12.31.2008

I Miss My Grandpa

My Grandpa was a farmer.  He had a wonderful large dairy farm out in the bluegrass. Many of my favorite childhood memories involve the sweet songs of field birds and running barefoot in the heat. My mom and dad used to pack us up and head to the farm for the weekend, every one of us so excited to get away to a such a great place. But there was plenty of work there, too, especially for the women. Really, the men were at work all the time, too, but it seemed like they were only playing, since they enjoyed their "work" so much. My Grandpa was the director of it all, and everyone knew their places.  He was a short man, with very small feet, but he never seemed shorter than my Grandma! He was humorous, yet stern; demanding, but kind. He was a self-made man - he did not have a good education, but he was a dedicated reader and widely aware of the world, even though he hardly ever left his farm!

We didn't really have a relationship in which he talked to me personally - he didn't ask me questions about myself or about my family. My mom, I think, gave news of my family to my Grandma, who then passed it on to him. By this, I feel that he knew of me. After my Grandma died and he was alone, I began to write weekly letters to him.  He never answered my letters, not even once, but somehow, I felt much closer to him.  I guess giving confidence to him, in this way, was placing a new kind of trust in him that hadn't been there before.  But after the letters, he started to talk more to me - when we would go visit him, he had more to say to me. I loved this! Also, because of the letters, he remembered my name, and the names of my family even as, toward the end of his life, he began to forget some others. This is precious to me - that he remembered my name! Seems like such a small thing, doesn't it? Names hold more power than we give them credit for in our culture - ask any teacher!

I always think more of my Grandpa on New Year's Eve - it's the night that he and my Grandma got married in 1938! It's also the night she died, on the night of their 59th wedding anniversary. Every year after that, some of the family would visit with him on New Year's Eve, so he wouldn't be alone. So I always think of that on New Year's Eve. I remember him, and am thankful for the time I had with him in his last years. I miss him more every year! Not in a mourning/grieving way, anymore. I think it's that, each year, I realize, or understand the loss in a deeper way than I could have before. How wonderful that we are not ignorant about those who fall asleep, or grieve like the rest of men who have no hope!
We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
I use these words to encourage myself, and maybe you, on New Year's Eve, regarding the passing of those we have loved. If our trust is in Him, we will meet them again! Thank God for his Blessed Provision!

12.29.2008

Christmas Risk Game


In our family, we view Santa as a fun game to play, not a reality.  This made us unusual in both families, and it was strongly suggested that we not let our kids "ruin" Santa for their cousins by spilling the beans. I don't think they ever did spill the beans to their cousins...I hope they didn't. 

We enjoyed Santa as kids but decided to keep as much truth as possible between us and our kids. Sometimes they puffed up in their secret knowledge and sometimes played right along as if Santa was everything they saw on TV or read in storybooks. We really tried to emphasize the Biblical account of the first Advent of Christ and what it means in our lives. I hope this is what sticks with them.

Along these lines, here's a game we played in Junior Bible Quiz class on our Christmas party Sunday—I call it Christmas Risk. The questions are based on the JBQ material about Christmas that the kids have memorized, straight-from-the-Scripture facts, as well as the things I've tried to teach my own kids about Christmas year by year. 

In teams or on their own, kids have 500 points to "risk," and they have three lifelines. They pick a question and decide how many points they want to risk. Note: try to avoid saying "bet" in Sunday School. For example: "I'll take question number five for 200 points." I printed the questions and taped them to the whiteboard in class. You could draw them from a holiday hat, hide them around a room, or pin them to a Christmas tree.
Have fun!

