~Gratitude~

On Christmas Day I found myself sitting on the floor with my 7-year-old grand-daughter, Ella, coloring huge pictures of Disney princesses. Tears came to my eyes when I realized that 40-some years ago, I couldn’t have imagined doing something so beautifully simple on a Christmas Day, that brought me SO much joy. It made me remember that in the coming years, I want to take time to savor the moments. The blessings. The good times.

We live in such a ‘hurried’ world, that it’s easy to be swept-away into the mad frenzy of everyday life. Everyone’s so busy….caught up in their own world. We often overlook the treasured ‘kodak’ moments in our lives... concentrating instead on just getting through to the next day.

So for this coming year, I promise myself I’ll savor the blessings. I’ll take the time to spend ‘in the moment’ when I talk with my children, visit with friends, chat with my husband. It’s these moments today that will become those times in the future that we will look back on, and cherish.

For today:

~I’ll be grateful for the stack of orders on my studio workbench…instead of feeling overwhelmed and over-worked.

~I’ll be grateful that as difficult as it is to visit Mom in the nursing home, at least I still have her here on earth.

~I’ll be grateful for the fatigue that comes at the end of a work-filled day…. so much better than the end-of-the-day feeling that would come after one of boredom.

~I’ll remember that each second of each day is a gift. I can choose to squander it…or spend it wisely.

Rosie and I are 'gratefully' off to the studio…..along with a delicious cup of Pumpkin Spice coffee. May your day be one of gratitude…..of treasured moments….and may you have the feeling of joyous fatigue as it comes to an end~

~Friday Blessings and A Recipe to Share~

Many many things to be thankful for this beautiful October day:

~Celebrating Jackson's 4th birthday this weekend!

~My sweet customers have started their Christmas shopping early...which helps them AND me!

~Amish Katie comes whenever she can now!

~4 more days to join in on RoseCreekCottage's current Give-Away on Jeannette's blog. Over 1200
people signed up already. Don't miss out!!

~Lots of studio time this month for filling orders and new designs!!

~Heading to the kitchen to make Mock Cheesecake to take to the grandbabies~recipe below~hmmmmm

~Have a beautiful Fall Day wherever you are in this world~

Mock CheeseCake

2 cans pillsbury butter crescent rolls

-2 (8oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
-1 cup sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-1/4 cup butter (melted)
-Cinnamon & sugar


Unroll and spread 1 & 1/2 can crescent rolls on bottom of un-greased 13 x 9 pan.

Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread mixture over crescent rolls.

Unroll and spread remaining crescent rolls over mixture.

Spread melted butter over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

Cut into squares when cool. Serve and Wait for the rave reviews!!

~To Ella on her Seventh Birthday~

My Dear Sweet Granddaughter....

If God had tapped me on the shoulder some 7+ years ago, and told me to describe what I thought would be a perfect granddaughter.....I would have described YOU. Just the way you are. Perfect from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. From your daddy's green eyes and long lashes, to your mama's beautiful zest for life.

You know, this Grandma waited a long time for a little girl. I loved your Daddy and your Uncle Tom....but, well....they sure aren't girls!!!! Then God sent YOU, sweet doll. When your mommy told us they were expecting a baby, she said she hoped it would be a girl. For me. She's so sweet. And OH did God send us a little girl. A perfect little girl who loves everything pink, sparkly and girly. Certainly everything that THIS Grandma could have dreamt of!

And so, sweet Ella, my wish for you this year is that you always stay as sweet and innocent as you are now. Always.

With All My Love To the Moon and Back.....

Grandma

xoxoxoxox

~I Know It's Been A While...~

It's been way too long since I've posted here, but have been WAY busy with:

~A visit from the grandbabies

~Finally launching my new website: www.rosecreekcottage.com

I'm slowly adding more-and-more product between filling orders! I'm learning more and more about SEO and adding new bells-and-whistles!! It's definitely keeping me out-of-trouble! LOL!!

Drop me a comment and let me know what you think of it!!

(Can you tell who was a 'little' apprehensive about the hammock AND doesn't like to have his picture taken????!!! These were the best of Jackson, in all the pics I snapped! Gotta love little boys~)

~Waitin' Again~

One of my favorite posts, written in 2008. Now, three years later, again I'm 'waitin', but this time, for three precious grandbabies instead of two! They'll arrive tomorrow. I can't wait!!!~ So here it is, as it was written back then.......



