The Charming Tyrants

Verklempt

2012-02-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes love surprises you and you are delighted by it and sometimes it sneaks up behind you and startles you out of your daydreams and you're left scratching your head and wondering what just happened.

HT lost his first tooth Friday and I found myself on the verge of tears. This little man of mine is growing up. Wasn't it just yesterday we were rejoicing that this same little tooth had made its big debut? I don't consider myself to be the overly sentimental type. I mean your kids are supposed to grow up and it's a parents job to make sure that they do. That they become productive members of society. I have embraced each first with joy as a milestone of his progress to becoming who he is meant to be, but when I pulled that little tooth out of his mouth I got this sinking feeling in my stomach, an ache in my heart and a tinge of . . . regret perhaps, or panic that I have forgotten something, failed to instruct him properly in the things of this life. Failed him in some way that is essential to navigating the pitfalls that may come his way.

So son if you're listening please know that I love you so very much and I only want what's best for you. That you will find happiness and contentment as you learn and grow and that you will come to a sure knowledge that God loves you, always and forever and that no matter what may come you can rely on Him in all things.

"Wait on the Lord;

Be of good courage.

And He will strengthen your heart;

Wait, I say, on the Lord!"

Psalm 27:14

Progress

2012-01-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

I am linking up with Amy today for her One Thing, One Week Challenge. I have several projects percolating and it seems as though I just can't get any one of them completed, so my goal this past week was to get at least one of the quilt tops I have been working on finished.

I am happy to report that not only did I finish two, I also prepared the backs and they are now ready to be quilted and I finished a small wall hanging.

This quilt was made using a Mary Engelbreit layer cake that I've had in my stash for several years and the Twister ruler and pattern by CS Designs. I am pleased with how it turned out.

This quilt is last years block of the month club at one of our local quilt shops. The setting and layout are my own choice.

To be fair I only had to add the final border to both quilts. The wall hanging was a little more work, I hand quilted it very simply added a hanging sleeve and binding and now its ready for next christmas.

What have you been working on lately?

Blessed

2012-01-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

I suppose if I had to sum up the past year in one word, it would be that one, blessed. Not because it was a stellar year full of hopes and dreams fulfilled with financial and worldly successes, but because it wasn't and yet in spite of all the turmoil we were truly blessed beyond measure in each and every day. Blessed by a neighbor, a friend, a relative, a stranger, someone who wasn't afraid to reach out and lend a helping hand when needed, despite not being asked. And looking back and even in the midst of it all I can and did see God's provision for us and I am truly humbled by it all.

Thanks.

I could list all our troubles and woes and our continued frustration with the situation at hand, but I'm not going to. We all have our troubles and in the moment we all think that it couldn't get any worse for us. But the truth is, it could and only when we compare our troubles to others can we see how really insignificant they are in the big picture, we aren't faced with starvation or in danger of human trafficking or sitting under the cloud of political oppression. I don't mean to make light of anyones woes, I only want to encourage a new perspective, one seen through the lens of hope and grace. Embrace the ordinary work of today, working for the reward of a smile, a kind word, a heartfelt thank you, it is in those things we find the extraordinary blessings of grace and forgiveness.

My goal this year if I had to make one would be this, to pay it forward, wholeheartedly.

I'm going to support my local church, the boring christians.

I'm going to cheer for the runners.

And I'm going to feed the hungry.

Won't you join me?

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To ACT justly and to LOVE mercy

and to WALK humbly with your God

Micah 6:8

December in Review

2011-12-29T23:03:00.000-07:00

Well the month is almost over and so is this year. I'll not be sad to see it go, not because it was an especially bad month or year but because it is better to look forward than to wallow in the past.

Anyway . . .

It has been a busy month. The week before Christmas being the busiest of all as I'm sure many of you can attest too. All in all it was a good Christmas, a good month.

The boys had fun running all over the christmas tree lot, "helping" us pick out the perfect tree. HT really wanted one like Charlie Brown's.

I found these two cars in the fridge one morning.

Then I found this one the following day hiding in the stable. Even Italian race cars worship the King.

HT had his Winter Program at pre-school. Lasted a whole 7 minutes. I know, right?!

He sure was cute though and did his Mama proud.

We came home and decorated Snoopy's doghouse . . . 4 times, thank you very much.

Some of us are having fun.

Do I look like I'm having fun, or does that face say, "If you ever buy these again Auntie, you are doing the decorating, NOT me!"?

I've mentioned here before how this boy does love a bucket. They do make the most fashionable head gear . . . for a two year old.

The Christmas eve service at church with the "impromptu" live nativity was really enjoyable and the kids had fun acting out the parts.

HT could hardly wait to dive into the presents on Christmas morning.

The boys got everything they could have asked for and more. The only specific request made was for a treasure map. So Papa sat down and drew one for HT and he had fun following it and finding where X marked the spot. His treasure was a boxed set of Roald Dahl books and we have been reading James and the Giant Peach and he is loving it.

EM was content to play with his "marmol machine" as he calls it. For those of you who don't speak toddler, "marmol" means marble. He also got several dump trucks or "dumb frucks" as he calls them, which can be quite amusing, unless you are walking into the store as he sees one and he starts telling you all about it in the loudest possible voice. "Wook mama, dumb fruck!"

And finally we feasted on roast lamb for Christmas dinner with my brother and his family.

Merry belated Christmas to you all and I pray that God will bless you and yours in the coming New Year!

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Amen."

Revelations 22:21

Tissue Holder Tutorial

2011-12-10T15:33:00.001-07:00

I was going to link up this post with Sew and Tell Friday over at Amy's, but it's not friday, so you can decide if I'm really early for next friday or late for last friday.

Anyhoo. . .

Some of you may have noticed that I haven't written much of anything lately. I've kinda been in a fog. My house is a mess, we've eaten lots of junk food and I sometimes find myself wishing for the day to end.

Usually I find solace when I can be creative. But even that has been hampered due to my limitations since the surgery. I did however make these.

They were super simple and I have made more than a dozen and have sold some and given some away. I wrote a pattern and made up over 60 kits to sell at one of our local quilt shops and was very pleased that all of the kits sold in less then a week. They did so well in fact that they sold my samples too.

For all you fabric aficionados I used Hometown by Sweetwater for Moda, the denim weight cotton for the exterior and regular for the lining.

And for all you who would like to make one . . .

cut 1 6" x 7 1/2" denim weight cotton for exterior
cut 1 6" x 7 1/2" for lining
cut 2 6" pieces of decorative trim

1. Lay fabric pieces right sides together and using 1/4" seam allowance stitch together short sides, remembering to back stitch at beginning and ending point.

2. Turn right sides out, then press.

3. Using matching thread, add decorative trim along sewn pressed edge.

4. Mark the center of long sides.

5. With lining face down, fold sewn edges toward center point, meeting in the middle.

6. With a 1/4" seam allowance stitch in place, remembering to backstitch and beginning and ending point.

7. Zig zag raw edges to finish.

8. Turn right side out, insert tissues.

This makes a great little gift for a mom, a grandmother, an aunt, a sister, a friend or anyone else you can think of who might like one.

If you don't sew and would like to have one e-mail me and we can work something out.

Have a God blessed day!

A Thankful Hodgepodge

2011-11-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm thankful for the hodgepodge today if for no other reason it gives me something to blog about since I have nothing else to blog about, so as long as you're here you might as well sit back, relax and read on. You'll thank me later.

1. Let's start with something controversial . . . dressing or stuffing? What is it called at your house and what's included in your recipe . . . cornbread? oyster? sausage? chestnuts?

I won't be dressing the turkey with any stuffing this year, my sister is doing the cooking. The only stuffed dressing I have made is the kind where I try to stuff my oversized self into my dressing every day. I don't think you want my recipe for that. And stuffing made with cornbread is just so wrong, so, so, wrong people.

2. Who do you sometimes compare yourself to?

I try not to make comparisons, they always seem to come out badly with me on the short end of the stick. And since we are being thankful today, I'm thankful for who I am. Others have told me that I am a lot like my mother and I'm okay with that.

3. When were you last inside an airport?

August. Visited the in-laws and had a wonderful time. I am thankful to have such loving, accepting in-laws.

4. What is one side dish that must absolutely be included in a turkey dinner?

Mashed potatoes and gravy.

5. What Christmas song do you dread hearing?

The one with the dogs barking jingle bells. I'm not really a dog person but am thankful that other people are, let them listen to them barking on the radio.

6. If someone approaches you and asks for money do you give it to them? Do you drop money "in a tin cup" that belongs to a person on the street? Do you have a specific charity you support during the holiday season and/or year round?

Rarely, but my husband generally will. Although I did give someone bus fare the other day. I have been known to buy someone a sandwich or put gas in someones car tank and besides our regular giving to the church we have anonymously left presents on the door step of those in need during the holiday season. We have been given so much and I am very grateful for what has been given. I'm a big believer in paying it forward.

7. Share a favorite Thanksgiving memory. If you live in a country that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving share a favorite memory associated with food.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and not because every so often it falls on my birthday as it does this year, but because it is about nothing more than giving thanks and I remember one such occasion when everyone was home. I don't remember the gifts or the food or if there was cake in addition to the other desserts what I remember is the fellowship and the camaraderie between family and friends as we celebrated our blessings.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I read this today and was inspired to remember what I already have. I won't repeat Sara's list here but wanted to add my thanks for/to my family and friends.

Your ever grateful servant,
Charming's Mama

". . . O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever."

Psalm 30:12

PHFR - Kids Say the Darnedest Things

2011-11-17T09:08:00.002-07:00

Over at Like Mother, Like Daughter they do a weekly link up party called, Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real. The intent is to capture in words and/or pictures "the context of everyday life" or is it "contentment" anyway I have linked up with them once before and thought I would do so again today.

{Pretty}

We had our first snow fall of the season two weeks ago, before the trees dropped all their leaves and it was really pretty. Especially when the sun peeked through the clouds and made it all sparkly. I was glad that it didn't last very long.

But the boys took full advantage.

{Happy}

Sometimes it really is the simplest little things that make you happy, like finding a love note in post-it note form stuck the the computer screen yesterday morning.

A surprise play date with a friend.

A visit from your nephew before he moves to a foreign country.

{Funny}

So, funny story . . . the other night we were sitting down to supper and HT asked about the menu when I put some chicken crispers in front of him, he inquired if they had bones in them. His Auntie quickly assured him that they did not, then she asked him if he had bones in him, he assured her that he did and she continued with, "Are you sure? Do you have bones here (pointing to his arm) and here (pointing to his hands) and what about here (grabbing his little finger)?"

He felt each body part and assured her again that he did.

Then in all seriousness he said, "I know somewhere that doesn't have any bones."

"Really?" was her reply, "Where?"

That's when he told her his p***s, didn't have any bones. I am not going to spell out the word for you because I don't want any undesirables googling that word and landing on my blog but I will tell you that he was referring to his "daddy parts".

If those chicken crispers had had bones in them we would have all choked on them, trying to stifle our laughter.

Smart boy. I felt it necessary as his mother to point out that his nose and his outer ears also do not have any bones in them.

{Real}

This boy does love a bucket and it makes him very happy to dump the contents and run up and down the hallway with it on his head.

Even if it does make it difficult to get to ones nose. He also has caused me more grey hair in his two short years, than his brother has in five. He's the reason it has taken me all day to get this post written.

And I love him still.

Say Cheese

2011-11-12T21:30:00.001-07:00

I took the boys into Kiddie Kandids to get their pictures taken last month, (perhaps you noticed the new header) and they turned out fabulous, I just might be partial though but I think I have two of the handsomest boys on the planet and by far the most charming . . .

Anyhoo.

That's not the point of this post, well sort of . . .

I have bemoaned my struggles with making a photo collage with my severely lacking computer and software and can't really afford any fancy upgrades of photo editing software so I have had to make do with its limitations, which left me frustrated and discontent.

That was until one of my blogging buddies clued me in.

Have you heard about picnik.com?

It's free and easy to use.

So I have been making collages, lots of them, maybe you've noticed on a few of the last several posts.

See I told you they were handsome.

The free service is a little bit limiting as you can only upload 5 pictures at a time and there are only 12 basic collage layout to choose from but you can increase or decrease the spacing between your photos, change the shadow color, add rounded corners among other options, but once you are done you can save the collage to your hard drive, where you can then upload it to your blog or anyplace else you desire.

So yeah, give it a shot.

You too could make fabulous collages like these.

And just so you know picknik has no idea who I am or that I wrote this review, I just like their service and thought I would share. It's too good of a good thing not to share.

And before you holler at me about copyright infringement I bought the CD and the rights to publish the pictures.

October in Review

2011-11-03T14:36:00.000-06:00

I said in my last post that a lot had been going on here but that it wasn't very pleasant or very news worthy, well I have changed my mind and I'm going to take a page out of my friend Sarah's book and do a recap of last month. After all if I am blogging to remember I haven't done a very good job of keeping track this month of the minutia of our every day lives.

Sometimes I'm okay with that and sometimes as I see it all dripping down like water through a sieve, I feel so thirsty that I want to rush in with a bucket and gulp it all down before it's all gone.

Sometimes life happens and there's a hole in my bucket.