Questions/Answers for the CHRISTMAS RISK GAME

-Who was someone who prophesied regarding Jesus’ birth? 
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, Hosea
-What king tried to kill Jesus? Herod
-Where were the magi from? the East
-Who declared a census? Caesar Augustus
-Why was Jesus born in a stable? There was no room for Him in the inn.
-What were the shepherds doing when the angels came to them? keeping watch over their flocks at night
-What were the angel's first words to the shepherds? "Fear Not!"
-What is another name for the town of Bethlehem? the City of David
-Who told Mary she would be the mother of the messiah? the angel, Gabriel
-Why did Joseph name Mary’s son Jesus?  because He would save His people from their sins and/or the angel told him to
-The angel told Mary, “Nothing will be impossible with _______.”  God
-Mary answered the angel, “Behold the ________of the Lord.”  handmaiden
-Just before Jesus was born, his famous cousin was born – what was his name?  John (the Baptist)
-After the angels made their announcements to the shepherds, how did they respond?  They went in haste to Bethlehem
-What city did Joseph live in? Nazareth
-What was Joseph doing when the angel visited him for the first time?  sleeping
-What does Emmanuel mean?  God with us
-When the wise men came seeking Jesus, what question did they ask?  
"Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews?"
-Where did the star finally come to rest?  over the stable
-What gifts did the wise men give to Jesus?  gold, frankincense, and myrrh
-Name three people who were visited by angels during the story of Jesus’ birth. Mary, Joseph, the Magi
-To avoid being killed by Herod, where did the angel tell Mary and Joseph to take baby Jesus?  Egypt
-What special people met Jesus in the temple when Mary and Joseph took him to be presented to the priests? Anna the Prophetess,  and Simeon the Righteous and Devout
-Why do we have a tree at Christmas?  The tree foretells the cross - both made of wood (Galatians 3:13)
-Why do we use an evergreen tree? It represents eternal life.
-Why do we give gifts?  We follow the example of the magi.
-Why do we sometimes use an angel on top of the tree? To remember the angels who came to share the Good News with Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.
-Why do we sometimes use a star on top of the tree?  To remember the star that led the magi.
-Why do we see special lights at Christmas time?  Jesus is the Light of the world. (John 8:12, Matthew 4:16)


12.28.2008

Revelation


OH!!!  I didn't know how to see the comments!!!  Just thought I was out there posting for myself when My Dear Husband told me that he had left a comment for me on the Eyebrows.  That got me started trying to find it - AND I DID!  How much fun to read all your thoughts!  Thanks!  Not sure how to respond to them really...more learning required, I guess.  Be patient - I'll get it eventually!

1985 APRON - Confession:  I did sadly wonder why no one wanted it when I do think it's so adorable, myself.  Of course, I'm biased.  Krissy left the best story on her 1985. Here it is:
In 1985 I was 4 years old and big things were happening.(haha)Mom had Donnie, whom I carefully named Toto and then dressed like a girl. We moved into a new house where one of the most impressive things was the steps: we could slide down the banister over and over like our own playground indoors and more importantly at night you could sit at the top and watch the reflection of the TV off the window on the landing!! great stuff. 

Thanks, Krissy!  Love the nickname for Donnie - I'll have to try to remember to use that on him, just once, though.  I'll mail the apron to you this week!  Should I try another give away?

s

12.22.2008

Marian Ginger Cookies


 When I was a kid, we were Methodist - I met the Lord in the Methodist church.  He was joyfully represented to our small group of pre-teens by Miss Marian, the pastor's wife (really a Mrs., of course). She was so good to all of us - she listened to us, responded as if we made perfect sense, laughed at our jokes and took us seriously. Now having taught in the public schools and mothering pre-teens of my own, I see how much of a ministry this really was! The pre-teen years are at the peak of goofy, nonsensical, awkward weirdness.  How did she do it?? It was the pure grace of God's love flowing from a person who was serving Him with her whole heart! I'm thanking Him for putting Miss Marian in my life, and I pray that He will send like servants into the lives of my sons. 

And He said to them, The harvest indeed is abundant [there is much ripe grain], but the farmhands are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Luke 10:2
The recipe is not really a Christmas cookie - I got it from Miss Marian during a summer gathering. It was her signature cookie. They are holiday-pretty with a crackly sugar outside, and soft spicy inside. They are a tradition for our Christmas, or any other really special occasion. 

Marian Ginger Cookies
2 c. flour
1 t. soda
1/2 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. ginger
1/2 t. cloves
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 c. oil
1/4 c. molasses
Mix sugar, egg, oil and molasses by hand until well blended.  Mix together dry ingredients, then combine with the wet mixture to make a stiff dough. Form into walnut sized balls then roll in sugar before placing on a lightly greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 8-10 minutes. Cookies are done when they are cracked nicely and barely browned on top.  The more "done" the cookie gets, the harder it will be.  These are best slightly undercooked for moist and soft cookies.

