Christmas Past, Christmas Present, Christmas Future

Christmas Past:  Sitting in the dark, squinting my eyes to see the sparkly lights on the tree...those little blue lights mom would tape on the living room mirror that would always fall and frustrate her to insanity because when one burned out they all did and finding the offending bulb was a real chore...paraffin wax tree mom made and stuck on the lid of a shoe box (I always thought that was so crafty of her)...press cookies...The McGuire Sisters Christmas album on the record player...Santa in an old trailer downtown (the only place in town to see him, cause there was only one Santa Claus)...brown paper bag of treats, including an orange given out at the door of church right before the "big day"...sleepy eyes, rumpled pjs, mom snapping pictures as I walk in on Christmas morn to see the new baby doll Santa left or the new blue bike....Then, what seemed like a blink of the eye, I was watching my own children in their rumpled jammies checking out what Santa left for them (and yes, I had the camera poised to catch those first glimpses)

Christmas Present:  Sitting in the dark still  enjoying the sparkly lights on our tree admiring its' beauty...no more little blue lights that all go out when one no longer burns bright...the paraffin wax tree is long gone and Mom declares she is not a crafty person after all, I still make press cookies on occasion...thanks to my brother-in-law, I now have the McGuire Sisters serenading me on CD and reminding me of my childhood Christmases all those years ago...Santa is all over the place now sitting in lavish displays, no more old trailers...no more brown paper treat bags at church, the church has grown too large and besides those treats wouldn't mean that much now days...no sleepy eyes or rumpled pjs on Christmas Day...hair combed, makeup on I wait for my grown children, their spouses and grandchildren to arrive...now I relish in seeing the twinkle in those little girls eyes as they rip paper and destroy boxes to find what treasure is housed inside.  The joy my husband and I get from taking in this scene is what makes Christmas for us now.

Christmas Future:  Well, I'll continue to enjoy the sparkly lights upon the tree...I'll have helpers with those press cookies, I'm sure.  They seem to be a child's favorite activity....As long as that CD holds out, the McGuire Sisters will always be my fav....Santa, well, I will still "believe" through my grandchildren.  As long as the Good Lord allows, I will continue to enjoy being with my family celebrating old traditions and making new ones.

I hope you all had a wonderful time being with family and friends and that 2012 will be full of blessings for you and yours.

With A Grateful Heart

Giving thanks today for so many blessings bestowed on us.  Counting them all would be impossible.  We always tend to be thankful for house, food, clothes, etc.  But how much more precious are those things money cannot buy.  Good health, family and friends, salvation through Jesus Christ Our Lord, and memories to name a few.  Yes, memories.  Did you remember to be thankful for your memories?  Today as we sat around the table, we talked about Thanksgivings gone by.  Funny stories, like the time Grandma got right inside the door and dropped the pumpkin pies...sad at the time but one of those family stories that lives on even today.  One Thanksgiving my mom and dad announced we were adding another baby to our family.  With sadness, we remember those no longer at our table with us, but with fondness we share stories involving those family who have passed away.  Our memories are such a treasure.  Don't forget to thank God for your memory.  I challenge you this season to work hard to make memories that your family can look back on some day with a smile on their face and say "Remember the year when ......." 

The Old Rocking Chair

I've been very lax in keeping up my blog.  I'm sorry about that but you know how you can go for a while and just don't feel you have anything worth saying?  Guess I've been in one of those slumps in life.

Not long ago, I found this old rocking chair at a local thrift shop.  I immediately was drawn to it.  It had good bones, sturdy and strong.  I wasn't a fan of the cushion but that was an easy fix, as I saw it.  So I paid for it and called the hubs to pick it up for me.

I was given some curtains that was heavy fabric and would look good for a season in my bedroom, not as curtains but as a seat cushion for my new/old rocker.  So with hubby's help, we demolished the old seat to prepare for the new.

