On Turning 40

Today is the first day of my 40s, and so far I have to say it's going pretty well. 

And just in case you were wondering,

I'm not giving up on ducky lips in my 40's, but I do think I should buy a legit pair of glasses.

Meh. 

Maybe Not!!

No mid-life crisis in sight, unless you consider having ducky lips at 40 a crisis?

But seriously, I know I'm only a few hours into this 40's gig but I have a whole life time of stories to tell you that led up to this moment.

And maybe, just maybe some wisdom even though I don't have the grey hairs to show for it! 

Dammit!!

Where are those grey hairs? 

I may be the only 40 year old woman you know who has plans to put some fake grey hairs on my head and still pull off a damn good duck lip, but that's what I feel the 40's are all about.

There is no rule book on what this is supposed to look like and so with that being said, let me tell you some of my thoughts on turning 40.

I saw this quote on Pinterest the other day and it made me feel a little bit better about turning 40.

I love a good story and if I could only approach this birthday with the attitude that now,

I have 40 years of stories then I think I won't feel so old.

I wonder what the title for this chapter will be?

I think I'm heading into this decade with a few heavy duty life notches under my belt like; getting married, having 4 children, moving away, owning homes, a miscarriage, having surgeries, getting degrees, changing jobs, losing loved ones, greeting new loved ones into the world. 

But, there is still SO much of life that I haven't experienced yet and so I find myself in this in-between stage.

The chapter called the Middle. 

When I look back over my life I realize I really do have a lot of great stories to tell and I'm truly grateful for each and every one of them. 

I have that one story of when I married a Giant man named Moses.

Gosh, I love that story.

It's been over 20 years now that, that story began so over half my life has been spent with him as opposed to without. 

If I had to choose only one person to spend the rest of my life with it would still be My Giant.

But before that story I have 19 years of stories that didn't involve a Giant.
And you can't skip those ever important formative years. 

I have the story of my first day in kindergarten when I cried ever so sweetly because I didn't want to leave my momma's side.

I was kind of a momma's girl.

I still am a momma's girl. 

The older I get the more I appreciate my momma. 

Being a good mom truly is a role that will forever be my goal.

She has led the way of what it looks like to grow old gracefully, and I'm happy to follow in her beautiful footsteps.

I have the story of when I met my first best friend at school. We became friends because some bully's where picking on her, and I came to her side and told her that I thought she was perfect. And I kicked those bullies asses... No, No I didn't! But, I wanted to. I probably didn't say anything at all that eloquent either because I was in Kindergarten,  and I'm fairly certain I didn't even give the bullies a dirty look but man was I ever angry on the inside. 

I love that story because it's still ongoing. I'm still friends with this child hood friend.

Old friends are the treasures in this life that nothing else can quite compare to.

I have the story of waiting outside of a retail store that said they would have the popular Cabbage Patch Dolls in stock, and I thought all my childhood dreams were going to come true, only to have my hopes and dreams dashed by a frenzied crowd that snatched up every doll in sight, and an announcement that they were all sold out.

My dad took me out to breakfast afterward to cheer me up and that's when I realized he would forever be one of my life's heros.

 My dad is still one of my life's heros because he has consistently showed up like that when it matters most.

The simple truth of what it takes to be a good parent is somehow wrapped up in the "showing up"!

I have the story of my first kiss that was actually stolen from my lips from a skater kid named Mikey.

That story still makes me angry. What a shit bird that Mikey was.

Girls, don't let that first kiss be stolen or any kiss there after.

Be mindful of where your affections are given. 

Shortly after that, I remember the story where my life would be forever changed by the Lover of my Soul. That story hands down, is my favorite because it has made every story there after better, richer, deeper, and more eternal. 

Make sure your life's story is building for a better eternity.

I have the stories of High School where I lived in the Choir room. I was that geeky choir student.

If my life where the t.v show Glee I was most definitely Rachel, maybe not as snooty, and probably not as confident.

I didn't care that it wasn't cool to be in choir back then because "singing loud for all to hear" was and still is my favorite. 

In this life you have to do what makes your heart sing, no matter what.

