{Happy Homes} ink

Blessings in 2011

2011-01-01T00:20:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!!!
May all of your hugs be sweet.
May all of your relationships be hugged.
May your 2011 be full of love, growth, peace and the joy of knowing our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!!

love,
tonya

Elements I love! First up: The Bertazonni Gas Range

2010-07-03T20:15:00.014-04:00

Meet our Bertazonni range.
OOOOOooohhhh my, how beautiful! It's an Italian built, gas stove top and oven and it's gorgeous!
I am now up for the challenge of charting new culinary territory! No longer am I simply "cooking in my kitchen"...well, that maybe a bit of exaggeration;). But I might dress a little better while I'm making dinner or *gasp* doing the meal planning! I have a sudden urge to create stir fry's. This bad boy is uber sleek, uber powerful, and uber easy on the eye!

Actually, the process of deciding on this range might be helpful to some of you, so I'll share how we went about deciding to get the Bertazonni. We needed to decide what size range we were going to install before our cabinet maker could build the cabinets and here is where we started.

We went over to local high-end appliance Retailer to peruse possible appliances for our kitchen.
Our budget did not include any appliances in the remodel. We had basically 28k for the whole thing...no appliances. I didn't mind reusing our fridge and dw, but I've been cooking a lot in the past few years and I needed more space on the stove top. I desired a 36" 5 or 6 burner top. We were introduced to induction cooking and was sold on it in a second...about three seconds, actually, that's all it takes to boil water...and no residual heat. Amazing.

However, our kitchen is only about 12x12 and we couldn't figure a way to put an induction cook top AND a wall oven in our layout. I didn't like the oven being so low if we went with a single wall unit. We needed one complete unit. No manufacturers build a 36" induction range...hello, you're kidding right? No. If we went in that direction, we would sacrifice size, because the only type of induction range has 4 burners(std. 30"). I highly recommend this type of range to anyone shopping for a new range. At least look at it...it's great for kids, powerful, and you have amazing control of the heat.

This was the splurge o'rama in the whole redo
Even though this stove top isn't as powerful as a Wolf or Viking, it's about a third of the cost. The largest duel burner is 15000btu's. More than sufficient for my humble (but adventurous!) cooking. We couldn't find a main-stream brand that makes a 36" range. We also investigated induction cook tops and would have went that direction, again, if we had the real estate.

After pouring over internet reviews of several different brands in the 3-5k range, we thought we had settled on a Fratelli Onefri and began looking for the best pricing in our area. We found a great appliance place in Cinnci that had one on display and so we went to take a look.

The Salesman at the store proved to be extremely helpful and asked if we were set on the Fratelli, because if we weren't he'd like to show us a couple of other models that might work for our project.

We were open (always stay OPEN!). He took us to see the AGA pro and then the Bertazzoni. His opinion was that the Bertazzoni gave the power of 18kbtu's, with the way the flames are arranged on the duel burners. Frankly, he could have told me anything, because I was in love;)! The range had a 5 burner or 6 burner option. We liked the look and the feel of the range and it more substantial oven racks than the other brands/models. The Berta Pro has an option of duel-fuel oven, but again, based on price, we opted for the all gas oven. It has gas convection, which was something I wanted. I was a little concerned about having my oven be solely gas, but I'm willing to learn how to bake with gas. So that my friend, is how this lovely range came home to our kitchen
...and we hope to live "happily ever after"!

Give away over at one of my favorite blogs!!

2010-06-28T21:31:00.004-04:00

http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.blogspot.com

I found Kristin when I was scouring the internet for kitchen inspiration. She's done some crazy amazin' things with ordinary things and has turned her home into showcase! I just love her kitchen and she creatively turned ordinary builder's grade cabinets into spectacular cabinets. If you get a chance go and take a look around. While you're at it, enter to win a gift certificate for a cool online shopping mecca: www.csnstores.com

I had not heard of this place, but I'm spending some time there and probably some cash, now that I've found it!
have fun!
blessings,
t

Sneak Peak of kitchen

2010-06-24T11:24:00.000-04:00

Here it is! I LOVE, love, love it! Absolutely, exactly our style! I love the black distressed bottom cabinets with the rich warm, ginger-y color of the tops! The granite has both gray and cream tones, so I think it will pull it all together. I've NEVEr had a range fan and I must say, this is the bomb!! We are suppose to have counter-tops installed on Monday! Can't wait to share the whole space...

Ode to My Ol' blue

2010-06-14T10:17:00.003-04:00

Ahem.

Ode to my Ol' blue

Oh, blue carpet you've served me well,
where messes have been I can hardly tell.

You've taken the good along with the bad,
Christmas wrappings, good food spills,

and a time or two,
you've been hit with a blurp, a gerp or some poo.

Who knew 20years ago when we purchased,
you'd be so gallant and not back away.
You've stood the test of mauve decor, country blue too,
and even transitioned to the rich regal of hunter and wine.

You've taken the babes, toddlers and teens.

The messes two dogs and a cat,

and children so many, too many to count

threw at you each day and you never talked back!

I hardly believe it's time to tell you goodbye.

I'll miss all your color.

I'll miss all your charm.
But I do have to say, it's a blissful new day,

when I can purchase some fabric and not jerk away from

those color schemes

that don't blend with you!

Ode to My Ol' blue.

Thank you.

Granite choice for My Dream Kitchen!

2010-06-09T13:05:00.005-04:00

After many, many hours of looking for granite here's our choice:

Here's an up close detail picture:
I just love, love, love the way the granite is almost marbleized. It has warm creamy tones, as well as white & grayish tones. Which I think will completely tie all the appliances into the color scheme. I'm still using my white fridge and white dishwasher, because it's fairly new and is in good working condition. The granite people came to measure today, will get the slabs in next week (the above slabs are the actual slabs that will be going in our kitchen), and installation will be scheduled for the weeks of the 25th. I will later post my tips on how to go granite shopping. It's quite an adventure and it's awesome how you can see the handiwork of God in every piece of granite. Blessings,
tonya

Flooring sneak

2010-05-25T15:41:00.000-04:00

Here's a sneak at the floor. We couldn't wait for Tom to do the install, so we put some pcs together to get a general "feel" of how it would look. YUM! We love it! We've got a mix of wood finishes throughout the house, so I think the variation will pull the wood tones together. I know you think I'm excited, however, you should have Jeff give you the tour! He's UBER excited! Hope you've enjoyed the pictures up to today. I had some technical difficulites with my Picasa and now am able to post again!

