GOODBYE 2011

New Years Eve. December 31, 2011. The husband and I are pretty boring. No celebrations to get dressed up for. In our Jammie's, we sit home and watch a movie, occasionally flipping the channel to see who is performing at one of the live parties. Most of the time, I fall asleep and he has to wake me up to watch the ball drop. I get a "Happy New Year" in and a kiss, and it's Goodnight Irene!

This has been a busy and exciting year. The daughter was married, our Grand-daughter was born, the Navy family reunion and the pending birth of our second Grand-son! Lot's of love in this family.

My son leaves for Army basic training in February. It makes me sad that he will be away from the family, but I am also excited for him. He is pursuing a long time desire. He has the "guts" to step up and go forward. This is impressive to me, something I couldn't do. Call me chicken... lack of "kahunas!" I wish you well Michael. Push for the stars! I am so proud of you!!!

To all of you, my friends and my family... I wish you a healthy, happy year ahead.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012.

STUDIO OVERHAUL AT LAST

Today I decided to put my studio back together, so it's functional again. It's been tore up since the wedding (April) and there is art stuff all over the house. I even took over the living room, which only started out as a one day online project with Amy. I'll be needing this space clear... company... well actually, members of our Navy family will be here for the long weekend! We are close. Some of the friends I mentioned in my last post. You know, the kind you pick up where you left off last. We, as in, us three wives, all had our first babies within three weeks of each other. Our husbands at sea for months at a time... we would put the kids to bed and watch TV together. That is, on the phone... for hours. It was a family, you depended on for support in everything. Most of our birth families were far away, so we couldn't depend on help from them. You made the best out of what you had, or you didn't survive.

Back to the studio. I am also going through all my supplies and purging. I have so many things that just sit here, not being used and probably never will be. I think I am going to donate some of it to my grandson's preschool and the rest to a friend's little girl. She is just starting out, crafting with her Momma. I think she will be thrilled! Besides, this weekend, is CKC. I'll need a little room for more stuff! (laughing)

WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE

These next 3 photos are collages I have done recently....prompted by DD's Collage Mondays.



On another note.....
I have mixed emotions today. I'm proud of my son, he has chosen to serve his country. I am also scared to death and quite a bit selfish. I don't want him to go. I want my kids and their families to stay close to home, where I can see them often, give them hugs, know they are safe......

My babies, all grown up... making such major decisions... I am feeling a little lost. I have no control... a feeling I do not like. I pray that I have God's grace to give me the strength I need... to let go. He is a grown man... but still my little boy. That little boy with blond hair and bright blue eyes... always grinning from ear to ear......

Today, I did another collage..... one prompted by a collage Amy did. I started with a black background and added layers of paint, paper, stamps and ink. It is white washed and distressed. "Fairy Land... Where dreams come true." My dream for Michael... to be safe and happy in his choices.

GRUMPY

So... Sunday we decided to put my new camera to good use and try to get a few pictures of the grand babies. It was just too hot outdoors for any of us... we set up shop in the living room. Maybe a picture or two of Grayson on his rocking horse... no go. He had other plans... "How fast can I make this trot?" No smiles... wouldn't even say the usual "Cheeeesse". Grumpy boy.....


OK... let's try the baby. Hahahahaha..... jokes on us! Propped up... paci in the mouth.... Nope! Let's try laying down.... hmmmm... brother holding her?.... naked.... diapered..... head band..... nothing. Grumpy girl.....


Well, how about the whole family? If the babies are held, just maybe?????? See for yourself............

GRUMPY FAMILY!!!!

I did manage to get a couple of good pictures, this one being my favorite. My son with his daughter... "Daddy's Little Girl"

THIS DAY...

This day...
is a happy day!
This day...
my second grandchild was born.
This day...
there was a miracle.
Her name is Ava Elizabeth.
She graced us with her presence on this day...
Thursday June 30, 2011 at 10:52 am.

A pink bundle of joy, this baby is.
8 pounds and 6 ounces.
19 and a half inches...
from the top of her little head...
to the bottom of her toes!

She will be loved by...
Mommy and Daddy...
and
Big brother, Grayson.

Ava...
my wish for you...
is to grow healthy and strong...
be independent, but know your family is here,
to support you whenever you need us.
Grow up to be kind, loving and honest.

I love you Ava...
my precious Grand-daughter.

XXX OOO
Nena.

A BORROWED PASSAGE

Today I borrow a passage from (I'm Just a Girl-Blog), written by Margy Romney-Aslett. I couldn't have said it any better.

Margie; "life keeps happening...

regardless of how we "think" is should go...

or how we want it to go...

i make plans...

write long to-do lists...

have big goals...

then i am reminded...

i am not really that in control of life...

some things yes..." (MR-A)



Margie; "life is crazy...

sometimes we are in charge...

sometimes we are brought to our knees...

reminded who's the boss..." (MR-A)

Some of the events in life, the last few weeks, have literally brought me to my knees a few times. I'm not looking for sympathy... just sayin and documenting... to remind me of how life can be knocked out of line, on such short notice.

