Life in the Parsonage

Sewing

2011-01-18T17:03:00.000-06:00

I have been trying to sew for the girls as much as possible. I love to make cute things for them! Here is my latest project:

I made these tunic length and used fat quarters and ribbon from Wal-Mart. Very fun and very simple. There are some good tutorials here and here . The second one is the one I found and followed more closely. It was one of those things that I just wanted to do NOW and couldn't find bandanas I liked, hence the fat quarters. I just did a rolled hem on the serger all the way around and went for it. I was able to make them more tunic length since I had the extra inches. I love how they turned out! Easy, cheap and fast. What's not to love?

I did make dresses for them from some shirred fabric I had in my stash. You know, just one seam and some ribbon ties and you are good to go.

So, I hope you are having a great week so far and we'll talk soon. Love and blessings from the Parsonage!

Today is the day!

2011-01-08T11:56:00.000-06:00

I'm not really a "New Year's Resolution" kind of gal. I know before I even start, I won't keep up with my resolution for more than a month or two. That's just how I am. But for 2011, I decided to try and tackle those things that nag at me most, and try to do better. You know those things that hang around in the back of your mind and won't let you rest? Tell me you have those and that I'm not just weird!

My blog is one of those things, along with reading my Bible more, being on time, eating more veggies, keeping on a schedule (not too rigid, of course), sewing/scrapbooking more (gotta use those supplies!) and keeping the house neater. Whew! I'm tired already just looking at that list. But, the truth is that I'm happy with myself in that I have really done better in all of those areas. At least now that I've actually done a blog post and gotten my sewing corner straight. :)

So here's to 2011 and being better. There's always room for improvement, isn't there? So stay tuned for more sharing of our life in the parsonage!

P.S. Here's my first memory verse of the year: I DELIGHT greatly in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness. Isaiah 61:10 NIV

Ahhhh, getting settled!

2010-07-05T16:20:00.001-05:00

This is almost just a memory:

There are still a few big jobs left to do and a whole lot of little things, but I know from experience it takes a while to settle in. I am working hard on the craft room and am getting really excited about getting some things made to sell. I'm starting off with purses, accessories and baby items. I'm going to start off with word-of-mouth and Facebook. We'll see how it goes. Maybe it will grow into an Etsy store. :)

The people are so nice here and have made us feel so welcome. Moving away from friends and family is such a hard thing to do. I am so attached to those that I love and I miss them so much. But, we are already making new friends that we would never have gotten to know if we hadn't made the change. So, it's a good thing, after all. Most of all, I feel that we are where God wants us to be, serving Him and His people.

I'll share a sneak peak of my projects soon. Now I have a new computer that is hopefully going to make it much easier for me to blog and share pictures.

So, for today, God bless you and I hope you have a wonderful day. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be GLAD in it!!

Hugs!

A Little Craftiness Helps the Attitude!

2010-05-24T20:18:00.001-05:00

I took some time this past weekend to do a little something creative. I have been seeing so many tutorials on the internet for these adorable flowers. They are appearing on clothing, purses, home dec... everywhere. I love them! For this first one I used this tutorial and a scrap of bright fabric that my friend gave me. (forgive the blurry phone pic!)

It came out a little more tightly wound than the tutorial, but it was my first. I'm planning on making many more. You really should try it... it was fun!

This Social Networking Thing is Great!

2010-05-22T11:21:00.001-05:00

I get a lot of "looks" and "comments" when folks find out that I Facebook and Blog. They just don't know what in the world they are talking about! I have spent most of my free time lately (and, I admit, time that shouldn't have been "free") on the internet checking in on Facebook and the new blogs that I have discovered. I have pages of ideas for decorating and gifts, and just maybe a little business venture when I get settled in after the move. All gleaned from the fabulous blogs out there.

And see those "followers" over there on the sidebar? Those ladies have sent me such kind and encouraging words these last two days, that I now consider them my friends! And Debbie and I just might be cousins or something, because we have discovered that we are both kin to "Newmans". Now how about that!

So psssssst (you know, tongue sticking out noise) to all you nay-sayers. I LOVE social networking! It's just that--- social. And that ain't a bad thang! :)

Purging and Packing

2010-05-18T11:19:00.002-05:00

One thing about United Methodists is that they move--a lot. We are preparing to move to Murray, KY, about 2 hours away. That means 2 hours away from our daughter and her family... including our 2 Princesses.

