Creative Outlet

Digital Scrapbooking is a fun and creative outlet I discovered (again) last January. I first explored the hobby 5 years ago about the time my grandson, Zachary, was born. I was having a hard time locating supplies back then and the software I knew of was very expensive. So...fast forward 5-years and the availability of online materials and user-friendly, affordable software is phenomenal, and I have a new hobby.

This is what started it all...I was making cupcakes for Abbey's 12th birthday and came across a video on YouTube where the demonstrator made cupcake toppers using My Memories Suite Software. As shown above, I got the flags made pretty quickly and from that point on I was hooked!

This is the first actual digital scrapbook page I made. I was finishing up on FaceBook before running out the door to a very important birthday pedicure appointment - Abbey's first, when I saw a posting from My Memories about a kit titled Beauty Parlor. I grabbed up the kit, made sure I had my camera with me, and ran out the door. That night I had my first layout.

Since that time I've been acquiring kits, learning new techniques, making layouts, organizing materials, meeting folks in digital scrapbooking circles on FB and in online storefronts, participating in Speed Scraps (which don't require you to be speedy), and looking into PhotoShop Elements software for some things that can't be done(yet)  in My Memories Suite.

Folks outside my family won't care much about my digital scrapbook pages...and that makes perfect sense considering this is a hobby that allows you to document your life in a beautiful and personalized fashion.Key word there: personal. The test for me is easy...when I look at a layout I've done and get that 'I really love that page' feeling - I know I've captured the memory/event/photo just right. Digital Scrapbooking makes me feel good...the whole process from the creativity involved in the layout to the final product that has preserved a memory - a moment in time.

As I'll be showing you here, my favorite scrapping projects involve everyday life. We'll remember the big events - it's the day-in, day-out activities that get lost easily yet make up so much of our lives.

This looks like a great place to start.
Our family is large and we often grab a bite to eat at the local CiCi's Pizza where they can seat us easily, it's inexpensive, and for the kids' sake...it's PIZZA. The plaza where it's located is often the backdrop of family snapshots. Here's my granddaughter, Alexis, just being cute.

My grandson, Matthew, lives in Texas. I jumped on a couple of photos his dad posted since I don't get very many.

Here's my youngest son, Chris. He's a big Wesker fan and I made this page for him as a surprise for his birthday.

Here's another of Matthew. Such a cutie!

This was done for an "All About Me" challenge on a scrapbooking site.

This is a layout featuring my daughter and son-in-law. We were at a church carnival and while the weather was picture perfect, the ladybugs were enjoying it as much as the people. They were everywhere!

My 15-yr old son is working at the local Boy Scout camp this summer. They had a camp staff weekend, a camp staff week, and then finally camp. This layout was a speed scrap featuring Chris as he arrived for the first camp staff weekend.

This layout is titled "Abbey's Locket." Abbey, my youngest daughter, lost 2 of her grandparents the year she was born. She received a locket for her birthday and she keeps pictures of her maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather.

Speaking of Abbey, here she is...this too was done for a speed scrap. Aside from the fact that she's not big on pink, this layout captures her pretty well.

This is our youngest grandson, Zachary. He was a prince at his preschool's Valentine's Day party.

This is definitely one of my favorites. I took rapid-shot photos of my husband and youngest son while we were at lunch one Saturday afternoon.

This is our middle daughter who celebrates a birthday near St. Patrick's Day. It's her adopted holiday. Just had to give her a pocket full of wishes here.

Another favorite. These are 3 of my kids at the local park.

That's a good bit for now. I'm trying to get layouts set up here so I have a place to direct others to when the need arises. And, of course, truth be told...I also like showing off my kids :-)  

Digital Scrapbooking

Having a great time with Digital Scrapbooking, a new hobby I started at the end of January '13.

This is a layout I put together for a Speed Scrap hosted by Celeste of Touched By A Butterfly. She's also running a "Anything Goes" challenge at MyMemories.

I'm thinking about...

Concert Series at a local university this evening. It appears the weather will cooperate for a change. Still a bit hot but no storms and even the heat won't be as bad as it's been recently. Looking forward to a fun evening with the kids!

Too hot for many of the great summer activities offered in our area. As one who lived most of my life in south Florida you'd think I'd be used to that...high temps and higher humidity. At least here we only have a few months of that followed by a discernible fall.

