I Love Surprises

Sometimes people surprise you in ways that you think they never will. For instance, my nephew, Matthew Edwards, recently married a darling girl who I just adore, Mary Beth Small. While I am still getting to know Mary Beth, one thing I know is that she is very athletic, way into sports and a bit of a "Tom Boy" - if that is still a term that people really use. However, on the morning of their wedding, Mary Beth emerged from the temple doors in an absolutely divine soft pink wedding dress - a color that evoked the just emerging pale, blush petals of the most tender early June peony. Frankly, this was unexpected, but applauded and admired by me. Mary Beth you have spunk and you could not have looked more beautiful on your wedding day. xo

So grateful to be alive in 2012!

Every now and then I hear people say how they wish they lived in a different time period, i.e. back when things were more simple, etc. - think of the Victorian Era, the 1950s, the Renaissance, or heck, why not the neolithic period!?! I could not disagree more. I love living in 2012. I love electricity, toothpaste, TIVO, micro fleece, child labor laws, shopping on the internet, deodorant, electric blankets, turning a handle and being able to drink clean pure water, Pinterest, not having to "work the land" to put food on my table, wearing contacts, epidurals, Google and that women can vote, own land and wear pants! But most of all, I love that I live in a time during which medical advances will allow me to WALK, hopefully pain free, clear into my 80s (that age alone is another modern marvel) without becoming a cripple. Although I am only 43, I look at this beautiful 6 inch long scar on my knee and it brings me to tears filled with gratitude and joy. Oh, PT will be a beast, but you really know you are alive when you are feeling a little bit of pain. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible for me.

We Need a Little Springtime NOW!

With the snow FINALLY falling here in B-town, the beautiful expression of springtime yet to come is just what we all need to lift our spirits. Nicely done Camille - your wreath turned out so sweet! xo

Too Cute!

Made these yesterday at my dear friend, Ashley Samsel's house. Thanks for the great idea! Just get 5 gallon paint sticks, cut, and paint. Then print fun sayings on cute paper, antique and Modpodge onto the cut up paint sticks. Easy!

True - only WE can decide what our message will be.

My life is my message. Mahatma Gandhi

I am Thankful for my Family!!!

Twins!

Twins!

Cute Siblings

Drooling over my delectable pies!

The snowmen and their creators.

Love this boy

Yep - "The Cat Came Back"

Holiday Craft-a-palooza!

Mini wreaths, L-O-V-E!!!

Loved making the Gratitude Gobbler on Thanksgiving Day. This beautiful bird had over 100 feathers, including everything from Jimmer to Pull-ups to Missionaries to Miracles.

Beata, Sunny and Hank went crazy making these adorable little sock snowmen.

Just can't get enough of the yarn-wrapped trees this year.

Everyone made one of these cute mini-wreaths to put on the tree. They were all unique and all adorable - just like the people who made them.