Reminisce... and this and that

emolysms

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

~ Emolyn says the darndest things ~

in which I will occasionally post about under the title "emolysms"

while mending a Princess dress for Emolyn, I realized I had run out of thread in the bobbin and yelled out "Oh no, I've been sewing without thread in the bobbin!" Emolyn yelled back from the kitchen "It's ok Mimi, everyone makes mistakes! Just don't give up!" Oh my gosh, she's 3!
Emolyn wants to be a singer like Taylor Swift when she grows up. So the other day I said "Just think Emolyn, someday you could have Elsie on stage with you either dancing or singing with you". She immediately replied "No Mimi, Elsie's going to be a waitress." Elsie's 1.
when you ask Emolyn what color her eyes are, she says "basil". How cute is that! Because quite frankly, they really are more basil than hazel. ha!
when Emolyn's mommy asked Emolyn how she decorated the picture frame she made at Family Camp over the summer, Emolyn says "with a hot air balloon gun". Omg, too funny!
the other day Emolyn was helping Elsie say Miranda ~ "elsie, say MIR- WANDA". ha!

Emolyn is spending the night with her Mimi & Pop pop tonight. She loved sleeping in her Fairy House last week when she spent the night. Oh and she now pretends she has a boyfriend, rather than a husband. On the way to our house after preschool last week, she told me that her boyfriend and his 5 sisters were also going to spend the night at our house. Oh and just so you know, her boyfriend is 5. This girl cracks me up!

Emolyn loves to pretend that she is hosting a cooking show in our backyard.
Seriously, the girl can talk food. She's like a little Rachael Ray. And she knows her herbs and spices like nobodies business. But then again, she happens to have parents that are excellent cooks.
Ok, so I'm thinking I need to get a little YouTube video of her cooking ~ and just you watch ~ it will go viral and she will be discovered and you can say you saw it here first. ha!

events indelibly remembered

2012-01-22T14:00:00.006-07:00

"Where were you when you heard... "

Have you ever been asked that question? Or maybe something triggers a memory... and you can vividly recall the details of that moment. Maybe it impacted you with such intensity that you took a snapshot in your mind so as to forever mark the moment.

Well, last week I put together such a list. My random list happens to be in the order in which those events happened.

I know where I was when I heard about ~

President Kennedy's assassination (1963) ~ I was in the 1st grade in a one-room school, with one teacher, grades 1st- 6th, 5 girls and 15 boys. Our bus (station wagon) driver Beth Moe walked in and whispered something to Mr. Hanson. I remember the look of shock on his face as he told us the President had been shot and that we needed to go home right away.

Close to You by the Carpenters (1970) ~ I had finished my 7th grade year and vaguely remember hearing the song on the radio on the way to Eau Claire. But I vividly remember hearing it for the 2nd time at my friend Naomi's party in her backyard screened-in porch. I was wearing this brown and orange flowered skort (skirt with built-in shorts) that I had made especially for the party, along with a bright orange knit shell (that's what we called sleeveless tops). The 45 rpm of Close to You was played on the record player that night and I will never forget how that song made me feel. I knew in an instant that I would be a Karen Carpenter fan for life.

Grandpa's died 24 hours apart (1970) ~ I was in the 8th grade and awoke one morning to my Dad talking real loud on the phone downstairs. He was saying that my Mom's Dad had died. Then, exactly 24 hours later I awoke to my Dad on the phone again, only this time he was saying that his Pa had died. Very surreal. I thought I was dreaming.

Dan Blocker (1972) ~ Dan Blocker played Hoss Cartwright on the television series Bonanza. It was the end of my freshman year of high school. I was in the car driving over the railroad tracks in Black River Falls, WI when I heard the news of his death on the radio. The show ended a year later... having run for 14 years and 430 episodes. My husband happens to own every single episode and he watches an episode most every day. And I kid you not, I have relayed that story to my husband and kids every single time we have crossed those railroad tracks ever since.

Elvis (1977) ~ After completing Cosmetology School in 1976, I got a job working at Nadine's Beauty Shop in downtown Eau Claire, WI. I was living in an old house with two roommates, when I got the phone call that Elvis had died. I was 6 weeks away from moving to Phoenix, Arizona, so needless to say, I was a little distracted, but clearly remember that day.

Keith Green (1982) ~ Two months after our son Shawn was born, Keith Green was killed in a plane crash. Randy & I were in the living room of our tiny rental home, Shawn was in my arms and Good Morning America was on the television. They announced that Keith Green was killed in a plane crash... and they actually showed the airplane in pieces. I was in shock, especially knowing his two children (ages 2 and 3) were with him. As a brand new Mom, all I could think of was Keith's wife, the mother of those two children, with another child at home and another on the way. Heartbreaking beyond words.

Oklahoma City Bombing (1995) ~ I will never forget, I was in the kitchen with the radio on and they broke in with breaking news of a report that there was an explosion at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building and that half of the building was reportedly sheared off. I remember shaking with fear. My sister Kathy worked in downtown Oklahoma City. Nothing like this had ever happened on US soil. And nothing would ever be the same after that moment.

My nephew's basketball accident (1997) ~ It was Day Two of my kid's spring break. We had decided to paint Miranda's bedroom furniture that she (12) was given when she turned 2, that her Aunt Patty had while growing up. Miranda never knew her Aunt Patty (my husband's sister) because she was killed in a car accident when she was 18. I got an early morning phone call that Tuesday morning from my sister-in-law Debbie, saying that our nephew Noel (19) had fallen hard during a city-league basketball game. He had fractured his skull and they needed to remove a portion of his brain to relieve the swelling. His Mom, my sister Kathy, was on her way to WI to be with her son. And thankfully my sister Ginny was with him. I was paralyzed with fear. What should I do? I had not planned on going to Bible Study that morning because my kids were home, but in my state of fear and shock, I got off the phone and reached for my Bible Study material. And what verse do you suppose was on my list to look up ~ Psalm 39:4... He knows the numbers of our days. I was instantly flooded with peace and assurance that God was in control... no matter what happened. Noel died 5 days later and while it was heartbreaking, I am forever grateful he in with Jesus.

Twin Towers (2001) ~ I will never forget hearing Alan Jackson's song Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning), live on the CMA show a month after 9/11. Because come on, there is not a one of us that does not remember where we were when we heard about the Twin Towers, or for that matter, when we saw the 2nd plane crash into the 2nd Tower live on TV. Sheer horror. The unimaginable.
Again, it was another Tuesday morning before Bible Study. I'm in the kitchen with the radio on and it is being reported that a plane has crashed into one of the Twin Towers. Our daughter runs from her bedroom and tells us to turn on the TV. It quickly becomes apparent that we're not talking about a twin-engine plane... but a commercial airliner filled with people. I woke up Randy and we turned on the bedroom TV and watched in horror as the 2nd airliner hit the 2nd Tower. Soon we would hear about the Pentagon and Pennsylvania... and our lives would be changed forever.

Michael Jackson (2009) ~ I was working as the receptionist at our church, with plans to go over to Shawn & Nicole's to see our granddaughter Emolyn after work. Just before leaving we heard on the radio that there were reports that EMT's were transporting Michael Jackson to a hospital and that he was not breathing. I never totally believe what we are being told on the news, so thinking it was just reporters sensationalizing, I dismissed it and headed out the door, only to later hear that it was true. He had died.

My twin grand-babies (2011) ~ OK, so on a lighter note ~ how could I forget the day I heard that my son and daughter-in-law were expecting TWINS! Randy & I were at a Marriage Retreat up north and we had decided not to go out to dinner with the rest of the teaching team. We were at a new location and wanted to be on hand in case any of the couples arrived early. I will never forget, we were sitting out on this gorgeous deck overlooking this breathtaking scenery, when Randy's cell phone goes off. Mind you, in all the years of marriage retreats, this was going to be the first retreat that we would have cell phone coverage and would need to remind the couples that cell phones were off limit. So needless to say, I was a little startled to hear Randy's phone go off. He answered and immediately handed me the phone. It was Shawn, and he said Nicole had something to tell me ~
"We have something to tell you... we're pregnant... and we got pregnant with an IUD... and it will need to be surgically removed... and when I had an ultrasound to determine the location of the IUD, they saw that it was twins."
Oh my gosh! I could barely comprehend what I had just heard. I mean, that's a lot to hear. But I found myself saying out loud "This is totally a God thing! These babies are undeniably gifts from God!" And I was instantly flooded with peace and a whole lot of tears.

*** Ok, so I want you to know that there may be other events and moments worth mentioning... it's just that for whatever reason, I'm not recalling them at the moment. This is just my random list.

*** But now it's your turn! Please share a vivid "Where were you..." moment that you recall.

under-sink trash can

2012-01-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

In designing my new kitchen, I was pretty emphatic that I did NOT want a designated cabinet for my trash, even though I had many tell me that was their favorite feature in their new kitchen. But I was unwilling to sacrifice cabinet place that could otherwise be used for other things.
Here's the deal, every time I ask where someone's trash is, they have to take the time to specifically tell me or actually show me. It's so much easier to just say 'under the sink'. And that's the most convenient location anyway. But I was also pretty emphatic that I wanted a quality under-the-sink pull-out trash can. Well, this under-the-sink pull-out trash can at Trash Cans and More came highly recommended.

I actually wrote that post back in April, 2010 just weeks before the completion of our kitchen remodel. But it was never posted. Because there was no room under my sink for it. I was so disappointed... and then found out that it would cost way too much to justify returning it. So I kept it, thinking someday I will either have it installed in one of my kid's homes or an office cabinet. Well, this weekend it was installed in my husband's office desk that we found at my new favorite thrift store.
Yes, I have a new favorite thrift store. The Humane Society Thrift store now resides where Tiedamanns was. I could not be more pleased and supportive of this little thrift store. And it happens to be where we FINALLY found the cabinets to go under the counter tops that I found on Craig's List to replace the banquet tables that Randy has been using in his new office/ recording studio.
Always in the back of my mind I wanted to find cabinets that had drawers (which Randy requested) and a cabinet for this pull-out trash can. And we seriously looked for months and months.

But all the while I had my eye on this desk at the new Humane Society Thrift store and finally took Randy on Saturday to check it out... and saw that it was a quality piece of furniture... and bought it for $50.00. We removed the door so Randy would have easy access to the pull-out trash can and installed the counter tops to give Randy ample space for his printers and scanners. He is thrilled with all the drawers... and I'm thrilled to have my two banquet tables back just in time for an upcoming scrapbooking day in a couple weeks. YEH!

Scandinavian-themed mantel

2012-01-11T07:00:00.003-07:00

my new Scandinavian-themed mantel

I'm going to share something that recently came to my attention ~ I have never changed my mantel decor in the 17 years we've lived here.

And here's the creepy part, it never occurred to me that I could or should.

And then Layla @ The Lettered Cottage started hosting these seasonal mantel makeovers... and while I thought her mantels were beautiful and all, it never occurred to me to join the mantel mania craze.

You see, I don't think I ever made the connection that my woodstove mantel was on the same caliber as a fireplace mantel. Oh, I'd change my mantel for Christmas, but only as a place to hang stockings and stuff.

But I would quickly find out there's a whole genre of bloggers out there that change out their mantels like I change out my blog banner! Which, incidentally, is seasonally.

So this year as I took down my Christmas decor, I got my first ever hankering to makeover my mantel. And it came to me in an instant ~
a Scandinavian-themed mantel.

I already owned several pieces from Norway and Sweden that I found over the years at yard sales, thrift stores and Ikea 'as is', but had never put out on display.

So once the Scandinavian theme was underway, I could hardly wait to dig out my Norwegian Nordstrikk sweater and put it on Mrs. McGillicutty! Check out the hardware! Found this sweater years ago for a couple dollars at a yard sale. And found the exact same one today on eBay HERE.