I ask... "How much can a person take, when so much is taken from them". My daughter has faced sadness and loss, three times in the last month. This is suppose to be a happy and joyful time in her life... she is to be married in 5 weeks.

To my Baby Girl... I wish for you to lean on the people, who love you most... to draw strength and encouragement... to heal from within...
I love you,
Mom

"TEARS OF LIFE"

That is my description of last week. Emotions running like soft waves, then crashing on the rocks. Cravings for donuts and chocolate milk, only to find the milk has soured. Tears of Joy, tears of Sadness. Life begins, life ends. One never knows.

We found out my oldest son and his wife are having a baby girl. Her name will be Ava Elizabeth. A pink bundle of joy, this little girl will be. An addition to our ever growing family. My future side-kick, to share my knowledge of crafting, my paints, my brushes. Lots of color, lots of mess, lots of laughter. Her and Me. Me and Her.
.....Soft waves; Tears of Joy.....

My daughter, my pink bundle of joy, had her heart broken. It broke mine too. She lost her bundle of joy many weeks into her pregnancy. Her joy was lost. Now, time and love, will mend our hearts and heal the wounds.
.....Waves crashing on the rocks; Tears of Sadness.....

FAMILY CHRISTMAS 2010

GRAYSON DECORATING HIS COOKIE

SHOWING OFF HIS NEW "THOMAS THE TRAIN" BACKPACK AND CONDUCTOR HAT

UNCLE MICHAEL TRYING OUT THE CONDUCTOR GEAR

MATTHEW AND ASHLEY


Sunday, we celebrated Christmas with all the kids and their families. Roast Beef, mashed potatoes and all the fixins! Ashlyn baked Christmas cookies, a first. I usually do the baking and the kids decorate them. This has been our family Christmas eve tradition since the kids were little. This year we decided to change things around a bit, since every one's work schedules are different. Grayson ate the frosting and sprinkles and left the cookies! Next, on to the gifts. Grayson was so excited, ripping into each gift and loving it all! Papa and I (Nena) got him a train table and train. Thomas the Train is his all time favorite!! Something for Daddy to put together! It was a fun night and all the kids had a good time, so did I. It was nice to have them all together, the noise, the laughter and all the fun!

MICHAEL AND SAMARA

ASHLYN AND JAMES

"DANGER DANGER!!!"

What a week! The tale of the beginning of the week.......
Wow! What a whirlwind day! I kept Grayson all day because Ashley (DIL) was having surgery. (It went well-she is home recovering/thank goodness) I went and picked up Ashlyn to go shopping (Grayson needed a few new toys for our house since he has outgrown the others). Any hooo... we ended up having to rush to Stanley Hospital because her fiance shot himself in the shoulder with a roofing nailer. 2 1/2 inch staple embedded into his right shoulder (straight into the bone-ouch!). Into surgery he goes. Anyway, he is home now - recovering. Dufuss! This is the second time he has done this. A year and a half ago, he shot his foot. Dufuss! Yes! I called him a dufuss! DUFUSS!!!!!
After all was said and done...... Grayson got to go to Walmart and he picked out a CAT front loader with all the bells and whistles! He's happy and so is Nena!

On with the week...Planned on going to the LSS for a little fun, too much on my plate for the day. Needless to say, nothing really got accomplished! Another day gone.
Imagine this... 4:30 am... you're sleeping and in the middle of a dream... next thing you know, you're lying on the floor. Hmmm.... note to self... "Get side rails for the bed". Yes, I rolled out of bed, hit the floor and took all the covers with me. Hurt like hell and all I wanted to do was laugh! I don't even remember what I was dreaming about! Was it good or bad??? Who know??? Scared the hell out of John! Poor guy!
Today I managed to clean off one side of my desk and put some stuff away. I stayed off ladders, kept sharp objects out of reach and didn't go near the stove! Didn't want to take any chances! Tomorrow will be a day of rest and hopefully, next week will be less dangerous!
Here are a few of the cards I promised you from my last posting. Enjoy!

"NEW"

We've had a great week here. I saw the movie "Grown ups" with Ashlyn and I laughed my hiney off! My second movie, this time with Dear Husband, was "Twightlight". (I think I "need" to see it again!) Grayson spent a day with us and we took him to Lazy 5 Ranch. I'm not sure who likes it better... him or me! On the 4th, we went to a cookout with Ashlyn's future in laws and the family. Good times! Yesterday was BAD.... I ate donuts for breakfast, then a nap, then to Ashlyn's so Daddy could fix the computer. We ended the day with yummy Mexican food. Only the donuts were bad, but I have done so good this last week. Very little sweets or soda! I'm trying hard, I really am. (Is that convincing enough?)


