How you make Others feel!

We are working on my Mission Statement now for our LynnMade business . I saw this quote the other day and it felt like the person who wrote this...knew my heart. This is exactly how I want my business to be. Actually, this is exactly how I would like my life to be!
There are so many things to do as I prepare this business to launch, I feel overwhelmed to say the least. Still the bottom line is I hope that I can make a difference in the world, through my classes. Sounds a bit corny doesn't it? But it's true!:)

I went tonight to have a LynnMade Rubber Stamp made, it was fun talking to the young girl who worked there as we waited for the stamp to be made. She was only 17 but very sweet. As we talked about my business, she said that her Grandmother had taught her how to quilt....just the way she talked you could tell how much she loved her Grandmother! I love to see when good things get passed down from generation to generation!

We kept trying size after size! This sweet sewing machine (which is upside down ) was the part that Lauren drew! How grateful I am for such talented kids ( who help their Mother )!
Good Night dear friends!

A child always KNOWS their own Mother!

I haven't posted for a couple of days. I have had a bad flu and honestly haven't felt like doing anything. Most days seem to fly bye but for some reason time slows way down... when you are sick. Making you feel like you have been sick forever! It has only been 4 days, but a very LONG 4 days.

Just wanted to share this sweet little video clip with you. It is a great reminder that kids really do know and love their Mothers. Watch carefully the ladie's faces, you can almost tell which child is there just by their reactions.

My Mom has been gone almost 16 years, there are so many times, I wished I could call and share something with her, or ask her a question.

For all of you with your Mother's still here, don't forget to let her know just how much she means to you, and be thankful she is still in your life.
Have a wonderful day dear friends!

Watch it HERE:

Date Night!

Tonight Jeff and I decided to go on a Date Night, since we missed ours with Jeff being sick. He started feeling bad on Weds night and by Thursday morning, I realized that he was still home and so I knew he had to be sick. He doesn't hardly ever take a Sick Day.
He had a bad rash all over and by the time he got to a Doctor...it was all over his body. It was a nasty Allergic Reaction, bad news after even a 2nd opinion ...no one knew what caused it. Finally he had to get Steriod Shots and today he is finally starting to get a bit better. Still hoping we find out soon what it was that caused such a reaction. Anyway...he is starting to feel better and so we decided to do our Date Night tonight.
We decided to go to the Movies, we went to McFarland USA.
It was an incredible uplifting and inspiring! I would recommend it to anyone!

Not often do you find a movie that is good and CLEAN!!!

 and 

Happy Thoughts!

Today was one of those Bigger Than Me Days! Can't quite put my finger on it, but just have a lot of things that are weighing heavy on my heart right now. Things that are beyond my control.
So I thought I would leave you with a few Happy Thoughts (ones actually that I need )!
Thanks for your friendship and love, it means the world to me.
Good night dear friends!

Try to always remember who you really are.

The last few days have been tough with some things that I have been struggling with.  I was so grateful to start a new week. One of the  best part of the weekend though, was that the girls came over and helped us working in the yard, we even got Miss Audrey helping!

Who said a 17 month old can't help clean up the yard? :)

And I also got to do some Face Time with my boy... no matter how tough things are going, getting  time with these sweet kids make things better! 

I tried to take a selfie one day before the wedding with my new ipad and because I am technically challenged, poor Lauren had to come in and help...after she stopped laughing. 

I almost forgot I took or tried to take this photo, just found it today when I was looking for something else. It made me remember, that no matter what... I need to stop worrying and just SMILE more often. There will always been tough times, there will be times when we make mistakes, there will be times when others judge you wrongfully and yet, it is important to remember what you believe and feel in your heart. If you heart is right, that is all you can do any way. You can't change people's minds or their opinion about you. But you can SMILE knowing that life is all about lessons, and some of them are much tougher than the others...but still there is ALWAYS a lesson to be learned!

So even though it was a cold and rainy day today, I was grateful to start a new week, I got to spend some time with a dear friend, I got to get some much needed groceries and I got to start putting up my Halloween decorations. Yes, small things but... so grateful for those small enjoyable things today!

Good night dear friends!

P.S. We all probably should remember this quote more often!

My heart is full!

