Life Goes On

Four generations, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, 2009.

My mom (Arlene), me, The Bean (Natalia), and my daughter, Molly.

I'm so very thankful for my family.  I know, this kind of post usually comes around Thanksgiving time, but now is when I'm talking about it.  As I think about where all of us (the women in this picture) have come from, I'm so thankful that GOD chose me to be born into this family at this time.  I thought I would share some statistics with you.

Arlene Rose Muller Mock- Born in Abingdon, PA on November 27, 1944.  Her dad was Oskar Wilhelm Muller.  He came to this country as a young adult from Germany.  Her mom was Elizabeth Reigelmeyer Muller and was from Austria-Hungary.  Elizabeth came to this country as a 16 year old girl with her cousin and friend; all three young women were around the same age.  Arlene has an older sister, Helen.  Arlene and her parents moved toWhittier, CA when Arlene was 8.  She lived in that area until she met her husband, my dad John, and moved to northern California to marry him.

Cindi Marie Mock Buck Rose- Born in Eureka, CA on August 15, 1967 at the County Hospital.  (The building is now Semper Virens, the county MENTAL hospital and some say that explains alot.)  My dad, John Fred Mock, was born in the farmhouse his dad was born in located in Chehalis, WA.  I am the oldest of 3 children.  My brother, Aaron lives in Oregon and my sister, Ammi lives here in Humboldt County.  I married Lonnie Buck in 1987 and had 3 children, Molly, Callie, and Levi.  I divorced and married my high school sweetheart, Ken Rose (BunBun) in May, 2008.

Molly Elizabeth Buck- Born in Fortuna, CA on August 29, 1989 by c-section.  Molly was a round-faced, ringlet-headed adorable baby.  She loved to read as a toddler, is a protective older sister, and a joy to have around.  She loves to laugh and the littlest thing can set her giggles off.  She will be returning to college soon to pursue a degree in early childhood education.  Some say she looks like her mom, but I say she looks like her dad and half-sister, Natasha.

Natalia Rose Buck- Born in Fortuna, CA on May 26, 2009.  Her mommy delivered her with no medication at all in just under 3 hours.  Her daddy's name is Ulises Abigail Orosco and he is from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  Natalia (Nati, Tally, The Bean) is a joy to have around and is a very happy baby.  She squeals to get your attention and her belly laughs soon have those around her belly laughing as well.  She has an affinity to men, especially bald men with glasses (like my dad, her great grampa) and will flirt with them shamelessly.  She also loves the camera and will usually ham it up when she sees that first flash.

I am proud to say that I am one of the women in this picture.  We are strong, decisive women.  Women who are intelligent and determined.  We are hard working and we know GOD has a plan for us.  We will do our best to bring glory to HIS name.

The Bean's 1st Christmas

I could write lots and lots about what a wonderful Christmas I had this year (I did) or how blessed my family is to know that Christ is the center of all our celebrations (we are).  However, I would just like to share some photos of Bean's first Christmas and say that GOD is glorified in ALL things.

In love with Opa (better known to all of you as BunBun)

On cousin Ethan's lap at the Christmas Eve service.

Smiling for Oma while Opa and Papa (my dad, the Bean's great-grandpa) try to coax a smile out of her.

Opa and the Bean

Gimme that paper! (The presents were fun, but the paper tasted better.)

I hope that you had a wonderful celebration with those you love.  May GOD richly bless you in the new year as you glorify His name.

"Just one word… plastics.”

If you have seen The Graduate, starring Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, and Katharine Ross, then you recognize this quote and this clip.  If not, well, here is the short of it.  Benjamin (Hoffman) is recently graduated from college and is unsure of what he wants to do with his life.  An associate of his father's is giving him some business advice.  When this film was made, plastic was an industry that was barely even born yet.

Flash forward to 2009, plastic is everywhere and we don't know how to get rid of it.  Why am I talking about this?  Is it because I am big on recycling/repuposing?  Yes this is true, but not the main reason.  Is it because some really clever and creative items can be made using plarn?  Again, true but not the main reason. 

