Last post of 2015

Happy New Year's Eve!

I wanted to run to the mall to make a couple of more returns, but I can't do anything before I write this end-of-the-year post.

It has been an amazing year all around. My husband and I went on some amazing vacations last Winter.  We justified it because we had sold our cottage and felt very free, especially being empty-nesters. We spent a week in Florida visiting friends in Bradenton and Naples; saw Cuz. DeNaze; drove down to Key West, then spent a couple of days on Marco Island. We went skiing in Colorado and I was able to visit Meghan in California. My favorite memory was probably when L. called me on my lunch hour to ask if I wanted to go to Aruba the very next morning. It was crazy that I was on a plane just a few hours later! Wow! As I re-cap, I feel a little guilty that I'm bragging. Sorry! I appreciate how hard my husband works so much! Oh, I almost forgot to add that we met Meghan in San Francisco, then drove to Napa Valley in the Fall! Oh gosh... I need to stop now!

In February I decided on my birthday that I wouldn't buy any clothes until my next birthday. I failed one time, but for the most part I did well. It was way easier than I expected. I received some beautiful pieces for Christmas, so I will easily make it to February!

In June my firstborn turned 30! I can't believe it! How did that happen? The tears of Joy that I experienced from her when we surprised her and joined her Dad's side of the family (Super classy move on their part!!) for dinner at a restaurant was priceless. I will never forget it!

She is in love and that makes me happy... SO happy! So far I haven't seen any red flags.

Lucky reached out to her and offered her a new job and she accepted. She wanted a new challenge and I admire her! Seven for all Mankind will surely miss her!

John met someone special and has been seeing her for a few months. He introduced us to her... and that's HUGE! She seems very sweet, smart and confident! He is enjoying his job and is getting rewarded for his excellent work ethic.

I loved re-connecting with my children's Granny this year. I tend to get disappointed when my kids aren't included in my husband's family. God helped heal my heart by having me go for a visit to Granny's in Birmingham and see her apartment full of photos of my kids all around. It did my heart well to know that they are loved unconditionally and deeply by their own Grandmother! I always knew she loved them, but it was different. She still loves me and I just need to say that it feels great! Who would have thought? God didn't give me what I wanted a long time ago, but He gave me what I needed this year!

I shot a 40 (almost 39, but I missed a careless one foot putt!) in golf this past Summer and I'm still happy! John helped me with my swing and I played a ton of golf and it was so much fun!

We celebrated my oldest living sister's 60th birthday in Chicago, and my youngest sister's 50th birthday in North Carolina. My sister bought a new cottage (Dune Days//Sunset Nights) in Mears, Michigan so we played and celebrated her double nickels (55th) birthday at the Sand Dunes.  My brother's divorce was final and I'm still sad about it. I can't wait to see how everything comes together for the good, and see how God shows His hand in it from here. Please pray for his children. Thank you!

On a sad note, my boss had to have treatments for throat cancer. We all tried to pitch in and help, but it was very hard to watch him suffer. Thank God he is doing much better now! I still love my job! I seem to squeeze it in between all of the fun we've had!

Our Church (Kensington Community Church) finally opened in our hometown. We had been waiting for years and years for this and we couldn't be happier to have our church in Clarkston! I am on the usher/greeter team and it's the perfect job!

I loved that last year on New Year's Eve we were at dinner with our kids and we all decided on our word for 2015. They were as follows...

Linc's was "Christ-like." I believe with all my heart that this year he was the best husband he has been since our wedding. Our relationship has grown so much deeper and I'm so sure it is because of him; not me. This next year we will celebrate 15 years of marriage. We are so blessed.

Meghan's was... "Grace" and John's was... "Brave." I'm so proud of each of them!

My word was "Focus." I also had a few other words, but I can't even remember what they were right now. I know that this year I was more "fully present" than I have been in the past, especially around Christmas. I want to be even more this next year.

My word for 2016 is "Smart." I want to read more books; listen to NPR; make smarter choices regarding my health, especially eating way less sugar and drinking more water; I want to learn how to use my camera; and be smarter about how I treat those people God puts in my path; I want to be more humble.. and generous... and thoughtful... and kind; I want to start my day the smart way, in God's Word.

My song for 2015 has got to be this one by The Rolling Stones. I know; you were expecting some Christian song, but in light of my healed heart regarding my precious children this year, it had to be "You Can't Always Get What You Want." :)



I hope and pray God reveals Himself to you in 2016 and you are blown away by His Goodness. Be kind to each other!