Today at my Quilt Class, one of my students who has been gone battling Cancer...came back for the first time. I was soooooooooo excited to see her, I couldn't wait to hug her and tell her how very glad I am that she has made it through the battle. What an amazing lady she is. I first met her at my Dentist's office, where she works. Everyone loved going there partly because of her and her sweet bubbly personality. She was always happy and a great help to make you feel comfortable and not so scared ( which happens often in a Dentist's office, well it least it does with our family). When she told me last year that she had been diagnosed with cancer, my heart broke...but I knew she would make it... because she is so positive and had a great support group! So seeing her today after her battle...was a treat!
 I love this quote ( below ), I really believe that is true. I think we are here to help each other.
I have a new appreciation for this when I talk and share things with all my ladies at work. How blessed I am to be able to see and work with such amazing ladies. We talk everything from our health, our grandkids and kids, recipes, our projects and our Sewing Rooms Projects that never seem to get quite done.
As I think of my life now compared to 5 years ago ( just having had a mastectomy ), it is better than I even imagined. Many of you helped me in my own battle with cancer.
 I don't want this Thanksgiving time to pass by, without telling you how sweet you make my life! I love each of you, I pray for you and your families when you are in need; and I thank my Heavenly Father for such an amazing, sweet and talented group of ladies that I am so privileged to be associated with. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am so glad we don't have to go through this life alone...you make the journey.... worth it!
Good night dear friends!

Doing Good to Others!

Teaching our children Service at a young age was very important to Jeff and I. We prayed daily that they would have kind and compassionate hearts. We tried to come up with different ways in which our family could serve. It has been one of the biggest blessings in our lives.
 As our kids are now adults, I watch them interact with Others, I am amazed at the level of concern and compassion that they have, and my heart is full of gratitude. They got it, they got the lessons that we tried so hard to teach. It just does your heart good as a parent, to see your kids grow up and make such a GOOD and BIG difference in the world. They truly love Others!

When I read this sweet story from a book called "To The Rescue ", I realized that this Mother in the story was trying to teach the very same lesson.

"Sunday dinner was a big event in the Monson home.

"Every Sunday Gladys would prepare a plate of food for Old Bob; before the family sat down to dinner, she would send Tommy off with the plate. One Sunday he asked, “Why don’t I take it down later?”
"His mother responded, “You do what I say, and your food will taste better.”
"He wasn’t sure what she meant, but he headed off for Old Bob’s, waiting anxiously as aged feet brought his neighbor to the door. Bob reached for a dime to reward the delivery boy. “Oh, Mr. Dicks,” said Tommy, “I wouldn’t want to take your money. My mother would tan my hide.”
“My boy, you have a wonderful mother,” Bob said as he patted Tommy’s blond hair."

"When Tommy got back, his dinner did taste better. “I didn’t realize,” he recalls, “I was learning a most powerful and important lesson about caring for those less fortunate.”

 

"Why does our happiness increase when we help others find happiness? How can parents help their children learn this truth?"

 

"When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated."

 

 

 

Big Heart!

What a great man with a big heart to share!
Enjoy!

20 life lessons from Mister Rogers

By Sarah Petersen and Abby Stevens, Deseret News

 

See the list » 20 items « Previous List        

Wikimedia Commons

Ever since 1968 when Fred Rogers' television show first ran on the Eastern Educational Television Network, his character of "Mister Rogers" has reminded millions of children just how special they are.

Whether through a simple song or loving thought, Rogers had a way of connecting to anyone while on screen.

Rogers' television show, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" successfully spoke to children about important topics, such as going to school, making friends, dealing with siblings -- and even difficult topics such as divorce, disabilities and bullying.

Rogers' statements still resonate today as his quote regarding scary images in the news circulated online after the bombings that took place at the Boston marathon. His popular statement said:

"When I was a child and would see scary things on the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"

As a former minister, Rogers always made an effort to stand up for what he knew to be right. Early on in his career, the young Rogers found himself in court in 1969 in order to express the importance of educational television.

At the time, funding for the public broadcasting system was on the brink of being cut in half and Rogers appeared before the United States Senate in order to prove the importance of such programming.

"I'm very much concerned, as I know you are, about what's being delivered to our children in this country," Rogers said.

He later stated when explaining his own personal show: "This is what I give, I give an expression of care everyday to each child. To help him realize that he is unique by saying, 'You've made this day a special day by just your being you."

Within just a few minutes of his message, Rogers caused the judge to express: "I'm supposed to be a pretty tough guy, and this is the first time I've had goosebumps in the last two days."

"Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" would then go on to win four Emmy's, with Rogers' himself receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.

After Rogers' passing in 2003, Marc Brown, the creator of the animated PBS series, gave a tribute to Rogers and the legacy he left as reported by the Post-gazette.

"Gosh, when you die, the one thing you want is to feel that your life is worth something," Brown said. Think of the millions of families and children he's touched and made their lives better and easier in some way."

The following are 20 remarks from Rogers that have taught life lessons to both children and adults.

Published: Monday, Oct. 14 2013 10

 

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20 life lessons from Mister Rogers        Shutterstock  This quote comes from a song Rogers sang in many episodes. Rogers wrote his own music and enjoyed playing the piano. You can read his 20 quotes HERE:

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2 Day Sleep Over with Miss Jenny!

I am sorry it has been so long since I have written. There have been a few things on my heart that are really heavy right now, and I myself was struggling to find something positive to think, much less write about. Then after the weekend, I feel renewed strength and hope. I know that everything happens for a reason and I am trying hard to look at the glass ...half full!
Another thing that kept me busy and that was a good thing, was Miss Jenny came to do a 2 Day sleep over at Nana's. That is a big deal for her, she is used to doing Sleep Over's with her sister but gets a bit homesick when she is just by herself. But she did a great job and we had tons of fun, so much that I didn't write much...as you probably noticed!
The first night we went to a Harvest Carnival at the church.
Jenny: We are going to the carnivore!
 Lauren: Jenny its a carnival
Jenny: I know!
She and Audrey went with us, while Angie was at a B-day party and Mom and Dad got to go out on a DATE. Audrey liked all the kids that were running around at the Carnival and Jenny and Poppa went to every booth to play....bowling, bean bag toss, cupcake walk, face painting ( I was painting the cute little faces, with another friend ), donut contest, balloon making with the clown, bobbing for apples. Yes, she was worn out when we got home but, I think the sugar was still in her because she was talking 90 miles an hour to everyone when she got back about the carnival.
We also picked the pumpkin out of our little pumpkin patch in the back yard (we only had 3 )!
Saturday afternoon we went to Yakama Fruit Market and checked out all the fall decorations and pumpkins...I believe Jenny is as excited about Fall as her Aunt Lauren is!
We found tiny pumpkins and one of the biggest one's she has ever seen. We also crocheted together, she is learning how to crochet with her fingers, she did a great job. I love passing on those traditions of talents like sewing and crocheting with the next generation! My Grandma Johnny would be proud of us! The only problem is she loves scissors, so many projects got cut short ...literally... with Miss Scissor Happy. She said more one liners than I can even remember. She is funny, mischievous, a bundle of energy, unpredictable and sweet, we loved spending time with our Jenny girl!

"Look Poppa, I am crocheting!"

"Fall is in the air...can't you just feel it?"

How to show up for your LIFE!

Read this article here: and thought what a neat thing all of us should remember. I think when we are children...we are there and present in our life. Somewhere between childhood and now...we might have lost part or all of ourselves. What a neat reminder!
Good night dear friends!

How To Show Up For Your Life

 

I learned this really cool term last week.  “Self abandonment”.  This is when you plan on going to the gym but end up eating ice cream bars and watching hours of stuff you can’t even remember you watched on Hulu.  This is when you don’t want to send that email or that text to that certain someone but you are feeling lonely and act from that place.  It’s when you choose activities that numb you out, take you out of your integrity, or deter you from your true path. 

 

The worst betrayal is when we betray ourselves.  When we betray ourselves, we are treating ourselves as someone who is not worthwhile.  Learning how to show up for yourself will keep you clear, directed, and more able to connect with the people you love. 

 

Showing up is:  to be clearly visible.  Do you allow people to see who you really are?  Can you be authentic in your own life?  Showing up is:  To put in an appearance, to arrive.  Have you “arrived”?  Did your completely present self make it to brunch?  Your body may be there but is your mind and spirit at the table as well? 

 

Are you actually living within your life right NOW?  Or are you living in past defeat and future worries?  When you are really showing up, life feels richer, simpler and more golden.  Small shifts equal big change!  Try these tips to reconnect with yourself. 

 

 Got photo from here:
Drop Your Story  Your life interpreted through the filter of your story means that every negative thing that happens to you cements your downtrodden version of your life.  Change your story and change what you start attracting. 