Getting to some finishing!

2010-05-25T15:38:00.000-04:00

I LOVE my mini chandilier, purchased at Lowe's. It's so cute and perfect for the entry spot!

It's hard to see, but I've got a milk chocolate brown, same as entry way, painted insde the bay window area. The walls are "fresh baked bread"...indication of time's to come? I think so!

An overall view of the kitchen finish so far, 5.25.2010. Floors are being installed today. Hard wood throughout the kitchen, dining room and family room, down the hallway.
Below, is a picture of my new entry door, painted the lovely "fresh baked bread" color. I've got some ideas for adding a little somin'somin' to make it look like the sun shining on a medow;0)

Sun Tube

2010-05-25T15:26:00.001-04:00

Above: No sun tube...
Below: Suntube installed!

Prep work makes the job go smoothly

2010-05-25T15:23:00.000-04:00

Good-bye bulk heads...

2010-05-25T15:22:00.000-04:00

FANTABULOUS dry wall guy!!

2010-05-25T15:20:00.000-04:00

This process took three days. It was more tedious than I expected, but look at his results! It was amazingly smooth and hadn't even been sanded yet! Tom, our remodeler, has been extremely detailed and meticulous in his work. Sometimes, we almost say the very same things when looking and thinking about the design of the kitchen. It's been a great experience, so far, VERY good!

Bay window ceiling lights & electrical

2010-05-25T15:07:00.000-04:00

This is the ceiling above the bay window in the former dining room. It was damaged from a storm about 14 years ago. It has needed a redo since then...ahhh..it's so good to see things getting done! We are installing more lights...halogen here. Kind of a spot/night light. Have I mentioned that I like LOTS of light!

This will be our electrical for my new microwave! We have ordered a microwave "kit" that will allow it to be installed into the cabinets. EEK! Can you hear my excitement! I'm starting to feel like an hgtv reality show...no, it IS my reality!! YAY! I can't wait to share it!

Door!

2010-05-25T14:52:00.003-04:00

Love this door hardware;0)

2010-05-25T14:50:00.000-04:00

This is the new entry way into our home. Pictured looking across the stair way, into the garage. I'll be painting the small area in the garage as well and the garage access door (brown with window now).

2010-05-20T09:01:00.003-04:00

This is important! New way for the pipes to vent. Tom is doing an awesome job!

New can lights are going in...the kitchen remodel theme is "Ode to Light"!

Kitchen remodel

2010-05-19T20:55:00.002-04:00

This is where the doorway in the kitchen is being moved, so that we can use the wall space for the fridge!

This pic is where the half-wall and spindles used to be...yay!

The best "find" in the whole remodel..so far! ;0) Pine on the steps, which means I can paint them...I'm thinking white on the riser and black or dark stain on the steps.

2010-05-19T16:01:00.001-04:00

This is after the cabinets are gone!

2010-05-19T16:00:00.003-04:00

Another pic of the cabinets gone!

First week of Demo, April 5, 2010

2010-04-18T16:21:00.004-04:00

Wow, has this blog been neglected!?!

2010-04-17T11:15:00.008-04:00

Well, if there is still anyone out there, Hello! I've obviously not been in the writing mood, so no blog post since August! I guess I won't be attracting new readers at this rate. However, I am doing something very exciting....Completely remodeling our kitchen!! I mean, gutting, down to the studs, up to the attic remodel. It's so exciting! This week was our first week of demo and I thought I would share some photos. I can't believe how much better the space looks and feels with the old stuff out! Enjoy, and your certainly invited to share the ride and don't forget to comment once or twice!

Here are the "before" photos.

Notice the low ceilings...apparently, it was very popular in 1978.

Dig that disco tile!

I'm keeping the darling hubby! Everything else: Goes!

The Homeschool Lounge Open House

2009-08-07T21:11:00.001-04:00

This is our third year of home schooling. I have two boys, 16, & a sophomore, and 13, & in 7th grade. This is the first year I have actually had a plan and am implementing it!

I found out about a year-round school plan where we go 9wks, off 2wks, on 9wks, off 3wks, on 9wks, off 2wks, and on 9wks, off for June & July.

We use a mixture of curricula from SOS from Alpha Omega Pub., Videotext Interactive, Apologia, BJP, & Rosetta Stone. I used most of their set lesson plans and adjusted according to what I wanted the boys to complete. I found that they all worked in a 9week format which was so helpful.

Another new plan is to schedule 5 days of work into 4 days. This helps in several areas: I can schedule a field trip day and we don't get behind in our work. Life can (and does) happen, and we don't get behind. The boys can be motivated to have an easy day on Friday, by completing all work by Thursday.

We are only one week into this schedule. It took me a good 2 weeks of work to figure out what I wanted to use and how to use it (thanks to donnayoung.org) . I found a ton of resources to adapt to our schedule.

I actually made each of the boys a binder with a school calendar. They know exactly what days we take for holidays & vacations. I didn't realize how much they would like having that information. I assumed they just "knew" what was normal. In addition to their lesson plan, I printed out a calendar for each of them that could be used as a journal to record their daily activities. Things that are valuable, but extra, such as home school group activities, music lessons, sports practices, trips to the park, etc.

They have been super responsive and have loved checking off each lesson as they complete the task. I'm so thankful that the Lord led me in this direction and He has affirmed the benefits of this plan for our family. I'm so blessed to be able to educate the boys at home, even though it's sometimes difficult!

I'll try to post some pictures of the binders.

blessings to all,
tonya

A photo book of my trip to Ecuador March 2009

2009-06-27T15:28:00.001-04:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

2009-06-17T16:26:00.000-04:00

Hands of Caring

2009-03-20T12:27:00.001-04:00

I had some great helpers come and assemble the salvation bracelet packets for our Mission trip. I pray that MANY will be reached for eternal life through this tool. Please join with me in prayer that there will be open minds, open hearts and especially open spirits ready to recieve the gift of Eternal life.
love and blessings,
tonya

Happy Valentine's Day!! & 20 loaves of bread!!

2009-02-13T18:52:00.004-05:00

This is what I spent my day accomplishing. I love the method from the "Artisan Bread in 5 minutes a Day". It's a no knead, basically a dump, mix and let rise for about 3 hours. The results are amazing! Check out the book at Amazon.com. We are having a Valentine's Dinner at our church on Sunday and we're bringing the bread!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I like to "blog"...