Now, check out this old burlap found underneath the fabric.  I loved it and thought it would make a really unique pillow for outdoors next summer.  You know on an old table, bench or something.  But, hubby, thinking we have enough "junk" thought that an awful idea and chucked it.  I know, I'm still a little bitter over that...LOL

Regardless of the demise of the burlap, I am happy with the way my rocker turned out. (don't judge, we've not done this before)  Have you ever thought about the history of an old piece of furniture, the tales it could tell.  As I sit in this old chair rocking my newest granddaughter, I wonder if one day many years ago another grandmother sat in this very rocking chair singing "Jesus Loves Me" or "Jack and Jill" to a very sleepy baby.  I like to think that is so.

Will You Make a Difference Today?

The first newscast of the morning on Friday told of a search going on in the Missouri River just north of our town.  Apparently a young woman had been swept away in a current while wading on a boat access ramp.   On the Friday evening news,  her picture was shown and I thought I recognized her as a Sonic carhop.  Sure enough, today I found out it was indeed our Sara from Sonic.  My husband and I would frequent Sonic on summer evenings for a soda or iced tea when out for a drive in our '65 Mustang convertible.  Sara would, more often that not, say good bye with a "Y'all have a nice ride tonight".  When we first became acquainted with Sara, she always seemed a bit shy, downcast.  The more we stopped by, the more she waited on us, she began to smile and became quite friendly.  Even if Sara wasn't our carhop, she would always wave and smile as she walked by.  Of course, she was working so our conversations with her were minimal.   But as I thought about Sara so many times today, as we went to the river access this evening and saw the water patrol boat in the water, the thought crossed my mind "I hope in some small way  we made Sara smile.  I hope in some small way she was touched my our friendliness to her."  You never know what even a quick kind word, a sincere smile may impact a person. 

I challenge you to take time to say a kind word, give someone a smile.  That person you show kindness to, even in the smallest of ways, may really need that smile today.  Make a difference in someone's life today.

Getting Reacquainted

Recently, I figured it was time to drag out my sewing machine and get reacquainted.  Funny how some of the things I learned way back when has come back to me.  I have three little granddaughters so I thought it was about time to peruse the pattern books and fabrics, oh and there are so many pretty ones out there.  My first big project was a capri outfit for the oldest girl.(which I realize now I only took a pic of on my phone)  I think it turned out really cute and she loves it.  My second and third quests were to make the oldest and her little sister dresses for the July 4th weekend.  I figured since the 3rd was a Sunday, red, white & blue dresses would be perfect for church.  And I'd just like to mention they both looked adorable at the 4th of July parade.

The bodice and lower ruffle I cut from an old dress of mine.  It is blue and white stripe. Two ruffles I used white fabric with red, white & blue stars and the royal blue ruffle has shiny silver stars.  This was the first time I'd tried a fabric flower.  I think it turned out okay.

I was proud of myself on this one because I forgot to purchase bias tape for the arm holes so I made my own, which I'd never done before. (basic for a lot of you seasoned seamstresses, but new for me)  I loved the neckline on this pattern and the little pocket in coordinating fabric made the little dress pop.  Of course, what really made it pop was those little 6 month old chubby arms and thighs...lol

Well, that's what I've been up to lately...that and spoiling my new 3 week old granddaughter every chance I get.  What is new in your world?

And then there were 3.....

Yes, 3, I now have three darling little granddaughters.  My son and his wife blessed us with our newest granddaughter one week ago today.  She is just the sweetest little thing.  I love cuddling her, feeling that soft baby skin and just looking at yet another miracle and have that same overwhelming feeling of love for this new life.  Funny how your heart just keeps growing wider and wider to love yet another child.  Oh and did I mention that baby smell?  Is there anything sweeter smelling than a new baby.  Lovin' it!!!  If you have grandchildren you can relate to what I'm saying, if not, just you wait.  No one can truly tell you how wonderful grandparenting is.  It is a feeling like none other.

When our first granddaughter was born 4 years ago, I thought "Wow, now there is this little person in my life that gives me the title of Grandma....I settled happily for Gigi, though.  LOL"  Then when the second one was born 5 months ago, I thought "Wow, I  now have multiple little people who will call me "Gigi""  Then last week when the 3rd grandchild was born,  I thought "I'm getting old.  I have 3 grandchildren."  Well, you know what?  I've come to the conclusion if this is what it's like to be old....bring on those babies!!!

