My autumn bench now has its winter coat.
First snowfalls are one of my favorite things about winter.
Treasuring life's moments,
Christine
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Monday, December 30, 2013
Winter's First Snowfall
Thought I'd share the images of our first snowfall back in November. The flakes were falling fast and hard, big fat flakes drifting around in that way that makes you want to bundle up and wander outside to catch some on your tongue.
My autumn bench now has its winter coat.
First snowfalls are one of my favorite things about winter.
Treasuring life's moments,
Christine
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My autumn bench now has its winter coat.
First snowfalls are one of my favorite things about winter.
Treasuring life's moments,
Christine
Visit my website
Stop by my family blog
Like me on Facebook
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Weekly Header Challenge - Boxes
It's time for the Weekly Header Challenge!
This week's theme was chosen by Katney, who was thinking about Boxing Day for our Brit participant. :) I actually have pictures of boxes, which I find humorous. My header is from autumn 2012, when my parents' new home was move-in ready, and we were able to clear out our garage of all their boxes:
The below was written on one of the boxes packed by the movers. It was sufficiently funny to be picture-worthy. ;)
Below is a random image of Isaiah at last year's Labor Day parade. All the kids in our multi-family group brought boxes to stash the candy that is normally passed out by the parade participants to the onlookers. I don't think he filled his huge box.
Part of every Christmas at our house is the putting away of the tree ornaments. Every several years, I am compelled to go through the ornaments and cull the ones that are no longer loved, or that are broken, etc. Then comes a re-organization phase, since I'm wired that way (almost obsessively). Many ornaments have stories, and I want to make sure they're packed carefully away so I can find them again the next year. Below are photos I took of last year's re-organization process.
Every shoebox is labeled with every ornament inside (told you I was obsessive). And everything is so neat and tidy!
Just an FYI--I took these pictures to blog about the organization process; if you want to read about it, click on over to my family blog and enjoy!
Treasuring life's moments,
Christine
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"Headbanger" Participants
I'm joining in the group above for this weekly challenge.
Feel free to click on the other participants' blogs
to see what they've come up with!
Theme ~ Boxes
This week's theme was chosen by Katney, who was thinking about Boxing Day for our Brit participant. :) I actually have pictures of boxes, which I find humorous. My header is from autumn 2012, when my parents' new home was move-in ready, and we were able to clear out our garage of all their boxes:
Eighty percent of this stuff is theirs!
The below was written on one of the boxes packed by the movers. It was sufficiently funny to be picture-worthy. ;)
Below is a random image of Isaiah at last year's Labor Day parade. All the kids in our multi-family group brought boxes to stash the candy that is normally passed out by the parade participants to the onlookers. I don't think he filled his huge box.
Part of every Christmas at our house is the putting away of the tree ornaments. Every several years, I am compelled to go through the ornaments and cull the ones that are no longer loved, or that are broken, etc. Then comes a re-organization phase, since I'm wired that way (almost obsessively). Many ornaments have stories, and I want to make sure they're packed carefully away so I can find them again the next year. Below are photos I took of last year's re-organization process.
Every shoebox is labeled with every ornament inside (told you I was obsessive). And everything is so neat and tidy!
Just an FYI--I took these pictures to blog about the organization process; if you want to read about it, click on over to my family blog and enjoy!
Treasuring life's moments,
Christine
Visit my website
Stop by my family blog
Like me on Facebook
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Weekly Header Challenge - Holiday Preparations
It's time for the Weekly Header Challenge!
Simply put, we have no money to spend on Christmas this year. This includes three major areas of celebration: We did not purchase a Christmas tree, we are not spending money on gifts, and we are spending very little on Christmas dinner (fortunately, my mom obtained most of the needed food items and I help making it with her). Ironically, we gave away our artificial Christmas tree last year to a needy family (we definitely don't feel bad about that!); so, there is no tree in our front window. The small extended family grab bag in which we will be participating will include homemade gifts, and over the next few days I'll have guys in the kitchen making cookies and treats (with my help, of course!) for the people whose names they chose.