Sometimes it feels like I'm trying to carry it all one handed, like I've got one hand tied behind my back and I struggle with it all.

This time I kinda sorta do.

I injured my shoulder at the beginning of the month and had surgery on the 24th to repair a torn rotator cuff and remove some calcification on the bone. It is now sore rather than being painful so I feel like it was a success. You might expect me to be on pins and needles waiting for the surgeons and anesthesiologists bill to come. I'm not really though, because truth be told I am at peace about the whole thing, God has provided for all our needs, far more than we could have hoped for or asked and I am in awe once again.

In the midst of all that, this happened.

And then God blessed us with this, for 1/3 of the asking price, low miles, good upholstery, newish tires and in good running order. Can I get an "Amen"?

Besides celebrating the boys birthdays, we've carved pumpkins.

Been trick-or-treating.

Twice, once at Auntie's work and once with friends.

We had a fabulous time!

And like any good mother (NOT!) I forgot to bring along my camera, the kids candy buckets and something else, I have already forgotten again . . . hmmm . . so it must not have been too much of a big deal.

Oh yeah, it was the glow sticks.

Oh well, the kids didn't seem to mind.

I did take a few pictures with my cell phone. Now if I could only figure out how to get them off the phone and onto this here blog.

Not to worry though I do have some pictures that I took when we went to Auntie's work.

Someone wasn't very happy about being woken up from his nap, forced to put on a dragon costume and get in the car although he was soon happy enough when he saw that there was candy to be had.

This fall weather has been as spectacular and as gorgeous as was our summer weather and we have really been enjoying it.

Oh, and in the news from September category, I got a job!

Yeah, me!

A part-time job working for one of our local quilt shops and I have really been enjoying it. However with my arm in a sling I haven't worked much this month and all my pending projects have been put on hold. But I am itching to get back to it.

I am so grateful and so thankful for God's goodness and mercy raining down that my cup runneth over spilling all over the place and that my friend's is always (at least to me) news worthy.

"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever;

With my mouth will I make known

Your faithfulness to all generations."

Psalm 89:1

Scrap Happy

2011-10-28T05:06:00.000-06:00

A lot has been going on here of late but not all of it is pleasant or even news worthy so instead of blogging about that I am joining Amy today for the semi-annual Bloggers' Quilt Festival.

The last few quilts I have made have a scrappy look and I am loving them, this latest one is a particular favorite, because the only fabric I had to purchase was the outside border and the backing.

I have mentioned here before that I participate in one of our local quilt shops free block clubs, this is one of those quilts.

Five!

2011-10-07T21:54:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday HT!

This boy turned five today and as you can see his little brother was as excited as he was.

This is a boy who sees an upside down smile, not as a frown, but as a rainbow. I love his antics and his optimism. I am truly blessed and so in love with this charming boy.

Two!

2011-10-06T21:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday EM!

I have lots to say about this little guy, but it will have to wait for another day, but I couldn't let this day end without letting him know how much I love him, how much we all love him and his charming ways!

The Gift of Grace

2011-10-03T06:30:00.000-06:00

Grace.

The whole of christianity could be wrapped up in that one word, that one little word, that speaks so much to God. About who He is and about how we were made to be and how our relationship with Him was meant to be.

We are reunited in Him by grace, through faith alone, in the gift of His son Jesus. Through the sacrifice on the cross, the death and the resurrection. The promise of salvation given.

Grace.

A gift that is offered without fail. One we can choose to accept, whether with gratitude or grudgingly. It is offered freely still. Because of the love of the Father for his children.

A gift, as christians, that we so often take for granted, one that we love to talk about and sing its praises. It's like a warm fuzzy for the soul. It's the feel good part of Christianity. Something everyone wants.

Grace.

Were it not for grace we would die in our sin and suffer the fate of our actions. And there's the rub, the flip side of the coin, the reason we need grace, the reason we long for it, the reason our souls ache. The fall of mankind.

Sin.

The reason we fall to our knees. The reason we seek forgiveness. At least we are supposed too. What's forgiveness for without repentance? To turn away from our sin. But really, why do we only give lip service to the idea, when our actions tell a different story?

Even in grace God calls for our obedience, while he does not condemn us like the woman at the well He tells us "go and sin no more".

Like children we rebel at being told we ought not do a thing, even when it is for our benefit to obey. To protect us from harm, to keep us safe, to make us free.

Sin.

We like to forget about that part, we make excuses for our less than stellar behavior. "Everybody else is doing it.", "A little can't hurt.", "Where's the harm in it?", "I just want to have a little fun." "I can't help it." Whatever "it" may be. Justifying "it" any way we can. We do it to make us feel better about ourselves. Deception. "A little white lie never hurts anybody." After all, "God made me this way."

Isn't that making God, who knows no sin, responsible for it? We are wretched creatures. We have taken this beautiful creation and condemned it to hell.

Sin.

We say things like, "What does it matter?" "I'm not hurting any one." We are forgetting about ourselves. We are hurting ourselves. Our souls ache.

But do we repent? Not hardly, it seems we would rather seek solace in a bottle, or a needle, or someone else's bed. "If it feels good, do it." the world tells us. We try to find some other way to soothe the ache in our souls.

But there is only one way. And we know it and we know what that is and we know how to get it.

Repent.

Admitting our need for repentance and forgiveness means admitting that we are less than we think we ought to be. Admitting that we are wrong. Admitting we need a savior.

Why are we so reluctant? Why do we enslave our souls to resentment and bitterness?

Freedom is at our fingertips, we need only ask in faith believing. Freedom from our sin. Freedom to forgive and be forgiven. Freedom to live a grace filled life. Faithful.

Faith.

To ask is to humble ourselves. To ask is a choice we make to choose freedom over enslavement. To turn from our ways.

It is to free ourselves, to let go of the past hurts and resentments, regardless of the actions of others.

We ask for Gods unmerited favor.

Grace.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith,

and that not of yourselves;

it is the gift of God."

Ephesians 2:8

For more faith stories visit Michelle at Graceful.

A Fun Fair Day

2011-09-20T21:20:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is the official last day of summer.

Bummer.

It has been a really nice, really pleasant summer any way you look at it. I don't think we got over 100 degrees but once or twice this time around and we have been known to have several days, weeks even, in a row of fried eggs cooking on the sidewalk kind of weather around here.

But not this year and we have been loving it.

To me the State Fair always says fall but there was still plenty of sunshine and things to do, things to see and things to eat in a manner of speaking. Not that we did any of that mind you.

So when it came, HT and I made a play date with friends and away we went.

We bought a wristband for the rides for the boys and it was totally worth it. Us moms got to sit on a bench in the shade most of the time and talk about stuff and such while the boys rode every ride they could.

There was a vendor there selling crabs with painted shells, the boys each wanted one for a pet and were busy trying to decide which one to bring home. We did not however bring one home, that's just the kind of mom I am.

There were even seals putting on a show and for twenty or more dollars you could get your picture taken with them.

Yeah, didn't do that either.

Nor did we bring home a piglet.

Or a fish.

And just in case you were wondering how my entry for the state fair quilt challenge did, I got a second place ribbon. They said that the challenge fabric got a little lost, because the background fabric was a bit too busy. I got nailed for what I thought I could get away with and they overlooked what I thought I couldn't. Go figure.

And no, I did not sign up for next year.

It came, we went and now there is nothing left but empty exhibit halls, vendor booths and food stands, trampled grass and the lingering aroma of cattle gone home.

The boys can't wait to do it again next year!

First Day

2011-09-14T08:05:00.001-06:00

HT started preschool last week. He is happy to be back. At least I think he's happy. He went willingly and pretty much ignored me once he got into the classroom. Didn't even bother to tell me goodbye. He was too excited to see all his old friends from last year. Thing is, I'm pretty sure they all went onto kindergarten and this year he is in the 3 day a week class rather than the 2 day a week class, so not sure he would have seen those who didn't anyway. He was kinda disappointed. He told me nobody would talk to him. I asked him if that was because they were supposed to be listening to the teacher and not to him. He grudgingly agreed. He also thinks that as soon as he turns five he will be going on to kindergarten. He's the tallest kid in his class again this year and I'm sure the most talkative.

When he got home the other day he told me he had made two new friends and he had invited one of them to come home with him, a sweet little girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. He doesn't get that he can't just do that without getting her mothers approval or for that matter his own mothers.

Goodbye Summer

2011-09-06T21:44:00.000-06:00

As I pondered the days shortening and the cooler temps I received an e-mail the other day from Amanda (aka Dumb Mom) about a photo contest featuring our best summer photo. And I thought to myself, "Now this is something I could do." After all I have taken a LOT of pictures this summer and some of them are pretty darn good, if I do say so myself (and I'm hoping you'll agree)!

I knew that one of the hardest tasks would be picking out a photo I thought was award worthy. I picked this one for several reasons, the lighting, the subject and the feeling it evokes and besides it seems to fit with the theme of the contest.

So here's the deal I need your help, my chance of winning depends on how many comments I receive, so I'm asking, begging, pleading with you to please, pretty, pretty please with sugar on top to not leave this here blog without commenting. Would ya, could ya help a girl out and leave me a comment, "please would ya, huh?"

I'd be very much obliged and you'd have my undying gratitude.

And if you'd like to join in there is plenty of time to do so, just click on over to Amanda's for the low down and official contest rules then link up a fabulous summer photo of your own. Just so we're clear, read about the contest here and enter your photo here.

*Contest messaging: This photo is being entered in the Goodbye Summer, Hello Snapfish photo contest sponsored by Snapfish at parenting BY dummies. If voted the best summer picture I will win a photo canvas and other prizes from Snapfish & pBd. http://bit.ly/pRciVU

Sweet!

2011-09-01T22:24:00.000-06:00

Hello, my name is Mama . . . and I'm a sugaraholic.

It's not easy admitting that I am addicted to sugar. Admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery, right? But if the stuff didn't taste so good we wouldn't eat it.

Or would we?

Hmmm.

It has been ~~days,~~ ~~hours~~, okay minutes since my last fix.

But, let's not think about that right now, mmkay?

Yeah . . .

So when a dear friend asked if the boys and I wanted to join her on a tour of the Sweet's Candy factory, we said, "Yes, please."

The whole place smelled like chocolate and sugar, sweet delicious yummy sugar and chocolate.

Did I mention the chocolate?

Anyway . . .

On our little tour we got to see how they turn that wonderfully crystalized white confection into all sorts of delightful treats, like jelly beans and taffy and cinnamon bears and chocolate coated creations, like orange sticks and ones with nuts and caramel and nougat. I didn't see any chocolate coated taffy or jelly beans but there were chocolate coated cinnamon bears. Enough to send a diabetic into a sugar coma and/or make your dentist a rich man. We got to watch pieces of peanut clusters get a chocolate bath and see large drums full of taffy being put into bins and taken to the next stage in the process. They even gave us a little sample. We then got to see the completed product whiz by on conveyor belts where they were cut up and wrapped then sent off to another conveyor belt to be packaged. The kids were fascinated. They make over 100 different varieties of jelly beans and taffy. They wouldn't let us take our cameras into the factory so I wasn't able to get any pictures of the candy making process, but they do have an online tour here if you're interested.

HT told me he is going to be a candy maker when he grows up. Apparently sugar trumps medicine, he no longer wants to be his pediatrician.

Bummer.

Aren't we fetching in our candy maker head gear.

HT decided he liked his so well he wanted to leave it on.

Our friend gave each of us two dollars to buy ourselves a treat. It didn't take HT long to decide on what he wanted, but it cost more than $2, so we pooled resources and bought them to share.

EM was too busy trying to sample every piece of taffy he could get his hand on.

I have obviously passed my sugar loving ways onto my children, not so sure that's a good thing.

Hmmm . . .

A Nostalgic Hodgepodge

2011-08-31T05:30:00.001-06:00

It's Wednesday again and I hope you remembered that means it's time for a little bit of hodge and a little bit of podge. So read on my friends.

1. Do you think the world became a more dangerous place on Sept 11, 2001 or did we just become more aware of the danger? How has your own life changed as a result of that day?

Life has alway been fraught with peril. I think we just became more aware of it, before that day we felt fairly secure here in the U.S. because an attack on our home soil seemed so unrealistic, because we are separated from most of the rest of the world by two oceans. Unless we went to war with Canada or Mexico it was unlikely that we would ever see an invasion on our soil the likes of which the European, Asian or African continents have seen. September 11th changed all that. As a result we have seen an erosion of our personal freedoms, especially when traveling either here in the U.S. and/or abroad, so too has the U.S. been viewed with seemingly more hatred and vitriolic slander and derision than I think ever before. Historically there has been a rise and fall of all great civilizations and sometimes I think that with the current state of affairs, we are on the downward side of that slope. Scary thing to think about. I wonder what the future will bring for my children and their children. Will I live to see that day?

2. Do you think your parents were too strict when you were growing up? How about in hindsight?

No, I was and still am a rule follower (mostly). I am also an introvert and was a very introspective child and sometimes I think I grew up in a fog of my own making. My siblings talk of things that happened and that I was a part of but I have little or no memory of the event. Mostly what I remember are the one on one times with my parents or with one of my siblings.

