Hot & Muggy....Cold & Fluffy (and Deep)

When I left work today it was hot and it was muggy, my car was hot and muggy, and consequently I was hot and muggy. I knew that it wouldn't be hot and muggy once I got home but I also knew that there would be no wonderful blast of cold air greeting me when I opened the door. My ninety year old father-in-law moved in with us in December 2007. He used to live in Florida and he's definitely a lover of warm weather. That's what would be greeting me when I got home...warm weather (thermostat set at 79 degrees) and Dad wearing a sweatshirt!

I got to thinking about snow and how great it would be to have a snowstorm in July...just one day...it could melt away the next day...and since it would be a magical snowstorm (I mean what other kind would you have in Maryland in July) no flowers or foliage would be harmed. I'd like about eight inches, maybe a little more. Cold & fluffy...and deep! That's how I like my snow!

Most of my family and friends will think I'm a little bit crazy but I am so ready for some of this white stuff. I love snow! I guess that would make more sense if I loved to ski or if I was a fan of snowboarding or sledding, but I 'm not. I like to look at it, walk through it, and eat it (as long as I know where it's been). I don't even mind shoveling it or cleaning it off of cars. I especially like to watch others play in it.

These are pictures of Jacqi, my oldest son's wife. They were taken in February 2006 about 7 months after they got married and about 7 months after she moved here to Maryland from Texas. Jacqi grew up in southern states and this was her first real experience with a big snow. She loved it. I bet she and Kevin were outside for at least three hours. They had a great time building their snowman, throwing snowballs and making snow angels. I don't know if this picture does justice to the depth of the snow...but that was one deep snow angel!

I really enjoyed watching them play.

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I love snow...did I mention that?

Cold & fluffy...and deep!

After about an hour of looking through some of my "snow" pictures on my computer I feel much better. I feel kind of clean, refreshed, even pure....as the driven snow. Was that a blast of cold air I just felt?

Corny? Yes...but I love it!

A Suitcase Full of Books

I have these three little suitcases stacked next to a really comfy chair in my living room. I had to have them because they were 75% off at Michael's a few years ago. At the time I thought they would be a great place to stash stuff. Guess what? They're still empty!

But - I have a plan (actually I have about a zillion plans but I'll go with this one first). The bottom suitcase is the perfect size for books. Not just any books - (grand) children's books! I can just see Elijah, Charlotte and any future grandbabies opening the suitcase, pulling out their favorite story, climbing up on my lap (I will, of course, be in the "really comfy chair") and saying, "Gramma, read this to me please". Naturally they'll say please because they will be the most polite, sweet, well-behaved little children you'd ever want to meet...especially when they're with their gramma! Oh, I'm getting teary-eyed just thinking about it!!

The top suitcase will be perfect for photographs of all their relatives near and far. I'm going to print out copies just for their little fingers to hold. They'll hold up every one of them and say "who's this Gramma?" each time. I will patiently (at least the first dozen or so times) respond with the answer. As for the case in the middle....well it will be a treasure chest. It will be filled with all manner of love, bounty and special treats. I can hardly wait!!

Here's one of the books that I have for the special "book"case.

 

I love squirrels!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY (tomorrow) to my brother John!!

Fingerprints of God

Dear Lord,

Please guide my grandchildren to your gift of salvation. I pray that they will come to know you, to love you and to walk close to you throughout their lives. May they boldly claim Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Guide them as they make choices that have eternal consequences. Help them to choose you and to follow you each moment of their lives. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

(this prayer is taken from "The Grandmother's Bible)

Oh my goodness - they are the sweetest things I've ever seen! They're on my mind every day and I long for the next moment I'll be with them!!

Charlotte will be at my house all day tomorrow. Her mama has to work and her daddy wants to get some "home" work done so Charlotte gets to spend the day with Gramma & Grandpa & Aunt Mandy & Great-Grandpa (AKA the G-pap). I wouldn't be surprised if Uncle Kevin & Aunt Jacqi stopped by too! Oh my, there will have to be a whole lot of sharing going on!!! Isn't her first teddy bear sweet?

Sunday afternoon the whole family will be meeting at "Cracker Barrel". We'll be having a nice lunch - but I'm not going for the food, I'm going so I can see Elijah!! We haven't seen him (or Joe & Jo) in almost two weeks and we're all having some withdrawal pains. I know we'll have to share there too! Two weeks is a long time - I can't wait to see how much he's changed. Don't you love his blue jeans!?

I love my family so much. Grandchildren are the best and Cracker Barrel is kind of fun too! Babies, shopping and food all in one spot. My kind of place! The only negative thing I can think of is that we're not eating there on Saturday too. That means none of that yummy "chicken and rice"! Sorry Mandy!

"I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.”

Gen. 17:7

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My daughter-in-law Jacqi took the photographs.

I think they're wonderful!

Not only do we have cute babies, we also have a talented someone to take their pictures!

Mailed Out Today!

