Back of the moon

SNOW

2012-01-18T11:51:00.001-07:00

We have snow, this is the longest time we have had to wait for snow here in Nampa, Idaho.

So my goal today is to enjoy it before it is all gone.

I am sure we all got through Friday the 13th????

2012-01-14T13:17:00.001-07:00

Reflection on the day…..It is finally over…One Life to Live is now history. And it ended on Friday the 13th…hummmm!

So now I am soap Free…no more people dyeing and then being brought back…no more sisters loving the same man. No more comma’s and DNA gone wrong. No more babies with the wrong fathers. No more love making with the wrong person. I am crushed, how will I make it through the day without knowing what happened to these strange, unhappy killers and liars. One hour a day (unless I DVR’d it for night time)will be, oh no! What shall I do?

You only have ONE Life To LIVE!!!!!

Finley in his Winter Coat:)

2012-01-10T09:38:00.001-07:00

Finley has his coat on, I got it for him before Christmas and he loves it. He does not want me to take it off. Finley “Finn”makes us laugh, he likes to have his picture taken. He stayed sitting on the rug waiting for me to take more pictures. Have a great day!!

Just for fun:)

2012-01-08T13:15:00.001-07:00

I thought it would be fun to share a time with you were embarrassed…but looking back it was funny.

I have no idea if anyone will do this on your blog, but sometimes we need a little funny in our life….

So here is one of mine…

It was first brake at 9:00am…this was when I would go to the ladies room and then get a cup of the worst coffee ever. I had come back to my sewing table drinking my coffee and waiting for the bell when Susie our lead yelled out do these panties belong to anyone? I looked up to see what she was holding in the air and instantly I knew they were mine….but something is wrong with that thought, I have my panties on. So I set in silence for awhile after the bell rain, thinking about those panties, could they be mine? It dawned on me that they could have been in the leg of my Jeans, I must have turned 10 shades of red because Susie saw me and knew instantly that they were mine. As she walked by she dropped them on my table, they were mine. No one said anything, but everyone knew…..Believe me from then on I made sure nothing was in my pants after doing laundry except me!!!

Thank You Cards

2012-01-07T20:11:00.001-07:00

It has been along time since I shared a project….so here is the start of cards of thanks I am making for those that made our Christmas so special. My plan is to make them into a little album of photos of our time together. I will share things as I do them. Stay tuned!!!

2012

2012-01-04T10:55:00.001-07:00

Have you ever opened a box that you have stored and do not remember what you put in it. I have been opening boxes these last few months. I admit to being a pack rat. I always think that I will use it later, or the kids will want it. And the truth is it just takes up room and is really of no use. Although I started this project in 2011, it has drifted into a new year. I found all the love letters my husband wrote me when we were kids in love. I plan to read them over this year…maybe I will share one in Blogland. So as I go through boxes one by one finding trash and treasures it takes me into the world of memories…not a bad adventure to take. Sometimes you find a special journey waiting in a box…..:)

Happy New Year:)

2011-12-31T20:24:00.001-07:00

As you can see, we are having a very peaceful ringing in of the NEW YEAR……” What you don’t see is me drunk with my party hat on!! TEE HEE!

Looking back to 2011 was a year of change for me. Understanding my strength and limitations. Change is hard for me, We seem to set down rules for ourselves and feel that this is how it should be. But in truth life is a ever changing journey. Now to see if I can continue on the path I have set for myself? My Journey.

Our Little Lotus Flower….Annabelle

2011-12-29T14:09:00.001-07:00

It is hard to have this little Sweetheart living so many miles from us. Bella had her first Christmas, and she was really apart of the opening of gifts, knew just what to do. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with those far and near. We are blessed…

“Hugs”

2011-12-21T14:16:00.001-07:00

As we pulled up in front of my Son Cory’s last night…5 of my grandchildren came out the front door. Each giving a hug and Merry Christmas. Our evening was to give and receive gifts. Cory made Wonder cake, a sweet treat that he grew up with and now makes for his family.CJ (17) and Treyton (15) went to get Pizza while Arney and I enjoyed the girls Alexis, Avery and Halle. So many hugs, so much love. They are growing up so fast.The boy’s came home….We opened the gifts, and as always it was very special, but my gift came in the morning when my grandson Summit and my Son-in-law greeted me with a hug and kiss…and ended in the late evening when Cory, Kristie, CJ, Treyton, Alexis, Avery and baby Halle gave there love in a Hug good night…and a Merry Christmas. The gift is in the Hug the touch from the heart…Big Hugs, Mary

Words that mean something special.

2011-12-15T13:02:00.001-07:00

Have you ever noticed that if you smile in the department store or market, that those around you seem happier. This life is not all about me. I should pass on any Joy that I can even if it is a just a smile.

It’s Starting to Look a lot like Christmas

2011-12-14T09:56:00.001-07:00

I hope you are all getting into the Christmas Spirit! This is our first table tree ever. Since Finley is chewing, we decided this would be a good idea. Also it has been years since I decorated a tree. We have a foodie tree for the grandkids each year. This year we will not be having the Christmas eve party, so we didn’t deck the Halls big time this year. I know this sounds strange, but I took the year off.

I will be making cookies and special dishes for the eve party at Jenny’s.

It is very cold here, it was 10 this morning and no snow….

Here is my new old chair table, I just love it…right now it has a tree on it, but it is a piece a furniture that I have been looking for. I bought it just a few days ago. I wish you all the Joy’s of Christmas.

Lake Lowell in Fall & Winter

2011-12-11T09:05:00.001-07:00

I was sharing with my friend Mary the lake that is less than a mile from our house. In this picture there is ice forming. This beautiful lake has been very much apart of our families life.church group parties, picnic’s, Kayla (granddaughter) graduation party, boating, Arney cannoning on this lake. Fishing,Swimming or just walking on the shore. I can ride my bike to the lake, and just relax with nature.

It would be so nice to see where you spend some really special times.

Annabelle’s has her day with the Turkey’s

2011-12-03T06:11:00.001-07:00

Where’s the Turkey Mom!!!!

They made me where this, I don’t see a turkey on Mom & Dad’s chest!!!

Happy Thanksgiving, Now we will see what Mom does for Christmas? Oh no, not a reindeer on my chest!

Baxter

2011-12-01T14:54:00.001-07:00

Baxter was born in a barn here in Idaho. He came to be our pet when my son and granddaughter gave him to me. And they kept his sister Coconut. He was so tiny and very sweet. Ready to be loved and love. He liked outside more than inside, and the sofa. He would not use a litter box, he wanted out. Over the years he had many fights, he was never very big, but I think he thought that he was.

Arney found Baxter in his bed, he had died in his sleep. Sleep well dear friend, you were a little rebel. Soft and sweet, you never really belonged to us, you liked your freedom.If there is a heaven for you Baxter, I hope there is a barn for you to stand on the roof- top, a field to run in just like home.

Thanksgiving memories…

2011-11-23T13:22:00.001-07:00

I can still hear my Grand mommy and Great Aunt Addie (sisters) giggling in the kitchen. They would share stories about growing up, or just laugh for the joy of being together. All the wonderful smells as one by one we got out of bed. Maple syrup and biscuits that floated to your mouth, and brown gravy from Grand mommy’s iron pan. Cold milk, hot coca, or coffee with real cream and sugar. My very own chair that was tall so I fit just right at the table. Granddaddy giving the blessing, and all the voices of family gathering around the table.

