a work in progress

bundle up!

2012-01-15T16:48:00.000-05:00

Baby, it's cold outside!

What are you doing to keep Jack Frost at bay?

a new year dawns

2012-01-02T09:08:00.000-05:00

time flies

pinterest

This is the beginning of a new day.
God has given me this day to use as I will.
I can waste it or use it for good.
What I do today is important, because
I am exchanging a day of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes,
this day will be gone forever,
leaving in its place something
that I have traded for it.
I want it to be gain, not loss;
good not evil; success not failure;
in order that I shall not regret
the price I paid for it.
Author Unknown

2011-12-21T16:36:00.004-05:00

*
Christmas weaves a magic wand over this world,

and behold,

everything is softer and more beautiful.

*
Norman Vincent Peale

2011-11-24T07:48:00.001-05:00

Wishing you a

a heart overflowing with gratitude

and a Thanksgiving Day filled with love.

Blessings!

happy birthday, princess olivia!

2011-11-16T17:32:00.005-05:00

Last Saturday we celebrated Olivia's 3rd birthday

with a Woodland Fairy Princess party.

The menu included:

Tomato/Mozzarella "Toadstool" Appetizers

Chips and Dip

"Butterfly" Sandwiches

Mimi's Potato Salad

GG's Peanut Butter Squares

Auntie Crystal's Fruit Wands

Mama's Rice Krispie Wands

"Fairy Berry Juice"

Gramma's Funfetti Fairy Cake

and Fairy Cupcakes (Liv helped decorate!)

& Neopolitan Ice Cream

oh, and Pixie Stix. :)

Aunt Mary Jane brought pink sugar cookies with sprinkles too.

The party was lots of fun and Olivia received many wonderful gifts from
her royal family and friends. They, of course, were fit for a ~~queen~~ princess!
Every time I see her she's wearing a different ensemble.
I think she had three costume changes at the party! :)
And everyone, I mean everyone, enjoyed the fairy wings! teehee!

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

You will always be a princess to "Biddy" and me.

Happy Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T13:59:00.002-05:00

Dad~ holding Crystal~a few years ago...

Dad was in the Navy during the Korean Conflict.

My brother, Brian, joined the Marines the summer he graduated from high school

To all our veterans...

Thank you.

three weddings, two baby showers, and a field trip, oh my!

2011-11-07T20:04:00.001-05:00

We were without power for 5 days last week after an October snow storm.
So it's time for an update...

Lydia & Zach * 9/10/11

Allison & Ben * 9/30/11

Kaitlyn & Paul * 10/08/11

Jackie's Baby Girl (Aleena) Shower (10/9) w/ Liv & Dayton "helping"

Mary Beth's Baby Boy (Noah) Shower (10/22)

Dayton & Liv & several others "helped" at this shower too!

Field Trip to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut

Grades K to 4

11/04/11

Looks like God painted the Clownfish by hand.

Octopus up close and personal!

I'm always awestruck by the imagination and creativity of God when I see all the creatures He's made!

Beluga Whale~amazing!

Next week, Olivia's Fairy Princess Birthday Party!

Stay tuned!

My PROJECT

2011-10-19T07:03:00.000-04:00

The Nutrition Curriculum Project

I'm working on for the class I took this summer

must be postmarked by October 28th.

It's my "due date!."

I have been thinking about little else for the past few weeks!

It has been an interesting journey and I've learned SO MUCH!

But I'm anxious for the weight of it to be lifted.

I just can't wait for "this baby" to be done and delivered!

oh, dear, oh deer!

2011-10-04T21:03:00.000-04:00

Have you ever

wished

you had'nt left

your telephoto lens

at home?

happy birthday, dayton!

2011-09-15T19:13:00.000-04:00

The first part of September is a very busy time of the year for me.

The new school year begins.

( I teach first grade.)

Sunday School begins,

(I'm the Sunday School Superintendent.)

And my grandson, Dayton celebrates his birthday!

This year he turned 4 on September 3rd !

The theme of this year's party was

I helped his mom by carving a
watermelon shark...

and making "sushi" appetizers...(not that tasty, but cute!)

Sponge Bob and Nemo

( Dayton's two Grandpas)

made an appearance!

And the birthday boy gave it all he had to blow out his candles! ;)

{Next year somebody remind me that buttercream frosting

melts on the way to the party

when it's early September and the temperature is 80 degrees !!}

Happy Birthday, sweet boy!

I love you all to pieces!

smooch, smooch!

fairie tale

2011-08-30T10:11:00.000-04:00

My granddaughter, Olivia, believes she is a princess...(and indeed, so do I!)

She adores wearing princess dresses and princess shoes

and, of course, a crown!

So, while enjoying some time by the campfire awhile back,

I made this fairy princess crown.

Now she keeps asking for wings! :)

So her mom and I are planning a fairy princess birthday party in November.

Olivia doesn't know I already picked up several pairs of wings at the dollar store the other day.