I got my ACEOs done for the EBay swap I'm in. I'm so happy with how they turned out. The first one is called "I Love Watercolors". I'm sending it to someone who does really nice watercolor paintings. It's a little collage done with scrap booking paper, sticker corners, a couple of image clippings, a rub-on word and a heart made of tiny rhinestones. I inked all the edges and sealed it with Modge Podge.

I know the little girl on the card doesn't look like she's enjoying much of anything, but trust me, she loves watercolors! She's just a little bit concerned about painting while wearing her new white dress!

The second ACEO is going to a person who likes Manatees. I'm sure that makes no sense at first glance...this one is much more subtle. If you look closely you'll see "Manatee County Court" above the top dashed line. This one is also made with things from my "goodie box" - images, stickers, rub-ons and a little fabric "hello" patch. I used more inking on this one because I wanted it to have an older "days gone by" kind of look.

Can't you just picture this little tyke running up to the man rocking on the porch in the background? Maybe looking for a story or two. I bet hearing one would have put a huge smile on her sweet little face!

I love making these little cards. Actually I love making a lot of things. Life hasn't allowed many opportunities to create lately. That's why making these (last night) was so nice. I can't wait to get back into my craft room and let the creative juices flow.

With any luck I'll be sharing some new stuff soon!

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Today is my sister's birthday~Happy Birthday Emily!!

The Wedding & The Roll-Top Desk

Last week my daughter and I traveled to Michigan to attend the wedding of my niece. It was a very pretty wedding...pale pink and white and elegant. Three walls of windows and the scenery beyond them provided a beautiful backdrop. As the sun set and the daylight disappeared candles and twinkle lights added a lovely sparkle.

The bride was beautiful and I know her parents (my brother and his wife) were excited to see her move into another phase of her life. I'm sure they were also a little sad about the change it will mean in their lives too! I'll certainly be praying for a smooth transition for all of them.

My daughter and I stayed with my mom in her new apartment. She and "Bob" (her cat) recently moved into a "55 or better" community. It's a little bit smaller than her previous home but fortunately there was room for her treasured "roll-top desk" (it was a breadbox in it's previous life).

I know this new place is going to be great for my mom-there are so many things for her to get involved in if she wants to and it's a great area to get out and walk around. The grounds are nicely kept and the lobby, elevators and hallways are clean. Seems like the people are pretty nice too!

Emily - you were right...we had no trouble finding her place...it was the door with the wreath!!

Spiritual Surgery

My husband Bill had a cataract removed from one of his eyes yesterday. The surgery went smoothly and he's seeing clearly again. But it was tough for awhile...the cataract distorted his vision while he was driving, it blurred his favorite TV shows and it tired out his other eye because it was working twice as hard as usual.

My eyes are okay...as long as I have my glasses on...even so, I know there are things clouding my vision. But the difference between Bill and I is that he had no control over his cataract while I have a lot of control over the things distorting my sight.

I am constantly letting things interfere with my vision of what's important in life. There's the very disorganized and very full garage. There are my cats who as they age forget things. Like where their litter boxes are! Speaking of boxes, there are boxes stacked up in the basement and not a moment to spare to sort through them and the WEEDS....oh, so many weeds! Then there's the beautiful tree in the middle of my front lawn. I love it so much and it's dying. Half of it is anyway. My rose bushes have little black spots and have I mentioned the WEEDS?! Why is it that the weeds grow like crazy but the grass not so much!

I can't forget my collection of knick-knacks...also known as curios, trinkets, bits & bobs, odds & ends, or (my personal favorite) tchotchkes! You know what the definition of a tchotchke is? A small decorative item usually of no particular value. Of no particular value? Then why do I have SO many! Because I've bought a lot, received many as gifts and, just recently, inherited a bunch of them when my father-in-law joined our household. I love them but the dusting....it takes forever. Even the thought of sorting and getting rid of some overwhelms me. Same thing goes for my craft room and my over abundance of craft supplies. It could be a lovely studio...but that takes time.

So many things to do and so little time to do it in. So many regular responsibilities to take care of before there's time to tackle all these other things. But tackle them I do...one at a time...a little bit each day...somehow, slowly, I'm managing to get it all done. But at what cost? What do I put off because of all these things that need my attention? I bet you see where I'm heading.

The easiest thing not to do is reading my Bible...and the easiest person to say "can I get back to you later" to is the Lord. Whoa - talk about a cloudy, blurry, distorted vision. Where are my priorities? I need to be praying for a little bit of spiritual surgery in my life!

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me....I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now, I see.

He Found His Feet!

Elijah (and his parents) came to visit today...I haven't seen him in two weeks. He's definitely grown and he sits up pretty steadily now. He loves his little feet and smiles a lot! Except when you're trying to get him to smile for a picture of course!

The whole family was together today. Bill made roasted chicken and mashed potatoes and Katie took care of preparing the asparagus. Roasted chicken also means homemade gravy! Yum! A green salad and some watermelon and our meal was complete. The best part about it??? I didn't do anything but eat it...my kind of dinner!

I love having everyone over...especially Elijah and Charlotte! They are both growing and changing so fast. I wanted to take pictures of the two of them together today but Elijah left while Charlotte was still asleep. Hopefully I'll be able to do that next time. They are the cutest!!

