Celebrations and the Crafts that make them SPECIAL!

Happy Labor Day!

Are you celebrating this day like most Americans.....

Cook outs..

Parades....

Perhaps some other family gathering?...

Labor day is a celebration of  everyday 

hard working folks.

At our house....

well....

WE'RE CHILLAXIN'!!

We are at the homestead this week.  

We left city life behind for a few days.  

The first several days home were jam packed full of gardening duties and home preserving. 

So today, we're gonna relax!

Even though we aren't exactly celebrating today,

we have done our fair share of celebrating during the month of August.

My daughter had a

Ladybug themed birthday party for our little princesses 3rd birthday. 

I can't believe she's 

Photo from the internet

She loves the Ladybug Girl books!

And she LOVED her party too!

Big brother enjoyed it as well!

His face says it all!

Around here, no celebration would be complete without something crafty or homemade.  

We like (and appreciate)  homemade stuff. 

Anyone can go to the store and dole out cash for a gift (or unneeded toy),  

but handmade gifts....

gifts from the heart ....

are just extra special-don't ya think!

So grandma made the
Ladybug Girl some crafty stuff 

to make her day memorable.

A ladybug hair clip made from ribbon.
How to instructions can be found here.

An explosion box purse.
Instructions can be found here.

The purse opens up like this.  We tucked
some birthday cash inside for her college fund!

A Ladybug skirt made from tulle and pom poms.

My brother also had a birthday in August.

He turned 50! 

And I couldn't resist blessing him with a special 

Because You're 50

gift!

An adult diaper cake!

One more thing while we're talking celebrations.....

Eleven years ago this month I was diagnosed with 

Acute myeloid leukemia.  

Which means I have been Leukemia free for 10 1/2 years. 

Woo hooo!

Reason to celebrate-eh!?

September is Leukemia/ Lymphoma Awareness month. 

Many have won the battle....

But there are many who are currently fighting this battle.

And many more who have sadly succumb to some kind of blood cancer. 

One way you can help is to be a blood donor.

Blood donors literally saved my life.  

And for that I'm grateful. 

When you give blood,

you have the ability to save someone's 

LIFE!

Thanks for stopping by and listening to my ramblings...

Have a great Labor Day,

whatever you may be doing,

where ever you may be.

Trying to keep it simple....

Tammy

Gratitude Journal Entry #9

Hey Blogger friends...

Listen up...

This is an important post!

September is Leukemia and Lymphoma

Awareness Month. 

And if you're reading this,

you know a leukemia SURVIVOR!

This week marks 9 years since my life was radically changed.

Nine years ago, I went to the doctor complaining of headaches.  I was over 40, homeschooling 2 teenagers and packing up all my worldly goods to trek 800 miles across the country to back "home."  I really just thought the headaches were "lifestyle" related.

I was getting headaches and feeling tired all the time, making it nearly impossible to complete all the tasks that needed finished.

So I went to the doctor to get something for the headaches, but what I got was not medicine, it was 2 pints of blood and a bone marrow test.  OUCH! 

I received the final diagnosis of

Acute Mylogenous Leukemia

just a week or so before the move home.  

And YES, I lost my hair, 

a small price to pay to save your life.

And YES, it grew back.....

BLONDE!  (he he)

The point of this post has nothing to do with my hair ...
the number 1 reason for the post is, however.....

to spread awareness of this terrible disease, 

as well as other blood cancers.

For more information you can go to the LLS web page, here.

You can donate if you choose;)

My daughter, 

bless her heart, 

signed up for 

Team in Training 

several years ago and ran a triathlon, 

raising $1000.00 for the cause on my behalf!

My Number 2 reason for this post 

is to remind each of you, 

that if you know anyone who is suffering from cancer 
or from any other life threatening affliction...

REACH OUT

to them! 

 Don't shy away because you're not sure what to say...

Don't keep from visiting them because you're not sure what to expect...

DON'T LET FEAR STAND IN YOUR WAY!

Because you may very well be the blessing they are in need of!

Believe me, when that loved one gets back on their feet,

they WILL remember those who stayed away...

And they Will also remember those who....

brought meals,

sent notes of encouragement,

made phone calls,

came to visit....

sat with them...

and PRAYED for them.

I was blessed beyond anything I could have imagined!

Blessings flowed from 

Wisconsin

from

Pennsylvania

and even from Florida!

My church family in Wisconsin was incredible!

Family and friends in Pennsylvania rallied around me AND my family!

(their efforts would require a blog post all their own)

And the cards, calls and prayers from Florida were amazing!

For that my friends

I am thankful!

Angels Among Us

T'is the season for ANGELS.

When you think of angels....

What comes to your mind?

During this season 

while we're focused

on Christ's birth,

you may think of this....

the Angel of the Lord who

 visited Mary.

Or Perhaps you think of one of these little cherubs.

And if you're like me

the thought of angels may conjure 

up visions of  grandchildren!

My little angels

Recently, while listening to 

the Eric and Erica radio show,

the topic of angels came up when they

posed this question....

Who are the Angels in your life?

Eric and Erica were inspired by 

Dan Dewey,
a.k.a. as the
Coffee Angel.  

(the man in this

 USA Today article/video.)

While Dan's father was receiving cancer treatments he would make a coffee run to the local Starbucks.  Although his father didn't wish to have coffee, many of the other patients who were trapped on their recliners, hooked up to infusion poles delighted in some Joe.  

It became a tradition; every Thursday at 10 am, Dan would make a coffee run for the patients at the cancer center.

