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Whatever the current politicians may do, there are always individuals who are willing to serve and sacrifice for this amazing country and my thanks go out to them! Pioneer Woman is doing a photographic tribute based on the theme "Coming Home" to focus on what Memorial day is all about.

Not another second apart
My husband happens to be one of those men and this is one of our homecoming pics that I am so honored that she featured.

Our time in the military has included struggles and long separations but we have been blessed with the joy of reuniting each time my husband comes home safely. I know that is not every family's experience. One of our friends experienced an early homecoming due to a serious injury that they still deal with on a daily basis. And sadly many never come home alive. My grandfather never returned from Vietnam and my Grandma has bravely lived an honorable and joyful life in his memory.

Good job dad
This is a photo I snapped of my son telling Dad "Good Job" after he returned from a deployment. I want to say Thank You for your Job Well Done to all who have served our country past and present! And for those whose loved ones have given the last full measure of devotion  - I don't know your loss, but I thank you and I pray that you will feel the appreciation of each one of us not just this weekend but every day. 

and one more thing, it isn't just the person who wears the uniform that desperately needs a thank you. The lonely wives, the scared little kids who miss their parent, the proud but anxious parents and grandparents. It means the world to hear a simple thank you. Lets make sure they do not feel forgotten either…

Here are some links for sending letters and care packages to service members overseas, supporting wounded veterans and also supporting families of service members.

Operation Gratitude

Wounded Warriors

Wounded Warrior Family Support

A Million Thanks

Soldier's Angels

Any Soldier

USO

Have a great Memorial Day weekend – I hope it is full of sunshine and beaches, cookouts and family!

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  • Katherine - Oh my gosh, that is just too beautiful.
    What amazing images.
    Hope your day is positively wonderful..
    K xx
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  • Peggy - How beautiful! And thank you!! I know what you go through and have gone through… you see my husband has served our country for over 20 years and continues to do so! Not only am I married to a career Air Force man (security forces) but come from and married into a family filled with military. Between the two we have all five branches covered, yep Coast Guard counts too!
    As a daughter, mother, and wife I want to say thank you so very much! Thank you for willing giving of yourself for your husband and your country! Thank you for standing by him when so many others turn their backs on him! THANK YOU!!
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  • Jane - The last picture is priceless!
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  • Betty - I love the pic. They bring tears to my eyes. Thank you to your husband and thank you for sharing this.
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  • Mique - I saw your comment on my post- thank you for that.
    I just got the chills from reading this post. Thank you so much for sharing with everyone. The pictures are beautiful.
    And it’s so true- behind every person out there fighting for our country is someone at home praying for their safe return.
    Thank you for all you do for your husband and for the rest of us as a whole. Today I am remembering…..
    xoxo Mique
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  • Linda@Craftaholics Anonymous - Lovely pics! Thanks for sharing this post. You military wives amaze me!! Thank you for doing what you do! And thank you to your hubby for his service!!
    Linda
    Craftaholics Anonymous
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  • April - Thank you to your family! My husband is also military, gearing up for another deployment…It’s good to see that happy reunion!
    BTW, I just found you on the Blog Guidebook, never been here before.
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  • Karen - That is beautiful!!!
    Found you from TTA, please follow me, too.
    http://themommytimes-scmomof2boys.blogspot.com/2010/06/tuesday-tag-alongs.html
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  • Thrifty Canucks - Beautiful Post. I loved the pic of your husband and kids.
    Following you on GFC as Thrifty Canucks from Tag along tuesday. Please check out my blog and follow back if you can
    http://thriftycanucks.blogspot.com/
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  • Jennifer - Newest follower from TTA.
    Please stop and visit if you get a chance!
    Jennifer @ The Craft Barn
    http://thecraftbarn-ny.blogspot.com/
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  • amy - this is so beautifully touching. you and your husband have incredible strength… tell him we appreciate him & thank you… xx
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  • Jessica - Beautiful pics! Congrats on your feature 🙂
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  • Sandy a la Mode - The picture of your son giving your husband high five just melts my heart. Thank you to your husband for all that he does for our country. Can’t wait for your Pin it Forward post tomorrow! =)
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  • Life with Kaishon - I thank you so much for all the sacrifices your family has made for our country. This made me cry.
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Lovely bud quilt

