My Mom – The Original Pinterest!

I can't take credit for this beauty but I had to share :-)

I can’t take credit for this beauty but I had to share 🙂

How adorable is this gourd flowerpot?  I can’t take credit for the invention, planning, execution, or any creative aspect of this project since I was simply the recipient (a very grateful recipient at that!), but I totally felt the need to share this project.

My mom is notorious for her creativity.  Every Christmas season she not only gives gifts but she always includes a craft project on the side.  In the past it has been a snowman, an angel, a wreath, or some other craft that she developed in her head, brought the idea to life, and used the gift to brighten up someone’s day as they receive such an unexpected, thoughtful and time consuming gift during a season that no one seems to have enough time.  What I find most amazing, though, is that while I am aware my mom uses the computer for work e-mail and word processing, I am pretty sure she has never experienced Pinterest and its craft and cooking project overload.  I truly admire the fact that her projects come directly from personal inspiration and ideas.

I wanted to post Mom’s autumn project so that she knows how much her creativity and thoughtfulness was appreciated, and so others can enjoy it as well!  Isn’t this such a nice fall gift?  The mums are beautiful because they are the iconic fall flower, but by something as simple as adding a daisy or two just completes the entire arrangement, in my opinion.  Beautiful creation, Mom!

I hope everyone is enjoying the fall harvest season and finding some time or some way to let your loved ones know that you are thinking of them… whether it’s through a thoughtful craft or gift, or by sending a thank you note – even if it is via your blog.  🙂

 

Flashback Friday 6/28/13

Every Friday is Flashback Friday here at alittlebitofthisthat!  Join me every Friday for a random photo, memory, experience etc. that I’ll share and hopefully spark some good memories of your own or inspire you to do some digging! 🙂

For today’s flashback, I’m going way back.  This past Father’s Day, my family and I sat in the backyard, enjoying the beautiful weather and each other.  Well, I knew the ADD in my family would kick in soon and everyone would be doing a million different things so I decided to bring out an activity to keep everyone interested.  I walked right up to my mother’s closet where she keeps her photo albums, grabbed a bunch of them and brought them down in hopes of finding some great pictures of dad and some good memories.  Everyone flipped through every page and we all stayed together (for the most part).  Mission accomplished!

Of all the photos we found that I could post here today, (yes, plenty of Dad), I feel like I have to share one that I don’t ever remember seeing or knew it existed… me right after I was born! (hah.. hah.. I know how selfish of me… but c’mon I seriously am impressed that I actually own this photo now!!)

In addition to that, my mother is my biggest role model and guiding light in life.  Family members frequently call me “Little Eileen” and I couldn’t be more proud to bear that name.

So here I am right after being born with the woman I will always look up to and admire, and another of my mom and I on my senior prom night.  Thanks for checking them out 🙂

Mom always said I was "all head and hair" when I was born.  She is only 32 in this photo and already has a 7 and 6 year old! Wowzers!

Mom always said I was “all head and hair” when I was born. She is only 32 in this photo and already has a 7 and 6 year old! Wowzers!

Senior Prom 2004   Love my mama! <3

Senior Prom 2004.
Love my mama ❤

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

❤ Jessi