I have two words for you....Plastic Canvas!  Before I get started let me apologize if you love /work with/adore plastic canvas.  What I'm about to say in no way reflects on any one person or their abilities at being an artisan/craftisan.  These are my own personal opinions and do not represent the opinions of every blogger out there.  O.K.

I HATE PLASTIC CANVAS!  While it has its place in the home crafter's history, it is time to put it to rest.  It is outdated, reminds me of an old lady's house and is just plain tacky.  Maybe somewhere, in the universe, there is someone who can make something useful and beautiful from plastic canvas, but I have yet to see it.  It belongs in the attic along with macrame made with big thick twine, popsicle stick picture frames, and packing peanut Christmas garland.  I'm all about reusing, but some things should just never have been invented.

You know what plastic canvas reminds me of?  The poor redheaded step-child of counted cross-stitch.  The overall-wearin', bucktoothed, moonshine drinkin', lazy step-child that lives in a ramshackle tin shed and eats critters and vittles. 

Ok....so, if you have been offended, I do apologize.  It's nothing personal.  And if you can show me a beautiful creation made from plastic canvas, well, I'll be happy to display it here and tell the world how beautiful it is.  But I'm not holdin' my breath or nuthin'!

A Christmas Thought

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,

Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,

"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!“

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light,

Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.“

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,

“ Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.“

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.“

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

My pastor shared this in church on Sunday morning.  Sometimes as we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas activities we forget that not everyone is as blessed as we are.   There are thousands of men and women in our armed forces who will spend Christmas away from the ones they love.  Please keep them in your prayers.  If you know of a military family in your neighborhood and they are separated from loved ones, please let them know you are thinking of them and praying for them; even if it's just a phone call or a Christmas card.  If you or a loved one is serving their country, thank you.  You really are appreciated and prayed for.  You are to be admired and honored; not only at this time of year but for as long as you draw breath.

If you would like to help our service men and women, but aren't sure how, the folowing links are but a few that reach out to our military and their families. 

Socks for Soldiers

Handmade Afghans Project

Soldiers Hospitality House

Pease Greeters

Homefront Hugs

Band of Mothers

Kids Thank A Vet

Gold Star Families

Military Child

Young Life

Initially Yours

I recently shared my love of monograms with you and some of the finds I made at Etsy and Artfire.  I decided this year's Christmas ornament would be the first letter of each person's name.  For those outside the family, I would  make one ornament for the entire family using the first letter of their last name. My family tree will include the letters M- Molly, C- Callie, L - Levi, S- Sam, N - Natalia, K - Ken, C - Cindi, A - Arlene, J - John, A- Ammi,  E - Ethan, A - Aaron, T - Tami, T - Tory, E, Emily, and  T - Tanner.  I know it's a lot of letters, but they go very quickly.

My materials were easy to come by as well.  Our $ Tree had these gigantic stockings made of felt so I picked up 2 of those.  I free-handed each letter onto the felt using a Sharpie.  I used my sharp sewing scissors to cut out a double thickness of each letter.  I sewed random buttons and other bits of bling onto the "front" of a single thickness of the letter using embroidery floss or thread.  I followed that up with a blanket stitch all the way around to attach both pieces of each letter to each other.  I finished each letter with a piece of narrow ribbon at the top for hanging.

Total time (for 1 letter) from beginning to end: approx. 45 minutes.  I completed several while watching Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas and White Christmas, 2 Christmas classics.  You could easily get some of these made for your tree or to give a Christmas gift that personal touch in just a few hours.  If you have any to spare!  I'd love to see what you come up with if you do give this a try.

Merry Christmas!

Monogram Me!

According to Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary, a monogram is defined as "a sign of identity usually formed of the combined initials of a name."    For the last several years, monograms have been popping up all over the place.  They have always been popular on shirts, handkerchiefs, and stationery.  However, now they can be found on purses, jewelry, shoes, and as art.

 When I got married last year I started my own little obsession with monograms.   I took the last name of Rose a year and a half ago and so I have been on the look out for that unique "R" that may be lurking here or there.  When I got married, Starla made our cake for us (THANKS!)  and the top was a monogram "R" in the center with a  "K" on one side for BunBun whose name happens to be Ken and a "C" for me on the other side.   I don't have many in my collection yet.  In fact, I have 3 to date.  One is a silver Christmas ornament decked out with rhinestones, one is a black and white graphic magnetic "R" I picked up at Tar-zhay for $1 and the other is a wooden R I found and covered with Wallies from the Dollar Tree.

