Flashback Friday - A wedding re-visited

My baby sister is getting married in 8 days! 

It brings a lot of forward, hopeful thinking.  But for me, it also sends me reminiscing.  And today I went back to my big brother's wedding.  :-)  and giant smiles and happy memories.  Here's some pics so you can flashback with me... 

Cousins before the excitement begins.  

They are too sweet for words.

Big brother and new sister enjoying the cake!

Love these two!

My most wonderful hubby and I.

So blessed to have this man!

The cousins having fun w/ Uncle Bryan!

(or 'Dad' for Rayne)

What a great sport to have confetti sprinkled on his head.

There's always time to stop for a good meal. ;-)

.

Getting a little snuggle time in...

don't think Janie will be holding B at her wedding.

Happy 9 Years and counting, Bry and MLE!

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I Got Your Back

I recently watched "The Blind Side" with a group of Aussie gals.  We enjoyed dinner, stories, laughs and the movie together.  It was an evening of friendships, both long lasting and newly beginning.

The movie paralleled that on a very deep level.  While the relationships in the movie begin with kindness and the hand of friendship, they develop into something exponentially more.  So much more, that it's both beautiful and humbling.

"I got your back."  That statement was used powerfully in the movie.  And it speaks volumes.  The steadfastness, the trust, the love, the acceptance, the true dedication and devotion that accompany that commitment.  very powerful.

Like any words, they can be easily spoken without meaning and honesty.  But to truly mean those words, to fully show the support they imply, to willingly stand beside a friend in the hard moments, is surely both special and rare.

If someone's got your back, you are a truly lucky person.


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A Little Something

Most afternoons, when I'm walking Brenna home from school, she asks the same question as we step onto our front lawn.  She asks, "Did I get a package today?"

After a several rounds of this, I grew concerned.  I asked her if she was expecting something.  "No, just being hopeful," she cheerfully replied.  So each afternoon, we play this game.  She asks, and I say 'nope.'  But she doesn't stop asking.

About a week ago, I gave her a different answer.

Sitting on the table when she got in, was a small envelope.  To me, it didn't seem like much, but I couldn't have been more wrong.  She saw it and exclaimed, "A package!"  She excitedly took the note card sized envelope and snuggled into an armchair with a smile on her face.  Inside was a small paper with only a few sentences from a former Bible class teacher.  To Brenna, it was a beautiful, day-brightening, larger than imaginable package.

It likely took less than five minutes to write that note and less than a dollar to post it, but the joy and treasure that it brought far surpass any measure.

Thank you, Mr. Mike, for taking the time to write and send that note.  It was (and still is) cherished by my precious little girl.  And, by me.  It may have just looked like something little to me, but it's impact was much bigger.

May I follow through on my 'little somethings' for whatever impact they may make.
... also, may I hold to hope as easily and as lightly as my little girl.

Wordless Wednesday - Not-so-central Heat

Flashback Friday - Janie Jo

They say time flies when you're having fun... and in this case I'll have to believe it!  Today's flashback is dedicated to my wonderful little sister... who surely can't be getting married...  in just over TWO WEEKS!  So excited for her as she's about to begin a new journey.  But before that happens, let's look back...

Jane as She-Ra in the school Halloween parade

kindergarten

Posing for a photo shoot

(she tolerated so very much from her big sis)

about 7 years old

Riding buddies, (other sis, Jill)

all decked out in equestrian gear and ready to show

I'd have to guess... sometime near middle school

Summertime fun!
Hangin' with the nieces and nephew
just three years ago!

Love you, sweet sis!

Wordless Wednesday - D's creation

:-)

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Tuesday's Tangent - animals

I was talking with a friend recently, and we discovered some similarities between people and animals.  Actually, it was specific people with specific animals.  I know, not your normal conversation, but sometimes these things just happen... it was a "you had to be there" moment, I guess.

