the big 5-0

Pop-pop and Andrew's big adventure...
double checking the seat belt harness and helmet...

and off they go...

Today is my husbands fiftieth birthday...wow, I can't believe I just typed that. Where did the time go? When we were young(er) 50 seemed so old...it still does...but it doesn't feel that old. Does that make sense? When it's your life progressing at a normal rate, with no major illnesses and relatively good health...age just seems to happen. No big deal, no big changes...

We were awakened last night by a hard rainfall and my husband turned over and jokingly said, "I feel achy, my bones are so stiff...what's going on?" But the truth of the matter is that 50 is just a number, nothing really changes, sure we slow down a bit...certain food doesn't agree with us like it used to...and we can't read a menu without our reading glasses but life is still what we choose to make it. One of the things I most love about my husband is his ability to still dream and still dream big. He has so many plans for his life and if you know him, he usually acts on those dreams (which is one of the things that drives me most crazy about him)...he is young at heart...he is a quiet, very private man...not given to many words until you get to know him, then you can't get a word in edge wise...he is a generous man...he is dependable and loyal...he is passionate about what he believes (read into that what you will and you are probably right)...certainly not perfect (but neither am I). We have been married nearly 27 years and I am still crazy in love with him because he is who he is.

We are off tonight to spend a evening with his father and our children, just what he wants to do...no big party after all it's no big deal...it's just a number.

Blessings,

Patty

the day after...

Just wanted to pop in and wish you all a Happy Day After Thanksgiving. I pray that your time spent with family was enjoyable...that you are all still feeling completely full and satisfied...and that you will be able to wear clothes without an elastic waistband before Christmas so that we can do this all over again...

joy...wonder...delight

Now that it's officially the holiday season...I am off to start bringing down the Christmas totes from the attic, break out the Christmas music and begin to transform our house into a Christmas wonderland. Have a beautiful, long weekend.

Patty

the life you imagined... {D}

A few birdhouses I'm working on...

Pink Paislee paper...

Melissa Frances paper from a pocket I ordered from Melissa Phillips...

Some Bo Bunny Christmas paper and K and Company chipboard...

I had the best weekend...Friday night my oldest daughter Annie, her husband and sweet Emily came for dinner...Saturday morning I made breakfast for my daughter Jessica and her family. I checked some home projects off my to do list and had a leisurely Saturday evening with my husband and a couple of old episodes of 'The Big Valley'. I know it might sound kind of hum drum but I loved it...to see my family come full circle and be at peace, for however long it might last...

Sunday morning after church I went on a local home tour with my SIL and one of my best friends. This has sort of become the unofficial beginning to the holiday season. One of the homes had a plaque that said, "Live the life you imagine"...this thought started the best conversation about childhood memories and the dreams we have for our own families. These two ladies know the real me and my life history. They have seen my ups and downs and the imperfections of my world. We laughed at how I reflect the good in my posts but you know, I figure you all know that yucky stuff happens in my life and I know that yucky stuff happens in yours...why focus on the ugly? It doesn't change anything...why not focus on the good...why not find the lovely...why not search out the pure...why not live the life you imagine? I'm not talking about burying your head in the sand. There are things that you have to face and deal with, and I do. I am talking about attitude...the perspective with which you view what happens to you. Do I truly believe that God is in control...that he wants the best for me...that he will use all things for good? Do I merely believe in God or do I believe God?

Sure, I could fill my blog space with the yuck but what kind of seed would that sow? In the worst times of my life this verse from Philippians 4:8 has helped me keep my sanity, "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, and right and pure, and lovely and admirable. Think about the things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

It's all about attitude.

Blessings,

Patty

distractions...

A peek at some Christmas memory books I am working on...

The paper is from Cosmo Cricket...

I love the cheery prints and sentiments...

Fresh, fun, colors...

Does your life ever get so full of distractions that you neglect what's truly important? I know mine sure does. As my life gets fuller, my quiet time seems to get emptier. As my quiet time gets emptier, the less I have to give to the ones I love.

I came into my craft room this morning ready to get started with my devotions and quiet time and the very room I created for my own seemed to pull me in every direction that was not quiet. Don't get me wrong, I love being in my room but between the unfinished projects, the bookshelves full of books and the ideas in my head, it's hard to settle my thoughts.

So I am in search of a new spot meant only for my devotions. Nothing around to distract me...nothing calling me that needs to be done...a place to pray for friends...a place to give thanks...a place to hear His still small voice.

If I have missed an opportunity to be there for you...or hear you cry out...or just listen...I am sorry. I will try to do better. You know I love you all.

Blessings,

Patty

vintage cherries...

