STAY AT HOME MOMS. YEAH, THATS US!

Hugs from Maine

LESSON LEARNED... NOT REALLY.

Sometimes, I wonder. Do I ever really learn what God is trying to show me. Or do I keep going round and round over the same mistakes I've made before, and if I do, WHY?

I think I realized, (think I have, in the last 5 minutes), the reason why I repeat the same mistake (I'm thinking of one in particular), is because I have convinced myself that my input, knowledge, wisdom, (all bs really), is going to make a difference.
And yeah, it does. But not for the good. My input is rarely needed, often rejected and rightfully so.



Blue Eyes and I have raised wonderful, caring, thoughtful, considerate, polite people. They are hard working, love each other, and God. They all know Jesus and for this, I am eternally grateful. At a very young age, their sweet little hearts were understanding of the love of Jesus, his sacrifice for them.

So why do I butt in with all I think, wish for, and feel I can control? My conclusion, stupidity. Motherly stupidity. Our children hear from God. I know this. I've seen this. I need to learn to trust this.

Trust Him.

Trust Him.

Trust Him.

My mothers heart is so very proud of who our peeps are turning out to be. The time I have had with them in their growing up years when I was blessed with being able to stay home with them, love on them, teach them, nurture them...

Now, I must, must, must, let go some and trust God to do what I know He will faithfully do with our, I mean His peeps.

Because after all, they do belong to Him. I am only their mum. A gift I must remember not to take and run with.

Its all so very good, and my mothers heart is more grateful then I could possibly express.

Hugs from Maine

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THIS LABOR DAY

Just a few things I love about this Labor Day...



Eating chocolate pudding made earlier by Blue Eyes.

Spending a quiet afternoon with Blue Eyes.

Seeing the familiar pair of hiking boots by the door, knowing Blue Eyes is home even though its Monday.

Relaxing out on the front porch, hearing someone inside, knowing its not one of the peeps, its Blue Eyes.

Having the house all to ourselves... no peeps around, just me and Blue Eyes.

Yeah... I like this day.

Hugs from Maine

Hugs from Maine

LOOK WHAT I FOUND...

It's a lazy morning here this Friday. The weather has been record breaking hot, and so does not feel like September but does feel like the middle of August.


I don't know if its the thought of fall. The date on the calender saying it is going towards fall. God speaking to my heart...

But, I'm thinking its time for some changes. I don't care for change. You all know that. But sometimes change is good, fun, and a welcome necessity. I'm thinking this is one of those times.

I found the above picture just a few minutes ago on an older post from way back in March of 2009. This was taken the morning our oldest son left for boot camp, which was also his 24th birthday... Now THAT was a huge change.

My peeps... Boy do I love those 4. They have grown up faster then my mothers heart can keep up, and they just won't stop. Life. It goes on even when you would like it to just take a breather.

Its all good, and I am so very grateful.

Hugs from Maine

IT MIGHT SAY SEPTEMBER 1st , BUT IT FEELS LIKE AUGUST !

Pictures I took today in our neighborhood.

Hugs from Maine

LAST DAYS OF SUMMER...

I sit here on my porch realizing once again summer is coming to an end... This is the second summer we have been on Bartlett. It's like a slice of Mayberry. When we first saw this house and were in the process of renting it, I knew right off my favorite "room" would be the front porch. I was right.

This front porch faces the street, and has been a welcome spot for many to sit. We've had good friends call and say could they come sit a bit and chat... My Florida sister when she was here this summer, would stop by while doing her errands in town and sit with willing ears, to listen to her little sister carry on about life, children, and everything in between.

Our peeps have gathered here with their many, many, friends, and laughed the afternoons away...

I have sat out here countless hours each night enjoying the quiet of the street. Chirping of the crickets, glow from the one street light next door.
My peeps have joined me by themselves at different times, when their minds were cluttered and needed sorting, and I have listened.
Even a friend or two of theirs, have asked as late as 10:30 at night with heavy hearts, if they could come by to sit and unload emotions that they have been struggling with for months. How could my mothers heart say anything but, "of course"...


I have sat many, many, mornings hot coffee in hand, tears streaming down my face, just me and Jesus. I pour out my heart to Him, He listens, wipes away my tears, and once again sets me straight. My neighbors walk by with their dogs, and think Im nuts. Oh well.
Blue Eyes and I held our Sweet Baby Girl one whole evening while she cried from the very bottom of her toes, for what seemed like an eternity for our hearts, over a love she was being asked to let go of.

And our oldest son Ben, has hugged on and gotten hugs from, those who love him deeply hoping that all of our love will go with him, to the places in Afghanistan, where he can't talk about.

And I have been blessed to sit on the glider, beside his new bride, and get to know just who she is, how much she loves our son, and to realize how blessed we are to have her in our family.


My most grateful time was not more then a half hour one spring morning when my first born came out and sat beside his mum. We said nothing for a few. We didn't need too. He knew what I was thinking, how my mothers heart was heavy for his safety. How I wished he wasn't going off to war. We sat on this porch, and our first born son, in the brave, strong way that he is, reassured his mum, "I'll be alright Mom. I'll be fine. "

I knew when I saw it for the very first time... This porch was going to be my favorite "room" in our house. And it certainly has been.

Its all good, and I am so very grateful.

Hugs from Maine

IS SUMMER REALLY OVER...

