Living Life With Grace

Life Takes A Turn

2011-08-12T08:40:00.002-07:00

I have been so busy with life, I haven't had time to blog. I have taken time to take some photos
of our awesome Arizona skies.

My daughter, Julie lost her eye sight in June and we have been working to get it back.
A long and stressful task to say the least. Please pray for her.

I believe good things are in all of our future.

Monsoon at Sunset 8/2011

Photo by Gracie

Fabulous Friday

2011-04-15T09:36:00.001-07:00

Fabulous Friday tidbits:

This is Carnitas (Shredded spiced pork) that I will be having for lunch, yum!

I am picking my grandson up from school and we will be dining

at McDonalds. It works well cause he gets to play and I

get to read my book on my Nook eReader.

I have opened an Etsy store, now I have to organize

my collectibles and load my store up. I have

collected all kinds of vintage items and it seems

like they are cluttering up the place so time to let them find a new home.

Ocotillo Blooms

2011-04-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

Ocotillo blooms against a stormy sky.

Yesterday's storm brought cold and rain, it

also brought beauty.

photo by Gracie

Six Word Saturday

2011-04-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

Snow in Arizona in April, brrrr!

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.
It's only six words. You can do it!!

March For Babies

2011-04-04T14:43:00.002-07:00

This is the charity I support please help me here: Team Nancy

Nancy was my sister in law and an awesome person.
She is very missed. Please help me honor her memory
with a donation to The March of Dimes. Click on Team Nancy above to help
or join the team. Love and Blessings to you!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Spring Sunset

2011-03-30T19:28:00.002-07:00

Arizona Spring Sunset

Photo by Gracie

Six Word Saturday

2011-03-19T12:42:00.004-07:00

It started out a good day!

Then I went to the grocery store and came out
to my car being hit. The person who
did this was not even considerate enough to leave
a note with contact info or even an apology for ruining my car.
The sad part is that I have had this car for 7 years without
a scratch, ding or dent.

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.
It's only six words. You can do it!!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Sign of Spring

2011-03-16T11:54:00.001-07:00

~Cactus blooms~

photo by Gracie

Baby Grandson is 2 ~ Happy Birthday!

2011-03-14T09:28:00.001-07:00

YUMMMY!

He couldn't eat the cake fast enough!

Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Quote of The Week

2011-03-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

If you surrender to the wind, you can ride it. ~Toni Morrison

Snow in Tucson

2011-02-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

It snowed all night in Tucson.

The Catalina mountains are white and gorgeous.

Six Word Saturday

2011-02-26T10:05:00.001-07:00

Need a break, going to Mom's!

See ya'll next week sometimes, I am going to
go visit my Mom get some hugs and have a lot of home cooking.

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.
It's only six words. You can do it!!

Wordless Wednesday ~ A Calming Picture

2011-02-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

photo by Gracie

Car Track to The Rescue

2011-02-20T11:22:00.003-07:00

How do you keep kids entertained when they are not at home?

My son whipped this orange race car track out of his diaper bag for his
son and cousin to play with while visiting Grandma's house.
The kiddos were entertained for hours and the grownups got to visit!

Six Word Saturday ~ Office Help

2011-02-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

My office needs some serious help!

How did this happen? Stuff has taken over everywhere!

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.
It's only six words. You can do it!!

Quote of The Week

2011-02-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky. ~Rabindranath Tagore

Six Word Saturday

2011-02-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Ten pounds down, ten to go!

Lost 10 pounds of the 20 targeted, it is going to be a great weekend!

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.

It's only six words. You can do it!!

Quote of The Week

2011-02-06T10:14:00.001-07:00

Strength is the ability to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands -- and then eat just one of those pieces. ~Judith Viorst

A very fitting quote considering my diet and my love of chocolate!

Six Word Saturday

2011-02-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

I want my warm weather back.

I live in the desert and these cold temps are
not fun, just not used to the cold!

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.

It's only six words. You can do it!!

Just 10

2011-02-01T08:12:00.003-07:00

7 down 3 to go, then 10 more and I will
be at my most comfortable weight. It's been a while
since I have been there and I am looking forward to it.
For now I am celebrating the first 7! I already have sooooooo much more energy and my outlook is much happier.