We aren't really happy about that part, but there is that excitement and anticipation of a new adventure.

The part that is overwhelming is dealing with all our "stuff". Where does all that come from?? I think it multiplies when we aren't looking. Oh well, this too shall pass and we will be in a different house, the boxes will be unpacked and then the fun begins. I have so many projects planned which have been inspired by all the great blogs out there. I blog hopping!! If you take a look at my profile you should see the blogs that I follow. I'll be sharing those projects here with links to my inspiration. I can't wait to get started with my spray paint and Mod Podge!! I have found some things that need to be spruced up and I've been checking out the Dollar Tree and Goodwill too. I'm trying to think about those fun decorating projects instead of thinking about what I have to do in the next month!

Have a blessed day!

Hello, Blog

2010-05-17T17:55:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time! I have plans for you. Plans to share what is going on in our lives right now and plans to share all the many, many projects that I have lined up for the near future. Stay tuned!

Change is in the air...

2009-06-26T15:30:00.002-05:00

I can just feel it. I'm really not at liberty to share what those changes are likely to be, but I just know that there are some things that are going to change drastically in my life. I'm not sure how I'm going to handle those changes. Frankly, I have had some trouble handling everything lately. That is why I have not posted to my little blog in a while. Nothing to report. Creativity is low, inspiration is low, energy is low. But I am still chugging along and every day things are getting a little better. Thank God for His help--and medication doesn't hurt!

Through all of this--and through whatever is coming--I KNOW that God will see us through. He is able where I am not. He is strong where I am weak. We're going to be okay.

I Just Love God

2009-05-21T15:40:00.004-05:00

Sometimes my heart is just not big enough to hold all the love I have for Him. And for his children....sometimes. I admit that I get so upset with "church people" that I just want to throw up my hands and quit. Kind of like Jonah. I'll just give up ministry and go out and sit under a vine until the Lord takes me Home. And then I realize that they are just people too, and that no matter how irritating they can be, and no matter how much they seem to have it all together, they are just people. "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed. He remembers that we are dust." (Psalm 103:13-14) That is one of my memory verses for this year. Number 7, to be exact. Wonder why God would want me to memorize that one? I thought it was so that I could remember that I am dust and that I fail, but God has compassion on me. I think that is one reason. But the other reason, undoubtedly, is so that I will remember that my fellow sojourners are also dust. And they fail, just like I do. And the Lord has compassion for them, just like He does for me. I see, Lord. Thank you for the reminder! Forgive me for even thinking of giving up!

Neglected

2009-05-20T15:12:00.002-05:00

My, oh my, how I have neglected my little blog! I guess I just haven't thought I had anything interesting to say. And I have had issues with my computer uploading photos so I haven't posted any scrapbooking stuff. But I'm going to try again and hopefully will have something on here soon. If my knee weren't killing me right now, I'd go upstairs and take a picture of the layout I did the other day. [sigh] I promise not to neglect you so much, blog!

Real Food

2009-04-27T16:02:00.002-05:00

I cooked a couple of things today to take to church to feed the Vaden family after Mr. Judson's funeral. I cooked a big pot of green beans and meatloaf. They were a huge hit! I got so many comments and I was really surprised that people thought they were so good. Two of the most stellar compliments were "those green beans are just like my mama used to make" (mighty high praise if you ask me) and (to Eugene) "your wife sure makes a mean meatloaf" (that's pretty high praise too). Wow. I am so humbled and cannot imagine that I deserve such compliments. I think that usually comes from making some fancy casserole or maybe some sinful dessert, not green beans and meatloaf. Real food. Lesson learned. Fancy is not necessary. I am so pleased that they enjoyed it.

I've been productive this weekend!

2009-04-25T17:57:00.007-05:00

I had the opportunity to do some scrapbooking last night with Amy and Lori Beth. I finished that "Names of God" mini book that I talked about a while ago. I'll have to take some pictures of the pages. The cover was shared in this post . Here are the pages I did:

The light wasn't the best for photographing it. I used some Amy Butler paper and Cricut cartridge Lyrical Letters (love it!). These are pictures of Aubrey from last August. Her blue eyes really show up in the pictures!