12.19.2008

Don't Crack Up

(The cornier the joke the funnier, for me...)  I hope this isn't your kid's crack! If it might be, tell your husband not to be so inconsiderate! It was a frigid night out at the local zoo, wiping runny noses, gripping little hands, and jockey-ing for position at each attraction, since we were dumb enough to go to the zoo on the weekend before Christmas. Our family had been TRYING to see the light display on Swan Lake when some gentleman with his chilly child on his shoulders rudely stepped in front of us - specifically, me.  This was my new view.  So I took a picture of it, what else?!?  Got to capture those memories, right?  My boys were horrified at what I had done, and one of them actually walked away.  They're older now, and when this photo swims by as the photos shuffle on the screensaver, they laugh, point at it and think I'm a hero.  Not sure if that's good or bad...

"It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness,And the light dwells with Him." Daniel 2:22

12.16.2008

Snowflake Art




Paper snowflakes are a wonderful art project! This photo is from an artsy-mom's blog:  blogdelanine.blogspot.com/ 2007_12_01_archive.html  I wish I was artsy, but I'm not.  Oh, well!  So many people to learn from! Here at our Home Education Academy, we always make snowflakes, however lame, during the week before Christmas.  The week before Christmas is simply TOO exciting to have to be doing "real" schoolbook learning.  We focus on wanna-be-artsy craft projects, like the snowflakes, hot chocolate, and good Christmas books.  I am so un-artsy that I prefer to download snowflake patterns that I can just print, fold and cut. (cheater pattern) Amazing! Artsy Fartsy, no thought required!  My Youngest Son scorns this and creates his own wonderful snowflakes, originals all the way.  We'll hang them around the kitchen from clear thread and leave them up until Easter, probably!  I managed to keep one hanging in the kitchen for two years straight once.  All the way through two summers!  It took a remodel project to get it down.  Dear Husband was happy to see it come down - he doesn't like winter or reminders of winter!  

Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;
Psalm 148:8

12.10.2008

The Hidden Angel

1 Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known."

Each of our sons has an angel ornament for the Christmas tree. The year of their birth is written in permanent marker on the feet, bum or wing of their angel and each is playing a different musical instrument. Every year when it's tree trimming time, they look for their personal angel to put on the tree. Even if it's the ONLY ornament they decide to participate with, they search out these.  

We were all expecting a new baby to come to our family way back in 1998, with a predicted birth date of December 26!  What an exciting due date!  I was thrilled when given this date by the OB! But in the summer, this little one flew away to heaven early, and we didn't meet him that Christmas ten years ago now.  I can't believe such a terribly painful thing, one of the great trials of my life and faith, can fit into one sentence.  It takes up hardly any room at all on the screen!  Amazing.

When Christmas finally came in 1998, we needed some way to include the wee person who now made heaven such a longed-for place.  So I bought this tiny angel to represent him. Every year, one of us, usually me, finds her and wedges her inside the tree branches.  Whoever cares for the special angel ornament says something like, "Here's the Hidden Angel!  We'll see him someday!" The announcement somehow keeps Our Hidden Child's place. She's hidden from us, by the branches of the tree, by the bounds of this world, but we really will meet her someday. I like to pretend that the little angel can watch us from the cozy, safe inside of the tree. Maybe our son or daughter looks down on us occasionally, too - safe and sound in the Savior's arms!  


It's Like Eyebrows


Galatians 6:9  "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."  

This morning I went into the bathroom to take a shower.  It is a luxury for me, really.  No one bothers me in there;  it doesn't matter if the phone rings, since I can't hear it and the boys won't pick it up unless I tell them to.  ALL that hot water - sorry, I'm not interested in conserving water.  Until I was married, I lived with a cistern situation.  I ALWAYS had to hurry in the shower, often being timed.  Yes.  So, anyway, the shower is one of my luxuries. Yipee!  So now you can see how much I am looking forward to the shower??  How eager I am to get into the steam???      

The first thing my eyes landed on was the toilet - it's a small bathroom. Initially, because the lid and seat were both up.  This is not acceptable, and I've struggled with training the young men to be equitable - we ALL put the lids down around here.  hahaha  I mean, that's what I go around saying..."We ALL put the lids down!"... I say, marching about.  I tout other things, too, like, "We treat each other kindly!", and, "Do the right thing, even if no one else does!", and of course, "Hit the water!"  Another of my favorites is, "Clean up whatever mess you make!"  Yeah, remember that teacher, and the mom, too, on Charlie Brown?  "Waa waa-waa waa waa!"  

