Saturday, February 2, 2013

"Cool" Valentines....sports themed for guys to share!

A year or so ago, my 2nd of 3 son, was rather displeased with the in store selections of valentines.  He loves sports and is soooo not ready for the valentines that indicate the deepest of emotion or even the hint of romance.  So, I challenged him to make his own.  I was rather pleased and impressed with his finished product!  Below are the JPEG files of his valentines that can be copied to your picture files and printed for the little men folk in your life.                                                                             


If you would like to make your own valentines, he simply made these in Microsoft word.  He came up with the valentines sayings and then did a corresponding google search for a picture to match the saying.  This was a simple copy and paste project that thrilled the creative side of this kiddo!  



















For personal use only.  Not for sale.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

2012 in review

Several years have passed since we have taken the time to chronicle the years events.  This year has been rather momentous and life changing...thinking we would be remiss to miss this opportunity to share what great things the Lord has done on our behalf.

The Lord works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform.  2012 has proved us in innumerable ways, while at the same time proving His goodness, His graciousness, His perfect peace, His faithfulness, His love for, us, His children. During this year we have endured the taste of grief with the passing of Eddie’s father, my father-in-law and the hero of our children.  We have endured  the awkward dance of unemployment and the accompanying emotional avalanche it so often produces.  Relinquishing control of the household duties was no small feat...”surrender” being my own life lesson of 2012.  Living in the fog of what’s called night shift fatigue has taught us that a word fitly spoken is like “apples of gold in pitchers of silver”(Psalms 25:11).  Timing and rest being needed prior to tackling life’s issues.   All of us this year requiring a greater dose of love and grace.

Being that Eddie’s ten year 100 mile commute to work ended, means we have lived together this whole year under the same roof....Eddie home at bedtime...Eddie still pastoring.  This year has afforded him the opportunity to do some home projects like building an amazing picnic table, compost bin, a trellis and steps between the breezeway and garage...a much needed addition to our home that had been lacking for the past 50+ years:-)  As these boys of ours mature,  MLC (6), JOC (11),  and EDC now 13 …emerging into manhood and so in need of their father...the Lord’s timing for Eddie being home more has not been missed.


Watching this metamorphosis of boy into manhood has been such an awe inspiring process.  Excitement over chin hair, abs and pects have the youngers of the man clan anticipating their turn.  The greater lessons of character and mastering rather than being mastered...in the course of everyday living, stirring in church, homework, music and sports...makes for a very busy full life.


 This letter cannot close without sharing that in November of this year Eddie has began employment with Home Source International, a job that the Lord has provided.  I remain employed at our local Family Birth Center. In the spring, Rebecca took a job near her Grandmother, Eddie's mother.  They have enjoyed their special time with each other.  Her new job also afforded her the opportunity of meeting a young man that as her daddy puts it...she has grown rather fond of...they are now engaged! 

We are testimony to the fact that the Lord is faithful and never forsakes His own.  As the psalmist reflected in his old age..he had never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging bread. Psalm 37:25.  Not only does He provide, but His provision is bountiful and in due time....just as He in due time provided us redemption through His Son. In 2013, may you relish His goodness in your life, finding solace in His character during times of difficulty and rejoicing that His mercy endures forever!

Main Street Mom and Man Clan

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Mentors, motherhood and haven when it hurts



For the past several years of motherhood, when my guys would share the angst of being made fun of or feeling excluded.  I would reply with any of the following responses.

  • People like that don't deserve your friendship, but they very well may need your kindness.
  • There will always be mean people. You gotta learn to live with them and love them.
  • Focus on all the friends to do have.
  • If you like your lunch, who cares what kids say about it.
  • Toughen up. Hold your head high and don't care so much what others think.

The list could go on and on.....about 8 years of it.....

Had I been outside of my home shell a little bit more during those years, and outside of my comfort zone just a little bit more, I think I would have gathered my guys in their moments of hurt into my arms and cried a while with them.  I missed some very great opportunities to show them there is a haven in momma's arms.  Really and truly, meanness hurt, and it hurts deeply

Learning, growing, gaining new experience can be exciting, unnerving, exhilarating, just a tad scarey, Mentors along the way, those that invest selflessly, sharing knowledge, are worthy of praise and recognition.  This new journey of mine...hard to believe I have been there 3/4 of a year, yet still so much to learn and experience.  For those nurses that remember they weren't born with their knowledge, did not even graduate from nursing school with their specialty mastered , who are willing to step along side and demonstrate professionalism and be a mentor,  for those nurses and friends I am thankful.  It is a gift to mentor.  It is a kindness to include someone new.  A sense of belonging is a gift one can't negotiate....it is just that a gift. 