The turkey was in the oven and all day long Aunts, Uncles, cousins, coming for dinner. And I loved to see what each one made. I knew what was good from years past…stay away from Aunt Sylvia’s sweet potatoes. I could hardly wait to have Grand Mommy’s chocolate pie:)

Granddaddy made his heavenly hash….all that cream and sweet.

Everyone dressed so nice. I was to stay clean…not going to happen!!!!

All those faces in my memory, the hugs, the love.

People were just nicer on Thanksgiving, they understood that this was a time to be thankful for each other. No television, no cell phones. Lots of games and kids playing with marbles and hide go seek.

Dinner was a event, it lasted for hours, whispers and even some sleeping by the older folks. Teens playing ball in the front yard.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I will remember all the people who gave me reason to be thankful and share good food with all the sweet faces of today…yes, there will be a football game on teley, and every child has his own cell phone. And there will be games inside and out…and I will listen to the giggles of my daughter, and the laughter of my husband and son’s…and I will try to stay clean just like Mama wanted.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

2011-11-18T12:42:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for you, my friends in blog land. I can hardly believe this year has gone by so fast. It is a gift to see all that you create, what a blessing it is to have this place to share. I hope you are having a day that gives you love and Joy…we all need to be loved. It is snowing today which is a sure sign of the holidays here in Idaho. Looking forward to being here next year and being one of the Turkeys….

Finley “Finn”

2011-11-06T15:23:00.001-07:00

Finley loves wearing his little shirts. Loves to hear me say that he is pretty. But Finn is all boy. He loves being out in the back yard rolling in the grass. Chasing Baxter our cat and brings in leaves, rocks and anything he thinks is fun. He loves to play in the rain and I am sure snow will be loads of fun.Finn turned 6 months old the first of this month, boy time goes by so fast. Wed he is getting his first hair cut. I want to keep him in a puppy cut, easier to take care of.

Sunny afternoon on the back yard bench.LB and Finn.

Finn gets his first haircut tomorrow afternoon…he has bed head.

This is my Grandmother…

2011-11-03T09:31:00.001-06:00

Ethel Alice. I love this picture. She was a genital soul. She raised 5 children and a couple of grandkids. She loved to be in her kitchen, it was always the heart of her home. She had a day list of things to do Monday-Friday, each day had a purpose. Bake day, laundry day, heavy cleaning day and so on. I loved Friday, that was bread making day. The smell of yeast bread that she kneaded with those little hands. Her garden was amazing, she would bring in the veggies and that evening meal would be wonderful. She was not much of a meat eater, but she could make the best fried chicken ever. We did not kill our chickens, the eggs was their job. They all had names and were treated as pets. No one was ever turned away from her door, people were hungry in the 30’s. I loved her chocolate pie, nothing from a box. Grand-mommy made my journey into life special because she loved me.

Bella’s first Halloween….My Great Granddaughter:)

2011-11-01T08:23:00.001-06:00

Kayla made this for her baby girl……..so cut. Bella 5 months old.

“Who Killed Father & Mother?”

2011-10-31T12:17:00.001-06:00

“Don’t Look Now, Here Comes Lizzie!”

Old portable table for crafting….

2011-10-25T08:04:00.001-06:00

This table will never be known as a great beauty, but for me it a good addition as a craft table.

The sweet lady I bought it from was in her 90’s. She shared that this table had belonged to her mother. And that she used it as a sewing table as long as she could remember. When I told her that I would use it as a craft table, she was so happy. I could tell she hated to let it go. I paid five dollars for it. The table has a slight bow where her machine sat. Arney got most of the bow out. But it is old and only so much can be done.

Since it is a fold up table, I can put it away when it is not in use. Arney sanded it and I used Linseed Oil as a finish.

As you can see even the part that holds the legs is wood.

Now I do not have to use my kitchen table or my coffee table to craft on.

Something very old made almost new and useful again.

The Legend of Lizzie Borden

2011-10-22T21:26:00.001-06:00

It was 1975 when I watched the movie about Lizzie Borden. Elizabeth Montgomery played the part of Lizzie. It was a Haunting story and since it was based on a true story it stayed with me.

No one really knows if Lizzie killed her parents, but it looks very possible that she did. There was a history of mental illness in her family.

So on this Halloween theme, and with all the Haunting and soon there will be little monsters at your door, Here is Lizzie for your consideration…….

Lizzie with her church group. They say that she had a look in her eyes that made people uncomfortable.

Scribbler….On my way home

2011-10-18T12:40:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was hair cut day. I drive through a lot of farm country to get to Meridian where the shop is. I took this picture through my car window as I was leaving.

A little adventure in my soul. There is a old farm house that soon will be gone. I have gone by it so many times, but yesterday I stopped. It was a little scary because you never know what might be inside. As I was walking toward the house, I realized there might be snakes in the tall grass. But I continued on with mindless abandonment, this was my adventure. And this is what I found.

And it smelled really bad…..but sometimes it is a good thing to step out of our safe zone….TEE-HEE

Art comes in many forms…….

2011-10-10T13:19:00.001-06:00

I was so happy when I found these pictures. My daughter Jenny with the help of her husband Doug made this sweet collage of children’s hands. Each child had a clay tile and they pressed there little hands into the clay and then painted their own hand. Then Jenny had them fired, and put them all together with grout. Framed and then it was auctioned at Summit’s school. It made almost a thousand dollars. Summit is pointing to his little hand…They were moving into their new home, still boxes to unload.

I had a older camera, I did not know it had pictures in it. U

Cold outside!!!

2011-10-09T13:51:00.001-06:00

I wish these were clearer.

It was 39 degrees and they were cuddling on the sofa. Fall is here, and although it is sunny out, it is not very warm. Both my little boys are so sweet and together they are amazing to be with.

They had company yesterday, my friend Brenda brought over her little “Buddy”and the gang had a great time. From time to time I just must share Finn growing up.

Have a great Sunday…Mary

Annabelle …my little lotus Flower

2011-10-06T11:18:00.001-06:00

It is very hard having them live in another state, so every picture counts. Have a wonderful Thursday:)

Yesterday a Starbucks with a little adventure….

2011-10-01T16:28:00.001-06:00

Woke to a really beautiful day, the sun was warm and the sky was a deep blue. Arney gassed up the little Subaru and off I went to Boise. It is a little more than 20 miles on the back roads. I was ready for a little adventure with my 50 dollar gift card B&N my son Cory gave me last May. I wish we had a store here in Nampa, but the drive was really nice.

Bought myself a cup Milky Way Latté and I was ready to find some art Magazines. I bought 5 of them, yep, I had to put some of my own cash in but it was fun.

While deep into making a few choices a friend from church joined me…we talked crafts and I continued on my way with Mages and coffee in hand. Drove home listening to some good sounds and got a call from Mary…I know don’t drive and talk:(

Last, I have finished the tags for the items for Bazaar. I think they work well. And now to decide if I have enough energy to make some other things, before the end of October…maybe!!!!!

It’s October, how can that be????

This Facet is next to the old well.

2011-09-28T21:26:00.001-06:00

Finn looks very determined about keeping his ball. Then he will bring it to me to throw! I just had to put him on today. He was taken in the sun on what now seems to be his rug.

