12-1

I've seen on other blogs where people "tag" each other to go to a certain photo folder in your computer and then post a certain photo (for example the 1st folder, 1st photo). I decided since I have SO MANY photos in my computer that I haven't seen in a while, I would try it for fun...being that it's December 1st I went to My Pictures and to the 12th folder 1st picture and here's what I found...


Christmas Eve 2005...Beautiful!

Through These Eyes

This is my "mentor moment" that I wrote for a recent MOPS meeting.

As I came through the living room doorway, I heard, “Hi, mom! What’d ya think?” Standing there was my 7-year old wearing my glasses.


“Nice!” I said…glad that she doesn’t need corrective eyewear but secretly thinking how cute she looks with them.

Later, as I thought about the afternoon’s events, it hit me. What if by placing those glasses on her face, she had really seen things from my point of view? Would she have had my sometimes negative, critical and pessimistic outlook?

Then, it REALLY hit me. What if things were turned around and instead I viewed life through her eyes…the eyes of a child? How different things might be if seen from her big, innocent, hazel eyes that radiate life and see the wonder and beauty of the world around her.

Glasses, contacts or 20/20 vision…blue, green, or brown eyes…no matter what the physical factors of our sight, we can make the choice daily of how we view life, our circumstances and the situations we face.

I desire to take the time to notice the beauty and recognize my blessings.

Autumn

Yesterday we took our annual autumn leaf viewing trip...such beautiful colors out there. It was so nice to just go without an actual plan or schedule...just see where we ended up and when. We went out some back roads, stopped at "the beaver pond", took a "hike" at an old-growth forest, had some awesome food at a country store/restaurant and pulled off for some photo ops at a couple more scenic spots on the way home.

Here's one of my favorite pics from the day...

Hope you are enjoying autumn as much as we are!

Eleven

Today, the love of my life and I celebrated 11 wonderful years of marriage. As I write this, I am listening to "our song"...Only You by Louis Armstrong and recalling that beautiful autumn day in 1997 when we said "I do."...

This evening I was treated to a delicious candlelight meal cooked by "prince charming" and served by the cutest little waitress ever...what a special treat! (The waitress also makes a good photographer...with a little editing by yours truly!)

Although it's difficult to top last year's celebration in Puerto Rico...this year's anniversary was quite special and will be memorable for quite some time!

THANKS, Ben! (And Emily!)

It's Been A Long Time...

I just realized how long it has been since I posted. We have had a very busy, but fun and productive month of September. I will try to post some fun pics and info soon.

Howdy, Partner!

This past Sunday was Poppy's 65th birthday...We celebrated with a visit from Steph, a cookout complete with cowboy hats, homemade cactus decor and a few handpainted faux freckles. What a fun time!

Where's Waldo?

He's in Geneva!

My brother-in-law and his wife recently got a schnoodle puppy and named him Waldo...what a cutie!

Fun-Filled Weekend

Last week was the county fair. Friday night was wristband ride night and the bull-riding/rodeo grandstand show. So all went to the show to help "Poppy" celebrate his birthday a bit early. We had a really fun time and Emily captured a bit of the action for us with my camera...

She almost did some "Mutton Busting" aka sheep riding...they called for any interested children to come down and give it try. She immediately wanted to go so we went down...she was a bit confused about what it actually was. She thought that she was just going to have a nice "controlled" sheep ride like a kid's pony ride. When she saw the first boy go and fall off the sheep she had doubts in her mind. She later told us, "I said to myself...what was I thinking!?!" But, she decided she'd give it a go and was aboard the sheep in the pen, but HE decided not to go out the gate. Instead he went and hid in the corner giving her the perfect opportunity to rethink her decision and get off. We're proud of her for making an attempt and she says, "at least I got to hug a fluffy sheep".

After the show Em & Ben went on a couple rides and then she did a bunch of kid rides by herself. And of course we feasted on some good ole fair food...fried dough and fried oreos and took sugar waffles and a candy apple home with us.