In hindsight I would still say no. I would be interested to know how a few of my siblings might answer this question.

3. Share one random but candid fact about yourself.

See #2. Read this article about being an introvert awhile back and found myself nodding in agreement through the whole thing.

4. Would your nearest and dearest describe you as simple or far too complicated?

Yes. Again, what would my siblings say?

5. What is your favorite stadium or carnival food?

Not sure I have a favorite and you certainly couldn't call cotton candy food, but that was the one thing that my parents would treat us to when we went any place like that. So I have fond memories of sticky colored spun sugar on a paper stick.

6. Tornado, hurricane, earthquake . . how many of these natural disasters have you experienced?

I live in a mountainous desert so tornados are rare and hurricanes are nonexistent but we are sitting along the wasatch fault line so I have felt my share of tremors and we did have a tornado come through the center of downtown in 1999.

7. Labor day weekend is approaching so a work related question seems appropriate. Growing up, did your parents assign regular chores? Were you paid for doing those chores? If you're a parent do you assign chores to your own children? Why or why not?

Yes we had chores and no we weren't paid for doing them. Our payment was room and board, not that our parents would have kicked us out. We did get an allowance for a while, but it wasn't based on whether or not we did our chores and ended sooner than I would have liked.

At 4 and 1, I have not assigned specific chores to my kids yet but I do make them help clean up the messes they make. They have been nicknamed "Mr. Twister" and "Dr. Destructo" for good reason.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Since we are reminiscing . . .

This is a picture of one of my brothers, me and my only sister the summer before she started kindergarten and my earliest memory is one of me standing on the couch with tears in my eyes watching through our big picture window as my mom walked my sister out to get on the bus to go to school. I didn't want her to go and wondered why I couldn't go with her and I remember my younger brother trying to console me and my pushing him away in disgust. When my mother got back into the house she found him on the floor in a puddle of tears and me sobbing into the couch cushion. Why is it that first memories are often traumatic ones?

Anyhoo . . .

I hope you all remember to leave me a comment and then head on over to Joyce's place for little more hodge and a lot more podge.

HT's Camera

2011-08-26T05:00:00.005-06:00

Two Christmas' ago I bought HT a Fisher Price camera and today I decided to see what kind of pictures he's been taking. The quality is what you'd expect from a toy camera and the shots are about what you'd expect from a 3 - 4 year old. There are a couple of pretty good shots mixed in among the others.

An early shot of HT's feet.

Early shot of Papa.

More recent and better shot of Papa

Me - the instigator of this infamous blog and his favorite Auntie. =)

Brother

Mama

Starbucks friends

The tree next door

His trains

His Grandpa

The neighbors

His favorite cup.

There are many more pictures of half eaten banana's, the stairway, the floor, the tv, his portable dvd player, and the people in his life. It's actually pretty amazing the shots this kid takes with a crappy little camera. I think he wants to take his mama's job as the blog photographer one day.

~Charmings Auntie

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

2011-08-24T17:05:00.000-06:00

I'm back.

Did ya miss me?

No.

Is it because you didn't even know I was gone?

Ah well . . .

I came back to over 100 blog posts waiting for me in my reader. I am not going to get them all read, just so you know.

Bet you're just dying to know where I was. If I tell you, you'll just get all jealous and we wouldn't want that now, would we?!

But I can tell you we didn't buy a fat pig.

Nor a fat hog.

I will however show you a few of the pictures I took.

Had a lovely visit and brunch with family in Minneapolis.

Relaxed in Grandpas hammock.

Watched the clouds roll through the late afternoon sky.

Played "King of the Hill".

Hitched a ride.

Read stories with Grandma.

Watched a dragonfly play in the lilies.

Caught up with old friends.

Went to the races.

Managed to get one photo of the four of us together.

Found a comfy spot to watch cartoons.

Enjoyed a garden in full bloom.

Pontoon boat ride, fishing poles and one on the line.

Flittering butterfly in a field of daisies.

Afternoon spent reminiscing over times past.

Went fishing.

And went fishing some more.

A summer vacation at the lake never disappoints.

Hated to say goodbye.

But home beckoned.

Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real

2011-08-18T05:00:00.000-06:00

{Pretty}

Evening light filtered through Japanese Maple tree in the back yard.

{Happy}

The delight in the face of my son as he watched a dragonfly dance overhead.

{Funny}

Sometimes a bucket makes for a nice hat.

{Real}

The reality of not getting my boys to cooperate and sit still long enough for me to take a picture and having them both looking into the camera and smiling, not such an easy thing to do.

Lazy Day Hodgepodge

2011-08-10T09:18:00.006-06:00

It's Wednesday again, must be time for the Hodgepodge, and I'm sure you know by now that it's seven questions and one random thought and I figured I wasn't too lazy to participate today so here goes.

1. If you could work for any one government agency which would you choose and why? (If you're in the US here's a helpful list.)

I took one look at that list and was appalled. No wonder our government is so deeply in debt. And I was too lazy to look at the whole thing and pick something, probably because I have no desire to work for our government.

2. How difficult is it for you to forgive someone who refuses to apologize?

Gosh, if I refused to forgive I would be a mess. I have known plenty of stubborn people who have hung on to a hurt for years and it has made them a not very nice person. Forgiveness frees me from anger, pain, resentment, bitterness and all the heartache that comes from holding a grudge.

3. What is your favorite meatless supper?

Growing up if there wasn't meat on the table and a dessert to be had my father said it wasn't a meal. However there were those rare occasions when we would have coffee cake and/or popcorn for supper. Mom usually let us make it ourselves and I have fond memories of doing so.

Today I would have to say macaroni and cheese ( I'm not talking Kraft here people) with a side salad or better yet a fresh picked garden tomato still warm from the sun on a sandwich with mayonnaise, a little salt and pepper, maybe lettuce, a slice of cheese and a great big dill pickle. Yum. Now if only I had me some bacon.

4. Wednesday August 10th is National Lazy Day ... will you be celebrating? If so, tell us how so we can be lazy too.

Really, I never knew there was such a thing. Somehow I think that many of us don't need an excuse to shirk our responsibilities. Must be run by a government agency. Anyway if I had the time and money I would love, Love, LOVE a spa day. Pretty sure that won't happen so I guess I will have to settle for a pedicure. But. . . can't really afford that either. So maybe I'll just sit on the couch, eat bon bon's and watch soap operas. ;~)

5. As a child did you have any special back to school traditions and if so, what were they? If you're a parent did you carry on those traditions with your own children?

I can remember going shopping with my Mom for new jeans and fabric so she could make me new clothes, other than that I think she was just glad to get us out the door (there were 8 of us).

My boys are still little and not yet in school. Well, HT is going to go to preschool again this year but only for 2 1/2 hours, 3 days a week. At this age he really doesn't need much.

6. Write a summer tongue twister.

I'm too lazy, you write one.

7. Would you be interested in observing a surgery or do you turn away when the nurse brings out the needle?

I have fainted at the sight of my own blood. Does that answer your question?

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Even though I made light of working for the government above I have a very beautiful, intelligent niece who is working as a liaison for the state department in a place that is anti-American and no respecter of women. Please say a prayer for her.

If you're not feeling too lazy leave me a comment then click on the button and go see what laziness everyone else is up to or not as the case may be.

Okay for some reason I can't get the button to work and I'm too lazy to figure out why so click here instead.

What's "UP" With That House?

2011-08-08T14:20:00.001-06:00

Every year our local HBA (Home Builder's Assoc.) hosts a parade of homes throughout the valley and this year was no different. Lots of homes in lots of neighborhoods with lots of differing price tags.

I have always enjoyed going and seeing all the new homes and trends in building and decorating, but I haven't been in the last couple of years. I guess I kind of got tired of traipsing all over the valley and with the price of tickets and the price of gasoline and having to cart around one, two or three sometimes unwilling family members on my whim seemed more than it was worth.

But this year . . . well this year, they did something different, something unexpected and something that had me completely charmed and I just had to go. One of the builders built a replica of the house from the Disney/Pixar movie "UP".

The attention to every little detail was amazing, every thing about Carl and his personality was felt in his chair, his lamp, his end table, the masculine squareness of it all.

It was equally evident in Ellie's things, soft rounded corners, her tall wing back chair, round lamp, round end table, oval picture frame, teacup and saucer. Just like what you saw in the movie.

Really very sweet, like Carl and Ellie themselves.

Really loved the kitchen. It had a decent sized pantry and the turquoise blue appliances were all new and energy star rated. So bright, so cheery and welcoming if a bit on the small side, there wasn't a whole lot of counter space. The retro styling really seems to be "in" right now.

Even though I loved the house and found it charming and whimsical the rooms were on the small side and I wasn't a big fan of the layout. The house itself was narrow and the lot small. The back yard though small was fully fenced and had a covered patio just outside the kitchen door. The master bedroom was on the second floor and the two other bedrooms were in the basement, no bedroom on the main level. It did have plenty of storage and a very, very small room just off the master that had been decorated as a nursery, but could also be used as a small office. You might be able to fit a twin bed in the room, but not much more than that.

The builders worked very hard to make the floor plan livable in today's market while maintaining the charm and authenticity of the house in the movie and the house had already been sold prior to the the opening of the parade of homes.

Got Boys?

2011-08-01T19:45:00.003-06:00

If you do then I want to tell you about the M.O.B. Society blog. M.O.B stands for Moms of Boys and it is written by moms of boys for moms of boys and they are all about giving encouragement and sharing stories and ideas about raising our boys to be godly men. I have been ~~lurking~~ reading for a while now and have found it to be just that.

They are having a boy mom blog hop until August 3rd for all of us boy moms to get to know each other.

So for those of you who found me through their website, welcome.

I am a mom of two boys age 4 and age 1 and they are . . . well, they are boys in every sense of the word. They love cars, trains, trucks, tractors and pretty much anything that goes vroom not to mention that they are energetic, rambunctious and sometimes unruly. The only time they pick up something soft and cuddly is to throw it out of their way. Sometimes I wonder why I keep all the stuffed toys around. But they can melt their mama's heart with a smile.

This is HT. The reason my sister started this blog and the reason she used the name "charming tyrant". You see when we went in for one of our ultrasound visits, in one of the images it looks as if he is smiling. Charming because he seemed to be smiling at his mama before he ever even looked her in the eye and tyrant because infants are of necessity demanding and selfish and impatient. (You can see that ultrasound image here.)

Three years shy of one day later EM joined the crew and we were delighted to add an "s" to the blog title.

As of yesterday my husband and I have been married 7 years and we are still honeymooning despite the twists and turns, ups and downs, and detours that have been thrown our way. And just so as to not make you too jealous I will tell you how we celebrated our anniversary. My hubby got up early and played 9 holes of golf with one of his buddies, then he came home and we all went to church. After church we all ate lunch at one of our favorites steak joints. Came home had a nap . . . well, some of us napped and some of us played Super Mario. Then we visited some friends had pie and ice cream, came home ate a light supper, put the boys to bed and were in bed and asleep ourselves before the 10 o'clock news.

Isn't that soooo romantic?!

But you know what, sometimes with the circumstances of this life, if that's the way it is then I'd be a fool not to count my blessings. It truly was a very pleasant day, unhurried and unfettered by expectations and disappointments.

If you do have a boy or two in your house why not check out the M.O.B. Society for a little bit of encouragement and inspiration and "meet" some of the other moms out there and share in the journey. And if you would like to play along for the boy mom blog hop click here and add your link to the list.

An Inquiring Mind Wants to Know

2011-07-27T22:08:00.002-06:00

I have stated here on this blog several time in the past that HT likes to ask the question "Why?" and that he often asks it repeatedly. I do try to answer his questions but I must admit that I can grow weary of them and every time I answer one he comes up with several follow up questions that sometimes . . . well it seems impossible to give him a satisfactory answer.

Lately I have been writing some of the questions down and I present them here today for your enjoyment and if any of you all can give me any pointers or perhaps give answering some of these questions a shot I would love your input.

"Mama, do spiders like mud? Do dey?"

"I don't know I've never asked a spider."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm big, spiders are little.

"Well if you're in da Thing-A-Majigger, you get small and den you can ask dem!"

::

"Mama, why don't spiders like water? Why?"

"I suppose they don't like getting their hair wet."

"Why can spiders hold lots of things? Why?"

"Maybe because they have eight legs."

"Why do dey have eight legs? Why?"

"So they can hold lots of things."

::

"Mama, do bugs need glasses? Do dey?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because they don't know how to read."

"What about when dey get old?"

::

"Mama, have you ever seen an ant poop?"

"Um . . . no, nor do I want too.

"Why not?"

::

"Mama, what kind of blood do butterflies have?"

"Butterfly kind."

"Mama, do flowers need blood?"

"No, they need sunshine and rain."

::

"Mama, why do bananas need seeds? Why?"

"So they can grow more bananas."

::

"Mama, do big and taller boys be obedient?"

"Yes they do. At least they're supposed to."

"Well I should smack dat other idea right out of my head!"

::

"Mama, do ghosts eat dust? Do dey?"

"No, ghosts don't eat anything."

"Why not? What do dust eat?"

::

"Mama, what happens when people are swimming in da ocean, reading a book and teaching people how to read and get sucked down by a swirly-whirl?"