The red wooden candelabra ($10.00) and the two red candle holders ($1.00 each) were IKEA "as is" finds. The rosemaling wooden heart was made in Norway ~ paid 25 cents.

My sister Ginny gave me my favorite Carl Larsson print many years ago ~

"Brita with Candles and Apple".

Ginny encouraged me to spray paint the frame and layer it with the mirror. Love the look!

The pewter plate... omg, now wait just a minute...

YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE WHAT I JUST FOUND OUT!

I grabbed the pewter plate off the mantel, turned it over, wrote down the name of the artist,

and googled it ~

The Astri Holthe's 1974 Second Edition

Norwegian Pewter Christmas plate depicts "Julen."

" Christmas in Telemark"

OH MY GOSH! The Buy it now price on eBay is $350.00!!

Now mine doesn't have the original box but seriously WHO KNEW!!!

I paid a dollar for the plate several years ago.

Then I grabbed the pewter Viking Ship w/spoon salt cellar off the mantel and googled that and that's going for $30.00 on eBay. I think I paid a quarter.

I've had more fun doing my mantel makeover and the best part ~ it didn't cost me a dime. In fact, quite the opposite ~ I find out that my Scandinavian decor is worth a pretty penny!

I'm linking up to ~

SHOW AND TELL WEDNESDAY

TRANSFORMATION THURSDAY

friends gathering

2012-01-09T10:00:00.004-07:00

We start out each new year with a gathering of friends at Rand & Michelle's in Waddell, Arizona. It's heaven out there, like we're out in the country, when really we're only about an hour west of Tempe.

It's almost like elsie's yelling "Hey, I'm here! Let's get this party started!"

Emolyn loved entertaining Elsie & Cadence.

And the horses next door were a big hit with the grandkids.

Love taking pictures during the golden hour.

As the sun was setting over the White Tanks, we gathered together for the annual group shot. Nancy's daughter Amy, who came all the way from LA, and happens to be a professional photographer, helped set up the group shot and I couldn't be more delighted with the love pouring out from each and every face. We have done life together for over 30 years and I can't think of a better tradition than a Forever Friends reunion at the start of each year. And when it's time to eat, you can bet it's always a hardy smorgasbord of soups, salads, breads and desserts. My favorite kind of meal.

My husband is always one of the first to head out back to get the bonfire started...

... and what a bonfire it was!

Thanks Nancy for capturing these great night images.

When we left hours later ~ our hearts were full ~ and better able to face the new year with a renewed sense of hope ~ anticipating what lies ahead ~ with faith as a mustard seed.
But you know what? That's all God wants from us. (Matthew 17:20)

my FAITHful friend

2012-01-06T09:00:00.009-07:00

Yesterday I had my girlfriend over. And while I knew it would be everything and more than I could have ever imagined... it was even better than that!

Chris is my kindred-spirit, Christ-loving, faithful friend... and I was about to hear her life story that would inspire me in ways that only God could have known I needed to hear.

After a delicious lunch that she insisted on bringing, we sat like this for 6 hours. I'm not even kidding you. Ok, so we occasionally ran to the bathroom because of all the lemonade we had consumed. And yes, I actually set the camera timer and ran back for this photo op, so I would remember, and never forget how this moment made me feel.

And just as Chris was leaving she showed me these vintage Valentine postcards she got on Etsy, that she will make into a banner to hang across her mantle. Seriously, some of these postcards are dated at the turn of the century, with one-cent stamps, along with the sweetest personal handwritten notes.

I was going wild with questions about how I could order some myself, when she whips out my very own set wrapped in pink ribbon. I cried again... and then hugged her.

These are the banners we're planning to make, by hanging our vintage postcards on ribbon or string with tiny clothes pins... so as to not compromise the integrity of these precious treasures.

Oh and if that wasn't enough, Chris gives me this necklace. Oh my gosh.

This will now be my word for 2012 ~ Faith

And on the back of the necklace are the words ~ Courageous Attention

When I googled those three words I found this ~

James 3:2-3 tells us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

Through this Scripture, we know that God allows trials and tribulations in our lives to strengthen our faith and to develop perseverance. Think over the trials you have been through lately in your life. Consider the following reasons that God may be taking you through that trial and think about whether you are facing the trial courageously, strengthening your faith, and developing perseverance.

Faith trials draw our attention to Him. Sometimes worldly pursuits coerce us to drift away from Jesus. If we encounter a situation for which we have no solution, our focus comes back to Him as we begin to pray and look for a way out of the trial.

Faith trials teach endurance. We develop the stamina to bear up under heavy loads without discouragement because we trust that God will see us through. He increases our capacity by applying slight pressure. When we prove we can handle a little, He adds more, constantly working on our witness until we shine brightly for Him.

Faith trials train us for higher service. We must endure and keep our attention on Him so that we are prepared to work anywhere in His kingdom. God designs opportunities for every believer, shifting us to more responsible areas of service as we grow in faith.

Faith trials glorify God. The greatest praise we can give to our heavenly Father is to walk hopefully through a dark valley. It is then that we are a living example of His faithfulness and trustworthiness for everyone to see.

Wow, maybe trials aren't so bad :) And get this, we are studying James this semester in our Tuesday morning Bible Study at our church. We're using the Beth Moore video and study materials and I know God is going to use it powerfully in this season of my life... along with FAITHful friends that I let come along side me in my journey.

A Vietnam Welcome Home

2012-01-02T11:00:00.003-07:00

The Vietnam War ended in 1975, the year I graduated from high school. But in all honesty, I knew very little about the timeline of that war. Oh I have memories of watching war footage played out on the nightly news and needing to know the nightly body count each night. But as a kid, it just seemed unreal, like watching scenes from The Bridge on the River Kwai. You see, up to that point, no war had ever been televised in realtime before.

So, the other night I watched Vietnam in HD, the six-hour miniseries on the History Channel. This documentary was the result of a nationwide search of home movies taken by soldiers during the Vietnam War. And seriously, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. In fact, my husband watched it in his office and I watched it in our bedroom, and often times we would meet halfway during commercials and just hug... for I knew how painful this was for him to watch. He had two brothers enlist in the Air Force during Vietnam and they saw more than we will ever know. And had the draft not ceased, Randy's number would have been called up next. This could have been his story.

So that got me thinking about another childhood memory... the year my Dad welcomed home two neighboring farm boys from active duty in Vietnam. The year was 1968, and as you will read from the article, my Dad just got the notion to welcome home two young soldiers, similar to what he saw on a hillside at Staten Island, New York when he returned home from World War II.

My Dad chose a slopping 20 acre field on his Dad's farm, and with his tractor and hay mower, he mowed out the words "Welcome Home Don & Larry". The letters were 50 feet high and a single mower swath wide. Please take a moment to read the story (click to enlarge) that was published alongside the aerial photo. I have yet to read it without bringing me to tears. My Dad is truly the most patriotic man I know.

Ok, so there's a funny story to go along with that memorable day. It seems my brothers Ron & Gary had gone along with Dad to their Grandpa's farm that day, and were playing on a nearby hill. Btw, Wisconsin is very hilly. My brother Gary said they began to see that Dad was mowing some sort of message... and from what they could tell at a slant from their hillside, it looked like Dad was sending them the message ~ Walk Home Ron & Gary. So they were going to walk home! How funny is that! But soon Dad had finished mowing the message, loaded the boys back in the tractor and drove them to another hill on the way home so he could show them what he had done. That is when they saw the entire message.

But we sure have laughed over the years imagining those boys wondering why in the heck their Dad would go to so much trouble just to tell them to walk home. ha!

* Btw, my new winter banner happens to be the farm where I grew up in Wisconsin.

Welcome 2012

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that our fall in Phoenix is in December and January? Yup.

And this year was the first year that Emolyn really got into the whole playing in the leaves.

Her Uncle Tyler could hardly wait to rake up a big pile of leaves for the girls to jump in.

So a few days before Christmas, Emolyn came over and they did just that ~

they raked and raked and raked...

... and then Emolyn jumped in the leaves ~ and she jumped and jumped and jumped!

And then on Christmas Eve day, Elsie joined in on the fun.

Ok, so maybe she did more watching than joining in. But she had fun watching her sister.

Happy New Year to all my favorite blog readers!

So long 2011

2011-12-31T08:00:00.002-07:00

Today we will take down the last of Christmas and prepare for a brand new year. I always look forward to a new year, but never more so than this year. I'll be honest, 2011 was a hard year. Lots of changes, uncertainty, loss and sadness. But this much I know... one day I will look back on 2011 and thank God that He allowed it all to happen. But for now, it's daily choosing to trust God, die to self, letting go, trust God, be thankful, forgive and oh yes, trust God.

I no sooner than published this post when I find this powerful quote on facebook ~ wow!

The decisions you're making today will impact your tomorrows. The way you respond to the interruptions you're facing now will have a bearing on the direction your life takes next. A year from now, a decade from now, a generation from now, you'll know whether or not you've walked with God in a faithful, trusting manner or whether you've left yourself wide open to doubt and bitterness and all the biting regrets of picking and choosing your obedience options. -Priscilla Shirer

So before I go changing my blog banner, I thought I'd give you one more Christmas post ~ the girl's visit the day after Christmas. What a treat to have them both here while their Mamma & Daddy went to a movie. Emolyn immediately had me set up the Fairy House. And that's always followed by armloads of 'pretend' firewood so she can build a 'pretend' fire in the tent. I think she saw that on Pocahontas or something.

And then for the first time, Elsie played dress-up, and let's just say, she didn't like it so much.

So they eventually settled on a tea party with Pop pop. They love their Pop pop.

Before I sign off I wanted to share something that you might not have thought about ~ the importance of scanning old negatives and slides. I've sort of become a rescuer of old negatives and over the years I have uncovered pictures that no one remembers ever seeing before. I am sure it has to do with only ordering one set of prints. And if they gave that picture to someone, then many never saw the original image.

It's a lot of work scanning old negatives and slides (for my husband), but so rewarding to discover a treasured photo that no one has seen before. In a way, it's like the thrill-of-the-hunt at a yard sale or a thrift store, you never know when you're about to rescue a piece of history. Only negatives cost you nothing. Just your time.

So the next time you're at a family gathering, spread the word ~ don't throw out old negatives or slides! Or better yet ~ they can throw them your way. Happy scanning.

And Happy New Year!

Christmas Day '11

2011-12-29T11:30:00.001-07:00

Christmas morning at the Thompson's and waiting for Miranda & Tyler to wake up.

Hey, do you see that lighted barn & silo on the TV console? I found that in the basement of an old house in Appleton, WI this past October and hand-carried it on the airplane back to Phoenix. I paid $2.00 and I just adore it! But I just couldn't see putting it in my Church Village. So it has a place of its own.

Check out the gifts my son Tyler gave me for Christmas (and rather nicely coordinated I might add) ~ oh my gosh, "A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee" is so awesome!! Randy & I read it this morning in front of the woodstove and we loved it. And the Lego Snowman gift card from Target was a complete surprise to me. I had no idea they were selling those or I would have bought one for myself, just to get the Lego Snowman! And the mint MnM's ~
well, I've about finished off that whole bag. Thanks Tyler!

I made the kids sit at Mimi's Cafe (that's what I can Emolyn's kitchen)

and open their stockings. Could they be any cuter or what!

Later in the day we made our way over to Mamaw's in Surprise for dinner.

Along with the usual ham, raisin sauce & potatoes, she made pinto beans and fried okra.

Miranda's boyfriend Aaron was thrilled because he went to school in Georgia after college and loved the good 'ole southern cooking.

Then I asked Miranda & Aaron if I could do a little photo shoot of them outside

and they were more than willing. What a darling couple. Makes my heart so happy!

Christmas Eve '11

2011-12-28T08:00:00.009-07:00

We had our family Christmas on Christmas Eve Day...

and it began with a yummy breakfast ~ tons of eggs, bacon and cinnamon rolls!