Today, even though Dan's father is no longer a patient, Dan continues to bless the patients (as well as the staff) with their favorite coffee every Thursday at 10 am.   

Who is your Angel??

Who is the person or persons that have blessed you with small acts of kindness.

And an even better question...

Who have you blessed? 

Is there anyone who can call you their Angel??

Little Acts of Kindness

can bless others in a BIG way!

One of the keys to being a blessing is to always be on the lookout for opportunities....

by getting our minds off ourselves!!.....

God presents us with opportunities everyday.

One of the lessons I learned while receiving chemo treatments for leukemia was 

how to receive with grace. 

Yep, I had to learn how to receive!

I was astounded by all the "angels" who came along side me (and my family) during those difficult days.  I received cards, calls and prayers from people from Wisconsin to Florida.

I realized that folks just had a need to give of themselves.....to feel like they were doing something to help.  

They needed to give something of themselves.

Being a blessing made them feel good. 
The love and kindness they showed, made me feel good.   

So I guess the bottom line is-

You're blessed when you're the giver 

 and blessed when you're the receiver.

Find someone to bless today.

Be someone's 

Angel!

I'd love to hear your ANGEL stories!!!

Tammy

Gratitude Journal Entry-Entry #6

This post is over due.

(It's rather lengthy, so grab a cup of Joe!  I've included lots of pictures to keep your attention!)

I've been  pondering it for weeks now. But like you, I've been busy with life.  When I awoke this morning to the booming and banging of thunder, I saw it as a sign to sit down, gather my thoughts and share this story that overwhelms me with gratitude and thankfulness.

About 3 weeks ago, Tropical Storm Lee cruised through our area drowning us in flood waters, and for some, much devastation  and a messy cleanup.  My neighborhood received approximately 10 inches of rain over just a few days.

The Susquehanna River flows through Harrisburg (our closest and largest Metropolis).  Many  streams and creeks can be found in this area as well.  They all flooded their banks!

The good news for me is that we live in the country away from any low places near a river, creek or stream.  So we were unaffected by the flood waters.  

And for this I am thankful!!

Others were not as fortunate as you can see by these photos.  These are not my photos.  Some were taken by my friend George, while others were posted on local media outlets.  Most of these photos were taken around the city of Harrisburg and the Susquehanna River.  (click to enlarge)

The red brick building and the black building in the background of this picture is the Harrisburg Hospital.  This is where I began treatment for leukemia 8 years ago (almost to the day).  I had one of those rooms at the very top where you can see the white pillars.  It was a room with a (beautiful) view.

  I'm in remission now, so for that I am sooo grateful!

This is a photo of City Island and the newly
 renovated ball park.
City Island is just that- an Island.
 A fun place to visit during the
summer months.
(when there is no flooding of course!)

The Hershey area was hit hard.  Flash floods hammered the area of Hershey Park, devastating businesses, highways and even parts of Hershey Park. Yes, I'm talking about THE Hershey, the Sweetest Place on Earth.





The sweetest place on earth quickly turned sour when flood waters forced the care takers at Zoo America to euthanize 2 bison trapped in the flood waters.  A creek meanders through the park and zoo.  The creek is usually a source of joy because it's filled with large fish that children can observe and feed.  (for a small fee;) But as you can see on this video, there was nothing but devastation surrounding this creek! (Warning-this is very disturbing video)

The place where the buffalo used to roam!

 Clean Up from the flood waters has begun........

And Roads are being restored........

Their task is huge.  As I sit here, all nestled in from the elements of this day,  I feel grateful, and at the same time I can't help but feel sad.  Sad for those who are in this position of cleaning out their homes, sorting through their worldly possessions and cleaning up the muck and the stench left behind. And many are trying to figure out how to do get it all done, and paying for all the expense.  My prayers go out for them.  May they have the strength and courage needed to get through these difficult times.  May they think to pray to the God who loves them for He hears our prayers.  And may He be Glorified when they see their prayers being answered!     

I'm leaving you with much to think about and reflect on today....

Have an attitude of gratitude as you continue your day...  

And may God bless you richly!

         

Ps... Found this photo among some flood pics and thought is was cute.  This pic was taken on the river next to TMI.  (Three mile island)

Pss.  This is the track of Tropical Storm Lee....we are in the grey area ....wouldn't ya know!

I can't believe it's Fall!  

I look forward to this time of year....

It's my favorite.

I especially love the aromas coming from the kitchen. Apple, cinnamon, pumpkin............need I say more?

Fresh from the oven apple pie (will post recipe soon)

I love the fall colors.  
And the crispy cool mornings.

This is a Mennonite Church in
 Lancaster County, Pa
taken during the peak of autumn.

But there is one thing this fall that I'm not liking so much...

Yep, my chickens are molting.  The girls are a nasty looking sight.  And to make matters worse, they have slowed down their egg production.  Now I ask....How will I get all my fall baking done without those beautiful fresh eggs!?!?!






Fall really is my very favorite time of year.  I love to bake and decorate for fall. So stay tuned for several Autumn-ish posts over the next few weeks.

And before I say so long on this first day of fall, I just want to share with you something near and dear to my heart.  And that is that this (month of September) is 

Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month. 

 I am a 7 year survivor of acute myelogenous leukemia.  And I can attest on behalf of all leukemia patients that the best way anyone can support patients suffering with this horrific disease is to 

give blood. 

 Without blood donors, I would surely not be here today. 

 To see more of my story click here.

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for 

Scrappy Saturday- Baby Rhea pt.2

until then......

Live Simply and deliberately

Tammy