"They would probably drown."

"How come some swirly-whirls are big and some are little? I never see'd a big one."

::

"Mama, what's Gods phone number?"

"God doesn't have a phone number we can talk to him anytime. That's what we are doing when we pray, talking to God."

"No, Mama, what's his phone number!?"

"1-800-PRAYER."

::

"Mama, why does sometimes when you bend over God sees your butt? God can see through houses. Did ya know dat? Somebody told me dat but I can't remember who."

::

I asked him the other day why he asks so many questions and he told me, "God gives me questions at da night!"

Who Doesn't Love a Parade?

2011-07-25T10:22:00.024-06:00

Some of you may not know this but yesterday was a local holiday.

It's the day when the majority religion in these here parts celebrate their arrival in this valley. They call it Pioneer Day. And might I put forth that some of them celebrate this holiday with more gusto, more vim and vigor than they do our countries Independence Day. That's pretty much why we have had fireworks going off in the neighborhood since the end of June.

Despite yesterday being the official day they are celebrating today with parades all over the state. (Our State's unofficial motto is "Never on Sunday").

So. . . yeah . . . who doesn't love a parade?

Don't get me wrong as a kid I couldn't wait to see the parade, the anticipation building, the excitement barely contained as I waited to get that first glimpse of glued and papered glory . . . and the chance to load up on salt water taffy that was sometimes hurled from the floats, kid nirvana.

But now the prospect of standing and/or sitting for an hour or more in the hot humid sun, while vying for position with the crowds for a clear view on the shady side of the street is not appealing. The asphalt is radiating the heat of the day causing the thermometer to rise even higher and the sweat to trickle down our backs, while we watch extravagantly decorated motorized trailers covered with religious symbolism creep along the parade route interspersed with marching bands, hand carts, covered wagons, local dignitaries and certain religious leaders in vintage convertibles all pelting us with candy as they pass by. Then there are the horses who leave behind meadow muffins on the pavement and the clowns with the super soakers spraying confetti into the crowd. Inevitably despite my careful planning and packing of a bag with water bottles and sunscreen I leave it sitting at home on the kitchen counter. I hide behind sunglasses in agony with a fake smile on my lips as the vein in my temple starts to pound in tempo with the passing marching band and my skin starts to turn a shade of red that only belongs on a buttered lobster and I have to keep reminding myself that we are doing this for our kids because we don't want to deny them the experience.

That's why when I heard that there was a parade float preview the other day in the large, well air conditioned exposition center I packed up the boys and went.

Wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Fun in the Sun

2011-07-18T07:56:00.001-06:00

So how's your summer going?

Swimmingly I hope.

We have been busy, although it doesn't seem like we stray very far from home and we are always exhausted by the time we get back, even if it's just to play in the back yard. The heat will do that to ya, ya know.

We have had play dates with friends, both old and new.

Found a new park in the middle of suburbia, with a pool and a little bit of wilderness.

Saw some cactus in bloom and identified some wildflowers, had a blast throwing rocks into the raging river and dipped our toes into an ice cold stream. I had never really noticed how delicate and papery thin the flowers are on a cacti.

Had fun making "dinosaur skeletons" out of rocks and twigs.

Went to the zoo and saw some "real" dinosaurs and bones.

Rescued a gopher from the window well. I think the time to put covers on the window wells is long past. We have now rescued no fewer than three critters from its depths, a snake, a gopher and a baby skunk!

Fed some ducks, chased a chicken, "drove" a tractor.

We have even taken the time to stop and smell the roses.

And welcomed the rest that comes at the end of the day.

So, what have you been doing all summer?

Mercy

2011-07-03T17:36:00.000-06:00

The bedtime routine at our house has evolved as the boys have gotten older. We have tried to keep it somewhat consistent with a story book or two and sometimes a song or two. There is one song in particular that gets more requests than any other and that is a hymn.

One that I learned as a girl, one that we used to sing in church.

One that was written by a man my parents knew and bound in a little hymnal with others that had been written by members of the congregation.

So it is one that only a handful of people may know.

HT calls it "Mercy" but that is not the title of the hymn. It's called "Tell Me of Jesus".

And I have been singing it to HT since I first held him in my arms.

I was reading the blog of a friend a year or so ago and noticed that she had an Etsy shop. That's when I discovered that she had a hidden talent. A talent with pen and paper. She was selling hand made cards in her shop with hymns that she had drawn on the front covers.

It took some doing but I found that little hymnal and I asked her to make me a picture.

When HT saw it and asked me what it was and I told him it was "Mercy" his eyes got all wide and he asked excitedly if we could hang it in his room.

I was happy to oblige.

Thanks Ann.e

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly

in all wisdom,

teaching and admonishing one another

in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts

to the Lord."

Colossians 3:16

Oh Say Can You Hodgepodge?

2011-06-29T07:49:00.000-06:00

So it's time once again for Wednesday's Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond. By now you should know the drill, seven questions and one random thought. It's easy and fun! Play along won't you?

1. What makes you stand to your feet and cheer?

When good wins.

2. What's your favorite patriotic song?

Beside the national anthem I would have to say "God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood. You can listen to it here.

3. Do you believe that opposites attract? If you have a significant other, are you opposites?

Um . . yes, wait it depends, maybe not or it could be relative. If you had nothing in common there wouldn't be anything to keep you together after you've met. Me and my hubby are alike in some ways and opposite in others. He is an extrovert and I most definitely am not. But we both play golf (except I haven't played in a couple of years) and we mostly like the same kinds of foods, we have the same ideals and values, and its important to be on the same page when dealing with your kids.

4. You're going to get a behind the scenes look some place . . . where would you like that to be?

Heaven.

5. How far would you have to travel to ride a carousel (merry-go-round)?

Well, why would anyone want too? Not so much fun for the over 10 crowd however I wouldn't have to go very far, there is one at the South Towne Center mall and I have actually ridden on it with my boys recently. Yeah, not so much fun for the over 10 crowd. But they had fun.

December 2008

6. When was the last time you saw fireworks? What was the occasion? Do you enjoy fireworks?

Last July 4th we went over to friends and watched with them. I do enjoy them, but I don't enjoy the crowds or the mosquitos. When we were kids we used to climb up on the roof of our house and we could watch them all over the valley.

7. Of all the beauty products you own, what item do you consider to be the most overpriced?

All of it, if it delivered on all of its promises then it might be worth the money but $15.00 for a tube of mascara is a bit much and I have yet to find one that doesn't flake off or smear during the day or $20.00 for eye cream that is maybe an ounce. The packaging keeps getting smaller and the price keeps getting bigger. Ouch!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Say a prayer today for our leaders, whether you are republican or democrat, whether you are from Zimbabwe or America or somewhere in between. They have a thankless job and the whole world is watching to see if they screw it up. Pray that God would guide and direct them according to His will.

¹ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving

be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority,

that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

I Timothy 2:1-2

Now hop on over to Joyce's and see what everyone else had to say.

Happy Wednesday everyone.

Wallflowers

2011-06-27T10:42:00.000-06:00

I'm a very tactile person. I love pattern and texture and color. I love the feel of things, the soft silky smoothness of a rose petal in contrast to the prickly thorns. You can't really appreciate one if you haven't touched the other. As a youngster whenever we went any where, the supermarket, the fabric store, a furniture store, my parents were constantly telling me to keep my hands off the merchandise and in my pockets.

Maybe that's why I like to quilt.

Maybe that's why I signed up again for the state fair quilt challenge.

I've had since September to figure out what to do and when Amy posted last week that she was going to do the One Thing, One Week Challenge I decided it was time to "git 'er done"!

So here's the top all pieced.

The State Fair Quilt Challenge is using not less than 50% of a fat quarter (a piece of fabric 18" x 22") of the current challenge fabric in a quilt, wall hanging size. The challenge fabric here is the farm animal print in the center blocks. I think I shall call it "Wallflowers at the Barn Dance". What do you think?

This is the third year I have participated. My first effort won a first place blue ribbon, my second effort won a second place red ribbon. Hopefully I can buck the trend.

It's your turn now.

A Week in Review

2011-06-25T22:35:00.003-06:00

Today was another glorious summer day, actually this whole week has been just lovely.

I have been getting up and going for a walk some mornings and have enjoyed the solitude and the scenery.

It was warm enough Wednesday to get the wading pool out of the garage for the boys. HT was in heaven and wanted me to immediately call all his friends and invite them over. He was so sure that they would all come that when I told him that I hadn't called any one, he stomped his foot very indignantly and said "Why not!" "Humpf!" "Then who will I play with?" I told him he could play with his brother but he was having a hard time being gracious.

Some days I have a hard time too.

I suppose that's when I really should stop and reflect on my blessings.

Like splashing in puddles on the driveway made from the sprinklers.

Like watching toddler legs running.

Too cute!

Thursday was a busy day, we spent our morning at the park with friends, had a lunch date with Papa, but he had to cancel so we ate lunch at home and then had a nap.

Well, one of us had a nap. Pretty sure it wasn't me.

Then Auntie got home and we went to Bountiful for the Farmers Market.

It was opening day.

I was underwhelmed.

There were more vendors there selling tchotchkes than fresh fruit and vegs. But we did pick up a watermelon, some "fresh" peas and a few vine ripened tomatoes.

We came home to find Papa with an unexpected bouquet of flowers for Mama and the stress of wrangling two boys through a very busy day all melted away.

Thanks Papa!

On Friday Auntie took HT to the Salt Lake Arts Festival and he came home happy, tired and looking like spider man in a wizards hat. I had a heck of a time scrubbing off the face paint.

And now today is done.

Today was fun.

Tomorrow will be another one.

Happy Sunday everyone.

Summer!

2011-06-21T22:48:00.001-06:00

Today was the first day of summer and it was a gloriously beautiful day, the kind of day one dreams about mid January. The kind of day where the sun takes pride in the blue sky, bouncing rays of golden light through the scattering clouds.

A day for swinging at the park,
for eating popsicles on the back porch.

A day for an early morning walk.

HT would race down the sidewalk from tree to tree and rest in its shade.

EM tried to follow as fast as his little legs could carry him. He bounces when he runs and it is so dang cute. I keep telling myself to get a video. Perhaps tomorrow. We had video of HT running but lost it when the computer crashed the last time. He would hold one arm behind him as a ballast and swing the other one as fast as he could pumping with all his might. (Sigh)

It seems inconceivable to me that one year ago EM wasn't even walking let alone running.

People keep telling me that having had my children later in life (40's) that they will keep me young. Quite frankly I think they are making me older faster. Some days it is impossible to keep up.

Today was one of those days.

And I wouldn't have traded it for the world.

It's Never Too Late . . .

2011-06-10T20:15:00.000-06:00

to give thanks.

To give thanks, is to give the giver of life His due. And I have been remiss.

I am thankful for sunlight dancing in the shade of the trees,
for lilac blossoms and for the sweet scent carried on the breeze,
the promise of summer to come,

for slides and swings and play dates with friends,

for sandbox castles,
the sound of children laughing,

for a good book,

for flowers blooming and the scent of freshly mowed grass,

for a husband who loves me and tells me I'm beautiful,
for love notes he leaves me on the kitchen counter after he's gone to work,
arms that hold me tight in the darkness,

for little boy napping,
for cuddles upon waking,

for dinner in the crockpot,
a dish of black raspberry ice cream with chocolate syrup,

a sister to confide in,

and that I am forgiven.

Thomas Was Back in Town

2011-06-06T15:13:00.004-06:00

I say "was" because that was soooo last month. I mean a week is a long time if you are 4 and still asking if you can go again. You just don't get why you can't ride Thomas everyday.

I'd like to say that we all had a good time but that wouldn't really be true. It was too cold, too windy and when the clouds kept threatening to spit on us, us parents decided it was time to go home.

And yes, that is snow on the mountaintop and yes it had snowed that morning. This past May was one of the wettest on record in over 100 years. Thing is . . . by now the snow pack has usually melted away and the danger of any flooding is minimal, but this year . . . well this year there is more snow pack still on the mountains waiting to come down then there has been since 1983 when the city turned State Street into a river to deal with all the excess runoff and with all the added rain our waterways are already overflowing. Get out your rain boots, 'cuz the floods a comin' people. I will say though that so far we have been blessed with cooler temperatures which has helped slow the flow, so to speak.

This wacky weather has my closet confused, one day I'm pulling out a sweater and boots and the next day capris and flip flops.

The best part was that we got to meet up with friends. And I did get some cute pictures of the boys.

A Cookie

2011-06-01T16:18:00.003-06:00

When we had the farewell for my aunt a week or so ago I made three different kinds of cookies and a toffee bar. The most popular to my surprise was not the chocolate chip cookie but the cake mix cookies and I had several requests for the recipe so I am posting it here.

These are super simple and easy to make and there wasn't a single cookie left on the plate before the evening was done.

Cake Mix Cookies
1 Cake Mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil

You can use whatever flavor of cake mix you like, although it works best with a "pudding in the mix" or a "super moist" cake mix. Pictured is a devils food cake mix and a yellow cake mix because that's what I had on hand. I am partial to the lemon cake mix with an orange cream frosting.

