Sisters of Season

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T00:07:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to tell your love ones how much you love them . . . I know I will :O)

Are you ready for Valentine's Day . . . some sweets!

2012-01-24T20:20:00.000-08:00

My gosh . . . times flies, Valentine's Day is just around the corner, already another year has passed. I always give my kids candy for Valentine's Day, one year I wrote them "love letters" when they were all little . . . they have never forgotten those letters, it sounded so silly to do, but I'm so glad I did :O)

Colossians 3:12-14

Feeling Sick

2012-01-19T19:49:00.000-08:00

The flu has arrived and sick in bed . . . I was so excited to start this new year 2012 . . go figure, too funny. Anyways, my sister Deb brought over some chicken soup tonight for dinner and it was delicious . . . Debbie loves to cook and bake, so of course, the chicken soup was homemade, even better.

Thank you Deb . . . love you:O)

New Beginning . . . Yes:O)

2012-01-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

This will be a year of new beginnings for me. It's been almost two years since Dave aka Mr. Grumpy has passed away. I really did not realized that until my sister Debbie pointed that out to me ( I can always count on my sister to shed some light into my life . . . thank you Debbie). Time to move on and get into life again. I always try to encourage others and try to focus on being positive but when it comes to myself . . . forget it. When you lose your spouse that you been married to forever . . you literally feel lost, everything changes. I'm definitely tired of grieving that boy. I was a little scare to move forward and face the unknown, but I want to do it now. Believe me, it took a long time to get here :O)

Being Grateful

2012-01-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

Looking over the pics from Christmas 2011, I came across this pic and the presents sure looked so pretty under the tree. Christmas 2011 for the Jacobson family was a simple celebration. I was not able to buy my kids as much as I wanted to, but was happy with what I did buy them. Boy, I'm sure glad I got through this one. I know I got some good kids, they were all so thankful. Thank you God for these blessings :O)

Happy New Year 2012!

2011-12-31T00:15:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a Beautiful Christmas

2011-12-22T20:22:00.000-08:00

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests" Luke 2:14

Please listen to this beautiful song by Casting Crowns, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" . . . Enjoy and have a beautiful Christmas!

Some Christmas cheer around the house . . . Santa collection

2011-12-19T18:05:00.000-08:00

Finally got the Christmas tree . . .

2011-12-18T18:16:00.000-08:00

We finally got our Christmas tree yesterday . . . I was so surprised to see a girl working the Christmas tree lot . . . I say GIRL POWER! She was so sweet too.

Vintage ornaments make me happy!

2011-12-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

Hope all you guys are having a wonderful Christmas season . . . and all the goodies that come with it also. You all know how much I love vintage Christmas ornaments, here a pic of my newest find at St. Mathews Thrift Shop in Ocean Park. I found it over this past Summer with my Mom and sister Jeri visiting from Texas. It cost me a whole 2.00 dollars. Loving it :O)

This santa in this pic is one of my oldest vintage glass ornaments and it still has a lot of color to it. Some spots have faded, but it's still in pretty good condition.

I have a funny story to tell you about this santa . . . I had just hung him on my little tree and my oldest son, Davey came and sat down next to me and I started to tell him the history of it. Well, Davey moved and his foot hit the Santa and it flew off the tree. Davey caught it in the air and we looked at each other and both started laughing. It was so funny. I love all my santa's but I sure do miss this one, my husband Dave aka Mr. Grumpy.

Family is everything . . . make every moment count. Blessings :O)

Some Christmas around the house . . . some fun creations too!

2011-12-05T21:45:00.000-08:00

I love to collect vintage postcards . . . especially the ones that have writing on it. I have some as old as a 100 years. Life was so much more simple back then. Sometimes it's the little things that bring us so much joy, vintage postcards are the best. Next to the stack of postcards is one of my top hat pin cushions. The pic below is some vintage Christmas pieces on my sofa table with some mercury glass candle holders. Remember that oil painting on the right, I found at the rummage sale with my Mom a little over a year ago, it only cost me a dollar. So loving it with the Christmas decor. I wished my Blackberry took better pics, I know I really need to invest in a good camera.

Enjoyed creating this jolly guy, named him "Santa at the Circus"

Can't get enough cute, a Christmas doll too!

A very dear friend of mine invited me to a woman's event at Calvary Church last Thursday evening and I so enjoyed it, wonderful speaker and very inspirational . . . good way to start off this Christmas season, letting God be the center of it. Hope you all are enjoying this beautiful season that is upon us. Blessings :O)

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

Thank you my sweet blog friends for all your kind words and wishes . . . have a blessed Thanksgiving Day with your families:O)

Happy Birthday Davey

2011-11-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

It always good to praise . . My oldest son Davey turned 28 years old this week. I'm so grateful he has a strong knowing of God in his life . . . and turned out to be such a beautiful person inside and out. Happy Birthday Davey! This pic is from Davey's elementary school graduation, he was only twelve years old.

I will praise you O Lord, among the nations. I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens, your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens and let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 108:3-5

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE . . . . OR COMING!

2011-11-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

My sister Linda's open house is coming soon and I'm still sewing away as fast as I can. Momma and I decided to do a craft show at Cal State Fullerton the first week of December . . it's a freebie, so we couldn't turn it down. Please excuse some of these pics from my Blackberry, not as pretty as some of yours. Anyways, I'm having fun. Today actually feels cool outside, 65 degrees. Have a beautiful weekend! :O)

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T08:19:00.000-07:00

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween! Love this pic . . . found it on Google.

Sewing Away Over Here . . .

2011-10-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

Last year around Thanksgiving, my sweet sister-in-law Chris, brought me a box of vintage sewing goods from her Mom, some of these sewing pieces belonged to her Grandmother. I instantly fell in love but didn't have much of a desire at that time to create any new dolls. All that love for creating went away for awhile after Dave passed away. I put the box away. Since I started sewing again a couple of months ago, I remembered the box and brought it out and opened it again . .

I found this vintage navy collar, looks like it came off a dress or a blouse . . it's so pretty. I ran over to the fabric store and found some fabric to match pretty close to the same color with a simple pattern on it for a new creation.

