Quilts to make in 2009

Hannah's quilt was a hit! I'm sorry I don't have pictures. Believe it or not I forgot to take my camera and so I don't have a picture of the finished quilt. My sister-in-law has promised to get me a picture of Hannah with the quilt. I hope I get it soon so I can share with you. I saw Hannah last night at my brother's birthday party, and she told me she has slept with her new quilt every night since Christmas. She really loves it. When she opened it she said "It's just want I wanted!" Granted she said that with every present she opened...

My sister-in-law, Heather, has asked for a quilt next. She is so funny. She told me I could even make her a baby quilt too! I guess she thought that was all I could make. I am going to try to make her a Black, White & Red quilt using Amanda Jean's pattern. I think it will work beautifully in her living room.

I also want to make Beth a quilt using the same pattern, but using Brown & Turquoise. I already have the fabric for Beth's quilt. I just haven't been able to come up with a pattern.

I also want to make Charlie a Georgia Bulldogs quilt. He loves the Bulldogs. I found a blog where someone made their son/grandson a Bulldogs quilt but I can't find it now.

I would also like to make Trevlyn a quilt, but I don't have any ideas yet on colors or patterns.

I think it would be neat to make them all at least Twin size, and then make a pillow case to match. So, that is 4 quilts, and I still have Mother's too. I have her material and her pattern. I am planning on having hers ready by her birthday, which is March 16. I would like to have Beth's ready by her birthday too, which is March 18. So, lofty goals....

Merry Christmas!

Well, Christmas is tomorrow. I have finished Hannah's quilt, well almost! I am at work right now and on my breaks I am finishing the binding. Oh! How I hate binding! I hope to have pictures of her with her little quilt to post over the weekend. Yes, I said little quilt. I also hate cutting! I started with a 45x60 and ended up with a 36x48. What? how did I lose 9 x 12? Well, let's just say I can't sew straight nor cut straight! I had to even everything out and that is what I ended up with! Good thing Hannah is only 4 and hopefully will love her Aunt's first try at a disappearing 9 patch.

I better go. I wanted to drop in and wish anyone a Very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Time is Coming...

Wow, Christmas is a week from today. We finally got our Christmas tree up on Tuesday night. Although my Christmas gifts that I was going to make our still sitting next to the sewing machine. Aaaarrrggghh, time needs to slow down. I only have this Saturday left. I am going to be working like a crazy person!

My kids volunteered me to make a Buche de Noel for their French II class tomorrow. Of course a recipe that I've never tried...I'll let you know how it turns out. Right now I have Salmon Turnovers in the oven, and they smell delicious. I found the recipe over at The Happy Housewife, go on over and check out her blog.

I just got off the phone with my sister who is organizing our Christmas menu this year. We are both going to be at Mother's for dinner. Usually we go to our respective in-laws, but due to the economy and her having a new baby, we are both staying in town! It will be different but still wonderful. I have been told to bring the ham & green beans for Christmas dinner, and Rotel Dip for Christmas Eve snacks. That is great by me because they are all easy things to do.

What are you doing for Christmas? Are your plans different this year due to the economy?

Random Thoughts - Friday - December 12

I haven't blogged much lately because of the new job, and I've had a cold...again! Yes, every night this week (except last night) I've went home, drank a cup of NyQuil and went to bed. My intention was to blog in the evenings once I started this job, but it hasn't quite worked out that way. Usually what happens in my life isn't what I planned to happen. Do you think I am being too hopeful or setting unrealistic expectations? Maybe I am just not trying hard enough!

Can you believe there are only 13 days till Christmas? I still have so much to do. I haven't even put up my Christmas tree yet! GASP.... I know I am horrible! Usually I have my tree up by December 1, but this year my tree is in the attic and I can't get the attic door open. My husband hasn't been home until late every night and when he does get home he doesn't feel like getting it out. AARRRGGGGHHHH... I hope to clean house this weekend and put out all the Christmas decorations. That will give us about 3 weeks because I usually don't take them all down until New Year's Day!

The Christmas Play at church is this weekend. We have dress rehearsal this Saturday night. My sister and I have coordinated the Christmas Play for the last 3 years...I think. It maybe 4 but I can't really remember. It was always easy because we worked together, and we would brainstorm things at work then put them in action. It isn't that easy now! I miss being able to talk things out with her. Of course, I can hear you all saying "just call her" but it isn't that easy! I just remembered this morning that we need to put the programs together, so I called her. She reminded me that the original we work from is on my laptop. I totally forgot. See, if we were together I would already have the programs done or almost done and we would have done it together like we always do. I guess I have been spoiled, but I miss working with my family.

