The Howell Blessings

Christmas Table

2012-01-14T01:09:00.000-05:00

Christmas dinner was held at my brother and sister-in-law's house just one mile up the road. My brother asked me to "set the table" as he says he enjoys my table settings. I blush, then I start thinking what I can do that is different than the other settings I have done. Once I get my inspiration, I create the table scape on my own table, then when the dinner event comes around, we pack up the table and haul it over to their house and set it up there.

This year we were blessed to have our dad and sister up from southern Ohio, our daughters fiance', my niece and her boyfriend and our son and daughter-in-law in from Iowa. The guest list was almost longer than the two tables they set up to seat everyone. Because of that, I didn't take the decorations over, just the course platings. A very non-traditional dinner of Lasagna, in honor of the fiance's birthday, was the main course, with salad, fresh fruit, hot vegetables and garlic bread to round it out. Desserts were abundant and indulgence in them made us all feel like we were competing in girth with Santa.

.Click on any picture to enlarge and view as a slide show.

I hope you enjoyed our Christmas table. I'll be posting these pictures over at Susan's party at Between Naps on the Porch

Sources:

Tablecloth: Target 2011

Tablerunner and Sashes: TableclothFactory.com 2011

Red placemats: Pier1 2009

Green Placemats: Bed, Bath & Beyond 2010

Dinner plates: Waechtersbach purchased from Amazon, 2009 & 2011

Salad Plates: Better Homes & Gardens purchased at Wal-Mart 2011

Napkins: Better Homes & Gardens purchased at Wal-Mart 2011

Silk Rose petals, Metal Post box and felt stockings: CenturyNovelty.com

Glass Apocathry jar: HobbyLobby 2011

Red Glass Votives: no rememberance

Thanksgiving.....Round 2!

2011-11-29T22:28:00.001-05:00

This past Saturday started with an air of excitement as I began preparing a second, much larger turkey than I had on Thanksgiving day. Thinking about what lay ahead put a quick in my tired step. My daddy and younger sister were on their way up from down south to spend the day and overnight with us. And later in the afternoon, my oldest brother and his family would be arriving in time to share a meal in which we all contributed to. Normally I set the table a day or more ahead of time, before a big dinner. We were expecting twelve to sit down all together. My nephew brings his own chair and always gets a corner spot and we fill in between the dining chairs with antique folding chairs that were my great grandparents.

This day I couldn't even begin tablescaping until my dad arrived. I had been inspired by a table I had seen on a Southern Living web page and asked my dad to help me put it together. My inspiration table was laden with wood cut from different sized logs and gorgeous glass laterns. After trips to JoAnn Fabrics and Hobby Lobby, I came home satisfied with my finds and had a visual in my head of what I was going to do. Dad, who has access to lovely wood and the all important chain saw, brought with him the organic elements needed to complete this table. I hope you enjoy looking as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Thanks Daddy for all your help!

Click on any picture to make it larger.

Dad made holes and bowl cuts in a few of the logs. Perfect for adding some water and flowers.

My sister brought all the table favors this year. Thanks Sis!

The store was out of almost all holiday flowers, but a few mums were still there to be bought, so I took advantage of this pretty mum to help complete my arrangements.

Bowls are set out for the first course of pumpkin soup.

I wanted to keep the fresh flowers in an organic mode, so I used smooth rocks to stabalize the stems.

Candles of all shapes and sizes were used to bring warmth to the table.

I love this branch candleabra. My dad is so creative!

A smaller log was perfect for a few blooms

The only cutesy thing I did with my food was to make this pumpkin shaped cheeseball. It tasted gooooood! What's a Thanksgiving table without showing some food. Right?

I hope you enjoyed my table. I enjoyed making it.

Thanks to Dad for all the wood.

My sister for the table favors.

My husband for these incredible pictures.

And to everyone who contributed food to make such a great meal to share!

Sources:

Chargers: Target in 2009

Plates: Ikea in 2006

Dessert Bowls are Savinio purchased at Marshalls this year.

Place cards hand made by me

Table favors were my grandmothers starter pots painted by my sister and Dad

Candles, laterns and candlestands at Hobby Lobby and JoAnn Fabrics this year.

Napkins, intentionally left un-ironed for rustic effect, purchased at Pier1 years ago.

I'll be sharing my tablescape over at Susans Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday party. Check it out!

Give Thanks

2011-11-24T01:14:00.002-05:00

The holidays are upon us and I couldn't be more pleased. I was praying earlier this afternoon, thanking God for the many blessings He has given me. I am thankful to be alive! I am thankful that He has blessed me with wonderful family and friends, and I am thankful that He has given me the gift of hospitality. I am truly in my element when I am preparing food to share with others and look forward to greeting each and every one who is about to join us this holiday season around our table. I thanked God for giving me the talent to make things look nice so that each one who sits at our table will feel as special as I feel they are to me.

This year I am blessed to be able to host two Thanksgiving dinners. The first one is Thanksgiving day when we get to meet our daughters finace's parents for the first time. Then Saturday our second dinner will be for our family members who are nearby and able to come. I always love the hectic bustle in the kitchen as the last minute details are put in motion in order to bring everyone to the table at the same time. Then the moment of giving thanks arrives when we all reflect on God's grace in our lives. I am a blessed woman.

This years first Thanksgiving table will be a kind of rustic elegance. You'll have to stop back by again later to take a peek at the second table, but I hope I make it worth your time. To view any of these pictures larger, just double click on them.

The table is set for six for Thursday.

The buffet keeps in tune with the rest of the dining room. Delicate shocks of wheat hold candles that soon will glow with a soft flame.

My great-grandmothers buffet lends itself well to our theme this year.

Hand made place cards giving thanks for each guest.

The layered napkins carry on the rustic elegance with cotton and silk.

Layers up close

Fall blooms in the corner of the dining room to help set the mood.

I have hidden fall treasures tucked everywhere.

Place cards are ready for the Saturday dinner as well. I can hardly wait to see my family again!

I am thankful for my husband of 28 years, who often takes pictures for me and took about half of these here. He supports my tablescape habit by helping me talk through my ideas and no longer fussing at me when I buy yet another dish. I love you honey!

I'll be sharing my tables with Susan over at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ . Check out the many other beautiful tables on Susan's Tablescape Thursdays. Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for Thanksgiving Table II. I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with laughter, good food and great company as you give thanks to God for the blessings he has given you this year. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sources:

Charger: Pier 1

Plates: Ikea and Target

Napkins: Pier 1 and Bed, Bath and Beyond

Wheat stock candle holders: Hobby Lobby

Candle centerpeice: Pier 1

Napkin Rings: Pier 1

(geesh, ya think I like Pier 1?)

Upcoming Giveaway

2011-11-05T18:54:00.000-04:00

Stay tuned for an exciting give-a-way coming soon!

Gifts

2011-09-15T09:25:00.002-04:00

I want to share some of what I’ve been studying this week. I read in a Wiersbe commentary that “too often our prayers are vague and general. ‘Lord, bless the missionaries’ …perhaps it is the lack of faith that causes us to pray generally instead of specifically.” “It has well been said that the purpose of prayer is not to get man’s will done in heaven, but to get God’s will done on earth.”

I’ve been praying, asking God more intently lately, to show me what I want to be when I grow up. I have often felt I have a purpose on earth, one to use for His glory, but have no idea what gifts I have to offer. Then this week, my bible study takes me to I Peter 4 where Paul discusses our gifts from God. Amazing isn’t it how God works his answers into the fibers of our lives.

When putting together worship for our bible study group, I came across a GodTube video that shows a silly side of how easily and often we reject Gods gifts. It seemed so obvious on this video. But, how many times have we been handed a gift from God only to reject what He is offering? We think we have to work for His gift of salvation. We reject His gift of Forgiveness because we can’t forgive ourselves. We even reject His gift of Love because we feel we aren’t worthy to have it.

As believers we offer our gifts to the church or to others and are sometimes rejected when the ones we are trying to strengthen with our gifts allow pride, hurt and rejection to dismiss these gifts. They would rather do things on their own, in their own way. Sometimes we just plain reject His gifts because we don’t like it, understand it or want it! We need to keep in mind that He is God who knows all things and sees all things. We have to trust Him that the gift He gives us is the good and perfect gift for us.

The bible says: "Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights, who created all the lights in heaven. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing." (James 1:17 CEV).

John Piper states: Spiritual gifts are for strengthening others. In 1 Thessalonians 3:2 Paul says,” We sent Timothy, our brother and servant in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you in your faith and to exhort you that no one be moved by these afflictions”. To strengthen someone by a spiritual gift means to help their faith not give way as easily when trouble enters their life. We have spiritual gifts in order to help other people keep the faith and maintain an even keel in life's storms. "Are we doing what we can do to strengthen the faith of the people around us?

1 Peter 4:10,11, “Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gifts well. If you have the gift of speaking, preach God’s message. If you have the gift of helping others, do it with the strength that God supplies. Everything should be done in a way that will bring honor to God because of Jesus Christ, who is glorious and powerful forever. Amen”

Notice it says that "each of us has been blessed with a gift." Gifts are not for a few very spiritual individuals, but for all of us, and every believer has abilities which the Holy Spirit has given and can use these gifts to strengthen others. It is a true joy of life to discover what they are and then pour yourself out to others through these gifts..

The goal of all spiritual gifts is "that in everything God might be glorified through Jesus Christ" (v. 1 Peter 4:11). This means that God's aim in giving us gifts, and in giving us the faith to exercise them, is that his glory might be displayed. (Piper)

I always think of where God has me right now. , He still knows where I'm at. He knows the hairs I have on my head and even the ones that have fallen from it. He still wants me, US, to serve him with our gifts, yes even where we are right now.

Where we are at right now in our life journey may very well be one of those gifts that we really don’t want, but let us consider the possibility that this too is a gift, then choose to serve Him to our best ability while we're here. Sometimes where we are at in our journey feels like an eternity, but in reality, it is only for a short time. Let's not waste this time on regrets or what if’s. Instead, let's all dive in and ask how we can use our God-given gifts to worship Him where we are.

Holy Father, Make us instruments of your love to everyone that we encounter at home, at work, in our neighborhoods, and where you have us right now. Work through us so that we can get our eyes off of our circumstances and bring your truth to those who are searching for you. Help us to grow in gratitude so that we can recognize and thank you for all the good things you have given us.

Instill in us a deep sense of generosity so that we are willing to share our gifts, our talents, our time, and our financial resources. Deepen our desire to follow your will and to do all things for your honor and glory. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Will You Stay Married to Me?

2011-07-11T12:25:00.001-04:00

My husband, who I will refer to as Honey, came back from a business trip not that long ago, and as I came home from work and was hanging up my coat, he announced some “bummer” news. He lost his wedding ring while working at a hospital in Michigan. He assumed it was in one of the 3 to 4 rooms he went into that day where he washed his hands… several times. It must have come off his finger when drying his hands. Which means it’s most likely in one of the many trash containers at that hospital. Honey didn’t discover his naked ring finger until back at his hotel preparing for bed…around midnight.

