Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!
All the best in 2011 

A Spirit of Celebration

 

"A home needs not only candles and confetti to make it joyful --- a home also needs connection.  Candles offer the spirit of warmth.  Confetti adds the spirit of celebration.  And connections tie warmth and celebration together with love."

~ Lindsey O'Connor ~

Table-setting:  Our family Thanksgiving meal using the vintage '70's wedding china, individual herbal bouquets at each place-setting, candles for warmth, and hot cups of tea for celebration.

June!

Overnight, we have jumped from March to June. At least it feels that way because of the weather we have been having. Rainy, cool days have been constant this spring. The Japanese iris in my garden, that usually start blooming the first of May, are beautifully blooming in June this year instead. I'm even having to learn a few new gardening techniques, because plants that usually thrive in our climate are soggy and grumpy about the extra moisture! Some have even wilted because of too much water and I've had to rebuild my hanging planters more than once. On the other hand, the lawn and other parts of my garden are thriving! So are the weeds! And my roses are blooming magnificiently! It will be interesting to observe the garden as the month progresses. This month also brings many happy events --- a family birthday, a celebration for the new university graduate in the family, and the wedding of a very dear friend. April showers may bring May flowers, but this year I'm hoping that the March winds blow much JOY into June days!

The Little Things. . .

Little details make a special occasion, like weddings, even more delightful. I'm finding that the weddings attended in which the guest is treated with grace and thoughtfulness are the most memorable. Yes, a wedding is for the bride and groom, but in a sense they are hosting a special event that brings many from far and wide, and at great expense for some. Showing care for the guest creates an atmosphere of mutual love and respect. In this case, the little details become great tokens of thoughtfulness. It's the little things, like having a photographer take a photo of each guest as they arrive for a wedding album or having cold tea and lemonade for the guests while they are waiting for wedding photos to be taken before the reception starts, that makes guests feel valued and as though they are an important part of a special day. Tokens don't need to be expensive or large. Something homemade or handmade can express great care in a simple way. I'm appreciating raspberry-rhubarb jam and apple-cinnamon toast topper in their beautifully decorated jars right now, and will open them and enjoy them later in a completely different way. Yum! Each bite will take me back to Andrew's and Annalisa's special day. They absolutely made each guest feel special and valued at their wedding celebration.

Berry of a Cake

Isn't this a beautiful cake? I wanted to share a picture with you, as I think this is a great idea for decorating all kinds of cakes! Raspberries, blueberries, and Marion berries along with a cluster of small, smooth berries on a stem (I don't know what kind they were), arranged strategically on this cake. Placed at corners and in an artful arrangement on the top, this beautiful wedding cake inspires! The same idea can be used to decorate birthday cakes, cupcakes, or cheesecake. Berry sweet!

Wedded Bliss

Andrew and Annalisa celebrated a beautiful and blissful wedding with family and friends during the holiday week-end. An organic farm with Mt. Hood as the backdrop created an idyllic setting for such a special occasion. Guests were welcomed graciously and their comfort considered during the entire afternoon. It was such a pleasure to share their joy with them.

Wishing them God's blessing upon their marriage with much happiness in the years ahead!

[Click on photo for larger view]

Congratulations, Sally!

Congratulations, Sally! Class of 2009
Bachelor of Science in Engineering ~ WWU

You have worked hard and your diligence has paid off, resulting in a brand new degree! We are so proud of you! We wish you blessings and direction ahead as you put your degree to work in the career of your choice. May all your dreams come true!

We enjoyed sharing your special day with you, your family, and dear friends. Best wishes for a bright future!

Love from
Brandon's Mom and Dad

PS: Be sure to turn on the 'sound' for the slide show! Click on 'full screen' for larger view.

B L I S S of 30

To my love. . .

anniversary wishes.

*This beautiful bread-dough ornament was a gift to us upon our marriage.*

Home for Christmas

Home for Christmas

There is an empty chair in the parlor
An empty bed in the guest room
There is an empty plate on the table
An empty place in the heart.

Still can be heard the sound
Of childish laughter
Still the unmistakable muffled sound
Of childish tears.

There was love in this house
Love in every pore
And God was in this house
Morning, noon, and night.

The house is quiet now
The children grown and far away
The letters, oh, the letters are so few
And the telephone's so still.*

But listen, Father;
Could that be a car in the driveway?
Voice, such familiar voices. . .

The children! Oh, Mother!
The children --- all the children --- have come home.

Joseph Leininger Wheeler

*But thankfully, at our house the text messages, instant messages, and emails abound!

* * *

Blessed Christmas Eve to you and yours! Happy Birthday to Jesus!

Happy DAD-Day

Dear Dad,

I find myself wondering...

Did I give you your due...

For all that you've done for me

Did I ever thank you?

For all of my childhood memories

For helping me deal with life's stresses

For helping me accept my defeats

And celebrate my successes?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work,

Good judgement, courage, and being true

The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared

Did I ever thank you?

If I have forgotten, I'm thanking you now

You taught me right from wrong....

I hope you know how much you're loved and appreciated

I hope you, instinctively, knew it all along.

Happy Birthday to a Wonderful Dad!