My ADHD in action...I opted to make a project for my husband's office...photos of a local spot adhered to canvas. Then came the decisions...black/white, sepia, color. I'm supposed to paint the canvas first including the edges. Hmmm...what color? that depends a lot on the first question. Next...1 large canvas with the 3-prints side-by-side or 3-separate canvas' hung next to each other? I thought I liked the idea of 3-separate ones but that's when I thought the pics would be vertical rather than landscape. Oh no-sidetrack ahead....while researching the how-to's of my project I came across another project idea. Now I'm thinking of abandoning the original project idea and go instead for this new one.

Knitting...lest you think the above scenario is a rarity, think again. I found a lovely infinity scarf project I wanted to knit. I went to the store and found the color yarns I needed and hurried home to get started. While reading over the pattern and the comments of other knitters who had made it. Now I'm thinking instead of 4-different yarns I could just buy a nice color-changing yarn and avoid all the yarn changes. I did that and then started looking at other knit patterns. Found one that looked nice and started knitting the now-revamped project, got a few sections completed and then found I had turned the project around at some point. Ouch!!! Now trying to decide whether to rip it all out and start again or just rip back a portion and continue on.

Wash or Dish Cloths... I'm getting very good at knitting them. When I'm in-between projects or discouraged with other knitting projects I knit dish/wash/spa cloths (spa cloths when I'm feeling fancy!). I started one last night after discovering the turned-around section of my infinity scarf. It does keep my daughters happy...they love them!

Home Shopping...I've been amazed how many things I find on home shopping channels that I simply must have. Fortunately my budget hasn't been in agreement so there's been little-to-no damage there. I think I'll sit back one day and have the tv on in the background and keep track of all the things I'd like to order. See just how much damage I would do in a day. Have you seen the aluminum foil/plastic wrap/wax paper dispensers??? And for only 2-easy payments...

Time to start getting ready for our picnic/concert evening. No rain clouds in sight.

No Place for Fear...

This came through a group posting that I follow. I love this message and this was a great time for the reminder. Courtesy of Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

No Place for Fear

So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” —Matthew 14:29–30

Peter was willing to put it all on the line. He and the other disciples had been straining against the waves and wind all night long when Jesus appeared to them, walking on the water. Wanting to prove his courage to Jesus, he made an amazing statement: “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water” (Matthew 14:28). These were rough seas, and Peter was willing to literally step onto them because He was looking at Jesus. That gave him confidence and courage.

It went well for awhile until Peter started to sink. And why did he sink? Because he took his eyes off Jesus and put them on other things. The Bible tells us, “When he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid” (verse 30).

Circumstances can be frightening. When your boss calls you in and tells you the company has to downsize and they are letting you go, when the doctor calls you with the test results that are not good, when you open that letter from an attorney that says you are being sued, it can scare you. It can devastate you. And it can cause you to take your eyes off Jesus.

Where fear reigns, faith is driven away. But where faith reigns, fear has no place. Faith and fear don’t mix. As you bring in faith, fear will walk out the back door. But if you invite fear as a resident in your life, then you will drive faith away.

Peter had faith. He had his eyes on Jesus. He was doing the impossible. But then he started to sink, because he took his eyes off Jesus. In his case, he looked at the wind. In our case, it might be something else. But when we forget God, we will start to sink.

Copyright © 2011 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.

Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.

You just never know...

Last Monday I wrote about certain milestones within the family, and yes, the kiddos had a great day at pre-school. Later that day I took Abbey to sewing class, stopped by the grocery store, went home and fixed dinner. Just hours later I was in the ER. You just never know...

I remember when my mother fell ill in the wee hours many years ago. There was such an unusual series of events leading up to it. At least a dozen reasons why I should be sound asleep and unable to hear her. But...I wasn't asleep, I did hear her, and we were able to get help. I have always been certain that God's hand was leading the day's events.

I can't help but believe that again. For two-weeks or so I had been having heart-rhythm concerns. A 4:00 am phone call (nobody on the line) woke us up and I soon realized I was feeling very odd. That feeling got worse and I was having typical heart-attack warning signs. Off to the hospital we went.

Monitors, IV's, blood work...all was going well. They gave me the 1st of 3 Nitroglycerin tablets to ease the pressure I was feeling on my chest. Before the 2nd pill I suddenly felt dizzy and knew I was going to pass out. My heart stopped for 20-seconds. Everything went into high gear at that point.

