Pondering My Blessings...

2010-07-15T22:37:00.006-06:00

Wow! There has been sooo much going on since the last time I posted anything. Life seems to just run full speed ahead and there's nothing I can do to slow anything down or change anything. Quite honestly, I feel like it's just been crazy and I'm tired and out of breath and just wanting to slow down and take a breather. In just the last couple years I have had 2 surgeries, lost a couple close friends, quit my job that I thought I never wanted to quit, had 2 precious new grandkids born, had my wonderful mother-in-law move in with us with stage 4 lung cancer, then go home to be with Jesus not long after we were blessed with her being in our home, and right on the heels of that, my youngest daughter losing her baby, and my oldest daughter and her 3 boys move in with us while she was going through a divorce. Maybe that doesn't seem like a lot to some who I know are going through more than me, but that's A LOT of up and down emotional times for me. I know God has been with us/me through it all, the good and the bad, and that He is in control, and I am so glad, although, I have to be quite honest and admit that I haven't always acted like I was trusting Him in all this. As tired and worn out emotionally as I feel, I wouldn't trade most of it (okay, any of it!) for anything. I'm thankful for the most wonderful grandkids and for the precious time with my mother-in-law. I wouldn't trade her stories and her sense of humor and any of the time with her for anything. I don't understand about the baby but it's not up to me to understand everything...just to trust Him. I know that nothing touches my life that hasn't been filtered through the loving hands of my loving Father. I thank Him for being in control, for the time spent with the special people in my life, for the most wonderful husband to share it all with, and for knowing that God has a purpose for everything. I pray that I have grown through all this and will come out closer to Him and more like Him. I'm thankful that, through my attitudes, He hasn't given up on me. Does that mean that I'm handling things perfect and not all emotional still? I'd sure like to say I have it all together and am doing it the right way every time but I'm not. I'm a slow learner sometimes. I'm so thankful, though, for His amazing mercy and His grace and that His mercies are new every morning and great is His faithfulness. I need that fresh start every day. Thank You, God, for You! I love You, LORD!
P.S. Thank You, LORD, for the precious new grandbaby, that You're blessing our lives with! I can't wait to meet this new little one in February! Yay!

Gumdrop Pumpkins

2009-09-28T09:04:00.004-06:00

I know, I know. It's been a LONG time since I've posted anything but while looking for a recipe to make something for my hubby I ran across these cute gumdrop pumpkins on the "craftiness" blog and had to share it! Check out their site here on how to make these cute things!
I have so many things to post...pictures of the grandkids, pictures of friends kids, more pictures of the grandkids, you know, that kind of stuff and I've actually started quite a few posts, I just haven't posted them. I will try to get better again but not promising anything. To all who read this, have a blessed day. Hope you enjoy the gumdrop pumpkins!
God bless!

Happy Birthday

2009-03-21T14:08:00.010-06:00

My daughter and I took my new granddaughter for her first "professional" pictures. The lady taking the pictures did such a good job with her and I thought they turned out real cute. These were taken yesterday on her one month birthday. I put them into a collage for you to see them all at once better. Didn't they turn out cute?!

Happy birthday, precious Jordan. Nana loves you!

I also want to tell my wonderful honey happy birthday. Today's his birthday.

Happy birthday, Geno! I love you with all my heart. I'm so blessed to have you in my life and as my husband. Here's to many more happy, blessed birthdays for you. Hope your day is super special just like you!

I made Gene a Snickers Cake for his birthday. If you'd like the recipe check out our Tried & True blog.

Cell Phone Holder Project

2009-03-21T13:17:00.006-06:00

I found this great craft recycling idea over at Zakka Life.

It recycles old lotion bottles into something useful. I like that. This is a cell phone holder for recharging your phone.

Front view of bottle

Back View

You'll find the complete instructions for this great idea here. Thanks for sharing this project with us, Jessica. Go to her site and check out some of her other amazing ideas.

In case you were wondering...

2009-03-06T00:18:00.017-07:00

Just in case you were wondering why I haven't posted in so long, well, I'll give you a little hint at what's been occupying my blog time...or should I say who's been occupying my blog time. I'd like you to meet Jordan Taylor, my precious new granddaughter.

Jordan was born February 20th at almost 1 a.m. and weighed 6 # 5 oz. and was 19 1/2" long.

Here she is with her proud parents...

And with her proud auntie (who is also pregnant and due in July)...

Her cousin, Ethan, who's 4, couldn't get enough of her. He was so excited. He didn't want to share her with his big brother when it was his turn to hold her. Of course, Papa Geno helped with the holding part.

Next it was cousin Brandon's turn. Brandon is almost 8 and he thought his new cousin was pretty neat too. He couldn't get over how soft she was and how small she was.

Of course, he had to pretend to think about it when asked what he thought of her. He wants his mommy to have one of these too. He said he will get up with her and feed her and change her every night. What a funny boy!

Here are some more with her momma and her daddy.

We love you, baby Jordan and we're so glad you're here!

Oh yeah, I guess I need to include this lady too. She is my sister, Jordan's great aunt...aka the Baby Hog"! She thinks because she lives out of town and came all the way (an hour and half away) to see her that she gets to hold her more. I think I need to find out how long she will be here because Jordan's Grandma (that's me!) wants to hold her. "Hey, Baby Hog Lady! It's my turn now."

Oh that's right, I can't take the pictures when I'm holding her. Oh well, I guess that's it for pictures today. I think I'll take my turn now... hand her over, Baby Hog! ;o)

P.S. If you want to see more on baby Jordan, check out her mommy's blog here.

2009-02-13T16:04:00.010-07:00

Okay, this is a new one for me. I am new visitor to the Iheartfaces blog and when I was there today I noticed they have fix-it-friday. You take one of their pictures and use whatever program you use to enhance pictures and see what you come up with. This week they have a picture of a cute little boy. This is what I came up with. The first is the original and then two of mine after that.

