you.

"Today you are YOU, that is truer than ture.  There is no one

alive who is youer that YOU."

 ~ Dr. Seuss

Welcome in January and with it a new word to explore for the month, YOU.

YOU are beautiful

YOU are strong

YOU are creative

YOU are brave

YOU are enough

YOU are loved

YOU are needed

YOU are perfectly imperfect

YOU inspire

YOU give

YOU shine

YOU ROCK!

Yes YOU

Share the beauty of YOU.  All the lovely, quirky, silly, fragile, fierce, complicated, amazing pieces of you.

This month is gonna be good!  I can feel it already.  Can YOU?

2011 ~ A Year in Pictures

These 16 images tell just a small part of the life and

times of One Sassy Momma.

1.  B’s first ambulance ride

2.  Beaker “the new dog”  

3.  “B” turns 11 

4.  My cousin Daniel came to town for our Cousin Johnny’s memorial service

5.  “B” reconnects with his cousin Garrett

6.  Road trip with “B” to South Carolina for Garrett’s Marine Corp Boot Camp Graduation

7.  My nephew the Marine

8.  Reconnected with my amazing cousin Cathy

9.  Went to my first Phillies game in the new stadium and it was AWESOME

10.  “B’s” first day of 6^th grade

11.  My first tattoo ~ Patience Fortitude

12.  My parents on their wedding day ~ 50 years ago

13.  My Cali Cousins came in for my parents 50^th Anniversary

14.  Loving the time spent with my cousin Cyndi

16.  ONE SASSY MOMMA!

Hope Street

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  Psalms 62:5-6

 

My HOPE for 2012 is to ...

~ spend less and save/earn more

~ continue my journey with Weight Watchers

~ continue to strengthen my marriage

~ expand my photography business

~ stay more organized and not let needless clutter pile up

~ build 2 really good friendships

~ craft more

~ stress less

It's not a long list and some of the things listed I'm already working on, so attaining them or continuing to attain them is possible.  If fact anything is possible as long as you believe!  I do.

B & B

This is a mosaic print I created at Big Huge Labs that encompasses pictures of my son "B" and his best friend "B".  I gave it to the boys along with a video for Christmas.  They have been friends since birth and have such an amazing friendship.  They can agree to disagree, and it never gets to the point where they won't talk to each other.  The best part about their friendship is that I've been able to see how it has grown and strengthened over the years.  The past 11 years have been an amazing journey to watch.  I can't wait to see what the future has in store for them! 

That's a Wrap

My night consisted of wrapping presents and entertaining a very excited 11-year old! I'm surprised he actually fell asleep.  I can't imagine what tomorrow will be like? 

B's First Christmas

I can't believe that 12 years ago Aaron and I celebrated our first Christmas with "B".  He was so tiny!  It's amazing how time has just flown.  "B" loves Christmas and as he gets older, he wants to participate more.  This year he put up the tree and the few outside lights that we do.  However, he's already planning on taking over the light decorating outside next year and I am trying with all my might to give in.  Who knows what he may have in store.  Well, at least I have 11 months to get ready for it.  

A year ago ...

     Today was hard for me.  I know that Christmas is just a few days away and for the most part I have been in great spirits about all the upcoming holiday preparations and celebrations that I will be having with family and friend, but today was hard.  The main reason was that a year ago "today" our house was robbed for the second time in less than three months and a lot of things were taken including the feeling of being safe in our own home.  So forgive me for not posting anything jolly.  It was hard enough getting through the day without thinking; "Is my house safe?"  "Did I lock the doors?"  "Did I hide all the gifts so they're not taken if the house is robbed again?" 

     Well, the day is almost over and I survived.  The neighbor parked his truck in our yard and I went a little crazy and pushed our iron picnic table against the back door.  A few precautions and a lot of hugs from my great teaching assistant Mia helped me through the day. 

     I now am looking forward to finishing up a few last minute gift preparations and having a great Christmas with Aaron and "B".  See you tomorrow!