My job, you all have been asking, How do you like your job? Well, have you ever had a job where you felt like you didn't go to work? Well, that is how I feel. Other than missing my sister, I really like my job. I have specific job responsibilities, I do them, then I go home. I don't think about what is not done or what I have to do tomorrow. I do the same things everyday...deposits, process returns, check in inventory, etc. This is daily work so I get today's done and then tomorrow I do tomorrows! My manager is great. He is laid back, and easy to get along with. The people I work with are all younger than me. I think all but 2 of them are in school at UT. Their lives are full and exciting. I don't see how they get so much done. Most of what they talk about is going to a party or the party they just went to. I don't think any of them go to church so I hope to be a light to them. I would like to be a witness for Jesus. Wouldn't it be amazing if I could make a difference in one of their lives?

You have asked me (Valerie) about my quilting projects, and I hate to say that since I started this job I have not even sat down at my sewing machine. I just haven't had time. I know I only have 13 days to finish.... Tonight is a no go, I'll be at the church. Tomorrow, I have to clean my house and decorate for Christmas. Sunday, in between church services...maybe. Monday, I am not working because I have an appointment but it is at 1:30...maybe I can get up early and sew for a little while, then sew some more that evening. Okay...that is the plan. I'll let you know if it works out. It doesn't sound to unrealistic, does it?

Have You Ever?

I found this on another blog and I thought I'd give it a try. There are 200 things on the list and the things that are in bold are the things I have done. Remember I haven't always been saved so some of the things I have done and I am not proud of them, but I still did them! Give it a try if you want!

Have you ever:

1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby's diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said "I love you" and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don't
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone - verbal not physical
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someones mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch - does sewing count?
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all four
106. Raked your carpet - when I was a kid
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe.
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway (or equivalent to your country) play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt- (a very small one!)
129. Lived in a historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one - does Putt Putt count?
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Ran a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
57. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunch box
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hostel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a camp fire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Responded to a NJP newsletter


Now you probably know more about me then you ever wanted to know! Hope you all enjoyed that! Now go try it yourself!

A New Chapter

Today was my first day on the job. I am working in a retail cellular store. My title is sales support rep. Basically I run reports, make deposits, order & check in inventory, and process returns. I was so bored today! I don't think that the manager expected me to learn so much on my first day. He told me that I am going to have to slow down or I'll get all my work done everyday in about 4 hours, and I have to stretch it out to 8. This is going to be interesting... All the people I work with are in their early 20's. Only one of them is married. They seem to be a fun loving group, and they all act like they get along. But that was a first day impression...

Well, I just had a minute to write...I am on my way to a church ladies meeting!

Thank you all for your prayers, and I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year. I guess because it is one of the only days of the year that most of family will be together at my Mother's house. Just like when we were young. Today, I woke up about 8 so I could get started on the dishes I am taking. I am waiting on a dessert to finish so I thought I'd write down my thoughts today.

I have been reminiscing a lot lately. Maybe because I am getting older... Perhaps because of the season... I don't know! Tradition means so much to me. Thanksgiving always starts with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the smells of dinner coming from the kitchen. As a child we would help Mother with whatever she needed us to do, and watch the parade. We would sit down to dinner about 12 or 1. I say sit because I don't remember ever having a table that we all could sit at, but we try. All the chairs are brought to the dining room. Chairs from the kitchen, office chairs, even the piano bench! You see there are 9 of us, plus Mother & Jerry, makes 11. Now we've added spouses, and grandchildren, but we still bring up every chair in the house and try to all sit around the table. As we've gotten older we've added new traditions. The grandkids now sit around the kitchen table. Some of us stand around the table or sit in the adjacent living room. Then after dinner, Jerry & some of the boys will be watching football in the family room, the other boys will be in one of the bedrooms playing some type of video game, and the girls are in the living room going through the Black Friday Ads! My step-brothers & sister usually leave around 3 or 4 and go to their Mother's house, but most of us end back up at Mother & Jerry's that evening.

Today, we are expecting that 7 of the kids will be there. 2 of the boys won't be. Dabreon is in Florida, and DeWayne is in Alabama; neither were able to come because of work obligations. I am very excited because my sister, Nakia, will be there today. She doesn't always join us, but today she is going to be able to. So, total we will have 23 people for dinner today! That is our 2 parents, 7 children/siblings, 5 spouses, and 9 grandchildren! Sounds like a lot but we will be missing 2 children/siblings, 2 spouses, and 9 grandchildren... When we all get together there are 36 of us! Isn't that amazing...

Well, I just heard a timer go off, and I hear my husband & children stirring. I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Banana Sour Cream Cake

Kraft Foods Banana-Sour Cream Cake

My Banana Sour Cream Cake

I found this great recipe in my Food & Family magazine this month. I always have bananas and most of the time they are eaten before they get too ripe, but sometimes they don't! I get tired of making banana nut bread, muffins, etc. My picture isn't as good as the one from Kraft Foods but hey they have professional photographers with very expensive cameras to take their pictures! My family was very impressed with my attempt, and best of all it tastes delicious! I will be making this again!