Ambulance ride to the larger hospital, multiple tests, pacemaker surgery Wednesday morning, home Thursday afternoon.

Pretty standard, right? Well, not really. The heart rhythm issues I was having turned out to be harmless. The chest pressure, weakness in left arm, tingly fingers, etc... we have no idea why. My heart tests came back fine.

What we did learn was that I have something called malignant vasovagal syncope. It means I pass out a lot. Generally caused by situations which lower my blood-pressure and an over-reaction within my body. I think. The Nitroglycerin dropped my blood-pressure and the rest kicked in. That's when my heart stopped. That's a simplification but explains it pretty well.

So...even though my heart tests fine, I have a pacemaker. While the pacemaker won't stop me from passing out, it may give me a few extra seconds to get to safety and it should keep my heart beating through the episode.

So, in summary, I was concerned about my heart rhythm (harmless) which caused me to go to the hospital when the other symptoms kicked in (still don't know why) and during treatment for the heart symptoms, I fainted (while on a monitor) and we found something I have had my whole life. It's a great relief to know there's been a reason for all of the fainting through the years; it explains so much.

You just never know...but I do believe that God does.

Thank you, Lord!

NEW EXPERIENCES...

Two of our g'kids start a 2-day a week preschool program today. I'm excited for them and only a little nervous. I am, after all, their g'mom.

Before Alexis' arrival Zach was in a wonderful program where he did very well. His former teacher is a wonderful, caring woman. She still attends many Z-events and he's been very blessed to have Miss Lisa in his life. So, aside from the fact that he's now firmly in his wonderful/terrible two's, I'm not worried about him (maybe his teacher, but hey, if you choose to work with 2-years olds...)

This will be a brand-new experience for Alexis. Between family and friends she's been around other children a good bit, but I think it will be new for her to have a caretaker who isn't a member of her family. She's so sweet and easy-going, though, that I don't think this will be a problem.

All this to say that I'm saying extra prayers for these two precious kiddos today. I hope and pray for wonderful experiences with caring people in an atmosphere of wonder and play!

MILESTONE...

This handsome young man is our dear Matthew. He's our oldest grandchild and this is his pre-school graduation picture.

Milestones or stepping stones...they mean the same. They (and we) are all on journies of 1000+ miles, and all, begin with those very first steps.

We don't get to share in as many of his steps as we would like but our hearts partake in each one.

NEW (Spring) PURSUITS

Over the weekend Abbey took us on a trip to the local Home Improvement store. She wanted a rose bush. It was also time to get tomatoes started again. So...before long we were loading a rose bush, plant food, 2 tomato plants, a random plant, and a beautiful pink dahlia we found (specific hybrid to aid in breast cancer research). I thought the dahlia was going to be mine but Abbey had other ideas. She's also taken over care of the peonies in our back yard planted by her grandfather many years ago. Over the weekend we found out the he had planted those because they reminded him of his mother; they had been her favorite flowers. Time to grab the watering can!

Spring is such a wonderful time of year!

Random Thoughts

...in no particular order

Easter - Celebrating with joy the wonder of this day. Reflecting on my relationship with Jesus and being so thankful for God's incredible gift!

Remember to "Be still..." It sounds odd to say that I miss my blog. Ok, so I'm odd. I do miss my blog...I miss feeling inspired enough to write something - OR - energized enough. There are many things which that applies to; baking, cooking, reading, knitting, playing board games with the kids, etc... Families today are on treadmills set way too fast. Do we view our worth by how busy we are? How full our calendar is? Maybe that's why I particularly love Psalm 46:10 where we are told to "Be still and know that I am God"

Royal Wedding...Yes, I must admit that I'm following some of the hoopla concerning the upcoming nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton (and NO, I do not read supermarket tabloids). I feel a little embarrassed by this but counter by saying that I have a 10-year old princess of my own and she's enthralled with the whole thing. We're anxious to see 'the dress,' the carriage ride, and the couple's balcony appearance. I was brought up reading fairy-tales and this is the closest thing we have to them. So, laugh if you must, I can handle it. I'll just send my fairy godmother after you!

Cars - We recently purchased two cars for our family. I find it interesting (and humorous) to see the process of 'getting to know,' and then, personalizing, our cars. For me, it has included some of the following...