Mix together with a spoon. Shape into balls, place on a greased cookie sheet. Cook for 8 minutes at 375 degrees. Let cool. Frost.

To get a uniform shape and size I used a small ice cream scoop (size 70ml).

These are also good with a scoop of ice cream in the middle. A homemade ice cream sandwich.

Yum.

Farewell

2011-06-01T15:49:00.002-06:00

I'm really kind of behind in my blog posts. I have had several things rumbling around in my head to post about but haven't taken the time to do so and then it's the end of another day and I would rather commune with my pillow than the computer.

I mentioned in this post that my aunt was not well and would probably not see another Mother's Day and truth be told she died just shortly after noon on that same day. Things have been a bit hectic since then, but life goes on and you deal the best you can.

It was decided that there would be a formal memorial at her home church in California and an informal get together of family here in Utah. With my cousin (her only child) in Nevada the job of organizing and preparing fell to my sister and me. Our brother graciously opened his home for the event so on May 23rd we all got together for some food and some fellowship.

It was good to visit with family and reminisce.

I missed most of what was said because I was dealing with a cranky one year old, but apparently my aunt knew that the Lord was calling her home as her son told us that before she had left her home in California to visit him in Nevada she had told several people that she didn't know how long she would be gone and wasn't sure when/if she was coming back. She had paid all her bills and two months rent on her apartment. I guess it's pretty amazing that she even made it there. Shortly after she arrived she suffered a major heart attack and she had pneumonia and had not been taking proper care of her diabetes.

These two pictures are from the family reunion that was held August 2010.

Shelly, Brent, Annadelle, Christy, Chris

Licorice Store...

2011-05-26T14:39:00.003-06:00

I like to have a glass of wine once in awhile. Shocking! Anyway in the state we live, purchasing a bottle requires a trip to the state controlled Liquor Store. If HT is with me this generally means his mom is too and they sit in the car while I run in to make my purchase. Well, one afternoon, I told my sister I was going to run over to the the liquor store and HT came flying up the stairs hollering "wait for me, Aunt".

(On a side note, I'm no longer Aunt Susan, I'm just Aunt these days. But that's a story for another day.)

I was a little puzzled because HT is a bit of a homebody and usually doesn't want to come with me to run errands. Since it was just him and me, I couldn't leave him in the car alone, so he came into the store with me. Imagine his disappointment when all he saw was this:

And none of this:

As he asked me where all the licorice was all I could do was laugh.

~Charming's Auntie

Spring Art Show

2011-05-20T14:06:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was the spring art show at HT's preschool. He was so excited to have us come to his class and see all that they had been working on throughout the year.

They sang a couple of songs for us. But instead of being his usual gregarious self and in stark contrast to his performance at the Christmas program he stood up there with his chin on his chest. Papa took video footage but I so "thoughtfully" deleted it upon trying to view it on the camera. DOH!

His picture is the one on the green paper. They are toothpick "dinosaur bones".

He was very proud of his snowman and said, "Look Mama, I made him melting!"

He has really enjoyed preschool this year and I don't know what I am going to do to keep him entertained all summer. We have enrolled him again for next fall for three days a week rather than just the two he has been attending. His birthday just misses the cut-off for kindergarten and he has already been asking me why he can't go to kindergarten with his classmates. Most days when he wakes up he wants to know if it's a school day, a play day "or not".

Speaking of classmates he invited one of them home with him after school the other day without checking with me or her mother first and was disappointed when I said no. So us Moms exchanged phone numbers and promised to set up a play date after school gets out at the end of the month. Then when we got home he told his Aunt that he was "so sorry". When she asked why he gave her the "bad news" that he couldn't "marry her" because he was going to marry Sabrina from school. Also this is not the same little girl that he had told me before was his girlfriend.

Young love can be so fickle.

Cover Your Toes

2011-05-17T20:46:00.002-06:00

As I sat at the computer the other day I kept getting distracted by a rustling sound outside the window. Assuming that it was a bird hanging out by the window well I didn't really give it much thought as I didn't see anything when I pulled back the curtain and looked out. Then I noticed movement among the rocks. That's when I saw this . . . this garter snake.

Ain't it purty. NOT! I took this picture through the window so you will have to forgive the poor quality.

It's probably the same garter snake that HT and Papa found in the back yard several weeks back and explains why HT has refused to wear his flip flops to play outside. He says that the snake will smell his toes and will nibble on them if it does. He's also been insisting on wearing socks to bed. He wasn't afraid to look at it and even has several toy snakes. So go figure.

He wanted to sit on my lap on the porch after I had rescued it.

Then EM had to sit on my lap too. Once we were outside the boys didn't want to come back in and I can't say I blame them. It actually was a very nice day and I even got a little bit of a sunburn.

We had a lovely supper on my brothers back patio and enjoyed the company of our Aunt and Uncle visiting from out of town. What more could you ask for?

Krista's Quilt

2011-05-13T13:50:00.003-06:00

It's time once again for the Blogger's Quilt Festival, a bi-annual event that takes place over at Amy's every spring and fall.

I made this quilt for my dear friend Krista. We have only known each other about 4 years but in that short time I consider her a kindred spirit. In that four years she has seen her share of struggles. One of which has been a bout with breast cancer. She has now been in remission for a year and is on the road to a full recovery.

With the exception of the sashing and the border the top was pieced using the scarves and bandana's that she wore during her treatment. Not long into her treatment she discovered that a fat quarter was a perfect fit.

This for her is a reminder of where she has come from and how much more she has to look forward to and is thankful for and she is glad to use the scarves to cuddle under instead of a covering for her bare head.

I enjoyed designing the top but had a few challenges. First, because all the material had been washed and washed often, I needed to find something from my stash that had been washed and was more than a couple of years old. Then I washed all the fabrics again, and set out drafting the design.

Second, the biggest challenge in designing this quilt was figuring the yardage requirements for the sashing. I had intended this to be a lap quilt, but as I sewed it grew, therefore I did not have enough of the white material to put a border sash around all of the pieced blocks before adding the final border.

Finally, finding a border fabric that would tie all the different fabrics together. I picked the batik, because of the color and the paisley design. I am happy with finished product and I know that Krista is too.

The machine quilting was done by Stephanie McGee over at Quilt Etc. and she did a fabulous job.

Now hop on over to Amy's and check out everyone's quilts.

Message In a Hodgepodge Bottle

2011-05-04T10:04:00.000-06:00

May day, may day, it's Wednesday's Hodgepodge and I'm "sending out an S.O.S." That's what came to mind when I read Joyce's post for this weeks questions and now I've got Sting singing in my head. Thanks Joyce. NOT!

Hum along with me will you.

1. Have you ever been served breakfast in bed? Do you enjoy that? If someone was serving you breakfast in bed this coming weekend what would you hope to see on the tray?

Um. . . yes. But it wasn't very romantic or sweet, it was delivered by a hospital cafeteria worker after I'd given birth to both my babies, no roses, no mimosa, no tender peck on the cheek. Sigh. It wasn't exactly the highlight one dreams about. Frankly I'd rather eat at the breakfast table rather than getting crumbs in the bed and as long as someone else cooks and cleans up they can serve me anything they want . . . well almost anything.

2. What is one piece of advice that you would give to a new mother?

Don't sweat the small stuff, it all comes out in the end anyway and keep plenty of wipes on hand.

3. When was the last time you wanted to scream? Explain.

I'm finding this one hard to answer, 'cuz even though I'm sure I have wanted to scream it rarely does any good and just makes others scream back at you louder and my ears would rather not hear it.

4. Can you hula hoop?

Nope.

5. What is something people do in traffic that really bothers you?

Pretend like they know how to drive.

6. What do you do when people don't admit that they are wrong?

Ignore them. I have found it best to heed the advice of Mark Twain who reportedly said, "Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference".

7. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word fun?

Another song only this time by the Ramones "we're out there having fun in the warm California sun."

8. Insert your own random thought here.

If you are lucky enough to still have your mom, please remember her on Mother's Day, if not tell another mother, sister, sister-in-law or any woman you know who needs a little encouragement that you really appreciate what they do for you and for others. And say a prayer for my cousin, whose mother will probably not make it to see another Mother's Day.

Now go visit Joyce to see what everyone else has to say.

The Last Word

2011-04-30T08:34:00.000-06:00

Remember yesterday when I showed a lovely photo of my pear tree in full bloom. Well April had to have the last word and this is what greeted me outside my window this morning . . . .

The "nice" thing about a spring snow is that this will all be melted by tomorrow and the bad thing about it is that this will all be melted by tomorrow and I will have a soggy, wet, muddy mess everywhere.

It's like April has a grudge and is telling May to get ready for the floods. That or they ran out of Head and Shoulders in heaven and all the angels have really bad dandruff.

April's Fool

2011-04-29T09:01:00.002-06:00

You know the movie Groundhog Day? The one where Bill Murray's character gets stuck in a time loop and has to re-live that day over and over and over and over again.

Well that's how I feel about April. Mother Nature has been playing tricks on us all month. One day you are playing in the sand box enjoying a little sunshine and the next you are stuck in the house snuggled up in your wool socks and fleece pull overs.

Or the next day she says spring is here and shows us the pear trees in full bloom and the next the perennials are struggling under the weight of last nights snow fall.

Or you catch yourself singing "pants on the ground" one day and "put another log on the fire" the next.

Then you can't decide if the watery eyes and runny nose are from the forsythia or winter serving up its leftovers from cold and flu season.

Although . . . upon reflection isn't that really how seasons change, the transition is rarely a smooth one but can be rather rough at times. It seems to be all about how you weather the storm. You can choose to accept the unexpected in each day as a gift, a blessing, a reason to be thankful or complain about not having your expectations met and that things aren't the way you think they ought to be. After all we really do need both the sunshine and the rain.

Choosing Thankfulness

2011-04-21T06:10:00.002-06:00

When you least expect it a friend sends you a gift. One Thousand Gifts of kindness and generosity.

I am blessed. A reminder to be thankful for the gifts found in each and every day.

Today I'm thankful for . . .

. splashes in the bath tub

. grey eyes dancing

. little boys giggling

. snuggling under the covers

. bedtime stories about "Green Eggs and Ham"

. singing a good night song

. the rest that comes at the end of the day

What are you thankful for today?

I'm linked up here today.

Hosanna!

2011-04-17T23:24:00.001-06:00

It is a tradition at our church on Sunday's for all the children to congregate up at the front of the sanctuary for a mini sermon before they are dismissed to sunday school.

Today was no exception.

But today . . . well today they came down the aisle waving palm leaves and shouting Hosanna and the whole congregation joined in adding their voices and shouting "Hosanna, hosanna in the highest!" I would be lying if I said that I wasn't moved by the display of joyful adoration at the re-inactment of the coming of the Messiah into "Jerusalem". But behind my moist eyes and wet lashes hid a jumbled up mess of conflicting emotions.

I long for the coming of Christ but would I shout with joy at the coming of my savior or would I mock the sacrifice? Do I live what I believe? Or am I all talk and no action? My actions most days would contradict my words. I get impatient with my kids, frustrated with my husband, petty with my siblings and selfish with my time.

Then today I see Jesus, I see him enter triumphant into Jerusalem. I see him accused, put on trial, condemned and crucified.

And I am convicted.

Luke 23:32-46 tells us something about this most shameful of Roman executions. Jesus hung on that cross between two others likewise condemned. He was robbed of his dignity, three times mocked, three times told to save himself.

Hanging from the cross in the midst of suffering Jesus offers grace and salvation, compassion and forgiveness.

I am renewed.

My hope is in the Lord.

::

Last Sunday after service the gentleman sitting in the pew in front of me was someone whom I had not seen for a while, a long ago acquaintance of mine and my dads. After a polite exchange of the usual small talk he tells me how he is reminded upon seeing me about his visit to see my dad when he was in the hospital. He had gone to pray with him and for him. But instead of him praying for my dad, my dad prayed for him and how that really blessed him, that here was his friend on the edge of eternity praying with sincerity and conviction that God would bless someone else. In the midst of his suffering my dad offered grace and compassion.

We shared a tear and a hug.

Sometimes God gives you an example of what it means to follow Him.

I am touched by his words and my soul is warmed.

My hope is in the Lord.

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord, O my soul!

While I live I will praise the Lord;

I will sing praises to my God

while I have my being.

Psalm 146:1-2

Flashback

2011-04-15T06:00:00.007-06:00

Saturday will mark my parents 56th wedding anniversary, so I thought that this picture would be fitting for today's flashback friday photo. This picture is from Christmas sometime in the late 80's. I find it delightful and funny that my dad would give my mom a new toilet seat as a present and so did she. I wrote about their anniversary last year, you can read about it here, and see a picture of them on their wedding day.

And since today is my nephews birthday I will also include this picture of him. He is twenty-five today. Happy Birthday Warren!

I'm linked up today with Alicia over at More Than Words.

Let Them Eat Cake

2011-04-10T08:58:00.001-06:00

I'm pretty sure everyone has been to a wedding where the lovely couple, perfectly groomed and dressed up in their finest, feed each other the first slice from their wedding cake. The perfect ending to a perfect day. At least it's supposed to be.

