The Wait is Over

It is only 8:30am and I went into the family room and found Rick sitting on the recliner reading to his brother and sister. It was a tender moment in time. No, he is not going to school today. It is a celebration day for all of us. We have already been to the hospital early this morning. We have already welcomed tiny "Mackenzie Mae" to this world. In this aspect of our lives, the wait is finally over. We are all thrilled!! Rick's lap can hold one more in the future. What a wonderful big brother he is!!

Three" Fun" Events In My Sunday

This bouquet graced the front table in our church today. I was enthralled with it's beauty. The dear friend who grew the brilliant, red dahlias, was sitting directly in front of me. I am always impressed with her floral arranging talent, and I am sure she must tire of me telling her. Today was one of those times. She said that they were called "dinner plate dahlias" because of their size. She surprised me by telling me I could take the bouquet home with me this Sunday. I was thrilled! Three or four friends tried to take it from me as I was leaving church. How much fun to have these flowers to brighten up my kitchen counter. Thanks, Jo!
The name of this flower is perfect...it would cover up a dinner plate with it's size. What a gorgeous shade of red!
Another one of the fun events of my day, was when I was reading through my "Coming Home" with Gooseberry Patch cookbook and I came to the section about the county fairs, candy apples, blue ribbons, bonfires, and mulled apple cider. I love the Fall season! I look forward to this time of year with it's brisk evenings and it's shorter, cooler days. I found some recipes that I want to try like the "Italian Sausages with peppers and onions". I happen to be related to someone who excels in making this sandwich. Oh, the memories........

Finally, I stepped outside my front door this evening, to water the two big planters on my porch, and I was awestruck by the beauty of the site before me. What a perfect way to end my day. As my dad used to say, "red at night, sailor's delight". Hope you enjoy the feeble attempt I made with my camera to capture the majesty of this sunset. Last night I captured a rainbow and tonight, a sunset. Blessing upon blessing...how thankful I am!

What To Do When It Rains All Day On Saturday...

Paw Paw made us laugh and laugh. He is a funny guy!
He read us lots of books. He makes the books seem interesting, not boring.
We had new stamps and new big, white tablets. We learned how to push down on each one and stamp different colored designs. We are so cool!!
We watched outside so that we could see when the rain would stop. We were hoping that the neighbor's dogs would be in their lawn. It seemed like a long day. It feels like we are having to wait for so many things, lately. Just waiting and waiting.........

"Free As a Bird"

"Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds." Matthew 6:26,TM

Careless in the care of God. And why shouldn't they be? For their food, He provides insects in the air, seeds on the ground. For their search for food, He provides eyes that are keen, wings that are swift. For their drinking, He provides poolings of rain water. For their bathing, He provides puddles. For their survival, He provides migratory instincts to take them to warmer climates. For their flight, He provides bones that are porous and lightweight. For their warmth, He provides feathers. For their dryness, He provides a water-resistant coating. For their rest, He provides warm updrafts so they can glide through the air. For their journey, He provides the company of other travelers. For their return, He provides the companionship of a mate. For their safety, He provides a perch in branches far from the reach of predators. For their nest, He provides twigs. And for every newborn beak, He provides enough worms so they can grow up to leave the nest and continue the cycle of life. It's no wonder they're so free from the cares of this world. The wonder is, if we count more to Him than birds, why aren't we? Ken Gire

What To Do With Old Sewing Machine Drawers...

Since antique malls and flea markets are locations that I am drawn to, I have seen so many old wooden sewing machine drawers. I recognize them because of seeing them and even using them, in my growing up years. My grandmas, my mother, my home-ec teachers and my 4H leaders, all had hopes that maybe I would learn to sew someday. It did not happen, although I do remember my valiant efforts. For some reason, everytime I see drawers like these, I immediately remember back to those days. They are inexpensive and probably many people walk right past them on given occasions. Not me. I used one of them for my daughter's birthday gift. I bought four old glass quart jars for $1.00 each. I filled each of them with supplies that I knew she uses at her desk, pens, pencils, scissors, ruler, plastic glue containers, and stick on notes.
I liked these colorful gel pens that I found at an office supply store. Hopefully, all of these things will come in handy for a busy mother. She can set the box on her desk or on in the corner of her (almost) newly completed vintage kitchen. Who knows, the drawer might have been from my grandma's sewing maching years ago.
This is a picture of another wooden sewing drawer that I had done awhile ago. I filled the box with soft fluffy hand towels from the clearance shelf at Marshalls, an inspirational book to read, good smelling shower gel and two soft pink glass pieces that I found for $ 2.00 at a flea market, with battery operated votives in each one. Actually, this gift could be used for many different occasions, although I think it would be a pampering gift for a new mother, for someone who just went through surgery, or even had a special birthday.
I picture this box setting on a bathroom counter, or a shelf in a powder room. Wherever, and however is not important. What is important, is the thought and the care that went into creating it for someone that you love. Now, perhaps you will take a second look if you walk past some old discarded, wooden sewing machine drawers...they just could bless someone's life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEANE'!

You are beautiful!! Happy Birthday!

Colorado...and Home Again

" Colorado" is truly one of my very favorite places to visit. This past weekend I had that privilege. The weather and the scenery were so beautiful!! We spent many miles on the road while we were there and I never tired seeing the mountains and the lakes. "Majestic" would be the word I would use to describe what I saw.
#1 reason for the trip... to help celebrate my nephew's wedding. What fun it was to meet all of the many family and friends involved in the joyous occasion. The meaningful ceremony and the events preceeding and following, were memorable to say the least.
#2 reason...a rare opportunity to visit family at the ranch near Steamboat Springs. Stepping foot onto the ranch, is like being welcomed into a big, cozy, inviting home, with warm, western hospitality. The ranch is surrounded by breath-taking mountain ranges.
How fortunate to have a real live "cowboy" for my brother-in-law. He truly is a cordial host, greeting friends from around the world. The ranch provides so many fascinating things to do, that we were disappointed our departure time far too quickly. Hopefully, it won't be another four years until I see my dear sister-in-law again.