2009-01-30T21:16:00.002-05:00

I like to blog
it gets me out of the fog
it's a place I can write
and feel no fright.
I really like to blog.

I like to rhyme
it gets my brain in time
Out of the gray
comes what may
Yes, I like to say
I like to rhyme

Pictures I like to share
however,
uploading is a bear.
I have some great pics
but right now I just might
type, type, type on my blog!

written by
Tonya Dieterlen
2009 ;0)

My Random 25 from FaceBook

2009-01-27T17:37:00.002-05:00

Hi all, I really liked doing this "Random 25". It really gave me some clarity of who I am and where I am...probably goofy, but I've decided to scrapbook this as a page about me, at this point in my life. I'll post the page as soon as it's created!

1. I love Jesus more and more each day.
2. I never dreamed in a million years I would be a stay-at-home-home-schooling mom.

3. I did dream of owning my own retail shop full of career wear.
4. I did dream of being a buyer at Macy's and living in an all white-decor penthouse apartment in New York City. (God's got a great sense of humor!)
5. I've never been to New York City.
6. I love Indiana--the whole state from Boonville to Nappanee!
7. I met Jeff the second day I was at Purdue and we've never looked back.
8. Jeff and I really stayed together in the beginning out of convenience, then we became best friends. If you're really interested ask me the story;0)
9. I'm just now, in my 42nd year, learning about setting boundaries!
10. I love bright colors.
11. I have tons of "BFF"!
12. I'm not afraid to cry in public anymore.
13. I want to learn to speak fluent Spanish. (really fluent--like-I-can-understand-and- speak-really-fast--fluent)
14. I love Ecuador.
15. I love any place really warm with gregarious, friendly people and great landscape.
16. I'm an extroverted extrovert!
17. I'm planning for a new kitchen this year, which will be completely glorifying to God...because I have NO idea where the money will come from...stay tuned!
18. I love meeting new people. I love people. They are neat creations and I'm always intrigued.
19.I love puppies. All puppies. I've never met one I didn't love..it's very dangerous!
20. I love appreciating the majesty of the weather that God creates. I also think he paints sunsets and sunrises just for me;0)
21. I like to randomly, genuinely compliment a total stranger.
22. I love watching House Hunters International and hope to travel extensively someday.
23. I have enjoyed beyond my imagination raising my two boys. They are so much fun and are becoming, what I hope, will be good men, husbands, and fathers.
24. My husband is still my best-best friend and we like to make sure we'll still be best-best friends once the kids are out on their own...right now the boys think we argue a lot:O}
25. I never, not for one second, take life for granted. It is precious and worth protecting, preserving and dedicating to the one who created it...Jesus Christ!
26. Oh, and I like to have fun...this was fun!

A Valentine Birdie for you.

2009-01-27T17:09:00.001-05:00

I purchased this at Target after Christmas for $1.99 (75% off). I thought it was cute Christmas ornament. Then I started thinking...

What if I added some vintage flowers and vintage beads, a little ribbon...??

THIS is what I came up with! A little Valentine birdie all gussied up for a pink, sweet Valentine's Day. Hope you enjoy!

A cupcake??

2009-01-16T19:42:00.004-05:00

How's this for keeping warm on a cold winter's day?? Patrick and I received the FoodNetwork magazine this past week and this is our version of "Lulu's cupcakes". They look and taste very similar to the Hostess cupcakes we all know and love. They are really too rich for me, but EVERYONE else in the family seems to dig them!! They took quite a few steps, but the end results are certainly worth the effort. So much fun and Patrick and I had a blast making them...I really think he might become a chef! By the way, the temp right now is 10 degrees!!!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T23:02:00.003-05:00

I hope you are having a wonderful holiday with all your family and friends! My boys are still so excited they can hardly go to sleep!

I wish you a Merry Christmas and Pray that you know personally, the One who all the hullabaloo is about, Jesus Christ himself.

with much love,
tonya

Glitter sales in a recession...^

2008-12-10T15:11:00.007-05:00

Here's how I glittered my inexpensive candle sticks & birdies(from the Dollar Tree):

Aren't they just yummy?! I love every color of glitter. This would be so lovely for a wedding reception or tea or luncheon or....where do you see it??

I used Martha's glitter glue that comes with her glitter packs. You can also purchase it separately. I think it's very similar to tacky glue. I was amazed at how well it adhered the glitter to glass, candle, and so far, anything I've tried to glitter. The pink, blue and green above are SU! chunky glitters.

I highly recommend this project simply for the mood boost! I'm sure glitter sales have to be through the roof in a recession...it's simply lovely and happy and sparkly and well, how much better does it get??

Cottage Style Shopping

2008-12-02T21:06:00.004-05:00

I've just joined a group of ladies who are lovely and gifted artist. They love the cottage style...lots of vintage, glitter, and lace. Any wonder WHY I joined this group!? Lol! There is a wonderful group of esty sellers who are showcasing their talent on the blog until mid December.

If you're looking to find something special for someone special, please be sure to visit the group @ Esty Cottage Style blog. If you do stop by and check it out, please make sure to leave a comment!

Wreaths, bows and tons of glitter!

2008-12-01T21:50:00.007-05:00

I've been making bows like it's Christmas at the flower shop! This year was the time when ALL the wreaths needed freshening up! Our church needed 7 new "do's", and I re-made all the ones hanging on the outside of our house. So far, my bow count is 13, still readying to do the indoor decor! It's very gratifying to take something that's shabby and rework it into fresh!

Below you will see some of the fruits of my labor of love with glitter. Oooo, I DO love the stuff. I have it ALL over my house...not necessarily intentional! LoL! I love the garland...just using chipboard shapes. However....

This bird is my ALL time favorite project, so far! Underneath all that sparkling glory, is one ugly dollar store resin bird!! Don't you just love it?! I can't wait to finish it up with some cute little ribbons or flowers...I'll show you my finished project just as soon as I know what it is! Oh, you ask about those beautiful candle sticks in the background??? I'll show you just how I did it...in my next post!

Thankful for my Grandma's linens...Enjoy!

2008-11-24T19:59:00.000-05:00

Glittering and crafting away...

2008-11-20T08:54:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple of pictures of my crafting projects. I have more that I'll post tomorrow, but for now enjoy these...

