Grandma's Garden Springing to Life

 

Years ago, when we moved up from Louisiana and in with my mom's parents in WV, it was so cold!  My first day of school was cancelled because of snow!  A 'snow day' my mom called it.  What!?  For the first few months, I lived in a strange world, a COLD world, but slowly green things happened.  Beautiful green things.

 

In Grandma's front garden, Spring comes with surprises and constants.  A year or so after we moved up, Dad planted Daffodils down the driveway.  They have popped up and spread out every year since.  Shortly after the Daffodils arrive, Grandma's Crocus' show their vibrant colors.  Then in May, around Grandma and Grandpap's wedding anniversary, the Lily of the Valley sweetly scents the air. 

 

This year, the Crocus flowers are so vibrant against the dark greens of the arriving new garden and the brown leaves that still cover the ground.  The shocking purple of the Crocus is pretty to look at but this one decided to be different. 

 

When I popped in with my younger two boys to visit Pap, I luckily remembered to pack my camera in to the van.  I was able to explore the dawning of this year's blessings.  This one is my favorite find.

 

I believe I will print this one for Grandma's room at the nursing home to give her a bit of her garden.  Maybe, just maybe, she will find some peace with this small part of the garden she worked so hard in for years.  Now, it's my turn.  This year, the garden will be my job.  It's time to find Grandma's Garden again.

A TARDIS Valentine...

My younger boys and I love watching Doctor Who.  If you don't know what or who that is, you have to start watching BBC America!  You are completely missing out!  Word of warning, don't watching anything dealing the Weeping Angels by yourself or in the dark.  Just saying.

 

Anyway, my youngest is in fifth grade and wanted to have an "epic Valentine box, Mom!"  So, on to the calendar it went and the search for parts began.  Of course, life happened during all of this and it got put on the back burner.  As usual, and as many parents will agree, the night before it's due is ALWAYS a good time.  Especially if you are on your way home from work.  I mean, why not?

 

I lucked out and discovered TARDIS Blue foam core board at Wal-Mart!  Duct tape, some foam tape, a 6x6 wooden canvas form to provide stability at the base.  OOH!  Lookie!  A dark blue paint marker!  Yahooey!  Yes, this was the dialog going through my head.

 

I get home around 8:30pm and start immediately.  After shrinking clip art found on Pinterest (thank you, fellow Whovians who posted diagrams and clip art!) down to a more appropriate size and miraculously NOT cutting myself, I ended up with THIS:

 

 

I did cut a little flap in the back to use as a "mail slot" and the top if hinged with duct tape and a smaller piece of foam core board that just fits inside to provide more stability.  It IS going to school with a fifth grader...

 

As for his Valentines, he wanted something unique.  So, off to Pinterest I went.  Can I just say, WOW!  The amount of amazing and unique Valentine ideas is astounding!  We decided on this.  With my son's desire to continue the Doctor Who theme, we changed it a bit with color and here is what we ended with:

 

 

 

He loved the blue rulers!  Since there aren't many girls in his class he chose to give them a special color, though.  They get red!  I used a utility knife to cut a slit in the card stock a little wider than the ruler so it slid in easily.  I then wrote the "To" and "From" on the back tabs that rest on the underside of the ruler.

 

Hopefully, these go over well.

{DIY} Easy Fire Starters

With Hubby and I doing more outdoor activities with the boys, I have been doing more research into things that will help during these adventures.  Hubby also leans more towards the survival part of our outings but that's just the Marine in him (Oorah!).

What to Gather:

Unscented Candle (any color)
100% Cotton Cosmetic Pads
Wax Paper
Tongs
Sauce Pan
Container for Wax (not pictured but it's just a screw top plastic container)

Step 1:  Once you have your items together, count out how many pads you want to do in this batch so you have enough room.  I did 12 count batches.

Step 2:  Put the candle in the sauce pan and turn the heat to LOW and wait.

Step 3: (okay, so I wasn't too good at waiting for ALL the wax to melt but you get the point...)

Drop your pad in the wax.

Step 4:  Let the whole thing turn color or show that it is covered in wax.

(This is why colored wax is a good idea)

Step 5:  Use your tongs and fish it out of the wax.

Let the excess drip off a little and then...