The couple together cut the cake, put a slice on a plate and then in turn feed each other a bite, only they don't always do it kindly or gently or respectfully. Instead, with their friends egging them on, they shove that little bite of cake into each others mouth, pushing it down their gullet as if they are trying to push a watermelon through a straw. And everybody laughs. If you have not witnessed this in person then certainly you have seen it on "America's Funniest Home Videos". Sometimes the bride or the groom is unsuspecting of the impending smear and will get upset and decide that in revenge they are going to throw the cake at their partner or spread it all over their face in which a food fight ensues. And still everybody laughs.

Well, everybody but me. It has always bugged me when couples do this. I don't believe the first act together of their married life that these two people who say they love each other should be one of aggression and disrespect. I mean these two people are planning to spend the rest of their lives together (hopefully) and why would you want to start out with a bitter taste in your mouth, one of resentment and anger. Not only that but think of all the money that was spent to make their wedding day perfect. The brides gown, her hair, her make-up, her manicure and pedicure, not to mention the grooms suit or tuxedo, which has probably been rented. A wedding cake alone can cost several hundred dollars or more. So if you are getting married please think before you act, those people who are laughing and egging you on aren't the ones with cake on their face or in their hair or staining their clothes. Or if you know someone who is getting married, remind them to be respectful of one another.

In conclusion, I just want to say that I am so proud of my nephew and his beautiful bride when at their wedding last month the cutting of their wedding cake did not turn into a food fight.

I love you guys!

Aunt Syd

Stupid Human Tricks

2011-03-31T16:38:00.000-06:00

HT does this thing with his eyebrows where he rolls them across his forehead like the crowd at an arena during a sporting event. We like to call it "the wave". I finally got him to do it for the camera.

"Who Do You Say That I Am?"

2011-03-27T23:09:00.004-06:00

Jesus asks this question of his disciples in Luke 9:20 and it has been in the scripture readings for the last two Sunday's and has started me thinking.

Thinking about what the answer to that question is, thinking about how his disciples answered the question and about how we answer that question. Thinking about the impact of that answer and our response to it and how it will affect the way we live our lives. If we answer as Peter did in verse 20, you are "the Christ of God" we are then asked to follow him. Do I follow Jesus? Do I even really know who is he? I would certainly answer as Peter did. But can I ever really know him? I have spent most of my lifetime trying and I am not going to give up, no matter how hard it is. I believe the relationship is worth the effort.

Not everyone would answer as Peter does, some call Jesus a great teacher, some say a prophet, some say a charlatan. It seems to me the answer to this question is the crux of how Christianity was founded. If we do not understand who he is and what his purpose was in coming to this earth we are truly lost. If we pretend that his sacrifice on the cross was unnecessary or that he was not raised from the dead, then what do we gain in following him. We would be following a facsimile of him, one of our own making, one that would lead us nowhere, one that would have us laboring for salvation by works rather than "faith alone". I heartily agree with C.S. Lewis who so eloquently addresses this issue in Mere Christianity. If you have never read the book I would encourage you to do so. I also think that if you are struggling with your "religion" and wondering about whether or not to go to church or to leave one church for another, the question you should be asking of the church is "Who do you say Jesus is?" The church that answers as Peter did would be a good place to start. Once we find our way we can then strive to follow him. Jesus himself says in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Am I willing to "take up my cross" and follow him? Am I willing to suffer for my belief in who Jesus is? I would like to think so, but really how can my "suffering" if you will, even compare to what others see elsewhere in the world, especially Christians in Asia and the middle east. Yet I see daily how our religious freedoms are being eroded. One hardly dares express an opinion about religion or morality for fear of being called intolerant, ignorant or a bigot, even when we speak the truth in love, we are shouted at, laughed at and belittled for our words. I also know that I can never suffer as Jesus himself did. Have you ever seen The Passion? No movie before or since has ever depicted the suffering of Christ as it does. I sobbed and sobbed uncontrollably and had to look away more than once, it was excruciating to watch.

I have also been convicted of my lack of faith and failing to follow Jesus, in every way, in every day and I struggle to find the right balance, to be in the world but not of the world. Asking myself how that is done with truth, grace and dignity? And admiring those who seem to be living in that balance. Living for Christ is a lesson that takes a lifetime to learn and I'm still learning. Sometimes I despair at the burden of teaching my children this lesson, but really I know that they must come to faith on their own.

So I am asking you today who do you say Jesus is? Can you answer he is "the Christ of God"? If not I would urge you to start seeking out the truth, find a church home, talk to a pastor, pray with a friend, read your bible, do whatever it takes and live the life God intended for you.

I'm linked up today, click button for more lessons.

More Fun in the California Sun

2011-03-23T14:25:00.002-06:00

When I was a kid growing up I remember parties that my parents and us kids sometimes attended, where the host and hostess had just returned from a whirlwind vacation to some exotic locale, a place we were never likely to visit, to view their vacation slides. Mostly us kids just wanted to play and having to sit still and be quiet while someone droned on about their vacation was sheer agony. The internet and more specifically a blog has replaced those types of parties, what with the invention of digital media and the ease of up loading photos online, no one has to sit through a bunch of slides and politely ooh and ah when appropriate. You can now pick and choose what you want to view or none at all.

So this post could alternatively be titled, "The post in which I bore you with more vacation photos." And if you decide to click away, I completely understand. But this blog is somewhat of a digital scrapbook for me and I want to save a few of the best pictures.

On a side note I would just like to say how very disappointed I am with Apple and iPhoto and iLife because you cannot make a simple photo collage. If I want to make a collage it is complicated and time consuming and very limited by what you can and can't do with a screen shot. If any one out there has a better solution that won't cost me an arm and a leg I am all ears!

Chasin' Leprechauns

2011-03-17T19:54:00.004-06:00

The day started as any day.

As any day you would expect to see come springtime. The sky was brooding and dark, the clouds looked bruised and wrung dry. The air hung heavy with the scent of leftover rain.

As I pondered the gloomy day over my cup of mint tea I thought I heard a strange noise.

I knew I'd heard a noise . . . there it was again, the scurry of little feet and the jovial laugh of . . . could it be . . . a leprechaun! I knew I had to move fast or I would miss my chance for fame and fortune.

What to do? What to do?

It came to me in a flash. I'd set a trap.

It'd be brilliant!

I rushed to find my supplies, a hat, a whoopie cushion and a trail of chocolate covered sunflower seeds. Everyone knows that leprechauns love a good joke and surely they couldn't resist chocolate. Once they snatched that cushion the hat would fall and their pot of gold would be mine. MINE, MINE, MINE.

It was with glee that I bounded up the path to set my trap. The sun decided to peek through the clouds as if to see what all the fuss was about. That was when I remembered that today was St. Patrick's day and knew that luck would be on my side. How could I fail?

I crouched behind the bushes patiently waiting, just out of sight, then I heard them again.

They were coming!!!!!

I could hardly contain myself. My hands shook with excitement as I tried to hold the camera steady. I needed to capture this moment!

And then . . .

I kissed my blarney stone for good luck.

And then . . .

I snapped the picture.

TO BE CONTINUED.

::

I hope you're feeling the green.

Several months back I agreed to participate in Amanda's (aka Dumb Mom) totally awesome blog photo chain. It works like this. A disposable camera is mailed to each participant, who takes one photo, only one and then mails it to the next person in the chain. I just happened to get it today. So we will have to wait until the camera makes its way back to Amanda to see if I was successful in capturing a leprechaun or not.

I'll letcha know!

Cheers.

Something Borrowed, Something Blue

2011-03-14T23:32:00.005-06:00

We attended the wedding of my nephew a week ago last Sunday and the minister said some things that really got me thinking about love, life and relationships. It was a very lovely wedding and traditional in the sense that you heard and saw what you would expect to at any wedding. The bride was radiant and gorgeous and with joyful tears she walked down the aisle. The groom beamed with pride and adoration at her coming. At long last hands clasped in solidarity.

The minister talked about faith and fellowship, not only towards each other but to God and within their respective families. Reminding us all that when we marry we are forming new boundaries. Boundaries that now include our spouse but that will also inevitably be exclusive to the marriage partnership and rightly so. When we create such deep emotional, physical and spiritual ties with another we are vulnerable to one another and that creates an intimacy that touches every part of our lives, of our very beings. And we are bound to hold that vulnerability and intimacy faithful, to give each other our trust, a trust that should never be broken.

We are asked to seek God's grace and wisdom to guide and sustain us in our relationships with each other and with the newlyweds. To be mindful of those boundaries.

The minister also spoke on Paul's admonition in Ephesians 5:21-22, 25. Which is oftentimes controversial because we have a tendency to misunderstand his words and to take them out of context. I am reminded of what I have heard before that we are to listen to what is being said to us and not to use what is being said to another as a cudgel. Those words are not for us, we need to pay attention to those words that are! Each party must "be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ"! Did you catch that, "subject to one another", the admonition is not mutually exclusive but inclusive to both parties. This connection, this commitment to one another must be inclusive to succeed and echoes the words of Christ who said that no greater love exists than that which moves a friend to lay down his life for another.

Love is a beautiful thing, it is also hard work and can sometimes come at great personal cost but man is it worth it! No greater love have we seen or will we ever see than that of our Lord himself for us. It is humbling and convicting and makes my so called sacrifices pale in comparison.

The bride and groom did not get the sunset on the beach wedding that they had hoped for, but I'm sure they didn't really mind and as they stood under the arbor pledging their love and lives to each other with the sea breeze rustling through the dangling chimes reflecting the light like a thousand stars and clinking like champagne glasses in a toast, we didn't mind either. At least the rain held off until we got inside for the reception.

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother

and be joined to his wife and they shall become one flesh".

Genesis 2:24

I'm linked up today.

Paradise Point

2011-03-10T09:36:00.001-07:00

We stayed at the Paradise Point Resort while in San Diego. It was very nice as resorts go, not that I have stayed in many . . . wait make that any. The room was nicely decorated and adequate for our needs and it looked clean. Not that I'm a neat freak, but when my youngest spilled some water all over the tile floor and I got one of the nice white towels out of the bathroom to mop it up, the towel turned black. We kept our socks on after that. And Housekeeping didn't make it to our room until that evening so it didn't get cleaned, not sure they would have done more than sweep it anyway.

Despite my little rant, it was lovely.

Spent some time playing with the camera, taking pictures of the birds and flowers and trees.

Can anyone tell me what this growth is on the side of the palm tree? Is it flowering?

Adventures in Travel

2011-03-08T21:30:00.001-07:00

It's been quiet here on this blog as of late. Just in case you hadn't noticed.

We have been busy and gone. What with preparations and packing and traveling.

You see, my nephew got married this past weekend in San Diego and we went. We went because we wanted some sun. But we only got one day of sunshine and it rained the other two! And it was my nephew getting married not just anybody and the fact that we got our tax refund back just in time or we wouldn't have gone anywhere.

Bummer, rain. Yeah, tax refunds!

But the wedding was lovely, the reception a blast and the company was delightful, so all in all we had a good time. More on that later and I have pictures, lots and lots of pictures.

Anyway we left Saturday morning bright and early to catch our flight. I had packed so carefully and even made a list, yet we left the house without the stroller! Argh.

Do you know what it is like to try to cart two suitcases, a camera bag, a diaper bag, a C-PAP machine, a backpack, my purse and keep track of a husband, a four year old and a one year old in an airport? Not an easy task I tell ya! One I am loathe to repeat. Almost as fun as trying to keep said one year old happily confined on my lap during the flight. It might have been easier to wrestle an alligator in a swamp!

He did sit still for a few minutes, long enough to watch half of one story on the "Thomas the Tank Engine" DVD.

The shuttle ride from the airport was just as fun. HT was glad to be in San Diego, can you tell? And he likes to play with his hair.

Anyway I have more to share, but will do that another day. We played on the beach, "swam" in the pool, rode a "bike". Went to the naval yard and saw the Midway. Ate a lot, laughed a lot and walked a lot, even saw a shark.

Not the best picture, but that my friends is a two foot long shark
that was lurking in the water beneath the foot bridge to the marina.

When we came home we were greeted with a snow storm so today we have been digging ourselves out and laundry and grocery shopping and I'm ready for bed.

Ta ta for now.

Welfare Ducks

2011-03-02T11:47:00.005-07:00

We have had several really lovely days in a row now and it makes me think that spring really is on its way. Sunshine, temps in the 50's, haze cleared out of the valley, really nice.

However the forecasters are predicting rain for us today, but I have yet to see a drop. And we have a play date planned for this afternoon. HT is beside himself with excitement!

Anyway there's a wide spot in the road by the canal just a short walk from our house where the ducks and other fowl like to congregate. There are even a few goats. The fowl have picked this spot because they have figured out that someone will come along and throw them a crust of bread. They no longer fly south for the winter and I'm pretty sure they couldn't if they tried, pretty sure they live there year round. In fact the county got tired of us humans leaving empty bread bags behind and making a mess and they have set up garbage cans for public use. They have even put up a fence and painted parking spots.

So yeah, we went and fed the welfare ducks, contributed to their delinquency. I'll repent tomorrow. I was just glad to get out of the house and so were the boys.

I'm linked up today. Click buttons for more Wordful Wednesday fun.

