Happy New Year 2010

It is hard to believe that yet another has flown by. Where does the time go?

May you have a safe and prosperous New Year!

Merry Christmas

May your Christmas be filled with laughter, joy and wonderful memories!

Mary Did You Know

My favorite song of the Christmas season is Mary Did You Know?

Here are just a few of the lyrics that I have come to love...

Mary did you know
that your baby boy would one day walk on water.

Mary did you know
that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters.

Mary did you know
that this child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know
that the boy boy will give sight to a blind man.

And when you kiss your little baby you kiss the face of God.

Mary did you know?

I can only imagine what it was like to say "yes" to God.

On this Christmas Eve, may your night be filled with the peace and joy that was present when Mary gave birth to our Savior. God Bless you and your family!

Finally!

Every year I try to stay organized during the holidays with purchasing and wrapping gifts, baking cookies and getting our Christmas photo and letter out. With all my good intentions, I am finally stuffing, licking and addressing the last of my envelopes.

Hopefully my letter will get to all those on my list by Christmas; however if it doesn't arrive by then...I guess it is better late than never!

Birthday Wishes

My sister and I have shared many things through our years of growing up. The good times, the not so good times, the silly times and sad times. Through it all I have had a sister and best friend to share my life with. I can't imagine my life without her.

So to both of us Happy Birthday!

**Just remember sis, you now will always be older...by 5 minutes. Tee Hee!**

Almost a Snow Day

This morning I was up at 5 am to work out. At 5:50 am, I turned on the news to find out if we were closed due to the weather. I saw what I thought was our school closing, so I let the kids sleep in. At 7:58 am, school called to see if I was going to be in to guest teach. So I quickly took a shower and was at school by 8:30 am.

Boy were my kids upset! I was a little disappointed as well, but this evening the kids played outside for a little. What fun!

24 Hours and Counting

Yes, it is true! Only 24 hours until our annual Christmas ornament exchange and I am finally done. I have known since August what I was doing; however at 2 pm sharp on Friday I completed my ornaments.

This year the ornaments that I chose to make are in honor my 2nd mother. She became my mom when she married my dad 38 years ago. She was there to wipe a tear away, to give a hug, to be a friend, to love us when we were with our Dad. She was an angel that fought a hard battle with pancreatic and liver cancer for 2 1/2 years





Mom was always knitting blankets for the Liberty ball players, new babies and her own children and grandchildren. So it was only right in honoring her this year. These ornaments (not traditional colors) are reimants of her yarn that she had...bright blue for Liberty colors, baby blue and pink for baby blankets.

So these ornaments will adorn my tree in honor of a very special angel that was brought home to live with our Lord.

Thankful

On this Thanksgiving, I am thankful:

* for my wonderful husband
* for our three beautiful, healthy and loving children
* for my amazing moms and dads that have loved me
* for my sisters that are not only my sisters but my best friends
* for my grandmothers that loved us unconditionly
* for all my incredible neices and nephews
* for my crazy and fun loving brother-in-laws
* for our health
* for our freedom
* for my fabulous friends (you know who you are) who make life sweet
* for God whom all things are possible

Our Lord decided to take our Mom home this year. This season will bring a few tears as we will be celebrating without her; however she continues to be in our hearts. I am so blessed to have the wonderful memories she created with us and our kids. I am so thankful!

Lathrop Days

Yesterday, Shannon's class attended the annual Lathrop Days. This event allows children to see what it was like to live in the pioneer days. They were able to dip candles, try homemade butter, stir and taste apple butter, play tug of war and walk on wood stilts. We saw a general store (where we were able to purchase hot chocolate and rock candy on a stick), a one room school house, a blacksmith's shop, a tee-pee, and a pioneer home (complete with furnishings). There was work horses pulling rigs and helping dig a well. We even road on a wagon behind to beautiful Pershian work horses.

Hopefully the kids realized that they don't need to be "plugged in" to electronics to have fun!

Picking the Perfect Pumpkin

This past weekend, we went to the pumpkin patch to pick pumpkins. Due to vacations and other commitments the past couple of years, we have been unable to "pencil" it in to our busy fall schedule. However with a three day weekend, we made the journey to pumpkin patch. It was a cool blustery day, but that did not stop our little pumpkins from finding a perfect pumpkin.

What great memories were had at the pumpkin patch!

