LIVING LIFE CREATIVELY

COUNTRY LIVING FAIR - ATLANTA

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:27:00 +0000

What a weekend! The Country Living Fair exceeded my expectations in many ways, but most importantly, it gave me a huge dose of inspiration. It was just what I needed! I went with daughter Kelly and sisters-in-law, Marie and Kathy. Kathy came all the way from Connecticut for the fun! And fun we had.

Inspiration 1: COATS

I bought one at Anthropologie before I left Atlanta.

Inspiration 2: BURLAP

Not really sure about the pants, but still they caught my eye!

I did ask her if she was wearing them as a punishment.

She assured me that they were lined.

Loved the shade!

Wished I had thought of bringing a cart--with a burlap bow!

Inspiration 3: DISPLAYS

clever, clever, clever

Inspiration 4: Oil Cloth

I just had to have those buntings in the background for my camper!
One side is colorful and the other is black chalkboard. LOVE!

Inspiration 5: RUFFLES

Yes, I had to try on those ruffled pants in the freezing cold in the outdoor dressing room!

Inspiration 6: LAYERS
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.
Never did figure out the hula hoop.

Inspiration 7: CRAZY REPURPOSING

Inspiration 8: CARI from HGTV's Cash and Cari

Inspiration 9: SISTERS ON THE FLY

So true!

CARRIED AWAY DEBUT

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 22:25:00 +0000

By golly, it seems like forever since I've blogged or even thought about blogging. Where does the time go? I hate that I've kept everybody waiting so long to see the progress on my little camper project. But I do believe you will think it worth the wait. While it is not done yet, I do feel that I am in the homestretch. I took Carried Away on her first outing last weekend--not quite perfect, but still quite capable of handling a weekend at the lake.

Against the strong opinion of my son, I decided to paint the outside myself for four very good reasons.

It was cheaper. Much cheaper.
It was quicker. Much quicker.
Her condition warranted it. No matter how much I spent, this little girl was never going to look perfect. She's old and has battle scars that were just not going to be covered up with a fancy-schmancy paint job. She's a lot like me.
It's been done successfully before. I did my research and there are plenty of hand-painted trailers owned by Sisters on the Fly. That was good enough for me.

Also against the strong opinion of my son, I choose to paint her bottom bright yellow. There are some good reasons for that as well.

Everyone in the family (except my son) voted on that color.
It was a color on the shelf at Home Depot (Rustoleum oil-based).
It made me smile and sing "You Are My Sunshine."

You may wonder why my son's opinion is even mentioned here. Well, that would be because he did all the inside carpentry work. I did, as nicely as possible, remind him that he was on the construction committee not the decorating committee. In the end, he did agree that she looked pretty good considering.

Tessa had enough sense to take a shot of my beginning efforts. I admit that I had my doubts for a few hours.

I am quite happy with the results. Of course, I still have the white to paint on the top. Labor Day weekend did not wait for me to finish. Husband had enough sense to stop and have me take a photo of her first outing.

It was some feat getting this comfy mattress through the door, but oh, it was worth it. Unfortunately, it came off of my guest room bed, so that room looks weird right now.

There are lots of things to notice in the kitchen besides I did not finish painting that board. That was because it was nailed in right before we left.

The old tin was one of the pieces I bought at an auction for $10.

The string of lights I bought on clearance at Home Depot.

The dish towel from William Sonoma came from Goodwill.

The bar and little shelf thing came from IKEA.

Modern conveniences: micro, fridge, stovetop

And now onto the dining area.

I fell in love with that yellow Waverly fabric at a local outlet. It was $5 a yard. I already had the blue that I used for the piping. I actually had a local guy do the cushions for $25 a piece--worth every penny! I know that the tablecloth does not really match, but the table was still a little sticky from painting. *grin*

I made the curtains from some long IKEA ones that I had previously used in the house. I love the little pinch pleats and the red rings that I sewed on. I did not want to use the clip-on ones that are so popular . They are hung by twine right now, but that may change.

I have several more things to finish and tweak, but I could not go another day without sharing. I hope you will stop back to see some more finishing touches. I have a trip planned for October, so it will motivate me. I promise! And in closing . . . the following photos were just too cute not to share.

That sink came in handy. Temperatures were over 100, and Jett was a sweaty mess!

I do believe he thought I got "Carried Away" when I pulled out my special shower gel.

"Please, Grandma, must I smell so . . . pretty?"