Eye Spy Quilt

2011-02-25T08:30:00.002-07:00

I had been collecting juvenile prints to make an Eye Spy quilt for HT ever since he got his big boy bed, but couldn't find a pattern that I really liked so I made up my own and this is what I came up with. What do you think?

I had hoped to finish it before Christmas but didn't get it sent off to be quilted until the last week in December. I got it back earlier this month and once I finished the binding it was on his bed by Valentines.

I used a polka dot flannel for the back for extra warmth and cuddliness.

My new favorite thing is using a striped fabric for the binding. I just love the look and the way if gives the edge of the quilt movement and personality.

I'm thinking I should do a smaller version for his brother for his crib, hopefully I can get it done before he out grows it!

And how could I not include this picture of my two helpers? EM was so glad to get outside today and play despite it being cold and breezy.

I'm linked up today for Sew and Tell Friday over at Amy's. If you are feeling crafty click here for more fun and games.

First Stone

2011-02-20T22:03:00.001-07:00

My son broke a rock. I know he broke the rock because he very sweetly came to me and told me about it, apologizing as he offered it to me along with the broken piece in his hands.

A rock that I had told him a dozen or more times to leave alone.

I got really upset. I ranted and raved and told him how upset I was not only because he broke the rock but also for his disobedience. I even started to cry. As the tears streamed down my face in my angry rant, he too started to cry.

This was not just any rock mind you, but a rock that belonged to my father, one that sat on his desk. He used it as a paper weight and as a reminder. Its one of the very few mementos that I have in my possession that were among his things. A rock he had picked up on one of his many road trips through the desert. A rock on which he had written the words "1st Stone".

The irony of the words printed on that rock are not lost on me.

As I sat there looking through tears at that rock and at my sons confused tear stained face I was caught up short in how ridiculous it all was. It's just a rock for crying out loud. The issue wasn't about a broken rock, but of obedience. I was caught up short by my own disobedience towards my heavenly Father. How many times have I broken something, my word, a promise, or a command? How many times have I come to the throne of grace in repentance, seeking forgiveness? Not once has He scolded me as I scolded my son, but rather extended a nail pierced hand and freed me from my shame.

In the gospel of John 8:1-12, Jesus faces a mob that is eager to stone to death a women who has been caught in adultery and in verse 7 he says "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." A reminder for us not to judge others when there is sin in our own lives that needs to be dealt with. However the lesson for me this day is what happens next. As the crowd disperses the women is left standing alone with Jesus and he asks her "Where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?" When she answers "No one, Lord. " His reply is "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."

He has given the woman hope. Hope for a new life. Hope for salvation. Hope to live a life freed from sin and the assurance of forgiveness.

He has given me hope.

" . . . He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

John 8:12

So I dried my eyes and those of my son and as I embraced him, I asked for his forgiveness and offered him mine, telling him that everything was going to be alright and that he was more important to me than a broken rock and that I loved him so very much, no matter what.

I'm linked up today with Michelle at Graceful. Click here for more lessons.

Friends

2011-02-15T08:21:00.001-07:00

HT has been lonely since the neighbors moved last month, so I have been trying to keep him happy and occupied, but it's not the easiest thing to do. We have scheduled several play dates with friends but haven't been able to keep them all for various reasons, but we did manage to meet up at Chuck E. Cheese's a week or so ago for some fun. It's not the kind of place you go to for the food. Rather like an indoor arcade for the under 10 crowd and for a few dollars we got 50 tokens and more than an hours worth of play for the boys while us moms sat and talked each others ear off.

Good times.

Trivia, a Confession and a Winner

2011-02-06T20:02:00.003-07:00

I know you are all dying to know who won the Barnes and Noble gift card, but I'm going to make you scroll all the way to the bottom and watch an annoying vlog for the winner. I've been having fun going through the past posts. So here is the top ten according to my stats:

My most popular post was this one. The Chocolate Mint M&M Cookie recipe. It is still getting hits today and if you google "chocolate mint M&M cookies" my blog is the first find in the search engine. Um . . wow.

The second most popular post was this one. The Fresh Corn Salad recipe from June of last year, it also is still getting hits. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something, maybe I should do more food posts.

The third post is this one. "Out of my Box" where I showed off one of the quilts I have made.

Fourth, "I'll Fly Away" a tribute to my dad.

Fifth "Finally Some Answers" a follow up to the 7th most popular.

Sixth "Almost Finished". I'm sure this is on the list only because I linked with another blog. I'm just showing off my crafting skills again or is that skillz!

Seventh "Trick or Treat". The one in which I play blog tag. Thanks FringeGirl.

Eight "Kids Say the Darnedest Things". Finally one about my kid, the reason for this blog in the first place.

Ninth "Remembering". A tribute to my mom. On a side note the day I posted this was the first time the blog received over 100 hits.

Tenth "Comfort Food ala Quatre". Another recipe, hmm . . .

And now for my confession.

Today is Super Bowl Sunday as I'm sure every one in America knows, but I just have to say I hate football. I don't care who wins and I can't wait until the madness ends. I have felt this way ever since I was a young lass enjoying the Ingall's saga of life on the prairie when one of my brothers would waltz in the house and change the TV channel, AND THEY GOT AWAY WITH IT. Never mind that I was in the middle of watching something else. It's not like they would have really missed anything. The Pre-game show, the kickoff maybe, but is that as important as the final touch down? A technically 60 minute game can last for HOURS, hours I tell ya. Especially when televised with all the commercials. What harm would it have been to let me finish the last 1/2 hour to 15 minutes of my show?

And the cherry on top of the icing on top of the cake, my mom died on Super Bowl Sunday, another reason to not watch the game.

Whew, glad I got that off my chest.

But . . . . but I'm the mother of boys, and I'm screwed aren't I. (Sigh)

So without further ado, the winner . . .

Congratulations! E-mail me your information and I will get your gift card in the mail.

Blog-a-versary!

2011-02-04T09:26:00.002-07:00

A year ago today I re-started up this here blog and actually despite my initial misgivings (dare I admit) I have caught myself enjoying it. I thought that sitting down and trying to come up with something to say would be a chore. You see I am not a writer and am not competing for shelf space at Barnes and Noble. If you'd like a refresher you can go read that first post here or the second one here.

There are three contributors to this blog, my sister (Charming's Auntie), myself (Charming's Mama) and my husband (Charming's Papa) and as it turns out this is also the 101st post that I have written. One was written by my husband and the others were written by my sister.

I have noticed on some blogs that people have posted 100 things about themselves on the occasion of their 100th post. I will spare you all 101 boring and mundane details of my ordinary life. However if you have this burning desire to know something that you are sure will in some way enhance your quality of life go ahead and ask me in the comments and I will do a future post in response to any questions.

Speaking of Barnes and Noble and commenting, Charming's Auntie has graciously agreed to donate one $20 Barnes and Noble gift card to one lucky commenter. She says it's for your Nook fund, but I say you can use it however you like.

So yeah, check back and I will post the winner on Sunday.

I have really enjoyed getting to know many of you bloggers, connecting with an on-line community that I never really knew existed. I just want to say thanks.

Tired Eyes

2011-02-02T09:24:00.003-07:00

Well all of the Halloween candy is finally gone.

I doled it out one piece at a time.

Don't know why I didn't let them just eat it all in one or two days, because what happened was that I pieced on it also and my waistline doesn't need any more "padding". Instead of letting their teeth rot all in one or two days, I let them rot over several months.

Nice . . . .

Anyway HT got this pair of glasses in his bucket and is freaked out by them and he refuses to put them on let alone touch them.

But . . .

little brother is not.

I'm linked up today. Click the buttons if you want to play along.

Ice Hockey

2011-01-31T21:21:00.002-07:00

We have been spending way too much time indoors lately, but the weather outside has been cold and dreary besides having several "red" air quality days. And truth be told both boys have had an ear infection and EM also had a sinus infection and they are on their last day of antibiotics.

So this morning HT came to me with a piece of ice in his hands. Me, being the nosy mother that I am, asked "Why are you carrying around a piece of ice, aren't your hands getting cold".

"Mama, I'm playing ice hockey."

"Not in the house you're not, now go put that in the sink before it melts all over the floor."

After he put the ice in the sink, he brought me his plastic toy golf clubs one for me, one for him and one for Papa, so we could get more ice and play. I had to tell him again that we weren't going to play ice hockey in the house.

I'm such a cruel mother, there were tears and "Why?" and "But I want to." but I held firm. No ice hockey in the house.

So after lunch and nap time we went out. I think everybody had a good time.

Actually, I was quite proud of my boy for thinking up a new game to play all on his own.

So, how was your day?

Remembering

2011-01-26T07:00:00.007-07:00

I'm remembering my mother today.

I miss her.

As of today she has been gone 14 years. It seems she died only yesterday, but it has been an eternity of yesterdays.

We first noticed something was wrong around Thanksgiving, when she said that she couldn't remember how to make gravy. She had spent the day preparing our feast and at the very last she was suddenly confused.

I remember the day we got the diagnosis. A brain tumor, the size of mans fist with tentacles that had spread themselves into the surrounding tissue. I remember seeing the images on the MRI. I remember them telling us there was little if anything they could do. Perhaps surgery, but the survival rate was slim and there were no guarantees that they could remove the tumor in whole or in part. I remember the fear and uncertainty in her eyes at first but I also remember how, with dignity and grace she accepted her fate and lived without complaint.

I remember the last five weeks spent helping my father care for her.

I remember how she started to lose control of the left side of her body. I remember following her down the hallway and watching her list to one side, it struck her as funny and how we laughed in the moment.

I remember the visits from family. They came to say good-bye.

I remember that last Christmas and having to return most of the gifts, having to explain to the sales clerk that the recipient wouldn't be needing these things in heaven.

I remember washing her hair and putting it up in rollers when she no longer could do it herself.

As children we would vie for a seat next to her. I remember sitting in church and holding her hand, playing with her skin, tracing veins with my fingers and remembering how smooth her hands were. I have been told that my hands are like hers.

Remembering the warmth of her skin against mine as she touched my cheek and how she used to tuck my hair behind my ears as she smiled and told me I was "such a pretty girl".

I remember her sitting at the kitchen table doing the mornings crossword puzzle and sipping a hot cup of tea.

I remember what it felt like to be hugged, really hugged by my mother, the warmth of her embrace, her hair brushing against my cheek.

I remember her quiet pride at her children's accomplishments.

I remember her tucking me in at night under one of the quilts she had made. I remember going with her and my grandmother to their monthly quilting bee and watching them work and listening to them chatter about life, love and relationships.

I remember her love for my Dad and how she died at home in his arms.

I remember burying my mother in a peaceful, quiet place. A place where the sun shines warm on bare earth and yet where you can see every star in the heavens on a clear moonless night.

I remember her love for the Lord and her devotion to serving Him by serving others. It seems like we were always making room for one more at the supper table. A relative, a neighbor, a friend and the occasional stranger. She accepted without condemnation those who came into her life.

She used to tell all us kids that "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all". A lesson I am still learning.

It is the memories of life's little events that I will cherish. The gift of the ordinary day.

Her children rise up and call her blessed;

Her husband also, and he praises her.

Proverbs 31:28

Almost Finished

2011-01-24T08:46:00.001-07:00

Last week I decided to participate in Amy's One Thing, One Week Challenge. I am taking an applique class at one of my favorite quilt shops and we are doing Aunt Millie's Garden a pattern from Piece O' Cake Designs. I have not done any needle turn hand applique before, but have done several machine applique projects. I have taken several classes over the years on the technique, but have not taken those lessons home with any specific project in mind, so I don't have any real experience or practice at doing it.

Finally Jeannette over at Piper's Quilts and Comforts has de-mystified needle turn hand applique for me and I am doing it and enjoying the process rather than being intimidated by it.

So for the one thing, one week challenge I said that I wanted to finish the first block, well even though I didn't quite get it done I did finished enough of it to share and am confident that I can and will finish it before our next class.

You can see what everyone else has been up to by clicking on the link here.

Grandma

2011-01-23T19:26:00.003-07:00

This is a picture of my Grandmother, my dads mom. I love this picture, it has to be one of my favorites. I have no idea when it was taken but if I had to guess I would say the 1940's or 1950's. She is working on a quilt, no idea if she was making it or repairing it. I love the light. I love the focus. I love her apron. I love the sink full of dishes and the counter cluttered with the the unending work of this life. So many things to do, yet she takes a moment to sit and sew, something I know she enjoyed doing. She's the reason I quilt.

Today was her birthday and if she were still alive today she would be 103.

A few things I remember and loved about my grandmother:

She was full of sayings and had wisdom to give under almost any circumstance.

She was tenacious and strong all 5' 2" (if that) of her. She used to complain that when it came to her height she "got gypped". Her own mother was 5'8" and one of her sisters was 6' tall and her Uncle Jim was 6' 7". My Granddad used to tell her that the good Lord made her just the right height for him. He was only 5'6".

She taught me how to crochet at the age of six because I begged her so relentlessly, she told me I was too young and that it wouldn't keep my interest long enough to complete even a hot pad. At six I had to prove her wrong and made not only one hot pad but two. I still crochet.