Happy Birthday DH!

To the man that I have loved for 21 years! The one that has stuck by my side through the thick and thin, the one that encourages me, the one that helps me realize my dreams, the one that is active in our kids lives, the one that encourages me in our faith and the one that kisses me each night before going to sleep.

I hope you enjoyed your special day! Love, SL

Parrot Heads Unite!

This past weekend, we rekindled our love of Parrot Heads! You might ask what that is...well it is Jimmy Buffet fans! Darren and I loved to listen to his music in college (Pre You, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Fins, Margaritaville, etc.). We have made Parrot Heads out of our kids. Yes, they love Jimmy Buffet especially Fins. We enjoyed a delicious bar-b-que, good music, great company and belly laughter!

Football Fun!

Saturday evening, we watched Washburn play Missouri Western. My cousin, Brad, plays for Washburn. The score was neck-and-neck. Brad scored what we thought was the winning touchdown with only a few seconds to play. It was so exciting to watch him score! However, Missouri Western went back down field and with only .5 seconds left on the clock they punted a 50 plus yard field goal and made it! Unbelievable! Washburn may have lost, but we felt like winners since Brad scored a touchdown!

Sunday afternoon, Grant had his second flag football game against Visitation. Grant scored his first football touchdown. He was so cute after he made it. Grant high-fived his teammates while making a point not to look at his parents and Grammy/Grandpa yelling from the side lines. They went on to win the game! Congratulations, my favorite football player!

Neighborhood Picnic

This year, three homes in our culd-a-sac went on the market. With the down turn in the economy, we thought that it would take a long time to turn these homes. However much to our surprise and excitement, all three house turned over within a few months of being on the market.

With the turn over, we gain new neighbors and friends. With the hustle of todays world, our usual mode of communications with our neighbors is a wave or quick hello. However tonight we had a picnic to get together. It was such a fun time getting to know each other. We have "empty nesters", "teen age" parents, and newby families. All of us brought together by our love of the area and neighborhood. This evening brought so many memories of our parties we would have with our neighbors...where us kids played and the "grown-ups" talked (now the roles have changed and I am the grown up).

We are so blessed to live in the US and in our little corner of the world with great neighbors and caring friends!

Congratulations are in order...

The posters made and hung, the speeches composed and delivered, the ballots cast and counted for Student Council President and 4th Grade Representative. It is offical...both Shelby and Shannon are on Student Council.

Congratulations to my precious girls! Way to go!

School Daze

It is hard to believe that summer is over and my kids are starting back to school. Grant is in 1st grade; Shannon is in 4th grade and Shelby is in 8th grade. It is a little bitter sweet as this will be the last year that they will all be together at the same school.

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Grant and Shannon were up at the crack-of-dawn excited for the first day. Shelby on the other had was had to be woke up. I fixed them "ABC" and "123" chocolate chip pancakes with fruit and milk (our tradition).

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Then off to school with MiMi, your Dad and me snapping pictures of them entering school. Shelby, you were so upset with us for taking pictures. You are at the age that it is not cool for you to be in pictures. I hope one day you appreciate the pictures I did take.

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Grant was excited to see all of his friends; Shannon loves her teacher/school and Shelby enjoyed socializing with her friends. So all-in-all their first day was a success! As for me, I am a little "dazed" that my kids are all back in school.

Thank you seems so small

Today my SWAP partner, Shawn, and I met at Archivers to shop a little and exchange our SWAP treasures. It was so much fun talking and getting to know each other a little better.

Shawn, you out did yourself with your items you so lovingly put together. I enjoy looking at how beautifully you displayed the items and hate to move anything as it looks so gorgeous just as it is.

Some of the treasues in my lovely SWAP box are vintage ribbons, buttons, dollies, bottles, a rose box, a hymnal, hat, angel, Bingo cards, a canvas for creating, tags, wallpaper squares and a enamal pan. I can't wait to create. I know what ever it is that I create with these treasures, I will think of Shawn and her generosity/friendship.

You can visit her website at Bonoramamama.blogspot.com.

Thinking of You SWAP

I love participating in SWAP and this one was so much fun. I received my SWAP partner, Shawn, which I just happened to meet last fall at the Silver Belle preparty dinner I attended with my twin sister. Shawn also happened to live just a few miles from me. So this SWAP was extra special since I knew a little about her.