Do A Media Cleanse

Get off your electronics!  Are you enjoying your dinner or are you enjoying how cool people think your dinner looks on Instagram?  Are you missing out on what’s happening right in front of you because you are so absorbed in what happened 5 minutes ago in someone else’s life

 

Seek Peace & Quiet

Mind noise.  Subway noise.  Street noise.  Social media noise.  It all adds up to constant mental chatter.  Find a quiet place.  Go to it regularly.  It is impossible to tune into what we need if we don’t seek out space for our thoughts to percolate. 

 

Be Aware Of How You Really Feel

Try this powerful exercise for a full day.  Check in with yourself every 15 minutes.  Ask yourself three questions-How do I feel?  What do I need?  What do I want?  Are you tired, hungry, worried?  Do you need a glass of water, to step away from your computer or to connect with a friend?  Taking yourself off autopilot brings you back into your body and mind.  Consciousness around your feelings and desires reconnects you with YOU.

 

Do You

“Always be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else.” ~ Judy Garland. 

You are the gift.  Even with frizzy hair, even when your skin looks bad, even when you feel nuts.  We can’t connect with your layers of insecurity.  We can’t connect with your puffed up chest or your title.  Strip down the layers and reveal yourself.  You are enough.  You are golden.  We want to connect with the real you.  Allow us to by standing in your power. 

 

(Re)Connect With Your Dreams

Are you living the life you’ve dreamed of?  If not, WHY not?  When did you decide to take this path?  How can you course correct?  You have to know what you want to get it.

 

Your Needs Are Valid.

This can be a daily affirmation or mantra.  Use it when you start rationalizing someone else’s bad behavior.  Use it when you are afraid to have a difficult conversation.  You are important.  You matter just as much as anyone else.  Feel it in your bones.

 

Eat Well and Sleep Soundly

Meet your basic needs every day!  Please sleep and nurture your body with quality nutrition every day.  It is very difficult to stay emotionally even keel when we are exhausted or frazzled from a sugar or caffeine buzz.  Be kind to yourself.

 

Know What You Are Communicating With Your Energy

“You are responsible for the energy you bring into the room.” ~ Iyanla Vanzant

Be aware of the energy you are bringing into any situation.  Do you show up with anger, with anxiety, with your mind on other things, with love?  Whether you are with your beloved, your family, or a group of people, your energy contributes to the dynamic.  Look at what you are bringing to the mix and be conscious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With your whole heart and soul!

I love this quote! It does make a world of difference... if we put our heart and soul into whatever we do!
Good night dear friends!

Great Valentine's Day Ideas from the heart!

 Jason F. Wright had some great Valentine ideas from the heart and on a budget.

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 Read more from Jason F. Wright,  here:

February 12, 2013 There are three things men cannot avoid: death, taxes and Valentine's Day. Nor can we avoid their proven side effects of stress and the cold sweats. At least in the case of Feb. 14, there is hope. To combat V-Day-induced anxiety, the National Retail Federation reports that men will spend an average of $168.74 on flowers, candy, jewelry and cards for their sweethearts. Overall, both genders in America will drop a hefty $17.6 billion on the holiday. Many of us love-struck men are so committed to getting it right, we'll even go into debt to finance our Valentine's Day purchases. Because nothing screams romance quite like saying, "I love you so much I'm willing to max out my Visa card in your honor." But you don't have to be Dr. Phil to know that she'd probably prefer a single rose and 100 uninterrupted minutes of your day. She doesn't want to know you spent a lot of money — she'd rather know you spent a lot of time. If you'd like to try celebrating Valentine's Day this week without busting the budget, consider one or more of these 10 ideas to make the day meaningful without requiring a bank loan.

1. Re-create your first date. A lot sure has changed since that first date, hasn't it? Why not surprise your sweetheart by re-creating it as best you can, right down to the itsy-bitsy details? What did you eat? What did you wear? Did you tell a dumb joke? She will appreciate that you savor those memories.

2. Breakfast picnic in the park. Buy her favorite kind of cereal in the miniature boxes, plus single serve bottles of milk, juice and perhaps a bagel or donut and take her the park for a long lunch or dinner. Too cold? Tuck the kids in early and throw a blanket on the living room floor.