"Home Schooling A Family's Journey"

2008-11-07T09:57:00.003-05:00

I just finished this book and it was very informational, easy to read and very encouraging. It also tells of the story of how someone who intended on using the public/private school setting was guided into the world of home schooling. Gregory and Martine Millman do a great job looking back over the journey and conveying it with humbleness and honesty. I highly recommend the book to anyone who wants to learn about home schooling, or who needs some encouragement. I've posted a link to purchase the book from Amazon. I will be adding it to my home library!

Grateful...

2008-11-05T08:06:00.006-05:00

Well, you probably know how I feel...disappointed. Yes, the elections were held yesterday and my choice for Pres/VP was not the winner.

Ok. Now we go on...we continue living and living joyfully and abundantly and for the Lord. He placed me in a country where I am able to share my opinion with anyone who will listen and for that I am grateful. He placed me in a country where there are winners and losers, for that I am grateful. He allows me to be a good winner and a good loser, for that I am grateful. He is Sovereign, and for that I am most grateful!

As I was reading my Bible scripture this morning in Jude (of all places;0) I found this nugget of encouragement and truth:

"Dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith. Let the Holy Spirit guide and help you when you pray. The mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ will bring you eternal life. As you wait for his mercy, remain in God's love." Jude 20,21

Yes that is where I will remain, in God's love. He requires it. He demands it. I will do it. The Holy Spirit will help me when I pray for our country and new leaders. I will pray for President Elect Obama and his cabinet. I will pray for the Senate and the House of Representatives. I will remain in God's love. There is NO one who can take away God's love from me as long as I choose to remain in it, and that I do choose.

God Bless America and God Bless our newly elected leader, President Elect, Barak Obama.

Blessings,
tonya

Stampin'Up! Status

2008-10-14T14:57:00.005-04:00

Hello all my blogging friends. I just want to let you know that I have officially resigned my demonstratorship from Stampin'Up! I decided to do this in order to more fully focus my attention on my boys home schooling. While some are artful (no pun intended;0) at juggling many things at once, this is not my forte. When I'm working hard being my children's teacher, I feel guilty for not having classes and serving my customer base. When I'm not being focused on my children's schooling, I feel even worse!

We attended an IFHS (Indiana Foundation for Home Schooling) event, called "Map Your Future" last Friday. One of the speakers, a successful homeschoooling mom, spoke words of truth to me (it seem to go right through the crowd to my ears & to my heart) that this time of life is comes only once and it's short. I decided, really at that moment, to dedicate the next few years to learning about home schooling, implementing home schooling and enjoying home schooling.

I still enjoy the craft of stamping and scrapbooking and will probably be posting some of my projects, but it will be as time allows. I love the avenue of blogging and will continue to write on various interests as they come my way. Photos are always one of my favorite venues. My boys are in a photography club and hopefully I'll be able to pick up some tips to improve my skills. That's what I love about home schooling. It's truly a learning adventure for the whole family. I learn, they learn, and we learn together.

Life is too short to stay in the safety net of life. God is calling me beyond my comfort zone and I'm going to embrace it with wide open arms;0)

Blessings and see ya soon!
tonya

The Great Pumpkin....

2008-10-12T15:53:00.002-04:00

We visited our local orchard last week and decided to take a trip to the pumpkin patch. You might think 15 and 12 yr old boys would be "too grown up" to participate in such an event, however, you can be pleasantly surprised along with their mom! They seemed to thoroughly enjoy the event. Funny thing though, as they've gotten older, the fun is in finding the absolute LARGEST pumpkin on the premises!! We are talkin' 30-50 lbs my friend!!

I told them if they could carry it to the car and safely place it in the trunk they could get it...come on it's cheap fun for me and how much longer am I going to be able to enjoy this fall activity with my boys!!? Oh, we ended up with a 42lber for Joey and a 35lber for Patrick. Now that's a couple of
GREAT PUMPKINs!

Happy Fall Y'all!!

Oooooo, this was fun!

2008-09-10T15:45:00.005-04:00

This is a card I made today with the Big Shot Die cut machine. It cuts through several layers of card stock and MANY different materials. This card uses some vintage "look" fabric that I purchased a couple of years ago...good intentions of making a photo project. I LOVED this fabric SO much that I kept buying at the fabric store and thus had a surplus to try out on this machine! It's so cool! I think quilters could incorporate this tool in their quilting, or applique. It's a rather mind-boggling tool when you begin to see the creative possibilities!

This card uses the Top Note Bigz Die, that's exclusive to Stampin'Up! It also features a new stamp set that will be featured in the Holiday Mini Catalog which will start on October 1st. This truly combines two of my favorite techniques in stamping, layering and watercolor.

I stamped the image with Staz-On black ink (won't run and dries quickly) then used the Baja Breeze ink to lightly watercolor the image. Same technique for door and windows. Then of course, I had to add a little glitter. I used the clear chunky glitter...as opposed to the irridencant glitter. It really gives it a 1940's vintage feel....oooooo, did I mention this was fun!

Just fyi, at my Stampin'Up! web site you will now be able to order directly on line. You can go to www.happyhomesink.stampinup.net and browse the catalog, see what events are coming up (I'm working on some;0) and place an order for anything in the active catalogs. It's a brand new feature this week and what SU! hopes will provide a valuable, convenient service for you;0).

Hooray! Someone who "gets" me & my friends!

2008-09-04T14:23:00.002-04:00

This girl is speaking my language! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. Loved her speech and really, if you've ever been a part of PTO/PTA politics, you know that there's a LOT of leadership training that goes on! I love the United States of America!!

"What's the difference between a Hockey mom and pitbull? LIPSTICK!", Sarah Palin GOP National Convention

2008-09-04T14:20:00.002-04:00

2008-07-28T16:55:00.003-04:00

Here's a little something I added to my B'nGravy page...can you see what it is?? I also wanted to share what I did with the leftover pieces from the B'nGravy page. SO much FUN!! The little plaque above the boys says, "enjoy the journey".

oh Scrap!

2008-07-24T14:14:00.002-04:00

I was playing in my BigPictureScrapbooking "Have More Fun" class and one of the guest instructors, Kelli Crowe, showed a layout using scraps of circle punches. She made a really cute layout with 1/4" circles. As I was working with some new SU! papers, I was inspired to punch 3/4" squares...this is what I came up with...to me it feels like a warm country quilt. Which is why I went to a batch of B'nGravy I made one evening (the batch turned out exceptionally well, enough that I took some photos).