I was on the phone on this beautiful fall day with my friend Mary.When I heard something and could not figure out where it was coming from.

This facet has not worked for about 15 years and I loved it because it is about 10 feet from my back door. Where my plants are.

My poor dogs think I have lost my mind because I am yelling on the phone about this little facet. I went in the house and got my camera because Arney would never believe this unless he had seen it.

It dripped water all afternoon. And when Arney got home it was still dripping. He turned the handle and water was rushing out of it. So we will see what happens next.

I am sure you know by now that it is the little things that make me happy….:)

As we say good-by to September…..

2011-09-26T23:32:00.001-06:00

Along with leaves turning all shades of amber, yellows, and reds, comes the memories of new pencils, paper not yet written on, the smell of new books, and the Pee Chee that was free of doodles and that special guy that you couldn’t stop looking at. The cold leather seats on the morning bus, good old number 10. The new shoes that for the first week gave me a bloody sore on my heal. One size to big, gotta have room to grow. My locker that was always a mess. Open at own risk should have been on the front. A coke and candy bar for lunch…gotta have hair spray and nylon’s. Save that lunch money! Baby sitting for pennies so I could save for a new black wool skirt. Making old clothes look new, thank you Grandma for teaching me to sew. waiting for the bus in 3 feet of snow.

Falling in love, lost love, searching for Mister Wonderful when there were lots of frogs. Going to be a Air line stewardess, come fly with me. To short!!! Best friends, lunch at the senior tree. Flat chest in a world of big boobs. Walking through the fall leaves and feeling the crunch and waiting to grow up. So this is my September felling….

A Handy hint for your Puppy.

2011-09-24T16:38:00.001-06:00

Finley will be five months old October 1st, And now that cold weather is coming soon, I thought it was time for a little something for Finn. I looked at a few things, but really there are few things for boy dogs of any age. So I bought him another ball and called it good. I was heading for the food area when I just had to look at the baby clothes. And there it was a Royal blue onezie preemie size with a white strip. I thought if I cut the bottom off it would be a great little tee for Finn. So as you can see it worked out just perfect and he is very happy about it. So that cost me two dollars.

And he still got the ball……

continue making tags…..

2011-09-22T11:03:00.001-06:00

You will probably get tired of seeing tags for the next few posts, but that is what I am doing…my poor house!!!

Tags for Bazaar 2011

2011-09-21T14:14:00.001-06:00

Here is the start of the tags I am making. I love the little paper dolls. Just had to find away to us them. Lots of cutting, but worth it. I haven’t decided if they will all be this theme.

Finley giving me some help!:)

A Good Morning gift

2011-09-18T08:57:00.001-06:00

A good morning gift….We had a big storm and it left us with branches here and there. So Finley brought in a little present to share. He is so funny, he brings in anything that he thinks is special. Thank you finely:)

Tags are started.

2011-09-16T05:06:00.001-06:00

This is the start of my tags. I cut 140 paper dolls for this project so far.

Since I do not have a craft room. I am doing this on my coffee table. I have cut out tags in baby pink, blue, yellow, lavender and white. I will share more as I go along.

My crafts are in plastic containers until the upstairs is finished. But for now it is a real mess to do a craft. Not a good time for company.

It stormed last night. Lightening, thunder and rain. Now we have a cool down, so we will be in the 70’s and 80’s, fine with me.

I have missed our time together..

2011-09-12T13:08:00.001-06:00

It has been awhile and I hope that you have all been having fun with the summer sun. I am working on tags for Bazaar that I will share soon. Remember in school when they asked you what you did this summer?

My Birthday in July was spent with my Granddaughter Kayla and my Great Granddaughter Bella. It was a sweet time and I am so glad to have had this…Kayla and I had our Birthdays together.

I have lost some weight but still have a long way to go. I also went to a sports and pain center for my back and although I am going to always have back pain, I have learned a lot about how to help it.

And then their is Finley “Finn” our sweet puppy. He keeps us on our toes and makes us laugh…it is a good thing.

I am sad about my Flower garden. It seems the dirt has lost all plants need to grow. So we will be clearing out my flower beds and adding what is needed for growing. I did get flowers, but the ground is hard and no amount of turning the soil has helped.

Arney is sanding and staining the porch rails and floor. Nothing last forever and it needed some TLC.

It is in the 90’s here today but they are calling for a cool down.

We didn’t go anywhere this summer. But we are planning on it this winter Or late fall.

So what did I do this summer? Mary Maintenance. Now I hope to get busy doing other things too.

It is good to be here, now I will comment as I go looking at what you have done this summer. Mary

How could we forget?

2011-09-11T15:20:00.002-06:00

I woke this morning to the reading of the names of mankind that had died on 9/11. I did not know one of these lives, I do not know if they were Rep. or Dem. I have no idea what or if they had a church or a faith in God. I only knew that they were gone and it left a hole in the hearts of family and friends. As a nation we wrapped our arms around these people dead or alive. They belonged to us, we the American people. And now ten years later we feel a great loss. We lost a few freedoms and I never felt more awake. I found myself feeling a great pride in this country and We The People because I could see the care in the faces around me. We matter, we circled the wagons. But our leadership found away to invade a country that I have sense learned had nothing to do with this act against America.

What is our direction today, who do we yell at, what do we feel about this land we say we love and the people in it. I think we are under a horrible cloud, we seem to see eye to eye on very little. Families divided because of what? If you open your mouth in the wrong places, you will find hate standing between you. I am sad, and I worry about the hate that has entered this country.

9/11 is over, the man who caused this is dead, we are doing the best we can to be safe, but for heavens sake, where is the heart? Are we going back to a time when brother fought against brother, father against son. Families not coming together for fear of a fight, the pain of words said and unsaid. We are the government and we pay these guy to piss us off, do it wrong, take the money and run...who are they and why do they think they can mess with our hearts, our minds, our respect for each other. So the battle is not them, it is us, WE THE PEOPLE! What have we lost as a people, are we lazy, do we just not care about each other as long as no other country comes along and hits us like 9/11. Then we pull out our fear of them, our hearts bleed for those that are hurt, or will we keep this hate going and say oh well, they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Every time we take away money from education, people that are in need, distroy a program that has worked for decades, We the People hurt and kill our own kind. One pill a day taken from the wrong person can cause a death and yet we don't want to fund those with the least.

Yep, this is a soap box and I am sad....I am venting because I need a place too. My hope that we are on the same page, but if we are not, I hope it doesn't mean that we can't be different and still care about each other.

A Little “Mary” Maintenance

2011-08-12T17:14:00.001-06:00

I am taking a break from Blog land. Not for very long. I am busy working on me. It will be hard, but I just need some me time. I may drop by your blogs and comment as time permits. I am going to a therapist for my back and just trying to get me well.

Be back soon…..Hugs, Mary

I love yard sales. I do not go as often as I would like, but it is a fun adventure.

2011-08-06T13:28:00.001-06:00

I found this lovely shade for three dollars. Then a free base. It was at the end of the day and the lady was ready to close.

It is perfect for my 1906 house. I love the glow it gives out at night. Don’t you just love a bargain.

As some of you know I have been trying to lose weight and did lose 30 pounds and then just felt so much better, but then at Christmas I seem to lose my mind and started eating wrong again. So today is the first day of me taking better care of me. I will be under a doctors care. He has already given me some guide lines…so has my daughter Jenny and my dear friend Mary….so wish me luck or send up a prayer. I so need to do this as my body needs a friend in me. I have let myself down and my back is in trouble.