So I thought I would take a look around Etsy and Artfire and see what other artisans and craftisans were doing in the way of initials and monograms.  Here are a few that I found.

YellowDogStudio over at Etsy is one of the first places I stopped.  This studio focuses on reclaimed, recycled, and restored items.  In the shop owner's words, "The material I use is reclaimed, recycled from a previous life or discarded and heading for the landfill. Very little goes to waste as smaller and smaller projects are created to minimize the waste."  This is something I believe in as well.  I especially liked the "R" that this shop offered.  It's made from aged cedar and reclaimed plywood.  It is a white "R" on  a black background and would fit perfectly in my primitive decorating scheme.  Go check it out for yourself!


Inspirations by Faith is another Etsy shop I found.  This shop owner offers more than just monograms and there were lots of items in the shop I liked.  But what really caught my eye?  This wood plaque that is customizeable to your specific intial.  Faith Morgan, the shop owner, has elevated a lowly letter to a work of art with the use of aged-looking background paper and the right paints.  The lovely ribbon hanger gives it the perfect touch of class.  Faith also promises a quick turnaround time once you have placed your order.  I have already added this shop to my favorites.  Make sure you do the same.
 
themixshop over at Artfire is stocked full of fabulous finds.  Eclectic and vintage items are this shop's specialty.  I found lots to like here.  What I fell in love with were these adorable tiny initial charm necklaces.  While not vintage, they have the vintage look to them and they would look great with tee shirt and jeans or dressed up for a night on the town. Go take a look and I'll bet you find something you love at themixshop.
 
Kountry Girl Boutique is an Artfire studio whose owner lives in Florida and loves polka dots.  (My kind of girl!)  Everything in this studio is adorable and perfect for the initial/monogram lover.  I especially like the Intial with Scroll Door Sign.  The black with ivory scroll design is simple yet classy.  Your choice of paint color for the initial lets you make sure it fits in with your decor.  The letter"P" featured in this example is a lovely mint green and I do love green.  Head on over and check this studio out today!
 
Affordable Cake Toppers   is one of the last Artfire studios I stopped by.  If I didn't have an uber-talented friend like Starla, I would have headed here to get the top for my wedding cake.  These toppers are classy and lightweight.  The aren't made from plastic or wood.  They are metal and the prongs used to attach to your cake can be removed.  Once the prongs are removed you can display your new monogram in your home.  Three styles of monograms are available from this shop based in Michigan.  There is the plain metal, the vintage with crystals and the custom with crystals.  They are all gorgeous and would fit perfectly for a special anniversary cake as well.  My personal favorite is, of course, the vintage with crystals.  It just exudes elegance and class.  This is definitely one shop you want to visit if you will be needing a cake topper in the future.
 
I'm in love with monograms.  I put them on my Christmas wish list and I have been busily making initial Christmas ornaments.  (THAT post to follow soon!)  If you don't yet have a love/obsession/addiction with monograms, I hope by stopping by these shops and studios will at least spark an interest for you.  They are a simple, classic, artsy way to add a little personal touch to your home.

Giveaway?

I know I know.... I promised a giveaway in this, the 101st post of my blog.  But you know what?  It's the Christmas season!  And I haven't gotten everything done that I wanted to. So, I will definitely be hosting a giveaway here at my humble little blog.  And it will definitely be totally fantastic.  It will just have to wait until the new year though.  I'm sorry to all of those who have been sitting on the edge of their computer chair with anticipation. (haha)  I promise you, it will be worth the wait.  In the mean time, I have been enjoying family and friends and all those wonderful little get togethers and events that happen at this time of year.  We recently added a new family member to our little household and it has been fun and frustrating.  Frustrating until our other "child" got over her jealousy and fun now that they are pals.  

Her is a pic of our "firstborn," Maisey.

Maisey was 2 years old in November and she is a great dog.  When we got her she was so tiny and covered with ticks.  She has become a real member of the family.

Here is the newest addition.