Memories of A Great Dad

In memory of my Dad, I thought I'd post some pictures of a few pages of an album  that I made to take to a family reunion a few years ago.  This was the first vintage album I had done and thoroughly enjoyed working with the old pictures.  My dad was a hard-working man who dearly loved his family and his God.  After he retired,  he taught himself to play guitar which proved to become an avid hobby for him until he died.  In his earlier years, as a young boy, he loved cars.  As an adult he spent a lot of time restoring old cars and entering  them in car shows.  He worked in an auto parts store, eventually buying and operating his own tire store until his retirement.  My dad was a sensitive man and was not ashamed when a special story or memory would bring a glistening tear to his eye.  He left behind a wonderful legacy which lives on in his daughters and their families.  We miss you Dad but know you are so happy to be celebrating another Father's Day, your 5th one, in Heaven with your Lord. 

My dad being held by his mom and his dad.

 An elementary school picture on one page with copies of report cards on the other page.

.

My dad holding me.

Dad with his first car.

Scouring the junk yard for that gem in the rough.

 

Dad (center front) with some of his music buddies.

This saying was on a plaque outside my dad's hospital door.  It seemed so fitting for him and his love for music.

Dad's obituary surrounded by pressed pansies (his favorite flower) and some ribbon I saved from a funeral flower arrangement.

 This was a poem I wrote after dad's death and I felt it had to be included in his album.

I hope this will inspire you to put together your own memory album of a special person in your life.  Don't forget to scrap pages with those special things that may not include photos but make a special page for your album just the same.  A little hint, when working with vintage pages, layering is important.  The more elements you put on your page the more story you tell.



Summer = Refreshing Treats of All Kinds

Hello Blogger Friends.  I thought I'd share a yummy, cool salad with you today.  It looks as though the lazy, hazy days of summer are upon us.  With this kind of weather, it seems the cool, refreshing foods are always a welcome treat.

A few weeks ago I saw this recipe on The Nate Berkus Show (yes, I am an avid fan of Nate's).  A bit skeptical, I was, but decided I can try anything once.  Since then I've made it several times and just got finished putting another batch in the fridge for this week.  That's the nice thing about this salad.  It will keep in your fridge for a week.  A great snack or a great side to those grilled burgers and steaks you are sure to be feasting on.  This is definitely a hit in our house.


Black Bean-Mango Salad
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted and diced
*½ cup Italian dressing, any kind you like (use fat-free or low-cal)
Two 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup chopped red onions
1 small green pepper, seeded and chopped
1 small red pepper, seeded and chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
In a food processor or blender, take ¼ cup of the mango with the Italian dressing until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine the remaining mango with the beans, red onions, and peppers. To the bean mixture, add the mango puree.>
Season to taste with salt and pepper, and chill until ready to serve.

*If you are fortunate enough to live in an area that carries "Grandma' Cool and Zesty" dressing, that is what I used.  mmmmm

Oh and I forgot to mention it makes such a pretty dish.  If you have no idea how to choose a mango or cut one up, search the net.  There are a lot of tips and even "you tube" videos out there.

I hope you enjoy trying this summer treat.

Life Can Change in an Instant

I haven't been on here for a while but wanted to drop in today to ask everyone to remember those in Joplin, Missouri, who were hit by a tornado yesterday evening.  There were many lives lost and a lot of property damage.  This disaster serves as a reminder to the rest of us...Life can change in an instant!  For those whose lives were lost, I can only hope they were ready to meet their Maker.  For those who remain, may we always be ready.  I'm sure when those people of Joplin woke up yesterday they weren't prepared for the way life changed for them before sundown.  Possibly there were angry words spoken during the day that hadn't been forgiven and now the time has past and there is no longer time for that conversation to set things straight.  Too many times we put things off thinking we will get to it tomorrow.  Maybe we need to stop and think more often "What if tomorrow doesn't come?"  Don't put off that kind deed, that kind word.   What  things would you change about your life right now if you knew "life would change in an instant" by sunset this evening?  Something to ponder today. 

Continue to pray for the people of Joplin, Missouri.

