Finishing projects!!

I woke up this morning and decided to finish several projects I have been working on. This is an apron for my co-worker. She has been really sweet to me and helped me to adjust to the transition of my new job. She and her husband own a restaurant and she helps where is needed. She may be waiting tables, cooking, running the cash register, or just hostessing. She wears an apron and has been talking about how hers were worn out, so she has a new one to wear tonight to bring in the new year. We are staying in tonight. I quit going out for New Years a long time ago. I have plans to paint and sew for the next 4 days. I also have been cleaing out some and I plan on continuing with that task. I hope 2010 brings ya'll great times filled with love, health, and laughter. Stay safe tonight if you go out. Happy New Year and may God bless ya'll!!!

Big guy in a red suit????

MC says Merry Christmas and this big guy in the red suit thing is really great!! She wants to learn more about him. Santa made a hit at her house. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and this morning is continuing with the same blessings. Daughter, son in law and angel baby are traveling to his mom's for Christmas. I did get to spend a little time with them this morning. They called and told me to come look at what Santa brought. They will return this afternoon. Oldest son just popped in for brunch/lunch--little combo of breakfast food and lunch food. Little son is playing his new Playstation 3. His buddy around the corner is here, they have been back and forth this morning playing with each ones new game stations. The house is full of laughter and giggles, what wonderful sounds!!! I have been sipping on Spiced Christmas Punch, one of my favorites, and listening to Christmas music. This punch is a fav of all the kids. Here is the recipe:

2 cups cranberry juice

1/2 cup water

2 1/2 cups pineapple juice

1 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp whole allspice

1 1/2 whole cloves

3 sticks cinnamon

Place spices in the cheesecloth and tie with a thread. Mix juices, water, and brown sugar in a small pot--Drop spices into juices and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let steep 5 minutes.

Spices may be put into top of perculator and juice poured in bottom-perk until stops.

Ya'll enjoy the day. Try not to eat to much. Be safe, happy healthy. Smile and giggle. Hug those you love and most of all, God bless ya'll!!

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not evil, to give you a future and a hope. When you pray, I will listen. You will find me when you search for me with all your heart." ----- Jeremiah 29: 11-13

May God's Gift Of Love, Be Your Joy This Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

For unto us a Saviour is born. He is Christ the Lord. May Christ
bring you and yours peace today and all through the coming year.
Merry Christmas yall!!!!

A Christmas Story

While drinking my coffee this morning and blog hopping as I do every morning, I found this. Please read and remember!!!!!



A Christmas Story
It's just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so.It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas---oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it-overspending...the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma---the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else.Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way.Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended; and shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church, mostly black.These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes.As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears.It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford. Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat.Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, "I wish just one of them could have won," he said. "They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them."Mike loved kids-all kids-and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball and lacrosse. That's when the idea for his present came.That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church.On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me.His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years.For each Christmas, I followed the tradition---one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on.The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal it's contents.As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there.You see, we lost Mike last year due to dreaded cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning, it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad.The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope. Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us.May we all remember each other, and the Real reason for the season, and His true spirit this year and always. God bless---pass this along to your friends and loved ones.--- Copyright © 1982 Nancy W. Gavin--- Submitted by Edwin G. Whiting
The story first appeared in Woman's Day magazine in 1982. My mom had sent the story in as a contest entry in which she subsequently won first place. Unfortunately, she passed away from cancer two years after the story was published. Our family still keeps the tradition started by her and my father and we have passed it on to our children. Feel free to use the story. It gives me and my sisters great joy to know that it lives on and has hopefully inspired others to reach out in a way that truly honors the spirit of Christmas. --- Kevin Gavin

I found this over here:
http://vistawoman.blogspot.com/ Hope it made you feel as good as it did me. Now go get a white envelope and pass it on. Be safe, happy, healthy. Pray for our soldiers and their families. Hug those you love and God bless ya'll!!!

Angel Baby's First Arts and Crafts Attempt

MC, mom and I attempted to make ornaments for all the grans and great grans with her lil handprint, but WRONG!!!! She would not open her hand and when you tried to open it, no way!! Had a good time and I got the only ornament that got anything on it--several blobs of paint, but I will always know what it was. It is hanging on my tree with name and date. Maybe next year will be easier!!! God bless ya'll!!!!!

Christmas Blanket

I finally have finished a project. My time frame has changed some with the arrival of the sweetest lil angel I know, but I did get the Christmas items made before the first family get together. The blanket, bibs and burp pad were finished Sunday morning about 3 hours before our family breakfast out of town with my mom's family. I was determined to have them ready, although the family had given up on it. Ha! Ha! I always work better under pressure. Really things have been crazy here lately. My Thursdays have turned into busy days instead of those where you stay in your pj's all day. New Years resolution--get back to pj Thursday and crafting!! My dad broke his foot and there is a sore on it that we have to treat daily. He is unable to soak, treat and wrap it by himself so my daughter have taken over that job. I really have enjoyed it though, because it gives us some time just to sit and talk everyday. He was not able to go with us yesterday though, because he has come down with a terrible cold. My mom died 24 years ago and this will be the first Christmas get together he has missed. Next Sunday is his family get together, and I hope he is well by then. I loaded him up on medicine and keeping a close watch on him. There are so many strange bugs going around these days and I do not want him to get pneumonia. He is 81 years young!! The baby has been sick and she could not go to nursey, so I kept her a few days. Mom is back at work and does not need to miss, Gammy has all kind of time built up to miss so it was really not a problem to stay home with her. My employer was off and I planned on missing some anyway, but I was going to sew and paint, but holding her and playing with her was much more special. She is really developing a personality as you can see. She loves her Paw Paw Jack cause he will sit, hold and rock all day if necessary. We are planning an easy Christmas this year. I always do our stuff Christmas Eve so Christmas Day is open for whatever. Still have to have food, but thinking about downsizing. Going to have poboy sandwiches, cheese plates, dips and snack food Christmas Eve. Big kids will be working until 6 or 7 so I am going to get everything ready and we will all enjoy the evening together. We have so many big meals this time of year, that I am thinking about ditching the turkey all together and going with roast or something, but family not all on board about that. I will decide today, because I have to get the turkey out of the freezer tomorrow if we are going to have it. My oven is beeping and there are 3 loaves of sourdough bread fixing to come out, and it is time for me to get going for work. Ya'll have a great day! Be safe, happy healthy and remember those that are less fortunate. Hug those you love and remember to smile and laugh! God bless ya'll!!