VINTAGE CAMPER - TAKE SIX

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Mon, 16 May 2011 00:22:00 +0000

Wow! I'm even impressing myself with all these posts in one day. It makes it look like we've been really busy on that camper this weekend! The truth is that son Michael has been at the Police Academy for the last two months, so he has only been able to work on it on weekends. He has been very generous with his off time considering that he now has so little of it!

I was kind of running out of money for this project--actually, I never really had any money for this project. The guys had been using this and that from around the shop. Well, this and that ran out last week, so I had to get a bit creative. I cashed in a handful of gold jewelry--the majority of which was found in apartments that hubby had cleaned out. There were a few pieces that I no longer wore or cared about. The value of gold is high right now, so I was able to get about $500. Son Michael is happy to now have a bit of a budget.

The table and benches went in this weekend.

Michael made a track for the piece that is needed to make the table area into a bed. Clever, he is!

And the storage area under the bed is enormous. It can be accessed from the outside also!

And, of course, he hinged the bench seats for additional storage.

The window frames are going to the sandblaster's tomorrow.

What's next? Glad you asked!

Flooring - found in the warehouse (no cost)
Old tin backsplash - bought at an auction a while back (no cost)
Install cabinet doors (need to buy hardware)
Hook up sink and stove (had sink, stove came with camper)
Run gas lines
Caulk and paint
Buy new tires and hubcaps (no bargain)
Upholster cushions (foam will cost, fabric have)
Make curtains (have several ways I could go with what I have)
Design outside lettering and choose colors (hopefully Tessa is on this one)
Sell my first born to pay for exterior painting? Just kidding.
Accessorize and stock the thing all cute like

I am sure that there are other things that the guys are planning on doing that I have no clue about like brake lights and such. Once school is out at the end of the week, I will get to help a bit more with it.

VINTAGE CAMPER - TAKE FIVE - THE NAME

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 15 May 2011 21:42:00 +0000

In the books I have read about vintage campers, it is suggested that you pick the name before you even start the project. If I had waited until I had the name, the bushes would still be growing out the backside because my guys would have lost interest. Nothing, I mean, nothing came to me for the longest time. And then, there it was. And I knew. After weeks of thinking and praying--yes, that probably sounds ridiculous considering the important things that there are to pray about, but I was desperate--it just was so very apparent. I was at the mall in Bath and Body Works, and saw this:

And standing in that store, I could see it painted on the side. And I let out a squeal. And Tessa *got* it right away. And I was happy, very happy. And I will try not to get carried away with this post. It's just that it communicates why I even wanted a vintage camper. The added plus is that I love the scent and have a gift card to buy it for when I get carried away this summer!

VINTAGE CAMPER - TAKE FOUR

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 15 May 2011 21:14:00 +0000

Okay, so far my camper duties have involved photography and an occasional planning meeting. I am chomping at the bit to get to the decorating part. I know all this structural stuff is important, but really I was very happy to see the light fixture go in above my bed. Love, love, love it.. And it only costs $20 at Lowe's.

Son Michael has made all new cabinets, including doors and drawer fronts. He is something, that boy!

There is quite a bit of storage in the seats and under the bed area.

He never stops working. Got to love a guy like that.

VINTAGE CAMPER - TAKE THREE

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 15 May 2011 20:16:00 +0000

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, which is good because I don't have time to type a thousand words about the camper progress. I will say that my son, Michael, is an amazing carpenter and is doing a fabulous job on that part of the redo. My husband is jumping in on jobs that Michael Jr. will let him do--like scraping the paint off of the outside.

This is one option for air conditioning.

This is when the insulation was installed.

This is where the table and benches will be located.

This is where the bed will be.

VINTAGE TRAILER REDO - TAKE TWO

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 02:35:00 +0000

The inside is just as scary as the outside, but that's okay. We will be gutting the entire thing!

VINTAGE TRAILER REDO - TAKE ONE

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 01:54:00 +0000

Call us crazy--it won't be the first time, and it probably won't be the last time either. We are just those kind of people. This is our latest project.

and with these books as inspiration--

And this site where you can meet Constance--

And this amazing talent--

It will be fabulous! I just know it. If I could just decide on a theme or a color or a name. Maybe it's too soon. I will keep you posted.

And hold on, hold on, when the current pulls you under . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 00:05:00 +0000

And your heart beats like thunder

Just give me your hand

And hold on, hold on

Until the storm is over

And I'll be fighting for you

Just give me your hand

And hold on
(song lyrics by 33 Miles)

There are a lot of lessons to learn at the beach. A lot to learn about God. A lot to learn about oneself.