Simple Woman's Daybook - November 24

Good Monday Morning! Come on over & check out what's going on in my day...

If you want to join in, just go visit Peggy over at The Simple Woman, read the guidelines here and then add your name to Mr Linky. There are so many other participants sharing their day, I'm sure you'll enjoy looking through them :)

For Today

Outside my Window...

the wind is gently blowing with a nice steady rain. I can see the last few leaves struggling to hang on to the branches. A very large black bird just landed on the bird bath to get a drink.

I am thinking...

that I won't be able to blog as frequently as I have in the last 6 months after this week.

I am thankful for...

Mercy...God has supplied all our needs even when the obstacles seemed insurmountable.

From the kitchen...

Monday-Country Fried Steak & Mashed Potatoes with Banana Sour Cream Cake, Tuesday-Homemade Chili, Wednesday-Trevlyn's 17th birthday we'll be eating out with family but I am making a homemade Oreo cheesecake, Thursday- Homemade Mac & Cheese & Pumpkin Cheesecake for Thanksgiving, Friday-Thanksgiving leftovers!

I am wearing...

Blue sweatpants & a red t-shirt

I am reading...

Compromised by Kate Noble

I am praying...

that my work schedule will be convenient for my family & my church obligations

I am creating...

Christmas presents; quilts, aprons, purses, pot holders...How will I get it all done before Christmas? Maybe some will be Valentine's presents...LOL

I am hearing...

Silence... no one is in the house but me. I can hear the clock ticking, me typing, the wind blowing through the trees. I treasure my "Me" time. I told my husband this morning that I am going to miss it! I didn't really realize how much until now it will be gone.

Around the house...

Bathrooms, Kitchen, my bedroom, and several loads of laundry. This week will be very busy. I am going to attempt to make sure that the house is very clean so after I go back to work the rest of the family can chip in and help me keep it that way.

One of my favorite things...

Cooking...I love to cook.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

I'll be at home until Wednesday night church service. I will be working in and around the house as much as possible for the next few days. Then Wednesday night after church we will celebrate Trevlyn's birthday then go over to Mother's to help her prep for Thanksgiving dinner. Thursday will be spent with all of my family at my Mother & Jerry's house. Friday will be spent with Brendia, Heather & Beth shopping. I don't really have any money to spend but it is just so much fun being with everybody. We tackle the ads & the stores looking for the best deals. Mother will join us about 9 for breakfast. We have a great time, and it is the way we kick off the Christmas season. Saturday morning we are all going out to the church to decorate the dining hall for Christmas. Saturday night is our very last Vols game. This will be the last game that I manage the church concession stand. I am both happy & sad. I've enjoyed it, but I am glad that next year I won't have the responsibility. I can just go out, work the stand, and enjoy the fellowship. A busy week. Hopefully I've not planned too much, but you know me, I probably have and won't be able to get everything done. Especially if I stay on this computer a minute longer today! LOL :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

This is a picture of my baby about 17 years ago. He was just a few weeks old in this picture. He was born on Tuesday, November 26 at 6:34am, 2 days before Thanksgiving. We were released from the hospital on Thanksgiving day and went straight to a Thanksgiving dinner at my husband's uncle's house. I'll never forget it. He was and is my favorite son! Isn't he beautiful? I can't believe he'll be 17 years old this week! Where does the time go?

I've Caught the Bug!

I woke up this morning sick! My throat hurts, my head hurts, my ears ache, I can't breath, and I've been running a fever off and on all day! Chills one minute and sweating the next. I have been in the bed all day. At least our house is warm. I am so thankful that Charlie was able to fix the furnace yesterday. He had to replace the ignitor. I am glad that he is mechanically inclined otherwise it would have cost us several hundred dollars to have it repaired. I was planning on going to Trevlyn's first basketball game tonight, but I guess now I won't!

I just made a big pot of potato & onion soup. I call it the feel good soup! Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow.

A Simple Woman's Daybook - November 17

FOR TODAY November 17, 2008

Outside my window... The wind is blowing gently with a very chilly breeze.

I am thinking... that it is cold in my house because my furnace went out last night!

I am thankful for... God answering prayers. I was offered a job today. It isn't a management job which is what I've done for the last 7 years and I am thankful. I wanted a job where I could bring home a check and still be available for my family.

From the kitchen... Cinnamon Toast this morning

I am wearing... flannel pants, and 2 long sleeve shirts

I am creating... Quilts for Christmas

I am going... anywhere that is warm! Charlie & I are getting ready to leave to buy the part to fix the furnace.

I am reading... Full Circle by Davis Bunn

I am praying for... that God will help me and Charlie to be good stewards.

