Honoring Our Fallen

We arrived at Arlington National Cemetery at 0830, walked to archway entrance, and followed the throngs of people to one of the wreath-laden trucks. After waiting for some time, I scored a box of wreaths and we went to work. At first we got yelled at for being in the wrong section, but eventually we made it to the "open-wreathing" section. =)

The spruce wreaths with their bright, red bows looked so beautiful against the rows of marble, marking the resting places of men and women who have given so much for this country.

There many service members there... but I have to admit, I still have a weakness for USMC dress blues. =)

Here is a wreath I laid...

It was a small thing to give... an hour's time or so, but I guess in some ways it's the thought that counts. It was a good reminder to me to be thankful for all we have and of the great cost of our freedom here in America.

In His Time

This morning, my former supervisor called to check in on me (he sees me as a daughter - prodigal, though I may be). And he reminded me of something I already know, but somehow lost sight of... God does everything in His own time. He has a plan and a purpose for my life, and sometimes, waiting on Him is the only thing we can do.

With my own future so uncertain, I find myself looking around at everyone else... why do they have a good job? a boyfriend?husband? kids? a house? The list is pretty much endless. When am I going to learn to be happy with the life God has blessed me with? If I could just learn to trust Him and wait on His perfect timing, maybe then I could learn contentment and find the peace that often eludes me.

Another Fabulous Concert

I have been a huge TSO (that is Trans-Siberian Orchestra for those of you unfamiliar with the acronym) for quite a few years now, thanks to a dear friend who will remain anonymous.

Last night was the third TSO concert I have attended, and they did NOT disappoint! Between the additional snow, new LCD screens, and never-before-heard Night Castle songs, they pulled off another unbelievable performance! Just see for yourself.

Christmas comes but once a year...

now it's here, now it's here, bringing lots of joy and cheer, fa la la la la... (that was a song from a very old cartoon that C. and K. and I used to watch as kids - I think it was called Jack Frost).


This is our lovely tree, complete with the fiber-optic angel (it is mesmerizing... the fiber-optic angel, that is). The huge gift bag next to it is from N. to me (can't wait to see what it is!).

This is my favorite ornament! N. gave it to me last year.

Mr. Snowman is one of N's ornaments. I just think he is adorable. Don't you? =)

He's strong to the finish cuz he eats his spinach...

He's Pop-eye the sailor man! Toot toot!!!

hahahhahahahhah...

My New Hobby

kind of...


Mother decided she wanted a wreath and so collected stray branches while we were at the Christmas tree farm. I had never made a wreath before, but Mom has this belief that I can do ANYTHING... so I was not about to disappoint her! We went to the hardware store and bought some thin wire, then collected holly leaves and berries from the neighborhood, along with a few pinecones, proceded to raid the house for bows, ribbon, glitter, and glue, and went to work.

Mom cut branches into workable pieces as I bound them together with wire and forced them into a circle-like shape. We reinforced our wreath by wiring stronger branches along the backside, and tada! A pine branch circle. =)

Mom added glitter to the pinecones and leaves while I wired the various decorations into place. The result: a fabulous Christmas wreath on the front door!

We were so pleased with it, we made a second one for Grandma.

My family is now teasing me about having found my new career. =) As much fun as it was, I don't think my hands to take all the poking pine needles long-term. They are pretty much "to'e up" as it is!