("Gotta get 'em while the gettin's good," my Mom would say! )

Olivia's mom knows I love to plan a party with a fun theme; so she indulges me.

Oh, it's going to be so much fun!

Do you have a childhood birthday party that you remember as your favorite?

Batten down the hatches...

2011-08-28T09:46:00.003-04:00

This is the calm before the storm.

We're getting HEAVY RAIN and the winds are beginning to pick up.

The power has flickered a couple of times which is a bit unnerving,

but my kids are all safe at home, I've got LOTS of candles,

we're dry and safe, so, right now it's a bit exciting!

Hopefully there will be minimal damage here in New England

and it will be a quiet (except for the thunder!) day at home.

Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged,

for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

I just found out my middle daughter does have to work today.

I covet your prayers for Bethanie's safety.

We've been flocked!

2011-08-13T20:42:00.000-04:00

We woke up this morning to fifty flamingos in our front yard!

To raise $$$ for sports programs

the local booster club

will "flock" any house in town

for a cash donation.

{Thanks Crystal and Kenny!} :)

When the woman came to

pick up the flock she said,

"This is probably the only house in town

where the flamingos actually look good!"

pink door

pink flamingos

That is a compliment, right?

Did you notice the ducks checking out the flock?

Now it's our turn to do the "flocking!"

happy birthday!

2011-08-10T18:59:00.000-04:00

My daughter, Jade,

and her friend Holly,

celebrated their birthdays together

with a very fancy black and white birthday party.

I made the cake

and babysat the grandkids.

Looking forward to seeing pictures

of their lavish affair!

Happy 23rd, Jade

Love you.

Summer’s popsicle

2011-08-02T10:05:00.000-04:00

And a pool to eat it by.

What more do you need?

~ Neal Ross Attison

Josh Groban Concert

2011-07-28T10:36:00.002-04:00

Last week a friend gave me 2 tickets to the Josh Groban Concert.

Thanks Aaron! :)

So Andy and I drove to Lowell to take the T to TD Garden in Boston.

It was a wonderful concert.

Josh Groban has a phenomenal voice

and I loved his interaction with the audience.

He asked the audience at the beginning of the show to text him questions.

One girl asked "Will you sing with my sister?"

This is what happened~

I don't know who she is,

but she was fantastic!

Of course, "You Raise Me Up" was the final encore and highlight.

A nice way to spend an evening...

What was the last concert you attended?

IN THE GARDEN...

2011-07-19T07:11:00.002-04:00

I'm teaching at our very first Summer Garden Club this week at school.

Yesterday the kids were having a wonderful time weeding and making discoveries

until one of them discovered a bee's nest!

Four out of five of our kids got stung, some several times!

Praying that today they all come back...

and that there's no more painful encounters with nature!

taking off...

2011-07-10T05:20:00.000-04:00

I'm off to South Carolina to take a class with my BFF who happens to be my boss.

See you in a few days!

Blessings!

ahh...

2011-07-05T17:42:00.001-04:00

enjoying iced pomegranate green tea...

Lightning McQueen Mural

2011-07-03T09:57:00.000-04:00

When my daughter moved into her house

(Has it really been almost two years?)

she asked if I'd paint aLightning McQueen mural in Dayton's room.

I agreed to do it. I got the paint. I outlined the car.

And never got it finished!

Until now!

Happy dance!

The raceway is chalkboard paint, so you can write messages or draw pictures on it.

You can't see the two windows in these pics, but the only thing left to do is window treatments.

I've looking for checkered raceway banners to pin up but I think I'll have to order them online.

I wanted it to finally be done before the annual 4th of July party at their house.

I couldn't have been happier when I heard Dayton say to one of Jade's friends,

" Look at my room. My Gramma painted it all by herself."

and "Thank you, Gramma."

Love

that

boy!

xoxo

La Tour Eiffel en rose

2011-06-30T10:11:00.000-04:00

A gift from Crystal.

It's a bank.

A reminder to save for our dreams...

I'VE BEEN STUCK IN A RUT

2011-06-28T15:11:00.001-04:00

google images

But I've had it with myself!

And,

Unexpressed ideas are lost forever...

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

So,

please bear with me as I catch up on the last month...

***

\|`| |/

Our town’s Memorial Day parade got rained out this year,

but the day turned out nice enough to cook out on the grill.

I enjoyed a relaxing day.

My girls did all the cooking, including prep and clean up! FAB!

~gratitude and love~

*
On June 1, the week before school got out,

tornadoes left a path of destruction 40 miles long across the state.

Too close for comfort.

Thankfully, though, we only had hail and thunderstorms.

Many are still recovering from those few minutes of fury.

I can't seem to get this picture out of my mind.

A few days later, my husband and I took the T

to Fenway for a Red Sox game.

On the way, we met a couple who live in one of the towns worst hit.

It makes you feel kind of funny and

SO GRATEFUL

to just get up and go about your business

when you think that a few miles away

people became homeless in the blink of an eye.

June 4th was a perfect day for a ballgame in Boston.