Then, Saturday evening Em and I had a "girls night out" to the movies for Kit Kittredge: American Girl. I'm so glad I took Em to see it. It was fun spending some time together (just the 2 of us) and the movie was excellent.

What a fun weekend...just what we needed after a hectic week!

Our Little Beauty

So pretty...

Christmas in July

When Ben heard that Third Day was releasing a new cd last week, he came home all excited asking me to get online and order it for him. So...before it was actually released I ordered it. Anything for my hubby...besides, it gave me a great excuse to go ahead and order a book and cd that I had been wanting (gotta save on those shipping costs!)

For the next couple of days he anxiously awaited coming home from work to news that the "brown truck" had finally arrived with the package. As we opened the box of goodies we were like kids at Christmas...in July!

So now I've got a new read and we've both got some new tunes. And I must say that Third Day's "Revelation" is awesome!

Anxiously Waiting...

Ben has been gone to a men's retreat since Thursday evening. It has been rough on us as it is the longest he's been gone away from home and we have had no contact with him since he left. We received word "through the grapevine" a couple of hours ago that he would be on his way home soon, but so far we have not seen nor heard anything of his return. So we're trying to remain occupied and patient as we await his arrival, but I am getting a bit antsy for him to get here and Em is getting VERY anxious for her daddy to be home.

All in all it has been a good, busy weekend, but I am so ready for him to be back. I've come to a new appreciation in regards to his helpfulness with household and family duties and have realized how truly thankful I am for him in my life. I guess absence really does make the heart grow fonder...


UPDATE: He's home! Lots of hugs...daddy/daughter laughter...some pizza...now he's reading bedtime stories in her room. Life is good!

Dandelion

This summer I've really taken note of and gained an appreciation for dandelions. For some (including myself until recently), they are often thought of as a pesky weed that can overtake the lawn. But lately I can't help stopping to look at them and see their real beauty!

The bright yellow ones just seem so cheery (especially when I recall my fondest memories of great big hand-picked bouquets of them from my sweet little daughter)...

But I've been quite attracted to the ones that've gone to seed...they seem so significant and represent so much...

My inner child's thoughts often wander to all the wishes I've made over the years or could make as I gently blow the seeds away and watch them drift through the air... My spiritual nature envisions spreading the seeds of faith and watching the "new life" that results... My motherly instinct can't help but recall and ponder the joy of new life as it comes through a newborn baby...And just like the seeds are blown, land in various locations and then grow and bloom, so too can we bloom where we're planted when the things of this world seem to "blow us away" and leave us in new, unchartered territory.

Additionally, I am learning how beneficial and refreshing it can be to take the time out to notice the little things around us and find the hidden beauty in things that may at first glance seem to be unattractive and undesirable.

What "hidden treasures" have you noticed lately?

Baptism at the Falls

On Sunday, our church congregation took a "field trip" to a park to hold a baptism service in the swimming area near the falls. What a beautiful place...such great evidence of God's wonderous creations!

Here's one of the pics I took of the falls while we were there (with all the afternoon rainstorms we've been having lately the water was really flowing)...

Pieces

A text message and the Holy Spirit

Our ladies group usually meets on Thursday evenings, but last week there were various reasons for unavailability (as there have been quite frequently lately). Usually we just try again the next week.

Well, last week was a bit different...as I sat at work Friday morning I felt like we needed to meet and I couldn't stop thinking that I should contact them and see if they were free that evening or the next. NEVER before have we rescheduled to a different night if we couldn't meet on Thursday. So, it was a bit out of the ordinary but I had missed our time together, felt a strong urge to do so and decided to give it a try.

Before I left my office for home, I sent a quick text message asking if they were available. They were and we ended up meeting at our favorite place for some tea & biscotti (lemonade for the non-tea drinker).

After we gathered, we realized that we had been "summoned". What started out to be "about us" ended up becoming an opportunity to witness to someone in her time of need.

Lately I've been seeking to know what it is the Lord would have me do...when the ladies mentioned that I had received a prompting from the Holy Spirit to get us there that night, I felt encouraged in my quest for a greater purpose.

BUZZ!

