Mall Lunch

Recently our son, Ben, called to chat.  I love it when he calls as he lives far away and I get lonely for him.  When he asked what I'd been up to I told him I'd just returned from Mall Lunch.  He claims that I've always just returned from Mall Lunch.  That's not true but we do, as a family, attempt to meet at the mall for lunch about once a week.  Is that weird?

Wyoming has long winters.  This hasn't been a bad winter at all, but it just isn't good picnic weather.  In fact, even when it is warm here it is sometimes difficult to find a good picnic day because it is often windy.  Anyway, somewhere along the way we started going to the mall.  None of us are really big shopping kind of people.  It's funny, though, to take Cordelia somewhere makes everything more fun!

Usually Maria, Cordy and I are the first to arrive.  Sometimes we let Cordelia play at the indoor playground (AKA germ pit).  Sometimes we wander through Bath and Body Works to "smell stuff".  We also frequently find ourselves at Target looking at pretty little dresses for Cordelia.  She prefers the twirly kind.  If you are female, you know what I mean by that!

Eventually, we head toward the Food Court and watch for the arrival of Mike and Sam.  We all get our lunches from the fast food of choice and meet around a table for lively conversation as we fill our bellies.

We've also carried our people-watching skills to a new level.  Maria and I started noticing one lady who is almost ALWAYS there. She is always alone and very quiet.  Even when I attempt to say hello to her it seems to make her uncomfortable.  That's OK.  We still look for her each week.  We've even given her a name.  I suppose you think that is weird, too?

After lunch we wander around a bit and look for little adventures for Cordelia.  Grandpa often leads the parade for this part of the day.  Often they head toward the pet store.  I forbid myself from visiting the puppies with them.  I have a good reason for that but I covered that in another post.  Sometimes we wander through campers that are on display or visit the little arcade room.  Our mall is not too big but we always manage to have a good time.  Do you suppose it is just because we enjoy being together?

                     

I'm really grateful and pleased when someone wants to share my posts or photos. Please just remember to link them back to my blog. It's the right thing to do; you know it is.

A Sweet Sunday Stroll

Uu

Our weekly Bible verse for the ABC's of Bible Memorization begins with the letter "U".  Remember, anyone who lets me know they've memorized all of the verses will be offered a handmade prize!  Woo Hoo!

Psalm 119:116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope. 

Save Those Legs!

My Mom is a lovely person, a kind mother and my friend.  You know how there are "givers" and "takers" in this world?  Well, my Mom is most definitely a "giver".  In fact, she is among the most givingest givers ever!  That is a fact.  I wanted you to know that before I tell you about her dark side.

My Mom is famous for mailing packages late...sometimes very, very late.  The truth is, I think she really hates mailing packages.  Sometimes she just never mailed them at all.  One year, when we lived several states away from her, she gave us all our year's worth of birthday presents at once... in July!  The thing is, she would buy the gifts in a timely manner, it was just that post office bit that threw her for a loop.

Actually, it was quite entertaining to us.  Sometimes it was a lot of fun because packages would arrive when you least expected them, maybe on a day one of us really needed a lift or something.  We tease her but it is just one of her characteristics we find charming.  In fact, I apparently thought it was such an endearing trait that I've been working for years and feel I've done a pretty good job of perfecting it in myself.

Recently, I received an unexpected package from Mom.  It was addressed to me and I did have a birthday in February so I thought maybe it was a birthday present.  The odd thing was that Mom and I had traveled together to Minnesota in February and she had bought me some really cool presents already at that time.  Also, we've kind of phased out of that mode of buying gifts all the time because we all have so much already.  My concern with the package was that I thought maybe Mom had forgotten all that.  I was wrong.

When I opened the little package I laughed out loud.  This is what I saw...

You see, when Mom and I were on our trip she learned about how deeply cheap I am.  One day I came out of the hotel bathroom looking for a band-aid as I'd cut myself shaving.  She was rather appalled when I told her that usually happens when I start with a new razor.  I just buy whatever is on sale, pretty much always looking for the cheapest deal.  As it turns out, all razors are not created equal. Who knew?  Mom gave me a little lecture about buying better razors.  I believe I was planning to follow that advice, but not until I'd used up the whole bag of cheap razors, of course.  Well, Mom knows me pretty well so she just sent me the new, improved razors.

