Garden Therapy

We had a nice little picnic with mom yesterday. I wish I could say I don't sit there and think about the fact that dad ISN'T there, but I do. Especially when I see the hurt and sadness in my mom's eyes. I believe with all my heart we both try to be positive; neither one of us are the type to mope, but this is a big one and the "sick to your stomach" feeling has not eased. I now it is good though that we both desire to have joy in our lives again; it just is not quick to come of course. Mom has done a bit of spoiling me...she says this is my birthday present, my birthday is not until August though! I have always wanted a china cabinet and I know she has always wanted to give one to me. We found it at an antique store, I liked it there, but I am blown away at how it looks in the dining room. It will always be special to me because she bought it.
The glasses on the top shelf are from my friend, Michelle, and another set from my MIL. The glass bowls on the middle shelf are pieces my mom gave me as house warming gifts.

As I have mentioned before, spring has snuck up on me. The weeds really thought they had me beat. So this weekend I have tried to show my gardens a little TLC. I can't really describe the mood I've been in; it's not the lethargic "I don't care" attitude, but it's more like "I get started and it exhausts my brain too fast" place right now. But the gardens need to get done, nature soothes me, my flowers make me smile. So today was the day:

See the weeds, the wild onions & garlic and the bags of mulch calling out to be opened?
Poor Mr. Frog, who has been with me many years was quite worried that the "jungle" was going to invade his space!
The flowers were kind enough to show up even though I've been a poor hostess!





I did get this bed cleaned up and covered with mulch today, and Mr. Frog was so happy to have some fresh mulch to perch on, and a new rose bush friend to guard!

Thank you again for your prayers. We had more sad news today as my dad's uncle passed away this morning. As a school friend I have reconnected with on facebook writes: You just gotta keep livin' , man. L-I-V-I-N !

I haven't posted in so long, I can't even do it right! Check out my post here: http://beemoosie-picture-diary.blogspot.com/2009/05/happy-memorial-day.html

~Blessings!

Peace

Peace, that is what I yearn for. It is what I believe God for, His peace, that passes all understanding. Despite what I see & feel; despite the circumstances. I won't let go of Jesus & His peace. I can't afford to. You see today, I went to another funeral. This week I mourned & cried with many of the people I did this with a month ago. My aunt, dad's youngest sister (#7 out of 8 children) passed away Tuesday morning. 47 years old. Mother of two young adults. Sister, daughter, aunt, friend. The shock of an elderly mother that has lost her second child in one month. Siblings reeling from the pain. My mother & I trying to heal from the loss of my dad thrown right back to step one, but mourning also now because others are now so deeply touched by the pain we have experienced. Unbelievable. Incomprehensible.

You may or may not understand this, but I still believe with all my heart that God is good. He does not take from us. Sickness & death are the devil's business. God heals our broken hearts and promises us an eternity free from this pain with Him. And He also knows we get sad and beaten down and even lose our hope. He understands. He knows that right now, I am fighting moment by moment to maintain His peace....

~Blessings

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say, "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God, fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

And I hear the voice of mny angels sing
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart
"Worthy is the Lamb"

I Will Rise
Written by Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio, Jesse Reeves & Matt Moher
From the CD Chris Tomlin Hello Love

Missing Dad

I don't know if I can put into words the sorrow I have felt the last 2 weeks. My father was a young man, having just turned 60 in December, and from all appearances in good health. Even so I received the phone call 2 weeks ago this very night from my mother that she had found him outside, non responsive. Two weeks later I am still unbelievable exhausted from my brain trying to wrap itself around the fact that Dad is not here. I understand I may always wrestle with that fact.

How quickly everything changes. Two weeks ago I was an only child of two loving parents who lived 7 miles away. We may not have seen each other daily (although my DH and dad worked together) but they were part of my living & breathing. I constantly made plans and planned life around them. They were in every scene of life; birthday parties, graduations, marriages, births...

