Our Marine

He's done it! Jeremy has graduated from Marine boot camp. I am so proud of him. He graduated as a Private First Class because he was promoted meritoriously. His Senior Drill Instructor told us that he was a joy to work with! Seems that he excelled in all areas at boot camp. Oooh Rah!

When we arrived home from South Carolina, we were greeted by our wonderful neighbors and friends. They decorated the whole cul-de-sac! And they had a great cake for us. Jeremy felt so loved! Thank you all!

Yesterday was Memorial Day. I must admit that I got even more choked up than normal. Being a mom of a Marine will do that! I'm proud that he is willing to serve our country in this way. But, I do ask for prayers for his safety as he serves.

Well, he left for boot camp as a sweet, rascally son and guess what? He is still that sweet rascal, but he does have a lot of bearing. I'm quite sure that he will serve our country well. Thank you, Lord.

The Beauty of Custom Designs

A dear man once emailed me and asked if I would make a custom design for him. His lovely girlfriend had just lost her mother. He wanted to do something special for her. Could I make a hummingbird pendant? Her mother had loved hummingbirds and he wanted this pendant to commemorate her life.

Well, I had not done any custom pendants before. And I had never done a hummingbird. But I was willing to try! I was so nervous as I sat in my studio and began the hummingbird. I actually prayed, "Lord, this man wants to have something special for this friend of his that is grieving. Please help me."

This picture shows the results! I was pleased and surprised, and know that the Lord gave me the vision and the ability for the piece. My customer was pleased as well!

So, custom work....I used to be reluctant to do it. But now, if you have an idea, run it by me. Who knows what will come of it!

Who Me?

Look what we found on the sidewalk at the Wal*Mart in Frederick! I decided to take Philip's picture by it and while we were standing there, a woman from Wal*Mart came up to us and asked if we were the ones that parked the Wienermobile there! After telling her no, she said, "I guess the Oscar Mayer people just dropped off the Wienermobile and left." I must ask you, do I look like someone who would drive that?!

Wirework and Crystal Pendant

Here's my latest creation. I'm having a hard time knowing if it was better before I oxidized it or after. The first picture shows it all shiny, before oxidizing. When I tried it on it was just a bright shininess that didn't really show any detail. So, I went ahead and used liver of sulfur on it. That makes it totally black. Then I had to work pretty hard to make it shiny again.

Now the Swarovski crystals really pop and the weaving shows up. I like it much better. But Philip, my son, liked it better bright. I'd love to hear your opinion. Wish you could see it in person. Not sure if you can tell from the photos. Here's a picture of me in the necklace and the matching earrings. Somehow, I always need earrings to match! I think I've almost got this new wirework technique learned to the point where I could make things for sale. Sure having fun!

Pink Dogwood Petals and Driving

My poor car! It's been so neglected this week. My Nissan Altima is covered with pollen and now pink dogwood petals. It hasn't been driven all week! But I couldn't resist sharing this picture. The colors are so beautiful. Even though it was raining today, God's lovely colors came through and brightened up the day!

So, why hasn't my car gone anywhere? Well, our youngest son, Philip has his driver's permit. Now we go everywhere in his car with him driving. I get to go do all my errands riding in his VW Passat. Here he is as he chauffeurs me around town. I think I could get used to being treated like an important person being driven everywhere. But, my favorite car might not be recognizable soon!

My Son, the Graduate

How proud I am of our son, Jonathan! He graduated with High Honors! What a joy to watch him cross the stage, shake the hands of the university president, and grasp his diploma. What a thrill to hear his name, along with "High Honors". Jonathan has been such a blessing in my life and I praise and thank God for him. Way to go, my sweet son!
My wonderful husband, Matt, is also pictured. He had the joy of watching Jonathan graduate on his birthday. He said it was a great present. Happy Birthday, Hubby!
And, as you may notice, the jewelry I made for the occasion fit the bill.