So, in the spirit of fun I'll share mine with you.  (that's what you were hoping, wasn't it?)  If I were an animal, I'd likely be a lizard.   You see, I have issues with maintaining my own body temperature (and it's better than a snake, they're scary).

Any brave readers out there willing to ponder this silly though and share what animal you might resemble? or have traits of?  hmm...

;-)

Good times in Gosford

This weekend the family took a trip up to Gosford to meet with the elders of the church there and enjoy some fellowship and fun with some of our church family there.  We had a good discussion that lead to some introspection (I think that's the right word...) and ponderings, as well and clarifications.  I don't have any pics from then, but I do have some shots of the the fun parts the rest of Saturday.

The men chatting. :-)

Two Davids and a Shawn. 

After a super scrumptious lunch, 

Chris is topping a homemade pavlova to share!

A true Aussie delight.

The picture doesn't show the yumminess of this tasty treat!

And I experienced fresh passionfruit for the first time, too.

Laura shared her favourite cookbook with Brenna and Joy.

She's made some fantastic food from it, or so they say. ;-)

Still serving up some goodness, as the troops start to circle.

(nah, there was no circling, just chatting)

The Gosford HIM (not sure if that's the write acronym) workers, Ann and Jenny,

along with Brenna, Shawn, and all-around great guy, Dan

at... a hockey game!  (surprising, I know!)

(if you look closely, you can see Darian, but he's hiding)

Gettin' some hockey on!

It was fun to cheer and stomp and make noise!

(don't tell, but I started cheering for the other side...

they were the underdog, final score 12-2)

Dan helping with some personal hygiene.

Okay, that's not true, he's just being silly.

This pic's here, just to prove I was at the game...

but it was a little fuzzy cuz the flash was off.  Better next time, eh?

Finally caught Darian in a picture...

...sadly, he's trying to help Dan clean up.  Sorry, Dan.

B's got the cat's cradle masking her face... or it could be 'owl's eyes'... hmm...

Thanks for the evening, Dan!  It was great fun!

I wish there was a non-interruptive and non-distracting way of taking pics of worship time, but I haven't figured that out yet, so there's no pics of Sunday morning with the Gosford family.  It was lovingly lead by Dan, and I appreciate the thought and heart he puts into it.

Flashback Friday - That's me...

about four years old

and I'd guess my talented Mom made that outfit.  ;-)

I remember thinking that was the coolest carpet ever!
good fun!
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Wordless Wednesday - outlook

Keeping in Touch

Being far away from family and friends, we sent out email newsletters of recent happenings with our work and family news.  It's just another way of keeping up with the Griffith family down under.

If you're not on our email list and would like to be, just follow the link below and sign up.  If you get tired of hearing from us, it's just one click to remove yourself. 

Yep, I'm interested in email news... click here.

Leave a comment if you have any questions or concerns. 
or just to share an update of what's going on with you!  :o)

Tuesday's Tangent - ideas

I have such great ideas.  Really, I do... well, once in a while I do.  But sadly, these often flash into my head without warning and float off again before I can get them written down somewhere.  :-/  I'm sure that sounds a bit like a 'fish-that-got-away' story to you, but it does happen. 

I wonder if sometimes my actions are like that.  I guess they would be more like intentions.  I have a thought, a wanting to do something.  I agree with myself that it's a good plan, and yet, sometimes my follow-through just isn't there.  I think that's something I need to work on...  on doing the little things that just might make a big (or even little) difference for someone else.  I'm gunna chew on that one for a while... and hopefully move on it too.  (not sure you wanted to join in my journey with that much detail... but you got it!)

Another idea that's floated around in my head recently is the beauty of mistakes.  I witnessed part of something that encouraged me and was a blessing.  However, for the ones who were in charge of the event, they were disappointed by the hiccups that occurred... which was part of the beauty and blessing for me.  God's neat that way, he can use our 'oops-es' to bless others.  Good stuff.

Happy tangent day!
Hope you find a few to brighten your day.