Some of the goodies I found were items from Jenni Bowlin

and a few treasures from antiques stories...a ledger, an old paint tin with paint brushes, a small wooden ruler, a picture of school children and a Ball jar to display them in.

Also added a few Bingo cards, dollies, vintage ribbon and old picture frames. Wrapped it all up in vintage patterns.

Shawn, I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Have fun creating!

Vacation Fun

Our vacation started with a trip to Fantastic Caverns. For years, we have driven by the signs however never had the time to stop. This time we did and it was well worth it. The kids had so much fun learning about the caves (so did the big kids). Then we stopped for a late lunch at Lamberts...the famous roll throwing cafe. They have the best "down home" cooking I have ever tasted and the fried potatoes were almost as good as the ones in Canada.

Wednesday, we went go cart riding and toured the Titanic Museum. We were able to feel what an iceberg feels like, we put our hands in water that was the temperature of the ocean that night the Titanic sank and we were able to climb up the boats stern at various times during the sinking. We learned that ship's caption was planning to retire after this maidon voyage. If you have time while in Branson, this museum is fabulous.

We visited Silver Dollar City. It rained about an hour after entrance into the park; however that did not deter us from having a grand time there.

Darren is big on finding educational spots for the kids to visit. The fisheries was a wonderful experience for us. We learned that in the wild that only 10 percent of the fish make it from conception to adulthood; however over 70 percent make it from conception to adulthood in the fisheries. Also the netting over the fish pools are to keep the birds from having dinner.

We had time for miniture golf. What a relaxing evening spent with family!

Our last day, we rode the "Ducks". A motorized vehicle that was made for driving on the road and in the water. What fun we had on this adventure! That evening we attended the Dixie Stampede. What a remarkable show of horsemanship, beauty, elegance and fun all in one show. Dad, Sheila and Ken even participated in the show. This is a must see for all!

Even though our mom was watching from above, we had a great time being together as family! And isn't that what life is about...family!

Welcome To My Studio

My sister, Sheila, told me about Karen's blog party "Where Bloggers Create." I knew I had to join in on the fun! Thanks Karen for hosting it!

My studio would be called a "work in progress". Over the past 6 months, I have moved from a part of our unfinished basement to our finished family room. I share this space with my husband and his passion baseball.

Enjoy looking...

Six months ago, my dear husband purchased an antique engineer's cabinet for me.

This wonderful antique houses all my scrapbook papers, fibers, stamps and embellishments (yes, I do have all the drawers filled).

I love antiques so the storage of my embellishments are in Ball jars and my grandmother's jewelry box.

I create in a nook that has three windows and a door, so my wall space is limited.


So I find my inspiration from the outdoors. This is a view out one of the windows into my wooded backyard (unfortunately my rose bush in the forground was not in bloom when I took this picture).

Thank you for coming by!

Home Again

This past week we took a vacation with my Dad, sisters and families to Branson. We had so much fun "playing together". Once I get caught up, I will post some of our fun adventures. However until then is good to be home again!

Happy 90th Birthday Grandma

Today, my Grandmother Long celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends.

In her life time, she has witnessed so many things: 3 births of her own, her husband early death (when I was 16), the birth of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, the death of her daughter and son within a month and a half.

My Grandmother is truly remarkable. When growing up, we became her granddaughter's when my Dad married her daughter. She included Sheila and I as her own grandchildren and also gave gifts to my sister Shawna (which belonged to my mom and "other" dad). Grandmother Long has set an example for us to follow: one of faith and family. I only hope that when I am a Grandmother, my grandchildren will remember me as a loving, faith and family centered individual.

Happy 90th Birthday, Grandma!

Cousins Reunited

This past week, our Uncle Butch passed away unexpectantly. However through the pain of our loss we have be reunited with our cousins, Susie and Scott (and Scott's wife Toby).

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On Friday, we celebrated life with our cousins by having dinner at my house. We reminisced about growing up, caught up on each other's lives and looked forward to a bright future.

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In less than 2 months, we have lost our dear "other" mother and her brother, Uncle Butch. Yet through all of this pain, we have managed to find laughter, joy and love. Life is for living and we continue to live!

Tooth Fairy Regular

Lately, the tooth fairy has been a regular at our house. Shannon lost a tooth 2 weeks ago, then Grant lost his front tooth 4 days ago and Shannon lost another tooth last night. I think it is a contest between our two kids to see who will be the winner of the most teeth lost by the end of summer or to see how much money they can accummulate.