• Transitioning from seeing it as 'a car' to 'my car.'


• Establishing a relationship; My car! We're a team! We'll take care of each other! Then...a trip to the dealer for a glitch. Still happy but a touch more cautious.


• Designed custom front-plate


• Applied for personalized SC license plate


• Set radio stations


• New key ring


• Purchased floor mats (a little sporty-looking AND practical)

I spend a lot of time in my car. I want it to reflect 'me,' - at least a little bit. This has been a good start but we hopefully have a number of years to spend together, and hey, I still have a rearview mirror, bumper, and back windshield for my canvas. Oh, and for the record, I see my husband doing many of the same things with his car!

Hobbies - What an incredible time to pick up a new hobby! I started knitting about a year ago. I'm an ok knitter at this point. I can tell you, however, that I wouldn't be any kind of a knitter (except a failed one) without the tools and technology we have available now. Online magazines, online patterns, YouTube videos, EBooks, Video classes, online yarn shops, knitting specific blogs, Ravelry (think of FaceBook for knitting), Skype, and so much more. If you've ever had a hobby or interest you wanted to pursue, there's never been a better time!

Graduation - Our oldest son, Darrell, is graduating from University of South Carolina - Upstate in 9-days. I can't begin to convey how proud, happy, and excited I am about this. Congratulations, Darrell!

Cocoa Krispies, really? - A blast from the past...I was reminded how much I (still) love Cocoa Krispies cereal. Just eat them fast because they get soggy (but oh so chocolatey) pretty fast. So, on that note, have a wonderful week and don't be afraid to eat your favorite childhood cereal (and maybe a pb&j for lunch!). Got milk?

Milestones

What a Week -

In the span of 5 days we have 3 family members reaching significant milestones...

Our youngest grandchild, beautiful Alexis Collins Richards, reached her 1st birthday yesterday. As she is the true 'baby' in the family, we are reluctant to let go of her infancy and yet marvel at her achievements, giggles, kisses, and words 'nigh-nigh' as she waves on her way to bed. Through these days and all those to come, I thank God for the blessings that are our grandchildren.

Our youngest son, Christopher Scott Wiren, with the ticking of the clock, leaves his childhood behind...shedding its outgrown attire for the new, better-fitting wardrobe of the teenager. He is such an interesting, fun, smart, and kind young man. The years leading to this point have been filled with joy...almost as bright as his smile when he shares a vision he stored in his mind and relays in gread detail to anyone who will listen. Almost as bright as the sparkle in his eye when he's being mischievous or enjoying something witty or funny. Words are inadequate, but through these days and all those to come, I thank God for the blessings that are our children.

Our middle daughter, Elisa Kiley Wiren Richards, beautiful in every way, turns 25 this week. She's shrugging off the last lingering bits of the teenager without losing her sense of fun. Easily fitting are the coats of Wife, Mother, Career Woman, Deans-List Student, Daughter, Sister. That's not to say she won't pull out the old prom gown to see if it still fits (and it does), or pulls out the high school yearbook, only to marvel at how far she's come since then. She's on a road that is difficult, to say the least...then again, she knows that taking the easy route rarely gets you where you want to go. The days are long yet the hours too few, the responsibilities great, but the reward...priceless. She's chosen an excellent partner to travel with and they make the load lighter for each other. Just keep going a bit longer and the view is Spectacular! With a mental slideshow playing; snippets of the days and times gone by, while looking forward to the ones still to come, I thank God for the blessings that are our cihldren.

For the blessings that are my life.

Thank You, Lord...

The Power of Kind Words...

Every now and then we come across a story that speaks to our heart. The type of story you tuck away to be retrieved again and again. The following story has been one of those to me. I heard that the author is Elizabeth Silance Ballard but have not verified that. I'm also posting this without the appropriate copyright recognitions. That said, I share this story here in the hope that it touches you as it has me.

*********************************************************************************

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other

students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between

each name.

Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could

say about each of their classmates and write it down.

It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment

and, as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.



That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a

separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.

On Monday, she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the

entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered.

"I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and, "I didn't know others liked me so much." were some of the comments.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents,

but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another.

That group of students moved on. Several years later, one of the students was killed in Vietnam and his teacher attended the

funeral of that special student.

