Monday, January 31, 2011

Good Paper/Bad Paper

If I say "paper," what comes to mind?  (I'll give you a minute.)


Are you thinking of the newspaper?  Yep.  Me too.  Thinking about how we only subscribe on the weekends, and we still don't get the chance to read all of it.  Thinking of how I scrounge for at least the coupon papers each Monday morning.

Are you thinking of paperwork - as in applications, bills, and the like?  Yep.  Me too.  I have piles of each laying around.  Around here, there are summer job applications (yes, already), summer missions trip paperwork, insurance statements to be filed, and bills.

Are you thinking of today's mail?  Yep. Me too.  My daughter just brought the mail in.  I always sort through it right away, and in theory, touch it only once.  However, there is always that little pile that sits around waiting to be managed.

Are you thinking of scrapbook paper?  WooHoo.  This is the one "happy" option - and the only happy one I can think of right now as I sit here looking around the kitchen at my piles of paper.

It's not that I'm a disorganized person.  Not at all.  My dear hubby will tell you that I can locate almost anything in our household in mere seconds, or perhaps minutes if things are packed away deep somewhere.  I am, however, a procrastinator.  There, I said it.  I can let a pile of paper grow as tall as the next person.  However, I would challenge "the next person" to pull out the right receipt at the right time when their husband calls from work with an inquiry.  But -- big deal!  That doesn't clean up the paper piles for me now, does it?

So, my Monday project is to clean up all the paper piles around here.


...or maybe I should just organize my scrapbook papers.



Sunday, January 30, 2011

Isaiah 40:8

"The grass withers and the flowers fade,
but the word of our God stands forever."
(New Living Translation)
 


The flower?  A "spent" poppy.  (The flowers fade...)
You can see the brilliant orange petals of a flower at bottom-right.





I'm linking up with Katie @ Katie Lloyd Photography
for Scripture & a Snapshot.


Saturday, January 29, 2011

Saturday's Flowers

Cyclamen


Ewa at "Blueberry Craft and Hobby Time"
has decided to take a break from blogging
- so no more Flowers on Saturday bloghops.
However, I am still providing a link to Ewa's page.
You can look around,
and find beautiful flowers linked to previous posts.

Happy Saturday! 

Bluberry craft and hobby time


Friday, January 28, 2011

Foto Friday: Reflections

Reflections of downtown Cleveland.

I'm linking up with Anne Marie @ Household 6 Diva
for Foto Friday 
The Theme is "reflections."
Click the button below to see more "reflection" photos.

Household6Diva FotoFriday


Got Faith?

My Random House dictionary defines faith as complete confidence or trust.

I remember hearing faith described this way when I was young: Faith is knowing that when you sit down in a chair -any chair- that it will support you and keep you from falling to the floor.

So, on a larger scale - faith is the confidence that I have when I board a 747 - knowing that it will carry me across the country (even across the ocean) without plummeting to earth.

And for my friend, faith is trusting that God will carry her through the diagnosis of thyroid cancer after just completing seven weeks of treatment for breast cancer.

Faith in GOD is having complete confidence or trust in HIM -- knowing that he wants the very best for us - that he has our very best interests at heart.


"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:1 (KJB)

Let's be honest.
In real life, chairs do break, planes do go down, and our plans do fail.

Faith is believing that God's plan is better.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future." 
Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)


Macro Friday

Totally, randomly playing around with the camera
for macro friday @ Blogging from Bolivia.
Click the button below to see
photos from other participants.



Thursday, January 27, 2011

Blizzard Bloghop


 Welcome!

Thanks to Anne Marie @ Household 6 Diva for the chance to link up and share my blog with other bloggers.  What a great opportunity!

My name is Sally.  I am a believer in Jesus Christ (a sinner, saved by grace!)  This guides the way I live, as I strive to live for the Lord.

I am a wife to the sweetest-ever hubby who doesn't want this blog to be about him.  We've been married for 18+ years.  That seems like "forever" in all of the very best ways.

