Besottment by paper relics

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So many ideas that I want to incorporate into my daily living!

A Lesson on Brotherhood & Friendship

Let Us Give ...

Love.Peace.Happiness: November 2010

Advent & December Daily 2010

Album Cover, originally uploaded by Love.Peace.Happiness Family.

Advent is the season when we prepare our lives-hearts, minds, and spirits- for the coming of the Christ Child. We sweep out the corners of our hearts, cleaning up the clutter, to make space for God's hope, peace, joy, love, and presence. ~ Beth A. Richardson

This Advent Season alongside the tradition of December Daily I will be focusing on this! I am excited to partake in this!

October 2010 Happenings

October 2010 Happenings, originally uploaded by Love.Peace.Happiness Family.

Picture Fall Online Scrapbooking Class
Happy 15th Wedding Anniversary, Paul ! I love you!
Colorful Day at Fiesta Warehouse
Antique Scrapbook Finds in East Liverpool
Lovely, Victorian Bed & Breakfast
Pumpkin & Luke ... Brotherly Love
Happy 10th Birthday, Joseph!
Happy Birthday to my MOST "You look so young AUNT" in the whole wide world!!! LOVE YOU!!!
Intimate Birthdays with Grandmas & Grandpas!
Seville Crop Walk 2010
Homemade Dinners
Hot Tea
Caregivers Day Out!
Signs of Fall
Haunted House Fun
Silliness
Father & Son Cub/Boy Scout Camp Out
Baby Showers with co-workers
Halloween Parades and Beautiful Music
Family Gatherings
Neighbors & their Grandchildren
Selling Boy Scout Popcorn
Noticing the Everyday Beauty!

Joey & His Corncobs ...

10.7.2010: After The Fall, originally uploaded by Love.Peace.Happiness Family.

Happy 10th Birthday, Joseph!

You have "protected" a cornstalk and its corncobs throughout the summer months! You have asked your brother nicely, "DO NOT PICK THE CORNCOBS!" Well, last night he felt the temptation and acted upon it and PICKED IT!!! I came home and you both were upset. Your brother was upset that he made you mad, sad and angry! He just wanted to "protect" it from the squirrels ...

Well, here it is being eaten by you, the protector!!!! The night ended up better than what it started off by ...

I am grateful that you are willing to forgive, forget and MOVE ON to better things; like trying a tiny, mini corncob!! Did it taste good?

A BIg, Heart-Felt Thank You ...

Its been a STAY AT HOME kind of weekend. My oldest went on a Boy Scout Camp Out, Paul did his usual Saturday day off kind of thing; going to Hartville Flea Market, thrifting and taking a Norton Kiwansis Bicycle Ride. My youngest and I stayed at home per his request and response to be able to stay inside to rest, do laundry, go through school papers, my purse, reconciling my checkbook and to overcome this sore throat virus that is going around! And, sending out thank you cards and tally up the cash, checks and online donations to the Bike MS: Pedal To The Point 2010! We raised $ 1020.00! I am so thrilled and excited to be able to give this amount to MS! I am also grateful to all who were willing to donate monies and support through prayers! We all felt them. The above picture was taken by a photographer (and bought by us) on their way back to Middleburg Heights! They both were still smiling and memories will remain in all of us! Once again, thank you!

Daily Hugs

I thought about these all day.

My co-worker in North Canton gave me a hug today. 

She asked, " Can I give you a hug?"

I said, " Yes, and started crying!" Mind you, I rarely cry at work.

I was having a frustrating morning and THAT simple question and action made it all better!

Wouldnt it be a better place if more people would ask, " Can I have a hug?" or

"Have you had your daily hug?" or

"Can I give (or get) a hug?" 

Thank you, my sweet son for asking every day, " Have you had your daily hug?"

I will always say, "no" so that I can get a daily hug!

I am grateful for this love!

