Something New . . .

 The bride will be wearing a brand new gown on her wedding day, but she won't allow me to give a sneak peak. But the flower girl (littlest sister) has agreed to let everyone have a glimpse of her new dress (made by mama).  

Our days are busy this week and the air is filled with excitement and anticipation. Only 4 more days!

Something Old . . .

As any good mom would do, I am making sure my daughter starts off her marriage right.And so I'm going to bring to you a quick little series based on that old saying:

Something old,

Something new,

Something borrowed,

Something blue.

To fill the requirement for the first line of this little poem we took my own wedding dress down off the shelf. No, she won't be wearing it. Honestly I don't think anyone will ever wear it. I remember feeling like a princess on our special day nearly 30 years ago but much of it has yellowed with age time. Besides, some of the fabric was, well, from an era long ago and of a rather polyester-ish quality.

   Ring Bearer Pillow 

I decided to create a few Keepsakes with bits and trims and layers from my gown. I'm hoping these will become Family Heirlooms, used by our children and grandchildren as they take that next big step in life, committing themselves in marriage the one they've chosen to walk through life. 

 Flower Girl Basket

 All materials used, aside from the pillow stuffing, a few little ribbons on the pillow, and the touch of red rose came from my wedding dress and bouquet. 


I thank my daughter for letting me get all mushy and sentimental, and for allowing me to take on these little projects. I hope it comes to mean as much to her as it does to me. 

Newlywed Cooking Story

An article posted recently by my friend Amy at Raising Arrows inspired this  little story from my past for today's post. You can hop on over to read her version of Newlywed Cooking when you are finished reading here.)

With our two oldest children already living a life of wedded bliss, and number three jumping into Holy Matrimony in just a few weeks, memories from our early newlywed days come to mind regularly. The kids always often sometimes enjoy tolerate these stories from The Old Days. At least, they smile and nod and share encouraging comments like "uh-huh" "really?" and "oh".

 

Thrilling little stories, with lessons to learn. 
Stories such as . . .

Once upon a time, many years ago, there was a young and happy bride. Eager to please her strong and handsome husband she vowed to fix a delicious, home-cooked, country breakfast every weekend. A breakfast that would be sure to win the heart of this farm-boy. Bacon and eggs and toast and juice and, well, you get the picture.
Several weekends in a row she cheerfully fried those eggs and toasted that bread. But then, one Sunday morning, as the love-birds were donning their coats to head for church services, this fine young man turned to his sweet wife and said . . .

"Ummm, it's ok with me if you don't cook breakfast like that anymore."

The bride was crushed. So many thoughts went through her head. "What?! He doesn't like my cooking? He'd rather have his mother's cooking? I've been to their house many weekends. His mother ALWAYS makes breakfast like this. A good old-fashioned, hearty breakfast is what EVERY country boy wants! I must be a terrible cook. He hates my cooking!"

Fast forward 15 years. The still young and happy bride relays the account to newly married couple in hearing range of her still strong and handsome groom. Funny thing is, he recalls the incident very differently. 

"That is what you thought?" says he. "I only meant that I've NEVER liked a big, heavy breakfast. Fried, greasy foods have never set well on my stomach. I think you are a wonderful cook!"

Moral of the story --  do not take off-hand comments personally, be ready to quickly extend grace and love, and you are never too old or married too long to learn something new about each other.

And on another note - Have you voted yet? You have until noon on Sunday, Jan 6 to click on over to see the entries in the Office edition of the New Years Organization Revolution. You can find my Office Space at #125 - hsmominmo. 

A Melancholy Day

This time of year everyone is all lovey-dovey, giving  chocolates, sharing candy hearts lettered with mushy words. That is all fine and good. I'm doing my part in celebrating Valentine's Day as well. But this day, the day before Valentine's Day, finds me a bit introspective, pensive, melancholy each year. 

me in my Mama's arms

Today would be my Mom's 71st birthday. 8 years ago yesterday she suffered a 'bleeding on the brain' (the doctor called it) and just a few weeks later she was gone. Gone from her physical shell, but not gone from our hearts, our memories. 

Mom with our firstborn in her arms

And so, this day before the world celebrates 'Love' I celebrate the Love of Mother. I miss her. I still here her voice at times. Her image comes to mind when I do everyday tasks such as making early morning coffee - that was what she did when visiting us -- rose early, started coffee which would rouse me from a sound sleep and we'd enjoy a quiet cup together.

Mom at Christmas, one of the last times we had with her as a family

Today I smile, I remember, I sigh. My little one runs through the house laughing and I wish Mom could have met her, could have held her. She loved being here when new babies arrived. Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you, always.

Looking Back - December 2011

Hhhaaaaaaaaahhhhh,  we've made it to the end of the year!

 

Right off the bat, in the month of December, we celebrated with Caitlin. She finished her novel! In November she took the 'Write a Novel in a Month' Challenge and she did it! Yes she did. And if you look closely at the picture below, you can see the food that fueled her creative little brain while writing. (No, I'm not the one that supplied these little goodies, but I am very happy with the results, none the less). The title is On the Line and it is a treasure hunting adventure story of sorts, with some good character lessons subtly woven throughout. She has been reviewing the proof and will be publishing it soon - copies should be available for sale in just a couple months.

And then it was time to prepare for our Christmas holiday. Family Tradition says Dad must take the kiddos traipsing through the nearby tree farm to find just the right tree on the first Friday of December. 

Yonder, just over the hill, Dad!