Life is such a discovery process. No matter what stage of life you're in, it seems we are always discovering another layer to who we are. Whether it be something as deep as your spiritual life, what your core beliefs are...why you are here. To your creative side...what pleases your eye.

As I have begun to embrace my "craftiness" this last year, I've started to understand and gain confidence in my style.

fresh cherries...

This card reflects my creative style...kind of vintage...kind of shabby...lots of layers...This shouldn't surprise me, it's how I decorate and even how I garden.

The paper is Webster's Pages, the vintage images are Crafty Secrets, the chipboard flower is Maya Road, the buttons are vintage PTI, the glitter is Martha Stewart and the ribbons are from my stash.

What's your style?

Patty

yummy cupcake...

Isn't it funny how you can return to a place you haven't been in years and suddenly be flooded with memories as if no time has passed? We celebrated Emily's first birthday yesterday in the social hall of the church my husband grew up in...we were married in...my girls attended Sunday school in...my oldest was married in...my mother in law's life was memorialized in...

Just pulling into the parking lot seemed to melt away the years. Opening the door to the hall, the sound of the hardwood floors, the old solid wood tables, the rows of stacking chairs and the gas smell from the old stove in the kitchen, seemed to stop time. The memory of my children running around, stomping over the floor heating grates was replaced with the next generation, but the feeling was the same...safety...security...love...belonging...tradition.

It has been over five years since I attended church in that 100 year old sanctuary, why was the memory so fresh? I think it was because of the love that the seasoned generation of saints showed me when I began attending after I was married. The love they showed us when we adopted our girls and the love they showed when I began to spread my wings. I know the time was right to move on but a part of me will always miss that little congregation with the huge arms of love.

Now to the party...we had a blast! Emily was in all her glory, I really believe she knew it was all about her. She is amazing for such a little princess...she had no fear of the jumper...she was fine smacking the pinata...she did her best pinning the tail on the donkey...she loved ripping the paper off her presents...it's just a shame she didn't like her birthday cupcake...

Blessings to all and go out an really enjoy a cupcake!

Patty

oh, wow...

We made a trip to Sam's Club today to order Emily's first birthday cake. I was in gramma heaven with both Emily and Andrew in the extra wide shopping cart. Since it's no fun for little ones to wait around while a cake is being ordered, I took them for a stroll around the store. Of course, we ended up in the Christmas section...eyes grew wide as we turned up the aisle with all the twinkling lights and Christmas trees...eyes grew even wider as we headed down the aisle with Thomas the train and dollies with strollers..."Oh, wow!" echoed throughout the store as we came upon a three foot high pony..."Oh, wow!" as we passed a dump truck full of building blocks..."Oh, wow!" as we passed a race car track. The pure joy of a child seeing things for the first time and not holding back...not asking for...just totally...amazed. I tell you, it was enough to bring a smile to any scrooges face.

It's been a while since my children were little enough to still be mesmerized by the wonder of it all...it warmed my heart and made me realize that pop pop better bring his wallet next time we head to Sam's Club.

vintage santa picture frame ornaments...

all glittered up...

and tied with a big red bow...

I used my silhouette to cut out the picture frames, distressed them with Aquatic Splash versa magic and vintage photo distress ink, then gave them a dusting of Martha Stewart glitter in green agate. The background paper is Cosmo Cricket and the images are from Crafty Secret.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas. "Oh, wow!"

Blessings,

Patty

book totes...

I hope you had a peaceful Veteran's Day. It was nice to have a day off in the middle of the week to just be lazy and play. I broke out the glitter for some tag ornaments yesterday and now everyone including the dog, is wearing it somewhere. I've swept and showered and washed clothes but we all still seem to be sparkling. I'll share those with you tomorrow...but for today I wanted to show you these book totes.

the red tote...

the yellow tote...

the brown tote...

In between the hustle and bustle of our busy household, I have been working on these book totes. The cute fabric is from Moda - Happy Camper line. I bought a set of charm squares (5x5) at the quilt show in Houston. I love the retro 40's kind of look to them. I made the rosettes from tulle and ribbon, added the cluster of buttons, big bow and extra wide ric rac for a fun touch.

Blessings,

Patty

potty training...

A couple of months ago my mom gave us a potty training seat for Andrew because she knew the time was drawing near. The "seat" was in his closet for a while until for whatever reason, it caught his attention. I figured we might as well let him make friends with it so that when the time was right he wouldn't be afraid of the deep dark hole we were sitting him on. As any over indulging gramma would do...I let him bring the darn thing downstairs to his play area, where it sat proudly in his toy bin. Until yesterday...


hmm...nice big hole...wonder if my head would fit in it? Yup, it fit...now how do I get if off?