The first picture I cropped to put the little guy a little more off center than he was. Then I went in to "create" and did 50% "vibrance". Then went in to soften the picture. I did it to the max amount to really blur the background more so he would stand out better then brushed over him so he wasn't so blurry. Then I went to "vignette" and looked for the right shade of blue to make his beautiful eyes stand out and also to hide the background even more.
On the second picture I cropped him even more to just get rid of more of the background. I again went into "vibrance" to brighten the colors a little and then softened it like I did in the previous picture. This picture though I went into "ortonish" and moved the "bloom" all the way to the right and then went into "matte" and did a very soft blue around the edge to keep the whole picture soft. I realized that I'd lost some of the blue in his eyes with everything I did so I went in to "eye color" and tried to find the right shade and then applied that to the picture.

Photo Fun

2009-02-06T12:42:00.020-07:00

I have been enjoying looking at the fun things that others have done with their photos and couldn't resist playing around with some of the pictures I've taken. I thought I'd share some of them with you. Let me know what you think. The first one of each picture is SOOC (straight out of camera). The ones after that are what I've done playing around. I even added my name on them, you know, to make it "look" more professional. LOL! Click on the pictures to get a better look.

These are flowers from my yard last summer. Oh, I can't wait for flower time again.

This was taken at the falls here in town.

This was from a trip to Polson for our vacation last year.

These are some of my goldfish in my pond.

This is of some flowers beside of my pond.

This was of a house we drove past.

Some grain towers. I guess that's what you'd call them. I'll have to check with my friend, Dave, on that.

Rust on our old pickup. I know rust isn't good but I loved the colors.

Another shot of the rust from our old truck.

My beautiful youngest daughter. She was at the beginning of her pregnancy here. She's a good sport about posing for me. Thanks, Kayla.

I took a lot of pictures of her that day. I'll just show you a few, though.

Well, there you have it. Honestly, I have so much fun playing with the pictures and trying all kinds of different things that I could sit hours at my laptop. Oh, wait, I do sit hours at my laptop. Who am I trying to kid?! I have a lot more but thought I'd narrow it down to these.
Hope you enjoyed viewing these as much as I enjoyed playing with them.

Vintage Valentines

2009-02-06T09:41:00.006-07:00

It's hard to believe that Valentine's Day is next week already! I was just over checking out Tipnut and she has Vintage Valentines that you can download for free to use as gift tags, for scrapbooking, cards or whatever other creative thing you come up with. They are so cute! Here are a couple of them.

Go over to her site and see what other Valentines she has. She always has something fun and interesting going on and tips for everything you can think of. It's amazing! If you choose to use one of her Valentines on your blog or website please make sure you give her the credit.

Happy early Valentines Day!

Scripture Memory #3

2009-02-01T22:48:00.008-07:00

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm." ~ Psalm 20:7,8

Sunday Drive

2009-01-28T16:33:00.016-07:00

My husband and I took a drive out of town this past Sunday to just get out for a while and relax. We had such a nice time.

We went out to Holter Dam and after taking pictures of the deer and the windmill here,

we drove a little further and saw these mountain sheep just waiting for me to take their pictures.

They were so cooperative about posing for a long time for me.

Come to think of it, they were downright rude! They acted like I wasn't even there! Oh well. You get better shots that way!

Anyways, then we went on down to the dam and got pictures of how the water froze coming down.

That just amazes me how flowing water freezes like that. It's so neat to see.

Hope you enjoyed the recap of our trip.

Okay, this is weird...

2009-01-20T22:02:00.006-07:00

Okay, I don't know what's going on here but my blog is being really weird. One time I look at the blogs I like to visit on the side and my daughter's and my blog is missing. I go in to the layout part and it's still there so I hit to save it and then it showed back up. Then the blogs of those I'm praying for their success disappeared. I do the same thing and then they're back. Then I look at my Crafty, Creative, Culinary ones and they're all lined up neatly with no last posting dates or pictures...just the names of the blogs. Every time I go back to my blog something like that happens. I even tried shutting my computer down and restarting it and it still did it. I don't know what to do. If anybody reads this and you have any ideas what I need to do, I'd sure appreciate your help. Thanks a bunch!

Scripture Memory #2

2009-01-15T18:38:00.006-07:00

Well, it's that time again. I started late with the Scripture memory at Living Proof Ministries last time but actually got it memorized. I don't want this just to be memorizing Scripture but I want to really know it, believe it, hide it in my heart and live it out. That goes for all of the Scriptures that I'm learning. The new one for the next couple of weeks is found in Psalm 28:7. It says, "The LORD is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song."

Be blessed,

Walking out what we learn

2009-01-11T21:56:00.004-07:00

We had the grandsons over last night and had a lot of fun with them. We played games and make cookies and just sat and snuggled (my favorite thing to do!) They went to church with us this morning as well. Brandon helped his Grandpa make coffee and greet people. Ethan went in with me to class. I happen to be teaching his age group right now so it was fun to have him with me. He seemed to be enjoying his time and he seemed to be paying attention and listening because when his mom came later to get him he was telling her all about it. Yay! That's always a blessing when you know they've gotten what they were supposed to from the lesson. I pray that all the other kids took to heart what they have been learning as well.
I have been working on my Scripture memory but no I don't have it down yet. I don't want to just memorize to be memorizing but to apply and learn what the Lord is showing me through His Word, to put it into action and live it out. Just as I don't want my grandson or any of the other kids in the class to just come and hear a good story and do a fun project but to take it to heart and walk it out.

Scripture Memory

2009-01-09T00:56:00.010-07:00

Okay, like I said yesterday, I'm slow. Beth Moore and Living Proof Ministries are memorizing 2 Scriptures a month. They started on the 1st and will do another verse on the 15th. Pick a Scripture that speaks to your heart. Then go over to her site and sign up. She said it's still not too late to join them so I did. She even gives some great tips on how to memorize Scripture. Like Beth said, even if you don't memorize very well, you have still meditated on His Word all throughout the year and you will be blessed!
I chose 2 Corinthians 10:5, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
She said to pick one that speaks to your heart and this is one that I need to deal with. My thoughts can wander all over the place and they can be somewhat critical and judgmental (not only of others but myself as well) and that's not what God wants me to do with my mind. I am to think on those things in Phil. 4:8 which should probably be the next Scripture I need to memorize. Then perhaps I will need to find a verse or two on not being so late...hmmm....

Am I slow or what?!?!

