Maple Syrup Time

I married into a family of legacy and heritage.  A family of farming and horticulture -where mom and dad live “down the lane” from grandpa’s house. 

This past weekend we spend some time together – enjoying eachother’s company.  There are 3 babies to enjoy.  This is also the time of year when grandpa, Uncle Tim and anyone else who can help – collect maple syrup.  It’s a lucrative family business and one that I am proud to say I am a part of.

Diva Dog

If you know me at all – you know that I absolutely love my little Meeka Maye – she is just so precious to me.  She soaks up stress like a sponge.  She knows when I am sad – confused – hurting.  And she is just there – loving me no matter what.

NO. MATTER. WHAT.  Which leads me to why this post is happening.  Yesterday we took Meeka to get her hair cut.  She is always so cute after she gets groomed.  I bought her a dress – couldn’t resist.  SUE ME!  So here are some fun pics of my diva dog – enjoy!

Too cool for school

Really Mom – WHY!?!?!?!?!

Somebody – help me – please….

The End of an Era – Start of a New One

About 5 years ago we bought an new camera.  We wanted to upgrade from our 2.1 MP to a 3.2 MP.   And we used it all the time.  All of the pictures you have seen on this blog so far were taken with that camera.  It captured two family weddings, several holidays, and 2 family vacations.  It helped us capture memories with Judith that are priceless.  This camera is also the one that helped me start to develop my love for photography.

Several months ago we noticed the camera was starting to show some wear.  Eventually we found that if we pounded it on the ground a few times – it would take another picture – maybe.  Finally the day came when no amount of pounding was going to revive the thing.  When the lense fell out the front – we decided the time had come.

Enter – the newest addition to the family.  The Samsung SL310W.  Consumer Reports current best buy for compact cameras.  13.6 MP baby!  I’m sure in another 5 years we will be laughing at the fact that we are excited about that.  But for now – we are so excited to have a new partner in capturing the memories that make life what it is.  Most importantly – this is the camera that will travel to Europe with us.  And we are confident it’s performance will prove to be outstanding.

Keep watching for all the new pics in the coming weeks – I’m sure I’ll be getting camera happy!

Pray for my shoes

I learned in Crown Financial that everything on earth belongs to the Lord.  Everything….the furnace, the television, our vehicles, our shoes……ummmmm… shoes?

Yeah – shoes.  That’s what I said.  The last time our furnace broke down – we prayed and asked the Lord to FIX HIS FURNACE!  We just didn’t have the money to have it fixed.  The furnace started working.  NO REALLY!  It did!  God also fixed our van – we were ready to pay the $200 to $300 to have it fixed and POOF!  Josh got inspired to change the spark plugs and the spark plug wires.  It did the trick, and was a LOT cheaper!

So here’s my plea – pray for my shoes please!  I don’t want to pay the $40 for new ones.  If they would just hold up until we go to Europe – I can buy some sweet European shoes.

So just humor me – and my slowly deteriorating loafers.  Ask God to bless my shoes (they’re already holey).

Sorry ladies – He’s Taken!

This morning as I tried to pull out of the driveway to head to work – I found myself with spinning tires that were going no where.  I got out of the van – attempted to dig myself out –  turned the tires and tried again – to move.  Nothing.

After I had used up the 20 extra minutes I had given myself so I WOULDN”T be late to work – I caved and made a phone call to ask for help.

Within 10 minutes my hero arrived.  He drove a big red truck with a snow plow on the front.  He pulled in, dropped that plow and pushed the mighty unforgiving snow out of the way.  Then he got out with his great big snow shovel and dug, and dug, and dug.  Then he got in the van an accelerated while his buddy pushed.  Then he got out and shoveled some more.  Then pushed some more.  He got me on my way and finished plowing out the driveway.  He saved the day.  Him and his big red truck.  He was and is my hero.  He’s my husband.  He’s the best thing ever.  And he’s all mine – sorry girls – I hate to be the bearer of bad news; but the world’s best husband is taken!

I grant no apologies for the cheesy content of this post.

Would someone please find a way to stop time?

From Serenity is my Life

Ashley is learning how to sew. Today she made a really cool pillow case. She is going to make curtains for our bathroom and she is taking a sewing project with 4H this year. She is also about the only person that can make Tasha laugh besides her parents and grandparents. She seems to be somewhat of a role model for Tasha. I don’t know about you – but all these things make Ashley sound sort of…..well…. mature. I’m so proud of the young lady she is becoming but every once in awhile I really wish I could just make time stop.

Attention Crafty Friends!

So – after almost 15 years of marriage – my wedding bouquet looks like this.

Not too bad for having moved 6 times in the first 2 years of marriage. However – I really want to preserve what is left of my treasured bouquet. So anyone who can suggest a way to do that will be forever my hero. I might even write about you on my blog! Now THATS incentive!

lemonade or orange juice – you decide

They say when life hands you lemons – make lemonade. I’m not crazy about lemonade – so I get handed oranges.

Most of you know that God blessed us with a beautiful daughter 12 years ago. We were unable to have any more due to complications. I used to want another one so badly – but lately – I’ve been tasting the orange juice. 6 glasses to be exact. They are in the form of nieces and nephews. I actually have 9 nieces and nephews – but 3 of them are grown up and we don’t see them much. The other five however are still very young. And so much fun.

This is Adam.

From Serenity is my Life

Adam is about 6 months old and is a riot. He just celebrated his first Christmas and learned the art of ripping paper and eating it.

Next is Audrey.

From Serenity is my Life

Audrey is just 6 weeks old and it’s hard to see her personality yet. But she is a joy to hold and cuddle with. We can’t wait to see how she develops.

Which leads me to Tasha.

From Serenity is my Life

Tasha just turned a year old and is Audrey’s sister. She loves yogurt and sloppy kisses. She is a big goof ball and never fails to make me laugh.

Emily, Spencer, and Jaycob round out my list. Emily is my brother’s youngest. She is such a joy. She is a little lady and loves to play dress up.

From Serenity is my Life

Jaycob and Spencer are also my brother’s kids.

This is Spencer.

From Serenity is my Life

Jaycob won’t let me take his picture – so I don’t have one to share:) After all – he’s 12 and WAAAAAYYYY to cool for pictures! Jaycob and Spencer are all boy and have taught their little sister everything they know about bugs and farting. I also have Benji, Bryant and Kelsi. They are too old for me to drool over.

Here’s Jaycob – his mom caught him mesmerized with his MP3 player. Way to go mom!

I consider my nieces and nephews my orange juice. They are God’s gift to me. They are God’s gift period. I love them all so much. And the best part is – I get to spoil them and give them back to their loving parents.

Happy New Year!