at the blue barn

The Good News

2012-01-29T01:02:00.000-08:00

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.Psalm 16:11

Clear off your scrapbook table - It's time for Layout A Day! {and an awesome Giveaway}

2012-01-27T07:56:00.000-08:00

Peeking inside a scrapbook store or come upon a scrapbooker's work area can be an overwhelming experience for the novice scrapbooker. However, once you understand the basic supplies and photos you need, you can focus on what fits your style and preferences. The main thing to remember when taking part in Layout A Day is that you are scrapbooking your memories and your scrap projects can be as

It's all instantaneous!

2012-01-26T10:05:00.000-08:00

By 9 o'clock each morning - I guesstimate that I have wished at least 6 people Happy Birthday on Facebook, texted 7 to 10 contacts, updated my status, tweeted a photo, responded to 20 e-mails and maybe returned a phone call. What! No time to Skype? It's safe to say that people have filled in the spots with so many different forms of communication that letter-writing has gone to the wayside. At

This is what I saw last year at CHA

2012-01-25T01:02:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year - when all of our crafting buddies get together at the fantabulous craft show - the Craft & Hobby Association's Winter Conference and Trade Show. Full of awe and wonderment. the craft show is the hot spot to be this weekend and for new readers among us, here's a quick overview. CHA (pronounced C-H-A, each letter, not like cha-cha-cha) is like the Christmas morning for

On the Shelf

2012-01-24T08:06:00.000-08:00

This Too Shall Pass

2012-01-23T15:17:00.000-08:00

Getting into the swing of 2012 has truly been a challenge for me. Partly because I spent the last two weeks of 2011 with pneumonia. Along with preparing and getting through Christmas, we had great plans to do lots of things as a family whilst on our holiday. For those of you who frequent this blog, you know we have an active life beyond school despite the many setbacks we face when Mr. Blue

Learning about Tolerance

2012-01-17T01:02:00.000-08:00

An unique glance in troubling times can describe many moments in history. The recent earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, as well as national devastation in the Gulf of Mexico and Joplin, Missouri, have brought a nation together to volunteer, donate and be aware of how quickly things can change. During moments of uncertainty, it is oftentimes to remember times of celebration and rejoicing. This is

Celebrate Freedom and Humanity

2012-01-16T01:02:00.000-08:00

"Now that's what we've got to do in our world today. We've left a lot of precious values behind; we've lost a lot of precious values. And if we are to go forward, if we are to make this a better world in which to live, we've got to go back. We've got to rediscover these precious values that we've left behind." ~ The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Good News

2012-01-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.Revelation 4:11

A message from your Local Library

2012-01-10T21:35:00.000-08:00

Do you live close to the library in your town, city or berg? Well, when is the last time you paid your library a visit? We stop by our local library about twice a week. We use the library to meet people, use the computer or listen to a lecture. The library we visit has a large collection of foreign titles, extensive research materials, DVDs, Books-on-Tape, downloadable books, tons of

Oh. Gawd. Not More Homework.

2012-01-09T17:54:00.000-08:00

Winter Break is over and the stress of keeping the students in our household on task begins - not just for the kids, but for the parents. We are basically halfway through the school year, and the simple habits and routines initiated in our household to keep up with the course work have seemingly jumped out the window. Yes, I have sketched out a routine and have tweaked it enough that even the

Happy Boxing Day!

2011-12-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

May your days be merry & bright!

2011-12-25T02:00:00.000-08:00

Best wishes from your friends from at the Blue Barn

Saturday Pictures from at the Blue Barn

2011-12-24T22:59:00.000-08:00

Q: When do you send out your Christmas Cards?

2011-12-23T23:46:00.000-08:00

A: When they are ready.

Remember it is the thought that counts

2011-12-22T13:15:00.000-08:00

I love the Christmas season. I love the idea of it - I love Christmas movies and have fond memories from my childhood. I don't know about you, but I am, and have always been, a big gift giver at Christmas. I usually do not like to shop in stores but this is the exception to the rule. I love shopping for gifts for my family. I like a few clues as to what they have been hoping for but I am

Make a Memory

2011-12-21T07:42:00.000-08:00

Keeping this week in concert of remaining stress-free - I want to remind you to do one thing for yourself today or tomorrow - since Christmas is a mere 3 days from now. To emphasise my point, I am at my illustrious hairdresser today - who will transform my holiday hair. You probably do not remember the Christmas gifts you received a year or two ago, but you do cherish the memories. With the

For the Sake of Tradition

2011-12-20T07:55:00.000-08:00

Although I may have fallen short in this area many times, you do not need to sacrifice yourself on the altar of Christmas to complete you. The secret to a merry Christmas is not to take it too seriously. Some people measure their happiness by a Christmas thinking, "If we don't have a good time, then we can't be a happy family" but that's rubbish. The mother of the family usually gets pulled

Needless to say - there's a lot to do!

2011-12-19T11:00:00.000-08:00

Many times during busy holiday seasons, I am asked what the number one best tip is to be organised. The answer is actually very simple, as in Keep it Simple! Don't let the minor details cause you to forget to celebrate the real meaning of the holiday. Things don't have to be perfect. And you can actually simplify things by making and keeping to a plan. For me, I plan for Christmas right

Saying Grace

2011-12-18T01:02:00.000-08:00

The angel Gabriel said to Mary, "Do not fear, Mary, you shall conceive and bear a son and give him the name Jesus. Great will be his dignity and he will be called Son of the Most High..." Luke 1 Fourth Sunday of Advent

Saying Grace

2011-12-11T00:03:00.000-08:00

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Saturday Pictures from at the Blue Barn

2011-12-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

Can you keep a secret?

2011-12-07T22:28:00.000-08:00

Every year around this time, our family starts thinking about Christmas. Once the kids realised how spectacular the holiday is, they like to enjoy it earlier each year. Like the department stores that hang up their decorations early, we also get in the mood by discussing our family traditions and preparing for the holiday. Our first tradition to tackle is the Secret Santa Gift List. I am

Read Aloud at Christmas

2011-12-06T16:59:00.000-08:00

A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote

A Monthly Snapshot: THE THINGS I CARRY

2011-12-05T01:11:00.000-08:00

1. Christmas Countdown Calendar 2. Lily Pulitzer Agenda "Docksider" 2. Calendar Pad and To-Do List 4. Greenroom Pencil Box 5. Crane & Co. engraved calling cards, at the Blue Barn business cards, Moo Mini Cards with family contacts 6. Apple iPhone