SUCK IT IN AND SQUEEZE!

Since # 1 daughter, hubby & #3 & #4 grands flew to the beach this year----I had to pick them up in my car.  (Don't really understand why they didn't want to drive the 13 hours and be stuck in Mobile traffic for over an hour)  ANYWAY---- this saga begins with me having to get my car seat out of the attic----re:Fireman to the rescue.  It was approximately 500 degrees (PIZZA OVEN) when I climbed those stairs and wrestled that not so light buddy down.


Then I had to put that car seat and another borrowed one in my car.  In case you wondered---not to fear---the entire car may be destroyed but those seats will not move an inch once you have hooked all those hooks and closed all those belts.  That only took a little over an hour---in my garage in the 100 degree heat!  WHAT FUN!


SO---I get to the beach a day before the Jennings crew and go pick them up early on Sunday.  I drive a small car---I knew when I bought it I was going to miss all those SUVs I've driven over the years---but it seemed the practical thing to do at the time.  Once you put the two cars seats in the back there is approximately 12" for someone to sit between them.   GUESS who got that privilege!  The SIL---a man---HAD to be in control and drive---the daughter--now expecting Grand #5 couldn't be asked to squeeze in---SO.  If you turn sideways-after crawling over a car seat to get in and hold your breath while squeezing in the widest part of your body ---it's sort of like pulling on those too tight jeans---you couldn't wear on your best day.  ANYWAY---I made it and 45 minutes later---they got the jack out of the trunk and pried me out.


When Grand # 5 comes---someone is going to have to be strapped to the roof!

A LITTLE HISTORY LESSON ON NAMES

I am currently reading an Ireland inspired book.  I learned something new---and wanted to share it with you.  The origin of the Mac, Mc, and O prefixes for names:

Irish last names reflect the long history of the island of Ireland, from the days of the Celtic High Kings through successive invaders to modern times.

Born Maureen FitzSimons in Dublin, the young actress
adopted the name O'Hara, an ancient Irish
last name historically found in Sligo and Antrim.



In the same article, I found that other names were derived from the occupation of the father-
The word for a blacksmith in Irish was gabhann and the occupation had long ago found its way into a common Irish last name as Mac Gabhann. A large indigenous group of Mac Gabhanns was based in Co Cavan; whether by choice or threat, their name was translated to Smith and stayed that way. Outside of Co Cavan, however, many Mac Gabhanns didn't adopt the translation. They anglicised the spelling, instead, becoming Mac/McGowans.
These names were both Irish and Scottish in origin.
SO---I guess with my Scottish/Irish roots---I should be glad the my surname is not--
Mc James-Beancounter

They did not become hereditary, however, until the 11th century. Up to this time, and for much of the Celtic era, surnames (for want of a better term) lasted just one or two generations.

The prefix 'mac', meaning 'son of', was used. So Kieran mac Fiachra was Kieran the son of Fiachra, and his son might be Darragh mac Kieran ie Darragh the son of Kieran.

Alternatively, the prefix 'O' (or the older form 'Ua') was used to mean 'grandson of' or 'descended from'. So Kieran O'Conor was the grandson or descendent of Conor. While Oisín O'Laoghaire was a descendent of Laoghaire.

HOW DO YOU CHANGE---

I have been thinking today about how you change your thought orientation after 40 years of being oriented a certain way.  After a long discussion about why---certain thoughts continue to reoccur----questioning thoughts---doubting thoughts---thoughts that do nothing but dredge up pain, insecurities and reinforce a negative self-image---there is no answer but time.  Perhaps time does heal all wounds---and perhaps a change in venue ------staying busy with life affirming projects----caring for those less fortunate----working harder---perhaps that is the answer.  Time will tell----God is faithful!

JUMPING THE WAVES

I might let you stumble---

    I might let you fall-----

          But I am always there watching---

                To lend a hand and help pick you up!

FACING THE WAVES---

There are times that life is filled with waves----

We are filled with fear when looking at what is coming---and it seems we will be washed away or thrown to the bottom of the sea.  


THEN---we call for help and someone MUCH stronger reaches down and lifts us up and holds us in His arms.   Protecting us---carrying us --eventually helping us to face the wave and even enjoy the ride-----


ALL IN THE SAFETY OF HIS ARMS!

PILLOW TALK

One of the men in my life & I had a little pillow talk one of the nights he slept with me--


"I love you, Henry."


"I love you too, Lulu.           Does that make you happy?"


"Yes--from the top of my head to the tip of my toes.   Can I put my hand on your arm?"


"I'll hold your hand, Lulu."




MELTS MY HEART!

IT'S THE SIMPLE THINGS----

Truly it's the simple things in life-

Summer Birthday Parties With The Boys Making The Shark Cake

Reading Books

Lulu's Spaghetti

Blowing Bubbles

Shooting Water Guns

Watching the Fireworks