I was speechless…

Honey and I have been married for 28 years and I can probably count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen him take off his wedding ring. In the winter time his ring slid around and hung upside down frequently due to the contraction of any swelling that normally occurs when one gets warm.

We’re still married and I still love you” he stated when he saw that I was upset. I didn’t say anything. “Talk to me” he prompts. I replied “Let me process this.”

I know that a ring is just jewelry but tell that to my mind. So many things flew at me all at once from the inane to practicality. I am a firm believer that married people should display their unavailability to the single world (and those that toss commitment out the window) while at the same time proclaiming their undying commitment to the one they choose to love. A wedding ring is symbolic of the “for better or worse, richer or poorer, ‘til death do us part” vow. Honey is a good looking man…so my thought was...we must replace that ring!

Even though the ring is just a symbol of our commitment to each other and isn’t really the actual commitment, it somehow felt like he was declaring to the outside world that he was free! (I told you some of these thoughts were inane). Not to mention, an expensive, beautiful ring is somewhere in Michigan…in the trash heap by now! I only hope someone found it and made good use out of it. (Practical side)

Honey and I finally made our way to the jewelry store recently to be greeted by a sales clerk smiling at the prospect of a sale. We told her our story and she began to assist us with choosing a new wedding ring. Honey kept asking me what I thought he should get, but I reminded him, I picked out his first ring, which, although he liked it, would not have been his choice in a ring. He’s a man with simple likes. He only wears his wedding ring and occasionally a watch, so “bling” is not his thing. I encouraged him to choose a ring he liked. After several attempts to get me to pick it out for him, I finally started pointing out possible choices that seemed to suit his idea of a simple band. Once we narrowed it down to two or three choices, I think we both zeroed in on just one. This classic ring with both white and yellow gold should last at least another 28 years. Our sales clerk measured Honey’s finger making sure the fit was snug so as not to risk losing it again.

After an order boo-boo by our sales clerk, we finally got the call 4 weeks later that the ring was in. Honey was out of state again, so I swung by after work one night to pick it up. When Honey came home the next night, I took the ring into him, opened the pretty box they had put it in, and proposed to him. “Will you stay married to me?” Honey smiled big, took the ring and put it on his finger. We sealed the deal with a kiss.

It took a little while to get used to the new ring, but not too long. It’s good to see the commitment back on Honey’s finger, although it’s been in his heart for 28 years. Our marriage just keeps getting better and better. 2009 brought us both a wakeup call when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I think we both looked at life, and each other, a little differently. I don’t mind his new ring at all. I see it as symbol of our renewed faith in each other, a fresh perspective on commitment, especially the "in sickness and health" part, and the beginning of another chapter in our lives together.

Stick around for another 28 years and I’ll let you know how that goes.

Blessings!

Isn't it pretty?

Simplicity

2011-05-18T08:56:00.003-04:00

Spring is trying hard to make it's way to NE Ohio, so I thought I would nudge the spring spirit and bring it indoors. This simple table is perhaps one of my favorites. I love the simplicity of the few colors and simple decorations. To me, it feels fresh as spring.

A light pink organza chair sash adds a softness to our oak chairs.

A bouquet of flowers for the center.

Why don't you sit there.

A simple place setting, perfect for a light brunch.

This pattern is one of my favorites.

Soft ceramic flowers adorn the base of the bouquet.

Do you prefer tea or coffee?

Soft sunlight bathes the table, promising to bring warmer temperatures with it. Maybe spring really is coming after all.

I'll be meeting up with Susan over at betweennapsontheporch for Tablescape Thursday. Join me there for an inspiring array of tablescapes.

Double click on any of these pictures to enlarge them.

Resources:

Plates: Royal Prestige, Rosecrest

Tablecloth, runner, napkins and chair sashes at tableclothfactory.com

Silver chargers at Bed, Bath and Beyond

Silverware is Onieda

Ceramic flowers were a gift from mother when I was a teenager, priceless.

A Touch of Easter

2011-05-04T21:43:00.001-04:00

This Easter we welcomed family and new friends to our table. I wanted the table to be fun, yet have a touch of elegance so that everyone who graced us with their presence would feel special.

And of course, we had to have a bunny near by.

My centerpiece was a vase that I purchased at Pier 1. I then inserted a smaller vase inside, then filled the gap with inexpensive jelly beans.

It looked really cool from the outside.

Then I place purchased bouquets of tulips inside the inner vase.

And this was the result.

I had some left over tulips so I placed them in my newest vase, also found at Pier 1.

Everyone got an Easter Egg surprise at their place setting.

Yellow and sherbet colored napkins were embraced by my new favorite napkin rings.

Clear bowls were used for the salad so that we could see the colorful plates beneath it.

Everyone enjoyed a good meal and good fellowship.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed our Easter tablescape.

Resources:

Tablecloth, napkins and table runner at Tablecloth factory.com

Vase, votive holders, napkin rings and plates at Pier 1

Clear bowls and plastic eggs at Wal-Mart

White place mats at Bed, Bath and Beyond

I'll be linking up with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday at http://betweennapsontheporch/.

April is National Card and Letter Writing Month

2011-03-27T17:15:00.000-04:00

In this day and age of e-mails, texting, Tweeting, Facebook, and blogging, we as a population are more in touch with what is going on around us than ever before.

I can think of very few times I’ve printed out an e-mail, a message or status update where someone has shared with me via this technology. Not that the person sending it isn’t special, but there is something impersonal about an electronic or wireless message in typeface that I don’t think twice about deleting it once it’s read.

On the other hand, I have letters my mom wrote to me when I first got married. I’ve got every card my honey has ever given me. I have cards my kids have made or bought for me. I have handwritten letters from a friend in Bulgaria before she ever had access to a computer. I have letters that my great-grandparents wrote to each other and other family members. What priceless things I have in my possession. A glimpse into what they felt, what they were doing, who they were on the inside. Although I love old photographs, photos do not convey what my ancestors were thinking or how they felt. (They all look mad don’t they?) But their letters to each other convey anger, frustration, humor and love.

April is National Card and Letter Writing month. Postmaster John E Potter once said, “National Card and Letter Writing Month is an opportunity for all Americans to rediscover the timeless and very personal art of letter writing. Both in times of peace and conflict, cards and letters are the most effective way to share and permanently record our thoughts, prayers, hopes and dreams.”

I don’t know about you, but I can wait for a weekend to open my e-mail to see if I received something besides junk or spam. I do get excited when I have a message from a loved one. In most cases it is a sentence or two, sometimes a paragraph. Whereas if I receive a card or letter from someone in the post box I can’t even make it up the driveway without tearing it open to read the contents inside.

There is something special about a handwritten note. To see the pen strokes someone made with their hand, while they were thinking about you touches something deep inside. I lost my mom in 2004 and I am so thankful that I still have her cards and letters to me. Just seeing her handwriting stirs up an emotion inside of me that usually results in tears spilling on my cheeks.

My mother, and my friend in Bulgaria, eventually got computers and started e-mailing instead of sending hand written letters and cards. I don’t have those letters. I never thought to print them out and keep them. And honestly, those few e-mails I remember were not full of the thoughts, prayers, hopes or dreams that used to come inside an envelope hand addressed to me.

Spring is a time of hope and renewal. Take time to put pen to paper sometime in April to someone you care about. I’ll bet when it arrives in their post box it will put a quick in their step and a yearning to open it up to see what you are sharing with them.

A Little Birdie Told Me

2011-03-09T23:09:00.003-05:00

A little birdie told me that spring is coming.

Even though it is still winter, spring is playing hide and seek. 1,2,3..Here I come!

The birds are singing again outside our windows which is a sure sign spring is not too far away. Soon the momma birds will be building nests and by mid spring we'll begin to see the first of the little ones that have hatched. I think I'll have a cup of tea and watch them for a while.

Click on any picture to enlarge it.

I love to watch the momma bird feeding her young. The little ones sit quietly in the nest until they hear their momma coming back with food for them. Then their little beaks crack open farther than you would think they could as each one peeps louder than their sibling to try to get more food.

I was inspired to set my table by the birds that chirp so sweetly these days. Just hearing them makes me realize that it won't be too much longer before we see the last of the snow.

How many bird houses do you see?

I can almost imagine the babies inside.

Spring blossoms in the form of the napkin ring.

Stamens rising high

This tablecloth was my inspiration for my color palette.

Layers

Babies sitting quietly in the nest waiting for momma to bring back some food.

Sitting still so as not to be discovered.

I hope you can hear the birds chirping where you are. C'mon spring. Olly, Olly, Oxen Free!!

Resources:

Tablecloth, napkins, place mats and lunch plates - Target 2011

Table runner - Tableclothfactory.com late 2010

Ivory plates - Ikea 2004

Ceramic birds and painted white birdhouses - Joanne Fabric 2011

Napkin Rings - Pier 1 2011

Branch - the woods on my property screwed to a wooden base, painted and sealed

I will be linking up with some talented ladies over at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Shaggy Tree

2011-02-18T10:44:00.014-05:00

Honey and I went to the Hinckley Reservations this past weekend and walked the Hinckley Lake Loop Trail and back. We took our new camera's with us and snapped away at anything and everything we found of interest or thought would produce an interesting picture. Below are 3 of mine that I took of one tree. This sycamore tree made for interesting texture and colors. Thanks Daddy for letting me know what kind of tree that was.

Click on any of these pictures to see them larger.

56mm>F/11>ISO 100>White Balance Auto 1

Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore) is readily identifiable with broad, maplelike leaves and a trunk and limb complexion of mixed green, tan and cream. Some suggest it looks like camouflage. It is a member of one of the planet's oldest clan of trees (Platanaceae) and paleobotanists have dated the family to be over 100 million years old. Living sycamore trees can reach ages of five hundred to six hundred years. Steve Nix/About.com

56mm>F/11>ISO 100>White Balance Auto 1

I captured this bug crawling up the tree. I thought it was an ant until I got home and saw it on the big screen. Now I'm not sure what it is.

130mm>F/11>ISO 100>White Balance Auto 1

Nikon D7000 / Beach/Snow setting was used for all pictures

The Journey - Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T21:50:00.001-05:00

Many years have passed since we said “I do”,
We sealed that day with a kiss.
I never once gave up on you
As we traveled through heartache and bliss.

Those early years were certainly rough
As we played at love like little ones.
Our trials made us both too tough
And we considered calling it done.

We grew apart and became disenchanted
Even though we stayed together
Our love for each other we took for granted
But to each other we stayed tethered.

We both matured along with our years
And something began to blossom.
We traveled forward to new frontiers
And our journey has proved to be awesome.

I remember not what day it appeared
It snuck up on me like twilight
I realized at once that we had cohered
And that somehow we’d be alright.

Fast forward down this path a bit
And you’ll see two people in love
As surprised as I am, I must admit
We now fit like a hand in a glove.

With a gentle brush of your lips on my neck
You send shivers down my spine.
I’ll try to keep myself in check
As I smile, I know we’ll be fine.

