Dixieland Blessings

Beach, Birthdays, and Pottery

2011-06-20T03:28:00.001-07:00

This summer has been wonderful so far. We moved our yearly beach trip up to June this year, so we could celebrate a young man's birthday in Destin. He picked the restaurant, and it was a blast. The hat was a gift from the staff after they sang Happy Birthday!! Angel baby was great, as long as she did not have to touch or stand in the SAND!!!!!! She hated it. She loved the waves splashing her, but she had to be held in the water, and most of the time we were on the beach she was in a lap. Occasionally she would sit in her little tent, but not for long. I have really gotten back into my pottery. The pic here is a chip and dip. I have had several sales so far, and have been approached about putting it in some stores. I am throwing the idea around in my head, and trying to get some displays together to maybe try it for a while and see what it does. Quantity is the problem. My time is limited to how much can be produced to sell. We will see what happens, still thinking! I am officially in the "studio". The move has been slow, but productive. My house is looking better everyday, because of the disapearance of the craft stash. I will post some pics later this week so ya'll can see the progress. Hubby says he is worried he will never see me again, because I spend most of the time over there!! Please, I am just around the corner!!! Ha Ha! He loves the quiet as much as I do!!

Well time to head to work---first day back after the vacation---UGH!!!! Ya'll take care. Be safe, healthy, happy. Hug those you love. Smile and laugh out loud. Pray for our soldiers, their families, our country, and all those affected by tornadoes, fires and world disasters! Get your priorities straight! God bless ya'll!!!!

P.S. I saw this quote today---"If you can't be a good example, you'll have to be a horrible warning!!"---Author Unknown. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!

Crochet Needle Holder

2011-05-05T06:28:00.001-07:00

Well, if you follow this blog, you know I love to crochet. I am only a cold weather crocheter, and it is time to put up the needles and yarn. I have always kept them in a basket, but as my supplies grew, my space shrunk and things began to fall out of their spots. I saw several really cute needle holders out there in blogland, so this is my take on them. I just started cutting and measuring with my needles since I could not find my tape measures. I thinks it turned out cute. It solves my needs.

The big move is on. Son is out and daughter is partially in. If you don't know, they are shifting houses. Daughter and son in law (who are pretty talented) have painted, put down new flooring, changed window dressings, and become carpenters. Last night the cleaning began and the new master bedroom decor was put together. I cannot believe I did not take pics of before and after. This weekend will be the moving of all the rest of the furniture and clothing. Angel Baby goes straight to her new pink room everytime she is there, and she already knows it is her room. When my kids were little they had a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe. THey loved it and rode it 'til the wheels bowed out and bent beyond repair. I tried to get Angel Baby one this weekend while we were in Jackson shopping, but they were out, so I ordered it online. It arrived yesterday and Paw Paw and Simon put it together last night. She has claimed it and cried because she could not ride in it in the back of my car as we moved it to her house. I am taking over my daughters house, which is a rental house my daddy has had for years, and turning it into a studio for my crafts. As soon as they get everything out, I am going to start the transition from my house to it. It is just around the corner from my house, so it is almost liking being in the back yard. This will free up two bedrooms here for guests and decluttering. It is a mess now at each house, but I do see the light at the end of the tunnel. We have also redone youngest sons room, and all we lack there is his bathroom. My house is going to look like a new place when I get thru.

Well, I better be going to finish the things I had planned for today. Ya'll take care. Be safe, happy, and healthy. Hug those you love. Smile and laugh!! Pray for security in our nation and the world, our soldiers and their families, and please include us here in the Mississippi River Valley from the floods they are predicting. My house and my families houses are above the flood stage if it crests at where they say the river at Greenville will crest. We just pray that we do not get anymore rain, and that the northern states in the Ohio Valley do not get anymore rain. I know God will take care of us, but with all the tornado damage in and around the south, we just do not need anymore catastrophies. See ya soon!! God bless ya'll!!!

New Pottery

2011-05-02T04:20:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note to let ya'll know I am here. The storms that passed through the south last week spared us. I have friends in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, who by God's grace were kept safe, and they say it is devastating. Words cannot describe the damage and sadness. Please keep all the tornada victims in your prayers. There is a little town in my state of Mississippi called Smithville. It was litterly wiped off the map. Most of the businesses and homes were destroyed. I believe the death toll there was in the 20's or 30's. Most of the victims lost in our state were from this town. Again, plese pray for these people. Today, I am posting some new pottery pieces I got this week. I started back last week after a 8 month absence. I think these are fitting to show at this time of sadness and loss for the tornado victims. I donated a cross like the middle one and a tray using the color combo in the grenn/white one to the hospital for door prizes during nurses week next week. {forgot to take a picture of the tray!} I have received orders for 4 trays and 2 crosses since then. WOW!! I was overwhelmed! I thank God daily for the talent he has given me, and I pray my creativity continues.

Now to family news. Oldest son got moved last weekend to his new house. Daughter stared painting and fixing the house that she is moving into. They are moving into the house oldest son was in. It is the house that they grew up in and their dad kept it and rented it over the years. She and husband are really doing a redo on it. Looks great! They are moving in this week. I am taking over her house and making a studio out of it! I cannot wait to have my own place for all my crafts and things. Should lead to more fun!!! Youngest son is on the countdown to the end of school. I think we have about 14 more days. He spent the weekend at a Boy Scout camp out. Had a blast! Time to go to work. Be safe, happy, healthy. Hug those you love! Smile and laugh! Pray for the safety of our troops and country. God bless ya'll!!!!

New Clothes

2011-04-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

Look how big Angel Baby has gotten. She is now 18 months old. She is a talking machine, lots of "jarble", but she has some definate words in there. Her mom has her doing the model walk, stopping and turning, crossing her arms with this head lowered look and then putting her hands on her hips. It is hilarious! She loves her Paw Paw. They go outside everyday she comes by and throw the ball with the dogs. She does the throwing until the ball gets yucky and then Paw Paw has to clean it before she will throw it. Her mom was the same way!! Watching that little one brings back lots of wonderful memories.

Look at the precious clothes we just got for her. A wonderful friend that used to work with me makes these for her. She loves to sew and has no one to sew for now, so she picked us. Both these outfits were made from scraps she had in her sewing room. She got the first pattern from a sew beautiful magazine I had and then added her own personalized style to it, and the second outfit is a pattern I bought from Little Lizard Kings. I buy patterns and she sews. Sometimes I buy the fabric, but most of the time she goes through my stash and gets stuff I had left over from a project. These are just two of the many outfits she made for her for summer. I will post some more on a later post.

I am heading to pottery this morning. I have not been since July when I had about 7 pieces mess up in a load, but I have had so many people contact me lately for crosses that I need to get back at it. I had to go to work for a quick inservice this morning, but I am going to spend the rest of the day in the clay. Ya'll take care. Be healthy, happy, and safe. Pray for those who are in need. Hugs those you love! Smile and laugh! Do something special for someone today and watch then smile! God bless ya'll!!!

Vintage Hair Clips

2011-04-07T07:20:00.001-07:00

Good morning, y'all!! It looks like a beautiful day here. I hope yours is the same. I get up every morning and check my Facebook status to make sure all is well with old friends. I have been able to reconnect with some people that I have not seen in years. There is one who puts quotes on each day and I thought todays was very good. He posted---In the last analysis, the individual person is responsible for living his own life. If he persists in shifting his responsibility to somebody else, he fails to find out the meaning of his own existence. -Thomas Merton---. I thought this very fitting in my life as of late. The mean fairy is raging at work. Most of the people there this week are growling at each other. I came in Tuesday morning to here it in several different areas in the clinic. I always try to be positive and happy no matter what is going on, but their grumbling has even put a damper on my spirits. I finally said yesterday, that the majority of the clinic needs a vacation or either a little stay in the hospital like I had and they would be glad to be at work with their co-hearts! I wish they would all run across this little quote he posted!!!

The pics are some vintage hair clips I made for Angel Baby. She still wears hats and bows most days, so I made these for her. I saw these while blogging and fell in love with them. I really love the lacey ones, but her mom likes the feathery ones the best. They are really easy to make. You cut 5 different size circles of satin fabric. Put the edges over a candle and let the edges "seal" to prevent fraying. Be careful and don't burn yourself! Then get that wonderful glue gun fired up and dab a dot of glue on each layer and stack to make the flower. Go from large to small. Get some faux pearls, rhinestones, or sequins and put in the center of the flower. Next step is putting the feathers on. All you have to do is glue them to the back of the flower. Then do the same with the lace if you desire. Cut a felt circle and glue it over the raw edges of feathers and lace. Lastly put a little hair clip on!! That's it!!

I hope you enjoy the tutorial! I would like to thank all you new followers. It does my heart good to see a new face in my follower group. I plan on doing a giveaway when we get to 50. I have to go out today for some errands, so I will be talking to you folks later. Take care. Be safe, happy, healthy! Hug those you love! SMILE AND LAUGH!!!! Pray for our country, our soldiers, and yourself. GOD bless ya'll!!!

Michael Miller Quilt-along

2011-04-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

I don't believe I have mentioned about our MIchael Miller Quilt-a-long. It started in January and we go each month to the store and get our pattern and material for that months block. In twelve months we will have a beautiful quilt. I changed my material a little because that is the way I am! We just had our 3rd class and I have not made a single one. First class, one of my BFF's kids fell and broke his arm, so I was dealing with that. Second class, my mother in law was sick in the hospital and I did not want to get to far from home. Third class, I was just getting out of the hospital with the kidney stones. I am going to the 4th class!! My dear best friend Dawn as always takes care of me. She has been going and picking up the stuff and getting the lesson to share with me when she returns. The picks above are the first months blocks. Some of ya'll may be doing this as well. They are promoting it all over the country. I really like it because it is on my own pace. I have yet to finsh the second months blocks, but I hope to work on some of that this weekend.

Just a little quick note to say have a great weekend! Ya'll go out and do something nice for someone today--a random act of kindness. You will be surprised what it does for you as well. Take care this weekend. Be safe, healthy, happy! Hug those you love! Smile and laugh! Pray, get close to God! I will be glued to the tube Saturday for some great March Madness.! I beleive this is the best Final Four I have seen in a while. I love basketball! Some of ya'll may not believe it, but I was on a high school team that won 100 games in a row! We were in the Guiness Book of World Records at one time, and may still be. I know some have come close to breaking our record, but I think we still hold it. Anyway, just a little side note about me. Have a great day and GOD BLESS YA'LL!!!!!!!!