AUGUST 2010 LOVE.PEACE.HAPPINESS

• L. received 1 Beta Fish and 3 Tadpoles to finish the Amphibian and Reptile Merit Badge.
• Mini Vacation Trip to Sagatuck, Michigan
• Prayer Time with God
• SUMC Once Upon A Summer 9:30-2:00 p.m.  {Luke was the photographer this year!}
• Senior Independence Work Retreat.  The theme was "Telling Your Story"
• MS Pedal To The Point Bicycle Ride {L & J} Funraiser for MS & Bicycling Merit Badge for L.
• Middle School Orientation
• Hartville Flea Market/Garage Sales/Goodwilling with L.
• 3D Movie with J.
• L. started 7th Grade & J. started 4th Grade
• Gavin & Brody's Birthday Party
• Boy Scout Camp Wilderness Summer Camping Trip
• Piano Lessons
• Speech
• Gratitude Journaling

We are SIMPLE people ... {kind of}

I dont know why I just thought of this but, we are simple people ... kind of! 

As I am typing on a laptop; I am listening/watching my old television; which is a counsel no, its not your flat screen television but an old television; the one that sits on the floor with a picture tube. It was my Grandpa and Grandma's.  But, its simple.

Last night as Luke was at UMYF; the leader asks if he has a cell phone; I said "umm ... no!"  ALL THE OTHER KIDS DO!! Well, not Luke and his friend; so now there are two of them without cell phone and its simple; he isnt getting one!! We know where he  will be at and where he is going! 

Oh, she also asked if he has a FACEBOOK account; I said; "umm no!"  ALL THE OTHER KIDS DO!! Well, his friend that has no cell phone does have a FB account; but he is 13!! {We will think about that one}  Thankfully, his birthday is in April.  We are simple ...

Its hot today!! Its very hot today! Its very, very hot today!  We dont have A/C in our cars or in our HOME!  It usually isnt too bad in the summer but, this summer; its HOT!!  We have fans in the windows;  ceiling fan in our dining room and more fans throughout the home!  We are simple ... {Well, my husband is}  I just play along!!

We have hand me down furniture, we have lots and lots of pictures, scrapbooks, clutter, old trinkets from family, China Dishes, Fiesta Dishes from the Hartville Flea Market, piles of laundry to be folded, washed and folded, old concert tshirts of my husband's that were handed down to the boys, file cabinets full of old greeting cards in chronological order that I sent to my LOVE during college, antique cameras, an Old Victrola case, old MAD magazines, ... simple stuff!

We have an old home.  It was built in the 1900's.  Not a 2010 home.  We live on a simple street in a small, simple town.  We have simple neighbors.

We are simple people and I like it that way!  I wouldnt change a thing ... well maybe; having an air conditioner for those hot, summer days!!

Tonights Dinner Is:

15 Minutes Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo
By Kym in Ohio on May 04, 2002
http://www.food.com/

Photo by lazyme
12 Reviews

Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins min
Serves: 4





About This Recipe from Kym in Ohio
"This is very good and quick and easy. Not sure where I got this recipe."

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, cubed
3/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup milk
8 ounces fettuccine pasta, cooked drained

Directions
In large saucepan, stir together cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, margarine, and milk over low heat until smooth.
Add fettucine after already cooked and drained; toss lightly.

3D Movie and A Borrowed Keyboard

Cats & Dogs 3D Movie Night

Grandma "M" loaned us her Bigger Keyboard

Vacation Day for Mom!

Dad took Luke to the Hartville Market.  It was the 1st and Last time before school will start.

My mom, sister, niece and great nephrews came over today.  Thank you sissy!!

Received a thoughtful prayer and card from a heart to heart friend in the mail.  Thanks Kim!

Joey and I went to see the 3D Movie of Cats & Dogs, ate popcorn, drank coca-cola & giggled.

School supply shopping.

Saw our sweet  2nd & 3rd cousins: Cora and her girls

Coccia House Pizza with the in-laws.

Joey couldnt wait to practiced piano on the bigger and better keyboard. Thanks Grandma M!

