It’s More Than Fireworks

Jul 4, 2014

The Final Draft of the Declaration of Independence When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be …

Things I Have Learned as a Mom

May 11, 2014

Things I Have Learned as a Mom You can never give or receive too many hugs. Never. Fun bandaids make almost anything feel better. Kids say the cutest things and it is important to write those down immediately. Baby books don't write themselves. I speak from experience about this one. Choose your battles---some things just aren't important to fight about. It's true--time passes very quickly. It is important to be there--no matter what ---even at 2 a.m. when the teenager finally …

Twas The Day After Christmas and All Through the House….

Dec 26, 2013

Twas the day after Christmas and all through the house …….that's as far I as got. Posts between now and the New Year may be a little sparse but of course there will be the annual 3 Words and a Song post AND the new January Comments for a Cause post coming up!!! So stay tuned for those! Our holiday has been wonderful.  Time with our sons is always the perfect gift and the bonus this year is  actually spending a whole week at Aaron's place together.  He is the perfect host, we have eaten …

A Few of My Favorite Nativities

Dec 22, 2013

I seem to have a collection of nativities as well as teapots.  My sister and I both love them and collect them and though we have never had them together I imagine we could outfit a small church with nativities for every window ledge, nook and cranny.   Here are a few of my favorite ones from my collection in a collage.  If you want to see one  a little bit larger just click on the image.   It should turn it into a slide show.  Enjoy! …

Stay Calm and Holiday On

Dec 12, 2013

Life comes at each of us fast and furious and it is hard to take it all in.  Today I am finding it to be one of those days when I realize that each and every moment counts.  I live in a little bubble sometimes----isolated and protected from the outside world, oblivious to the distractions and going ons of the rest of the world.   I try to be aware but I know that my world is very far removed from the world that others live in. The holiday rush is upon us and I, like many, am trying to keep …

To Market We Go!

Dec 6, 2013

Did you ever find a business that drew you in and invited you to become part of their family?   I feel that way about Market 124 located at 124 North Delaware in Mason City, Iowa.   Katie Wold and her husband, Dave, bought the former Olde Central Antique Mall and renovated the space to highlight the original space that boasts exposed concrete columns and the original concrete and tile floor. Those coupled with the  high ceilings and blocked glass windows lend to a welcoming area for local …

And Then the Post Thanksgiving Malaise Begins

Nov 29, 2013

Maybe you don't get it but I do.  The post Thanksgiving malaise. That feeling that all the fun is about to end.  Back to reality.  I feel out of sorts. At loose ends. Silly, I know, but it happens almost every year.  No matter how wonderful the holiday has been --and this year was tops---it just signals to me that another Thanksgiving is in the bank and we are on to the hustle and bustle of the upcoming Christmas season. I love for Thanksgiving to linger.  It is perhaps my favorite …

Thanksgiving IS the REAL DEAL!

Nov 25, 2013

Seems there is a trend to skate through holidays like they don't even exist anymore in our country and it makes my heart just a little bit sad.  Wait--more than a little bit sad. I have always loved Thanksgiving.   Probably more than Christmas because it just seemed simpler. Thanksgiving has always been family time for me.  Time spent with family watching the Macy's Parade,  preparing a fabulous meal, eating maybe a bit too many mashed potatoes, watching football games, taking a …

High Flying Gift Ideas

Oct 28, 2013

  You know that I am here for you guys, right?  I am always on the lookout for things that I can pass along to my readers that will inspire and enrich your lives.  I want you to all live life to the fullest and enjoy each moment and today in an effort to help you on that journey I have found some items that might just have to be put on your Christmas wish lists. On my flight home from Houston last Friday I decided to check out the SkyMall magazine.  That's the one that is always …

Memorial Day Thanks

May 27, 2013

Take some time away from the grill and the picnic today to be thankful for all who have served and sacrificed for our freedom.  It seems more real to me today than it has in past years with things that have happened recently.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all who have given their lives and who WILL give their lives to protect our freedoms.  There is a lot to be proud of  here in the United States and at the top of my list is my freedom to worship .  Enjoy your day but don't forget …