A Thankful Heart

As I began this day, I sat for a moment and took time to really  reflect on all of my blessings.  I truely have so many things to be thankful for.  I am grateful beyond measure. 

I wish you all a Blessed Thanksgiving day as you are surrounded by the love of your family and friends. As you carry out all the traditions of the day, I pray that you would remember to thank our loving God who bestows so many blessings to us.

A Happy Thanksgiving Day,

Much Love

Mimi~

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever

1 Chronicles 16:34

Warm Woolen Mittens

Here we are in mid November but with the weather we have been having here in Pittsburgh lately it feels more like September.  I have been able to be out in the yard playing with the puppies in only a T-shirt and jeans--not even a windbreaker required.  Blue skies and sunshine--the perfect Autumn days.  But with only 37 more days until Christmas I having been thinking cold, snow and hot chocolate to get me in the Christmas creating mood. My shop at SweetPeas needs to be packed full with Christmas cheer for their open house next weekend.  I have been  busy as an elf and I have lots to share with you all.  Eventhough there has not been a need for warm woolen mittens outside, I had such fun creating these.......

After finishing this mitten book, I just could not stop.  I thought how cute these little mittens would look as a banner.  I got to work and this is the result........

I must admit after working with these sweet little mittens, I am in the mood for some frosty weather.  I am sure it will be here before I know it.

100 and still counting.........

A few weeks back I wrote about my husband and our decision  for him to undergo gastric bypass surgery.  It was a very difficult decision for us to make as there were so many unknowns.  Several years ago Alex had surgery to repair a hernia which ended in serious complications.  There were several days that I was not sure that he would be able to recover.  With God's protection and wonderful doctors he was able to make a full recovery.  It was very frightening for us to relive that event and our minds turned with all the "what if's".  As Alex went through all the requirments for surgery--meeting with all the specialists and doctors, we continued to quesion our decision. Even as the day of surgery was upon us doubt filled our minds.  I left the final decision up to Alex and told him I would support whatever decision he made. He really thought about it and he knew that he was just not healthy and had not been feeling well for such a long time.  Even after countless attempts to lose weight, it was at the highest it had  ever been at 417 lbs (I checked with him before I shared that bit of information) and he was on many medications for his diabetis and high blood pressure.  Several of the medications had frightening side effects if taken over a long period of time.  After thinking it through again,  he decided to continue on with the surgery.  I wanted to share some before pictures with you all because I am so proud of his progress so far......

 Last year at Christmas.

The morning of surgery.

At the hospital waiting to be taken in for surgery.  Even through his nervousness he maintained his sense of humor.

As he was getting ready to leave for work this morning,  I looked up to kiss him good-bye and was so amazed and proud of his accomplishment I just had to take a picture.  He has lost 104 lbs so far and is feeling terrific.  He is off all of his medication and has more energy than he has had in a long time.  I love you Alex.  I am so proud of you and so thankful for the sacrifice you have made to become healthy for our family. 

Let's catch up.........

These past few weeks have been filled with some fun and exciting events that I wanted to be sure to share with you all.  So before time gets away from me, grab a cup of tea and maybe a cookie or two  and lets catch up.......
On October 17 Alex and I celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary.  Wow 22 years ago we said " I do" and began our lives together as man and wife.  When Alex asked me how I wanted to celebrate this anniversary, I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do.  Then he asked the question in a different way..."Do you want to go out for a really nice dinner or do you want to get another puppy"?  I had to think about that for about one second---"Let's have pizza and get a puppy" We had been talking about getting a friend for Sassy and this seemed like the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary.  I have always wanted a Golden Retreiver but Alex wasn't sure that he wanted such a big dog.  He just could not be convinced that it was a good idea but since this was a gift for our anniversary he gave in.  I called around and found a breeder who had one little girl left---I knew she was ment for us.  After talking with the breeder for a long while she invited us to come and meet this sweet little pup.  How do I know that my husband loves me.... I forgot to mention that we had to drive about 2 1/2 hours from home,  on a Sunday afternoon , during the STEELER game. I think that says "true love".  Oh boy was it worth it---I fell in love with her the minute I saw her.  Let me introduce to you the newest member of our family......

Mabel Vanilla Grace

Oh yes,  I asked the little girls I babysit to help name her--I chose her first name but her middle names were carefully and lovingly choosen by Kate and Emma.

Mable is settling in wonderfully at her new home.  She and Sassy love each other and it sure is a blast to watch them play.  She is going to be the perfect addition to our family.

Another exciting event occured last Friday night at my son's football game. It is a tradition that before the last home game of the regular season all of the senior band members, cheerleaders, and football players along with their parents walk onto the field to be recognized.  It was a beautiful night, warm temperatures and NO rain.   We had watched this event for many years and it seemed surreal  that we were actually apart of  this year's Senior Night celebration.  

 

All of the moms were give the most beautiful yellow rose corsage and a family picture was taken to commerate the event.  I have not received a copy of that photo yet but I will share it with you at a later post. The night continued on with a win for the team which made 100 wins for our head coach.  The boys were so excited as the game was played against our number one rival. 

 It was a wonderful night--one that I will remember for a long time.

This weekends activity will be the last event I share for this post.  It is a weekend event that my mom and I look forward to every year.   We work all year creating items to display and sell at a local craft fair.  It is a large show with many vendors.  The weather was beautiful this year which brought many shoppers our way. 

I displayed my soldered charms, scrapbooks, and cards while my mom shared her beautiful quilts, purses, and embellished jean shirts.  We had so much fun this year as my good friends Joyce and Bethanie had their tables next to ours.  I also have so much fun meeting new people and talking about my art.  After the craft show my mom and I ended the day with a nice dinner at one of my favorite local restrauants .  It was a great day for many reasons but it was extra special because I got to share it with my mom. 

Thanks for catching up with me.  It has been a long day and I am headed off to bed for some much needed sleep.  Have a great rest of the weekend.  Check back soon as I have some Christmas projects that I can't wait to share with you.

xoxoxo

Mimi~