We are having heat here in Idaho, but nothing like what we are hearing on the news in other states. Stay cool, your friend, Mary

Had to add a picture of Finley…we seem to be calling him finn. My grandson Summit (age 11) baby sat for me when I went to the doctor Thursday…they were watching cartoons. Summit wanted him to spend the night, my sweet boy!!!!

“Happy Birthday” Halle:)

2011-08-02T21:32:00.001-06:00

This is my son Cory…father of Halle.

Halle’s Mom Kristie made the cutest cake. Each part of the the cake was a different flavor…it was yummiest! I was so thrilled that I had got Halle her first baby doll. Alexis and Avery are so excited about their baby sisters 1st Birthday.

She is so adorable in her Birthday dress. Yep, I was back in the baby clothes…TEE-HEE:) Happy Birthday little Halle, Grandma and grandpa loves you:)

Finley is our new little friend. He is 11 weeks now.

2011-07-29T10:34:00.001-06:00

Finley is a Maltese and when grown will be 5 to 8 pounds. So he will stay pretty small. We decided that LB needed a friend. And I think we needed him too.Finley is a real little clown. Loves to be in things and carry stuff that is so large for his size. He is so happy, ready to play. He is very busy unless he is sleeping.

We think Finley is very special. I love his little pink belly.

So here are the boy’s getting to know each other. And they call it puppy love!

My Sister Sharon sent this to me. A fun read:)

2011-07-27T21:43:00.001-06:00

I am Home….Memories of a very special time.

2011-07-23T19:46:00.001-06:00

I had the most wonderful time. I am so proud of my Kayla, she is so sweet with little Annabelle. Little Annabelle is so amazing…of course don’t all Grandma’s say this about their Grandbabies. She loves to be kissed and kisses back, it is adorable. I hated to leave, We were together

only a few days, but the memories of having my girls all to myself will last a life time.

Thank you Grandpa Arney for missing me and letting me share this time with the girls.

Thank you Cory (my son) for the gift of flying me to be with Kayla on our Birthday and being with our new little baby girl.

And to Kayla for her love. I had a cozy loving, laughing,sharing magical time. PJ’s and long talks, Life is good.

And to my blogging friends who wished me to have a wonderful time. You are the best:)

Dad and Annabelle

2011-07-09T10:26:00.001-06:00

Dolan is one happy Dad. I thought this was a really sweet picture of A new Dad and his baby girl.

Daddy's girl for sure!!!

I went shopping for Annabelle

2011-07-08T15:29:00.001-06:00

I had just to much fun, I bought things for Annabelle to grow into as well as things that could fit right now. Okay, so I went a little overboard, but it is for my little “Lotus Flower. I can hardly wait to give them all to her. Paris Hilton will have nothing on our little “Princess.” Wish me luck getting it all bagged up….I will not be bringing a lot to wear.

I am getting ready for my Trip!

2011-07-06T23:49:00.001-06:00

I bought a new red carry on bag yesterday and 5 new outfits for Annabelle…I am going to the store tomorrow also…I know that I will go look at more cute baby girl things…they are so cute.

Now all I have to do is pack my bags and get things done that will make Arney comfortable while I am gone & LB.

I hope when I get back home that I will be ready to be creative…I just haven’t done much of anything. I did make a couple of cards but forgot to take a picture of them…

You can tell it has been awhile since I went anywhere. This is a very good thing for me to do.

Kayla and Annabelle, I’m coming. Dolan Annabelle’s Daddy is in the Army and will be gone to Australia for the month of July. So it will be just us girls.

OXOXOX

World War One

2011-07-04T18:07:00.001-06:00

This is my Grandpa Stinnett. Denny B. Stinnett. He never talked about the war, at least not in front of his grandkids. Grandma said he wasn’t the same man after his time in the war. It was a inside battle.

His home in Oklahoma became part of the Dust Bowl era, he lost everything and took his family to California. He became a Share Cropper in the Valley of California and grew cotton.

This is just one man that gave his all for our freedom, a simple man that only wanted to farm and raise a few kids. He was proud to be a American. A man of few words, he worked hard for very little.

I love this man, he left me more than he could ever really know. He did so much with very little. I think he was very Brave!!!

Have a great 4th of July!!!!!

Seattle or Bust!

2011-07-02T21:12:00.001-06:00

I am making my maiden flight to Seattle Washington on the 10th. I will be using my carry on bag filled with things I will need on this most exciting adventure. Things like clean underwear, a lot of band aids in case of a bad landing, Pain killers, anxiety pills coming and going. “I will not be needing peanuts on this trip…a good shot of tequila might be needed before landing. I am very hopeful that the person who checks me for a bomb or two will be gentle with me since this is my first maiden flight to Seattle. If you would happen to see me flying by, please send up a prayer or two, or a kind thought would be really good. Mom and baby Annabelle will be driving me to their house…keep this in mind, Kayla has had a few finder benders and I will be scared to death. And having a wonderful time:) I have been on many flights, back and forth to California…I just wanted to be funny.

I call this picture, “Lotus Flower”

2011-06-28T21:56:00.001-06:00

You are probably getting tired of my baby pictures, but I just had to share this one. Our Annabelle will be in my arms on my Birthday, a gift to me. I am flying, so it will be a nice trip. I will forever think of this picture as my little Lotus Flower. As you can see, she was not very happy about this picture taking moment, I just love it!

Summer is here!

Kayla and Annabelle

2011-06-20T22:14:00.001-06:00

I thought when I posted this photo of my granddaughter and great granddaughter words would come pouring out of me. But I think this picture is worth a thousand words.

I am blessed

Father’s Day is everyday

2011-06-19T13:44:00.001-06:00

I was thinking early this morning about the life I had with my Dad.He was very young when I was born, and not ready to be a Dad, he was a dreamer, he believed in the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.A throw of the dice and if he won he was the richest man for a day. He worked hard, but never understood what a budget looked like. Either you had money or you did not. He loved his family,and provided in ways that had very little to do with the day to day stuff. He loved to take us places, he loved to drive and eat at a old dinner. Dad loved to play, and you better be ready to go because when he said lets go we went now. He loved good food but had no use for a pantry in his home.

Dreamers are a lot of fun but it is very hard when they wake up to find that it was only a dream.

And I dream of my Dad!!!

I would like you to meet Annabelle, my Great Granddaughter.

2011-06-15T13:03:00.002-06:00

Mother and father are doing well. Bella is my first Great Grandaughter. She lives in Washington so I will be making a trip very soon...

2011-06-12T23:46:00.001-06:00

Dear Friends, I have tried to figure this out on my own, but I am just confused by it all. So if you can help me I would be forever grateful. I am unable to post on a lot of your blogs. I am also unable to post the normal way. When I click on publish post it will not do it until I go into edit post and then it will publish. Here is what I get when I try to do this, and the rest is beyond me also. I get this Javascript void 0...does anyone understand how to fix this. I went on help and I do not understand what it may be trying to tell me.

On my way to the post office

2011-06-11T17:11:00.001-06:00

My first outing in along while was to send my granddaughters a little note. Along the way I saw the yard sale sign and my car stops for yard sale signs. I found this lamp and had to have it, the pictures do not really show it off well. I am going to do something fun with the shade when the mood hits me. Happy hunting, it is that time of year. If it would just stop raining almost everyday.

