A Thanksgiving Tale:

We were all gathered at the ranch for Thanksgiving. The scents and sounds of a family gathering hung in the air. Grandpa Gordie asked us to gather round to pray for God's blessing, remembering all those who have yet to be gathered to the fold. We sat down to a feast. When I say a feast , I mean a feast. The sounds of everyone chewing and talking and laughing were more than a heart could contain.

And then our dear Lily climbed under the big table to tell Mama she was finished and received a deep splinter from the wood floor. She cried, she wailed, she panicked. We carried her from the kitchen to a comfy room and decided that the splinter needed to be removed. By this time Lily was into a big pain panic. Mama held her as I went for a sterilized needle. I poked, and stroked and prodded that offender out. Finally amidst cries of "No please, no tweezers!" the offender was removed. Papa Al arrived and scooped up the patient in his arms and rocked her to sleep. They slept for an hour on the couch. Papa soothing Lily and Lily soothing Papa as he has had a very hard work week.

At the end, all was forgiven. We had pie.

Thank you Jesus for Thanksgiving.

Balance Beam

When I was in High School we had to endure 6 weeks of each of the Physical Education rotations. One of my least favorites was Gymnastics. We had to perform on the trampoline, the mats and then the balance beam. I could fake my way through much of it but the balance beam was my nemesis. I lack balance in life...always have. I walk into walls, fall off of ladders, trip over my own feet (cast at 7 years old)

And so now, at 57 years of age I find myself knocked out with all the pain and suffering around me. My friends are in pain and dying. Children are going to sleep cold and hungry. I long for an answer and ask God "How can I make a difference?"

If this is your prayer please join with me. If you have a solution, please share.

Light Up The Sky

Right from the start, this is just a computer image of the most amazing sight Tyler and I shared this afternoon.

We were leaving Grocery Outlet and Ty said "Look at that rainbow Mom". This was no ordinary rainbow. The arc was huge and the colors were so bright. As we were driving down Main Street he kept telling me how amazing the rainbow was. All of a sudden he said "Turn right here!" We drove down to the lake and the rainbow seemed to be on fire. I have never in my life seen anything so beautiful. Many cars drove up at the same time. We all got out and marveled at the beauty of this display of color appearing to just dip into the lake.

When I got back into the car this song by The Afters was playing:

Light, light, light up the sky...Light up the sky to show me You are with me.

Thank You Lord for your wondrous reminder that you are with us.

Mug Rug For a Friend

Oh just look at this little cutie. The cold weather is now here to stay so I thought what better way to thank a friend than to whip up a cute little mug rug.

Last week I put out an SOS on Facebook because I was missing the one size crochet hook to finish a baby gift. I mean, I had every other size than the one called for.

Karen came to the rescue with several around the size called for just in case the gauge was off.

Now, I'm one of those knitters/crocheters who doesn't do a swatch and then kicks myself later on because that adorable little baby hat turns out to be for Big Foot's baby!

Lucky for me with this project gauge doesn't really matter. It is approximately the size the pattern said it should be.
Ahh...I think I'll make some tea.

Alas and Did My Machine Break

I'm one of those really strange people that just love the back of the pattern envelope. I get really excited at the fabric suggestions and the list of notions needed to complete the project. I can just hear you all snickering now "weirdo".

I love the smell of bolts of fabric, the excitement of starting a new project and the feel of the tissue paper pattern as I pin it onto a new creation.

So...You can imagine my dismay as my machine slowly broke down in the process of making doll clothes for Grace and Lily's American Girl dolls. This is their 5th birthday and I wanted everything to work out just so. My friend Lynn donated all the fabulous buttons and trims to make these outfits spectacular. A knotted thread here + A broken needle there + A bobbin that refused to cooperate = MELTDOWN for Nana.

B R E A T H E --- Everything's gonna be alright.

Not what I planned, but alright.

Five Years

This journey started five years ago.

My sweet Nana went to be with Jesus in December. Before she passed her nurse and I sang "Jesus Loves Me" to her. Al and I prayed with her. She wanted to make sure I was Italian before she left. I guess that is some sort of prerequisite to Heaven.

Six months later Uncle Bill went to join his Mom. Patty and I prayed with him as he lay dying from cancer.

Then, our dear friend Dorothy left this earth. She left in much pain and I don't know of her condition with Jesus. She always proclaimed much faith. I will trust God.

Sweet Daddy left us shortly afterward. He knew his Jesus was waiting for him. As he lay in his bed in the nursing home he looked up and said "He is coming for me!"

And now my sweet friend Jeannie is with her Father in Heaven.

Five years, wow. If we were Hallmark givers we would give wood or silverware gifts for the five year anniversary. I think I will set my table with my Mom's silverware tomorrow night to commemorate all my sweet loved ones who have lost their battle here on earth but have gained Heaven's Glory.

The picture above is of the Silver Bells. Rejoice!

Jeannie

Our beloved friend, mama, granny, pastor's wife...

went to be with Jesus this afternoon. We will all miss her.

I can't imagine a world without her sweet spirit. God has divinely chosen to take her. Thank you Jesus for ending her suffering.

Endless love to you Starks family.