Teaching Sunday School

One of my favorite days of the week will be when you find me teaching the little ones at our church. Getting to know their personalities as they develop and discovering all they learned from the week before. At this age they learn so quickly. I'm really enjoying this time with them.

Us at the Grove Park Inn & Resort

Happy Holidays!!

I love this candid where we're enjoying our time together at our favorite place "The Grove Park Inn"

Me and Scoot as we are

Ok, so it's not exactly an official Christmas photo with Scoot but it's one that shows us as we are each evening. Cuddling up with the pillows and him always finding a way to get in my lap for some lov'in.

Official Christmas photo

My little Christmas boy. Had to get this picture before he tore out the cute little bow he's wearing. He really hates them and does everything he can to get'em out.

Ta Da!

Finished the tree! Yep, it's in the chandelier again!

Christmas Traditions

Each year we get our tree at the Boyd family farm the day after Thanksgiving. This has been a ten year tradition for 08'. They have the best and ;( most expensive trees anywhere around NC!

We said we'd go go smaller this year, but after viewing the photos and after putting the tree up for decorating, I think a foot smaller than last year does not constitute small. It's so hard to scale down after big for so many years! We see, we want!

I always complain about the size because of the work invovled. Afterwards, when all the lights and decorations are up (which is usually done in stages over a 3-4 day period)

it really makes it all worthwhile. We just can't stop saying how beautiful it is as we pass it. Jeepers!!! Just look at the base on that thing! It definitely was a group effort getting this home. The best part was it going straight up in the stand without any adjustments. That's pretty good considering one year it fell over!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!

If I was too guess what Miss T is saying it might be........ "EAT HAM"!
Hope all my friends and family have a wonderful holiday. Don't forget the black olives!

More changes!

Some new items for my Summer theme. I believe I'm watching too much HGTV lately! I'm officially addicted. When you can pick out your favorite designer on the channel, it's official....I'm an HGTV junkie! The whole concept of designing on a dime are getting me inspired to create a casual relaxing home environment. I'm changing things up. I'm thinking in terms of versatility. Ideas where I can change out a couple of items like the rugs and drapes, giving me a more bright summertime color scheme with minimal expense. By doing this I feel like I have a different look each season. Change can be good...right? The hardest part for me is choosing a paint color for the living room walls. I really need to just bite the bullet and go for it. What's the worst that can happen...I hate it and then need to paint over it? I need courage! I need to make a decision!!! HELP!

Re-decorating project underway!

Getting ready to decorate for Christmas. Adding some red and green to the decor. Excited about the change...it keeps me occupied and busy and that is a good thing these days!

Election Day

Today is the day history will be made. Vote your conscience. Vote smart! Most of all get out and place your vote. It counts. It matters. It's our time to heal as a nation! Time to get back what was lost in the last administration. It's our hope for a brighter future for the place we are proud to call home. AMERICA the ever so beautiful!!!!

What a gorgeous morning. Walked in to the polling station to exercise my right to vote at around 8: 25 AM with no wait in spite of the attendant saying it had been busy already. The joy of living in a small town of less than 1500 pays in times like this, although, if I had to wait, I would. The only difference would be a chair tucked under my arm.

Time to bake!

On Sunday I received some starter for making Amish Friendship Bread. One of my favorite things to do is to bake in the Fall season. Too bad I have to wait until the starter get nice and soar, but heck, that's what makes it SOOOOO GOOD (besides the fact that any recipe from the Amish is delish)!

Reminders of Mom

This pillow really sums up my feelings about my Mother. As I unloaded her belongings that I set aside as reminders of our time together and the likeness we shared in various passions such as gardening and art, I'm again reminded of the significance she had in my life and my thankfulness of having her in it. I received the antique table my Mother had in her house via my brother (thanks a bunch Dale) this week. Putting it together and placing it in my kitchen nook was poignant. This table is where we shared many family celebrations, holidays and everyday meals together. Mom usually had the food set out buffet style when we all came over. I am very pleased to have this in my home now. It also matches perfectly with my cabinets. Such a beautiful reminder of her and her love for antiques.

The items I chose to keep as a memento or reminder all have meaning attached to them. Some are silly like collecting the little bean bag folks on the right that I started her on, to the more significant keepsakes, for example her achievement award from the government. An honor from which she was very proud.
1. One quilt in particular that was on her bed when she passed away as Bonnie and I held her.

2. Mom's bed spread and down pillow where she rested her head each evening

3. a couple ball caps of hers. A reminder of her favorite hat to wear. She enjoyed buying them for me too.

4. a hummel from her collection

5. antique salt and pepper shakers we used to scavenger together at the thrift and antique stores.

