A Christmas Story....

I'm not really sure where this story came from. I discovered it while searching for a recipe in my little stash of handed down morsels of goodness. I guess you could say this story was in a very appropriate place! Sometimes we all need to be reminded...especially me! I hope you enjoy...

The rest of the story....the old quilt

As I walked into the hidden basement sale my eyes met a small stack of fabric. I got the shakes! I guess I have a slight addiction to fabric! A sweet elderly woman and her daughter greeted us as this 73 year old lady asked "Oh do you sew?" With a smile on my face I said "Just a little." Next to the fabric lay 2 old handmade quilts. As I picked them up we got into a conversation about quilting and which of these old quilts she liked best. I love old things!  She had a price tag of $15 on each of these quilts but told me  I could have them for $10. Yes... $10! My heart did a little pitter patter. I didn't want to act too excited!  I stacked the fabric and this beautiful old quilt... I then wanted to run quickly before she changed her mind. Yard sales are suppose to be a place where you find "Good Deals" but all we had seen up to this point was way over priced junk! I felt like I hit the jackpot!
As we listened to this woman share about some of her old things, I couldn't help but think of what a history she has. Her love for sewing and quilting was coming to an end. She was willing to let go of her prize possessions as they made their way to loving homes. I guess we had a connection with our love for sewing. I chose a few other things...a couple of her newer small quilt pieces. I really should have bought more.  I quickly paid and ran walked to the car. I really couldn't believe she let me leave her basement with these beautiful old things!
Walking back to the car I told my husband I didn't understand why she had such low prices on her things. I knew how much time she had invested in her treasures. His response was priceless...."She knows her time is short. She would rather she her things go to someone who would appreciate them. She had no need to hang onto them." When you know your time is short....earthly treasures seem less important. I know God says He will make all things new one day and to not store up earthly treasures...but I really love old things, old people.  Why do I store up old things? Maybe because the old understand life and what is really important.  They realize true value in giving, letting go and you can't put a price tag on that !

My love for old things....Any Guesses?

My husband and I have been hitting yard sales for the past several weekends. On occasion we run across a treasure or two. This past weekend I walked away with more than a treasure. Any guesses as to how much I paid for this beauty?

....to be continued!

I remember........

Loving someone for 27 years is amazing in itself ! The day we said "I do" my grandparents were married 60 years. Lord willing we will celebrate our 60 year mark one day! Marriage isn't easy and it takes a lot of work. A lot of effort! We have walked many difficult roads these past 27 years. But we have walked some very great ones too! Each day brings new and exciting adventures...if you know Kelley you will understand what I am saying. Throw 9 other lives in there and my day can be exhaustingly exciting! I will never regret this life I have been given. I love the man whom I share this journey and my life with!


Our life together for 27 years.........
I remember falling for you and you for me. Even though some said it wouldn't work...you still chose to see.
You chose to see what God had planned. You promised to cherish and always hold my hand!
I remember the bee and that first kiss. I remember asking God "Are you sure about this?"
 I remember all the hard times and how we got through. I remember the good times and laughing with you.
I remember all the job promotions...you moved up so quick!. Each one brought us a new home and a blue line on the pregnancy stick.
9 little lives have brought us joy and pride. Each day they bring chaos with a little insanity on the side.
Look at all the memories...some good and some bad.We have done life together...that makes me so very glad.
I'll never regret saying "I do" to you that day. I'm looking forward to the future and planning our next getaway!
Tomorrow we plan to celebrate 27 years. Spending time alone with you has been music to my ears!
                                                               I love you!

                                                             
 Happy Anniversary my love!
27 years of life, love and adventure....Kelley Holcombe you are the greatest gift I have ever been given! Walking this journey of life with you has made me who I am....and you still love me anyway!  As we step into the next 27 years....I pray they are even more adventurous than the last.With you I can love, laugh and live life to the fullest as we journey this life God had planned. I love you and the life we have built together!

Time alone in a big city...Holy Batman!

Well I'm here....in the big city. Monday came way too early. I was up at 4:30 am after sleeping only a couple of hours. I guess I was excited about my big trip to the city....and spending time with my hubby. It was all I could do to keep my eyes open all day. We arrived early enough to grab some lunch and walk a couple of miles around the city before Kelley had his late afternoon meetings. These 100 degree temps added to my fatigue or maybe it's the lack of exercise I have let consume my body. I have no more excuses....time to get this old lady up and motivated!

Today I have had so much alone time and it's only 2 pm. Not sure if I like this or not. However, I know it's good and much needed. But how does a mom of many learn to sit still and relax? Other than throwing them at my little ones, those two words haven't been in my vocabulary in a very long while. Today I took off on my own and ventured into the city. Mostly because I needed nourishment. I found this great little cafe...thistle while you work.  I felt like such a country girl walking the streets of this big city. Maybe by the time we fly home, I'll have tried many more sweet little resturants and walked many more miles in this heat. Look out Rachael Ray...I could bring back your $40 a day show!

Our hotel is set back across the lake from the city next to the Bat bridge. It's a bridge where millions of bats emerge from under the bridge at dusk to blanket the night sky. Bat Bridge Here you can get a glimpse of what I'm talking about. I knew I should have brought my cape!

It's time to go lounge by the pool ! Maybe I'll just take a nap.... Oh the life of a mom of many! I guess I should be careful...I wouldn't want to get too use to this....would I?!

Here it is.......

Finally time with my man! I'm not complaining, but he travels so much I feel like we have been living in two different worlds for the past several months. I am very thankful for his great job! He has worked very hard to get where he is today while raising a very large family. Then throw the kids summer activities in there and all we have become is part time roommates. Wives....make time for your husbands! Even if it's for just a few minutes!

So in 3 days I will fly with my hubby for a week of  resting on a deserted island him in daily meetings and me sitting by the pool. We will have evenings for some much needed time together!

Five whole days of no dishes...no laundry....no cooking....no driving.....sleeping ....resting .....I might actually feel like a human for the first time in my life again!

Yes....just me and my man! Can you tell I have needed some time away with him?!

I am so looking forward to celebrating 27 years of being loved by one of the greatest gifts I have ever received!

Pulling this getaway off is no small endeavor. Making sure everyone is taken care of...packing the younger 3 for grandma's house. A wedding and a soccer tournament several hours away. All this in two days! My plate is full and overflowing!  Is it Monday yet?!

Then there is the battle of the mom mind... the guilt! I know the enemy is at work trying to distract me from investing in my marriage. Keeping me from my much needed time away. I will NOT be defeated! I will miss my kiddos...they are my life! But having one on one time with the man I have lived with for 27 years ....without interruptions....priceless!

Finally time with.....

In 3 days I'll be................
5 days of.............
Just me and............

I am so looking forward to..................

more later!