Did any of you ever ride in or own a 1955 Chevy?

2011-06-06T18:03:00.001-06:00

Arney and I owned 2 of them. The one in this picture was really “Cherry!” It was our show off car. Friday night in Bellflower, California we would cruse the Blvd and then go to Helen Grace for the best ice cream ever. We would meet with friends and get brain freeze from the wonderful creams. The booths were pink, and the whole place was in pink, black and turquoise. It never came out of the 50’s.

Then there was Tweedy blvd in Hollywood, this was where everyone went, you saw the most beautiful cars there almost nightly. And our Chevy was a stand out.

This was a time for fun, no one wanted to shoot you, it was the 60’s and before things went crazy.

I’m on Vacation-by Sunny

2011-05-29T15:29:00.001-06:00

My name is Sunny, I am the beloved pet of the Nell family. This is my Vacation…..I was dropped off by my family Thursday morning. I was ready for a road trip, then we stopped at Pa and Ma’s. I did my normal marking of the backyard. LB told me not to pee on the tulips or the lavender. Next the gate opened and out went my family and drove away. They will be right back! they will be right back!

Pa & Ma played with me and held me, scratched all my favorite spots. I went in and out of the house with LB. Even LB said’”your family will be right back and don’t pee on anything else for Pete’s sake!

I danced for Pa a lot and he gave me Mac and Cheese. He is a sucker for my two legged dance. I did eat my dinner, but nothing is the same as when I am with my family.

It’s dark now and Pa went upstairs and I stayed on the sofa with Ma. I can’t go to sleep, what if the gate opened and my family came to get me, I might miss it!!!!

Ma let me out for awhile and I sat at the gate, they will be right back! Then I pee on the Lavender!!!!!!

It’s morning now and LB smelled the Lavender and said,”you are in big trouble mister!!!!

The day went well, LB played tug of war with me, And soon I had pee on almost everything. Now the yard smells better.

LB is a butt smeller, so now I call him BS. BS is a Beagle and hasn’t had a spa day, I love my spa day and I do smell really good. I like sleeping on the chase, and I keep my toy there to. BS is shy, he doesn’t know any games to play. I am giving him some pointers.

I am not sure about Vacations, I am having fun, they do love me here, and Pa gives me treats:) BS is my friend even though he stinks.

AND MY FAMILY WILL BE RIGHT BACK!!!!!!

I Confess:)

2011-05-16T22:33:00.001-06:00

In a short time these two soaps will come to a end. I have watched them on and off since they started. It is the only soaps I watch so this is a end to a era, and something I enjoyed. I mostly listened to them while doing other things. But these actors become very much apart of a daily plan. I am a little sad, but I think for the most part I am sick of a lot of the people over time. And some of the stories are so silly, but I am drawn to them.

When I was young, my Grandmother watched soaps and they were only on 15 minutes. I think there was more “Soap Suds” than story.

Now I do not know if anyone of you are soap fans, and I know it can be a little secret sometimes. To admit being a watcher can bring some really strange reactions.

I will get over it, someday…..a soap fan.

Harriet Tubman

2011-05-14T10:31:00.001-06:00

So many books I have not read and this was one of them. I picked it up at a yard sale a couple of weeks ago for 25 cents. Just started reading it and if not for things I must do, I would read it straight through without stopping.

I am really enjoying the way this is written, It is a simple book, it reads very easy.

This picture was taken during the Civil War. Harriet is to the far left with the pan in her hand.

I love history, the good and the bad of it. There are things we should know so we can understand other cultures. When I was a little girl, I was afraid of people of color. And as I grew up I continued to not understand who they were. Books like this one tell a story, they give you a light into a world we have never know.

In these times, it would be good to know more about the people we fear. To understand why they are the people they are, and where all the anger came from….just a thought.

Have a really special weekend!

A Day filled with Love….

2011-05-09T14:23:00.001-06:00

All My children and 6 of my 7 grandchildren came to be with me on Mother’s Day and some really lovely gifts. Trevor & Terri got me Lavender for my back door planter. Cory & Kristie and my 5 grandkids got me a beautiful leather Journal, Godiva chocolate..yummy! And a gift card to B& N. Jenny, Doug and Summit got me the planter with a lovely plant for my porch pictured…it is so pretty. It was a very good day. And today my best friend Mary called and we laugh and shared our day along with everything we could think of. Life is good.Click on photos to see better. Mary and Mary 1962

Mothers Day

2011-05-05T13:52:00.001-06:00

Mothers don’t leave.In my mind, in my heart.So many things to share with her, to tell her. Things unsaid, not enough time.

If your Mother is near, hug her tight,and tell her how you feel, she gave you life, she might be gone, but she will never leave you.

For my Journal

2011-05-02T15:35:00.001-06:00

I am a hopeless romantic, so this was sure to find a journaling page. Now to write how this event felt to me. For those who think it is all silly, it is! For those who see it as history kind of opening it’s doors for us to take a peek, it is. Would I want to change history and have a king and queen of America, not for one minute. But just for a day, it was beautiful and I loved all the beauty of the historical buildings, and to see the love that England has for those in leadership. no they do not run the country…but they stand for something that draws some of us in like flies. So here’s to the grace and beauty it brought to some of us if only for a day.

Justice is Served!

2011-05-02T11:07:00.001-06:00

Let us remember those that have given their life so we may continue to live under the flag of our USA. It was so good to see American’s holding the flag, if we would always remember how much we love our freedoms and never take them for granted. We the People!

Happy May Day

2011-05-01T20:37:00.001-06:00

Welcome to my backyard. My Tulips are sharing their color now and with a little more sun we will start our garden. Happy May Day to all my friends here in blogland. you might notice that LB could care less.

Fancy!

2011-04-28T00:38:00.001-06:00

I came across this photo and just had to share it. We see little girls all dressed up and think how cute they were long ago. I thought you might enjoy having this for a project. I think he is ready for this picture and his Mom must have loved how he looked. It’s Wed night and I can’t seem to find my way to bed. Have a good Thursday…

Oh Linn Of Lynn’s-Poem

2011-04-24T17:46:00.001-06:00

Oh Linn of Lynn’s, thy fair cascade, heart of th’enchanted glen,refreshes all the land about, and birds and beasts and men.

The hazel and the rowan tree so lightly wear thy crown. The warbler and the grey wagtail sing sweetly all around.

Another voice, in harsher days, resounded through the trees as Peden stood upon the point that men might bend their knees.

To Christ the King instead of Charles, for Christ doth rule the Kirk. But hushed is Peden’s great voice now, at rest from all his work.

And men may worship as they choose, not fearing monarch’s claw, and peace that fills the wooded glen may yet rule over all.

Oh Linn of Lynn’s, thy fair cascade, heart of th’enchanted glen, refreshes all the land about, and birds and beasts and men.

But something other-worldly once inhabited Lynn’s wood-the fairy?elf? or witch perhaps?-things little understood. Poor Bessie, wife of Andrew Jack, possessed a simple mind, but learned she did of natures ways the healing arts to find.

She wandered through th’enchanted glen and gathered herbs and flow’r to treat her ailing kith and kin with nature’s healing pow’r.

But called to cruel trial she was, a low priest’s dupe, some say, and envy tied her to the stake, where burned her life away.

