Hello Valentine's Day

Hello Flowers

Hello pretty M&M colors

 

Hello Valentine surprises

 

Hello pretty decorations

 

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I decided to finally finish up some stained glass projects that have been sitting unfinished on my craft desk for 2 years. Yes, 2 years! I really have no excuse for such horrible procrastination. 

Here they are:

I'm sure I am not the only one who has unfinished craft projects out there.  I'm in no place to judge.  All I can say is that it does feel rewarding to bite the bullet and finish them up :) Happy crafting!

I had one of those weeks at work that was just brutal.

One of those weeks where you have too much work and not enough time. 

One of those weeks when you can't finish a single thing you start because you are constantly being interrupted.

One of those weeks when you feel like you are not benefiting anyone.

One of those weeks when you wonder why you work in long term care.

Then something nice happens..........

One of the family members brought me a bouquet of flowers with a card that said "Thank you for your kindness". 

That sentiment made all of the stress and doubts of the week take a back seat.  This is why I do this job.  To try and make a difficult time in someone's life a little bit easier.  I work with a team of amazing people who care about other people and do all they can to help them.  No, everything is not perfect and it never will be but there are many times when all of our efforts contribute to improve someone's quality of life and it makes all of our hard work worth it.

Sleigh Riding

I took the kids sleigh riding at the Viaduct yesterday.  (This is the same viaduct that is in the opening scene of Michael Clayton where George Clooney's car blows up)

 First it was the long walk up the hill.

Then the girls went down the hill.

 Then the train went by and I got distracted.

 Then Matt used his sled as a snowboard.

 Then the girls went backwards and Matt tried to catch them.

Good times!

Grandma Lee's Sour Cream Coffee Cake

What is it about snow storms that makes one want to bake?  I don't know either.  This is what I baked during yesterday's storm for breakfast this morning.  

Here's the recipe:

 Sour Cream Coffee Cake

1/2 pound butter
1 cup sugar
3 Eggs
2 cups flour
1tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cream butter and 1 cup of sugar. Sift flour and other dry ingredients and add to creamed butter and sugar.  Mix in sour cream and vanilla until well mixed.  Combine brown and white remaining sugar, cinnamon and nuts.  Pour half of cake mixture into a pan which has been prepared with butter and flour. ( I used a 7 by 11 pan)  Sprinkle on half of sugar and cinnamon mixture.  Pour on remaining cake mix followed by remaining sugar mixture. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes.  I found 45 minutes to be perfect. Enjoy!

Grace necklace

This is my Grace necklace.  It is named after my dear friend.  When I am in a tizzy about one thing or another Grace always reminds me to step back and remember that if something needs to happen (or not) it will because "It's the Lord's will".  I would say that Grace is wise behind her years but since she is in her early 90's I think she is just wise.  When I think about our age difference I can't help but be in awe by the fact that she has already lived more than twice as long as I have.  I can't begin to imagine about what roads my life will take in the years until I am 90!  I think that we have so much to learn from those who have lived so many years.  Don't underestimate the elderly in your life.  Stop and take the time to listen to them.  You might just learn something.

 

Cricut Love

I am taking baby steps and learning about my new Cricut.  Every time I use it I think "This machine is AMAZING!!" I know it can do many wonderful things but I am still learning.  Even these simple projects made me happy :)