   

The Spirit of Santa

I've always loved Santa.  The "real" Santa and anything Santa related.  Santa reminded me of all the wonderful things from my childhood Christmas's and what that entailed.

I remember when I was a child and someone told me that Santa wasn't real.  My parents were so mad that they went to the child's parents and gave them an earful.  Well, last year we told "B" that there wasn't a Santa.  We didn't want to lie to him or for him to find out from someone else.  We wanted to explain to him our thoughts about Santa.

See, I've always believed that there is a Santa, as in a Spirit of Santa.  What that means to me is being of a kind heart and spirit.  Have I always shown these characteristics ... no!  Do I wish that I could have ... yes!  Christmas is a time to give and not receive, but in the past I didn't feel that way.  I felt that if I gave a gift, I should receive one in return.  This mindset just set me up for a lot of disappointment and anger.  I would get mad at anyone who I felt mistreated me and became bitter and I would close off from both family and friend who I felt didn't really care for me. 

Well, lucky for me I have had my eyes opened by some very special people who have shown me that that kind of mindset was not healthy.  This year I have come to realize that there are going to be people and I mean close people in my life who are going to disappoint me.  It is my choice as to how I'm going to react to those disappointments, and they're not disappointments if I don't let them be.

Aaron and I didn't want "B" to be disappointed, so we told him that there wasn't a "real" Santa but Santa was in all of us in giving to others even when we don't receive the same in return.  It took me 43+ years to learn this and we didn't want Brent to have to struggle with what I, and maybe my hubby also,  had to deal with.  We also want "B" to be a loving and caring child and soon to be young man who is genuine and cares for others no matter how he is treated in return.  My hubby is famous for being genuine,  kind and caring even when others treat him the wrong way and I love him for that.

I think Santa or the "Spirit of Santa" is a great tool in teaching children to be kind and caring and to show them that disappointment is only a part of your life if you let it.  Trouble is going to be a part of your life, but it's how you deal with it that show your true Santa Spirit.  I can still say that Santa is a big part of my life and always will be.  Is he a part of your life?  If not, why?  How about this year, let the Spirit of Santa be with you.  It may surprise you.

A Handmade Christmas

I sometimes feel like I should have been born in another time and place.  I love the simplicity of Christmas's past and love the idea of making handmade gifts.  It just says something, when you give a gift you made.  I have a friend, Liz, who does the same thing.  She makes blankets and bags for family and friends and I like doing the same.  She also makes her own laundry detergent.  How cool is that.

This year is no different for me, in that I will be make something small for all my friends and family.  I can't show you til after Christmas what it is, but I can show you the materials I'm using.  If you leave a comment, I might tell you if your guess is right, but I may not.  You'll just have to take that chance.

Holiday Spirit

Just a quick post to say that it has been a busy weekend; purchasing and wrapping presents, spending time with a good friend, laughing with my son and enjoying a wonderful sermon at church.  Hope your weekend was as filled with the holiday spirit as mine was!

Ice Christmas?

I'm not dreaming of having ice on everything to soon, but it does make for some pretty pictures.  These were taken a few years ago and they're just making me wish for a white Christmas.  Unfortunately it doesn't look to promising this year.  Oh the perils of living in South Jersey!

The Tale of Three Trees

The Tale of Three Trees

For three little trees who dream of what they will be someday - a holder of treasure, a fine ship, a hilltop beacon pointing to God - life proves to have something rather different in store. They are disappointed that their lives are so mundane. And, as the years pass, "the three trees nearly forgot their dreams." Yet each eventually gets its wish, although not in the way it had foreseen. When that happens, each discovers that things turned out just the way they should have.

This is such a moving and eloquent story. It's illustrations are simple yet powerful. Anyone who reads this book will be reminded that God has plans for every one of his creations, that He never loses sight of any of us. Children will learn that when they don't get what they want, it may be because something even better is in store for them. Adults will understand the concept of true happiness comes when we align our will with God's.

Expectations

In the past, I've had high expectations about the holidays and not just Christmas, but most holidays.  In my opinion, an expectation, if not truly controlled, is an evil thing.