Our tooth fairy is very generous. She leaves the child that lost the tooth $2.00 and the other one gets 50 cents. I only wished that when I was little the tooth fairy left me that much, as I only got a quarter. Inflation...right?

Happy 4th of July

On this 4th of July, please remember our service men and women that have given us our freedom. They are our heroes!


May your day be filled with safe fireworks, tasty bar-b-que, laughter with friends/family and prayers for our servicemen and women! God Bless America!

"Taking Chance"

"Taking Chance", with Kevin Bacon, is a documentary of a Marine that take the remains of a fallen Marine to his family. Our military never let these deceased brave men and women alone while on the trek home to their family. I never knew what happen when one of our brave service personel died in combat...now I do. This is a moving true story. Please take time to watch this movie, then thank the wonderful men and women that serve in our military to keep our country safe.

THANK YOU!

As some of you know, when it comes to computers I am a little (no alot) technologically challenged. So a huge thanks to my computer experienced twin sister as she created my new blog layout. I am so very pleased it...I love it!

Thank you, sis!

Gifted Again

This afternoon, I surprised my twin sister and met her for a quick look through the Vintiques (a lovely antique shop). We had so much fun looking and imagining all that we could do with these wonderful treasures. Sheila is so inspiring just to "tag" along with as she can always think of new ways to use old treasures. I don't believe her mind ever stops "creating".

Sis, thank you for the wonderful day and for the treasures you gifted me with. Can wait to get together to create with our treasures!

Bitter Sweet Moments

Sunday we celebrated Father's Day dinner with my dad. We gifted him with beautiful pictures of his 8 grandkids to hang in his home. When he saw these pictures, immediately the tears started to flow (like father; like daughter). I could see that in his tears, there was tears of joy and sadness with the death of our mom.

At the end of the night, it was heartbreaking to leave you knowing you were all alone. I wish I could take away all your pain and loneliness; however I can't. But, just remember that we love you!

Money, Money, Money

On Friday, we started our summer tours of museums in our area. We started with the Federal Reserve Bank's museum...The Money Museum. We had so much fun learning about what type of money was used with each president, we also got to lift a brick of gold,

and see what 40 million dollars looked like...

What a fun Friday afternoon spent with our family!

Breakfast in Bed

This morning I was feeling under the weather...a little stomach bug. However, I was treated to a wonderful breakfast made my Grant and Shannon.

Thanks for brightening my day!

Reigning Champion

We have a summer tradition of eating corn on the cob. However at our house the winner of the corn eating competition is the one that can eat it the fastest. As you can see, Grant had to opt out of eating it off the corn due to his two front teeth are loose.

So it left Shannon, Shelby and Darren vying for the honor of the fastest eating corn on the cob participant (as Mom is always taking pictures).After the smoke cleared, Darren still remains our reigning champion...until the next round.

Congratulations!

Organizing

A couple of days ago, when the weather outside was cool and rainy, I decided to take the time and organize my kids paperwork area.

It went from this....

to this.

Much better!

Our 3 Amigos

Today was a day of fun in the sun with our boys baseball games. Grant's game was first, then Dustin's and finally Connor's. Each of the games ended up in a victory for the other side; however the boys did not care as they were together enjoying the game they love.

I just love this picture of the boys together...stairsteps with Connor being the oldest, then Dustin and finally Grant. But one thing in common their love for baseball (and all of them being number 3).

Only Time...

will heal a broken heart. God called our mother home on May 24 at 7:35am. As I entered her hospital room, I could feel the presence of God comforting us in our loss. Mom was no longer suffering and we were broken hearted.

As we begin to live our lives with out her, there will be first for everything. The first birthday party at PaPa's house, the first 4th of July party, the first swimming lessons, the first Thanksgiving, the first Christmas without our mom. I know that only time will heal our broken hearts. With God's promise, one day we will be together again!

Prayers Are Needed

My mom has been living with pancreatic and liver cancel for 2 1/2 years. She is our walking miracle; however today she took a turn for the worse. Please keep her in your prayers tomorrow as the doctors will try to remove the fluid from her lungs and liver, which will give her a chance for a longer life.