My newest creation . . . I added this adorable elephant to one of my dolls. Mom and I went to a rummage sale last Saturday and found a bunch of sequins and sewing goodies, I also found this black and pink salmon color throw in the background, all for six dollars. Rummage sales are so much fun. I added a few of those sequins to my elephant. Ok . . . time to go back to the sewing machine.

Been a little busy lately . . . making some dolls

2011-10-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

Here's the girls . . . little bit of a prairie thing going on . . the one in the gray dress is called "Kitty Kitty", she is wearing a brooch with the word cherish and is holding a gray kitty, the red one is called "Key to your Heart", she holding a purple velvet heart with a vintage key in her hand and the maroon one is called "Sweet Ellie", she's holding the posies.

Fall Has Arrived

2011-09-26T23:41:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Fall pics . . . too pretty and inspiring too, especially the pumpkin bundt cake . . ladies as usual I will be packing on the pounds this Fall with all the baking that will be going on . . . little humor on my side. Been having lots of fun creating some cute stuff for my sister Linda's craft show in November. Trying to create something new besides dolls. I recently joined the unemployed . . . please keep me in your prayers. Hoping to find something new and exciting. Happy Fall! :O)

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those that love him. James 1:12

Time For A Change . . . :O)

2011-09-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to change my bedroom set for awhile now . . the padded headboards I just love. When Dave was around we would both decide on every piece of furniture we bought . . but now I can go right ahead and change things . . and absolutely am enjoying it. I've been looking at the padded headboard above in the pic from Pottery Barn. I love the dark brown linen color. First, I've got to sell my existing bedroom set . . I think I'll put on Craigslist and see if I get any takers on it. I want to downsize my bedroom furniture a little too . . I have a highboy, a dresser and king size bed and two nightstands. I really don't need all that anymore. I'm thinking like a bed, night stand and small dresser.

Am I Really Sewing Again . . . I think I can!

2011-08-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

Time to start sewing again . . . and I think I'm up to it. My sister Linda is hosting a holiday show in her home this Fall. It's always fun to get together with the women in this family of mine . . lots of talking, if you could get a word in, laughter that's a given and of course, eating way too many goodies. My sister Linda does stained glass creations, sister Debbie does extreme, out of this world bake goods, I mean Debbie can turn it into a business and do very well. Her bake goods are mouth watering. Momma sews aprons and handbags, cute stuff and my oldest sister Jeri, if she lived here and not Texas would be doing crochet and knitting creations, she misses out on some of these events because of the distance, but she's always in our hearts that's for sure.

You know in order to create something, you have to have love in your heart, with no love there is no inspiration . . it's are love ones that keep us living everyday, literally. I guess I have some love in this heart of mine again . . . couldn't quite find it there for awhile. Don't forget to tell your love ones everyday how special they are . . . you'll be glad you did:O)

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God" . . Colossians 3:16

Don't Quit Blogging "Lili"

2011-07-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

I started blogging in December 2009. I originally started a blog because I loved all the pretty artwork I could post, especially vintage post cards around the holidays. Sort of, kind of a decorating thing. Did that for about 6 months and then Dave died. I had no idea Dave was going to suffer a fatal heart attack and I was going to become a widow at an early age (mind you I didn't say young) and I would be in need of some dear friends to read my thoughts and comment back some of kindest thoughts and words that would lift me up and make me keep on going. Mind you, I 've never met any of these people in person, but yet they would so touch my heart and I would want to hear back from them and see the pics they were going to post about a trip they took, or their kids getting married, or decorating a new house and sometimes about something they were going through that wasn't easy, like a death of a family member, an ill child or moving to a new state. I would want to check on them and see if they were ok. Sometimes my kids would say who are you talking about, you've never seen these people and I would say with confidence, only a person who blogs knows what I'm talking about . . knows how special it is and how rewarding it can be.

When I returned to work after Dave passed away, I didn't have very much time to blog anymore. It would get too late and I would have to get to bed to get up in the morning and go again. The weekend would come and I would have to run errands now that my husband wasn't around to help me. And then I started noticing how much I started missing blogging and realized what a difference it had made in my life . . . I missed my blog friends. Blogging is positive and it allows you to express yourself as much as you want and as honest as you want to be without being judged. It makes you reach out to others and you become a much more positive person for doing so . . I know I have, I appreciate the little things a whole lot more and that makes me happy:O)

For those of you that are thinking of not blogging anymore . . . there's people out there that count on you to be there and look forward to hearing from you . . you make a difference . . I know in my life you do.

Recyclying Mom's Stuff

2011-07-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

Mom had a garage sale . . she always has good stuff from years of collecting. I found these miniature pieces of art, 4"x 5" and pick them up right away to take home with me. They were in maple frames, sort of early american, not really my style. My Dad remove them from the frames, I wiped them down a bit and they looked great. The first two pics are from my kitchen window and the second two are from my desk. I've had this neat little easel out of brass that fit the miniature art perfectly. It was a happy dance moment:O)

Happy Forth of July!

2011-07-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Nothin fancy here . . . just hot dogs, macaroni salad and brownies, maybe throw in a firework or two!

2011-06-28T16:32:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling a little orange lately . . .

I finally got around to recovering my desk chair . . thought I would do something a little crazy for fun . . take a peek at my pics and tell me what ya think . . I'm enjoying it. The pics came out a little on the dark side . . took them with my cell phone. Small error here, the upholsterer added an off-white braided trim to it, I was a little unhappy when he delivered the chair yesterday, I wanted piping instead, but I'm beginning to like it . . change is always good:O)

Dave's Closet

2011-06-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

Well I cleaned out Dave's closet . . . sort of hard at first, well actually my kids finish it for me . . Davey and Cassandra did a great job going through all of my husband's suits, shirts and pants . . so funny Dave never really wore suits, dress shirts and dress slacks, he was always most comfortable in a white t-shirt (preferably with a stain on it) and jeans with his tennis shoes. When I would asked him to dress up for an event, all he would do was complain and tell me how itchy the shirt was and shoes were bothering his feet, he felt so out of place dress like that, but always looked so handsome. I'll so miss that complaining . . always like a little kid, I would always say I have three boys and one daughter . . too funny.

