Beauty...

My church family gave me these roses in celebration of our church's FOUR year anniversary. I was touched by their thoughtfulness and moved by their kind words.
I can not get over the beauty of these roses. I took a bunch of pictures, but just could not really capture how amazing they are. Made me think about beauty and how this world's view is so twisted sometimes when it comes to what beauty really is...

Proverbs 31:30~"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."

“Character contributes to beauty. It fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude, and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful."

“Beauty is not caused. It is.” ~ Emily Dickinson

“You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses."

Before you ever took a breath
Long before the world began
Of all the wonders He possessed
There was one more precious
Of all the earth and skies above
You're the one He madly loves enough to die for...

You're beautiful
You're beautiful in His eyes...
~Mercy Me "Beautiful" The Generous Mr. Lovewell

Beauty...a new beginning...

Today is the last day of January 2009. I can not believe how fast it has gone. I want to thank Traci for her challenge. I've enjoyed having a theme so that I can FOCUS on my writing each day, but also because it's not easy to find beauty every day. Some days were just ugly - but that does not mean there was no beauty to be found.
I have found beauty in my children, the kindness of my husband, the generosity of a friend. I have found it in every day objects and daily rituals that would normally get taken for granted. A song can bring beauty, even the weather.
Our country is in a time that is very depressing and scary for some. The economy...well, let's just say there have been better days, right? Well, we can't sit around moping or feeling sorry for ourselves. We've got to go forward. Have you made some bad decisions? Have you broken all of your New Year resolutions? It's okay. You can have goals for February. As long as you choose to go forward, as long as you choose to wake up another day - you have a new chance.
There is beauty all around us (as I made note of before), but better than that -- there is beauty out there that is just for YOU. Will you look for it? Will you see it? Don't look past it.

Beauty...all around me...

This is the BEFORE shot of my sweet boy....

He was so good...a little frosted mini wheat for bribery never hurt. =]

My little guy got his hair cut today. Yup. His beautiful locks were just getting out of control! Daddy said it was time, so we did. One of my bestest besties came over. Vicki does all of our hair and she actually cut his hair when he was a few months old, but it was just to even it out. Anyway, we all got our hair cut. Marco was very well behaved. We aren't used to it yet, but I guess it'll grow, right? =[ I am watching for the ends to curl up...but I am not seeing it.
At any rate, Vicki and I had a great time talking. We don't live that far away from each other, but we don't get together as often as I'd like. That's going to have to change. I love spending time with her. We've had a lot of heart to heart talks...especially lately. I'm glad we can just be ourselves when we're with each other. Everyone should have that kind of friend.
Later in the evening, my friend Alma stopped by. She came to bring me some tamales and a surprise that she's had for me, "for a while", she said. I was excited to see what it was. Would you like to see? I love all things fall and pumpkin and leaves...of course you all know that already! I decorate in fall theme year round. This is what I got:

Dont you love it? A beautiful beaded leaf ornament and ceramic pumpkin.

Hannah made us the best dinner. Jaime (my brother-in-law) stopped by to pick up some Etsy orders that needed to be delivered to the direction he was going. I sent along extra items in hopes that they will sell too. My friend Virginia ordered a few and offered to show the other things too. She's always been such a good friend to me.
After dinner, my family and I were just sitting around and my husband says, "Who wants ice cream?" Of course that was followed by squeels and screams and shouts of joy. We went to Dairy Queen, ate way too much ice cream and then came home and watched Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. Awesome movie for any age! Could not have been a better day.
Now, as I type, the house is silent and all I can hear is light music from the computer and the occasional sigh from one of my sleeping children.
Life is good.

After...this is the best still shot I could get after he sat so long (and so well!)

That's the truth!

You know those quotes on the Starbuck's cups called "The Way I See It"? Well, I always read mine and this one really struck a chord with me:

The Way I See It #17
The world bursts at the seams with people ready to tell you you're not good enough. On occasion, some may be correct. But do not do their work for them. Seek any job; ask anyone out; pursue any goal. Don't take it personally when they say "no" - the may not be smart enough to say "yes." --Keith Olbermann
Boradcast journalist and host of MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Oberman.

Today, I find BEAUTY in this truth. Think about it. You never know where you'll find something like this that just opens your mind!

Wordless Wednesday...Beauty...Panini

Beauty...An Over-all Good Day!

The kids didn't complain much today. They did their schoolwork without a hassle, chores were completed and everyone got along nicely.

Dinner was simple, yet wonderful. Everybody was happy and ate without making a face about any single thing.

