First Day Back...

It's been awhile...let's sit down with a cup of coffee, shall we?

















I see now it's been nearly 8 MONTHS since I last posted!  In some ways, I can't believe it's been that long...in other ways, I totally can. I'll try to share bits and pieces of that time in the days to come...including some crafting! :)

Perhaps one person actually checks this anymore, wondering...did she EVER finish that craft room??  I can say with great excitement...YES - we finished it in April!  I've been able to create here and there, but not a lot, or as often as I'd like to. I'm hoping that will all change, now that school's back in session.

Back to school, I can hardly believe it. My girls started yesterday, as 1st and 4th graders!

Yesterday was such a GREAT first day.

The girls were up and going at a good time...in fact, my 1st grader was up ONE HOUR earlier than my alarm was set for, coming to my room already dressed, asking if she could make her sandwich yet. ;)

I don't know about you, but for us, a new school year comes with traditions. One is this: I HAVE to bring them to school on the first day - poor kiddos. :)  There's just something about bringing them to their classrooms that first day...love it. Yes, I realize this will not last much longer. ;)

After the classroom drop off /picture taking, mom & I walked over to the High School for another first day tradition - Convocation.

As I sit on the bleachers, taking in the buzzing excitement around me, I recall first days of school from my youth...seeing everyone again, feeling excited yet a little nervous....

Years later, as a parent, I see it so differently.

There is still that excitement buzzing all around...but now is that waiting, that craning my neck for a glimpse of my daughters, filing in with their new teachers and classmates. My heart bursts with joy as I see them, and I do that thing...you know...wave like crazy until they see me and wave back with a smile on their face. :)

That excitement and joy is just a small part. As a parent, I appreciate how this tradition starts the year off pointing to the One who makes everything possible, and dedicating each year to Him. It is quite common for tears to gather in my eyes at some point (sometimes more than once) during this hour or so. Whether it's during a speech given by a special speaker, during a time of singing, or during the final prayer (gets me every time). I always leave the grounds with a full and thankful heart.

Post-Convocation, Mom and I chatted over lattes at a local coffeeshop - a treasured time. :)

Next...I went to the grocery store. ALONE.

I found myself in a totally different frame of mind than when my kids are with me.  Now, don't get me wrong. I love them dearly. In fact, they've actually become quite helpful. It's just that this time, there was no fighting over who gets to push the cart (every. single. time), no trying to push with them hanging on or standing in front of me.  Just me, pushing the cart as I please. Stopping for a moment to chat with someone from church, getting to know them better. Walking through the bakery department with no "mom, can we get a donut?" pleading (really the only thing they ask for, cuz they know that once in a great while - IF it's on sale for a good price, I allow it).

I walked right on by those donuts and smiled a bittersweet smile - glad to not have the question asked, yet missing them a little in that moment too. :)

As much as that time alone is appreciated...I am still happy beyond measure to see them return after a day at school.

People often ask me what I'll do with my time, now that I've got both of my kids in school full-time. Believe me, I've got enough to keep me busy!  No, not just crafting and blogging, as nice as that would be, ha ha.

There's still yardwork, housework, Bible Study, more rooms and projects to finish (remember we moved a year ago), etc. One thing (among many) I'd like to accomplish, is keeping up to date with tasks better.  For example - it sure would be nice to balance the checkbook sooner than a couple months behind. :-|  I'm not the only one, am I?

I would love to hear from YOU!

How was your summer?  Do you have any back-to-school traditions?  Do you ever get behind on things like housework, balancing checkbook, etc...or am I the only one? Do you have any goals for this year?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

PS - Yup, there's coffee in that mug - Folgers. ;-)  The mug is from a field trip to Sbux headquarters, and I love the size - it's almost like having two cups of coffee at a time - much needed this week! ;)

2013 Awaits...

Happy New Year to y'all! Yes, I realize it's the 8th...but better late than never, right? ;)

I'd like to show you a picture that makes me smile.
 
Yes, it's a calendar. Look closer.
IT'S EMPTY!!!! :)

Usually, I love filling it in with all the birthdays and anniversaries (seriously - it's the same part of me that likes to fill out forms - wink).