Our blue-eyed Elsie girl (1) is quite the character. I love how different her and her sister are. Makes me all the more excited to meet their little brothers in April. OH! Didn't I tell you? They found out last week that the twins are IDENTICAL BOYS!! I know!! Can you imagine a year from now?!

Two years ago we drove to Wisconsin on Christmas morning for my Dad's funeral.

We took so many beautiful winter pictures on that trip, that Randy had them put on a slideshow through his iPod onto our TV screen.

We have them playing every day and I love it so much.

I bought these gloves for the girls through Groopdealz.

Thank you Heidi for sharing this awesome sight with me!

We got Emolyn (3) her very own microphone and let me tell you, she knew immediately what to do. The girl can sing and perform like nobody's business! She has every Taylor Swift move down pat. She writes all her own songs and the words are pretty hysterical at times.

I could watch her sing all day.

We always have the usual spiral ham and raisin sauce (made using our first lemons of the season), potato casserole and Rhodes rolls. Love that meal.

Then we gather around the table and decorate Christmas cookies for dessert. I have the best gingerbread cut out cookie recipe that I've been using since I purchased my large yellow fix-n-mix bowl at a Tupperware party in the early 80's. Feels kind of strange to find out that something I purchased new back int the 80's is now considered vintage. Mmm...

Our dear friends Terry & Nancy came over and helped us decorate cookies too.

Nancy has quite the artistic flare for decorating. Thanks Nancy!

Then it was time for jammies so these two could snuggle down for a long winter's nap.

Cuz guess what girls? Tomorrow's Christmas!
I'm sharing my story here ~
Saturday Nite Special

reflective moments

2011-12-26T19:00:00.003-07:00

A couple weeks ago when the whole family was gathered around the firepot in the backyard,

I began asking everyone to share about what's going on in their lives...

it was then that my 3 year old granddaughter Emolyn pipes up and says ~

"Mimi, how 'bout we relax and just look at the fire".

Well, on this day after Christmas, I'm reflecting on those hectic days leading up to Christmas...
and I'm wishing I had heeded my granddaughter's perceptive words...
taking those much-needed moments to relax in front of the woodstove... mindful of the sweet memories that I might be missing in the midst of all the chaos and distractions.

One of those sweet memories ~

spending the day with our dearest friend Ed. What a precious, loving, Godly man.

We had him sit at our dinner table over a bowl of split pea soup and tell us his life story ~ 80 years of success and sadness, joys and heartache, blessings and hope.

We sat there in tears at times, especially as he retold the story of meeting his beloved wife Nancy over 50 years ago on a blind date... and of her painful passing 5 short years ago. Oh how he misses his dear Nancy.

Ed also came bearing gifts ~ his signature Beef Jerky is legendary among the men of our church! And this year he made 4 kinds of Beef Jerky ~ Cajan, teriyaki, chipotle mesquite and jalapeno! Randy could hardly wait to sample them as soon as Ed left... but had to humbly admit that the cajan proved almost a bit too much for him, and that's saying a lot!
Ed also had a gift for me ~ a vintage wooden Stanley level!! Oh my gosh, does he know me or what! I will cherish it forever and ever!

Our traditional Rice Night means gathering with friends, eating their traditional foods, sipping Tom & Jerry's ~ and the ultimate crowning moment ~ a bowl of Steve's Norwegian rice pudding topped with a pat of butter and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Omg, you have no idea... euphoric.

I could hardly wait for Grace's hotter-than-heck sausage, my swedish meatballs wrapped in Barb's uffda-awesome lefse... and Michelle's mouth-watering Beef Wellington. And that's just naming a few of the many succulent dishes.

our son Shawn, Randy and his brother Don

I'm also thankful for our traditional night of caroling at Mamaw's, my husband's precious Mom. Have I told you that I have the best mother-in-law and that I love her dearly, and feel so deeply blessed to know that she stands in the gap as a faithful prayer warrior on our behalf every. single. day? Well, she is and I do and she does... every single day. She is truly a faithful friend and a steadfast, Godly woman.

Aww, my favorite two Emolyn's in the whole world!

I about cried when I saw this picture of the two Emolyn's experiencing the powerful spirit of music. I think it was during Randy's rendition of "Oh Holy Night".

I am half German (my Mom's side) and I have never tasted stollen bread... till this past week.

One of the preschool Mom's gave Kathy and I each a loaf of stollen bread made by her husband who is a head baker here in Phoenix. I'm telling you, this stuff is amazing! Oh, did I mention it's soaked in brandy? And I just may have singlehandedly finished off the entire loaf, after sharing only a few slices with a few select family members.

I hope and pray you had a memorable Merry Christmas and that you will take the time to reflect on moments that may have gotten buried in the chaos of the season. It will warm your heart.

all is calm...

2011-12-21T09:00:00.005-07:00

Nothing feels more like winter in Phoenix than rainy, dreary days. And we've had plenty of them this month. And I am very thankful.

So yesterday as the clouds had me convinced that snow flurries were on the way... I put on a pot of ham & split peas soup, set out a pan of Rhodes rolls to rise near the warm wood stove... and I hunkered down.

But, (she sighs) no snow flurries. Ok, so we rarely get them. But a girl can dream...

My husband and I enjoyed a delicious meal, and then we headed over to Scottsdale to check out a possible Christmas gift for our son, that we found on Craig's List.

And along the way we saw beautiful light displays that calmed my heart.

My heart has needed lots of calming these days, as our future seems so uncertain and I'm not handling it as well as I had hoped. I can easily lose hope and fear the worst.

My husband has been looking for work for over 8 months now, and it has triggered my unresolved issues that seem to rear their ugly heads when I'm faced with trusting God and others with me. Instead I choose to clutch and demand and isolate... and the truth of my identity in Christ goes flying out the window. I know that God is at work. I really do. But I fear the suffering that may go along with God's direction for my life.

An amazing young man recently posted this on facebook ~

"We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us, we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." ~ C.S.Lewis

The young man that posted that quote is 17 and his Dad's memorial service was Monday.

My heart goes out to this young man and his 16 year old brother as they grieve the loss of their father... and choose daily to believe that God is trustworthy and all-knowing. God is using this wise-beyond-his-years young man to remind me to walk by faith and not by sight, and to rest in God's love for me. And to pray.

It's as simple as that. But the journey is not always easy.

On a lighter note ~ I love my Waechtersbach Christmas dishes.

And as you can see from the top pic, we use them daily throughout the month of December.

I wrote about them on this Dec. 2007 post ~

I love displaying my Waechtersbach Christmas dishes every year!! They are truly my pride and joy of all my Christmas collections!
Many, many years ago I found six 'irregular' plates at a Christmas liquidation store for $6.00 each. I never dreamed I would ever add to those six plates. But over the years I found 4 complete place settings at an antique store in Pine, Arizona for $25.00! That is like the cost of one single plate! And then I got several more place settings and the matching wine glasses from my cousin Shelly. She brought them back from Germany many years ago. Can you believe it! I am forever grateful.

And then a few years ago my sister Ginny surprised me with "The Star" baking dish!! She had found it for a song. (retails for over $40.00!) And that big serving bowl was a TJ Max find for $5.00! I occasionally still find the mugs at thrift stores, so I have lots of them.

Thanks for visiting my little blog. Means more to me than you could ever know.

Christmas in Paradise

2011-12-20T07:40:00.001-07:00

That would be Paradise Valley, Arizona. But nonetheless, a Christmas in paradise the moment you walk through the front door of my friend Rob's lovely home. Oh my gosh, I was so honored when Rob asked if I would come photograph his home at Christmas.
You see I had heard that Rob worked with amazing decorators over the years and that Christmas was his specialty, but seriously, until I saw his work up close and personal... well, I had no idea. You guys, he's a creative genius.

First off, check out his front door!

Rob and I go way back to the 70's when he was singing with Glory Road at Hand in Hand concerts. Linda & I became huge groupies soon after we moved to Phoenix in 1977. And then over the past couple years we've reconnected on facebook. I adore this dear man.

His tree is simply stunning. And get this, he does something totally different every year!

Oh be still my heart. Love this!

His wife Toni is the resident gift-wrapper and let me tell you ~ WOW!

Check out the original artwork in the background ~ one of the many stellar pieces they collect.

What was to be a one hour photo-shoot ended up being over 3 hours of deep, heartfelt, profound, kindred-spirit sharing with an old friend. Seriously, we could not be more alike as we shared bits and pieces of our life story. I came away inspired, encouraged, reflective, loved and deeply moved.

Thank you Rob for creating such a beautiful, safe place for me to share my heart.

my birthday celebration

2011-12-15T08:00:00.005-07:00

We have made it a family tradition to decorate the Christmas tree on my birthday. Our daughter Miranda also sets up 'the church village' just days before, so when our granddaughter Emolyn walks in the front door, she sees it for the first time on my birthday. For she knows she is about to take part in a snowstorm that will suddenly blanket the entire village. Although we have to remind her often that it better not snow on the railroad tracks, or else Pop Pop's N gauge train will not be able to travel throughout the village.

This year we set up 'the village' on one of the counter tops I got on Craig's List, that will eventually be installed in Randy's office. (so I can get my 6 ft. banquet tables back!)

Love that row of festive mailboxes and the kids putting up the town flag...

... and Randy playing with his N gauge train that he's had for over 40 years.

I set up the tripod for a quick family picture and thankfully Elsie kept looking at the camera

as it beeped for 10 seconds.

Emolyn ooh'd 'n aah'd with every ornament she pulled from the boxes.

I don't know what got Elsie so tickled, but she seems pretty satisfied with herself.

Shawn's favorite is the Sugar Bear ornament that came free in a box of Sugar Smacks cereal in 1990. You squeeze the bear's tummy and it plays Jingle Bells. Well, one year the music stopped. Poor little guy. So we gathered around Sugar Bear and performed open tummy surgery. I took my seam ripper and opened his tummy... Randy removed the old battery... Shawn replaced it with a new battery (which cost $8.00!)... and I slip-stitched him back up. He was good as new! Sugar Bear lives on!

Oh my gosh! I just saw THIS on eBay.

We ended the evening over Schwann's Andes Mint Creme Pie complete with candles and the usual Happy Birthday 4-part harmony rendition. Pretty darn awesome!
And then it occurred to us that next year 8 month old twins will be joining in on the festivities! Oh my gosh, I can't imagine!

Christmas Lego collection

2011-12-12T20:00:00.027-07:00

We've been a Lego loving family ever since our kids were little.

Back in the late 80's/ early 90's they starting selling these Christmas Lego packets at Lionel Playworld ~ in bins near the check out line for a dollar each. Over the years I would pick up the latest Santa, Snowman or Angel for the kids to put together each Christmas and then take apart so they could put it together the following year. And yes, there were years that I actually waited till after Christmas so I could get the bags half-off. Seriously.

Then the Lego Advent Calendars came out and my kids loved putting together a little Santa or small toy each day leading up to Christmas.

Here's a better look at my Santa collection that I photographed for a blog post a year ago.

We ordered that Lego Christmas tree online last year and we love it!

Then last night we went to Toy's R Us because we saw that we could get a free Lego Snowman with any $30.00 or more Lego purchase. Well we weren't interested in buying Legos but we wondered if they would sell us just the Lego Snowman. And they did! (for $3.99) So that little guy up there is now the latest addition to our Lego Snowman collection.
Isn't he adorable!

And as you can see, he fits in beautifully!

Hey, come check out more Holiday treasures at these blog parties ~

TUESDAY'S TREASURES
SHOW AND TELL
SHOW AND TELL FRIDAY

warm woolen mittens

2011-12-06T15:00:00.002-07:00

What is it about mittens? Maybe it's memories of snowballs and snowmen, sleds and toboggans... resulting in wet mittens drying over hot vents. I can see em all now, several pair draped over warm blowing vents. And there was always a pair on my Mom's knitting needles. I even knitted a pair during a Wisconsin snowstorm back in 1974. (the variegated blue pair atop the solid red pair in the basket below)

Yes, I have been smitten with mittens for as long as I can remember.