The laundry got completed, folded and put away. Yes, of course it's already starting to pile back up, but that's how it goes, right? =]

I had some nice correspondence with friends near and far.

A book that I listed on half.com over a year ago (and forgot about) sold today. Thank goodness I knew exactly where it was. I even got it shipped out!

I got an etsy order for 5 mailboxes sent out.

After dinner, hubby and I went to make a visit on a new family that requested we come by. It turned out to be a very nice visit and we were glad to get to know this new family more.

After we left, Marco drove straight to Starbucks (much to my delight). We decided to go in and sit for a little bit while we drank our Pumpkin Spice Lattes and I even had a blueberry oatmeal bar...hey, I am on a happy roll here - so no talk of calories - okay? =]

We return home and the girls have already cleaned up from dinner, homework is complete and the kids are all ready for bed.

Yes, this is what I'd say was an over-all good day. How was your day?

Beauty...New Life!

I know that many of you are still digging your way out of the snow or are trying to stay on your feet in the ice, but here - here there are signs of new life already! I almost didn't notice all these blooms on my tree, because I think they happened over night! I went out to take a picture of the beautiful blue sky - even though it was soooooo cold and hailed last night - and instead I look up and saw this! I turned and looked down my street and noticed that our street was lined with trees like this. Unfortunately, I took two pictures and my camera died. *note to self - learn to keep back up batteries charged and ready to go.

Seeing these new blooms really encouraged me today. It just seems to confirm the hope for REAL change that we have for 2009. Have you ever wished that you could do some parts of your life over? I know, you wouldn't want to live it ALL over again, because the experiences made you who you are today...yeah, yeah...me too - but really - there are some things that I really would like to take back. There were times in my life that I did wish for a new life. Of course, it was when I was younger and didn't realize how blessed I really was. Now, I wouldn't trade my life with anyone, but....

Stay at home moms - do you feel like you missed your calling in life?

Empty Nesters - are you worried about that hollow feeling you have now and are unsure about what's next?

Young teen or college student - Do you want to live a better life, but have gotten yourself in such a mess that you don't know where to start?

Successful business woman - are you tired of the every day expectations and demands that you've allowed to be put on you?

Everybody else - do you just ever feel like you are withering away in depression or under the weight of everyday burdens? Do you feel like you are falling short of the expectations that even you've set up for yourself?

Guess what? You are not alone. There is not one easy "fix it" to change your life, but there is something that can help you to get back on the path to renewal and hope.

The trees that lost every single leaf and were taken to and fro with the wind did something right - something that they were created to do. They gave in to the Creator.

Imagine if the trees thought that their cold empty branches meant that they were dead forever? They'd never see the day that they'd be in full glory with blooms that are so beautiful and a fragrance that is so rich that it would soon be followed by fruit in abundance!

We may feel that we are spent, tired, exhausted even - but there is still life in you. How many times have you heard (or said) that 2008 was a really bad year, that it will be hard to recover from 2008?

I encourage you to look toward tomorrow, to realize that you CAN. Yes, 2008 may have been rough, but do I need to remind you of the process that takes place when gold is being refined? The heat that it has to take in order to become that pure gold that is so highly desired? It does not come easy. Faint not my friend - you can be renewed!

You may not see the fruit of your labors right away, but do not despair! It will come.
2 Corinthians 4:16 - 18

"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Beauty....Naps...

(this sweet little photo was found on google...but I know how this baby feels!)
Yeah, you read that right! I know, I know. I don't like to take naps....but, Sunday? Sunday naps are different. There is nothing like taking a nap on a Sunday afternoon. Marco is really good about making sure that everyone is quiet, so that I can get my nap. =] We return to church for our Sunday evening service - I teach a ladies class and sometimes a children's class and I need that nap! =]
It is good to rest. I am learning that more and more. I never took naps or power snoozes like they suggested in college. I was always on the go. Nope, no time for "laying around" is what I always thought. Now I know better. We need it. Our bodies need to recharge. I have found that I can go without much sleep or any naps, I CAN still function, but it just ain't pretty! So, take a nap! I give you permission - if you are someone like me that feels guilty for sleeping in or taking some down time - guilt no more! I know I blogged about something similar (rest) when I was sick, but it's come up again and I realize that I just need more rest. You may need this reminder as well - so take it. ;]
Not only should we rest, but God expects us to rest. He created us to need rest...even the animals and the land need to rest....so why shouldn't we? I am going to bed...for rest. Good night!