She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before.

He looked so handsome, so mature.

The church was packed with his friends. One by one, those who loved

him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin. As she stood there, one of the soldiers, who acted as pall bearer, came up to her.

"Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked.

She nodded: "Yes."

Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot."

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a

luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.

"We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notepaper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times.

The teacher knew, without looking, that the papers were the

ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's

classmates had said about him.

"Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it."

All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around.

Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's

in the top drawer of my desk at home."

Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album."

"I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary."

Then Vickie, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group.

" I carry this with me at all times," Vickie said, and without batting an eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists."

That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.

A Year Has Come and Gone...

Wow! I can't believe it's been a year since I've written. I don't know why, but somehow this blog was pushed and shoved to the background of this crazy adventure I know as 'My Life.'

Kenneth visited here this morning and I realized how much I missed having posts on here. Miss being able to look back and be reminded of things that may not stay in memory but are so nice to revisit.

The biggest news of the last year was the arrival of our newest granddaughter, Alexis Collins Richards, born March 19, 2010. She is such a beautiful, happy, and precious baby girl!

We've all aged a year...hopefully with a little more wisdom and knowledge than in the years before.

We've had memorable adventures in Florida,both with my father and Ken's mother. That's where, among other things, Kenneth went parasailing for the first time (and loved it!). We got to experience the beauty and majesty of the Statue of Liberty, and visited Washington DC again last October. Kenneth and I celebrated another anniversary (and while I didn't think it was possible, I'm even more head-over-heels in love with my husband now than I was the day we married). Darrell is in his last semester of his senior year at University of South Carolina Upstate. Christopher seems to be growing in feet rather than inches, and Abbey is a go-getter in anything she decides to tackle (especially arts/crafts, and cooking). We got to spend some time with Matthew (but not enough...never enough), Shannon and Josh are doing well, as are Elisa and Rob. We still have Trudy (Stupid dog) and Izzie. Cats have come and gone and there's mostly just one around these days. We've had joys, and sorrows, and we've been blessed to come through it all stronger than ever.

As for hobbies, I did leave the loom knitting behind and decided to try my hand (pun intended) with traditional knitting. It's been a rocky road but I've been enjoying it tremendously. I don't get too many projects done because I'm always in learning mode. Once I get one concept I rush to the next. It's kind of funny/sad that I'm working on a scarf for Abbey (I don't know if it's still or again!). Darrell is taking guitar lessons and really enjoying it. He really wants to get good and it shows. He sure didn't practice like this when he was playing trumpet in his high school marching band! Abbey is enjoying art and sewing classes, and Christopher is advancing admirably in Scouts. We didn't get a chance to go family camping this year - it would have been nice, but there will be times that work out for us, I'm sure.


I plan to keep writing here. I really have missed it. It feels really good to post here again.

God's continued blessings...

Loom Knitting Hobby Update...

I've been having a great time with my loom knitting. Friday evening I finished
up a scarf for my youngest daughter. I had started it a few weeks ago...ran
short of yarn...got the yarn....put the project in one of my knitting bags...and
promptly forgot it. I'm glad to say her hat now has its matching scarf. This was
a pretty combination of a light pink strand and a strand of ivory with teeny
bits of gold through it.

It's not very exciting but I just finished a simple (warm) black scarf with
fringe last night. It's occurred to me several times that my wardrobe really
needed a simple black scarf. How funny is that? Well, now I have one.

I also made a newborn hat last Sunday while we drove to a nearby town for a job
my husband had to do. Our middle daughter is expecting next month. I'm worried
that it's too small, though. We'll see once Alexis gets here. I'm also working
with my 9-yr old daughter, Abbey, on her knitting adventure...she has a scarf in
progress as well as a hat for her newest niece. She'll probably make a dozen
before the baby even gets here on 3/19.

Abbey also just went to a party for two of her best friends (birthday for twins)
and gave them looms, yarn, instructions and a list of websites. Great idea to
share this love of loom-knitting!

Also on a loom at the moment is a tube scarf using two yarns. One is a
combination of navy blue, maroon, brown, and tan. The second yarn is an ivory. I
love how they look together. I should pick that one up again this evening - I
took a break to knit the black scarf. Since it's a tube pattern it uses twice as
much yarn and takes twice as long. I think I'll love it, though.