2009-01-08T21:17:00.027-07:00

Wow! I can't believe it's been so long since I posted. I took so many pictures at Christmas of my decorations and planned on posting about them and putting recipes on Kayla's and my recipe blog but didn't get around to either of them. I spend so much time reading all the interesting blogs of everyone else's out there that by the time I'm done then I need to get off here. I think I'll post mine first tonight and then if I have time I'll read the others. I also think I'll post some of my Christmas pictures anyways. January 7th isn't too long after Christmas, is it?!?!

This is one of the wreaths I made.

Here's a sled I painted a few years ago.

A friend of mine made this for me. It was a gift from the church. Didn't she do a beautiful job?!?! She knows I like gingerbread people so she incorporated that into the design.

This is the back of it.

I also like snowmen...

My snowman potpourri...

My snowman dishes...

This is one of my little vignettes.

Here's the cute country angel on top of my tree.

And here's my tree.

This is the front of a photo album I made for Kayla. After the baby's born and we know her name then I will add a pink background for her picture and a chipboard letter for her initial with ribbon tied around it.

Here's the back side of it.

And here's the back of the inside. For some reason the front of the inside won't show up no matter how many times I've tried... Oh well...

This is the front cover of the one I made for Heidi. Check out those cute little guys in the car...

The back of hers, or should I say part of the back of hers; for some reason this is all that will show up. I don't know what's up with that...

Here's one side of the inside. I didn't get a picture of the other side...

This is my handsome, adorable husband.

There's a place here in town that we like to visit every Christmas that has all kinds of cute Christmas displays set up. This is one of them.

It's so cool. As you drive down the road towards their home to see the displays these lights come on overhead...

And here's the most important part of my nativity and our Christmas. Thank You, LORD. You are awesome and amazing!

"The Invisible Woman"

2008-12-13T13:55:00.004-07:00

Wow! My daughter just shared this video with me and if you have ever felt like you're invisible and that nobody notices or even cares then you need to watch this. I think we've all felt like this at one time or another. I know I have. Thanks for sharing this with me, Kayla.

Praise God that He notices and He cares and He's the One we serve anyways. Colossians 3:23 says "And whatsoever ye do , do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."

The Last Straw

2008-12-10T23:28:00.005-07:00

I just read this story, "The Last Straw " while over at the "Executive Homemaker ", (which looks like it was contributed by the Tip Junkie) and I just had to share it on here. It's a little long but well worth the read. There are a lot of touching stories over there to help get our minds back on the Reason for the Christmas season. Read this story first and then go on over and take a look.

The Last Straw
-Paula McDonald-

Everyone, unfortunately, was cooped up in the house that typical gray winter afternoon. And, as usual, the four little McNeals were at it again, teasing each other, squabbling, bickering, always fighting over their toys.

At times like this, Ellen was almost ready to believe that her children didn’t love each other, even though she knew that wasn’t true. All brothers and sisters fight sometimes, of course, but lately her lively little bunch had been particularly horrid to each other, especially Eric and Kelly, who were only a year apart. The two of them seemed determined to spend the whole long winter making each other miserable. “Give me that, It’s mine!” Kelly screamed, her voice shrill. “It is not! I had it first.” Eric answered stubbornly.

Ellen sighed as she listened to the latest argument. With Christmas only a month away, the house seemed sadly lacking Christmas spirit.

This was supposed to be the season of sharing and love, of warm feelings and happy hearts. A home needed more than just pretty packages and twinkling lights on a tree to fill the holidays with joy.

Ellen had only one idea. Years ago, her grandmother had told her about an old custom that helped people discover the true meaning of Christmas. Perhaps it would work for her family this year. It was certainly worth a try.

She gathered the children together and lined them up on the couch, tallest to smallest: Eric, Kelly, Linda and Mike. “How would you kids like to start a new family tradition this year?” She asked. “It’s like a game, but it can only be played by people who can keep a secret. Can everyone here do that?” “I can!”” shouted Eric. “I can keep a secret better than him,” yelled Kelly. “I can do it!” chimed in Lisa. “Me too. Me too.” Squealed little Mike. I’m big enough.” “Well then, this is how the game works,” Ellen explained. This year we’re going to surprise Baby Jesus when he comes on Christmas Eve by making Him the softest bed in the world. We’re going to fill a little crib with the straw to make it comfortable. But here’s the secret part. The straw we put in will measure the good deeds we’ve done, but we won’t tell anyone who we’re doing them for.” The children looked confused. “But how will Jesus know it’s His bed?” Kelly asked. “He’ll know,” said Ellen. “He’ll recognize it by the love we put in to make it soft.” “But who will we do the good deeds for?” Asked Eric, still a little confused. “We’ll do them for each other. Once a week we’ll put all of our names in a hat, mine and Daddy’s too. Then we’ll each pick out a different name. Whoever’s name we draw, we’ll do kind deeds for that person for a whole week. But you can’t tell anyone else whose name you’ve chosen. We’ll each try to do as many favors for our special person as we can without getting caught, and for every good deed we do, we’ll put another straw in the crib.” “Like being a spy!” squealed Lisa. “But what if I pick someone’s name that I don’t like?” Kelly frowned. Ellen thought about it for a minute. “Maybe you could use an extra fat piece of straw. And think how much faster the fat straws will fill up our crib. We’ll use the cradle in the attic” she said. “And we can all go to the field behind the school for the straw.”

Without a single argument, the children bundled into their wool hats and mittens, laughing and tumbling out of the house. The field had been covered with tall grass in the summer, but now, dead and dried, the golden stalks looked just like real straw. They carefully selected handfuls and placed them in the large box they had carried with them. “That’s enough,” Ellen laughed when the box was almost overflowing. “Remember it’s only a small cradle.”

So home they went to spread their straw carefully on a large tray Ellen never used. Eric, because he was the oldest, was given the responsibility of climbing into the attic and bringing down the cradle.

“We’ll pick names as soon as Daddy comes home for dinner,” Ellen said, with a smile at the thought of Mark’s pleased reaction to the children’s transformed faces and voices, filled now with excited anticipation rather than annoyance.

At the supper table that night, six pieces of paper were folded and shaken around in Mark’s furry winter hat, and the drawing began. Kelly picked first and immediately started to giggle. Lisa reached into the hat next, trying hard to look like a serious spy. Mike couldn’t read yet, so Mark whispered the name in his ear. Then Mike quickly ate his little wad of paper so no one would ever learn the identity of his secret person. Eric was the next to choose, and as he unfolded his scrap of paper, a frown creased his forehead. But he stuffed the name quickly into his pocket and said nothing. Ellen and Mark selected names and the family was ready to begin.

