Cousins: Christmas 2012

Cousins...that look like brothers and sisters. Their blue eyes...that have an ethnic look...outside of their very Swedish and German heritage (That is a scrapbook page i need to consider creating.) stand out in most photos.  They love being together . 

We worried that being opposite sexes, they would not be close.  We did our best to make sure they saw each other as often as life permitted.  When we are together- it almost always a huge slumber party...with very little sleep! We used to joke that "someone always ends up sick" due to the exhaustion that came trying to squeeze every minute out of our time together.  It was worth it- to see them now!  

They are now teens and young adults. They still savor the time together.  They still stay up later than they should - but I wouldn't change a thing.  

I wish the guys were able to spend more time with their Smith cousins...but they are stretched out from Michigan to Florida including Alaska and Hawaii. When they do get together - it is always a great time- but there is simply not enough time. 

Unexpected Blessings...

Our dear friends, the Vastine Family, were home from Belgium for the holidays.  They spent most of the time with family in other place and their Morton time was very "appointment" heavy - leaving only a few spare moments for them to see the many people who love them here.  I thought that I might not have a chance to see them but God intervened and we had a delightful breakfast in their company at Cracker Barrel. What a sweet treat it was for Jill and I. 

Certainly...the unexpected blessings are the sweetest.  

2013: A Year of Gratitude

Happy New Year...can't believe 2013 is here! Savor the sweet moments and count the blessings...especially the small ones. Taking them for granted is where the seed of discontent takes root. Happiness is not something to be chased after and caught. It is a byproduct of a grateful heart. I hope to count a little blessing everyday...365 of them.Jan 1st - "new beginnings" is a reason to give thanks. that clean slate of a new year. 

Jan 2nd...a good furnace tops my list. Special thanks to my little brother and Robbie's crew from Clifton on that one...they made the trip to Morton when the locals had no time for us. I give thanks often for the gift of heat. As I always tell Matt to tell Robbie- "I love my Carrier".

Jan 3: Today I am grateful for the technology that allows me to keep up with my family and friends. Staying connected and reconnecting with the people that have been my companions on life's journey is priceless.

My Journey From St. Jude to MJHS...

Friends...I have been absent from my little scrapbook/card making blog...as with my birthday came the final report that my dear Jill...my girlfriend that has been like a sister to me for the past 25 years..has recurred with breast cancer 7 years after her initial diagnosis.  She is like a sister to me.  We were married 6 weeks apart (she went first), birthed our babies together(she went first), potty trained our boys together, she has cared for my sick children while I tried to break away from St. Jude and we have spent nearly every Friday night together since our children were little and it was too hard to go out and do anything else.  There are no words for her place in my heart except sister.  She is a warrior and full of God's grace.  We met at Olivet but she was closer to my Randy than me at that point due to their majors.  I am so glad our paths intersected and that we have been able to share so much.

This page is not about Jill's journey and mine with her- but it is about God moving me to a different place before her second battle.  Although I am not working less...I am right in town - and that is where I want and need to be. I love our quick lunches at my house. HIS timing and HIS ways are always right and perfect.  I don't know why she is having to fight this fight again - but it is already evident that she is "salt & light" as she fights the fight.  My prayer is that I can be the friend she needs me to be.

I made this page this summer and didn't post it - it felt too private- but now, it seems right. Feel free to stop reading at any point and get back to your life.  I know the journaling is long...but this is my story of how God moved like he did for Gideon...for me. HE is an awesome God! (Click on the image to be able to enlarge the photo.)

Merry Christmas and wishing you a joyful 2013.

Valerie

A Card for a Boss

I have been neglecting my little blog as I have been busy with so many other things.  I am so blessed to have two really good men in leadership at the Jr High.  They are really honorable and care deeply about the kids we have in and out of the office every day. I enjoyed the challenge of coming up with something manly.  The Stamps of Life set was perfect for the occasion.

I hope you are having a fantastic fall.  I love the colors and the crisp temperatures. The colors of these cards are reflective of my autumn inspirations.  The earthy and vibrant colors are so fabulous.  I want to capture them. Making a card in fall colors is a perfect opportunity to capture the beauty of this season.

Have a great week.
Valerie

Fall is here...Homecoming Parade 2012

The 2012 Morton High School Cross Country at the Homecoming parade.  Not much more to say about that!  I really think the faces tell the story.  These kids are driven and tough. They can finish what most of us would never start.  Walker has had another hard year with an injury to a quad muscle so he can't compete, but he goes to practice every day.  That makes him better than me.  I think I would give up - but that is what I love about this group...they never give up.  They cheer each other's victories and share the burdens of injury and missing the mark.  

I love this group not just for what they do - but for who they are. The happy faces, chatter between friends and evident camaraderie says it all. 

Savor the perfect fall day! My house is clean.  Youth Worship is prepared. Our 8th Grade baseball team is playing for a State Title today. My sons are together. I get to enjoy my husband.  All is well.  Enjoy the gifts of this day and the signs that Fall is here.

Summer slips away...

Summer is slipping away and although my scrapbooking has been a bit neglected- I have taken pictures to satisfy the part of me that needs to create.  These are my little neighborhood girls that feel like nieces.  We have watched them grow up and they are simply precious...not just beautiful...but fun to be with. I miss my nieces and nephews that live too far away.  I am thrilled to have Marina and Kallie two doors down.

What I love about a little girl?  Cartwheels, questions, chatter and energy to spare.  Marina came down wearing a dress like one of mine and made me feel so very special.  She loved playing with my scarf.  I could photograph her all day.  I love the bare feet, eyes that sparkle and sister moments.

Savor the sweetness in every day.

Valerie