I am grateful for these things today!!

School Will Be Starting ...

Luke will be in 7th Grade.
Joey will be in 4th Grade.
Luke will at the Middle School.
Joey will remain at the Intermediate School.
My boys are growing up so quickly.
Paul and I will be celebrating 15 Years of Marriage in September.
I love him more & more each day; its the everyday kind of love!
He is so gentle, patient and sweet!
School will be starting on August 25, 2010
Bright & Early for Luke
Same time for Joey
I love my life; as a wife and mother!
Thank you for this day of rest {& catching up} around the home!

Good Morning!

For some reason; I cant seem to sleep until now.  And, I am checking to see if this works ... I cant wait to check!!!

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...Crickets
I am thinking...of expressing my gratitude in new ways and more often
I am thankful for...my health, family, friends and working
From the learning rooms...Experiencing God and Celebration of Discipline (New Reading Material)
From the kitchen...cereal, WHOLE WHEAT ENGLISH MUFFIN, and Gatorade (the boys had BK and DH had leftover pasta and chicken
I am wearing...Khakis, Red shirt, blue shoes
I am creating...new way to capture the EVERYDAY
I am going...away on a work retreat soon; one day overnight in COLUMBUS
I am reading...SEE ABOVE
I am hoping...to be more grateful, experience GOD fully, knowing and doing the will of GOD
I am hearing...TV, Joey "playing" shooting games, making noices of shooting guns, crunching of cereal, local train going through town
Around the house...Remnants of being away for acouple of days
One of my favorite things...Being more present and aware
A few plans for the rest of the week:  Celebrating Pedal to the Point with DH and Oldest Son
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

FOR TODAY Idea from:  http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Summer Is ...

Cub Scout Crossing Over
Boys Scout Camp
Earning 2 Merit Badges:  Shotgun and Signaling
Working on Merit Badges
Baseball
Piano Lessons
Cub Scout Trip to Mammouth Cave/Wright Patterson Air Force Museum
MS Pedal to the Point
Having Fun
Sweating
Watching 2nd Cousins
Enjoying a cool evening after a HOT SUMMER DAY
Quietness
Visit from the Seville UMC Youth Group (Catching Up)
Friends

Summer, Salsa and Silly Bands

Today, I took the day off to be home with my husband and my youngest. My oldest is at Boy Scout Camp for the 2nd year. He was excited and we are excited for him. I love Mondays and Days Off! It was a good day. We had breakfast, cleaned the downstairs, organized school papers (more to go in that area), picked up husbands bike, lunch, coffee, visited with grandparents, $1.00 Ice Cream Cones at Buehlers, shopping, made homemade Salsa for the 1st time (Thank you, husband), Tacos, cleaned some more, laundry ... It was a good day! And, the day ended with a much needed cool evening! I LOVE cool evenings! As I close; I am praying for the Boy Scout Camp staff and counselors, the Boy Scouts and their leaders and their parents and siblings!

Walking ... Praying ... Worshiping ... Children!

While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about. - Angela Schwindt

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day!, originally uploaded by Love.Peace.Happiness Family.

Thank you for serving and defending our country! Thank you for the freedom! We remember you on this special day!!!

100 YEARS OF BOY SCOUTING FUN

Joey learning how to fold/unfold the American Flag with fellow Cub Scouts!  He was listening and following directions so intently!  He was so serious!!! It was really neat to see!  Thank you fellow leader and teacher!  You did a great job!!!

Joey participating in the Boy Scout Obstacle Course; after the thunderstorm!

We arrived to Camp Manatoc at 1:00 p.m.; celebrated 100 Years of Scouting, survived the thunderstorm and at 7:00 p.m. that evening we finally saw Luke!  He was as grumpy as he looked , tired and hungry!  He had a great time with his fellow scouts and leaders!  He couldnt stop talking about what they learned and accomplished!  He apologized for his "grumpiness." 

