Graceful Landing

Monday, October 26, 2015

Marriages Last

Did you know that most marriages make it?

We've long been told that the divorce rate in this country is 50%. That HALF of all marriages won't make it. Sobering, even disheartening statistics and headlines.

But it's not true, and never was.
In fact, according to a new study by Shaunti Feldhahn, the truth is that more than 75-80% of first marriages DO last. And only about 30% of all marriages- including 2nd, 3rd and even 8th marriages have ended in divorce. And get this- the new study also shows that most marriages are happy. Not drudgery. Not boring. HAPPY.

This inspiring news comes from an in-depth study, eight years in the making.
Check out this article and the real statistics HERE and share the truth.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Grands

Grandbabies are the most wonderful little people.

I love being a mother and have soaked up so much goodness, joy and love from my babies. It was and is such a privilege.

And so is being a grandma.

A few days ago, laying out in the yard on a blanket with my grands and playing games with them made my heart so full it hurt.
My little granddaughter looked up at me with smiling eyes and for a second I felt I was looking into my eldest daughter's smiling eyes when she was four. (Her mama)

Moments like that make you want to laugh and cry and pray all at the same time.
They're simply too wonderful for words.

Memories made with grandbabies are precious.

Experiencing the great outdoors through their new eyes....

Playing with 'Wincoln Wogs'...

Quiet mornings and late breakfasts with little guests...

Photogenic sweeties....

Their own style of organization....

Watching football with Papa

Bored by the concept of 'selfies'...

Kissable, adorable babies!

Summer days and popcicles.....

We are so blessed!

Monday, October 19, 2015

Winding Down

Summer, I think, is officially past.
Autumn has arrived and I can't complain because
a. it's the middle of October
and
b. it's my favorite season!

I'm in love with all things Fall. Sweaters and blankets and the smells of soups and baked goods cozying up the house. Pumpkins and garden harvests, blustery days and deep blue skies varied by days of gray.

I love that summer here hangs on endlessly and then, with barely a warning, the leaves change and almost overnight Fall comes swooping in. A few days ago, I was still harvesting watermelons from my garden!

I love sunsets and time on the porch swing- without blistering heat. Perfect weather for yard work and prepping the chicken coop for the coming cold.

Misty mornings, wearing my Old Friend slippers and jeans again, I love to step out and breathe in the fresh cool air.

I'm in my element!

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Five Generations

I am a fifth-generation Oregonian on my mother's side. Say that fives times fast!

My Great-great grandfather, Morgan, traveled west to Oregon- following his Uncle William, who was an indian agent.
We have deep Oregon roots.

So when I gathered my girls and my niece for a spontaneous trip to visit our loved ones there, I was happily surprised to have everything fall into place. Like we were meant to go.

Seven women, ages 67 down to 4, traveling together. Singing together. Grumbling here and there but always enjoying eachother's company. It was grand!

I crossed something major off my 'bucket list.' A five-generation photo with my grandmother, mother, oldest daughter and granddaughter.   (And me, of course)

Not a perfect, studio portrait. None of us as thin or fit or young as we'd like to be. (With the exception of the 4-year old.) All of us slightly hot and sweaty on an August day.

It was wonderful. So we took a few more.