This is the quilt I made to give away awhile back. Click here for my current give away. Finally here are some pics and the quilt's special story… 

I wrote here about the loss of my son six months ago. I found out two months after losing him that I was pregnant again. In order not to give in to fear I have committed myself to creating like never before. God has calmed my heart as I have busied my hands making things and it has been very healing to see beautiful things made in the aftermath of such loss and brokenness. I sketched ideas for my very first quilt and a drawing of a single flower, rising out of a vase to reach out a window came naturally. Realizing that this was an image of the hope I was longing for I began to make this quilt. Pictured above is the front and below is the back. Back lb quilt 

I ordered several fabrics for the quilt that ended up not being quite right so I was so excited when I found this Moda fabric that V and Co. was selling in her shop. My process was pretty simple. I sketched my design on big paper the size of the quilt. Then I traced over the flower and vase to make patterns for the appliques before I cut out the large shapes that I would make the quilt out of. I laid the paper and tracing paper patterns directly on the fabric and cut around them leaving a seam allowance. Then I pieced together the front and back of the quilt using basic sewing technique. 


Making quilt

Finally I appliqued the vase and flower on using fusible webbing and hand embroidery. I embroidered the stem and leaves on freehand. Fairy Mommy  then finished up by quilting the layers together and adding a cute binding made out of the scraps! 

Bud detailHere are some detail shots of the quilt. And for all you who may be good at drawing and designing but feel that your sewing skills are sketchy – YOU CAN make a quilt! You can draw out a design, make your own pattern and use basic sewing techniques that are explained in a myriad of fabulous blogs… and then you can send your quilt out to be quilted and bound (I am thankful that I have a wonderful teammate in my mom) I know, I know, learning to quilt it probably isn't that scary either…. But for those of us with a phobia of math, measuring and matching corners, this may just be our niche – freehand quilt pictures?!

Vase detail

Since all quilters are artists, their work must be signed! Here's to you lovely bud blog and all the creations you have inspired in your young life.

and while I hope for healthy babies and many years to watch them grow, my hope and my faith is in God because there is more to life than this world… and I am thankful for His love and the gift He has given us to follow in His creative nature

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

Words

Check out all the lovely quilts over at the Blogger's Quilt Festival - and you have until May 28th to enter your own quilt! You can also check out the other link ups where I share my projects here.

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  • aimymichelle - wow that is beautiful!
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  • Sue - Amen
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  • Marika - Very beautiful quilt work !
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  • Carol Hansen - Beautifully simple. Thanks for sharing your thought process about it. Enjoy the new baby.
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  • Angie Padilla - Touching, heart-wrenching and uplifting all at the same time. Thank you for sharing – it cannot be easy. This new child is a gift, may you enjoy every minute, every day.
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  • Christy - Beautiful, Sharon.
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  • Denise - beautiful quilt…sorry about your little angel…
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  • barb - thanks for sharing your personal story, what a sweet quilt.
    wishing you all the best
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  • Amanda T - Hey There 🙂
    I’m a new follower from Tuesday Tag Along. I hope you’ll stop by and follow me too.
    And while your there feel free to check out my $100 American Express Giftcard giveaway.
    http://mylifewithratsandmore.blogspot.com
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  • Amber D - This is a great idea, I lost my husband back in 2007 from cancer and would have loved something like this.
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  • Kim @ seven thirty three - So beautiful!
    Thanks for linking up with Sugar & Spice.
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  • Asia - So pretty! I wish I had the patience (and time!) for something like that.
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  • Crafty Mummy - Beautiful quilt! Thanks for sharing
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  • Momsy Katsy - New follower from Follow Me Fridays!
    Wishing you and your family a great weekend.
    ~~ Kat ~~
    My Tots Exactly!
    My Tummy Calls
    My Game of Chance
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  • Kelli Campbell - Sharon, I believe we met once briefly…we have a lot of friends in common and I hear your name mentioned often but I never knew about your blog and your art till I happened upon it today through the PW photos of all places.(congrats on that beautiful Coming Home photo posted today -I recognized that flightline right away:)
    I couldn’t leave without commenting to say thanks for the truly lovely words, photos and creations you have shared here. I’ll be bookmarking your blog for sure:)
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  • Beth - beautiful quilt!
    New follower from New Friend Friday- please follow me back at a
    http://helpingunitefatherandson.blogspot.com/
    Happy Friday!!
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  • Zlaty - Very pretty quilt! I am so sorry for your lost and what a blessing to be pregnant again!
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  • malia - I am in awe of your strength and your creativity.
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  • Pam Rosenberg - This is really cool. Traditional with a contemporary twist. The colors and subject matter are perfect. Really nicely done.
    Pam
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  • MageeMommy - Thank you for posting and reminding me of heaven and how God is close to the brokenhearted and binds our wounds.
    PS Such a pretty quilt!
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  • Melissa - Absolutely Beautiful. I am so glad you are finding healing in your creativity 🙂
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  • Cheryl - Beautifully done & is the perfect image of hope. The love you have in you is apparent in your work. Thanks for linking to Craftastic Monday:)
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  • Rose fr FineCraftGuild.com - This is excellent, in fact, so good that I want to invite you to join our new DIY tutorial party that opens today…
    http://www.finecraftguild.com/diy-linky-party-free-pillow-crochet-pattern/
    Early entries get most traffic, so hop over today
    (pssst …there is also a link there for you to get a chance to win $50 silver customizable jewelry gift certificate from wonderful designer Lisa Leonard)
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Daisy for mommy4