These are some pictures from two summers ago. There goes that time flying again! We had bought a shopping cart for Lily and she was entertaining us with it. I used some old KI Memories paper and some new KI chipboard, the turquoise is American Crafts and miscellaneous buttons.

These pictures were taken right before Lily's tonsilectomy. She was really into ballerinas and we found this little number at Hobby Lobby on clearance, complete with the tiara, pony tail holder and shoes. She was in little girl heaven! I used some paper and pink vinyl Thickers from my April Scarlet Lime kit and some black chipboard Thickers for the title. I have heard so many people say they love them and I never really saw the fascination for them, but I'm think I'm beginning to!

Maybe I'll get some more done this evening and have more to share soon.

God bless you, dear readers!

How in the world does time go by so fast??

2009-04-24T11:44:00.004-05:00

I have been neglecting my little blog again. And I'm going to rely on it some day to jog my memory about what I've done and what was going on in my world. Oh well, I'll try to do better!

I was just reading the LPM blog and Beth was talking about Moon Pies and treats from childhood. It brought back a memory of me when I was a little girl. Sitting in the back seat of our car, taking a drive through the country (as we often did) with the windows rolled down on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Stopping somewhere along the way for a cold drink and a bag of peanuts. My parents got those little Cokes, in glass bottles of course, and I got grape Crush (I hadn't developed a taste for Coke back then). Dump those peanuts in that bottle and you've got yourself a treat. Away we went, drinking our cold drinks and sucking those peanuts out of the bottom of the bottle. Ahhhhhh... We were probably listening to the radio too. Later on we added a 8 track player to the car. Then we were really in style. Herb Alpert or Roger Miller or maybe movie theme songs. Yep, those were good days!

Holy Week

2009-04-08T21:14:00.002-05:00

I just read the new post on the LPM blog about Palm Sunday and memories of Easter. I was thinking about my favorite part of this week, Holy Week, between Palm Sunday and Easter. I love that our church has a Maundy Thursday service, celebrating the Lord's Supper and really reminding us of what is about to happen. From the upper room to the Mount of Olives, to Calvary and then the tomb. But then VICTORY on that first Easter morning. He is risen!

This is the real celebration for us. Christmas is important, of course. Without His birth, there would be no life to end on the cross. But without the resurrection, there would be no Savior.

In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever; til my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river. Oh praise His Holy Name!!

Way Behind

2009-04-07T09:16:00.003-05:00

I have been neglecting my little blog. How do I get so far behind? The weeks have been so crazy, but so wonderful too. A vacation for Amy and Daniel and us babysitting for 3 days, a trip to Chuck E Cheese with them, a revival at Brazil United Methodist Church, preparations for Easter, and now it is Holy Week and the pace hasn't slowed. But we have made some new friends and many precious memories. Life is good.

Life is good. I haven't always been able to say that with feeling, but I can really say it now. I guess it is all in my attitude. The ability to truly have peace and joy, even when everything isn't perfect. Praise the Lord for that!

"Praise the Lord" has certainly been a theme lately. I have heard sermons on the subject, it was the central theme of our "A Heart Like His" Bible study (by Beth Moore) Thursday night and seems to be cropping up all over the place. So, that is just what I am going to try to do all the time.

Praise the Lord!

Art

2009-03-19T11:40:00.003-05:00

I found a link to this video on The Crop Circle. It is really inspiring me right now. I do consider my scrapbooking to be art. Everyone should have some creative outlet, in my opinion. After all, we inherited creativity from our Father. Just go look outside. Is that not proof of it? God created a beautiful, colorful world. Try it! Think you're not creative? Just grab a box of crayons or finger paint. I dare you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpunQZ4cUyI

Craftiness!

2009-03-14T21:28:00.005-05:00

Just wanted to share some things I've been working on. This sort of thing is what keeps me happy and sane!

This is my very first layout with my very first scrapbook kit club. I subscribed to Scarlet Lime because the bright fun style which is very different from what I usually buy. I was ready to get out of my comfort zone and use something new. It's not a very good picture of the girls, but it was the only one I had of Aubrey's first pigtails and I wanted to do a page about them. She is not a very happy girl!

This is a layout I did using all old stash stuff:

While I was fiddling with the camera trying to get a good shot of her, she was busy playing in the cheese sauce of Lily's Lunchable. I wasn't paying attention to that, but you notice the guilty glances? She was looking to see if her Mama was looking at her. Little stinker!