They’re comin'! Ella and Jackson are comin' back to RoseCreekCottage this weekend! We can hardly wait. I put on my favorite hat with the big crimson rose. And my red-patent-leather shoes. They don’t call me “Mercedes With the Red Shoes” for nothin’!

Ol’Bear put on his favorite “sweater with the pearl buttons”. That’s what he calls it. He’s quite fond of it. He even wears it in the summertime. Silly bear. It belonged to Ella and Jackson’s daddy when he was just a lil fella. And pearls. I don’t think he knows that boys are not ‘sposed to wear pearls. There’s just no talkin’ to him. Sigh. I do try. Often. I fear his ears don't work no more. He’s old, ya know. He belonged to Grandma when she was little. Can’t imagine her being little. But I hear she was. Just a little girl. Like Ella. Bear collects hats. Always with flowers. Old ones. The hat he's wearin' was Grandma’s. That ol’ bear is just too fond of all Grandma’s stuff. I have to watch him. Sometimes, in the morning when I wake up, he's dressed himself in a whole new outfit. Yup. Stuff of Grandma’s. Sigh. She just laughs at him.

Then there’s Ol’ Hare. He’s itchy. Made of mohair. I don’t think he bathes enuff. And he has what Grandma calls 'an attitude'. Thinks he’s related to the Easter B. Silly ol’ rabbit. He wears hats, too. Just like Ol’ Bear. And me. He’s jealous cause I can wear bigger hats. And shoes. Red ones. Patent leather.

Me? I’m a serious soul. I follow Grandma from room-to-room, overseeing all the scuttlebutt that’s going on at RoseCreekCottage. And ya know….I’m worried 'bout her. She’s gettin’ up earlier-and-earlier these days. Workin' in the studio. ‘Cept she calls it 'playin'. You should see the ‘stuff’ she’s ‘playin’ with: dolls with painted faces, St. Nicks with wool beards 'n knickers, long rabbits with glass eyes. They scare me. Too big. And there’s the jewelry! Some with diamonds. I keep beggin’ her to let me wear some. Just some. I’d be VERY careful and only wear 'em to tea parties. With my red patent-leather shoes. And for special times. Like this weekend. When Ella and Jackson come.

I have the teapot ready. I washed the teacups. Twice. Really. Ella likes sweet tea. With lots of sugar. Silly girl. Anyway….we’re waitin'. It's hard.

Oh….and if you see any elves around….would you please send 'em to RoseCreekCottage ASAP? Grandma’s been mumblin’ about them not showin’ up here again. I fear they’re lost. I promise cross-my-heart I’ll pay their travelin’ ‘spences. Grandma needs help.

In the meantime….we're just waitin’ for Ella and Jackson. Sigh. Hurry, Saturday. Hurry.

Verry Sincerelee,

Mercedes With the Red Shoes

~Monday Blessings~First Grade....Eegads~

I can't believe Ella started First Grade on Friday. At a Catholic school, no less. Be still my heart!! I'm so happy that Jackie and Jeff made the decision to send her to Immaculate Conception. She joins many of her friends....and one in particular who has been her 'best friend' since she was 3: Taylor! And they're in the same class. My little grand-daughter is in seventh heaven!! She's so beautiful, inside and out. I hope God keeps her this way for a VERY long time~

Happy Monday, wherever you are in the world~

~Introducing A New Grand-Daughter~

Introducing our latest grandchild: Emilia Bay. She's beautiful and looks exactly like her big sister, Ella, looked at birth.....except that she has dark dark hair. Her eyes are light blue...even lighter than Ella's were. She was welcomed home by her big sister and big brother, who jumped at the chance to hold her whenever they can: Jackson, at 2, for short little spurts....but Ella, at 5, for sometimes an hour-at-a-time.

Jackie is on her way to recovering from her c-section. Emilia nurses quite a bit more often than her mama would like at this point. She was smaller than her sister and brother, and is already gaining weight since her birth 10 days ago.

I was so honored to go down and spend time helping out. I drove Ella to and from the bus stop each morning and afternoon....and will miss watching her climb down the stairs to the bus at the end of each kindergarten day with her headband askew, socks sagging, hair flying, with a huge smile on that sweet little face! We made paper doll dresses out of pressed flowers, 'danced' princess stickers down the ballroom steps time-and-time again......polished nails, and spent time swinging on the swings and picking flowers for her mom and her teacher.