I am hearing... birds chirping.

Around the house... I have to finish the 2 quilts I am working but I also need to do a few loads of laundry today.

One of my favorite things... blogging, and the feeling that I get knowing that I have friends that are praying for me.

A few plans for the rest of the week: This is a stay at home week. I don't have anything planned for the days, but Wednesday night we will be going to Trevlyn's Basketball Jamboree, and on Thursday night Beth has Ice Skating!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Ripples, everything that happens in life causes ripples!

Another Quilt Giveaway

Can you tell what is on my brain? Quilting... Camille over at Thimbleblossoms is giving away a quilt, and you get to choose the pattern! You have until Nov 23 to enter so head on over and check out her giveaway.

A Feeling of Accomplishment

Yes, I finished something! Lately it seems that I've been going from one project to the next without finishing anything. I hate doing that, but sometimes my ADD kicks in and I just can't seem to get anything done. I am that typical Mom that starts in the kitchen cleaning. I find mail on the counter so I take that down to the office. While in the office I find my coffee cup that needs to go in the kitchen. I take my coffee cup back to the kitchen. Then I find my car keys on the counter. I take those to my bedroom, and I realize I didn't make up the bed. Then ...okay on and on and on.... These really are my days. Most of the time I just can't seem to find a good rhythm, and I spend my time getting nothing done! Yesterday wasn't like that! I had a very productive day. Before noon, I had washed 2 loads of laundry, folded and put them away, made egg salad for lunch, and while doing that I put dinner in the crock pot so that could be cooking while I was working on my quilting. Then I started working! We have another baby shower tomorrow night. Did I tell you that we have 7 babies being born in a matter of months at our church? 2 of them have been born in the last month, and the other 5 are due between January & May. So this is the 3rd baby set that I have made. It is a coordinating baby blanket, burp cloth & bib. This is one of my favorites. I just love the rubber ducky fabric. They are made of a very soft and cuddly flannel. I like for the sets to be comfortable, and cute but still be able to be used. All 3 things can be put in the washer & dryer when they get dirty!

These are the squares for my niece's quilt. I received 40 charm pack squares, and I had to cut out the other 100! Have I told you that the cutting & binding are the things I dislike the most about quilting. I know all the colors are little funky! She asked for pink & purple, and that is primarily the colors that I am using, but there are other colors too! My husband came in last night and he said are you sure that all those colors are going to work? I told him well actually No, I'm not, but I sure hope so since I just spent hours cutting out all these squares! What do those of you with quilting experience think...Will it work? The end result will be a disappearing nine patch! On the left are all the stacks of squares that go in the quilt, and on the right is one square that I put together to let Charlie see an example of how it was going to go together.

Old Red Barn - Win 1 of 3 Quilts

Aren't these 3 quilts absolutely gorgeous? I love them and really really want to win 1 of them, don't you? Go on over to Dana's Old Red Barn Co to enter the drawing!

Little Is Much

I have been taught as a small child to work in the church. Whether you may be a door greeter, a church custodian, a singer in the choir, the sound man or whatever the Lord calls you to do then do it with all your might. I have tried to pass that along to my children too. But, if you've ever been involved in church work then you know that it is a thankless job. Most of the time if someone comes to talk to you about a job you've done in the church then it is probably because you did something wrong not because you've done something right. Sometimes our jobs seem so small, and little known. Today I have been thinking of that, and this song came to my mind. No matter what the job or how small it is if God is in it then our Praise will come from him on that last day when he says enter in! I want to hear him say Welcome Home My Child, Well Done! It will all be worth it on that day!

In the harvest field now ripened,
There's a work for all to do.
Hark, the master's voice is calling,
To the harvest calling you.

Does the place you're called to labor
Seem so small and little known?
All is great if God is in it,
And He'll not forsake His own.

Little is much when God is in it.
Labor not for wealth or fame.
There's a crown and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus' name.

When the conflict here has ended
And our race on earth is run,
He will say, if you are faithful,
"Welcome home, my child, well done."

The Simple Woman's Daybook - November 10

For more daybooks go on over to Peggy's.

For Today November 10, 2008

Outside my window... The sun is shining brightly. I can see the mountains in an array of colors; Yellows, Greens, Reds & Oranges....

I am thinking... that I have a lot to do this week.

I am thankful for... my home, and my family.

From the kitchen... A few things I plan to make this week; Roasted Pork loin, Homemade Pizza, Battered Fish & Fries, and Vegetable Soup with cornbread.

I am wearing... My cleaning clothes; Red knit pants, and a very old t-shirt.

I am creating... A baby set. We have another baby shower at church this week.

I am going... Today is my at home day. I am going no where!

I am reading... I just finished a Kasey Michaels book.

I am praying ... for God's guidance.