Mindy Howell

Sweet Treat

2011-02-09T23:16:00.002-05:00

Tonight I went out with a couple of my girlfriends. We met at a local restaurant which wasn't too far for any of us. We hadn't seen each other in several months so conversation started flying from the minute we sat down together. The waitress finally gave up checking to see if we were ready to order and just told us to put our menus on the edge of the table to signal to her when we were ready.

I love having friends like that. Even though we don't get together as often as we would like, we pick up where we left off when we see each other. For the next two and half hours we talked and ate and talked some more. We all left with smiles on our faces and plans to meet again soon.

I came home to a quiet house, still smiling in my recent memory of good fellowship. I started a fire in the fireplace and made myself a sweet treat. Hot chocolate is perfect for such frigid night.

We all should take more time to get with our friends. We work, come home, sleep and do it all again the next day. But if you get sick or hurt, your job isn't going to comfort you. When you want to share your highs or your lows with someone, I bet it isn't your co-workers you think of first.

Who are you thinking of right now? Call them, e-mail them, or text them. If you're blessed to have them close by, set up a time to meet for coffee, or rent a movie and watch it at your house or theirs. Just like keeping a good fire in the fireplace, the point is to keep those friendships stoked. Don't let those friends slip away due to neglect. Sure it takes some effort on your part, but I've always said, if it's worth having, it's worth working for. Friends are our sweet treats. Treat yourself to some friend time.

True friends are very difficult to find, hard to leave, and impossible to forget.

It's Your Move

2011-02-02T23:23:00.002-05:00

My husband loves to play chess..and he's very good at it. So with that in mind, I created a table setting that he would enjoy sitting at.He seems to enjoy all my endeavors at the table, but I wanted something just for him. Check! It's your move now honey.

I will be submitting this tablescape for Tablescape Thursday over at between naps on the porch. Check it out to see plenty of inspirations

I've never been very good at chess, but with this tablescape I think it's a winner!

Chess players time clock

Simple but dramatic color scheme

Close up of the layers

This Fleur de lis makes a bold statement

Choosing sides

A marble chess set acquired on a missions trip to Guatemala. A gift from our son.

I love the detail of the chess pieces

Sources:
White plates Corelle
Red plates Waechtersbach Fun Factory
Black Chargers, tablecloths and chair sashes at Tableclothfactory.com
Chess pieces and Fleur de lis at Hobby Lobby
Checkered table runner handmade
Silverware Onieda

Chess Clock by US Chess Federation

New Years Resolutions

2011-01-03T21:11:00.001-05:00

Americans have this ritual of making New Year’s resolutions and 3 weeks later ditching them for what is comfortable and familiar. If you want proof, visit a Fitness Club the first three weeks in January and you will barely be able to move. But if you visit in February; you’ll have all the room you need.

Have you put any thought into a New Year’s resolution, or do you forgo this ritual knowing you won’t be able to keep those resolutions?

For me, resolutions are like diets. We go on them and we “fall off the wagon” so to speak, and then quit. If you’re one of the fortunate ones who actually stick to a diet and make your goal, then what? Most of us stop dieting and go back to a “normal” way of eating and start gaining back the weight we lost.

Resolutions, like diets, need to have a makeover. I learned a long time ago that diets don’t work. What does work is learning to eat a new way. When we fall off that wagon, instead of quitting a diet, we choose to do better the next day (or week, or month depending on how long you sulked), and hopefully every time we pick ourselves back up, we’ve taken something away from our failures and can apply that going forward.

We all want to better ourselves, or at least those I’ve talked to do. The problem is that we make lofty resolutions trying to be the ideal person without any practice and expect it to work. Then we give up when we don’t get results right away. Resolutions shouldn’t have an end date; they should be a work in progress.

And what type of resolutions do we have? Do we want to be richer, thinner, healthier…? Nothing is wrong with wanting these things, but these are things to please ourselves and others.

My new blogger friend Tracy at Thirsty for Him ( http://tracyberta.blogspot.com/ ) posted her New Year’s resolution recently. She started it out with the verse below which I find so appropriate.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me…But, one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal…” –Philippians 3:12-14

Paul had the right idea. He didn’t want things; he wanted the power of Christ in his life. He knew his “resolution” was about staying on the path. He admits his failures when he says ‘forgetting what is behind” and encourages us to strain “toward what is ahead”. In the verse right before verse 12 he says that all he wants is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life and then goes on to say that he knows he hasn’t obtained that yet and he’s far from perfect, but he presses on!

So, what is your New Year’s resolution? Are you willing to press on even when you know you will slip? This applies to all diets, fitness, and other typical resolutions. But I would hope that if you haven’t already made your resolution that maybe you’ll consider something deeper than what we can have on the outside. How about connecting with friends on a deeper level or giving of your time to a worthy cause? How about getting to know the Lord, our maker, on a deeper more personal level and to know Christ and the power that raised Him?

Will you mess up? Sure you will. But if it’s worth having, it’s worth working for, and I promise you, knowing the power of Christ, knowing His promises to us and knowing HIM is worth it.

Christmas tablescape

2010-12-12T23:21:00.009-05:00

I enjoy creating tablescapes. Whether it is for a holiday or just a special meal with family or friends, I like making the table "special". Tablescaping is another way to express my creativity. I will see a dish or piece of art (Pier 1 is my favorite place to be inspired) and just have to buy it! I can almost see a table done with one inspiration piece. My honey gave up on me a long time ago with telling me "no more dishes" or "you don't need that" and just goes with the flow now, although I still get the occasional lifted eyebrow.

I've had a few friends ask me what a tablescape is and although there is no true definition, it simply means making your table special by using props, decor and coodinated place settings to create a mood or atmosphere. If you google tablescape you'll find all sorts of wonderfully inspiring pictures from some extremely creative people who do this for fun as well as those professionals who are lucky enough to make a living at creating an environment to set moods for diners of all ages and backgrounds. There are even blogs that are dedicated to weekly tablescape designs, it's kind of like a club for tablescapers....I do not consider myself in their leagues but have toyed with the idea of submitting some of mine.

Even though I've been doing tablescapes for years now, I often forget to take pictures of them and haven't really considered sharing these publicly except to those who sit around my table. I hope as the years have progressed my tablescapes have improved in the artistic category, but even if not, I still enjoy doing them and I hope those who grace my table feel the love I put into the tablescapes so that my guests feel like they are the special people that they are.

Below are pictures of this years Christmas table. We've been pummeled with snow this year and it has inspired me to create this wintry theme. I hung crystal and snowflake ornaments from our chandelier above the table to use as much space as I can to capture the feeling. I hope you enjoy. I'd love your feedback.

For some real inspiration for tablescapes, visit http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/!

Close up of one of the hanging snowflake ornaments that I got from Root Candle Factory in Medina, OH.

The star of the show is a beautiful deer that I found at Pier 1 this year.

Poinsettia from Hobby Lobby. Crystal branches from Pier 1.

Noel ornament from Pier 1

Let it snow, and snow and snow...

2010-12-09T16:25:00.003-05:00

Cleveland is pretty notorious for having a lot of snow. Sometimes as early as October, but for sure by November. This year we have heard of other states getting snow that typically don't get much if any during the winter let alone in November. Washington state has gotten a few good snow falls already. Even Nashville has had ground cover! But we have not had anything more than a flake or two floating in the air.

That is until this week.

I can hear it now... "I am so sorry for being late with the snow this year...here let me make it up to you!"

In a course of 2 days we got a reported 19 inches! and over the last couple of days we've gotten more. We've gotten a few breaks with some actual sunshine peaking through the clouds. When that happens, it creates all sorts of excitement in the house. I'll yell "Oh! Sunshine!" and we (typically just me) will run to the patio door to look at it like it is a meteorite that shows itself only once every 10 years. I'll turn my back to the door and let the sunshine warm up my backside, then like a piece of bacon in a frying pan, I flip to the other side to warm it also. That is if the sun stays out long enough. Sometimes it's just a tease and is gone before I can squint into the sky.

I captured a picture of our latest snowfall before it was done with it's initial dumping. See below.

Now, doesn't that just want to make you move to Cleveland?

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 30

2010-11-30T20:42:00.005-05:00

Wow, today is the last day of the 30 days of Gratitude. I am thankful that I have been writing my gratitudes every day. Writing them down have made me very aware of my many blessings.

Blessings are, in a way, like breathing, we don't think about breathing, we just do it. It isn't until we can't breathe anymore that we realize how important taking a breath is. We all have so many blessings that we take advantage of, like breathing, we just assume we'll always have them. Things could so easily be different.

If you are reading this blog, you are blessed to have access to a computer and all the technology it brings with it. Below are a few other things I am thankful for.

There are the homeless, I have a home.
There are the starving, I have plenty.
There are the sick, I have my health.
There are the poor, I have wealth.
There are the lonely, I have family and friends
There are the persecuted, I have my freedoms
There are the tormented, I have peace of mind
There are those who are lost for eternity, I was lost, but now by the grace of God, I will live forever with Him!

Thank you all for being a part of my life and for encouraging me to write these blessings for the last 30 days.

I'd love to hear your feedback.

Now, what should I do for December...? ;)

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 29

2010-11-29T21:05:00.005-05:00

Young love.. ahh, how thrilling, how exciting! I love the butterflies that I got when I was young. The first kiss, the cute boy, the attention.

After marriage I loved being in love. The expectation of seeing each other after a day at work, the fun of spending our weekends doing whatever it was we wanted to do, the excitement of having children.

Then the romance wore off, reality set in. Bills needed paid when we didn't have the money, we wanted different things in life and all I wanted was for Calgon to take me away.

That's when I went to my knees. This situation was beyond me, beyond what I could fix. I needed God to intervene. I didn't want to live the rest of my life in misery and I didn't want a failed marriage. And guess what? God stepped in once I stepped aside. When I got to the end of me, and I allowed Him to be my everything, He changed me, changed us. It didn't happen overnight, and it wasn't without drawbacks, but God intervened.

Today, after years of ups and downs, there is peace, there is respect, there is love that is greater than I ever thought I could have. He can still give me butterflies and I still love that feeling, but the love we have now is stronger than butterflies. I once again look forward to seeing him at the end of a work day, and spending my weekends with him.

I am thankful for a love that comes after years spent together and learning to respect each other.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 28

2010-11-28T12:51:00.004-05:00

As I begin to wrap up these 30 days of gratitude, I think about all the good and bad things that have happened in my life. Of course I am grateful for the good things, but I am also grateful for the bad things. Even though those times weren't pleasant to experience, it is those times that have made me stronger.

I have had to stand up for what I believe in against all odds, which have made my convictions stronger. I have had to endure fear and pain that I thought I could never endure and realized that I am tougher than even I thought I was. I have had to fight for my marriage, which makes what we have now even sweeter. I have lost those I love which makes me appreciate those still living even more. The saying "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" is so true. None of us want to go through those hard times, but look at what we become because of them.

I am thankful for the tough things in our lives that make us stronger for having gone through them.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 27

2010-11-28T11:16:00.003-05:00

Have you ever noticed how the majority of the population is happy this time of year? I can't help wondering if a big part of that happiness is the fact that we are all focusing our attention on others rather than ourselves. The saying "It's better to give than receive" rings so true when you see the joy in others when they are shopping for a loved one.