3. Rent that movie. You know that movie she can't watch often enough? Yes, it's the same one you just can't bear to imagine watching again. For Valentine's Day, why not track it down, make her favorite treat and cuddle on the couch while she enjoys the movie she loves with guy she loves even more.

4. Dollar-store date. Give yourselves a budget - $5 each? - and hit your local dollar store. The goal is for each of you to buy things that have sentimental value without the other person seeing what's in your basket until you're home. Each item has to relate to a favorite memory from your relationship.

5. Hand over your phone. Come home early on Valentine's Day and immediately hand your wife your iPhone, pager or Motorola brick. Tell her to ignore the shivers, shakes and other withdrawal symptoms and not return it until the next morning. Then tune the rest of the world out and tune into her.

6. Visit that place. You know that museum, gallery or visitors' center she's always wanted to visit? This just might be the night. Most are free to enter and she'll appreciate that you've been paying attention when you've driven by. Plan well and be sure to call ahead to check operating hours.

7. Take the day off. If your schedule allows, consider taking off the entire day and dedicating it to her. Does she have a honey-do list? Would she enjoy a long walk together? Could you care for the kids while she reads all afternoon on the couch? How about a discount matinee at the movies?

8. Shout "I love you!" 2013-style. In the classic romantic comedies, the man takes the microphone at the concert or yells from the middle of a crowded mall that he loves her with all his heart. In the digital age, why not shout from the rooftops of Facebook or Twitter and appropriately proclaim your feelings online? She'll smile - guaranteed.

9. Make a handmade valentine. We all remember making valentines in elementary school using candy hearts, Red Hots and construction paper. She wouldn't really appreciate that today, would she? Just watch her eyes light up when you hand her something you made by hand with her in individual tastes in mind.

10. Do something she hates. We all have things we just don't care for. Why not pick a few things from her list and knock them out? Iron your own shirts, deep clean the playroom, vacuum her car, or brave that long line at the DMV or post office. Discover what she's been putting off and take on that headache for her.

You almost have to read this twice...

I love quotes that make you really stop and think about your life, and this is one of those quotes. It is important to slow down and realize where our heart really is. It made me stop and evaluate my mind and my heart! Each day I will try harder to make sure that my thoughts are always in the right place.
Good night dear friends!

You have my heart for Christmas!

Big snow storm hit last night, it was beautiful to wake up to this morning. Not to mention that they had stero surround sound put throughout the whole house. Waking up to that Christmas music in the air was great. Jeff told me we can have that in our house too, if I was willing to carry around my radio where ever I go. He is too funny!
Shirley and basically shopped most of the day for a Christmas Party they are having tonight. The roads were bad but she got a new car and seemed to have a lot of confidence...maybe too much. There is a road close to her home called SUICIDE hill, and there is a good reason they call it that. She almost took us down there, until she saw a car going backwards as they were trying to come up the hill. I convinced her to be daring and adventuresome ( after I left ).
Below is  a link to a sweet Christmas story on line. It is only 2 minutes and so worth it!
P.S. Go get the tissues first!
Here:

Good night dear friends!

Without Ribbons and Bows

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Well, I arrived in Utah a few hours ago, my family was here to pick me up. Shirley and I both got teary eyed when we hug. She truly is like a sister to me. We stayed up a bit late, just talking and her showing me all the Christmas decorations that she had made and put up for her new home. It is beautiful, it feels like home... I guess this is my 2nd home. I even  have my own room and my own bathroom here, yes...this is my 2nd home.

Since it is late, I will finish with this sweet article about the true meaning of Christmas! Good night dear friends!

Without Ribbons and Bows

You will recall from Dr. Suess’s holiday “horror” story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, that the devilish Grinch determined to rob Who-ville of every holiday treat. In a nefarious scheme in which the Grinch dressed as Santa himself, he moved through Who-ville taking every package, tree, ornament, and stocking.

He stared down at Who-ville!

The Grinch popped his eyes!

Then he shook!

What he saw was a shocking surprise.

Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small,

Was singing! Without any presents at all!

He HADN’T stopped Christmas from coming!

IT CAME!

Somehow or other, it came just the same!

And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow

Stood puzzling and puzzling: “How could it be so?”

“It came without ribbons! It came without tags!

It came without packages, boxes or bags!”

And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store.

“Maybe Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more!”

(Dr. Suess, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, New York: Random House, 1957.)