This year, however...it stayed empty for a few days on the wall.  My hubby noticed the other day, and said something. I said, I'm enjoying looking at the NOTHING on there. :)

Since taking this picture, I've added the birthdays and anniversaries, and will update it with everything today, but it sure was nice to look at a clean slate for awhile. :)

The last couple months have been...well, busy. Full. A little stressful at times. I soooooo enjoyed the Christmas break with my kiddos. After the 19th, it was nothing major on the calendar other than the multiple family parties in the evenings. We sooo needed the downtime.  I wasn't even ready to let them go back to school last week! lol

I'm looking forward to the fresh start of 2013. How about you?

Craft Room update (since I know you're wondering): A hole cut in wall, and built-in bookshelves are in. Still have to put the backside of the shelves on. Which means more sanding, priming and painting (ugh). I've done a lot of sanding, priming, and painting...and now comes the next round of priming and painting. :) Some drawers, some trim. Then...the walls!  WOO HOO!! Things move very slowly when you have a dairy farmer husband to wait on and a painful arm to contend with. ;) REALLY hoping to be done by the end of January...because Sale-A-Bration awaits! (Priorities, priorities, I know). It's not just that...I just want to get in there and create! Not just for enjoyment, or to sell in my Etsy shop...there have been many times I've felt prompting to create a card for someone...and can't.

Would love to hear from you - are you looking forward to the new year? Do you have any resolutions you're willing to share?

Thank you so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Recharging Batteries

I have a quick announcement from Stampin' Up today, so I thought I'd share that, along with some ramblings. :)

I have soooo been enjoying time with my family during our Christmas Break from school. Most all of December has been super busy days and nights, but this last week has been WONDERFUL. Much slower pace, doing what we feel like doing, taking it easy (I mean the girls and I when I talk about this, lol). It was much needed. A recharging of batteries, if you will. :)

My hubby's a dairy farmer, so he doesn't have weekends/holidays off like some do, but he did TAKE a vacation day this week and ahhhh...that was so nice. We went out to breakfast as a family, meandered downtown for awhile, went roller skating as a family (something the girls have been begging to do for awhile now)... Even better, we only paid $10 for the whole 4 of us to go. :)  We had a FREE pass for one daughter (won it at Library Summer Reading program), and a BOGO coupon for my hubby and I's entrance. Love getting a good deal. :)

Anywho...just wanted to explain why it's been a little quiet around here on the little blogeroo. Been taking and making time for family. Slowing down. This morning, we reorganized our game closet, and my daughter's desk is next (ehhh). MAYBE if we have time, we'll take down the Christmas decor. ;-)

Here's to a Happy, Healthy 2012!!! :)

Ooops. Almost forgot the announcement from SU. lol! 

Stampin' Up News:

December 30, 2011

Due to overwhelming demand for the Early Espresso 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon, we have run out of stock. This item from the Holiday Mini is no longer available for purchase. We apologize for this inconvenience.

**Remember, Holiday Mini is done after January 3, and Build A Stocking punch will be unavailable after that date**


Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day, and a Happy New Year! :)
Crystal

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Yes, I realize it's 2 days past, but to my credit...I had this scheduled for the 25th. Instead, I just saw it was still in draft mode. ;)

*******************************************************************************

A couple of Saturdays ago, the girls had been awake for a bit already when I got out of bed.

This is the scene that greeted me as I stepped into the kitchen:

Grabbed my heart, it did.  Do you see it?

Everyone's lined up around the manger - even the animals who don't actually "belong" with the nativity set.

You see, even the children are aware that ALL eyes should be on Jesus. :)

May the beauty of God's greatest gift be yours today and the rest of your years, too.

Merry CHRISTmas!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a beautiful day!
Crystal

Mending & A Gift

I have to tell you...this week is starting off *much* better than last, and it feels oh, so GOOD. :)

You see, last week was umm....a bummer of a week (to put it mildly). Our Bible Study prayed for me Friday night (& beyond), and I started to feel a healing in my heart through the weekend.