And here is my Names of God book that I have been working on. I mentioned in an earlier post that I was doing a study of the Hebrew names for God. I have finished with the research and am almost finished with this book. This is just the cover. I'll share more another time. It has been such a blessing and a joy to do. I'm going to cherish this, I know.

A Long Post About What I've Been Up To

2009-03-07T14:26:00.009-06:00

Part of the reason that my blog has been neglected is that I have been busy (who isn't?) and I have been gone. Another reason is that my camera had been giving me trouble transferring pictures. But I'm back to business as usual now and Kodak has helped me fix the glitch in transferring pictures, so I'm catching up now.

Lily had her tonsils removed a couple of weeks ago. That was traumatic for all of us--her being 3 1/2 and the fact that that child has had one challenge after another for her whole life! But she is like a different child now! She is eating and speaking more clearly, she is actually calmer and has a longer attention span. Who knew?? The baby had sleep apnea due to those things! It was time for them to be gone!

There is our happy girl who never used to want her picture taken and now begs for it. And "Wanna see!" when they are done--she loves a digital camera, that girl!
And while Lily was in the hospital (for 4 days because they couldn't get her to drink post-surgery), we were taking care of this happy girl. Yes, the picture is sideways because I forgot to flip it around before I uploaded it and now I don't know how to fix it. Oh well. We had her from Monday evening until Friday morning. Nothing like caring for a toddler for 24/7 to prove to you that you are getting old!

Then we had this huge (for around these parts) snowfall. We haven't had one this big in years.

We had to take a little trip out to the country and saw these amazing formations. I've personally never seen snow do that before. It looked like giant waves. And up close it reminded me of marshmallow cream. It looked just like you could run your finger into it and have a taste! The snow was deep enough that church was cancelled. That rarely happens!

That Sunday we packed our bags and on Monday we left for a Spiritual Formation retreat that Eugene was attending at Kenlake State Park outside of Murray, KY. Here is where I spent 4 blissful days resting and relaxing--no cooking or cleaning, yay!--and I spent a good bit of that time working on a project that I am going to share with you soon. I took a bag of scrapbooking supplies and my baby Cricut and had a wonderful time. Eugene actually enjoyed the speaker and the time with his colleagues. We needed that break!

These little cabins are really nice and you can't beat being able to look out and enjoy nature. Even though nothing is blooming right now, it is still beautiful to me. I see the promise of Spring in the buds on the trees and the birds and the squirrels. Here's the view of the lake from the lodge:

Of course I waited until the last day to take this and it was really overcast. But there is just something about water, isn't there? So calming and peaceful. Love it!

So there you have it. Paper projects and craftiness coming soon!

Blessings!

Memory verse

2009-02-27T21:56:00.002-06:00

I just realized that I never posted my Feb. 15th memory verse. I have been working on it though. It's a good thing because Sunday is the day for #5. I haven't been able to memorize this many verses since I was a little girl in Sunday school. I still remember some of them, but the fact that I am actually doing this now is amazing to me. All I can say is that the Holy Spirit is helping or I wouldn't be!

I started learning this out of the NIV, then read it in the NKJV and decided I liked it better. So here goes (let's see if I can do it from memory):

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,

And give thanks at the remembrance of His Holy Name.

For His anger is but for a moment,

His favor is for life;

Weeping may endure for a night,

But joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:4-5

There! I had to peek at a couple of words, but all in all, not too bad.

On the LPM blog, they have asked if anyone wants to share what this has meant to them. I know that I have regularly "recited" my verses and am so happy that it is a way to direct my thoughts to God and away from negative thoughts. That in itself is a true blessing!

Did some creating

2009-02-23T21:12:00.003-06:00

I had a chance to make a page over the weekend. I saw a layout with this same title in Scrapbooks Etc magazine. I've wanted to do a page about Aubrey ever since. It is so perfect for her!

Journaling says: Always in motion. Always in a hurry. Always learning. Journaling at the bottom of the page: Traveling at the speed of "toddler".

I used some Sassafras paper, Basic Grey and Maya Road chipboard, Distress Ink by Ranger, Heidi Swapp flower some misc. cardstock and buttons.