I used to think that summer vacation was a time for relaxing, but lately I'm becoming convinced otherwise! I am starting to feel a bit like a bee...landing briefly as I buzz from one thing to the next.

Don't get me wrong...it's been a good busy but still just as tiring.

After we returned from our "camping trip" we got right back into the swing of things with church, work, errands, vbs, karate...

Even through these chaotic times, I have been trying to "be still" and spend a few moments reading a good book, praying, thinking of all that I have to be thankful for, etc. and I have noticed it having a positive influence on my attitude about certain things.

I have also been working to get our ladies group back on track and re-connected. We seem to let life get in the way of taking time out to be together and encourage one another. We so need that time with each other and with the Lord. (Last week's meeting was a good one and if we're able to gather tonight I have a feeling that it will be quite meaningful...separate posts to come!)

Birthday Update (better late than never)

It's official...I'm 33! Once again my birthday was a special one (Em always makes sure of it!). I was awakened at 6:30am by Ben & Emily bearing gifts and cards. What a nice wake-up call (even if it was quite early on my day off!). The day continued on with lots of fun including a handmade birthday party hat, a "girls" lunch out, some shopping and dinner with family. The grand finale was the cake that Em had baked me (with a little help from Nana). It was definitely a HAPPY birthday!

Disconnected for Recharging

After several weeks of hectic schedules we decided to "get away". So we packed everyone up (including Mojo the dog) and headed out on the 4th to my in-laws for a family picnic, campfire and campout.

It was so nice to "disconnect" for a couple of days. No watch...cell phone off...no computer, no television...no radio... We stayed in our pop-up camper and Ben's brother and his wife pitched a tent (that in itself was quite fun and entertaining...that's a story for another day). Some highlights of the two days we were there... A lacrosse game with the dog...

LOTS of tasty food...YUMMY s'mores...live music...lots of laughter...4 hours sleep (realized I'm too old for that now)...DELICIOUS breakfast at "Anne's Diner" (aka my mother-in-laws kitchen)...some more fun & laughter...a back deck mani/pedi session with the "girls"...an MG ride with my hubby...a visit with the sweet neighbor lady...and a family road trip to our fave ice cream shop for some freshly made waffle cones.

We all had such a great time. It was nice to "just be"...to not have a schedule and watch the clock trying to keep to it. I guess I hadn't realized how much I needed to get away from things...to disconnect from the buzyness and distractions of life and instead "plug into" my family for a "recharging of my emotional batteries."

Thirty-Three

As I prepare to celebrate my 33rd birthday tomorrow, I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on the blessings I have had so far in my life and make a list of things that bring me joy...

So here's 33 things that make me thankful and happy (in no particular order):

1. My loving husband
2. My precious daughter
3. My parents, sister and other family members
4. My Lord
5. Daisies (especially handpicked by blessing #1 or #2)
6. Dandelion wishes
7. Rainbows
8. Sunsets
9. Sunrises (YES, I have gotten up early enough to see a few…and while on vacation no less!)
10. Home mani/pedi with Em
11. Friends
12. A cup of tea
13. Ice cream (my BIG weakness)
14. A good book
15. Photography
16. Bedtime stories & snuggles
17. “Secret” goodbye handshakes
18. Fireworks
19. My “Box” (XB)
20. My 30th birthday gift! (BMW)
21. Our furry family members
22. Receiving mail (that isn’t a bill or junk)
23. Smores ‘round a campfire
24. Butterflies
25. Mediterranean pizza from our favorite pizza shop/café
26. “Leaf days”
27. Apple picking
28. Fresh donuts and hot cider
29. “Refrigerator Art”
30. Hugs
31. A neat and tidy desk (though it doesn’t happy often at home…when it does it makes me very content!)
32. The scent of a summer afternoon rain shower
33. Starry nights

And an extra...Snow Angels

P.S. I am also SO VERY thankful that Em seems to be finally over the nasty virus that hung on for a full week.