Expectation:  (ex·pec·ta·tion)  Noun:  1.  A strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.  2.  A belief that someone will or should achieve something.

I've been so guilty of having high expectations for the holidays and then being let down because those expectations aren't even remotely met.  Well, in the past few months I've allowed myself to not have such high expectations and it has been such an amazing release of stress and anxiety in wondering if those expectations are going to be met.  I've allowed myself to just enjoy the holiday season.  I'm not nearly done my Christmas shopping and in the past that would drive me crazy, but not this year.  I've been focusing on my blog, which you have seen, and that has allowed me to step back and take in the joy of the season. 

I've learned to not really care or get upset with what may happen when I'm out with other people at holiday parties and social gatherings.  This was such an issue for me that I didn't look forward to going at all and just wanted to stay home.  But it seems that others also have their expectations ... of me.  I'm sure there are times then I'm in the same boat as the others, in not meeting their expectations, but I've really just been trying to focus on me.  This is how it is with me now.  I'm the person God intended me to be, flaws and all!  You may not like how I act, how I dress, how much weight I've lost or how much more I intend to, what I may say, and you may not like the choices and decisions I make, but I can't help that.  I'm not going to change who I am to please you, just like you're not going to change who you are for me. 
So in saying all of this, what I'm trying to say is that I have learned to limit my own expectation to lessen the stress, anxiety, and disappointment in my life and I encourage other to do the same. Like people for who they are... flaws and all and do the same with yourself.   It's a very uplifting and fulfilling feeling.

I like this quote by Paul Rand ~ “Simplicity is not the goal. It is the by-product of a good idea and modest expectations.”

I'm actually looking forward to this holiday with modest expectations.  To enjoy spending time with my husband, son, and extended family and friends.  

It's A Wonderful Life

Is my life wonderful?  I wouldn't say my life is wonderful, but I would say that I have a good life.  Do I have my struggles ... of course!  Who doesn't?  It's what we do when we are faced with those struggles that show who we truly are.  I've had my struggles this year, I'm not going to lie.  But, they have shown me that I am a woman who, even in the face of adversity, can survive.  My father said that he doesn't worry about me when I'm having struggles or difficulties, because he knows I can get through anything.  Well, he worries, but you know what I mean.   Will it be hard?  Yes.  Will I want to give up sometimes?  Definitely, but he knows that he raised a strong woman who won't give up.  When he told me all of this, it made me realize that, I am that kind of woman and that's pretty cool.  I'm "One Sassy Momma" and I like that!

So I ask myself again, is my life wonderful?  Well, I am truly blessed to have an amazing husband who still loves me after 21 years despite our ups and downs and a son who means the world to me and I would do anything for ...  so I guess my life is pretty wonderful!  How about that?.

Advent

Hope, Peace, Joy, & Love

The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God.

I never really understood the meaning of Advent until I started going to my new church, Ramoth.  I truly feel that I have been blessed by going to this church and have learned so much about myself and others.  It's been very eye opening, just like this Advent series that my pastor, Bill has been giving.  My favorite sermon was the first Pastor Bill gave about Hope.  He said that Hope is, "anticipation & expectation of the unseen & future things that God has promised with firm assurance that He is able to fulfill His Word."  What I heard was that we need to follow God even when we don't understand.  We need to trust Him even with our darkest fears.  God wants you to take the path that will show you the real you.  It's not going to be the easy path, you may not always like what you see, but it will make you trust God completely!  Deep stuff.

What's your Hope in today?

3 Phrases

The three phrases that sum up Christmas are: Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward Men, and Batteries Not Included.

Reindeer line up

This picture just makes me laugh.  It looks like they were doing some graffiti art and got caught by the cops!

Norman

If you're 40 or older, I would hope that you know about Norman.  Norman who, you say?  Well, Norman Rockwell.  The 20th-century American painter and illustrator who is most famous for the cover illustrations of everyday life scenarios he created for The Saturday Evening Post magazine for more than four decades.  I especially love his Christmas images, including this one.