Spring Hats

2011-03-29T05:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the prayers and concerns involving the little "critter" kidney stone. He decided he did not like his location anymore last Monday and things have been good since. They have not decided why after 14 years they decided to start forming again, especially in multiples, but we are doing tests to check and see if they can determine the cause. My MD I work for and myself have determined that it is probably going to be my blood pressure medicine I started in November. This is not good folks because stopping the BP meds is not an option. When I had them years ago, I kept shots in my makeup bag for the pain. I would give them to myself until I could get to the hospital for real strong meds. This was begun after I had an attack at a college football game with the kids--they were 8 and 9, and all the men in my life were at deer camp without phone service. Hard headed as I am, I left the game, loaded up the kids, and drove home to my hospital with my doctors. This was about 2 hours away. Quite an experience!!!! I have done it once and I can do it again, but I really hate to know that these "critters" are back. I call them "critters" for lack of a better word.

Anyway on to better things. I have made use of my down time by crocheting. I made these hats and several more over the last 3 weeks. My daughter has lots of pregnant friends and Angel Baby loves a hat, so I downloaded several patterns, tweaked them to my liking and here are the results. The pics are not true colors. My bag looks like a sherbet parfait. All the colors are so sweet and soft. I have really expanded my crocheting skills. The only things done previously were scarves and afghans in straight lines. I was always scared of circles, but it is all the same.

It is time to head out to work, so ya'll be safe, happy, healthy. Hug those you love. Smile and laugh! Pray for our soldiers and their families. Pray for peace and GOD bless ya'll!!!

Fabric Bracelet

2011-03-20T09:19:00.001-07:00

The sun has been bringing warmth to us all weekend. Looks like we are going from sweaters to flip flops quicker this year than I can remember. I even turned my air conditioner on yesterday!! Ya'll have to understand I have worked in an extrememly cold environment for most of my working life, and hot is not an option, especially with hormones ranging!!! My family freezes here most of the time, but I explain very kindly that it is a lot better for them to layer up than to have to watch me strip down and walk around naked!!! They quickly agree and get a blanket. The hubby and little buddy son went fishing a short while ago. Hubby came in late Friday night, and will only be here until early tomorrow. Yesterday was spent handling business with his Mom's estate and catching up on little house hold fix ups. Little buddy spent the night out Friday and did not get into late yesterday, so they are spending today doing the boy things. I have already got a pork loin slowly cooking on the grill, and told them I would have their favorite meal ready when they get in--pork loin, wild rice, asparagus spears with lemon and butter sauce, and pear salads--everyone in the family has a favorite on that menu. Oldest son called this morning to check in, he had been to the farm hunting turkeys. Daughter and Angel Baby have just come over to visit. We are going to browse a little this afternoon for some furniture pieces she wants for her new house. They will be moving to a larger house in April. There are a few pieces of mine she wants and I said no, so we are trying to find her something similar. They have bought new bedroom and living furniture, but the pieces we are looking for are are odds and ends she could use but does not have to have. Things to fill open spots and making for more storage.

The fabric bracelet is a copy from blogland, and I cannot remember where and I am so sorry because hers was so much cuter than mine. I thought I highlighted the site, but apparently in my sickness stupor over the last 2 weeks I have lost it. Anyway, you cut 3 strips of fabric about 1/2 in width and maybe 22 or so inches long and braid it. Do this 3 different times using a different pattern of fabric for each braid. Then you sew the braids together. I used my machine to make the initial seam but hand sewed all the rest as I went down, then finished with a sturdier machine stiich when I got it to the length I needed for my wrist. You can put clasps on, or sew the ends together, either one works the same. Make a fabric flower by twisting strips of fabric and then forming a circle to the shape you want. I found out tapping a little dab of glue here and there made it easier and sturdier for wear. This was made out of some fall fabric I am making a quilt out of, but I have just purchased some red, brown, yellow, and cream fabric that I think will make a great one for summer. As soon as I get the quilt pieces cut, I will start on the bracelet.

Time to move away from the computer for the day. I told ya'll I was afraid all this laying around would have gotten me lazy and I believe I was right. I did go to work Friday and made it 8 hours. Tomorrow they will take the stent out and I hope I getto feeling better and more normal. I am a little concerned that if they put me to sleep to put the stent in, then why are they not putting me to sleep to take it out. I have probably done hundreds of these surgeries over the years, but it has never even accurded to me before why they never came back to have it removed. Oh well, I will know tomorrow! Wish me luck and pray it all goes well. Be healthy, happy, and safe. Hug those you love. Smile and laugh! Pray for our country, our soldiers and their families, world peace, the poor people of Japan. Oh, before I finish, did ya'll see that beautiful moon last night. Now to properly finish---GOD BLESS YA'LL!!!

Cupcake Kind of Day!

2011-03-18T05:22:00.001-07:00

I thought I would start this glorious day off with a fun happy picture. It's a "cupcake kind of day" is my motto for this day. The good Lord has blessed us with sunshine, warmth, and many blessings so yall enjoy! I have been seeing these precious pin cushions all over blogland, and I just had to have one. This base is a dipping sauce cup that ended up in my cupboard at some time. I had 2 at one time but this is all I could find at present. I glued the ric rac around the base and top of the cup. Next I filled the cup with rice so keep it sturdy. I formed some pillow batting into a ball and covered it with felt--glued the felt, but the next one I will sew a loose stitch and pull it together. If you use glue, use it sparingly. I then cut a piece of fabric that would cover the felt ball and did the sew trick, pulled it together, and tied it off to form the top. I sewed the center in with several tacking stitches to make a dimple in the center. At this point, I glued the edges of the fabric/felt ball to the dipping cup. Then, I made a little fabric flower by folding a 1-2 inch width of fabric in half and gathering the bottom to make a ruffle. After that I folded and turned the ruffle to make a little flower and hand sewed it at the base to secure the ends. I glued the flower into the dimple because I will not be putting pins in that part of the cushion. The final step I did was to make a bow out of a matching strip of fabric and there you have it--the bright, fun, funky happy for the day!

Spring break is coming to an end, and I have enjoyed this week watching my youngest grow up. He has become very independent and his logic of things is great. I have been home most of the week due to the kidney stones, but I am going back to work today. The weekend was spent in the hospital trying to pass them, but there is one who really enjoys where he is. Please pray that he leaves soon!! Hubby comes home tonight, and we have not seen him in 10 days. He tried to come home when I got sick, but I told him by the time he got here, it would probably be over. There was really nothing he could do, but look at me. Older kids have jumped in and supervised little brother, transported him to his destinations, and kept him fed. It has been so nice seeing all my kids taking care of each other and me. If one of the older was busy, the other stepped in. Little buddy spent the night with my daddy some, and friends some while I was in the hospital. He had so many offers of places to stay, I thought it was neat he decided to stay with his granddaddy the first night. I have a wonderful group of friends and family. I have been so pampered this week, that I am afraid I have gotten lazy. I love my kids and family.

Time to get up and going. Ya'll take care. Be safe, happy, healthy. Hug those you love. Smile and laugh!! Pray for the victims in Japan, our troops in Irag, Afganistan, and other parts of the world and that the conflict in the Middle East will soon end. God bless ya'll!!!!

Hello!

2011-03-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Wow, I did not realize how long I have been gone from this blog! I may not have been posting, but I have been crafting. The pic above is a ruffled scarf and hat I crotcheted. The pattern for the scarf came from www.lionbrand.com. I used the Lion Brand Homespun yarn because of it's "wooliness". It is a really easy pattern, and only takes about an hour to complete. The hat is an adaptation of a pattern I had. I added a scalloped edge and changed a few rows from dc to hdc. My friends laugh at me all the time because I cannot follow a pattern completely. I am always changing it up. I made about 10 of these for Christmas presents for family next year, but we had a 4 inch SNOW here and I ended up giving away about 5 to friends at work who did not have scarves. The little doll model is something I picked up at Hobby Lobby during Thanksgiving. I got it because it makes me think of what I believe MC will look like when she is older. She loves to go hug on it. I should take it down, but she loves it so it stays up. It also makes a great hat and scarf model.

We all are fine at the moment. I have had a very hard winter. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure in November, flu in December, stomach bug is January, and just passed a kidney stone this morning!! I told my doc the other day that I had been so healthy all my life, and it looked like I was falling apart. He laughed and said you are ok, your resistance has just gotten down. He prescribed sunshine, and so I am in the process of booking our week in Destin for this summer. I told my Daddy the other day that the first warm Saturday, I was going to the lake to hang out. We lost Jack's mom last week. She had been sick for 7 1/2 years, and not known anyone or able to do anything for herself for the last 3 years. It was a sad time for everyone, but a blessing in some ways. She will not suffer anymore, and Heaven is better to have that Angel there.

S due in from school any minute, so I better get off here. Today starts his Spring Break. I sure hope it warms up next week for them. Going to be around freezing tonight, just not right for the south! Yall take care. Be safe, healthy and happy. Hug those your love! Smile and laugh! God bless ya'll!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another Flu-Bug Project

2010-12-30T09:25:00.001-08:00

The worst part of this flu-bug we have had has been the joint/muscle aches and pains. I have been seeing these BO-BO packs all over the web, so I got up yesterday and made us some. I cut two matching size fabrics, put wrong sides together and sewed them except for a small area to turn them and insert the insides. After they were turned and pressed, I topstitched all but the opening. I mixed rice with some oils I had here at the house--again, all those buys over the years have finally come in handy. I put wild berry oil in about 3 cups of rice and mixed real well. Next I poured the mixture into the bag through a homemade funnel--a rolled up piece of cardstock. Then I top stitched the opening to close and finish the project. You can heat the pack on 2-3 minutes in the microwave, or place in the freezer for a few hours, which ever you need---hot or cold. I filled the second one with rice scented with peppermint extract--does great on the chest of you or your little ones to relieve the congestion and aches. Take care. Be healthy, happy, safe. Hug those you love. Smile and laugh! Pray daily for those in need, and may God bless ya'll in this upcoming year!!

Holiday Wishes!!

2010-12-29T09:10:00.001-08:00

Hope ya'll had a Very Merry Christmas! We did!!! Things did not go quite as I had planned, but it was wonderful with many blessings and great memories! All the kids and significant others made it for Christmas Eve festivities and have been in and out since. My sweet Daddy however did not make it for the get together. He came down with the flu on the 23rd and is just now getting to where he feels like normal. He decided on the 24th that he would not come over and that we could not come there. He let Carre (daughter) and I take him some food and his presents. She opened them for him while I fixed the table so he could eat. He tried to stop us at the door, but since we had both had the flu shot he let us in. We came back and did the normal things we do with supper and presents here, but it was not the same without him. We traveled to and from family get togethers starting the weekend before Christmas and endng with our last one on the 26th. That is the day Simon (youngest) and I came down with the flu! It has been horrible! He has had fever as high as 103! We just got out of the bed and started to mill around the house today. I called my internist on Sunday and he put me on Tamiflu, and I think it has made mine not be quite as severe as all the others.

