The Boys' Cowboy Room

I mentioned in an earlier post that I was going to work in my boys' room. I cleaned and organized a few weeks ago, and I had not posted the pictures yet. I think that is because I got busy preparing for company and doing all sorts of baking and such. So, this is my Cowboy Room-the last room I will deep clean before Christmas. A couple of years ago we redecorated in this theme and it has been fun finding western treasures. The lariat on the wall is a real one used by a rancher in our area. I was excited to get it. I bought the bedspread first, and then tried to match the border. It took me awhile to get what I wanted, but I was very pleased to find this print. I wanted to tell you about the drum. Although it is not a cowboy theme item, I used it because of the family history. Doyle was cleaning out the instrument storage closet at school and found this drum. He remembered that it belonged to his brother years ago. He asked if he wanted it because it was no longer useful. His brother did not and said that it also had been used by his dad. It was going to get thrown away, but I rescued it, torn off the top, and use it for storing the toy instruments. There are all kinds of stories about various things in the room, but most of all I like the 2 cowboys that park their boots here after being on the trail all day long.

Holiday Memories

We were privileged to have some of Doyle's family in for Thanksgiving. There are 7 in the Bozone clan, and 4 of them were here. We also were able to spend some time with Joy's kids; Bruce is now 20 and Bethany is 17. It is hard to believe that they are grown up. They were just little children at our wedding 13 years ago. We went to the beach after our meal on Thanksgiving. I thought they were going to just look at the water, but I should have known. When we returned home, I could have filled a sandbox with the beach we brought back to the house. Joel decided to dig a hole and build some sort of fort-the kids enjoyed helping him. Daryl and Bruce were entertaining people on the beach by doing flips into the water on their skim boards and acting crazy. While Joy gathered shells, Dale and Betsy watched it all happen.
I got up on Friday and went shopping by myself. Although I did not stay out long, I did find some good deals for Christmas. Joy loves photography. Since she brought her nice camera, I asked her to do some shots of our family for our Christmas card. She captured some fun moments.
Saturday we had Joseph's party, and then we went to Joel's house for a cookout in the evening. We all took lots of pictures of our time together and made more memories as a family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSEPH

Joseph became a big 4 year old on Sunday. We had his main celebration on Saturday with little friends coming over for a Diego-themed rescue party. It really turned out nice. Doyle and I kept things moving with lots of games. I hid paw prints in different places and the kids had to follow the clues to the lost lion cub. They seemed to enjoy the activities. After we had lunch, opened the gifts, and had cake and ice cream, Doyle made animal balloons for them. We declared it a good time as we watched the guests leaving with their party bags and balloons. Joseph thoroughly enjoyed himself.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

I got up early to put the turkey in the oven, and couldn't go back to sleep. I decided to come to the computer and wish all of my family and friends a wonderful Thanksgiving. There are so many things to be grateful for, but I will just name a few.
-My personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It still amazes me that the God of the universe chooses to have fellowship with me.
-My incredible husband. Doyle means more to me every day. I realize how blessed I am to have him as my lifelong companion.
-My 4 wonderful children. Julianna, Samuel, Lydia, and Joseph, you mean more to me than you will ever know. People tell us to enjoy these days because they pass all too soon. Well, let me tell you that we are having the time of our lives investing in the lives of our kids.
-My extended family. I really miss you on days like this. Please remember that I love you bunches and a part of my heart is in Indiana today.
-My friends. I don't know how anyone can go through life without close friends. I truly count you as a treasure.
-My church. I really believe that I attend the best church in the world. There are so many exciting things happening at our place of worship. May God bless our entire pastoral team for their investment in the lives of others.
-My kids' school. I feel so blessed to be able to send my kids to the best school. Our principal and teachers are so dedicated to giving our children a balanced, biblical education.
-My husband's job. He loves what he does and because God has blessed his efforts, I am able to stay at home and be a full-time homemaker.
-My health. I have been so blessed to not have any major health issues.
-My difficult times in life. As strange as it may seem, I am thankful for the hard times God has brought me through. They have made me a stronger individual and have brought me closer to God.
-My house. I am so glad that God has provided a nice place for us to live. I am very happy here in my home, within walking distance from the church and school.
Well, I better go check on the turkey. Several of Doyle's family members are coming for dinner, and I think I am getting close to having everything under control.
God is good!! Remember on this Thanksgiving Day not to be grumbly hateful, but humbly grateful.