I am thankful for this time of year that focuses our attention on others instead of ourselves.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 26

2010-11-27T14:17:00.006-05:00

I am thankful for the love hangover the day after spending wonderful time with family around a table loaded with wonderful food! There are very few things more satisfying than sharing a good meal with those you love and love to be around. The only thing missing were other members of the family who couldn't make it up.

We had so much food left over, which I am thankful for also. Leftovers must be a gift from God!

Gingered Acorn Squash stuffed with Quinoa (kween-wah), apples, celery and other goodies. Jenn's protein packed, vegetarian contribution to the feast. Yum!

Bread and Butter stuffing with fresh sage. My requested contribution to the feast. This dish is so good, but I am thankful it's only eaten once a year...there is so much butter your heart jumps inside your chest just looking at it.

Roasted veggies with pomegranate vinegar and fresh basil. My "healthy" contribution to the feast.

Desserts were plenty as usual again this year. I didn't get a picture of mine, but I tried a new receipe called Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake...so good!!

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 25

2010-11-27T13:46:00.006-05:00

Thankful for family that gathered and those who couldn't join us. Miss you guys.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 24

2010-11-24T11:14:00.001-05:00

I Thessalonians 5:18 says "In everything give thanks for this is the will of Christ Jesus concerning you. "

Everything is a pretty broad spectrum, surely God doesn't mean that in the literal sense of the word....or does He?

George Herbert said it so perfectly when he wrote: "Thou hast given so much to me, Give one thing more, - a grateful heart; Not thankful when it pleaseth me, As if Thy blessings had spare days, But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.~"

God, I thank You for the many, many blessings you have given me, too numerous to list. Sadly my prayers of thanks can be counted. Please give me a grateful heart today and everyday.

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 23

2010-11-24T11:06:00.003-05:00

According to the Trading Economics website, the United States unemployment from 1948 until 2010 had an average rate of 5.70% with the lowest rate in 1953 and the highest in 1982. In 2010 the lowest unemployment rate was 9.50% and the highest at 9.90%. That figure is astonishingly almost 10% of the United States population!!

I am thankful that I have a job, warts, complaints, long driving time, bad traffic and all.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 22

2010-11-24T10:57:00.002-05:00

Giving thanks and expressing gratitude are essential to good health and prosperity. True abundance begins with gratitude and thankfulness. Being thankful focuses our attention on blessings that we do have. In order to receive more of the blessings that God has to offer, we must truly appreciate what we already have. We ought not to focus on the problems that life throws at us, we all have those regardless of our circumstances. Look at the things that are right in your lives and be grateful for what you have. Then, pass it on! So many of us are quick to complain, but very slow to appreciate. A simple smile towards someone can bless their day. Express your gratitude with a "thank you" or an act of kindness. Send a thank you note to someone who has blessed you with a gift or a kind word or gesture. You'll find that your life grows more abundant the more you share your blessings and gratitude with others.

I am thankful that I am blessed with luxuries such as a car, a home and enough money to buy groceries. There are those out there who don't have these things.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 21

2010-11-21T21:16:00.003-05:00

I went shopping for the ingredients for the upcoming famous feast this weekend. I always look forward to this time of year. Not only do I enjoy preparing food for the Thanksgiving meal, but I so look forward to spending time with family around the table.

I am thankful for the holidays which gives us an excuse to spend time with family.

I am also thankful for the upcoming short work week...can't wait to start cooking!

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 20

2010-11-20T22:39:00.004-05:00

Dave, Jenn and I went out to dinner tonight at a new restaurant. Dave and I had been shopping and called Jenn to see if she wanted to meet us as she was coming straight from school. We all met at Corkscrew in Medina (very, very good) and enjoyed a good meal and great conversation.

Jenn seems really happy now that she is back in school learning again and making new friends. She was planning a trip to Findlay this weekend, but the folks she was going to visit had sickness at the house, so she wisely opted to not go.

So... my day 20 gratitude is: I am grateful to have a healthy and happy family!

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 19

2010-11-19T22:44:00.003-05:00

It amazes me the talents that God gives people. Some are little known talents and others are talents for the world to see. Still others have yet to discover their talents.

Tonight my brother is eating dinner with a co-worker and family friend who is finally realizing his dream of using the talent that God gave him by being able to reach many, many people. Look out for the group SuperHeRose to make it big on the pop/rock/hiphop scene as they are just now releasing their first singles. Congratulations SuperB!

Others have talents that may forever go unnoticed by the public but are just as big a blessing as those who have a public recognition.

Whatever your talent, remember the one who gave that talent to you and use it to glorify Him!

I am thankful for the talents that God gives us and pray we never take them for granted.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 18

2010-11-18T22:03:00.003-05:00

A decision was made today that made me question what is going on. We think we are heading down one path and in the blink of an eye we are turned a complete 180 degrees and are facing the opposite direction.

However I have to believe that when we pray and ask God to be in control, which I did just yesterday.....again.... that He does just that. He takes control.

I am thankful that God is in control. He knows the big picture and leads us where we cannot see. That is why it is so important that we don't let go of His hand! We must have faith and trust in Him.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 17

2010-11-17T23:06:00.003-05:00

I woke up this morning with a bad hangover. No, not from alcohol, but from the thought of how angry and upset I was yesterday. How silly of me to be so upset over something I cannot control. It is what it is, so why couldn't I just make the best of it and roll with the punches.

I gave it to God and have to trust Him to work things out in His timing and in His way. God, forgive me for not turning to You sooner. Forgive me for my anger at not being able to be in control. I only want You to be in control. Help me to step away and allow you to lead.

I am grateful that His mercies are new every morning!

30 days of Gratitude: Day 16

2010-11-16T10:52:00.002-05:00

Today was a day of ups and downs. I started the day out on a good note. I was getting things done, news was good and I was feeling on top of things. But sometime in the day, the news turned bad and my world as I knew it was turning upside down. I was on an emotional roller coaster and was angry and upset. Thankfully before I went to bed, I breathed a small prayer asking for God to be in control. And I had peace. I slept well.

I am thankful that God is constant in a world of ups and downs.

30 days of Gratitude: Day 15

2010-11-15T11:04:00.002-05:00

Today was a double blessing. A friend stopped me to chat for a few minutes while at the office and was gracious and complimentary. After she and I were finished chatting, I realized that, although we don't know each other that well, she touched something inside of me. I felt as though she really wanted to know how I had been and was sincere in her wishes for good things in my future. Just the fact that she spoke kind and sincere words made me feel like I had no worries in the world.

Later in the afternoon, I called a dear old friend that I've known since I was a teenager just to find out how she has been. She has been very quiet lately and I sensed something was wrong. I was right. After we chatted a bit and she was able to vent a little, I managed to coax a few laughs out of her. I hope she had a smile on her face when we hung up. I realized that I had given her some kind words and from that she knew she had a friend in me.

I am thankful for kinds words shared between friends.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 14

2010-11-14T00:42:00.003-05:00

I pray that God helps me start each day with a new attitude and a heart full of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and everyday and give my best in all that is put before me. Let me not whine over things I cannot control. And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example to slip away and find a quiet place to pray.

I am grateful because God is a forgiving and understanding God!

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 13

2010-11-14T00:33:00.002-05:00

Today is Saturday. I needed to sleep in late today due to my exhaustion from a busy schedule this week and the lateness I went to bed last night. But once the sun was up, and Jenn was up ready to go to school, my mind starting planning out what needed to be done. Although I tried to go back to sleep I could not.

However; I am grateful that I took my time to savor my coffee this morning while watching my favorite programs on HGTV and DIY. I am also grateful that I had no obligations that required me to rush through my morning to get ready to go somewhere. Once I finished my coffee, I began doing the things my mind woke me up for, but I started out doing them in my PJ's, with no worries about having to be dressed.

I am grateful for slow Saturday mornings!

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 12

2010-11-14T00:30:00.002-05:00

I am so grateful, after a long hard week of traveling, that I did not have to come home and prepare a meal.

I am thankful that I had the foresight to prepare a couple of meals so that no one had to cook while I was out. Thankfully there was still enough left over that all I had to do tonight was to heat up my lasagna in the microwave.

And did it ever taste good.

So glad it's Friday.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 11

2010-11-11T22:18:00.003-05:00

I am thankful for the freedoms we have in America.

Thank you to all active and veteran military who have fought and still fight to protect our freedoms. You are fighting to keep our country free and safe from those who seek to destroy us and control us.

My deepest gratitude goes out to all of you.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 10

2010-11-10T23:17:00.002-05:00

I am thankful that I am healthy enough to keep up a busy schedule!

It was just a little over a year ago that I was just finishing up chemotherapy and even the smallest of tasks would take my breath away. Climbing the stairs was like hiking up a hill and a trip to the grocery store would wear me out for the rest of the day.

Today, although I don't have back 100% of my energy, I am able to work a full day at the office, run errands before I come home from work, prepare supper when I get home and tidy up the house before I go to bed.

I am grateful to have my health back.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 9

2010-11-09T22:09:00.002-05:00

On Nov 8th Asia Bibi was sentenced to death by a judge in Pakistan. Asia was arrested in June and charged with blasphemy after she engaged in a religious discussion with co-workers who became enraged and beat her. Asia and her family is one of three Christian families in a village of more than 1,500 families.

This is one of too many accounts where Christians are persecuted for their faith. Americans take advantage of the freedoms we have. If we are not mindful, we will allow other Americans to take away those freedoms.

I am blessed and thankful to have the freedom to practice religion. ...For now.

For more stories of persecuted Christians go to www.Persecution.com

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 8

2010-11-08T22:58:00.002-05:00

I am thankful that my kids have chosen degrees in areas that they truly have an interest in. Jenn, a certified recreational therapist who has always enjoyed helping others, is now taking massage therapy classes to add to her hands on healing. Mike has always loved fishing and had interests in all things natural got his degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology and is dreaming and planning on starting his own organic farm. And Kelly is a resident pediatrician practicing the art of healing on some very special patients. I am very proud of all my kids and am so thankful that they have had the opportunity to discover what it is they love to do and are pursuing that passion.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 7

2010-11-07T22:23:00.003-05:00

I am thankful for the pleasure that cooking brings to me. I am happy that I seem to have a talent for the task, and that others seem to enjoy my efforts.

I am thankful for special memories in the kitchen and around our table:
Erin, that we moved so well without bumping into each other and made wonderful, from scratch, without recipes, meals.
Dave, for being that guinea pig for all my new concoctions and liking most of what I made.
Rick, for appreciating the little things that make a meal special.
Mike, for challenging me in using new and unusual ingredients.
Jenn, for helping me look for new and yummy vegetarian dishes.
Pat and Nancy, for turning me onto Pot Stickers!
Chris, Chuck, Laura and Kazu, for sharing good memories at Chuck, Dave's and Kazu's birthday month!
Julie Davis...blue sugar!!
Chris T and Celia, for going with the flow and jumping in to throw together food when Pastor Rick forgot to order the main dish!
John D for suggesting I write a cookbook. (or was it just the pictures you liked??)
For all other family and friends who have graced us with their presence around our dinner table and shared meals with us. Time spent in the kitchen to share meals with you is indeed a real blessing.