This morning, as the girls are off to school and I am sorting laundry, I find myself prayerful and reflective. My daughter's new shirt (accidentally torn yesterday), begs mending. It wasn't part of my plan today, but it was a part of God's plan. ;-)  Since I always wash the darks first, it means a quick mending before washing. I see now that it was God's timing, His prompting. (I never get around to mending that quickly - it usually sits waiting for um...an embarrassing amount of time, lol)

So, I hauled out the sewing machine and respective supplies, and popped a CD into the player. I start the mending, and after some time, as my heart is soaring, I realize:

While my daughter's shirt is being mended by my hands, my heart is being mended by God's hands!

The music is speaking to my soul, and this beautiful word picture is speaking to me.  It is a gift from God, and I am so grateful. Are those problems still there? Yes, some of them are...but with this newly mended heart I feel like He & I can deal with them better now. :)

Soooo....God has given me a gift this morning and I wanted to share that with you. :)

Speaking of gifts, I have another gift to share...one that I made for someone a few weeks ago:

Simple, yet stated. Would you like to see closeups of what the gifts are? Ok. :)

This is a Post-It holder, and I just love the texture on the cover!  I acheived this look by running the cardstock through my Big Shot, with our new (Holiday Mini) embossing folder, SnowBurst.

The personalized "L" part was created with our stamp set Lovely Letters, and mounted on our circle and scallop circle punches. Finished it off wth our Pear Pizzazz Stitched-Poly ribbon! 

Yes, another nugget box. ;-)  As you can see, I am loving to use the set "It's A Wrap Occasions" on Hershey Nuggets. :)  The belly band (which stays on the sleeve) is created with our Lace Ribbon Border punch, Postage Stamp punch, and 1" Square punch. The stamp set used for the "Thank U" part is from a retired Hostess set, called Cute By The Inch.


Well, what do you think?

PS - The issues last week are not marital - hubby and I are great! :)
PPS - The CD I was speaking of is THIS one...22 songs in all (most are medleys, so you only see the name of the first song of the medley)

Thank you for letting me share with you today, and....
Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Lookee What I Got!

Last week, we had sunshine!

One of those lovely days,

my daughters came running to me from the backyard.

Grinning, they proudly stretched out their arms to me in love,

giving me a gift from their hearts.

I oohed and ahhed,

 then promptly went to the cupboard and pulled out a vase -

one just perfect for this bouquet.

Yes, they're dandelions.

Bits of sunshine from the loves of my life. :)

As I filled the vase with water, they came and added more in just the right spots.

(I've since had to throw them all out, but needn't have worried.)

While defrosting our freezer in the garage today, I received a few more from my youngest.

She said "here's some more flowers, mom...cuz I love you."

Tucking away these moments in my heart and mind,

I realize all too soon these bouquets from my little girls will disappear.

Makes me tear up to even think about it.

Okay, so the tears are filling my eyes.

Yup...there goes one down my cheek.

Yeesh.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day!

Crystal

Happy Polka Dots

Weird title, I suppose.
Except that it reminds me of my friend (and her birthday gift).
Polka dots. She likes them. Happy. She is.

She's a fun-lovin', bubbly, chipper, spitfire, full of energy kinda gal.
She would probably try to dispell that - or at least blame her creamerized coffee. ;-) And yes, I know...she's a normal person and probably isn't happy 24-7...but she's got a great outlook on life and it shows.
It makes me happy just to be in her company. :)
She has a great sense of humor.
She's uber-talented, a creative genious!

Greets with a hug (I love hugs!), and has a beautiful smile that lights up the room.

She listens. Advises.
We enjoy chatting/commiserating over creamerized coffee. :)
Did I mention she loves chocolate like I do? Yay!

As if all this weren't enough, there's something more - she's got depth too.
Did you know she's my sistah?
Well, not flesh and blood...we are Sisters in the Lord!  :)

Here's what I made for her Bday - Happy Birthday, Polka Dot Style (see - multi-functional title!) ;-)






Want to know a little more?
OK.

What IS that little box??  You know, the one that has a chocolate on top and says "All you need in life is a friend who has chocolate."