I remember that one time I changed my hair color and got tattoos that was a fun chapter. 

I'm kinda over the chapter of caring what people think about me and as I've gotten older it's been easier to live my life for an audience of ONE.

Live YOUR life, there will only be ONE.

I have had the chapter of little people who depended on me for everything. 

To cloth them, feed them, bathe them, and tuck them in at night.

Where every word was repeated and every moment was precious. 

Now I have big little people

who are so independent and capable that it's almost frightening sometimes. 

And every moment is still precious, but the words ...

well they have a changed a bit is all I'm gonna say about that!

Words are important, use them wisely.

I woke up thinking that turning 40 is so strange because in many ways 

you are too young to be old 

and 

too old to be young anymore.

It's an in between age.

Here's to the in between stage of life!

Thanks for sharing it with me beloved reader.

We Have A Winner!!

If you haven't already found this amazing lady Bernadette

who has an amazing blog 

Barefoot Hippie Girl

Go check her out!

Shes' the winner of this lovely apron that I made from a vintage pillow case.  You can find more of these aprons for sale here; NoDots Shop

AND While you are out and about on the internet today   You should check out what's going on over here; Reno Tattoo Mecca It's my new lil writing project that I started with my sister and I'm pretty excited about it.  Have a great weekend beloved reader. 

The True Christmas Spirit

The above painting is one My talented Giant created a few years back.  It used to bother me SO much, but I have come to really appreciate some things this painting now means to me.  I like it so much so that I leave it up all year long now. I'm not sure what Moses inspiration was for the above painting, but I have an inkling he was trying to make a statement. Giggle.  Moses ... make a statement? Psh...  that's just crazy talk! (insert a huge dose of sarcasm) Now that I have gotten over my offense of the above statement I  have some thoughts about this Creepy, Crazy-eyed Santa as well now. The first of which is the very obvious fact that this is the face of a man/Santa who does NOT have the true Christmas spirit. Or what we have come to know as the peaceful, joyful, and loving face of Santa.  It actually reflects quite the opposite of the that.  This Crazy- eyed Santa reminds me of the frenzy we can all put ourselves in come every December 1st. Enter Buddy the Elf quote, "You're not Santa. You sit on a throne of lies. You smell like beef and cheese!" Oh, how I love me some Buddy the Elf... Rut roh... I feel myself getting distracted from the point I wanted to make here. I suppose why I wanted to write this post is because often times by the end of December that face up there may as well be MY face. Ok... maybe my eyes aren't blue and I'm not a man but whatever you get the point!! I need a few reminders (just a few), and maybe you need them too, that Christmas is about SO much more than the temporal high of retail therapy.  There is something magical about this time of year no doubt about it, but I'm left wondering why it doesn't last? And why is it that this "spirit of Christmas" comes over us all, and the world becomes kinder and people seem more at peace?   I'm going to try and answer some of those questions. At the same time, I'd like to relate to you Beloved reader, what I think the full portion of the beauty of Christmas really is all about. Bare with me as we follow down Dickens road of Christmas Past, Present and Future.  Not really... I just added that for dramatic effect!