Matthew 11:28 - 29 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

Beauty...Inspiration...

Lately, I have seen a lot of beauty around me by looking at magazines, etsy and other blogs. I am amazed by the things that people come up with. It's a good thing that I don't have a lot of extra spending change these days...if I did, it'd all be going to etsy shops. I love the creativity out there. The thing that gets me the most is when I see something that someone else created, I think - "hey, I thought of doing that before..." Then I wonder why I never followed through. I think the answer I came up with is that I was afraid that it wouldn't be good enough or that maybe it was outside of the "rules" of art. You know, like when I look at Donna Downey's work sometimes. Where is that fine line of art and "it looks like I through everything on a canvas and covered it with mod podge"? I love her work, I've even considered purchasing some of it (one day I will!), but I'm afraid that if I tried to put all that's into my head on paper - or canvas - it would not come out making sense.

I realized that while I was worrying about the rules and about wasting materials or what others would see it as, I wasn't CREATING. Well, guess what? I am not worried about that anymore. I want to create beautiful things. I'm not talking about tins and altered letters - although, that's fun too. I am talking about putting on a smock or an apron, getting out some paints or chalks or other medium and just go to town. Maybe play with some wire, cut out some flowers...I don't know. I just know that I have been inspired. I am going to FOCUS on that INSPIRATION.

Do any of you know what I am rambling about? *sigh*

Beauty...Surprise from Kelly!...

I went to my mail today and look what I found!! A package! This package is from my friend Kelly. I've only met Kelly once at scrapbook retreat, but I've gotten to know her more through her blog. Awesome lady with a great sense of humor. Anyway, she talked about using Stickles, but not just any Stickles - Distress Stickles. I commented on her blog about them, because they sounded interesting. Almost like an oxymoron - stickles are shiny and sparkly...how are they going to be distressed too? Well, as soon as I get a chance to play with these, I am going to let you know! LOL I will probably post it on my scrap/craft blog (see sidebar), but until then, THANK YOU SO MUCH, KELLY!!! It really did make my day. Anything's better than bills and junk mail, but nothing beats a RAK!!

Beauty...not always sunshine...

Lately, it's been overcast. I love it. Every once in a while (like my previous post) it will rain. When I say that it rained, I mean for like a minute or two off and on. We don't get much rain here at all. I used to live in Washington state. They say that in Washington people don't tan, they rust. Well, I think that since it is so rare here, I've really started to miss it. These last few days looked like the above picture (taken yesterday) and I love it. Still some blue skies peeking through, but the smell and feel of the rain is not far away!

Beauty...Aromatherapy...

Marco and I were driving around town and it began to rain. I had some of my mailboxes and joy boxes to deliver to someone and Marco decided to take me. As we drove, it began to rain a bit. We drove through a neighborhood that was lined with eucalyptus trees. The smell was so refreshing! It reminded me of the aromatherapy oils that they have in the day spa that I visited.

Ah...so good. Totally awakened my senses. I've always loved the scent...even love to use the other type when I make wreaths or swags, but I was curious about its benefits and decided to look it up.

Here's what I found from HowStuffWorks:

Highly antiseptic, eucalyptus has long been a household remedy in Australia for treating everything from flu, fever, and sore throat to skin and muscle pain. Most liniments and vapor rubs contain it or eucalyptol, one of its principal constituents. It is the most popular essential oil steam for relieving sinus and lung congestion such as asthma. Inhale the steam as described on page 73, add one or two drops of oil to a compress, or put three or four drops in your bath. Especially appropriate for skin eruptions and oily complexions, it is also used for acne, and chicken pox. Do not use for an asthma attack.
For a homemade preparation, mix eucalyptus essential oil with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar and dab on problem areas. This mix can also be used as an antiseptic on wounds, boils, and insect bites.
The scent increases brain wave activity and counters physical and mental fatigue. Carry eucalyptus with you on long car trips, or smell it to help you study. International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc., a research and development corporation in New Jersey, found that sniffing eucalyptus increases your energy.

Wow! No wonder I felt that way. Seriously. I was energized, my sinus' cleared a bit and it even lifted my mood. I told my husband that I would love to have access to these leaves for when I need a natural pick-me-up! I got to thinking about how the eucalyptus made me feel. All the positive energy I felt just driving through the area. I wondered if I could be more like the eucalyptus trees. How do I act around others? Am I uplifting? Do I leave positive energy? Have you ever heard someone say that they enjoyed being with someone because they were so "refreshing" to be around? I want to be refreshing. I want to be different. My beauty for the day was not really something I could see...but more of something that I could smell. How do you feel about eucalyptus? Even if the scent is too strong for you, you might want to try to be more like it and help to renew the energy of those around you - not zap it! Have a great week!

