Throwback Post: Team TLC and Romano Duo Christmas Memories

**THROWBACK POST**

December 26 2011:

We had so much fun making rather Merry yesterday! To quote the oh so quotable Thomas, “I’m so excited my throat’s gonna explode!” Hope y’all did too! Merry Merry and Happy Happy from Team TLC!!!!!

December 25 2013:

There are always more hand made gifts than store bought gifts under our tree ….. The Haiku poems were a hit! I so much enjoyed making these!

A Mama always know how to pick out the most perfect and most comfortable jammie/comfy clothes ever! Thank you Mama! I may never take them off!

The homemade gifts have spread to The Romano Duo. The wish list T & L gave to The Romano Duo had mostly homemade gifts, and Legos!!) Beautiful short story my Mom wrote for us.

I have so very much to be grateful for, overflowing with gratitude and faith this morning. It’s a Wonderful Life, indeed!!

“A House is Just a House” by Patty Romano with love.

“Once upon a time there was a little family who lived in a house. In this house lived a Mom, a little girl and a little boy …”

A “Believe” shirt and a weather station! The Romano Duo blessed Lillian with such thoughtful gifts! She is a weather addict! And we LOVE to ‘believe’ in this team! xoxo

Thomas was so happy with the Lego set and new outfit from The Romano Duo. He wore the boots til he went to bed! Handsome and amazing young man!

December 28 2013:

The Romano Duo loved the Haiku poems I made them for Christmas! These were so much FUN to make …. especially the glitter!

December 29 2013:

Thomas loved his Christmas present from me. I think I’m gonna steal it from him! Turned out awesome.

“I love you to infinity and beyond … Always remember … You can do, be, or have anything you decide you want, as long as you use your imagination and your feelings as if you already have it.” -Team Member C

December 25 2014:

Yummy dinner at The Romano Casa last night! We stood by the fire to get warm and have our picture taken. Sending you so much love, light and joy.

My big gift to Thomas and Lillian. A handmade Team TLC Record Book. Spent hours making this and put tons of love into it. Also gave Thomas a Love Coupon for me to learn about Minecraft so I’d know more about and understand it and perhaps build things with him. Gave Lillian a Love Coupon for teaching myself to crochet so that I could teach her. They each got one store bought item. Thomas got a $10 old fashioned style watch that he LOVES! Lillian got a round faceted crystal to hang in her window. The Romano Duo did, however, shower all of us with other goodies. Blessed and grateful.

Instructions for the Record Book: Welcome to The Team TLC Family Record Book. A place to share your thoughts, memories, love and fun stuff about Team TLC or yourself.

Directions:

Take one part a great memory, idea or quote from yourself or another Team Member and mix equally with a great writing utensil and this fabulous record book.

Write with all your heart and watch the magic happen as you spread your thoughts across the pages.

Watch the love grow and grow as The Team TLC Record Book grows and grows with your magical words.

Save the last page to list the names of people who have shown you kindness. At Thanksgiving 2015 you can choose one person from your list for which to make or buy a gift. The catch is that you have to give it to them anonymously.

Have FUN!!!

Team TLC rocked around the Christmas tree at The Romano Casa yesterday. One with sparkling red eyes and one without! Thanks to the Romano Duo for the much needed gifts of pajamas, socks, shampoo and conditioner, lip balm, hand cream, essential oils, clothes for Lillian, and some just fun gifts too … Minecraft books for T, bags of random LEGO pieces for T, yoga cards and paint set for L, and gift cards for all of us for Grassroots Books! Grateful indeed!! xoxo

The other “handmade” gifts for Thomas and Lillian. I’ve been reading the Minecraft Essential Handbook today and found a few crochet tutorials. The gifts that will, indeed, keep on giving! HA!

Last of the gifts I made. Snowflakes for The Romano Duo. Thomas and Lillian made me some great handmade gifts. Still need to take a picture of those little treasures.

Team TLC + Lovey on Christmas morning. Thomas was a wee bit excited about the watch!

December 25 2015:

Most cherished gifts ever! Lillian made me a Christmas Ocean Book and Thomas made a game for me using Scratch. xoxo

Three adults, 2 kids, and 1 guinea pig in the 800 sq foot Team TLC love shack for the day. Perfect. Plenty of room for more love!! Great, simple dinner and relaxing day spent with The Romano Duo.