In the quietness of the waves crashing. In the time spent alone. Alone. Alone.

With only the distraction of a yearning heart and a willingness to listen.

How often I go through life without being intentional about listening to that still small voice.

How often I go through life letting the past dictate the future.

And feeling so alone in the memories of my journey.

And needing to be reminded that there is One who sticks closer than a brother.

And that it is only in brokenness that one can be made whole.
And that there are no treasures to be found in smooth sand.

The sea served me well this week in ways that I had not imagined but had most definitely prayed for.

And I listened to this song a lot on my early morning walks.

And smiled at those who love unconditionally.

And realized again how important it is to see things through the eyes of a child.
If I didn't look there, I may have missed one of the three photos that captured me at the beach!

The majority of the photos in this post were taken by Tessa. She is amazing, and I just love her more than words can say!

FRIENDSHIP

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 04:08:00 +0000

We were destined to be friends--Kolein and I. Yep, we surely were.

After hitting that POST button a bazillion times, I connected with a kindred spirit who lives like over 800 miles away!

But what is meant to be is meant to be. And isn't it just like the Lord to have Kolein and her family drive right through Tennessee on their way home from vacation. Yep, it surely is!

So what if it was just for a few hours. We can pack a lot into just a few hours.

There were hugs and chitchat and food and the house tour and the meet and greet the family and shopping and another house tour and the photo shoot. Oh, and there was the check out Kolein's fab jacket!

And she came bearing gifts! Birdie things and . . .

. . . homemade vanilla . . .

. . . that smelled yummy!

And she made me feel so special . . . and so very short! Just loved her and her family to death!

YOU KNOW I LOVE BIRDS, DON'T YOU?

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:59:00 +0000

There is a most adorable bird nest necklace being given away over at A Cheerful Heart. Go on over and enter for a chance to win! Love it!

FABRIC BIRD PHOTOGRAPHER

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 02:41:00 +0000

I am so blessed to have a wonderful teenage daughter. She is just so much fun to be around and likes so many things that I like: blogging (Chase Your Dreams), photography, writing, reading, thrift shopping, sewing, and laughing. She recently took photos of my birds so that I could get my Etsy shop up and running. I think she did a great job!

I LOVE MY FLAT IRON

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 01:42:00 +0000

I think it is funny when people assume that my hair just does what it is supposed to. Really? I would never, never, never go out of the house without *doing* my hair. Sometimes I use a flat iron and sometimes a curling iron and sometimes both. I could never just go natural. No way.

BEFORE

scary

very scary

AFTER

that's better

much better

ETSY SITE IS UP!

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 01:11:00 +0000

I have been putting off officially carving out my little--very little--niche in blogland for two years now. It's not that I didn't want to. I thought about it all the time. I longed to be known for something--anything really. I had a moment when I thought that I might be almost famous when I gave The Nester one of my birds at Blissdom two years ago, and like a zillion people visited my blog when she featured my staircase. Okay, so it wasn't a zillion.

Well, it was obviously more of a moment for me than it was for her since she thought that my interesting friend Edie had made it for her.

And I understood completely since I can't even remember what my own children gave me for Christmas this year, and Edie is thoughtful and talented like that. It is actually quite funny --and providential I might add.

Even before the little slip up by the darling Nester--who way overdid the apology--I had decided that, by golly, I was going to get that Etsy shop opened before the second anniversary of Blissdom.

And when all those Nester followers started contacting me for the bird pattern, I was ready. Well almost. Daughter Kelly and I have taken a crash course over there at Etsy and have been sending out patterns all day over at Will this fly?

You might be wondering about the name. I believe it was given to me by divine inspiration. Really. I come up with a lot of creative ideas, but have never been successful in marketing anything. So when I started making birds, and everyone kept saying that I could sell them, I wondered, Will this fly?

And I don't know yet.

We have the famous bird pattern for sale, and will be adding some completed birds within the next day or so.

And we are taking orders for our custom Bible or book covers. Thank you Nester for featuring me once again. I feel almost famous when you do that.

EDIE, MY INTERESTING FRIEND

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:00:00 +0000

When I first met Edie, I thought, "Isn't she interesting."

And then I thought, "Isn't that an interesting outfit she is wearing."

And then I thought, "That sure is some interesting make-up she wears."

And then I thought, "Those are some interesting books she is reading."

And then I thought, "That food she's cooking sure looks interesting."

And then I thought, "That is some interesting decorating technique."