And although I am more than half way past 36, I was a child. Yes, I am responsible, but I was Bob & Charlotte's child. I did not take care of my parents, they are/were young and healthy and self sufficient. Instantly, I feel like my mom's protector. She is strong and capable still, but I so want to DO for her. Not that there is anything I can do to take away this horrible pain. Never the less my heart has taken her in to my immediate family and she is mine to take care of now.

It all feels so strange.

I miss him calling me "Bon"

I miss his holey jeans and big grease stained work hardened hands.

The half gentle pinch/half rub on the arm that was his I love you/hello

I miss hearing him say "i love you" b/c he WOULD say it

That scrunched up face and higher pitched "AHHHH GEEEEZEEE" when he was teasing

Hundreds of other things I miss that I just wasn't ready to let go of....

Sad Day

We unexpectedly lost my dad last Monday. Words cannot express my sadness; but I know with all my heart "absent of the body, present with the Lord"

Lovely Weekend

We've been blessed this weekend with sunshiny 50 degree weather. Now I know this is cold to some of you, but up here, in March, we are bordering on a heat wave. You can literally hear the collective sigh of contentedness as the majority of us housebound, hibernating humans come out of our caves and stretch and yawn feeling the life giving warmth of the sun. DH & I took the baby for a walk today. She is an okay walker; she pulls quite abit still, which

I can't stand because her neck shrinks down to nothing and I worry that she will slip out of her collar. She is learning though. This picture was taken at a nature trail that was carved out of some land in our town a few years ago. It was too wet and muddy to go back in there today.
I love this next picture; it is recycling at it's best!When the land was being prepared for the trails, this old wreck was found. It sits now at the entrance of the trail with a lovely flower box behind it. All that water is not usually there, it's overflow from a nearby creek.
I guess this post is going backwards! Earlier in the day, DS and I stopped at a local antique shop to help out the economy! ( we visited a different one last weekend!) Today was apron jackpot day! I found 3 adorable half aprons! Some to keep and some to share I think...

I am totally in love with the white & green crocheted apron; definitely my find of the day. I guess it is the uniqueness of it that draws me. I think it's cute. I also like to visit this particular shop b/c she always has old post cards that represent the holidays. I think I'll research it a bit, but it seems that people sent post cards often in the early to mid 19oo's and they were made for every holiday. So far I have found Christmas, New Years, Easter & St Patty's day. The prints are so nostalgic and beautiful!

I visited a lovely little farmgirl etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5338774

and fell in love with a tea towel that I just HAD to have!! Isn't it darling?

To back up a little more, we had an awesome dinner to celebrate my MIL's 70th Birthday. DH wanted to take her out for something special, so we took her to our extra special once a year type of place. We even took the kiddos and learned, "yes, we can clean 'em up and take them out!" I love seeing children with their grandparents.
Well the fresh air seems to have made me long winded!!! Hope you are able to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine too!
~Blessings!

I am so excited to be writing you from my new laptop! Dude, I got a Dell!! and boy do I love it! Probably don't even know half of what's on here but I am having fun. I know my family thinks I got it to blog & facebook more, and that is partially true. But I love to write and I am hoping that the mobility of the laptop will get me writing again. I love to blog too, and enjoy reading blogs so I hope to have more time to enjoy that pasttime. Our computer is upstairs and when I was home alone before working full time, it didn't bother me to be up there. Now though, I am the last one home at night and I don't like to pull myself out of the family room to go on line.
I had my first full day off (non-holiday) since starting my new job last July. I took the kids for a consultation with an orthodontist. They are both getting braces in about six weeks. I had them back to school and was home by 11:00 am. It was SO nice. I got some things done I needed to and just relaxed!! I feel awful for not feeling like sewing. I just don't have those big blocks of time I used to and sewing is just not something I can rush. I have a couple embroidery projects I have been workng on. They are much easier to pick up here and there and work on a little at a time. I've enjoyed making cards lately too. I have to do something creative...I just have to find my niche of the moment I guess. Mostly I've been reading when I can keep my eyes open. I've been kind of bad at that lately too. Starting a bunch!! I'm reading Roots, Seneca Falls and the Origins of the Womens Rights Movement, and another book I keep at work about faith and Founding Fathers.
Isn't the teacup above adorable? I found it Sunday on a quick stop on the way home from church! Brown is my favorite and I love the bits of color added to it!! My moosie thought it was a nice place to nestle into.
Boy, it's been hard to keep up with the changes around here. DD got her permit last week!! Both mom and dad have been willing and patient driving instructors!!
DH is starting a new job next Monday. He had been at the same factory here in town for 25 years. Unfortunately, it has been downsizing for the last few years. He has been keeping his eyes open for something more promising and decided two weeks ago to put an application in at the new Barilla plant in the neighboring town. Everything happened quite quickly and he will be starting his orientation next week. By all accounts, it is a great place to work. He will be working 12 hour night shifts which will be quite the change for us all, but he has been wonderful helping us adjust to MY new schedule so it's my turn to step up and help him.
Well that is about all for now! Please take time to say hello!