30 Days of Gratefulness: Day 6

2010-11-06T20:43:00.003-04:00

After you have eaten and are full, praise God for the good land He has given you. Deuteronomy 8:10

I am thankful for the food in my panty and my freezer. How many of us eat our meals without giving God thanks for the "land" He has given us? We may not grow our own food and raise our own meat anymore as a population, however I am thankful for the land that in today's age is called a job which allows me to buy my food. God has blessed my household with the ability to afford food so that we can eat until we are full. In a matter of moments, my situation could be totally different. I am blessed to be an American where our provisions are plentiful. I am blessed to have a job, I am blessed to have food on my table and a roof over my head.

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow.

30 Days of Gratefulness: Day 5

2010-11-05T23:57:00.001-04:00

I am truly grateful for all the wonderful friends I've met throughout my lifetime. Many have helped shape me into who I am today. I have friends today that I've known since I was a little girl, and some in my life that I met as a teenager. I've met many friends as an adult, some are my best friends! My friends are scattered all over the United States and a few are in other countries as well. Some friends are older than me and some are my kids age, but I think regardless of our age differences, we still like each other for who we are. Some friends are just fond memories, while other friends are memories that have come back to life! Some friends are still relative strangers, but I hope we'll pursue each other's friendship in a deeper, more meaningful relationship.

Thank you for being my friend...you know who you are!

30 Days of Gratefulness: Day 4

2010-11-04T23:06:00.003-04:00

I am thankful for my family, close and far, blood relatives and relatives by law from all generations. Each one of you have a special place in my heart. It is family that has been there for me in so many different ways.

My family has put a smile on my face on a regular basis from intentional humor to a word or gesture of kindness. Sometimes I smile in my observation of your actions or when recalling a fond memory we share.

I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful extended family, and for that I am very grateful.

30 Days of Gratefulness: Day 3

2010-11-03T09:39:00.004-04:00

I am grateful to have a car and a job that allows me to afford car payments. I am grateful that I made it through the heavy rush hour traffic safely. I am thankful that I didn't feel the need to yell at anyone today during that rush hour traffic.

30 Days of Gratefulness: Day 2

2010-11-03T09:34:00.002-04:00

I am thankful to have a husband who loves me in spite of myself, loves God, and is a great provider for our family. I am also thankful to have 3 children (2 natural and 1 stuck with us for better or worse) who have a heart after God's perfect will for their lives and walk forward with that purpose in their path.

30 Days of Gratefulness: Day 1

2010-11-03T09:03:00.006-04:00

November 25th is the day in which Americans express thanks on a most famous holiday called Thanksgiving...well, we used to anyway. For many, it has just become a day to overeat and watch football. I'm not saying we shouldn't do those things...well we could cut back on how much we eat.....

Nah.

Anyway, the point of Thanksgiving is to give thanks to God for the many blessings that we receive each year. So many of us tend to remember the bad things that happen to us and the really good big things like a promotion or the birth of a new baby, etc. But how many of us are truly thankful for the daily blessings we receive? How many of us can give thanks for the good things that happened to us as a result of something bad happening first? For example, like when I had the opportunity to get quiet and draw closer to God because of being home during chemotherapy treatments, or how a family can bond together closely after the passing of a loved one. Hard times make the good times even sweeter.

So, in an effort to get back to what Thanksgiving is really all about, I plan to give thanks daily.

**************************************

Day 1: After going through treatments for breast cancer I am thankful to be alive.

Stride & Ride 2010: Ryan's Hope

2010-07-24T21:56:00.003-04:00

Stride & Ride 2010: Ryan's Hope

Please consider donating to Ryan's Hope in honor of my nephew Ryan. Ryan is 14 years old and has been in a wheel chair since 2 weeks before his 8th birthday. Ryan has the most severe form of a nasty disease called Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy. Ryan was diagnosed at the age of four after his parents went to the pediatrician with concerns that he was not active like his siblings and other signs that something wasn't right. The doctors referred them to a pediatric specialist in Muscular Dystrophy and was told on the first visit with the specialist about the disease that has changed all of their lives. Blood test confirmed their worst fears. Today Ryan cannot do anything for himself as the only extremity muscles left working, albeit weak, are his fingers, so he can still play his hand games.

Boys with Duchenne are typically diagnosed before the age of five. Their muscles swell and joints become restricted. They are easily fatigued and have difficulty keeping up with others their age. Most Duchenne boys need a wheelchair between the ages of 10 and 12. The simplest of tasks, such as holding a fork or turning over in bed, becomes very difficult. In the later stages, heart and breathing muscles begin to fail. Historically, most boys with Duchenne have not survived their teens.

One in every 3,500 boys worldwide (an estimated 20,000 babies annually) is afflicted with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The disorder affects all ethnic and social groups. The gene mutation that causes Duchenne is usually passed from mother to son, but fully one-third of cases are spontaneous. This was the case with Ryan.
There is no cure…and it can happen in any family.

Thank you for your consideration of donating. No amount is too small. Simply click on the link under the title to go to Ryan's Hope home page. Thank you for your support.

Still Missing You

2010-06-28T15:44:00.005-04:00

Six years ago, my family said good-bye to one of my closest friends, my mom. It never should have happened and possbily could have been prevented. Mom died from complications from a heart attack that was brought on by poor health. She always made sure to tell everyone to take care of themselves, yet didn't heed her own advice.

Mom was such a beautiful little girl. Times were tough for mom as a girl being raised on a farm, but her love for her brothers, and much later in her life her two little sisters, made her happy.

Mom (Barbara Jean), Richard (Dick) and Lee Music

In August of 1955 my grandmother Music entered Mom into the Ross County Fair Queen's beauty pagent. Mom wasn't too pleased with this idea but went along with it anyway. What a beauty she is here at the young age of 17. By now, mom had met the love of her life, my dad.

On September 8, 1956 Barbara Jean Music married Damon Duane Shaw. I remember playing in her wedding shoes when I was a girl. Mom confided in me once that those shoes were her favorite thing about her wedding attire. I thought those shoes were even more beautiful after that confidence was shared. Mom and Dad would have been married for 48 years in 2004

Christmas was always a happy time for all of us. Here she is with her family, my grandparents, Harry and Ann Music, her brothers and her sisters Becky and Janice at my grandparents farm. When our families got together it was always wonderfully mad, happy chaos. Talking, laughing, food, kids running and playing on stairs, writing on chalkboards, grandpa sticking his false teeth out at the children to make them laugh, and mom, with a contented smile on her face.

Mom LOVED her grandbabies! As we kids began to have children of our own, Mom came into a new kind of happiness. She rocked each and everyone of them, loved on them, read to them, sang to them and prayed over them. Each of our children had Mom's blessings prayed over their bodies and spirits.

Mom (Nanna to the grandkids) loving on Boo (Ahren). Notice Mom and Dad holding hands. This (and her bare feet) were common place with Mom.

This picture below is everyone's favorite of Mom. She did not like her picture taken as she always struggled with her weight, but as you can see in this picture below, she was a very beautiful woman. This picture is even more special to me as it was taken on my wedding day, March 15, 1983.

Mom is no longer here on earth with us, but her love for us will always remain in our hearts. She left us a legacy; Know God. Each of her kids are striving to know God. None of us are content to "play church", but through our ups and downs, keep coming back to what she taught us, to love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds.

May 21, 1938 - June 28th, 2004

I miss you Momma.

Bloomin' Beautiful

2010-06-24T11:02:00.005-04:00

Our summer flowers are the social butterflies of our neighborhood. They are putting on their finest attire and making their appearances everywhere.

Below are two of our little socialites that refuse to be wall flowers. They are out front catching everyone's eye as they pass by.

Our deep pink Roses are Knock Outs!

These simple beauties are triplets from the Daisy family.

I couldn't resist taking these pretty posies pictures just after they had showered. They didn't need any make-up, their natural beauty shines through.

Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1844

Happy Fathers Day Daddy

2010-06-22T00:11:00.003-04:00

Like most young girls, I craved my dad's attention and reveled in it when I got it.

I remember early always knowing that I was special in his eyes. Mom used to tell me I was his princess and I always felt like a princess when I was on his lap. It felt like it was just me and him alone even with everyone else around.
He rarely told me I couldn’t do the same things the boys did, and encouraged my willingness to try anything.

He recycled before recycling was popular.

Dad was a man who could carry body parts to the hospital, yet turned pale white when I busted my lip on the back of my brother’s head.

Things I recall with fond memories:
Painting by the window in his bedroom
Shooting guns and rifles in the back yard
His prescence in his police uniform
That stoic stance for all pictures
Pepsi and potato chips in the recliner watching TV
Being told that same Pepsi would “rust our pipes”.
Hammer, saw, sawdust, wood plane, sawhorses
Tickling sessions
Head butting sessions (when we were naughty)
One eye closed while doing the drunken camel dance
Hugging momma with his hands on her backside while she squealed his name in embarrassment and delight.

Things he taught me:
Be careful for what you pray for, you just might get it
To look at things differently
Patience
Craftsmanship
How to shoot a BB gun
Always take time to have fun
If it’s worth doing, it worth doing right
That it’s not ok to break curfew
Respect
The love of blue grass music
Listening
Pepsi really does rust your pipes!
Natural medicines
The love of gardening
How to divide flower bulbs
Hard work pays off
What a good marriage looks like

Daddy doesn't wear a cape, but he's still a super hero to me. I love you Daddy. Happy Fathers Day!

Friend of God

2010-06-01T14:07:00.002-04:00

My brother Rick and I went down to southern Ohio for a high school alumni banquet on May 8th. We stayed with our Dad, and our sister Laurie, at their house in the same town we grew up in before our entire family moved away in 1975. After many life choices that took each of us our separate ways through out the last 35 years, all but my brother Tim have made our way back to “the Motherland” as Tim lovingly refers to the state we grew up in.

Rick wanted to visit some old friends that neither of us had seen since we moved away so long ago. We spent several hours at the home of one friend, Rick E and his mother Eva. We have fond memories of this family. Eva worked in the school cafeteria for many, many years, and was mother to all the kids she fed. Occasionally she added extra servings for those she knew didn’t eat any other time except for the school lunch. She would also discipline some of the kids as if they were her own, scolding and giving an occasional whack on the rear end if needed. Mind you that was back in the day when discipline wasn’t illegal. I think everyone understood it was her way of mothering and loved her more for it. Eva was always ready to give a hug to anyone who asked and even many who didn’t, knowing that some of “her kids” never got hugs at home.

As we visited, Rick E talked a mile a minute catching us up on years spent apart. He is now in the position of loving kids in his own way as a school bus driver. Times have changed the way he can discipline and love on these kids, but it doesn’t change the way kids need love, and it sounds like Rick E ministers his love to these kids as the opportunities present themselves.