The weather was ideal and the Sox won.

I agreed to leave after the 8th inning to beat the traffic

(the Sox were winning with a healthy lead)

and we certainly needn’t have worried!

By the time we got to the T,

the game was tied and went into overtime!

They played 14 innings before beating the Oakland A’s 9-8.

We stopped for dinner at the 99 Restaurant

where Crystal works and watched the rest of the game on TV!

*
I can’t believe the last day of school was almost 3 weeks ago!

{ducks then}

Sometimes the end of the school year can’t come fast enough

and I was counting the days along with my class of mostly boys

(just one girl!) and eagerly anticipated summer vacation.

After a few days of curriculum development the day finally arrived

on Flag day this year!

~love those stars and stripes~

Did you know? Flag Day, celebrated in the United States on June 14,

commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777.

Wikipedia

On June 15th my family was delighted that the Bruins won the Stanley Cup!

On June 19 I celebrated Father’s Day with my husband,

Dad &GrandpaExtraordinaire,

and my 3 girls.

I did have a few teary moments.

Love you, Dad. Miss you every day.

My family has celebrated graduations and birthdays,

I've spent hours with my grandkids

watercolor painting, reading and playing,

and chasing the ducks.

{ducks now}

*
And these pics...

were inspired by

Christine at{Vista Woman}.

Take a look here.

{Your pics made me smile, Christine.}

Now, for those of you who have made it

all the way through this lengthy post,

I will leave you with this thought and photo of sweet Olivia...

Life is good.

Blessings!

simply irresistible...

2011-05-28T13:02:00.003-04:00

the amazing sights and sounds of Paris

delicasies from le boulangerie

french champagne

and the alluring fragrance of Chanel #5

...a person can dream...

Merci, beaucoup, dear Anita,

of http://wwwcastlescrownscottages.blogspot.com/

for hosting this simply irresistible

"party parisienne!"

If you stop by and leave a comment and I don't respond,

please know that I have been having

TROUBLE

posting comments for several days.

I can't seem to stay signed in to my google account. grrrr!

feelin' blue...

2011-05-21T13:02:00.001-04:00

in a good way...

baby bluebirds, blue skies, blueberry muffins, and fresh brewed coffee...

Anything making you blue in your world?

Wishing you
blue sky happiness
on this Saturday in May!

2011-05-14T16:50:00.000-04:00

Blooms I gathered from "up on the hill."

~*~

May your week-end be filled with

the sweet delights of Springtime !

Little Duck

2011-05-09T23:05:00.005-04:00

In raincoat of yellow

And rubbers of red,

With rain pouring down on his back,

This fine little fellow

Just lifts up his head

And gives out his happiest "Quack."

~Anonymous

Click to view Our classroom ducklings first swim when I brought them home for the week-end...

Olivia {2 yrs old} kept saying, "I want to ho'd one!"

If a child

is to keep his inborn sense of wonder,

he needs the companionship of at least one adult

who can share it,

rediscovering with him

the joy,

excitement

and mystery

of the world we live in.

~Rachel Carson

{I volunteer!}

Joy in Springtime...

2011-05-08T08:51:00.001-04:00

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me.

They have clung to me all my life.

Abraham Lincoln

just ducky!

2011-05-03T07:02:00.000-04:00

introducing "Sweetie" fresh from the incubator

and his/her siblings

... little sleepyheads!

Royal Wedding...

2011-04-27T06:03:00.003-04:00

OK, not exactly, but...

On April 26, 1980

I did feel like

But now, after 31 years...

;)

We're still working out whether he's the the king,

court jester, or simply, "mr. wonderful"...

Sometime it's debatable! :)

But, for better or for worse, he's mine!

Happy Anniversary, hon.

Love you.

@~,~~`~~~~

happy easter

2011-04-24T07:52:00.000-04:00

He is risen!

no greater love

2011-04-22T09:30:00.000-04:00

for you and me...

blessings and peace to you on this good friday

birthday girl

2011-04-18T20:02:00.001-04:00

It's been almost a week

since my firstborn daughter

celebrated her 29th birthday!

She posted something on her blog about being 29 and holdin' !

She is her mother's daughter! :)

You see,

this year I celebrated the

silver anniversary of my 29th! :)

Yup...she was 4 years old when I turned 29.

She was the first of our 3 girls.

Okay, she's her father's daughter too!

I was a cheerleader, but

my girls played basketball like their Dad.

They follow the Red Sox and even understand football!

I love the Red Sox and I call myself a Patriots fan,

but, honestly, I don't get football.

She's a daughter, a wife, an auntie extraordinaire,

and she's not just a waitress, oh, no,

she is hardworking,

highly motivated,

influential and inspiring,

an amazing woman,

a wonderful friend,

and a child of God.

Yup...

She's my girl!

Happy Birthday (week), Crystal!

Love you!

sunny saturday

2011-04-09T14:39:00.000-04:00

After a busy week that included setting our

Rowan duck eggs

in a new, fully-automated (once I figured it all out!) incubator,

{We moved it up a week to avoid having them hatch during Spring break!}

Report cards,

Parent /Teacher conferences,

and our monthly

Open House

the

week-end

is finally here!