Some weeks are just a blur

2009-02-21T09:20:00.003-06:00

Sometimes it seems that life just goes by in a blur and at some point we look back and wonder where the time went. This last week has been one of those times. On Monday we were busy preparing for Aubrey, age one, to come and stay a couple of days while Lily had her tonsilectomy. It's always fun to have them all to ourselves. Just being in charge of their care, able to play and sing and observe their sweet baby ways is a real joy to me. We bought the kind of milk she drinks and some things we know she likes to eat and got the house "ready" for a little one.

Aubrey came over on Monday evening so she wouldn't have to get up at the same ungodly hour as the rest of her family for their trip to LeBonheur. We got to play a bit and then tucked into bed. We were anxious about Lily's surgery, mainly because we knew at her age (3) it would be difficult for her to understand what was about to happen and, afterwards, to understand her limitations and the things necessary for her recovery.

Tuesday morning we got word that the surgery had begun. All went very well and other than being scared when she woke up in the recovery room, everything looked good. We received regular updates by text message which kept us from worrying so much. We knew what was happening at every stage. I'm so thankful for the technology to do thatl. Aubrey wasn't sure what was going on when she woke up in a strange place, out of her routine and away from her Mama. But after a bit of snuggling and reassuring, she seemed to enjoy being the center of attention and spent much of the day in someone's lap reading her favorite books.

Tuesday evening we received a picture via cellphone showing Lily sitting up in bed enjoying strawberry ice cream. Yeah! This is beyond our expectations and we are delighted.

Wednesday morning, however was a different story. Lily has decided that eating and drinking are not going to happen. She must be taking food and drink in order for them to take out her IV and dismiss her to go home. No way she's going for that. So for the next 2 days, we all wait for word that the Princess is ready to cooperate. Meanwhile, the new is wearing off for us here at home and I'm getting tired! Keeping up with Aubrey and keeping her away from the buttons on the TV, DVD playerm cable box and surround sound, not to mention all the plugs and power strips in the house that she can find, is proving to be a FULL time job!

Finally on THURSDAY they decide to remove her IV to see if she will drink when her body doesn't feel so hydrated and she feels she needs to drink. By this time, eating is not a problem. The child has eaten pizza, chicken strips, grapes, french fries....you get the picture. Sure enough she does take some juice, but not enough for the doctors to be satisfied. So they say that they will start the IV back up, wait to see if she eats supper and then make a decision about going home. She and her parents have about had enough of the hospital room by now and are beyond ready to get out of there! Finally, the orders to dismiss her come up to the nurse and they head for home around 9PM. We decide that Aubrey should stay here another night so that they won't have to get her out in the cold so late. That was a hard thing for them, I know they were ready to re-unite their little family.

But Friday morning, that reunion happened. Lily and Aubrey were very glad to see each other, and of course Amy was glad to have them all at home. Lily is pretty much back to her Princess self and hopefully will be able to get the restful sleep she has been missing due to those tonsils.

I've had a really good night's sleep and some rest so life is good. It's been a long time since I had the full responsibility of a toddler for that long. It's hard work! Not that I didn't already respect all that Amy does as a stay-at-home mom, but I had a renewed respect for her! Anybody who thinks that they are lazy because they don't have a job needs to come talk to me!

Catching up on projects

2009-02-14T21:25:00.004-06:00

Here is a page I made using some stash stuff. It has been sitting around for about a year now just waiting for the right time. This is a page about Aubrey's first day home last January. Fancy Pants paper, Bazzill Bling cardstock (pink), Fancy Pants ribbon and a felt flower I cut using a Fancy Pants diecut as a pattern. The title was cut with Cricut cartridge Plantin Schoolbook. The layout is based on a sketch from Becky Fleck's book Page Maps.

Teacher Gifts

2009-02-14T21:19:00.003-06:00

I made Lily's teacher and helpers gifts for the Valentine Party at school. I used Cricut and cut out ladybugs which I embellished with wire antennae and glitter on their spots. The little heart on the wire says "Be my Love Bug". I found the cute little jars at Hobby Lobby. We filled them with M&M's.

The bag in the background was a plain white gift bag and I cut a heart and glued it on so that they would have something to carry them to school in. I used the Doodlecharms cartridge.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T21:04:00.002-06:00

Today is a great day to spend with someone you love. It doesn't have to be some big romantic thing, just spending time with someone who is special to you and being thankful to have them in your life...that's what I'm talking about.

