Smiles are Great Stress Relievers!

Today was a day where I needed some "stress reliefs". You know, one of those kind of days; where you have a million things floating around in your head...and your brain has a hard time capturing the thoughts and holding onto them in order to complete a project or thought?

Nothing unusual or out of the ordinary, but none the less, surrounded by "stressers".

Fortunately, I was also surrounded by people who love me and care for me. They offered "Smiles of Encouragement". "Smiles of hope". "Smiles of joy in the moment". Which all helped me recalibrate and move my focus off of my frustrated self, onto enjoying the moment.

In case you are having one of "those" kind of days, let me share with you one of the very best smiles; which will make you smile BIG!

A smile that will help alleviate some of your stress. At least this particular smile did that very thing for me. So, in hopes of encouraging and helping you...here is that very special smile!

A smile from my granddaughter, Michaela. I hope it cheers you, as much as it did me!
Blessings~

Another New Year

Time is flying by quicker, than I can keep up. 2013 was a good year with my business and personal life.

Pear Creek Cottage is flourishing, and I thank God for enabling me to have such a business, and for helping me keep sane running it! {smile}

My family has grown as we welcomed a new granddaughter this last December. Little Michaela, decided to come on the date of her choosing, and not a pre-determined date by doctors and mid-wives.

Because of her "earlier than expected arrival", things were thrown into a whirlwind of activity. I feel so blessed that I was able to catch the next plane out of town, and be with Michaela and her mom and dad within the first hours of her birth.

What a beautiful, and sacred time. Nothing compares to the transformation that happens between labor, then delivery. Thank you God for the blessed, and safe arrival of Michaela into our world.

I had to include a picture of Gramma Jan with Michaela to document my first visit with her.

Welcome Baby Michaela! We are so thrilled to have you in our lives!

Camping Vacation

This September, I was able to get away for a fun camping vacation with family. The weather couldn't have been nicer, except for a couple of rather warm days.

For the first time, I stayed in a yurt! It was really cool! I can see this as a great option in the future. Sort of camping, without roughing it too much!

Some of the things that I enjoyed the most, were singing old Sunday School songs around the campfire. Gazing into the night sky and watching for shooting stars. Also, just being together, visiting, recalling memories, laughing, and enjoying the uniqueness that God has placed in each individual family member.

Thank you God for my family, and for the opportunity to enjoy them.

Inside of Yurt

Helping others through Micro Loans

I have had the opportunity to help several small businesses through my own business! World Vision has a category called: Micro Loans, which enable entrepreneurs an opportunity to borrow money to help their business grow. The pay back rate on the loans is pretty incredible.
For the last 8 months or so, I've been able to help fund LOTS of small business. As God continues to grow and bless my business, I'm able to share that with others.
This month I chose Maria del Rosario Valdivia Utrera in Mexico to help her grow her small business that she is using to pay for her college.

For more information on this great opportunity check out World Vision.

http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2MicroLoan.jsp?lpos=top_drp_WaysToGive_Micro&go=micro&
Selling handicrafts

Hello Good-bye

Today, Jerry and I leave our home and drive to Arizona to say our official good-byes to our son before he is deployed overseas. We are so thankful for the opportunity to get to do this, since we know that it is not always so. How many parents have had to say good-bye via a letter or phone call? Now days, it is so nice to have technology to be able to "keep-in-touch". We are comforted knowing that he is in God's care no matter if he is state side or around the world.

We consider ourselves to be rich in relationships! We always seem to have just enough $$ to get by, but our relationships...well in that we are honored to be so "wealthy".

Time is a gift. One we unwrap everyday. How will we spend this day? Time with our loved ones is one of our highest priorities. May we enjoy our gift of time to it's fullest.

It may be a little while before I can write again...one never knows with the emotions of a mother and how fragile or strong they may be at any given moment. For now, let me just say that I am blessed that YOU are traveling this journey with me. Thank you for your love and support!
Blessings~~