I'm going outside

to play

in the

sunshine!

How are you enjoying the week-end?

catching up

2011-03-28T21:35:00.000-04:00

Since the last time I posted,

I have enjoyed several dinners and lunches

with family and friends to celebrate my birthday. {thank you!}

I’ve dressed to be filmed for a school promotional video

(told I must wear any color except green (against a green screen)),

and the next day wore green to celebrate the bit o’ Irish in me on St. Patty’s day!

I’ve baked oatmeal cookies with the afterschool program kids, known as

“The Producers” of what will become “HCA Gourmet,

or, the local cable network’s best film of kids cooking for kids!

I’ve scrubbed and polished ‘til my house needed it again,

and painted and decorated the guest room.

(more on that another time)

I’ve welcomed my brother for a visit,

delighted in the first day of Spring,

scraped the snow off my car on the second day of Spring,

led our Kindergarteners and First Graders on “The Lewis & Clark Expedition,”

and met with our lawyer to determine the next steps in settling my Dad’s estate and

caring for my Mom’s interests as she is in a nursing home.

I've enjoyed spending time with my brother,

pictured with my daughter, Crystal.

He leaves tomorrow.

It has been a really nice visit and I'll miss him.

{Love you, Bri.}

Now I must concentrate on The American Adventure Banquet,

(the theme changes every year) our annual school fund-raiser dinner.

There is a great deal to be done before next Thursday.

I must also “read up” on incubating duck eggs.

Our new incubator arrived last Thursday

and the duck eggs have arrived!
BUSY...
but never bored!
Blessings!

birthday bluebird

2011-03-13T09:48:00.000-04:00

I saw a female bluebird the other day
so I figured the mr. couldn't be far away,

but I hadn't seen him yet.

This morning he landed and seemed to look right at me.

Then he struck a few poses and flew off...

Birds have always felt like a gift from God to me. :)

But today, I think He was saying

"Happy Birthday,"

It felt special like that.

Look at the birds of the air;

they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:26

look and listen

2011-03-09T07:13:00.000-05:00

I've been noticing

Spring

sights and sounds.

So much of the snow has melted away.

I spotted a female bluebird on Monday. :)

The sound of songbirds fills the morning air!

I'm counting my blessings!

1...

2...

3...

tutorial for a rainy day

2011-02-28T14:21:00.002-05:00

Click on any image to view it larger.

Imagine how pretty these would be in in PINK

or a color to match a party theme

or white with yellow centers added to make daisies

(the mr.'s favorite flower).

Oh, What *F*U*N*

Inspiration from

Jess at livingtheswelllife

and marthastewart.com

Thank you!

snow friends

2011-02-22T22:16:00.002-05:00

It all started a couple of weeks back, when

Crystal"Auntie Extraordinaire" & Dayton

went out to play in the snow.

They came in with

"the best snowball ever!"

according to Dayton. :)

Then they went back out to fill a ziplock bag with snowballs

to save for a snowball fight next summer! :)

Snowballs

became

snowmen...

became

snowangels...

and were the inspiration for the

snowprincesses

that Livi and I made this week...

But, as fun as it was,

We're still...

{thank you for the inspiration, Koralee! }

...and looking forward to

hanging up our winter coats,

delighting in warmer weather and l o n g e r days,

and

admiring the crocuses

as they

come

out

hiding.

google images

I'm ready for

basking in the

sunshine...

How about you?

2011-02-14T07:19:00.001-05:00

with love.

in the pink

2011-02-12T21:50:00.011-05:00

Flowers seem the solace of ordinary humanity.

~John Ruskin

There's something

quite appealing about

tulips in the snow...

and mini cupcakes

frosted to look like

pink roses

for a valentine party...

But the sweetest little flower

I've seen lately is the

most recent addition to our family.

Introducing my

great niece...

God bless you, sweet baby.

I lost my voice.

2011-02-09T07:14:00.006-05:00

Figuratively anyway.

My heart was full,

and yet,
when I attempted
to speak,
to share,
to cheer,

I felt used up…stifled.

My words felt empty,
hollow.

I was convinced that every area of my life needed
improvement but I was
paralyzed
at the enormity of the task.
In addition,
I felt as if I could do nothing
well enough.

But I was reminded that

… the Spirit helps us in our weakness.
We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us
through wordless groans.
27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit
intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8: 26-28

Happy Birthday, Mom

2011-01-31T21:44:00.002-05:00

January 30, 2011

Dear Mom,

If I could give you diamonds

for each tear you cried for me.

If I could give you sapphires

for each truth you’ve helped me see.

If I could give you rubies

for the heartache that you’ve known

If I could give you pearls

for the wisdom that you’ve shown.

Then you would have a treasure, mom,

that would mount up to the skies

That would almost match

the sparkle in your kind and loving eyes.