And then I thought, "That is an interesting way to look at things."

Interesting is my polite word. I really thought words like crazy, bizarre, clever, out-there, really out-there. And the truth of the matter is that I love crazy, bizarre, clever, out-there, and really out-there. And that is why I love Edie.

And what I really think is interesting is that Edie is genuinely comfortable in her interestingness. She really is okay with bringing her kids to school in her pajamas and wearing bright blue eye shadow and reading old theology books and hanging a crazy-colored lizard on her wall and giving up a medical practice to be a homemaker and wearing knee socks and cowgirl boots. And because she is so okay with it, you can't help but to not only be okay with it, but to applaud her for it. And you can't help but to be challenged to explore and enjoy your own interestingness--It's as if she has given you permission and is on the sideline cheering you on.

And that is what I love about her. She always has a good word to say--an encouraging word. One of the best compliments I ever got was after she visited my home for the first time. She said and I quote, "You have inspired me, and it takes a lot to inspire me." I was so excited. She made me feel interesting or was it crazy or clever or out-there?

Now we may not be able to pull off what Edie can in dress or decorating or make-up--and that is okay. We can all, however, celebrate what makes each of us interesting. Edie would like that.

Happy birthday, friend, and thanks for sharing your interestingness. I am blessed to have met you and look forward to learning along with you on the journey of restoration.

SUFFERING LOSS

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:25:00 +0000

It has been an emotional week for many. I have prayed for my friend, Edie, and her husband and her children. I feel her pain even though my home has never burned to the ground. I feel her pain not because I want to, but because I need to. It doesn't matter if everything inside of me is screaming that is is not about me; I know that in some ways it is. I still have lessons to learn when it comes to loss.

We all face it at some point--and we are rarely expecting it or have prepared for it. Things--in an instant change--forever. But we know that all things work together for good to those that love the Lord and that our ways are not His ways. And with every ounce of faith you can muster up, you will yourself to believe it and accept it. And the idea of faith being fused with actions is repeated in your mind--in the lucid moments. And you take that one step. And then you take another. And then you are actually living the life of faith. You become a doer and not just a hearer. And it is hard. It is very hard.

And life goes on--but the music has changed, and your steps must now be chosen to match the new rhythm and beat. And you adjust--just like they said you would. And you return to the land of the living for a season or two or three.

And then, from time to time, you are invited to return to that place. You would like to decline, but your heart actually wants to go there--to that place that you have so neatly tucked away. Because it is now part of what defines you. It is a place of wonder and pain and what-ifs. Wonder at the sheer thought of survival. Pain at what that survival cost you--or what you think it cost you. And the realization that not one thing that is present reality would look the same if not for the past reality. Not one thing. One simple--or not so simple--veer in your life's path, and everything changes. There are no what-ifs.

And you realize that you wouldn't change a thing--you couldn't change a thing. This is your wonderful life. And the intimate moments with the Lord as He wraps His loving arms around you and patiently teaches you the lessons you must learn become what you yearn for. And the question changes from Why? to What now, Lord? And you accept the fact that we look through a mirror dimly. And you accept the fact that some things just cant be replaced, because there is no replacement value calculated on the loss of what could have been. There is no price on broken dreams or broken hearts or broken memories.

And as Edie texted me on Christmas morning: The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

And through acceptance comes growth and a closer walk with the God that is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow--the God that is the constant when life spins out of control. And when others suffer loss, He is the God that reminds you that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness. And through the tears, you heal a bit more. And you pray for the same for others.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

WHEN THERE ARE NO WORDS

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 15:49:00 +0000

Home.

Your safe place.

Your sanctuary.

Your memory vault.

Where every item has a story.

Where every item is a prop in the drama of life.

There is no replacement value.

Home.

Edie.

Loves with abandon.

Lives with enthusiasm.

Gives without limits.

Believes.

Believes.

Believes.

Edie.

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14

There truly are no words.

This will not be an easy journey.

But make it she will.

With family.

With friends.

With the Lord.

Through prayer.

And tears.

Many tears.

I love you, my friend, and will continue to pray for you.

And cry with you.

THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:34:00 +0000

These are not the photos that will be used for my daughter's family Christmas card this year. I don't understand it really. I think they capture something special. I just wish the first one could be sent with audio. hohoho

DECORATED MAILBOX AND A FEW TWEETS

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 01:23:00 +0000

I have had decorate mailbox on my to-do list for several Christmas seasons and am happy to say that I can finally cross it off. With greenery from the shed and flowers and berries from the Dollar Tree and a bow that I actually made myself using the Bow-dabra that my daughter gave to me last year for Christmas, I completed this project with weeks to spare.