An Unusual Visitor

On Saturday, Em, Nana and I went on a quick shopping trip while Ben stayed back to catch up on some "landscaping chores". While trimming he noticed a turtle near the front wheel of the car...a little bit out of the ordinary as we are right in the village and his journey to arrive here had to have included traveling quite a distance and crossing some main streets with busy traffic.

When "the girls" arrived back from the store we were directed to a rubbermaid tote "tank" where the turtle was residing with some water and a large stone. After a brief visit, our guest seemed to be rather agitated and unhappy with his accomodations. We decided it was best to take him "home." So we found a pail for him to ride in, packed everyone up in the car and headed for Mill St. Pond to let him go free.

Though she was a bit sad that he couldn't stay, Em released him knowing that she was doing the right thing and making him "very happy"...here's to a good life at the pond, little guy!

P.S. While we were at the pond we had fun watching a pair of ducks and saw lots of pretty dragonflies.

First...

first grade...first sleepover...first day of summer vacation...

Handcrafted and Spinning

Our Father’s Day activities took us on a trip to a local park for a ride on the “fastest carousel in the world”.

Today as I reflected on how much fun we’d had, my thoughts turned to the hand-carved animals and the “selection process” of choosing the perfect one to climb aboard for our rides…each so unique and so beautiful.

Then it hit me…how alike we are to those animals. Each crafted by the master’s hand…Each unique…Each beautiful.

Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful…”

As the carousel rotates, some horses go up and down, but each animal stands firmly in place on the platform. If we are willing to stand firm on our foundation and remain planted in faith, He bring us full circle through the ups and downs in this “merry-go-round of life” even when it seems to be spinning out of control at a rate we can’t keep up with.

2 Corinthians 1:14 “…because it is by faith you stand firm.”

The best part is that He doesn’t choose just one that strikes His fancy at that moment… He has chosen each and EVERY one of us and is holding the reins for the “ride of a lifetime” …are you ready to see where it takes you?

*Photo courtesy of Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society: http://www.eldridgepark.us/

Happy Father's Day!!

Emily has the BEST daddy a little girl could wish for!!
Here's hoping that all the fathers out there enjoy their special day!

Flying Free

This morning I arose to honking...no, not a car horn. It was the wonderful sound of the geese returning. There was so much significance for me this morrning as I listened to their noisy flight overhead. Their return means that springtime is fast approaching. Their ability to freely fly got me to thinking about Emily. Today she went on her first ever "play date"...an hour away from home to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate a friend's birthday. As a mom, tons of thoughts raced through my mind and a wave of mixed emotions came over me. So excited yet so sad that she's growing up and doing things on her own. Perhaps I'm a control freak, or just too overprotective, but there I was this morning standing in the driveway letting my "baby" go and entrusting her care to another and it was really hard. My saying for today..."I have to let her grow up...but I don't have to like it." As I thought back to the geese and the other birds who have been chirping and singing in our backyard the last couple of days, I think of the tendency I have to want to "clip her wings" much like a caged bird, yet deep in my heart I know the right thing to do is help her develop and strengthen her wings so when the time comes to fly from the nest, she'll be ready and equipped to soar freely! I'm surviving the day with her gone and my anxiety level is surprisingly low. Besides, some time alone now and then will allow a little freedom to be me and do some "flying" of my own.

Here's a great song from Mark Harris...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knm492yxMfo

Another visit...

We had another visit from the tooth fairy last night. Em lost her other upper front tooth at school yesterday. She looks so cute with both top teeth missing...and it's just in time for spring school pictures next Tuesday. Currently she's missing 3 teeth and the 4th tooth (first to come out) is now about 3/4 grown in. It's almost as exciting as when she first got her baby teeth!

Here's a pic of her 1st tooth ever...look closely and you'll see it!

A couple of pretty views...

I keep remembering this...


To help me survive this...

Both beautiful scenes...yet there's just something about the nice warm beach in Puerto Rico that I enjoy so much more than icy winter in upstate New York. Hmmm...

