Finally, My Own Tea House!

Well sorta. (Gotcha, didn't I :-) )
If you look real close you can see my name on the sign.

As many of you know I love to cook, have a catering business, love, love, love tea and love serving others. But most of you don't know that it has been a dream of mine for ever to own my own little Tea House. But at this stage of my life I realize that it will probably never ever happen. So I have to settle on this one. This is a Christmas Village piece that I renamed to be my Tea House. I thought about it one day while just staring at it and said, you know, this is exactly what I would want my Tea House to look like, so I painted my name on it and there it is! Finally, My own Tea House! I am not storing it away this year with the other Christmas items. No, this is going in my Pink Roses bedroom, where all my dreams stay. (No boys allowed here). That way I can look at it every day and let it remind me that maybe, just maybe one day my dream WILL come true. Blessings All.

OUT MY KITCHEN WINDOW

There are a lot of things in this world of God's that I love. The color pink, pale pink roses, the morning mist on the lake, sunsets, sunrises, brown bunnies.... well you get the drift. But of all his creations, birds by far are my favorite. I keep a bird feeder outside my kitchen window all year and am amazed at the different birds that come to feed each season. You would think that I would know what kind they each are, but except for the everyday ones, I really haven' t taken time to learn (I will though). I'm sorry the pictures aren't any clearer-(looking through the screen in my kitchen window) but I thought I'd post them anyway.

I had to stick in the little chipmunk- better eating the bird food than eating my flower bulbs!!!Have a birdiful day!

Free Vacation!

Out our window in the early morning with mist on the mountains
The Beach

Well, mostly free anyway.... my wonderful Honey did have to work his bottom off to get it for us, but he did it!!! And it was great. We spent the last week in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. It was gorgeous! The weather could not have been more perfect, warm sunny days with cool breezy nights.He was fortunate enough to win the trip through work. We stayed not only at a beautiful place but all inclusive! (Preparing for a Mexican Fiesta)

Other than souvenirs EVERYTHING was paid for. Now THAT is a vacation! The people of Mexico were so friendly everywhere we went. Although they are trained to be that way at the hotel we spoke to a few on the side and they explained that they have to prove themselves to be able to stay there as workers. They have 1 month. They attend schools on site to learn English, have their uniforms all supplied, have transportation supplied and their meals. If they produce, they stay. BUT what I appreciated was that most of them really loved their jobs, had such wonderful dispositions and were truly pleasant all the time. I guess that's why some had been there for several years. Any way, if you get a chance to visit Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful city with beautiful people. We had a great time. After this year's events it's a vacation we both needed and one I will never forget. Thank you so much Honey!

The view from our room at sunset

REGARDING MOM

Thank you to everyone who has expressed concern and prayers for my mom- (personal emails & bloggers.) Although I would love to say her condition is much improved I can say she does have okay days. Since the previous posting, she has been in & out of the hospital twice and is currently back home. I think probably for good now. Dad is so worn down as well as my sister Lisa who has been staying there since November. As much as I want to have her keep hanging on, I feel that I must let her go. She's only here part time and in her on world the next. I question God a lot lately for pain such as this, but then I realize it is part of life on earth and God in all his infinite wisdom knows better than I could ever comprehend and all will be good in the end- or life hear after.
So again THANK you all from the bottom of my heart and until her passing I will not post anymore on her. It's just too painful.
Lots Of Love- Teresa.

Saying Goodbye

I'll be gone for a few days visiting my mom and helping my dad. It's a very difficult thing knowing that momma will be gone shortly and trying to not to cry but be strong for her and dad. How do you do that? She is my momma and no matter how old I am I still feel like a little girl when I'm with her. She tries to be brave for all of us, which really she is, but it just hurts so much. I know that when she does go it will be to a much better place and she will be free from her pain, but how do you just give up and let her go? I can't! I don't want to! She's my momma! God help me to let go. God give me strength and peace.

"Grand" Ideas For The New Year

(Samantha helping Nana with dishes- having a "Grand -Ma" Time)
Each year I have "grand" ideas for how my new year will be. You know the old standards, lose weight, pray more, get organized, exercise......blah, blah, blah. This year my thoughts are different though. I have experienced an awaking this past year of the things that really matter most. My family. This past year was a trying one and is still lingering on into this one as well. My father in law passed away after moving in with us. He had a much happier & healthier life his last 6 months and we were grateful for that. I had a daughter who married this year and is now in the process of divorce. Another daughter who moved 8 hours away and is living with her boyfriend :( , and my eldest daughter moved out this year taking my grand daughter with her (well that was sort of a blessing- you know getting my house back to myself and all), but I do miss them. And now my mother is very ill and as I type this we are waiting daily to know if she makes it through to the next morning. She is ready to go, but we are selfish and still clinging to hope. So my idea for this year is to spend as much GRAND-time with my family as possible. EVERYTHING else can wait, time does not. So get together with your family as often as possible this year and let them know how much they are loved. Here's to new beginnings and much more family time.