Now back to the toilet and  the scripture above, Gal. 6:9.  Isn't that shocking? But no, scripture is for the down and dirty parts of life, too.  You already knew that, I know.  I'm SICK of wiping up the toilet.  First of all, I DIDN'T MAKE THAT MESS! (Can you tell that I've yelled that from the bathroom many, many times??)  Usually I get someone with mess-making gear, bring them into the bathroom and ask them to wipe up the toilet.    But this time, I wiped it up myself.  I became weary in doing well.  Is there any possibility of reaping now if I mark this off my "Doing-Well" list?  I'm giving up on the toilet issue.  I think maybe it's like eyebrows.  If you're trying to keep relationship with a difficult person, do you point out their bushily atrocious eyebrows? Would you say, "Yes, I want to hear about your day, but first I must say, Please Pluck!"  No.  You just smile, nod and avoid studying the brows.  I'm dealing with difficult people here.  Teenagers, no matter how adorable when toddlers, can't help themselves - They Are Difficult.  At least some (most...all?) of the time.  

I'm going to stop mentioning eyebrows  and yellow splashes, and try to smile and nod more. Maybe the first ten years of touting will bear fruit on the other end of adolescence even if I give up some battles now, in order to keep relationship to win the bigger ones. 

Bread and fishes, Lord.  Please multiply these bread and fishes!

12.03.2008

Finding the Perfect Tree


This is where we always get our Christmas tree!  What fun hunting for the perfect tree....well sometimes not so much fun.  We all have our opinion of what is the "perfect" tree - it really comes down to skinny tree vs. fat tree, doesn't it!?  Of course, I'm in the skinny tree camp.  I'm the only one in that camp.  
I don't approve of the tree that they chose, but was forced to get in the photo, so I got in BEHIND the too-fat tree.  Typical of me, I couldn't keep my opinion to myself (thumbs down).  This is upsetting My Youngest, who is firmly in the fat tree camp, and later he will become angry about my 'freedom of expression' about the too-fat, t00-tall tree.  Oops.
It was agreed (among the men) to cut the top out of this enormously tall tree.  I think it's wasteful, but the farm owner advised this practice himself.

See movie below to find out how unruly and wrestle-y the trip actually was.  I don't know why it seems like such a wonderful insult to take someone else's shoe and throw it...

Thankfully, we were pretty much the only ones on the tree farm that day.  It was fun to be with the boys!  Boys are so roly-poly, rollicking and wild - it's fun just to watch them with their dad!  I'm grateful for my guys!

12.02.2008

1985


What were you doing in 1985?  I was enjoying my first year of college, feeling like a humble freshman again, after having been a mighty high school senior - hahaha.  MDHusband and I were still enjoying each other's company as 'particular friends'. We went everywhere and did everything together - so much freedom back then!  In 1985, I thought I was going to be a social worker (more hahaha).  I was in the middle of a practicum in the bottoms of Covington at a neighborhood help center.  This experience proved to me that I was NOT a social worker in the making!  The suffering of the people, yes, just in downtown Covington - it was too heavy for me.  The callousness of the employees was the harsh necessity that convinced me to change my major.  In 1985, I was 19 and completely unaware of all that life would bring.  Wow.  Now I'm 42, and someday, as an old woman, I wonder if I'll look back and say the same thing. (rickety-wobbly voice) "I was only 42 and completely unaware of all life would bring!"  I probably won't remember 1985 at all by then, but I certainly will remember 2008.

This is my vintage 1985 apron, made with a wall calendar/dishtowel and grosgrain ribbon. My mom and I make them for sale.  We call them Black Button Aprons and hide a black button on each apron. You can see the black button in this photo pretty clearly. If 1985 is special to you, you can have it!  Just let me know why 1985 was special for you in the comments. 

11.26.2008

Hiking the Great Smoky Mountains

On our fall trip to Gatlinburg, we stopped to enjoy a "quiet walkway" - an easy, but lovely walk over a mountain path.  Beautiful, isn't it?