Christmas Tree

What a wonderful time of year. I believe this must be my favorite. Happiness abounds and the lights and colors just make me smile. We have a parade every year in our little town and that is my tree putting up weekend. This year though my family talked me into putting it up Thanksgiving weekend. So we have been in the spirit since then. Thanksgiving was wonderful. All the family present, healthy, and happy. We ate at my dad's due to him having a broken foot and it was easier for him if we came there. My daughter and I cooked all day Wednesday and Thursday, then we transported to his house. Great time, but dummy mom forgot to take any pics!! Oldest son brought his girlfriend---never before has he ever brought anyone to family get togethers--maybe this one is for real!! Hope so. She is a really sweet girl. Did you see my sweet Christmas Cat? Every year as we put up the tree our kitty helps and then he claims his spot. Same spot every year. It is so funny!! I have to be careful what ornaments I put around his area and tie them down better than the others. We have to use fishing line to secure the tree to the window so it will not fall as he climbs. It is really funny to watch him get "nested" in his spot!!

If you have not seen "The Blind Side" with Sandra Bullock, please go see it. It is such a heartwarming film and it is all true. Being from the south and Ole Miss everywhere, I know the story. It will do your heart good to realize that there are caring, loving people still in this world who will go above and beyond to help others. At the end of the movie are the real pics of the Tueys and Michael throughout the years. Stay and watch it all. Great story!!! Please, please go see it!!!!!!

Ok, we all know that I am an encourager. I always think positive and try to instill these values in my children. While reading devotionals the other day, I found this verse. I do not think I have ever read it aloud before, but I do now on a regular basis. It is Romans 15:4-6. Enjoy!

"For whatever was written before was written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we may have hope. Now may the God of endurance and encouragement grant you agreement with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with a united mind and voice."

Be an encourager. As I said above this is a wonderful time of year, but for some it is a desperate time of year. Where I see happiness others see despair. Where I smile, others ache. Remember the reason for this season, and help others. Give to those that are in need. Sometimes a smile and a hug will change someones day. Take one gift idea away from your lists for everyone in your household and give the money you would have spent to a charity. Remember if God had not given us His wonderful Son, we would not be able to have the things we do! Have a great day! Pray for our soldiers and their families! Pray for world peace! Smile! Be healthy, happy, safe!! God bless ya'll!!!

Halloween Goblin???

Here is my Halloween Goblin. She arrived asleep, but after a while she woke up and we visited a few of our neighbors. Loved the costume her mom got for her!! Her little uncle was too big to dress up this year. He got a costume just in case, but at the last minute, he chose to take toilet paper to the hay ride instead of a costume. They had a list of houses who had said it was ok to roll, and they did it right. They had a blast. He is really growing up, and I don't think I am ready for this. (sigh!) Fall has arrived and I am loving it. The rains have stopped and if the Lord's willing, my son will get his beans cut today and out of the field. Major damage due to the rain, but thankfully he can salvage some. Not very creative these days due to cooking and cleaning. I am restocking my freezer with breads and casseroles. I usually keep these things on hand for us or last minute gifts, but I ran out of everything!! Hubby been home a lot more these last few months and I believe he is the culpret that depleted my freezer "happies".

It's "Time Out Thursday" my friends. This is my day to relax and reflect on things I forgot to appreciate and just to remember to enjoy life. I have turned into a Facebook person. I thought this was a young adult thing, but with much coaxing I am there. I have connected with so many old friends, and my extended family that live off have joined. I get up every morning and check to see if everyone is ok. It is unbelievable the old friends from grammar school, high school and college that I have reconnected with. I don't do much commenting, I mainly lurk, but I do remember birthdays and wish all a great day on their special day. I received this comment back from one an old high school friend yesterday, and it really touched my heart----

"A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one, finds a treasure", and after the quote he gave a sweet thanks for remembering him. See how a gentle act of kindness and rememberance can make someones day. If you have a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or maybe a family member that needs a little extra today do it. I try every day to do something like this for someone. Whether it be a smile, birthday greeting, or a comment. Try it, I bet you like it.

Time to go clean out my closet!! This will probably be quite a challenge. I could get in there and never be found again! Ya'll have a great day. Enjoy every moment. Be healthy, happy, safe. Hug those you love. Smile and laugh!! God bless ya'll!!!

Mama's Mexican Cornbread

I am joining in Tuesday's Tempt Your Tummy over at http://www.blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com/ They have some really great recipes entered each week. Today they are featuring Halloween Party Dip ideas. This recipe really is not a dip, but our Halloween party is having chili dogs and hot dogs before the hayride and this always goes great with chili on a cold night. My mom always made it for us to warm us up.