OK, maybe biscuits and gravy isn't the most healthy food choice, but it's got roots in our family and I have to say I love it as the ultimate comfort food! My boys also agree that it's the most wonderful meal of all...to us it conveys love for family. My great grandmother made biscuits everyday for breakfast, leftover biscuits were made into sandwiches for lunch and another batch might be made for dinner. It was and is country cookin' at it's finest!

This is in honor of my mom, grandma, and great grandma who were and are great country cooks!

This is great fun!

2008-07-18T11:13:00.002-04:00

As a 1930s wife, I am
Superior

Take the test!

This gives you a flavor of what our grandma's and great grandma's had to do in order to be a "good" wife!! Don't show our hubby's;0)

Inspired Today!

2008-06-21T18:11:00.002-04:00

I bought some of the popular rusty stars at the Old Time Pottery several months ago. I saw in a magazine where someone had decoupaged photos and their favorite decorative papers onto the star. I love the magazine version and I DO love this version. I've also been taking some classes on line and am learning how to put paper/crafting kits together. New and from my stash of stuff. I'm trying to expand my comfort zone by experimenting with vintage jewelry components and other fun vintage finds (I really need to just go to my mom's, right mom??)

Below is a scrapbook page I created with a Simply Scrappin' kit from Stampin'Up! Love working with these...pages go together quickly and effortlessly.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend. Jeff and the boys have finally gotten the pool up and filling. With all the rain, and cool weather in May, it's been a challenge to get it going.

Happy Almost Sunday!
t

Our humble garden

2008-05-20T16:05:00.003-04:00

This is our attempt for the first time to grow sweet corn. I hope that it's "knee-high by the fourth of July"!!

Our lilac bushes have been more beautiful this year than ever! They have a fragrance that is absolutely amazing. Enjoy the eye fragrance;0)

Stampin' Fun!

2008-05-06T15:22:00.002-04:00

1996-2008 All images © Stampin’Up!

Library of Memories Title pages

2008-05-05T20:24:00.005-04:00

81/2x11 page

12x12 page

Here's my first title page of my Library of Memories system. I still have three other albums to create title pages, however, I'm intending on using this same basic layout. The three remaining albums are: Places we Go, Things we Do, and People we Love. Within each album there are section divider pages. For example, in "All about Us" I'll have a section page for Jeff, Tonya, Joey and Patrick. Then the scrapbook pages I make that tell a story about each particular person will go behind their section. It's just so cool NOT to HAVE to make a zillion birthday pages of basically the same celebration each year. I can combine years, or topics or ??? whatever. I can't tell you how freeing it is NOT to scrapbook chronologically! However, even if I want to scrapbook a certain yearly event, I can because all my pictures are in yearly order in the storage binders.

See pic below:

It's the burgandy albums on the bottom shelf. Not glamorous, but functional to find and look at pictures as needed--in order of year/season (not perfect, but most of the season pics are there).

But wait....there's more!

2008-04-26T14:53:00.003-04:00

Eye Candy!!

2008-04-26T07:41:00.003-04:00

Library of Memories is working and so am I!!

2008-04-12T17:56:00.006-04:00

The Library of Memories is working!! As I'm organizing and getting the photos into my storage binders, the kids and I are really enjoying looking through and remembering. The storage binders won't be the photos final resting place. Once I get them sorted by season (not exact day) and year, that gives me a foundation to look through them and decide what events I want to scrapbook. Then I can do a "triage" of the photos and pull them out of chronological order (GASP!). I know it was hard for me and I didn't even know I was hung up on scrapping in order.
I was inspired to paint my office and guest room and on Tuesday we began the giant task...my mom helped (I think she enjoyed it?!) and I certainly appreciated the extra set of hands. Look below for a pic of my new "Anti-depressant" room!! I think I'm on to something. I really feel like I'm in a sunny spot on the beach...or at least at the park on a sunny day.
Below you see what the room looks like outside the office/guestroom (really had become a holding tank of ???). All that stuff has to go back into my freshly painted, lovely room. Hummm....I hear some "Clean Sweep" music pulsing through my ear drums. purge. purge. purge. How DO we collect so much "stuff"?
Here's where I am to date. Working toward clean lines and organizational bliss!! Not perfection, mind you. I'll write more of how "triage" works and how I'm implementing the L.O.M. system into my scrapbooking life. Hopefully, by the end of the week I'll actually have some scrapbook layouts to share. I'm so amazed at how just looking through the photos is inspiring ideas.

Where o' where have I been???

2008-03-29T14:16:00.003-04:00

I have been taking an online scrapbooking class through Big Picture Scrapbooking. It's called Library of Memories and it's been SO much fun and freeing!! I'm getting rid of guilt for not having all my scrapbooks "caught up" and setting up a system of organizing my pictures that I can simply scrapbook when I'm inspired and not "obligated". Does that resonate with anyone out there?? It's taught by a gal named Stacy Julian. She just wrote a book called "Photo Freedom" and this class was it's precursor. It's a 16 week course and I'm so excited about it!
I think I could call it revolutionary!!

You see, I, like many others, started the scrapbook hobby in hopes of keeping my family memories in a beautiful, artful and meaningful album that my family could enjoy for years to come. However, it seems that after trying to stay "caught up" (an evil phrase in my world), I simply stalled out. Oh, I'd take photos and store them on my computer, but I wouldn't print them, therefore, no one has enjoyed them. I have about 3 photo Cropper Hopper storage boxes with about 10 years (pre-digital) photos stored. Not exactly easy for me, Jeff or the kids and certainly not anyone else to browse.

This class is not about buying more "stuff" it's about getting your pictures where you can locate, enjoy, and be inspired by them. Then how you can organize your layouts in lovely albums that really capture the memories you want to share with others. We are in week 5 of 16 weeks and I can already see how this will connect the dots for me and free me to get my photos flowing from digital>to print>to categories>to layouts>to albums. I hope to share more as I have these "aha" moments.

Happy Easter!!

2008-03-22T09:21:00.003-04:00

Here's a site I found that is a great place to find Spring, even if it's a little cool outside. Got it from Stacy Julian's blog. It should come up a black screen. Hold your cursor down and enjoy!

Horton Hears a Who!!

2008-03-15T09:37:00.005-04:00

My humble movie review: ***** 5 stars out of 5 (and I'm a tough cookie!)

This my friends, is a Dr. Seuss delight! Yesterday, Joey and Patrick and I took a class room field trip to view the film. We just finished a poetry unit and this translated beautifully to "Poetry in Motion Pictures". We loved the music, the story, the animation, the voices. All were brilliant!

