(The day we found this leaf, it was so pretty with the green strips in the blazing orange. Today it is a little more curled and the green isn't as vibrant.) We didn't have trees like this growing up, so it still fascinates me!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Being Creative
This is no news flash, but I have realized once again that I would much rather be creative than domestic. (I know, you're thinking...duh!) It doesn't matter if it is something simple like stamping gift tags, or working on a scrapbook--I just enjoy being creative! Then I see things like this leaf and I realize again that my God is so creative. It doesn't matter if it is something simple like a leaf or designing a person and her life story.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Papa & Sweet Boy’s Concoction
I have been looking through picture albums for a project and came accross this story that makes me laugh every time I see it!
It was Mother’s Day. Not just any Mother’s Day—the day we had Sweet Doll’s Baby Dedication at church! So Granny and Papa came down, and all SweetHeart’s family were coming over to our house for lunch. I was trying to get as much prepared the night before as I could, so lunch for that big crowd would come together quick and smooth. Sweet Boy and Papa were chopping pecans for me to put in a salad. They finished the amount I needed, and Sweet Boy asked, “Mom, can I chop up some chips?”
“Sure. Why not,” I replied. I could see it in their eyes Sweet Boy and Papa had an experiment going! Being the scientist that he is, Papa kept track of all that went into their concoction. Sweet Boy thought it was pretty cool the way those four Sour Cream ‘n’ Onion Baked Lays Potato Chips ground up in the nut chopper. Then they added 6 pecans. They poured that mixture into one of the kid-sized Tuperware mixing bowls I used to play with and added lemonade until it was just the right consistency—150 ml according to Papa! Now you and I both know that is not an inviting combination, but to this almost 4-year-old it sounded like the most delicious treat that he wanted to share with everyone! The whole time they were mixing and adding a little more lemonade to make it just right, Sweet Boy kept talking about how he wanted Uncle R and Cousin C, especially, to taste it. And it was going to be great!
Then the taste testing moment arrived. Papa poured some of the juice into a small cup, and I got the camera ready for the reaction. Sweet Boy was oblivious to mine and Papa’s grins that were just waiting to laugh out loud as he took a sip. You could tell he wanted to sell it and say it was yummy! But then reality hit all those taste buds and the optimistic expression on his face changed to...
This is Yuck!
I promised you would laugh! Hope you have a good day!
Remembering Shanna
November 29th, the Monday after Thanksgiving 25 years ago. For some reason, this year I didn't want this day to be a big deal. I acknowledged the day my sister died with my mom, but I didn't want to be emotional about it. When a tragedy happens in your life, it affects they way you react to situations, and yesterday was one of those times.
Let me preface the story with this year is a little more difficult for me because I was 7 when Shanna died, and she was 4. My oldest is 7, and my daughter is 4. I can't imagine trying to help a 7 year old cope with death. And I can't imagine loosing my 4 year old.
Yesterday, I made a minor decision that my SweetDoll did not agree with. To which she said, "I wish I didn't hava a mom or dad with stinky rules." Saying things like that just breaks my heart because I don't remember if I had a fight with Shanna the day before, or if I gave her a hug. And today I decided to talk with Heather about saying such things. So I sat her on the stool infront of me and looked her in the eye.
"SweetDoll, you really don't need to say things like that."
"Why?"
"Because if something really bad happened to momma, you would feel bad. And I don't want you to feel bad. I don't want you to get into a habit of talking to people like that."
"Why?"
"I'm going to tell you something and I might cry, but it is ok. I don't remember if I was mean to my sister or if I told her I loved her and then she died and went to live with Jesus. So we need to speak kind words to each other because we don't know what will happen tomorrow."
She knew about Shanna before, so that was not a bombshell for her. Then she asked to see a picture of her. We got out the picture album and looked at pictures. She called my brother, Sweet Boy. "No, that is Uncle J!" Then she asked to see a picture of Shanna when she was big like me. I told her that there weren't any because she died when she was four. She looked at me with that understanding look--that is how old I am. Then she asked if it made me sad to think about Shanna. I told her it did a little, but that is ok. Then she said something very sweet. "Momma, when I get big, I'll be your sister." In many ways, I look forward to the time when we can do things as friends.
Needless to say, I didn't make it through this week without all the emotions! I'm sorry to share the tears, but thanks for letting me remember my sister. The next post will make you laugh. I promise!
Let me preface the story with this year is a little more difficult for me because I was 7 when Shanna died, and she was 4. My oldest is 7, and my daughter is 4. I can't imagine trying to help a 7 year old cope with death. And I can't imagine loosing my 4 year old.
Yesterday, I made a minor decision that my SweetDoll did not agree with. To which she said, "I wish I didn't hava a mom or dad with stinky rules." Saying things like that just breaks my heart because I don't remember if I had a fight with Shanna the day before, or if I gave her a hug. And today I decided to talk with Heather about saying such things. So I sat her on the stool infront of me and looked her in the eye.
"SweetDoll, you really don't need to say things like that."
"Why?"
"Because if something really bad happened to momma, you would feel bad. And I don't want you to feel bad. I don't want you to get into a habit of talking to people like that."
"Why?"
"I'm going to tell you something and I might cry, but it is ok. I don't remember if I was mean to my sister or if I told her I loved her and then she died and went to live with Jesus. So we need to speak kind words to each other because we don't know what will happen tomorrow."