When we left, Rick and I felt like it had just been yesterday since we visited last with Rick E and Eva. I think that’s a sign of a good friendship. Even though it had been many years since we last saw one another, we picked up where we left off and kept on going. Sometimes our relationship with Jesus is that way too. Days, weeks, and sometimes much longer passes without talking to Him. But just like good friends, He doesn’t think about the time missed, He picks up where we left off and keeps on going.

I thank God that He is a better friend to us than we are to Him. When the bible uses the word friend to refer to mans relationship with God, it uses the Greek word “philos” which is the type of friendship, with our limited love and selfishness that we can give. It is defined as “to be friendly to one, an associate, he who associates familiarly with one, a companion.”¹ In contrast, when the word friend is used to describe God’s relationship with man the Greek word " 'ahab" is used. This word is described as “an everlasting, enduring, and unending future with an ancient beginning.”² He has known us since the beginning of time and will love us for an eternity. He is the one that will always be there for us, no matter how long we take to acknowledge Him. He is always ready to talk to us and love us regardless of our shortcomings.

Our friendship with Rick E and his mom is special, holding many good memories and promises that our friendship will continue regardless of distance or time passing. It’s a secure feeling knowing that we will always be welcomed into their home and their hearts no matter how long it is between visits.

We can be secure in our relationship with God too. Knowing that his friendship is everlasting and we cannot do anything to make him not love us. His friendship is enduring, patient and steadfast, meaning He’ll wait for us no matter how long it takes. Why then do we distance ourselves from the only pure friendship we have? I find it hard to fathom that type of friendship without strings attached. We are always trying to “do” things to earn our friends here on earth. We try to look nice, make yummy meals, give favors or great gifts, say kind words… I know you understand where I’m coming from; we all do it in different ways.

But what does it take to create and keep a friendship? It takes time spent together, sharing and trusting. God listens to us and speaks to us. So often when we speak to God, we bombard Him with our needs. “Lord, please do this, heal that person, help me financially, bless me….”, then we say Thank You (I hope), and Amen. End of conversation. I can’t imagine how my husband would feel if I stayed away all day (which it feels like when working full time) then come home, say Hi Hon, I need you to take out the trash, give me some food, loan me $20 bucks and oh yeah, give me your blessings on whatever it is I’m doing. Bye” and then disappear again until the next day, or longer, just to ask for more things to be given to me or done for me again. How long would that marriage last?

We do that very same thing to God and yet He will never leave us. That just makes me want to fall on my face and beg His forgiveness for being so selfish. And do you know what? He will forgive me, because He loves us and wants our friendship. We have to have faith in God and believe what He says about us and to us is true! James 2:23 says “This is what the Scriptures mean by saying, ‘Abraham had faith in God, and God was pleased with him’. That’s how Abraham became God’s friend.” (CEV) Abraham proved his faith was real by believing God’s promises. That means they talked and God made a promise and didn’t break it. It’s kind of hard to call someone a friend if you can’t trust them and Abraham sure did trust God to save his own son from death by his own hands!

I pray and ask God to use me to bring glory to Him and to make me sensitive to His voice so that I can hear when He prompts me. You know how your child calls you, or your husband, or a really good friend and when you hear their voice, you immediately know who it is? That’s because we spend time with them and are familiar with their voice. That’s how we need to be with God too. We need to spend time with Him and be familiar with His voice. We become familiar with His promises and His character by spending time with Him and in His Word. Then when He speaks to us, either through Scriptures or a gentle prompt, we recognize that it is Him speaking to us because what He is saying lines up with Who we have come to know. I want to be a friend of God, don’t you?

1. Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for philos (Strong's 5384)". Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 18 May 2010. < strongs="G5384&t=">

2. Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for 'ahab (Strong's 157)". Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 18 May 2010. < strongs="H157&t=">

Oatmeal Cake

2010-02-16T17:00:00.010-05:00

The Oatmeal cake I made for Jenn’s birthday is so easy and simple to make that I thought I’d share with anyone who is interested. That would be the whole 2 or 3 of you that actually read this blog. If you make this, stop by my blog again and leave a comment telling me how you liked it.

Mix 1 cup of rolled oats and 1¼ cup boiling water together then set aside for 20 minutes so it can cool.

Cream ½ cup butter, 1 cup of white sugar and 1 cup brown sugar together. The brown sugar is thrown in to join the oats in making this a healthy “good-for-you” cake. Uh Huh. Fer sure.

Add 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one.

After you get both those eggs in and make the mixture look like something you want to eat at that very moment with a big dip of your finger, blend in the cooled oatmeal mixture, providing someone didn’t mistake it for breakfast and eat it first.

Sift together 1 tsp. baking soda, ½ tsp. salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 2/3 cup flour, and fold it into the oatmeal batter.

Add 1 tsp. of vanilla and stir well.

Pour this lovely batter into a greased and floured 9”X13” baking pan. Bake this at 350° for 30-35 minutes. You'll know it's done when you press in the center of the cake and it springs back slightly. Or the ole toothpick test works too.

After the cake bakes, but before it cools, mix together a topping mixture of 6 Tbsp. of melted butter (yes, more butter), ¼ cup milk or cream, 1 cup of brown sugar, and if you want ½ cup of chopped nuts of your choice. Walnut or pecan is best I think and of course it’s a “Flat Belly Diet” MUFA. See, I'm tellin' ya this is a healthy recipe!

Then set your oven to broil.

Oh, you noticed the absence of nuts in that last picture? Well, this was for Jenn’s birthday and she didn’t want nuts. Ok, back to the recipe.

While the cake is still warm, spread the topping mixture over the cake and broil for up to 2 minutes. You want the “frosting” to just brown. Watch it carefully as it burns very easily.

Once the frosting browns lightly, pull It out of the oven and practice patience while it cools. Once it cools, yell out loud that the cake is ready to be served, then step back lest you be trampled.

Enjoy!

Let me know how you liked it!

Happy Birthday Jenn!

2010-02-16T12:19:00.004-05:00

Jenn's 26th birthday was celebrated quietly at home this year with no big fan fare. I think she had wanted to invite friends over for a game night, but some of her other friends had just hosted a game night the week before and she didn't think anyone would be interested in doing it again so soon. So she requested just a quiet night at home with me and her Papa.

I took her out shopping for her birthday the week before so she could pick out what she wanted. What did she want? White fabric to make pillows for her bedroom. I wasn't about to let her stop at a measly couple of yards of fabric, and white to boot, so we shopped on. It was a chore, but somebody had to do it. :)

When the weekend arrived after her Wednesday birthday, I made a completely vegetarian dinner for the 3 of us and the cake of Jenn's choice, which this year was an Oatmeal Cake. She didn't even want a decorated cake!

Much to her surprise, I had also ordered some vegetarian cookbooks I saw her eyeing while we were shopping together, and a DVD and Chinese Checkers that she had on her Amazon wish list.

It was a pleasant birthday celebration, however not near as lively as a 26 year old deserves. But, just like Jenn, she asks for very little and is grateful for what she has. Happy Birthday Jenn. We love you.

Firsts

2009-12-16T16:35:00.003-05:00

Dave was out of town in Atlanta, GA training for a new position with Philips so Jenny and I took advantage of doing all the things we wanted to that we knew Dave wouldn’t want to do if he were home. You know things like eating cereal for supper, keeping the unfinished Christmas decorations out every night until it was finished and watching Hallmark movies. Oh yeah, and going to a ballet.

Neither Jenn nor I had ever been to a ballet before and we chose to begin our ballet repertoires with The Nutcracker performed by the Canadian Ballet. The musical score was of course familiar and wonderfully played by a live orchestra which we could not see from where we sat. I was familiar with the general plot of the ballet, “19th century girl at Christmastime receives a Nutcracker doll for a Christmas gift and dreams of her toy as her boyfriend”. That’s about all I knew of the story line. Although dated from a culture the 21st century no longer embraces, the story line in the Nutcracker is a timeless message about family and love. If you want a more complete summary of the play, click here http://www.nutcrackerballet.net/html/nutcracker_story.html .

I sat with a fixed gaze towards the front of the theater, amazed at the grace and agility of each dancer. I was especially fixated on how effortlessly the men, with ripped muscles, lifted the women in the air or held them in mid air at shoulder level without even a grimace, as if the ladies didn’t weigh more than an infant. The dancers lifted themselves in vertical jumps while crossing their ankles several times before landing again, leaving me shaking my head amazed at how they did that.

Jenny and I decided that night the Nutcracker would not be our last ballet. We also decided that plays, musicals and other theater events would make it into our schedules as well. It took me almost a half a century to see my first ballet. I am thrilled that I was able to be a part of Jenny experiencing it at a much younger age and am grateful for an event in my life that made me decide to not put off doing the things I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve had those rare firsts in my life like my first hot air balloon ride, but starting with The Nutcracker, those firsts won’t be so rare from here on out.

Julia's Boeuf Bourguignon

2009-08-28T23:30:00.009-04:00

I have a confession to make. I fell into the "Julie and Julia"" movie trap. Jenny and I watched the movie "Julie and Julia" the day after it opened in the theaters. Promptly after the movie was over I persuaded Jenny to drive me to Borders so I could buy Julia Childs "Mastering the Art of French Cooking". I must preface the next sentence by saying I LOVED the movie and would recommend it to anyone, male and female, for a laugh out loud, no one gets naked, feel good when you leave, movie. But Borders has a great marketing person who knew me and people just like me would march right out of the theaters ready to become the next Julies' wanting to work our way through Julia's cookbook.

Ok, so I really don't want to work my way through that humongous cookbook, but they made the food that Julie, in the movie, cooked look SOOOO good that I, of course, had to spend $40 to buy the book to try those one or three recipes that I salivated over while sitting in a dirty movie theater chair smelling stale popcorn.

So, after special ordering a slab of bacon with the rind still on from Millers Brothers grocer in Lodi (thank you Mr. Meat Dept. man), and buying not one, but two packages of mushrooms because I didn't make the recipe in time and let the first package go bad, I finally made Boeuf Bourguignon tonight. I even purchased a pan that I could use on the cook top and put it directly into the oven, just like in the movies. I started the meal at around 3:30 this afternoon actually enjoying using so many pans and relished washing yet another dish. I patted the beef dry, just like the book said, and seared it perfectly. I was so proud of my nicely browned stew beef even though the entire time it was browning I was being splattered with hot oil mixed with butter that had precision aim. Oh the pain of my seared arms and face and....well, you get the picture. Whats a little pain in light of the ohhhs and ahhhs that will be said around the dinner table while eyes close in delight of such a wonderful meal?

By the time I finished making the pasta to serve this wonderful meal on, we finally sat down to eat at 8:00 pm this evening. There is a sentence in the recipe that says "Fortunately you can prepare it completely ahead, even a day in advance, and it only gains in flavor when reheated." I think that was Julia's subtle way of saying, if you want to eat at a decent hour, make it the day before and nuke it the next night when you're ready to eat.