I must add a little note: This is my very FIRST movie review and I am not a movie die-hard, so please take this into account. In fact, to spend a bunch of $$ to go and sit in a dark theater, filled with a bunch of strangers, take over an hour of time, when I could be shopping, reading, stamping, etc. just doesn't usually appeal to me.

However, the boys (14 and 11, I might add) convinced my to give it a try and I have to admit, Seuss is one of my favorites. I really have a soft spot for Whoville. I mean, don't you just LOVE those spindly-little furry arms???! This was like riding a perfect Disney-ride for over an hour. If you need a boost from the Winter doldrums, give it a go. Don't worry about being the oldest person in the theater--it is dark in there and there are many little guys to go around. That was also fun, to see the little ones holding on to their stuff Horton's with BIG eyes wide. I laughed out loud throughout the entire movie. Unlike other reviewers, I didn't think there was one slow moment (well, maybe when Horton was kind of pretending in his dream world and it went to poorly done animation, but I got why they used it--for effect).

I'm telling you, for us, it's a "gotta BUY this on DVD".

Some fun pics...

2008-03-07T21:44:00.004-05:00

Sorry I've been gone so long. I've had a heck of week with rocket-speed "re-entry"!! I know, I was extremely fortunate to be gone and to the "happiest place on earth"! Here are a few photos I thought might bring some warm thoughts your way. Enjoy!

Disney-mania!! A Tradition!?

2008-02-29T07:12:00.005-05:00

Good Morning Florida! I hate to tell my bloggin' buds this...Joey's computer died last night. Jeff thinks he knows what's going on...a problem with Toshiba laptops. Seems that it's not an issue with the hard drive, so nothing is lost (we hope), however all my pics are on his computer. So in the interest of time, I'm not going to be posting pictures until I get back home. Unless we have some major down time. However, we are visiting Magic Kingdom today, so I'm hoping we'll be racing around the Castle!

We did have a LOVELY day yesterday at Epcot. It was SO beautiful! Perfect blue sky and absolutely NO lines. The longest we waited for any ride was about 20 minutes! The boys decided that home schooling rocks and we need to make a February Florida trip a "tradition"! You have to understand that we only have to do things one time and them like it for it to become a tradition. I think I must agree;0)!

Strawberry Festival @ Plant City

2008-02-28T06:35:00.004-05:00

On our way to Orlando we took a little detour in Plant City. Their Strawberry Festival, which goes a week, opens today and we decided to partake in a little red love;0). Yum! It's like Indiana's apple orchards in the fall. Busy and humming with activity. Harvesting the grapefruit, oranges (which were $1.30 for a huge bag), strawberries and of course there was a place you could sample the famous strawberry shortcake. It's every bit as delicious as it looks.

Of course in Plant City, you find lots of plants! Here's some roses...something Indiana won't see until late April or early May. Spring is definitely in full swing in Central and South Florida.

However, I must say that today it's only going to be 58 degrees. I know it's still a whole lot warmer than snow covered grass and I did bring my long sleeves and jeans. We are off to Disney today, either the Magic Kingdom, or Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Whichever we think will be warmer;0). We loose our temperature perspective so quickly!!

Warm thoughts,
tonya

Winter Warmth @ Clearwater Beach

2008-02-25T15:26:00.003-05:00

Hope this conveys what a lovely day we had at the beach. It was in the mid-70's and there was a wonderful beach breeze blowing in off the water. The water was too cold for me to take a full fledge dip, but the kids courageously jumped right in. It was a beautiful sea green and calm. The beach was busy, but not too crowded.

My next picture is of my birdie friend who thought that every time I rattled my beach bag, I would withdrawal some delicious morsel of food. He was rather put out when he realized, I was not the prepared beacher with a ton of snacks. Only some boring bottled water. I was lying down at sea level when I took this photo. You might say, I had a bird's eye view!

Ice in Boonville 2008

2008-02-24T22:08:00.004-05:00

Ok, it's not the palm trees and ocean views you were hoping for, however, we rested today and didn't even get to the beach. It was overcast, so not so photo worthy. I took these photos right before we left and I have to say as terrible as ice is to travel on, it's certainly a beautiful display of God's creative genius. I have some books about snowflakes that have actual photos of individual snowflakes. It's truly amazing and a master works of physics in action. I just thought I'd brag on the amazing beauty of God's glory on this humble and amazing earth. We are also truly grateful to have traveled safely in his protection.

I promise, warm photos from here on out!!
tonya

Sunshine today! 68 degrees! Tampa or Bust!!

2008-02-23T10:04:00.002-05:00

We traveled to about Perry, GA and arrived about 9pm, after leaving Boonville @ 11am
. We had a long day of driving in the drizzle, rain, and wind. But, conditions were great compared to the previous night's drive. We are about 5 hours from our first destination of Tampa. We'll stay there until Tuesday, then head over to Orlando.

The kids were great, with a little help from the Playstation 2 that we hooked up to my mom's dvd player in the van (we took her van because it's roomier with a dvd player). I read a little Spiderwick teaser book that I took out of a box of cereal. Probably the best cereal toy I've ever gotten. It was quite good and entertaining. I'm thinking about adding that to our must read list. I have such a hard time getting the boys to read. I'm always looking for something engaging. Any reviews on the Spiderwick books??

As we were driving through Atlanta rush hour, we were telling the boys to look around. We always try to see the major sports stadiums of the major cities we travel through and we were talking about the Atlanta Falcons. Patrick piped up, "Hey, where's the jail that Michael Vick is in?" We all thought that was laugh out loud funny! Too bad he's given the Falcon's such a black eye.

So that's about the extent of our driving excitement. Praise the Lord! I love boring drives;0).
Sunshine blessings,
tonya

Snow, Ice and slush...oh, no!

2008-02-21T20:52:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note. We left Indy at 4pm and arrived in Boonville about 8pm. Took about an hour longer than usual, however, that was great time considering the roads. We debated on whether to stay or wait out the ice and snow, but decided to go for it! We also prayed the entire way! My mom is going with us to play at Disney and also visit with her brother in Tampa. I can't wait to start with some pics and see what the trip has to hold.

I asked the boys if they would agree to get photos with any characters we see...they agreed. They weren't too keen on getting autographs...I'll keep you posted.
t

Procrastination at it's finest...