Oh, Linn of Lynn’s. they fair cascade heart of th’enchanted glen, refreshes all the land about, and birds and beasts and men.

The Lynn’s themselves were said to have the gift of second sight. Oft’ to them, when some spirit moved, came visions in the night.

So came the strange and eerie hour to the mother of Lord Lynn, wand’ring through th’enchanted glen, some respite to win.

A shadowy thing, unseen but felt, was ever at her side, it conjured scenes of men and beasts upon a ghostly ride.

When evening passed and morning came, Lord Lynn was still awa’. A frantic search across the land found him dead beneath the fall.

But Linn of Lynn’s, thy fair cascade, heart of th’enchanted glen, refreshes all the land about, and birds and beasts and men.

So grievous was the Lady’s loss, she could no longer stay, and so the Lynn’s to Bourtreehill got up and moved away.

And some went even farther off, to Eire and O’er the sea, their land forsook, their line forgot left to obscurity.

Gone now the days of long ago-gone Peden, gone “witch,” gone Laird. Yet still th’enchanted glen remains, the lovely Linn they shared.

While modern life surrounds its stream, its charm is sweeter still. So God, protect the Lin of Lynn’s preserve its rock and rill.

For Linn of Lynn’s, the fair cascade, heart of th’enchanted glen, refreshes all the land about and birds and beasts and men.

Loretta Lynn Layman

While searching for ancestors of Arney’s, I found some truly wonderful information on his family. Arney is a direct line of the Lynn’s of Asyshire, Scotland. Lord of Dalry beginning in 1204.

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T14:19:00.001-06:00

We have not made any plans for Easter, Arney has to work. But I thought it would be nice to do a few eggs just for him. I used glue to make the poke a dots and then sprinkled with glitter.

I thought it was a fun idea to share. Watch out for the chocolate bunnies, they are everywhere!!!

Scribbler

2011-04-19T22:42:00.001-06:00

I put this together this afternoon, it was easy to put together because I read a article on this. It got me thinking about all the things we have that take us away from nature. When you see someone on their cell phone while driving…and who uses cash money? Have we traded all our time to the stuff we think we have to have. What would I do without my computer:( I used to leave my landline phone and go wherever, now I take my cell phone with me, when did this become so important. If I forget it, Oh My Goodness, it’s awful. I do face book but was never faithful to it, but since my friend in California is on there, I am on it almost everyday. If my electricity was off for more than a few minutes….What would I do??? I decided that this cabin fever is getting to me, just stop raining and let the ground dry up and I promise more time will be spent outside. “I Hope!”

IS IT SPRING YET?

On Our Little Farm

2011-04-15T12:40:00.001-06:00

I think the steers were ready for a Kodak moment!!!

Today just seemed like a good time to share our farm. As you can see we worked hard to make a very old unloved house our own. My Jenny helping take of the old siding.Arney taking out the whole front of the house..moving the door to the center and adding two large windows.Adding the wrap around porch was really a love project, we had always wanted a porch.Our son Cory and Arney taking a brake on the almost done porch.

We had steers for a few years until Arney’s knee had surgery. And the last picture is CJ standing and Arney holding Treyton, the Grandkids loved coming to the farm. We had chicken’s,Duck’s, even a Ginny hen. Not counting all the wonderful birds that lived here naturally. Thank you for visiting our little farm today…

Scribbler

2011-04-10T21:18:00.001-06:00

Easter 1911…..

One hundred years ago. I love all the hats and in the background is the White House. As Easter draws near, we can look at this picture and wonder what was happening, what were the feelings of the people. Did they believe in the government, were they content with the leadership.

So with this question hanging out here, I am going to find out a little about this time… I will return:)

**********************************

US population….93,863,00

New Births….2,813,000

Average income….$983/a year

Dow….92

New home….2,625

New car….1,130

Milk-qt….8 cents

Bread-loaf….5 cents

Steak….20 cents a pound

Stamps….2 cents

I would have to write a book about 1911 and although it would be interesting…you probably do not want a history lesion.

This was a wakening of the safety at the work place. The low pay and the working of children under awful conditions. People died. That is when the Union’s had to fight for the rights of workers.

It is hard to know how the people felt about William Howard Taft, but what I have found is they made fun of his weight. Many cartoons about his over eating.

This is what I have gleaned….President Taft was a republican. He would eat a oversized breakfast and then fall asleep. Slow to act on things that were important to the people. Some called his term a disaster. But he was warm hearted and by most he was considered a good man. His leadership skills were not decisive. He was called a conservative. He had few accomplishments during his term in office. He had no problem putting our men in harms way if needed.

I guess we would have had to have been there to really know.

Does it make a difference who is our president?

My Wedding Day 1963

2011-04-06T00:58:00.001-06:00

It was a hot August day, the sun was bright and there was no wind. Arney and I had driven all night to get to my parents house in Placerville, California. The little suit my brother is wearing was his Birthday present from the day before. I wanted him to look really good and he did. Sharon with her blonde hair and flowers, she looked so cute. A few weeks before my Mother and I drove to Sacramento to buy me a dress and a few fun things. I was so thin that the smallest dress they had was still to big for me. So I would have to return when it was ready. I had a 17 inch waste, and didn’t weigh a 100 pounds. There was no sweet smell of flowers, no music to pick, No rice was thrown, but for me it was beautiful because Mama pressed my dress, my little brother Bret had been told to say”are you going on a honeymoon.” My dad got a kick out of my face turning red. Sharon was not really happy, she knew what I knew, we would be going back to Southern California. And nothing in our world would be the same.

My Dad stood next to me, and I don’t think he breathed through the ceremony. He held my had so tight it hurt, but I was so happy to have him share in this day for me.

Two very young people fell in love. We had nothing but just that love. No pots or pans, no flat wear, not even a plate. But we had all we needed, we had hope, trust, and a plan to be the best people we could be.

And like most newlyweds we had some bumps the first few months.

The Bride (me) wanted to be the writer of her own story, she was not interested in being anything more than a wife and mother. I wanted to be loved and to love…and our day ends with a kiss and a good night. I married my friend.

Scribbler….

2011-04-03T13:15:00.001-06:00

While looking for pictures to go with my family research…I found a picture that I just love. My Grandmamma gave all her children and me a nick name. Sweetie, Buddy, Sugar and Doll. I was about two in this picture. I love that they put a pillow under my bottom. We lived about 5 miles from a little town called Pixley in California. I love the clothes, and look at that wonderful bike.. This is in the central part of California. The farm belt.

I called my Aunt Sugar Mama.

In Bloom

2011-04-01T17:04:00.001-06:00

It feels good to have a little something to share. I went out into our orchard and took these pictures of the Apricot tree. It was warm today, I think it got to 70, but it will be cold tomorrow, so I thought it best to take these today. I am trying to get to all your posts, I feel like it has been ages. It was so nice to walk around without mud or snow. The ground is still real wet. I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with thoughts of spring.....Hugs, Mary

Computer fixed by my son Trevor

2011-03-30T17:23:00.001-06:00

A short now to say i will be returning to post. Trevor just finished getting my computer back in good health!!! Thanks Trev! Love, Mom

2011-03-30T16:49:00.001-06:00

Full of the Irish!!!!!

2011-03-17T10:42:00.001-06:00

Are you Irish? Even just a little counts. Searching for my family has really been interesting. Arney and I are both full of it…tee hee!