The pics above are from a flu project and daughters attempt at Christmas cards with Angel Baby and my first granpuppy. This year I have 2 granpuppies, Doss (oldest son) and girlfriend picked up a stray this year, who when he gets loose from them comes to my house, climbs the fence into my back yard and plays with our dogs until someone comes to take him home. Darnest think I have ever seen, most animals climb out of fences, not in. He does climb out of theirs! I love the Christmas card attempt. This is not what they went with, but I got a pic of this framed, because I love it so much. You really have to see the series of pics to appreciate it as much as I do. This is the only one out of the bunch that they both looked straight at the camera. The scarf was made from yarn I had here at the house while I was "bedridden". I used a basic single crochet stitch for the scarf, and the flower was an after thought because the scarf just looked bland. I have a new fleece that matches perfectly. See, it is a good reason for buying all that yarn and fabric and adding to my stash--note to hubby!!!!!!

This time of year is special to us all. Sometimes things are hard, but if we continue to pray and ask God to take things into His hands, the best will occur. I got off work on the 21st planning to get all my Christmas finished and be prepared for the 24th festivities without being rushed. As I entered the house my phone was ringing. When I answered it my best friends daughter was crying uncontrollably on the other end. Her grandmother was found in her bathroom covered in blood and not talking appropriately. She lives in a small town out from our town about 20 minutes away. My BFF was out of town at a concert with her hubby that they had been planning for almost a year. I told MB to get a baby sitter if she could for her twin babies and I would meet the ambulance at the hospital, and not to call her mom until I saw what exactly was wrong with Gran. (My initial thought was if it was a cut or bump on her head, we could handle it until BFF gets home later tonight--THey are about 3 hours away) It was not quite that simple. Gran did not know me when she got to the hospital, and after a CT of her head it was found she had 4 bleeds in her brain. One big one and 3 smaller ones. Needless to say when she did not recognize me, we started to try and get BFF on the phone. She called back just as the ambulance was preparing to take me and Gran to a bigger hospital about 3 hours away even more south than BFF was. Long story short I got back home the next morning about 6:30, and todays report from Gran is the best one yet. She is starting to do things normal to her. Hopefully by the middle of next week, she will be able to come home. All of this has been brought to you by the power of prayer!! God is great in all ways, and we are so lucky to have such a great God watching over us!!

Take care. Be safe, healthy, happy. Hug those you love! Smile and laugh!! Pray for our soldiers, their families, those whom you know in need, and just anyone you thinks need an extra boost!! God bless ya'll and may ya'll have a safe and great New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rudolph

2010-12-10T04:32:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Blogland!! Hope all is well. I have to tell ya'll about this wonderful blog I found the other day while hopping--http://littlewondersdays.blogspot.com/ It is awesome. She does wonderful crafts and incorporates teaching into the fun. Great teaching! I first saw her post about reindeer games, but after going back and looking the whole way through at old posts, her creativity and talent is everywhere. Please go and see and tell her how much you enjoyed the tour. The Rudolph above is straight from her blog. Angel baby needed something to give her nursery class for Christmas and I thought these with some reindeer food would be great. All you need are some clear ornaments, brown packing paper, red pipe cleaners, google eyes, and a red shiny nose. Pack the paper inside the ornament, glue the eyes and nose. Cut a pipe cleaner is half, and then cut one of the halves in half. Take the smaller pieces and make extra "horns" on each antler and shape. Glue the base of the antler to the top of the ornament. Cute, easy and cheap. Ya'll take care. Be safe, healthy, happy. Smile and laugh. Hug those you love. Do something special and unexpected for someone. Pray for our nation. Pray for our armed forces and their families. God bless ya'll!!!!!

Angels Among Us!

2010-12-08T13:53:00.001-08:00

This is an ornament I made many years ago. I made one for every child and parent for the tree that year, and actually I made some for friends and co-workers also. I am really surprised you do not see them much here in crafty blogland. They are really simple. I am not sure of the exact measurements because I made them in several sizes, but here goes my first tutorial. Ya'll bear with me now!

Things you will need:
Small styrofoam ball
8 inch circle of fabric--*not sure about the circumference, but you can play with it and see what size you like.
Lace- I used wide for the large Angels and small for the little Angels, again this depends on which size you choose to do.
Ribbon
Glue gun
Rubber band
raffita, straw, yarn-this is for the hair
Flowers, or any other embellishments--optional

I cut my fabric into a circle, then sewed the lace around the edge of the circle. Next, I glued the center of the circle to the styrofoam ball (only glued at the top of the ball). I draped the rest of the fabric tightly around the ball and secured it with a rubber band. Pull the skirt, so it lays smoothly. Glue the ribbon, flower whatever you decide on around the rubberband to hide it. Take a piece of the lace and make several loops with it. Pinch the middle, and wrap with thread to secure the pinch. Make a loop with some of the left over ribbon so you can hang her. Gluethe loop and the wings to the back of the Angel at the neck or right below. You can put something over the string to cover if you like. Take the straw and make the hair. I hot glued it to the head, and WHA LA---you have an ANGEL.

Take care. Be safe, happy, healthy. Hug those you love. Smile and laugh! Pray for our soldiers, our nation, and our nation's leaders. Help someone who needs it, it will make your heart feel so good! God Bless Ya'll!!!!!

The 2010 Tree

2010-12-07T05:04:00.001-08:00

Well, the tree is up and the outside is decorated. I completely redid the tree this year, changed the lights, garland, and only put up the most important ornaments. How do ya'll like my little elf that helped me? I still have some things to put up inside, but I have decided to not do the village this year, one reason being the little elf. She has begun to really investigate things. I put at the bottom of the tree an Angel, Santa, snowman, Christmas tree, and a bell so I could let her start to learn about Christmas essentials. She loves the Angel baby ornament and Santa. Angel baby ornament is a blond haired little Angel girl dressed in pink that I got for her last year. If you say love the baby, she loves Angel baby ornament, and if you say love HO HO, she goes to Santa! It is so neat watching her learn something new everyday. I am very fortunate to have them so close. Oldest son killed a huge deer with his bow the other day. It is his first Pope and Young. If you do not have hunters in your family you may not know what that is, but it is something that true hunters dream of. Hubby had a big birthday Saturday! We had some old friends we have not seen in quite a while come over for football and supper. Very quiet, relaxing, and enjoyable. It was 14 degrees this morning when I got up! That is really unusual for us. I like it, cause it means snuggly time. Little son crawled up in the bed with me last night to watch football and was still there this morning. I really miss those days with him, you know he's at that age where mom may not be the most important person in his life, but thanks cold weather for getting a snuggle time. Ya'll take care and be safe. Please pray for our soldiers and their families. Smile and laugh!! Be healthy and happy. Hug those you love. REMEMBER THE REASON FOR THE SEASON, JESUS CHRIST!!! God bless ya'll!!!

Pink fig quilts giveaway

2010-11-24T04:40:00.000-08:00

Just found this great give away while blog hopping this morning. Beautiful quilt!!! Her new fabric line is great, too. Love the colors and prints!! Please go visit and let her know what you think. http://pinkfigdesign.blogspot.com/.

Pillowcases

2010-11-23T04:38:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!! Just popping in for a short while, but I will be back on board more regularly. It has been really busy here. Sewing, crafting, shopping, working, playing with Angel Baby---that has been my priorities of late. I have 10 Christmas presents bought and wrapped!! Never in my life have I done this. I pinch myself and say is this you??? I even have most of my Thanksgiving dinner prepared and in the freezer. I am not sure what is happening to me, but it sure is nice. My bestest friend, Dawn, went to a pillowcase class at my favorite new store, Ella Rose, a fabric store in Cleveland, MS. This is where we took the quilting class. She came home and taught me how to make them. I made these for the girls in the family. Aren't they cute? I have always shyed away from these because I thought they were hard to make and time consuming. Boy, was I wrong. Ya'll take care. Be safe, happy and healthy! Hug those you love. Smile and laugh. God bless ya'll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NapSack

2010-10-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

I finished Angel Baby's nap sack before the big party, and I will say it really kicked my rear end!!! I cannot follow a pattern exactly. I am always adding to them. In this case, the pattern was this: http://thatvillagehouse.blogspot.com/2010/09/make-your-own-nap-mat.html. I decided to use minky fabric for one side and put two layers of batting instead of one, and what did this do----STRETCH like crazy!!!! Next I thought all little girls need ruffles--I had not tried to sew a pillow on a blanket and not get the ruffle caught in the seam in quite a while, and I might add it will be quite a while before I try again. The next nap sack will have it's own pillow that is seperate if it has a ruffle. It did turn out really cute and Mom and Angel Baby love it, but it really made Gammie TIRED!!! The pics are not the best, but you can get an idea of what it looks like. I finished my quilting class and finished the quilt. I had a great time and very proud of my accomplishment. Pee Wee football came to an end this past Tuesday. Littlest (I know this is not a word, but I love it) son recovered a fumble in the game and made several good tackles in their WIN (we only got 2 of those this year, so we want to brag a little). The announcer kept calling his name over the PA system. I began to get really worried if we were going to be able to get his helmet off after the game because every time they called his name his head swelled and his chest got bigger!! Ha! Ha! He was so cute chest pumping and bumping. All the rest of the family are great. Oldest son went alligator hunting and caught 2, one was 5 feet and the other was almost 10 feet. There is a neat article about there hunt in a state paper. I will put a link if you are interested- http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20100912/COL0503/9120345/1127/SPORTS08 Well I guess I better go. Ya'll take care, Be healthy, happy and safe. Hugs those you love. Smile and laugh, and may GOD bless ya'll!!

Halloween Wreath

2010-10-03T13:47:00.001-07:00

I have had a wirlwind of sewing this weekend. First, I finished the rag wreath for Halloween. Not the best pic, but you can get a good enough idea of the wreath. I have seen these on different sites, and decided to try one myself. I followed the tutorial over at "A Little Bit of Everything"-- http://tanya-alittlebitofeverything.blogspot.com/2010/08/halloween-fabric-rag-wreath.html It was real easy. The only thing I did different was to cut my strips in half one more time then she did. Go look and try. Next thing I did was finish quilting my quilt. We have our last class this Thursday, and we will put the binding on then. I will post a pic of the completed project after the class. I started making a new baby blanket. This one for a girl. Almost have finished putting the ruffle on. I also will show this when done. Last, I started a nap sack blanket for Angel Baby. She will be moving up to a bigger class, where they sleep on cots, so I thought a comfy, cozy little roll up nap sack with pillow would be great for her. Hopefully that will be finished this week because her BIRTHDAY PARTY is next Sunday. Her real birthday was yesterday and I had the privilege of keeping her while Mom and Dad worked. I believe you can tell from the pic what a good time we had. Ya'll take care. Be happy, healthy, and safe. Remember October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so get those check ups and mammograms!!!! Hug those you love and even those you don't. Everybody can always use a hug. Smile and laugh. GOD bless ya'll!!!!!!!!!!!