I woke up this morning with this deep thought about Christmas and the true spirit of Christmas. We have all heard it said that the best things in this life are free, and while I completely, whole heartedly believe that, why is it that every Christmas season I work myself right up into a full blown tizzy about what to get for who, and how much money it's costing, and how there isn't enough hours in the day to get all the crafting, baking and gifts done, nor all the memories jammed pack with my Fab 4 kids, and so on and so forth.  I literally wasn't sleeping the first week of this month because of all the thoughts running through my brain. 
Can anyone else out there relate?  And then I read this scripture  ; "Stop toiling and doing and producing for the food that perishes and decomposes(in the using), but strive and work and produce rather for the lasting food which endures continually unto life eternal; the Son of Man will give, (furnish) you that, for God the Father has authorized and certified Him and put His seal of endorsement upon Him." John 6:26
Hmm... lasting food?  A complete and utter stop of toiling, doing, producing? Gifts that keep on giving? Eternal Food? Does that mean I don't have to grocery shop ever again? ;) What does that even look like? As I read this scripture I was reminded about the app I installed Nov 28th  on my phone called, Advent. It consists of daily scriptures all about Jesus arrival to earth.  It was an easy way to remind myself to be determined in having a different attitude this Christmas.  I also really wanted to participate in Advent this year. The word Advent is derived from the latin word that means, "Coming"  So Advent is a time to remember "The Lord is Coming"  Well, as a Christ follower I know the Lord has come,  and will come again, but as we approach the day we have chosen here in America to celebrate as his birthday I wanted to keep my focus on that phrase.... "The Lord is Coming"
This Christmas season I  wanted to be really purposeful to prepare my heart for HIS coming. I wanted to treat Christmas day like a day that I would prepare my house(my house being my heart) for like a visit from the President. In doing this I realized my thoughts keep coming back to what the greatest thing about Christmas is. If I'm being honest I have to say it has been a challenge. Refer to the paragraph above where I admit that I wasn't sleeping the first week of this month. In my mind and heart I believe the reason Christmas is so special is because we celebrate  the greatest gift to humanity. That is the one and only fully man and fully God, Jesus Christ. 

But, in my actions and reactions I wasn't staying there.

On staying there.

   His arrival to this planet over 2000 years ago is what we are all still talking about today.  And his walk on this planet for only 33 years is what has eternally changed my life and the lives of so many other people. I say all of this because  whether you believe in Jesus or not you can appreciate the words that he said and the love that he gave to so many. Unlike Santa Clause  HE IS REAL!! HE IS STILL ALIVE!! And  You participate in the "Christmas Spirit" every year by doing what  HE DID! You do unto others as you would have them do to you.  You give more than you get.  You love big and judge small. These are all principles and teachings that are from the heart of God. HE is the Father of Christmas.
Those of us who really truly do believe in him, we above all others should be getting that overwhelming sense of peace that some only experience around this time of year.  We have been given that gift for everyday of our lives. A peace that surpasses understanding is what we all long and look for.  If you don't have it, then may I suggest you look to the greatest gift that was ever given. He came as a baby. He died as a 33 year old man. He lived for you to know you are BELOVED. He heals. He restores. He gives peace. Jesus.
Selah.


 

HEY YOU GUYS!!! (a giveaway)

   Goonie fan's is this not THE most amazing picture ever? Does that even need a question mark?

This past summer we got to visit Astoria, Oregon the town where the movie the Goonies was filmed. We had SO much fun and can hardly wait to go back. The town is as cute as it is quaint. And I'm pretty sure we went around all over town shouting...
HEY YOU GUYS!!!
Thank you my Astoria Oregon living friend Tasha for your visit and for this T-shirt, and to Solomon for making my day with your FACE!! Man that kid can make this momma smile SO big.   Now that I have your attention lets go beyond this epic pic.  I want to take this opportunity to say that I truly am so grateful to you beloved reader.  You make this blog here come alive, and I know that although most of you never leave a comment... ahem... I know you are reading, and that makes writing that much more fun. Tis the season to give back, and have gratitude, or say thanks, and I want to say that I am thankful for this space here that I get to share life with you. And although I call you beloved reader all the time I don't ever want you to forget that to me that is not just a term I use to butter you up. 
I really mean to tell you, every single time I write, that you are BELOVED.
And not just because you choose to read here, but because you are loved by the Creator of the Universe more than you could ever know.
Thank you for always listening and especially for chiming in with your own life experiences when you can relate.  I appreciate you, and so because I'm in the Christmas giving spirit I want to give you something....

  An apron I made from a vintage pillow case. You can buy one here; No Dots Shop OR you can enter the giveaway below to receive this package of love completely FREE!!

These aprons are my most favorite creations.

I take old vintage pillow cases, and turn them into something so cute, and so functional in the kitchen or for crafting, and then I hope I get to see people wearing them :)

That's where you come in, if you want one of these beauties enter as many times as you want below.

Thank you beloved reader

and 

Have Fun.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So This Just Happened.

Over this past weekend something really big happened in our household.

Even though my 16 year old daughter told me over and over it wasn't a big deal somehow my heart did not get that memo.

