Scrapbook Project

Several years ago I came across an idea in a scrapbooking magazine for a small album of things this particular mom had hoped for her child.  I kept that idea in my idea file. A few months ago, my neice, Anna, celebrated her 16th birthday and I thought this would be the perfect gift for her. 

I used a small, 6x6 Creative Memories album (I pick up empty albums at Goodwill all the time) and a coordinated pad of paper and it all came together beautifully.

Each page featured a picture with Anna and then my hope for her.  I cut the words out on my Cricut so that they were featured on the page. 

The Title Page

Double page layouts

Get Ready, Get Set.....

Jacob & Emily - Easter 2012

It's happening again and there's nothing I can do to stop it...and frankly I don't want to....sort of.

Another of my children is preparing to leave the nest and as a mom, this is probably the hardest thing I ever have to do....let them go to live their lives. 

He's not going too far....just a couple hours away but having been down this road twice already, I know that once he gets in the car and drives away it will never be the same - and it shouldn't be.

I want him to go. He's ready.  He's strong and independant and as much as I'd like to turn back the hands of time on his life, I'm so proud that he's ready to make his way in the world and find out what God wants of Him.

But my mother's heart is aching and inside I'm enjoying these days yet crying and I'm constantly reminded of that Billy Ray Cyrus song that says,

"Get ready, Get set, Don't go..."

My Mother's Day Gift

 I frequent the local Goodwill store 1-2 times per week.  I usually am in there looking for clothing.  All along this weight loss journey, I've needed to buy smaller sizes but don't want to invest alot of money as I plan to be loosing for quite a while yet.  In order to get a good selection, I sometimes go twice a week.  The Saturday before Mother's Day, I was in the area and decided to stop in ( I rarely go in there on Saturdays) As I walked in the door, a clothing rack full of linen items was in my eyesight and I spotted this beautiful quilt.

It is a quilt you'd buy in a store but a very well made one.  I instantly fell in love with the colors and also the feel of it. 

As I made my way to the back of the store, my eye fell on a little piece of patchwork in the middle of another rack of linens.  This is what I found...

This one is hand-made in vintage 1930's reproduction fabrics and is pristine!!  This treasure almost took my breath away.  Believe it or not, there was a third one on the rack but the colors were not very pretty and it had some staining.

A close-up of one of the squares.

Some of the beautiful quilting...this one in the shape of a rose.

My decision was which one to purchase.  Emily was with me and she urged me to get them both.  I decided it was my Mother's Day gift to myself.  They were both equally beautiful and I couldn't leave either behind.

My total cost for both quilts?  $32.00!!!!!

Quick Family Update

I haven't posted about the family in a while so I thought I'd give a quick update.

• JOSH: This past spring, Josh auditioned for two graduate schools. Northern Colorado and UCLA. He was accepted to Northern Colorado and put on a waiting list of UCLA. In the meantime, he began teaching vocal students and acting workshops this past year and he loves it.  He is also still performing.  After much thought and prayer, he has decided to stay put and continue teaching.  Its what he always had hoped to do.  He is entertaining the thought of starting a second vocal studio here in our area and doing part of the week there in Newton and part of the week here.  I would love that! 
• JACOB: Finished up his first year at the local junior college.  He has also been working full-time @ night and taking vocal lessons. He will be working this summer for his former high school weight-lifting coach.  He's hoping to attend K-State this fall.
• AMY: Lives locally and has a good job. She still aspires to bake professionally.
• EMILY: Is counting down the final days of her sophomore year. She did outstanding this year, earning an academic letter for her grades and also a letter in music.
• CLIFF & I: We are counting down the days until our vacation later next month.  We will be heading due south!!!

Turning Back the Hands of Time

Yesterday, I got back home from dropping Emily off at school. It was 7:30 and the morning was so beautiful I decided to go to the local park and take a walk.

As I walked, I started reflecting on this past year. I celebrated my 47th birthday this past week and I've been in a rather reflective state lately.

As you all know, I've taken off alot of weight this past year....87 pounds!  And sometimes I can get so discouraged by how far I have yet to go that I forget to focus on how far I've come.  A year ago I would have NEVER taken a two-mile walk first thing in the morning.  OK, once I had grand aspirations of taking the 1/2 mile walk down to the dead end of my street and I made it to the house next door with back and leg pain.  I wondered what happened to that girl?  In her place is someone who is healthy and strong!  That walk was only the beginning of my day.  I got home, cleaned my whole house and mowed the yard (with a push mower).  Energy like crazy!

And its not just physical either.  My entire perspective is better.  I can keep up with my house including the yard.  I feel better therefore I think better.  I feel better therefore I move better.  I feel better therefore I am better.  My entire outlook on life has changed.

Who says you can't turn back the hands of time?  This year I feel as though its been turned back 10 years.  Happy Birthday, Rebecca!  May this be your best year yet!!!!!