It's one of those items in my collection in the garage (much to hubby's dismay) for a someday I'll find a way to use this project. ;-)  YAY - I've used one!  Now I only have 20 billion more of them to use (jk)...it's a little gerber baby food container, and I can't wait to show hubby this pic. ;-)

And what does that card look like on the inside?

It's actually a gift card holder and card all in one! :)










Well, what do you think?



Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day (and weekend)! :)
Crystal

My Momma

Pretty simple and to-the-point title, isn't it?  How do you sum everything up and make it sound catchy? Doesn't always work - I'm no poet, and I know it! lol  Okay, so that rhymed, but that was an easy one. ;-) You know who's a good writer? My momma. She has a gift of words, something I can only admire.

There are actually many things I admire about her.

She is giving - in so many ways.
Kind. An encourager.
A good listener - oye, I can sure talk her ear off at times - lol!

A great cook/baker. She can just throw things together and make great "something" --- famous for whipping together cookies by just adding things from the cupboard, lol. Ask her for a recipe and oftentimes, she'll say "I don't know, I just threw it together."

She loves God's nature and spending time outside...
She gives great hugs.
She's a wonderful grandmother to my girls.
She's always willing to help.

My hubby says she's the BEST mother-in-law anyone could have. :)

She's fun-loving.
She's not afraid of a little hard work.
She's a faithful, godly woman.
She is wise.
She is my FRIEND.

I am so thankful for her, for our relationship. I only hope that when my daughters grow up, we have the kind of relationship that I have with my mom now.  I really could go on and on...but I've done enough of that already. :)

Happy Birthday to my mother, my friend.
Proverbs 31:28

This is her birthday card...In fact, I bought this set because it reminded me of her. :)  It's a new set, called Nature Walk.




Well, what do you think?
I took the pic on the run...sorry it's not the best quality.

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Nature Walk, Well Scripted, Pear Pizzaz, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Perfect Plum, Color Spritzer, Sponges, Paper snips, Aquapainter, Seam binding ribbon

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Resolutions...

With the year coming to a close, I've been in a reflective mood.  Looking ahead to 2011, I contemplated what changes I'd like to make in my life.

The list got pretty long.
Either I'm pretty hard on myself, or I have A LOT to work on, lol! :)

Though all of this has been going on in my head, today's "Free For All Friday" challenge at SCS was to make a card based on one of your resolutions - it gave me the push I needed to post something. :)

Here are some bits and pieces...in no particular order.

Be a better mom. That's a loaded generic statement. ;-)  There are many ways I'd like to improve, but a big one is this: I get so focused on what it is that I'm trying to accomplish at the moment, that sometimes I tend to do the "uh huh" nod my head thing and not truly pay attention. I know I'm not the only one out there, right?

Be a better wife.  I resolve to be more selfless. My hubby is SO good at this.

Be a better homemaker. Yup, that means doing better at planning meals (that is the root of making good meals. I can cook, no problem. I need to PLAN.)  Better housecleaning - once upon a time, I followed a system that worked really well, but I got lax. Time to pick that up again.

Be a better friend.  Take more time and foster relationships. I get so busy (and stressed) over all that's going on, that I don't shove that aside and just invite anyways - the house doesn't need to be perfect to have someone over for coffee, right? ;-)

Be a better blogger/stamper. This means being more consistent! (thought you might like that one - wink)  It also means that I'd like to use up my stashes, and stamp more often - including taking part in challenges frequently again! This also means following God's prompting when I feel the push to send someone a card. :)

Be a better PERSON. This means better time management & less being late, better diet/exercise, and most importantly, this means making more time for devotions and plugging into God's Word.

Sometimes I look at this list and think "How on earth will I have time for ALL of this??"  Well, it all needs to start with the last one.  Taking more time studying God's Word - it is the best instruction book there is, right?  :)

That's it in a {small} nutshell. ;-)

So, you're wondering how in the WORLD will she make all this into a card?  I thought the same thing, lol!  But then I realized something...
Most all of my resolutions are based on bettering relationships with all whom I love.

LOVE....HEARTS...hmmm...oh!  I just thought of another challenge I could use!  Thursday's "Ways To Use It" challenge was to use silver!