~Blessings!

Just Can't Beat This!

On the way home tonight I had the radio on and the traffic guy was talking about backups on this expressway and an accident on this street and oh yes, expect delays if you are headed in that direction. And look, HERE is my ride home!! My ride now is about 20 to 25 minutes depended on how heavy my foot is that day. I used to be 5 minutes from work, 10 if there was traffic confusion at the monument. So yeah, my drive is a bit longer, I've decided that it has actually been a blessing. I see things I haven't taken the time to look at in many years.

Fields, blue skies, sunrises & sunsets, animals; Gods awesome creation that is there for our enjoyment. He's reminded me to be grateful for it and take the time to take it in.


My hope for you whether you stay at home, have a beautiful drive or even an aggravating bumper to bumper drive, is that you find the beauty and peace that God offers us each day!

~Blessings

A Farmgirl MUST Live Here

My son and I drove the REALLY long way today to go get groceries. With camera in hand I set out to enjoy the clear roads and sunny skies and find some blog worthy photos to take. This was definitely one to share right away. My son was appalled at that pink door, but I loved the touch! I must admit, I'm not a "pink" girly girl. My colors tend to run "fallish" or even what some call masculine. John Deere green and yellow are just fine w/me. But on occasion, here and there, I like to throw in that feminine touch to my farmgirl tastes. The pink door on that GORGEOUS barn is quite fitting I think!

It's a quiet weekend. Basketball is over. I am catching up on a few small crafty projects and I joined the embroidered tea towel swap at http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/ . I've been dreaming up a few small landscaping changes for the front yard....spring fever is creeping in!

So that is about it...stop in and say hi! Let me know what you are up too! And if you have some "Farmgirly" to share, tell us and blog about them too!

~blessings

Happy Valentines Day

Nothing beats the winter blues like farmgirl/blogging buddy mail!! Thanks to Sue @ Country Pleasures we had another fun Valentine card swap. Thanks gals for sharing your creativity and not letting the rising cost of postage spoil our fun!

Working on pot holders today. They are quick and easy and just the thing to get my sewing juices going again! And of course I can't help throwing in a picture of 2 out of my 3 babies!
Hope you have a special day!

~Blessings

A New Favorite

My family loves peanut butter, DH & DD especially. I wanted something special for DD's 16th birthday and found this recipe. It was a big hit.

PEANUT BUTTER POUND CAKE
1C Butter, softened
2C Sugar
1C Light Brown Sugar, packed
1/2C Creamy Peanut Butter
5 Eggs
1T Vanilla Extract
3C Flour
1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/4 t baking soda
1C Whipping cream

Cream butter & sugar fluffy. Add brown sugar & peanut butter; beat thoroughly. Add eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition, stir in vanilla. Sift together the dry ingredients and add alternately with whipping cream. Pour into a lightly greased & floured tube pan. Bake @ 325 degrees for one hour or until tests done



PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING
1/4C Butter, softened
1/8 t salt
5 to 6 T milk
1/3 C creamy peanut butter
16 oz box powdered sugar

Combine all ingredients and beat until smooth


Enjoy!

