Rose of Sharon Jewelry

Tomorrow Sandra leaves and we'll slowly go back to the Fullen family's normal. We've laughed, ate and lived well since she arrived on the 19th. I will absolutely need to go on a diet after our feasting. Here's a few of the many fattening delights we ate this holiday season - fudge, rum cake, fruitcake. coconut shrimp, whip cream, lemon meringue pie, candy and cookies. Our island themed Christmas meal was a success thanks to Dawn's inspiration. Off to enjoy our last feast - Sandra's famous beef stroganoff!

Thanks for stopping by again. Don’t forget to check out the newest releases in the Rose of Sharon Jewelry store.

Still enjoying the aftermath of Christmas. I've always suffered from the post-Christmas blues so I decided to just celebrate every day until reality sets in. Still have decorations up, company is still here, kids are still excited about gifts and we have tons of leftovers. Just thought I'd stop by and let you know where I've been. See ya in a few days!

Dear Santa, Please come to the Fullen home on Tuesday December 22nd. Kael, Orion and even non-believer Hunter will be waiting for you to come down the chimney.

With all the in-laws and outlaws, the Fullen's often have Christmas early. One year it was the 10th! We figure it’s easier to avoid Christmas overload and conflicts.

For our full family gathering, we cook a non-traditional – usually international – meal. One year, Mexican; the next, Greek. This year is Dawn suggested Polynesian influenced menu with a bit of Caribbean tossed in. That way no one gets turkey burn-out!

Arden’s sister, Sandra always joins us from Houston. She’ll be her on Saturday and we’ll put our tree up together and finish the rest of all the decorations.

While Josh and his brood visit Dawn’s family and have time to develop their own traditions, Sandra, Arden and I fix a juicy prime rib dinner. The best prime rib is Kansas City Steaks which I order from QVC. Expensive, but always worth it.

Another newer tradition is to order the most English muffins in the world from Wolferman’s. The best deal is their 12-package buy where you select your favorite flavors. We love every flavor! The cheddar cheese muffins are wonderful in Eggs Benedict.

Got to run as I only have 7 more days until the Fullen Christmas!

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Grandson Hunter experienced the hardest life and death lesson this week after a young girl friend collapsed at school. The athletic 13-year-old girl died while being air lifted to a hospital.

On Tuesday before classes started, Hunter was chatting with the young girl when she complained her legs hurt and sunk to the  ground. The bell rang and the hallway became chaotic. Some kids ran to the school office alerting a “Code Blue” team which subsequently called CareFlight.

Hunter and a second girl friend waited with the 13-year-old until she was taken aboard the helicopter. Facts are scarce so far but it seems she died in route to the hospital from a heart attack.

Hunter, being a strong young man not unfamiliar with death of a loved one, spoke to a school grief counselor but never called home. The school district sent out an automatic phone call notifying parents of the tragedy which worried his Mom. Dawn wouldn’t find out Hunter was involved in the incident until he returned home from school.

Hunter is understandably sad and bewildered. How can someone be laughing one moment and gone the next – especially when you seem to be a healthy young girl?

There are no real answers – even when we learn the facts surrounding her death – that will ever satisfy a friend, a teacher, a sibling or a parent.

Our prayers go out to the young lady’s family and our pride in Hunter is confirmed. He stood by a friend even during an emotionally charged episode. People are shaped by their experiences and Hunter has once again strengthened his character.

 

 

 

 

 

Hunter (summer 2009)

Twins Kael and Orion had a blast at Train Town in Sonoma, CA. Kael is wild about trains and Orion is just wild about anything mechanical. 

Had so much fun riding the scaled down train, feeding goats, exploring the tiny Western town, riding a carousel and chasing after the exited 3-year-olds.

I was able to keep my cold at bay for the day and walk about enough to enjoy their excitement and take pics. Had to ice down the ankle at the end of the day but it was worth it.

Saturday, we were at the Kart track at the Jim Russell Karting School at 8:00 a.m. for Hunter’s first Kart race. With “arrive and drive” you just pay your money and show up. They provide a working Kart, fire suit and helmet. 

Speed Demon

Hunter did great in practice and qualifying (8 out of 10 which is good for a first race with little experience) and was ready to take everyone on in the official race.

He did great in the rolling start and captured 3 positions when someone bumped him from behind in the first curve. This set up a chain reaction with Hunter and his Kart flying 3 feet in the air. He landed safely but his front end was damaged enough to restrict his speed. He did finish 8th by holding off a faster car.

Hunter how has a souvenir front end (costing Grandpa $113) and some wonderful memories. He may have had some bad racing luck but we are proud that he stuck to it and finish.

Cannot wait for next season!

As if dealing with broken and sprained ankles and surgery weren’t enough – now I have a cold. With OTC meds, I’m foggy headed but at least I can breathe. Between coughing bouts, I’ve been finishing up my backlog of very stale work-in-progress projects.

Actually, it is time well spent and so far I have completed several wonderful necklaces and bracelets and learned a new technique. I dismantled a couple of necklaces and reworked them with much better results. New beads, improved techniques and Mom’s feedback helped!

At the end of the month, I should have enough stamina to set up the photo studio in the loft and share with you the finished pieces.

Bye for today. Got to get well so I can travel with the whole family to Sonoma, CA for 12-year-old grandson, Hunter’s first Kart race! I’m the official photographer so I’ll share some pics next week.

Here’s a pic from this summer’s Kart racing school.

Bit under the weather today so I thought I'd share some pictures with you on the blog of Sandra Lee’s newest jewelry designs and some family pictures, too. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Orion is going to be another Richard Avedon. Who knew a 3-year-old could even take photos? Let alone ones you’d keep.

Here’s a few pictures he took this week. My daughter-in-law Dawn was posing with some vintage scarves for an upcoming blog feature when Orion raised his chubby hand, shouting “Me, Me, Me.” I thought he wanted his picture taken but that didn’t make him happy. He wanted my camera.

So I kept the camera strap around my neck and let him shoot away with the Canon Rebel and a pretty heavy lens. Every time the lens clicked, he giggled.

Here are some of his best pictures (with just a bit of cropping by Grandma). Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mama (a.k.a. Dawn)

Grandma’s Garden

 

 

 

 

 

Toes (a self portrait)

 

 

Here’s Master Photographer Orion on his 3rd birthday.