Baby Blanket

2010-09-29T05:50:00.001-07:00

How ya'll doing today? We are just fine. Oldest son made it home safe and sound Monday--thanks for the added prayers; Youngest son's pee wee football team won their first game last night--WOOP WOOP; daughter and her lil family are all wonderful-Angel baby will be a year old Saturday; my dad is feeling good; me and hubby are great, and it really feels like FALL here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope ya'll are the same and being blessed in many ways. The pic I showed today is a little baby blanket I finished last week. I love the colors, imagine that, it has pink in it! The back is a pale lime green minky dot, the ruffle brown and pink polka dot cotton. I love the combonation of colors in this. Angel baby just came to see me for a little while, so I better be going. Have a blessed day! Be safe, happy, healthy. Hug those you love. Smile and laugh. God bless ya'll!!!

Fabric Flower

2010-09-27T18:34:00.001-07:00

I have been seeing these cute flowers on different blogs lately, so I took some scraps from an outfit that was made for Angel baby and made this one. I love it!! They are so much fun and easy to do. I took different scraps and places them together according to color. Then I sewed them together, end to end. After that, I folded the strip in half and zig-zagged all the open edges. Then I gathered the material with a running stitch--some tutorials I read used their machines by changing the stitch length and tension, I just did it by hand. I started at one end and folded it over and then continued to form a circle around the center until I used all the strip of fabric. I just kept stitching each layer to the next. I tucked the tail of the strip into the back of the flower and covered the raw edges with a scrap of felt. You can hot glue a hair clip or a broach pin on the back of the felt and use it for whatever one you like best. This one has a hair clip to go in her hair or on a headband. I am not really good at directions, so if you have any questions, please ask and I am better at answering than describing. Oldest son is on his way in from hunting in Montana, so please add him to your prayers tonight and tomorrow for a safe flight. He got an early flight tonight instead of tomorrow, but is on layover in Denver and on standby. I sure hope he gets in tonight. Ya'll take care. Be happy, safe and healthy. Hug those you love, and most of all God bless ya'll!!!

Quilting Class

2010-09-25T06:46:00.001-07:00

I am having the best time with this quilting class! I tried to teach myself to quilt last year, but it never really came together, so it went up until I could have a real lesson. My best friend, Dawn and I, started the class 3 weeks ago. It is taught at a fabric shop about an hour away called Ella Rose. We meet every Thursday night for 2 hours. She shows us a step and has us complete it, then we go home with homework and return in a week with that entire process done. I am now on my borders and changing my mind constantly. I just sent for more fabric because I decided to add another border this morning. I will post another pic when the borders are complete. Not only am I enjoying the class, but the quiet drive and conversation with a dear friend is wonderful. We have been picking a different restaurant each week and trying them out. Sometimes we have eaten a full meal and sometimes just appetizers. Cleveland, the town where the fabric store is, is a college town so there are plenty of eateries! I have several things to do this morning, but I will be home at 2:30 to see ALABAMA play Arkansas. My mom was an Ole Miss fan, my dad an ALABAMA fan, and I went to Mississippi State. I have always loved ALABAMA, and yell for them always unless they play Mississippi State, so ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ya'll have a great weekend! Be safe, happy, healthy!! Hug those you love!! Smile and laugh, and may God bless ya'll!!!!

Finished Projects/Hubby-36 years ago

2010-09-07T04:43:00.000-07:00

I had a great Labor Day weekend and I hope ya'll did the same. My hubby had his 36 year class reunion, 1974. They joined together with the class of 1975 for the reunion. I was in the class of 75, but in a different school here. I really think I had more fun than he did. I met up with some people I went to grammar school with that I had not seen in probably 25 years. It was great!! That handsome young man in the pic above is hubby. Wasn't he cute? The other pics are projects I finished this weekend. The blanket is for Angel baby, and so is the hair bow. The blanket has been laying in my sewing room for months waiting on me to make the ruffle and put the back on it. I love the colors of it, makes you feel happy. The front and ruffle are out of cotton, and the back is a minky fabric. I just saw the other day where they have the minky fabric in all kinds of dots, swirls, flowers, just about anything you want these days. The original backing was a red swirl minky, but when I saw these dots I had to have them for the back. The hairbow is adapted from a tutorial I saw while blog hopping, and I am very sorry to say I cannot find the tutorial to give this person credit. I cut the ribbon to the desired size, v shaped the edges, then crimped the middle to give it some depth. I sewed the middle pinch with a thread and tied it off. I then hot glued all the pieces together to make the pattern I wanted and then covered the knot in the center with a button. Glued a hair clip on the back and Wha la!!!! Ya'll have a great week. I got to get to work. Be safe, happy, healthy. Hug those you love. SMILE, it will make your heart feel good, and most of all may God bless ya'll with many blessings!!

Summers over!

2010-09-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, I have not posted in so long!! This summer was great and very busy. The project above is the latest one I did for some young ladies for their collage dorm room. The pic is not great, but you can get the jist of the project. This summer was spent mainly at the lake with my wonderful dad. We spent a lot of weekends there, and still are. It is so peaceful and quiet, no phone, no tv, just nature and all it great sounds. The older I get, the more I love QUIET!!!!!!!!! We spent a great 10 days in Florida in late July. We saw a small amount of oil, but fortunately that was all. We did have a tremendous amount of seaweed. Not sure what that is all about. The people with the oil spill said it was brought in from the hurricane that skirted by out in the Gulf a day before we got there, but I am not so sure it is not something that has accured with the spill itself from the disperents. Anyway we had a wonderful time. Most of my free time is spent watching that little lady in the other picture grow. She is 11 months old today and what a joy to be around. She has made a great difference in my priorities. I also have been making lots of pottery. It is a great stress reliever!! I have set my goals for the Fall and I am going to keep this blog better updated. We just finished our third full week of school and it is going great. Pee Wee football has started and I love to go watch those little guys. I will see ya'll later. Take care. Be safe, happy and healthy! Hugs those you love and may God bless all of YA'LL!!!

Summertime

2010-06-23T05:02:00.001-07:00

Although I am spending most of my free time at the lake, I have been crafting a little. The monogram door hanging was an order I did. I love the bright colors and the way the "M" just pops out. I hung it with a blue and white polka dot ribbon. The cross is one of many I have completed lately. I love the style and the color combo of it, just that hint of red in the center cross really does it for me. All is well with the family. Angel baby is pulling up on everything and jabbering all the time, youngest son is fishing almost everyday with his friends or my daddy, daughter was asked to precept a new nurse at the hospital and is being trained to be charge nurse for her floor, and oldest son's crops are looking great and he is enjoying life. Hope ya'll are well, also. Gotta get to work, but I just wanted to check in. Take care. Be healthy, happy, safe. Hug those you love. Pray for our Gulf Coast residents and habitat. Pray for our soldiers. Laugh out loud and SMILE!! God bless ya'll!!!

Please pray!

2010-05-26T04:57:00.000-07:00

I ask for prayers today for our Gulf Coast. Please pray that what BP is trying to do today will work. The impact of this oil spill on our Gulf states is unbelievable. It is far more serious than anyone can believe. The people in Louisiana are being hit another time, but this time it may change a whole lively hood. The marine life and waterfowl may be changed for history. They may not can recover from what is already out there in the water, much less anymore. Please ask your friends and family to pray over this. The beaches on the Gulf are some of my favorite places in the world to be. The smells, sounds are so satisfying and relaxing. This catastrophe may possibly change that way of life forever. Lift up your hearts in prayer, please. Take care. Smile and laugh. Be healthy, happy and safe. God bless ya'll!!

Good Morning!!!

2010-05-20T07:36:00.001-07:00

Good Morning!!!! Just popping in to say I am still here. These are a few of the pics of what we have been up to lately. Soccer is over and we came in 8th in the state for U12 boys. The fish are biting and we have been spending a lot of time at the lake with family. Crafts have switched to focus on pottery and paint at this time. I have put my cross paintings in two stores and they are doing good, but my pottery crosses that I have put in one store are going crazy. I am starting on my third shipment for them today. Here is a link to my pottery blog is you want to take a look http://rough-edges-pottery.blogspot.com/
They have also asked for some scripture canvas. Woo Hoo!!! I plan on getting them in there next week. Angel baby is growing--2 teeth, starting to pull up some to her knees, babbling up a storm!! (We are working on Gammy, but who knows what she will call me) The pics are of Angel Baby; hubby and youngest; my sweet dad, his brother and my aunt; and the biggest bream caught that day!! Ya'll take care. Be safe, happy, healthy. Smile and laugh. God bless ya'll!!!

Some Pottery

2010-04-27T16:41:00.001-07:00

Please pray for the people in Mississippi and Alabama who were effected by the tornado's this weekend. We were very lucky and did not receive any damage, but a lot of the my homestate-Mississippi did. The impact is terrible. People have lost everything in a split second, but the overwhelming help that has come from neighbors, friends, family and most of all strangers is terrific. When I woke up Saturday morning to hear the Weather Channel people on location 60 miles from my house, I knew we were in for another bad day. We had terrible weather Friday and Friday night at my house, but thank goodness no tornados. My 11 year old was coming home from a field trip Friday and they had to pull over, unload the bus and put all the kids in a brick building in a little town about 30 miles from here due to a tonrnado warning and siting. I thank God daily that we all were untouched.

The pics I have posted today are some of my pottery that I have made lately. I am really enjoying getting back into it. I have another blog for just pottery related things-- http://rough-edges-pottery.blogspot.com/. The pics are of a chip and dip set and 3 crosses. Each has a different glaze and shape. Just a little something different to show today. I have been trying to get some paintings finished for an order and as of tomorrow, I believe they will be done. They are crosses also. I love crosses, anyway, form or fashion, and I really do a lot of them with my paints and pottery. All's well with the family- Doss-oldest son just about ready to start planting his farm rows and life is good for him; Carre-little momma is doing fine, off for a couple of days and glad of it; Simon-youngest- living life to the fullest (he said he was not scared Friday during the storm, but you should have seen him when he got off that bus. He saw me, started running, and I got the biggest hug I have gotten in a long time)and sweet Angel baby (Mary Countiss) has an ear infection, but grinning, babbling and doing something new everyday; Jack(hubby) is due in Friday night after being gone 2 weeks, and Simon and I have to be in Gulfport (4 hours away) for soccer Friday night. We will pass somewhere on a highway.