[photo credit: Portrait Innovations]

I am a SAHM to the two best kids on this earth.  One (my son) a teen, and the other (my daughter) on the very verge of teenhood (we're talking days-away!)  Motherhood is the hardest job that I've ever had, but it also has better benefits than any job I've ever had!

I started this blog as a creative outlet.  My latest "love" is photography.  I found myself following some great blogs that shared amazing photography and offered bloghops and linky parties to other bloggers to share their photos.  But, I didn't have a blog.  You get the idea.  I wanted to share!  I needed a blog!

I am a self-taught blogger, learning as I go - and having a blast!

The (almost) 3 short months that I have been blogging have been the most amazing ride!  I have "met" bloggers that share my beliefs and my values.  I have also "met" bloggers that enjoy the same hobbies as I do.  This has been exactly the creative outlet that I hoped it would be, and in the process, I've been re-introduced to an old love... writing.

My blog is a mix of a little of everything... faith, family, recipes, homemaking, photography, scrapbooking, & more.

I'm excited about the opportunity to meet more of you today,
and hope you'll stop by here often!
~Sally

To go to Household 6 Diva & meet more bloggers - click HERE.


Leaning 101

The other day, I read a great post about "leaning artwork" from Melissa at The Inspired Room.  This is a great concept for those of us who have trouble committing to pounding nails in the walls - because we're afraid the picture won't end up there afterall...

I have to agree with Melissa when she says, "... funny thing is, even though my "leaning" all started in an attempt to avoid putting holes in the walls, I actually liked how things looked when they were leaning."

:: This year for Christmas, I was fortunate enough to receive a beautiful pedestal and cloche from my sister and her family.  Also included were some miniature goodies with which to create little cloche vignettes.

:: Our family also received a unique and special piece of artwork from my sister-in-law and brother-in-law.  In order to hang it, we moved some things around --and ended up with an extra piece of artwork.  I almost just put it away, but...

:: ...January is (as it is for many of you) my month to get things back out after Christmas (or not), and rotate things through the house.  Sometimes when I find a new spot for an item, it just freshens up the decor, you know?

Like so.

As I sat watching TV the other afternoon, I found myself gazing around the room during the commercials - picturing things in other areas of the room.  By the next commercial, I was up moving items around the room, and changing the look of things.  This little table-scape is what I came up with.  I love it, but have already thought of a million-or-so ways to "change it up" - so next time you stop by, it might look different!

I just read The Nester's most recent post: "Random Plate Wall."  Check it out.   Honestly, it scares me a little.  I mean, it's beautiful, don't get me wrong, and I love plates on the wall -- as you can see. 

 

But - remember my commitment issues with pounding nails in the wall?  I did breathe a little easier when she said that she challenged herself to use as many existing nail holes as possible before she made new ones.  {Nester, any way to just lean all those plates...?}

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Luke 12:27-28

"Consider how the lilies grow.
They do not labor or spin.
Yet I tell you,
not even Solomon in all his splendor
was dressed like one of these.

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field,
which is here today,
and tomorrow is thrown into the fire,
how much more will he clothe you,
O you of little faith!"
(NIV)


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Tuesday Randomness & a Sweet Shot

*  The TV's on, and I just heard the theme from "Greatest American Hero" (remember that show c.1981?).  I knew all the words.  (Believe it or not I'm walkin' on air...♫♫♪♪♫)  I don't think I ever even watched that show regularly -- but I always liked the song.

*  The AmVets truck is coming for a pick-up on Friday morning, and we did some badly needed purging and tidying up around here.  Not only do I have a large bag of clothes to give to AmVets, but my kids' bedrooms are clean (read: I can see the floor), and a whole bunch of hangers became available, so I don't have to go out and buy new ones!  (Cha-ching!)

*  I bought black popcorn a few weeks back, and am really dissatisfied with it's popping abilities.  We have enjoyed it in the past, but I think I got an old bag perhaps?  I was about to throw it away, when I thought it might make for an interesting filler under a candle in a dish.  My daughter warned me - "just don't let it get so close to the flame that it pops!"



*  I am linking up with Darcy at My3boybarians for Sweet Shot Tuesday.


 Sweet Shot Day
I love the icy crystals on this flower-head.