My Mom knitted mittens for each of my kids over the years, but they were never worn.

So years ago I created a mitten garland for our front window.

And what started out as a handful of homemade mittens has grown to a laundry basket full.

I pick em up at thrift stores and yard sales all year long.

And who remembers mitten clips? Love those plaid clips!

I love this entire retro inspired mantel! That's a plaid woolen scarf with mittens clipped to it ~

along with skis and skates... and framed black 'n white memories.

I've had that picture filed away for years,

hoping one day I would come upon a bag of mitten clips. But seriously, what are the chances of finding such a treasure in the middle of the desert? I know. Pretty slim. ha!

Through Different Eyes

2011-12-05T10:00:00.002-07:00

Randy begins each concert with a song he wrote, that was inspired while reflecting on Christmas memories as seen through the eyes of a young boy and then seen through the eyes of our children. Pictures of him and his siblings and our kids are shown on a slideshow as he sings. I have yet to watch it without crying.

That's our Shawn (4) and Miranda (2) on the screen.

Our daughter Miranda, me, Shawn and Randy

Our son Shawn on lead guitar

Randy and our friend Terry

Thanks Nancy for capturing these memorable moments over the weekend.

You can listen to a portion of each of the songs we preformed

off Randy's Through Different Eyes CD HERE.

He wrote all the songs except "Oh Holy Night". Such powerful music. And just so you know, we do lots of mailing if you'd like us to pop a CD in the mail for you.

And now that the concerts are over, let the Christmas festivities begin!

concert images

2011-12-03T14:00:00.003-07:00

One down, one more to go.

So excited for tonight's final concert. And just as in years past, the weather is cooperating beautifully... as in cold and rainy. I love it. Makes me so happy. We have a fire roaring in the woodstove. And I'm sitting here munching on mint M'nMs while facebooking, blogging and pinning online. Doesn't get much better than that.

Our son Shawn took some artsy cool photos with my camera last night during our sound-check. Love this one of my husband on his 12-string Guild. And you know how much I love bokeh shots. Well, imagine my surprise and delight to be seen in the presence of such bokeh bliss. ha! Love it!
Thanks Shawn.

Thanksgiving '11

2011-11-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

I'm in no hurry to post about Christmas till December, so I might as well close out November

with a few images from our Thanksgiving weekend.

And yes, I've been setting out that turkey centerpiece for way too many years.

But I'm not looking to retire her anytime too soon.

We actually had a few rain showers throughout the day.

Made it real fun to snuggle up in the fairy house on the patio.

Pop Pop was invited to join emolyn & elsie in the fairy house for some tickle time.

(notice emolyn holding her powder compact)

How cute is emolyn admiring herself in that makeup mirror...

and how elsie is so tickled with her Pop Pop.

So thankful that Nicole was able to get off work early and join us for pumpkin pie around the firepot.

We closed out the weekend with a rehearsal for Randy's Christmas Concert Sunday afternoon.

Our drummer took this picture of Randy & I on his iPhone.

We're really looking forward to the concerts this weekend.

Hope you can join us!

Please click the poster on my sidebar for more concert info.

repurposing Packer apparel

2011-11-25T08:00:00.008-07:00

To celebrate the Green Bay Packers 11-0 record,

I'm going to show you what I did to the Packer t-shirt I bought for my granddaughter.

Hey, you don't tour Lambeau Field without bringing back t-shirts for your favorite girls!

But I had to laugh, because after this little photo shoot,

Emolyn said to me ever so sweetly ~

"Mimi, I don't like looking like a boy. I like dressing like a girl."

Well then, I know a challenge when I see one!

So the day before Thanksgiving I went to the ARC and bought a mens t-shirt for a dollar.

I didn't have emolyn's t-shirt with me,

so I had not a clue as to whether the greens would match.

But they did! Perfectly!

I could not have been more pleased with the final results!

The t-shirt dress turned out just as I had envisioned it would.

I didn't have time to transform Elsie's t-shirt,

but you can be sure that come Super Bowl XLVI ~ hers will be completed too.

Umm, hello! The Packers better be playing in the Super Bowl!!

So, did I take a picture of Emolyn wearing the dress on Thanksgiving Day ~

during the Green Bay Packers awesome WIN over the Lions? Heck no!

Thankfully she was thrilled with the dress but before I could snap a picture,

she was on to more important apparel. Like fancy princess dresses.

I'm linking up with my favorite link parties ~

SHOW AND TELL FRIDAY

Happy Birthday Miranda!

2011-11-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Miranda's birthday last night with a family dinner

and affirmation around the fire after devouring the Oreo ice cream cake she requested.

Do you see that Birthday Care Bear next to the Birthday Beanie Baby?

Well, Miranda got that Birthday Care Bear on her 1st birthday 26 years ago.

And we make sure to include that Birthday Care Bear every single year

when celebrating Miranda's birthday.

When it was Emolyn's turn to affirm her Aunt Miranda,

she said "you're awesome and nice, and your voice is pretty and you're pretty."

Isn't that the sweetest ever!

Oh and guess what ~

that young man sitting next to my daughter happens to be her boyfriend.

And we could not be more thrilled!

And that purple crocheted hat that Emolyn is wearing ~

I made that when I was in high school ~ over 35 years ago! I know!

my blog friend Heidi

2011-11-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

~ Vacuuming in High Heels and Pearls ~

That happens to be the name of a blog that I've been reading for the past 5 years. And yesterday I got to spend the day with the author of that blog! And I am not even kidding, it was as though Heidi and I had known each other for years! We have so much in common. We clicked instantly. We talked about everything. And then we talked while eating lunch. And then like any shopping extraordinaires, we talked all the while shopping and thrifting. We had so much fun getting to know each other!
Heidi was here in Tempe with her family from Denver (Maren- 6 & Porter- 2) to support her husband while he competed in the Ironman Arizona on Sunday. He did amazing and finished the race in 15 hours. I can't even imagine ~ 2.4 mile swim ~ 112 mile bike ~ 26.2 mile run. No way! I'm exhausted thinking about it!

Before we hit a few of my favorite thrift stores, I took Heidi to SAS Fabrics Tempe. First of all, isn't she adorable! And oh my gosh, I forgot how much I love SAS! I found a couple remnants of colored burlap ($2.99 a yd.) along with 4 yards of burlap fringe ($.49 a yd.).

And then we stopped at the ARC of Tempe thrift store.

And much to our delight & surprise ~ everything in the store is 50% off this week!

And yes, I got that cake stand for 2 dollars.

And it's displaying the sweetest gift from Heidi!!

A VANILLA EXTRACT DO-IT-YOURSELF KIT

(containing 3 madagascar bourbon vanilla beans along with the recipe on the back)

I can't wait to make my very own homemade vanilla extract!

And I absolutely love the rooster cookie cutter!

Thank you sooo much Heidi! What a truly fantastic day!

pinterest, the Packers & peppermint pretzels

2011-11-15T10:00:00.005-07:00

I've had a bad cold for over a week. So what does one do when one's sick?
Well, lots of pinning on Pinterest. Want to see my boards? Clic HERE.
The Green Bay Packers are 9-0. How cool is that!
Bought the peppermint/ white chocolate dipped snowflake pretzels at Costco yesterday. Oh my gosh, so yummy good!
My husband is building me the pantry of my dreams. The big reveal coming soon.
Bought the cutest roller skating t-shirt in Door County... on clearance at Target!
I love it because my Mom & Dad met at a roller skating rink.
And Randy's parents met at a roller skating rink.
And Randy & I did not. But you can read how we met HERE.
The latest ultrasound showed the twins are a boy and a girl. Emolyn was right all along! That girl's a prophet.
Be sure to check out my shared kids bedroom board. Cuteness overload.
Speaking of cute. (photos curtesy of Cora Kingston Photography)

elsie & daddy

elsie lane- 1 year old

me 'n em baking pies

2011-11-10T08:30:00.006-07:00

Welcome to my cooking show! So excited that you could join us!

Let me introduce you to my lovely assistant Emolyn Kate.

Emolyn, why don't you tell our viewing audience what we'll be baking for them today?

And just like that Emolyn entered into the world of television...

pretending we were doing a cooking show. And the girl has stage presence!

We'll be making apple pies today! Back to you Mimi.

(ok, so I made up that last line)

She was so fascinated watching me crimp my pie crust...

that she could hardly wait to crimp her very own pie crust edges.

And crimp she did!

She crimped and crimped till I thought our viewers might be a little crimped out.

(ok, I made that up too)

Ladies and gentlemen, presenting emolyn kate's impeccably crimped apple pie!

When the pies came out of the oven,

I did what any pie maker does. I took them outside to be photographed.

(oh, you don't do that?)

And how cool that those fall leaves landed so perfectly next to the pies.

Aren't they so pretty. me 'n em think so.

I'm sort of a bokeh junky... which is what I was trying to capture in these outside shots.

I know what you're thinkin' ~ pies and bokeh pie pics! Doesn't get much better than that! ha!

Linking this post to ~

SHOW AND TELL FRIDAY

my Packer girls

2011-11-06T10:00:00.005-07:00

Woke up to temps in the low 40's ~ signifying Fall is finally here! So we fired up the wood stove and I made my first latte of the season. Life is good.

Ok, so for those of you that wanted more info on our grandbaby twins... oh, so no one asked? Well, too bad, I want to talk about them... so I guess you're gonna hear about them. ha!

They're arriving in April. They are considered high-risk (emolyn came early weighing 2# 7oz.) so please pray they stay put... and that Nicole and the babies remain healthy throughout the pregnancy and delivery. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that TWO BABIES are growing inside her tummy!

Needless to say, emolyn (3) is pretending she's 'pwegnant' with two babies now. She already has 'four kids'... so she will have her hands full. Her 'husband' is now working as a firefighter... but recently they took a 'fall break' from each other. Mmm, wonder what that's all about? Maybe Randy and I need a 'fall break' from each other :)

If you know me at all, you know that I eagerly enter into this vivid imagination of hers, and at times she has to remind me "Mimi, I'm just pwetending!". Yes, yes of course you are... I knew that.

The other day she started calling me Grandma. So I asked her "Emolyn, why aren't you calling me Mimi anymore?". She replied all serious "I just got tired of calling you Mimi." Thankfully she was back to calling me Mimi in a few days.

Randy & I went over to Shawn & Nicole's last week to spent time with emolyn & elsie while Nicole was at work (she's a nurse) and Shawn was at worship band rehearsal. I showed emolyn the pictures I took of her & elsie dressed in the Green Bay Packer t-shirts I got them. While she was looking at them she informed me ever so gently ~ "I'm sorry Mimi, but I really don't like looking like a boy. I like dressing like a girl. " haha! I love her candor. And I love my little Packer girls.

GO PACKERS!! LET'S MAKE IT 8-0!!

Randy's Christmas Concert

2011-11-05T17:30:00.002-07:00

My husband Randy wrote this on his blog ~ A Believer's Journey ~

For many years I have done a Christmas Concert of my original music around the subject of the birth of Christ. I am accompanied by some of my closest friends as well as my family. It is a great evening of music and some stories I tell every year.

It has become a very popular concert for many people who know about my ministry.

It is also a really neat way to introduce the Christmas season. I can honestly say that it is the most enjoyable thing I get to do every year
and I am looking forward to doing it again this year.

I hope that you will come and celebrate the greatest gift ever given

and enjoy a night of music and stories to focus our hearts on

God's gift to us ~

JESUS.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T16:00:00.002-07:00

The Fall Festival at our church this year was so much fun!

I spent the week putting together Emolyn's Little Mermaid costume,

so I could hardly wait for them to arrive!