Eugene and I do have a tradition now that started a few years ago. He ventures into my scrapbook room and makes me a card. The first year that he did it, I was so surprised and taken aback that he would actually venture into my craft space and attempt something like that. I still giggle to think of his description of the event. By the time he had found cardstock and folded it, snagged a red ink pad and opened it (no small feat if you are familiar with Stampin' Up ink pads), located a heart stamp and applied said stamp to ink then paper, he was a nervous wreck. I loved it so much that it has become an every year thing. This year he did not disappoint. I do so look forward to his once-a-year creation. I love him so much!

February 1st memory verse

2009-02-05T10:53:00.005-06:00

I am working on my next memory verse for the LPM blog. This is what I chose:

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable his judgements, and his paths beyond tracing out!

Who has known the mind of the Lord?

or who has been his counselor?

Who has ever given to God that God should repay him?

For from him and through him and to him are all things.

To him be the glory forever! Amen

Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)

It is a bit longer than my others, but so far it seems to not be too difficult.

My Thursday night Bible Study group starts again tonight. I cannot wait to get going! We are doing Beth Moore's A Heart Like His. I know it is going to be great, because they always are.

Snow Day!

2009-01-28T13:05:00.004-06:00

There is just something about a snow day that is delightful. Especially if you have the pleasure of being able to cancel whatever is supposed to happen that day and snuggle in. Calls for a pot of something bubbling on the stove and a cup of hot chocolate or spiced tea. Mmmmm...brings back so many memories of being at home with my school-teacher mother--back when we got REAL snows. The kind that kept you out of school for weeks on end. We used to get those back in the day.

I did a scrapbook page last night of that picture of me with my birthday cake:

I used some old paper and cut the swirls, flower, butterfly and the numbers with Cricut using the Storybook cartridge. The butterfly and flower have some glitter on them too.

And I got a picture of the title page of my Project 365 album:

The clock and the "2009" is Cricut cartridge Graphically Speaking and the letters are Plantin Schoolbook.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2009-01-25T20:46:00.002-06:00

The thermometer says it's 27 but it feels colder. Looks like we are in for some winter weather, too.

It's been a great weekend. Very restful and fun. It probably wouldn't be fun for a lot of people, but it was for us! Reading, watching tv, scrapbooking. Today church and then lunch with Amy, Daniel, Lily and Aubrey and some of Daniel's family who were visiting. The company headed for home in Missouri and we went to Amy and Daniel's for a game of Harry Potter Clue.

Oh, and Aubrey had her official birthday on Friday. Where did that first year go??

Project 365 Pages--finally

2009-01-20T22:10:00.008-06:00

Here are pictures of my finished pages. I am so much happier with the divided page protectors. I just couldn't get it to come together like I wanted. Then a trip to Hobby Lobby for the half price sale for an album (American Crafts) and page protectors (Ultra Pro) and I am a happy scrapper!

The cover:Cricut letters (Plantin Schoolbook) and Paper Studio paper

Week 1:

I used cardstock from Hobby Lobby and some Crate Paper die cuts. The calendars were printed on the computer and I am circling the appropriate week.

Week 2:

For these pages I used Hobby Lobby cardstock and some old My Minds Eye Everyday Tango from my stash.

I sure feels good to have these done! Now to get some more pictures printed while I'm on a roll!

Cricut Projects

2009-01-18T20:33:00.004-06:00

Here is a centerpiece I made for Aubrey's birthday party and the bags and tags I made. All using Cricut--the Doodlecharms cartridge.

It was a great day with family!

There is a Reason...

2009-01-18T20:24:00.002-06:00

...that I do not bake and decorate cakes for a living! This :

I did one of these candle cakes for Lily's first birthday. You could tell it's a candle, right? Anyway, I decided to make it a tradition to bake one for every future grandchild's first birthday. It too the ENTIRE day and nearly caused me to have a nervous breakdown. I don't know why--it just seemed that everything that could go wrong, did go wrong! And I am not that good, obviously, at decorating. But I was glad that I did it and everyone said it tasted wonderful. By the way, the candle is strawberry with strawberry icing and the flame is chocolate with white icing. That marbley looking part on the flame is supposed to look like fire. What can I say?

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2009-01-16T21:38:00.002-06:00

Today we spent several hours running around in the bitter cold shopping for the Littlest Princess' birthday party on Sunday. The cold sure didn't keep people at home either! We actually had some snow on the way home, but it was too dry to do anything except blow around.

