My Favorite Time of Year!

I know, I know, a few years back I said that spring was my favorite time of year, and it still is...in the springtime, but now it's fall, because it's falltime :)  This time of year is usually quite stressful for me, but several weeks ago when I realized that the holiday season was fast approaching, I didn't get that knot in my stomach wondering how on earth I was going to pull off Christmas.  Despite the trials that we have faced in 2011, I found myself relishing all the blessings that we have been the recipient of throughout the year instead, and to sum it all up:  WE ARE TREMENDOUSLY BLESSED!!!  My faith has definitely been put to the test this past year, and I can honestly say that it has been made stronger because of our trials.  I know they are not over by any means, but I have learned that I am stronger than I ever thought I could be.  I have an amazing husband who, despite all of the pain from his health issues, goes to work every day, and works harder than anyone I know to provide for his family.  I have four beautiful, healthy children who rarely, if ever complain about our current circumstances.  I have wonderful parents who are so helpful and supportive, and I have amazing friends who always seem to put a smile of my face.  These blessings barely scratch the surface of all the blessings that I receive on a daily basis.  I am facing the holiday's with a whole new perspective this year.  The perspective of GRATITUDE!  What are you grateful for?

Summertime:)

I thought I'd better do a post to let my lovely followers know that I have not died, but my garage/work shop has been taken over by my neighbor who moved out of his house, and is using it for a storage unit until he can find another place to live.  I'm trying to be a good neighbor, but I'm getting a little frustrated....I want my space back!!  He originally said it would be two weeks....that was 3 months ago:(  I don't know how much longer I can hold on!  I have quite a few projects to do, and the husband has even given me some of his work tools/equipment to use, including an air compressor, and all the paint attachments....so excited!!

In the meantime, family summertime fun has been given my full attention.


There has been massive amounts of volleyball, 

 ...thunderstorms in the mountains,

...family fun over the 4th of July!

...so many rounds of Shanghai at the cabin, that my parents passed out!

 (they would kill me if they knew I posted this...shhh, don't tell...heehee!),

...and good food and jam sessions with family and friends.

I think I can hang on a bit longer, as long as I'm having this much fun:)  I will post again as soon as I have my space back and have completed a project.  Stella, among others, is waiting for her transformation.