I Just Couldn't Help Myself!

My neighbor across the street did a very nasty thing (but I forgive her)! You see, I only had one week off over the summer (I was used to 10!) and this job change came very suddenly. So I spent this particular week cleaning & sorting; the kind of stuff that I used to take all summer to do! I was on a roll....a mission. Organization before mommy is at work full-time.

No! Don't look! neighbor across the street is having a YARDSALE....

"move away from the window, mom"

"your getting RID of stuff, dear!"

So I go try to occupy myself in other ways. I'm really not a yardsale junkie, but what did me in was the fact that I spotted SHELVES across the street, just steps away!! Glass enclosed shelves.

They got me....my family laughs at me weakness, but I think they look pretty nice!

Boy do I love books, old & new!

Baby It's Cold Outside!

(I definitely favor the Dean Martin version for those who care!)Anywhooo, the temps up here have been hovering around zero and below for the last four days!!! Burrrr...and yes we all have to trudge out in it, even the schools stay open. And honestly I can't say that I've heard of any injuries due to the cold to either child or adult. It's just burn your nose, chill you to the bone for hours kind of cold! We had a good six inches of snow on top of what we had to start the week.
Honestly, the mornings have been gorgeous though; once you get past the pain! When it gets THIS cold the skies are generally crystal clear. That makes for some amazing sunrises and a beautifully colored sky.
I have a lovely country ride to work. After ooooing and ahhhing over the sky for three days I broke down Friday and left early with my camera to see what shots I could get. Yeah I was the geek in 4 degree weather daring to pull over and try to get some pictures!! I'll be sharing more of my pictures here: http://www.beemoosie-picture-diary.blogspot.com/ in the up coming week.

I'm doing the happy dance here because I have a three day weekend!! I warned both teenagers that Monday I will not be leaving this house to take you here there or anywhere!! I will not go pick up Joe, Betsey, Fred or Ethyl! They are welcome to come over and hang out, but it is my first day off that does not involve a family get together and I am being selfish with it!!! I have house work to do today, including to finish putting Christmas decor away, tomorrow will be church and whatnot, Monday is all about getting some creative time in(hopefully in my JAMMIES!) I joined a Valentine swap and had the MOST fun picking out new supplies last week so I believe I will work on that. I am not sure if my fabric is still speaking to me, it's been so long since I visited.

Well, to close I will show you my favorite find at that antique shop a few weeks back. I LOVE transferware of all colors, but I had not found any brown around here. Magazines have been big on featuring collections of brown the last few years and it called my name. I was so excited to find a few little trinkets of brown on my last stop.

I guess I should get today's chores started so I can play on Monday! Hope you are all keeping warm!

~Blessings

Looking Back

Here we are a week into 2009. Despite the what the media says, I feel good. I know God is in control. That doesn't mean I never fret, but when those times come, I batten down the hatches and draw closer to Him.



Many of you know there were many changes here in 2008. We started off the new year finding out our dear friend and companion of 11+ years had bone cancer. Jasmine, our dog, died in April. Mandi May came into our life in, well, May! By the end of June I had a full-time job. Big change for me. I hadn't worked full time in 14 years and I had really gotten into the habit of doing pretty much anything I wanted whenever I wanted. (wow, I sound like I was a spoiled brat!) But you know what I mean, while I was always busy, I had the flexibility to mostly get it all done and have plenty of time to spare. Life isn't like that any longer and that is ok. I am relearning how to prioritize and maybe even appreciate leisure a little more.



This summer we had time to visit one of my favorite places; a living history museum nearby. What a beautiful day it was and they were holding an old time country fair.




These veggies are real!!
Some fair entries

Well, I had a couple more but I can't seem to get them to come up now. Maybe another time!

Let us pray that 2009 is good...joy comes from within!
~Blessings

A Little Thriftin'

Few things please me more than having a quiet hour or so to browse around a thrift/antique shop. We have 4 or 5 right here in town so it is quite convenient for me to pop in when time avails. I have found myself picking up Nativities over the years, so I guess I would say I have a collection!