Mama's Mexican Cornbread


1 cup cornmeal
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp soda
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 cup milk
1 large onion
4 pods jalapenos
1 (8 0z) can sweet corn
1/2 lb grated sharp cheddar cheese


Mix dry ingredients and add milk; beat well. Add oil and eggs, agoin beating well; add remaining ingredients and bake in a shallow pan until firm.


I am not a great cook, but I do pretty good on a few things. I have always been on call or working, so cooking is not my specialty. I can save your life, but you will need to do the cooking. Ya'll have a great day. Hug your loved ones. Smile and LAUGH!!!! Pray for our soldiers and their families. Pray that the leaders of this country will make good sound decisions for the betterment of all. Be safe, healthy, happy. God bless ya'll!!!

Landon and Logan's Birthday

Logan

Landon

Good times!!

Today was my best friends twin grandson's birthday party. I believe the pics speak for themselves as to how much fun it was. Their mom ordered each one a small cake of his own. The theme was monkeys. After all presents opened and paper removed from both mouths, their mom sat them down in their highchairs and let them have at it. It was hilarious. Logan at one point just picked his up and put his whole face in his. Glad it was them cleaning up afterwards and not me!! Just a short tidbit of life's moments. God bless ya'll!!

With God.....

Well, another week has gone by and I have accomplished very little. Grand baby doing great. She is 3 weeks old today. Mom and Dad are doing great, also. My little one has gone with one of his buddies for the weekend out of state to visit the little boys dad. Too quiet around here already. Usually this time on Friday night is high school football and a house full of little 11 y/o boys getting ready to go to the game. Oldest son is also great. He came by last night and ate with us. I am truly blessed!!



The above pic is of a project I did today. I have been wanting to put a scripture on canvas with one of my crosses, but I do not letter good. I ran across the Mod Podge web site the other day and decided to try using it to put letters cut out of scrapbook paper on the canvas. It really turned out nice. Dawn, if you are reading this, it works!!! I cut the letters out with my Sizzix and glued them on the painted canvas first. Then I painted the cross and the background. After all had dried, I used the Mod Podge to coat the entire pic. Really was not very hard. Does take a little while for the drying of the paint, but the end result is worth the wait.



I hope ya'll have lots of fun plans for the weekend. I plan on using this time to be creative and when I am not creating to be watching college football. My old stopping grounds, Mississippi State University plays Florida tomorrow. Could be bad, but let's hope for the best. Be safe, healthy, and happy. Pray for our soldiers and their families. Smile and laugh, lots. Hug those you love, and God bless ya'll!!

Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday

Good morning!!! I do not have any new projects to post due to the above picture, so I decided to join Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday over at http://www.blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com/. Baby fine, mom fine, daddy had a fever last night and a headache. Not sure what that is about, but must be better because I did not here from them during the night. Cooked all weekend for the family with daughters help. These are her favorite muffins and we made about 70 mini muffins this weekend and 5 mini loaves of bread from a doubled recipe. Here is the recipe:

Mississippi Spice Muffins-------

1 cup soft butter or margarine

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

2 cups applesauce, (preferably unsweetened)

3 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp ground allspice

1 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp salt

2 tsp baking soda

4 cups flour

1 cup nuts, chopped (optional)

Powered sugar

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Mix applesauce and spices. Sift together salt, soda, and flour. Add to applesauce mixture and beat well. Stir in nuts. Bake in a lightly greased mini muffin pan at 350 for 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Batter keeps indefinately in the frig. Baked muffins freeze well (reheat before serving) Yields 84 muffins.

I put my warm muffins in a baggie full of powdered sugar and toss to coat. I make mini loaves of bread also. I just cook until toothpick comes out clean in center. Really good and makes your house smell wonderful!! Have a great day! Smile, laugh, love and laugh some more! Hug your kids and your loved ones. Pray for our soldiers and our government leaders that make the decisions that effect these men and women. Be healthy, happy and safe. God bless ya'll!!!

Required Reading!!

Everyone is doing great. The baby had some issues with some of her labs and had to go to the hospital everyday for a stick, but that resolved yesterday. Mom and dad are settling in really well to parenthood. They are so cute together. I don't know who coos and oohs the most--her or them. That little girl never leaves her house without a bow and dressed to the max!! These pics are of a bib and burp pad I made her. The flower is made out of ric rac and ribbon, all scraps I had at the house, and I had to put the ruffle on the burp pad. It just did not look right without it. It is sewn on a cloth diaper, you can't see the edges because I turned them under for the pic.

"Time Out Thursday"

While drinking my coffee and hopping around some wonderful blogs, I found this!! I think this should be required reading for all and posted in all classrooms. Enjoy!!

"The List"

The most destructive habit----------Worry

The greatest joy--------------------Giving

The greatest loss-------------------Self-Respect

The most satisfying work-----------Helping Others

The ugliest personality trait---------Selfishness

The most endangered species------Dedicated Leaders

Our greatest natural resource------Our Youth

The greatest shot in the arm-------Encouragement

The greatest problem to overcome----Fear

The best sleeping pill--------------Peace of Mind

The most crippling failing disease-----Excuses

The most powerful force in life-------Love

The most dangerous pariah----------A Gossiper

The most incredible computer-------The Brain

The worst thing to be without-------Hope

The deadliest weapon---------------The Tongue

The two most power-filled words------I Can

The greatest asset--------------------Faith

The most worthless emotion----------Self-Pity

The most beautiful attire-------------A Smile!!!

The most prized possession-----------Self- Esteem

The most powerful communication-----PRAYER!!!