This look below was normal for Dave . . he never took anything real serious . . always being funny, I could never get him to smile in a normal way . . loved that boy to death . . literally!

Blog World Equals LOVE

2011-05-31T20:47:00.000-07:00

I miss you guys too much . . . you can really feel the absence of love when you're away from blogging. Blog world has been only a blessing in my life. I've been too busy getting use to living without Dave and working to survive. I think when I bury my head in my work, it doesn't give me time to think about my life. Since Dave has passed and gone to the other side, I've learned that all you need is love to survive. Love is so powerful . . . even death cannot stop love, sometimes I can feel Dave all around me . . . love conquers all is such a true statement. Everything else does not matter . . .

My Beautiful Momma!

2011-05-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

My Momma, sister Debbie and I, along with my daughter Cassandra went to Molly's in Old Town Upland today for an early morning breakfast and a little bit of shopping too . . . these are the best memories and always lots of chatter and laughter. The only one that was missing was my oldest sister Jeri who lives in Texas . . . Happy Momma Day's Mom!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

Our God is alive . . . all other god's remain in the ground, Blessings to all of us!

Never Forget The Blessing . . .

2011-04-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

Cassandra turned 21 Big Ones!

2011-03-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

My baby turned twenty-one years old on the 21st. In the pic above she was barely turning one years old . . I love this pic with her Dad.

Growing up . . . . she sure loved her Daddy

Prom Night . . . another pic with her Daddy

Some of her dearest friends she grew up with in this pic above . . . celebrating a birthday of one of her friends

Weekend traveling with her sorority buddies . . . . Times sure flies . . . doesn't it . . . Wow!

We celebrated her birthday Saturday afternoon at home with family and friends. Davey, my oldest son and I took Cassandra out to dinner on her official "birth day" this past Monday . . . you were missed Brian ( middle son who now works and lives in Wisconsin).

Islands has the best burgers, I had the "Hula" burger which is loaded with mushrooms . . yum yum.

Of course you have to try those delicious french fries with the burger.

Two of my beautiful babies . . my youngest and my oldest . . now you can figure out how old I am . . please don't remind me :O)

Happy Birthday Beautiful Cassandra!

Pray for Japan

2011-03-12T19:08:00.000-08:00

As the news is unfolding . . . it is so sad what is happening in Japan . . where do you even begin to start after something as devastating as this. Definitely prayer for direction and peace . . God's hand will be in this . . that's a given.

New Paint

2011-03-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

Decorating and painting is always fun . . . exciting too! I so need to make changes around here. My friend Lili from Fearless Nesting made such an awesome change to her knotty pine . . take a peek at it. I thought I would try it to mine too. The knotty pine is on each side of my fireplace in the den. I decided to go with "Eggshell" from Glidden paint. Sort of a mustard color, I thought it would warm the room up a bit . . . oh it has and then some :O)

Sushi at Shoguns

2011-02-24T21:17:00.000-08:00

Cassandy and I went to Shoguns in Chino Hills for lunch today . . . we love sushi! It was nice to sit, relax and enjoy each others company. As usual the weather is always nice in California. Dave, myself and the kids used to go here often for lunch sometimes dinner. Funny thing, both of us eyed a heart in our food, my rice and her "california roll" . . . funny . . sort of cute too.

"High Tea" Event with Church Family . . lots of fun!

2011-02-19T21:10:00.000-08:00

A group of ladies at my church put on a "High Tea" event . . so much fun. I really wasn't up to going but decided a couple of weeks ago to attend. Our friend Audrey, in the pink sweater above called me and said I've been invited as her guest to the tea event. There was no way out of this one . . my Mom and Cassandra my daughter attended too. I'm so glad we went.

Talking about tea pots, there had to be about 60 of us all together . . . all kinds of tea to pick from with a delicious menu of goodies too.

Some of these tea pots were just beautiful . . . I fell in love with this blue one . . each of the tables were decorated differently.

This was one of the center pieces and I was lucky enough to have my name pulled and was able to take her home with me . . but Mom eyed her immediately and I just couldn't help but give it to her. In the first pic above you could see how happy my Mom was with it. This is a beautiful piece to have . . lucky Momma!

That's our friend, Shelli seating next to Mom . . . Church family is the best!

Each one of the ladies that attended received this "Trinity Cross" as a gift for attending. I know just the person I want to give this too. Too nice to keep for myself . . . always better to give.

We were asked to bring a tea cup and saucer to the event . . My Auntie Mary who pass away earlier this year gave this to me about two years ago for my birthday . . how appropriate to use it today at this special event in remembrance of her.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace and be thankful" Colossians 3:15

Lots of Love . . . Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T09:36:00.000-08:00

Hope you are all having a sweet day . . . Sorry but lately I've been neglecting my blog, working has been keeping me away . . but it's been so good for me too. Life seems to be getting better but at a very slow pace. Almost like rebuilding things in my life . . . kind of exciting :O)

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

2011-02-06T14:43:00.000-08:00

Nothin but love . . .

2011-01-26T21:13:00.000-08:00

Lots of love between these two sweet faces . . . my son Davey and "Buttons". Shot this one with my Blackberry . . sort of dark, but I love it still.

Sweetheart Day . . . coming soon!

2011-01-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

Are we all getting ready for Valentine's Day . . . can't seem to have too many hearts . . . such a sweet decoration!

Beautiful "Celebration of Life" . . beautiful family

2011-01-20T08:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we celebrated my Auntie's life . . she planned the whole event . . down to the last detail. We all enjoyed it so much . . . the pic above is my daughter Cassandra, my nephew Grant and my brother Junior.

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Psalm 128:1-2

Living in the Light . . now in Heaven

2011-01-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

Our family sure is getting hit hard lately . . My Auntie Mary passed away. She was a big influence on my life . . glamorous is the best way to describe her. We were both widowed at an early age. I love you Auntie, she lived a long life, 86 years old and looked fabulous! The pic above was taken less than a year ago with my daughter Cassandra.

2011-01-10T16:17:00.000-08:00

As a blogger I always try to say something positive or inspiring because you never know who's going to read your blog. As you all know God is a big part of my life . . . I base everything on faith.