I am hearing... the house is very quiet so I can hear the clock ticking, and every once in a while I hear the birds chirping from outside.

Around the house... Clean my bathroom & bedroom today, and wash 2 loads of laundry.

One of my favorite things... talking with my husband. This morning we sat and talked just the two of us after the kids went to school.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work around the house a couple of days, finishing the construction clean of Brendia's house, Wednesday night church service, Ice Skating Lesson, Baby Shower, and then the weekend shoud be here!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Charlie & I pretending to ballroom dance while waiting for our family Easter picture to be taken.

Coming Full Circle

I was sitting here this evening reading back through my blog posts... Do you ever do that? It is amazing to see how my life has changed so much just this year. In my first post I said that this might be a type of therapy for me. I just didn't realize how much it would help. I have met new friends, and renewed old acquaintances. You all have been there as I was going through some of the hardest trials of my life. I have battled sickness & financial difficulties. But you have also been there with me through some of the happiest times of my life. This year, I have 2 new nephews, I have learned how to sew, and basically just released the creative side of myself.

I realized as I was reading my past posts that I never told you the results of my neurological testing. The MRI came back fine. I didn't have a tumor as the doctor thought at first. However the doctor felt sure that I had Partial Onset Seizures. I hadn't taken the medication that he had given me so when I went back for the office visit he was a little upset with me. He asked me to take the medication for 1 month and then come back. Of course you know me, I asked a multitude of questions about the medication. The medication was a full blown seizure medication. Once I began taking it I would have to take it for the rest of my life. If I didn't then that could result in full seizures. I told him that my husband & I would discuss it, and that was pretty much the end of the visit. I decided not to take the medication and cancelled my next doctor's appt. For many weeks after the testing I was still having major headaches, dizziness, and some numbness in my extremities. These things would always come after I had experienced a rough night. I sleep very hard. I can't say I had sleepless nights because I didn't. I would just wake up feeling like I had run a marathon! Well, one Sunday morning I woke up with a headache, and felt like I could pass out at any moment. I went ahead and went to church with my family. I didn't tell the kids how I felt, only my husband knew. We had been praying for a miracle, and I knew that when God was ready then he would heal me. I sat through church and I felt like I was barely there. I had a sense of being on the outside looking in. I could tell what was going on, but felt like I wasn't a part of it. After the preacher finished his sermon, he decided to sing a song and asked me & my Mom to come sing with him. The song was O What a Savior. I was so scared that I wouldn't be able to stand through the entire song. I felt like I was swaying as we were singing. Immediately after the song was over, I asked him if he would anoint me with oil and pray for me. He said Yes! He asked 2 of the elders in our church to come up and pray with us too. He asked me if I believed that God would heal me, and I said I believe he can. He asked me that twice, and I responded the same way. Then he said No, do you believe he will heal you, and I said Yes, I believe he will. He said we are going to pray for a miracle and you are going to be healed. The entire church started praying, and I was healed. I no longer have those tremendous headaches. I haven't had the numbness or dizziness that I felt for so many months. I still have headaches, but I think that goes along with stress, and they are nothing like the headaches that I did have. The headaches I did have were like brain aches. I literally felt like my brain was going to explode! I don't have those anymore. God healed me!

I don't know why I haven't shared my testimony with you. I should have, and I feel horrible for not doing it sooner. I always want to praise God for what he does for me. He has always been there for me. I want to be faithful and committed to him. I know God knows exactly where I am today. He knows my weakness, and my faults, and Guess What? He still loves me! He is my father. He is still teaching me, and I am still learning. This morning in church our Pastor was preaching, and he spoke to a lady in our church that is 94 years old. He asked her, How bad do you want to go to Heaven? She said Bad, and then she said I am ready. I want to be ready when he calls me. Don't you?

Fall at My House in Pictures

Tuesday, November 4th - A Historic Day

I hope all of you go and exercise your right to Vote today! No matter who you vote for, please go vote! I don't like to talk about politics because I believe that everyone has a right to believe according to his/her own heart. For the first time ever we will either have an African American President, or a female Vice President. We are a part of history! Our children and our children's children will be talking about this election for ever. It will be entered into history books... exercise your right, Go Vote!

A depressing note... I received a call from the company that I was interviewing with tomorrow. They are postponing opening the office in Knoxville until the Spring of 2009 so they have postponed the interview. I was told they would call me in a couple of months to reschedule the interview. AARRGGGHHH.... I have applied other places but I haven't received any calls back. We are praying, and I am getting things together to start selling on ebay again! I know the Lord will take care of us either way!