I've been kind of busy this month with Tessa's theater debut in White Christmas. She's got a very important, lead role--okay so it's just one dance and the finale, but she's a star to me! I love, love, love the theater and have enjoyed every minute of being the stage mom. I love breathing in the Aquanet as I stick over 60 bobby pins a performance in Tessa's hair and I love that I can't get "Sisters" or "Snow" out of my head and I love sneaking in back stage to capture random moments with cast members and I love the new friends I've made.

backstage fun

finale

And because I am so fond of all the new friends we've made, I've decided to make a little something for them so that they don't ever forget us or the show. A sweet friend gave me one of these nifty paper birds a while back, and I flattered her by copying it. I bought some two-sided tan paper from Hobby Lobby and copied White Christmas music onto it. I then spent all afternoon cutting out. I had no idea how long cutting birds and wings would take, or maybe I would have just wished them a Merry Christmas.

This is the original gifted bird.

This is the finished White Christmas bird. Cute, huh?

Fall Bulletin Board Idea

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 01:18:00 +0000

I have observed that there are some seasons in life that creativity is my *place* or my escape from whatever stress life throws at me. But for most of this past year, my *place* has not been in creating but more in solitude and reflection. I've missed my creative side, but have, I suppose, needed the break.

I was extremely thrilled in October when I had one of those moments--you know, when *the* idea hits you. Usually it happens in the shower, but not this time! I was immediately energized and excited to execute the project. I have been doing bulletin boards at the school on and off for the past five years. It is not really one of my favorite parts of the job. And after a while, season after season, they all start looking the same. Well, not mine this fall. I know--it's not the right season to post this, but it's when I am doing anyway!

Unfortunately, I deleted the photos of the board from my camera and only had some that were taken with my phone. The lift-up flaps had jokes on them with the answer on the inside. My favorite joke: Why do Pilgrims' pants fall down? Because they wear their buckles on their hats. Doesn't that just make you crack up and grin and smile and guffaw? It did me. I was in a needy place.

If only I could come up with something original for winter now!

Calliwassie - Tessa's 14th Birthday Bash

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 17:12:00 +0000

Tessa and two of her friends share an October birthday. This year, they celebrated together on Calliwassie Island in South Carolina courtesy of Abby's grandparents. They own a vacation home on the island and allowed Abby to bring her friends and their moms for a memorable weekend getaway. It was lovely! Tessa and I took over 400 photos, so it was hard choosing what to include in this post. What was chosen chronicles the fun events of the weekend.

After too many hours in the car, this is what you can expect from four giddy girls!

breakfast on the patio

fun at Hilton Head

experiencing new cuisine

black bean burger with sweet potato fries - YUM!

public transportation of the south

curling before the photo shoot

the photo shoot begins

Tessa, Morgan, Abby, Hannah

Hannah and Dena

Tessa and I

Abby and Lynn

walking to the country club for lunch

after lunch photos

This may be my favorite shot of the girls.

Calliwassie is a beautiful island . . .

. . . with alligators! Just pretending to see one!

shots by the water

Yes, that is a huge alligator in those folks' back yard.

Spring Island

Next to Calliwassie Island is Spring Island. Calliwassie is more country club in its feel and Spring Island is more wilderness in its feel. There are horses and a nature center and an awesome tree house. We even got to kind of crash a wedding.

It cost $800 a month to board a horse here. Nice.

home again, home again, jiggity jig

CURLY GIRLS

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 16:13:00 +0000

Oh, what we'll do to get curls!

Tessa, 11 months old

I absolute love curly hair--not the permed, poodle kind that my mother thought was so cute back in the 60's--but big, loose, wonderful curls. Add some ruffles and lace and . . . perfection. Unfortunately, I have been blessed with just enough wave to be annoying. Growing up in the 60's and 70's did not help my hair dilemma. There were no flatirons or curling irons, and hairdryers came with big plastic bonnets. If you wanted curls, you had to sleep on curlers (brush or sponge) or get a perm. Even though my dad worked for Clairol back in the day, he did not bring home any free samples that impressed me or my bushy hair. Probably because I am still recovering from the damage of all the bad hair comments of my youth, I am a sucker for products that make hair sleek and shiny or curly.

I usually practice the curly stuff on my girls around the holidays. Last year I purchased these nifty curlers to use on the girls' hair for Easter.