She knew about Shanna before, so that was not a bombshell for her. Then she asked to see a picture of her. We got out the picture album and looked at pictures. She called my brother, Sweet Boy. "No, that is Uncle J!" Then she asked to see a picture of Shanna when she was big like me. I told her that there weren't any because she died when she was four. She looked at me with that understanding look--that is how old I am. Then she asked if it made me sad to think about Shanna. I told her it did a little, but that is ok. Then she said something very sweet. "Momma, when I get big, I'll be your sister." In many ways, I look forward to the time when we can do things as friends.
Needless to say, I didn't make it through this week without all the emotions! I'm sorry to share the tears, but thanks for letting me remember my sister. The next post will make you laugh. I promise!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Holiday Happenings
I couldn't decide on just one so here goes!
Favorite Christmas memories:
Favorite Christmas memories:
going to grandparents' house for several days, playing games, watching movies, making sausage cheese balls with cousins, singing... I love that surprise look when the kids, or SweetHeart, open "that" present!
Favorite decorations:
Stockings...my mom has home-made felt stockings. When I got married and decorated for Christmas, we needed stockings. So I made us some felt stockings too. They are my favorites because they represent us, but together they also tell the Christmas story.
Tree skirt...I also made our tree skirt with snow flakes and our handprints, so it is unique to us too. (Yes, I'm one set short. SweetTater was a little small to do it last year, so we will get his on there this year!)
Favorite holiday music:
I love to sing along with the radio to Christmas music. I was in show choir in high school, and we sang at banks, the mall...wherever during the holidays. So just about every song that comes on the radio, I know the harmony. When we were early married, SweetHeart would say, "Let me guess. Show choir?" not really surprised. Now I just get the look. (Right, Jen!) Recently I signed (I really enjoy sign language!) a Christmas song by Sandy Patti that was a lot of fun.
Favorite craft with my kids:
Christmas card placemats...We had a lot of Christmas cards from years past. I let the kids pick out their favorites and then they drew a picture to add to their collection. Then we covered them with clear contact paper. The space between the cards lets the table cloth show through, so they match!
Favorite traditions that we are passing on to our kids:
We go to grandparents too. I hope one day when I'm a grandma, they will come to see me! And we do an Advent calendar, so that part of every day in this hectic season, we talk about Jesus. He is the reason for the season, after all!
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
For more Holiday Happenings, please visit
Don't throw out those pumpkin patch pumpkins just yet!
A friend of mine used to say she got excited about the littlest things, even gum wrappers! Here is my latest gum wrapper! I saw this idea a few years ago, and finally tried it this year. Paint your pumpkins into jingle bells! It makes great decorations inside or out!
I spray painted the silver. Then used a sharpy to draw the black part. I discovered that it looks better for the round part of the black to be up on the side a little way. Finish it off with a red bow, and there you have it! I thought they turned out cute!
(I know, I have pictures of pumpkins here before I have any of my kids! Oh, well. Maybe we will get some cute Christmas ones this weekend.)
I spray painted the silver. Then used a sharpy to draw the black part. I discovered that it looks better for the round part of the black to be up on the side a little way. Finish it off with a red bow, and there you have it! I thought they turned out cute!
(I know, I have pictures of pumpkins here before I have any of my kids! Oh, well. Maybe we will get some cute Christmas ones this weekend.)
Monday, November 26, 2007
Thanksgiving 2007
I know this is a little after the fact and everyone is moving on to Christmas. But we just got home from spending the holiday with family and friends. I just have to say we have the neatest families. Thanksgiving is not about the meal--turkey, dressing, and pumpkin pie (although those things are very much enjoyed!) It is about being together. Sharing stories. Three generations playing 42 and the fourth can't wait to jump in. Mothers and daughters in the kitchen anticipating what is needed and having it ready before she even asks. Friends and "other side of the family" welcome as if they are blood-kin. Don't get me wrong, we have our problems, but it isn't anything we can't face together with God's help. I am so blessed and grateful for our family! OK, I'm off to decorate for Christmas!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Why Sweet Journey?
Sweet--because I have such a sweet family. SweetHeart and I have been married 10+ years. SweetBoy is 7, SweetDoll is 4, and SweetTater is 18 months! We even have a Sweet dog, named Sadie. And sweetest of all is my Sweet Savior who loves me more than I can know and I seek to know Him more.
Journey--when I started seriously reading my Bible, God began to teach me that He has a path for me. It is a journey to seek Him and walk with Him. I love the promise that every time we seek Him we will find Him. I enjoy asking Him questions and looking for the answers in His Word.
Why blog? My bff, Jen, blogs and I have really enjoyed staying in contact with her and her family. Now it won't be a one sided conversation! And if she can, I can! It will be fun to share stories and pictures with family and friends! Here we go!
Journey--when I started seriously reading my Bible, God began to teach me that He has a path for me. It is a journey to seek Him and walk with Him. I love the promise that every time we seek Him we will find Him. I enjoy asking Him questions and looking for the answers in His Word.
Why blog? My bff, Jen, blogs and I have really enjoyed staying in contact with her and her family. Now it won't be a one sided conversation! And if she can, I can! It will be fun to share stories and pictures with family and friends! Here we go!
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