Isn't it pretty?  And can you believe it, there are 5 blades!  Best of all.... NO BLOOD!

Thanks, Mom!  I promise I will throw out the vampire razors!

Giraffe Teapot!

Recently my friend Nicole was in a thrift store.  She said she saw something that had my name on it so she had to get it for me.  Nicole and her daughter, Letty, brought this to me at church.  Thank you so much, guys!  I love him!  Not only does he look cool, but he sounds cool.  When the water is hot he doesn't whistle a high pitched whistle like most tea pots.  He has kind of a low, tenor kind of whistle.  That's how I knew he was a boy!  Thank-you!

Wyoming Rose - Perfectly Pretty Poncho

This sweet Perfectly Pretty Poncho is one of my favorites.  I really love how it turned out.  I found this yarn in Great Falls, MT last Summer and I knew I had to make something out of it.  The yarn itself has a gentle bulkiness but is so, so soft!  It has enough variety of color I can see it being worn with yellows, golds, mint, burgundy or others.  I think it would look especially great with jeans... but then I think everything looks great with jeans, don't you?

I used a double crochet for most of the poncho but I decided to switch it up for the bottom rows.  You can see that it gave it a bit of intrigue without making it too busy.  Because it is a poncho, it will fit most teenagers or adult women.  That is one of the nice things about ponchos, it is easy to choose a size!  It is also washable and machine dryable, although I'd recommend a gentle cycle to keep it beautiful.

I put many hours into  this poncho but it is available at Wyoming Rose Boutique for only $35.  It would make such a nice Spring gift but I think after you feel it you'd have a hard time giving it away!

Thank you for Inviting Me!

Earlier this week Maria invited me to join Cordelia and her at the local library for story time.  I've done this before but it has been awhile.

Story Time at our library is interactive.  There is jumping and dancing and clapping and lots of fun.  Previously, Cordelia just watched as all those other children participated.  Well, things have changed!

When I arrived, the girls were waiting for me just inside the door.  Cordelia hugged me and excitedly said, "Thank you for inviting me!"  She had that a bit backwards but I got the idea.  She then took my hand to lead me to the children's library section and said, "We will keep you safe!"  AAaaaaaahhh....

Here she is, watching with her Momma as the story lady gets things set up.

She really loved the dancing the best.

Her cute little boots were rarely still but I managed one shot between all the kicks and bounces.

 She really liked the hands on her hips movement that day.

Sometimes she just needed a moment with Momma.  She also had to keep checking on Momma's purse.  Apparently the little toddler next to them looked suspicious and Cordelia wasn't confident that Maria would guard her own purse.  Cordy finally had to pick it up and move it between me and Maria so she could relax.

 I think maybe her shy days are behind her!

I love that you stopped by to read my blog. I'm really grateful and pleased when someone wants to share my posts or photos. Please just remember to link them back to my blog just because it is the right thing to do.

Outsourcing Discipleship

This question is to my Christian readers... Do you think of yourself as more of a church member or as a disciple? 

The workshop that Mike and I attended in Phoenix focused on discipleship.  That is just not a word we use much anymore, is it?  I don't know any other word that adequately replaces it, though.  I went to Merriam-Webster and found this simple definition:   "one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another".  That seems simple enough.   Read it again, though.  I think that a "member" of a church maybe aligns with the first part of the definition, but perhaps not the rest.  I myself have been guilty of making comments such as saying that I like a smaller church.  I feel comfortable in a smaller congregation.  But, it is not supposed to be about me, is it?  We aren't supposed to be working to get a congregation just how we like it.

The workshop's main presenter, Michael Foss is author of two books I like, Power Surge and The Disciples Joy.  I know he has written others as well.  He spoke of how our society views the word, membership.  He spoke of members of places like Sam's Club as having certain privileges but no particular responsibilities to the club.  In a similar way of thinking, some feel being a member of a congregation means you have a place for weddings, funerals, etc.  He hopes we can move beyond that way of thinking and start realizing what we are actually called to do, that is to be disciples.