Happy 16th Anniversary

Just a few short years (16 years to be exact) we said " I do" and celebrated with over 200 family and friends. Last night we celebrated just the 2 of us, with dinner at Applebees. Then we went to Wal-Mart and Lowe's looking for beautiful flowers to plant in our pots on our newly stained deck.

What a great time to reconnect with my dear husband! These times are so precious! Thank you DH for a night to remember!


* Note to self: Take more pictures of us together. This picture was taken last fall...none since. *

Mother's Day Tea

Shannon's 3rd grade class had a Mother's Day Tea complete with poetry reading and "boom whackers" music. The social hall was converted into a beautiful tea room complete with fresh flowers, fragile tea sets, candle light, homemade pies and freshly brewed ice tea.

Shannon's class read their poem of "Honey Bees". Each child took their turn reciting their poem they wrote. Shannon wrote a poem entitled "Animals".

Animals live here,

Animals live there,

Animals live everywhere,

Animals live,

Animals eat,

Animals do everything,

Animals are different from everything

Animals can be nice,

Animals can be mean,

Animals can love anything!

This poem was perfect as Shannon loves animals! What a beautiful afternoon spent with Shannon. I am so proud of you and so blessed to have you for my daughter!

Passing of the Torch

Today was the special day for Shelby. At Mass today, the Passing of the Torch ceremony was performed. This ceremony is when the current 8th graders say goodbye and pass the torch to next years 8th graders. It was so beautiful and moving. It brought tears to my eyes. Our little girl that once was "singing out in the rain" with her Pooh umbrella and rain jacket, is now moving into the leadership role of her school.

We are so proud of all your accomplishment and look forward to your 8th grade year as you become the leaders of the school!

Fireballs Win Their First Game

What could be better?! Having your Grammy, Grandpa, Aunt Sheila, Uncle Ken, Connor, Janna and MiMi at your first baseball game? Having one of your best friends on your baseball team? Having your Dad has your baseball coach? Winning your first baseball game on your birthday? Our batting 500 in your first game? Getting a Royals baseball jacket and bat bag for your birthday? I think you could have not planned a better day! It was perfect!

Our little man turns 6

Where has the time gone? Our little guy turned 6 years old today! No more pudgy little finger and toes, no more sweet kisses on the lips (he insists that I kiss him on the head), no more snuggle time...now Grant has turned into a boy who loves baseball, who enjoyes playing outside and getting muddy, who is reading at a 1st grade level (he is only in Kindergarten), who knows some of his multiplication (he has mastered addition).

Happy 6th Birthday our energetic little man!

Cinco de Mayo

We celebrated in style with my dear friend Mirella, preparing us an authentic mexican dinner of mexican rice, tamales, chicken fajitas and flan. Better yet it was a surprise!

Thank you Mirella! You are such a blessing to me!

You want to stain the deck ?

My dear husband decided that after having 3 additional kids for 3 nights, that we need to stain the deck Sunday after church. My goodness can I not get a break! Oh well, I am happy to report that our deck and front door has a new coat of stain. The grilling season can official begin!

3 + 3 = No time to post

My dear friend Mirella had the opportunity to go on a Catholic Woman's Retreat this past weekend. The only catch...no kids. So, I offered to help out since she is a full time mom with her husband working out of state and no family close.

A week ago, Thursday night I became a caregiver to my 3 plus her 3 for the weekend. We had a great time playing and spending time with her children. We even had time to plant; however it left me no time to post.

What I have learned from this experience that it can be exhausting, put the rewards out way your exhaustion. Thank you Mirella for letting me enjoy your beautiful children.

Not a minute to soon

It is 11 pm...way past my 9 pm bedtime. I have finally finished my layout for tomorrow's swap. Yes, I have known about this day since the beginning of the year. However, I am down to the wire to create these twelve layouts.


It was so much fun creating these layouts, especially since I am crafting in my new area. I hope the ladies enjoy my "You have my Heart" layout.

Here's a sneak peak!

Central Vac

I have always wanted a central vacuum system. When we lived in Excelsior I tried to have one put in our home; however the company was not successful in putting one in as all the areas were finished off. When we started looking for our new home that was something I dearly wanted; however our dream home did not have one...yet.

This past weekend (after 2 of my 3 vacuums "bit the dust"), we had a central vac put in. What a joy to be able to vacuum. I don't enjoy cleaning...but today was fun playing with my new toy!