Rescue

A couple of songs that pretty much sum it up...listen and ponder...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=p4C_ejJklow

http://youtube.com/watch?v=GRsUGccqFVA

Breaking Free

Ok...so I have had about enough of winter! I so long for some warmth and sunshine and some dry ground. This morning I took Em to school, returned home for a few and then went out to leave for work. I got in the car, started it up, put it in reverse and along came the spinning tires... I was going nowhere. The combination of mud, ice and ruts in the driveway had my car trapped. So after a few unsuccesful attempts to break free (including cat litter under the tires) I ended up having to call my prince charming and wait for him to ride in on his white horse to my rescue. Ok! Ok! So it was a silver car...but he still came to my rescue. After a little assistance, I was finally free from the driveway and on my way to work.

As I reflect on the morning events being stuck in a rut (literally), unable to break free and having to call for help, I can't help but think of the bigger picture which I have been reminded of a lot lately and the "ruts" of our lives that we so often find ourselves in, unable to break loose from the hold they have on us until we are willing to admit that we can't do it alone, surrender control and "call" for help. The best part of it all is that when we call upon the Lord we won't get his voice-mail...he's always there to answer and come to our rescue if we'll let him.

When is Spring coming?

Oh how we wish Spring would arrive SOON! We are so anxious to be through with sweaters, coats, mittens, hats and all the other items that come along with the cold miserable weather. This winter has seemed exceptionally long as we have had mostly ice and slop rather than nice snow to build snowmen, do snowangels and play in. I long bring my flip-flops out of storage and take Em out to play. Of course, I'm sure when Spring does arrive I will have a new complaint... MUD!

As much as I gripe about the weather, each season has it's own beauty...the ice that has been coating the trees the last couple of days is actually quite pretty and it is fun to listen to the "crinkling" sound of the iced trees as the wind blows.

Here are some photos that Ben and I took from the backyard after church today...

De-Clutter Update

Well, one more room is about to be crossed of the de-clutter list. Our bedroom is nearing completion. It is looking good. The closet still needs some work and to have some outdated and unworn clothing removed. I'll post before & after pics soon.

Then...and...Now

Unbelievable how quickly they grow...

February 1st, 2001 (1 day old)



February 1st, 2008 (7 years and 1 day old)

Happy 7th Birthday, Emily Claire!

We celebrated Emily's 7th birthday yesterday. What a fun time. I went to have lunch with her at school and stayed for her "party" in the classroom. Then after school we opened presents with Nana and tried out some of the gifts. When Ben got home we went to dinner with Nana, Grandma & Grandpa to Friendly's. I think she really had a great birthday. And now today we're home together because of some unexpected circumstances...one of which a snow day (more like a sleet/ice) day for the 2nd time this week. So we're still in our pjs and having a great time.
Some of the birthday fun...

Home Improvement One Bag at a Time...

Well, I've embarked on a home (and life) improvement project...de-cluttering. I don't know if it's a good thing to admit or not, but so far I have had more than a full giant garbage bag, 2 bags of recycling, 2 bags of shredding and 2 bags of clothing items (all mine) to donate to charity and 1 large rubbermaid tote of clothing to store. And I have only done a very small portion of the house. YIKES! There is still so much sorting, getting rid of and organizing left to do, but I really feel great about the areas that have gotten done so far.

It is amazing how significant an effect the clutter can have on a person...and how wonderful it can be to finally be free of that burden. I just hope I can keep up the motivation and momentum to get the rest of the house clutter free.
Here are a few before and after photos...

The "Cluttered" Hall..."Before"


The hallway after...what a difference a Saturday morning "de-junk" session can make!

The living room before...

The living room after...a place to sit and relax!

Stay tuned for more amazing transformations!

Wedding ~ Flower Girl

Some friends from HOPE got married on January 19th. I was the photographer...my 1st wedding! Not a paid job...was my gift to them...but some really valuable experience and a very fun time.

Emily was the flower girl...so exciting! She did such a great job and was SO PRETTY! We're very proud of her.

The flower girl sprinkling her rose petals...



The Flower Girl (Emily) and Ring Bearer (Kendall)
At the reception...what a silly!

P.S. Emily even caught the bouquet! Somehow I don't think she'll be the next one to get married...that'd be a long time to go without any weddings!!