Just for fun: Darcy's son memorized the nicest poem about the months of the year.  She posted it HERE. Check it out, and if you think of it - leave him a little note of encouragement.  We all like to get feedback, right?


Sunday, January 23, 2011

Simple as...Time to Bake


A simple thing that made me smile this week... 
time to bake on Saturday.
No reason in particular -
just making something that sounded yummy to me
{Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Muffins},
and warming up the house at the same time. 


I'm linking up with Rebecca at Simple as That 
for "The Simple Things."





Psalm 119:105

"Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path." (NIV)





 
Today, I am linking up with Katie Lloyd for "Scripture & a Snapshot."


Saturday, January 22, 2011

Some Green Stuff Growing...

We had a busy Saturday morning.  I was up with the __?__.  Wait -- WHO is it that's up early again?  {Is it the birds?}  For crying out loud, (as my nephew & I like to say) at 5:00 in the afternoon, my brain is already too fried to remember that "expression!"  {I should ask The Pioneer Woman.  She most certainly would know who is up early!}

Anyways, I had an early start as I had to pick up dear-daughter and friend at a youth group all-nighter at the University Rec-Center.  Once home, dear daughter headed to bed, but I was awake and not turning back at that point.

I put chicken noodle soup ingredients in the crock pot for dinner, and then husband and son were awake, and ready to head out for karate.  Today, while he was out, my hubby happened to stop by Lowe's.  Unless I miss my guess, he was checking prices on refrigerators and snowblowers.
(It's a safe bet.)  

But, you know what he came home with?
These.

All in need of a little tender-loving care, he said.
At fifty cents each, he couldn't resist.
(This family LOVES a good clearance!)


And you know what he told me?
He thought this would give me something
to take pictures of
- so I wouldn't have to go outside in this cold.
Does he have my number, or what?



Flowers on Saturday

I couldn't resist taking a few more shots of my blue flowers
--and this is one is my favorite.


 I'm linking up with Ewa at Blueberry Craft and Hobby Time
for "Flowers on Saturday."  Click on the button below to
go to Ewa's blog for more flowers!


Bluberry craft and hobby time


Friday, January 21, 2011

Forecast: JOY

Jan. 25 UPDATE:  I'm linking this particular post to "Good Life Wednesday" over at A Beach Cottage.  Sarah, thanks for a chance to share "the good life!"

Beach Cottage Good Life Wednesdays

Temperatures, cold!
Snow likely.  Flurries likely.  Isolated and scattered snow likely.
Sun?  Not likely.
That's our weekend forecast.

Sounds like a good weekend for soup,
and snuggling on the couch with lots of blankets,
and movies.

Gray with six more days of gray is what they are forecasting (if you look at the weather forecast picture-charts).  You get the general idea.  If sun is anywhere in the picture, it is behind clouds.

Sometimes when the "big picture" doesn't seem especially JOYful, you have to look deeper to find little pieces of JOY.

I was at the grocery store yesterday, and saw these:

and I was supposed to resist them, HOW?
They screamed JOY to me.

I think it was their vibrant color.
It could've been the "$2 off" coupon...
Either way, they are on my kitchen counter,
and I'm pretty happy about that!

UPDATE:  Here comes the sun!  Don't ever complain about the weatherman being wrong!

Lisa is so sweet.
She just linked me up over on her blog!  Check it out!


Thursday, January 20, 2011

"Circles" Photo Challenge

I'm so excited that Rebecca at Simple As That picked my poinsettia photo as one of her favorites for this week's Simple Things Roundup!  What a nice pat on the back!  I received one comment that mentioned my pretty pink poinsettia.  I should mention that the poinsettia is actually deep red.  Remember, I was playing with camera settings on that one.

Today, I am participating in the "You Capture" photo challenge at "I Should Be Folding Laundry."  This week's theme is CIRCLES.  If you remember, I did not link up to the "Doorways" Challenge from last week... since (before reading all instructions) I used archived photos rather than photos taken for the challenge.  <OOPS!>  If you want to see my (unlinked) Doorways post, you can go HERE.