6. a plate with Chickadees on them. One of her most favorite bird. When visiting me in NC, she loved that we had so many in our yard.

7. a few pieces of pink glass/depression glass and lead crystal each representing a collection she was very passionate about.

8. a copper pan to cook in and remember her by when I do.

9. Mom was an artist and an antique dealer. I saved her palette and tools she used as reminders of when she painted and also when she refurbished her antiques.

10. a few items she bought as souvenir's while visiting me in NC. One is a pretty mineral rock.

11. Grandpa Westergren's briefcase, which I discovered by surprise. A note was tucked into the inside pocket saying "This was my father's briefcase Love Mom". It obviously meant a lot to her and wanted whoever found it to know that. When my sister and I were little, Grandpa gave my sister and I purses of the same leather when he came back from a business trip in mexico. I still remember where I was when we opened the box. I loved that purse!

12. Many of the cards I gave her over the years. She saved them all, not only from me but from everyone who sent one.
13. a chipmunk and bear she had at her house to remind her of her visits with me in NC.

14. a tiffany lamp I gave her for Mother's Day one year.

15. a couple musical figurine's. My sister thought I should have them as reminders of Mom

16. some silverware for when I have company at Mom's table.

17. a photo album of photos she had taken while visiting me with my niece Jenna.

18. an antique tool for woodworking. Knowing she used her hands to work on projects means a lot to me.

20. an heirloom plate that was given to her for her wedding by her Grandmother in 1952. With a note on the back saying so.

Very happy to have these items to put around in my home. To remind me of how fortunate I was to have such a loving and caring Mother in my life.

Sometimes

Yep! Somedays I feel like this too Scoot! TGIF!!!!

Stamin up products

Cute photo of my sister and niece sharing some love for each other.

What fall looks like in NC

The view from my office. These 2 trees are amazing in colors as they begin to turn. Fall has arrived!

Rain or Shine!

One of my favorite quotes

There is such truth in this quote:

Never doubt that a small group of committed people

CAN CHANGE THE WORLD,

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

It will be a sad day when...

We have to take down this beautiful tree in our driveway. It has brought so much joy and shade to this area for so many years. Unfortunately it has also been dying a slow death. Apparently the developer of our home did not dig a tree well and the fill was to high for the roots system thus we were too late to save it. We will have a bare spot there and have to think of another place to put all our bird feeders. The thought of not having it there anymore was a sad one for us all summer long. It's now at the point of falling down if we don't take action. I so loved this tree!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"If politicians could catch up and restrain themselves from trying to exploit our differences for their own gain -- we'd all be better off" Glenn Beck

If your interested here is his commontary.

Handsome Luke

This is by far one of the sweetest dogs I have ever encountered! I just loved photographing him. He was so relaxed and cooperative. I just had to give him an extra rub and pat for allowing me to inturde on his porch siesta. Thanks Luke you handsome dude you.

My wish list

I have to wait until it's available in November but I seriously can't wait to get my hands on the new canon 5D Mark II. This is my dream come true camera!

Lov'in on a hamster

Shea has no fear petting or playing with rodents of any kind. Me? I'm happy just watching her play with them. Looks like Aunt Bonnie is going to set up house for them....at her house. Hey Shea? Did you pick out any names yet? The white one is really cute.

Hanging by a thread

RANDOM THOUGHT
I didn't mean to destroy this little fellow's hard work when watering the garden. Afterwards he was just hanging there and I realised this could have been where the saying 'hanging by a thread" came about." It was so intrigued about our country's colloquialism etc, that I asked around about others like it. In the Midwest we say POP others say SODA . Another example......, where did cowlick come from? I use these same phrases/idioms and words all the time without even knowing their origin. The answers were so funny some dating as far back as the 16th century, that I decided to write them down as I go, so that when I'm uttering these phrases, I truly do know what I'm talking about.....lol . If you randomly ask people about theses idioms and where they think they came from, it's even funnier with the things they come up with. I really thought I was being fooled on the word"cowlick" but it was true that it came from the street word in England to describe the look of swirled hair as if a cow licked it. I never knew????

Wordle fun

What a hoot! This word game was too much fun. This site wordle goes through your blog and lets you know what words you use the most often in larger print. If you ask me, using the word enjoying isn't half bad but the word "come" on the other hand is very midwestern in nature. Growing up we would always say "do you want to come" instead of go with us. I know it sounds a little mental but we miswesterners also end sentences with a preposition. If we were gong to visit someone I would say "lets go by so and so's house", instead of "going to". My husband would then say "when we go by... are you going to wave?" Funny guy that one!

For the love of the game

Troy patiently waiting for his chance to run to home base.