Step 6:  Put on the wax paper.  They take about 10 minutes to set up.

Put in a container or plastic bag til you need them.

Grab a few of those silica packs that come in just about any pair of shoes you buy and toss them in with the Starters.  It will keep the moisture out and prevent them from sticking too badly to each other.

Hubby lit one for me but I forgot the camera inside.  This was taken after about two minutes.

It burned for about 6 minutes.





Gone Fishin'

Hubby and I took our boys fishing at the river a week ago.  No, we didn't catch any fish but I did catch a few good pictures!  This is my favorite! 

We are going camping next week and I can hardly wait!  I am so excited!  We have picked up a new tent for the two boys and camp beds for them so they are a bit more comfortable than sleeping on the ground.  Hubby and I have to catalog all our gear so we know we have all the fishing stuff.  FISHING!!!!  I can't wait!  I went fishing just a few times as a kid and always had to borrow one of my brothers' fishing rods.  I never  had one of my own.  Until now!  It's PINK!  Okay, it has pink ON it.  Hubby got me a 6' Shakespeare Ugly Stick and a beautiful caster reel!  (that's my rod in the photo)

This is going to be an awesome trip.  Even if we don't catch any fish!

Making time to take pictures again.

Back Yard in a Bubble.

This my younger BIL's daughter.  I have tried to edit out the storage building and the grill but it changes the entire photo.   You loves that whimsical, carefree feel of her running through the yard, chasing bubbles.

Our Little Miracle

I'd like to introduce you to my grandson!  He is just a few days old here and is now almost two months.  He is so perfect!  I have only been able to see him once, so far.  We are hosting a baby shower this weekend (he came early) and our family is going to meet him for the first time! 

I am excited beyond words!  I have been cleaning for the last two weeks to get my house ready since we will hopefully have a full one.  My younger brother is coming in and I am so excited about that!  We have had some struggles with our relationship recently and I pray we can use some of this time together to be okay with one another.

A Growing Family...

I just wanted to share the great news somewhere! My oldest son, Isaac, proposed to his girlfriend, Bentlea, yesterday! She said YES! I am so happy for them! They are opposites that fit so well together. Both are planning on a long engagement to save up for the wedding which is a wonderful idea. With me working in the bridal industry, I am well aware of the costs that go toward planning the beginning of the marriage.

So, I thought I would share our good news!

So long...

Life has had its ups and downs during my time away from posting. I won't bore you with unnecessary details but I will share some recent photos (that have finally found their way off my camera card!).

The first is our second oldest graduating from the Le Cordon Bleu Pittsburgh with a degree in Patisserie & Baking. The rose is from my MIL's back garden. It started raining while I was taking photos with the sun still shining.

Last Sunday...

Last week DH heard on the radio that the LST 325 would be at the Heritage Port. We arrived too late that first night to take the tour but were thrilled to know they would be open early enough on Sunday for us to take the tour before I had to work.

The tour was fantastic. We wanted the boys to know that what they read in the history books isn't just words. Actual people lived and died to make it. If they stay too far removed from the sacrifices that are made they have no appreciation for it. This way they were able to see pictures, talk to veterans, ask question, hear stories, meet men that have taken time out of their lives to restore a piece of history and share it with the country. So, maybe next year we'll make a side trip to Evansville, Indiana.

First Day of school

They started a bit early this year, August 19th. They have grown so much.

A test of faith

Frustrated and disappointed. And no one will be able to hear my voice, hear my thoughts. So long I have watched him struggle to provide, been happy for others when they prospered, learned to enjoy my simple life. Now, when He has smiled on us, strife and discord follows.

Family that should be smiling and happy are blaming, jealous, threatening. A choice that was made could have ended with chaos, hardship never before faced but instead we have thrived. A leap of faith came with great spiritual reward, more stability. A blessing.

I know this is vague. It is hard to explain. Just struggling to contain my irritation, anger. God be with me. Take my inner turmoil and give me peace. Give him peace. Protect my children and their family name. Give those around them the common sense to know that bitter words do not ring true.

An Amazing Adventure...just a little look

A New Experience...

My husband's company had their summer get-together last Friday. The owner invited everyone to his home which is right on the river. My two youngest got a few new experiences that day.