Warm Fuzzies

All of you out there who have had children can relate to my thoughts and memories today.  My "baby" is 31 today.  I can hardly believe it.  The day of his birth remains so clear in my mind.  So many details, so many thoughts, so many feelings about that day will stay with me forever.  Born at 11:54 a.m., April 28, 1980.  It was a beautiful, clear, sunny spring day, much like today.  My little baby boy, all 9 pounds, 7 ounces of him filled our hearts and arms with joy that day and for many days to come.  Yes, gals, 9-7, and that was before the day of the complimentary epidural that is offered today...and no I did not have a C-section.  I will always remember the Doctor saying he was losing a heartbeat, thinking the cord was around baby's neck.  After a fast and hard 4 hour labor, I was exhausted and just thought I'd give up.  But my ever-supportive husband told me otherwise..LOL  He put his arms under my head to lift me up as I pushed again and all the while he was praying for me.  I can still remember looking over at the sunny window covered with venetian blinds and the five student nurses watching my delivery (yeh, I know, stupid, stupid..I'd never agree to that again..lol)  Later, one of them came to my room and told me she had never seen anything like the way my husband prayed for me and encouraged me during the birthing process.  I guess some good came out of having the "observers" in the delivery room with me.  God answered my husband's prayer that day and our healthy baby boy was born.  Now, 31 years later, our "baby" is getting ready to have a baby of his own.  He and his wife are expecting a little girl in June.  Many happy memories of that exuberant, busy, rowdy, little boy in our home.  And today, we are reminded that time marches on but so thankful for those memories and the promise of making more with his little girl.

Cricut Give Away

For all my scrappy friends, here is an awesome give away you need to know about.  You really should check this one out.

http://www.cricutholiday.com/2011/04/enter-here-to-win-new-cricut.html

Great Sacrifices

My little nephew (well he isn't so little anymore) is graduating from basic training today in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  He is an honor grad, excelling in all areas of training the last nine weeks.  Because of this honor he was invited to lunch with the Colonel (exciting for him...I would've been a nervous wreck LOL)  I'm so glad my sister and her family were able to be there for this special time for their loved one.  What a sacrifice, not only for the soldier, but for the family.  I cannot imagine sending my son off to the Army, in peace times or time of war.  My high school sweetheart (now my husband) joined Army Reserves during his college days and I will never forget the hurt in my heart when we said good-bye.  So the thought of sending off my flesh and blood, well I cannot quite fathom.

But to my nephew, Spencer, I want to say a big Congrats!!!  We are so proud of you and your accomplishments and know you will continue to do well.  Our prayers go with you as you move forward, on to AIT (Advanced Individual Training).

Thank you to all our service men and women today and their families for the sacrifices made to protect our beloved country.  Remember to thank them and always keep them in your prayers.

Our heavenly Father made the greatest sacrifice of all, sending his only Son to take on the sins of the world, dieing on the cross that we might be saved and have eternal life.  Don't forget amidst the Easter egg hunts, bunnies, peeps and jelly beans to give thanks for the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus.  Happy Easter to all my blogging friends.

Check out My Pink Stamper

If you ever thought you might want a Cricut machine, you need to check out this give away.  While you are there, check out some of Robyn's projects.  She is very talented.

http://www.mypinkstamper.com/2011/04/cricut-expression-2-machine-giveaway.html

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Did I grab your attention with that subject line?  LOL  I hope so.  As I finished pumping gas this morning, I was thinking how good God is and sometimes I forget to be thankful even for the small stuff.  I got out of the car to pump my gas with cash in hand (I like to just lock my purse in car while I pump gas).  I pride myself on stopping at just the right amount but occasionally I'll run past the amount I intended to purchase so I grabbed a few pennies as I exited my car, cash in hand.  I'll have you know, I ran over my amount this morning by 4 cents.  I looked at the pennies in my hand and what do you know....4 pennies.  Now that's a really little thing but I smiled and said "thanks God".