Silas came to us just a little over a week ago.  He was pathetic looking as well.  (I'm starting to see a pattern)  He got a bath, some medicine and lots of love from his humans.  Maisey was not happy to share her parents!  But now they are the best of friends.  If they ever hold still long enough, maybe I can snap a picture of them together. 

So that is what I have been up to.  I'm looking forward to spending the day with my mom, which I haven't gotten to do for a while.  The new year holds lots of promise and adventure as Starla and I put our noses to the grindstone and our heads together to hammer out some serious business dealings. ( more on that as it happens.)  And yes, there will be a Fabulous, Fantastic, Fun giveaway soon.  Until later.....

Merry Christmas!

Mama Cindi's Christmas Wishlist

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme


TodaysMama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.



1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year?
     Monograms-I'm really liking the different looks you can create with these.
     A day at the salon-Total hair makeover, facial, mani, pedi...aaah!
     Hardbound- Little House on the Prairie book series
     Knitting Lessons- There are so many things I need to make
     Snow-  There's nothing like seeing Christmas lights in the snow.


2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received?
     The handmade gifts I wish I still had were all the flannel gowns, diapers, and blankets my mom and    
     Nana made for my "babies" when I was little. They were treasures I didn't know I owned.



3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle?
     I have made my share of pajama pants and blankets as gifts.  I would rally like to make something that my
     children will cherish for years to come. Maybe a sampler.


4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child?
     I would have to say the year I got my two-wheel Schwin.  We didn't have lots of money so my dad 
     found a used bike somewhere and fixed it all up for me.  It was royal blue.  Ten he taught me how to ride 
     it going down the little slope under Nana and Papa's tree in the yard. 

5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year?
      Money, clothes, etc.  They are teens and young adults and they know I can't afford alot.  I think they
      will be happy with what I come up with though.

6. What is your favorite holiday food?
     Kiffles!  Kiffles!  Kiffles!  This is a favorite from childhood.  My mom used to make it and she learned
     how from her mom, MomMom.  She hasn't made it for several years, but we are all hoping this may be
     the year.

7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays?
     I'm always making something, but this year I'm trying to make everyone a monogram ornament. 
     Also, there are the blankets, a different style this time.  And hopefully a few things I have up my sleeve.

8. What is your favorite holiday movie?
     A Christmas Story...."You'll shoot your eye out!"

9. Favorite holiday song?
    The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole and Oh Holy Night by Cece Winans

10. Favorite holiday pastime?
      All the cousins, aunts, and uncles gathered around the table playing games and laughing.  All the while
      eating and talking about past Christmas memories.  Sadly, we have all grown up and don't seem to do
      this much anymore.

Now go enter the contest, but don't win.

Artfire Vintage Goodies

As I recently wrote, I just became a member of the Artfire.com community.  I have been lurking around at other sellers' studios and have found quite a bit that I *heart* sooo much.  I though I would share a few of my recent finds with you.  I hope you enjoy.

Enchanted Vintage  Who remembers Sarah Coventry jewelry?  I remember my mom, aunties, and Nana going to these home parties when I was a little girl.  It was a mark of being a "lady" to wear a piece of Sarah Coventry jewelry.  I remember getting a necklace for some special occasion and being so excited that it was a Sarah piece.  This jewelry company is still in business!  (Who knew?)  But if you are like me, it is the older, vintage pieces of this jewelry line that catch your eye. Nellie of Enchanted Vintage has a wonderful offering of vintage accessories.  These are high end pieces, but well worth the asking price.  My current favorite in her studio is the Vintage 1968 Sarah Coventry Fashion Petals Brooch and Earring Set.  It's a gorgeous peach color that is to die for.  Go check it out if you love vintage!

B. Inspired Vintage  Krissy's studio is filled with all sorts of 70's and earlier fun items.  What first caught my eye was an "O is for Owl" page she rescued from a 1930's alphabet book.  We all know how trendy owls are right now.  It's adorable!  What else did I see?  Those snap together animal parts from Tupperware.  Cool!  Golden Atomic Starburst Glasses that are clearly from the Cold War/atomic age.  Perfect for the bomb shelter in your back yard.  Go see if Krissy's studio brings back some childhood memories!