She took me by surprise, when while tucking her into bed the first nite I was there, she asked, "Grandma....how did Emilia get into my Mom's tummy?". Oh boy....I quickly explained to her that God put her there. He's like "magic". She quickly looked skyward and whispered, "Thank you, God". And then added, "Will He put a baby in MY tummy?". Oh my. I could tell it worried her. "NO.....I answered....you must be married to someone you love first". "Oh", she answered....and with that I kissed her good nite, shut the door, and leaned against it in the hallway before skipping down the steps. She's a smart little cookie!!

Jackson is into all the "I Spy" books....and I can tell you we read them each at LEAST a hundred times!!! He even carries them up to bed with him. His favorite phrase, "No way" when he doesn't want to do something. He looks exactly like a Hummel figurine!



And Emilia? An angel here on earth. No crying. Just long periods of sleep...and then wide-open blue eyes looking around at her new 'home'. I just couldn't get enough of holding her...or that sweet baby 'smell'. I couldn't help but wonder if she remembers heaven. I am sure they are missing her!!

I am so blessed to have a daughter-in-law who has made sure that both Jim and I have had a chance to 'bond' with each of our grandbabies soon after their births. I cannot thank her...or love her....enough for that!

I will drive down there again. Often. 2 1/2 hours is not at all far for this Grandma to go to spend precious time with these three little angels. And in between....I will be missing all their smiles...and oh......those sweet hugs and kisses that only they can give so unconditionally~

Happy Mother's Day to all my blogger friends out there....from one happy but 'pooped-out' Grandma~

P.S. Does anyone know if they still make Geritol??!!!!

Dear Mom......

Thanksgiving has come and gone. You couldn't join us this year. You said it was "too hard". We missed you. I know this is all so hard for you. It breaks my heart. You can't walk anymore. Your legs are too weak to hold you up. But your brain doesn't remember that, so you keep trying. And keep falling.

The kids were here all weekend. I'm so glad they all came to see you. Ella's eyes light up when she sees you. You got to see Jackie's pregnant belly....and looked at Amy's sparkly engagement ring again. I know it was all overwhelming for you, but I'm happy we were all there with you. I will remember it for a long time.

You have no short-term memory now. Only very long-term. And only sometimes. I am so thankful you still know who I am. And I believe you know Ella and Jackson, too. At least I think you do.

My shows are finally done for the year. I'll have lots more time to visit now. Remember how you used to help me with them, Mom? Remember that cold Ohio Mart that we wore long-underwear and mittens it was so bitter out? Long-ago memories.

Hospice has come in to help now, Mom. I know you don't understand exactly what is happening. I'm not sure I do, either. I just know that they are angels. All of them. They give you lots of extra attention; bought you a new, padded wheelchair, and a new, lower-to-the-ground hospital bed. They brought special padding to put next to it so that when you fall, it's not as hard.

I know you can't understand any of this. It's just not fair.

Just know that you have a family who loves you dearly, Mom. And we are here for you. Always.

With Love,

Carol

Related posts: Black Abyss
My Mother's Smile

~Beautiful Ella~

What can I say? She was just born. Just yesterday. And now, she's 5. Five. I cannot believe it. She started kindergarten. The grade her grandma was in when she knew she wanted to be a teacher. She's beautiful. Sweet. Innocent. Smart. Did I say 'Sweet'? And I love her with all my heart.

My dear sweet grand-daughter. May you always be as happy, safe, secure, and loved as you are right now. Always and forever. Your loving Gramma xoxoxoxoxox

I'm so so behind in my blogging....my production....my life (!) right now. We did get down to see the kids and grandkids this week. They bought a new house...5 bedrooms/4 baths with an acre of land....a gorgeous pool...lighted and carpeted treehouse for the kids. And plenty of space for all of our family and Jackie's to come and stay all at the same time! Talk about blessings~

Jeff is finishing up the research for his dissertation. Dr. Jackie gave both Jim and I complete eye exams. Her office is beautiful. It was so fun to see her in action. She's so so good at what she does. She's keeping a close eye on Jim's macular degeneration.

Production for Yankee Peddler Festival is in full-swing. See my blogpost here:
Yankee Peddler Here We Come!

We drove out to see our booth this week. It needed a few final 'tweeks'. We're in a great spot...back in The Glen where we used to be. It feels SO like home to us to be back there again. We're thankful they were able to build a booth for us. It's perfect. We'll be starting to 'fill' it this week....and then let the party begin next weekend....the first of three.

