~LOVE IS...and Other Things That Matter~

~LOVE IS... HELPING HER WITH
THE THANKSGIVING DINNER~

My hubby and I married in 1978 when I was not quite 20 years old. If the truth be told I was in many respects still just a girl. If not for the kindness and maturity of my Mr. AGPMan I'm not sure I'd have learned HOW to cook a Turkey (or anything else for that matter!).

Still...it isn't the Thanksgiving Bird that brings back the funniest of memories during our long, happy marriage. Oh...I have some of those stories (like when I didn't KNOW there was a neck cavity filled up with all those "things" I still think are GROSS and baked it inside, paper wrappings and all), but I'll save those thoughts for a later time...

~PIE~
A Thanksgiving MUST HAVE

What comes to my mind EVERY YEAR is ONE "pie-making" event that to a young bride of only eight weeks was devastating...

Our first Thanksgiving together was spent in my Baber's Hometown of Gothenburg, Nebraska. I had made a gorgeous looking strawberry pie from scratch and I was quite proud of it and couldn't wait to show it off to my new in-laws. A couple of hours before we left for their home I decided to "check" to see if the pie had "set-up" right...plus I wanted to add the whip cream on the top, too! I carefully pulled it out from the fridge and to my dismay it was still very runny. I began tilting the pie from side to side while LAMENTING to my hubby that SOMETHING wasn't right. I was so upset! New Bride. First Thanksgiving. You get it.

~Wishing You the Cream of Happiness
This Thanksgiving~

I continued to tilt the pie back and forth, back and forth. But, just before returning it to the refrigerator it slipped out of my hands. Being the kitchen-helper that he is, My Mr. AGPMan tried to help me catch it before it hit the floor. The pie ended up SPINNING out of control and slammed right into the wall of our very tiny apartment. Strawberry pie filling and soggy crust was slung EVERYWHERE. It was in the crevices of the vinyl chairs, all over the tile, the ceiling, the cabinets, etc. That partially jelled RED STUFF was all over everything. I was heartbroken. I promised to bring the dessert and now there wouldn't be one! Living in a SMALL TOWN in 1978 I can promise you EVERYTHING was closed!

~My FAVORITE Berry~

Anyway, we were both too shocked to say word. We just stood there staring at our scrumptious dessert in silence.

:....(

Since that day I've learned a few things about making homemade strawberry pie when TRYING to impress your hard to please MOTHER IN LAW...

1. Skip the pie!

2. Bring a tossed salad!

Blessings to you as you share a carefree, spin-less Thanksgiving Day with those you love...Rebecca

~MORE SWEET GRAPHICS TO SHARE - Some Of My Favorites!~

VINTAGE SANTA
And His Chimney Sweeps
(Dressed in PINK, of Course!)

Have I ever told you I love vintage graphics? They are the rage these days (especially if they include children!) and I'm so thankful I started my COLLECTION many years ago. Today I'm sharing with you (because I'm soooo very nice!) three more of my favorites! You KNOW that if I can get my hands on aging ephemera that includes PINK in the mix I'm hooked, right?

ONE OF MY FAVORITES EVER
(This One Makes a Darling Candle)

I know the artwork on the print above was done by Miss Frances Brundage. The one below is, too! The one at the top (with the Santa) I'm not sure about but I THINK it is also work done by her hand. Brundage and Clapsaddle are my FAVORITE artists...and guess what? They are WOMEN!!!! Whoo Hoo!

PERFECT FOR HANG TAGS

I have the original Postcard of the little pink princess you see above. Even so, the one I have is NOT very clear! I thought you might me able to use it anyway in some of your designs! You can always crop her face away from the holly...this little beauty will make DARLING TAGS!

Blessings to you as you count down the days to good eats...Rebecca

~CHRISTMAS GRAPHICS TO SHARE - Sweet Christmas Girls~

~VINTAGE IMAGE FOR YOU~

Happy Monday Morning to you all!

I've had a crazy-busy weekend! How about you? Since we are not hosting Thanksgiving this year my Mr. AGPMan and I have been pulling out Christmas from both the attic and our outbuilding while the weather is still being polite. :) Our garage looks like a mini Flea Market with so many things scattered about. Truthfully~that much STUFF makes me nervous!

I mean...where did it all come from?

It's exciting to unpack everything...but it can still be overwhelming!

~AND ANOTHER ONE~

In going through some of my Christmas Graphics over the weekend I found these three charming vintage images of little girls and I just had to share them with you. Perfect for Pillows, Candle Labels, Hand Tags, etc. Hope you love them!

~ISN'T SHE GORGEOUS?~

The little beauty above is my favorite! Below is a sample of a Candle Label I created using this very image.

~JUST CLICK TO ENLARGE~

More pretties and ideas coming up soon!

Blessings to you as you create beautiful gifts with your talented little hands...Rebecca

~HAPPY BIRTHDAY To My Miss K - Turning 7 is GREAT~

Our Miss K at 4 Months Old
(And Her VERY blond Nana!) :)

On November 13, 2002 I became a Nana. I couldn't possibly have known it then, but the bald headed little beauty you see in my arms was destined to change my life. Our sweet Miss K was only a few months old when this picture was taken back in early 2003. Today this beautiful little girl celebrated turning SEVEN! Where have the years gone???

Since Miss K has remained our only grandchild (at least for now!), I'm sure you can imagine how much attention she gets!!! She reminds me soooo much of her daddy (my son, Brandon) when he was her age...

Miss K and Nana Tonight

Her Papa, my Mr. AGPMan, snapped this picture of her and I tonight at her party at CiCi's Pizza. Don't you LOVE her crown?

A real princess.

"To My Miss K: Happy Birthday, Sweetheart! I sooo hope I live to be 92 years old like my Grammy did~ That way I'll get to see your first grandchild be born. Then and only then will I be ready to go to heaven! I Love You~ Nana"

Blessings to you as you celebrate life with those you love...Rebecca