Nothing makes my heart happier than when my little boys pick flowers and bring them to me – they are always so proud of themselves! 

10 Things that Make me Happy

Jesus, pure and simple

my muddy, lizard catching, superhero cape wearing boys

my big strong man

making lovely things

dark dark dark chocolate

California

beautiful things that take my breath away

sweet words from friends

fish tacos after a day at the beach

pleasant surprises

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  • killlashandra - Cute picture! Love that smile and those blue eyes. 🙂
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  • Leanna - Adorable. love the coordinating colors and then there are those eyes. Very nice job!
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  • Missy - Awesome focus. And I love his face! This is great!
    Thanks for stopping by my blog. 🙂
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  • Monica - What a cute little flower from a cute boy 🙂 Great job!
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  • stephanie from texas - my little brother has hair that same red! what sweet little face.
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  • Erin - This is a wonderful photo! LOVE love love your blog. Am foloowing from Friendly Followers!
    Have a wonderful weekend
    xo Erin
    droppedstitches72.blogspot.com
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Give away

One person will win all three of the handmade (by me!) items pictured

– gift bag decorated with a custom woodcut and fabric decoupage

– illustrated gift (or treasure) box 

– painted and embroidered Moleskine journal 

Just leave a comment to enter and check out all the other lovely give aways at Give Away Day!

A Simmering Pot and a Mom Blog

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this is one of the few pictures I took of my third son, the one I lost… 

Joshua
i think we most truly know and are connected to something when we loose it 

i think we are forever captured in that moment, tied to what we lost. the pain holds us tight and teaches us our destiny

the movie "master and commander" tells the story of an english naval captain and his crew aboard their ship during the napoleonic wars. the crew is comprised of both hardened old seamen and fresh young boys that don't even seem old enough to leave home. one of those youths loses both his arm and his best friend at sea. as i re-watched it recently i realized those losses didn't drive him from the sea, rather they tied him inseparably to it. 

my deepest loss, my greatest pain came while creating, while mothering – i lost my third son during birth on his due date six months ago

and now i can't stop creating – if a day goes by without creating art, teaching my children, sewing, cooking or gardening i feel like i am dyeing 

and i am now united to motherhood in a way i was not before, 

i am forever bound to the act that caused me the greatest pain, defined by my life's deepest loss and i am so grateful

he never spoke a word but he taught me more than anyone 

i am grateful but i wish it had never happened. i only want to hold him alive but i trust God's plan. what craziness, but if you have experienced it you understand

so this is for the women with aching empty arms and holes in their hearts this mother's day. for the women who long to bear children, who have lost grown children, who have to grieve their baby's death instead of celebrating their birth  

