Butterfly

Craig and I were relaxing on our deck and two butterflies were flying around, landing, chasing each other, landing...! It was a beautiful sight to watch them. One landed several times on Craig's white shirt while the other flitted and flew in circles. Eventually, they would settle on the deck to rest, catch their breath and sun themselves. (at least, that's what I thought they were doing!)As I watched these butterflies, I was reminded of the difficult changes they go through in their short life. They began as a fuzzy caterpillar and transformed into a beautiful butterfly. Admiring them, I realized if nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies! Our household if changing rapidly. Our kids are transforming from dependent children to married adults. Watching them grow and blossom is a beautiful thing. . . just like the little butterfly flitting around our deck! Thanks, God, for another lesson from nature!

July 4th ride

Yesterday we met Steve and Kathy in Clare and we rode the Pere Marquette trail - Clare to Midland. It was a beautiful ride! It felt wonderful to be on our bikes, outside, away from party-planning-central! The sky was a perfect, cloudless blue and the warm breezes blew into our faces! Steve, Craig, and Stephanie flew off and Kathy and I steadily plodded along. As we pedaled, we discussed lots of things, solving problems as we rode! On our return to Clare, we shared a delicious lunch on the porch of a local cafe - - it couldn't have been more perfect.

Happy Birthday, early!!

We celebrated Gail's birthday this past week. We started off at Bar Louis with a delicious appetizer, and then to Leo's for Greek salad. After several hours of eating, chatting and catching up, we ended our celebration at McDonald's with a hot fudge sundae! Special friends, special times, special memories! I'm so grateful for dear friends.

Parties!! Lots of parties!

Our family is so blessed!! Our wonderful friends and families have showered our kids with love and many gifts!!! Jonathan and Sarah and Julia and Adam have had many showers, parties, and celebrations in the past few months. I'll highlight each celebration and include some beautiful pictures!

March 27th, my sisters hosted a bridal shower for Sarah at Ruggero's. It was a wonderful time to celebrate their upcoming wedding! Jonathan even surprised us with a visit towards the end of the shower. On May 1st, Diane and Gail hosted a bridal shower for Julia at Diane's home. It was Julia's first shower and she was SO excited for it! About 35 neighbors, friends, and family attended. They had prepared fresh, summer salads, fancy sandwiches, fruit kabobs, and tons of homemade desserts. Julia was showered with many gifts, recipes, and advice!! May 22, 2010, Jonathan and Sarah were married in Louisville, Kentucky! It was a beautiful, intimate wedding at a lovely venue, The Pendennis Club, in downtown Louisville. We were surrounded by family and close friends to celebrate their matrimony. It was a perfect weekend shared with many warm and loving memories.On June 12, my church girlfriends 'showered' Julia with a lovely bridal shower. Honestly, it was the most beautiful shower I had ever seen done at our church. The decorations were so sweet ~ high-heeled shoes, lace, tulle, roses, hat boxes . . . very pretty and elegant!! Bobbie shared a thoughtful devotional and prayed for them. Lasagna, antipasto salad, rolls, and a delish cake was served for lunch. It was truly perfect! Julia and Adam received many wonderful gifts for their new home!June 19th, Kay and Kathy hosted a bridal shower for Julia at Kathy's Restaurant in downtown Flushing. The party was in the private room upstairs which allowed for a quaint, sweet setting. Several family and friends came bearing lots of gifts for the newlyweds. Lunch was served from several entrees chosen from their menu and a yummy, mousse-filled cake was served for dessert.To conclude our summer festivities, Craig and I hosted a celebration to honor Jonathan and Sarah's recent marriage. We invited close friends and family to join us for appetizers and desserts. The weather was perfect, after much worry about the projected rain storm. God certainly shone His face on us! Everything turned out more perfectly than planned. About 150 came offer their congratulations! This week, I've had a few quiet days to reflect on the past months and I'm reminded just how loved I am. I am so grateful for friends and family and the joy they bring to me. Now...I'm gearing up for Julia and Adam's big day, August 6th. I'm afraid my quiet days are over and I'm up and running to finish the plans for their wedding! The fun never ends at the Vargo's household!

...there's a spider in my window...

She's wrapping her fly for her dinner!

Last week I watched this busy spider spinning her perfectly straight web outside my kitchen window. She went up and down, back and forth, left to right, and north to south. She was so involved in her work! A few minutes into her building, a fly flew into the edge of her orb. Quickly, she scurried to it and began to encapsulate it in her web. She actually wrapped the entire fly with her sticky substance. After she had 'captured' her dinner, she scooted up the web and back down again. When she felt the web was strong enough, she lifted the mummified fly up to the top. I was enthralled in her perseverance.

As I reflected in my own life, I wonder if God sees me running up and down, back and forth, north to south, and east to west, in my daily busyness. Do you think He's got His hand on His hip, shaking His pointer finger at me, wishing I would s-l-o-w down and relinquish my busyness? Who would have thought that tiny, wispy, spider was placed in my window to teach me a lesson that day. ...hmmmmm

Biking + Dance Club = Fun Weekend

We had a GREAT, fun-filled, sun-filled weekend! Early Saturday morning, we started off for the Bay City Rail Trail . We biked with dear friends for 20 miles and headed back to FlintTown.

We always bike for food!
Friends we met along the way~
When we got home, we headed to Grand Blanc to pick up our annuals. What a huge decision! There were so many beautiful plants to choose from! The car was packed full after we settled on what to buy. I rushed home to hop in the shower and head to dance club. We had a great dinner, fantastic band, and wonderful friends to share the evening. Noticed my sunburned face from biking!!

No wonder the weekends always fly by!! I can't wait to retire!!! :)

Happy Mother's Day

Yummmy breakfast in bed!

This morning, a delicious, hot and steamy breakfast was delivered to my bed! Julia waltzed very early into our bedroom with a tray full of pure delish! She had made a homemade waffle, warmed maple syrup, scrambled eggs, yogurt with granola, and fresh orange juice - - all for ME~! What a delight! Happy Mother's Day from my sweet and thoughtful daughter. It was a beautiful start to my day! :)

As I reflect on another Mother's Day, I am reminded of my mother's love she bestowed in me. I can only hope my children look back one day and see a mom who was there for them. A mom who prayed for them. A mom who took time to listen and share, with loving, open arms. The years have flown by and my children have grown into amazing adults, but I continue to love them more than they'll ever know! I am truly blessed!

...love you and miss you, Mom! Happy Mother's Day!