 

The little guys are not so little now. They each took a turn to lend a hand with the saw. Training ground, you know. 

Esther is not so sure it's going to fit.

Maybe it's a tad too tall?

She's a beauty, all decked out in her finery, real festive-like. And with no trimming or cropping - absolutely perfect!

Taking a break from the usual holiday activities, Luke and friend Michael put their sewing skills to the test. 

After all, Paul was a tent-maker, right? With just a little...um...encouragement, shall we say, from Caitlin and friend Rebekah, these manly-men whipped up a couple of super-hero-type capes. For what purpose, I have no idea, but it was fun watching all the goings-on!

 

Of course, what would December be without our Annual 'Gingerbread' House Extravaganza? With a couple several boxes of graham crackers and a bit of royal icing, we were able to create a sweet little town, all decked out and ready for Christmas.

 

The young adults in this house attended their first Winter Ball.

We parents kicked up our heels as well.

Later in the month, Mike and the kids gave me a day off and I spent it with some friends doing some last minute Christmas shopping in the big city. Great fun!

Christmas Eve is a special time for us. We light all the candles, turn out the lights, enjoy hot cocoa and Christmas goodies in the living room while we sing hymns remembering the birth of Christ, and then Dad reads the account of Jesus' birth from the book of Luke. Then the kiddos are sent off to bed with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads. Ok, maybe not. BUT, they do eventually get to sleep and then in the morning they awaken to gifts and giving and sharing and laughter. And their spirits were soaring high.

Looking Back - November 2011

As we snuggle in and ready ourselves for the colder weather, we also take time to gather and remember and give thanks.  Our annual Thanksgiving gathering is always a special time. I do love having my family around me. As our children grow older, I pray that as the next generation grows we will still find time to gather together and give thanks for all the Lord has done and all that He has given. As I ready the table for our feast, I remember my Mom. I wipe a tear from my cheek as I spread the tablecloth she lovingly passed on to me. I can still hear her voice ringing in the kitchen as she would oversee the preparations. I still have not mastered the art of getting this meal on the table, all piping hot and ready the way she could.

As meal preparations go on in the kitchen, 

 

the youngsters snuggle up with Grandpa for story time.  

The ladies in our family are very blessed to have such wonderful men in our lives. They jump right in and help wherever needed. Our Thanksgiving celebration is truly a family event!

 My big boys took time out to run into town and pick up some last minute things. They brought home a beautiful bouquet of flowers for me (along with the other items I requested!) and so we were able to make up three lovely arrangements for our  Thanksgiving table. These blossoms lasted another two weeks, bringing a smile to this Mama's face for many days.

      

The chance to chat with my girl across the ocean, and my sweet grandbabies was another special blessing last Thanksgiving. I am so very thankful for the telephone and other hi-tech means of communication.

                                                   

After we've all had our fill and the dishes are cleared and the food is put away, it's time for games. We all look forward to play and laugh and enjoy each others' company. 

Good Times!

                                    

All the feasting and festivities and fellowshiping makes for one tired puppy.

Just For Fun:

Here you can see our "Potted Cats"

Yes, siree, our resident mouse-catchers plant themselves, literally, right outside the front door, waiting for the opportunity to pounce on whatever tasty morsel might be thrown their way, or to be sure and take advantage of any opportunity they might get to come in out of the cold.

 

Looking Back - October 2011 (part 2)

 To wrap up the month of October, I have just two words. 'Hello!' and 'Good-bye'. 

We said 'Hello!' to the newest addition to the family. Caitlin is now the proud owner of an 8 week old collie puppy named Blitzen. This not-so-little ball of fluff is full of energy and has brought a lot of fun and joy into our household.

the perfect pose

sitting pretty for my ww bread, his favorite food

But, saying 'hello' to Blitzen reminds us that we did have to say 'good-bye' to Caitlin's first collie, Solo. He had grown into a beautiful, sweet and smart dog. He really was a member of the family and it left a hole in our hearts last summer when he was all of a sudden gone. Accidents happen, especially out here in the open space of country life. We all know that. But still, we miss him.  I've added my 2 favorite pictures in Solo's memory, just because I want to. 

And then there was the Big Good-Bye. We enjoyed having Alyssa and George and the two sweetest, most beautiful grandbabies in all the world nearby for 3 months. It was so hard to see them go. Even today, as I sit at the keyboard tapping my fingers over the keys I get choked up and teary-eyed. Sheesh! I'll let you have another peek at my dear children who are now an ocean away, and you'll understand.

 

 

 

 

saying good-bye at the airport

Arioch Jude, my little man

Sweet Baby Jemimah Belle

Looking Back - October 2011 (part 1)

It's my favorite time of year. And this past October was a time for special events and making memories. 

beautiful cakes provided by my own sweet Caitlin

At the beginning of the month, we had the pleasure of attending the outdoor wedding of the daughter of long-time friends of ours.

a gorgeous ceremony, joining 2 special people in marriage

We enjoyed a gorgeous Autumn afternoon as we anxiously awaited the start of the ceremony.

is it time, yet?

Say 'CHEEEESE'!!!

haybales - a great way to seat a crowd

We also made a trip to Silver Dollar City.

That's the way to keep 'em under control, Pa!

                                     

Minin' fer gemstones and posin' for pitchers were just a few of the happenin's that weekend.  Yep, Mama was a bit 'snap-happy' that weekend.

Plenty of time for some whoopin' and hollerin' on those dizzyin' rides, too!

(to be continued)