And I must say, she made quite a splash! (I know, I had to say it)

I found the mermaid tail at Savers and then reconstructed it to fit Emolyn.

And then after many attempts, I finally gave up and bought a girl's bra at JC Penney Outlet

and transformed it into Ariel's "crab bra". (as Emolyn calls it)

When I was done, I sprayed it with fabric adhesive and gave it a generous dusting of glitter.

I am more than pleased with how it turned out. And so was Emolyn!

Introducing ~ The Little Mermaid family!

I made 75 miniature cupcakes for the Cupcake Walk that Randy & I love doing for the kids.

And they were gone pretty fast!

The kids loved walk 'n rock 'n to Phil Collin's Tarzan CD!

Point the camera in Emolyn's direction ~ when she's in her element ~ and the girl shines!

This innocent bystander got caught in the middle of Emolyn's theatrics,

or maybe he was just a prop for her spontaneous antics.

But he sure was a good little sport... and as cute as can be!

Ariel ~ King Triton ~ Ursula ~ Sebastian

Our son Tyler loves Clint Eastwood movies and recently watched all his Spaghetti Westerns.

So this year he dressed up as "The Man with No Name" for Halloween.

I love that my adult kids still love pretending and playing dress-up.

And Halloween gives them (and us) permission to do just that!

Appleton in October

2011-10-27T08:00:00.004-07:00

After two days in Door County, we were so excited to visit family and friends in Appleton.

My brother Gary and I are so close, and as siblings we're only 14 months apart.

And let me tell you, we could talk for hours and hours. And we did!

We had so much fun with Gary and his wife Kathy.

Erica, Preslie, me and Kathy

First up ~ they took us to my niece Erica & Nate's lovely home ~

so I could meet my great-niece Preslie. Oh my gosh, isn't she quite the beautiful baby doll!

And speaking of beautiful, my sister-in-law Kathy has the most beautiful flower garden!

This is but a fraction of the flowers that are still blooming in October.

And my brother Gary knows my husband so well. He & Kathy took Randy & I

to the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh.

My husband was in heaven. He was like a little boy. He LOVES military planes.

In fact when he was a little boy, while his Dad was stationed in London,

their whole family flew to France in this transport plane ~ the C-47

and this is exactly what the inside looked like! Can you imagine!

Randy always wanted to be a fighter pilot and has had the pleasure of experiencing the Air Force simulators out at Luke Air Base. But watching him in the cockpit of this F-100 gave me a glimpse into his undying love of fighter jets.

Nothing better than the yard sales and thrift stores in Appleton...

... that is until they took us to their downtown Farmer's Market. OH. MY. GOODNESS.

Check out that GINORMOUS pumpkin stem! And how cute is the proud owner!

I was blown away! Yes, it was windy, but seriously, what a Farmer's Market!

And they kept telling us this is nothing compared to what it was like at the start of the season.

And that sweet corn up there ~ THE best sweet corn EVER!

I know, I've got a flare for the drama... but this cranberry scone was the best too!

Gary, me, Anna, Kathy, Erin & Erik and Randy

So, SO fun hanging out with my brother's family!

And as you can see, we put away a LOT of that sweet corn
along with Kathy's scrumptious roast meal.

Then we spent a couple days visiting our dear friends Jim & Laurie.

Jim was one of my dearest friends throughout high school.

And he knows me so well ~

Sunday morning we went on the most refreshing, exhilarating hike

and then we watched the Green Bay Packers remain undefeated!

As we were driving back to Wausau for our flight back to Phoenix,

I couldn't help but long for a simpler life.

I want to be on that hayride up there, with not a care in the world.

I want to be fully immersed and mindful of the little things in life.

And I want to never forget being in the van with my niece Anna,
after picking her up from UW-Oshkosh, talking about music and 70's fashion...

... and being stunned by the glorious sunset taking place right outside our window.

And sensing at that very moment that I was right where God wanted me to be.

tool box & pulleys

2011-10-24T11:00:00.002-07:00

Every time I wear a Wisconsin t-shirt I meet the nicest people...

and I get the best deals... because Wisconsin folks are nice like that.

Saturday morning I stopped at a yard sale near my home and the homeowner asked if I was from Wisconsin. I had forgotten I was wearing my Wisconsin cow-tipping t-shirt that I found at a yard sale a few months back for a quarter. Well, come to find out they were from WI and had recently returned from visiting family. We had the best visit till I was leaving and saw this ginormous old wooden tool box! I had passed one up several months ago and I was not going to let that happen again.

It had twenty dollars on the tool box... but it was also filled with old wooden pulleys and railroad spikes, tons of rope and barbed wire. I told him I would need to go home and get more money. He asked what I had in my wallet and I told him $15.00 and he said "that's plenty". I was thrilled!

And I truly believe it was because I was a fellow-Wisconsinite.

Any ideas of what I could do with these awesome wooden pulleys and rope?

Yes I could put them on eBay and make a boat-load... but I might keep em.

Because seriously, look at them. How could I ever part with them.

Anyway, I have plans for this baby... BIG plans! But I welcome your ideas too.
Linking up with ~
NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY
SHOW AND TELL FRIDAY

acorns, pumpkins & gourds

2011-10-21T10:00:00.003-07:00

Yes, roadside stands such as this one is a common occurrence while traveling throughout Wisconsin. And my husband, bless his heart, stopped at every single one. Not so much for me to buy anything, but to photograph everything. And that I did!

I love the rural farm settings and how they decorate big for fall.

Had we driven to Wisconsin (like we always do), I would have filled up the van with pumpkins, gourds and produce galore. But I refrained till we headed back to Wausau for our flight home... better able to gage how much room we actually had. Which wasn't a whole lot :(
I now believe 10 days of dirty clothes actually take up more room in your luggage :)

So yesterday when emolyn came over, I was determined we would celebrate fall in Phoenix,

even thought the temps are still hovering around 100.

So we made edible acorns.

Here are your cast of characters ~

donut holes ~ Nutella ~ crushed peanuts ~ pretzel sticks.

Oh my gosh. So cute. So yummy.

"Hey Mimi, you can eat it by holding onto the pretzel stick!"

She's so smart, that girl.

(and happens to think she needs to wear glasses while visiting Mimi)

I bought a white pumpkin off this wagon to decorate for my granddaughters.

And my plan was to paint black polka dots all over...

... but instead I applied each of their names (stick-on lettering) and painted the stem black.

I love how it turned out. So simple. So sweet.

Emolyn couldn't wait to take it home and show her Mama & Elsie!

And what's up with this strange new variety of pumpkins! They sorta creep me out.

So we dubbed them ~ leprosy pumpkins.

Linking up with ~ SHOW AND TELL FRIDAY

SATURDAY NITE SPECIAL

Washington Island, WI

2011-10-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

The day was supposed to be overcast and rainy but as you can see it was the perfect day

for a 35 minute ferry ride to Washington Island. I was so excited!

And land sakes alive ~ I had no idea that Lake Michigan was so massive!

And looky here ~ the ferry light fixtures are just like my kitchen barn lights!

"Most of the people who settled on Washington Island were Scandinavian immigrants, especially Icelanders. Today, Washington Island is one of the oldest Icelandic communities in the United States
and among the largest outside of Iceland itself."

So, now that we're here... what do we do? We eat lunch at the Ship's Wheel Restaurant.

Then we decided that rather than rent bikes, we'd just start walking towards town...

and came upon this unbelievably beautiful hiking trail!

I'm serious, it was like this the entire hike ~ vibrant, lush foliage ~ rich, brilliant colors.

And then we saw these... everywhere.

Every single stone was covered in thick kelly green moss! Almost fake looking.
And kinda creepy. Unlike anything I had ever seen.

And every time I would look up ~ I would gasp.

And every time I would look down ~ I would gasp.

You know how I said "Oh my gosh!" like a million times at the North Rim?

Well, I did that again throughout this entire hike...

... along with pointing my camera in every direction. I couldn't take a bad picture.

Oh, be still my heart... I want to live in a cozy cottage in the woods

at the end of this storybook lane...

... and live happily ever after with this dear, sweet man.

I can't believe I get to live this life alongside someone so accepting and adventuresome.
Thanks Randy for taking me back to my home state of Wisconsin for the past 32 years.
And loving it as much as I do.

(be sure to clic each pic to enlarge)

Door County

2011-10-18T08:30:00.003-07:00

We spent two glorious days in beautiful Door County ~ the thumb of Wisconsin.

We stayed at the AmericInn in Sturgeon Bay ~

and as you can see from the map ~ easy access to the entire peninsula.

The only thing better than Door County in October ~

is beautiful Door County October weather. And that we had!

And it doesn't hurt that you're traveling in the perfect pumpkin colored car to match the scenery. Our friend Ralph in Wausau let us use his car for the week. What a nice ride.

Peninsula State Park was breathtaking. The colors were maybe a few days beyond their peak, but we were thrilled to see so many brilliant colors considering a huge wind storm had blown through a couple weeks prior.

Peninsula State Park is 3,776 acres of pristine wooded bluffs and hiking trails

and shorelines along the Green Bay.

Stunning views everywhere you looked.

Julie's is located near the entrance to Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek

and the pot roast dinner special was the best!

And yes, that lady climbed in that ginormous chair and had a heck of a time getting out.

We headed back to Sturgeon Bay for the night

and then we were back on the road the next morning ~ to the tip of Door County ~

to board the 6 mile ferry ride to Washington Island.

This was the crazy road just before we got to Gills Rock.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for my Washington Island post.

oh my gosh ~ TWINS!

2011-10-17T12:00:00.007-07:00

YES! emolyn & elsie's mommy & daddy are expecting TWINS!!

We're going to be Mimi & Pop Pop to GRANDBABY TWINS!!

Our son Shawn and his wife Nicole are pregnant with TWO BABIES!!

We've known about the babies since Sept. 23rd ~

but it wasn't until Nicole posted her ultrasound on facebook yesterday ~

and I finally saw the babies for myself ~ that it became real.

And I burst into tears.

And I fell in love.

Lambeau Field

2011-10-11T20:00:00.011-07:00

What an emotional day. Don’t laugh, but during our one hour tour of Lambeau Field, I got so emotional. You guys, if you’ve not been ~ you must! And the Packer Hall of Fame is sooo worth the time and money. Just seeing the Lombardi Trophy back in Green Bay was awesome!

And thanks to my dear friend and devout Viking fan Don Nelsen, I wore the jersey he got me for my 50th birthday with my name on the back. Folks, that up there, is a moment I will never forget.

The Green Bay Packers are truly America’s team. No, really they are. The Packers are the only sports team owned by the fans. Their 92 year history is the best feel-good story in sports. And seriously, with a population of only 100,000 people! No way would the NFL let a city that small buy a franchise today. The Green Bay Packers paid $250 dollars to become a franchise. And the newest NFL team, the Houston Texans paid $800 million dollars! How crazy is that!

Just to be standing on that hallowed field while the Green Bay Packers

are the reigning Super Bowl Champs ~ well, it doesn't get much better than that.

Ok, so maybe seeing an actual game someday would trump that :)

So anyway, here I sit hours later. This is my view along the banks of the Green Bay at Peninsula State Park in Door County, Wisconsin. I have walked the rocky shores, hiked a trail and taken way too many pictures, while Randy naps in our pumpkin-colored car. And because I don’t want to forget this moment, I pulled out my laptop to pour out my thoughts.

I am filled with wonder at the beauty all around me ~

the crashing waves, the brilliant leaves, the cool breezes, the quiet calm.

We have two days on this peninsula of paradise with zero expectations...
with very little on our agenda.

Just blessings abounding at every bend and corner.

And I don't want to miss a single moment because of my plans, my agenda.

So I can hardly wait to see what tomorrow holds. I think it's going to be wonderful.