The world of Music

My family loves music! Growing up, we had music surrounding us. From the family's gospel group, The Cousins, to the many years many of us have spent in band, we have grown up with music of great variety. Last week I watched the tradition continue.

This was his only concert he had for 5th Grade Beginner Band. He is also the only trombone player in the grade schools that feed into the Middle School in our city. You know, that trombone has been played by four different men in my family. My cousin Matt for one year, then my younger brother for seven years, my oldest son for eight years (WV schools start band one year earlier than Louisiana schools - where younger brother started), and now Mr. Rebel.

That weekend my husband and I woke up to a different type of music. We went camping as a dry run to prepare for this summer's trip to visit my brother and his family. It was wonderful waking up to the sounds of nature. As usual, there is more to the story than just the pictures but I am content to just post a few quick shots and get back to relaxing. I am exhausted! Lol!

Remembering today...

A few changes

My life has been pretty hectic the last few months. For one, I completely blanked on mailing my SIL her birthday present because I laid it in the rocker by the front door and, being the guys that I love, my DH and two youngest sons laid their jackets on top of it and left them there. I discovered it a few days ago and now am hoping to get it out in the mail today.

Two, DH resigned from his job. The company he worked in for almost 15 years was bought out by another business. All the employees were kept on at the new company. All this happened on December 1. Since then, DH has been trying to find his place with them. They expanded the territory he was to cover twice over and his health started deteriorating. Much of my family remained unaware of what we were going through because he didn't want anyone knowing.

A gentleman that DH worked with for the entire 15 years at the first company had already left following the buy-out, telling my husband to just hang on for a few months. They would keep in touch with each other every few weeks of the next several months, checking on how things were going. Then came the news. The gentleman's new boss wanted to talk to DH. So, quietly, he went for an interview not expecting anything. It was done as a courtesy for the gentleman that had been a driving force in DH's business life for so many years. A courtesy that became a blessing.

DH ended up taking the job. He was hoping to be have enough time to put in his two weeks' notice, though unsure if he could hang on that long due to stress. It lasted two days. The final straw? Our 11-year-old crawling up on his lap and asking, "Daddy, when are you going to be happy again?" It about broke my husband's heart! So, he told him, "Tomorrow, buddy. Tomorrow."

And that was it. I had a day off from work, so I picked DH up the morning he resigned and turned his company car in. We then went to the new business and met with everyone. Then we went and bought a new-to-us car since there was no company car option.

Since the change, DH hasn't had trouble sleeping, he has stopped grinding his teeth and he smiles! SMILES! Given that DH's brother still works with the company he just left, we have heard how things are going. It took THREE people to cover the territory they insisted DH cover by himself despite telling them how bad it was.

We prayed so hard for their to be a good change in our lives. Something that worked FOR us for once. We have been so incredibly blessed and given so much. The Lord works in His time. Even though we are sometimes hanging on by our fingernails, He will always be there to catch us, give us a ladder, or pull us up.

So, enjoy the small things and cherish each other. When the big decisions arrive, all those small things add up showing that you can hold on through the storm and see the clear sky on the other side.

Hello again

Life has been busy and tiring. I have spent more time enjoying the little bit of time I have with the kids than updating my cyberlife. DH and I have managed to gather several things in preparation of our camping trip this summer with my brother and his family. We have also managed to deal with our van, which decided to act up on us. Thankfully, that was a snow day for the kids and a non-work day for me. Six hours stuck in WalMart, not the most desirable thing in the world when you know darn well you have a snow storm from H@** coming. Thankfully, I have a wonderful grandfather and mother who were more than willing to make a run up a ridge for me to get two new-to-me rims for my van. And just so everyone knows, the day my Grandpap can't handle a little snow is the day everyone needs to just STAY HOME! Lol! I love you, Pap! I thank you and God every time I get in my van!

Work has been crazy busy and I have no idea when it is going to let up. I have appointments tomorrow but they are going to go to someone else. Why? Because I procrastinated, that's why. I have to get my vehicle inspected and I know, just KNOW they are going to tell me they have to do more than change my brakes. How do I know this? Because it has been a whole 2 days since the last time my stomach was tied in knots and my heart was in my ankles. You know what, though? It's okay. There are reasons for everything.