The next week that followed was filled with surprises. It seemed the McNeal house had suddenly been invaded by an army of invisible elves. Kelly would walk into her room at bedtime to find her nightgown neatly laid out and her bed turned down. Someone cleaned up the sawdust from under the workbench without being asked. The jelly blobs magically disappeared every morning. When Eric was brushing his teeth, someone crept quietly into his room and made the bed. It wasn’t made perfectly, but it was made. That particular little elf must have had short arms because he couldn’t seem to reach the middle. “Where are my shoes?” Mark asked one morning. No one seemed to know, but suddenly, before he left for work, they were back in his closet again, freshly shined.

Ellen noticed other changes during that week too. The children weren’t teasing or fighting as much. An argument would start, and then suddenly stop right in the middle for no apparent reason. Even Eric and Kelly seemed to be getting along better and bickering less. In fact, there were times when all the children could be seen smiling secret smiles and giggling to themselves. And slowly, one by one, the first straws began to appear in the crib. Just a few, then a few more each day. By the end of the first week a little pile had accumulated.

Everyone was anxious to pick new names, and this time there was more laughter and merriment than there had been the first time. Except for Eric. Once again, he unfolded his scrap of paper, glanced at it, and stuffed it in his pocket without a word.

The second week brought more astonishing events, and the little pile of straw in the manger grew higher and softer. There was more laughter, less teasing, and hardly any arguments could be heard around the house. Only Eric had been unusually quiet and sometimes Ellen would catch him looking a little sad. But the straws in the manger continued to pile up.

At last it was almost Christmas. They chose names for the final time on the night before Christmas Eve. So they sat around the table waiting for the last set of names to be shaken in the hat, the children smiled as they looked at their hefty pile of straws. They all knew it was comfortable and soft, but there was one day left and they could still make it a little deeper, a little softer, and they were going to try.

For the last time the hat was passed around the table. Mike picked out a name, and again quickly ate the paper as he had done each week. Lisa unfolded hers carefully under the table, peeked at it and then hunched up her little shoulders, smiling. Kelly reached into the hat and grinned from ear to ear when she saw the name. Ellen and Mark each took their turn and handed the hat with the last name to Eric. As he unfolded the scrap of paper and glanced at it his face crumpled and he seemed about to cry. Without a word he turned and ran from the room.

Everyone immediately jumped up from the table, but Ellen stopped them. “No! Stay where you are,” she said firmly. “I’ll go.” In his room, Eric was trying to pull on his coat with one hand while he picked up a small cardboard suitcase with the other. “I have to leave,” he said quietly through his tears. “If I don’t, I’ll spoil Christmas.” “But why? And where are you going?” “I can sleep in my snow fort for a couple of days. I’ll come home right after Christmas, I promise.”

Ellen started to say something about freezing and snow and no mittens or hats, but Mark, who had come up behind her, gently laid his hand on her arm and shook his head. The front door closed, and together they watched from the window as the little figure with the sadly slumped shoulders trudged across the street and sat down on a snow bank on the corner. It was dark outside, and cold, and a few flurries drifted down the small boy and his suitcase. “Give him a few more minutes alone,” said Mark quietly. “I think he needs that. Then you can talk to him.”

The huddled figure was already dusted with white when Ellen walked across the street and sat down beside him on the snow bank. “What is it, Eric? You’ve been so good these last few weeks, but I know something’s been bothering you since we first started the crib. Can you tell me, honey?” “Ah, Mom . . . Don’t you see?” He sniffed. “I tried so hard, but I can’t do it anymore, and now I’m going to wreck Christmas for everybody.” The little boy choked. “You just don’t know. I got Kelly’s name every time! And I hate Kelly! I tried, Mom. I really did. I snuck in her room every night and fixed her bed, I even laid out her crummy nightgown. I let her use my racecar one day, but she smashed it right into the wall like always! Every week, when we picked new names, I thought it would be over. Tonight, when I got her name again, I knew I couldn’t do it anymore. If I try, I’ll probably punch her instead. If I stay home and beat Kelly up, I’ll spoil Christmas for everybody.”

The two of them sat there quietly for a few minutes and then Ellen spoke softly. “Eric, I’m so proud of you. Every good deed you did should count double because it was hard for you to be nice to Kelly for so long. But you did those good deeds anyway, one straw at a time. You gave your love when it wasn’t easy to give. And maybe that’s what the spirit of Christmas is really all about. And maybe it’s the hard good deeds and the difficult straws that make that little crib special. You’re the one who’s probably added the most important straws this year.” Ellen paused, stroking his head pressed lightly against her shoulder. “Now, how would you like a chance to earn a few easy straws like the rest of us? I still have the name I picked in my pocket, and I haven’t looked at it yet. Why don’t we switch, for the last day? And it will be our secret.” Eric lifted his head and looked at her face. His eyes wide, “That’s not cheating?” “It’s not cheating.” And together they dried the tears, brushed off the snow and walked back to the house.

The next day the whole family was busy cooking and straightening up the house for Christmas Day, wrapping last minute presents and trying hard to keep from bursting with excitement. But even with all the activity and eagerness, a flurry of new straws piled up in the crib, and by nightfall the little manger was almost overflowing. A different times while passing by, each member of the family, big and small, would pause and look at the wonderful crib for a moment, then smile before going on. But . . . who could really know? One more still might make a difference.

For that reason, just before bedtime, Ellen tiptoed quietly to Kelly’s room to lay out the little blue nightgown and turn down the bed. But she stopped in the doorway, surprised. Someone had already been there. The nightgown was laid across the bed, and a small red racecar had been placed next to it on the pillow.

The last straw was Eric’s after all.

Grandsons are so fun!

