Painting with a 3 yr. old?

When you retire life just seems to slow down and things that were so important just a few years ago no longer "push you" to complete. Deadlines are gone. Life is no longer a blur of activity, at least for me. (I can't speak for every retired person.) I have discovered that the journey takes on a greater significance than the intended end goal. There is actually time for lessons to be taught and learned and fun to be shared. "Stop to smell the roses" becomes a phrase to practice and enjoy.
So when I was asked to paint my grandson's room and my grandson thought he should help I had to remember the above mentioned principles. Savor the moments together with your grandson at your side!

Words to think about today.

A loved one in my family shared this with me today and I wanted to pass it along.

"All people share a connection.  We breathe the same air; feel the warmth of the same sun; share life on the same planet.  Our paths are connected in ways both seen and unseen.  The food on my table may have come from a farm nearby, from across the country or from across the world.  Similarly, new technology allows me to connect with loved ones or strangers faraway.  As humans we also share in feelings of happiness and sadness, peace and frustration. We are one in God, connected in spirit.  Knowing we are one, I demonstrate empathy toward others. I am understanding, compassionate and willing to listen.  Whatever I do, wherever I am, I am connected to God and all people and to you.”  “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20. 

to be continued....Slovenia

Slovenia
Three days spent at a working farm in the hills of Slovenia makes one think back to my farm roots. I feel privileged to have been raised on an Iowa farm. Cows, pigs, barns, and lots of open space conjure up warm memories. Even the "smells" are welcome to my senses. (As Hunter would add-"Your sense of smell is dead"!) I especially enjoy the farm-type food of fried potatoes, beef floating in warm gravy, soft and chewy bread, and of course, that all important final dessert! Our time at the farm house in Slovenia met all expectations and more! Check out Rebecca's blog for photos.

6 Countries in 6 weeks!

ITALY

13 people, (the Stall clan), gather in Montegalda, Italy for a memorable family reunion. Site seeing and "play" circle around naps and filling hungry "tummies"-child and adult alike! Rebecca's house vacillates between a whirlwind of activity and an oasis of rest. Thankfully everyone is able to "roll with the punches" and find humor in even the most stressful of moments. 

Croatia
A beautiful country just a 3 hour car trip from Venice where the Stall clan spent 7 delightful days at an all-inclusive resort swimming, boating, relaxing, and of course eating amazing food with NO cleanup!

Austria
Hunter & I spent a lovely evening in Innsbruck, a charming town nestled in the Austrian Alps.

Germany
Four days spent in Mutterstadt with Klaus & Rita biking & hiking along the Rhine and eating delicious Bavarian sausages and dark, chewy bread!

Switzerland

Driving back to Italy from Germany we traveled through this breathe-taking country. Photos do NOT do it justice!

Slovenia
-to be continued--

Expectations

 Expectations-what are they and are mine often unrealistic? When looking forward to "something" I make the assumption that what is pictured in my mind will flesh itself out perfectly as the event unfolds. I'd like to think my expectation is simply a hopeful anticipation, an eagerness and excitement about what is going to happen. But I believe I often set my "expectations" too high forgetting to factor in a number of variables that could repaint the picture in my mind. I say all of this for my own benefit since we are planning a big family reunion in Italy in less than a week's time. There will be 8 adults and five grandchildren- 5 and under. We are converging on Rebecca's house in Maltegalda, Italy. She has a wonderful itinerary planned including a day in Venice, an afternoon cliff jumping, a day at an Italian waterpark for kids, time at Lake Garda plus castle touring, wine tasting, touring an old cliff town, visiting a local vineyard, lots of Italian food, and to top it off a week at an all-inclusive beach resort, The Valamar Club in Croatia!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ6ni7RjC38&feature=player_embedded#!

Now what are the top 10 variables that could threaten to dampen the birthing of my "perfect" expectations?
1. flight problems-such as delays or lost luggage
2. health issues-such as colds, motion sickness, or worse?
3. car troubles of any sort
4. jet lag in individuals causing grumpiness, irritability, lost sleep
5. accommodation misunderstandings
6. differing opinions on handling problems with 8 adults involved
7. weather-rain, cold, storms, etc.
8. lost money, credit cards compromised
9. injuries-anything from bloody lips to broken bones or worse
10. loosing in Some-R-Set (a crazy family card game) or being defeated in miniature golf (a tradition whenever we gather)

So how do I keep my expectations in line with reality? Whittle the many down into only one:
From this family vacation I expect we will build memories no matter what they entail.

P.S. I also am relying on prayer and God's promise to always be with us.
Psalm: 5:3
"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."

Future race car driver!

Grandchildren update from the states!

Yummy "snow cone"!

Bathing beauty!

Love the sand!

This is SO much fun!

Handsome boy!

I'm a fashion statement, just ask my mom!

Is this all my toys?