But despite all this, the true celebration of Christmas is a reality in our home--we are celebrating the fact that God sent His Son to earth to live as one of us, to show us the way to Him, and to die on a cross for our sins. This can be celebrated without a tree, without gifts, and without a special meal if it had to come to that. I chose my header photo from last year's images; it's part of my mom's decorations at her and Dad's home, and it reflects what this season is all about.
Decorations are always nice to help celebrate, so I used what was on hand, a few "gifts" that appeared on my front porch, and a few purchased items to make our home cheery and festive. Here's what I did.
This "wall tree" was constructed out of tree branches Fernando and I picked up on a neighborhood walk, some spruce trimmings from a sweet neighbor's yard (she invited me to glean), a small strand of white lights for a few dollars, and my own gold and silver snowflake ornaments (I collect snowflake and icicle ornaments for our tree each year).
I made these trees with the mysterious gift of garland left on our front porch (in a bag with a bow on top), and purchased cone shapes and decorative Styrofoam balls. They need stars, which I couldn't find at the dollar store so will be attempting to make from paper later today. Here they are on my fireplace mantel:
The Frasier fir trimmings were from Home Depot, which collects them as they trim trees for customers, and they give them away for free. The rest of the blue decorative balls ended up in a flower vase on the left. I wish the candles were white, but the blue ones were free since I already had them from a clearance sale at IKEA probably a few years back.
The white decorative balls ended up in a trifle bowl I've used only once or twice with another blue pillar candle I found; all ended up on my dining room table. The tablecloth is from a post-Christmas sale at Target years and years ago. I think I paid $4 for it--it barely covers our super-long table but it's blue!
More Home Depot tree trimmings got tied together and draped over the clock in our front living room, above. Then, holly garland I've had for forever got hung in its usual place in our foyer, below.
Finally, I haven't put it up (later today!), but here is a close-up from my manger:
These figurines were purchased by my Italian grandmother at a Ben Franklin store (some of you may remember that long-ago five-and-dime store!). They are papier-mâché and not at all expensive, but they are dear to me for the history they contain. And they're what Christmas is all about.
Treasuring life's moments,
Christine
Visit my website
Stop by my family blog
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"Headbanger" Participants
I'm joining in the group above for this weekly challenge.
Feel free to click on the other participants' blogs
to see what they've come up with!
Theme ~ Holiday Preparations
Simply put, we have no money to spend on Christmas this year. This includes three major areas of celebration: We did not purchase a Christmas tree, we are not spending money on gifts, and we are spending very little on Christmas dinner (fortunately, my mom obtained most of the needed food items and I help making it with her). Ironically, we gave away our artificial Christmas tree last year to a needy family (we definitely don't feel bad about that!); so, there is no tree in our front window. The small extended family grab bag in which we will be participating will include homemade gifts, and over the next few days I'll have guys in the kitchen making cookies and treats (with my help, of course!) for the people whose names they chose.
But despite all this, the true celebration of Christmas is a reality in our home--we are celebrating the fact that God sent His Son to earth to live as one of us, to show us the way to Him, and to die on a cross for our sins. This can be celebrated without a tree, without gifts, and without a special meal if it had to come to that. I chose my header photo from last year's images; it's part of my mom's decorations at her and Dad's home, and it reflects what this season is all about.
I bring you good news of great joy!
Decorations are always nice to help celebrate, so I used what was on hand, a few "gifts" that appeared on my front porch, and a few purchased items to make our home cheery and festive. Here's what I did.
This "wall tree" was constructed out of tree branches Fernando and I picked up on a neighborhood walk, some spruce trimmings from a sweet neighbor's yard (she invited me to glean), a small strand of white lights for a few dollars, and my own gold and silver snowflake ornaments (I collect snowflake and icicle ornaments for our tree each year).