Here's to a New Year of Gratitude and Good health!
Love,
Angie xoxo

"Her children arise and call her blessed" -Proverbs 31:28

Blessed and happy to have my kids together for Christmas! I promise you they are even more beautiful on the inside than the outside.

"Fully Present" Brunch

This Advent Season was so nice and I have no doubt that it was only because I started my day in God's Word. I really wanted to be fully present this year and make it only about Jesus. I didn't want any kind of stress. 

I decided I would host a brunch for the friends God hand-picked to be in my life. I am so Blessed. I don't have a single photo of the faces of the women, but that's okay; I was fully present in the moment. I had several different groups of friends and it was so nice to have them all together. I was determined to make every gathering one of only God's Peace and I was more calm than ever. You should have seen my kitchen the day before when the egg from the quiche had spilled all over! I was also determined to get enough sleep and plan my events so I wouldn't get stressed-out or sick. I loved serving my friends. I couldn't believe I had almost 20 women attend on a Wednesday morning. I was sorry that a few couldn't be here, but I hope they know that they were dearly missed. 

I wanted to add a few photos that I took before anyone arrived. I think my mom would have been proud. I kept thinking about how grateful I was that she taught me well.  God blessed us with a pretty nice house and I think He would want me to share it. 

Welcome

It wasn't about presents, but presence. ;)

So many complimented me on my salad. 

Our Family Christmas Card 2015

Praying you have a beautiful holiday season, filled with the "Fruit of the Spirt..." Love, Joy, Peace Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control." ~Gal 5:22-23

I'm looking forward to having the four of us together this week! This photo was taken at Meghan's 30th Birthday dinner at Wright and Co., this past June.

Merry CHRISTmas!

The absolute Greatest Gift

My friend sent me a book a few weeks ago. If you don't have a copy of "The Greatest Gift" by Ann Voskamp, you need to get one. Today. You may remember Ann because she wrote another book that literally changed my life. Her other book is called, "One Thousand Gifts." In her previous book she inspired me to be intentional about looking for God and listing the ways He shows me His Glory in the everyday things. It made me stop and think about the many gifts God has given me, and encouraged me to make it a habit to be grateful by listing 1000 things I might normally take for granted. I finished my list and I think I'll start another one in 2016.

As I type this post, I'm feeling like you might think I am doing her a favor by promoting her book. I was not asked to review it; I'm just speaking from my own experience. Her latest book has been on my end table this Advent Season. I have looked forward to waking up, making myself a cup of coffee and reading the daily devotions. I cannot think of a better way to start my day. The sweet way Ann writes is unlike any other author; she has made me stop and feel this Christmas season like I've never felt it. 

Between this book my friend Annette gave me and going to the women's retreat at Kensington I have felt the Peace of God like never before. So many years in the past I have made this season into a stressful month. This year has been different. I've felt God's Presence more than ever. I've enjoyed each and every gathering. 

I hope this post finds you hungry for God's Presence in your life. It is a gift that is waiting for you and God is such a gentleman. I pray you stop what you are doing and breathe... and notice all of the gifts He has given you and whisper a quiet, Thank you...

If I don't have time to come back here before Christmas (because I hope to be 'fully present" with my loved ones), I pray you rest in His Promises and His Presence and enjoy the people God hand-picked to be in your life. And remember, God loves you unconditionally and He always will. 

Merry CHRISTmas!

All my love,

Angie 

Trash or Treasure & my "challenge"

Hey! How are you? It feels like forever since I've added anything to my blog!

You're probably dying to know how my challenge is going regarding not buying clothes until my birthday (Can you say Valentine's Day?!). It's funny how people stopped asking me how it is going a long time ago. Maybe they were just being kind and didn't want to make me feel badly if I had failed. Well, I'm here to tell you that actually it's been going quite well. My only slip-up was back in June when I bought a jumpsuit for my daughter's surprise 30th Birthday Party that was hosted by no other than... my ex-husband and his new (still calling her new after almost 20 years- Ha!) wife. I'm sure you'll give me a pass, all things considered. Really though, it hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. Summer was probably the most difficult because I had gotten rid of so many of my clothes, thinking I was going to get a few pieces to replace what I had given away. Now that it's sweater weather, I'm feeling a little more comfortable. I have enough coats and scarves, so I'm good to go!

This is the blog-worthy part so far...

This year I have made more trips to Salvation Army than I have to the mall. I've almost become addicted to giving stuff away. The other day the guy who I see when I drop stuff off recognized me and said, "Oh, hi. You sure are here a lot!" I had to laugh to myself. I remember going to JCrew with my husband last year and cringed when the salesman recognized me and welcomed me back!