Lace and now it is snowing...Big flakes

2011-03-16T12:48:00.002-06:00

Had to get out of the house for awhile, it is so cloudy and wet… I was feeling cloudy. I decided to go to a couple of second hand stores and look at books. I love buying a book that cost new $30.00 and I get it for a dollar or two. It looked like they were bringing in some new things so I went to where they have ribbon and threads and found all this lace for five dollars. I have been trying to find lace at a good price for crafts, and Bingo, I found some. Less cloudy I took my moody self home and really enjoyed what I had found. If anyone has some lace they would like to sell, I am interested. Now what to make!!!

Researching family makes each person very real…Dotson line. I was thinking.

2011-03-15T02:33:00.003-06:00

Today I spent a lot of time on the old Puter looking for family long ago and so far away…you could say they are long gone. But they are be coming very dear to me. The stories, the places they lived. This cabin is under construction. Nothing that will change it, things that will keep it from falling apart. This is in West Virginia . This is the Dotson Cabin. Built by family that I will never know, but they are apart of my family. What is really exciting is to find the people that lived here, one by one. Dotson Cabin

Baby Shower

2011-03-14T12:41:00.001-06:00

Dolan & Kayla live in Olympia, Washington. Kayla is my first grandchild. Tags I made for my gifts for Kayla’s BABY SHOWER

Aunt Kristie made this beautiful cake. You have to cut it!!!!

My son Trevor, father of Kayla. Yummy!

My daughter Jenny (Aunt Jenny) holding our new granddaughter Halle Dawn. This is our Kayla having the best time…she laugh,, giggled, and all the words …Oh! Aw! So Cute! Thank You! Sweet! Just what I wanted! And yes, she loved the guilt I made. The pile on the floor is tissue from her gifts.

Now to wait for our new baby girl. Her name will be

Annabel Marie

Now that the Party is over and the quilt is on it’s way to Washington with my Darling Kayla…lets see what I will find to share next. It has been all about this event..Thank you for your wonderful comments, it means so much to me. This has been a very special time for me. I am going to be a great Grandmother…we will see how great I am very soon. I am guessing, but I am sure that 30 came to the shower :)

Another Snow Day

2011-03-09T12:28:00.001-07:00

I know you are probably tired of snow pictures. But I thought this one was fun to look at. Since our tree’s are bare and the grass is not green, we find beauty in what nature has given us. Snow makes everything pretty.

Have a great Day!!!!

Happy Birthday Summit…Now You Are 11

2011-03-07T08:53:00.001-07:00

Summit asked for a 12 layer Chocolate Cake! Jenny (Mom) gave him 8 layers. This is not out of a box cake..It was so yummmmie,each layer was filled with creamy Chocolate and some with Berries from her garden. Doug made Taco’s, we had so much fun.

This was early this morning. And it continues to snow. March 7 finds us white with snow.

Drawstring bag….

2011-03-06T12:42:00.001-07:00

In the quilt that I made there are these little Monkeys with cupcakes. Because I never know when to stop. I made this bag for the quilt yesterday….The shower is Saturday, I better stop! This is a very soft flannel.

I am off to Summit’s birthday party..he is 11 years sweet, good student, plays great baseball and loves his family. Still gives kisses:)

Cradle and Quilt

2011-03-04T14:50:00.001-07:00

The baby quilt is done…I finished it this morning.My hands are a little sore, but so worth it.

21 years ago our first grandchild was coming into the world. Arney found a pattern for a cradle made in the 1800’s and all winter long he handmade this beautiful solid Oak rocking cradle. It was a really cold winter here in Idaho and often I would take hot coffee to him to help keep him warmer. Made with love for Kayla Marie and all his grandchildren to come.

So now a new great granddaughter will be born and she will lay in this beautiful cradle.

There are no nails in the cradle. It was put together with wooden dells that Arney also made by hand.

Before it goes home with Kayla and Dolan, I will clean and wax the cradle. It will shine!

Made with love, Arney & Mary.

Winter Plans for Spring

2011-02-22T22:48:00.001-07:00

A number of years ago we had 21 chickens. Some of them even had names. My favorite was Gerty, she would get out of the the chicken pin and sleep next to our back door. She did not believe she was a chicken…so she would hang out in the back yard. She was loved. The eggs were wonderful, and we could give them to friends and family. It was fun.

On a summer morning our phone rang. It was Miss Johnson our neighbor, she is a dear ole thing, we always make sure she get veggies from our garden. During the early hours of the morning the two Sheppard dogs that live down the road had killed every one of our chickens while we slept. It was awful. We do not eat the chickens, they are hand raised, so they are were pets.

Years have gone by and we decided that we would try again. LB our Beagle doesn’t bother birds that come into the yard. Right now the Robins are here..we have about 12 coming for the goodies they can find. I think they are sorry that they came, they are all up in the tree’s wishing they had a stocking cap and a nice wool coat. It snow and hailed today and then the sun shinned, we are so confused.” Me and the birds.”

I made a Pear Cobbler today…we had so many pears and it sounded really good…it was.

Anyway, we will make a really nice place for the babies in the barn and then they will have a warm nice place to live in the barn stall with a big tree in their yard. Yep! I like chickens. I love to give them left over’s from the table, no meat of course.

I am sore fingered, but the quilt is starting to really come together.

I am trying to stay away from the TV, we need just a little good news.

The Egg and I

Good Morning sun!

2011-02-17T08:05:00.001-07:00

This is what we woke to this morning. About 2 inches of snow and very cold. The trees are all frosted and the roads are black ice. So winter is not over here in parts of Idaho….my part!!

I put together 4 inch squares into a 9 patch, then put the 9 patches together. Then I put the batting between the flowers and the squares . So it is is now ready to stitch together. It will take a while because I do hand stitching, but it is on it’s way to being a quilt. Do you have a quilt story. I know Cat makes quilts. I will be watching the snow melt today as I continue the quilt. But there is more snow coming.

February 14, 2011

2011-02-14T00:55:00.001-07:00

I have heard more than once that we should make everyday a Valentines Day. I don’t think I need all that chocolate, but we all need the love. I hope that the comments we leave each other is a little Valentine. We share so much of ourselves here, you are all very special to me.

Today I want to say thank you to Kitten, a life long friendship that was lost and now found because she could forgive me… A Valentine for my heart each and every day. I heart you everyday:)

Baby Quilt for G Granddaughter Kayla and her Baby bump!

2011-02-10T13:52:00.001-07:00

The appliqué of all the flowers is done.The blocks are ready to be put together. I will machine sew the squares together. The the batting will go between the appliqué’ side and the blocks. I will hand stitch the quilt. LB does not like his bath. But he was a really good Boy. What he does like is the towel drying and play that goes with it. Good Boy!! Happy Valentines Day to you all. I am doing some special things for Arney. Sweet little cupcakes with lots of chocolate.Sweets for my Sweetie!!!

Scribbler

2011-02-09T15:54:00.001-07:00

I am the consoler on the far right with the red hair and white T-shirt. For many years I would come to our church camp on Cascade Lake. For 8 days I would enjoy the company of high school youth from all around our region. I would have the responsibility of a selected group of girls picked at random, And co- teach the boys with a male consoler. It was a wonderful part of my summer. I thought it would be fun to share a few stories of my camp days.To be continued……….I was in my late 30’s when I started doing camps as a consoler.