2008-02-19T13:37:00.004-05:00

I'm procrastinating at all cost...so I'm blogging when I should be packing. I'm also in this Jekyll and Hyde mode of eating. One minute I'm eating good healthy fruit (that I paid a fortune for...but hey, it's healthy), the next minute I look like Cookie Monster diving into the puffy Cheeto's bag(yellow-orange fingers and lips).

Winter gets harder every year.

I'm walking. Trying to improve my eating habits and exercising habits, but man, the temptations are great. And let's not forget sheer boredom--no, not boredom with life--but boredom/procrastination, where I don't want to go through my spring clothes on the outside chance that my Jekyll and Hyde eating habits have put me out side my last summer size. Ooooooo, the awful thought of it! Or, I don't want to drive outside in the sub zero temps to get groceries.

Enough! I'm going to get my clothes out and pack...right now...stop whining...I'm leaving this computer right now....now....I'm leaving....oh, enjoy the pink bird card.

...more sunshine

2008-02-17T21:35:00.005-05:00

Ok, this card is made with the new Scallop notes that will be available March 1st in the Occasions Mini Catalog. I'm lovin' them! They are so cute. I've combined the rub ons from the Sale-A-Bration set and some Double-sided Designer paper. Can you guess how I got the butterfly orange??? Hint: It's not colored paper...I love these note cards almost as much as I love the rub-ons.

The floral image at the top of the card is the stamp set that coordinates with the rub-on's. They are both only available during Sale-A-Bration. "What IS Sale-A-Bration?" you ask...It's Stampin'Up!'s greatest sale of the year. If you spend $50 you get a freebie out of the SAB mini catalog. View them here: SAB catalog.

Sunshine!!!

2008-02-17T17:37:00.005-05:00

Here's some Spring sunshine to brighten up your February. I'm going to feature these two projects in my March stamp camp on Monday, March 10th. It's 7-10pm and you can find out more details and how to register on my web site: happyhomesink.stampinup.net.

I'll be out of blogosphere until at least March 3. I've got a few more samples want to share of the next couple of days...then off to Florida!! Yippeee!! Oh, well, hummm, I guess I shouldn't be quite so excited to blow out with the wind and go south!! YEA!! Can't help it, can't contain my excitement. We are going to visit Mickey, the beach and some special family in Tampa. I can't wait!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T12:57:00.002-05:00

Here are my Valentine's.
Hugs and Kisses for you
It's true I would do
just about
anything for you!
Love Mom

A Simple Card from Sale-A-Bration

2008-02-12T21:04:00.003-05:00

FYI and why I love to Blog!!

2008-02-10T21:56:00.000-05:00

I have got to say that I'm totally jazzed about this whole blog thing! It's so much fun to be able to communicate with others in cyberspace and it's really motivated me to stamp. I haven't had so much sheer fun stamping and scrapbooking in, well, I can't remember when!

Just for those of you who don't know, I've been stamping since Patrick was about 3months old. It was a dark and dreary time after Mr. Patrick(he's 11 now), just because I had some post pardum depression that would NOT go away. I met my friend Cheri through a Stampin'Up! workshop (what a blessing!). I immediately determined that this was what I needed to bring some sanity into my life. Jeff and my other friends were completely supportive and thus my SU! business was born.

As with all things, we grow and change and as I grew in my walk with the Lord I was called into volunteering at the local Pregnancy Care Center (PCCMC). As I began to work there, I felt led to devote more and more time to that endeavor and less and less time to stamping. To be honest, I lost my passion for the business and had an unquenchable desire to work for the Center. Both the boys were in school and that freed up some time for me to work at the Center.

The Lord had a mighty hand in shaping me through various difficult and joyful situations at the Center. {That statement could be a thesis for another post, or series of posts!} As he led me deeper into the ministry, I felt led to go on staff at the Center.

That ended my, at the time 8 year, SU! business. My dear family and friends supported this move again, and I must say it was a blessing and time of stretching and growing in my faith. My time ended quickly, as I was only at the Center for about 5 months before it was obvious that the Center couldn't afford the added staff position. This was a crushing blow to me, to leave the Center. At the time I really questioned what the Lord wanted me to do...had I misunderstood his Call?? I can see now that I was obedient to the Lord. My assignment was just shorter than I anticipated.

I started with SU! again about three months or so after I left the Center. The boys were in school and I was itching to create. I was a little lost for more than a few months, but again the Lord's timing proved to be perfect. My mom and step-dad have been ill and over the past three summers, and I've been able to spend time helping them around the house. Then last year, the Lord put it on our hearts (mine and Jeff's) to begin home schooling both boys. Wow! It was in the words of Stephen Curtis Chapman, a moment of "I'm divin'in, I'm going deep, in over my head I'm gonna be, tossed in the rush, caught in the flow, in over my head I'm gonna go--the river's deep the river's wide--aahaahaa..." a leap of faith to say the least! However, not only has it been very good for our family, it's helped me to get into a schedule. Ironically, I have some free time to stamp and blog. I never would have dreamed, taking on the task of schooling the kids, would give me the added blessing of some extra time.

So that's a quick version of how I've come to be here...and loving to blog and communicate with those I don't see very often and/or those who might be interested in my SU! business, or those who just want to browse. This blog gives me a venue to share some of my creations. It's also allowed me to learn a bunch of new computer stuff. How exhilarating it is to learn!! It's a motivating factor for me, that when you see some of the art, it'll just make you happy to see it.

Thanks for enduring a really long post and I hope you enjoy the art!
Blessings,
t

More Stamping fun!!

2008-02-09T12:59:00.001-05:00

Here are few more samples I wanted to share.

I just LOVE the double sided designer paper which is used on the two top samples. You can create such fun color combinations! I've also used the Pretties kit with the pearls glued to the bottom card. I love playing with stamped images to create other images, for example the heart image stamped upside down. Try it with some stamps you've tired of and see what happens!

I'm going to be posting some March stamp camps to my Stampin' Up! web site by Monday. So make sure to check that site regularly! The site can be found at the following:
www.happyhomesink.stampinup.net.

Have a great weekend!
Blessings...tonya

Card inspiration

2008-02-07T09:50:00.000-05:00

1996-2008 All images © Stampin’Up!
I love the new SU! rub-ons! They are similar to a sticker, but they meld into whatever surface you put them on, and almost look hand painted. On the bottom card, I've used them on the button and the "Life is Beautiful!" saying, as well as the four circle flowers.

The top card shows how fab the rub-ons go with the stamps. Can you guess which is which? The bird is stamped and the flowers are rub-ons. The stick pin was created with the ever-so-cool Pretties Kit. It allows me to combine beading AND stamping! How cool is that!?