Time to stop babbling and clean up the kitchen. Take care. Be healthy, happy, safe. Enjoy life to the fullest, smile, laugh, giggle!! Hug those you love and God bless ya'll!!

Icee Cream Sundaes

2010-04-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

We have been playing soccer, going on field trips, making pottery, working, and some little person has a tooth since I last saw ya'll. My youngest child (11y/o) is on his 5th grade field trip. They go to a wonderful place in Tennessee every year and the kids love it. He left yesterday and will be back tomorrow. Angel Baby got her first tooth last Friday. Youngest and I spent the weekend in Ridgeland, Mississippi playing soccer in the district tourny last weekend. They came in 4th and we are to go to the state tourny next weekend in Gulfport, MS. I have been really back at pottery. After my 2 1/2 year hiatus, no one can believe I really came back. I have been just trying out new glazes they have gotten since I was there on old pieces I had done long ago, but never glazed. I just bought new clay this last week and started making new stuff. I will share some pics later. My doc is back from his vacation and the office is back on full swing. Tonight Angel Baby and I are going downtown to Art Alfresco--this is when the stores stay open late and highlight certain artists, there are sidewalk musicians, carriage rides and trolley rides, it is really a great time. Her mom is working to 7 and if we are still hanging in there when she gets off she plans to meet us. Hubby is in New Orleans working and it is just me here. I thought it would be very quiet, but last night my son's neighbor called me and my grandpuppy had escaped from the backyard. Son was off somewhere and had no service on his phone, so I went to get the dog--Might I say I was in my pj's!! These people are my old neighbors, so I really did not care how I was dressed. They caught, Trip-grandpuppy #2, and helped me get him in the house. Son finally got service and checked in to find out I was dog catching. He came home real quick and took over. I really had a great visit with my old neighbors, so I did not care about the excursion. The outfit above is something new for Angel Baby. I thought it turned out cute. I altered the smocking plate a little to fit the little one.

Gotta get going downtown. Ya'll take care.Be safe, healthy, happy. Smile and laugh. Hug those you love. Pray for our nation. God bless ya'll!!!

Double Door Monogram

2010-04-11T17:41:00.001-07:00

Well, my day did not turn out like I thought. The boys did go fishing and the baby and her mom came over, but I did not get that quiet time to do all I had planned. My daughter and her husband wanted to go fishing after he got of work, so I kept baby girl. I went to the country with them and Angel baby and I strolled in the country and learned about all God's creations. We talked about water, fish, geese, trees, gardens and bugs. We saw I little of all of it. IT was really a great time. After the fisher people came in, they cleaned and cooked the fish. It was awesome. My dad especially loved it. He will be 82 this month and he loves to fish and he loves for all the family to get together. I did smock a little and almost finished it, but hopefully I will finish it tonight. Today was quiet. We slept in and just stuck around the house. I did get to pottery for a little while. Glazed a couple of pieces and came home and made several. The picture I have shown today is the double door monogram that I made for a girl at work. She wanted her initial and something that reminded her of summer for her front doors. I thought what would be better than the flip flops. I think it turned out really cute. Ya'll have a great week. Take care. Be safe, healthy, happy! Hug those you love. Smile and laugh, and most of all God bless ya'll!!!

I have linked this post to several parties this week:

http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/
http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/

Smocking

2010-04-09T15:58:00.000-07:00

This is a dress and bloomer outfit I smocked for angel baby. 100% cotton fabric with ric rac as trim. There is 6 rows of smocking. I did each row in a different color that is on the outfit. Since yellow was the primary alternate color, I did 2 rows with it. I love these angel wing sleeves for little ones in the spring and summer.

Well, it is Friday, and I do not have to go anywhere this weekend. I plan on painting and sewing. I am starting on another smocked outfit tonight. I hope ya'll have fun plans for the weekend. The weather is supposed to be gorgeous here and hot. Highs in the 70's. I hope so, we had a little cold snap this week and I was not ready for it. All my arthritic joints have really been cutting up. I believe the men in my life are going fishing, so I should be alone to create. I am sure Angel baby and her momma will come by some--I sure hope so!!! Ya'll have a blessed weekend filled with lots of fun memories and lots of laughter. Be safe, healthy happy. Hug those you love. Live life to the fullest!! God bless ya'll!!!

Mixed Media Canvas

2010-04-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

Today is beautiful! Sun is shining and expected temperature is in the 80's. Plan on painting most of the day. I have been asked to do a monogram door hanging and a matching door hanging for a friend. I am going to do the monogram in teal, pink, yellow, lime green and white. I thought this would represent summer appropriately and the matching door hanging will be flip flops in the same colors. I will post a pic when I am through. The pic above is one I did with scrapbook paper and paint. I love doing these mixed media canvases. Just a little something for today. Ya'll take care. Be happy, healthy, safe. Hug those you love. Smile and Laugh. Pray for the family of those miners and the ones that have not been found. I believe in Miracles!! God bless ya'll!!!

Bibs and Burp Pads

2010-04-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll!! Hope everyone had a blessed Easter. We had a grand time. Ate way to much, but spent a lot of time with immediate family and extended family. Tonight is a big night in the Turner household. Well, we are March Madness gurus and we are yelling for Butler. I love to see an underdog do the impossible in most peoples eyes. Basketball has always been very popular for me. I played in highschool and was fortunate to be on a team that holds a record in the Guiness Book of Records. My high school girls team won 100 straight games back in the 70's, and as far as I know that record still holds. We will watch the Connecticut girls tomorrow play for a victory, but tonight we are Butler bulldog fans. The pics above are some bibs and burb pads I made recently. One was for a little girl and the other for a boy. Nothing fancy, but I thought they turned out really cute. I have done really well with these and sold about 10 so far.

Just a quick note to tell you about a new blog I started today. It is my pottery blog. I have made pottery for about 5 years, but for the last 2 1/2 years I really have done nothing due to my work hours. Recently , as we all know, I changed jobs and I have my free time back, so I started dabbling in my pottery. I will continue this blog with family moments and craft projects--sewing, art, paper--and the new one will only be for pottery. If you get a chance, stop by and let me know what you think about my stuff. The site is http://rough-edges-pottery.blogspot.com/.

Good night ya'll!! Have a great evening. Be safe, healthy, happy. Hug those you love. Smile and please laugh. God bless ya'll!!

Easter 2010

2010-04-04T10:59:00.001-07:00

"He arose. He arose. Hallelujah, Christ arose", and saved us from our sins!!! To God be the glory! Have a great Easter and remember why we celebrate!! God bless ya'll!!!

More Projects

2010-04-03T13:55:00.001-07:00

Have ya'll found the Easter bunny yet? We did and it bit my angel baby's toe! Had pics made with live bunnies the other day and one decided to eat the baby. The photographer got every pic too, although we did not mean to. It shows the bunny getting closer and closer to her and then nibbling on her toe. We were not paying attention to the bunnies and thought she was crying because she was tired, and then I saw the blood on the blanket. Called the vet and the pediatrician. Vet said "Patsy, we have not had rabies in this area in area in 50 years". Pediatrician said she was concerned about the dirty mouth of the animal, so we are on antibiotics. We will scrapbook soon about the killer baby bunny!! The above project was one I threw together real quick for my daughter. She wanted something Eastery for her front door, so this is what she got. I really cannot decide if I like it or not. I wish I had done something around the edge of the canvas. Anyway, they like it and that's what counts!! We are getting together with my mom's family tonight. My uncle and aunt are cooking steaks and everyone is bringing something. My donation is a wonderful dip called BLT dip. It is a dry mix I buy from these wonderful ladies in Vicksburg, MS. They are called MJ's Kitchen Kreations. They really have some yummy things and so easy to mix. I keep them always for last minute food ideas. Take about 2 hours to set up after you mix it. This is their website-- http://www.mjsdip.com/

Gotta go start getting ready. Lil buddie just came in from fishing at a neighborhood pond and he and his friends caught about 200. They are so excited. Nothing like 11 year olds and there excitement. Take care. Enjoy the day--it is beautiful here. Be happy, healthy, safe. Hug those you love. Smile and enjoy the little things--laughter of a child, gleam in a little boys eye when he tells the story of the big fish that got away, just life's special moments. God bless ya'll!!!!

Diaper Cake

2010-04-02T20:41:00.001-07:00

One of the things I have done lately was this diaper cake. We gave a baby shower last weekend for a friend at work. I have always wanted to make one of these so I gave this as part of her shower gift and used it as a table decoration. I made 4 burp cloth and bib sets and a blanket as the rest of her gift. I did not take pics of the blanket. I wish I had because it was really cute. Anyway, I went on line and researched all the tutorials on baby cakes. I did not relize how many different ways you could make one. This is what I did.

You will need: 1.Disposable diapers--I used size 1 and 2. Try and get ones that have the least amount of design on them. I believe the Pampers brand fit this best for me. 2. Ribbon--mine was 2 inch from Walmart. 3. Rubber bands-all sizes. 4. Straight pins and safety pins. 5. Toys, wash cloths, socks, rattles, bottles--anything fun for a baby.

I rolled my diapers from each end and meeting in the center, and then secured each one with a rubber band. When I thought I had enough rolled I started. Place a 8 0z bottle in the center of a cake board, card board, whatever you are going to carry it on. Take the rolled diapers and place them around the bottle forming a circle. When you get the circle pretty symetrical and as large as you want then secure them all together with a rubber band. Next you start on the 2nd level. You do the same as level 1, but you will not make it as big as the first level. This is where the tiers of the cake come in. I cannot give you exact numbers or measurements, because I just eyeball everything. Sorry!! Now you have covered the entire bottle. You can either place a 4 0z bottle next or if this is going to be your top tier, then just put your rolled diapers together until your symmetry and size are what you want. I used straight pins to secure the last tier to the base tiers. You will cover the heads of the pins with the toys. Wrap you ribbon around each tier and place it in the center to cover the rubber bands. I made bows, but you could put flowers over where the ends of the ribbons meet. Last was to put the toys and goodies on. I again used straight pins and safety pins. That's it!! Have fun making one. I always thought it would be so hard, but it was quick and easy.

Ya'll take care over this holiday weekend. I know lots of you will be traveling, so put those cell phones in your purse or pocket and pay attention to the road. Take care. Be safe, healthy and happy. Hug your loved ones. Smile and laugh!! God bless ya'll!!

Busy, Busy, Busy!!!

2010-03-30T04:28:00.000-07:00

How are ya'll??? We are fine as you can see from angel baby above. Just a quick update to let you know I am still here. I have lots of new creations that I will be showing. Life has been a whirlwind lately, but calming so I should be back on a regular basis. I have been making bibs, burp pads and blankets. Sold a few and gave away a few. Sold 10 paintings to a great store in Russellville, AL. If you are ever over that way, stop in to see it--Audrey's Gifts and Decor. My daughter and I took angel baby on her first road trip to take the paintings. She did great and we had a wonderful time. Just really does my heart good for someone to like my creations. All the family are wonderful and wishing for Spring and warm weather. As I said this is a short update, but I will be back real soon with lots of goodies. Take care. Be safe, healthy and happy. Hug those you love and God bless ya'll!!!!

