Stand beside her...and guide her...

 Good morning and Happy 4th of July to my friends here in the states.

I thought the piece was perfect for today!

As you can see,this is a metal plate.This type of serving wear was huge back in the 50's and 60's and now you see it all over,at thrift shops,garage sales... why not repurpose it- right?

I made this piece to bring out to California for my son Lindsey and his gal Hannah.
The kids loved it and said it was the best gift ever!

Seeing that the gift went to California with us...I thought this was a great segue into photos of our trip out there with the kids!
If you have some time,photo heavy post, so grab a cuppa and relax.

 On Friday we took a couple hour drive to Monterey.
Here are a couple of quick facts(via Google)about Monterey Beach.
Monterey is a city on California’s rugged central coast. Its Cannery Row, one-time center of the sardine-packing industry, was immortalized by novelist John Steinbeck. Today, it's a popular strip of gift shops, seafood restaurants and bars in converted factories. Also famous is Monterey Bay Aquarium, with thousands of marine animals and plants on display.
We opted for eats and walking...

 Linds showing his good side...

 Hannah always has a good side!

 Me and Riley posing for the camera.I should have moved my chair closer!(yes,the stretch was uncomfortable!)

  I was having fun,snapping photos!This one came out pretty neat!

Below is where we ate breakfast.at Lulu's. You give them your cell number and they call you when they have table and chairs available.it took 35 minutes for our call back.

 

 








 Riley and Linds got these huge wraps,Hannah had a Normal size waffle...

 And I asked for the HUB,not realizing exactly what it was. The HUB as in Hub Cap size! YIKES! Hannah helped me, but we still left much on the plate! We all could have had a quarter of this and that would have been plenty! lol

 

 We strolled the shops and Riley was into trying things on! heeheee 

and kayak-ers on the ocean-how funny was that? Something I have never seen.

 Back at the house,our host and hostess did a fine job with preparing delicious meals for us, and they really worked so well together. Made me feel good to see this ")
on another note,Mom was not allowed in the kitchen when they were cooking-What?! lol

 This is Rae she is a sweetheart and would walk over me while I was sleeping. They have another kitty named Trevor,but Trev is totally camera shy!

 So we went to this really cool store called the World Market and they actually sell this stuff! heehee We opted for a couple bags of delicious coffees instead!

 Another day out brought us to this park for walking.This park is all trails and salt lakes.

 














This photo reminds me of Linds when he was a little boy.It makes me tear up every-time 

 I guess this spider forgot to move before the sun dried up the water"( Cool photo though!

 This is summer in California- the green grasses are now gone till next spring again-and this is why fire safety is so important!

Now back home for another meal,Lindsey indulges me for more photos! lol And tonight Mom gets to cook Lindsey's favorite meal-Chicken Kiev.It was yummy!

 Rile lounging and chillin. The weather was perfect all the while we were there.

 and...Hannah loved making mixed media! She was a fast learner and has taken to modeling paste, stencils and stamps like she was born with them in her hands! heehee

 Hannah is a big fan of Distress Oxides as well-she takes after me! LOL

 Rae posing for Gramma
(yea I know she is a cat,but till they give me grandchildren,the kitties are my grandkitties!)

 Beautiful flowers on the trees outside their apartment

 Hannah snaps some photos from above

  having Mom and Son time.

I miss them so much already. Linds is my baby at 32-I can't believe it was that long ago he came into this world!

 My sweethearts are moving to Texas in August to start a whole new life! Stay tuned,I may end up a MIL and grandma yet! ")

 Family=LOVE

 Bless us,Everyone!

Well my friends,this was a heartfelt post today. I cried when I edited my photos and I cried when uploaded these as well, now as I look over my post...here I am tearing up again! I better get this posted and move along before my eyes start to swell! heehee

 My love for my children is something that is too hard to express and you other parents reading this know what I mean.

So,truly, thanks so much for being here and indulging me!

And in spite of all that is wrong right now in our country right now, I have a great love for her and pray that she will be guided by the light to what is right. 

I wish you all,

Peace & Love

Jackie ")

DecoArt Products used :

DecoArt Chalky Finish~Everlasting
DecoArt Chalky Finish~Honor

DecoArt Americana Acrylic~True Red

DecoArt Americana Decor Stencil~Americana Tribute