Quilting, Sewing, Fabric... OBSESSED

Okay, I am obsessed! I can't stop looking at blogs about quilting. I am fascinated by the talent of so many! I have so many ideas that I want to make but I can't seem to get off the computer and get started! I have promised my niece that I'll make her a quilt for Christmas. She, after seeing a quilt I made for my brand new nephew, told me that she wanted a quilt that was pink & purple with butterflies & flowers. She just assumed that I could do it. Isn't that just like a child? They never doubt that their parents, aunts, uncles, or grandparents can just do exactly what they asked for. She didn't know that the quilt that I made for Isaac was from a kit, and that somebody else picked out the fabric for me. That I didn't make the pattern or anything. She just politely said what she wanted, and that I could give it to her for Christmas! Well, I have searched far and wide for a fabric that would meet her demands. I finally found Butterfly Fling by Moda, and it works perfectly. I am going to try to copy a pattern from Sherri that she made from a charm pack.

While I was searching for fabrics today, and reading my friend, Val's blog. I found SeeKatieSew. She has a wonderful giveaway this week (that I hope I win). Go on over to her blog and register to win!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - November 3

For more day books go on over to see Peggy at The Simple Woman.

For Today...

Outside my Window... the sun is shining brightly.

I am thinking... about the election tomorrow.

I am thankful for... peace in the Lord.

From the kitchen... today will be leftovers, plans for the rest of the week are sketchy...

I am wearing... black pants, black jacket, and a black & brown print shirt.

I am reading... an Eloisa James novel

I am praying... that people will go vote tomorrow and that the God will lead this election and that my interview on Wednesday goes well.

I am creating... a quilt for my niece.

I am hearing... MSNBC talking about the election.

Around the house... the house is empty! I am working a couple of days this week at the family store.

One of my favorite things... staying busy! I am excited because this is the first week in months that I have a full week planned...outside the house!

A few plans for the rest of the week...

Monday & Tuesday I'll be working at the store. Monday night we have a church ladies meeting. Wednesday morning, I have a job interview. Thursday & Friday, I am working at Brendia's new house, cleaning.

Here is a picture thought...

Either way, someone different will be running the country after January 1st!

Happy Halloween

Thank Goodness for Friday! This week has went by really quickly. Today is Halloween. We won't be giving out candy this year. We have 4 free movie tickets, and my wonderful hubby decided that we would all go watch a movie as a family. I am not sure what we'll watch. I hate scary movies, and refuse to watch them. The kids think it is silly to go out on Halloween and not watch a scary movie. I think they just really wanted to go out with their friends tonight, but they won't say that. It is so rare for us to spend a night out with just the 4 of us that they are happy no matter what we do! As it stands, it should be only the 4 of us! Plans have been known to change though. One time we had plans to go out to eat at my favorite restaurant for dinner, Olive Garden, just the 4 of us. During the course of the day, my wonderful hubby had talked to several of the youth, and told them of our plans. When we arrived at Olive Garden our party numbered 22, not 4. So, you can see how plans change!

This past Wednesday night we had Trunk or Treat following our service. It was so much fun. We had over 90 people during our worship service. 30 of them were children under the age of 14, and then after service more people came. We probably had between 125 & 150. I'll have pictures later. I am on my husband's computer and he doesn't like it when I upload pics to his computer. Brendia has mine till tomorrow. She doesn't have a home computer, and since she is out of work for a few weeks on maternity leave, she borrowed mine to work on the church Christmas play.

Sherri at A Quilting Life told me about this wonderful website called The Fat Quarter Shop. I love it! They have charm packs, and jolly packs that you can't find anywhere; for example Amy Butler Jolly Packs! I have been looking at a Moda Jelly Roll called Butterfly Fling. At my local quilt shop it is $37 + tax, which in TN is 9.5%. On this website it is only $30 + shipping, and no sales tax. The shipping via USPS Priority Mail is only $4.95. Right now they are running a special for free shipping on orders over $50! Thanks Sherri for this website! They will have my business!

I hope everyone has a fabulous day! I must work on my house today. Tomorrow we have a busy day, and I like to spend Saturdays with my wonderful husband. Saturdays are really his only day off. So, tomorrow we are going to be running around all day. We already have a full day scheduled. I am excited! I love to spend time with him, and the kids.

Terrific Tuesday

Wow, I have had an exciting week! Yes, since last Tuesday a lot has happened! I have a new nephew...that is the most exciting! I have talked to several potential employers about me, myself, and I. Friday, We took the youth to a presentation of Judgement House. I worked a fundraiser for the church on Saturday. On Sunday we had 2 wonderful church services, and our 4th Sunday dinner. Monday, I spent the day with my sister and the new baby. I helped her run a few errands. Then Terrific Tuesday, I received a call from a potential employer (I've already had a phone interview with them) to schedule a face to face interview with their Director of Operations! I am really excited about this opportunity. It appears that it would be an excellent paying job, and it won't consume my life. I have really prayed that the Lord would send me a job that would allow me to still be a wonderful Wife, Mom, and Church Worker! I know that sometimes as women we spread ourselves very thin, but when I think of that I am reminded of the Proverbs 31 woman. She did it all, and if she can then with the Lord's help, I can too!