Results of the retail shopping

2010-02-25T07:05:00.001-08:00

How you like this stash for some productive retail therapy? We had a great time. This is just the craft shopping, MC got new clothes and Gammy got new boots for work. The dress is what I made, not bought. I finished most projects last week while Simon was sick, so it was time to revamp the sewing room. Gonna start today on new items. I have decided to market my sewing. It will just be local and on my Etsy shop, but I found the same bibs, burp pads and blankets I make for gifts at astronomical prices at childrens boutiques. I was floored at the prices!! I ordered some sew in labels and business cards yesterday. I sew because I like it, and I have always sold things at the price I would pay for it. I work hard for my money and I am not going to spend all that money they ask for, so I am going to offer that to others. I have been planning on going to the craft show in April I talked about earlier, but found out yesterday that we have a soccer tourny that weekend. I am looking for another one to go to and hopefully it want be to far away. Wish me luck!!!

I finished this dress this morning for lil angel baby. I did not make the dress. I only did the smocking. I could make the dress, but the time it takes I do not have. The money to buy and ship the dress was well worth it versus the time it would have taken me to do this. It is cream colored and the flowers are bright colors. My pics do not show the true colors. I have a few more smocking projects that need to be finished for spring and summer. I will post as I finish.

Time to get going with this day. Ya'll have a blessed day filled with many joys. Be safe, happy, healthy. Hug those you love. Smile and laugh!!! Pray for our soldiers and their families. God bless ya'll!!!

Here comes.......

2010-02-20T05:41:00.000-08:00

Here comes Mary Countiss Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail. Do you think she will hate me when she is older? Little does she know, that 3 people who love her dearly did this to her. My BFF bought this mask for MC and her two grandsons, Mommy put it on her, and Gammy took the pic and put it on the internet. OH, well, I think it is sooooooo cute!!!! Just popped in today to say hi. No project posts. Simon is some better, but still coughing like crazy. I am being told it runs with the virus, but I am not sure. If not better by Monday, we will be seeing the MD. Today I am doing a little retail therapy. Me, Carre, and MC are striking out about 9. We are dropping little Angel baby off at her other grandparents while her mom and I hit the shops. It is a beautiful day!! Ya'll take care, be safe, healthy, happy. Hug those you love. Smile and giggle. Pray for our soliders. They are having a rough time right now. May your troubles be less; May your blessings be more; May nothing but happiness, come through your door....God bless ya'll!!

Teacher Appreciation Gift

2010-02-18T15:33:00.001-08:00

Well, we went to school today. Hopefully we are finally better. He still has a cough, but fever seems to have gone. Lil angel baby had a fever yesterday and had to come home from nursery. I kept her with me today and she has not run any fever. She has been a little fussy at times, but I think she is teething. This week is Teacher Appreciation Week at our school. Each day someone in each class is asked to send a gift, food or flowers. My day is tomorrow and this is what I made for our teacher. I painted the background, cross and edging. The scripture is cut out of scrapbook paper and put on the canvas using Mod Podge. This scripture is one of my favorites, and great for teachers. She is a wonderful teacher and really cares about her kids at school and away from school. She has told me for years that she was going to do everything she could to get Simon in her class when he got to her grade, and she did. I admire teachers. They are special people. My mother was a kindergarden teacher many years ago and my mother in law was my 5th and 7th grade teacher. These people spend more hours in a day with our children than we do.

Hubby is on his way home from New Orleans. I need to check on homework and see if lil buddy needs any help, so I better go. Take care. Be healthy, happy and safe. Hug those you love. Smile and giggle. I found this today while cleaning out some papers and I think it is a great ending to my posts--May your troubles be less; May your blessings be more; May nothing but happiness come through your door---Until we meet again, God bless ya'll!!!!

Spring Blanket

2010-02-17T07:28:00.001-08:00

Well, the infirmary is still open. He spiked a temp of 101.3 at bedtime. I keep a bottle of antibiotic powder here for when we travel, and I mixed it up this morning and started him on it. His cough has gotten worse and seems to be wet. MD says if not 100% better by tomorrow, come in to the office. Keep your fingers crossed this works and pray for us. If we go to the office that means blood work, and little man hates that!! I believe I was inflicted with the VIRUS last night, since this morning I realized I had spelled TU TU,(tooh tooh) in my post last night. I was so embarrassed. I really think this shut in deal is making me batty!! Another thing that distracted my spelling last night was the Mississippi State/Kentucky game. It was really exciting. I was so proud of my Bulldogs and how hard they played. The MSU fans are a different story--how rude and redneck can you get, throwing things on the court and at the opposing players. As an alumnus of MSU, I applogize for the fans behavior. The only thing that will be remembered from the great play of the boys during that game, are the stupidity of the fans. Way to go players of both teams, great game!!! Go home and grow up, fans of MSU!! You are a disgrace to those of us with character!!

Ok, I will get off my soap box--sorry for that outburst, but REALLY.......

The blanket is a new one I made for Mary Countiss last week. I love the spring colors, bright and cheery. Makes me want to go look and see if my daffodils are popping up. It is 38 x 48 inches. The ruffle is a coordinating fabric of stripes.
The back if yellow minky dot. Hope you enjoy. Time for me to go start on todays project. This is teacher appreciation week at the school, and Friday is my day to send something. I was going to do it tomorrow which is my regular day off, but since I am here today, I think I will go ahead and start it. Ya'll be safe, healthy, and happy. Hugs and smiles!!! God bless ya'll!!!

Cupcake kind of Day

2010-02-16T19:34:00.000-08:00

The weather has been dreadfully cold and we are house bound with the flu. I got a call from school last Friday that my little one (11 y/o son) had a 104 temp. I nearly flipped out! None of my children have ever run fever much over 102. It scared me to death. I told the office to give him a double dose of Ibuprofen and sent Hubby (who was home--as most of you know he works out of town) to get him. I finished my case at the hospital (I am an operating room nurse and you just cannot jump up and leave at the drop of a hat) went home and retook his temp. Thank God it was down to 101.9!! We have been running from 100 to 103 since. Pediatrician says it is a fever virus. No other symptoms have presented except for loss of appetite and a little cough occasionally. Our school is full of it. 12 kids in his grade alone were out last week. He finally got hungry last night and today is fever was low grade , not over 100.3, so I feel like we are on the upside of this thing. Our doc told me it might last 5-7 days, and he was right. So while I have been house bound, I made a few things. The pic above is something I did today. Baby girl needed a tu tu, so I made this one. I appliqued the cupcake on the onsie and stitched the edges by hand. I used some scraps. The base of the cupcake is a pink, turquoise, purple, green paisley print and the icing is turquoise minky dot. The cherry on top is a pom pom. I slip knotted the tulle over a piece of elastic for the tu tu. I had bought this fabric and tulle sometime ago. I used the material to make Mary Countiss a blanket, and I realized today that the tulle had the same color combo as the material, so this is what I came up with. The flower headband is made using the Hooray for Headbands tutorial and pattern from http://www.heatherbailey.typepad.com/ The fabric flower is made from the minky dot--this was not real fun to make. I think it took me longer to make the flower, than if did the headband. If you like headbands this is a great pattern. It is sized for babies, children and adults. I will post a pic at a later time, so you can see her all dressed up. Her mom brought her by today after nursery to see if the skirt fit. I did not know what size to do, but it turned out great. (I Googled waist size for a 4 month old, and there was a size chart!!!) I am going to link this to Today's Creative Blog's Get your Craft On and may link to some of the other show your stuff sites this week. [Update: I have tried to grab the TCB button, but I am doing something wrong. It keeps saying I have a HTML error. I am not a computer savy person, so if anyone out there has some advice on what I am doing wrong, please jump in here at anytime]

Ya'll take care and be safe, HEALTHY and happy. Remember to smile and hug those you love. Pray for our troops and their families. See ya soon with some more of my shutin projects! God bless ya'll!!!!

Wynn's gift

2010-02-07T07:22:00.000-08:00

I have not fallen off the face of the earth. I am here and have been very productive. The clipboards were a success. I have orders for them for teachers gifts for end of the year. I have made about 20 so far. My daughter took hers to work and all her nurse buddies want one. It really does my heart good when people like my stuff. I also got an invitation from a craft show in April to participate. I can't seem to get enough made to go. Still have not committed yes or no. The pics above are a baby gift my daughter gave this week to her new nephew. She got the material and was very specific in what she wanted. I on the other hand did the things she requested--a blanket, 2 burp pads and a bib--and then the ideas started popping into my head and I started the appliques. I used my scraps and this was the finished product. The gift ended up to be a blanket, 3 burp pads, 3 bibs, and a onsie. It was so cute!! I saw this rough appliquing on a blog the other day and loved it. The edges will fray with washing and I just think the idea is so cool for a little one. I have been painting crosses and scripture canvas also as well as keeping my little angel baby when I can. She is 4 months old now and the inspiration for all the baby ideas. You can see in the pics that she is really developing a great personality. Paw Paw got her the tiger. Says he if trying to make an LSU fan out of her. I laughed because when he gave it to her she started chewing on it and I told him that she was trying to tell him that Miss. State and Ole Miss were going to eat LSU!!!!!!!!!!!

Ya'll take care this week!! Be healthy, happy and safe! Love others and treat them with respect and dignity! Hug your loved ones! Pray for our soldiers and their families! Smile and laugh!! God bless ya'll!!

Altered Clip Board

2010-01-11T13:31:00.001-08:00

Good beginning of the week ya'll!! Hope everyone is well. Me and lil buddy stayed home today, just not up to par. We've been puny all weekend, and not much better today. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Our temperatures are rising-outside, and I am sure that will make our spirits inprove. We did get out yesterday once for Simon to play a basketball game. He is in an 11 and 12 year old league at our gym. I love it. This is his favorite sport overall, and it is a joy to watch him. You can tell by his face how much he loves it. Also, we won!! This is our second game to win this season. Woo Hoo!!!

The pic is a clip board I altered today while at home. Very easy, you need clip board (97 cents at our Wally World), designer scrapbook paper, ribbon, and mod podge. Cut paper to fit board--mine was 9 inches wide and length I just eyeballed. Put a thin layer of mod podge on back of paper and fit to board. Use roller of some sort to remove all air bubbles. Put next layer of paper on and do the same with roller. When dry apply 3-4 coats of mod podge paper to seal and prevent tearing. Do the same for the front and back. I made a template out of cardstock so I could fit the paper around the clip, and cut out this area first. Apply ribbons of different colors that go with the paper and wah lah!! Done!!!!!!!!!! Daughter has already claimed this one, and if she does not change her mind (because I made several more today), I will put her name on it with sticky letters. You will need to apply one more coat of mod podge over letters to seal. I put fun sayings, scriptures and flowers on the others. You can do just about anything you want to them.