The anticipation had been building for two whole weeks and when I didn't hear Dave's "It's good hon" shortly after we began eating, I knew the recipe was doomed to never be made again. It smelled so good while it was simmering in the oven for almost 3 hours. Don't get me wrong, it was good, just not that good. Not 5 hours in the making, two burnt fingers, hot oil holes in my skin, way too many calories and dish pan hands good. Sorry Julia.

The Visit Part II - Family

2009-07-25T03:38:00.005-04:00

Dave and Uncle Larry enjoyed shooting this rifle into some birds. Dave thoroughly enjoyed this trip from the motorcycle ride down and back to being able to shoot right off the front porch.

Aunt Billie taking a rarely seen rest. She's always on the go, but slowed down long enough to sit a spell and chat.

Laurie and Daddy posing for a snapshot. Laurie is holding a rose they sent home with me. It smelled so good. Dad packed us full of goodies for the trip home. Loved the fresh spring water!

Chippenstein!!

2009-07-25T03:31:00.003-04:00

Remember the beautiful strawberries we were so anxiously waiting for?

Chippenstein got to it first. I waited to post this picture because Dave wanted me to post a dead chippy lying beside the eaten strawberry. I'm sure any of you who have ever grown a garden and/or dealt with the little robbing theives know how we are feeling about this sight.

Thankfully, we have had other strawberries come on where we were the first to access their sweet fruit, but we are in WAR with Chippenstein for each one!

The Visit Part I - The Pets

2009-06-16T09:50:00.002-04:00

We went to Chillicothe recently to visit family. This trip I took pictures of the pets. They are part of the family, but often we overlook them when thinking of family pictures.

This is Cody, Larry and Billie's dog. Bear was too shy to pose for the camera, but he's their other dog, and yes, he looks like a little black bear.

This is Cass. He has lost a LOT of weight believe it or not. Cass is one of those "curious" cats and loves to investiage anything. In this case, he wanted to know what was in my purse. Dad and Laurie get a kick out of watching his many antics.

This is Sam. Sam is beautiful and he knows it. Not in an arrogant kind of way, but he is one self confident cat. Sam is older than Cass and becomes quite annoyed when Cass wants to play with his tail, or just reach out a "touch" him as Sam walks by.

Anticipation

2009-06-16T09:38:00.005-04:00

The anticipation is building. Tomatoes are popping onto the plant almost daily and the first ones to appear are getting bigger!

The green beans are beginning to bloom. You know what that means!!! Soon there will be beans!

And our first strawberry is beginning to ripen, ohhhh, the anticipation is so exiting!

Growth

2009-06-08T08:33:00.007-04:00

Growing season is in full bloom! I love planting a garden and reaping the harvest it produces. Last year we planted fruits and vegetables in the garden at the edge of our property near the woods. This plot backs up to a landscaped garden of our neighbors. While I enjoyed having a plot of land all ready for planting, there were many issues that arose in the location of last year's garden. There wasn't enough sun to produce some of the vegetables and fruits, and due to it's proximity to the woods, it seemed the deer thought we had planted the garden just for them! They even ate my jalapeno' pepper plants, peppers and all!!

So, this year, I decided to rely on knowledge gained during our years of land deprivation and planted a deck garden. So far we haven't had any deer brave enough to walk up the steps to our deck and help themselves. Grant it, I can't plant near the variety or amount of vegetables we did last year, but I dare say, we will end up with more harvest than we did last year.

I've included a few pictures below to show that deck gardens are just as successful, albeit limited, as a garden in the ground.

I've planted 2 big pots of kitchen herbs. These are convenient to the kitchen and oh, so nice to cook with.

Although strawberries are one of my favorite fruits to grow, deck gardens really don't allow for the quantity needed to eat a lot of strawberries. So when these ripen, we will enjoy them one at a time. There is nothing sweeter than a home grown strawberry picked ripe from the plant and eaten.

The jewel of the garden! I pulled back the leaves of my Early Girl tomato bush and look what I found hiding underneath the foliage! This is just a tantalizing peek at what is going on inside another pot on my deck.

A summer mix of loose leaf lettuce. We have already eaten some of the lettuce shown here as well as some from a pot of red leaf lettuce. It has been cool here in the evenings (and some days still) so the lettuce is still thriving. I've already shared with my dad and my brother. I hope it keeps on coming!!

Along with these, I've also planted zucchini, cucumbers, green beans, spinach, green onions and cantaloupe. Some of these I have planted in pots successfully before, others, well lets just say I'm experimenting. I hope you enjoy looking at the pictures as much as I enjoy growing a garden.

My Favorite Spots

2009-05-02T19:01:00.005-04:00

I have a favorite spot in my house. It is sitting in the chaise lounge in the sun room at the back of our house. This is the first place I come to when I get home from work. Dave, Jenny and I will gather in the sun room to unwind, telling each other anecdotes from our day. In the evening, after dinner, I often find myself in this chair catching up on e-mails or Facebook. More recently, this has been my spot for reading and journaling too. I'll cover myself with a quilt or afghan and type away as thoughts come to me and I try to capture what it is I am feeling. I have found that God speaks to me while I do this as I am quieting myself enough to focus on these thoughts and scriptures that God brings to mind.

Sometimes I just sit here and watch the birds outside fly in, fuss with each other, or just sit in a tree and sing. Every so often we are blessed to catch movement in the woods behind our house which often signals deer. Then a call goes out to whoever is in the house .."DEER!" and we all get to a window to try and catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures.

One night, not too long ago, I was already lying in bed trying to go to sleep. It was a warm night, and the windows were open to beckon a breeze to come in. As I was lying in bed, I thought I heard rain starting to fall. Just about that time, Dave came into the room and softly called for me to look outside our bedroom window. Thankfully our back porch light was on which lit this theater stage beautifully. I carefully positioned myself at the window so as not to disturb the deer just below as Jenny joined me. I almost laughed out loud as I quickly realized the sound of rain I thought I heard earlier was actually the sound of bird seed hitting the ground below the Japanese Maple tree. The deer tipped the bird feeder almost on its side to better position their tongues for easier feeding. As the three of us watched this comical sight, we all recalled that we had thought the birds were eating feverishly after we set out fresh food, as we would discover the feeder always empty the next evening. Never did it occur to any of us that the deer were eating the bird feed!

Finally Dave whispered the question that I had been thinking. "How long are we going to let them eat this? " and " Do we just let them eat it all?" I quickly made a kissing sound which resulted in all three deer scattering into the back yard looking skittish and puzzled. We watched them until they faded into the darkness, just outside the reach of our back porch light. We all went back to where we were before the sighting, with smiles on our faces.

Now that I think about it, I don't have one favorite spot after all. I have spots all over my house that I enjoy. But it isn't so much the piece of furniture I'm sitting on, or the room that I am in. It's the magic in the moments that I experience when I am "there". I am blessed with a loving family, beautiful surroundings and a God that gives me the best seat in the house during a performance He directs.

Wherever God is, and I quiet myself to His voice, His promptings, His blessings,... those are my favorite spots.

PotStickers!!!

2009-04-23T21:47:00.007-04:00

Frank and Maureen, good friends and our neighbors, said one word to Dave that sent us both running to their house tonight. Potstickers. Yep you read that right, potstickers. These aren't just any potstickers, these are from Chinatown in San Francisco. (Frank get's lots of good food from San Fran). Frank, an airline pilot, gets these when he travels and brings them back. These are the best potstickers, this side of China, that Dave and I have ever tasted.

OK, so we've never had potstickers from China,... but I can imagine they are good too.

Pat and Nancy, these even rival the ones from Mundelein. These are so good, that I took my camera with me tonight so that I could capture the essence of these big, fat, meaty potstickers.

Go ahead...look below...and remember what the bible says.......Thou shall not covet.

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-12T17:42:00.007-04:00

After a full weekend of Easter activities, we are winding down our Easter celebrations. We started our Easter with quiet Friday's at work, followed by a special dinner with Rick, Donna and Ryan Saturday afternoon, a potluck Easter breakfast at church with oh so many wonderful dishes this Sunday morning, and a simple early dinner here at home today. We have stopped counting our calories and are counting our blessings instead. Dave and I have so many blessings to be thankful for. We have our jobs, a roof over our heads, food on our table and family and friends who love us and pray for us. Most of all we are thankful that Jesus Christ came to this earth, fully God and fully man, willingly gave up His life for us, so that we may have eternal life, living in the awesome presence of our God. Happy Easter!!

A little bit of Guatemala

2009-03-30T19:23:00.008-04:00

Kelly Dot went to Guatemala on a medical missions trip and ministered to many people medically. She took wonderful photos which she has posted on her Facebook account. (I may go steal some for my blog). Kelly also brought back a few gifts and we just received a package in the mail today!! Dave received coffee grown in the volcanic mountains, packaged beautifully in Guatemalan fabric. I received 3 large pieces of spun fabric, which I will have to contemplate carefully what to make with it, as I don't dare waste it on something frivolous. And Jenn received a small zippered purse bag with beautiful woven fabric. Thank you Kelly Dot for such thoughtfulness and wonderful gifts!!

Hide and Seek

2009-03-23T13:02:00.008-04:00

It amazes me how God can use the simplest things in life to teach me lessons. A couple of weekends ago I was playing Hide and Seek with my nephew and he asked me to "hide" with him. So we went to hide while Uncle Dave was left to seek. We went into my nephews bedroom and it was dark, a perfect spot to hide. We then proceeded to drape a quilt from his bed over our heads so that we couldn't be "found". As our "seekers" came near the bedroom door, and snickers from under our quilts suddenly quieted, the door opened then closed. Our seekers left without finding the searched for "hiders".

As you read this you may think we were very clever "hiders". What you may not know is, my nephew is in a wheel chair that is too big to fit into his closet or any tight or small space, so our hiding was in the middle of his bedroom floor with wheels, feet, and most of my body fully exposed to our seekers. Our seekers were gracious enough to play along for the sake of pure innocence and to hear giggles of delight as he was convinced we had surely fooled them.

I think about the times we play Hide and Seek with God. We think we are being clever by hiding our heads under a quilt of silence or false happiness thinking God cannot see us. We try and hide our sin, our anger, our sorrow. We put on our quilt and act as though we are invisible. We are quiet so as not to be discovered. When in truth God sees us, He knows what we are thinking and feeling. God wants us to come out of hiding. He will not force us to expose ourselves, but will wait patiently to come to Him and be vunerable to His love, His will. He will be merciful as we struggle to reveal our innermost feelings and fears, sadness and anger and any other emotion that we bury inside. We try to fool the outside world into thinking everything is just "fine" with us. We try to fool ourselves into believing we are just fine without walking daily with God. We begin to believe it ourselves too, except for that still small nagging lack of peace and lack of true happiness.

Just like in the game of Hide and Seek, the seeker calls out to the hiders to expose themselves and come into homebase free. Free from being caught and tagged, free without penalty. So too, God calls us back to Him, free from the penalty of sin.

