Melba's Musings

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

That is his official name on his CKC registration - Mister Major Dallas Nye. Sadly, we said goodbye to him two weeks ago today - September 24, 2014 - at just 9-1/2 years of age. Definitely one of the hardest days...

Major first showed symptoms of his disease on a Wednesday, was diagnosed with large cell lymphoma of the intestines one week later, and left this earth just two weeks after that. So very quick and unexpected - but we are thankful for those weeks we still had with him. Specifically the weekend after his surgery/diagnosis I spent all possible hours with him and when I went back to work on Monday the main word I could think to describe the weekend was "sweet." So, I'm very thankful for that time.

Major is buried in our front yard beside a small, weeping cherry tree planted in his honor. When I step out front I often say, "I love you, Buddy" and I quickly hear back in my heart, "I love you, Momma." Mark and I agree that we will probably never have a sweeter dog than Major. Nine years is not long enough, but yet it is the time the good Lord gave us with him. So, knowing that, we have peace and look forward to a day we will see him again when all of creation is renewed through Jesus Christ.

Monday, March 10, 2014

You Are Real

By Melinda Nye (Written 3/10/14)

There’s a card in my drawer with tiny feet

Purchased when, I can’t say

It was meant for your dad to read and know

You were on your way

You are real…to me

There’s a little boy’s shirt hanging so still

In my closet, cute as can be

Meant for the son of a Marine, to be sure

‘Cause that’s what you would be

You are real…to me

There’s a bumper pad re-purposed that was to be yours

It works to hide stuff put away

But it would have been cuter surrounding your crib

Sure wish you would come to stay

You are real…to me

Sweet one, you weren’t even conceived in my womb

Just in my heart and my mind

But love knows no boundaries so I know for sure

You are one of a kind

You are real…to me

I cry many tears knowing we may not meet

It's breaking your dad’s heart, I know

But we both understand that some dreams must die

And will trust the good Lord, He knows

Baby, you are real...to me

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Sunny Daffodils

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Meet Darcy

Meet Darcy, the newest member of our family. She was born on 11/29/13. I quickly nicknamed her Darcy-Bean which has been a good name since she is a jumping bean! She has already provided us with many laughs and smiles. :) Here are just a few of many pics and videos I have already taken.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Ahh... Saturdays

Typical Saturday morning at our house. If Mark sits down, within seconds he has two additions. As you can tell, they make themselves very comfortable! We're thinking about heading over to a local coffee shop for a couple hours but kind of hard to disturb their bliss. :)

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Winter Storm Pax

We were right in the heart of Winter Storm Pax that just finally exited our area around Noon today. It was snow, then ice and then some snow again. I would say about 8 inches at our house. Here are some pictures.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year 2014!

Now I won't deny
The worst you could say about me
But I'm not defined
By mistakes that I've made
Because God says of me

I am not who I was
I am being remade
I am new
I am chosen and holy
And I'm dearly loved
I am new

Forgiven beloved
Hidden in Christ
Made in the image of the Giver of Life
Righteous and holy
Reborn and remade
Accepted and worthy, this is our new name

This is who we are now...

From "I Am New" by Jason Gray - Copyright 2009

2 Cor. 5:17 KJV

Monday, December 30, 2013

Candy Cane Sugar Scrub

I made this sugar scrub for Christmas gifts this year. Here is the recipe for anyone who would like to try making it themselves.

Ingredients
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbls. white sugar
2 Tbls. powdered candy canes or starlight mints
1/4 cup grapeseed or almond oil
1 tsp. vegetable glycerin (optional as a preservative)
20 drops essential peppermint oil

Mix the sugar and powdered candy together first. It works best if you grind up the canes/mints in a food processor until fine. If you don't get it fine enough it will gum up the scrub. Add the oil, glycerin (optional), and peppermint oil and mix thoroughly. I used a high quality peppermint oil. If you use a lower quality oil you may need to add more than 20 drops to your preference. One other note - add more or less grapeseed or almond oil if it is too dry or too wet for your taste.

WARNING: Be careful about using this in the shower or tub where you could slip as it is oily. You can use it on your face if you are not too sensitive, but is definitely good for hands and feet.

Oh - also here is the link for the jars that were used. The amount for this recipe fits exactly in a 4 oz. container. My sister-in-law might suggest you look for a plastic container as unfortunately her glass jar broke. :-)

4 oz Wide Mouth Ball Jars at Target.com

Christmas Day with Puppies

The dogs were happy to have us arrive home on Christmas Day as they were able to get their stockings. ;-) They each got treats, a new toy and a new collar. We were certainly glad to see them... although I'm not sure why they didn't have any gifts for us in return. ;-) I've added a few pics at the bottom taken in the last few days just because they're so cute - in my opinion. :-)

2013 Christmas Travels

This post may be rather long because I just decided to document our Minnesota Christmas trip (after the Mall of America post) all at once. It was a great trip and we were able to see most of the family and friends that we had hoped to see. Unfortunately, not all are shown in the pictures below because I kept forgetting to take them! But it was such a blessing to connect with everyone!