Part of the purpose for telling the story of Christmas is to remind us that Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Indeed, however delightful we feel about it, even as children, each year it “means a little bit more.” And no matter how many times we read the biblical account of that evening in Bethlehem, we always come away with a thought—or two—we haven’t had before.

I do not feel—or mean this to sound—like a modern-day Scrooge. The gold, frankincense, and myrrh were humbly given and appreciatively received, and so they should be, every year and always. As my wife and children can testify, no one gets more giddy about the giving and receiving of presents than I do.

But for that very reason, I, like you, need to remember the very plain scene, even the poverty, of a night devoid of tinsel or wrapping or goods of this world. Only when we see that sacred, unadorned child of our devotion—the Babe of Bethlehem—will we know why “tis the season to be jolly” and why the giving of gifts is so appropriate.

At the focal point of all human history, a point illuminated by a new star in the heavens revealed for just such a purpose, probably no other mortal watched—none but a poor young carpenter, a beautiful virgin mother, and silent stabled animals who had not the power to utter the sacredness they had seen. Shepherds would soon arrive and later, wise men from the East. Later yet the memory of that night would bring Santa Claus and Frosty and Rudolph—and all would be welcome. But first and forever there was just a little family,without toys or trees or tinsel. With a baby—that’s how Christmas began.

It is for this baby that we shout in chorus: “Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King! … Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth”
Perhaps recalling the circumstances of that gift, of his birth, of his own childhood, perhaps remembering that purity and faith and genuine humility will be required of every celestial soul, Jesus must have said many times as he looked into the little eyes that loved him (eyes that always best saw what and who he really was), “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3).

Christmas, then, is for children—of all ages.

I got this article from HERE:

"Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years... Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart." ~ George Matthew Adams

A child at heart!

When a friend of mine came over the other day to look at my Christmas decorations,I explained all the things that I had up. Like the Old TV Night light with Rudolph on the screen. I told her that when I was a child, that movie was the first one we would see on TV after Thanksgiving, it was my favorite Christmas movie ( now I have many favorites). Then we walked around and talked about all the other things that meant so much to me. She then said " Lynn you are just a child at heart aren't you? " I guess I am. I just feel because I missed so much of my childhood, I promised if I ever grew up and had a family...that I would make sure my kids and my grandkids would have the best childhood ever! That has always been my goal! I am so thankful I was able to achieve that!

It was important for me as a new Nana to have a nativity that the kids could not only touch but really play with. This Fischer Price Nativity is something I got on my first Christmas as a Nana. When you push the angle on top of the manger ... a light shines down on baby Jesus and it plays Away In A Manger. Love it, and so do the kids!

My bear collection has now advanced to bears for all the different holidays. These cute Elf bears proudly sit in the living room and help bring the some Christmas Cheer. I also have 6 Christmas mice that are hidden all over the room and the kids try to find  their new hiding places each time they come over!

Each year when I was doing my business, I painted a new Santa Claus, so here is my Santa collection. Look really hard, because I believe I see another Christmas mouse near the Santas!

Everyone has a handmade quilted stocking by Nana. You can see the spot that is open for Kai's when I get it finished ( which needs to be soon  ), and we need to put them even tighter together, when Miss Audrey gets here ! If you look real close under the stockings on the right hand side near the Santas, you will see 9 stuffeReindeers. We have all of them named ( of course they are the same names as Santa's reindeers! ) Even Rudolph is there. Oh my goodness, I think I found another Christmas mouse too!

Yes, I love Christmas and everything about it!

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."
Calvin Coolidge

Motherhood

Today I talked to a dear friend today that I hadn't seen in awhile. As we caught up with each others lives, it made me realize that many of us Mothers have or will go through the same things. As she spoke of some of the struggles she was having with her young family, I shared some of the same experiences that I had gone through when my kids were  younger. I think it made her feel good for two reasons, one because she realized that she wasn't the only Mother to have these experiences, and two she was glad that I lived to tell about it! :) That gave her hope I think!
How true that is with anything in life? I think the greatest danger is when we feel like we are the only one that is going through something. It makes you feel lonely and really isolated. When the truth is...most Mothers go through many of the same things and if we could just open up to each other, I think we could help each other so much more.
Motherhood is tough and it certainly is hard on your heart when you see your kids go through certain stages or challenges. Raising a family in this day and age isn't easy. The temptations and challenges my kids went through and are going through are far worse than I had to go through. Some of course are the same but many are worse. It is easy for our kids to get lost in this world of pressure, noise and distractions. It isn't uncommon for kids to lose the ability to communicate because of all the technology out there. The commercials promise that you can stay connected every where, but what they don't tell you ...is it is hard to disconnect and develop the one on one with people, when you are always PLUGGED IN!
 So I hope that some of us will be more willing to share with each other, no one should ever have to struggle alone. I think that is what life is all about... to help each other.
How thankful I am for my many friends and family who have always taken the time to talk and share my burden with me. What a world of difference that makes!
Good night dear friends.