Membership is not a bad thing, it just isn't ALL there is to this church deal.  Joining a congregation, or becoming a member, is important.  It is like a public commitment saying that you want to live together in faith as part of that Christian community.  But we aren't to just stop with that and settle in to enjoy ourselves.  Discipleship within a Christian context MUST contain the second half of the definition above.  That is to say, discipleship constitutes "spreading the doctrines."

One thing I heard at this workshop was that we had no right to keep this to ourselves.  If we are truly trying to follow in Christ's ways, we aren't just trying to get our own little lives set up all happy and forgiven, we are trying to help others attain that same joy.  We serve the God who calls us to CHANGE THE WORLD!

He talked a lot about how to build people up and allow them to do their ministry without always being tied down by committees and such.  He spoke of developing leadership skills and utilizing the talents of everyone, not just the same few.  He gave ideas of mentoring people as well.  One idea I got from that was perhaps I need to offer to mentor new Sunday School Teachers so that others may enjoy the fun of that as I have.  He spoke of committee leaders as well.  A good committee leader will look for other leaders, train them to take over, and then perhaps move on to lead in a new way.

Most of all, though, I think we were being encouraged to think outside the box, to find new and better ways of being a church.  This may mean we have to let go of some of the control we hold onto. It occurred to me that the "box" may be the church building.  We are called to think outside that box.  Rather than putting all our focus on our congregation or building, we are called to go out to the world and share the gift we've been given. 

When he spoke of inviting others, he said that may not be enough.  Think about it, church is unfamiliar to many.  It may seem downright scary!  Maybe we need to offer to pick people up, sit by them, whisper explanations in their ear during the service if necessary. 

Additionally, we MUST speak of our faith.  Seriously.  How are others to know if we are silent?  I know, it is hard!  I'm not talking about being weird or pushy.  I am just talking about making a little statement such as, "I prayed for you this morning."  That may be all it takes to open a door...just a few simple words.  

Another thing Michael Foss said was that pastors are overly burdened.  As a pastor's wife, I can tell you that is an absolute truth.  Few realize the burdens my husband carries alone.  Why is that?  Why aren't more of us sharing that burden?  A thought crossed my mind that when churches started hiring pastors, some took it as though they were outsourcing their own discipleship.  Think about that.  Do you think there is truth to that?  It is easy to get in the mode of thinking "leave it to the professional."  

I would just like to recommend that you purchase one of the books above (also available on Kindle).  We are each called to discipleship.  We maybe just need a little reminder now and then.

Grandpa is So Much Fun!

Grandpa, come over here.

 Sit right here by me, Grandpa.

 I'm waiting for Grandpa.  I just want Grandpa.

Whoa!  Grandpa got me, Momma!

 Grandpa is making me kick you, Momma!

 Grandpa is sooooo much fun!

I love that you stopped by to read my blog. I'm really grateful and pleased when someone wants to share my posts or photos. Please just remember to link them back to my blog. It's the right thing to do; you know it is.

Wyoming Rose - Artisan Card Set

 I'm enjoying this new format for my blog.  What do you all think of it?  Each little picture represents a blog post, with the most recent being in the top left-hand corner.  I also changed the format a bit for leaving comments at the end of each post because I found that Blogger was having trouble with the other way and some folks weren't able to leave a comment at all.  I LOVE comments so I hope this works!

I do have one problem, though.  At this time, the template I am using does not allow for the little photos in the side-bar that showcased our shop, Wyoming Rose Boutique.  What I am going to try is to just do little posts about our shop.  Each of those posts will have a direct link to go to our shop storefront, as well as a direct link to the specialty item featured.  I hope you will take the time to check out our store!

Today I want to feature our Artisan Card Set.  My daughter, Maria Rose, is an amazing artist.  She doesn't settle for just making cool oil paintings and sculptures; she stretches herself to learn many different forms of art. Recently she decided to learn to do lino-cut cards.  I'm not sure how she does it but she does everything from creating the original design, following through on the production process and presenting the finished product.

This set includes half a dozen cards featuring botanical prints.  They can be used for any occasion as they are blank on the inside.  Give them as a gift or use them to surprise someone with a hand-written note, which has become a rare thing of beauty in itself.  Or, if you'd like, put them in 6 matching frames for a uniquely cool wall display.  The entire set is only $9... quite a deal for work done by such a gifted artist!