Step One: Thread curler on stick

Step Two: Hook a hunk of hair and pull through

Step Three: Repeat a bunch of times

Step Four: Remove curlers (sorry, no photo--it was Easter morning)

Step Five: Photograph curly hair

When Kelly was little, I literally ripped old sheets and applied sugar water to get the rag-curl ringlets. If I wasn't so lazy, I'd dig out the photo with her head in rags. She would be thrilled.

Kelly, 6 and Michael, 2 1/2

I have no idea what came over me a couple of months ago when I was walking through the mall and the kiosk girl offered to curl Tessa's and Abby's hair after we had visited the Mac counter for some eyeshadow tips. And I really am still at a loss why I ended up buying the curling irons. And I absolutely will not ever put in writing how much they cost, so don't ask. All I will say is shop around and be prepared for what curls do to girls. Just saying.

And by the way, all of the grandsons got plenty of curls.

Ross, 2 years old

In the next post--and it will not take me months--you will see more of the process and a lot more curly girl photos.

HELLOS, GOODBYES

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 01:10:00 +0000

As I sit her pondering how to get back into the blogging world, I ask myself what has kept me from something that I have enjoyed so much. And as I begin to gather photos and consider what I will write, my body begins to react in a very physical way. And then I realize that the answer is easy and the answer is hard. To revisit any part of the last three months means that I have to face the joy and the pain of emotional hellos and emotional goodbyes. And while the good was very, very good, the not so good was very, very not so good.

I realize now that giving up blogging is not really an option. It would mean that I would have to say another goodbye to yet another dear friend. And honestly, I just can't do that. Even though my emotions will probably be all over the place until I hit the post button and perhaps for several days after; once it's done, it will be done. And I can go back to posting about decorating and craft projects and life with a new grandbaby and all sorts of nonsense. And it will be normal again. Soon.

Ryan came home for a visit before his deployment to Afghanistan.

My baby is now a man--a warrior.

There was laughter.

And there were tears.

And I had to trust God in bigger ways.

And I had to say good-bye. For now.

And even before my heart could recover,

I had to say good-bye to our youth pastor and his family.

Tim, Emily, Olivia, and Sarah Cate

They love with abandon. They make me laugh.

They serve the Lord with all their hearts--in a big way.

And I will never forget them. It would be impossible.

New Orleans is where they were meant to be.

But it hurts.

When my mom was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer in May, my sister, Pat, left her home in Pennsylvania to take care of her in Ohio. Because of that, I was able to spend more time than ever before with my sister. And because my sister found the Lord this year, it was a special time. And amidst the serious, there were times when we laughed.

Pat and granddaughter Hayden with me and granddaughter Kenzie

And there were times when we cried as we prepared to say goodbye to our mom.

We faced many emotions together,

not just as sisters, but as sisters in Christ.

And if life wasn't complicated enough, we welcomed a German exchange student.

Katja would turn out to be the sister, the daughter, the friend that we all needed.

Her laugh was contagious.

And she taught us so much about ourselves.

She embraced our family and our culture and our God.

And she will never be the same.

And we will never be the same.

And my heart broke once again this summer when we received word that Ryan's very best friend, Justin, had stepped on a land mine on day six of his deployment. He lost his leg below the knee. In God's providence, we were able to visit him while in Washington for the Restore Honor Rally.

Two weeks ago today, Kelly developed pregnancy complications that resulted in a hospital stay and ultimately, an induction. It was a long and sometimes scary process with the health of mom and baby at stake. Jett Alexander made his dramatic entrance, and for what seemed like an eternity, did not respond. And for a brief moment, I wondered if, in fact, I was going to have to face another goodbye.

But God, in His sovereignty, saw fit to bless us beyond measure.

And as this post comes to a close,

the Brays are prospering in their new home.

Katja is back home in Germany.

Justin is recovering in Texas.

My mom is safe in the arms of Jesus.

My sister is growing in the Lord.
Jett is sleeping soundly.

And Ryan is proudly serving his country.

And this mother's heart skips a beat when she sees photos from war.

And this mom prays that there will be no more goodbyes this year.

I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

HOW DOES MY GARDEN GROW?

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:00:00 +0000

Glad you asked.

UNDER THE INFLUENCE

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:16:00 +0000

The following is the result of six months of intense army training.

Don't underestimate the influence of our military.

normal children upon Ryan's return home

children after an hour with their uncle

I don't know about you, but I feel safer knowing he's defending our country.