Time to get going. Ya'll have a blessed week and remember those who are not as fortunate as you. Smile and laugh. Hug those you love. Pray for our soldiers, their families, our country and the leaders of our country. Be healthy, happy, safe. God bless ya'll!!!

BRRRRR!!!!!!

2010-01-07T16:21:00.001-08:00

Wow, we are breaking records for the coldest days in history here. Today we were supposed to get snow, ice and sleet. We got a 10 minute flurry of snow mid morning, and a little rain early morning and that is it. Simon was the most disappointed because he just knew they were going to cancel school. One hour to the north and east of us got it, and got it good. Tonight is going to be extremely cold. We have brought all the dogs in and they are bedding down in the laundry room. Hubby is in New Orleans working, just me and lil buddie here. Fixed a big bowl of chili for supper and we are settling in to watch the big game. Go ALABAMA!!! Roll Tide Roll!!! Alabama is my second favorite team in the SEC. Wishing them all the luck I can to accomplish their goal for this season. It has been a great year. I just hope they finish it off right.

The cross I painted is another finished project that was supposed to be for Christmas, but will be a little late. It is for Simon's Sunday School teachers. They are great people who spend a lot of time with these kids. They not only do their Sunday teachings, they take them places at other times, have them over to their house and sometimes they take them out of town for special events. This is the second year that they have had this age group, and I really appreciate all they do for my child.

Well I better be going. Oldest son just called and said he was coming to watch the game with us. That's always fun for Simon. He loves his big brother and sister. Big sis is working. Thank gooodness this is her last shift of nights. Monday she goes back on days. Angel baby stayed with me today. I was supposed to take her to nursery, but we just stayed here all day and played. Ya'll be safe, healthy, happy. Smile, laugh, and hug those you love! God bless ya'll!!

Game Cookies

2010-01-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

We spent a lazy day at the Turner house today. Angel baby visited most of the day, while mom slept--she worked her first night shift last night and they came this morning after mom got off work. Little son and I made coookies--OLE MISS REBEL cookies. I have not made roll out cookies in a long time, so we decided to do this for the football game. I am not an Ole Miss fan, I went to Miss State, but I am a SEC football fan. I love college football and basketball, so when the bowl games are on or March Madness for basketball, this is where you can find me and usually the family. We had a blast making these cookies. Lil baby is going to spend the night with us tonight while mom works. Hubby and lil son just came in from outside with a puppy!! It has been running around in our neighborhood for about a week. Oldest son said it was at his house last week and he tried to find the owner, hubby went around the neighborhood tonight and no one claimed it. Daughter and her hubby want it, but they have their hands full with the baby and one dog already. Lil son wants it, but we already have 3 dogs. Oldest son says he is coming to get it and he will take it if no one claims it. His yard is fenced and the other night when it came to his house, his girl friend fell in love with it. She is there tonight, so he plans on getting it after work and taking it home and surprising her. (Update: I stopped writing to take care of baby, since then, he has gotten the dog, they have gone to Walmart and bought all the things you would ever need for a dog, and named him Tip. They have taken it to our friend veteranarian and it is in good health and he believes it is a full blooded Lab.)

I never finished this post yesterday, so I am finishing it this morning. Daughter had a good night at work, son in law is duck hunting, angel baby only got up once last night and right back to sleep, hubby just came in from staying with his mother, lil buddy slept in this morning--he really has worn himself out these holidays, I cooked an awesome breakfast of scrambled eggs, biscuits and sausage balls, and oldest son just checked in and said he and puppy--may be named Trip now, did fine last night. It is so cold this morning. I love it. Simon has his first basketball game this afternoon and then it is time to get back to our normal routine. These last two weeks of having 4 days off has ruined me. I am sure it want take me to long to get back to normal, though.

I saw this verse today and decided it was a good one to dwell on: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." --Ephesians 2:8-10(NIV) I believe this is the verse that Tim Tebow had on his face during the Sugar Bowl. I admire his conviction to Christ and how he has influenced so many with these scriptures on his face. I watched yesterday on the different football games and noticed lots of players had scriptures on their faces. I hope my little man wants to put a scripture on his face next year when we play football. What a great way of witnessing. Ya'll be safe, happy, healthy. Smile, laugh and hug those you love. Oh, I forgot to comment on my new years baby. Ain't she cute!!!--Enjoy and GOD bless ya'll!!!!!!

Projects

2010-01-01T04:35:00.001-08:00

This was a last minute Christmas present for my daughter, but it turned into a new years present. I finished it yesterday and she hung it on her front door after taking down her Christmas door hanger. She was real tickled when I showed up with it. We brought the new year in rather quietly. I kept the baby for a little while, so they could go out to eat. I went down to my dad's and visited, then I fell asleep watching football. Not very exciting here. Lil son had company spend the night and I am not sure they even made it to see the ball drop. Hubby also fell asleep watching football. First thing he asked me this morning was who won? I have made certain goals for this year, realistic ones:

Get closer to my faith--daily devotionals, not every so often devotional. Read and study my Bible.

Take better care of myself--I have not felt good for a while, so I am going to see if I cannot do something to fix that.

Reconnect with old friends--I have recently become a Facebook person, and it is unbelievable who is out there. Old friends that I have not seen from highschool, collage have befriended me and it is great catching up with them.

The only goal I know that might not be kept completely is that I have decided to go to 3 craft shows this year as a participant. People have tried to get me to do this in the past, and I only have done one. I was a great success and was asked to put my stuff in 3 stores, but I refused due to the time it would take to supply them. I am going to try again this year and see how I do. Wish me luck!!

" The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm"-----Proverbs 13:20
Be wise in your thoughts and actions. It is a new year, a new decade. Rejoice in your Lord! Join together as an army of Christians and maybe we can change the face of our world. We are not heading in a good direction, and this can only lead to a fall. Be safe, healthy, happy and hug those you love. Pray for peace and for our soldiers and their families. Laugh out loud, keep a smile on your face--it's contagious! Have a great 2010 and God bless ya'll!!!

Finishing projects!!

2009-12-31T09:42:00.001-08:00

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????

2009-12-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2009-12-25T08:21:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-23T03:48:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-22T03:37:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-21T03:27:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-09T05:05:00.000-08:00

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???

2009-11-05T05:32:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-28T04:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

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.....

2009-10-23T16:02:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-13T04:38:00.000-07:00

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!!

2009-10-08T05:47:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-10-05T02:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-27T17:46:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-23T10:03:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-20T16:58:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-18T04:52:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-16T04:20:00.000-07:00

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!!

2009-09-14T03:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-09-11T03:47:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-10T18:46:00.001-07:00

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???

2009-09-09T04:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

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!!

2009-08-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-19T04:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

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!!!

Busy Sunday

2009-08-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

Today was not a day of rest at all. Got up early this a.m. and made the icing for the cupcakes I made yesterday and homemade pimento and cheese for additional sandwiches for the shower. Got dressed and went to Sunday School. Came home and started icing the cupcakes, made lunch, and started painting a cross. While cross drying, I made the pimento and cheese sandwiches and cut them into thirds. Then decided I did not have a tray for the sandwiches, so I went to Walmart. Back home and heated up the poboys I made yesterday. Andrew called ( son-in-law) and his parents were coming down to help him paint the nursery and we needed to get the desk out and move it here. Ok, after that it was get back dressed for the shower, load the car with the trays of food and all the plates, napkins,etc.--real strange, but when I came out to load the car, there was not a soul at my house. Everyone had disappeared, so add an additional 15 minutes to my already tight schedule for me to load the car. Carre-daughter- calls and says I am off work early, we can ride together. Great. When I get to her house she says I told 2 friends we would pick them up. Ok again, add 15 minutes to already tight schedule. All's well that ends well--got to shower 30 minutes later than I expected, but 30 minutes ahead of the first guest. The event was wonderful. The little girl got a lot of nice gifts, and the girls and us moms, had a lot of wonderful conversation and laughter. This was a kitchen shower we gave for Carre's friend who is getting married next month.

The card above is all Close to my Heart--paper, cardstock, stamps, brads--the only thing not CTMH are the flower brads. These came from Picture Perfect Scrapbook Co. I love the color combinations in this card, and the saying is one of my favorites. I used layering and faux stitching techniques.

Simon and his friends have found them a little fishing hole. It is down the street from one of his buddies house, so they all ride their bikes and head to the lake. It is a little cutoff area that has been dug out and it feeds off the river. They are fishing with dog food. It is really cute seeing them with poles, tackle boxes, backpacks, water jugs heading down the street on their bikes. We live pretty far away, so we have to take his bike to the buddies house and he starts from there. If he has a buddie to ride with, we let them ride from our house, but if by himself we take him and the bike to meet the crew. They caught 2 brim and 2 catfish yesterday and 5 brim today. The cute thing today is that they saw some big catfish come up to feed and if one of those little boys gets a hold of one of those, I hope I am near to watch. It's gonna be great!! After all was done today, I took some of the pimento and cheese to my best friend (it is one of her favorites) and visited with her. It was restful and quiet until her 10 month old twin grandbabies came home from visiting some friends with their mom. Quiet changed to wild in a hurry. They are so cute. One is crawlilng and the other is rocking but not moving and he fusses. I told him today that he was going to have to get with the program. Enjoyed visiting with ya'll today, but my bed is calling my name. Take care. Be safe, healthy, happy. Smile lots, laugh often. Please hug the ones you love every chance you get. Our community lost 2 young men last evening--one to diabetes, very unexpected and sudden, and the other to inner demons--he took his own life. One was 25 and the other 19. Pray for these famiies--the Jones and Aldridge families--I know you don't know them, but please ask God to lift these families up in His arms, comfort them and ease their pain. Pray for our soldiers and in closing GOD bless ya'll. Good nite!!!

Good Sandwiches!!

2009-08-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

Good morning!! It is a beautiful day here, but already 91 degrees. Jack and Simon have gone to a scrimmage football game for the older boys on the pee wee team. I finished Doss painted camo cross ( or as camo as it is gonna be) It is like the real abstract one I have already posted, but 16 x 20. He is working on his farm this morning. Carre woke me up this morning with a frantic phone call to see if I had an extra set of keys to her car. She is taking her ACLS certification this weekend, and could not find her keys. I did and sent Simon over there with them, but by the time he got there Andrew had found them. I had a wonderful conversation this morning with 2 of my best friends. Just discussing life in general and sipping coffee. We may cook out tonight with one of our friend couples, but it depends on if I get through with all I have to do. Carre and I are giving a kitchen shower tomorrow for her friend that is getting married in September. I need to go to the grocery in a little while and start cooking for it. I make these great sandwiches and all her buddies love them, so that is some of what I am making. I will post the recipe at the end of this post.