Veggies, fruits, lean meats are what I am eating right now. No sugar, processed or junk food.
Check out Dr. Oz's 10 rules, I am following them too: Dr Oz Just 10. He sent me the very cool bracelet for free. It helps me to be mindful of what I eat.

Quote of The Week

2011-01-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. ~Anne Lamott

I Need a Magic Fairy NOW!

2011-01-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

Seriously, a magic fairy is what I need. 2009 and 2010 were very trying and filled with sorrow. Financial struggles, marriage strife, Illness that took me down for a year, my Dad passed away, my youngest moved to Texas, weight gain and... let's see, I think that about covers it and if there is more I don't want to know. I decided that I was not going to have another year like those two, 2011 is going
to be awesome! Now all I need is that magic fairy to point me in the right direction!
I have already taken steps to change a lot of thing in my life, being grateful for every little thing I have to
start with. Not letting this illness control my life. I am feeling much happier and optimistic. Life really is good!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Little Cacti all in A Row

2011-01-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

Baby Saguaros

Photo by Gracie

Quote of The Week

2011-01-02T15:38:00.001-07:00

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child.

There are seven million. ~Walt Streightiff

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

My miniature Nativity scene.

My Grandson rearranged it so that...

it looks like everyone is being lead by an Angel.

I found my nativity scene set up like this after

Grandson went home from spending his Christmas break here with me.

I love how little children imagine.

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Best for wishes for a wonderful 2011.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

Photo by Gracie

Christmas Day with My Grandsons

2010-12-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

Grandson and Baby Grandson playing together on Baby Gandson's new slide set.

Christmas Day 2010, best day ever!

Merry Christmas to All

2010-12-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

Fun With Santa

2010-12-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

It's Christmas and all the kids love Santa!

Baby Grandson enjoyed sitting on Santa's lap.

Merry Christmas to all!

December Morning in Arizona

2010-12-21T08:15:00.002-07:00

December sunrise in Arizona.

It is suppose to be cloudy and 70 degrees today.

Christmas Count Down

2010-12-20T10:06:00.001-07:00

Grandson decorated my tree...we are ready for presents underneath!
Merry Christmas!

Getting Into The Christmas Spirit

2010-12-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

Quote of The Week

2010-11-21T07:07:00.001-07:00

"Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails.

Explore. Dream. Discover."~Mark Twain

photo by Gracie

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

Photo by Gracie

My Veterans Day Salute

2010-11-11T10:52:00.003-07:00

A salute to my Dad who served with pride for 20 years.

I miss you Dad.

And I salute all veterans and our brave, hardworking troops still serving this great country.

Quote of The Week In Three Words

2010-11-07T15:46:00.004-07:00

Seize the day

Roses From My Garden

2010-11-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

I picked this gorgeous bouquet of roses from my backyard rose bushes.

I only wish you could smell their sweet fragrance.

Halloween is in The Air

2010-10-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

May Jack-o-lanterns burning bright

Of soft and golden hue

Pierce through the future’s veil and show

What fate now holds for you.

~Author Unknown

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Quote of The Week

2010-10-24T09:47:00.002-07:00

When I woke up this morning lying in bed, I was asking myself, 'What are some of the secrets of success in life?' I found the answer right there, in my very room.
The fan said.............Be Cool.
The Roof said...........Aim High.
The window said.......See the World.
The Clock said..........Every minute is precious.
The Mirror said..........Reflect before you act.
The Calender............Be up-to-date.
The door said............Push hard for your goals. ~Author Unknown

Practice

2010-10-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Motorcycle police driving in the retention basin across the street.

They were doing maneuvers all morning.

Ah, Finally Fall Weather

2010-10-20T11:11:00.002-07:00

It has been HOT here in Arizona and I am so ready for cool weather.

Finally this week the heat has been turned off and we are enjoying

the cool 75 degrees we have waited for for so long!

Ahhhhh, I love Arizona!

Quote of The Week

2010-10-17T11:53:00.002-07:00

If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking.
Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk.

~Raymond Inmon

Photo by Gracie

Butterfly Exhibit in Tucson

2010-10-14T12:38:00.001-07:00

My mom and I went to the Tucson Botanical Gardens to see "Butterfly Magic".