Dishcloths and a baby afghan are in the plans, as well as joining the pieces of
the cart cover. I really need to finish that up and get that box checked off.


Hope everyone is staying warm, happy, and loom knitting away!

Good Days...

We're having fun in February. Our weather has been a bit unusual these days but such a nice change from the norm. We dont' see much snow in these parts, and while we haven't had much, we have had some, and that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned.

We have February birthdays...
Our sister-in-law, Vivienne, celebrated her birthday on the 9th. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VIVIENNE!

Four days later we celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday with a nice dinner at a new restaurant in the area. We had most of the family together and I always love that. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANDMOMMY! WE LOVE YOU!

Valentine's Day was fun. Kenneth and I don't get into the whole Valentine thing too much - don't really like the idea of Hallmark/FTD/Vermont Bear Co. telling us we need to show our love to each other. We like doing that in our own ways all through the year. But...with that said, we do have a Hershey Kiss we trade each year and my husband always manages to do something sweet for me on that day.

I am so happy to be involved in two 'Life Group' Bible studies which began this week. One is for women it's the 'Fingerprints of God' study by Jennifer Rothschild. The second is one my husband and I are in together and it's by Gary Smalley and John Trent called 'The Blessing.'

Our church uses the phrase 'intentional relationships' in regard to our Life Groups. That has really stuck with me...We don't always have the easiest time in social situations and find we shy away from them. As a large family, we stay very busy and involved in family activities/events - it's easy to have that be our focus. We have to intentionally step out (comfort zones?) by participating in these groups. Discomfort aside, it really is a win/win situation as these groups enrich our spiritual walk as well as open our lives up to these 'intentional relationships.' We've certainly been blessed in the past by the folks we've shared life with in our church and life groups. I have no doubt the same will be true this time around.

We have another 10-days left in February. It's often a very cold time of year. I hope you stay warm...literally and figuratively.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Sunday afternoon...Super Bowl Sunday afternoon...the clock is ticking...before long...KICK-OFF!

Sure hoping the Saints can win today. The latest polls show that most folks are rooting for the Saints but predict a win for the Colts. We'll know in a few hours from now.

I had the pleasure of attending a 'Luau' yesterday with my youngest daughter. Two of her girlfriends celebrated their birthdays with a Hawaiian/Luau theme. How perfect for a dreary, winter day! There was hula-dancing, limbo, music and laughter. Authentic food and (best of all!) pineapple upside-down cake! Remember...I'm the cake lover. Cake is good! Pineapple upside-down cake is better! Aloha!

I've really been enjoying my loom-knitting. Waiting for the arrival of two looms; a sock loom and a 'single rake' loom (particularly good for dishcloths I've heard). I've made a throw, scarves and hats. Also just finished the knitting portion of a shopping cart/high chair cover. I'm fascinated with the idea of making socks and dishcloths. My family doesn't understand that one but apparently I'm not alone. There are tons of knitting books out dealing with socks and dishcloths. The only down-side to loom knitting is that there are a lot of different types of looms one can acquire, and, of course...I want them all!

Oh well...ready to settle down in front of the tv for some football and grading school papers. Hope your team wins!

My Baby's Birthday...

Our baby girl is celebrating her 9th birthday today. My husband took the day off from work and the kids and I have a holiday from school.

Today Abbey chose Krispy Kreme for breakfast; that was our surprise. She wouldn't tell us where she wanted to go until it was time for us to go there. Krispy Kreme is good!

After that we took off to the mall and our nearest 'Build-a-Bear Workshop.' Chloe is the newest addition to Abbey's family of bears.

Our birthday girl decided on Jason's Deli for lunch. Apparently a family favorite for many years. I know this because it's where we had Abbey's first birthday party! Spaghetti at home will round out the day. We had our family birthday dinner with everyone at Cici's Pizza last night. The whole 'friends' thing will be this weekend coming up.

With 5 kids, it seemed no matter how old our older kids got we always had 'our baby.' Well, I just don't know where the time has gone. Our 'baby' is, by modern terms, now a 'tween.' All I know is there are more and more departments at Toys 'R Us that contain items that are 'too young' for her. We're on a see-saw with Barbie Dolls at one end and CD's by artists such as Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Emily Osmet, and Demi Lavato at the other.