Team TLC emphasizes creating and giving homemade gifts. I put much thought into what to create for T & L and much loving time into creating the gifts. With the anticipation and excitement of a young girl, I could not wait for these to be opened. I loved creating, making, and giving these gifts. Also got to recycle and up cycle in the process! Cardboard box flaps, signs for labeling flowers and plants, and really, really old lined paper.
xoxo

The gifts I am most grateful for receiving! With all of us sleeping in the same room and with a patio light with no “off” switch, having complete darkness at bedtime has been challenging. Wahoo for the eye sleep mask! What a blessing! Thomas received one too and is thrilled. We have used the masks for 2 nights now and loved it! I have mentioned in blog posts about our tiny living adventures that the road noise is a challenge for me. No longer! These ear plugs are amazing! It is on my “to do” list to remove the light bulbs on the patio. Just haven’t gotten to it.

Mom n Frank, and myself, and my daddy went in together and got Lillian a laptop. Look!!! They are sitting next to each other … Lots!!! First, they were each on their blog making entries. Then, Thomas helped Lillian create a scratch account and taught her how to use it. Love!! xoxo

December 28 2015:

Last day for the Romano Duo. They leave really early in the morning! Had a great lunch with them today. xoxo

December 29 2015:

Thomas’ gift for Lillian …. Freehand fairy portrait … Love, love, love!!!

Creative Gift Giving on Just the Positive

December 5 2019:

I recently offered a suggestion to a wonderful and uplifting gift giving blog post on Just the Positive. Warmed my heart to see my suggestion of writing a special poem and using upcycled materials to make into a wall hanger (along with many other suggestions from others), including two photos of last year’s gifts. I needed my heart warmed. (Thanks Jackie!) Check it out. You may see something that inspires you!

Click the photo below to read the article …

Throwback Post: Rocks as Gifts and Picture Day and Weather Station

**THROWBACK POST**

May 21 2013:

Thomas went on a quick bike ride this morning before school … and brought home gifts for me and Lillian …. ROCKS. This kid totally Rocks! Perhaps he was inspired by the gift Lillian and I brought him from our date Sunday. We brought him a sticker from Squeeze In and a weed eater string we found at the park. He liked the weed eater string best!! Maybe y’all will be inspired to show some gratitude/kindness to someone you love today by giving them a home made or nature made gift! Have FUN!!

Thomas Rocks as Gifts May 21 2013

Picture Day at HDMS Adventures for Thomas and Lillian … April 2013.

Thomas and Lillian May 21 2013

After going outside to check the homemade weather station and the wind this morning, Lillian came to me and said she had a nature chant to share … “Go wind Go. Someday, I know, you’ll be the pro.” The wind must have really liked it. I nearly got blown over during my walk!! So inspired by that young lady!

Get Well Gift – HappYness Treasure Map and a Bag of Rocks

**THROWBACK POST**

April 25 2013:

Off to pick up Team Member T & L from school and deliver a very special Get Well gift to Susan Hill!! So much FUN making this one!

Get Well Gift Rocks 4.25.13 #1 Get Well Gift Rocks 4.25.13 #2

Here are the fun “Instructions” that go along with the Inspirational Rocks:

HappYness Treasure Map™
+ One bag of inspirational rocks

Ingredients: One bag of Inspiring Rocks to guide you in feeling good, inspire you and to make part of your daily adventure. One HappYness Treasure Map.

Dosage: Remove one rock from bag daily.

Side Effects: Good feelings, creativity, acceptance, HappYness and inspiration

Instructions: Each morning slide your hand into your bag, shift the rocks around in your fingers until you find just the right one, and pull it from your bag. The following are some suggestions to go along with the phrase on your chosen rock. Continue choosing a rock every day until your bag is empty. Put them all back in and start again! Have FUN!!

Acceptance – Is there something that is causing you disharmony due to not wanting to accept?

Morning thoughts: I have no control over other people or how events play(ed) out. I accept this and make peace with it. I accept myself just as I am. I am loving, kind and wonderful. Change wording to suit you.

Evening thoughts: I am grateful to have reached acceptance of _______________.

Attention – Be clear about what you are giving your attention. Does it relate to your intentions for your life, for the week, or for the day? Bring your attention back to your intention.

Be Flexible – Use today as a reminder to be flexible …. At least once during the day sing this little song to yourself,

“Row, row, row YOUR boat,
GENTLY down the stream,
MERRILY, MERRILY, MERRILY,
Life is but a DREAM.”
Row your own boat, be HappY and create your dream!

Faith – Remind yourself throughout the day to have faith in yourself.

Forgiveness – Today is the day to forgive yourself and anyone else. Write a letter to yourself or someone else detailing what you are forgiving yourself or that person for … No need to give it to anyone. Just write it and reach the place of forgiveness within yourself.

