One of my favorite television shows of all time is Friday Night Lights. No – it IS my favorite show of all time. Coach Eric Taylor always had a way with words and one of the phrases that was used continually throughout the show was “Clear Eyes, Full Heart, Can’t Lose” and the team recited that at least once in every episode.
This past weekend I must admit that I had the teary eyes part of that phrase instead of the clear eyes. Before you get too concerned about me let me explain. Chris and I spent the weekend in Raleigh enjoying some long overdue family time. We met at our youngest son Aaron’s townhouse and had an incredible weekend. I picked up our oldest son Micah and his girlfriend, Wendy and their new puppy Penny at the airport on Friday morning. Penny did great on her first flight. Add to the mix Aaron’s girlfriend Erin and kitty Diego and we had a full house for the weekend but it was wonderful. Am I using that word too much? Probably but it describes the time perfectly.
Driving back home to Brevard on Tuesday morning I got a bit misty eyed because it had been such a great weekend. For one weekend we all came together as a family and just enjoyed each other. Those times are too few these days because of work commitments and geographic constraints so I was determined to make the most of it and I did. But the teary eyes came on Tuesday when I drove home knowing it would be awhile before the 6 of us were all together again.
It seems that the world has gone a little nuts these days and without getting political let’s just say I am concerned about where our country is headed. My beloved United Methodist Church is in the throes of a huge debate at General Conference that will determine the future of many in the church. Add to these concerns the fact that my mind is often on my sweet brother in law Carlton who is rapidly declining and I could go down the sadness rabbit hole pretty quickly. That is why this past weekend was so important. For one weekend I put it all aside, thought about none of it and allowed myself to just be in the moment. It worked.
I decided today was the right day to share some pictures that just are happy pictures. There is too much “heavy” in newsfeeds today so for one minute just enjoy some fun pictures. Because who can resist animals? Yes – Grandma may have spoiled them a bit as well. Because that is what grand kitties and grand puppies need.
Diego pre-Penny
Penny’s first ride in North Carolina.
Penny took a lot of Diego’s toys.
Look at that cute behind. 🙂
Penny meets Diego
Diego had enough of Penny and took to higher ground.
Wendy, Micah and Penny
Penny watching the Roomba
I caught Aaron and Erin loving on Penny. Diego is MIA.
Diego post Penny visit.
Penny selfie
Diego selfie
Now see? Don’t you feel better after looking at those pictures? I know I do. Have a great day.
22 Comments
Leave a commentBoy can I relate. You can imagine there were tears when my aunt and uncle left last week. I feel soooo far away from my family. I know it was my choice and we are enjoying life here but I have my days. Your grandpet pictures are adorable. I get to Skype with my grandkitty at my daughters place. That’s fun. He seems to listen to me too.
You definitely understand. It is just hard to not be close to our loved ones and even if I have never lived very close to any of my family in my entire life it does not mean I don’t miss them. I bet you have your blue moments even though you are living your dream there. At least we have Skype and FaceTime, right?
Right and these modern means of communication make all the difference. I even Skype with my 87 year old mom. She loves it! I try to keep the blue moments to a minimum. The recent visit from my aunt and uncle was a great pick me up. keeping in touch with blogging friends like you helps too. Thanks!
I agree. Skype is an amazing tool and there is nothing like actually seeing people in person, right? Love that you still Skype with your mom—my mom has been having some more health issues lately so she isn’t as active online as she was and Skype would be a bit much for her right now but we still call all the time which helps.
Oh, Beth Ann. It is so clear just how much you love your family. That does your readers’ hearts a load of good as well. <3
🙂 Thanks, Miranda. There is nothing like family, is there?
Oh Beth Ann, I know how you feel! I’ve often thought about “our times” (where family is so spread out) and the “old times” (when they all lived in the same town and took care of each other)! But your kids are going so strong – so much positive stuff happening! I LOVE the photo of Diego and Penny staring each other down” “But, Diego, can’t we just be friends?”……
That is exactly what Penny was thinking! Exactly. It was kind of payback for when Diego visited Buddy and Holly and terrorized them. 🙂 But it was all fun.
I’m so happy you had a wonderful weekend with the family! Reminded me of my goal to stay present during happy moments and just revel in them for what they are. It’s so hard but a worthy goal. Also, love the animal photos. Penny has the most adorable expressions on her face.
That is a very worthy goal and yes–it is difficult at times but so worth. Penny is adorable. All animal pics are worth looking at, right?
Remember that in the ‘latter days’ there will be a sifting and only a remnant will be found/remain. Many denominations have been trying to fit the “politically correct” venue rather than their first calling to build on the “One True Foundation”. It’s not a church membership but a Jesus’ relationship that will place your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Sending hugs……………………………….
Thanks, Doreen. You always help put things in perspective for me. (Just discovered a ton of comments I had not responded to.)
Love it all! Seeing Penny reminds me of our Corgy, Rudy, we had when I was little! He was such a good dog!!Thanks for sharing!
Penny is a really good little dog—I think her parents are doing a great job with her. 🙂
Cute! (How hateful will WordPress be today?)
Word Press seems to be cooperating on my end for a change!
I’m so happy for you that you got to spend time with your whole family! It’s so hard to do. Congrats!!
Thanks, Josh. It was such a fun weekend. So fun I forgot to respond to comments!
Always so hard to leave Ohio after wonderful days of seeing family and friends. Whether working, playing, or eating, the time flies by and so over too quickly. Our time on the road can be lonely sometimes. I know you understand. I think of you often when I am struggling in a new place.
Oh I am sure it is tough to leave Ohio and you have spent the month trying to cram in as many visit as you can. I can imagine the life you are leading could be a bit lonely at times but you have each other and I know you are meeting all kinds of wonderful interesting people along the way. That is the wonderful part of your retirement right now. 🙂
My best friend has a Corgi. Funny dogs. However, my heart belongs to Diego. The picture of Diego on top of the kitchen cabinet made me burst out laughing. I could almost hear/feel the sigh of relief in the post-Penny pic!! I feel your heavy heart and am so happy you had a wonderful weekend with family and funny furry friends.
I just realized I had not responded to a bunch of comments on this post. Bad me! Corgis are funny dogs but Penny is very well behaved. Diego was ready for Penny to leave as you can imagine. Penny just wanted to play –kind of like what Diego did with my kitties when he came to our house so I guess it was pay back.