Autumn in Wausau

2011-10-09T20:00:00.005-07:00

Randy & I are in Wausau, Wisconsin for the 10th Anniversary Benefit Concert, Dinner & Auction for Randlin Homes. My oldest and dearest friend Linda, who brought me out to Phoenix 34 years ago, started Randlin Homes with her husband Ralph. Randlin Homes are group homes for homeless vets in the Wausau area. The two Randlin Homes Thrift Stores fund a portion of the expenses and also enable those in recovery to volunteer at the Thrift Stores.

They named the ministry after Randy & I and we could not be more honored to celebrate in the success and expansion of Randlin Homes ~ we're talking 6 homes with 46 beds! Randlin Homes are making such a difference in the community and changing lives. And those lives are learning skills that free them to enter back into the community in health.

Linda & Ralph and Randy & I got up early Saturday morning to watch the sunrise and it turned into a 2 1/2 hour hike along the Wisconsin River. We had flown in the night before and were totally blown away by the colors that awaited us come daylight. I'm in heaven. No really, heaven has got to be fall in all its peakness glory.

So good to be reunited with my friend Linda, even though it had only been 6 months ago since we last saw each other ~ at the Hand in Hand Reunion. Some of you may remember reading the story about how two farm girls from Wisconsin ended up in Phx 34 years ago. For those of you that haven't, you can read it HERE.

I love pumpkins. I love the color pumpkin. And I love pumpkin colored cars. And that happens to be the color car we're driving to Door County this week. I'm thinking a pumpkin colored shirt is in my future.

I sure hope you'll check back for more of my Wisconsin posts. The concerts today went so well and we are humbled and overjoyed! We head out tomorrow morning to visit family and friends in the Appleton area ~ tour Lambeau Field in Green Bay ~ and two days in beautiful Door County. Good stuff coming!

Steve Jobs ~ Apple

2011-10-06T19:00:00.003-07:00

We entered the world of technology 21 years ago. It was 1990. Shawn was 8, Miranda 6 and Tyler was 1. Randy had been working a couple years as the janitor at our church while developing his own ministry ~ Randy Thompson Ministries.

Our dear friend David Chatburn had come along side Randy to assist in the business aspect of incorporating the ministry. David was a Mac user. So the data base and graphics he created were on a Mac.

We had been given an old MacIntosh the year before that was unable to run David's software. It was the premier Mac from 1984 ~ the one pictured here with Steve Jobs. Oh the hours I spent journaling my life, on what we affectionately called "the dinosaur".

Randy went full-time with RTM in 1990 and soon bought a new Mac that would allow him to run the data base software that David had created and to create his own graphics.

So you see, we became Apple users out of necessity. But devoted Apple users for life ~ because they "just work". Come one, the very fact that we've never gotten a virus in all these years is pretty awesome.

I actually remember how excited my husband was when he told me that Steve Jobs was back with Apple... and especially when the iMac was finally unveiled in 1998. It was unlike anything we'd ever seen ~ cute, curvy and colorful. We immediately bought the blueberry one. And sure enough, the iMac singlehandedly turned Apple around. Thanks to Steve Jobs.

We soon outgrew the iMac and moved onto the eMac, then the G3, G4, G5 and then the Macbook Pro laptops ... but ever mindful that the one computer we would hang onto for future display would be that '98 iMac. And we did just that. Over the summer we dusted it off and put it on display ~ when we moved my husband's office down the hall and created his dream recording studio/ office.

Little did we know that months later, Steve Jobs, the creative genius behind this iconic piece of technology would leave this earth.

The very fact that I am sitting here, writing on my blog is a testament to Steve Jobs, who believed that every home would one day have a computer.

crowns, concerts & cardigans

2011-10-05T08:30:00.001-07:00

Miss emolyn & Mimi

I recently ingested a permanent crown worth lots of $$ ~ the dental assistant accidentally dropped it in my mouth, panicked and froze. When I asked what happened ~ it slid down my throat. After a couple hours of Xrays at Urgent Care to ensure it would pass ~ I was given the option of a new one or "retrieving" the old one in a couple days. Umm, no thank you, I'll take a new one.
I'm all for recycling... but not something that has cycled through my body... if you know what I mean.
Btw, they didn't charge for another one, nor Urgent Care.
Randy & I leave for Wausau, Wisconsin on Friday to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Ranlin Homes with a benefit concert, dinner and Silent Auction. Ranlin Homes was named after Randy & I ~ so we're pretty excited to celebrate the success and expansion of this amazing ministry.
My friend Linda & I will be singing, along with Randy, and also Linda & her daughter Heather.

Happy 1st Birthday to my granddaughter Elsie Lane! Omg, I love that bugabooski!
Randy & I are spending two days in Door County while in Wisconsin. The colors will be at their peak and I'll be savoring every single second.
The cooler weather will be a welcome change.
We're talking cardigans, hats and scarves and JEANS! I can hardly wait!
Thanks to my high school friend Betsy's brother Peter, for giving me permission to use the image he captured last fall, for my latest blog banner. It's near where I grew up ~ in the Pigeon Falls area. I love it!

Celebrating Nicole's 30th Birthday ~ that's emolyn & elsie's Mommy!

finding my fashion style

2011-10-01T16:00:00.006-07:00

Yes, I'm in pursuit of my fashion style ~ and I have Pinterest to thank.
You see, clothes and fashion magazines have never been my thing. I am more about the art of repurposing, creating, designing and sewing. I know what looks good on others and what doesn't. But when it comes to me, I don't put a whole lot of thought and effort in that area.

And like many, I've made the mistake of being more about the deal rather than the actual purchase. And even though it may not go with a single thing in my closet... or it may be a dreadful color that washes me out... or it may be trendy and therefore already out of style... or it may mean that I need to lose weight in order for it to fit properly... or it may hang in my closet for years because I never do...

but by golly, it was a good deal!

Then it occurred to me... all my good deals would probably end up costing the amount of a few classic pieces that could be worn a myriad of ways, for a real long time.
But I didn't get that, for a real long time...

... till Pinterest came into my life... and I discovered my daughter's fashion board... and then I discovered that nothing in my closet fit me anymore... and I'm thinking gee, maybe I ought to explore my fashion style. So while my daughter was in Australia for 18 days, I spent hours-on-end pinning away. I could hardly wait for Miranda to come home and scrutinize my fashion board. Hey, it helps that she knows me well and I totally trust her.

You see, the goal of pinning my fashion style is not to go out and purchase those items... it is so I have a clear understanding and awareness of what I really like and don't like. And let me tell you, it has made shopping so much easier. I don't waste hours looking for deals only... but rather those things that I like only. Now don't get me wrong, I still love a good deal and quite frankly, I'm finding I can have both... thus my newly acquired title... that I wear ever so proudly. I'm Linda Thompson and I'm a frugal fashionista.

True story... on my first shopping trip with my daughter, I splurged and paid retail for that gold cardigan sweater at Target. It wasn't on sale. It wasn't on clearance. I paid the full $19.99! I had only done that one other time that I can remember... a Liberty of London dress at Target, shortly after they released the line two years ago, which was shortly after we had visited our daughter in London. I paid a full $24.99!

Of course everything else I bought on that first shopping trip (pictured above) was on clearance. Like I said, the consummate frugal fashionista!

Anyway, for those that are curious, check out my finding my fashion style Pinterest board... or all my Pinterest boards for that matter. Happy pinning!

thoughtful images

2011-09-26T10:00:00.006-07:00

My Dad was so proud of the Blue Spruce tree he planted many years ago.
He always pointed it out when showing us his beautifully landscaped acreage next to the farm in Wisconsin. Well, much to my surprise and delight, there was a forest full of naturally growing Blue Spruce at the North Rim! And of course I thought of my Dad.

I love texture... in decorating, in fashion... in nature.

We had no sooner heated up a can of chicken noodle soup on our Coleman stove...

when the rains came and we had a front row seat to the best views in camp.

Mmm, one of those apples doesn't seem to fit quite right :)

We got little sneak peeks of the fall colors yet to come.

I was reminded that the best part of a road trip,
is that the trip back gives you a totally different slant, a whole new perspective...
than what you had already observed.

North Rim ~ Day 3

2011-09-23T07:11:00.003-07:00

Well, the storm arrived in full-force... and the thunder did not disappoint.

We sat out on the porch of the General Store at the North Rim campgrounds,
enjoying the thunder, rain and our usual coffee & almond crunch Haagen Dazs bars,

and meeting new friends from all over the world ~

London, Australia, France, Germany, Holland, Connecticut, Virginia and New Orleans.

When there was a break in the storm, we would make our way back to the edge of the Rim.

Watching the clouds ebb and flow became almost hypnotic.

I couldn't take my eyes off any given peak for a second without it changing dramatically.
Clic each pic for a bigger, better view.

The North Rim Lodge is such a beautiful building with spectacular views.

We are so thankful we spent every moment we could enjoying the canyon,
because on our last morning we awoke to a cloud covered canyon.
But who's complaining when you've had rain pelting on your van most of the night ~
the ultimate white noise!

Till next time ~ so long North Rim Canyon! (I know you're out there)
And sure enough, by the time we made our way through the National Park entrance ~
blue clear skies.

And just as we were leaving the North Rim National Park, we remembered that our friends Terry & Nancy told us to be sure and stop at Jacob Lake Inn (40 miles from the park entrance) for the best homemade cookies.
What a scrumptious ending to a stupendous adventure!
(I've always wanted to use that word :)
Thanks for coming along!

Angel's Window ~ Cape Royal

2011-09-22T07:30:00.001-07:00

Next stop ~ Angel's Window

I think the thing I could not get over was how remote and untouched the North Rim is.
And you have to want to be there. You're never just passing through so you can take a quick look. And it has not been commercialized in the least.

This was our first glimpse of Angel's Window from a roadside stop.

We kept meeting up with two gals from Holland every time we'd stop for photo ops.

We'd wonder how the views could get any better... and they would!

How cool is it that you can see the Colorado River through the arch window!

In minutes we'll be walking along the top of the Arch!

And the views would be out of this world!

As we hiked along the edge of the canyon to the top of Arch Window,

we could actually see the raging rapids of the Colorado River below.

We are now on top of Angel Arch! Breathtaking views.

And then we hiked another half a mile to Cape Royal Point ~

where the views far exceeded our expectations!

We were told earlier in the day to be sure and climb out from under the protective fences at Cape Royal and walk out on to even more dramatic view points. (at our own risk of course)

So we did, when we saw our new friend Michelle from Connecticut do just that.

Michelle has not only been to the North Rim 65 times over many years, but she has hiked hundreds of miles through every nook 'n cranny of the canyon. She knows every thing there is to know about the Grand Canyon. We felt like we had our own personal tour guide. She could point out the names of every peak and where the South Rim Village was and the weather conditions that were headed our way. She was not only a wealth of knowledge but quite the story-teller. And you know how I love a good story.

I was able to capture her at the very stick out we had just been to,

and I'm thinking, I must be crazy to have just walked out on to that very vista!

What we didn't know at this point in time is that a tornado warning had been issued in the area, and also a severe thunderstorm was headed our way. We could see the storm clouds building all around us... and well, come on folks, the thought of experiencing a thunderstorm at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon was a super exciting added blessing to an already awesome day. So BRING IT ON!

North Rim ~ Day 2

2011-09-21T08:00:00.003-07:00

So our plan was to wake up at the crack of dawn that first morning at the North Rim, so we could watch the sun rise over the canyon. No problem when you've been awake most of the night. I never sleep well the first night anywhere. And it didn't help that we kept the side vents open all night and it got down to freezing. And then we discovered around 4am that we both thought the other had brought matches for the Coleman stove, but we hadn't. So we had no way of boiling water for hot tea. Again no problem. We'll just buy matches when the General Store opens after the sunrise.

Oh my gosh, what a thrill watching the sun light up the canyon peaks and mesas... and the great granite walls... and then to watch the definition in the deep crevices appear. Every single second was a spiritual moment marveling at the wonder of God's intricate creation. I was a total mess.