2008-12-07T21:23:00.005-07:00

Our grandsons stayed the night with us on Friday night. We had a wonderful time with the boys. We played games, read a story and watched a Christmas movie complete with the popcorn. The next day they helped Papa Geno outside with some Christmas decorations. He made their favorite breakfast~pancakes of course! I would have made it but had an early morning appointment. The boys were just as satisfied no matter which of us made them~although, they did ask for theirs with chocolate chips and Papa Geno said no, that if they wanted them that way they'd have to have Grandma make them for them next time they're over. Ahh! Poor deprived boys! No chocolate chip pancakes! Mean ol' Papa Geno! Not! They have fun with him, too. Grandma doesn't do the 4-wheeler stuff with them and doesn't make near as good of car sounds as Papa Geno. "What kind of car makes that sound, Grandma? We've never heard that before." Ha! Ha! Funny boys!

Great Advent Idea

2008-12-02T07:24:00.004-07:00

I just came across this Advent idea for kids. I found it over at Blissfully Domestic. There are a lot of great ideas there. My kids are grown but I let my daughters know about this for my grandkids. I'd have to say it's one of the best I've seen and like she says if you have more than one child they can take turns being the one to pick the book.

Our Friend Ross

2008-12-01T20:54:00.012-07:00

I know it's been a little bit since I posted. I had every intention of writing about our Thanksgiving and different things but we just lost one of our good friends to a motorcycle accident the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Needless to say, I haven't felt like writing much at all. What do you say? We were supposed to spend Thanksgiving at my sister's house but just didn't feel like celebrating much plus we would have had to drive right past where our friend had just died. I know Ross loved the Lord and is at home with Him but he was only 46 and still has two kids at home. He has two older ones as well and a precious brand new grandson that he was so proud of. I visited with his wife for a while Thanksgiving morning. Then after my husband and I talked it over we decided we would go on and go to my sister's. We did have a nice time there with family and got to spend fun time with my grandsons which we always enjoy so it was good we went. Our friend, Ross, loved his family, loved being on his motorcycle, loved writing poems, loved taking pictures and loved the Lord. He was so quick witted and funny. He always had a different way of looking at things that would just crack you up. He was quick to help you out if you needed it. He was extremely smart and like I told him sometimes too smart for his own good. He was also tender hearted when it came to things with his family and for such a "tough talking" guy he could be in tears in an instant when it concerned his family. He leaves behind 2 sons and 2 daughters and his not quite 2 month old grandson who was born about 3 months early. My daughter said that she wondered if since God knew Ross' time if maybe that was why the baby was born so early so that maybe Ross could get to spend all the time with him that he did. He was very proud of the little guy. I thought that was a good thought to have. I know he definitely brought joy to his Papa's heart. I want to share a couple of pictures with you that made me think of Ross. The first two are of the front and back of signs at a veterinary clinic in town. I thought the vet's sense of humor was something that Ross would have laughed at.

Ross' funeral was today so the other pictures I want to share are of the sky tonight. I guess they made me think of him because I figured he'd have been right out there with his camera getting pictures of these if he'd been here.

This last one that I'll share with you tonight is of the moon and the planets Venus and Jupiter. They didn't show up real clear with my camera but you can see them. They are the two little specks on the picture. We had forgotten that you were supposed to be able to see these all together until we heard it on the radio on the way home. I just thought this was cool to be able to see it tonight. You may have to click on the picture to see it bigger but they really are there. It's not just dust on your computer screen. ;-)

We will sure miss our good friend and the joy & laughter he brought.

Check Out Our New Blog

2008-11-22T22:00:00.002-07:00

My daughter, Kayla, and I just started a new blog together with some of our favorite recipes. We'd sure love for you to come over and check it out. The blog is called Tried and True Cafe and we will be sharing recipes that we've tried that we know our friends and family like. We hope you will like them as well if you decide to try them.

I did it!

2008-11-21T11:04:00.019-07:00

Wow! I can't believe it's been so long since I've written. We have been so busy at work that I've been just way too tired to even think of what to write on here. Good news, though. I did it! ... after MUCH prayer I gave my resignation at work. Not an easy thing to do. I have loved my job...and yes, sometimes even hated my job...but the people I work with have to be some of the most wonderful people in the world to work with and to call my friends. They are always willing to stop what they're doing and jump in and help wherever there's a need. They are hard workers and have such a heart for others and are wonderful, godly examples in my life. They are very inspirational to me. That was the hard part of the job to leave. Plus there have been many other rewarding parts of the job. Especially all the people I've gotten to know and work with over the last 5 plus years. Like the people that worked in the same building with us when we were at the Rec Center and the people that come in to the office for different reasons or have volunteered and been such a blessing to me and to others that I've had the privilege of getting to know. There are also the things that I learned while on the job. It has stretched me in ways that I never would have thought and to do things I don't think I would've done, like leading a ladies Bible study or praying out loud in front of a group of people or organizing things that needed to be done. Yes, there have been good things about the job but it has also been very life consuming in that I'm too mentally exhausted some days to feel like doing anything after I'm off or I've had to work so late that I don't have time to do the special things I'd like to do anyways. But my friend that I'm training to take over for me seems more organized than me so hopefully the job won't consume her like it has me. She is very smart and is a quick learner and one of the wonderful, godly people that I've worked with all this time so she knows the way things work around there already.
A friend just passed away about a month ago now and she had said she had a lot of things that she wanted to do with her life and then she was gone. That breaks my heart. I know that after that she also said that she was ready, that she knew where she was going and that she'd had a wonderful life but it really got me thinking more seriously about my "life consuming" job. I'd like to make a difference in other's lives, to be a blessing to others, to enjoy the life God has given me without "living to work". I know with the economy being the way it is that it may not "seem" like the best time to be quitting a job but I feel like it's God's time for me to and that far outweighs everything else. I also realized that even though I may be leaving the job that I still have the friendship with the people I work with and I can still stop by and help them out with different things around there and still get together and do other fun things with them. I told my boss that I could stay until the end of the year since this is such a busy time of year and to get someone trained. Then since I won't be sitting behind a desk most of the day I'm looking forward to maybe getting into shape (hopefully) and spending time with my new granddaughter playing with my grandsons and making cards and painting pictures, snow skiing, NOT! (this is more what I'd look like if I went skiing). I also want to finally get my house thoroughly cleaned and do some projects to fix up the house and spend time hanging out with friends again although I do have another job lined up already but one that I can do in my time and leave the job there when I'm done ... and pays more...woo hoo! Okay, that's not really what it's all about but that is a nice bonus as well. I really do want to be available for what God has for me to do.