I tried to hold it together. I really did. But then this happened.

She pinned a flower on a boy.  Who told her she could do that? Oh wait, I guess we did.  That's right it's all coming back to me now. We were sitting at the kitchen table I'm pretty sure I had only one cup of coffee flowing thru my veins when she asked her dad and I if she could go to the JA dance with a "friend" who is a boy. Now, in my defense I did say that I only had ONE cup of coffee. Mom's cannot be held responsible for anything they say until the SECOND cup of coffee is consumed.
Obviously that rule didn't pan out here because, WE said yes! The plural word there being WE. The operative word there being "SAID." The debatable word there being YES. We said it, but my heart didn't really mean it.

I mean ....  What I meant to say is ... NO. NO you cannot go to any dances with any boys. NO you cannot wear a dress so beautiful and look so stunning that it takes my breath away. NO you cannot pin a flower on a boy when you were dressing up dolls like yesterday. NO you cannot drive away in a car with that boy when you were just learning to ride your bike a minute ago. NO you cannot grow up. NO. Can I do that? I mean, can I take it all back? That's a rhetorical question. Sigh. I realize that I can't turn back time and say no where I previously said yes. I realize I can't stop this train, thank you very much John Mayer. I just, well I just wish sometimes this life would give you a little warning before you witness big life events like this. Daughters who become young women right before your eyes.

Please chime in all you parents who have walked this uncharted territory. I have to share a song that Emma's Auntie Gina sent me that same week. I'll admit it  did give me a little chuckle. I hope you enjoy it  AND  Pray for me.  

I want to be that kid up there

I want to be that kid up there.
The one who when faced with an ocean and a pair of very long jeans, just rolls up the jeans as he gets deeper and deeper in the water. No fear of what the future may hold. No thought of the car ride home and how sticky and wet and sandy I might be. No concern for the cold wind that might be blowing my way.
I want to be that kid up there.
The one who screams with elated cries every single time the ocean water touches my feet. No worry or concern for where I ditched my tennis shoes several miles up the beach. Who plunges in the ocean water like moth to the flame. So carefree. So uninhibited. So child like.
I want to be that kid up there. 

Fruit Cake, Fonts, and Funks

Hello There Beloved Reader- I'm sitting here getting drunk on my Momma Nash's amazing fruit cake and drinking coffee.  I should be crafting and creating getting ready for another Craft show tomorrow, but I'm in kind of a FUNK! Are you familiar with the FUNK? I tried taking a shower to wash it off but that didn't work. I'm on my third cup of coffee hoping that the caffeine will kick in and that will help the FUNK find another home. And currently, while eating this delectable fruit cake I'm hoping I can eat it away.
BUT... alas, from previous FUNK days I know none of this will work. 
Maybe if I change the font on this blog post and have one more bite of this delish dish it will slowly work it's way out of my system. I suppose if I was an athlete I'd be going for a run right now, but I don't run, unless someone's chasing me, and even then I might just stop mid sprint and give them what they want to avoid running!!
That font wasn't happy enough.
Maybe I need a happy picture...

That did make me smile.  I love the phrase too. Seize the Day. Carpe Diem. I would be doing the EXACT opposite of that.  Today I'm sitting here and the only thing I'm seizing is this damn good fruit cake.  Which, I have to say now that I have had my self a healthy piece of it, I am starting to feel a little bit better.  There is SO much LOVE in this fruit cake that my mom-in-love made us. I can almost feel her big warm bear hug coming through it.  Along with Lots o Love it is also loaded with nuts, fruits, and some kind of strong alcohol that makes for one of THE best fruit cakes I have EVER had. Did I mention I didn't even like fruit cakes until I had a piece of Momma Nash's fruit cake? Man alive is that woman ever talented!!
Let's try another font shall we and maybe let's slant it a bit...
Because I'm starting to feel a little slanted. Maybe it's the fruit cake or maybe it's words in different fonts, or maybe it's just being here with you but I actually do feel better now that I have bared my soul to you.  Thank you as always for listening and for helping me fight the funk!! Even though, technically you didn't do anything you listened, or at least it feels like you listened. I'm reminded of You've Got Mail right now,
"Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life - well, valuable, but small - and sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around? I don't really want an answer. I just want to send this cosmic question out into the void. So good night, dear void."
And with that I will leave you for now, maybe it's time for a tiny bit more of fruit cake?