Gratitude – Make today about being thankful. Take as many opportunities as possible to express silently or out loud your gratitude.

Intention – Review your intentions. What are your intentions for your life, this year, this week or this day. Have you taken a detour? If so, either make peace with the detour or get back on your path.

Intuitive – Be sure to check with your intuition today on your decision making. Trust yourself.

Kindness – Make today about spreading kindness to yourself and those you encounter. Could be with a smile, a hug or even a silent blessing for the person.

Laugh – It’s good medicine and good for the soul. LAUGH a lot today!

Love – Do everything you do today full of love from your innermost self.

Purpose – What is your purpose? What do you feel you are supposed to accomplish during your life? It’s okay not to know. Just ponder it …

Release – Today is the day to release any guilt, judgments, hurt, or any other negative feelings. Be one with the feeling, embrace it, then release it.

Self Love – Do something kind for yourself today. Nurture yourself. What makes your heart sing? A walk outside, reading a good book, enjoying a divine meal, doing absolutely nothing … do IT.

Well Being – Focus on your well being. Know that you have well being within you.

Morning thoughts: I am an instrument of well being.

Evening thoughts: I am grateful for my well being.

©2013 CamillaDowns.com

How to Have a Homemade Christmas

December 25 2016:

The most cherished and beloved gifts. Part 1

Lillian created a Nature Book for me that caused my eyes to sweat.

“Grass is healthy food and beautiful.
Sky is a beautiful ocean in the sky.
Flower is a pretty thing in nature.
Trees are old wise spirits in nature.
Ocean is a reflection of the sky.
Night is a beautiful time.
Animals are people and nature like us.”

handmade-gifts-12-25-16-1 handmade-gifts-12-25-16-2

I wrote a poem for each of them and made it into a wall hanger.

Thomas: “Knowledge beyond grasp, Gentle and tender heart, Deep knowing of the soul.”

handmade-gifts-12-25-16-4

Lillian: “Beauty shining within and without, Depth and strength I know not, A light shining brightly for the World.”

handmade-gifts-12-25-16-3

____________________________________________

The most cherished and beloved gifts. Part 2

A handmade card from Lillian and a poster size drawing from both Thomas and Lillian.

The card is full of original Lillian nature quotes … Plus one from Thomas!

“A sunset is nature’s art.
Rainbows are nature’s fancy artwork.
Night is art to the human’s eye.
Seasons are nature’s beauty.
Wind is nature’s music.
Space is a beautiful art.
Snow and ice are nature’s quiet time.” -Lillian

“Nature is full of awesome animals.” -Thomas

handmade-christmas-card-from-lillian-12-24-16-1 handmade-christmas-card-from-lillian-12-24-16-2 handmade-christmas-card-from-lillian-12-24-16-3 handmade-christmas-card-from-lillian-12-24-16-4 handmade-gifts-poster-size-drawing-from-thomas-and-lillian-12-25-16

__________________________________________________

The most cherished and beloved gifts. Part 3

Lillian made Thomas a Nature Book also.

“A cat can make several sounds including purr and meow.
A dog likes a lot of outdoor exercise.
Fish are living in almost any body of water.
Mouse like a lot of food scraps including cheese.
Ducks are social.
Cows help humans by making milk and eating grass.
Humans can dress up as animals and wear animal headbands. We are animals.” xoxo

handmade-nature-book-from-lillian-to-thomas-12-25-16-1 handmade-nature-book-from-lillian-to-thomas-12-25-16-2

___________________________________________________

The most cherished and beloved gifts. Last Set of Pictures

Lillian made a Christmas card for Thomas and a noisemaker for me!

Many of you know that Lillian has been working on having flexibility. Something that is extremely difficult for her. At about 9:00 pm Christmas Eve she was still working on handmade gifts. She was determined to stay up until she was done!

She decided at 11:00 that she would go to bed and finish in the morning. YAY for flexibility entering a wee bit!! I simply knew the next morning that it would be best to not even suggest waiting until after opening gifts for her to finish.

So … our Christmas Day did not begin until about 11:00 as we waited for her to be finished …… And, we were all okay with that …. xoxoxo

handmade-card-from-lillian-to-thomas-12-25-16-1 handmade-card-from-lillian-to-thomas-12-25-16-2 handmade-card-from-lillian-to-thomas-12-25-16-3 handmade-card-from-lillian-to-thomas-12-25-16-4 handmade-noisemaker-to-camilla-from-lillian-12-25-16

_____________________________________________________

There were a few non homemade gifts too!! Thomas and I can play tennis now!! And as soon as it snows he can go sledding. Plus a calendar and a sweater he just loves.