Art Deco Luxe  Va va va voom!  Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Doris Day....all these chic ladies wore kitten heels.  Who wouldn't want a pair of black sparkly kitten heels lined in 1950's pink?  Gorgeous!  This studio owner from Mesa, Arizona may not have lots and lots of items up for sale, but boy oh boy!  I would kill for some of this stuff.   Mostly these shoes. But alas, they are too small for my old feet. If Art Deco Luxe ever comes across a larger pair though, step back, they're mine! 

 
 

Carymeover  is a studio that carries new and vintage items.  I found this lovely little pin cushion made fom a lace doily and a custard tin.  (No plastic pudding cps yet!)  How clever and I love that someone was being crafty with items they had on hand way back when.  Some of the newer items include soap-making supplies and a Black Bamboo Blended Shawl  made from bamboo yarn by Lauren herself.  Carymeover is worth a look and see.

 
 

old bag vintage Love that name!  Not pages and pages of items here, but what is available are real treasures.  I immediately fell in love with this 1960s Pretty in Pink Poie de Soie Clutch Evening Bag Purse.  How Doris and Audrey is that?!?  I might have to buy this if I ever have a sale of my own. Haha.  I really like the pink earrings in this studio as well.  Check out this New Jersey-based seller soon.

And now in other news....

This is my 99th post!  My next post will be the big 100!  In my 101st post I will be hosting a truly fabulous giveaway perfect for the holidays.  Most likely that will take place tomorrow or the next day.  Stay tuned!

I've Really Done it Now...

That's right.  I have finally done it.  I made the big plunge and totally put myself out there.  Will I soar or sink?  I don't know, but I had to do it.  "What exactly did I do?" you ask.  Go look here and see for yourself.  Yep. It's all me.  My very own little shop...say what you will...PLEASE.  I need some feed back.
So let me know what you think.  Even if you hate it.  I'm a big girl...I checked and I'm wearin' my big girl panties today.


And as a little side note...this is post 98! Can you believe it?  That means the big 100 is coming soon. I will be doing a totally fabulous giveaway to celebrate so make sure you stay tuned this week for all the excitement.

Today in History

"A date which will live in infamy..." 

These words were first uttered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his radio address to the nation on December 8, 1941 at 12:30 pm.  He was refering to the attack on the the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii by the Empire of Japan that had happened just one day earlier.

Now, 68 years later, many don't even realize today is an important day in America's history.  Whether you believe that U.S. Intelligence had prior knowledge of the attack or not, it is still a date that should be remembered for those that lost their lives and those that fought so hard to save the lives of their friends, co- workers, and loved ones. 

Are school children still taught about this day? Or has it been sadly relegated to a blurb in a textbook along with other "unimportant" moments in our history like Columbus Day (politically incorrect), the religious reasons Europeans came to the "New World" (also politically incorrect), and the Pledge of Allegiance (separation of church and state)?

Today, no matter your political stance, don't forget to honor those veterans in your life and to remember what happened in Hawaii on December 7, 1941.

A picture of the Pearl Harbor Memorial I found here.

No Title

Just a few words about what I've been up to lately.  It seems like forever since I've written anything, but I have been very busy.  Unfortunately, I don't have the pictures to prove it!  This is a busy tme of year for most of us so I'm just going to give you a list of what I've been doing and you can let me know if you feel like the days are going faster than you can turn the pages in your planner.

• Finally made a profit at a craft fair...not quite sure how we did so well except to say that GOD owns the cattle on a thousand hills.
• Quit my job for reasons too stupid (on their part) to go into, but again, God has it in control.
• Spent some much-needed couples time with my hubby.
• Got the Christmas tree (THANKS Garry and Starla!) and it's all glittery and lighted and sparkly.
• Planning the gifts I need to make and I think I can actually get it done!
• Enjoying the colder weather and snuggling under the covers a little earlier at night and a little longer in the morning.,
• Going to choir practice on Sunday evenings feels so right.
• The ladies Christmas party at church is this week and I get to bake cookies.  YUM.

For now....enjoy this Christmas season with those you cherish.  Pray for your spiritual leaders.  Try to bless those less fortunate.  Remember there would be no Christmas without CHRIST.