Pie Party and Some Other Musings

Every year for the past almost 10 years, (minus the 4 years we were in Washington in an 800 sq ft cabin) my family and I have been hosting what we like to call a pie party.  I can't take credit for this AMAZING idea because that would be just wrong to my East Coast relatives who started it way back when, but I will say the minute I heard about a Pie Party I was all over it like Meringue on Lemon Pie.
I usually have it the second Saturday in November because to me it's a way to have Thanksgiving (minus the Turkey) with ALL my friends and family.  It's also a way for me to get my favorite dessert!!

When I was preparing the prizes this year I got SO excited for this party I almost did a happy Pie Party dance. I'm pretty sure it would have looked a bit like Elaine on Seinfeld so I reigned in my excitement and got to putting together those prizes you see up there. We give out prizes to 3 categories; Best in Savory Best in Show and  UGLY but it Tastes Damn Good  aka  UBITDG!!

While putting together prize baskets, I thought about all the families that would come with their delectable pies and my heart overflowed with gratitude for many reasons. The first reason that my heart was exploding with joy, was that I am so grateful to be back here in Nevada. That sentence up there... well it's one that even as I type it I still can't believe I'm saying it. It's taken me quite a long journey to get HERE, and I don't me here as in Nevada here, I mean HERE as in this place of contentment that has come over my heart regarding where ever HERE happens to be. 

I have to say that there have been countless tears shed and plenty of tantrums had, over not having that kind of an attitude. I'm happy to report though, that Jesus has done a work in this bratty girls heart, and it's a good work. A work I know I couldn't have done on my own. 

He has made me realize that it's not about the place, it's about the people. 

I now know that even if he called me to live in Texas(please don't dear Lord baby Jesus) I think I could manage to keep this grateful, contentment going. 

As long as there was Pie in Texas! Psh... of course there would be PIE in Texas!! Those Texans have got the right idea when it comes to pie. I have heard they make a pie for just about every occasion... so yea I think I could manage, but for now I'm staying put with a happy heart right here in good ole Nev a duh!!
I do so apologize to leave you with  mouths watering ...let me  make it up to you with this quote that I feel fits just perfect with this here Pie Party blog and truly is a recipe for happiness. 
 "Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with  LOVE, GRACE, and GRATITUDE." Denis Waitley

Halloween 2014

Oh Goodness!

These two middles make my heart skip a beat. 

They are 14 and 13.

That's what their birth certificate says.

But somehow,

my mind and my heart has them stuck at around 3 and 4.

When and How and Why and Where does it happen that before you can even blink you have a full blown Pop - eye the Sailor Young Man on your hands?

Or a Baby Doll that might be "too sweet" for American Idol but not for this Momma?

Oh Goodness.

Oh Gracious.

And that Strong Man on the right... Well he has strong-armed his way into just about every heart that meets him!! Hope you and yours had a very Happy Halloween this year. Now on to some  P I E  =

H4Y

Hello There Beloved Reader,  and a Happy Fall Wednesday Morning to you!
I am beyond giddy to share some photos with you today. Have you ever been SO excited over a photograph that you literally wake up first thing in the morning with nothing else on your mind (except coffee of course) but posting a picture for the rest of the world to see?
No. Huh? That's strange.
Well, that was me this morning and you are the world to me so you get to be the lucky ones to see what I'm talking about. But before we get started with the roll of film that awaits can I just tell you something you may not already know? My Giant and I every Wednesday get the privilege of hanging out with some amazing young people.

Here are 4 of those young people and 1 of those pictures that I couldn't wait to post. Seriously, the moment I took this picture of these beautiful young ladies my heart went pitter, patter. That doesn't happen to you? Hmm.. So strange.

As long as I can remember, in fact even when we were young youthz(say that like Schmidt on the TV show NEW GIRL)My Giant and I have been helping out with some kind of youth group. I suppose we kind of really enjoy youthz... unlike Schmidt.