But I have no pearls, no diamonds,

As I’m sure you’re well aware

So I’ll give you gifts more precious

My devotion, love and care. ~Anonymous

With all my love
on your birthday...
and always,

Sue

xxoo

arctic freeze

2011-01-24T21:20:00.001-05:00

With temperatures hovering around

zero

below

and a chilly classroom

all

day
long,

it was a perfect day...

for polar bears !

You thought I'd say hot cocoa didn't you?

{Well, it was a good day for that too!}
:)

We decided tonight was the ideal night
for
steamy homemade turkey soup ,
and

brown and serve rolls.

yum.

{i heart children's literature}

2011-01-21T16:20:00.000-05:00

On Monday, we're kicking off a Read-a-thon at school!

We've begun inviting "celebrities" from the community

to read their FAVORITE books to the children.

Of course, this got me

thinking about my FAVORITE children's books.

{There are SO MANY!}

When I was a child it was

partly because

I just loved having my Mom read to me.

{And she used to call me "Sam-I-am."}

On this particular day,

however,

a sweet little field mouse

named Frederick,

has captured my heart.

Do you have a FAVORITE children's book

that has tugged at your heartstrings?

Book covers~google images

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

Frederick by Leo Lionni

What's so amazing

2011-01-16T21:48:00.000-05:00

that keeps us stargazing?

And what do we think we might see?

Someday we'll find it,

the rainbow connection,

the lovers, the dreamers and me.

"Rainbow Connection"

written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher

~originally performed by

Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson)

blizzard

2011-01-13T08:37:00.001-05:00

Snow day yesterday.

Even my husband got the day off!

Two hour delay today...

The calm after the storm.

So pretty.

Is it blanketed with snow in your corner of the world?

I loved this movie...

2011-01-10T23:52:00.001-05:00

My only disappointment was that at the end of the movie

the characters didn't fade into their real-life counterparts.

So,

I've googled the pics of the main players to give you a view of the real royals...

King George VI, Princess Elizabeth (presently Queen Elizabeth II), and Queen Elizabeth...

the real Lionel Logue (left)...

and

Wallis Simpson and Edward (VIII) later Duke of Windsor, who abdicated the throne.

Intriguing lives...non?

happy 2011

2011-01-01T11:06:00.000-05:00

"Marilla,

isn't it nice

to think

that tomorrow

{today!}

is a new day

{new year!}

with no mistakes

in it yet?"

~Lucy Maud Montgomery,

Anne of Green Gables

snow day

2010-12-27T17:38:00.000-05:00

and since we've no place to go...

LET IT SNOW

How did you spend this wintery day?

A Savior has been born to us...

2010-12-24T22:33:00.001-05:00

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would bring a lamb,

If I were a wise man

I would do my part,

Yet what I can I give Him,

Give Him my heart.

Wishing you a joyous Christmas!

semi-homemade student Christmas gifts

2010-12-18T21:50:00.000-05:00

I purchased inexpensive hats

($1.50 a piece)

for the kids in my class

and added their names to personalize them.

I used alphabet beads to string their names

and added a silver bell to the very

top

of each hat.

Then I tucked in a * sweet treat *

Voila!

An easy-peasy lemon squeezy

Christmas gift for my kiddos

to wear outside for recess on

*chilly *winter * days!

angel hands

2010-12-14T07:15:00.001-05:00

This week-end Dayton and I made a handprint angel.

He worked very hard...

We tried to get Olivia to make one too,

but she wanted nothing to do with getting paint on her hands!

The banner says Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14

When it was dry, I put it in a simple white frame and showed it to Dayton.

He said, " It's bootifoo."

(Translation: It's beautiful)

It is...

It's a treasure.

2010-12-07T00:29:00.000-05:00

shabby chic photo

I'm feeling very sleepy

and this bed looks soooo inviting... doesn't it?

Now that's a place for entertaining visions of sugarplums!

Our tree is up and

I've finished quite a bit of my Christmas shopping.

I am looking forward to relaxing by the fire and

enjoying the sights and sounds of the season!

What are you dreaming of this Christmas?

sweet finds

2010-12-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

I stopped in at the local thrift store yesterday and

delightedly picked up these FUN

pink-handled utensils...

and several WONDERFUL books...

including a vintage copy of Dickens'

A Christmas Carol

and a beautiful 1908 copy of a play entitled

Pelleas and Melisande

(originally published in 1894)..

I'd never heard of it, but golden crowns on the cover

and the beautiful illustrations with pellum pages in between

were just irresistible!

Each page has lovely green designs bordering the text.

I actually had table settings in mind when I first picked it up,

but I've become intrigued,

and I simply must read the story first

before I make any decisions about pulling out the pages!

beth's new T :)

2010-11-27T14:24:00.002-05:00

The world always looks

brighter

from behind a smile.

~Author Unknown

2010-11-25T11:39:00.000-05:00

Off to bring Mom home to

celebrate

Thanksgiving...

and

counting my blessings

5 6

7...

