Sunday Thought ~ Philippians 4:7

Love and Hugs 

Phoebe x

My First Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful day...

even though organizing it was a  bit rushed

We watched Macy's Parade on television

Had a wonderful dinner

then settled down to have a chilled afternoon watching movies

For my first Thanksgiving...it was pretty good

Now to concentrate on the wedding plans

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Happy Thanksgiving

 From our house to yours

Wishing you all a very

Happy Thanksgiving

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Electric Parking!!

I know I come from a small town in Wales...but I never considered myself to be backward. But I have to admit...I have never seen anything like this...

Parking for electric cars!

Welcome to the 21st Century Phoebe!

Love and Hugs x

Ring Shopping

MrD and I have been shopping for a wedding ring

I found it quite surreal.. 80 degree temperatures

wall to wall sunshine...

and suddenly its Christmas

I didnt think it would be so difficult finding the right ring.

In the UK Wedding rings are usually just a Gold band

But MrD had different ideas

After three shops, we found one we both liked

It was a bit more expensive than I would have paid,

but Mr D was insistant...

And it is beautiful

In just a couple of weeks..it will be revealed

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Turkey Hunt

This year will be my first US Thanksgiving, 

and its going to be a bit rushed. 

Next year I hope I will be more organised, 

but for today, we are going in search of a turkey.

But first...brunch at IHop

The diet starts again on Monday...promise

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Sunday Thought ~ Jude 1:20-21

Love and Hugs
Phoebe x

Sunday Thought ~ Psalm 37:7

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Oooops!

I had a text message from Miss C

with this picture attached

"I think I need you to come home right now"

Im guessing its supposed to be eggs!!

Oh Boy!!

I couldn't stop laughing

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Good Morning America

 I woke up this morning to the sound of Fire sirens, freight trains,

and a cat that I'm sure is saying Maaaam!

Mr D treated me to my first American breakfast..

at Dennys

Pancakes,with what I thought was cream, 

but was in fact butter

and eggs with bacon and hash browns 

that look so different than the ones in the Uk

My eyes nearly popped when I saw this feast. 

And I failed miserably and had to take half home

Love and Hugs
Phoebe x

The First Supper

Well...I have arrived safe and sound and so pleased to be back on US soil

Im very tired but very happy to be here

I cant tell you how joyous it was seeing my Mr D again

We had a wonderful supper...chinese takeaway!

Our first meal of so many to come..

 Its a blessing to know we will never be parted again

I'm Home

Love and Hugs
Phoebe x

On My Way....

Looking tired, nervous....but so excited

This is the start of my New Life

But I will miss this girl very much.

Remember Mama Bear loves you.xx

But...for now..

Mr D....Im coming Home

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

All Packed

So here it is...the time has come. My last evening in the Uk. I spent a lovely day with my daughter..and spent the evening pampering with face packs, manicures and pedicures

I'm all packed and ready for an early night. Its a 3am start for me tomorrow. Its an emotional time and I have constant butterflies in my tummy

The next time we speak...I will be on American soil

So until then...take care everyone

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

The Last Supper

My lovely friends had a Farewell Supper for me...

It was a wonderful evening full of fun, laughter and good food

I will miss them all...

but not as much as I will miss this beautiful girl

I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful daughter

Love and Hugs 

Phoebe x

Sunday Thought ~ Hebrews 11:1

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Fall Flowers

Im so looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with MrD. He called yesterday to tell me that his work has given all the staff a $25 voucher for a turkey and the trimmings...so thats one thing orgainised

I know Im leaving it a bit late to decorate for the holiday, but I dont arrive in the US til late Wednesday, which gives me about a week to organise.

I would still like to decorate our home, but I would like to do it on a budget so I have been looking for ideas

This is one I love....

 

How pretty are these?

Fall Jars with Dollar Store Flowers...simple, inexpensive but very effective

Find the tutorial over at Crafting in the Rain

I cant wait to give them a try 

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Grown Up

There's just five days left til I leave for California. I have been waiting for this for so long, that it still dosnt feel quite real, even though I am so emotional right now

Foremost in my mind is my daughter. At barely 21 she is really impressing me with her confidence and attitude, and I just wanted to say how proud I am of her. No matter how much crap life has thrown at her, and goodness knows recently there has been loads, she has taken responsibility, taken control and tried to sort it out. Nine times out of ten she has succeeded. Well...none of us can make things work 100% can we? 

She will always be my baby and I was really worried about leaving her, but no longer. Now I will just miss her....lots. 

My little girl has grown up. 

I love you Baby Bear xx

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

What a Good Idea ~ Butter Wrappers

Baking season is approaching... and Butter season is always here

Save butter wrappers in the freezer to use for greasing pans when baking!

Thank you for the tip Shorts Stop Blog

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Forever in Their Debt

I have shared this post before...

I make no apologies for it...

the sentiment is the same now as it was then.

I will be forever grateful to those who fought and died..

and through their sacrifice

allowed me to have the wonderful life I have now

This is a photo of my Dad. He served in Jordan. 

He is lucky. He came home

This is a photo of my brother. 

He has served in Northern Ireland and  Iraq. 

He is lucky. He came home.

This is a photo of my great uncle Edwin. 

He didn't come home

For all those who fought and died to protect our freedom.

For all those who are still fighting to protect our freedom.

For all those on both sides of the conflict who did not make it home

Today, I will wear my poppy with pride

We will not forget

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Farewell Fairways

Yesterday as my last day at the Nursing Home. It was the hardest most physical job I have ever done. It was a constant round of washing, feeding and changing diapers for people who are totally helpless. The bending, lifting and hoisting was so back breaking. On some of the harder days, especially after a twelve hour shift, I would be too tired to eat..or even speak

I have laughed...I have cried..and some days I have been stressed and overworked to the limit. But I must say..some moments were the most rewarding times I have ever experienced. Like....

Washing and dressing a lady who has had a stroke and can do nothing for herself, and while you are making her comfortable, she kisses your nose and whispers 'thank you'

Kneeling on the floor in front of a gentleman, putting on his socks and shoes, while he is patting your head calling you his 'Golden Angel'

 

Stroking the face of  a lady whose body is so frail and twisted she is bed ridden..and getting a beautiful smile in return

Seeing someones face light up when you enter the room  and stretching out their arms to you for a hug, just because they are so happy to see you

Having your hand kissed, just because you give a sweet~toothed gentleman an extra scoop of ice cream

And so many more. They are simple things...but have meant so much.

And I will say..my work colleagues were just incredible. Sometimes carers and care homes get a bad press. But, there isn't one person amongst them that I could say dosn't give 100 percent. They made a hard job more bearable. I will miss each and every one of them

I don't know if I will work when I get to California...or if I do, what kind of job I will look for. But whatever I do..I know this last year has been a huge, wonderful learning curve, and I'm ready for anything.

Love and Hugs
Phoebe x