Are you playing Hide and Seek with God? Listen, He's calling! "Olly Olly Oxen Free"

Kidz

2009-02-16T22:19:00.003-05:00

Laurie, my sister sent me these. In case you can't tell, it is the 80's. Jenny was born in 1984 and Mike in 1985. This was Christmas at my parents house. Dad made Jenn a rocking chair and Mike a rocking horse. Jenn also has a home made dolly from her Aunt Donna. I think she still has it somewhere today. I have to brag, I had cute babies. Now I have wonderful adult children that make me proud.

The Gang's all here!........well almost

2008-12-04T21:10:00.003-05:00

We're missing Rick's 3, no 4, oldest kids and Tim's family. Mom is in all of our hearts. This is my family after we've all stuffed ourselves silly eating a Thanksgiving feast at Rick and Donna's house. This is also the official kick-off of the holiday season. I wish all of you some of the best times and fondest memories. In the midst of the bustle, don't forget the One who we are celebrating.

Ryan's Hope

2008-10-19T23:12:00.004-04:00

Ryan "dancing" in his wheelchair
Striding and Riding
Jenn giving the ole rabbit ears behind Ryan
Rick, Ryan and Donna walking in front of us
Some of the walkers

Before the event started
All ages came to support loved ones and MDA
Jenn in her t-shirt and button
Little ones came for the adventure too
Face painting to show support (it's suppoed to be a web and Ryan's name)

Hummingbirds

2008-09-11T23:05:00.010-04:00

A single hummingbird amazingly sits still while feeding.

The perched hummingbird defended his spot, which was the entire feeder, all day. He chased off several other birds as they would attempt to come in to feed.

I captured this split second shot right before the defending bird chased off his intruder.

The other birds took advantage of the freqent chases to come and take a few sips before they got caught.

Wow, it's been fun watching the little tiny, and territorial, hummingbirds this summer. I have a feeder just outside our sunroom window. One rainy Sunday afternoon I sat for a couple of hours with my camera poised and captured some pretty neat shots of the chases and steals this day of the numerous hummingbirds that came to feed, or tried to feed. I must have taken 50 or so pictures this Sunday afternoon, many of which turned out blurry because these tiny and fascinating creatures fly so fast! I thought I'd share just a few of my favorite pictures.. Enjoy.

Oh Deer

2008-09-11T22:49:00.003-04:00

We've had quite the flurry of activity this spring and summer. To our knowledge we've had at least 4 new deer families. One mama deer would "drop her baby off" every morning and then pick it back up in the afternoon. The beautiful fawn would eat for a little bit (yes in my gardens) then lay quietly all day waiting for mom's return. Later on we had a mama and her twin fawns. We got to watch those fawns grow up and begin to loose their spots. Now the twins show up without mama. Just recently we've been host to a mama and her triplets. We've only seen them a few times. The most recent is a mama and her twins. We are wondering if this may be the mama with triplets but may have lost one. This mama has some serious injuries to her leg and chest, yet we caught her playing "get 'cha" with her fawns a few weekends ago, even though it was obvious that she was in pain by the limping when she walked and the big gash on her leg and chest. Thought I'd share just a few, albeit some blurry, pictures.

Captured

2008-08-18T13:13:00.004-04:00

I just finished reading Angie Smith's blog (http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/). I laughed while relating to some of the things she shared about raising her daughters, and I cried.

If you're reading this and have not followed Angie's blog, you are missing out. Angie is the wife of lead Selah singer Todd Smith. Angie and Todd recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, their fourth daughter, and 2 hours later, quietly handed her back to God.

I came across Angie's blog when I was searching for new CD's that might be out from Selah as they are by far one of my favorite praise and worship groups, not to mention some of the most talented singers ever! I jumped into Angie's blog in the middle of her story, of her struggles of learning that the baby she was carrying may not take a breath of air. I cried then too. This time I cried as Angie shared her and Todd's pain as they struggled with making hard decisions that many of us have never had to even think about and about the time lost with the baby they would never get to see grow into a woman. As a mother, I hurt because she hurt, and I selfishly looked at my now grown children and thanked God that mine were healthy and here on earth with me.

But today when I cried, it wasn't because my heart hurt for Angie as she expressed her pain. Thankfully God is giving Angie that wonderful peace that goes beyond what we could ever expect. Peace in times where we think we can't live through whatever trial or situation we are going through. I cried as I was reading through her blog titled Blink. (she's a wonderful author in addition to being a wonderful person). In this posting, she writes how mental images stay with us like photographs. Her daughter expressed interest in wishing she had a camera to capture her mommy kissing her sister "because that was a beautiful picture you just made". Angie responded with "Well let's just blink our eyes and keep that one in our heads, then." Angie then shares memories of moments she has captured mental photographs of.

Angie ends her blog with a mental image that spoke to my heart and moved me to tears. One of our dear precious heavenly Father, as the photographer of our life. I realized again that I have taken my eyes off of THE one making these pictures in my life. I am rushing through life without taking time to snap pictures, whether with a camera or in my mental scrapbook. I hear myself say all too often, "I can't believe it's August already" (or the previous month, or the month before that). I flit from one day to the next, one project to the next, forgetting to blink.

Forgive me Father for taking advantage of the beauty that surrounds me, of the beauty of time, of the beauty of the love of my family.

I cannot repharse it any better, so I have quoted from Angie's blog.

"I'm still here, (Mindy). Tucked away behind this trusty old camera. Now remember, you have this moment, child... That's it, turn your head a little more toward me...Do you trust me? A little more toward me...there...perfect...
Blink."

More Pics of Jenn's graduation

2008-05-04T22:00:00.003-04:00

Jenn accepting her diploma

At the arch

Jenny Graduates!

2008-05-04T21:08:00.002-04:00

We traveled to Findlay this weekend to watch Jenn walk across the stage to accept her diploma after attending University of Findlay for 6 years. We couldn't have felt more proud.

Jenn's New Car

2008-04-08T16:16:00.003-04:00

Jenn's old Honda broke down (blown engine) so she was forced into buying a new one. This is a 2008 Kia Rio. My momma's heart feels better now that she has a new safer car!

Our closest neighbors

2008-02-19T22:30:00.005-05:00

The deer in our back yard.

The deer come to visit almost every day.

They are cautious, but don't seem to be too afraid

These are a some of the smallest ones we've seen.

Christmas 2007

2008-01-23T19:46:00.003-05:00

Dad and Laurie came for our first Christmas together in over 20 years.

Homemade noodles are a family tradition

2008-01-23T19:37:00.000-05:00

Family at Christmas 2007

2008-01-23T19:31:00.000-05:00

This was taken at our front door after Christmas and before everyone started to leave back to their homes. It was a good time.

2007-11-06T15:15:00.000-05:00

Welcome to 5196 Morning Song Drive, Medina, Ohio. Our new home. We move in on Friday November 16th

2007-11-06T15:12:00.000-05:00

This is a shot of the back of the house. You can see the sunroom from the back of the house.

Sunroom at Morning Song Drive

2007-11-06T15:06:00.000-05:00

This is the sunroom in the new house we will move into in just a few short weeks.

Mike graduates from Northland College

2007-06-23T18:54:00.000-04:00

This picture was taken right after Mike graduated on May 26th 2007 on the bridge over "the ravine" where he spent much of his time.

2007-06-05T01:01:00.000-04:00

Love

2007-06-05T00:59:00.000-04:00

Mother/Son dance

2007-06-05T00:58:00.000-04:00

First dance as husband and wife

2007-06-05T00:53:00.000-04:00

Sharing cake!

2007-06-05T00:42:00.000-04:00

Mike and Kelly's wedding day was perfect. It went off without a hitch. It's hard to believe that my baby is now a man who is head of his own household. I am so proud of him. Enjoy the pictures!!

2007-04-30T23:19:00.000-04:00

Desi and Bobi

2007-04-15T22:31:00.000-04:00

Desi was introduced to our family as a Bulgarian pen pal for Jenny when both the girls were in high school. Desi and I have continued to write first by snail mail and now by e-mail. She moved in with her boyfriend and along came Yanica. Precious baby.

Yanica - Desilava and Bobi's baby girl

2007-04-15T22:21:00.000-04:00

This is Yanica, Desi and Bobi's new baby. Desi is my friend and pen pal from Bulgaria. Bobi is her boyfriend.

We're moving!!

2007-02-19T21:53:00.000-05:00

It's official. Dave has been promoted to Service Manager at the Cleveland Clinic. Dave has been doing the job, commuting back and forth from Cleveland, Ohio since the week before Thanksgiving 2006. Well, it's official now. The papers have been signed and we will be moving to Cleveland, Ohio as soon as we sell our house.

2007-02-19T21:22:00.000-05:00

For New Years Eve, we had our good friends over to help us ring in the new year. Ken and Celia, Chuck and Chris and Sam and Kelly joined us for a dinner where everyone contributed to the supper table. Later, the men played a few hands of poker while us women watched "Take the Lead". Well at least the movie was on. Certain person's didn't make it through to the midnight hour and fell asleep before the New year came. This pic is the way I sat the table for the evening. Those of you who know me, know this is one of my delights. To set a table to fits the occasion.

Mike and Kelly, Christmas2006

2007-02-19T21:16:00.000-05:00

Mike and Kelly in front of the formal tree where we open gifts. This is the first Christmas that Kelly got to spend with us. We really enjoyed having her with us.

Jenn, Christmas 2006

2007-02-19T21:11:00.000-05:00

This is Jenny at Christmas displaying the gift that Mike got her. Old sunken timber at the bottom of Lake Superior is brought up and carved with laser beams to create beautiful images. This is a carving board. Jenn liked it!!

2007-02-19T21:07:00.000-05:00

This is Dave and me at Christmas time in front of the family tree. We had all the kids home, Jenny, Mike and our newest memeber (or soon to be) Kelly.

2006-10-28T10:24:00.000-04:00

I love this picture of Dave, doing what he loves to do and is good at. We've had some good times with our friends in this room, playing pool, listening to the "Blues". Now that the weather is forcing us to spend more time indoors, we'll be playing more pool again. That's good 'cuz I need to practice. Dave's gotten too good for me to play anymore. I just stand back and watch him clear the table!

Please be patient as I learn to blog!

2006-10-10T23:36:00.000-04:00

Dave and I are enjoying the beautiful Autumn weather. Dave and his friend, Tim, went to Michigan to fish for Salmon. They caught some bass, but no Salmon. I just got back from Ohio on a business trip that I got to turn into pleasure as I drove to Findlay from Cleveland to spend the weekend with Jenny. I got to visit Jenny's church on Sunday and meet her mentor Bonnie. What a precious woman and her husband Bob. Bob gives great hugs by the way.
We just heard on the news preview that snow is in our forecast. Yes Julie Davis, SNOW...in October!!
We continue to make our house a home by painting and decoratings. God has blessed us with a home that we can use to bless others with. I am enjoying being able to be creative in my decorating. I just started painting the stairs to the basement to look like stone pavers. I was surprised and thrilled with the results. It is such a joy to have the freedom to "play" and have fun with the results.
I miss my out of state friends and all my family. Come visitwhen you can!!

Hello from the Howell's

2006-10-10T20:53:00.000-04:00