She gave birth to 10 children. One of whom she bore the burden of his preceding her in death at the tender age of 4 from cancer, something she never recovered from, but had learned to live with. As a teenager I asked her about my Uncle and she told me with tears in her eyes how she had held her baby in her arms, in helpless despair as he slipped away.

She taught me the meaning of unconditional love, something I still strive to practice.

She used to say that the bible was her "yardstick". She measured all by Gods word.

She loved to read and always regretted not having had the opportunity to go to college in her youth.

And she taught my mama how to bake bread. Well . . . actually she taught my mama how to cook.

Wish I had paid attention.

Hanging Earrings

2011-01-18T09:20:00.002-07:00

Since Christmas is finally over and all the gifts have been given and received I can share what I made for my sister and sister-in-law for Christmas. Actually I should say we, because hubby helped. We painted and decoupaged a simple wooden frame, added some screen material, paper flowers, some ribbon (so it could be hung on the wall) and voila . . . a place to hang your earrings.

This is the one we made for my sister. I forgot to take a picture of the other one before we sent it off to my sister-in-law.

And in other news I am going to participate next monday in Amy's One Thing, One Week Challenge. I figure this will motivate me to finish my project if I am held accountable to do so. If you are crafty and would like to join in, go over to her blog and leave a comment saying what you are hoping to finish and then do and post about it next week, showing your completed project.

Come on you can do it, you know you want too.

Hazy Days

2011-01-13T15:11:00.003-07:00

We live in a valley, surrounded by the Wasatch mountains to the east and Oquirrh mountains to the west. Every winter we get what forecasters call an inversion, the cold yucky smog filled, pollution filled air that lies stagnant on the valley floor and stays and gets worse the longer it remains trapped, until finally a storm comes along and scours out the valley. It makes for headaches and scratchy throats.

So we decided to escape it all and drove up Big Cottonwood canyon to Solitude Ski Resort, just to breath a little fresh air last Sunday afternoon. It was good to get out of the house. We noticed that there were several units available at the lodge, but didn't have $800,000. to $1,500,000. dollars in pocket change to secure one.

It put the smiles back on our faces.

The lifts had closed for the day and so we watched as the snowcats groomed the runs. Not that we could have afforded a lift ticket. I can't handle the altitude for very long anyway. The boys had fun just being out and running around.

EM thought he ought to have a ride on this snowmobile.

I'm sure if the ski patrol had seen us letting him sit on it, they would not have approved.

Oh well, it was a lovely afternoon and after we all were good and cold from playing in the snow for a while we got ourselves a pizza and headed back down the mountain. It's amazing what a little fresh air can do.

Uncertain

2011-01-08T08:46:00.005-07:00

At what point in your adult life do you move on from the insecurities and uncertainties of your youth? Really, by what age should your life path be certain? Your 30's or 40's? Your 50's maybe or by then is it too late and you are stuck with what if's and regrets?

It seems like we spend most of our time trying to chase an ideal that society tells us that we should own. That we should be enjoying the fruits of an expensive college education, have a burgeoning successful career, happy home life and a retirement account that will sustain us in the lifestyle we've become accustomed too.

Let me tell you, trying to get there, is like trying to rope the wind.

Me, I'm a late bloomer, always have been and I don't think I'm going to make it and I'm okay with that.

Sort of.

Spent most of my twenties trying to finish college and never did. Spent my thirties working as an office manager and full charge bookkeeper of a small but successful commercial construction company, made decent money and for the most part enjoyed my time there. Got married at 40, had my first baby at 42, at 43 quit my job to be his mother. Had my second at 45 and am now wondering what in the heck am I doing?! It's got me thinking I should have, or shouldn't have done this or that or the other. But there's no going back.

The coming of the new year is supposed to be filled with promise and the opportunity for a better future, a clean slate as some have said. But I find myself faced with yet another year of seasonal work for my husband and our family. He is tired and frustrated and we all are facing an uncertain future. I am full of anxiety and worrying about things that I have no control over and wondering why I can't control the things I do or should have control of. Thinking we should have done something different, wishing away what is instead of trying to make do with what we have. On one hand I am so grateful for God's provision and on the other I am worrying that it's not enough.

AM I NUTS?!

When has God's provision ever not been enough?!

My Grandma used to call worrying "borrowing trouble". And you know what. She was right. So today I am going to try to enjoy the gift of another ordinary day and let God take care of tomorrow.

I'm also going to quit "shoulding" all over myself.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,

for tomorrow will worry about its own things.

Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Matthew 6:34

Moving On

2011-01-06T08:49:00.001-07:00

TR and the boyz in the 'hood!

The neighbors are moving, this is a tragedy or it soon will be once it becomes real for HT. They are the only people in the neighborhood who have kids close in age to our boys and HT and Ethan have played together since they were babes. And they are not just moving across town but to another state, so weekly summer play dates aren't going to be possible anymore.

I know that 4 year olds are very resilient, but every time it is talked about or mentioned HT starts to cry.

Yesterday while Ethan and Sam's mama went to mail off the papers on the house they have bought the boys played outside with TR.

There is a church parking lot just east of our house and the snow plow has piled up all the snow from the last several storms and the boys have had so much fun playing on it, pushing each other off of it and claiming their territory. Yesterday HT was calling it his snow office.

EM wanted so much to play outside with the boys, but he wasn't happy being out in the cold and the snow so I took him back in the house and he cuddled on the couch with his Auntie.

I'm going to miss them too. They have been good neighbors and friends and HT and Ethan are at an age now that they can play fairly well together without constant supervision and it has been nice to let them do so.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T16:19:00.001-07:00

The new year here was ushered in with a light dusting of snow on top of the 10 or so inches we got on Thursday. HT has been itching to go out and play but it is just too cold to stay out for very long. Besides he's wearing his "new bran' coat"!

It has also ushered in the doldrums. I have been feeling kinda in a funk lately and am not looking forward to a long cold winter. Today the sun is shining but those who forecast the weather are telling us that an inversion is coming.

Oh, yeah. Just what we need smog to cover our foggy days. Poor air quality and low visibility.

But hey, these guys don't know the difference, they just know they like to play in the snow. And a chance to get outside and burn off some energy does everyone good.

Been missing my mom a lot lately too, its been 14 years now. My heart aches sometimes when I look at my boys and know that they will never know my parents.

Anyway, I hope the new year brings you tidings of good news and great joy and that God richly blesses you and yours.

I have resolved not to make any new year's resolutions, because really that's the only resolution I have ever been able to keep!

However, my prayer for the new year can be summed up in the following verses from

Psalm 51: 10-13.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God.

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from Your presence.

And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.

And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors Your ways.

And sinners shall be converted to You.

Christmas Re-Cap

2010-12-31T09:56:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would do a Christmas re-cap before this year was over and as you can see I'm barely going to make it. So here goes. Warning, it's going to be heavy on pictures, 'cuz that's what the people want . . . well okay it's what I want.

HT excited to see what's in his stocking.

EM concerned about what might be in his stocking.

The boys really had fun opening presents and it was fun watching them. Well I should say HT had fun opening presents, EM was decidedly more into checking out the box full of bows or seeing what had already been opened. I have added a few captions to the pictures, that I'm sure if EM could use words instead of baby talk he would have been saying.

EM "unwrapping" the bows.

"No really Mama, these are much more interesting than presents."

"Wow, look what HT got, can I play with it, rather than open my present."

"Say, there's a button here to push, wonder how long it will take to
drive everybody nuts."

"Aren't you done yet, I wanna go for a ride!"

EM can say a few words, like "car" and "go" and "uh-oh".

"Look this is where it goes."

Peace on Earth

2010-12-25T00:08:00.005-07:00

As the moon shines bright

on this dark cold night

we once again celebrate the coming of a king

a babe in a manger,

yet the world sleeps in silence

while God works in miracles

and all of heaven sings!

Peace on Earth!

As a new day dawns
the sun fills the sky
bright beams of light break across the earths crust
awakening our hopes and dreams
of the salvation this day brings
while God works in miracles
and all of heaven sings!
Peace on Earth!

"Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill

toward men!"

Luke 2:14

Happy HO HO Hodgepodge

2010-12-22T06:00:00.003-07:00

I had so much fun playing along a few weeks back I thought I would join in the fun again.

1. Share your Christmas Eve tradition.

Rushing to the mall to buy that last almost overlooked gift. Try to get everything wrapped. Making one last grocery run for Christmas Day dinner. Getting to church late for the children's Christmas Eve service, enjoying the chaos of the impromptu live nativity. Going home tired and exhausted then wrangle two little munchkins into bed and finish up with the wrapping and filling stockings and falling into bed myself for a much needed hour of sleep.

What do you think, do you like the stockings? I made them myself.

2. What is the best book you read in 2010?

Do children's books count? Cuz' that's about all I've read.

3. Do you have any pets and do you allow them on the furniture?

No and no. Sometimes I think I'd like to keep my children off the furniture, at least until they are 21 but that'll never happen.

Sitting atop the train table, "cleaning" off the window sill.

4. What event from 2010 are you most thankful for?

That God has provided, despite being faced with yet another year of seasonal work.

5. What did you do in 2010 that you had never done before?

Resurrected this here blog that my sister started several years ago. Was it a good idea? You tell me?

6. Brussel sprouts . . . friend or foe?

Well I've never actually had one so I couldn't say. Truth be told I have been unwilling to try one, they just look so, well, vegetable-y. Except I thought the ones Bobby Flay made during the Throwdown challenge with the Pioneer Woman actually looked good and I thought I might like to try one.

7. Who would you nominate for man/woman of the year?

I don't really think my opinion counts, but since you asked I would nominate a soldier, someone who's done his/her best to serve their country despite great personal sacrifice and hardships on their family and friendships and at risk of losing their life for a sometimes ungrateful country that protests their going to fight and their battle weary home coming, even if that home coming is in a pine box. Next time you find yourself under the mistletoe, kiss a soldier and say thanks!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

If you're in need of a good laugh go here, you'll thank me for it later. But don't forget to thank me for it, so come on back and leave me a comment. Then hop on over to Joyce's for more Happy HO, HO, Hodgepodge-ness.

Cheers!

Pastor Mike's Last Minute Gift Giving Guide

2010-12-20T21:31:00.003-07:00

Sunday was the last sunday in Advent, the last sunday before the much anticipated birth of our Savior. A day to be filled with joy, a day to rejoice in the birth of our Savior.

Yet Christmastime can also be exhausting when faced with the seemingly endless preparations and the pressures of society's ideal of what our Christmas should look and feel like. We struggle to keep things in perspective but often get caught up in a world view that distorts the reason for our celebrations. We find ourselves trying to live up to impossible expectations.

Some of us struggle with depression and grief over a lost loved one, or the frustration and hurts when dealing with the disappointments that life has dealt us.

God has given us Christmas to minister to those in need, to share the gift of Christ with others, to bless another's life with that gift, with our words and deeds. To be faithful in shining the light of Christ on a dark, hurting and broken world.

So in light of sharing Christ with others this season our Pastor gave us a few last minute gift giving ideas.

1. "Mend a quarrel." Really what have you got lose, a broken heart, hurt feelings, a festering soul. I say the sooner the better. You'll gain forgiveness, restored friendship and a heart free to love again.

2. "Seek out a forgotten friend." What could be better than renewing a relationship and remembering the camaraderie of days long gone.

3. "Speak kindly to a homeless person." You may not be able to help with their situation but you can show them some compassion for their loss.

4. "Hug someone tightly and whisper, 'I love you so'."

5. "Gladden the heart of a child." Get down on their level and listen to what they have to say, be it silly or otherwise, you can make a child merry by sharing in their joy.

6. "Take a walk with a friend." It's amazing what a walk can do for you both. Physically, emotionally and spiritually.

7. "Express appreciation." Smile and tell someone thanks, like the person who offers to take your cart back to the store and then offer up a silent prayer on their behalf.

8. "Apologize if you were wrong." It really is very easy to say "I'm sorry." It's only two little words but can mean more than a thousand.

9. "Be gentle and patient with an angry person." In Proverbs 15:1 it says "A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger."

And finally . . .

10. "Treat someone to a cup of coffee or an ice cream cone." What could be better than good coffee or ice cream and good conversation to spread a little good will someone's way.

And remember to share the gift of Christ, the real treasure of Christmas, the best gift of all.

"And let us not grow weary while doing good,

for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Therefore, as we have opportunity,

let us do good to all,

especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Galatians 6: 9-10

Jingle All the Way

2010-12-17T11:22:00.003-07:00

Yesterday HT's preschool had their Christmas program and what kind of a mother would I be if I didn't share this little video of him "singing".

When we got there the kids hadn't yet arrived from their classrooms so we sat down in the first two available chairs on the right side of the stage. When they filed in single file HT was quick to find us in the crowd and was very excited to have me and Auntie there to cheer him on. However when his class walked all the way across the stage to the left, we got up and moved over there too, to better our view. He did not see us move and was distraught for the first half of the program, thinking we had left. When I finally caught his eye, he squealed with glee and you can see his exuberance in the video.

When I asked him who the little girl was next to him, he told me "dat's my girlfriend" and who's the little girl next to her, "oh, dat's my girlfriend too!"

Aw, my little casanova!