It's really been great. I've enjoyed cleaning out and giving away. I've learned a lot of much-needed lessons.

Oh, this is pretty funny...  My husband has wanted to get rid of our great big, heavy pine armoire for a very long time. He never really liked it, but I wasn't ready to part with it until recently. I loved it; I remember how much we paid for it- $$$$; I was sure the kids were going to fight about who got it and it was "classic." I put several photos of it on FB, asking people to throw out an offer to buy it (again, sure I'd have a zillion people who wanted it) and not one person! I wanted to change my "throw out an offer" to "come over and you can have it for free," but I didn't want anyone to feel badly that they'd take it for free, but didn't want to pay for it. Anyway, after asking all of my family members if they wanted it, I finally had a friend of mine come take it for her daughter and son-in-law. They really appreciated it. When they were here, I had them go in my back storage room and take several more items. Anyway, I was stunned. I haven't missed if for a second! That's the weird part. I haven't missed anything I've given away. I feel so free and I love how that feels!

All's good on my end. I hope all's well on yours, too!

Much love,
By Faith... Angie
xoxo

p.s. If my husband or kids ask you for ideas for me for Christmas please tell them to buy me clothes! ;)

Holiday Books for your Children & Grandchildren

Happy Halloween!!

I'm so glad you stopped by my blog today!

As many of you  know, I have lived in the same house for almost thirty years. Although our house is just fine, lately I keep getting the urge to move.  But... whenever we go looking at houses we end up coming home and realizing we still love ours as well as our location close to town.

This year I have been organizing and getting rid of a lot of "stuff" we no longer need.  One thing I have not been able to get rid of is my treasured collection of children's books.  In this digital world we live in, I fear real books are becoming obsolete. There is something about flipping the pages of a book that I love, so I am keeping mine! Seriously, some of my best memories of being a mom involve reading books to my kids.

I had to laugh when I was asked to read a few books written by Soraya Diase Coffelt. Being an empty nester and having adult children, it's been a long time since I've read a children's book. Anyway, they have been sitting on my coffee table for the past few weeks.  I finally read them the other day and I have to tell you that they are awesome!

It's Not About You, Mr Pumpkin is a Love Letter About the True Meaning of Halloween. Honestly I didn't even know the origin of Halloween and I learned so much! It teaches children that Halloween is a lot more than just trick or treating and candy. It teaches them about what is really important.

It's Not About You, Mrs. Turkey is a Love Letter About the True Meaning of Thanksgiving. The author teaches children the historical background of Thanksgiving and that it is so much more than just eating a big meal.

It's Not About You, Mr. Santa Claus is a Love Letter About the True Meaning of Christmas. It explains how gift giving began and the true origin of this most important holiday.

Whether you have children at home or grandchildren that love having stories read to them, I highly recommend these books. The illustrations are beautiful and the stories make you stop and reflect about the true meaning of these very important holidays! Thank you, Soraya Diase Coffelt for sending me these books! I cannot wait until the day (God-willing) that I will be able to read them to my grandchildren.

Soraya Diase Coffelt is a widow and the mother of two sons. A lawyer and former judge, she has volunteered and served as a lay children's minister for many years. God has given her many creative ideas for ministering His Word to children, and her books are among them. In 2012 Soraya established the non-profit corporation, As the Stars of the Sky Foundation, Inc., to assist with the physical and spiritual needs of children. All proceeds from the sale of her books go toward the foundation. 

A Sunday Song... No Longer Slaves

I heard this song at church today and immediately fell in love with it. I've been playing around with Calligraphy, so I decided to write out the words. I listened to the song no less than 20 times while writing.

xoxo

This is on a certain California Girl's fridge now... 

You guessed it; my favorite daughter!

Dune Days // Sunset Nights

First Annual Family time at Naze & Joe's Dune Days and Sunset Nights.

My brother, Chris looking especially handsome!

Love these girls so much!

Our Fall 2015 Napa Trip in Photos

The wine we "blended" won't be ready to drink for 2 yrs.

We toured this beautiful castle.

Best picnic sandwich from the famous Oakville Grocery

Such beauty.

What a view! 

Nothing like a road trip in a convertible.

Got a free tasting from a fellow "Spartan." :)

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah leaves. Learned so much!

Our private "blending" and Bennett Lane Winery.

A cheese plate to remember.

Our perfect mix for our very own bottle.

Linc corking his own bottle.
65% Cabernet Sauvignon
10% Merlot
25% Syrah

My perfect blend.
85% Cabernet Sauvignon
10% Merlot
5% Syrah

Our Adorable Cottage in Calistoga 

My notes...

