This week's read: Heaven Is For Real

http://heavenisforreal.net/

A Christmas Story for Easter

I had the pleasure of hearing of this miracle first hand the other day from the wife of the gentleman involved and it is too good not to share. I only wish I possessed the pose it deserves to be told in!

This past Christmas the couple had the chance to volunteer with the youths in foster care for their Christmas party. The husband was helping Santa out for the day, wearing his suit to listen to wishes and hand out presents. There was one teen who kept coming up to him, quite excited because he had not sat with Santa before. His only wish for Christmas was a hat of a particular sports team. When he opened his gift, it was the very hat he asked for. When he asked Santa how he knew, Santa told him it was magic.

I wanted to cry right there, it is wonderful the boy was given a little joy and was able to be the part of a little magic. Who deserves it more than these kids? But the main miracle was what the gentleman and his wife went home with. That after spending a long day working in the city and then driving hours home, he probably would have preferred to relax with his family after dinner, but instead he came away from the evening saying there was no better way he could have spent his time.

There are so many people who say they couldn't be foster parents. From the loving reactions from our friends and family, I know they all sell themselves short, but yes, it is a very personal decision. But it isn't the only way to help and be a part of these kids lives. Any talent can be used in any number of ways. And it isn't long before you realize you aren't only doing for the kids, but you end up taking something so emotionally fulfilling away in the end too.

I'm watching you

JJ came to us last week and did this to us, in his serious voice (giving the Freddy look, those that know my dad know what that means) saying "I'm watching you." We busted out laughing, it was too perfect not to. Where kids get things, I don't always know, and it's probably best not to, but I have to give my kids thanks for lightening my days!

Dont talk to strangers?

While my mom told me not to talk to strangers, she didn't know one. Anywhere I went with my mom she would start a conversation with anyone over anything. Maybe it was from being from a large family who talks, A LOT. In reality, people were just drawn to her, and while I am biased, it was with reason. She always had a ready smile, soft voice, great advice, and kind words. When I was younger, yes, it did embarrass me. But honestly, it left an impression on me, because, yes, I do it too. JJ is constantly asking if that person or this person is my friend. People approach me, or I approach them. It could be about the weather, my kids, how to make something, or trying to help, but there is always an opportunity. (You should have seen the day I was helping a cashier with a non-english speaking family. JJ telling me I was a real-life Dora gave me a good fit of laughter.)

But, recently, I noticed some people don't understand it. Not all, most people still do want to talk, but it still saddens me that so many are stuck in their own little world. Gone are the days when we knew everyone at the corner store or our neighbors. We no longer know the names of our local police officers protecting us (ok, I do, but it's different in our case.) Many parents don't have a personal relationship with their kids schools. People are pushing loneliness way too quickly by putting on their own blinders.

We are becoming a society so centered on going to work, going to the store, and getting home, that we miss out on so much. Last week I would have missed out on the older gentleman telling me about driving a school bus for years. Today I would have missed the grocery clerk in another line offering to box with my 6 year old, who in turn told him he would come back for him tomorrow. And sometimes, I just need a smile, just as much as someone might need one from me. I was raised if you make eye contact, you smile.

I am sorry if some people might feel it an intrusion on their personal time. But it's worth that 1 in 10 who might feel that way for the other 9 people who don't. Especially because once in awhile there is someone I talk to who needs that extra smile because they don't have it at home, and yes, from experience, I do know that happens much more than many of us realize.

My must read

A friend recently posted this video on her blog, and it made it on my list of must reads. I went to the store today, thinking it came out later this month, so I was going to pick up another book I wanted, but I was happily surprised this was already released, TODAY! Lately I haven't wanted to read my standard romance or suspense, but a true story. This fits the bill!

The days that changed our lives - framed

Once again, this is something I saw on Pinterest and I fell in love with the idea. Some will joke that now hubby will have no excuse to forget any important dates, but he is really good about that anyway. Since I have so many pictures up and art isn't really my thing, I figured this would fit in with my family centered decorations.

The many names of JT

JJ & JT's Spring pics

Love the outdoor photography, and Ms. Shockley captured my little guys perfectly! Head to her Facebook page to see some of her other work.
https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/ShockleyStudios

What a cut up!

A few weeks ago we were lucky enough to spend the evening with my cousin Cheryl, who was visiting from Somoa. I of course brought my camera, but we got caught in the rain and I didn't get a chance to take pics. But, during the wait for dinner I caught these two pics of JT mimicking Day. He is such a little ham and he knows it! This was just a quick "digi-scrap" page I threw together for my albums. I will paper scrap the pictures for JT's album.

"Red blooms"

http://www.etsy.com/listing/95193573/adjustible-hanging-red-flower-necklace

"Midnight" - Necklace & matching earrings $15 + S&H

http://www.etsy.com/listing/95183111/black-bead-triple-strand-illusion

"Deep Blue Sea" - Necklace & Matching Earrings $15 + S&H

The main stone of this reminds me of the ocean and waves. $3 S&H in the US.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/95177328/deep-blue-sea-matching-necklace-and

A couple recent creations

These were such fun to do, and I could kick myself that I didn't get pics of everything that I did recently. But, that's the way it goes!

Met, Married, Live heart map

This is another Pinterest find. We just changed our bedroom colors to red, so I had already changed the frame with our wedding invitation and picture but I needed something else on the side of that window wall. Maybe I'm also a little sentimental being it is coming up on our 10 year anniversary.
The maps are free at state information centers, the stickers from my scrapbook collection. But, I honestly think I will design digitally instead and have printed. By hand I am not quite meticulous enough for my own standards.

I love Subway Art!

I am in love with subway art. I used a holiday theme for some of our Christmas cards and I have been sitting on this (from Pinterest) for some time and I finally decided to do something with it. Right next to JJ's portrait of our family! I plan on doing one of my own soon with the important dates for our family. Of course I will post then.