Falling Leaves and Planting Flowers

This is the time of the year when the leaves have fallen from the trees. They have been raked into piles by industrious people and kids jump into them from high places, giggling with excitement. I know you might think I am talking about the north, but no, this happens at out house. O.K., the leaves had a little help. Actually Doyle was up in the tree clipping away. This is the time that we do "cut-back." Everything in his path got a new look. I moved the van so it would not become a convertible. He trimmed the ficus trees, bougainvillea bushes, hibiscus, and anything else that grows outside. We always look forward to this time because we get to plant our flowers. During the summer months, it is too hot for most flowers to stay alive. We had a big bucket of miracle grow mixture and I told the kids to not let our dog drink any. They told me they thought she took a few laps. I was afraid she would turn into Clifford--we definitely do not want that to happen. I got a little carried away and bought lots of impatiens. We actually planted 254. I chose red and white ones (they look nice for Christmas and Valentine's Day) for the porch in hanging baskets and in the yard we planted all colors. We were exhausted when we were all done. The whole family worked on the project and had fun doing so. Now we get to watch them start to spread out and become beautiful--they will stay nice until May. I know we don't have snow down here, and I am glad I get to experience the north weather for Christmas. I will have to admit that I look forward to coming back and seeing my flowers in bloom.

Book Character Day at School

Today was Book Character day at school; the kids were to dress like a character from a book. Julianna is "Anne of Green Gables." Samuel is "Sherlock Holmes," and Lydia is "Little Red Riding Hood." I told the kids this morning while they were eating breakfast that I thought they were somewhat like the character they were portraying. Julianna is daring, smart, and likes to read like Anne. Samuel enjoys looking for clues and solving mysteries. I also thought Lydia might be the friendly girl that would talk to the wolf. As for Joseph, I am not sure he is a character out of a book, but he definitely is a character. I love this picture of the dragon taking a spin on his scooter.

2nd Room hit by Fall Fever

I posted pictures of my bathroom awhile back. I'm sure some of you thought that I had stopped cleaning. The next room to be hit by my fall fever was our bedroom. It has taken me some time to finish this room--I got bogged down in my closet. It seems like some of my clothes had shrunk from hanging in there too long. Since the band yard sale was looming, I figured this was a good time to get rid of some unneeded items. I went through my shoes and purses--we will not discuss how many I had. Joseph sat there in amazement watching me go through my purses and just had to comment. He asked, "Where did you get all of those?" I told him that I got them from different places, and then I asked him if he thought I should get rid of some of them. He said "No, you need all of them!" You have to love a kid like that.
As you can see in the pictures, I love antique things. My bed is an iron bed and I like to decorate using things that evoke memories--that is why I use my Grandma's hankies in various places. I think they look nice tucked into a teacup or used as a doily. I also found a use for those lace collars we used to wear. I started to to get rid of them and decided to drape them over a picture or put them around baskets.

I will explain the big picture. This is a portrait by Sandra Kuck; I really like her paintings. This picture took on a new meaning after we lost Miriam last year. It reminded me of her being welcomed into heaven. Doyle checked on it. After I saw the price, I knew I couldn't get it. He surprised me at Christmas with a signed, matted copy. Needless to say, I cried. I have my other children's photos around it.

I feel good about getting this room done. If I keep going at the rate I am now, I will not be finished until Easter. I must remind myself that any progress IS progress, even if it is slow. I need to keep moving and hit the next room--my boys' bedroom. Time to go through their clothes and reorganize.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

I want to wish my mother a very happy birthday! I know that I am blessed to be her daughter. Mom is a devout Christian that loves life to the fullest. She celebrates her 65th birthday this year and constantly surprises me with her enthusiasm about trying new things. She loves adventure, and her excitement is contagious.

Mom showed me that a good marriage is a valuable treasure. She and my dad were so much in love. She always had time to sit on a porch swing, drink a glass of tea, and discuss any problem I might have. I realize now how many values were transferred during these chats. She loves to laugh, and is the life of the party. She enjoys decorating and even changes her kitchen curtains to match the season. She is a good seamstress, sewing more things than I could count--this includes all of the bridesmaid dresses for my sisters and me when we got married. (We three sisters got married within 10 months time.) Because Mom always wanted to oil paint, she took classes and learned how. I have a beautiful picture in my house that reminds me to develop my God-given talents. She is currently taking college classes working on a degree. I have so many good memories of my mom and continue to make them on a daily basis. Although we are miles apart, we talk almost every day on the phone. Mom is also a wonderful mamaw to my children; our kids always look forward to seeing her.

I have watched Mom go through many difficult struggles, including the death of my father. Years after my dad's death, God allowed Mom to love again by bringing another godly man into her life. I have come to believe that she is one strong woman. Mom, I want to say, "I love you, and thank God that He allowed you to be my mother."