The card above is one I made a while back. The cardstock is Bazzill, and the background paper is from K & Co. The image is "Sweetybellas" and the saying is from Studio G. The eyelets are Garden Green from Close to My Heart. I used the technique of paper piecing for most of the card and some layering. The only coloring that was done was with CTMH markers--garden green, cranberry, and flesh. The buttons are from SEI--Winnie's Wall collection. The fibers are scraps I had in my fiber drawer.

The sandwiches are po-boy sandwiches. You can use ham, turkey, roast beef or whatever you want. You need a loaf of garlic bread. I use Pepperidge Farm. Cook according to directions on the package. Then put your condiments on while bread is still warm. This will soak in the bread and make it moister. I put a pound of shredded meat on each sandwich. After I finish putting the sandwich together, I slice it into small sandwiches, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Place the small sandwiches back like a loaf and wrap in foil. Place in oven on 200 degrees and heat throughly. These can be made ahead of time and heated up when needed. They are really good.

Gotta get off this computer and get started on my days activity. Take care. Be healthy, happy, safe and smile!! Hug those you love, and God bless ya'll!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bag Tag

2009-08-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

This was our first full day of school and all went well. I have had a baby sitter with Simon since he was 5 1/2 weeks old but this year he is soloing. We kinda of gave it a trial run last year at the end of school, but she was always on standby if needed. This year he wants to do it on is own and I think he can. He turned 11 in June, and his brother, sister, and grandad all live within 2 blocks of us. He is a great kid and very mature, so I know he will be ok. So with school starting, comes backpacks and how better to keep up with yours than to have your very own personalized bag tag. This one was done for a friend of mine who's little girl is starting kindergarten. Didn't it turn out cute? Easily done---get a badge holder from Wally World (aka Walmart), cardstock, scrapbook background paper, ribbon, brads or eyelets (optional), little girl rubber stamp, and a hole punch. Now cut the cardstock to fit in the slide pocket. Take out and decorate. I stamped the little girl. Then I paper pieced the clothes on and colored the hair and skin tones. Next I used eyelets to put the little girl on the background paper. Next I did the same thing on the other side, but put her initials I cut out with my Sizzix. I stuck the two cardstock pieces together. You need to make sure this is not to thick and will fit snuggly, but not bulky in the badge holder. Punch holes in the side of the holder and drape and tie ribbon. Last thing to do is attach the plastic things that come with the badge holders and if it to bulky, use a long piece of ribbon instead to attach to her backpack. The first one of these I made was for my daughter's back pack when she went to college. She still has it.

I had a quiet day off. Carre's doctor's appointment went good. We then went down town and registered her everyday and china patterns. We ate lunch at the bookstore, bought a shower gift for this weekend, and had a great day!! Simon had a good day at school. He had pee wee football practice today and got sick while practicing. He has not felt well the past 2-3 days. He said he sat out for 20 minutes and then went back in and did ok. The coaches said they thought he was not going to come back in and play, but he put his pads back on and went in. I think with some rest this weekend he will be ok. No more football for this week. All the rest of family are fine. Time for me to go. Hope to talk back soon. As always--be safe, happy, healthy. Smile. Hug your loved ones. Pray for our soldiers and God bless ya'll!!!

Great Blogpost

2009-08-13T04:19:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post this morning. While sipping my coffee this morning and blog hopping I found this great blog http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/ She finds wonderful DIY projects that people have posted on their blog and highlights them on hers. Really neat!! Go see . It is well worth the visit!! Have a blessed day and I will see ya'll later this evening.

Thursday Time Out
Stop, take a deep breath, blow out slowly. Life is to hectic and fast. Slow down, stop and smell the roses. Laugh. Sing. Thank God everyday that He has given you another day to love.
"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you".......James 4:8

Birth Annoucement

2009-08-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, last painting for a while. Tomorrow will be a new project. This is a birth annoucement I did for a friend at work. The nursery is done is purple and green. The only thing missing is the name, but I do not letter good, so I had her write the name. It really is a lot cuter than this pictue makes it look. The large canvas is 11x14 and the drop downs are 8x10 with a 5x7 on top of it. These are fun to do . I am setting up an Etsy shop and you can get one from there is you would like to have one. I really need a couple of weeks notice to make, receive payment, and ship. Any of my paints are for sale. If you are interested, just email me directly at

turn0536@bellsouth.net I can do custom orders with the colors you like. I will put a link to the Etsy shop when it is up and going.

Pep rally this morning was just as I suspected--traffic was terrible, parking was worse, dew on the bleachers and I wore white pants, dew on the fresh cut grass, and we were in the room 15 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We did get the teacher we wanted though and I guess it was all worth it. Simon thought it was great!! Spending the majority of tomorrow with daughter, Carre. Doctor appointment in morning and then downtown to register her everyday and china patterns. Next stop, the printer to pick out annoucements and thank you cards . Need to drop off some green pottery pieces to be fired and have to go to a little gift shop and register some items. I hope I get home in time to play in my craft room. Really got some neat projects in my head. Hubby left this morning for a few days work in New Orleans, so it is only my and little buddie here. He has already gone to bed and I really should be heading that way myself. Ya'll take care, be happy, be safe, be healthy. Always hug the ones you love. Don't forget that smile!! God bless ya'll!!!

2009-08-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

This is my second cross I painted for myself. I am working on another and will place them on either side of the big one I posted last night. This one is 11x14 and is also hunter green and chocolate brwon with cream and tan throughout. I think I like this one the best. Love all the abstract in it. My oldest son asked me to do one for his house for his birthday and he wanted it done in camoflauge. I told him I did not think that was possible, but I believe he will get one like this but 16 x 20.

We have our meet and greet your new teacher tomorrow morning at 7:30. Wow, I really wish they would have done this tonight. We will only be there about 1 hour. I don't know who's idea this was, but I believe they had a memory lapse when they thought up this one. Anyway, we will be there with bells on!!! I am looking forward to this year. Simon will be in 5th grade and this will be his first year to have a homeroom teacher and to switch classes throughout the day. I remember when I first did this. Man, I thought I was so big!! We also had our first summer reading this past summer. That went good, so I hope it is an omen to what kind of year we will have. School has never been a problem with any of my children, and I am very blessed that it has been this way. Simon won the Math award for the 4th grade last year, and he is wanting to keep up the tradition this year. He is a very good student--doesn't write to well, but what man does--but he sure can add!!

Today was a nice day. We had a long hard day at work, but that just leads to a good night sleep. I brought home Chinese take out and we are all stuffed. All big kids are doing fine. All animals are doing fine--I believe I have failed to mention them: 3 dogs--Rambo, Sweetie, and Gracie, lab, mix and beagle order corresponds to name; 2 cats--Black/white stray we have had for 17 years named Buckwheat (Bucky for short) and long haired grey, black, white, and some orange stray we have had for about 6 years named Eustus. Both of these were brought home by my daughter from spend the night parties over the years. They are great cats and get along well. Time for me to close my eyes. We have about 80 patients to see tomorrow. Be safe, healthy, happy and sweet. Don't forget to smile! Hug the ones you love, and most of all GOD bless our nation and GOD bless ya'll!!!!!!

New Blog!!

2009-08-10T16:43:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll!! I am not new to blogging, but I am new to this sight. I have been trying to run 2-3 blogs with different crafts for quite some time, and I have not been very successful. I finally got so tired of flopping back and forth, that I quit blogging for a long time. I really have missed connecting with friends, so I combined all my blogs into one and here I am. This will be a craft blog with life happenings and life moments along the way. I appreciate all who have followed me before and I want ya'll to know I am back!! I will have different projects I am working on shown along the way, as well as family happenings and photos.

The picture above is a painting I finished this weekend. It is for my dining room. I plan on making a collage of paintings with crosses and angels. This is on a 16x20 stretch canvas. The colors are hunter green and chocolate brown. I painted all weekend. Stayed in my pj's all day Saturday. I finished wedding gifts and baby gifts I had been working on. I made my first cross painting some time ago, and I cannot keep them--someone either buys them or gets them as a gift. Today I got 2 orders for these. One in burgundy and gold for a church and the other in chocolate and blue for a co-worker. I hope to have them finished by next week. I love crosses in any shape or form. You will see a lot of these in my postings.

Family is great!! My first grandbaby is due to arrive in October and I am exstatic! It is a baby girl according to the U/S's. Mom and little one seem to be doing fine. I got a new son in law this weekend. My daughter and the love of her life finally tied the knot. Ran off to Gatlinburg and called us when it was over. I kind of suspected that was what they were doing even though they looked me straight in the face and said they were not before they left. She called me on the phone Friday afternoon and said, "Mom, we got married, but don't worry. We hired a photographer and a real preacher. We had pictures and prayers just for you!!" They had planned this out to the tee. I will post pics when I get them. Oldest son is having a birthday today. He is 24! He got a large dorm refrig and a microwave from me. He has is own house down the street but would not buy himself a refigerator--been waiting on a friend who works at the Sears store here to hook im up with a "deal". I told him eating out everyday is not healthy and he could use this until he found what he was looking for. He has the sweetest girfriend and she gave him a grill, so he should be fixed up. I figure this will make him get that refrig soon. He has been in his house about 2 months. Little brother is wonderful. Started pee wee football and this may be his calling. He has really turned into a jock!! He starts school on Thursday and his first real game is September 1st. He got measured for his suit today. I cannot wait until he gets in to see how things went at practice.

I am very fortunate in life. My father is still living and lives 2 streets over from us. I have 3 great kids-one at home and the older two have good jobs and live on their own--all in the same neighborhood as I. I have been married for 12 years to a good man. God has given me many blessings and I see many more to come. He has given me a wonderful talent that I have suppressed all these years due to working fulltime, but that is changing. I have slowed down considerably with my work. I am a nurse and have been one for 30 years-22 of those being an operating room nurse. I have recently changed jobs and have gone to work for an orthopedic surgeon I have known and worked with over the last 8 years at the hospital. I go to surgery 2 days a week with him and work the clinic 2 days a week. NO MORE CALL!!! It is great. I am off one day a week and that is my crafting time usually. I plan to keep this blog loaded with crafts and projects. I hope ya'll forgive me for rambling tonight. I feel like I have renewed old friendships. I wish for all a safe, healthy, happy tomorrow. Please pray for our soldiers. Take care and God bless ya'll!!!