Little Blessings

I was so excited to see all the comments I got during my first week of blogging...what a huge encouragement! I'm so excited to continue!

I mentioned that I was involved in an ACEO swap on Ebay...well I received one of my cards and it's a beauty! A perfect little watercolor with a Bible verse. I just love it!

These little art cards are such fun to collect. I have most of mine in an album. But I also have a couple small frames that I put my ACEOs in. It's a great way to alternate my tiny masterpieces!

Look Who Came To Visit Me Today!

Charlotte Elizabeth - 8 weeks old

ACEO ~ I Love These Little Cards!

ACEO-Art Cards, Editions and Originals are tiny trading card sized pieces of collectible art, always measuring 2 ½” x 3 ½”. These highly collectible cards are as varied in theme, composition and materials as are larger works of art. They are so much fun to look at, long for and buy! I don't have a large collection...but the ones I have I love!

Today I found out who my partners are in a swap I've joined on Ebay. Soon I'll be receiving two new ACEOs...but, oh boy, even better...I'll be making two new ones to send to other collectors. I really enjoy making them. I especially like to create little collages. It is so relaxing to rummage through my "stuff" looking for just the right things to complete my little masterpieces....at least that's what they are to me.

I made this ACEO about a year ago. Isn't she sweet? Doesn't she look like a "peaceful" little soul?

Resting on His promises isn't easy, in fact, it's often difficult...especially in our lives of constant activity. So many things we need to do. So many things that we'd like to do. Who has time to rest!! I surely don't. But that's exactly when we must sit down and rest in the knowledge that God who put the needs and desires in our lives and our hearts will complete His work in His time (Philippians 1:6). He'll always make sure we have what we need and many times He blesses us with what we want too!

I also made this ACEO about a year ago. It was on "one of those days". You know the kind. I was having a hard time remembering God's promises...all I really wanted was for "my fairy godmother" to come and wash the floors! She of course didn't. But, God sent someone else who did...and that was a blessing indeed! Bet you want to know who....it was my husband. He's a pretty good guy!

The Quiet Life - 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

"that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing."

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

That's my ambition...a quiet life in a little house surrounded by trees and hills. Minding my own business and working with my hands. That's the stuff dreams are made of. Behaving properly and having people respect me and the way I live...that's what I would like.

There are a few trees around my house and plenty of (ant) hills. However, my life is hardly what one would call quiet although there are moments of peace and even solitude. I had a wonderful opportunity to "mind my own business" too. It was a little shop called "Agape Gifts & Crafts". It was filled with handiwork of all kinds, made by many people (including the owners of the shop -myself and two good friends). It was a special time in my life and through it I was blessed in so many ways. Now I work with my hands and make gifts to give to family & friends plus, before I know it I'll be teaching my grandbabies how to create things too!

But, maybe I need to look at this a little differently. Maybe the quiet life I'm seeking isn't so much my surroundings, maybe it's a quiet within myself. The "be still and know" (Psalm 46:10) kind of quiet. So I can hear and listen to God and get to know Him better. Then there's the "minding my own business" stuff. I think I need to make sure I spend plenty of time examining my own life before I try to "offer advice" to another (Matt 7:1&5). When I think of working with my hands I automatically think about some kind of craft...handmade stuff, that's where my mind went right away when I read the verse above. But now - as I've been typing I've been thinking about all the "works of my hands"...the ones in my home, in my church, where I work and in my neighborhood. The Lord has given me so many opportunities to serve diligently and to work for His glory. Even if I haven't exactly achieved my goals the way I thought I would I need to remember that God has me right where He wants me and I had better do the best I can right where I am...right now!

P.S I found the "quiet life" picture at the following website. There are lots of beautiful landscapes there!

www.sherylknight.com/gallery1-Land_Oil.html

Keeping in Touch...

What a great way to share things with my Mom (and other family and friends). I know my Mom would love to experience, first hand, all the changes in the little lives of Elijah & Charlotte. Here's a way for her to see them and "hear"what's happening to them.

Joe called and said that Elijah started trying to "crawl" today and he experienced his first fireworks last night. He enjoyed them from indoors!

Charlotte spent the day with me today. Her momma and Aunts Mandy & Jacqi went shopping. They bought new clothes for her. Pretty soon she'll need a new closet! She wore shoes for the first time today...too cute!

I've always wanted to try this...

...blogging that is. I've read other people's blogs and thought "what a great way to share". Now that I've found a way to do it I'm not sure what I want to share.

How about beginning with - I"M A GRAMMA!!!

I still have a difficult time thinking of myself as "gramma". I've thought about it for so long and now that it's finally happened it's hard to grasp. Elijah was born on January 7th and Charlotte was born on May 14th. Two grandchildren in one year....I love them so much!

I think it will be nice to tell stories about them. It will be fun to share many things...the crazy things we do when "the family" is all together...things I like to make and read and eat...people and places that I like to visit...and so on and so on.

But that will be another day.