Good Old Days

Oh, for the good old days when people would stop Christmas shopping when they ran out of money!

The Polar Express

Yeah, yeah, so you've all seen the movie .. and if you haven't, what rock have you been hiding under?  My question is, have you read the book?  I fell in love with this story years ago.  It is such a wonderful story that tugs at my heart every time I read it, which I still do every year.  So ... you should read it!  Go on ... put the remote down and check it out and remember, "Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see."

Vintage ornaments

I just love vintage ornaments and these old glass ones are no exception.  I remember my dad getting the boxes of ornaments out to decorate the tree and loving looking at all the old glass ones.  I love how unique, elegant and fragile they are.  Today, everything is so commercialized, generic and junkie.  Yuck! I guess I'm just an oldie at heart, because I  just love vintage and homemade ornaments  Let's bring back some class to Christmas. I know I'm trying to!

"Elf"

My son is dressing up like an elf tonight to help me with a holiday party we're having at my work.  I will be taking pictures of all the children with Santa and "B" is going to be, well ... very cool looking elf!

"what Christmas is all about" by Linus

This is by far, one of my most favorite Christmas moments on TV ... ever!

Oh' Christmas Tree

This is the tree that my amazing elves decorated.  You can't really see the ornaments, but 90% of them are either antiques passed down, made by my son, or have some sentimental reason.  I was looking at it last night and it just made me happy!  

Choices

"It is not our abilities that show what we truly are, it is our choices"

~ J.K. Rowling ~

This quote, spoken by Albus Dumblebore in the second Harry Potter book just speaks volumes to me.  We all have a choice and in making the choices that we do, we show who we truly are.  Are you making the choices to show who you truly are?  Do you like what you see?  In the last few months, I have and in doing so, I have found out a lot about myself and about the people in my life.  It's been very enlightening.

Christmas Elves

Today's picture is of two awesome Christmas elves.  Well, actually it's my son and nephew, but their still awesome.  Today they were such big helps to me.  They put up the lights out front, put up my tree and decorated it!  One less thing I have to do.  I think what is more amazing is that they get along so well.  Their best friends and really love to be around each other.  Sure they disagree, but it's usually over something small, and they get over it quickly.  One bonus of them being together, is that you almost always can count on a laugh or two ... or three!

A Christmas Memory

This Santa holds a very special place in my heart.  Why?  It's the same Santa that was in my parents house when I was growing up.  I still can see it as plain as day, sitting on the landing of the stairs.  Every night and every morning I would pass it and touch his head.  I always looked forward to putting it up and lighting it every night.  Now it has a place of honor in my living room and I am giving Brent the honor of turning it on every night. 

Karma

Karma doesn't mean to just expect good to come from your good deeds, but to be prepared for the inevitable low points of life. Good and bad exist on the same plane and it is our plight as humans to experience both. "Be still and know, because even in the darkest times, the light will find you." - Jackson Rathbone

Danc'in Santa

This Santa just makes me happy.  He's got a giant spring under his suit and when you touch him he jiggles around, hence "Danc'in Santa".  Since taking these pictures, Santa has taken up residence in my preschool classroom.  The kids love coming up to my desk and making him dance.  Their little faces just light up.  To cute!

Christmas Lights

In the last few years I have lost my love of the holiday's.  It's hard to explain why without hurting some other people's feelings, so I'll refrain from that for now.  This year however, I am feeling more hopeful, which is a nice change.  Since I'm feeling this way I thought I'd venture out and try and post a photo a day during December.  I think my focus is going to be on images that are edited and ones that remind me of my childhood.  This first one just makes me happy, so I thought it was a good one to start off with.

Tail Lights

This is the view I get to see almost every day if I leave work on time.  I would be a millionaire if you gave me a dollar for every time I got stuck behind this bus!  The up side is that I ws able to try another new app on my iPod.  It's called Lo-Mob and I love it!  It let's you age and distress your images.  Very cool!

The ugly truth ...