The most contagious spirit------------Enthusiasm

Our greatest teacher-------------------Experience

I hope ya'll enjoyed as much as I did. Have a great and blessed day!! Smile and laugh--good for the soul. Hug those you love--good for your heart!! Prayer for those in need and yourself--good for your spirit!! Be healthy, happy, and safe. God bless ya'll!!!!

Mary Countiss Roberson has arrived!!!

Heaven sent a special blessing to me on October 2 at 0048----Mary Countiss Roberson---my first grandchild. She weighed 7 lb. 12.8 oz. Mom, dad, and baby are doing well. They came home from the hospital yesterday and are trying to get settled in. Thursday morning began with a phone call at 6 in the morning. "Hey mom, you gonna go with us to the doctor today?" and it was on from there. Straight to the hospital from the doctors office--via a trip thru McDonalds for a sausage and biscuit. Then they started the Pitocin on her about noon and angel baby arrived shortly after midnight. All my grandmother friends say this is gonna be a wonderful ride for me, and so far they are correct. I posted a pic on Facebook where she was sort of smiling and one of my dearest friends commented that "I would be smiling too if I know my grandma was Patsy". My husband laughed and said that is for sure. That little girl is gonna be spoiled. Both her uncles love her. The little one just sits and watches. He walks by occasionally and rubs her cheek and whispers to her. Big uncle is on his way to see her today.

"Let the children come unto me."........Mathew 19:14

Ya'll have a blessed week. I hope Heaven delivers many more little blessings like the one above this week. Be safe, happy, healthy. Hug those you love. Smile and laugh!! Remember this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and wear your pink. Pray for our soldiers and their families. Be creative!! God bless ya'll!!!

Piggy Bank Tutu

The babies nursery is finished and now we wait for baby to make her appearance. This little piggy just looked naked and I could not decide what to do for her, and then it hit me. She needed a tutu to jazz up her act!! So, she got it. Little momma was so surprised and everytime her friends come by they all know that "Grammy" got a hold of this. The sun shined today and what a blessing! It has been raining here for the past 2 1/2 weeks. Today was beautiful. Hubby waited til the hottest part of the day and then cut the grass, trying to let it dry out as much as possible. It was really high.

Oldest son is still in Montana and I miss him so much. He should be home late Wednesday. He has had great luck while he has been there. He filled both his tags. Got an 8 piont white tail deer and a 5 by 5 bull elk. He is bow hunting. His little girl friend came over today and spent part of the afternoon with us. She really misses him also. His buddies rolled his yard last night with toilet paper. They really got it good. The only thing is that they thought he was coming home today and since he is not, I will have to clean it up. YUK!!!! Lauren (girlfriend) took a pic of it and sent it to him to see. Simon (youngest son) is finally better. He has had the flu last week and missed all week of school. The teachers were kind enough to send home most of the tests he missed and we have one more spelling test to take and then he will be done. He is so ready to go back to see his friends. Little momma (daughter) is hanging in there. Bless her heart, she is at that end of the pregnancy miserable stage. She is doing good, just ready for baby to get here. She is still working and plans to work up until time to deliver.

I received a book at church the other day and am just now getting around to reading it. It is called "Overcoming the Overwhelming" by Dr. Ken Nichols. Our pastor preached on this several weeks ago. I was glancing over the context and saw this verse. The book says memorize it and repeat it daily-------

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."____Mathew 11:28-30

Ya'll have a great week. Be safe, happy, and healthy. Hug your loved ones. Smile and laugh often. God bless ya'll!!!

Ballerina Bow Holder

Well it is finished. I am never able to keep anything secret from my daughter, but so far this is, and hopefully I will get it wrapped soon and this will be a surprise. I made this for the babies nursery. I used the fabric that matches the crib layette. I had a pic in my mind and that is about all I had. Got 2 friends to help. One to draw off the dancing suit and the other to cut it out of wood. It turned out exactly how I wanted it to. I covered the board with the material by using sticky spray and then hot glued the edges to the back. I found the left over bowwa from the lamp, and had just enough to put on the neck and the embellishment ot the waist. I made a fabric flower--got this tutorial many months ago from "sewblessed.blogspot.com" and used a pom pom from Wally World for the center. I made the tutu and applied it to the suit with hot glue. Then I got several different colors of ribbon that match the room and hung them from the back. I am so pleased with this, and I know they will love it also. Going to go wrap it up before she comes over here unexpectedly.

This is the verse I turned to this morning when I was reading my devotional.

The teachings of the Lord are perfect; they give new strength .

The rules of the Lord can be trusted; they make plain people wise. ___Psalm 19:7

I have not been very faithful on my "Time Out Thursday" lately, so this week I will do a Wednesday and Thursday time out. Now, deep breath, blow out slowly. Picture in your mind the best thing that has ever happened to you. Hold that thought!!! Now relax and enjoy the rest of the day. Let stress take a vacation. Call an old friend today. I already have. It is my high school best friends birthday and I called this morning to give her good wishes. I did not get her,but she emailed me shortly that she got it and was so happy I remembered. I got a check in email from an old friend today also. She was just checking in to see how I was. It really made mefeel good. Sometimes we forget what a little check in on someone will do. Ya'll remember that today!!

Daughter just called and getting out, so I better get to wrapping. Ya'll have a great day! Be safe, happy, healthy. Smile and laugh. Smile and laugh again!! Pray for our soldiers and our country. God bless ya'll!!