Just like a church sign I saw the other day..."God promises us a safe landing, not a calm passage". How do we improve if there is no adversity to challenge us? Though, I would like a little less adversity at times.

There are many other thoughts running through my head right now but they are for another time. It is sufficient that I have three of the four boys home. DH and I made it home from work safely. We still have a home to live in, food in our bellies, and clothes on our backs. The long and short of it, I woke up today. So did my family. Tomorrow will bring tomorrow. Thank you, Lord, for the thoughts of tomorrow.

Life

Have you ever felt like the rope holding you from falling over the edge of the cliff is fraying? That just when it's about to snap you find solid ground under your feet and you are safe for the moment? I have had that feeling for the past year.

I have been blessed with a job I love and recently found out there is a good possibility I will get to stay on after our busy season ends. My DH has gone through some major changes with his job.

Our family was blessed with being able to come together at Christmas, though not for Thanksgiving due to me getting seriously sick at work. The time we got to spend with all four of our boys is a treasure I will never take for granted.

So, that's it. My life in a few paragraphs. God's blessings...

Mrs. C

Friday evening, my cousin's husband stopped at his mom's house after work, like he does every day, and found her on the floor by her bed. She passed away sometime between their phone call Thursday evening and him stopping by Friday. To add to the heartbreak, her granddaughter asked what they did wrong for this to happen to her grandma.

Mrs. C was an amazing woman. She was a widow who raised her boys on her own. They all turned out to be amazing men. My cousin could not have found a more loving, hard-working man. Along with raising her boys, Mrs. C was a strong and driving force behind several school programs her kids were involved with. She became a second mother to many kids over the years, giving them the support and comfort they needed. Sometimes even the kick in the pants they deserved!

Among her many talents was cooking wonderful food. She catered my wedding 11-1/2 years ago and I will always be thankful for her hard work. She never hesitated to greet me with a hug when we saw one another out and about. I was one of her "kids", after all. God bless you and keep you, Mrs. C. You will be missed.

So, if you have a moment or two to spare, just think of my family and send thoughts their way. It would mean so much. Thank you.

A few moments...

A few moments to share an update. I really like my job at David's Bridal. My managers are fabulous and the other consultants are great! I love Ms. Becky in our Alterations Department. She actually reminds me of my Grandma M. The work environment is great. They are all a bit like a loving disfunctional family. Crazy but still willing to claim you! Lol!

My mom and MIL have made it possible for me to work and I don't know where we would be without them. Slowly but surely things are getting squared away at home. I was very sick over Thanksgiving holiday so we were not able to have everyone over. I ended up getting sick earlier in the week, losing my voice to go along with it, but I continued to try and work. All was well until I got sick AT work. Luckily, not all over a wedding dress. I left shortly thereafter and was five minutes from home when I got sick again, this time at stop light (thank you!). Made life interesting. Mom was at the house with the boys already and told me that I wasn't going to be worth anything to just go to bed and she would stay until John got home. Sleep is an amazing cure. A few hours of hard sleep and I felt like I had some control over my body. It has taken until just yesterday for me to feel more like myself.

There are a few things going on with John's job but God will walk us through them. He has a plan and I pray I have the faith to trust Him. John seems okay but I feel like there is another shoe waiting to drop.

Jonathan has been doing well with his classes at PCI and seems to really enjoy it. He would love to have a different job right now but, as he says, it pays the bills. Isaac seems content with where he is right now. He is waiting on Alysha to transfer to the school down there to finish her classes. They are doing well together. The distance isn't so great (about 2 hours) that they aren't able to manage. I am proud of them for making this work. They have long term plans that will get started when she finishes school. For now, they are happy where they are in life and I could not be more pleased with how they are dealing with everything.

Mom and Grandma and Grandpap are doing okay. They just got Grandma's flu shot today. Her birthday was on 12/2. I thought about her all day at work but neglected to call her until yesterday. I apologized but Grandma just laughed it off, telling me she had a great day and thanked me for calling her. It's better than NOT calling. Lol!

Missed Dad greatly, yesterday.

I work all day tomorrow and then there is a company Christmas party that evening. Just thought I would share a quick ramble on a few things.

Stay safe and Happy Christmas!