Here’s a great gift idea for someone with sensory issues ……. a soft fuzzy sweater. He asked me if he could wear it all week. Great job Romano Duo on that gift!!! Thanks to Super Owen for the great book too!

Lillian got a box of one of her favorite cookies, a great new LEGO set, some books, and a calendar. Thanks to Super Owen for the great book.

christmas-gifts-12-25-16-1 christmas-gifts-12-25-16-2 christmas-gifts-12-25-16-3 christmas-gifts-12-25-16-4 christmas-gifts-12-25-16-5 christmas-gifts-12-25-16-6 christmas-gifts-12-25-16-7 christmas-gifts-12-25-16-8

___________________________________________________

Gifts beyond the handmade …. I received some great books, a new sheet pan, oh so comfy socks, and since I’m not able to have a real camera right now, a few awesome accessories for what I do have!

Can’t wait to read the books! Thank you Frank for this amazing pan!!! Baked rosemary fries in it last night and they were amazing.

Thank you Olivia for these yummy socks!! And thank you Momma for the lenses. I finally got to go for a walk this morning and tested the macro. Love, love, love it!!!!

camillas-christmas-gifts-12-25-16-1 camillas-christmas-gifts-12-25-16-2 camillas-christmas-gifts-12-25-16-3 camillas-christmas-gifts-12-25-16-4

The Romano Duo and Steve the Alien and Meals and Glow and Homemade

December 11 2016:

We’re getting to have a drive by quickie visit with The Romano Duo on their way to see Heather Schutzler and Brian Schutzler in Washington. They’ll be back here next week! Happy Thomas and Lillian!!!! xoxo

romano-drive-by-visit-12-11-16-1 romano-drive-by-visit-12-11-16-2
_______________________________________________________
December 11 2016:
Three Team TLC thumbs up!!! It was great seeing and chatting with you for a wee bit this afternoon Brian Benson. Thomas chose this for our nightly read. Hope you have a beautiful time visiting your son!
steve-the-alien-and-team-tlc-thumbs-up-12-11-16
______________________________________________________
December 13 2016:
Made my salad into a meal tonight. One of the best salads I’ve ever had!

Sautéed onion, garlic, and potato salad with beets, cashews, raw pecans (from a Mississippi pecan tree – courtesy of The Romano Duo), raw sunflower seeds, sulfur-free dried apricots, sautéed broccoli, chopped pickle, olives, English cucumber, sprinkle of prairie sunset cheese topped with a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar. Potato mixture sautéed in coconut oil, Himalayan pink salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, and ginger.

Yum!!!!

potatoes-and-broccoli-salad-12-13-16

________________________________________________________

December 16 2016:

Yum, Yum dinner last night!! Mixed mine with romaine lettuce, pickles, beets, English cucumbers, and aged balsamic. Thomas had his sans the salad.

Sautéed sweet onions, garlic, raw pecans, raw pistachios, and raw sunflower seeds in coconut oil with Himalayan pink salt, black pepper, and ginger. Mixing in gluten free Tinkada pasta and sprinkled with Prairie cheese.

dinner-12-16-16-1 dinner-12-16-16-2

__________________________________________________________

December 16 2016:
Thank you to The Vintage staff. They put together a Holiday Glow celebration for the residents. So grateful …. and what fun to meet and get to know the people in our community. I really, really like these two humans with whom I get to share this life ….. xoxo
vintage-holiday-glow-12-16-16-1 vintage-holiday-glow-12-16-16-2 vintage-holiday-glow-12-16-16-3 vintage-holiday-glow-12-16-16-4 vintage-holiday-glow-12-16-16-5
__________________________________________________
December 17 2016:

And then there was this ….

Vegetarian chili infused with fresh sage ….. With sautéed sweet onions and garlic, big pinch of unsweetened cocoa, dash of aged balsamic vinegar, Himalayan pink salt, black pepper, chili powder, paprika, and ground ginger. Needed quick so used 2 cans of Trader Joe’s organic vegetarian chili and 2 cans of fire roasted and diced tomatoes.

And …. it is soooooo good!! xoxo

dinner-chili-12-17-16

__________________________________________

December 17 2016:

Finally took time today to get caught up on some “love” details.

We had a party, cake, and gifts for Lillian’s birthday in September; yet, I had not made her card. I also finally made Thomas’ 11th birthday poster for his November birthday.

I love making homemade cards …. xoxo …. 💙💚💜

lillian-birthday-card-12-17-16-1 lillian-birthday-card-12-17-16-2 lillian-birthday-card-12-17-16-3