My Snow GrandBabies

Here is Little Miss Melody wearing the sweater I made her, in the first snow all winter in Oregon (Feb 24). I didn't knit the hat she's wearing though. The matching hat is still on the knitting needles. As you can see, the sweater fits her and probably can wear it for awhile.

Little grandson Owen, his first snow at 6 weeks of age. No snowballing his sister yet! Give him time!

Photos taken by Erin L., the mommy!

Childhood Houses

Recently I met up with some of my girlhood friends for a night over at Kathy's house. We had some planning via email, facebook and phone calls. Here's a photo of the 7 of us on Friday night.

Prior to our arrival, my friend, Beth, top row on right and me, standing below her, toured our countryside of girlhood homes. I had 3 homes in the area I'd not seen in awhile. While I've seen them from a distance on the interstate, I had not seen them up close. So we took some time before it got dark to see all 3 of my former houses that I lived in with my family.

This is the second house I lived in, while in grade school (1st through part of 4th grade.) There were more trees at that time. The big one to the left of photo at one time held a swing. I remember a couple ice storms and the Columbus day storm in this house.

The garage that has seen better days.

This is the 3rd house I lived in. It was built by a contractor for my parents. It was finished in about a month's time. I really liked this house. Car port was added and garage enclosed. I remember the kitchen very well in this house. I would love to have one like it now. I lived here from rest of 4th grade til I graduated high school. After that, my dad sold the farm in my senior year and we all 5 of us moved into the small town near to us.

This property was my grandparents and my dad grew up on this property. He farmed it all his life, after he married my mom, they moved to the house that is the very last one of this post. Grandma's house met it's demise in the 1970s. Grandma lived there til she died in 1962.

Beth and I actually lived a big field away from each other. We rode the bus together and did a lot of things together. Too far to ride a bike though. Even now there's not alot of growth in this area, just open space and fields. There is an interstate that runs between these two houses and the next one.

These were the two dogs that greeted us as we drove up the lane. They didn't start barking til we got closer to the house, as there was nobody around. It would have been nice to have talked to them. Dog on the left thought maybe we would have been a yummy bite, as he's licking his chops! :0) I didn't not venture out of the car!

Suffolk sheep, like we had on our farm. The barn and seed cleaning warehouse was gone. But there was a shed with trucks in it.

Nice horse, this was the best I could do within the confines of the car. At least he looked at us!


I was surprised to see the barn and other out buildings standing of my first house. It was nearing sunset when we were rounding the corner in the road.

I remember quite a bit of this house even though I was only 5 when we moved away. This was the very first house I ever lived in. I still remember the wardrobe in my room and the pantry my mom had and the sawdust furnace we weren't allowed to touch. Even though there was someone there, I didn't feel it proper to knock on the door and ask to come in to look around. I don't even know them, even though I thought about it. I could have sung that song if I knew the words...that country music one where the girl goes into the house she lived in....never mind! ("Won't Take Nothing But A Memory" -Melissa Lambert)

Across the way from this last house, was a field of sheep. So of course I needed to photograph it as well. A part of my growing up years as well.

I hope you enjoyed the journey. I am working on the girlfriend weekend post. It's coming soon! Thanks for stopping in for a visit.

Birthday Thoughts

Last week was my birthday and Valentine's Day...all in one day! I thought I'd share with you what I put on our table for decor all week. My hubby and me years ago. I had this photo frame, designed by Mary Engelbreit, that I just love. I've had this combo for awhile. My hubby is my sweetie pie, sweet baboo and best friend! So glad that we are still loving each other and serving the Lord together. He's always joked that being me being born on Valentine's day is the only reason he married me since it was so easy to remember my birthday. He gets the hint from all the reminders in advertising. I don't get both birthday and Valentine's day stuff. I don't always get chocolates and flowers. That's ok! This year we celebrated by going out to dinner at Sweet Tomatoes and a homemade, creative birthday card that made me smile and bring tears to my eyes at the same time.

My birthday towels from my girlfriend, Beth. She bought these for me when we were shopping at Kohls a week ago Sat. We were on our way to our girlfriend weekend (forthcoming post). She needed to stop and get some jeans. I jokingly told her not to take me there as it's a bad store for me to go into! While she was looking and trying on pants, I found a sweater on the sale rack for $12 that became attached to my hand. I tried it on and it looked good. Beth approved..it didn't make me look fat! So I bought it! I love sweaters and the Nordic design. In the Pacific NW you can always find a reason to wear a sweater! Right? HA!

Anyway, am loving my new towels from my girlfriend who was my best friend in school and we still stay in touch. I wouldn't want it any other way!