I'm here to tell you...

...that this is going to be a total cop-out post. I might as well be upfront about that. You can stop reading now if you like. BUT WAIT. what if I have some big announcement at the end or something?? Hmmm. Maybe you'd better keep reading after all. you never know!!

...that my hydrangeas are in full bloom and it makes me ridiculously happy. I've been cutting stems of the gorgeous hot-pink flowers and putting them in jars for my kitchen table, giving them away to people whenever I can. Ah, hydrangeas. They're loveliness captured in a blossom.

...that I made chocolate-drizzled peanut butter cookies tonight, and they were, if I do say so myself, quite yummy. Curses on me and my love of baking, for I shall never be thin again.

...that I miss blogging. May is such a busy, busy month, and it just doesn't seem to be something I have time for lately. Sad face.

...that this post should have pictures with it (because posts with pictures are just more fun), but alas, my camera and I have not been very close these days. I took some random pictures of Rosalie the other day and realized they were the first pictures I had taken that weren't phone pictures in at least a couple of weeks. More sad face. (I pledge to take as many pictures as I can this week!)

...that my 2nd annual piano recital with all my students is coming up on Tuesday, and I can't even tell you how excited I am for it. Seeing their accomplishment after all their (and my) hard work is just such a happy thing. I have the best piano students in the whole wide world, if you ask me.

...that while it breaks my heart to see so many wonderful people going through hard things all around me, it is always amazing and inspiring to see their faith and trust in God, even in the darkest hour. I know the Lord will not let them shine for nothing... and I can see how greatly He uses such moments and people.

...that if you should happen to stop by my house, you will most likely find it a mess. Because, well, you see, it's always a mess in some way or another. le sigh. I think we're running out of space. (but don't you let that stop you from coming by, if you want. I'll clear some laundry off the couch so we can sit down and chat, and you can help me eat the cookies I've probably just baked and am trying deperately not to eat. It'll be delightful.)

...that I absolutely love our puppy. Seriously, people. She's the cutest, sweetest little dog, and I love her to pieces. Our little Violetta.

...that I'm almost done with this post. Hang in there, you've almost made it! don't give up now!

...that Friday marked the one-year anniversary of the day we found out that my mom's tumor was completely gone. One year later, and she is still, as far as we can tell, cancer and lymphoma free. Cooking up a delicious storm for her family and friends. Filling pages of scrapbooks with fun pictures. Making a quilt for Rosalie. Teaching women's Bible study. Helping to start a pregnancy center in their town. Being there for her husband, kids, and grandkids. And I am still thankful every day. :)

...that God is good. yes indeed, my friends, He is gracious, and so so good. For all these reasons and more.

...good night, dear ones, good night!

she smiled and she stuck her hand in her pocket, for in it was joy. an abundance of joy, the same kind that can be found anywhere in any day but not every one can see. and she reached in and pulled some out, and handed it to the someone else who stood near. "here," she said. "I want YOU to have this. because, you see, joy is really the best when it's shared."