On the way home {EARLY} we took a little side trip through the valley. We past the Blue Heron nesting ground and saw this; it was so cool!  We promised Joey since he couldnt stay for the Boy Scout Retreat, Closing Ceremonies and Fireworks we would get ice cream at Friendly's!  By the time we got here (15 minutes down the road); he was happy and content!  I loved seeing the birds flying around and seeing Joey's expression and wonder!  It was a beautiful day with ALOT OF  BOYS in one place!  Camp Manatoc did an awesome job! 

Happy 100th Birthday, Scouting!

Happy Mothers Day!

Gift from the boys; an antique box and a framed picture. (Thank you, Mom for thinking of me)
Cherry Amaretto flavored coffee
Sunday School
Serving Blueberry Coffee Cake to my Jr./Sr. High Sunday School Class
Crime and Punishment Skits
Grace
Church
JC Kids Choir
Eyes of Love
A gift of a potted plant from L.
Opening a Mothers Day Card from my darling husband
Made the following collage on Picasa 3 for two homemade Mothers Day Cards
Surprise visit to Mom M.
Dinner with Mom B. with my brother, sister in law, sister, brother in law and my family
Spending time at Mom B's afterwards
Dairy Queen for a "craving" of a Hot Carmel Sundae on a special Sunday

It was a wonderful Mothers Day! I am blessed to be a mother of two wonderful boys!!! They give me such joy!!!

The Beginning of May

Today:

I love the smell: Fresh Cut Grass by Luke

I love the sound: Birds Chirping
I love the taste: Orange Flavored Cookies, Cherry/Almond Flavored Coffee and Fresh Mint Iced Tea
I love the sight:  Smiley Joe peeking in the back door window wearing his bicycling helmet.

I love the feel:  Of being home on Sundays, relaxing, windows open, cool air flowing in the windows & capturing the everyday.

For the Beauty of the Earth

For the Beauty of the Earth, originally uploaded by Love.Peace.Happiness-Massaro Family.

EPH 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

They all had fun!!!

Luke anxiously awaiting to leave for Boy Scout Trip, originally uploaded by Love.Peace.Happiness-Massaro Family.

These boys had fun. Luke turning, smiling. Brother holding his sister. One scout had a finger splint on ... preservered through the trip. Another scout had a chest cold; went on the shorter hike (with Paul). Good thing because; that is the hike that Paul sprained/fractured his foot. Met new friends. Traded warmth by the fire for new friendships. And, pizza at the end!!!

DH sprained ankle on the Minister Creek, PA camping trip

DH sprained ankle on the Minister Creek, PA camping trip
Originally uploaded by Love.Peace.Happiness-Massaro Family

DH came home with this. He is so strong. Tolerates pain well. All of the boys had fun and this was the worst injury. I am glad he is home; safe and sound. I was happy he was able to go with L. but, more happy that they are home!

Our Home

Our Home
Originally uploaded by Love.Peace.Happiness-Massaro Family

I am getting inspired to embark on a new, fun and exciting scrapbooking project called Week In The Life. You may go to http://www.aliedwards.com/ to learn more. Ive been waiting a long time for this to resurface again. My dear friend participated last year and loved it. She encouranged me to start; but, I said it wasnt the right time. I am seeing this as a new chance to capture the week with color, storytelling, routines and documenting my life. This picture was taken back in October, 2007. I love the colors. It is a past picture of our home; but, IT IS OK.  It will be the beginning ...

The Importance of Capturing Stories

Chris Brogan is giving away copies of Donald Miller's book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years....for posting about what Story means to you.

I have always been someone who likes to write.    I love paper. I love pens.  I have many of them.  I am always trying out new pens and tossing the old ones.  I love to journal!! I love every chance I get to be able write.  I have change my system of keeping track of my appointments on a blackberry to buying a Franklin Covey Calendar because I love to write in appointments.  I am someone that likes to write; even though I STRUGGLED with English all my life!  I met my husband due to this great struggle. That is a story in itself.