I am not kidding you, it got stuck! His mommy tried to gently coax the thing off, no luck...gramma took a more aggressive angle and tried to pry it off, no go. Just when we were wondering whether to call the fire department, or take him to the emergency room, butter came to my mind. Oh yes, we did. We rubbed a stick of butter all the way around his sweet toilet bowl head and ever so gently, rock it back and forth...freedom!

Needless to say, he will be in his diapers a while longer.

Blessings,

Patty

gentle rhythm... (D)

I love the gentle rhythm of our home in the morning. I am an early riser, a morning person by nature so I'm usually the first one up...the coffee is started...my quiet time...Andrew stirs...cereal, fruit and juice for a hungry munchkin...Sesame Street...hubby comes home...nudge Jess out of bed...leave for work. Nothing profound, not that different from your house I'm sure but there is something comforting about the routine of it all.

my fall front porch...

my daughter's and their families...a sick ninja and a sweet strawberry...

My devotional this morning was from Exodus 20:1-6, "I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected even children in the third and fourth generation of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands."

This is one of those scary verses until you realize what God is truly saying. The word, "lay the sins" or "visit the sins", means to take a census or head count. According to my devotional, Beth Moore's - Believing God, "In other words, when a parent practices sin and rebellion, God can take a census in that family and find those continuing results."

God takes a census of passed on sins from generation to generation. He knows the pattern of our heritage...what we do as sin by habit is passed down from generation to generation. That's why it is so important to examine our lives and break free of generational sin. Every family has generational sin, whether it be greed...addiction...sexual sin...anger...bigotry or whatever. These are habitual, generational sins that we pass on.

The good news is that faith is also passed on from generation to generation. Our sincere faith and trust in God is passed on from generation to generation. Most importantly God's lavish, unfailing love is passed on from generation to generation.

Our life rhythms influence future generations. What is mine saying? How about yours?

Blessings,

Patty

a beautiful mess...

Just wanted to show you what I woke up to this morning. I don't usually leave my craft room looking this way but I knew I was off work today and would be getting back on my projects in the morning. Did that sound like rationalization to anyone but me? Ha...ha...

Lovely pieces of tulle that will be made in to rosettes...

buttons and ribbons to embellish my goodies...

lace and ric-rac to finish things off with...a sneak peek at the book totes I'm working on...

I know this must look like a big mess to most people but to me it looks like a beautiful blessing. Knowing that I have all this stuff to play with and a beautiful room, in a warm, cozy house, to create in, is such a comfort to my soul. I am forever thankful when I know all that is going on in this uncertain world we live in. To know that my family is safe, for now...healthy, for now...fed, for now...To know that I live in a country that still stands for freedom...I am thankful. For the men and women who risk all to ensure that the life I love can continue...I am thankful.

I know I have said it before and I don't want to ever sound trite, but hug your loved ones...forgive your loved ones...be thankful for your loved ones...and pray for our country.

Blessings,

Patty

moments...

I received the most beautiful email from my sister in law yesterday and it really touched a cord in my heart. We just celebrated my brother's (her husband's) 5oth birthday, they married as high school sweethearts, so that means we have a lotta history between us. She spoke of how she feels the Lord gently reminding her to slow down and enjoy the everyday moments in life. To be still and watch his blessings happen in tender moments, expressions given, thoughtful gestures...


What a wonderful attitude to choose. Life goes by so quickly, we can't go back and capture a memory. We need to appreciate the moment now before the moment is gone.

More Earth Love paper...

Some October Afternoon...

Just a few tags I am stockpiling getting ready for my Christmas Tea and Boutique...a new twist on an old tradition. I will share more on this soon.

Blessings,

Patty

October afternoon...

Oh, wait...it's November! I just received this cute paper from October Afternoon in the mail. I love the retro kind of look to it...

A thank you tag...

A vintage tin full of apples...the shiny look of the apples is from a layer of glossy accents. It almost makes you want to take a bite!

Happy Sunday afternoon...it has definitely been a fall back kinda day. My eyes are drowsy and the clock only says 5:00 p.m. It seems toddler's have no respect for the change of hours and their little clocks don't adjust to sleeping in. I stayed up late last night knowing that I could sleep in an extra hour only to remember that I was in charge of getting up with a little munchkin this morning. So my old body is having a little trouble getting with the program.

I was double blessed this morning to have Andrew's mom and dad in church as well as my niece. As usual Pastor gave us a lot to think about this week and even teased us with a two parter that continues next week...all focusing on Jesus main objective (and ours as well) to bring heaven to earth. What does that look like? No more petty jealousy, no more selfishness, no more unforgiving, no more bitterness...What is our part in it? How do we get there? That's part two...

Blessings,

Patty