My mother had one similar to this that she always put a blue light through that hole in the back...



I loved this sleigh and reindeer, kind of that cutesy 50's look I think. Size wise I don't know that they go together~definitely be using some of that reindeer magic to pull THAT sleigh! But they were sold together!

I found some more goodies, but I'll save them for another day. It's quite cold here today so I think I'll snuggle down in front of the fire with a good book while the boys watch football!

~Blessings

Updates...

So what has been going on with all of you? You all know I am adjusting to the working world. Not that I didn't work before. The school cafeteria and the teacher's aide position were both real work, just not so many hours and lots of time off. MaryBeth made a funny comment about how my family must be fine b/c I mentioned new camera and computer! Gosh, that IS awful!! My daughter turned 16 two weeks ago. I didn't think it would bother me, but I have to put it right out of my mind, so I guess it does sorta make me blue. DH has been super dad being the one who works right in town and gets out right at 3:00. He picks up and drops off the kids to sports practices and has the meals started when I get home at 5:00. He is dreamy!

Mandi May is a comedy routine on four legs!!
We were told dogs love their crates...nobody told her. She will lay on top of it and watch out the window, but to get in it is a whole other story. She spreads all four legs out like a cat!!
Tomorrow we are going as a family to see Marley and Me. I know I am going to bawl at the end, but DH wants to see it and told me to bring the hankies. I let you know how I do!!

So good to hear from you all!
~Blessings

In With The New

A BIG HONKIN' WARM HELLO to You ALL!!!! I miss you....let me say that again...I miss you!!! Besides being so busy my head is spinnin', my computer (ole bessie) gave up the ghost last month. So even when there were tiny moments of time to be had...there was no way to reach you wonderful gals in cyberspace...oh the agony!!! New Bessie (I'm a genius with names!) came to live with us today and I feel like I am starting ALL over in the computer world. For those of you that I email...drop me a line I have NO addresses left!





So let me start off with this little slice of sweetness:

Mandi May is eight months old and a bundle of energy, joy, craziness and love! If you have never met a boxer (the DOG kind that is) you are truly missing out!!

So we have a new dog, a new computer....ah yes the new job. I love it. I was one of those weird people meant to deal with the public, sit at the computer, deal with the phone and general chaos and still love it. Would I love being home more? Of course, but it's not an option so I'm blessed and that is that. Quite the adjustment though not having those school vacations

The next NEW to share with you...a new camera. I'm giddy with delight with this one!!! Hopefully I'll get into a picture/blog groove again. I'm telling you it all just helps my creativity hanging with you gals; and creativity helps my mood (TRUST me on that one!) So here is scenic picture number one:

So finally, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! May it be blessed and filled with many joys!!!

And I will be talking to you soon!!

Happy Thanksgiving

How are you all? I hope you are all blessed. I miss you dearly. So few women want to "talk" in their daily lives. And sewing and cooking etc...what is that? I love to get back here to know that I have friends with common interests. I feel at home with you all.

Life is busy of course. Boxer pups are just plain CRAZY...need I say more? My job is more than I could have ever imagined. If I knew everything it entailed when I took it, I would have backed away with my tail between my legs thinking I wasn't qualified. But with God, all things are possible and He put me right where He wants me. I do enjoy it all, though I will miss those school vacations!!!

We had a wonderful experience about a month ago with a foreign exchange student. Our school hosted an exchange weekend where about 40 students spent the weekend in our district. My daughter came home wanting to be a host family. What the heck I said! We had a wonderful young lady from the Czech republic stay with us 2 nights, and I tell you it changed us all! We had so much fun and fell so madly in love with her. We cried when she left and she will forever be a part of our family.

I have had time for a little sewing, a little reading and some recipe organinzing. I am in the mood to really do some serious Christmas baking this year. I hope I can stick to my plan.

Well I'll close now to go visiting some of your blogs. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

~Blessings

PS~ Clare, you were a wonderful friend. I will miss you ((()))