BIG and small

including

YOU!

women of faith recap

2010-11-23T00:32:00.000-05:00

To express what it was like to be at the

Women of Faith Conference,

This picture

(from the cover of their brochure)

says it all!

The time there was filled with
laughter,
music,
drama
tears of joy,
tears of compassion,
and
an undeniable desire
by a group of
wonderful
down- to -earth girlfriends
to share the love and
grace and
mercy
of a Savior
we dare to call
friend.

AWESOME.

Thank you, ladies.

Thank you, Jesus.

girls week-end...

2010-11-19T07:10:00.000-05:00

Looking forward to attending the

Women of Faith Conference

in Hartford, CT

after school today

and tomorrow...

Have a wonderful week-end!

twinkle STAR of the day...

2010-11-16T21:42:00.002-05:00

Sweet Olivia turned 2 on Sunday.

She was fighting a cold...

but she rallied for all the FUN!

She tried to blow the candles out, but instead she kept blowing her bangs up!

She loves to sing "Twinkle, twinkle little star,"
so that became her birthday party theme...

Opening cards and gifts with her mom...

Grampie and I assembled the dollhouse we gave her

complete with a doll-size birthday party!

SO CUTE!...

Just like our sweet Livi girl!

Happy Birthday darlin' girl!

land of the free, because of the brave...

2010-11-11T08:42:00.000-05:00

I am forever grateful ...

stressed...

2010-11-06T17:27:00.000-04:00

Today I have been feeling like this...

I want to be like this little lamb...

feeling safe and at peace in the arms of my Saviour...

Lord, please help me not to lose sight of what is really important...

He tends his flock like a shepherd:

He gathers the lambs in his arms

and carries them close to his heart;

Isaiah 41:11a (NIV)

2010-10-31T08:34:00.000-04:00

google images

... a great combination for

inspiring creativity.

Wishing you a day of treats sans tricks

and joy as we anticipate the upcoming holiday season!

What would you

be thankful

to find

in your

trick or treat

bag?

must see...

2010-10-25T22:29:00.000-04:00

In between school and a school committee meeting tonight,

my friend Susan and I went to see

Secretariat.

We loved this movie!

An extraordinary true story!

Treat yourself to a wonderful film...

and popcorn...

of course!

PS Happy Birthday, Teresa!

Love you!

october sky

2010-10-23T15:28:00.000-04:00

Sunrise,

Sunset

Sunrise, sunset

Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears...

What's bringing you happiness or tears today?

stylin...

2010-10-19T19:43:00.000-04:00

Just when you think you're Asian Pear is sportin' the latest in fruit fashion apparel...

a darlin' little apple like this comes along!!!

What's your fashion conscious snack wearin' these days?

Seek peace...

2010-10-13T07:15:00.000-04:00

I think Francis of Assisi was onto something...

I wish you peace...

hello jack frost!

2010-10-09T18:48:00.000-04:00

Summer sunshine is a sweet memory...

and tonight the weatherman forecasts frost on the pumpkin!

Time to throw a log in the fireplace and pop in a movie!

Any suggestions?

Into each life some rain must fall...

2010-10-06T07:21:00.001-04:00

This is what we woke up to yesterday.

You know when you look outside just before dawn

and you know something isn't right?

Two tents down...and all the Yard Sale stuff

from Mom and Dad's Estate

blown over and SCHMUCKED!

I think I made that word up!

{sigh}

As we approached to survey the damages

it started raining!

I had only 45 minutes to help before I would be late for school.

But, gratefully, my husband and my BIL, Mark,

(I thank God for him.)

picked everything up and got the tents folded up

before the wind destroyed them.

Thanks, guys...

It's still raining...

100 things update

2010-09-28T19:26:00.001-04:00

(100) things I (~~want to do)~~ did this summer:

Originally Posted on June 24, 2010.

1. Read Unclutter Your Life in One Week!! by Erin Rooney Dolan this week.

Full of great ideas & helpful info!!

2. Unclutter my life next week! :) Still working on it!

3. Host a yard sale. We had a yard sale after the auction and again this week-end to sell things from my parents’ estate and will be hosting several more (including my own “stuff”) as long as the weather remains mild!

4. Paint my front door a pretty shade of pink. Done! :)

5. Add flowers to the front porch that complement the door. Check! Already time to
replace them with chrysanthemums!

6. Order materials and new curriculum for school. Check!

7. Read Francine River’s newest book,
Her Mother’s Hope.

Started it during jury duty in June…Loving it so far...still haven’t finished! (Busy doing other things!?!?!!!!!!! :))

8. Write my Philosophy of Christian Education paper to finish the course! Done and turned in!

9. Find the electric sander!
Couldn’t find it…If it was in the barn it was sold in the
auction! :(

10. Sand and paint the hutch in my breakfast room, white.

So far, it’s stripped and sanded.