After gazing at a few of my 'heart' stamp sets and drinking some creamerized coffee, the idea came to me.  A clean and simple (my fave kind!) card using hearts and silver.

Do you have ANY idea how difficult it is to capture embossed silver on cards??  Ugh.  I won't tell you how many different angles I took the pic from. ;-)

Here's a closeup of the embossing:

I may just keep this card setting up to remind me of my resolutions:

Keep your life clean & simple, and remember to foster the relationships, Crystal. :)

Wellllll.....what do you think?  Do you have any resolutions you'd like to share?

The Small Print (All Stampin Up)

Stamps: Love You Much

Cardstock: Whisper White

Ink: Encore Silver

Accessories: Silver EP, Heat tool, Paper snips, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR! :)

Crystal

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

(click on above pic)


Thank you, Lord...for the ultimate gift!


Thank you for stopping by, and have a GREAT Christmas day!
Crystal

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Funny...seems like I should be saying "Merry Christmas" with the view that greeted me this morning:














The girls, of course...have been VERY excited, and out there all morning. Snow angels, sledding, tromping through, building things, forgetting about being cold.  Want to know what they've been doing the most?  Using their own little snowshovels to create paths....made my job a little easier! :)














Whatever this Thanksgiving brings you, I hope that it is a wonderful day filled with beautiful memories being made!

I've so much to be thankful for...but right now, all I want to do is say thank you to you, and say I'm thankful for YOU! :)

THANK YOU for stopping by, and have a WONDERFUL day!
Crystal

Traditions

Do you have any?  Do you like or dislike them?
Today's post is about traditions. Old, new, and...newly dropped. ;-)
The past month has been full of them.

OLD: Celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, Canning beans, Going to the Fair, Going fishing/camping, Taking a picture of each child on the first day of school.













NEW and OLD (simultaneously!):  Growing up as a student, I attended Convocation on the first day of school for 12 years!

Watching my lil' 1st grader file in with her class was so sweet, bringing back memories of that "First Day of School."  A great speech by our youth pastor, combined with prayer and worship - what a great way to start off a school year!

DROPPED:
Every year since I can remember, I make (or mom has made) a certain cookie when we go camping.  They are soooo yummy and addicting!  At about 9:30 the night before our 1st camping trip of the year, I was making these "camping cookies." (original, eh?)













Peanuts, Marshmallows, Rice Krisipies, and Peanut Butter Cap'n Crunch adhered together with the yumminess of CHOCOLATE!

I proudly brought them out one night while playing games with our couple friends, and guess what I found out?!!!  After 10 years of marriage, I found out that these cookies, to my hubby (putting it nicely), "aren't really my favorite."  You're just telling me NOW??!!  Luckily, my feelers weren't hurt, I had a good laugh about it, and still do.  I just wish I had known MUCH sooner! lol

What about you?  Do you have traditions that you uphold, look forward to, or maybe don't look forward to?  Are there any that you might want to ask "is this something you really enjoy, or shall we drop it?" ;-)

I'm so happy to be back sharing with you...Please come back tomorrow for some stampin' inspiration! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Memorial Day Thanks

I have been watching video after video, (yesterday AND today) in search of a good one to share with you today. As a result, I've got a runny nose and red puffy eyes. ;-)

Watching all those videos has made me so much more aware of how special this day really is.  I don't know much about all the branches, ranks, etc...in our military.  What I do know is that I am extremely grateful for their past and present service to our country. Wow, what they (and their families) go through daily, and those who sacrificed their lives to provide freedom for our country is amazing. They deserve our utmost gratitude.

There are sooo many good videos I could post, but I finally have it narrowed down to two. Wish I could combine this video's pics with a different song I've heard on other videos, but goodness...I need to move on with my day! lol :)
 
The first video is what they do.
The second, what we can do (beyond praying for them).
Please watch them both.





Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Saying Goodbye...

...to loved ones is one of the hardest things in a person's life.

You know, I've often said masculine cards are the hardest to make.

I've changed my mind.

Today, many people will be saying "goodbye" to a local man who died tragically last week in a farming accident.  He was only 30 years old, and it has rocked our small community to the core.