Since Dave has passed away . . . life has changed drastically and it's become a huge challenge. I had to return back to work right away, that I've enjoyed. But this is a very dark season in my life, I've experience so many emotions I can't even count them anymore. At times, I feel so overwhelmed with life and all the responsibility that comes with it. I so want my old life back . . but it's not going to happen anytime soon. What I most realize that when you are in love with somebody, or you have that special someone by your side, everything is easy, like my Mom says, everything is pink. Purpose is something you definitely need to have to keep living and I guess my purpose is to survive. At times, it has been so hard to pray and stay in faith . . I remind myself of God's promises and try so hard to speak scripture over my emotions . . sometimes I wonder if he hears me . . . cause, boy it seems like I'm screaming lately.

They say look at trial as an opportunity . . I sure am trying, but it's so darn difficult sometimes.

It Always Good to Praise

2011-01-05T17:46:00.000-08:00

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T07:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas at the Jacobson's

2010-12-27T18:17:00.000-08:00

This year it was a different kind of Christmas . . much more meaningful than ever before. We all knew and felt that Dave aka Mr. Grumpy was missing . . but at the same time you could feel him all around us. It wasn't so much about the presents but more about just being with one another . . we ate so much and even laugh alot too. My kids are the best . . so loving and kind . . and so good about all the changes that have taken place within our own family this past year. I feel so blessed to have these kids of mine . . they are truly presents to me. The picture above is from Christmas morning . . peanut brittle from See's has been a Christmas staple around here since they were little.

One of the gifts Cassandra gave me was a beautiful heart shaped ornament with pink rinestones all over it . . I just love my "old-lady" pajama bottoms . . don't you?

We went to my dear friend Jennifer's Christmas day party and had such a good time, that's Davey and Jennifer being silly.

Cassandra and Brian enjoying the party too . . boy did we eat this holiday season and constantly.

That's my Dad, he's been battling cancer the last two years and is beating it . . . Thank you God for all your goodness . . my Dad has been blessed and we are all so grateful.

That's me and Jennifer . . love this picture :O)

Christmas Eve was at my home this year . . that's my Mom and my nephew Angel . . this picture is so sweet. Lots of love there . . .

That's Cassandra and Angel . . these two cousins are six months apart . . these two are the babies of the all the grandchildren for my Mom and Dad.

Merry Christmas My Blogland Friends and God Bless You!

2010-12-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

We Celebrate Your Birth Dear Lord, as we celebrate Your birth,
let us remember that You are the true reason for Christmas.
Let every sparkling light remind us how You illuminate our lives,
a shining beacon to guide us in our thoughts and actions each day,
and how You light us from within
in the knowledge of Your love and truth.
Let the Christmas trees, standing straight, tall, unbowed,
remind us of Your uprightness, Your goodness, Your perfection,
and Your refusal to bow to worldly temptations,
no matter how great the challenge or trouble.
Lord, as we feast on Christmas treats,
let us remember that You are the sole provider
of everything worth having, that all good things come from You.
And as we enjoy our gifts, let us never forget
that You are the greatest gift of all--our wonderful Savior,
Counselor, Giver of an eternal life whose wonders we cannot imagine.
So as we delight in Christmas, the happiest and brightest of holidays,
let us remember there would be no Christmas without You, Lord,
and let us our hearts be filled with joy, and love
and thankfulness, this Christmas and all the ones to come.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. By Joanna Fuchs

Some more Christmas decorating

2010-12-13T15:57:00.000-08:00

I just love this angel . . . there is such a peace to her. The Santa's below are part of a small collection I have. The feather tree in the back has some vintage ornaments from the late 30's . . . my oldest ornament are always displayed on this feather (artificial) tree every year.

This Christmas I wasn't really in the mood to go all out with the decorating and unpacking all those boxes with ornaments in them . . so I threw whatever I could on the tree and it actually came out pretty cute . . That snowman below sticks out of the tree on top . . the red stocking that's in the pics below belong to Dave. Minnie, my mother-in-law, bought it at Sears about 40 years ago, it's falling apart, but I love it. when my middle son Brian gets home, he'll put the star on top of tree . . that's always been his part of decorating the tree. Hope you all are enjoying this holiday . . it's a little quiet around here . . too quiet sometimes.

A Little Bit of my Christmas Decorations . . . Nativity Set

2010-11-30T21:16:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share a little bit of my Christmas decorations . . . my Nativity Set was a Christmas gift I received from my brother Junior about 24 years ago. This nativity set is made out of terracotta clay. It is truly one of my favorite holiday decorations. I found the manger believe or not at "Pic & Sav" for 7.99 years ago, it is made out of natural twig branches painted a muted green color. It goes so well with this nativity set. I also have a beautiful angel that stands 17" tall behind the manger, as if she is guarding and looking over it.

My Mom gave her to me for Christmas a few years and I absolutely adore her. She is made out of paper mache with metal wings and a wired circle halo on the back of her head. There is something peaceful about her, I leave her out all year long.

Sorry about the flash in the pic below . . .

Matthew 1:20-21

A Simple Christmas . . Peaceful

2010-11-28T19:01:00.000-08:00

Ok, you know what coming . . . Christmas is coming upon us. This year I actually get to do something I wanted to do for a long time. Mr. Grumpy in spirit always liked things very traditional and wanted the same decorations every year. This year I want to simplify my decorations and just do a few of them, nothing real complicated. Sometimes the more simple is the more beautiful.

I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn't like the peace that this world can give. John 14:27

Reaching Out

2010-11-26T02:02:00.000-08:00

Love God and love each other . . . 1 John 4:21

Thanksgiving is coming!

2010-11-24T06:48:00.000-08:00

Mr and Mrs. Thanksgiving aka Mr. Grumpy in spirit, is getting ready to host the holiday dinner again . . . I don't do all the cooking, the whole family gets involved . . . Mom does the turkey, sister Debbie does the "to die for" goodies, sister Chris does the pumpkin pies . . . sister Linda does the salads and big sister Jeri does her Thanksgiving with her daughters in Texas and it's whole lot of eating going on. Brian took a job in Madison, Wisconsin and just moved a few weeks ago, so I won't see him til Christmas. Davey and Cassandra are still here at home . . and I'm glad for that.