11. Paint the inside robin’s egg blue. Will do.

12. Purchase new handles and knobs. Check.

13. Replace the old ones. As soon as it's painted!

14. Go to the beach. Check!
15. Look for shells, sea glass, and heart shaped rocks. I could do this for hours!

16. Bring home a zip lock bag full of beach sand and display my finds. {above}

17. Work on gardening curriculum for school.garden.

Spent a week on curriculum development in July.

18. Catch fireflies in a jar.

19. Host a family Independence Day cook-out.

20. Make Mom’s potato salad (family favorite!) and strawberry/blueberry shortcake.

21. Add sparklers to the shortcake to serve.
Beth made brownies instead!

22. Go to the fireworks in the evening.

FUN!

23. Toast marshmallows.

24. Make s'mores.

25. Paint a Lightning McQueen mural in Dayton’s bedroom… A work in progress…

26. …and a Noah’s Ark mural in his playroom. ditto

27. Take a canning class.

Made strawberry jam!

28. Get the bike from Dad’s barn and attach my new basket.

29. Add flowers.

30. Sort through all the paperwork from Mom and Dad’s estate.

Sort .Pay bills. File. Repeat.

31. Get up really early and go for a walk. ...went a few times!

32. Pick wildflowers on the way. Picked flowers and black raspberries! Much to the chagrin of my daughter, Crystal, AKA Jillian Michaels! :)

33. Make a lemon meringue pie for Mom to share at the nursing home.

Made and shared!

34. Get my nails done before “the J’s” wedding. check

35. Get a pedicure too. check

36. Buy a pretty summer dress. check

37. Paint for pleasure.
Sketched but didn't paint

38. Try a new Weight Watcher recipe.

[Nothing to write home about.]

39. Make an appointment to highlight my hair!

Thinking about going

even lighter next time!

40. Go on a garden tour. Toured Warren

Farm, N. Brookfield, MA and
toured online @ Notes from a
Cottage Industry ~July 16

41. Super clean my classroom and re-vamp my desk.

embarassing,really.

happy now{*sigh*}

42. Go to a matinee on a rainy afternoon or when it’s just too hot.
Not much rain this summer!

43. Have movie theater popcorn and Diet Coke for lunch.

Didn’t get to the movies this summer, but

   I’m planning on going to see Coco (Chanel) & Igor
   (Stravinsky) after school on Thursday.

44. Scour the thrift shops for the perfect living room coffee table. Found one. Not perfect,
   but good enough ( for 6 bucks!) until I find the perfect one !

45. Go for blood work prior to...
46. …my annual physical. Check. Check! Followed by a few precautionary
(expensive)follow-up visits.

47. Print photos with Zig Ziglar’s quote for my WW (Weight Watcher) friends.

48. Take a photography class. Didn’t happen this summer. Maybe some day...

49. Take living room curtains, linen tablecloth & napkins to the dry cleaner. Check.
Time to put those drapes back up!
50. Get a tan. Enough to give a healthy glow!

51. Keep a food journal to track WW points daily. Off and on...must do better! Not
my strong suit!

52. Plant the rest of the flowers I’ve already bought. Planted most of them!

53. Send some “Bluebird Notes” (note cards, really) to Koralee. Special delivery! :)

54. Add lime slices to my seltzer water. YUM!

55. Paint B’s room and make into a “guest room.” Asked my Brother-In- Law to help. Soon, very soon!

56. Put the pineapple bed from Mom and Dad’s in the guest room. After the room is painted!

57. Purchase new bedding and curtains. Check!

58. Paint the living room. Doesn’t feel like a priority until after the other rooms are done.

59. Paint the downstairs bathroom. My BIL will do that too! YIPPEE!

60. Touch up the paint in the upstairs bathroom. Ditto!

61. Take deep breaths. Just did, and do often!:)

62. Design Lap books for gardening classes…Started them at school this week!
63. … and American history classes. We’ve been working on them for a couple of
weeks. :)
64. Make Christmas gift list and take it when I go thrifting. Check.

65. Look for a replacement piece of glass for ballerina picture. No luck…funny size. Decided to get one cut to size at the hardware store.

66. Fill a box of books to sell to “The Book Bear.”

Decided to sell them at our yard sale.

67. Look for cheap vintage dictionaries to shred and punch… Found one in Dad’s barn after the auction was over!

68. ..or vintage French dictionaries…ooh la la! No dictionaries at the Book Bear, but I did find a fun book of Premiere Lecons de Francais! I don’t think I can shred it though!