The interview is next Wednesday at 10am. I would like for all my friends and family to be praying with me. Since the initial phone interview my Mother has said that this is the job that she wants me to have, of course if it is the Lord's will. So, you know Moms are always right. I've applied for a multitude of jobs, and talked to a few already, but I want to be willing for whatever the Lord wants. If this is it, then pray that it goes well!

James Isaac

James Isaac

Born 10-22-2008 at 2:03pm

7lbs 8oz

20in long

Isaac is Coming Tomorrow

The wait is finally over! Baby Isaac's due date is October 23rd, however Brendia has been dilated several centimeters and thinned out for about 3-4 weeks now. She'll have really hard labor pains for a couple of hours and then they just go away. This has been going on since she was 36 weeks. Brendia wants to deliver naturally, so she has been waiting on things to progress well...naturally. She had a doctor's appt this past Monday, and the doctor said enough is enough. We are all surprised that the baby hasn't just fallen out. I say he takes after his family and he is just stubborn. The doctor scheduled for her to come in tomorrow morning and they are going to start her on a PIT drip. I think that is what it is called. The doctor thinks that once that kicks in it'll only be a couple of hours since she is already over 5cm dilated. So, by tomorrow night I should have pics of Baby Isaac! Can you tell I'm excited? I've already decided I am going to be his favorite aunt! That is if Heather will just stay out of the picture. She is so much younger and cooler than me :) Heather if you are reading this I still love you!

These are few pictures of my sister, Brendia and her fabulous husband, Brandon. They are so cute together. I'm sure that their baby will be an absolute doll!

In case you can't tell Brendia is younger than I am. I was 8 years old when my Mom & Dad brought her home. I thought they had brought me my very own baby doll! Brendia's hair has always been blond, but when she was little she didn't have a lot of it. I can remember thinking she would be bald forever. Finally she grew hair. I would make her sit for hours while I played dress up with her. I would change her clothes, put little braids all over her hair, and those little hair barrettes where the hair wouldn't stay braided. Like I said she was my very own baby doll. I didn't have to have a Baby Alive doll, because I really did have an alive baby! I learned how to change her diaper, and feed her when she was first born. I honestly can't believe so many years have passed and she is having a baby of her own. On October 12, she turned 27, but it still feels like she is my baby sister. I couldn't ask for a better sister. She is wise beyond her years. She has become my best friend. While she used to sit for hours and let me play dress up with her, now she has been known to sit for hours just listening to me talk. Believe me this is true. We worked side by side in a small office for 2 years, and when I get nervous I talk...and she listened! Believe it or not, we've never had an argument. We don't always agree on everything, but we don't argue. I've always been able to depend on Brendia. Anytime I have some crazy idea that I want to do, she'll be the first one to say she'll help me, and believe me I have had a few hairbrained schemes. She's never acted like my ideas were stupid, even when some of them were beyond stupid! It may sound sappy...but she is the best sister that I could ever have. A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double. ~Toni Morrison We are very much alike but yet very different too!

I am asking each of you to pray a special prayer tomorrow for my baby sister, and her new baby, Isaac.

Quilt Giveaway

Lizzy over at Pigtails & Snails is giving away this gorgeous quilt. It is an original design, and absolutely beautiful. I love the fall colors, don't you? Head on over to her blog to register to win!

Alabaster Box

My friend, Valerie, has this song on her blog's playlist. I listened to it today as I was reading her blog. I thought I'd share the lyrics. The words are just so beautiful.

The room grew still
As she made her way to Jesus
She stumbled through the tears that made her blind
She felt such pain
Some spoke in anger
Heard folks whisper
There's no place here for her kind
Still on she came
Through the shame that flushed her face
Until at last, she knelt before his feet
And though she spoke no words
Everything she said was heard
As she poured her love for the Master
From her box of Alabaster

Chorus:
And I've come to pour
My praise on Him-like oil
From Mary's alabaster box
Don't be angry if I wash His feet with my tears
And dry them with my hair
You weren't there-the night He found me
You did not feel what I felt
When He wrapped His loving arms around me
And you don't know the cost
Of the oil in my alabaster box

I can't forget
The way life used to be
I was a prisoner
To the sins that had me bound
I spent my days
Poured my life-without measure
Into a little treasure box
I thought I had found
Until the day-when Jesus came to me
And healed my soul
With the wonders of-His love
So now I'm giving back to Him
All the praise He's worthy of
I've been forgiven
And that's why
I love Him so much

My Favorite Cookies - Samoas

Believe it or not I am not a big sweet eater, but Samoas from the Girl Scouts are my biggest weakness! I found a blogger who has the recipe for these amazing cookies on her website! I can't wait till I have money in the grocery budget because this will be the first dessert that I make!