Mom and I hit the "Speckled Hen" again, Saturday morning and I found this cutie-pie statue . . .

After that we hit a yard sale and I got lucky and found some vintage ornaments and "glass" beads in some neat colors. I finally have enough vintage ornaments to decorate my whole tree this year. I thought I would try something different this year . . . time for a good change. May all of you sweet blogland friends have a beautiful Thanksgiving . . Blessings to all of you!

Happy Birthday Debbie!

2010-11-23T09:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Debbie . . . YOU ARE A WONDERFUL SISTER!

Debbie and I are 17 months apart, of course Debbie is the older sister (ha ha Deb!). We have been through thick and thin with each other. Growing up as sisters we were always and still are competitive in sports. Who can hit harder, run faster and "now" walk longer. We have had alot of fun over the years and have been fortunate to be in good health together. I'm so grateful to have a sister like Debbie.

The night Dave passed away, Debbie slept right next to me in my bed that night, that's the kind of sister Debbie is. When my daughter had a horrible car accident back in 2009, Debbie was standing right next to me at the scene of the accident and at the hospital. When I was working and my daughter Cassandra fell off her razor and split her knee open and required stitches, Debbie was there at the hospital when I couldn't get there fast enough. When I've been a dollar shy or two, Debbie was there with an able wallet. That's the kind of sister Debbie has been and I am forever grateful for that.

Life is a journey full of lots of stops and detours and God sometimes gives us someone to hold us up and encourage us to keep on going and don't give up . . . Thank you Debbie :O)

Davey turns 27 years old today . . . Happy Birthday Baby!

2010-11-21T17:39:00.000-08:00

My oldest turned 27 years old today . . . time sure flies doesn't it? I'm so proud of this one, his heart is true to God, he's a gentle giant and always has been. He's passionate about his love for family and friends . . I call him a "love teacher", he teaches people how to love by his actions and ways. Davey never hesitates to "bear hug" anyone . . and I know that is a gift God has given him . . Happy Birthday to my Big Guy!

Look what came in the mail today . . .

2010-11-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

Received a new book today . . Terry John Woods', "New Farmhouse Style". This book came out last year and I never got around to ordering it for the holidays, this year I made sure. He creates some of most adorable Bears and Santa's too. Love his style, he has a blog that's fun to read also. Take a peek!

New Toy

2010-11-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

Got a new Blackberry . . . I'm confused! Learning how to use all the new features on it. Of course, my kids make it seem easy to use. I was happy with my "old" Razor phone . . but it was time to update and come into the future, at least that's what they were telling me . . it's fun . . I think?

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T15:51:00.000-07:00

It's Always Good to Praise . . . Sweet Lord

2010-10-20T22:38:00.000-07:00

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:11-12

Enjoying The Halloween Season

2010-10-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

Hope you're all enjoying the Halloween season . . our home church's annual Fall festival is coming up next weekend. It's an old-fashioned simple kind of festival, but always fun to catch up with old friends and eat plenty of goodies while you're at it.

Here's a peek at my Halloween decorations . . .

2010-10-07T22:45:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Halloween . . .

2010-10-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

I love to celebrate the Halloween season. I have a vintage Halloween collection. I've collected it for many years, since my kids were little. It brings back so many wonderful memories with my family. Halloween memories to me are making costumes for my kids and sometimes their friends too, not just when they were little, but even as they got older, and still now. Going to our "home" church's October Festival and trick or treating. Dave aka Mr. Grumpy loved Halloween. He always wanted to "scare" the kids with the yard decorations, especially when they would come to the door for candy. He would love to play the "spooky music in the background and wear a monster mask. I'm sure going to miss that this year. Decorating the house this year felt a little different . . not so much fun, but I'm learning to make new memories now . . wow, life is a journey, that's for sure.

It's Always Good To Praise!

2010-09-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him . . . Psalm 37:7

Look what Mama bought me!

2010-09-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

As you all know, on Saturdays, Moma and I get up early and go to yard sales . . . this morning we had a change of heart, stopped at the "Speckled Hen" in Old Upland Village and I fell in love with this mixed media piece by Kelly Rae Roberts. With everything that has happened in this life of mine lately, this message says it all, "Tell your story, believe in healing, honor your intuition, take the journey back to your self, wear more skirts . . . begin today" This message rings so true in my heart.

Love you Moma . . .

Time to Decorate for Fall . . . but?

2010-09-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

I bought this picture, but it sure doesn't look like fall . . the colors are a perfect match for my house. It's an oil painting by ? all for $5.00 at a yard sale . . . happy dance time!

Loving this time of the Year

2010-09-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

Time to decorate the house again for Fall . . . this will be a nice change.

Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Moving Back Home

2010-09-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

Someone moved back home this holiday weekend . . . this pic says it all . . . minus Dave. Happy to have my Brian home!

Missing My Husband Dave . . .

2010-08-31T23:21:00.000-07:00

I sure miss him . . he made me laugh everyday. He never took anything too serious. He was full of life and never wanted to give up. His love carried me everyday and I sure mine carried him. Still can't believe that he is gone . . unbelievable. Can't quite go through his things yet, but I'm getting there. Time to set some new goals for myself and try new things. I've done alot of retail therapy and lots of pedicures lately. My life is quiet again, like before Dave came into my life . . he was the noise and that noise kept me busy . . I loved every minute of it!

Fall's Coming!

2010-08-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

How exciting . . . time for a change!

Spread The Love

2010-08-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

I'm working again and it feels good. It helps me not to focus so much on my grieving. Waking up in the morning and coming home in the afternoon is the hardest thing for me right now. I wake up in the middle of the night and think about Dave. Boy, do I miss him. Towards the end, Dave was sleeping, sitting up, in the den on the couch, it was hard for him to breathe when he would lay down. All along, God was showing me these things and I guess I was in denial. The days in California have been so sunny, but everything looks so ugly to me. I have to learn how to find joy again in my life.

To all my friends in blogland . . . THANK YOU and I LOVE YOU ALL! Your words have been so comforting and loving and I've never met any of you in person, but yet I can feel your love and kindness.
I think that was the purpose of starting a blog, God knew I would need the support. Blogging is a wonderful way to express yourself, especially in these kind of life situations.