On a much bigger note, my mother had surgery last week to remove a nodule from her lung, near her heart.  Having had breast cancer 6 years ago, we were quite concerned about what this mass would turn out to be.  The afternoon of surgery was a long one.  Surgery was scheduled for 1:00 and finally started at 3:10.  Doctor was running late (imagine that).  I will say, we loved her doctor.  He is a chest specialist and was so caring and very informative.  When he came out around 5:00, I found myself sit up at attention, bracing myself for the worst.  But thank the Good Lord, he said "It is not cancer".  Believe me, that is a statement you will never forget.  She was able to go home yesterday and of course is still sore but feeling so much better and planning on seeing my nephew graduate from basic training in Oklahoma next week (with the doctor's blessings).

Another note of thanksgiving, I was following a small pick up truck yesterday piled with "stuff" when a BBQ grill and it's lid came flying off.  I was so thankful that after a few terrifying seconds, that grill bounced over to the shoulder.  I know God was right there protecting me.

So, now that you've heard my Happy Thanksgivings for today, I hope you will stop today and think of what you have to be thankful for and don't overlook even those very little things.  God cares about every aspect of your life.

Cards Completed Today

Following a recent death in our family, I found myself, once again, thinking of my sympathy cards.  I found card sketches on some of my CM groups that I thought could fit the bill.  Here is what I came up with:

This card is for a man so I didn't want it to be filled with flowers and pastels.  I think a lighthouse works and the brads at the bottom remind of cuff links.  The stitching around the edge of lighthouse is rub-ons.

100 Follower Give Away at Scrap Happens

Hey gals!  Jenn over at Scrap Happens has a give away going on this week celebrating her 100 followers.

http://scraphappensembellishit.blogspot.com/2011/04/giveaway-and-announcement.html

She'd love to hear from you, I'm sure.

New Beginnings..The Promise of Spring

I was challenged recently in one of my CM groups to make a spring layout, using spring colors, of course.  I had just purchased the butterfly paper at Hobby Lobby the day before and I think it screams spring.  I started thinking what I would do, thinking about spring and everything new again.  Of course, then my new little granddaughter came to mind.  I decided to tie in new beginnings and spring and this is the layout I came up with. 

A new baby=new beginnings....new plants emerging from a seemingly dead winter ground=the promise of spring.

Yummo!!! Hungry??

When I find a good recipe, I don't know what comes over me but I feel the need to share.  I'm so excited when I find a simple yet very tasty dish.  Wednesday evenings are always a rush for us.  We attend services at our church that begin at 7:00 and hubby usually gets home around 6:00.  You can see the need for quick suppers on Wednesdays, right?  And what can be quicker than a crockpot supper. 

Slow Cooked Pulled Pork

 Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 boneless pork shoulder roast (3 1/2 to 4 pounds), netted or tied
• 1 can (10 1/2 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed French Onion Soup
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 12 round sandwich rolls or hamburger rolls, split

Directions

• Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until well browned on all sides.
• Stir the soup, ketchup, vinegar and brown sugar in a 5-quart slow cooker. Add the pork and turn to coat.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours* or until the pork is fork-tender.
• Remove the pork from the cooker to a cutting board and let stand for 10 minutes. Using 2 forks, shred the pork. Return the pork to the cooker.
• Spoon the pork and sauce mixture on the rolls.
• *Or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. Yield: 12 servings.
• My pork was so tender there was no need for shredding with the forks.  It simply shredded as I removed the ties.  I spooned the meat into a colander, then placed colander over my crockpot to drain a lot of the juice off and also to keep the meat warm.  This made some great sandwiches for a quick supper, serve with slaw, chips and you've got it...a great Wednesday night meal.  I hope you enjoy it.

• 
  

Good Food, Good Fun

I had the best time yesterday.  I was able to attend a 12 hour scrapbooking crop.  For those who may not be familiar with this, it is a day where you can take all your scrapping "stuff" and scrap your heart away.  They feed you three very wonderful meals, snacks, all the McAlister's tea you can consume during the day.  There are door prizes given away all day long and a $100 Hobby Lobby gift card given away at the end of the day.  So early Sat. morning, my sister and I loaded the car and drove the few minutes it took us to get to the hall where the crop was held.  We got all sat up, I donned my slippers and we worked on our scrapbooks, laughed, talked, ate and watched it snow all day long.  It was a great day to be inside doing something we love.