My "NEW" friends! (I took this picture as I was standing on the front seat of the truck with my head out the sunroof.)

Our "NEW" driver. Too bad he can't reach the gas pedal or see over the dashboard yet!


Two "NEW" families of chicks! There were 14 in the second brood. Oh My!

A brand "NEW" calf. This little guy was only a few days old.

My weekend project. The canvas bag I bought at Harbor Freight a couple weeks ago, but have not had the inspiration do anything with it. That is... UNTIL... I saw this awsome vintage flower trim during one of my crusades on the internet! Oh, I MUST have that! I want more now...NOW! In all the colors. I first applied gesso to the whole bag to seal it. Then I painted it with Claudine Hellmuth's Studio paint in Landscape Green, Painterly Pink and Sable Brown mixing in a little Studio multi medium for gloss and thinned with water. ( I think next time I'll skip the gesso if I use Multi-medium) The flowers were stamped with a thicker mixture of the paints and multi-medium using my Hero Arts "Hydrangea" stamp. I let it dry for several hours and then sprayed Tattered Angels over the whole bag in English Ivy, Coffee Shop and Vintage Pink to give it a distressed "Vintage" appearance. I then sewed ivory, crocheted lace and torn, frayed fabric together and glued it to the upper pockets of the bag. I topped that by gluing the vintage flower trim to the top over the seam. I am so in love with this trim! In fact, there are many more items from this particular company I think I "Need". Ha-ha!!!!! Any hoo.... now you have it! My "NEW" embellishment bag......

(Sorry, the quality of this picture is poor)

Today, I am going to visit an antique shop or two. Maybe... I'll find some goodies! If I do, I'll share. (pictures of course, not the goodies)

Think happy thoughts!
p

CRAYONS

Today was an awesome day. I had an early lunch with the hubby, then it was off to the LSS to crop! Actually, it was OWH day and there was a full house. It was great! I strayed off to finish a project for my Mom and Dad. My original plan was to give it to them in May, when they were here for my son's wedding, but somehow it all got put on the back burner. I'm almost finished, just have to add a few final touches. Check back for pictures of the final........ OK, I'll give you a hint.... it's a ???
Ha-ha.... You'll just have to wait. (smile)
Tonight, we had supper with Matthew, Ashley and Grayson. I haven't seen the little guy in two weeks, since I was sick. It was killing me!!! I just can't get enough of him. I'm hoping for another little person to be added to this ever-growing family, soon! We ate pizza and pineapple and crayons and bread. OH! Did I say "crayons"? Yes, green ones and then we tryed a blue one. Or, at least Grayson did. He tryed to feed Papa a bite..... well.... let's say Papa declined. It would get stuck in his teeth. Hmmmm.... green teeth. Not attractive.

Think happy thoughts.
p

PRE-SCHOOL GRADUATION

Hey! It's going to be a hot one today! High 97 degrees and who knows what the heat index will be after you figure in the humidity. Great invention.... airconditioning! Any-hoo........... Not much on the schedule for today. Wednesday crop day at the "SB and Etc" but my daughter scheduled her eye doc appt today and I am playing taxi once again. Her car is dead! """AGAIN""" I think dear hubby has intentions of junking it and getting the old Chevy truck up and running for her. Fine with me. It's an eye sore sitting at the side of the driveway!

Grayson's graduation from 2 yr old pre-school (he was actually only going 2 days a week to get used to it for next school yr). He was the smallest one there. Most of the other little guys have turned three already. So cute standing on the stage with his "thumb in his mouth". Made me want to cry, grab him up and run! He just turned two a few months ago, still a baby in my eyes.




Grayson with Nena and Papa

WORKING HARD

Hey everyone. I thought I would give you an update on the house. It is really coming together, although we are no where finished! This is the bedroom after all was boxed up and taken out.

Ashlyn painting... it took a gallon of primer for the whole room and then three coats of paint on the bottom. The walls were just soaking up that paint! I absolutely hate working with the dark colors, but it's beautiful after it's done.

James installing hardwood floors. (and doing a great job!) Those feet in the pictures are John's. He was "supervising!" (I'm laughing)

James doing the Happy Dance!

By the end of that day, we were all so tired. Dinner was drive-thru, showers and bed. As you can see here, Ashlyn didn't even make it to the bed!

We also finished the laundry room and are working on the kitchen. Kitchens make me testy. Lots of nook and crannies to be cleaned and primed.