Carre's Miscellaneous Shower

I am blessed to have wonderful friends. This special group of ladies gave my daughter a wedding shower today and it was so special. The food was wonderful. The invitations were the cutest. The flowers were beautiful, but most of all the suppport and friendship I have from these woman is priceless. Some I have known for a few years and some for a lifetime. They are all very special to me. One in particular is the sister I never had. She got all this together and worked with the others to make it hassle free for all. She and I have been through a lot over the years and I am sure we will continue to go through a lot. Dawn, you are the best!! All by best buds were there. It was a great time of laughter, memories, and joy. Carre also got an unbelievable amount of gifts. She received so much more that I expected. God has blessed me with a wonderful family, great kids, and the best friends ever!!!! The first picture is of me, Carre(daughter), and Sheryl(Carre's mother in law). The second pic is of the food table. Isn't it pretty? The 3rd pic is of Carre and the hostesses--Mary Beth, Holly, Carre, Carla, Dawn, and Janis. These are the best friends you could ever have! Time to get ready for a busy week. Ya'll be safe, kind, healthy, and happy. Smile and laugh. Hug those you love. Pray for our soldiers. God bless ya'll!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nursery Lamp

I finished this yesterday for the babies nursery. Quick and easy. This material matches the bed skirt on the crib. I bought the feather bowwa (I have no idea how to spell that and that is definately not right, but you get the idea) while at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago. The original lamp shade just needed a lift. I made a pattern out of parchment paper, cut out the material, used spray adhesive to stick material to shade, and hot glued the pink bowwa. Just a little more character to add to her nursery. The doctor said yesterday that if she not here in two weeks he is going to put her in and induce her. I hope we go natural, it is so much better.

The infermery is growing. Little buddie went down this morning. Going to the pediatrician at 8. Cough (actually a bark, been coughing a little for several days, but turned into high pitched bark last night), watery eyes, achy, lost his get up and go. No fever at present, but I thought he had a low grade last night. This really is a good sign to me though, because that high pitch means upper respiratory and maybe just has what daddy has. I do not want it to be flu. Oldest just left on a jet plane, literally. He is flying to Montana to hunt for 2 weeks and his plane took off about 30 minutes ago. Future momma is doing fine. She had a let down earlier in week, but has had an abundance of energy since then--I hope this means baby soon. I believe the long weekend with the wedding of her friend and working 4 straight days just got her. She slept most of one day and has been fine ever since.

Got to go get ready for work and the doctor. It is raining here and has been for 5 days. My yard looks like a lake. Everytime I step off the steps my feet squish! Ya'll have a good day and a blessed weekend. Be safe, healthy, happy---Oh, prayers answered. You remember the previous post about my friends mom. The cancer is not in the liver, so she will be able to take radiation and chemo. There is some hope of shrinking the tumor in her pancreas. At first they said they could do nothing. Keep praying! Miracles happen everyday. Hug those you love! Smile and laugh!! God bless ya'll!!!!!!!!!!!!

Halloween Onsies

Good morning!! Hope you had a great night's sleep and are read to enjoy a beuatiful day! Here things are not so good. Hubby is sick, sick, sick!! Congestion, fever, aches, cough!! Tried to get him to go to the doctor yesterday morning and he said he was fine. I gave him the lecture that he maybe fine but he could give it to the rest of us and I guess I got through that hard head. As the day progressed he started to feel worse and went in--diagnosis, not swine flu--thank the Lord! Although, he does have bronchitis. He told the doctor to do the nose swab for flu anyway because they both (I worked for this man for about 8 years) knew with this baby coming anyday that he would be quarrantined until better and possibly shipped out if there was any question that it might be flu. I am not really that bad, but with this strain of flu I am much more cautious than normal. Little buddy woke up this morning with red eyes and sniffles. Have not made a decision about sending him to school yet. I think it is allergies, but who knows. I don't want him in this house all day with these germs if it is allergies, but if it is not I don't want him exposing all the other kids. One kid in his carpool out all ready.

The onsies above are for some girls at work who are expecting in mid-October. They are both having boys. I am fixing them a bag of goodies. Almost through with them. I will also have one of these for my grandbaby, but I am going to put ruffles on hers. I have decided to tackle this. On the onsies I have done for her already, I decided the ruffle would be to difficult for such a small size, but on this one I want to seperate the girls from the boys.

Saw some real cute hand embroidery patterns on this site while hopping around this morning--
http://www.livingwithlindsay.com/ for Christmas. Ya'll go take a look! I hope ya'll have a great day with many blessings and memories. Take care. Be healthy, happy, safe. Hug those you love. Smile and laugh! Please pray for my family and hope we keep this at one sick and that it does not last long. We need to be well when that baby gets here. God bless ya'll!!!

Great blog giveaway!!

Just a quickie post. I was drinking my coffee this morning and blog hopping when I came across this neat giveaway. Great pattern and wonderul blog! This lady is very creative. Go see---

http://lilblueboo.blogspot.com/ Always something new and exciting there!! Yall have a great day and God bless ya'll!!

More Grandbaby Stuff

I finished a few more things this weekend. The bib and burp pad at top are like the ones I have been making. I decided to put ric rac on the edges to jazz it up a little. I tried a new pattern for the 2nd one. I got the idea from "A Feathered Nest" blogspot. Here is the link:

http://projectsforyournest.blogspot.com/2008/03/basket-o-burpies.html She has some great tutorials over there. I also followed her pattern for some bibs, but they are not sewn up yet. I went ahead and cut them out and pinned everything together, but did not sew the edges. I plan to do a little each night after work. I added the ruffle and I really like this look. As of today, I have finished 5 bibs, 9 burb pads.