Another Year Older, Another Birthday Card

Here is a card I made recently for a good friend.  I don't have a tutorial I can share with you as I just saw a picture of a similar card and this is what I came up with.  I think all the layering is what makes this particular card pretty.  Using vellum to make a pocket allowed for a removable tag to be part of the card.  I decorated the tag with a flourish sticker I had.  To dress up the flourish, I added some gemstones here and there for a little extra pizazz.  As you can see, I used simple brads to attach vellum to paper and then used a decorative punch for a lacy looking edge to top off the pocket.  Add a pretty bow, button, and a birthday tag with a pearl brad and there you have it.  Another year and another birthday card.

The Original Scrapbox

This is an awesome give away.  You crafters need to head on over and enter.  Here is the link:

The Original Scrapbox

If you missed the good news... here it is again: YOU could win a ScrapBox!!! Click on the link below for details!

ScrapBox Giveaway - In Celebration of National Craft Month

spreadsheets0.google.com

Happy Anniversary!

Some wonderful people in our lives will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this week.  I've been working on a card for them and I think I'm happy with the results.  shhhhh......if you know these people, please don't tell them about this post..LOL  Can you imagine, 50 years?  What a wonderful accomplishment!  To take those vows to heart, "for better, for worse...in sickness and health".  How serious did you take those vows you made before God and your mate?  You hear everyday of someone that has gotten "side-tracked" in their marriage and it just makes me heartsick.  I want to scream "What about your vows? Weren't you serious when you made those?"   Can you imagine the ups and downs that a couple sees after being together for 50 years?  The good and the bad, the happy and the sad?  All those things put together is what makes us grow as a couple.  Those married 50 years have learned how to stick it out, work it out, not just throw up their hands and call it quits...that is just too easy these days.  So to all you out there who've made it that far, my hat's off to you!  Congratulations!!

Now for a peek at my card.....

I used some Paper Studio specialty paper in gold glitter for the heart, "50" and the trims.  I used Don Juan cart to cut the "50",  the scallop oval  is the From My Kitchen cart (shift/sheep), a Martha Stewart punch for the lacy trim and some glittery ribbon to add  bling, topping off the look.

Cards, A Lost Art

Cards, letters, any type of written communication is becoming a lost art.  With email, facebook, etc., we find ourselves communicating more and more without using paper and pen.  That's one of the reasons I enjoy making my own greeting cards for friends and family for a variety of occasions.  I think there is something special about opening the mailbox once in awhile and still finding a note or card from someone.

With a recent death in the family, I found myself pondering what kind of sympathy card to make.  I found a link for a great little card that isn't hard to make and is so pretty.  I thought it fit the "sympathy" card theme well.

Here's what I came up with:

I used cardstock for the base of card and the strips for the lattice work.  Behind the lattice I added a piece of vellum.  I used Paper Studio flowers from Hobby Lobby with brads, pearls and gems for the flower centers.  I embellished the flower petals with Flower Soft on some of them and purple ink on others.  I attached some of the flowers with pop dots to add some dimension.  For the leaves I used a fern cut from the Stretch Your Imagination Cricut cart.  The sign post was cut from the Walk In My Garden Cricut cart, the stamped with sentiment.

Here is the link for more detailed instructions:
http://www.card-making-magic.com/makeatrelliscard.html

The Little Book That Could....

I made a little felt book for my granddaughter a few years ago and thought I'd share it with you.  The title of my post "The Little Book That Could" says it all, I think.  A little book that can entertain in a quiet situation (like church) and because it's soft it can easily be pushed into an already overloaded bag.

I didn't have a pattern for this.  I just decided how big I wanted the pages to be and then just cut each page that size.  After I would finished the pages, I would sew two pages back to back.  Of course, if you try this be sure to make it age appropriate.  You know, no little buttons, etc. for the very young.  I used a hole punch and threaded each page onto book binding rings.   I'm not a seamstress so this isn't perfect but it sure pleased a little girl at the time.

Balloons fold down to reveal cupcakes and presents.

Flaps on tree open to show apple buttons and squirrels.

Papa's John Deere Green folds down to reveal pic of Papa and the "money" pig has slot in top for coins or small snack.

So that's it for today.  Use your imagination and see what you come up with for a little one you know.