And what are the chances I would capture this bird in focus... magical.

I was overcome with such a deep sense of peace, joy and contentment that I have not felt in quite some time. Randy & I were right where we needed to be in this season of our lives... encompassed in the goodness of God.

And I can safely say that I repeated these phrases at least 100 times ~

oh my gosh... thank you God... no way... I am blown away... thank you Lord... wow...
I can't believe I'm here... honey, why did we wait so long to come here!

And let me remind you, it is totally and completely quiet. So I was actually whispering those phrases over and over. I think everyone is so aware of what the other is experiencing... that out of respect, there are no loud outbursts or yelling or sudden disturbances. And by enlarging the above pic, you can see one of the many lookouts that allow you to experience the canyon... not just look out on the canyon (like the South Rim)... but you are immersed in the canyon. It was truly unlike anything I had ever experienced before ~ and I hiked down in the Grand Canyon 8 years ago! I really should blog about that amazing adventure too.

We eventually made our way back to camp (with matches), to enjoy a nice cup of hot tea... and the cranberry scones I had bought the morning we left our home in Tempe, at Wildflower Bread Company. Mmm, they tasted even better in the woods at 8000 ft.!

By 8:30 am we were on the road for the 15 mile scenic drive up to Cape Royal (9000 ft.).

Oh my, truly the most stunning views of the Canyon. I was weepy and shaking and praising God when I took these images. And because there was no one around... I believe I repeated those said phrases rather loudly, with occasional shouts of praises to God. I may have even heard my husband yell at me for running around like crazy taking pictures, and then excitedly setting the camera timer, running back to Randy and coming dangerously close to falling off the edge.

But as you can see... I didn't.

What you can't know is that the clouds are moving so fast & furious, that dramatic cloud formations are changing with every clic of the camera. That peak would be engulfed in clouds one second... and crystal clear the next.

Every look-out point proved to be more dramatic than the last.

We couldn't imagine how Point Cape Royal could top any of these...

But we would soon find out...

North Rim ~ Day 1

2011-09-19T21:00:00.005-07:00

We did it!!!
Our trip-of-a-lifetime ~ the North Rim of the Grand Canyon!

I'm telling you, the most amazing trip EVER!
The 6 hour drive was gorgeous ~

unlike the South Rim, where the drive is rather ugly, brown and boring.

Occasional stops at roadside stands selling Native American jewelry is always a must-see.

I was simply in awe of Glen Canyon... and walking over the Navaho Bridge...

and looking down on the Colorado River. Truly awe-inspiring.

Randy always lets me stop for various photo ops along the way.

And come on, who could pass up this one near Lee's Ferry.

I fell in love with the ginormous Vermilion Cliffs ~ miles of dramatic red rocky cliffs.

And then the Vermilion Cliff Highway starts climbing and before you know it...

... RAIN! LOTS of RAIN... and then... SNOW everywhere!!!

Ok, so what appeared to be snow was actually a ton of hail.

But who cares... still quite a thrill for this former Wisconsinite!

And seriously, within minutes... this is what awaited us!

Beautiful, lush forests ~ aspens, pine trees and my favorite ~ blue spruce trees!

Oh my gosh ~ our very first glimpse of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon!

Even now, remembering this moment... takes my breath away.

No one told us trees and forests surrounded the North Rim.

No one told us there are very few people here... unlike the South Rim.

No one told us that it's strangely and utterly quiet everywhere we went.

No one told us it would be grander than anything we could have ever imagined.

Just so you know, I will only be posting a fraction of the pictures we took

over a two day period. (we took 775!)

But wait till you see the images I shot the next day!

This was our camp site at the North Rim Campgrounds.

Get this ~ we could see the edge of the canyon from our camp site. Unbelievable.

Because there are limited accommodations, you have to book way in advance.

We slept in our van and stayed snuggle warm in spite of temps down in the 30's both nights.

And I'm not kidding, the campground is so totally quiet by 8pm ~

that you could hear a pine needle drop.

picnic on the rim

2011-09-17T06:50:00.001-07:00

Family Camp ended after lunch on Labor Day Monday. So our daughter Miranda and son Tyler drove up from Phoenix to join us on the Mogollon Rim for a picnic. And just so you know, Miranda & I did not plan to be all mother/daughter matchy-matchy. But I'm glad Nancy took this picture of us looking all cute & matchy. ha!

We were excited to have our dear friends Terry & Nancy also join us for the day.

Check out this incredible image that Nancy captured while following us up the mountain.

I almost cried when she sent it to me the next day! I love it that much!

We immediately gathered in a circle at our favorite camp site...

to hear all about Miranda's Australian adventures...

and Terry & Nancy's Scotland & Ireland adventures!

Be sure to check out Miranda's blog and Nancy's blog for the whole scoop!

Uncle Tyler picked a flower for his little elsie lane.

Nothing warms my heart more than family & friends gathered around a meal.

Oh elsie, I can't believe you're going to be a year old in a month.

We wanted to give the young folks some time to visit... but instead got a concert.

Yes, they all sing beautifully... and harmonize angelically.

My oldest son Shawn is the best husband, Daddy and friend.

Randy & I found these Amish Acres wooden pop guns at my little thrift store for a dollar.

emolyn is quite proficient at "popping her popper".

(we say that, rather than "shooting her gun")

Oh my, that look of determination ~ I'm thinkin' a remake titled "Emolyn Get Your Popper"

We later watched the sunset over the largest expanse of Ponderosa pines in the nation,

and then headed back down the mountain to start another week...

and to tolerate the ongoing heat.

Hey, guess what? Randy & I just returned from the most amazing trip EVER!!

The NORTH RIM of the GRAND CANYON!

Pictures and posts coming soon!

best camp food EVER

2011-09-16T08:46:00.001-07:00

Foods you never thought you'd utter at camp ~ much less ingest!

Beef, chicken & fish Street Tacos for lunch! Mmm, I love Talapia fish tacos!

Seriously the best dessert-in-a-glass ~ Horchata ~

Chicken Marsala w/ capers ~ Baked Ziti ~ Caesar Salad for supper...

... followed by Tiramisu for dessert. I KNOW! Crazy good!

Oh my gosh, the Circus Carnival food was AMAZING!

~ Homemade Indian Fry Bread ~

Churros ~ teriyaki pork-on-a-stick ~ best rice dish EVER!

and the CORN... OMG, seriously, talk amongst yourselves... I need a moment. YUM!

~ chocolate-covered grahams ~

~ chocolate-covered frozen bananas-in-a-stick ~

~ chocolate-covered marshmallows-on-a-stick ~

~ TO-DIE-FOR ~

My dear friend & camp chef Michelle

master-minded & executed this illustrious menu.

Thank you Michelle!

Truly THE best camp food EVER!

PS ~ I neglected to bring my camera to the dining hall when appetizers were being served upon our arrival at camp. We're talking The Best of Bruschetta. I'm serious ~ THE BEST! The dessert bruschetta was my favorite ~ a thin layer of Marscarpone cheese, melon and Nutella ~ served warm from the oven. I have yet to stop thinking about that first bite, and that last bite, and every bite in between... changed my life forever.

Camp Circus Carnival

2011-09-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

The Camp Circus Carnival was SO MUCH FUN!!!
Oh, and that would be my husband in the ginormous green glasses.
Hey, I looked at this photo several times before I actually saw him myself! ha!

Shawn's family cracked me up! Love their costumes!
Nicole found everything at Goodwill.
Shawn's hobo clown costume featured boxers that were a size 6X...
and they were ripped... and not on the seam.
And that's all I got to say 'bout that.

elsie lane could not have been more adorable!

So this here Mimi couldn't stop kissing those chubby cheeks.

Mustaches-on-a-stick make for a mighty fine photo op, wouldn't you agree?

The face-painting booth was a hit with all ages!

"Pop pop, when I open my eyes, that thing on your head better be gone".
(click pic to enlarge)

And my miniature cupcakes were quite the hit at the cake-walk!
But wait till you see what we ate at the carnival!

Family Camp 2011

2011-09-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

Family Camp was so wonderful and refreshing.

After a month of record breaking heat in the valley ~ the mountains were a welcome relief.

My little friend Cheyenne even befriended the camp butterfly.

Family Camp '10

Family Camp '11

Man oh man, what a difference a year makes!

I remember trying to imagine emolyn's sister joining us this year...

and now we can't imagine life without the little "e" sisters!

The Craft Shack is one of my favorite places to be at Mountain Meadow Ranch.

So peaceful and just oozing with creative energy.

My husband even caught the crafting bug. (see him and our son Shawn in the back?)

Ok, so it took him a few tries before he nailed it. (the stick broke on the first one)

But I love it and we have it hanging in our cozy cottage.

So proud of my husband's handiwork.

emolyn & her Daddy decorated a frame using fallen bark, leaves and acorns.

The homemade boat races on Christopher Creek are always a highlight of the weekend.

Here the crowds await the results of the race and the best design.

Hey, check back for future posts ~

* the CIRCUS CARNIVAL *

* the most amazing camp food EVER *

* picnic on the RIM after camp ended *

9/11 Healing Field

2011-09-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

9/11 Healing Field '04

This weekend marks the 8th Annual Memorial Healing Field at Tempe Beach Park.

I will never forget the moment I saw this stunning display of 3000 flags representing the victims of 9/11. Randy & I had decided to park on the other side of Tempe Town Lake

and walk across the bridge.

We had no idea what we were about to witness.

I remember gasping... and then bursting into tears.

Every single flag has a yellow ribbon attached along with a laminated card

with the name and picture of each and every victim of 9/11.

9/11 Healing Field '08

Take a moment to read Ellie Lobel's story. So heartbreaking.

May we never forget...

Church Family Camp

2011-09-01T20:38:00.001-07:00

We get to hang out with this crazy bunch of Family Campers this weekend.

In fact twice as many are coming this year to Family Camp @ Mountain Meadow Ranch ~

which is north of Payson along Christopher Creek.

We plan on playing hard, laughing lots, eating much, singing loud,
creatively crafting and hiking along the creek.

And occasionally resting in our cozy cottage.

Trust me, the higher elevation will do that to you!

Last year family camp was over the 4th of July ~ gotta fly the flag of freedom!

We also plan on parking our cozy cottage on this very spot

and getting occasional visits from our granddaughters.

So of course I packed toys and books and treats.

Cuz well... that's what Mimi's do.

Aussie bungee jumping

2011-08-29T08:00:00.005-07:00

***EDITED!! VIDEO LINK INCLUDED!!

My daughter Miranda is heading home today. And I can hardly wait to get her back on US soil! And yes, that would be my daughter bungee jumping in Australia. And yes, I've watched the video 4 times and cried every single time. But thank God she had the foresight NOT to tell her mother she was planning such a thing. Or else, I might have... well, I don't know what I would have done. Maybe curled up on the couch watching The Housewives of New Jersey marathon till I received word she was safe and sound.
Anyway, I have plans to post the video when she gets home... so your heart can race at speeds unnatural to human nature... and weep with joy as she defies all odds and lives... you know, as though you didn't know the outcome. Kinda like watching Apollo 13. I've watched that movie a dozen times and I still get all hot and sweaty and emotional as the drama unfolds. Seriously, like I don't know how it ended?
SO, be sure to check out Miranda's blog. She's already posting about her adventures in Australia... with many more in the works I'm sure.
Oh, and she boards her plane in Sydney 1 PM Monday and arrives in Phoenix 1 PM Monday. Pretty scary if you ask me. (ok, she boards 8 PM Sunday night our time :)

*** Just realized I could link you to her video on facebook!!! ***

Enjoy! ~ Click HERE and turn up the volume!

handmade quilts tops

2011-08-26T11:00:00.001-07:00

As you can imagine, I really miss my favorite little thrift store.