I need to find a way to give back for all the kindness that has been shown to me . .

The day Dave had his heart attack, that night God spoke to my heart and told me, "Dave will be a shining star, your heart will fall, but you will prevail", I've held on to these words like no tomorrow. I know God will speak to us if we really listen to him and press in. When I sat next to Dave's bed in ICU, I opened my bible and found Philippians 2:12-18, the title of the chapter was "Shining as Stars". This was the scripture I used at Dave's memorial.

New Beginnings

2010-08-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

I don't know where I'm going . . I feel totally lost. I know Dave would not want me to be unhappy and to go on living life as we "both" knew it. I miss him terribly, I miss everything about him, especially his humor . . that boy could make me laugh everyday no matter what the situation was. I never would refer to him as a man, I always called him a boy . . we met when we were 17 years old and he always looked the same to me. He had a wonderful spirit about him, too kind of a heart and very funny laugh. I've called his cell phone just to hear his voice . . to hard to listen too sometimes.

His death has challenged my faith . . I've had a hard time praying lately. We don't always understand what the Lord has planned when these kind of things happen to us. I prayed over Dave many times for healing and the Lord really did heal him . . . Wow!

My kids have been amazing . . so strong. I know I'm doing all the crying for them. They all have their Dad's spirit . . STRONG and RESILIENT. Knowing that has been a real comfort to me.

I'm sorry I haven't posted anything lately . . still need a little bit of time to get back into the swing of things again.

"O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you" (Psalm 84:12)

My Sweet Husband Dave

2010-07-10T00:51:00.000-07:00

I have some bittersweet news . . my husband (Mr. Grumpy) passed away Thursday. My heart has fallen but I know God will allow me to prevail over this situation (trial). My children and I are sad, but we have the most wonderful memories of him. Our home was always filled with lots of laughter and love. Dave dealt a long time with diabetes and heart problems, I was so blessed to have him as long as I did. God blessed us with lots of grace. Many times he would look so tired but he never ever complained . . truly a good servant to the kingdom.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing. So that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe" Philippians 2:14-15

Please Pray For Comfort

2010-07-03T01:27:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I have been away . . . my husband Dave suffered a heart attack last Monday morning around 11:30 AM at home. Currently he is on a respirator and is not responding, we our praying for a positive outcome. Please hold him in prayer for full healing and comfort. Thank you.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

Uncle Junior turns 51 today!

2010-06-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

Happy B-Day little brother . . . there's nothing like the love between siblings . . I only have one brother, but he's the best. He's the most caring, thoughtful person, more than willing to always help someone in need, not just family or friends but even a stranger and ever so humble about it . . I only admire your humility Junior. God has blessed you with that gift. Blessings to you today kiddo!

Great Find Saturday

2010-06-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

Mom and I went to the garage sales Saturday and I found this wonderful side table/cabinet with three drawers. Its in excellent condition with no scratches on it, perfect to store my bible study materials in it. I put it in the den next to the fireplace . . really like it. I also found a brand new, still in the box, bamboo roman shade for my back door off the wash room, perfect measurements, got lucky with that one. I got the side table for 35.00 and the roman shade for 3.00. I'm happy!

It's Always Good To Praise

2010-06-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal; But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven . . . For where your treasures is, there will your heart be also" Matthew 6:19-21

Feeling Proud in Davis

2010-06-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

Hey I'm back from Davis . . Brian graduated this past weekend. I'm so proud of my youngest son, he is officially a chemist. The weather couldn't have been more beautiful, 80's and clear blue skies.

Those are my three boys (Mr. Grumpy included) and the one below is little sister Cassandra with her brothers.

We had a wonderful time . . just being with my kids is nice, we celebrated Brian's graduation by going to a dinner house in downtown Sacramento, called "McCormick & Schmick's", I was lucky enough to take some pics of this family of mine, telling them this is for my blog . .

It was so pretty in downtown Sacramento . . .

While we were in Davis, my oldest son Davey, attended a commissioning ceremony for a college friend in Lafayette. So since we were so close to Tahoe, we decided to drive up there Sunday afternoon and spent the night . . . the drive was beautiful, the views were wonderful.

Ok, where my eyes go, I don't like taking pictures . . but I love taking them of my family.

We had such a good time together . . Brian decided that he wants to stay in the Bay area and live there, he will continue to work in the lab over the Summer and with God's grace find a good job this Fall. I praise God for all the goodness he gives us!

"Sweetness to my Dear Friend Mary aka Purple Cow"

2010-06-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I've been talking about myself a lot lately . . my friend Mary aka Purple Cow at "Australian in Athens" passed this beautiful award to me . . , that's two awards now . . Ok, whats going on here? I never really thought my blog was that interesting, the majority of it, is me talking about those kids of mine and their lives. Thanks for all the kind words and thoughts each of you have commented on my blog . . . you all really make a difference in my everyday life . . blogging is the best . . . Lots of love to you Mary :O)!

Part of this award is stating 10 things that I love . . .

1. Unexpected calls from my sister Debbie for breakfast at Molly's Cupboard in Old Town Upland, this place is a vintage style house (real house) from the early 1900's, each room including the porch is part of the restaurant, we love sitting in the screened porch . . lots of good times and especially good conversations. The food is delicious, yum yum!

2. Being with all my kids and Mr. Grumpy going out to a dinner house, watching a good movie in the den, making breakfast all together. I just love to listen to all of them talk with each other, laugh together and having a good time. Sometimes just listening to them and not saying a word.

3. Sitting with my dog "Buttons" and talking to her . . who knows if she understands a word.

4. Getting up early Saturday morning and going to Garage Sales.

5. Bread and coffee . . especially Mexican sweet bread.

6. Our Annual Christmas Party

7. A clean house with all the windows open and a breeze blowing in and hearing the birds sing . . sorts of sounds like Snow White, doesn't it?

8. Sewing a new doll creation

9. New shoes :O)

10. Getting a new hair-do!

The other part is to nominate 10 blogs for this award . . .