"CIRCLES"
Collected objects, & "clearance" candy canes.
(We'll eat them as long as they'll sell them!)

Hunting for "circles" in the garage...I'm in luck!

Cupcake Party with my niece & nephews.  Such fun!

If you want to play along, next week's theme is "Happy."


Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Black and White Wednesday

Monday was a bright sunny day, and we were
really enjoying it after having so many days of cloudy skies
and only intermittent sun.  I went out in the yard
- in search of some interesting shots.
Our wheelbarrow is standing on end.  This shot
is the bracket on the rusted underside.
Snow had accumulated in it, and was now melted
providing a reflection of the bolt above.

I love the brightness,
the wood-grain,
the rust,
the reflection.

Have a black and white photo to share?  Come join the fun!
the long road


Tuesday, January 18, 2011

How Sweet It Is!

For Christmas,
we gave my sister's kids (ages 10, 11, and 12)
a homemade gift certificate.
It was good for one Cupcake Party
to be scheduled on a Saturday in January.
This past Saturday was our day.
We baked, frosted, and decorated cupcakes.
We ate lots of pizza (and some cupcakes).
We played lots of Farkle.
And we laughed. A LOT.
It was SWEET.

Sweet Shot Day
I'm linking up at "My3boybarians" for Sweet Shot Tuesday!
Got a sweet shot to share?


Monday, January 17, 2011

Simple As...

...playing with camera settings, and kind of liking the results.


Did you have a simple thing or simple moment
that made you smile last week?
Head on over to Simple as That.
You can link up, and see what other people shared.


Seeking Wisdom for Parenting

"Your children need your presence more than your presents."
~Jesse Jackson 

One of my almost-daily frustrations as a parent is knowing when to give, when to hold back, when to expect something in return, and when just to "let it all ride."  I'm not talking about love or hugs or encouragement.  All of those flow pretty freely in our home.

My point is that today's kids have so many more "things" available to them than we did as kids.  (For the sake of argument, let's call these "things" cell phones, iPods, game systems, etc.)  It's hard to know where to draw the line... when and how much to provide... when to expect them to work for things on their own.  The things that I feel are "excess" are just things that most kids have learned to accept as "everyday."

There is almost nothing that I would love more than to be able to give our kids everything they've ever wanted -- on a silver platter even!  But what would they learn from that?

BOTTOM LINE: I need to remember to turn each parenting challenge over to God, and to trust him for the outcome.

James 1:2-6(NIV)
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt,
because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.'


KEY:  When I ask God for wisdom, believe he will give it!

If you're a parent, we can pretty much assume that you've had frustrations along the way as well.  What Bible verses have been the biggest encouragement to you?


credit: opening quote found at quotegarden.com.


Sunday, January 16, 2011

Psalm 46:10a

"Be still, and know that I am God." (NIV)


Today, I am linking up with Katie Lloyd for "Scripture & a Snapshot."


Saturday, January 15, 2011

Doorways

"We don't need no stinkin' instructions"
seems to be a common motto at our house.
We often tease about it. 

Here's an example:
I got all excited about a photo challenge that I saw on someone's blog.  The assignment:  DOORWAYS.  I knew that I had some shots that I could share, and I am loving linking up in these photo challenges lately.  It's so much fun to check out everyone's pictures, and get feedback on my own.  So, I got my pictures all ready, and then checked back to find the blog button I needed to "link up."  As I did, I happened to notice some instructions that previously I thought I knew all about had missed.  It said something like, "Remember, these photo challenges are just that -- a challenge.  Therefore, please do not go searching through your photo archives to find something that fits this week's challenge.  Instead, look for, and find new shots!"  Oh.  Well, that makes sense.

You would think that since I am a "rule follower" that I would also be an "instruction reader," right?  Okay, enough about that.  

Here is my photographic post on...you guessed it -- DOORWAYS.  Enjoy.

* drawn from the archives & therefore * intentionally unlinked

P.S. the photo challenge for next week is "circles", and I'm already on it! =)


The door to my brother-in-law's workshop.
Rallying the troops around the front doors at summer day camp.
Love these red doors at a local church!


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