Blessings,

Baby Shower

2008-11-01T16:02:00.015-06:00

My daughter's baby shower was today. It was a brunch baby shower. She had a lot of friends and family there and had a really good time. She was blessed with a lot of nice gifts, too. My granddaughter is going to be one very nicely dressed little girl. She got so many adorable outfits. I can't wait to see them on her. I'm glad the shower turned out so nice and the weather outside couldn't have been any nicer for the first day of November. Here are some pictures from the shower.

It was a fall theme so this was the greeter...

He also watched over the baby gifts.

Below were a few of the gifts that were given away as door prizes.

The table decorations...

The pretty square plates below held the pumpkin cakes later in the shower.

This was the delicious pumpkin cake dessert that Jennifer, my daughter Kayla's friend, made for the shower. It was so moist and so good! I definitely want this recipe!

This cute little "pumpkin" was one of the guests along with her mommy.

A couple more guests...The one on the right is my niece, Amanda, with her best friend, Hannah, who is like my niece too.

This is my beautiful daughter, Kayla, opening some of her gifts.

and here are some of the gifts...

Her grandma made this cute blanket...

If you look really close at the picture above you can get a glimpse of my granddaughter.
She is about 2 pounds right now.

Well, that's about it for the shower pictures. Thanks for taking a peek. Don't forget to set your clocks back tonight.

Congratulations, Gina!

2008-10-27T18:05:00.002-06:00

Well, Gina was the winner of the baby shoes from over at 30 Handmade Days and like I said in my earlier post, I'm jealous but yes, I really am very happy for her. She has a picture of her little girl at her blog and she's quite the cutie so this is a wonderful gift for her to win! The shoes will look wonderful on her little girl. Well, I think I'm going to have to go shoe shopping at Diddle Dumpling's shop. Write more later.

Football Game & Two Special Young Boys

2008-10-25T21:30:00.018-06:00

I went to my oldest grandson's flag football game this morning. It was very windy and a little on the cool side but I still enjoyed getting to watch him. To see his face light up when he sees that I'm there just warms my heart like you wouldn't believe. He is such a joy, so kind and tenderhearted. Oh, I love that boy so much! He is 7 years old and will still blow me a kiss from out on the field. I hope he will always enjoy seeing his grandma as much as he does now whether he's 7 or 27 or older than that. He is such a delight to be around and to visit with and to watch play football or ride a 4-wheeler or read a book. He is so considerate and so polite. Oh yes, I am very proud of him, just in case you hadn't guessed. By the way, he's the one wearing the red hoodie under his team shirt. Here are a few of his pictures from his game. I realized that some parents may not want their child's picture on someone's blog so that's why everyone except my grandson is so blurred.

The rest of these pictures were taken after the game. This is my youngest grandson and he is such a joy, too.

He's 4 years old. He is one that can light up a room just by walking in to it. He comes in as if to say, "hello world, I'm here!" He is just naturally funny and knows how to make you laugh. What a gift! With that humor comes a little bit of mischief as well. Bet you can't tell by looking at his pictures, can you? He is also one that is hard to discipline (like I ever have to do that!) because he can do that cute tip of the head and smile and bat those big, dark brown eyes at you and just melt your heart. Aw gee! I am one blessed grandma!

Give Away at Thirty Handmade Days

2008-10-24T22:07:00.019-06:00

I was just over checking out Mique's blog at Thirty Handmade Days and she has the cutest giveaway going on. Okay, she's had quite a few cute giveaways but you've got to check out the cute baby shoes she's giving away on Monday! They're made by Sarah at Diddle Dumpling and are just adorable! Of course with my new granddaughter on the way I hope I win but you can go ahead and enter for yourself anyway and I'll just be jealous if you get picked but I'll be happy for you just the same. Not! Now that's wasn't very Christlike of me was it...okay, I'll be happy for you if you win them instead of me....but I'll be happy for me if I win them because I know they will look so cute on my precious granddaughter...and I know you'll be equally happy for me if I win and you don't. Right???

Here today, gone tomorrow...or here yesterday, gone today!

2008-10-13T23:48:00.005-06:00

Well, yesterday I said maybe the snow would still be here so I could get some pictures of it for you...but, then again I also said "maybe it won't". Well, the won't won out cuz most all of the snow's gone today. Oh well, I'm sure it won't be long before I have another opportunity. But just so's your not too disappointed, here's a picture from my office window about this same time last year.

Now, if you all of a sudden are feeling a little on the chilly side, don't blame me...you're the one that scrolled down to take a peek.

God bless y'all...

...and stay warm!

October Snow

2008-10-12T21:16:00.004-06:00

Well, I woke up this morning to get ready for church and took a peek outside and there was snow everywhere! I shouldn't have been too surprised since the weather had been calling for snow this weekend and we had a touch of it the last couple of days...and this is Montana after all! I am so not ready for all the cold weather yet...okay, I'm never ready for all the cold weather...but I do have to say that it was very pretty coming down on the way to church. I think I would love winter if I could stay in all winter curled up in my recliner...with a blanket...in front of the nice crackling fire...with a cup of french vanilla coffee (or hot cocoa with marshmallow creme) and just watch how beautiful it looks coming down. How about when it sparkles like diamonds everywhere and the trees look so crystally and gorgeous?!? I do like wearing my sweaters again...and homemade soups and chili...well, I guess there are some nice things about winter but I'd like it better if it didn't have to get so cold and icy and slick and start in October and go through until April or May. I guess I should focus on the good things about it especially since it's going to be here whether I like it or not. I do wish I'd thought to take a picture of it today to show you. Too late now. Maybe tomorrow it'll still be there and I can...maybe it won't!

At the Office

2008-10-10T20:31:00.004-06:00

Now don't let the title of this post fool you..it's not about the show, "The Office". Although, that does happen to my youngest daughter's favorite TV show.
No, today's post is about the fall decorations that I have in my office at work. Here are the pictures I said yesterday that I'd try to have ready. The pretty flowers in the clear glass pumpkin are from a sweet friend of mine, Kandy. She brought them in to me one day at work and she also brought some similar to that to another friend, Trish, that I work with. They are both a couple of the sweetest people you could know...always thinking of and doing for others. What godly examples they are! The shelf in the first picture is on the wall behind my desk and the other fall arrangement is one I have sitting on the window ledge that overlooks the park across the street. I have the glass pumpkin sitting on my desk, although the flowers have died so the jar is now filled with candy corns and candy pumpkins. Yes, I did wash the dish out first. Well, thanks for visiting me at the office today. This is where I spend most of my week so I try to make it as homey as possible not only for me but for those that drop by during the day to visit or that come in for appointments.