The butterflies were so beautiful.

This is just a small sampling of the many butterflies that were there.

They really liked my mom, they kept landing in her hair.

The gardens are adding more butterflies as they emerge from their pupa.

These are all rare, exotic butterflies, not found in the US.

Jerry Lee Lewis - Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On (1957)

2010-09-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

Happy 75th Jerry Lee!

Cute Little Gecko

2010-09-25T09:32:00.002-07:00

This cute little baby Gecko was hanging out on my patio wall.

I love his rainbow colors!

First Day of Fall

2010-09-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

First day of fall.

Now just waiting for the cooler temperatures.

It is currently 102 degrees here in Arizona.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

Photo: Twilight by Gracie

Quote of The Week

2010-08-29T10:54:00.001-07:00

We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence.... We need silence to be able to touch souls. ~Mother Teresa

Photo by Gracie taken at DeGrazia Gallery In The Sun, Tucson, Arizona

Laundry on the Beach

2010-08-27T09:57:00.001-07:00

When was the last time you did laundry on the beach?

Morning Beauty in The Desert

2010-08-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

This tiny little cactus produce three big beautiful blooms!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-11T10:16:00.001-07:00

Sunset 8/10/2010 ~ Photo by Gracie

Quote of The Week

2010-08-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

"A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows."

- St. Francis of Assisi

Photo by Gracie

Six Word Saturday - Oldies

2010-07-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

Diggin' groovy old tunes on Utube.

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.

It's only six words. You can do it!!

Monday...

2010-07-19T08:41:00.002-07:00

Monsoon Season in Arizona

2010-07-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

It is monsoon season, the wind was blowing like crazy, but then, it fizzled and went away.

It would be nice for some rain to fall soon.

Photo: Blowing trees by Gracie

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

Six Word Saturday

2010-07-10T09:39:00.002-07:00

Crickets kept me up all night.

It is summertime and the crickets are out in full all night "symphony".
Especially the one very loud one that has settled into my bathroom.
I searched all over for it about midnight last night and could not find it.

I will be spraying that room with some home pest control today.

Look out cricket and all your little friends too, I am pretty cranky!

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.

It's only six words. You can do it!!

A Rainbow But No Rain

2010-07-09T09:28:00.001-07:00

Last nights clouds way to the East.

It was still 106 degrees at 7:30PM when I took this picture.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Tucson Clouds by Gracie

Lazy Afternoon

2010-07-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

My plans for this hot July afternoon.

Happy Independence Day

2010-07-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

Six Word Saturday

2010-07-03T09:14:00.001-07:00

Laundry Dishes Mopping Vacuuming, OH MY!

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.

It's only six words. You can do it!!

Quote of The Week

2010-06-27T09:53:00.001-07:00

View of Mesa, AZ from Usery Park. Photo by Grace Koehler

A hundred ten in the shade is sorta hot, but you don't have to shovel it off your driveway. ~Author Unknown

Six Word Saturday

2010-06-26T09:34:00.002-07:00

(me at Laguna Beach last year)

Summers are hot here in AZ, it is going to be 106 today...

I long to be somewhere cool.

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.

It's only six words. You can do it!!

Are You For Real?

2010-06-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

Photo by Grace

Quote of The Week

2010-06-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

Perhaps imagination is only intelligence having fun. ~George Scialabba

Father's Day

2010-06-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

If roses grow in heaven, Lord, pick a bunch for me.

Place them in my father's arms and tell him they're from me.
Tell him that I love and miss him. When he turns to smile

place a kiss upon his cheek and hold him for awhile,
...because remembering him is easy, I do it every day.
There's an ache in my heart that will never go away.

Six Word Saturday

2010-06-19T11:11:00.001-07:00

Ziggy sums up how I feel.

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.

It's only six words. You can do it!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

Something Fun!

2010-06-15T08:43:00.001-07:00

Flag Day ~ You're A Grand Old Flag

2010-06-14T08:36:00.001-07:00

You're a Grand Old Flag

by George M. Cohan

You're a grand old flag,

You're a high flying flag

And forever in peace may you wave.

You're the emblem of

The land I love.

The home of the free and the brave.