I'll post more about it after this holiday weekend. Check out their site for more info: Yankee Peddler Festival.

Have a great Labor Day Weekend....wherever you are~

~FingerPrints Friday~

Fingerprints Of God
Psalm 139:14-15; Phil 1:6

There's a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that goes:

I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know it's true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God.

God's fingerprints are everywhere! I see them so so clearly when I look at my sons and grandchildren. When Jeff and Ella took off walking into the ocean on our recent vacation, it just took my breath away. Truly God's fingerprints right there in front of my eyes!

Don't miss the fingerprints all around you as you travel through your day. Stop and take a peek at Beki's blog to read about more fingerprints.

~We're Back!~

Hi! It's me again....Ella. We're back from the island! We had so much fun! We swam in the ocean in the mornings, and in the pool in the afternoons. Jackson was scared of the water til the last day. Not me, though. Gramma says I swim like a fish! I helped Gramma cook a lot. I'm a good 'mixer-upper' for her.
We made donuts one morning outta biscuits. You squish them flat, then you cut little holes in the middle with a tiny cutter. Then fry them. Then roll them in sugar and nutmeg. Hmmmmmm.

I had a chance to play with all the kids at the ocean. We dug holes that filled up with sea water, and we made sandcastles. Uncle Tom and I found an island he called a sand bar, and we found a sand dollar. We threw it back in the ocean so it wouldn't die. That would be sad. Then we saw a rainbow over the ocean. Gramma said it was my "Magical Day".

We watched the sun set one last time the nite before we left. I will miss the island, the sea, and the big boats.

Gramma is back in her studio makin' lots of new dollies and lots of new jewelry for her shows. She's a very busy Gramma. She says to say 'hi' to all of you. Til next time....Ella

~Until Next Time.......~

Proclamations of "I'll come back again real soon, Grandma. Promise" made by the Little Princess from chocolate-edged lips that give kisses like no other little girl on the face of this earth. She gets prettier each time I see her.

Sweet tender kisses 'right on the lips' given freely by the Little Prince as he waves good-bye....blue 'blankie' clutched in one little fist....juice in the other. He's looking more and more like his Daddy each day.

The Easter baskets stand empty. Waiting to be packed away until next time.

The house is so still.

There is something missing. Something more than the bunny cake's behind: they've taken with them a very large piece of my heart.

But I'll wait patiently. Until next time.



This post was honored with a Post Of the Day Award over at authorblog. Thank you, David!

~Cookie Philosophy 101~

This past weekend, Ella and I made Valentine Cookies. Her little 4-year-old hands tried diligently to pick up the sticky heart-shaped dough cut-outs and place them on the cookie sheets for baking. I was in awe of her attempts not to ruin any of the shapes. Sometimes her frustration got the best of her, and she'd say, "Grandma....you can roll this one again, 'kay?". In the end, we ended up with a platefull of beautiful pink cookies.

When it came time to eat them, she announced that she wanted the most beautiful one. She screwed up her little brow when I picked up a cookie that looked more like a circle than a heart, and had messed-up frosting. I explained to her that I felt sorry for it. What if no one wanted it? Anyone would want the prettiest one. But the uglier one may have been left behind. With that....she asked me if we could trade. She didn't want that poor cookie to feel bad! I pray she takes that piece of "Cookie Philosophy" with her as she travels through life. It would make her quite a 'Smart Cookie'. (sorry...I couldn't resist!) If only life-lessons were all that easy.

I designed a Valentine Cookie Charm Bracelet in honor of baking Valentine Cookies with Ella. It includes lots of heart-shaped cookies complete with 'icing' and decorations.....as well as tiny heart-shaped cookie cutters. I think you'll agree it looks good enough to eat....and it's 100% calorie-free! You can find it in my Etsy shop!
**SOLD** Thank you, Debbie!

~Home Is Where One Starts From~

Coming Home. Always special. No matter where or what you call home. For me, now, seeing my kids come home is more special than ever….as they each have their ‘own’ homes. But coming home to where you started is always special. It’s safe. Filled with unconditional love. And the warmth and security of your parents’ open arms…and full refrigerators. It stands staunchly. Waiting. Filled with memories of childhood….schooldays…and homecomings.