Fearless Nesting
Family Matters
House of Whimsy
The Comforts of Home
Crown of Beauty
Rosespetitemaison
Sweet Cottage Dreams
inspire co.
Nesting Place
Seabold Vintage Market

Ok, I think that's enough talking about me . . . Have a Happy Wednesday!

Thank you Ro!

2010-06-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude . . thank you Ro from Soft Winds & Roses for the blog award . . this is my very first one that I have received. I've have met some really nice people in blog world, it has done more for me personally in my life . . it makes me happy to chat with people all over the world and just touch base with them daily with maybe just a simple word or two. It's definitely a "life lifter"! Ro, I've tried to leave a comment on your blog . . but it won't accept it, it's probably me doing something incorrectly. I hope you get a chance to read this post and thanks again! Oh, don't forget to hug "Deezer & Bella" for me, those are some real cuties . . .

Part of this award is to share 10 things about me . . this is a big one for me, where do I start?

1. God is my best friend . . my whole life is centered around my faith.
2. I'm nuts about my kids (grown kids), best thing I ever did in my life :O)
3. Married my high school sweetheart . . Dave aka "Mr. Grumpy"
4. Love to sew and create whimsical things . . child like.
5. I'm a neat freak . . almost over-board to the point of irritating my family, I can't think unless everything is in order . . sort of weird isn't it?
6. I dream of living by the beach one day again . . best childhood memories.
7. Still can get so excited over the little things . . . gratitude works for me.
8. I teach a family bible study with my Mom, sisters and cousins once a week.
9. Crashed my sister Debbie's first car, the very first time I drove it . . she never really got mad at me . . Thanks for the memory Deb!
10. I have an addiction to home decor magazines, but yet my house decor never changes, go figure.

In addition to the above, I have to pass this award to 10 blogs that I recently discovered and are fantastic, well here they are - Enjoy!

WHOSYERGURL - Mutterings from a midwest gal
Pamela Holderman
Hummadeedledee
Funky Junk Sisters (FJS Show)
The Vintage Rose
roxanne the artist!
Luluz
Bloom
Jane and the happy crow
BrOwN EyEd fOx

Pants or Dress . . . I like Dress!

2010-06-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, going to a graduation up at Davis next weekend . . as you know my youngest son Brian is graduating. Don't ask me what I'm going to wear now, I thought I had an outfit all picked out . . . I was actually going to wear a dress for the first time in a long time . . I've been working out and feeling good about myself, but my kids only know me in pants when it's a special occasion. Being a career woman for a long time and working the majority of that time with men, I always wore pants. I was so excited to wear this dress, took me forever to find one that I liked, until Davey, my oldest came in my bedroom and seen it hanging on the closet door and said, Mom, you're not going to wear that . . are you? I'm not the type to really listen to anyone or would bother to ask someone their opinion, but when my kids tell me something, why do I question myself, why? What . . am I going to look like an alien in that dress . . will I stick out in a crowd and look odd, who cares . . but I do when one of those kids of mine say something to me.

Well, you know those old "reliables" the "uniform"that we have hanging in our closet, black pants, black tank, lavender cardigan, black boots and my old faithful pearl bracelet and earrings, I guess that will do. Talking about karma . . . I remember doing the same thing to my Mom . . too funny!

Time to Praise

2010-06-01T23:43:00.000-07:00

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Be thankful to him, and bless his name . . . Psalm 100:4

A Quiet Holiday

2010-05-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

This will be just a nice quiet holiday weekend at my place . . . no big plans, just relaxing and enjoying my family . . maybe a friend or two might stop by and that will be just fine. Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Family Time

2010-05-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

Hey that my oldest son Davey, I took a pic of him in the car on our way to a family event in the valley Sunday. It's always nice when our kids want to come. Davey doesn't usually like to spend alot of time at family events, he finds it sort of boring, but I love it when all of us get together. He's not one for taking pics, I was sitting in the back taking this pic, he's too tall to sit in the back.

Lately, I know I've been blogging about my kids alot, it's probably because I know my nest is going to be empty pretty soon and that's going to be a big change for me. One thing you can always count on is CHANGE nothing ever stays the same, certainly not in this life of mine.

But, I know I can always count on Buttons being here, as I'm typing this post, she laying right by my chair. She's a sweetie!

Something Sweet To Remember

2010-05-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

I helped a little old lady at Walmart the other day, she was so sweet, she told me she was turning 99 years old on May 22nd, I asked her what kept her living all these years and she said this to me . . .

Make the best of everything; think the best of everybody; hope the best for yourself and never look back, just keep looking forward . . . how true:O)

Two Down, One to Go

2010-05-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

This picture of Brian was taken at Christmas time in 2007, he was getting ready to transfer to UC Davis. Brian is my youngest son, who is graduating next month, June 12th. The things you do for your kids when you're trying to get them through college. After lots of coupons, more feathers than chicken for dinner, and too many phone calls, hearing the words, "I need money". Yes, Brian is graduating. When we moved Brian up there, Dave and I drove with a mattress on top of our heads, the car was jammed pack with Brian's things. On the day we were getting ready to leave him, Brian's cell phone broke and I handed him mine . . and then to come home, only to find out that our oldest son Davey crashed my husband's car while we were gone. The grace of God got us through those days, I'm laughing now. Believe it or not those are some good memories . . . as the adventure continues, one more to go with Cassandra.

I actually had another posting of his graduation coming up, which was deleted earlier, but he did not care for the photo I had and probably referring to him as my little guy didn't go over to well . . sorry about that Brian. Mom loves you anyways!

Sunday with Mom

2010-05-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day turned out to be a simple celebration with my family . . I received a beautiful shadow box from my daughter Cassandra and a musical card from my husband Dave. We went to church service and was surprise to see my brother and sister come in, my brother handed me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. All of us went out to breakfast afterwards with our Mom and Dad and had a nice visit with each other back at Mom's place.

This is my sweet Mom and Dad . . .

That's Cassandra with her Uncle Junior and her Auntie Debbie . . . it's always nice to get together with family.