Beauty...My Little Brown Bear...

My Taryn was invited to go to the zoo today with a friend and her family. She asked if she could take her money and I told her that she could. The family brought her back safe and sound. She had also taken an older digital camera that we have and she took several pictures. She told me she needs to print them to scrap them...LOL!

Anyway, she was so happy as she came up to each of us in the family and gave us (each) a souvenir that she bought - with her own money. Daddy got a pen with a bear and bear facts on it. I got a pen with a Koala bear and facts on it, Hannah got a bracelet with some sort of charm, Naomi got a giant L.A. Zoo lollipop and Little Marco got a board book about baby animals.

Then the father of the family that took her told my husband and I that he was very impressed with her. I thought he was talking about her behavior. I smiled at Taryn and told her that she had better have been good! Then he said that no - he wasn't referring to her behavior, although she was well behaved. He was impressed that she took the time to buy those things for her family members, spending all of her money, and did not buy anything for herself.

Wow. What a kid. I wasn't surprised, really. That's the way she is. I love her for it. She made my day and of course, Momma will find a way to make sure that all that goodness comes back her way, but she does not even expect it. Really. I am so thankful for my Taryn who is beautiful, inside and out!

She asked her friend to take her picture here, because her daddy loves bears. Awww...my little brown bear!

Beauty in...the Lord's Day...

Psalm 118:24 ~This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Beauty...Great Bargains!

***My $29 Purchase***
So, hubby and I were out and about...we were glad to get out and have breakfast together. While we were driving around town, I'd notice a Yard Sale here in there. I'd ask Marco to slow down so that I could "take a gander" at what they had...dusty old videos, plastic baby tubs, exercise equipment... Oh, well. Just looking, right? Anyway, later in the day, we passed by a multi-family yard sale. I asked Marco to stop.
There were 4 sisters that were having a yard sale together. Looked like some really nice things... I'm always on the look out for something unique for my scrapspace. I have found some really cool things that I've repurposed to organize my things.
I saw a History Songs book and cd set and then a Geography one too. I have the history one, but thought I'd ask about the price anyway. $1 for each one. Wow. That's good. They weren't even open. I will take them both! As I was chatting with one of the ladies there, I saw a pile of purses...
One of the sisters was not there, but her sister was pricing the items. I bent down to check out one of the bags. Hmmm...looked like nice leather, black...you can't have too many of those. Then I realize that it's a Coach purse. Hmmm...I check it out - yup, it's real. Oh, and look! Two nice Brighton purses. All in styles that I like and perfectly clean. I had to go around with the lady a little bit, but she gave me the 3 purses for $25 total. Of course, I had to have her hold it all and go to get cash, but I came back and now I am the owner of 3 like-new (insides looked great!) quality purses.
Love it!

Beauty in...just being!

Today was just one of those days. I had an early start, worked out, cleaned the house, got ready for a meeting with my homeschool ed. specialist. The kids were well-behaved and the weather was great. Oh, and while cleaning up, I found my Suzy Zoo calendar and it had a check in it that I hadn't cashed. Only $40, but woo-hoo! I'm $40 richer. =]
Meeting was a little long, but not bad. Everything went well. Marco got home from work and we all got ready to go to a friend's house for a birthday party. The food was great, the fellowship was wonderful and I was able to say no to chocolate cake and ice cream. =]
Very nice day. No drama, no fighting. Just one of those great days that I need to learn to appreciate more. It's good just "to be".

Beauty...In Music...

I know, I know. I just wrote about Nessun Dorma and now I am writing about music again. You must think I've run out of beauty around me. No, that's not it. It's just that I had a lot of work to do today on the computer. Lots of work. I wanted to listen to some music, but my iTunes library is on another laptop and ...well, it's a long story... So, I just went to my blog and then opened another tab to continue on my work. I listened to my playlist several times through! I love it!
I love music of all genres - as you can probably tell by now - but the music I like best is music that speaks to me. Music that tells a story, that is soothing to the soul...music with a message. The songs I like may or may not have words. I may not understand the language, but it speaks to my soul... I love music and depending on my mood - sometimes, it's the only thing that gets through. So, I invite you to come and listen - listen with me...

Beauty....Primas, Buttons and more Primas, oh my!