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Memories


 A love note found





 Sweet story time long ago.



feels like yesterday.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Overtures by YOU ignored.
Long nights, chores done.
Only moments alone with you, punctuated with drooping eyelids---yielding sleep.
Graciously even then I am in your loving hand receiving the sweet balm of rest.


Awakened at 2am.  Needing time alone with you.

I reach for water...Struck by the irony.  I need You as the deer thirsts for the water brook. Psalm 42:1

Overwhelmed by Your love.
Overwhelmed by Your desire for my love....as a parent yearns to hear the proclamation of their child's love.
                                                              ....as a woman yearns to be drawn into the arms of her beloved.
Overwhelmed that You yearn to hear my expression of love.....praise.
                                                              ....the sacrifice of praise(Heb.13:15)....from my lips.
Overwhelmed that You draw ME.  Day after day You draw ME...your child

Sweet restrains of Selah stream God Bless the Broken Road..  Tears fall. So randomly chosen by Pandora....nothing random by You.
Lost dreams....lead to You.  Broken hearts...lead to You, my Northern Star....Star of David.
"I would like to have all the time I lost and give it back to YOU.  But YOU just smile and take my hand.  YOU have been there.  YOU understand.  It is all of the greatest of plans." 

Tears fall.  Prayers flow.  I feel washed in the grace of forgiveness.  Drawn by cord of love.  Embraced by a love that will never let me go....even on this road broken by human imperfection called marriage, motherhood and ministry.


Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Transitions and Trust

 Today my mind has wandered back to Psalms 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  Illness comes.   Jobs come and go.  Friendships weaken and wane....but the faithfulness of our God is a sure thing.  It is our anchor.  It is our refuge and strength....a very present help in trouble.

The Lord is at work.  This is a time of many transitions.  A time of seeking peace and His direction.  This is a time of truly living out the faith.  Do we believe?  Do we trust?  Are God's promises backed up by His name....by His character?


God is our Provider,
Sustainer,
All-powerful
All-knowing,
Loving Heavenly Father,
Faithful God,
Merciful,
Gracious,
Comforter,
Safe Place (Refuge),
Oh and Soooo much more.....

I found this list...brought me to tears (what's new).  Tears of a different kind...heaven sent tears.  No tears of selfish motivation, but tears of adoration. 

Why do I fear.  I am a child of the King.  He owns all and wants the best for me........remember...that is the essence of true love.


Psalms 46:2...."Therefore will not we fear, and though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;....verse 7 states again..."The LORD of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our REFUGE. SELAH.....verse 10 says,"BE still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."   Again in verse 11, ".....the God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah.....





Our circumstances change....God changes not.  His love for us never wanes.  He is our refuge....Think on these things....(Selah)

 

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Just a blurry glimpse.....

A glimpse of this boy's excitement to be starting his own baseball "story"....fun times!!!

Monday, January 31, 2011

Creativity at work....Revisited

So I was informed by the daddy of the creative child here...that he had been following my latest blog entries, but just didn't "get" the most recent one about play dough....





 so I guess I have been viewing this through my "mommy" lenses and perhaps I should explain what I am seeing here.

This comes from a woman that cried in art class...when given a lump of play dough...all I could think to do was cook it...either in the form of cookies, cakes or well....cookies.
So it just reminded me that there is nothing much more special than the way our mothers can see so much in so little...see that what may look like a blob to others actually is dirt bikes racing up that hill...

 So once again we made play dough. 


Put play dough in their hands and the creativity happens!  I love it!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Moon Pie Cake Meets Demarle




 My love affair with Demarle products in no secret!  To know me is to have eaten something made with Demarle!  If you have never heard of them....I am sorry!  It is a wonderful French product...professional cookware that came to the American market about 10 years ago.  




For years my Moon Pie Cake took the form of 2 stacked cake layers certainly delicious....

even described as beautiful....elegant,,,,and prized....(once sold at an auction for $150!!!!)


This time I used a fluted mold on top and then the 2 round cake layers below.  This actual "mold" has been discontinued by Demarle at Home...but this one would achieve the same look.  The 3 layers of cake and 2 layers of cream filling....with the chocolate lava, I mean, ganache....made a cake fit for a winter feast! 






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