I made these trees with the mysterious gift of garland left on our front porch (in a bag with a bow on top), and purchased cone shapes and decorative Styrofoam balls. They need stars, which I couldn't find at the dollar store so will be attempting to make from paper later today. Here they are on my fireplace mantel:
The Frasier fir trimmings were from Home Depot, which collects them as they trim trees for customers, and they give them away for free. The rest of the blue decorative balls ended up in a flower vase on the left. I wish the candles were white, but the blue ones were free since I already had them from a clearance sale at IKEA probably a few years back.
The white decorative balls ended up in a trifle bowl I've used only once or twice with another blue pillar candle I found; all ended up on my dining room table. The tablecloth is from a post-Christmas sale at Target years and years ago. I think I paid $4 for it--it barely covers our super-long table but it's blue!
More Home Depot tree trimmings got tied together and draped over the clock in our front living room, above. Then, holly garland I've had for forever got hung in its usual place in our foyer, below.
Finally, I haven't put it up (later today!), but here is a close-up from my manger:
These figurines were purchased by my Italian grandmother at a Ben Franklin store (some of you may remember that long-ago five-and-dime store!). They are papier-mâché and not at all expensive, but they are dear to me for the history they contain. And they're what Christmas is all about.
Treasuring life's moments,
Christine
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Stop by my family blog
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Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Weekly Header Challenge - Cloud Formations
It's time for the Weekly Header Challenge!
I don't usually take photos of interesting cloud formations unless something else is involved--the sun or a storm, for instance. So with the help of sun and storms, here are my images for the week, starting with the full image from the header:
Treasuring life's moments,
Christine
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"Headbanger" Participants
I'm joining in the group above for this weekly challenge.
Feel free to click on the other participants' blogs
to see what they've come up with!
Theme ~ Cloud Formations
I don't usually take photos of interesting cloud formations unless something else is involved--the sun or a storm, for instance. So with the help of sun and storms, here are my images for the week, starting with the full image from the header:
January 6, 2012 - In the dead of winter (Riverwalk Park, Naperville).
I just happened to catch this while at the park
waiting for Fernando's physical therapy session to end.
September 7, 2013, at Thomas' first home football game (they won!).
I was on the field and this was behind me just prior to the game.
I framed the shot with the speakers on poles to create some symmetry.
July 5, 2013 - Red Hawk Park, Carol Stream, Illinois.
During one of the guys' summer Frisbee games.
I actually edited out the telephone poles on the horizon. :)
April 14, 2012.
No storm here, but these clouds were like vertical swirly things all lined up.
August 23, 2011, from my front yard mid-morning.
These summer storms are awesome; this one came in in a straight line,
barreling right toward us making things darker and darker.
I just stood there on the edge of my driveway
(that's my house on the left) watching it come in.
June 29, 2012, taken from my back yard patio.
Our back yard faces generally west, and the storms blow in from that direction.
I try to aim my camera high to avoid the signs of suburbia. ;)
June 11, 2013, standing in my back yard.
A crazy storm blew in and the clouds were much more spectacular in real life.
August 7, 2011, taken from my front yard.
These storms missed us, and they made for a cool image
with the sun setting to the west.
May 19, 2011 -- Vero Beach, Florida.
Friends invited our family down to vacation with them for a week
in a beach house on the Atlantic Ocean. I made the effort to get up at 6am
and trudge down to the beach to shoot a sunrise,
and this is what greeted me: an offshore morning storm.
June 1, 2013, taken from my back yard again.
My husband loves me! I would've missed this one since I was in the basement
editing photos, ironically enough, on the computer down there.
He called me up, saying simply, "Honey, you've got to see this."
It's one of my favorite sunset images!
July 19, 2012. Read the next photo's caption for details!
July 22, 2012 -- My favorite place on Earth on a summer evening.
Lake Bonaparte, Harrisville, New York.
My parents have a summer home on this lake, and I've been vacationing here
since I was in my mother's womb!
Treasuring life's moments,
Christine
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Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Weekly Header Challenge - Sparkles
It's time for the Weekly Header Challenge!