I mean, where else can you find deals like these...

handmade quilt tops for under five dollars each!

Ok, maybe I need to re-emphasis my point here ~ hand-made quilt tops.

As in, made-by-hand ~ needle 'n thread only quilt tops.

Another words ~ no electricity was involved in the making of these quilt tops!

For the life of me, I can't imagine taking on such a task.

Not to mention the hours of tedious measuring and cutting and placement

of each and every fabric square!

I am simply in awe of the artistry that goes into such meticulous craftsmanship.

If I were the creator of this quilt,

I would want to know that my work was in the hands of someone that appreciated
the hours of love and devotion I invested in bringing about its completion.

Well, I do. And I often run my fingers over the perfectly placed stitches

and imagine the conversations had ~ the stories told ~ the dreams envisioned.

Even though I am not privy to its past ~

I will accept the responsibility for its future ~

and make it the family heirloom that it was always intended to be.

I'm linking up to these amazing Linky Parties ~
FRUGAL FRIDAY

SHOW AND TELL FRIDAY

32 years together

2011-08-25T08:00:00.002-07:00

32 years ago today I became Mrs. Randy Thompson.

Little did I know that 2 months after this photo was taken (Christmas 1978)

Randy would ask me to marry him.

We had dated for 6 months and we were engaged for 6 months.

Our wedding cost a grand total of 600 dollars and I have every receipt to prove it.

We're talking my dress, the rings, his tux, cake & flowers.

So thankful that Randy's brother Barry gifted us with the photography

and my sister Kathy made the bridesmaid dresses.

We had 100 guests in attendance and I loved every single moment of that day.

I wouldn't change a thing.

Randy & I went into full-time ministry a year after we were married

and we've been in full-time ministry in one capacity or another ever since.

I also wouldn't change a single thing about these past 32 years.

We have lived years with little and years with much...

always praying that we would to be content in whatever situation we were in.

I am blessed with more than I ever dreamed.

Although I never dreamed I was worthy of such blessings.

But I am ~ because I am a daughter of The King ~

and married to someone that makes me feel like a Princess every single day.

(the Disney pictures were taken a year ago)

vintage travel bags

2011-08-22T09:00:00.009-07:00

I have a weakness for vintage travel bags.

So when I see the perfect one at my new favorite little thrift store (ARC in Tempe), I couldn't pass it up.

Seriously, it's perfect. Whenever we hit the road, I always grab a pile of magazines, my journal books, writing pads, reading books, Bible, study material, etc. And who doesn't look for the perfect bag that stands upright and that you can carry in one arm, rather than in crates that requires both hands. Hey, when you're unloading a van at 115 degrees, you want each load to count!

And the bag was only $2.50!

And my favorite color. Raspberry red!

And then I remembered that I also had a vintage make-up train case. The exact same color. SO, back outside for another photo shoot. And then while researching Royal Traveler, I find out they were made by Samsonite. Ok, that makes sense.

But it gets creepier. I remembered I had yet another train case. An American Tourister train case. The exact same color. Back outside for yet another photo shoot. And then it occurs to me... does this constitute a collection? Or an intervention? Don't answer.

Anyway, while researching American Tourister I stumbled upon THIS American Tourister commercial from 1971. It happens to be one of the longest running commercial ads ever. And I can see why! Do you remember it? It must have been so ingrained in the recesses of my mind... that when we married in 1979, I insisted we buy American Tourister. We kept that aqua blue piece until recently, when we sold it at a yard sale.

Just so you know, I bought each train case at thrift stores for under $5.00... and I store project ideas in each case. The makeup trays are so handy for small objects and tools for each project. I love creative storage and these train cases are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. And as you witnessed from the commercial ~ pretty darn indestructible! haha!

I'm linking my vintage luggage collection to ~

METAMORPHOSIS PARTY

NEWBIE PARTY
IT'S A PARTY @ CREATIVE PRINCESS
THRIFTY TREASURES

emolyn loves accessorizing

2011-08-21T10:00:00.003-07:00

Emolyn is everything and more than I could have ever dreamed in a granddaughter.

From the moment she steps through our front door, we play and play.

She had me french braid her hair the other day
because she was going to a birthday party. I was in heaven.

She loves pretending. And she loves accessorizing.

And because she loves wearing glasses so much,
I popped the glass out of a pair of reading glasses I had and gave them to her.

And it's the first thing she puts on when she finds them waiting for her in her kitchen.

She pretends to get several text messages from her "husband" throughout the day,

telling her what time he will be getting off work.

He works at "donations"... and for the life of us we can't figure out what he does.

She loves pouring over my jewelry boxes.

She found this toe ring and it instantly became her "wedding" ring.

Later she said "Mimi, where did my husband buy me this ring? It's SOOO beautiful!"

She later said "I know, he bought it at Target!".

She also found an old locket that had pictures of my Mom & Dad inside.

After I told her who they were, she said very dramatically ~

"Oh Mimi, I would love to wear that necklace with a picture of my great grandma!"

Oh and she also reminded me that elsie will not be calling me Mimi.

She will be calling me Grandma. And emolyn will call me Mimi.
And that's that. End of story.

this & that

2011-08-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Miranda awoke to a laughing Kookaburra her first morning in Australia. Needless to say, I have had the Kookaburra song stuck in my head ever since.
I just read my husband's latest blog post... about unresolved issues and forgiveness. Both of which I am grappling with big-time. Please take the time to read it.
I recently lost 20 lbs. I know, I'm as shocked as the rest of you. I've been 10 lbs. overweight for years... but gained another 10 after my Dad's passing a year and a half ago.
I cut out carbonated beverages and butter the first two months. Made a huge difference.
And I've continued to make healthy choices. Thank you Lord.
I have yet to start exercising. I keep waiting for the weather to cool off. Not going to happen till Thanksgiving. That could be a problem.
Meadowbrook Farm recently posted about the zip line they built over the pond on their farm for their son's wedding... along with a few trash the dress images. So awesome.
watched Soul Surfer last night. Cried through the whole movie.
Miranda feeding a Kangaroo. She now wants one as a pet.

a wedding in Cornville

2011-08-14T14:00:00.004-07:00

I love everything about weddings.

And nowadays, they are so unique to the couple. So one of a kind, anything goes affairs.

Unlike years ago, when everyone had that predictable, cookie-cutter wedding.

Saturday we drove 2 hours to Cornville, AZ

to attend Shane & Coley's wedding at the Living Water Retreat Center.

Oh my gosh, one of the most breathtaking wedding venues ever!

Everywhere you looked there were oodles of photo ops.

And Emolyn wore the most darling vintage dress I've ever seen.

Oh, and I found my lace blouse that very morning at a yard sale for one dollar!

Elsie Lane in a turquoise smocked dress ~ well, it just about pushed me to my cuteness limit.

Emolyn Kate needed a little lipstick touchup just moments before the ceremony started.

Hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do... to be at her utmost cuteness.

Here's the coolest part of this wedding ~ the reception.

We all brought our own picnic dinners and gathered around tables and blankets.

And many signed up to bring delicious desserts to share.

Good thing I took this picture, because my lemon bars were snatched up quickly.

John & Beckie (Emolyn & Elsie's other set of grandparents)

set up their darling vintage travel trailer and served street tacos for everyone.

Have I ever told how much I want to hang vintage colored globe lights

from the trees in our backyard patio?

Well, I do... and this one almost sent me over the edge with envy!

You can be sure I'll be pinning this on my Pinterest board immediately upon posting.

When we finally got ready to leave, the dance floor was a rockin'.

As I was refilling my glass with lemonade for the trip home,

I asked the bride if she was planning a trash the dress photo shoot.

She whispered that her & Shane were planning on jumping in the pond later that night

for that very reason! I can hardly wait to see those photos!

I will leave you with these trash the dress google images that will blow you away!

AZ Bloggers Luncheon

2011-08-13T12:45:00.001-07:00

Liz, me, Laura's daughter, Laura, Cindy, Marty and Ceekay

Whenever my 4-H friend Cindy comes to town, we have a bloggers luncheon in her honor. So much fun gathering with these gals. We take forever to order because we're talking non-stop. Thankfully we had the sweetest waiter who took several group shots using each of our cameras. Hey, you know bloggers, we never go anywhere without our cameras.

Cindy & I both have granddaughters born 10 months ago... one day apart.

We celebrated Marty's birthday by sharing a slice of yummy cheesecake.

And The Cheesecake Factory serves up the best!

Thank you Laura, for the exquisite french lavender-filled strawberry sachet pincushion

you made for each of us! Oh my gosh, smells divine!

I couldn't wait to position it just so... in my bowl of vintage sewing trim.

Be sure to click each blogger's name so you can view their lovely blogs!

Miranda's in Australia!

2011-08-12T10:00:00.002-07:00

My daughter Miranda arrived in Australia!

I woke up at 5am this morning and she had posted this picture along with ~

I've seen a crocodile in the wild, scrub turkeys, I've stood on the beach,

seen glimpses of the rainforest... I must be in Australia!

And this here mama took a deep breath and gave thanks to the Lord!

I am so excited for her! She is spending 2 weeks with her friend Phoebe,

that she became best friends with while studying in England for 6 months in 2009.

They have not been together since their last adventure in Greece. (below)

I love this post ~
when they got all weepy while being serenaded to "Let It Be" ~

knowing they would be saying good-bye in a few days.

Notice that Miranda brought along this hat (top pic)

After Miranda says goodbye to Phoebe this time,

she will be spending 4 days in Sidney.

Please pray for her safety and that she experiences blessings around every single corner!

camping gadgets

2011-08-10T06:18:00.003-07:00

Check out the latest S'More maker!

My daughter-in-law Nicole bought us this cool gadget for the camping trip.

And it was a smash hit :)

Think about ~ the grahams, marshmallows and candy bars are all roasted over a fire.

And I'm telling you, so much better than just a roasted marshmallow
between a boring graham cracker & chocolate bar.

We made our S'Mores with peanut butter cups,

but you can also use chocolate bars or cookies 'n creme bars.

Ok, I gotta come clean here, camping is not for the faint of heart. You gotta be ok with communing with nature when nature calls. You gotta be ok with no running water... and waking up to bad hair. Thus the cap. I have noticed over the years that campers wear caps. Well duh, it's to hide bad hair. It covers a multitude of faux pas. So I dug around my closet and found this cap. And I wore it the 2nd day... on bad hair day. I am not a hat person, nor a cap person. Heck, headbands hurt my head. So it took some getting use to. But I think I'm sold.

Ok, onto the 2nd gadget Nicole gifted us with... the cast iron old-fashioned waffle maker. Oh my gosh, love, LOVE! Thank God we took the time to season it before we left ~ we coated the entire cast iron in solid shortening and baked for one hour in a 350 oven. It took us a couple tries over the Coleman stove before we got the process down pat... 2 minutes and then flip the iron over for another 2 minutes. Perfecto.

Ok, so here's the story... while packing for the camping trip ~ which btw, we have down to a science ~ I asked Randy... ok, I badgered Randy about always bringing his tools and jumper cables. Always. He's been packing them every single time we travel anywhere for 32 years. But this time I had the audacity to point out that we've never needed to use said jumper cables. Like ever. So why bring em.

Well, fast forward Sunday afternoon. We break camp ~ which we also have down to a science ~ and we're ready to hitch up the cozy cottage to the van and head down the mountain. But... we have a problem. The battery is dead. We neglected to keep the tailgate closed most of the time and drained the battery.
Did my husband point out how I had railed on him for always packing jumper cables everywhere we go? No. He's a humble man and thanks the Lord he brought jumper cables. (in spite of my nagging) I, on the other hand proceed to gush about how he's the best husband ever for always bringing jumper cables! And thankfully we use a 12 volt battery on our cozy cottage, which get us jumped and on our way. Whew!

And for those of you that didn't get enough of our camping trip ~ more pics found HERE on facebook.