I love books. I love the stories. I love Biographies. I love Autobiographies. I love reading. 

I capture my everyday with taking pictures … to tell the story! I believe pictures captures everything.  At times, I don't journal because I like to think that I will remember those moments in time that existed in my everyday.  I must have 5 different journals going at the same time.  I have a gratitude journal *my favorite*; my chronological journal that I keep my thoughts, prayers, everyday happenings, venting, feelings in; I have my Spiritual Journal that I keep when I go on retreats for church or work, I have my blog that I keep to tell the stories of our life for people that live out of town/in town for that matter. 

I scrapbook … to tell the story! I am a scrapbooker.  Again. I love paper. I love the colors. I love the designs. I love the embellishments. I love the hobby. It is relaxing and a great stress reliever.  I scrapbook and journal to tell the story of my life to capture my husband and my two sons.

Stories are so important. Pictures are so important.  A friend told me a story of a comment that was told to her.  He said that he didn't realize the effort that his spouse put into capturing the stories of their family in the photo albums until she recently passed away.  As the family was going through the albums; he suddenly realized the affects on “telling the stories” by putting photos into photo albums so meticulously.  My goal for this year is to capture the photos but, to tell the story as well.

What are your stories?

 

 

A Big Thank You to our Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt Organizer

April 3, 2010 1:00 P.M.

We ALL had a great time hunting, watching, opening, searching, waiting, eating,

admiring, enjoying,

making lots of memories! 

P.S.  No, the last picture isnt Kaitlyn choking J.; its all drama!!  They are buddies.

Nachos & Chips.Homework.Piano Lessons

I am grateful to accomplish my list of things for work. 
I am grateful for Mexican Chips & Salsa.
I am grateful for Progress Book; to check homework assignments.
I am grateful for gifted piano teachers, Hot Tea, and Quiet Time at their homes while I wait, listen and read!
I am grateful for my job as a child of God, wife, and mother!
I am grateful for school teachers!

Love and Belonging

Source of Image:  http://aliedwards.typepad.com/

I am a child of God,

I am a wife, a mom, a daughter, daughter in law, a sister,

a sister in law, aunt, great-aunt, niece,

a cousin, a 2nd cousin, a church member, a friend, a co-worker, an Adult Day Director, a Hospice Volunteer Coordinator.

I believe in God and His goodness.  I believe in prayer. I believe that I have faith, hope and love. I believe that life is GOOD.

I believe in so many things...

I struggle with procrastination, saying I am wrong, asking for help, and saying no. (And many other things)

I am strong in my faith, my love for my family and friends.

I am strong that I will finish in time, I am strong in my compassion for older adults,

I am worthy of my faith, my trust in GOD, and ME!  

  

Crater:

Crater:
Originally uploaded by Love.Peace.Happiness-Massaro Family

The moon. Isnt it amazing? That every month we see a sliver of it, a quarter, 1/2, and finally a full moon. God made this. As I go through Holy Week; I would like to remember the BIG Things in life as well as the little things that he has made! I am so grateful. I need be more grateful, more aware, more humble and more myself! If I am not me; who am I?

I am reading the book; " One Simple Act" by Debbie Macomber and she has 4 Simple Acts of Gratitude:

1. Begin a Gratitude Journal (Check)
2. Practice praise.
3. Stay alet for those "God Nudges" and be grateful when you sense them.
4. Thank God in all circumstances.

Today I am grateful for rain. It brings growth. It brings spring flowers. It brings grateful hearts.

A Full Week

It was a full week.  It started off with piano lessons for J.  Homework.  Art Shows. Homework. Brotherly Love. Playing in the mud with friends and friends that are boots.  It ended with looking at the moon with a $ 150.00 Telescope that my husband found at a local Goodwill.  I must say it wasnt appreciated (BY ME) at the time of purchase; but boy, do I love it now ... look at the bright full moon on a beautiful spring night; the night before Palm Sunday.  It was a good week.  I am ready to start another week. 