Ev'ry heart beats true

'neath the Red, White and Blue,

Where there's never a boast or brag.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

You're a grand old flag,

You're a high flying flag

And forever in peace may you wave.

You're the emblem of

The land I love.

The home of the free and the brave.

Ev'ry heart beats true

'neath the Red, White and Blue,

Where there's never a boast or brag.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Keep your eye on the grand old flag

Quote of The Week ~ Laughter

2010-06-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. ~e.e. cummings

Six Word Saturday

2010-06-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

We have a turtle named Myrtle.

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.

It's only six words. You can do it!!

Too Cute Not To Share

2010-06-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

Baby Grandson's One Year Old Portrait. Way too cute!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

What a difference a year and almost a half makes...

2010-06-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

Baby Grandson in his swing:

4 days old

15 months old

Wow time sure does fly! Such a sweet baby.

Random Thoughts

2010-05-28T10:19:00.002-07:00

Wow! The time just keeps flying by. It is almost June.

*******

I got a great start on the week cleaning out old dishes making room

for a gorgeous set of new dishes I purchased. Then BAM

on Tuesday morning I was sick with some kind of stomach bug.

I couldn't get out of bed until Thursday afternoon. So much

for making progress on clearing out the house!

********
I am a Gleek and it was incredibly hard to watch Glee and throw up at the same time.
But one good thing did come out of watching glee even though I was sick, I became
a Lady Gaga fan. I have an iTunes gift certificate and I may purchase a couple songs!
**********

Too bad the Suns lost. I was rooting for them.
*********

I am excited about going to Tucson and catching up with

my relatives at two different Memorial Day BBQS.

********

Have a safe and wonderful long Memorial Day weekend

and pray hard for our country, I have never witnessed so much turmoil.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

Quote of The Week

2010-05-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.
Henry Ford

Six Word Saturday ~ Mother's Day Weekend

2010-05-08T10:35:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms!

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.

It's only six words. You can do it!!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Well Sort Of

2010-05-05T09:42:00.001-07:00

Quote of the Week

2010-05-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

Children make you want to start life over. ~Muhammad Ali

Six Word Saturday ~ Arizona Desert

2010-05-01T13:07:00.003-07:00

Come on out to the desert.

The Arizona desert is in bloom and it is gorgeous! I have spent the last two Friday mornings with a friend going to out scenic state parks and photographing desert blooms and cacti.

Friday 4/23 ~ The Lost Dutchman State Park

This park is due to be closed on June 3, 2010

Friday 4/30 ~ Usery Mountain Regional Park

Photos by Grace Koehler

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.

It's only six words. You can do it!!

PS AriZona ice tea is not an Arizona product.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

Ocotillo Blooms by Grace Koehler

Six Word Saturday ~ Happiness

2010-04-24T09:00:00.001-07:00

Gretchen Rubin's Book is really awesome.

I have been reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin all of last week.
This book is perfect for anyone, whether you are happy or not.
I am happier already!

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.
It's only six words. You can do it!!

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

A bromeliad growing on a tree branch in Texas.

Photo by Grace Koehler

27 Years Ago Today...

2010-04-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

My beautiful sweet daughter was born.

My daughter Julie, far left with her brothers and sister.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET JULIE!!!

Fun Tax Day Video

2010-04-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-14T10:48:00.002-07:00

Stop and Smell The Roses

2010-04-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Roses from my garden, beautiful spring!

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

2010-04-11T09:20:00.003-07:00

My Favorite version of this song:

Six Word Saturday

2010-04-10T07:32:00.004-07:00

Nobody home but me, ahhhh quiet.

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.

It's only six words. You can do it!!

Desert Bloom by Grace Koehler

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-07T11:49:00.000-07:00

Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair... ~Susan Polis Shutz

Six Word Saturday ~ From Texas

2010-04-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

On vacation in Texas, having fun!

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.

It's only six words. You can do it!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

Ray Stevens - Throw the Bums Out

2010-03-23T08:41:00.001-07:00

Love, Gracie

Spring Sunset

2010-03-21T10:54:00.002-07:00

“Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal.” Elbert Hubbard

Six Word Saturday

2010-03-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

First day of Spring is today!

Go on over and visit Cate, see what everyone else is saying.

It's only six words. You can do it!!