A sympathy card for such an occasion is difficult to make.  Especially when you know the people personally...related multiple ways, grow up with them, go to church with them, your children go to school together...

Crying many tears, my heart aches at the devastation that his sweet young wife, three precious daughters, father, mother, sisters, brother, in-laws, family, friends, and collegues must be feeling.  Though he was a Christian and is now with his Heavenly Father, I have struggled with this situation. I am not questioning God...I do trust that this happened for a reason.  But my aching heart is having trouble grasping the whys, and hurting for those who love him most.

I *finally* came up with a card that I'm okay with.  It has been a struggle, though I know that this card doesn't matter much in the scope of things.  But it is my way of saying "I'm sorry" and I want it to be perfect for that.  Does that make sense?

((Deep breath))

Sorry this is so long....I wanted to not only give the background to explain the card, but to reach out there and ask YOU to pray for these families, too.  Please do.

Here's what I came up with:
...a Praying for You card (with a masculine touch)

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers
Paper/Cardstock: To The Nines DSP, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla
Ink: Soft Suede
Accessories: Soft Suede & Always Artichoke markers, Soft suede ribbon, Large oval punch, Dimensionals

Remember to leave a comment to win blog candy (click) HERE by 10am PST today.


Thank you for stopping by, have a blessed day...and hug the ones you love.
Crystal

Happy New Year!

I hope that God richly blesses you all in this NEW YEAR!

Sorry it's a day late, but yesterday was pretty full...and I made family my priority.  Yet I still wanted to be able to say it to y'all, so here I am! :)

I don't know about you, but I *loved* putting up a fresh, clean calendar yesterday.

Not that my year was bad...it was a good year, actually! :)  It just feels nice to have a fresh start (with a few resolutions, lol). I'm excited, and hopeful for what this new year will bring.  One of my hopes is that you'll continue on with me in this whole blogging journey! :)

That's all for now...but I'm working on a post I'm suuuuper-thrilled about...so we'll see you soon! :)

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Whistle A Merry Old Song....

You know, I caught myself whistling a merry tune the other day.  While putting groceries into the van, nonetheless!  Seriously...I couldn't believe it.  Whistling while getting groceries? lol Oh, and it's not like I was there by myself (like in this post), either. ;-)

It wasn't a Christmas tune, in fact I don't remember if it was a specific song, just whistling.  It's amazing how whistling can boost your spirits.  Have you tried it?  You should. :)

Well, that whistling reminded me of someone, and I'd like to remember him for a bit.  My dear, sweet Grandpa S., who would've been 80 today.  I can't believe it's been almost 6 years since he went home to his Heavenly Father.  Writing of him now even brings tears to my eyes...he was a wonderful guy, and I miss him so much.

Sometimes it's hard not to think about the "if onlys" in life, KWIM?  Like...if only he could've met my kids.  He would've loved them so much...and oh, how they would've adored him!  (I was pregnant with my first - a month from my due date when we lost him).

I won't dwell on the "if onlys" too long.  Instead, I will reflect on the wonderful memories, and him as a person.  I'm looking forward to doing so today...to the smiles those memories will bring. :)  I just wanted to take a moment to remember.
 
Happy Birthday Grandpa, I miss you sooo much!  I thank God for the gift of your whistling...a nice remembrance, and the cheer it brings to a day now & then! :)

I'll be back later today to post another installment on my Handmade Gift Idea series. Until then...

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Happy Thanksgiving!!

When I wrote the title to my post yesterday (Give Thanks), this song came to mind, and I had an idea!  So, with the help of "google"...I found something to share with you today. :)

But before I get to that, I want to take the time to Give Thanks.

Thank you Lord, for health.  For a warm home and plenty of food.  For a loving and wonderful husband, whom I sometimes wonder if I deserve. ;-)  For beautiful, spirited daughters who mean the world to me.  For family I hold dear to my heart. For friends...new and old.  For friends made through my love of stamping, for sweet & loyal customers. For blog readers! (wow, never thought I'd see the day! lol)...