• angbaylis {8.14.15} Goodbye wine country, Napa Valley. We learned so much about you. Here are a few of our take-aways: We visited many of the over 600 wineries in the valley. They produce some of the best red Cabernet Sauvignon because of the warm days and very cool evenings. Each year's wine is affected completely by the weather. They usually stop watering 3 weeks before harvest. During the day it can get up to 100 degrees and go down to 50 degrees at night. Tannins (the skin) are what make the rich deep colors and texture of the wine. Most wine is not made from 100% of the grapes on the wineries' property. They combine theirs with some of the best grapes from San Jocamo (sp?) or other locations and can cost from $7,000 to $40,000 for a barrel. Each barrel of wine makes about 288-300 bottles of wine. One cluster of grapes makes about one bottle of wine. People are rarely allergic to sulfites that preserve the wine; some are natural and some are added. We blended our own wine at Bennett Lane winery in Calistoga, the most northern winery in the valley . My "perfect" blend was 85% Cab; 10% Merlot%; 5% Syrah. Linc's was 65% Cab; 10% Merlot; 25% Syrah. It will be ready to drink at it's best in about 2 years. We learned and experienced "palate fatigue." We ate a ton of good food and a lot of cheese and plain crackers. We learned so many new adjectives to describe wine's similarity to fruit, textures such as velvety, silky, smooth or course; and full bodied or light bodied, blackberry, cherry, black cherry, elderberry, black currant, smokey, oaky, vanilla, cinnamon, mahogany. Chew your wine like food and feel it on your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind your front teeth. When people smell their corks they smell for old socks or musty. Some people think they just don't like a certain wine, not realizing it could just be bad cork. Wine is stored on it's side so the cork does not dry out. Wine is completely about personal preference and is not right or wrong. I'd like to think we are a little more discerning about the quality of wine. We are still by no means snobs and we like it that way! We can now use our new vocabulary! Thank you for a wonderful time! #nofilter

We left our hearts in San Francisco last month.

Somebody told the hotel he wanted to re-create the moment he proposed. He managed to get the best room in the place! ;) Fairmont Hotel San Francisco

What a view!

Breathtaking view from our room. 

Another pic from our room.

Favorite photo of our trip! :) (We laughed our heads off!)

Our walk.

Loved that Meghan was able to join us for the weekend! 

Loved these boats.

So happy Meghan flew up for the weekend!

Rode our bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge

Redwoods at Muir Woods

Pretending to be a photographer! 

Favorite Song... Good, Good Father

I cannot get enough of this song these days. I love the words... so much.



No matter what kind of father we all had growing up, we have a good, good Father in Heaven who is perfect in every way; who knows what we are going through; has all of the answers we are searching for; and who reminds us that we are never alone.


Oh, I've heard a thousand stories
Of what they think You're like
But I've heard the tender whisper
Of love in the dead of night
And You tell me that You're pleased
And that I'm never alone

You're a good good Father
It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are
And I'm loved by You
It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

Oh, and I've seen many searching
For answers far and wide
But I know we're all searching
For answers only You provide
‘Cause You know just what we need
Before we say a word

You're a good good Father
It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are
And I'm loved by You
It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

Cause You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

You are perfect in all of Your ways
Oh, You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

Oh, it's love so undeniable
I, I can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable
I, I can hardly think
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
Into love, love, love

You're a good good Father
It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are
And I'm loved by You
It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

You're a good good Father
It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are
And I'm loved by You
It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am
You're a good good Father

You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways

Turn your car around

The sweetest five year-old boy stopped me in my tracks yesterday about this time. I was doing what I have done for over 30 years; I was teaching him proper home care, tooth brushing instructions. Since he was obviously having a difficult time, I asked him to have his mom and dad check his teeth after brushing to make sure he was doing a good job.  It was then that he told me his mom and dad were "aborsed."

"Excuse me?"

"My mom and dad are aborsed."

My heart instantly broke for this little guy...

He. Couldn't. Even. Pronounce. The. Word. Divorced.

I have to tell you that even after all of these years I still cannot hear that word without cringing. Lives are being torn apart and I fear what is happening to these poor innocent children. They have no security and think packing for Mom's house and Dad's house is normal. They didn't make the decision. I'm sure no one asked them if it was okay with them.

My job as a dental hygienist is more than teaching a kid how to remove plaque that causes cavities and gum disease. At this stage of the game it is all about one simple word... Compassion. I have learned to be so much more compassionate for all of God's children, but especially kids. I used to get frustrated when I saw that amount of debris on a patient's teeth, but it's a lot easier when I see the bigger picture.