Go to KC's Cafe for the recipe or Once Upon a Plate!

Looking for Active Full Time Employment

Well, I am officially actively seeking full time employment! With the economy as it is we've decided that it would be better for me to work full time so we can pay off some of our debts. Then we can reconsider me staying at home at a later date. So, I am asking for your prayers. I want something that will help not hinder our family. Money isn't everything. I don't want to get sucked into a career that takes away from my family, and believe me based on my work history that is exactly what happens. I am an overachiever by nature, and very ambitious when it comes to my job so I need tempered. I am asking God to give me the job that he wants me to have so I can still be here for my family and my church as much as possible.

A Wonderful Weekend

This past weekend was very eventful!

Friday night I took Beth Ice Skating. She started ice skating lessons a couple of weeks ago, and she is able to attend one free public skating session per week. Believe it or not, she is a natural. Beth takes after me in the fact that she is very clumsy, but when she gets on the ice she is very graceful!

On Saturday, I worked the UT game with our church then on Sunday morning me & the kids rode down to Dalton GA with some friends of ours for our national church convention. Charlie drove down on Friday because the convention actually started on Friday night so we met up with him there. I had the opportunity to see my brother, his wife, and children. Their new baby is absolutely a doll. This picture is of him, in my lap, isn't he just cutest baby you've ever seen? No, I didn't pose this picture...He was sleeping that way!

While in Dalton, I had the opportunity to see Val my real life and blog friend! We've known her family for many years now, but we don't have the opportunity to see each other very much. I wish I'd thought to take a picture of us together, but I didn't! Maybe next time!

We went out to eat on Sunday night with my niece and her husband to our favorite Mexican restaurant, Garcia's! As we were sitting at the table my children decided that I looked pretty good that night. It is really funny how it happened. We were talking about my blog, and the kids said I needed a new picture. The one I have posted is several years old, so they decided to take my picture.

To me I just look tired! I felt like my four hours of sleep on Saturday night was exhausted!

We stayed in Dalton until Monday because Charlie's dad was having surgery on Monday morning. He was having surgery to remove 7 skin cancers from his face and neck. The surgery was scheduled to be out-patient, but we didn't know for sure how it was going to turn out. The doctor was concerned over one of the cancers. It appeared that it had grown in to the bone instead of out like the others. Well, everything went perfectly! The doctor was able to get everything. We all left the doctor's office about 9:30am and went to Shoneys! Yes, you know it... we all love to eat. **Update-Charlie talked to his Dad last night and he hasn't even had to take any of the pain medicine!

This is a picture of the kid's with the grandparents!

After we got home on Monday we didn't do anything. I mean nothing. We all slept most of the remainder of the day. But the real world came knocking on our door on Tuesday morning! Charlie was off to work and the kids were off to school. I was off to my sewing machine. I finished this blanket yesterday. I'm not sure who I am going to give it to, but it will be a present for somebody. We have several ladies that are pregnant in our church, and so far 3 of them are having boys!

WOW...As I am sitting here writing this post...I hear snip, crackle, crash, BAM!!! then the dogs start barking like crazy. I rush upstairs to see what has happened! I look out the window and this is what I see...

We have 4 trees in our back yard. The one that you see is dead! I called Charlie to let him know and his first question was "Did the tree fall on the house?" Isn't it funny that he knew why I was calling? I told him NO, it didn't fall on the house, but we have procrastinated long enough. It is time for that tree to come down on our terms! We will be having a chainsaw party at our house this weekend if anyone is interested!

Kroger Meat & Produce

It is Saturday morning. Do you get up early on Saturday morning? The only people I know that do are the ones that go to yard sales and those that may have to go to work. Well, Have I ever told you that I am a sleepy head? I have always been called that. Yes, since I was a small child. I was never told as a child that it was time to go to bed because more often than not I was already in bed by that time. I was (am) very often the last person to get out of bed in the mornings though. To get to the point... this morning I had to take Trevlyn to work at 8am. I woke up about 7:15 which is just too early on Saturday morning for me! On my way back from taking him to work I thought "Hey, I'll stop by Kroger and see what I can buy!"

I walked in and started laughing! They were already taking the shelves apart in the meat department. The Meat Manager told me that people were there as early as 5am, pushing and shoving to get the best deals! He said that the boneless chicken breasts were the first to go. Now boneless chicken breast wasn't on sale this week at Kroger. The regular price is $4.79lb. 50% off that would be $2.39lb. If you are strategic grocery shopper than you know that boneless chicken breast goes on sale often for $1.99lb. My question is "What were they thinking?" The only items left in produce were things that are hard or impossible to freeze like cucumbers and lettuce.

I was amazed! Who gets up that early? Not me!