces Day so I decided to share a picture of a house roof that we drive by on our school bus route. As you can see the shingles have been painted as a USA Flag. It has been that way for about a year now and still looks so bright. I have always admired this wonderful piece of art. It is also very fitting for our city since there are many Bronze sculptures of the United States Presidents on street corners of our down town area. Maybe one day I may post a few pictures of some of my favorites. They are done in life size sculptures so it's fun to walk the downtown area to see and read about each President.

Sunday was Armed Forces Sunday so our church service included many prayers for our Military and our Country. We sang patriotic Hymns.After the benediction and during the announcements, our Pastor ask everyone who was or had ever been in the military to please stand up. I was surprised at how many from our 8 AM early service stood up. Over 20. I have no idea how many stood up in the Sat evening or the 10:45 AM service. What a blessing it is to have brave men and women fight to keep our country free. We pray for the safety and God's strength for not only the soldiers but also the Chaplains.

Chives

I love it when my Chives bloom. They are such a pretty lavender color and really decorate that corner of my garden. The patch of chives seem to spread bigger and bigger each year.

I rarely remember to use them for my cooking but my husband likes them too so he often will head out to the garden to retrieve some when he is cooking or even to put in some of my dishes. If you want to see how uniquely they look close up, just put your cursor on the picture and click. It will enlarge the picture. I love to do that as I read other blogs.

SNOW BALL BUSH

My oldest daughter gave me this snow ball bush several years ago. She had one in her yard and had been trying to explain how these snow balls formed and looked. She figured if she gave me my own, I would soon find out!

This year my bush has many, many blossoms on it. They start out greenish yellow then as they blossom out turn so very white and fluffy. Every year it blooms I can't help but think of my loving daughter and family.

This also reminds me of our sin becoming white as snow. being washed away and cleansed by the blood of the pure spotless Lamb, Jesus.

FUCHSIA, WONERFULLY CREATED

This year I have chosen a Fuchsia plant for my shade hanging planter by our patio. These gorgeous flowers never seem to amaze me! They hang so pretty and unfold from what looks like a hanging ball. They come in different reds, pinks and white. I hope mine continues to bloom all summer long. It must have had 15 blossoms when I bought it.

It's tempting to peal open one of those red ball bud's and try gently unfold the blossom to see how it can all fit so snugly. Of course it is created by God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth and only He can unfold it and knows how it can fit. He is so Almighty and all knowing. I am glad to know He is in control of me also. It is comforting to trust in our God Who Knows Me so well and created me in my mothers womb. One of my favorite Psalms talks about this, Ps 139!

verse 13 and 14 , For You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Track and Field Meet

This picture reminded me of mother hen, my daughter , and Papa hen? (which there really isn't such a thing) my son-in-law,

leading the first grade girls and boys to the starting point for one of the races. The children listened so well and followed just like baby chicks or ducklings follow their mother.

My Daughter, the first grade teacher was showing one of her students witch events he was in and about when they would take place. It's a lot to keep track of especially with 20 energetic 6 year olds. I really love there green school t-shirts with the white Cross logo and name. The dark color did absorb the sun on this 90 degree day. Maybe next year they will go with white t-shirts and green logo! ? ?

Above right was just after coming 2nd after running the 100. He really did a great job on that one. We are proud of him for trying so hard. Above left was after the race, he and a friend were cooling off in the shade of a big umbrella. This was a large group of children ages Kind to 8th grade, including several Christian schools and Home school's too. I would estimate over 500 participants.

This is our grandson running the mile. It was a warm day and a mile seems quite long. 4 times around that big track. He made it and got a ribbon for 4th place.

It was a very fun day! I am glad we had a few hours that we could watch our Lutheran school compete.

My husband and I are very much looking forward to visiting our oldest daughter, husband and four grandchildren and watching them play on their summer ball teams. Our oldest daughter, just 2 weeks ago ran a half marathon in Lincoln NE. What a accomplishment! I could never have done that. She always has been more of a runner then I have been. We were rooting for her and very happy she made it to the finish line.