It was not my idea to be a camp consoler,our Minister said that I had a way with the youth and wanted me to think about it. I was teaching Jr. High kids at church and really enjoyed them. I had a lot of background growing up with and around my grandmother.

I was so nerves about doing the camp. Kids that I would not know and worse yet that they would not know me. The girls were easy, but the boys were not. On my third day after a few tears…feeling that I was just not the right person for the boys..I went up to the dorm and wrote each one a note.

And at the end of the note, I ask if they needed any clothes washed. The morning came and they got their mail and read my notes. As the morning was coming to a end, I see coming down the hill about 6 boys with arms filled with pants, shirts, socks. As I washed the clothes in the old wringer washer in the kitchen, the boys and I became friends, they even helped me hang their clothes. I learned in those moments that it is personal, they just needed a reason. I believe that God lead me to doing some mighty dirty clothes…No more tears:)

The Joy of Quilting

2011-02-04T08:23:00.002-07:00

This is a brown and pink baby quilt.I am making it for my granddaughter Kayla’s baby girl due in May. One side of the quilt will be the flowers you see and the other side will be squares. Kayla and husband Dolan live in Washington State.

I will share my progress as it comes to life as a quilt.The little buttons you see are little Yo Yo’s that will go into the center of some of the flowers.

I am off to lunch with the girls….I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Wear Red today for heart health!!

Cold Winter Day

2011-01-25T18:34:00.001-07:00

I have had this old mirror forever. Back when I was a seller and collector of collectables. I painted it green when everything I did was green. On this winter day I looked at it and thought that it needed to be hung again with a new color.

I thought about painting flowers on it, what do you think?

Knee Deep in the Civil War

2011-01-21T15:47:00.001-07:00

If you have ever done any family research then you know it is hour after hour of looking through documents and lists….So that is what I have been doing the last few days. And this is just a few notes.

Hope your weekend is filled with adventure…Hugs Mary

Click on pages to read.

I am here!

2011-01-17T13:08:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of my Grand mother in 1935. A gentle lady with a very giving nature. Ethel Alice Miller

I have missed being here with you. I still do not have a project to share. But I will soon. I have had a bad ear since i was a child. I spent time in the hospital because of it. So without notice it will show it’s ugly face. My ear is still ringing, but the pain and dizziness is gone.

Now to go look at all you have done while I was away.

Big Hugs, Mary

2011

2011-01-01T17:44:00.001-07:00

I wish you every possible good thing in this New Year!!!
I am taking a little brake to catch up with life after very busy holidays.

A little HO HO HO

2010-12-26T23:14:00.001-07:00

This is our Foodie Tree….candy inside of tree!

Cory with Bronco Santa Hat…He is Santa for the giving of the gifts…HO! Our second son.

Avery on the right (Cory & Kristie’s)4th child and our friend Annika.

CJ and Treyton….Cory & Kristie’s 1s and 2nd children.

Kristie holding Our new granddaughter Halle. Alexis is #4.

Newly wed…Kayla my oldest granddaughter (Trevor & Terri’s daughter) and husband Dolan. Baby coming in 2011.

Uncle Trevor with his new little niece Halle. Our oldest son. Trevor’s wife Terri

Halle taking care of Grandma

Jenny (our daughter)with Summit) Husband Doug.

Aunt Jenny and Halle

Carol and Randy came to be with us all for Christmas.

They are parents to Doug and Clay. Grandkids…Summit, Kylee, Shavannah, Camille, Annika. And Max, wife of Clay and Mother of the 4 girls.

Thank you one and all for a very Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T22:09:00.001-07:00

My little sister Sharon and I on Christmas morning 1954…Christmas memories.

Painting my bathroom

2010-12-17T12:05:00.001-07:00

LB came in out of the cold with really cold feet. He loves to be covered up…sleeps under the blanket. I made my own little Boxes this year. I went on line and found a someone to show me how. I loved doing this. I could pick what paper I wanted to us…and they didn’t cost me a bundle. This is one of those big plastic containers that we all fill for storage….I am filling it with candy…almost to the top right now. These little treat’s will go on our Christmas tree. Then at the end of the evening the kids will fill their stockings with all the Foodies. I still have cookies to make.

What you see hanging on the hall tree is the adult stockings. I put little silly things in them just for fun. As you can see they are over 3 feet long. And the kids are getting these to. They will use their stocking to fill with Foodies off the tree.

I have not finished decorating….so much to do. Today I am painting my bathroom. I have put it off long enough. With 23 coming for the evening, I want everything to look spit-spot.

Merry Christmas to you all, and love and Joy everyday!

Avery Elle

2010-12-13T10:11:00.001-07:00

This is my granddaughter Avery. She is a bundle of love and energy. This picture is so her. She loves Tea parties.

Meet Me In Saint Louis

2010-12-11T19:47:00.001-07:00

Getting ready to watch one of my favorite holiday Movies….

Snow Ice Cream

2010-12-07T20:14:00.001-07:00

When my parents moved our family to Placerville, California we found ourselves in snow country. A memory came to me today probably because we have so much snow.

We were so excited about seeing snow fall. And in the mountains it did not just snow a little. We lived at a place called 8 mile, and the snow got really deep. Mama loved the snow, she would set and watch the big flakes come down for hours. I came home from school to find Mama out in the snow with a big bowl. She was filling it with snow. I had no idea what she was doing this for, and Mama was being very silent about her plan. I did not know about Snow Ice Cream but soon would be having it for the first time. It was very good and along with my sister and brother we ate most of it.

Here is how she made it: 1 cup Milk or cream

1/2 cup of sugar

!/2 teaspoon of Vanilla mixed into about 3 quarts of snow.

Caution: watch out for yellow snow!!!

Scribbler

2010-12-02T16:18:00.001-07:00

Rejoice in the fact that you are friends….that they love you, that you love them. That you are the cheerleaders for each other in this thing called life. Hugs, Mary

Another snow Day

2010-12-01T06:27:00.001-07:00

I am listening to the news this morning and this is the start of a very snowy day all through this valley. Arney had to be at work about 5:30 this morning. He called me and ask me to please stay home. The roads are back to ice. We hope this will go through fast, we are cold. I will take this day and work on a couple of Christmas projects. We have had a lot of ice so far this fall, burning wood almost every day. I took this picture in the dark…

Have a great day!! Mary

I am going to make a cup of Hot Chocolate and curl up on the sofa…..

I had that cup of Hot Chocolate and went back to sleep….It is still snowing and here is my front yard. Hugs, Mary

3 Pounds and counting:(

2010-11-28T19:58:00.001-07:00

Does my Butt look bigger? Don’t answer that….it is!

Thanksgiving was fun, ate to much and enjoyed the company of our children and friends. It was really cold, so no football in the front yard or basket ball. To ice skate all you had to do was walk out the door.

We made Victorian cones that I will share when I download the pictures. We had glitter on our faces, in our hair. It is fun to see what kids will do when someone says do what you like….go for it!!!

Yes, I was the messy one!!!!

We have snow on the ground, I continue to keep a fire going. Did some Christmas shopping Friday afternoon. So now to get ready for the big event…Christmas Eve. There will be 23 wonderful people to share in the Joy’s of Christmas eve…then I will lay down for three days….Merry, Merry!