The color scheme on both cards use the Sky and Blue Bayou inks and papers in SU!'s In-Colors color family. Check out my SU! web site for more crafting inspiration: www.happyhomesink.stampinup.net.
Happy Thursday!

Creativity...from where does it come???

2008-02-04T09:01:00.000-05:00

Exodus 35: 30-35
30 Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- 32 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 33 to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. 34 And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. 35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them master craftsmen and designers. (NIV translation)

I am ALWAYS tickled and inspired when I read about how God "filled him (Bezalel & Oholiab) with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts..." Sometimes I wonder if my crafting is useful, and this scripture tells me it's a God-given ability; yes it IS! What a joy to know that not only did God give me the ability and knowledge, he wants me to use it! God is SO good.

I hope that you take time this week to see, really SEE, what he has given you. Accounting skills, organizational skills, compassion (an extra dose), math and science knowledge, enthusiasm, etc. He also gave them the ability to teach others. What He has given, He wants us to share! God is looking for people who will take what he has given them and use it for His glory, His service, and to expand the kingdom. What a privilege!! We get to use the skills, enjoy the tasks, AND he allows us to participate in growing the kingdom.

For me, sometimes, that includes a "Stamp Camp" where I introduce people to papercrafting, stamping, and scrapbooking. {I even went to Ecuador to share Scrapbooking--the picture above! } Sometimes, it involves teaching others how to bead a bracelet or make a pair of earrings.

In doing these things--using skills God GAVE me, I develop relationships with others and that opens the door to many conversations. As I soak myself in the Word and Prayer, I can't help but be the fragrance of Christ to others. Sometimes they don't know what it is...but they want more. I know of nothing that is more satisfying and delightful.

Blessings for a fabulous week!

2008-01-27T20:45:00.000-05:00

2008-01-27T20:41:00.000-05:00

2008-01-27T20:38:00.000-05:00

2008-01-27T20:14:00.000-05:00

Aren't these the cutest things you've ever seen! I spent last Saturday in a SU! Demonstrator training day and it was fabulous! There was a team of girls that put together a great day of stamping, creating and sharing that won't be soon forgotten. I have so many projects I've been wanting to sit down and create and that was just the push I needed to get started.

I've had three goals (notice, NOT resolutions!) that I've been working on since the first of the year:
1) to learn how to use my Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0
(I've had it for 3 years and have only been able to use it marginally).
2)to organize the photos on my computer (about 5000!!)and
3)to get comfortable uploading my stamping projects onto my blog!

I've been working away at some tutorials for Adobe (let me know if you have any suggestions). This weekend Jeff freed up about 6GB on my hard drive by moving about 20G to another 50G hard drive. Now that my computer is working properly--and not giving me the evil warning: your virtual memory is low and you computer will self-destruct in 30 seconds--I should be able to organize photos for sharing my stamp projects with you!

Enjoy the next few photos! And celebrate with me, my success in achieving some goals!!

Here's my Multi-task discovery

2008-01-14T09:23:00.000-05:00

OK, I know there are many who make resolutions this time of year. I am NOT one of them. I decided a long time ago that I have way too much pressure to be perfect and when I fall off the resolution ladder (which is usually about the 14th of Jan), I delve into a deep pit of a failure pitty party. And really, who needs that. So in December, I decided to start walking on the treadmill my mother has let us borrow. I read a couple of books by Leslie Sansone and I was motivated to give it a try.

Well, our Pastor has put out several challenges to read the bible everyday (which is always my goal), and really memorize scripture (which frankly, I hate to exercise my memory brain cells).

As I'm walking I have this dilemma of constantly looking at the time and tenths of miles tick away. It makes walking go very S L O W! I've tried listening to music, and pod casts, or reading (makes me dizzy). Last night I thought about trying to memorize a portion of scripture I had hanging on my wall(to try to remind me to memorize!). Viola! It took me quickly through my 20 min walk(hey! I'm just beginning!) and I have the first paragraph of Psalm 51 memorized!!
Wanna see??? Here goes:

Have mercy on me o Lord
according to your unfailing love
according to your great compassion
Blot out all my transgressions
Wash away all my sins
Cleanse me of my transgressions.

How'd I do?? Ok, well the last two verses are actually:

"Wash away all my iniquity
And cleanse me from my sin"

But not too bad and I have an another 20 minutes ready for productivity this afternoon!
Blessings

Today...one of "those" days

2008-01-10T16:22:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's been a long school day. My dear sons went to work about 8:30. We broke at 11 and I went to meet a couple of gals for some stamp business, then we started again around 1 and we just finished up at 4. What a myriad of activity!

Learning occurs ALL the time. School is a measure of that learning, and makes sure that certain basic tasks are accomplished, but there is just so much more to the whole activity. I love the fact that we are accomplishing a large goal of educating the boys. However, in order to do so, each day we must complete small steps (daily devotions, daily exercises, daily lessons, daily chores, daily relationship building, etc) toward that goal.

Sometimes, one specific task takes more than their fair share, or so it seems, of the day's finite time. When the days get askew and we don't complete all the "to do's" of the day, I rest in knowing that God is in control and this is how He teaches, not only my kids, but me, how to persevere and not give up.

Each day is one full of opportunity and if it doesn't work out just as we had hoped, we have a choice to let it get us down, or not to dwell in the past but move toward the future. I choose to move on!
blessings....

The Extended Family Reunion

2007-12-29T23:25:00.000-05:00

December 29, 2007

Today was a fabulous day of "griswalding". Is that a word? Spending the day with my aunt's and uncle's, cousins, their children and even some children's children. What a blessing to be around all those who know my foibles and personality flaws and all; yet, they still offer up a deep dish helping of unconditional love, support, encouragement, not to mention a few friendly jabs of the truth.

We only have been able to get together for a couple of years in a row, but I do hope we make it a habit. It's so nice for the kids to get to know their extended family and really get a sense of who we are and where we came from...even if it's somewhat ordinary. Ordinary, from what I have seen, is where the best values, lessons, and love comes from...not to mention food. Speaking of food, not much in the way of veggies at this year's reunion. I know there's good and delicious green food out there somewhere...right?? However, the chocolate fountain was a BIG hit. AMAZING hit! In fact, IT got invited back for next year. Twelve pounds of melted goodness, a child's dream...oh, who's kiddin' who...MY dream!