I LOVE Primas (brand of paper flower embellishments). I especially love the specialty ones. Any brand is fine. I may have shared a picture of these. They are orange (love orange) and they are polka dotted (love those too)...but look closely...some are FROSTED! Nice, right? I know. Simple pleasures here folks!

I also love and find beauty in my apothecary jars that are filled with all sorts of buttons...I've got lots more, but I am trying to be modest. HaaHaa! I started loving buttons when my late Great Grandmother gave me a big jar of her old buttons. I will have to take pics of those for a whole separate post, but there was some really cool things in there! Since then, I've added here and there and now - look what I have - but all neat and tidy, of course!

And last, but not least today - These Primas. First, I love the earthtones and vintage feel to them. Next, I love the detail...Look really close...you could play a game with these.
Can you find:

• the cow jumping over a moon
• the children
• a man in a top hat
• the elegant lady
• Chinese writing
• Witch Hazel
• vinegar
  

Fun - right? I hope you all enjoy the rest of your week!

Beauty...California Citrus....

I am so thankful that I have an abundance of lemons, oranges and grapefruit...literally just an arms reach away. My daughter reached out her bedroom window for the oranges and grapefruit, my faithful readers have already read about the lemon tree that I have access to, but we picked these up at Curves. There was a box of them for everyone to take a couple! I couldn't miss out on an offer like that, right?
I do not like Tang, Tampico or any other orange type drink. I like real orange juice. I don't like lemon juice from a plastic lemon - I like it from a real lemon. Somethings just can't be substituted. Know what I mean? =]
"We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors and furniture polish is made from real lemons." ~ Alfred Newman

Beauty in a Great Day! 12 on 12 for January...

Trying to stay FOCUSed on my health. Went in for a quick 30 minute workout.

Sorry if this grosses some of you out. I needed it to gross me out. Both exactly 5 lbs. yet the muscle was dense weight. It felt like it weighed more - several doubters actually put them both on the scale. The same. I think I need more of that muscle weight and less of that nasty fat!

I prefer the steel cut oats (which is better for you) over the "regular" oatmeal. Breakfast of champions! I hope I can stick with it. No one else in the house will eat it.

After a long, but needed, 3 week break - the girls are back in school. Time to hit the books!

Getting my salad ready. Added a little bit of feta, grilled chicken breast and salad spritzer. Yum!

My little guy has more teeth coming in. These have been rough and these pellets really do work wonders. I used to use Humphrey's, but I found these a little cheaper.

Woo-hoo! I got my first two Etsy orders today. I was so excited that I made an actual sell through Etsy, that I accidentally deleted the invoice. No worries, I will get it figured out!

Okay. Not a great picture, I know. But, I have been intrigued by this tractor ever since I moved to Riverside - almost a year. It sits in a lot that's fenced in right in the middle of some housing. It is off the main road, but I have not seen it used or move once! I bet if I knew what I was doing, I could take a picture that would make it look real cool. Anyway, I always wanted a picture of it - for some reason - and on the way home from Curves (I went again today, this time with Hannah) I had to take it!

After dinner, I insisted that we all go for a walk - even our little Oso. I took this picture on the other side of our block. These 3 giant palm trees are beautifully lit with different colors. It was a beautiful evening. About 71 degrees. Crazy weather. Rain and snow one week, earthquakes the next, high speed winds, and now this. Ah - you've gotta love Southern California!

After we walked the neighborhood twice, we came back to the house and kids sat in the bed of Marco's little truck to name the constellations. Little Marco and Oso were more interested in getting out of the truck to run around!

Marco is back to full-time work at the Paper company (not Dunder Mifflin ;]) and is almost 100% physically. Such a hard worker!

The Morales bunch - these are my favorite people in the world. I never imagined that I'd have so much to be thankful for....mmmmmmmmmmmm...

I just noticed that Naomi does not even have her Crocs on. See? It is warm. Look at her little toes. =]

Bonus picture!! LOL I had to get a new Tea Ball, because I've misplaced the top to the other one (I think it got thrown out =[). My sweet friend Rachel sent me some loose teas to help with the headaches and tension. Wow! This is really great stuff. I have been having a little of the Stress Busters and Sleep Tight as I wind down for the evening. Tasty and relaxing. Your the best, Rachel!! Rachel is one of those awesome friends that I made in college. I am sure she never thought that she'd be keeping up with me after all these years, but she (and her family) have always been an encouragement to me. HUGS!

Well, that was my day. The beauty in it was obvious, I hope. I got to do what I love to do the most - FOCUS on the things that are important to me. Good night all!