Beauty is where you find it.

and I find that beauty with these two very special ladies! Love you guys!

Hanging out

Another activity I enjoy immensely but tends to be a luxury these days... siting outside with my scooter boy enjoying my garden and view. Just hanging out.

Favorite page

This is one of my all time favorite pages that showcases myself as a child enjoying all the various outdoor activities our family enjoyed while growing up. For us vacations centered around camping and all its pleasures. To this day I still yearn for putting up our tent. Come rain or come shine.

Playing games to WIN!

Ready

SET
PULL!!!

C'mom 1000! 1000! 1000!

Bunch of high pitched screams ensue

after it hit the mark

Aaaaaa! While jumping up and down

of course.

We WON!!

We WON!!!!

So much fun going to the indoor arcade. A befitting place to go when it's pouring outside. A favorite game for Troy and Shea was what appears and is similar to a wheel of fortune. We all were standing at this one game chanting 1000! 1000! 1000! Over and over again as the kids put their tokens in hoping to win the jackpot. It was a little difficult to pull the lever down but Shea wanted to do hers all by herself. After several attempts she won the 1000 ticket bonus! We were all screaming like Indians as all the tickets started to pour out of this machine. Taking several minutes until they were all out. We thought it would never end. Talk about kid excitement!! The series of photos takes us through the anticipation, the pull, the hope and the victory but the best part was when Shea got on the floor to share her winnings with her brother Troy. What a sweet ending.

For a good cause

Home from Chicago..... Trying to dry out but it's raining here now. Argh. I wonder if it will ever end.

All in all my visit was very nice. Seeing family is a good thing even if the weather is lousy. Participated in "The Light the Night" walk to support Shea and the "Lymphoma and Leukemia Society" fundraiser in Grant Park. Volunteered in blowing up the helium balloons. What a hoot. I thought I'd never get the red dye off my hands. Photo shows part of our team with Shea in the pink and my sister impersonating Mary Poppins. So fun!

It was especially wonderful seeing all the young people who've interned for the society and volunteered as well. It's encouraging to see the younger generations reach out and care.

My little Scooter Boy being.......well "Scooter! Lounging in his very own garden chair and acting like he's royalty. I guess we need to start saying "His Majesty"

My Inspiration

Have you ever come across a song or a phrase that just makes you stop and think about life and its meaning. I love this song from Nickelback. It provides inspiration for me when I hear it (plus it's got a great sound). So many times I've looked up to the sky and really felt and sensed how small we are in the scale of life.
I also wished that more people cared in the true sense of caring. Reaching out to others without expecting anything in return. To swallow your pride and realize that everyone needs someone to care at different times in their life if not always. I think this is what gives being alive purpose. It's not all about us! It's about others as well and taking the time to show you care. This song puts into words what my internal perspective senses and it inspires me.
Enjoy my new soundtrack on my blog

"If Everyone Cared"
From underneath the trees, we watch the sky
Confusing stars for satellites
I never dreamed that you'd be mine
But here we are, we're here tonight
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive

If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died
And I'm singingAmen I, Amen I, I'm alive
Amen I, Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive(I'm alive)
And as we lie beneath the stars
We realize how small we are
If they could love like you and me
Imagine what the world could be
If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died
When nobody died...
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day when nobody died

hummingbird resting

It's quite difficult to get a sharp shot of a hummingbird sitting still let alone catching him in flight but, I'm determined to try and get one photo where I freeze the motion in flight. This is a challenge to say the least but the undertaking is one that I enthusiastically approach in hopes of success. I also get a little help from the cuties as they warn me with their hum before approaching, giving me ample time in my "ready, set, focus" mode . Check out their ruby necks. These little guys always make me smile!

hummingbird in flight

Not for the faint

Can't believe I never even noticed this snake slithering over my foot. I found out it happened in retrospect after post reviwing my images on my digital camera. I'm absolutely positive that had I known when it happened the whole mountain side would have heard my scream for miles. It was bad enough that a loud "OH MY GOD" came out of my mouth when I zoomed in on it!!

Count to 4 real fast

That's how fast it was when first entering to exiting the creek. I felt so grungy after a long bike ride and hike in the mountains that I just had to wash up. I thought what better place then in natures own bathtub. It was extremely cold and numbing but exhilarating at the same time! I'll save my vanity from showing the photos of me screaming. My puppy Scooter had to follow suit and jumped in and out about as fast. It was a hoot to see him jump on a boulder and slide all the way down, sideways of all things until he plopped in. He and I slept like a baby last night. All is good experiencing life in the mountains and now I'm feeling clean and rejuvenated for another adventure seeking hike.