My Special Wish To You - Mothers Day Weekend

2010-05-07T23:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to all my very dear sweet friends in blogland . . your kind words of friendship mean so much to me . . its such a joy to come home and check my blog to see if I have any comments . . I'm so glad I started blogging, I've met some really wonderful, kindhearted and positive women who make this world a better place to live in . . I only have gratitude for this blessing . . Thank you so much!

Mother's Day ?

2010-05-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is coming and I still don't know what I want to do for my Mom. My Mom has so many nice things already . . I want to do something unique but can't seem come up with anything I really feel good about yet . . Sometimes the simple things make the best gifts . . . what are you ladies planning for Mother's Day?

Roxanne's Doing Another Giveaway

2010-05-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

Check it out blog girls, Roxanne's doing another giveaway! This one would look so perfect in my kitchen window . . . definitely faith inspired . . . look at that cute birds nest. Just click on her blog to see more pics and enter to win, she's on my blog roll, "roxanne the artist!" . . Good luck!

Good times with a Dear Friend

2010-05-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

Attended a wedding today, weddings are always fun and a good time, especially when you share that good time with a dear friend. Here is some pics of my friend Jennifer and I earlier this evening. Her friendship has been like "one long conversation" . . . all good, all the time. That's the real Jennifer in the second pic . . just being funny!

I'm Thinking Yellow

2010-04-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to cover my desk chair and I'm thinking something in yellow. Yellow is one of my favorite colors. It goes so well with everything. It's bright, cheerful and fun . . .

Having a Grateful Heart

2010-04-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, that last post was me complaining and not being grateful. Sorry about that. I would love to remove that post all together, but maybe it good to leave it there as a reminder to me how God has bless all of us with so much goodness. Everyday it is good to wake up with a grateful heart, a heart that wants to bless other people . . not just their family and friends . . but others too. A blessing could be as simple as a kind word to someone . . or maybe just a smile . . Have a blessed day my friends!

Feeling Frustrated

2010-04-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to wonder here about my Etsy. My stuff is not moving, sort of frustrating now. It's exciting to check on it everyday, but to check and get discourage is another thing. My stuff seems to move quicker at craft shows and boutiques. I love the convenience of Etsy, you could do everything from your computer. I'm open for honest opinions, any suggestions or some criticism, I'm up for it . . puttin the SOS out there . . . HELP!

Taking a Risk

2010-04-21T23:58:00.000-07:00

I read this wonderful christian book, "The Seven Secrets" by John Hagee. My husband Dave and I are semi-retired, not by choice, but from life. We took a chance and it work, I know our faith played a big part in this and I'm so grateful. I though I would share an excerpt from this book.

Everything in life involves risk:

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To expose feeling is to risk exposing our true self.
To place your ideas and your dreams before a crowd is to risk their rejection.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.

Take a risk! Climb out on the limb where the fruit is. Your attitude is a choice.

My Boys

2010-04-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

I've shared so much about my youngest, my daughter Cassandra. I thought I might share a little bit about her two older brothers. My boys mean everything to me . . I adore and treasure them both, they bring so much joy to my life. When I'm with them, they are like two pillars standing on each side of me. They're both over six feet tall, my oldest is built like a football player with blond brown hair, which is getting darker as he gets older and my other one like a basketball player with dark brown hair, they're three and half years apart. I often forget how old they are now, as a Mom you never really see your kids grown up. I had the ultimate best time raising Davey and Brian. When they were both so little, I remember having a blue leather "Esprit" drawstring bag, one would hold my hand and the other would hold the strap of the bag. When I retired that bag, I didn't even want to throw it away, it felt like I was throwing a piece of my life away. Too many good memories and some sour ones too . . . . boy scouts, little league, high school wrestling events, music, fender benders, speeding tickets, and sports injuries. They both turned out to be just good men with true hearts and strong integrity. Both are still in grad school and college completing there education, which I'm very grateful to God for. God is good, isn't he . . he is always so loyal to all of us.

Here's a pic of them when they were little ones . . . this is how I'll always remember them. Davey's on the left and Brian is on the right.

In this pic, my oldest is graduating from college. This pic was taken in the living room at Davey's fraternity house, Brian is on the far left and Davey is next to him.

Mom and Roses

2010-04-14T23:26:00.000-07:00

I found this pic on Google images and it reminds me so much of my Mom. She has a variety of rose bushes in lots of different colors in her front yard and back. At Springtime and Summer, she often clips them and arranges them in pretty vintage vases . . the view is always easy on the eyes. When I was younger I always thought roses were so boring. I could never see what my Mom would love about them, but I sure do now. It's funny how much we change as we grow older.

Kudos for Cassandra!

2010-04-13T00:24:00.000-07:00

My beautiful daughter, Cassandra was given the "Diamond Girl" award at her sorority formal last Saturday. The "Diamond Girl" is awarded to a sorority sister who has overcome many challenges and has succeeded victoriously. 2009 was an extremely difficult year for my daughter after experiencing life struggles to the fullest. I'm proud of you Cassandra . . you conquered it!

Beautiful Giveaway

2010-04-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

Another giveaway! Check out this beautiful painting . . isn't it pretty! Go see "Roxanne the Artist" on my blog roll for the details . . Good Luck!

Treasure found at Rummage Sale

2010-04-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

I found this wonderful oil painting at a rummage sale in old town Upland for $1.00 (one dollar) and I love it . I get so excited when I find something like this, it makes me want to do the "happy dance". I don't have the best camera but it looks so much more prettier if you could actually see it. The oil painting is signed "K. Wingfield". Enjoy the pics!

Happy Easter

2010-04-02T18:32:00.000-07:00

"Fabulous Giveaway"

2010-04-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone . . Melanie at "Pretties and Posies" is doing a fabulous giveaway . . go check it out!

Stitching Away

2010-03-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

I've been having so much fun coming up with new designs for my stitchery . . added three new stitchery pieces to my Etsy Shop. For those of you that have emailed me, asking if I offer patterns, it's definitely something I am thinking about and will post it on my Blog/Etsy Shop if and when they're available. Thanks so much for the interest!

Spring Decorating

2010-03-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

I thought I would do a little Spring/Easter decorating . . here are some pics, just ignore that dated kitchen of mine, I would so love to remodel it after looking at all those beautiful kitchens in blogland.