...I'll continue in private - you go get that turkey in the oven! :)

I hope you can find time today to Give Thanks.
This is my first time with embedding a video...sure hope it works!



Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

A Thankful Heart

I was driving to demo at a Stampin' Up party this morning, and something small made me think a little deeper.  Something so insignificant in life, but I'm so glad I noticed, because it led to an idea.

I have vowed to find at least ONE thing to be thankful for, every day this month.

What happened??!!  You might be asking.
Well, like I said, it's small...but here's what happened:

"YAY!!  No more detour on the way to _____!!"  Is what passed through my mind as I drove.  We only go to that town (20-25 min away) maybe once a week, but I was just so grateful that the construction was done, and no more detour to avoid. :)

Seems a crazy thing to be thankful for.
But what it led me to is what I'm most excited to tell you about!

With Thanksgiving approaching, I am reminded of the sometimes seemingly rote "what are you thankful for this year" tradition many people ask at their Thanksgiving dinners.  Why is it that we only think of it on that special day?  Don't get me wrong...this is a good thing, and I'm glad there IS a special day to remember.  My question is more "why does it take a special day?"

How much better would each day be if we found at least ONE thing to be thankful for?

So now, will you do this with me?  Don't worry, I won't hunt you down or anything, lol.  This is a personal heart-thing...you don't even have to tell me you're doing it! :)

I think that one month could lead to a lifetime of thankful hearts! :)

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Farewell, September...

I flipped the calendar page this morning...

It's a bittersweet moment, to be honest. September was a SUPER-busy month for us, yet it was filled with so many WONDERFUL blessings, I'm also sad to see it go! lol

I sent off my oldest to Kindergarten...with that, came a plethora of "firsts" and new things...making lunches, riding the school bus, milk $, school pictures, Jog-A-Thon...and so much more.

My youngest turned 3...weren't we taking her home from the hospital just yesterday? Now she's talking our ears off, testing her limits, AND making us laugh, too. I still try to cuddle her from time to time, if she lets me. ;)

My baby brother got married...what a sweet moment in our lives. Each in our little family was involved, and in the moments leading to that special occasion, I saw a glimpse of how much they love each other, and what a solid, sweet Christian gal she is. So happy for them! :)

My hubby was insanely busy with fieldwork. Chopping grass, then corn, then grass again...we are SOOO happy to have him back!! :)

September was unseasonably warm. The girls & I slept in a tent in the backyard for the first time ever! :) It also brought sunflowers to our yard for the first time...yes, we planted a little late. ;-) It's been a joy to watch as my daughter planted, cared for, and watched them grow!

So, farewell September...

may October be as wonderful! :)

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day!
Crystal

Lessons learned

There's a big box that's been sitting in our family room this entire week. Every day, the girls are asking, "mommy, can we puhleeese put it together now?!"

Monday, I got a super deal on a brand-new Little Tikes double easel. I'm all about deals, and this one screamed it! Originally (online research) $60.00....I purchased it for $15.00. YAY! I knew my girls would love it. They love to write, they love to paint. You know what's even better? No money out of pocket. Used the girls' gift money, so it's actually a birthday gift from a loved one! :)

This morning I was thinking..."I really need to work on some cards...hmm...what can I do to keep B busy so I can create?" AHA!

It's a great product, it sure looked easy, I'm sure it actually IS easy, but I had a few frustrations...probably b/c I didn't have my coffee yet. ;-)

But you know what? Through those frustrations, I learned some lessons. A few things for ME to personally remember before undertaking kids' product assembly in the future. ;-)

1. Drink coffee first.
2. Look through the pictures thoroughly. Maybe even the night before. ;-)
3. Don't expect things to go perfectly, cause they probably won't.
4. It's okay to get a little frustrated, but remember your 3 year old is watching and learning from you. ;0)
5. Maybe you SHOULD have your hubby do it, as first intentioned. lol
6. Nope, you can do this - stick with it! :)

Was it worth the frustration? You betcha!!

The satisfaction of "I DID this," combined with the joy of your 3 yr old.
Ahhhh...yup. I'm feelin' pretty good, and I hardly even remember the frustration anymore. ;-)

Off to buy more chalk!