My big kids were in a wedding yesterday evening. It was beautiful. The bride and my daughter have been best friends for years, and the groom and my son have also been great friends for years. The wedding planner had Doss (son) be Carre's (daughter) escort and they put them on the end by the side door just in case Carre had any labor pains and needed to get out in a hurry. It was really cute seeing them standing next to each other and walking arm and arm. No labor, only swollen feet. The wedding and reception were wonderful. Both families are old friends of mine and lots of old friends were there. Really had some good visits with them. The brides mom is a really good friend of mine and I have been so worried about her through this. She and her husband seperated about a year ago and she has been working 2 jobs to make this perfect for her daughter. She was so poised and elegant at the wedding. I was so proud of her.

Long week ahead for me. Got about 9 hours of work tomorrow at the hospital, and 2 full days at the clinic to follow so I may not be on line much this week. I hope to post more completed projects. We will see how things go. Ya'll have a great week. Be happy, healthy, safe. Remember those smiles!! Hug your loved ones. Pray for our soldiers and their families. Pray for our country and it's leaders. Take care and God bless ya'll!!!

Remembering!!!

As you sit in front of your computer today, remember the fallen. Pray for peace. This is a sad day for our country. Pray for the families of those we lost on this day. Their lives, as well as all our lives, were forever changed. God bless ya'll and God bless America!!!!

Burp Pads and Bibs

I finally finished some of the bibs and burp pads I have been working on. As you can see in the pics, they are reversable. The middle pic has some precious striped material on the back side of it, but when I found that ribbon in my stash, I had to put it on there. The materials I am using for these are scraps from some of my aprons I have made, so it has been pretty economical so far. I cut out a bunch more today, but did not get the chance to sew them up. That will wait for the weekend. I traced the bib pattern from a bib of my best friends grandsons. The burp pad pattern came from YouCanSewThis.com. I did buy some Halloween material to make some, but I am doing a different style burp pad, and the bib is a little smaller. I will show those another day.

Today is my day off. I had gotten up early, drank my coffee, checked my email, finished painting two crosses I had been working on, got Simon off to school, and started cutting out bib and burb pads from my material stash when the phone rang. It was my daughter. She was going to the doctor today and her hubby just found out he could not go with her, so she asked if I wanted to go. Well, yeah! We went to the doctor appointment at 10. He had to go deliver a baby and was backed up. She did not see him until 11:40. When he raised her shirt to measure her little tummy, he said "Your having a contraction." That is when the day changed. He checked her out and said everything looked good. Sent us to the hospital for lab work, and then to the other clinic for an ultrasound. Told me on the way out the door, if she goes into labor call me. If not I will see ya'll next week! The ultrasound showed the baby looks fine and weighs about 7 lbs, 9 0z. She has turned and is in position. Due date has been the 7th of October which puts her at 36 weeks and 1 day. Ultrasound says she is at 37 weeks and 4 days. You know those things can be off a week real easy. Now we wait. All my babies came early and my labor was fast. I hope the same for her. Please keep them in your prayers. She is a bridesmaid this weekend and if we can just get through this, it will be down hill from here. Her older brother is a groomsman in the wedding and they have put him as her escort and put them on the end, so if anything happens they can get out the side door quick.

Enough rambling. I am really tired. My dogs went crazy this morning at 1:45 and I was up for a couple of hours with that. One of my dogs never barks unless there is someone outside and that is what I heard this morning. I got up and looked out and sure knuff, this dude is walking down the road in front of my house. I started to call the police, but I decided not to because the local McDonalds is not real far from where I live and he looked like he had a McDonalds suit on. It is open 24/7 so I thought he might be walking to work. No, I am not blond, but I swear I am nieve at times. Well anyway, found out today that my neighbor 4 houses down had her car stolen last night out of her driveway and the one on the other side of her had her car broken into. Ok, my husband is out of town and I really heard it about this, so I will call the police the next time my dog does that bark and I see someone!! Ya'll have a good night. Be safe, happy, and healthy. Hug those you love. Smile and laugh. Please remember our soldiers and there families in your prayers. God bless ya'll!!!!

Are you ready for some Football???

How about Pee Wee football? Would this mean tough guy scare you? This is little buddie on the way to the game last night. 5th grade football and in there minds it is NFL!! Unfortunately they lost last night in a heart breaker with 35 seconds to go. We are now 1-1 for the season. Big brother came to watch, and they had to ride home together to talk about what happened and how they could prevent it from happening next game. Oh, my goodness, all this strategy!!!! Dad is out of town and he called 3 times during the game for updates. I think this is one of the funnest sporting events I have ever attended, and I have been through a lot of all sports. Big sis and big brother were very active in sports and looks like this one will follow in their footsteps.


I finished some more of the baby projects on Monday, and I will post pics later in the week. I got an email yesterday that I think is really worth reading. It is full of pics of dogs, but the words at the end are priceless. The vet in the story says that he will never live the same after and I agree with him. Ponder on it, and I believe you will feel the same. The story is about having to put an old dog down due to cancer and the statement a 6 y/0 made afterwards. The vet then goes on to discuss if a dog set the rules of life. I hope you enjoy as much as I did:

The little boy said after his dog went to Heaven---''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''�The Six-year-old continued, ''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'' Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like: When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!


Have a blessed day!! Be safe, happy, kind, humble, and healthy. Hug those you love! Take deep breathes and enjoy the moments!! Smile!! God bless ya'll!!!

Grandbaby Items

My first grandbaby is due 5 weeks from yesterday, and I am not ready. I had so many projects and I am behind schedule. This is finished though. I bought the pre-smocked dress off ebay, and I did the smocking. I think it is so sweet. I have a pleater and am very capable of doing it all myself, but why. It is so much easier to buy already pleated and sewn togther. Cuts the time in half. I am supposed to be finishing the valance in the babies room today, but they did not do the measurements, so that project gets completed Saturday. Went to a friends early this morning before she went to work and had coffee. It was so nice. The weather is somewhat cool here, almost feels like fall is in the air.