Fruits of the Selfless Heart by Mother Theresa

The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The

fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of

service is peace. Dona nobis pacem.

—Mother Teresa of Calcutta

 

I love quotes.  I love music. I love family. 

 

Today we went to Ashland to see Lauren sing. It was so good.  She is a music major at Ashland University.  They sang, "Walk Together, Children by  one my favorite composers,

Moses Hogan.  My all time favorite song by him is "Hear My Prayer."  It was a good day!

Signs of Spring

1. Making Cards, 2. Jellybean Creations, 3. Winter Ends ... Spring is coming!, 4. Spring Haircuts ... Flat Tops!, 5. Puppet Shows with Mark, 6. Cousins acting silly!, 7. Hazelnut Coffee & Chocolate Chip Cookies, 8. Fresh Baked Cookies, 9. Good Morning Sundays!, 10. Aluminum Masks, 11. Face full of excitement for School Plays, 12. 1500 Minute Club

A Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

It was a sweet day! 

Love:  Church, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at home, Relaxing kind of Sundays, alittle bit of this, alittle bit of that, laundry, finishing cards for work, helping the boys finish homework

Peace:  Quiet mornings of drinking Hazelnut coffee before the boys got up, Prayer time during church, Listening to the J.C. Kids sing and taking an afternoon nap on Sundays

Happiness:  Making long, awaited Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies with the boys.

Gentleness

It was a gentle kind of day.  It was a good day!  It was a Monday.  It was good.  I had a GOOD DAY! 

Love:  My husband and boys. My husband's willingess to make a Chicken Pot Pie.

Peace:  Delivering a meal to a co-worker and staying to talk after work.

Happiness:  Attending my 2nd to the last Living Beyond Yourself: Fruits of the Spirit Bible Study by Beth Moore; I was tired and hungry; arrived 15 minutes late but I am glad I did!!

A Scrapbooking Night Out

Well, here it is early Saturday morning; another week has slipped by.  I would rate this week a 6.  It was a good week.  Some challenges along the way, challenges builds character; right?  But, it really ended well on Friday.  After a long week; three of my friends and I scrapbooked together. It was good.   It was hard to sacrifice a Friday night with my family; but, it really refreshed my attitude.  It was a free attitude adjustment.  It was good to be out, to vent  and to be with such dear, faithful friends.  And, I had my family right in front of my eyes the whole time; but, in pictures.  Scrapbooking at its finest; and for that, I am grateful!!

Everyday Thoughts ...

Love:  Morning coffee.
Peace: "The Land"
Happiness: Being surrounded by encouraging family and friends.

It was a good day.  It was a networking kind of day.  Where did it go?  I thought last week was a busy, challenging week; and this week wasnt any different; but my attitude was!  It is amazing how your thoughts and actions changes everything.  I am grateful for a loving God that is constant; always there and always present in my everyday and EVERY thought! 

Thoughts from the little ones ... (& Me!)

Love:  Joey loves family and friends.  Luke loves family.
Peace:  Great Day At Work.Joey says that peace is quiet.
Happiness:  Joeys says happiness is happiness. Luke says it is the opposite of sad. 

It was a very good day of love, peace and happiness.  I am grateful that my mother came over early so that I can go into work early. Thank you, Mom!!

Love.Peace.Happiness

Love: Family, Friends, March, Spring, Hearing birds chirping

Peace:  Productive, Fun, Mondays at Home, Work, Church, Home

Happiness:  Paul scrapping my snow covered windows in the a.m. & Filling my van up with gas, Hugging and Kissing my family goodbye in the mornings, "Have a Good Day," Sending handwritten letters in the mail,Yummy Bagels and Cream Cheese, Seeing my Adult Day Center Participants & Compassionate Co-Workers, Productivity, Helping People, Potato Soup, Studying the Bible & applying what you learn to your everyday, keeping in touch with old friends and getting to know new friends.