you are a mother in such a special, intense way, committed to mothering even when it costs you all you have. your treasure is in heaven. your broken heart is beautiful, strong

and for those that hold perfect healthy children, the challenge is to not drift away unawares. to deeply know and love and cherish what we hold without the sting of losing these gifts

my baby's body rests in the sea – alone, but my son is in heaven with Jesus. i thought i admired both places before, but they are indescribably beautiful to me now

for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also – matthew 6:21

for beautiful photos and posts celebrating motherhood head over to iheartfaces

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  • Tyler - You are a beautiful mother! Your children are blessed!
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  • Lydia Abbott - Beautiful! Tears came to my eyes as I read this and I am not yet a mother. You have given a very special gift to many that read these comforting and uplifting words! You are truly my inspiration for being a mom someday. Thank you for taking the time to write your thoughts! May the Lord continue to bless you and your family more and more each day, Needless to say that Jesse must be so proud and feel VERY blessed that God brought him a wife and mother like you!!!! I love you guys so much!
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  • Hollie - I only just found your blog a few minutes ago. I really needed to read this on Mother’s Day. I am one of those desperate to be a Mother and you are the first person to put into words, what I felt in my heart that no one might understand. Thank you. My heart is with you on Mother’s Day and all of your children, both in Heaven and on Earth. Happy Mother’s Day to you.
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  • Twiggy - Beautiful. I spent many, many years trying to become a mother and it finally happened for us, I know we are truly blessed and never forget for a minute how lucky we are and how painful the waiting and hoping can be.
    You are a fantastic mother.
    Twiggy x
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  • Katherine - This was so beautiful, thank-you.
    K xx
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  • Jenn - Thank you for sharing this and joining up to the Yummy Mummy Blog Hop. What a beautiful and touching story-brought tears to my eyes. You are a fantastic mother and your children are all very blessed. Happy Mother’s Day!
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  • Michelle Gidosh - thank you…
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  • Amanda Rooney - Wow!! The photo is breath taking! And your story ~ his story ~ is never to be forgotten!! Thank you for opening your heart today. May God continue to show you “beauty from ashes…”
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  • donna - you picture is beautiful … your words are breathtaking. may God’s grace touch you today as you minister to your children and to all who read your story. blessings to you precious mom …
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  • Life with Kaishon - I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I think this post honored his life so well. Very powerful. Lovely image.
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  • Pam D - What a beautiful picture and heartfelt post. So true that those of us who had uneventful births and healthy children just take it all for granted. May God continue to walk with you through grief and sorrow and open your eyes and heart to joy along the way.
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  • carrie - This is an incredible and heartwrenching post. Although I had a glipse, I will never know the pain you must have felt and still feel. Thanks so much for sharing.. and although this is a bit strange to have you link back to me again:).. I want to share I post I wrote about my friends and the loss of their baby.. http://rowdystroudy.blogspot.com/2008/07/home.html
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  • Serline - Beautiful photo. Now that you have shared your story, we are bound to your loss as well. There are no words I can offer you better than scripture, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways”. The loss is part of His plans for you, that you may be a great mother to your children and will treasure life and all around you so much more. God bless.
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  • jessicamaylords - Thank you so much for writing this. I am not a mother but my sister-in-law lost her baby last year, and I remember how incredibly painful it was. Thank you for having the strength to share this.
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  • Mindy - I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful reminder this photo is…
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  • Laura - What a beautiful post, picture and blog you have! I am glad Hollie told me about your blog.
    Hugs-
    L
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  • Jennifer Rikkers - There are hardly words….all of this is so amazingly beautiful. Evokes emotion. evokes love. motherhood.
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  • MIchelle - Stunning photo and post. Thank you for the tears in my eyes right now.
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  • Austin-Lee - Such a sweet post…and thanks for recognizing the mothers whose little ones are not here with them. I have two friends struggling with this on this mother’s day, and it’s so heartbreaking. The photo is lovely, also!
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  • KristaMae - Beautiful and sweet…an amazing way to capture the memory
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  • Lauren - your image and your words are so beautiful and touching. I’m so sorry you have experienced such loss.
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  • Buckeroomama - That photograph is actually hauntingly beautiful.