Had our first pee wee football game Tuesday and it was great! I had forgotten how little boys think they are so tough. I really believe they play as if they were in the NFL. We won and yesterday my little one was in the paper making a tackle. Boy, I don't know who was the proudest, Daddy, Grandaddy, Big Brother or the little man himself. Lots of testosterone floating around here yesterday!!! Although Big Sister was the one who saw the picture first and started calling everyone!! One of the girls at works mom delivers papers and they brought me one to work so I could see it early instead of waiting til I got home.

Time Out Thursday!!!!!

This is on the wall in our office at work. Don't say I have ever seen it put better-----------

Never regret a day in your life.

Good days give you happiness,

Bad days give you experiences.

Both are essential to life, always continue the journey.

Happiness keeps you sweet.

Trials keep you strong.

Sorrow keeps you human.

Failure keeps you humble.

Success keeps you glowing

But, only GOD keeps you going.

I continue to ask for your prayers for my friend and her family. The surgery was not a success, as a matter of fact, the findings are terrible. The blockage was a large pancreatic tumor pressing on the bile duct. In trying to remove it, they ran into unexpected complications and a tremendous loss of blood which ended the removal process. She is resting but having a good amount of pain. They plan to release her home in 4-5 days. The time frame is uncertain. The doctor only said live each day from now on to the fullest you can. They are in shock, but at peace because they know this is in God's hands and it is His plan being fulfilled. Please ask for comfort for this kind and sweet lady and strength for her children. Ya'll take care now. Be happy, healthy, and safe. Hug your loved ones. Smile and laugh!! God bless ya'll!!!!

New Week

Today starts a new week for me, and I hope it will be a little calmer than last week. Tomorrow should be very similar to last Monday. We have a good many cases for the OR and I am sure I will be there until 6-7. The rest of the week should be a lot lighter though. We had a surprise birthday party for my aunt last night. She will be 75 on Tuesday. It is really hard to pull these things off with my family because there are so many people involved, somebody usually slips up and says something, but it worked good this time. She was so surprised and we even got her 95 year old mother there. Lots of good family time together, there is nothing better. I was so tired this morning and it was raining and I slept in. I got up and my sunday school teacher had put a devotional on her facebook site, so I went over this and then went to play farmtown (yes, I am a farmtown addict) and low and behold she was on farmtown also. Her mother has been very sick this week and in an out of town hospital so she was worn out also. We had a great time discussing God and His love. I think He will forgive us for worshipping in our pj's today. I would like to ask all my blog buddies to pray for this family. They go back to the doctor tomorrow to get the test results and decide if they are going to have the surgery. If she is able to have the surgery, I ask ya'll to pray for our Heavenly Father to wrap His loving arms around her and her family and carry them through this with good results. We had a sad note today. I have lived in this neighborhood all my life. My children live here and my father lives here (my mom passed away 21 years ago). Most of the people living here are older and have been neighbors for many years. We lost one of those this morning. My dad called me about 9 and told me. This man had been a victim of Alzheimers for the past 2-3 years. He had been in a nursing home for about 6 months since he fell and broke his hip. His wife is one of the sweetest people I have ever known. Please pray for this family also. It is a blessing that he has gone to Heaven, but his family will need love and support.


The bag tag above is one I did for a friend as a RAK (Random Act of Kindness). She was an on line friend and really loved my art and crafts. She commented a lot about my stuff, so I sent this one day. It is made out of cardstock and designer paper. The ribbons are from my stash. The eyelets are from Close to My Heart and the baubles are from Stampin Bella. I paper pieced the clothes on the stamped image, and colored in the other areas with CTMH markers. I hope to have pics of some of the new stuff I am doing for the baby. I have made some bibs and burp clothes and I am smocking a few outfilts. Hopefully they will be finished soon and I can post a pic.


Time for me to close my rambling for today. I hope ya'll have a great week with many memories and blessings. Be safe, happy, healthy. Hug those you love. Remember to smile and laugh, and God bless ya'll!!

Long Week!!

I have had such a busy week that this is my first time to post. I knew last week this week would be tough, but I did not know quite how tough it would be. We worked Monday night until 11:30 and I am still not over it. Tuesday was a 11 hour day, Wednesday was a 10 hour day, and today (my day off) was a 3 1/2 hour day. Tomorrow does not look much better, I am expecting at least 10 hours. Oh well, as I say, it makes for a good nights sleep.

The above pic is an apron I made for myself last year. The colors are pink and brown. The pattern is called "My Granny's Apron", or something similar to that. I made some of these last year and gave as wedding presents and birthday gifts to friends. I have at least 10 cut out in my sexing box and I plan on finishing them soon. I really think I will give them as Christmas gifts this year to my aunts. I love mine. I also may put some on my Etsy shop. Aprons to me are a classic, that people rarely think of anymore. I am so glad to see such sites as Apronista out there. I hope people will start back using them as our parents did. My mom and grans always had an apron on.

Today's bible scripture is :

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you already are doing"-----

1 Thessalonians 5:11

In this world today there is much more criticism than encouragment. Whether it be at home, at school, or at work, we find fault instead of good. I hope that each of you will think this verse through and repeat it several times. Make it your goal to tell the ones around you the good things they do and not harp on the bad. In the end you will be happier and the person you commended might pass it on and hey--your little good deed could lead to a chain of events that could go all around the world. Wouldn't that be neat??? That is our "Time Out" for this Thursday. I hope to hear good things in the future from this!! Gotta go, little buddie should be in from school soon, and we gotta get homework done, rested and hydrated for football practice late this afternoon. Take care. Be healthy, happy, safe. Hug those you love, and may GOD bless ya'll!!!!!