Soon, though, conversation drifted, no matter how hard I tried to bring it back.  It drifted away from birdcalls, tree identification and woodland aroma (tried and true home education topics) - toward....throwing rocks.  Yes.  It could be MUCH worse conversation, believe me, I am not ungrateful.  See below, the rock-throwing conversation begins with something like, "I can hit that tree way over there."  Inevitably, "No, you can't!"  One of them is already in motion to try.
Dear Dad leading the way...
Middle Son trying to top Dad, as ever....


11.25.2008

My Sitting Place

My special sitting spot.  It's called the Mother's Chair by all at our house.  I found this chair at a yardsale for $20. After trying to convince the seller, a husband (!) to take the chair back into the house, I hauled it away, knowing he would someday regret letting it go.  A wonderful friend, too creative for words, reupholstered it for me in exchange for a week of meals for her family (there are more than 7 of them).  I chose the fabric, and I don't think I'll ever get tired of it, even though it is a large floral print which is surely going to be seeming gaudy to many at some point.  I plan to have my daughters-in-law say in hushed whispers behind their hands, "Why doesn't she get rid of that chair!" But I never will! Hee-hee-hee! It has a footstool, also, the top of which comes off and reveals a wonderful storage space just right for stationary!  I like how the doily is rumply in this photo, and I wanted you to see the evening light coming in to the left.  Ahhh!  Feel the peace coming in!

11.24.2008

REALLY Sugar-Free Pumpkin Pie

There was a LOT of teenager drama going on in the house when I was preparing these pumpkin pies for the big Thanksgiving gathering. On one of the pies, I had to crimp the edges twice to get them to be perfectly lovely....OK, to get them to be quite passable. They had the right consistency, baked just fine, and smelled heavenly! I thought how impressed my in-laws would be with my pies!  

Yes, pride DOES go before the fall!  I did not eat my own pie at the Thanksgiving gathering, since there was pumpkin cheesecake to be had - TOO DIVINE! But when I got home, I did have a weensy slice of pie.  First mouthful - UGH!  I knew right away what I had done - no sugar.  How could I forget the sugar???  How could they mix and bake so nicely without all that sugar in them??? Let's just blame it all on those pesky teenagers!

My sister-in-law took home two PLATEFULS of the pie -  told you it did look good!  I called her tonight to let her laugh at me, but they hadn't eaten their pie yet.  They planned to eat it after dinner tonight....I didn't warn her.  She'll find out soon enough.  My mother-in-law, God bless her, ate a piece and didn't say a word!  Thanks, Mom Simpson!

11.23.2008

Jerusalem Earring - A Novel Idea


If this is not an idea for one great historical novel, then I'm a monkey!
_________________________
JERUSALEM - Israeli archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old gold earring beneath a parking lot next to the walls of Jerusalem's old city, the Israel Antiquities Authority said Monday. The discovery dates back to the time of Christ, during the Roman period, said Doron Ben-Ami, director of excavation at the site. The piece was found in a Byzantine structure built several centuries after the jeweled earring was made, showing it was likely passed down through generations, he said. The find is luxurious: A large pearl inlaid in gold with two drop pieces, each with an emerald and pearl set in gold. "It must have belonged to someone of the elite in Jerusalem," Ben-Ami said. "Such a precious item, it couldn't be one of just ordinary people." 
Read the full story at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27643317/

11.22.2008

High Meditations


A dear friend sent these thoughts from good ol' Spurgeon to meditate on -
"...God has determined the end from the beginning. He has left no screw loose in the machine, He has left nothing to chance or accident. Nothing with God is the subject of an ‘if’ or a ‘peradventure’, but even the agency of man, free as it is, as untouched and undisturbed as ifthere were no God, even this is guided by His mysterious power, and works out thoroughly His own purpose in every jot and tittle.
In the end we shall read the whole of God’s purpose as on grand poem, and there will not be one verse in it that has a syllable too much, or a word too little. There will not be one stanza or letter redundant, much less one that is erased.  But from the beginning to end we shall see the master pen and the master mind drawing forth the glorious array of majestic thoughts. And with angels, and seraphs, and principalities, and powers- shall burst forth into one mighty song: “Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!  The Lord God Omnipotent reigns!”  We shall see how from the first even to the last, the King has been ruling all things according to His own will."