Jeff arrived this weekend with Ella and Jackson. DIL, Jackie, had to work, so they came without their beloved wife and mother. (we all missed her!) There were lots of hugs and kisses. Lots of laughter. Jackson is walking…no, running… everywhere. No more crawling. Balls are his favorite toy now. And boy can he throw. And even catch! His face is always smiling….eyes dancing. He loves life. And Ella is an ever-moving girly-girl. We played Barbies. We colored. We put puzzles together. Over and over. We played Barbies. We baked cookies. We laughed. We worked on the ‘puter’. And did I mention we played Barbies? I suggested we only undress one Barbie-at-a-time, since it was cold out. “No, Grandma. That’s not how you play with Barbies. We take all their clothes off. Then we dress them. ‘Kay?”. Who knew?

And at nite….this mom/grandma got great pleasure out of tiptoeing into their bedrooms, and standing silently. Watching. In awe that they are my child’s children. My bloodlines. Magnificent miracles. Soundly, peacefully sleeping. ‘Home’.

I used to tiptoe into the boys’ rooms quite often. From infancy on up….watching them sleep filled my soul with love. And yes….even to watch my grown son sprawled across the bed like he had been so many many times before throughout the years of his childhood, was magical. To watch him sleeping still takes my breath away. Praying, silently, that while he’s here…. ‘home’…that the pressures of his job, of being a father and husband to his young family…all those worries that come with adulthood…would slip magically away. At least while he’s sleeping. Here. ‘Home’.

Today, the house it still. The bedrooms empty. The silence could be described as hollow. But it’s really not. For echoing in these walls are memories of a joy-filled weekend with Jeff, Ella, Jackson, Tom and Amy. More memories to cherish. And to remember during the silences.

PostScript: The Mary Englebreit poster at the top of the page hangs near our backdoor. It’s one my my favorite of Mary’s works.

This post won an Honorable Mention for Post of the Day at Authorblog. Thank you, David!

~Martha...You Reading My Blog?~

Boy was I surprised when I picked my Martha Stewart Living magazine out of the mailbox yesterday afternoon! There, in living color, right on the front cover, was a whole layout of cupcakes! Hmmmmm......Martha must be reading my blog!! I KNEW she was one smart cookie....er, cupcake! And inside, she has the most delicious recipes for cupcakes.....and I just happened to have 4 overly-ripe bananas sitting on the counter just begging me to do something with them before it was too late.

Now, in the olden days, I would have 'hidden' them in chocolate chip cookies. The boys never knew. But now?? Jim can just about 'smell' bananas in chocolate chip cookies. And he doesn't like them in his beloved cookies! I was out of ideas til I came upon Martha's recipe for Banana Cupcakes With Caramel Buttercream.

I know what I said in my previous post. I said cupcakes were easy. Boy was I wrong about that!! I started on Martha's Banana Cupcakes around noon. And I finished at 2:00. They were NOT easy. No way. But BOY are they good!! Good thing Ella and Jackson will be here for the weekend. I just ate 2 for my lunch....and at the rate of 2 per each meal...maybe 2 for Jim, too....so that's 4 per meal starting tonite....those 28 cupcakes aren't going to be around til the kids get here Saturday. I'm gonna hide them. In the vegetable bin in the frig! Jim will NEVER look there. (and I'm sure not going to tell him!)

So, thank you, Martha. I read YOUR blog faithfully, too!

~Stepping Into A New Year~

Stepping into a New Year conjures up all sorts of emotions: Excitement, Trepidation, Hope, Joy, Fear, Uncertainty. It's a New Beginning. A clean slate. A fresh start. 2008 brought many joys to our family:

We had Mom with us for another year. (thank you, Lord)

Our sons and daughter-in-law are healthy, happy and successful in their life endeavors.

Our two grandchildren are growing into amazing little souls. (the photo shows Jackson taking his first steps at Grandma's house!)

We celebrated two weddings, welcoming two new 'nieces' into our ever-growing family.

My newly-resurrected business 'took flight' beyond my wildest dreams.

I celebrated my 60th birthday with six of my closest friends who flew us all to Chicago for a day of whirlwind site-seeing, shopping and lunch at the American Girl Co. (thank you all xoxoxo)

Along with the joys, came the sadness of losing my Godmother....my Aunt Kay, who was my mother's best friend. She lived a good 88 years and touched many lives during her stay here on this earth. She was an integral part of my life. I know that heaven has a special new angel. (watch for a blogpost about her later in the week)

So....to all my family and friends....real, cyber, et al......A Happy, Healthy 2009. Remember: Life is what you make it!

Have a joyous First Week of 2009...wherever you are in the world.