The Stories They Can Tell

My interest in aprons really started out more as a survival tactic than a true appreciation. You see, dear friend...I can be a bit of a mess in the kitchen. And there is no hope for anything I am wearing when that day comes around each December to bake...and bake...and bake. So, I had acquired a very plain blue apron to shield my clothing from my superhero-like power of catching everything I put my hands on. Now, I don't want to sound ungrateful toward this apron...it has always done it's job when called to duty and it has never complained. But, I'm a girl that doesn't mind a little bling...a little frill...a little pizzazz. So, it was not unusual for my eye to be drawn to cute aprons in all types of patterns when I'd come across them in little boutiques. And at some point, I mentioned to my mom that I would like a cute apron...something that made me feel fun and sassy while I was wearing it.

In the meantime, my friend Joni over at the Old Centennial Farmhouse blog would write posts about the vintage aprons she would pick up at rummage sales and thrift stores...the pictures sharing the charm of each. I would mentally make a note to watch for such treasures when I was out and about.

And recently, while cleaning out my email inbox,I came across an email that my mom had forwarded to me about 18 months ago. It contained a poem titled "Grandma's Apron", written by Tina Trivett. It so beautifully captures the little pieces of a family's history that something as simple as an apron takes on as it faithfully does all that it is called to do.

The strings were tied, it was freshly washed, and maybe even pressed.
For Grandma, it was everyday to choose one when she dressed.
The simple apron that it was, you would never think about;
the things she used it for, that made it look worn out.


She may have used it to hold some wildflowers that she'd found.
Or to hide a crying child's face when a stranger came around.
Imagine all the little tears that were wiped with just that cloth.
Or it became a potholder to serve some chicken broth.


She probably carried kindling to stoke the kitchen fire.
To hold a load of laundry, or to wipe the clothesline wire.
When canning all her vegetables, it was used to wipe her brow.
You never know, she might have used it to shoo flies from the cow.


She might have carried eggs in from the chicken coop outside.
Whatever chore she used it for, she did them all with pride.
When Grandma went to heaven, God said she now could rest.
I'm sure the apron that she chose, was her Sunday best.

While I don't get the opportunity very often in this season of my life, I do love to stroll through an antique store, touching the delicate pieces, wondering what stories they could share if able. I love quilts...the history that could be attached to the fabrics before they are pieced together into one entity...and the history those fabrics shared as a community.

So, it was such a sweet surprise, early this week when I opened a birthday gift from my mom and dad. There on a hanger draped five new aprons...three of them made by my mom and two she had picked up while shopping. Each has a different personality...all are adorable. And I can't wait to get them dirty...to carry jars of freshly canned applesauce to the basement in...to wipe the jelly off the corner of my daughter's mouth with...to cover with flour next December as my girls and I work together on gajillions of Christmas treats...to saturate them with the atmosphere of my home and family. Such a sweet uniform for this station in life that I love so much...and a cute and sassy way to protect the rest of my laundry.

Check out this search at Etsy for a fun peek at vintage aprons and some adorable brand-spanking new ones too.

I am Blessed

So, have you been keeping up? While I realize that blogging really seems to be a self-centered enterprise, my hope is that my ramblings will help you recognize the blessing that have been placed in your life. As I wrap up this series of entries, there is still the most important gift in my life to be ooohhhhed and aaaahhhhed over...the gift of Jesus.

In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul quotes Old Testament scripture to remind us that every person has sinned in some manner through their character, conversation and/or conduct. I know I have failings in each of those categories on a daily basis. Paul goes on to share the Good News, though, in Romans 5:8..."while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

So, I am thankful to God for the many blessings in my life...those described throughout the week and those still unmentioned. But, I am most thankful for God's love for me, a sinner...poured out through the sacrifice of his perfect and holy Son, so that I can look forward to eternal life (John 3:16).

They Got My Back

Well, the birthday celebration rages on...even though the big day was two days ago!!!

Today I want to give thanks for all of the special ladies in my life.

Let me start with my sister. She and I are total BFFs! While it was not always that way (you can read just one incident here), it is that way now. While we live time zones apart, we keep in touch through text messages, pictures on the phone, e-mail, Facebook and good old fashioned phone calls. Every visit is anticipated and relished. We don't necessarily agree with each other on all of life's issues, but we love and respect each other...always willing to listen and learn from each other. Jodi is creative, smart and one of the funniest people I know (second to my dad). (Pssst....don't tell her that I said any of that, ok?)


