counting blessings | Bead Happily Ever After

Lately, I’m . . .

Posted on March 17, 2014 by crystal

Enjoying the longer days now that we’ve sprung forward! It’s lovely to sit down for dinner with the sun still streaming in . . .

Realizing there are no good quality potholders available in the stores around here, so I’m making my own using Lily Sugar’n Cream cotton yarn.
Makes me feel all Little House on the Prairie. 😉

Loving the bamboo-handled crochet hook I’m currently using. It’s the first “comfort handle” hook I’ve ever had and it’s so comfortable that I wish I had bought one a lot sooner!

Disbelieving that I could have a daughter turning “30-something” in a couple of days. Where did the time go? (Happy Birthday, Sweetheart! xoxoxo)

Working on a new beading challenge: twin holed beads!
They’re fun and I hope to have a finished bracelet ready to show you soon.

Admiring (and incredibly proud of) my mother who has been through a nightmare-ish several weeks of lung surgery with complications. Brave as always, she’s set an inspiring example of how to look on the bright side. And in the midst of it all – she asks me how I am doing!!!!

Reminding myself that focusing on life’s blessings and finding cheerful little distractions is the way to get through the challenging times.

What’s happening in your world?

Sending hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying! 😀

The Calm Before The Holiday Storm

Posted on December 1, 2013 by crystal

candleflickeringautumn For many, Thanksgiving weekend marks the beginning of a whirlwind of feverish preparations for the Christmas season.

There’s shopping, decorating, card-writing, wrapping, baking, cleaning, partying and just about any other “ing” you can think of.

The older I become, the more I am able to appreciate the words of my mother who has always said: “Thanksgiving is truly the best holiday; it has all of the joy and none of the stress involved with Christmas.”
(Wise lady, my Mum!)

This year, I’ve tried especially hard to sharpen my focus on every precious moment of the Thanksgiving season. So much to appreciate . . . so many blessings to count – family, friends, blog readers (you!) . . .

Not to mention daughters who bake pies! 😀

Chocolate Pie

Pumpkin Pie

As I write this post, it’s the Sunday after Thanksgiving and I have not yet shopped or decorated or developed a case of the Christmas jitters. I’ve ignored the noisy TV commercials, the barrage of email sales announcements, and the towering pile of store flyers in my mailbox. It’s been a calm and reflective 4-day weekend.

Perhaps you will try it next year . . . you might just like it!

I’ll begin to think about Christmas – tomorrow! There will still be plenty of time to plan, plenty of stores that are open, and plenty of holiday sales to be had.

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying! 😀

Thoughts for Thanksgiving

Posted on November 19, 2012 by crystal

Dear Kids,

Special wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving!

I’m grateful for so many things – and your loyalty is one of them. I truly appreciate that you take a little time from your busy schedules to check in here . . .

Sir Beads and I will be celebrating turkey day with our extended family. We’re especially excited that our oldest daughter, who lives overseas, will be able to spend the holiday with us this year! Pumpkin pie (our favorite dessert) will be on the menu for sure. 🙂

Thought you might like the following Thanksgiving quotes – some funny, some heart-warming, some profound.

Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.
~Native American Saying

The thing I’m most thankful for right now is elastic waistbands.
~Author Unknown

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Football half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence. ~Erma Bombeck

All that we behold is full of blessings.
~William Wordsworth

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

Hugs for all,

Things to Love About Thanksgiving

Posted on November 25, 2010 by crystal

In the spirit of some holiday fun, here are:

Crystal’s Top 5 Things to Love About Thanksgiving

1. The incredible aroma wafting through the house as the meal is prepared!

2. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – so comforting to have it on in the background while bustling in the kitchen. It’s been part of Thanksgiving in my home since I was a little kid!

3. Pumpkin Pie!!!!! In general, I could live without desserts if I had to. Sure, I like them, but it’s the main part of any meal that I enjoy most. However, I am CRAZY about Pumpkin Pie!

4. It’s a long weekend! (Hope it is for you, too.)

5. Leftovers! Is there anything better than a turkey sandwich the day after Thanksgiving? Well, maybe a turkey sandwich that’s made with a little stuffing and cranberry sauce!

Sweet Kids,
I’m thankful for you! May those who celebrate Thanksgiving have a day filled with love, serenity, and lots of good food. And may all of us have a great weekend. 🙂

See you on Monday!