"There's a lot of ugly things in this world, son. I wish I could keep 'em all away from you. That's never possible." ~ Atticus Finch

This book is unequivably my favorite ... ever.  Everytime I read it, it hits me and hard.  If you've never read it ... give it a chance.  You won't be disappointed.  

Photo fun!

Yesterday I downloaded a new app for my iPod.  It's called Instagram and it allows you to age and distress photos you take with your iPhone and iPod.  The photos are also square.  That reminded me of old photos from my childhood ... which is a cool bonus.  I'm having way to much fun!  I can't wait to try it with some Christmas images and to download some more apps.  Stay tuned!

One Amazing Kid

Can I just say that I have the most amazing and patient son.  I have been wanting for a while to take some photos of him.  Well, today was his lucky day.  We had off from school so I took the opportunity to get the job done.

I let him pick out what he wanted to wear, but he had to let me go where I wanted to to take the photos.  We had a deal, until he said, "I'm only smiling the way I want to."  I agreed, so off we went.  He listened to my directions as we climbed over logs and through sticker bushed and mounds of leaves.  Never once did I hear a complaint.  Awesome!

Here are just a few.  I don't want to post to many, just in case I use some for my Christmas cards.  Wait a minute, who and I kidding.  Of course I'm going to use some in my cards!  Let's be serious, that was one of the reasons for taking the pictures.  The other reason is that he's growing up so fast and I just want to preserve this moment in time.  Enjoy!





Life ...

Wow, I can't believe how long it's been since I've last posted. I could explain, but I don't think my blog could take that much. Let's just say that life has been crazy, with me as it's leading character.

One great thing that happened since I last posted, is that I've been able to reconnect with some amazing cousins and continue to build an amazing relationship with my cousin Wayne. I struggle with relationships and to be able to open my heart to these amazing people has been such a blessing to me.

I mentioned that I have been able to continue to build an amazing relationship with my cousin Wayne. Wayne ... you are most amazing person and I love that you're always there to give me that needed "bear hug". How can I thank you for just being you? All the words in the world wouldn't be enough, so all I can say is, "I love you Wayne".

Cathy ... what can I say? You are truly a blessing in disguise. Your candidness is addictive, your humor contageous and your heart ... WOW! Your one of the best things that has happened to me in this crazy year, but like I've told you, "Your my kind of crazy!"

My Cyndi Lou Who! You are such a class act and a lover of life. I really enjoyed seeing you. It was way to long. I look forward to many more visits, both here on the east coast and out in Cali. I already miss you!

Daniel and Ginger, what can I say? I think this picture says it all. Daniel, you are one of the funniest people I know and I can always count on a laugh when your around (and a possible wrapped body part!). You're a great listener and have an truly honest spirit, which is rare in this day and age. Thank you for listening and for just being you. I can't wait to come out and see the Big Red Trees! Ginger ... I loved meeting you - finally! You are a breath of fresh air and a joy to be around. I enjoyed our talks and look forward to may more. Brent misses you both, too!

Mark, you are an amazing man and such a good model for what a good husband should be. You protect your family and I love and admire that about you. I also love that you can put Shaun in his place! What a bonus!!!

Wow, what a post! I guess it's time to get off my soap box!!! But like I said when I started this post ... I have had the unique opportunity to reconnect with some amazing cousins and needed to talk about them. I really appreciate the people in my life who make my life better and every person I mentioned is truly a blessing to me! Love you all!

Snow Day

Well we're having quite a winter with several snow stormes. Most have been uneventful, but a few have had an impact, like delayed school opening and closings. We are now on our third school closing day, which is nice except for the fact that we have to make them up at the end of the school year. Yuck!

Here are a few pictures I took this mornng before 8:30.

What a morning!

Quote of the Day!

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." — Dr. Seuss

Joy

Joy: a - the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires; b - a state of happiness or felicity; c - a source or cause of delight

That is the the word I chose for this year to embrace. This word brings great challenges to me, because I don't feel that I have much joy in my life right now.

Let's see what a year can do though. I have some small goals and a few items on my Bucket List to acomplish this year and I think if I take my time, I can accomplish them and find the joy that is missing from my life.