I know that we aren't used to these temperatures here in Tennessee, but I cannot tell you how many people I saw out today with no coat--in fact some in SHORT SLEEVES of all things. And I assure you it wasn't because they didn't have heavier clothes. Folks just don't think about how dangerous it would be if they had car trouble or something. Oh my, I sound like my mother-in-law! She always warned us to have coats and a blanket in the car when we went out "just in case you are stuck on the side of the road". Oh well She did give good advice so I guess it's okay if I sound like her.

Tomorrow I'm baking a cake for the party and making a centerpiece so maybe I'll have some pictures to post.

Memory Verse Day

2009-01-15T11:12:00.002-06:00

Today is the 15th so that means it is time to pick a new memory verse for the LPM blog project. Again, I have chosen one that I think I really need. I am excited to be able to speak/pray this every morning from memory!

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

for to you I lift up my soul.

Psalm 143:8

Two More Things for 2009

2009-01-13T09:30:00.004-06:00

I haven't really talked about a couple of other things that I am doing this year. That does not mean that they are not important. THE most important thing that I am doing is memorizing scripture along with my sisters on the Living Proof Ministries blog. You or may not know that LPM is Beth Moore's ministry and the blog has become very important to me. We have become a sisterhood (of Siestas--you'll have to go to the blog to see how that came about) of women who love God and who are very blessed by Beth and her teaching. I believe she is a prophetess to women in this time, and she is most certainly delivering the Word of God in a powerful way.

Anyhow, we are memorizing 2 scriptures a month for the entire year. I will have 24 verses in my little brain to call up when I need them for encouragement or to pray over myself when I am in trouble. I never would have thought I could do that, but with this support system, I do believe I WILL do it! So here is my first one:

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,

a workman who does not need to be ashamed

and who correctly handles the word of truth."

2 Timothy 2:15

On Jan. 15th it will be time to choose another. I think I know what it is going to be. I am just waiting on confirmation from the Lord. Yes, I do believe that He will highlight the scripture that I need to learn and I am waiting for that to happen.

The other thing that I am doing this year is Ali Edwards' One Little
Word for 2009. You choose a word that expresses what you are working on for the year, or what you want to accomplish, or whatever speaks to you. I chose the word GROW. I believe that says what I want to happen in my life this year. I want to grow in faith, knowledge and awareness. Knowledge of the Word of God, and any other educational opportunity that presents itself; awareness of others and the needs around me as well as in the world; and of course an increase in faith. I hope to be able to look back at the end of the year and see the growth that has occurred.

Pictures at last!

2009-01-12T19:23:00.004-06:00

This is my journal for keeping up with these scrapbook projects (see last post). I used some leftover MM Noteworthy and the lettering is the Alphalicious Cricut cartridge.

Instead of uploading every picture from my 365 project, I think I'll upload the pages when they are done. I've got to get those pictures printed and get busy on them. We are already 2 weeks into this year. I can't believe it!

Projects update

2009-01-12T18:59:00.003-06:00

I spent the morning looking at some blogs of scrapbookers who are doing the Project 365. This has really turned into a huge thing in the scrapbooking world. There are so many people doing it. And because of all the drama over the fact that there were not enough Creating Keepsakes kits to go around, there are a lot of people doing their own version of it, like me. I'm going to get some pictures uploaded soon.

This has really made me look around everyday for something that I want to document. That has made me more aware of the little joys in life and THAT, my friends, is a very good thing.

My other project for the year is the Names of God book that I want to do. I was going to follow Patter Cross's plan but I found out that wasn't exactly what I had in mind. I would like for this to be the Hebrew names of God and my plan is to use the book as a tool in prayer and study. So I have launched out on my own and found a list of the names and meanings on the internet. My first name for God is El. I have looked up my scriptures and I am ready to make my first pages. I plan to get going on that this week.

My priority this week, however, has to be sewing a birthday jumper for Miss Aubrey. We are celebrating her first birthday on this coming Sunday. She won't actually be one until the 23rd but Sunday was the best time to get everyone together. If all works our, we will have everyone together. That is not always easy, but it looks like we will make it. That's only our side of the family, though. Unfortunately no one from Daniel's side of the family is going to make it. So, more on that later.