And for you readers that are local, Maria has a show at the local college that will be up this month through the 29th.  She was interviewed for an article in the Journal so watch for that as well!

My Wyoming Rose Boutique posts will NOT take the place of my daily posts; they will just be sprinkled in between.  So, if you haven't already checked out my regular post for today, please do so.  It has a picture that I thought was pretty cool!

An Angel at the Window!

One sunny morning last week in Arizona I glanced at my mother-in-law's window as I was passing by and stopped short.  I marveled at what I saw and I went to tell her that an angel had been  trying to get in during the night.  Mike, great theologian that he is, pointed out that we really shouldn't be trying to keep angels out.  Good point.  Here's what I saw...

I did hear some who thought it was just a dusty bird that hit the window.  Whatever.

Thank-you for stopping by. Feel free to use my photos (especially these as they are really cool, huh?)  but please link them back to my blog. I am honored if you wish to share content of any of my posts on Facebook, Twitter, etc. as long as it is linked back to my blog.

Tt

If you'd prefer to see all the ABC's of Bible Memorization at once, please click here.

Today's verse begins with the letter "T".   It gives us all hope for a peaceful kingdom.



Isaiah 2:4 They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Thank-you for stopping by. I am not a professional photographer so if by chance I ever do take a great photo, I'll be wanting to receive credit for it.  So, feel free to use my photos but please link them back to my blog. I am honored if you wish to share content of any of my posts on Facebook, Twitter, etc. as long as it is linked back to my blog.

Sunshine on My Shoulders Made Me Happy!

As I mentioned, Mike and I just returned from a trip to Arizona.  I took lots of cool photos as that Arizona sunshine makes for some great light!

The first few days of our trip were spent in a church at a workshop.  It was such a good workshop!  It deserves its own post so I will save that for next week.  Today, it's about the Arizona sunshine!

After the workshop days we spent time with my mother-in-law, Carol.  She's a funny lady.  She always begins a visit by warning us that she doesn't cook many meals any more and there may be slim-pickin's.  Then, she feeds us and feeds us and feeds us!  After a hearty meal she may say something like, "I don't really have any dessert."  Then, she'll bring out cookies or candies or something.  On the nights that she DOES have dessert, it is cake or pie or ice cream and fruit or any combination of those items.  OK, relatives who read this blog, you know that's true, huh?  I always return with a few extra pounds on me!

Seriously, I have been blessed with a very generous mother-in-law.  She loves her family and always goes above and beyond to make everyone feel special.  One of my favorite things about her is that she CHOOSES to experience joy.  She has endured more than her share of grief and we'd all understand if she wanted to indulge in a bit of self-pity, but that just isn't her style.  She told me that would just make things harder on her and those around her.  She chooses joy.  There is a good lesson in that, don't you think?

So, where are all the sunshine pictures, you ask?  Those of you who live in a cold climate know what a treat it is to be warmed up a bit in the middle of Winter.  I'd like to share some of that warm feeling with you now...

Do you remember when television shows ended with hints about next week's program?  Do any of the shows do those little teasers anymore?  Anyway, I'm going to.  Besides a post about the wonderful workshop we attended, I'm going to do a post about the day I found evidence of an angel at the window.  Intrigued?  Well then, tune in next week!

 
Thank-you for stopping by. Feel free to use my photos but please link them back to my blog. I am honored if you wish to share content of any of my posts on Facebook, Twitter, etc. as long as it is linked back to my blog.

Boy? Girl?

Mike and I just got back from a little get-away to Arizona.  I will share more about that another day, though.  The big news in our extended family this week has to do with the tiniest member.  Yes, Maria and Eric and Cordelia went together for the ultrasound yesterday.  We missed the call before we boarded our plane so we had to wait until we landed to see the text.  It was a beautiful text!  It wasn't even a sentence, just one word, but it was enough.  I think I'll let you click on over to Maria's blog for the answer.  After all, she is the one carrying this tiny person so I think you should hear it from her.