Would you just look at that bunch of world changers up there?  How could we not totally LOVE each and every one of them. Ok, in fairness 4 of those youthz are our own... but the rest... Although, I did not birth them (thank GOD) in my heart I feel a love for them that can't really be described.
Something else I really can't describe is the joy this picture brings me.

I couldn't tell you why the young man Jeffery on the right is laughing SO hard, but I have a sneaky suspicion it has something to do with that Giant in the Orange Sweatshirt. LOL. Seriously.
Every single one of these young men, young youthz(sorry I just can't help myself) will grow up to be our teachers, doctors, firemen, bus drivers, lawyers, tattoo artists, pastors, fathers, husbands...etc I suppose that's what so exciting about working with young people, ya know kinda like Whitney Houston sang about. We get the privilege, the great honor to teach them well. I'll take a double portion of that please!

  With a slice of goofy on the side!

Love Yourself

Good Morning Beloved Reader.

Let's start this blog off on the right foot, or I guess if you prefer the left foot that's fine too, but let's start by talking about a quote shall we?

 “If you put a small value on yourself, rest as- 

sured that the world will not raise your price.” 

I absolutely love the above quote.  It makes me think of this scripture;
"Love your neighbor as you LOVE yourself"
We will come back to that later, because It also makes me think about those two beauties in the above picture.
Why? You ask.
Well,  I have noticed something, I'm not sure when it happened but my girls have turned into young women, and not just ANY young women. They are young women who walk around with a healthy dose of value, self worth, confidence, and wisdom.
It seemed like only yesterday that they were playing with dolls and giving each other rides around the house in the laundry baskets.  And now they look like this;

The one on the left is only 14 people.  FOURTEEN!! The one on the right ... well let's not mention how old she's going to be in a few months!
Back to the one on the left...
I'm pretty sure I'm not going to let her wear that red lipstick anymore. (Insert emoticon with a straight face and eyes wide open)  Ahem...  I'm also pretty sure I want her new favorite accessory of choice to be a brown paper bag with only the eye sockets cut out!! It's a good thing her dad is a GIANT named Moses or I'd be really worried.   But, you know I'm really not that worried because back to that quote up there this girl, my girl Chloe, has a high value for herself that I'm fairly certain will keep her from most things that most moms would worry about with a 14 year old daughter that looks like she's  TWENTY TWO!!
Yes, I'm raising two beautiful girls that not only value themselves but they truly are wise beyond their years. I know with complete certainty that this value and wisdom comes from their personal relationships with Jesus so I'm not about to take credit for it.
  But I also know that this world works night and day to try and de-value them. The world and it's message to these young women is working over time to tell them they aren't skinny enough, pretty enough, athletic enough, rich enough, witty enough, smart enough,  enough. enough.  enough.
I tire so quickly of that message.  In fact every new day I need a new message.  I need to hear that I'm loved, valued, appreciated, honored, treasured and so on and so forth.  I know that my girls need to hear this as well. And I would bet my 1966 vw buggy named Lucy Blue that it's a message YOU need to hear as well!
This message raises the price of my value by immeasurable numbers.  This message is one I can find readily available to me at any given moment.  It's also where I have read over a thousand times' "Love your neighbor as YOU LOVE YOURSELF"
A few weeks back my friend who also happens to be a Pastor and a really great teacher, he spoke about loving yourself. It struck a chord with me because I think that for me it's easier to love my neighbor than it is to love myself. I don't know about you all but sometimes I need a healthy dose of self love. Not to become conceited and narcissistic but just to bring back into line my true worth. I really do think that ONLY after I receive that self love message am I able to truly go out and love my neighbor.
Did you know that you beloved reader were purchased with a price?

Raise your price today.

Love yourself.

Listen to the message that says this;

1 John 4:9-11 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Everyday Jesus sits waiting for us to listen to HIS message for us. 

He tries to speak to us in the trees of bright yellow, and the birds taking flight.

He tries to tell us that he made all of the beautiful things on this earth for us to enjoy and be filled with joy. 

I wonder, are we listening?