"DEAR STUDIO, MISSING YOU"

It's Memorial weekend and "are we having fun yet?" Not yet! Today we are going to pick up a sofa for Ashlyn. She knows someone who is getting new furniture and they have a blue sofa in great condition for $25!!! It's a steal! After that, a picnic with some of her "to be" in law family, then off to paint some more. They will be moving into the house Sunday and Monday, so we have to finish up a few things fast. Still looking for a sectional for the den and a recliner. Eventually we will find them.
All my goodies I bought from INSPIRE are still sitting in the bag. I haven't had time to play. I'm going thru withdrawal! HELP!!!! Really, I see the word "studio" on the "closed" door to my "happy room" and I want to go in and play. I can hear my name from a distance..... "pammy, come in... pammy, come in.....". Kind of spooky! So here I go, past the door that's calling my name, into the truck, to go buy a stupid sofa and paint some walls. (I'm weeping...)

"UPDATE ON THE REMODEL"

Wow! Another full day of painting at Ashlyn and James house. I have paint splatters on my clothes, in my hair and down my arms. Nothing neat about this! We are almost finished with the bath and bedroom. It's taking a while... the walls are sucking up the paint fast and we put primer on them first! We did have to repaint the bathroom a darker green over the original color chosen. Lemon-lime on the walls just didn't work. The demolition man (James) has taken down walls, ripped out a fireplace (non-working) and pulled up carpet in two rooms. Hardwood floors are going in soon. This is going to be a really big job, but it will look fabulous when done! Eventually, I will work on some artwork for the wall over the bed. Retro is the decor of choice, so I have a chance to do something funky and fun....well.....maybe.

"MY HOME TOWN HISTORY"

Seneca Falls, NY. ; home of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and The Woman's hall of fame. Elizabeth (Nov 12, 1815 - Oct 26, 1902) was an American social activist and leader of the woman's rights movement.

Part of the Erie canal remains, running thru the middle of town. The locks that flank the upper and lower portion of the canal remain intact and function to let the water traffic move between the lakes.


Historic, Trinity Episcopal Church, lies on the edge of the canal bank. This is the church I grew up in, baptised and married. My husband and children were all baptised here too. It is beautiful, with hand carved wood and original stained glass windows.


The house I grew up in.

"MIXED EMOTIONS"

So many changes for me, at this place in my life. Two of my children married, a third one engaged. The oldest just got into his first house, has a child of his own. Child #2, just married, starting his new life with his wife. Number three, engaged, taking on a big job of making a home, starting college soon, looking forward to her wedding. They (my daughter and her fiance) were "given" a mobile home to fix up and live in. It needs a lot of work and a little TLC! Soon, it will be "home" for them. I'm not sure which emotion THEY are feeling highest..... excitement or overwhelmed! Me..... mixed emotions..... my babies are no longer babies, but young adults with their own lives. I am happy for them and so proud of their accomplishments, but also feeling a little, well..... melancholy.

INSPIRING VINTAGE DREAMS

Shop...shop...shop....... we've been shopping almost everyday. It's like Christmas for my daughter! She and her fiance are getting a house and they need everything to furnish it. She is so excited and I am happy for them!

San and I went to the vendor faire on Thursday for INSPIRE. It was great! So much to choose from - all kinds of vintage! I bought some cool pieces to make an altered book along with paper, embellishments and Claudine Helmuth's paints. I am in love with these paints and her gel medium. It was an altered artist's dream come true... lol :) Tonight we go back for two classes. I am liking this event better than CKC! So cool and the artists are great! Hats off to Donna for a great event.

A Good Day

Today is a good day. My parents and sister are flying in from NY and my mother in law is here. Why? My son is getting married on Saturday! I am especially glad to have my parents here, as they have not been down in 3 1/2 years. They are both 81 yrs old and in fair condition, but not traveling like they used to. They have been a bit nervous about flying. It's been 30+ yrs since they have flown. Wow! They will get to see their great-grandson, Grayson. They saw him when he was 5 weeks old on our trip to NY for a funeral. Not good circumstances. Now he is running all over and talking.

I just signed up for two mini workshops at Donna Downey's Inspired for next week. I'm going with Amy. Yeh Amy! I am sooooo excited!

OK, I better continue to get my stuff picked up in my studio, as it will become someone's temporary bedroom. For now;

Meet my Mom.

GENEOLOGY

I have been working with my second cousin, on gathering information for a family genealogy. She has contacted a historian in NY and also has received a collection of pictures, letters and memorabilia that her grandfather had saved. I did a short genealogy of the Smith's (my maiden name), my Sr. year of high school and fortunately saved it all. I have been plucking my Mom and Dad's brain to fill in the missing pieces. We have recently lost two more of our older generation, so it's important to get all the stories on paper, before it is all gone.

This couldn't come at a better time, as I am preparing and gathering for a Heritage Album. I want to fill its pages with pictures, family trees, stories and tid bits of history. This has to be different from my normal act of embellishment and pictures. It needs to be a continuing journal of past, present and future history. I need to concentrate on my Mom's side, as there is very little of the older generation left.