Have a blessed day!

Fall Decorating

2008-10-09T22:54:00.001-06:00

I have had my fall decorations out for a bit but I've been slow about getting the pictures ready to put on here. I take the pictures right away but just don't get around to getting them on my computer. I notice some of my favorite blogs are updated daily and there are always nice pictures to go with them. I don't know how they do it but I'm impressed. I have every intention of doing something on here every day and well, life happens and before I realize it another week has gone by since I last posted. Anyways, these are some of the little vignettes here at home. Tomorrow I'll try to get the ones from my office at work on here.

I do have some exciting news! I got to go with my daughter and son in-law to their ultrasound appointment yesterday and I got to see my precious little granddaughter! Yes, it's a girl! Oh my, how precious! She weighs about 11 ounces right now. We watched her put her thumb in her mouth and then pull it back out and push her little foot up against her mommy's tummy. Oh, I can't wait to hold her and kiss those precious cheeks! I wish I'd gotten a copy of the ultrasound picture to post on here. Oh, how I praise God! She is fearfully and wonderfully made!

Sunday Drivers

2008-10-05T19:52:00.011-06:00

My husband and I decided to take a short day trip out of town a couple Sundays ago to get pictures of all the beautiful fall colors. It was so relaxing and just gorgeous. It's taken me a couple of weeks but here are some of the pictures I got. God sure paints some beautiful scenery, doesn't He?

(Click on collage to view it clearer)

Fun Saturday

2008-09-20T23:19:00.006-06:00

My daughter, Kayla, and I spent most of the day together today. She came over this morning right after breakfast and we went to a craft show. We didn't really buy much but we did see a couple signs someone had painted that we thought were funny. I wished I'd gotten pictures. One of them said: "Bed & Breakfast, Feel free to make both". The other sign said, "Go ahead and come in. I'm already having a 'fowl' day". We had a good laugh at both of them and I know it's not nice but a certain person did come to our mind when we read the second one. Oh, come on now...admit it...someone came to your mind, too, when you read it!
After the craft show, we went to a cute shop called "Real Deals". They have some fun, unique items there and are very reasonably priced. The owners of the place seem to be the nicest people. Kayla bought the coolest mirror for in her living room. It is going to look so good in there. I'll show you pictures once she gets it hung up.
Anyways, after that we went to a couple other craft stores. We looked at stamping stuff and fall decorations. Then my wonderful husband took us out to Tony Roma's for dinner. We sure had a wonderful day!

The Heavens Declare the Glory of God...

2008-09-17T15:07:00.013-06:00

Psalms 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

These are some pictures I've taken of sunsets around Montana.

"What the Hay!"

2008-09-10T09:36:00.012-06:00

This past weekend was the annual "What the Hay!" contest. This event takes place between Windham and Hobson, Montana. All these wonderfully creative people take bales of hay and come up with the most fun-hay ideas...usually with "hay" or "bale" in the title of their creation somewhere. In previous years there have been Bet"hay" Boop, Tazm"hay"nian Devil, and Toni-"hay" the Tiger. Below are a few of my favorites from this year.

First, let's grab us some Chocolate Chip Cook"hay" dough
to take with us in case we get hungry on the tour.

Then we'll stop by to watch the "Bale"arina dance.

My, isn't she lovely?!

Next we have a whole baseball team complete with a concession stand titled
"Take me out to the "bale" game.

Here's the score board. Game's not over yet but we need to get moving along.
Maybe we'll find out later how this game ended.

Finally, we end with "It's a Hay Day for Montana Ranchers"'.

"Hay", I hate to "bale" on you but it's past my bedtime and I've got to work tomorrow.

Garden Tour

2008-08-29T15:24:00.012-06:00

Every year for the last several years now my sister and I have gone on "home tours" called the Parade of Homes. You get to see new homes, some remodeled homes, how people have decorated and the new trends in home decorating. It's always been something we've enjoyed doing together and dreaming of how we'd like our "dream home" to be or what we want to incorporate into our own homes. Of course, all the ideas I come home with my wonderful husband just shakes his head and says, "Okay, I'll add that to my list to do...let's see that's number 1001 on the list." He's such a funny man! One of the bad parts of the home tours, though, is that you're not allowed to take pictures. Anyways, this year, at the beginning of the summer, my sister and I went on a Garden Tour and yay! we got to take pictures! I'd like to share some of the beautiful flowers and gardens with you. The tour began at the Original Governor's Mansion. I was able to get a few pictures of the inside before we headed off to tour the gardens so I'll start with those.

Next we have a view of the city. These were taken by from the first home we went to and the view they get to enjoy as well as their lovely garden.

The garden and home in this next picture wasn't on the tour this year but from what I understand it was last year. It was just a couple homes down from the pictures above.

Now, let's get on to some other homes...

This home had a stream that started at the top of the property in the back of the home and had a few waterfalls and then dropped into a pond. There was a pergola by the pond that you could sit under and relax and just listen to the peaceful, relaxing sounds. You could also sit on the deck of the home and see the stream, the pond and the lake. They did most of the work themselves so they have more than earned getting to sit and take in all this beauty.

This last home here was down a country road a ways and was very nice and secluded. They also have a small stream running beside of their home and a nice sized pond behind their home. They have nice little sitting areas all around the pond. The one picture here is taken from their hot tub looking out at the view they have from there of their yard and the pond. The other picture is a close up of one of the waterfalls on the opposite side of the pond.

Well, hope you enjoyed the tour.