69. Plan a vacation getaway with my husband. ROCKPORT, MA

Motif #1

70. Schedule a day with C, B, &; J to go through and pack up stuff at Mom and Dad’s. ongoing…

71. Look in the barn for gardening tools to donate to school. I put aside a few things…

72. Invite a few friends over for a bonfire (campfire, really) and conversation. Labor Day week-end

73. Look up at the sky and find the Big Dipper. I love stargazing!

74. Drink a Corona Light with lime.

5. Paint Olivia’s dolly high chair to match her kitchen set. Done…

76. Add a vintage decal. …and done…

77. Find one first. …only it’s a sticker. I couldn’t find a decal I liked any better than a sticker I already had!)

78. Read blogs about “Where Women Create.” Read several…so many!

79. Organize craft and gift storage room. Organize…reorganize…organize again!

80. Begin an inspiration bulletin board. Check.

81. Help Beth with decorating Olivia’s bedroom. Working on it for her birthday in
November!

82. Talk to pastor about Sunday School curriculum ideas.
Now I’m the Sunday School Superintendant! :)

83. Pray continually. Please, Lord,help me to make this the priority it
should be!

84. Count my blessings. 1...2...3...4...5...6...7...

85. Look for the simple pleasures in every day. eyes wide open!

86. Start a blog for recording inspirational quotes and scripture verses.
http://aworkinprogress-susan-inthegarden.blogspot.com/
87. Think of a name first. In the Garden

88. Organize my home office. Organize…reorganize…organize again!
89. Do something about all the wires! Done.

90. Set up bill pay system for self and estate. Still need HELP with this!

91. Sit and Relax…92. Soak up the sun. 93. Swim in the pool. Those were the days!

94. Remember these are the days we long for in the middle of winter! Duly noted…and
often! :)

95. Invite a friend over for lunch. 96. Serve chicken salad on a croissant, green grapes, potato chips and something sweet and lovely for dessert. Thought my daughter Jade’s summer birthday was the perfect opportunity!
97. Set a pretty table. 98. Use Mom’s Waterford Crystal glasses.

99. Finish crafting my photo note cards for my 100th post giveaway!
Congrats to Judy@ Just a Little Something For You
100. And lastly… Don’t fret if it everything on this list doesn’t get done!

I did many things that I had planned and many more that I hadn’t! I had a WONDERFUL summer! What do I miss most? Sleeping until eight and staying up late!!!! Oh, that (alarm) clock !!!!

Quick count says I accomplished about 83 things on my list with most of the others at least in progress!!! Woo Hoo!

Estate Auction

2010-09-22T20:46:00.000-04:00

My brother and my husband worked really hard preparing for

the Estate Auction we had last Saturday.

We auctioned off the contents of my Dad's HUGE barn.

Dad had machinery and all the tools he used when he was an auto mechanic

as well as an impressive collection of antique tools.

among other things...

As much as I knew we had to settle and "deal" and sell and clean out...

There were moments when all I could think was

my Dad's fingerprints are on everything ...

It makes me even more appreciative of the "treasures" I find.

Some of the things I've purchased bear the fingerprints of someone else's loved one.

family reunion

2010-09-14T07:20:00.000-04:00

FAMILY

FRIENDS

FOOD

FUN

FAB!

What a wonderful time we had at the Lane/Smith Family Reunion last Sunday.

I must admit there were sad moments too.

Dad would have loved every minute with these people.

I miss you Dad.

"Where Were You ?"

2010-09-11T07:55:00.006-04:00

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

Out in the yard with your wife and children

Working on some stage in LA

Did you stand there in shock at the site of

That black smoke rising against that blue sky

Did you shout out in anger

In fear for your neighbor

Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children

Who lost their dear loved ones

And pray for the ones who don't know

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble

And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride

For the red white and blue

The heroes who died just doing what they do

Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer

And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs

I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you

The difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us

And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

Teaching a class full of innocent children

Driving down some cold interstate

Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor

In a crowded room did you feel alone

Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her

Did you dust off that bible at home

Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened

Close your eyes and not go to sleep

Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages

Speak with some stranger on the street

Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow

Go out and buy you a gun

Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching

And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger

Stand in line and give your own blood

Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family

Thank God you had somebody to love

{song lyrics by Alan Jackson}

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day ?

a work in progress

bundle up!

a new year dawns

happy birthday, princess olivia!

Happy Veteran's Day

three weddings, two baby showers, and a field trip, oh my!

My PROJECT

oh, dear, oh deer!

happy birthday, dayton!

fairie tale

Batten down the hatches...

We've been flocked!

happy birthday!

Summer’s popsicle

Josh Groban Concert

IN THE GARDEN...

taking off...

ahh...

Lightning McQueen Mural

La Tour Eiffel en rose

I'VE BEEN STUCK IN A RUT

simply irresistible...

feelin' blue...

Little Duck

just ducky!

Royal Wedding...

happy easter

no greater love

birthday girl

sunny saturday

catching up

birthday bluebird

look and listen

tutorial for a rainy day

snow friends

in the pink

I lost my voice.

Happy Birthday, Mom

arctic freeze

{i heart children's literature}

What's so amazing

blizzard

I loved this movie...

happy 2011

*snow day*

A Savior has been born to us...

semi-homemade student Christmas gifts

angel hands

sweet finds

beth's new T :)

women of faith recap

girls week-end...

twinkle STAR of the day...

land of the free, because of the brave...

stressed...

must see...

october sky

stylin...

Seek peace...

hello jack frost!

Into each life some rain must fall...

100 things update

Estate Auction

family reunion

"Where Were You ?"

snow day