New Crosses

Just a quick post. On my way to finish getting stuff for babies nursery with daughter. I will be back later with whether the trip was successful or not. Particularly looking for fabric for curtains and a rug. These are a new style of painting I did this week. I need some feed back as to whether it is a like or dislike. Found the camera on the floor board of my car. Simon went and crawled around for me and there it was. Thank goodness, I was really not in the mood to buy a new camera. Ya'll have a great day!! Be safe, happy, healthy. Hug your loved ones. Pray for our soldiers and their families. God bless ya'll!!

Two for One

These are two pieces I made that can be used as one or each individually. At home, the platter sits on my dining room table with candles in it and the bowl is on a side table, but I have used just the platter before for sandwiches at parties or both for a chip and dip. The walls in my living/dining room and kitchen are mustard colored and this pottery has a slight bronze tone in it with a plash of light yellow/mustard mixed over the brown.


Just had a quick rain shower here and I had to go out and put our dogs in the shed. They are the biggest babies. They were crying at the back door, but I got out there too late to keep them from being muddy, so I opened my workshed and they all jumped in. I have been painting a little this morning. I have a few new cross patterns I am doing. I will post later when I FIND my camera!! I took it to the shower the other day and have not seen it since. I really don't think I ever got out of the house with it. I have looked through all the bags I took and I hope it did not fall out when moving things to and from the car. Carre and Andrew's wedding pics are up and they are great. We are ordering this weekend and I hope to have some to post soon.


Thursday Time Out:
This is the time to sit back, relax and smile. Deep breath in and blow out slowly. Now, roll your neck, lift your arms up, stretch, and bring down slowly. Don't forget that breathing!! Stress will KILL you!! Please, take time everyday to think about this and find something that will help you relax. Today's scripture is a one for times of upheaval....


" Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare on the Lord: He is alone my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God
and I am trusting of Him."------------Psalm 91:1-2


It's time for me to go. Be safe, healthy, happy. Hug those you love, they are precious. See ya later!! May God bless ya'll!!!!

Onsies

Good Morning! Hope all is well, and that you are having a blessed week!! I have almost finished cleaning out the extra bedroom. Need to get in the closet. I have decided to paint the room, but that will be in a few weeks. I already have to many plans for the next few weekends. Dawn (my best friend for life) is going to help me, but her schedule is as crazy as mine. Today is hump day and that means it is down hill for me. Tomorrow is my day off, then a quick Friday work day and WEEKEND!!!!! I am going to Jackson ( abouth 1 1/2 hours from here) with my daughter Saturday to pick up some final things for the babies nursery. I am particularly looking for some material to make some curtains. The bedding came in and it is so cute. It is custom made and the colors are black, white, fuschia, medium pink and green. Really good looking. I am making the curtains in black and white polka dot if I can find the right material. When she finishes it, I will post a pic. I wish I had a camera right now--my youngest cat, Eustus, just came in here fussing and he would not be quiet. This cat usually is the quiet one. I followed him all over the house to see what was wrong and found nothing. When I sat back down at computer, he came back and started all over again. Finally he crawled up in my lap, layed down across my arms and started purring louder than I have ever heard him. You should see me typing and the cat over my arms!!

The onsies above are something I made for grandbaby. I was just playing the other day, and started painting them. I think they turned out cute. I had planned to put ruffles and ribbon on them originally, but it was too much trouble for a 0-3 month size. I will do that on larger sizes. I am going to finish some burp pads and bibs tomorrow. I will post when I am done. I have done the machine work and turned them. I just need to finish the handwork and embellishments. Gotta go get ready for work. Take care of yourself. Be happy, healthy, safe. Hug your loved ones. Don't forget to laugh and smile!! Pray for our soldiers, and most importantly GOD bless ya'll!!!!!!!!!!

Pottery

Changed my craft pics today. Thought I would have a few days of my pottery. This is a platter I made myself quite sometime ago. If you look hard you will see a chip on the bottom right corner. Child, husband, or animal??? Never could get anyone to own up to that!!! I roll my clay out with a rolling pin or use the slab roller at the co-op. I hand mold, occasionally I drape over something, but mostly I create the size and shape myself. I do not throw on the wheel because I never had enough time to clean it up afterwards. I love this platter and have given many as gifts and sold lots also. I have not done as much pottery lately, but since job changed, I have made 4 pieces. I just need to go and fire them.


Quiet day here. We are running short days this week because my doctor is a farmer also and it is harvest time for some of his crops. We are running 3/4 days instead of full days, but today was like a half day. I got off, came home and started cleaning. The weekend was so busy, my house shows that it was neglected. I have set up the old computer in Simon's room, but having trouble with the internet connection. Andrew coming later to see what I did wrong. Working on the spare bedroom now, but had to take a break. This room is full of toys and I am throwing away broken ones, packing up ones I want to keep for grandbabies and putting in attic, and anthing else is going to this mission that my friend Dawn's mom helps with. I was talking about the old toys and getting rid of them and Gran (Dawn's mom) said let me have them, the missions needs toys right now, so that is todays project. When I get the toys out, I am putting my sewing stuff in there so I will not have to be moving things around. Time to go back to work on the room. Ya'll take care---be safe, happy, healthy--Hug your loved ones--smile til your face hurts and laugh hard--God bless ya'll!!!