My favorite men

2008-08-23T23:51:00.006-06:00

Well, it's been a couple days again but I have spent soooo much time looking at so many other people's wonderful blogs that it's been so late by the time I get to mine that I just haven't taken the time. You all are so talented and truly amazing out there. To have little kids around all the time and still find time for all of your talents...well, I'm impressed. Most days when I get home from work the last thing I feel like doing is dragging all my craft stuff out and then having to put it all away again when I'm done. Plus trying to squeeze dinner in there as well. And I don't have little kids running around. What's your secret?
I would like to share a picture with you all of my 3 favorite "men" in the world. They are my husband and my two grandsons after going for a ride in Grandpa's jeep. They love going out for jeep rides with him. He does all kinds of fun things to make them laugh! Of course, they just love being with Grandpa period. Aren't they the cutest!

Here is another one of the things that the boys have always loved doing when they've been at our house. It's roasting marshmallows in the firepit and making smores. They also enjoy singing the Veggie Tale song about smores sometimes while we sit out there. I absolutely adore these guys! They sure know how to brighten their Gramma's life.

The youngest one's birthday is coming up in a little over a week and he'll be four. The oldest one is seven. School will be starting for them both that same week. Here's another picture I'd like to share with you of the boys.

And yes, most of the time they do get along like this! I just want to smile every time I look at this picture of them!
Well, maybe next time I'll have found time to do something creative and I'll take a picture and show you all. Maybe.................

Big Sky Country

2008-08-20T22:01:00.015-06:00

I had so much fun yesterday visiting so many different blogs that I didn't take the time to write in mine. Actually I spent a lot of today doing the same thing which is why I'm writing so late at night. There are so many fun, interesting, gifted people out there. It would be fun to have a blog like theirs. Maybe mine will eventually evolve into something like that but for right now mine will mostly be about the goings on in my life and in my small "neck of the woods".
Speaking of that...
....my wonderful nice friend did come over yesterday and brought food for my husband and I for two nights not just one along with desserts for both nights. Two other really good friends have called in the last couple days to check on how I'm doing and are coming on Friday to have lunch with me. I can't wait!
Kayla came over and visited with us for awhile tonight. I always enjoy spending time with her. We want to get together and make some more cards. That's a lot of fun! We went on a trip together at the beginning of the summer and took all of our cardmaking supplies (okay, that part was a lot of work, hauling all of that into the motel room!) and made some cute ones in our motel room. (That part was fun!) My sister and my niece came to our room and we watched "27 Dresses" together with them. My niece had a dance performance that we also got to go and see while we were there. It was just an all-around good time!
I just got done visiting with my niece, Amanda... actually, text messaging back and forth, but that's still visiting. She's the one who's dance performance we went to see. She just left for college and is going to school in one of my favorite places to visit so I'm hoping to get to see her at least a few times a year. She is such a funny, talented young lady. I know she'll do well at school, too. Here is a picture of another one of my favorite places here in Montana. This isn't the place where my niece is going to school but still a favorite place. This is Flathead Lake. Can you see why they call Montana "Big Sky Country"?

Well, before I go, I'll post a couple more pictures on here from my yard. I think pictures are always fun. I was going to put some on here of the cards I made from Kayla's and my trip and realized I didn't take any of them. Oh well, maybe next time...
This first picture is a view of my bench through my bush by the pond...

This second one is one of my Gerbera Daisies. I think they are such a pretty flower.

Well, until next time...
...have a blessed day!

I do have a life...

2008-08-18T12:29:00.001-06:00

I have been so anxious to get back on here and post another blog but thought having more than one in a day might show that I sit with my laptop way too many hours in the day wasting time where if I waited one day before posting again it would seem that I have some sort of a life. I have played with some of the pictures I've taken on this site called Picnik that Kayla told me about. Here are a couple examples from some pictures of flowers from my yard. I have been learning while I'm recuperating so that's a good thing. See...it has been educational sitting around doing nothing while I recuperate.

Anyways, I just got a call from my wonderful husband just checking to see how I'm feeling today. See how blessed I am! I really do have a terrific husband. The joke is that it's only taken 31 years to get him trained the way I want him so I think I'll keep him. Actually, he's been a good husband all along. Very kind and loving and oh, so funny! He knows how to make me laugh! He's been a great dad to our daughters and a fun grandpa as well. I wouldn't trade him for anything! Besides all that, he's good looking too. Woo woo!
I also got a call from Del Ann at work and she said things are running smooth there but that I'm missed and also that another friend would like to bring a meal tomorrow evening. More blessings...to be missed and another wonderful friend with a meal. I know I should probably say, "No, that's okay, we're doing fine and don't need another meal", but not me, no, instead I said, "Oh, that's so nice of her!". Which it is very nice of her but to turn down a free meal when, like I said yesterday, how spoiled my husband's getting with all the good food, and this way I get to visit with another sweet friend of mine. Her and her husband are a couple of the nicest people you could meet.
Another blessing...my sweet, pregnant daughter, Kayla had also called to check in with me and visit this morning. Did I say that she's pregnant? Yep, her & her husband will be first time parents some time in February. I can't wait! I love this being a Gramma! I have two grandsons already that are the joy of my life by my oldest daughter, Heidi. They are 7 and almost 4 and light up your world when they're around. They sure know how to make a Gramma feel loved!
Well, I don't think blogs are supposed to be books so I guess I'd better sign off for a while so anyone who actually reads this would think I do have a life...

Just the beginning...

2008-08-17T16:14:00.000-06:00

Well, thanks to my daughter, Kayla, I have created my first blog. I've enjoyed reading hers and a few others so thought I'd try this myself. I am off work for a while recuperating from surgery so thought this would be the perfect time. Speaking of being home recuperating... along with the name of my blog "Pond-ering my blessings" I have to mention just how blessed I am. I have some of the nicest people in my life. They are my friends but they are also my "family". They have kept my husband and I supplied with meals for these days I've been home and having to take it easy. And delicious meals at that! My husband is getting very spoiled as he's not used to such wonderful meals all the time. They have blessed me with beautiful plants and flowers and the most important of all...their friendship.
I have to say that although I like my job, I have enjoyed relaxing by my pond and reading and playing around on my laptop working on this blogging stuff. It makes me want to go out and take a bunch of pictures now to show you all my pond and my fish and my flowers before the white, fluffy stuff appears and covers it all. I know it's only August but it does seem like it was just the first of June a couple weeks ago.
Well, thanks Kayla, for getting me started here. I think I will take a break and go get those pictures I talked about...