My two sisters-in-law (or is it sister-in-laws?) are two more special people that I can always count on. While I don't get the chance to spend much time with them, they are always nearby with an e-mail and a prayer. They are quick to send cards and flowers during tough times and I always learn something from them that helps me be a better mom. Remember...they were raised by one of my favorite Titus 2 women!

Then, there are all my sisters (or sistas!) that I'm not related to but could not be closer to. They too have been there in good times and bad. We encourage each other as wives, moms, teachers and followers of Christ. They have character and the courage to live that character out in their daily lives. I appreciate so much their efforts to always be working on themselves and their willingness to serve others.

I am thankful for each and every one of these special women...they have certainly played their part in building this cathedral (she's a brick...howwwse....oops! sorry! could not resist), whether they know it or not.

His First Builders

Remember my top earthly priority? (If not, go here.) Well, two of the major reasons that he is the man that he is are my in-laws.

Many of my friends have had distressing in-laws issues, but God has blessed me in this area of my life too. My father-in-law is the friendliest guy you will ever meet...in fact I don't believe he has met a stranger yet. And my mother-in-law is the picture of a Titus 2 woman. I always learn something when I am around her. They have been loving towards me from the moment that I met them. I never feel as though I am being judged or am falling short of any expectations they may have for the wife of their son and mom of three of their grandchildren.

Speaking of the grandkids...they are adored by all of them. Grandpa and Grandma grab the kids and dash away with them for a long weekend. They spend their days celebrating "backwards day" where they start with dessert for breakfast and end with breakfast for dinner...going fishing...swimming...having a birthday party for everybody. This is on top of them attending school and sporting events...going garage saling with Grandpa...making cookies, having tea parties and playing games with Grandma. They, too, are setting the bar high for us as future grandparents.

They will be celebrating their forty-fifth wedding anniversary this year. They continue to serve others in countless ways...such a wonderful example for the rest of us. I thank them so much for the man they raised to be my best friend and I thank God that they are a part of my life.

My First Builders

Just as I was sitting down to think about this particular God-given gift, I received a phone call. It was my dad and mom. They were singing "Happy Birthday". Perfect timing!

I am blessed to be their daughter. They are the only ones who have known me my entire life, with the exception of God. They were chosen for this assignement by the Creator himself. Their love has always been encouraging, nurturing and unconditional. They have held the bar high for me and did all they could do to prepare me for life. They've been with me at the hospital, attended countless school events, taught me to ride a bike and drive a car. And now it is my privilege to watch them as grandparents in action...once again setting the bar high.

This summer they will celebrate their forty-fourth wedding anniversary. I've seen them weather many storms together and I am thankful that they are now able to enjoy life in the manner they choose.

I love still being their "little girl" and am thankful to God for sending me to them. It is a privilege that I didn't earn, often haven't appreciated enough and wouldn't change for the world.

Three of My Best Friends

They are a collection of giggles, freckles, curls and eyelashes. Each one is different from the other two in countless ways...interests...sensitivities...sense of humors (or is it senses of humor?). God uses them each day to teach me something about others and myself. And it is my pleasure, privilege and blessing to spend each day with them as we learn about the Creation together.

When I consider my own friendship with my sister and my mom, I look forward to what the future holds for us and our relationship...just don't rush me. I am enjoying being employed in the oldest profession...motherhood.

My Top (Earthly) Priority

As I consider the gifts that God has given to me, I have to start with the my husband. He's my best friend...hero...partner in life. We have known each other for 21 years now (over half my life) and been married for almost 17 of them. We have faced some of life's challenges, learning what each of us was made of. He is a man of integrity, loyal to the end, has an amazing ability to assess a process and immediately formulate improvements/solutions. He is a hard worker, a kid at heart, a man of faith. I learn from him each day and am thrilled that he is the dad to our three beautiful daughters. He may not be perfect, but he is perfect for me...God thought so first!

You can read more about him here and here.

Happy Birthday to Me!

So, this is my birthday week and I...What?...What do you mean "Weeeeek?"...Don't you have a week long festival in honor of your birth?...hmmmm...Well, you are certainly welcome to join all those that adore me in their celebration of me (she said with humility).

Now, where was I?...

Oh, yes..

I plan to celebrate my birthday this week by exclaiming thanks for the gifts given to me and my gratitude that I am starting a whole new year of enjoying them.

So, sit back and enjoy as I unwrap each one...and join me in the "oooohhhs" and "aaaahhhs".