the performance trap..

I really like this picture..a simple ladder leading to a thick solid tree branch. I'm afraid of heights you see... so anything a couple feet off the ground turns me into a sobbing mess..I'm not kidding.. family members have been witness to this as I braved a tower climb (after much of what I like to call .. a discussion)..I got to the top and sunk to the floor and cried and could not be moved no matter the coaxing by others.. But, because I wanted to look like I could do it THIS time..I went ahead and did the climb and was humiliated that I got to the top and could not move...Sometimes fear drives us ....for me, at that time, it was the fear of what others would think of me and fear of heights that embarrassed me....can you imagine living like this? Maybe you do..I have..trying to do things that please others... at times I sacrifice my selfish nature for their selfish nature and called it love...believing that this is having a servants heart...if that's a servants heart..I'm not feeling it..maybe its my fault.. sometimes I do things as the way to the heart of another..only I end up feeling alone and emptied...I keep ceaselessly striving to please people..trying to get them to like me and not throw me under the bus when I don't meet their expectations.. I do alot of things because it's the right thing to do...but its not always beneficial to me and to those involved...the pressure to do what is expected alot of times has more to do with others approval rather that serving God...I'm thinking of those times when others have judged me and criticized my decisions according to what they believe is right and just.. I'm trying to please the very people who are critical and judgemental rather than making sound decisions according to what I believe to be true as I strive to be in agreement with the Lords will and not their will.... as I put my faith in the One who loves me unconditionally weather I do it the "right" way or just do my best or even fail.. who is there to fear? And, what is there to fear? I will just do the daily climb..in faith and not be brought to despair by others ...I think that's where I will find joy..in serving Him...and maybe the rest will just fall into place..I gotta be like this ladder and lean on the thick solid branch trusting it will support me as I climb...and face my fears as I go...and look back knowing I did the best I could with what I had... thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it Stephanie

dear gray rainy weather..go away!

Well, if it would only quit raining here I might get some things done! Until then..dreaming....the top left is a great example of great woodwork and the use of white..love it! and the red barn/chicken coop...helloooooo! I need one of those..I really do! of course my dream garden..off to the bottom left...it will be just like this! (I hope) he heee.... and with all the great stuff that's gonna grow... a girl must have a great place to enjoy it all...love the pink flowers in the metal vase...whew! that was a good time! hope your inspired to get outside..especially if you have great weather..lucky! thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

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simple and stunning....

What a great idea! What a really unique way to display flowers and have a menu for your guests! I can see using this at a BBQ this summer! oh I love simple and easy ways to make an impression on friends and family! enjoy! thanks for stopping by! Love ya mean it Stephanie

all about you..

all natural..

Last night we had so much fun goofing around together! It all started right before bed when the kids came running in our room( which for some reason turns into the family room right before bed) anyway, Ella had this huge what butterfly or moth? that Evan had caught and put on Ella to show us....

So pretty right? It was funny though every time she would move her arm Danny and I would move over quite significantly on the bed...the kids weren't fazed (we don't think) and we sure didn't point it out...

She was sooo thrilled...

after the thing flew away..Ella grabbed my camera and went to town..I will share a few with you...Donkey's name is messkee and the tiger is kuggi because according to Ella "she's so cozy"...

a nice nose shot..with after thoughts of dinner (it looks like) on her mouth...

her best eye shot..if you couldn't tell...or maybe she's in as much shock as I am ....to share a picture of me!!!!!!!

Here I am...no makeup ,no hairstyle..in my famous pj lounge wear.....after being inspired by comments that I may be a grandma..I thought it was time to let you in on what I look like..what better way than all natural? lol

if ya love me all natural...I figure you can love me as I am..no airs... just me...

Thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

Sewing lessons...

One thing I have always wanted for my daughters is that they both learn how to sew...its something that I have always wanted to do myself but the side of my brain that holds patience..has none....so I'm moving on to my girls..in a fervent hope that the patience gene is in them instead..Camalee probably..Ella...not so much..poor thing ...being like her mom and all...

So when my mom law invited us into the See Sissy Sew shop for a "make a pillow" class..I jumped! Outta my pj lounge wear and into the family living room on wheels (that would be our van)...

and was greeted with this lovely entry way..a whole new lot of fabrics..and a fairytale of a tree....

See Sissy Sew holds so many great classes....such as sewing up a great Amy Butlers Swing Bag, a Serger class, a Cambrie dress class..a quilt class and they even do a private girlfriend class! I love the class because there is one on one teaching..love it!

The girls got to pick out the fabric they liked..Camalee picked the very newest fabric in the store!

Gram checking on her grand baby....

Getting a lesson from the teacher..what a sweet gal she is! Very patient and kind...

A close up of the new fabric..get in there before its gone people!

All done and proud of their work...

A great project for young ladies who want to learn some thing new..or at least make their moms happy..heheee

Go to See Sissy Sew and sign up for their classes! It's a great time for everyone! And right now in the Reflector.. there is a coupon for 30% off any regular priced item ,expires 5/15/10 (restrictions apply..I don't wanna get in trouble) Located in the Battle Ground Village on 1207 SE Rasmussen Blvd. Ste.101 call 360-723-0341 for details on classes and events...

Thanks for stopping by love ya mean it! Stephanie

He said the sweetest thing...

My husband said the sweetest thing yesterday..he would like to send me to school for photography...now I think that's sweet... but what really made my heart skip is when he said he thinks I have some talent..and that I almost see the photo before I click it....I know he loves me ...it really felt good that he thinks this..it has been something I could get into...but am I any good for real?Hmmmm... I think I will try..when the time is right..it could be fun and interesting to learn something new....plus Ella is going to school all day next year..I am loving this idea! Even if its for a giggle for me and my family..it will be fun..and I will have a ton of photos of the ones I love! right? Have a great Monday everyone! I hope you all had a great mothers day weekend! thanks for stopping by! love ya mean it! Stephanie

HAVE A GREAT DAY FROM THE WHISPERING CREEK HOUSE! THANKS FOR YOUR SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR MY SON! YOUR ALL SO SWEET! THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! LOVE YA MEAN IT! STEPHANIE

My son is 18 today..I love him...and am so very proud and blessed that he is my boy..God, thank you...you have given me such a gift with this one.....


photo by Sharla Stenerson Photography

A new shop to visit!

Introducing The Olive Kat..a new little shop on 12503 N.E. 72nd Ave.Vancouver Wa 98682....I stopped by this great little treasure tucked away and surrounded by a garden nursery..and enjoyed my time so much.. I asked permission to share it all with you...enjoy!

There are lovely things coming in daily I'm told...so stop over there.. they would love to have ya!
Thanks for stopping by! Love ya mean it! Stephanie