"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.  She never existed before.  The woman existed, but the mother, never.  A mother is something absolutely new"  ~Rajneesh

 "You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool mom. " ~Author Unknown

Something good

   Today was a rough day for me. My heart is worrying about something and I can't seem to enjoy or think about much else. I tried to go walking but half way through my walk, my hamstring muscle starting hurting again. I am a bit discouraged about that too, Jeff and I have been walking for a while now and I was feeling great, now it seems every little thing makes me go backwards some.
    But there were good things that happened today too, my friend who had surgery is doing well and we think the procedure was a success. I got to talk to my sweet daughter in law... and catch up on them and their new move to Boston, plus she filled me in on what all our grandson Kai is doing now. Found out that he got his first tooth!
   Also I was able to create a new project for my Quilt class, it is something I had been wanting to do for awhile, so that was good.
    So even though my heart is still hurting, I am glad I stopped to remember that there WAS some good that happened today too! Glad for the perspective change. Good night dear friends!

"If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail."  ~Abraham Maslow

 "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."  ~Anaïs Nin

Prayer...it does work!

I just got off the phone with a dear family member that I haven't connected with for a long time. When we both realized what time it was and how longed we talked, we laughed and said we better head for bed. Then I remembered I hadn't even written my blog today. So since it is no longer today ... but tomorrow now or whatever you call it, I will leave you with this Question that I saw the other day. I realize that many times in my life, I have spent way more time talking about a situation or a problem, instead of praying the same amount about it. I do believe in the power of prayer, I do know it works. Glad to have this simple reminder tonight...or today? :)

“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart. ~Mahatma Gandhi

Now the house is too quiet!

Well, my heart is hurting tonight. This Motherhood and Grand-motherhood stuff, is definitely NOT for sissies! One minute you are heart broken because all of your kids have grown up and moved away. The house almost echos because of it's emptiness. Then our heart finally gets used to it and then Jeff and I really started enjoying our Empty Nester's status. Just as we started getting to know each other again and enjoying that free time, one child moves back in. Glad to have them back but a bit hard to adjust again. Then your older and married kids, buy a home and need to stay with us for a few weeks until they can move in. 

The house is no longer EMPTY or SILENT, matter of fact with two little ones running around, you can hardly think. Still having the girls here was wonderful, chaotic but wonderful. I loved getting up every morning to their little sweet faces and hugs. I loved kissing them good night and so today they finally got their home. I spent the whole day there and by evening Jeff came up, so we could at least help them get a bit of order to their mess. We got beds up, some of the stuff in the girl's room organized and their kitchen up. Got the kitchen stuff put away and most of the linens. It was fun to see them finally have their first home and what a beautiful home it is!  But still I am already sad when I came home to such a silent house! My poor heart can't take this! :)

Then we got this photo from Aunt Lauren today with her little Kai! She is the only one in the family who hadn't met Kai yet. Since she was finishing up her semester at college, we had her get a ride to California so that she could see her brother, sister-in-law and meet her new little nephew!

He is growing up so fast, and we are already having a hard time that we can't see and hold him more often.

Nana is missing this sweet face and hope that some how we can still stay in close touch... so he knows how much Nana and Poppa miss him! But for now we will let Aunt Lauren get her time with our little Kai!
Yes, even though Jeff and I are excited to have a bit more time for ourselves, we have to admit...these little ones have taken a strong hold on our hearts, and we feel blessed. Blessed to have a family that is so crazy about each other, that is what type of family...I always dreamed of!
Good night dear friends!


“There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human society, are created, strengthened and maintained”    Winston Churchill 

 “Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old.”   ~ Mary H. Waldrip

  "A happy family is but an earlier heaven."   ~ John Bowring