I don't want your trip to my blog today to be a waste, though.  Here's a picture of the beautiful mother, happy to know who she's nurturing inside herself.  At 20 weeks, she is just barely showing.  The doctor is pleased with her as she is fit and healthy.  I am sorry I didn't get a photo of the happy Daddy but he had to return to work before we got home.  They are such a handsome family!

And the adorable big sister... She was studying a little nurse figurine, quite fascinated.  When she realized the nurse was carrying little fake bottles of medicine she fake drank some of it, making gulping sounds.  I love this photo as it is one where she looks so very much like the inquisitive little girl Mike and I raised.

I don't care how many times this process of creating a new person has occurred, it is still so awesome!  Don't you think so?  I mean, really, Maria just goes about her day, busy and active, and yet she has this little miracle going on right there inside of her.  Don't you just think that is so cool?!

Have a great day!

Thank-you for stopping by. Feel free to use my photos but please link them back to my blog. I am honored if you wish to share content of any of my posts on Facebook, Twitter, etc. as long as it is linked back to my blog.

Today is a BIG Day!

 Today Maria is having an ultrasound during which it is hoped that they will learn if we are expecting a grandbaby girl or a grandbaby boy this time! I am betting they will make the announcement tomorrow on Little Things are Big   That is so appropriate, too, as this little thing IS big!

It don't have a wish as to whether it is a girl baby or a boy baby.  Whatever they tell me, I am certain it will be exactly what I want!  That is how it was with Cordelia and as a matter of fact, that is how it was with my own babies.  Not having a preference, though, is not to say it doesn't matter to me.  It does matter.  I know it is more politically correct to try to be all gender neutral and all, but I admit I am not.  When I think of little girls I think of dresses and ponytails and such.  When I think of little boys I think of blue jeans and striped shirts and tennis shoes that make them jump real high and run real fast.  Don't worry, I realize that boys can have curls and girls can wear bluejeans.

I love that each littler person comes with their own little personalities for us to get to know.  When we were waiting for Cordelia, we did not even begin to imagine the quirky little person that she would become.  She is such a unique little individual and I am certain this next little person is as well!

I can't wait!  I'm getting excited!  I'd better pace myself a bit, though, I don't get to hold this child until July.  For now, I just enjoy seeing Maria's shape change as this baby grows.  I love hearing her say, "I can feel it kicking."  I'm so grateful for the new life that is already a part of our family tree.

What Do We Have a Life For Anyway?

So, today I have a deep question to put before you.  Mike often uses illustrations from our life in his sermons.  One of Mike's sermons began with a question that our son, Ben, asked when he was just a little guy.  


Here's a look at our young philosopher...

His questions was this:

"What do we have a life for anyway?"

Anybody have a good answer for him?  

Mike couldn't remember how he answered way back then but this time his answer pointed us to God.

I admit I don't remember the words 

Mike used but this is what I came away with...

We have a life to praise and worship God.

Our life is to be used to his glory and honor.

We have a life because God loves us.

Thank-you for stopping by. Feel free to use my photos but please link them back to my blog. I am honored if you wish to share content of any of my posts on Facebook, Twitter, etc. as long as it is linked back to my blog.

I Will Celebrate Every Day

Recently Mike and I were having a steaming morning cup of coffee together.  He was reading the paper while I was blogging.  It was a peacefully blissful morning.  He mentioned an obituary he was reading that stated a memorial service celebrating the person's life would be held but not until Summer.  Mike made some comment about the length of time before the celebration, would people remember?  Meaning to be sweet I said, "If you die before me I will celebrate every day."   


Wait, what?!

Cordelia's First Day of Sunday School

At our church, children don't usually start attending Sunday School hour until they are three years old... unless their Grandma is the teacher!  I asked Maria if I could take Cordelia to Sunday School with me recently.  Maria was just upstairs so if Cordy got too scared I could text her Momma to come get her.

Cordy did NOT get scared.  She loved it!  Her attention span was a bit short as there were a lot of fun things she'd not checked out before, but she just fit right in.  She was really thrilled when her precious little friend, Madeline, came in.   I couldn't help myself from grabbing my phone to take this photo.  

The sweetness was just too much!

Ss

 Continuing with The ABC's of Bible Memorization...

2 Corinthians 5:17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!