If you are one of the few people stumbling around and happened to click on this blog, please say a prayer for couples to do the hard work and make good choices before marrying... and the even harder work to keep it together afterwards. The greatest gift you can give your children is to love each other; we've heard that a zillion times.

This song popped on my playlist this morning and I don't think it was a coincidence. I guess I needed to hear it, too.I am reminded that there are always two sides to every story.



Hold Me by K.T. Oslin

When I left here this morning
I was bound and determined
I was never gonna come back
Never, never I was running
I was running from you darling
I was running from my job
I was running from the kid in me
He never knows when to stop
Got as far as the edge of town
Then I turned my car around
And headed back to you
(Husband says, "Wife, what do you think?" Wife says, "It's very interesting. Before we talk about your day let's talk about mine.")
When I left here this morning
I was bound and determined
I was never gonna come back
Never, never, I was running
I was running from you darling
I was running from my job
I was running from some wrinkles
No cream will stop
Got as far as the edge of town
Then I turned my car around
And I headed back to you
Come here and hold me, tighter
Tell me tomorrow will be brighter
Kiss me, kiss me a little harder
Don't kiss like we're married
Kiss me like we're lovers
We looked at each other
and started to grin
This morning it was over
This evening we'll start it all over again
Come here and hold me, hold me tighter
Won't ou tell me tomorrow'll be brighter
Won't you kiss me, kiss me a little harder
Honey don't kiss me like we're married
Kiss me like we're lovers and hold me
Hold me, hold me.


"So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things." ~2 Peter 1:12-15

Driving through my hometown

Since we sold our cottage last December I haven't had the need to drive through my hometown of Fenton. This afternoon I had to go to Linden (just past Fenton) to drop off something for my friend. I took the opportunity to drive by the cottage (nope; no regrets about selling it). I noticed right away that the driveway had grass growing all through the driveway. I remember stressing when it seemed impossible to keep up with as the grass kept growing through the little rocks. ;) This probably sounds crazy to you and... this little tidbit of information has absolutely nothing to do with this blog post, but for some reason I felt the need to get it down on paper. I struggle with perfectionism and it was a subtle little reminder to get a grip. Whew!

Anyway...

I also decided that since I don't drive through Fenton very often, I'd take the opportunity to stop by  St. John's Catholic Church and visit the cemetery. Every now and then, it feels like the first time I heard the news that I lost these family members. Seeing Vic's, Mom's and Dad's names written on the stones was surreal. I thought about how much I wished we had one for our brother, Dave. I know people do different things with their loved ones' ashes these days, but I must be old-fashioned; it just seems more real when I see their names, as well as the year they were born and the year they passed. It's getting more difficult to remember all of the dates.  When I looked at my parents' birthdates, I couldn't believe how young they were when they started having children. I cannot imagine starting a family as an 18-year-old. The older I get the more I appreciate how well our parents did parenting us when they were just kids themselves. 

A sweet girl in the rectory unlocked the doors of the main church for me so I could light some candles. I know it doesn't do anything to pray to people but for some reason when I walk in the doors of that church it feels right to pray to our family... and to Jesus for our family. I also know that lighting candles doesn't do anything (or does it?!), but I instantly felt a sense of Peace as I lit three of them. I lit them in honor of some family members going through some "stuff." I like how we pray for "special intentions." That's where you don't get specific, but the people who need prayer know the meaning. It's pretty nice for private people who don't feel comfortable sharing. 

It was a gorgeous afternoon. Since I just got home from vacation I had a ton of catching up to do, but it was nice to take a little time on my own to reflect on what is really important... first. I believe so much in the power of Prayer. I really don't know how people go through life not believing in God and His promises. I am so Grateful for my Faith and the family that God gave to me.

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name." ~Ephesians 3:14-15

I hope you take time out of your busy day to stop and smell the roses and to thank God for your many Blessings!
Love,
Angie

He is everything // Can't live without Him

I find it extremely easy to have Faith when things are going well.  This evening I'm praying for some people who are having a tough time.

If you are like me and are struggling to understand maybe this will help. Have you heard this amazing Prayer by Anne Graham Lotz? It's sure to encourage you to turn to the Only One who can give comfort in a very crazy, broken world.



So much Love,
By Faith, Angie xoxo

Summer 2015 memories!

Happy Thankful Thursday!

I/we couldn't be more grateful for the generous and loving friends God has brought in our lives. We appreciate them more and more every year!

I'm incredibly Blessed on so many levels. I Pray you have people in your life who make you laugh until your stomach hurts!