It was my turn to choose the theme, and it was pretty random. A word pops into my head, and I'm rather stuck. So there you have it. I thought of raindrops, and then my mind traveled to snow, snowflakes and other things Christmas. Here's the header image in all its sparkly glory:
I collect snowflake and icicle ornaments, so here are a few more from our Christmas tree:
And since we can't afford a tree this year, I made one out of sticks and my neighbor's spruce trimmings, with lights and snowflakes. It's much more sparkly in real life. :)
And now since I'm thinking about Christmas, here are a few more things that make the season sparkle:
I think it's time to plan my holiday baking!!
Treasuring life's moments,
Christine
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"Headbanger" Participants
I'm joining in the group above for this weekly challenge.
Feel free to click on the other participants' blogs
to see what they've come up with!
Theme ~ Sparkles
It was my turn to choose the theme, and it was pretty random. A word pops into my head, and I'm rather stuck. So there you have it. I thought of raindrops, and then my mind traveled to snow, snowflakes and other things Christmas. Here's the header image in all its sparkly glory:
I collect snowflake and icicle ornaments, so here are a few more from our Christmas tree:
And since we can't afford a tree this year, I made one out of sticks and my neighbor's spruce trimmings, with lights and snowflakes. It's much more sparkly in real life. :)
And now since I'm thinking about Christmas, here are a few more things that make the season sparkle:
I think it's time to plan my holiday baking!!
Treasuring life's moments,
Christine
Visit my website
Stop by my family blog
Like me on Facebook
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Weekly Header Challenge - Thank You
It's time for the Weekly Header Challenge!
I wish I had one single image to portray this theme of thanksgiving! I think this is the highest number of images I've posted for these weekly challenges, but I narrowed it down as much as I could. I started thinking about what to be thankful for, in a year filled with Fernando's job layoff and back surgery, my own back problems, no money to spend on Christmas, and many other "bad" things that have happened.
I decided that this sunrise is a good way to show that hope does not disappoint, and that as surely as the sun rises, we are in His care. A quote about thanksgiving in all circumstances:
There is so much more to be thankful for, but this sampling helps me realize I have ever so much to be thankful for!
Treasuring life's moments,
Christine
Visit my website
Stop by my family blog
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"Headbanger" Participants
I'm joining in the group above for this weekly challenge.
Feel free to click on the other participants' blogs
to see what they've come up with!
Theme ~ Thank You
I wish I had one single image to portray this theme of thanksgiving! I think this is the highest number of images I've posted for these weekly challenges, but I narrowed it down as much as I could. I started thinking about what to be thankful for, in a year filled with Fernando's job layoff and back surgery, my own back problems, no money to spend on Christmas, and many other "bad" things that have happened.
I decided that this sunrise is a good way to show that hope does not disappoint, and that as surely as the sun rises, we are in His care. A quote about thanksgiving in all circumstances:
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NASB
Thank You for hope!
Thank You for my country.
Thank You for family who loves me enough to play my favorite game with me!
Thank You for autism, because You are glorified in our weaknesses.
Thank You for little and fun reminders that You care.
Thank You for a hubby who helps me build kitchen drawer organizers!
Thank You for signs of spring.
Thank You for leading and guiding my sons in their lives.
Thank You for long life for my parents for us to enjoy them!
Thank You for awesome teenagers.
Thank You for all the wonderful beginnings we celebrated this year!
Thank you for guys who help me in my garden.
Thank You for daisies in my yard.
Thank You for strong, godly sons.
Thank You for sunsets right in my own suburban back yard!
Thank You for garden strawberries that help make this possible. ;)
Thank You for flower gardens.
Thank You for peaceful spots near home.
Thank You for technology!
Thank You for garden harvest.
Thank You for hard workers at home.
Thank You for Jacob's tree in autumn.
Thank You for my bench in my little corner of back yard.
There is so much more to be thankful for, but this sampling helps me realize I have ever so much to be thankful for!
Treasuring life's moments,
Christine
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