Winter Weather Is Here

2009-01-05T20:58:00.004-06:00

It is rainy and cold here today and looks like it'll be icy in the morning. Sounds like a good day to stay in, right? Noooooo. We had planned a trip to Wal-Mart so we went there with all the other folks who just HAD to have that milk, bread, eggs and tissue. Why do people (I admit, me too) go nuts when the weather turns bad? I don't know.

Looks like tomorrow will be a good day to stay in and get the rest of the Christmas stuff put away.

I went to God's Castle today!

2009-01-04T22:42:00.003-06:00

Warning: Grandmother story!
Today after worship service (which by the way was great), Lily, our 3 year old granddaughter was looking around at our beautiful building. She said, "Oh, it's a castle! It's so pretty!" To which I replied, "Yes, it is a castle. It is God's castle." She continued to talk about the "castle". She asked, "Is it a princess castle?" "No, Sweetie it is God's castle. You are the Princess. God is the King of Kings."

Now, how sweet is that?

2009-01-03T13:39:00.003-06:00

Today is a gloomy day here in northwest TN, but I am not gloomy. I had such a great time with God this morning working on a Beth Moore study, Believing God. I started this thing a good while ago and then got involved in other studies at church and never finished. I'm working on the last week and part of it is reflecting on your life and how God was with you every step of the way whether you were aware of it or not. Am I detecting a theme here? Seems that's what 2009 has been about so far. God has a way of doing that, you know. Bringing things in front of you over and over. He knows that this girl sometimes has to be hit over the head with something before she gets it! But He loves me anyway! Thanks be to God!

I just visited Patter's blog again and she is doing the Project 365 on her own too. I don't think that is a coincidence either. That thing keeps popping up over and over too. I don't know what God has in store for me in that project but I'm having to think that He is in it somehow. I can't wait to see what He is working out!

Okay, still no pictures but I'm going to work on that later. I'm still learning this thing.

Have a blessed day!

It's my birthday!

2009-01-02T09:33:00.003-06:00

Happy birthday to me!

I must be getting old because yesterday and today have really made me reflect on my life and what I hope to achieve in the rest of it. My goal is to leave a legacy of faith in God for my children and grandchildren and generations to come. I want them to know Him and know how important He is to me. So now I'm working on ways to do that so that it is not just words but that they really SEE that in my life.

We had such a great time at our daughter and son-in-law's house yesterday. We took some finger food and hung out with them and the girls. We talked and laughed, watched Kung Foo Panda and played Harry Potter Clue while the girls napped and again after they went to bed. It was so much fun that we are going to get together this weekend and play some more. I'm going to actually attempt to post a couple of pictures later.

After while I'm planning on straightening up the craft room and getting some scrapbooking done. I may actually be able to post a couple of pictures of my projects too. If you don't know me, you don't know that that would be an amazing technological feat for me! So, we'll see how it goes.

I have a blinkie for my "names of God" project that I am doing with Patter at TripletheScraps but I have no idea how to add it. I tried last night until my blood pressure started going up and I quit. Maybe I can find some one who will take pity on me and tell me how to do it! I kept getting the message that the URL had illegal characters. Who knew that could happen?? I'll keep trying and maybe some day it will show up over there on the side. You never know!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-01-01T11:34:00.000-06:00

I don't know when I have ever enjoyed the promise of a fresh new year more than I am today. Watching the Rose Parade, as I always do, and looking forward to spending time with our daughter and her family later. But more than that, I am looking forward to the blessings, and no doubt challenges, of the coming days.

For now, I hope that all of you have a wonderful year.

A New Year, a New Thing

2008-12-31T23:34:00.000-06:00

I simply cannot believe that I have just started a blog! I don't suppose anyone much will read it, but it will be a great way to document the happenings of our life.

I intend for this to be a great year. I am turning 50 on Jan 2nd (Happy Birthday to me!) and I am feeling the need to leave my story for the next generation. I have some scrapbooking projects planned to do just that. Also, I am going to be doing a scrapbook/Bible study project on the names of God. I am looking forward to a creative year.

I do follow Ali Edwards' blog. She is a scrapbooking designer who believes in telling stories and documenting our daily lives. Each year she selects a word for the year that reflects her life and what she wants to achieve during the year. I am selecting the word GROW for my 2009 word. I want to grow in faith, awareness, and knowledge.

If there is someone out there actually reading this, I wish for you a great year full of blessings!

Happy New Year!