    I’m very sorry for your loss.
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  • Amy @ Muddy Boots - I lost my second son a few hours after his birth. He had a genetic disorder -that we knew of in advance- but it didn’t make it any easier. His loss has left a hole… and it will be five years this October.
    But, we grieve with hope, right? We know we will see our babies again.
    Remember that each day brings you closer to your son.
    (hugs) from a mom who knows.
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  • christina - beautiful photo & so sorry for your loss.
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  • Raymonde - Thank you for your visit and comment.
    Your capture is beautiful and I am sorry for your loss.
    Your faith is inspiring. Have a blessed week.x
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  • candi durbin - So glad to have “met” you! I understand your hurt. This post was so beautiful, it made me cry. I look forward to reading more of your blog……
    Seriously, it’s not a coincidence!
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  • Paige - I just found this post through your comment on Candi’s blog. This is so touching and your faith through all of it is so encouraging. God has the biggest plan for you.
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  • Dion Seneca - What an incredible post! Thank you for sharing your loss and your renewed vision of motherhood with me.
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  • Angela - Thanks for visiting my blog.
    Oh how those arms can ache for a baby… mine did. I am so sorry for your loss.
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  • Vanessa - Thank you for bringing me here. This is something I have to constantly remind myself…that instead of longing for another child or mourning the loss of children I may never have I need to focus on the ones that I’ve been blessed with.
    This picture is beautiful and your story is so so moving. <3
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  • Heather - I stumbled upon your blog via Ohdeedoh, but felt compelled to leave a message here of heartfelt prayer and blessing to you and your family as you deal with your third son’s early release into the arms of Jesus. How much you must miss him….
    I don’t know if you’ve heard of Angie Smith’s story about her daughter Audrey Caroline – http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/2008/01/beginning-of-story.html – I hope her story brings you some healing.
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  • Aaryn - I do not even have the words…this is so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.
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  • jack - Again, thank you for your comment – I am so sorry for your loss and think you are very brave to share it with this beautiful photo.
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  • Arya - This really made me cry! And it made med start appreciating my life in a whole new way.
    Thank you.
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  • Mimi - Thank you for your visit and comment. And thank you for sharing your story and your faith. God Bless you.
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  • Caroline (Frogmum) - A beautiful entry and a beautiful post. I am sorry for your loss and amazed at your courage and creativity. God has truly bless you through the tiny life of little Joshua.
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  • Jen Parker - You are a wonderful mother. To be able to understand that God does have a plan, and that your faith is being tested… Your perseverance is amazing.
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  • Liz - You are obviously a beautiful person with a beautiful spirit. Thank you for visiting my blog with your encouragement. This was a tough post for me to read considering I’m due in just six weeks with my third child (who also happens to be a third son). You will be in my prayers tonight. I can’t imagine burying one of my children and I know I haven’t any sage advice to make your loss hurt less. I do believe in heaven, though, and that those who lose their children in this life will be granted the opportunity, by a loving Heavenly Father, to raise them in the next. Small consolation now, I’m sure, when the hurt is so huge.
    Beautiful, beautiful photograph.
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  • Diane Herman - and my son too
    xx
    the hole in my heart is protected by the love of his 3 sisters 🙂
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  • Trisha - I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. We lost our 3rd child ( a baby girl ) too. It is something I wish nobody has to go through. Huge hugs to you and your family!
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  • Virpi - I’m so sorry for your loss. The pic is really beautiful. Our neighbour faced the same as you and every time I see her I feel quilty for having 6 healthy kids. It also reminds me how precious they are and it ain’t obvious to have them.
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  • mamaTAVE - Thank you.
    Your portrait is a beautiful treasure.
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  • Sharon - thank you all SO much for your understanding and encouraging comments! they mean more to me than I can express
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  • Jen - it’s a beautiful photograph. and beautiful words. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for your honesty.
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  • Susie - I am in tears reading this… I can’t even imagine. I lost my middle child but so much earlier on. I still grieve to this day. Sending hugs…
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  • cpcable - I found your blog through Soulemama’s “This Moment” link…but this was the post that spoke to me more. You put into words, so eloquently, what I have been feeling and going through. Thank you.
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