For more on Spurgeon, go to: http://www.spurgeon.org/ 

11.20.2008

My Dream Job (one of them)

Wouldn't it be fun to be a team mascot??
Just put on the costume and get out there...
jumping, dancing, waving to all the folks!  So much fun to have children excited to see you, getting to shake hands and pose for pictures that will definitely end up in some scrapbook somewhere - too much fun!  Even these other mascot jobs would be fun - I'm not sure why the gator has on swim trunks, or why the banana is all dressed up, but  that doesn't really matter. What fun to be out there meeting and greeting without any of the usual expectations bogging you down. Expectations based on how you look, how old you are, or what you're wearing. (I have a feeling that this "dream job" of mine may be an indicator of a deep need for some sort of intensive therapy....)

11.15.2008

Honored Guests


If you ever visit a house where a family of three (3!) sons live with their wonderful dad and mom, and the toilet area is clean ... not that you would actually look to see if it is clean, but just if you happen to notice  how spic-n-span it is ... you should feel like a loved and honored guest. This did not happen without special attention and effort on the part of your host with you especially in mind.

We are having friends over tonight.
And the toilet area is clean.  (whew)

11.14.2008

To Laugh or to Cry













I didn't take many pictures like this until I had the third child. When my first and second melted down like this, I was overcome with concern ("Is something hurting him?"), or frustration ("Crying again?), or weariness ("When is it naptime?").  But on this third little boy, I was able to see the humor in it. Look at his pitiful little self—baby doll in hand, all set to ride his tiny tricycle. When I said, "Time to come inside for a happy-nappy," he was devastated. As an experienced mom, I'm prepared to kiss his tears, think him utterly adorable, and put him in the bed. Take heart, younger mothers—this thing gets easier as we grow wiser.

11.12.2008

Fall Annabelles


This is how my Annabelles look right now.

They aren't much to look at, are they? Sort of browny-greenish, and translucent with the sunshine coming through the leaves. (That's Middle Son's pumpkin sitting in a place of honor on the front porch...there's some hydrangea vine going up the brick of the house face...you can see a little of the backyard.) Anyway, not much for looks—but wait. In the spring they're one of the first to show tender green leaves. Their buds come on way before the big blue hydrangeas and long before the pink diamond hydrangeas. Every year, I consider cutting them off, they look SO dead—and it is the front of the house. I've never been able to bring myself to do it. They come back better every year, always giving me a baby or two to transplant or share.

"And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 5: 10-11.
Thanks be to Him, I want to give Him glory for fulfilling this in my earthly life. He has given me a remission from rheumatoid arthritis! The disease first came into my life (OUR lives—it affects the entire family) in 1990, in my second year of teaching inner city first grade and my second year of marriage. I enjoyed spotty relief during my childbearing years, but RA returned with a vengeance after Youngest Son's birth in 1999. I've been through all sorts of medications and complications, and finally, have been given a reprieve from the pain. I saw the hand of the Lord so many times during those dry, browny-greenish years, when the health of my body was certainly looking dead, just like the picture above. The recent good news of a new remission has me feeling like the Annabelle in the spring—bursting with health and promise.

11.10.2008

Buddy Lee




This is Buddy Lee, the bobble-head. Look at his sweet sideways glance—isn't he the most adorable little wobbly-necked thing you ever laid eyes on? Besides being wonderfully vintage, he makes me laugh every time I see him. My Dear Husband and I found him at a yardsale for $1. YES, just one dollar. But my boys don't like him because he's "creepy." This makes it extra fun to place Buddy in unexpected places in the house for them to find. But most of the time, stands on the windowsill in front of the sink where I do dishes.  What do you think of Buddy—sweet or sinister?  Is he a keeper or would he make a good gag gift for the Christmas gift exchanges?


Visit the Apron Queen's Vintage Thursdays at:




11.07.2008

Welcome

Hello and welcome to Sweet Annabelle. I named my blog after these wonderful bushes, my favorite of the many kinds that grow on our small Kentucky acre. If you've lived with an Annabelle hydrangea through an entire growing season, you've seen the dramatic seasons of its growth—each with a peculiar beauty. I'm going to post a photo of mine in each season, starting with their fall photo (coming soon). They aren't their most stunning in the fall, but don't we all have those ugly seasons of life? When we aren't at our best, and it looks like everything might just be dead? I've been in that season, and not so long ago, but lately the Lord has allowed a season of spring. I'd be honored to share my experiences with you. -- Susan
*Annabelle hydrangeas in the early fall, apple-green and dried.