We're looking forward to a giggly all-girl sleepover this weekend. We know these years go by way too fast so we just have to hold on and enjoy the ride while it lasts. We'll have time to catch our breath later.

Happy Birthday, Abigail! We love you so much!

Welcome 2010

Happy New Year!

"Time has no divisions to mark its passage, there is never a thunder-storm or blare of trumpets to announce the beginning of a new month or year. Even when a new century begins it is only we mortals who ring bells and fire off pistols."
--Thomas Mann

In Memoriam...

Virginia Whitaker

February 27, 1924 - December 25, 2009

December...Part 2

My December...
So many joys, celebrations, events. But painful losses and hurt, too. I know we are shaped, defined even, by our struggles. Through them we can truly appreciate our countless blessings.

December 2 - Beth R's birthday. Beth was my best friend growing up; primarily during my elementary school years. I'd love to reconnect with her. It's been years!

December 3 - My husband's brother Roger and his wife Vivienne's 26th Wedding Anniversary. Happy Anniversary!

December 6 - My precious niece was born on this day in 1973. One of the happiest days of my (then) young life! Happy Birthday, Tamara!

December 6 - The day my father-in-law passed away, 8-years ago. He's still dearly missed.

December 10 - My wedding anniversary! Definitely one of my most favorite days of the year!

December 10 - Alan W's birthday. A wonderful, dear man I'm blessed to have as a family member.

December 15 - My youngest nephew was born on this date in 1997. My youngest son arrived 3 months later and the two are great friends in addition to being cousins. Happy Birthday, Andrew!

December 19 - My husband, Kenneth's, birthday. Happy Birthday, Sweetheart! I Love You!

December 20 - Another niece, Michelle W., was born on this day 26 years ago. Happy Birthday, Michelle! I'd love to have one of your special hugs - it's been much too long.

December 24 - The eve we celebrate Christmas with extended family. Always a wonderful time with those we love.

December 25 - Christmas Day. A time of joy and reflection on the birth of our savior, Jesus. Also a warm and wonderful time with immediate family in the morning and throughout the day.

December 25, 2009 - My father's wife, Virginia Whitaker, passed away this evening after a brief illness diagnosed in November. I'm so sorry for the loss and pain my father is going through at this time.

December 28 - My dear friend, Dawn F's birthday. We met as teens and aside from the physical distance between us the ties remain strong. Sure wish we could celebrate this day together over lunch and catch-up time! Miss you, Dawn!

December 28 - Happy? Anniversary, Jeff. We certainly made some memories. Hope you kept the happier ones like I have.

December 31 - New Year's Eve - A time to usher out the old and ring in the new. The way I like to celebrate this has changed over the years but the promise of a 'new beginning' retains an irresistable sparkle...

Happy New Year...

December...Part 1

In my experience December is certainly the most dramatic month of the year. The weight of expectation hangs on it like a heavy snow on eaves and rooftops.

It is, after all, Christmas! Highs, lows, hot and cold. Stark contrasts from the 1st to the31st. We may spend months preparing for it...and months recovering from it. An emotional see-saw even to those even-keeled folks, the sans-drama-ites; mania disrupting the calm.

I was dreading this holiday season. Just wanted it to be over. My husband could have joined me in my pity-party but he refused. We had a beautiful Christmas. He made sure of it. Through it all he kept a thankful, upbeat, joy-of-the-season attitude. I took the easy way out - it's easy to feel defeated and overwhelmed. Easy to go with the sadness. He was the 'rock.' He took the cliche' lemons and made wonderful lemonade. In retrospect I wish I had done the same for him. Been his rock. But I wasn't.

But...

Alas, just ahead is the 'New Year!' I can start again. Refocus. Get back on track. Face, and hopefully accept the challenges along the way.

Life, and more importanly, God, offers us many chances to get back on track. Even make complete u-turns if necessary. We may fail today but that doesn't doom us to failure in the days to come. Failure, like attitude, is often something we choose. We have little input in what we're given. We do, however, determine what we make of it.

December...

Special Day!

Birthday Wishes Today To My Husband, Kenneth.

You're The Best...

The Challenge

There is within each of us a dream, an idea, a cause; a certain 'something' that we can be or are passionate about.

Have you found yours?

Apathy and mediocrity are passion killers.

Explore, ignite, and pursue that which brings out the passion in you.

Merry Christmas...