Snowflakes

Falling snow always inspires me to create my own replicas, even though they can't compare to the real thing. I learned how to cut snowflakes in the fourth grade, (thanks Mrs. Voss!) and I loved it immediately. I remember helping other kids fold the paper the correct way, experimenting with extra folds and lots of additional cuts.

For several years we decorated the kitchen cabinets with snowflakes that I cut, we saved them every year to tape up the next year. Similarly, at one job I taught my co-workers how to cut snowflakes. We created so many that I decided to tape on varying lengths of white sewing thread and then I hung them from the drop ceiling--it was beautiful! The other departments were envious of our decorations, and following my mother's lead, we saved them and created our snowflake ceiling for many years.

I have often made tiny snowflakes to decorate the corners of my computer, I have even tried to make huge snowflakes out of butcher paper. I don't think a year has gone by that I haven't created paper snowflakes. It is so easy and yet so lovely, I love making them.

I guess it is a tradition of sorts...so, if you know how and the sparkling snowflakes outside motivates you, join me in cutting a few snowflakes and decorating your home or office!

Barber in Training

Paul David, fourth child out of nine, third boy, born on December 11, 1966--an early Christmas present for my parents.

Paul and I always seemed to get along, have fun, and occasionally get into trouble.


<<--Always smiling! Paul, three months old.

My parents didn't go out that often due to time and finances, but one time stands out in my memory. A teenage neighbor girl was babysitting us; I believe Paul and I were maybe 11 and 12 years old, but probably younger. Being some of the older children Paul and I were to help the sitter with our younger siblings, including the youngest, a baby at the time.

12th birthday

So, of course a bit of a drama occurred. Paul was chewing gum and somehow managed to get some in his hair, no big deal right? Wrong! Paul tried to get the gum out on his own by using scissors! Paul gave himself a very creative haircut--jagged and missing chunks.

Happy Birthday Paul David "Fruit Loops", Polly-wogs, Pablo, brother, friend, and partner in crime, enjoy!

Christmas Ornaments

Angels we have heard on high

Merry Christmas to everyone!

I hope you enjoy the ornament slideshow of our family's ornaments.

Craft Night - Ribbon Tree

'Twas three weeks before Christmas, when all at the table,

The ladies were crafting, even those who weren't normally able (Barb!);

The ribbons were laid out on a tray with care,

Some wanted to begin a bit early, but they didn't dare;

Raviolis, Chicken Kabobs, Red Potatoes and more comprised the buffet,

The live Christmas tree and scented candles created a nice bouquet;

We washed everything down with a festive Sherbet punch,

But wait, we still had tartlets, pie, and cheescake to munch!

With our bellies full and lots of chatter, we went straight to work,

Only stopping for advice, our tasks we did not shirk;

We folded, pinned, glued, and added sparkly puffs,

Everyone agreed, making ribbon trees wasn't so tough!

Laying her finger aside her nose, a gift Mom did bestow,

Darling holiday pails, filled with candy, Oh, how yummy ho-ho-ho;

With trees and gifts in hand, our guests traveled off into the night,

"Merry Christmas" they exclaimed, "to return for another Craft Night would be a delight!"

Thank you family and friends for making our 2nd Craft Night such a success! Mom and Sue

Birthdays and Blessings

This is one of my favorite pictures of my dad. It conveys how I always felt: loved, comforted, and secure. I continue to feel that way. My parents have a knack for creating a loving home and making each child feel special, no matter how many years have passed.

Life changes all of us, but the most important things about my dad have remained the same, his good nature, his devotion to faith and family, his story-telling ability (even though we've heard them all before--many times), and his loving heart. Thanks Dad--Happy Birthday!

Mom celebrated her 75th birthday yesterday and I think the quote from Abraham Lincoln applies “And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.”. It is an achievement to have lived 75 years but to look back on a life well-lived, such as my mom's, is truly remarkable.

Mom's life is a testiment of generosity. She not only has physically given life to her children, but helped to give our lives direction, focus, and meaning. Mom has freely given of her time, laughter, wit, and love to her friends and family. The road of life brings many gifts and troubles along the way, my mom just seems to acknowledge the troubles and moves on, not letting them weigh her down. Thank you Mom for showing me how to add life to my years, love you so much! Happy Birthday!

Lucky Number 7

I have six brothers and two sisters, my youngest sister, Renee, is the seventh child born in the eleventh month on the eleventh day.

Peek-a-boo!

Little Renee was always happy and smiling. I think her love of being a "girlie-girl" began early when Renee would toddle and dance around in ruffled underpants, earning her the nickname "Ruffle Butt"!

1st Grade photo, please note, the ruffles continued.

Birthdays were always lovingly celebrated with gifts, homemade cakes, and singing. Today, on your special day, Renee, let us celebrate the loving, joyful, caring person that you have become. Our family is lucky to call you daughter, sister, and friend.  Happy Birthday!

Autumn Sunset

I was lucky to catch some of the quickly fading red streaks that graced the sky tonight. The crimson colors add a stark beauty to the leafless trees, the trees that only last week wore the same colors that the sky now flaunts. Breathtaking!