Andrea's Haven

Zaira's First Birthday

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day to celebrate our daughter's birthday.  Zaira turned one yesterday.   We hosted a gathering at the church park under the giant gazebo.  The weather was absolutely beautiful!  There were clear blue skies, with a cool crisp breeze blowing.  The trees with their mulit-colored gold, red, yellow, and bronze leaves bowed and swayed as they tossed their leaves about. 

It was a busy weekend for all so we had a modest turn out of 20 from the 60 people (includes children and infants) that we had invited.  That was fine ~ all who came had a wonderful time.   We brought the grill and had hotdogs, hamburgers, with all the 'fixins'.   We started at 4 and wrapped the festivities up at 8:30.    Zaira was in great spirits and didn't have a single grumpy moment.

At one point I slipped of with her to breastfeed.  I found a secluded park beach where I could admire the sunset and watch the wind play with the trees.   I couldn't help reflect just how blessed I am.   Of all the generations who have come before me and of all the generations who currently are ~ how is it that I should be so blessed.  I have a wonderful husband and three beautiful healthy children.  We aren't rich by any means but we don't go without the important things: food, clothing, and a decent roof over our heads.

Victoria Magazine is Back!

My dearest friend Victoria is back!  Oh, how I've missed her all these years!  She arrived yesterday dressed in all her holiday finery.  Her crisp pages were adorned in the same loveliness and beauty that she was previously known.   I brewed a hot cup of tea and decided to spend some time with her last night ~ when the house was quite and the kids were tucked away in bed.   Just like a long lost friend she kept me up late into the night!  There was no ill feelings on my part.  I had missed her so much that I just had to catch up on what was new with her.  It was just like our old times together.  Oh how I've missed her!  It's sad that at this time she'll only be only able to visit every two months.   However, I know as women discover that she's about again we can soon expect her to be visiting our mailboxes every month ~ just as in the ole times.  

Welcome Back Victoia Magazine!

Welcome Back! 

Finding a Way to Connect................

I tend to become isolated at times.  It's more due to circumstance rather than by choice.   Isolation tends to become a problem, or a challenge to overcome, when you're a homeschooling mom.  Especially when you're located in a rural area like we are.  This blog [web log] is me putting forth a heartfelt effort to reach out and connect.  I love being connected.  I'm so much all about family and friends.  I'm reaching out and working to make my web of friends bigger.  I love meeting and getting to know people.  We need the connections that only friends can share. 

The Gathering Table is about connecting ~ not journaling.   My private journal is elsewhere and for me.  This is about reaching out, connecting, making friends and gathering together: It's about 'We'.  

So, check it out!  Introduce yourself and share.  I'm so looking forward to meeting everyone!

Will Rodgers:  "A stranger is a friend I haven't yet met."