It always amazes me at how things change but somehow stay the same. I think its good to some degree. I've never been one to embrace change. Actually, I've had to work on accepting it, dealing with it, and looking forward to it.
These two have been friends since they were 7ish. Although they don't see each other as much as they use too, they remain connected.

These two on the right, have been friends for a very short time but feel as if they have been friends for their whole lives...

Katelyn and I have had a very emotional summer... lots of tears, loud voices, (screaming), door slamming, foot stomping, and many, many, talks. Sometimes I think she really has felt like this,
(thats her by the way )

But even though many things have changed over the summer for my Sweet Baby Girl, one thing always remains same...


I am her mum, she is my baby girl and the love we have for each other is a strong bond that can not be broken and I am so very grateful for that.

And that no matter what her future holds...

who she chooses to spend her time with, give her heart too...

I know God has her in the palm of His hands, and we have her in our hearts...


She will be loved, protected, and taken care of. What more could this mum ask for!

Its all good, and I am so very grateful.

Hugs from Maine

WOW, HAS IT REALLY BEEN THIS LONG!!!

One of my daughters sweet friends, Heather said to me today, " Mrs. Gurney, you haven't put anything on your blog for a long time!" Well I didn't know she even read my blog. Nice...
I thought I would check out how long I have actually been since I had written, and guess what? Its been too long. So much has happened over these past couple of months. I'll spare you the boring details, and sum up as best as I can. Here goes...

Youth Camping trip at Mt. Blue State Park in Maine

Some one was tired at the end of it all...

Grace looking for items for her team.


This man was actually on his cell at the end of the dock. Only place he could get reception I guess.


Katelyn enjoying some free time at the Youth Camping Trip with her best friend Tim.

Teenagers... enough said. Oh, there's Heather.

On the trip home, Tim and Katelyn were asleep in less then 10 minutes.

The beach area was amazing

Camden, Court, Katelyn and Tim on there own little "camping" overnight.
Totally supervised of course. They are such good kids.

And my favorite picture of the summer thus far... It says so much.


Its all good, and I am so very, very, grateful... Thanks Heather.

Hugs from Maine

ROAD TRIP WEDNESDAY!

Yesterday was Wednesday where you are and where we are... It was also a great start to our summer!!! A much needed "away" day for Katelyn and me and a couple of her friends...


I suggested on Tuesday that we go to the ocean.

The girls were up for that.

The weather wasn't hot and uncomfortable, just breezy and overcast.


We hung out at the water for a bit and relaxed. Then girls being girls, we headed to the Mall.


It was a great day to get away and just be. Katelyn and I both needed some down time.
We decided that Wednesday is officially Road Trip Day for the summer! I don't know where we will be going... it doesn't really matter.


Want to join us!? Its all good, and I am so very grateful.

Hugs from Maine

FRIENDS, FAMILY, & GOD... AND NOT IN THAT ORDER

What a week its been... To say I'm tired, emotionally, physically, and mentally really doesn't cover it. All I want to do is cry. I've been pushed to a limit that I've been pushed to before. I've had to make decisions that were difficult, but necessary. I've had to listen to what my gut was saying to me, family and friends were confirming, and know that it was right. I've been called names that I can hardly repeat. Never easy.

And in all of that, God was faithful. Faithful to remind me of right and wrong. Faithful to use people who love us and our peeps, to reassure me that even though it can get so hard and nasty, they are here. Always here... Helping to clear our minds when they can be filled with confusion.
Here with an ear to listen, and a heart that understands. Reminding me to not be fearful, stay strong and know that it will work its way out. It always does.

When a mother fears her childs safety, whether one is going to war, or another is in relationship that needs to end, she turns into a bear. She just wants to protect her child. It's not something she thinks about. Its something that comes instinctively. I've had to be a bear this week. A couple of times it hasn't been very pretty. And I wish I would have thought before I let my emotions take over. But, I am human, and make mistakes. I am learning that too. And quite frankly, I'm exhausted. Now I know why bears hibernate all winter.

I am grateful for the many friends and family, willing and always ready, to help us through. It has made me strong, so I can do what needs to be done. Pray for, listen too, and hold my peeps...

But seriously... wheres the cave?

Hugs from Maine

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS

Our son, Benjamin Stephen Gurney

Hugs from Maine

THIS, SPEAKS FOR ITSELF...

Hugs from Maine

AND OUR FIRST BORN SON IS MARRIED !

Yesterday, our son Benjamin was married to the sweetest young woman, Kate. Perfect name huh...
We were able to meet and get to know her last week. What a blessing to see your son in love, and someone loving him just as much. Blessing from Him

Hugs from Maine

BENJAMIN IS HOME UNTIL MONDAY, AND KATIE WENT TO THE PROM !

On Saturday night, Katie, Justin and their friends went to the prom.These are the boys waiting at the top of the driveway for the girls to arrive, and here they come...


I took tons of pictures to say the least...

And I stayed up until 4 am editing them. I'm addicted to editing.


Katelyns dress was lovely, and so her. Out of all the gazillion dresses she had looked at, and showed Justin, this was his favorite. She surprised him with it !

They all had a wonderfully, fun time and got home a bit past midnight.



The very next day, Benjamin came home for a weeks visit before going off to Afghanistan. He is here with his fiance, and I just love her. Her name is Katie too !


Holding onto every minute with all of my peeps at home. I haven't slept this well for a long time.
Its all good, and I am so very grateful.

Hugs from Maine