From God's Perspective

A Card for Alisha

2011-09-18T21:00:00.000-04:00

"And I say unto you, Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Luke 11:9-10

How simple is that? Jesus said that if we ask, it will be given to us. Just... ask. It doesn't always seem that easy because a lot of times we pray for things and it seems nothing happens. But this scripture has really been true in our lives lately. I asked God, and He has given many times over in the last few weeks! I am so grateful to Him for His blessings!!
I am also thankful for my two best friends, whose birthdays are two days apart, two days after my hubby's birthday. I have three cards to be making over the next few days... well, two after this one. Odd that I would start with the last birthday instead of the first one! LOL
Today's card was made for Alisha, my wonderful friend and mentor. She and I have traveled the roads together many times, talking about in the Lord and growing in Him, hanging out together, playing Hand & Foot, and so much more. I so appreciate her wisdom and anointing as much as her friendship. She is a true friend.. she will quickly set me right back in the Word when I get off track and start in with the stinkin' thinkin', and I do the same for her. I am so grateful that Father has placed her in my life!

For this card, I used an image from Laurie Furnell's Heart & Soul CD that I purchased at PCcrafter.com. The evergreen leaves are a Martha Stwart punch, the pinecones are a rubber stamp from Stampin' Up!, and the leaves along the bottom are some punches and various cutting files from my Silhouette Cutting Machine. I colored them with my Sugarloaf markers and then added water with a Q-tip to blend the colors.
The wreath and topiaries, as shown in the enlargement below, are enhanced by using a product called FlowerSoft. I was really happy with how they turned out looking so real!

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Card Makin' Mamas Use Punches
The Friday Mashup Autumn project using shades of Yellow & Orange
Card Patterns Giving credit for a great sketch!
Pile It On The Colors of Fall
Critter Sketch Challenge Photo Inspiration
Our Daily Bread designs Fall Colors
PaperPlay Challenges Punches & Dies
And if I had finished it in time, I would have entered it in the Stampin' Sisters In Christ Challenge that ended last night asking for a door and a scripture. :(

My Little Octabox

2011-09-16T00:41:00.002-04:00

Now that all the mistakes are out of the way (see previous post), here is the finished octabox!
I know it's not December yet, or even snow weather, but I used a Christmas paper anyway. It's mid-September and I always get Christmasy around this time of year. So I have been playing Christmas music all day (driving my family nuts with it) and thinking about what kind of other Christmas things I can make.

The box is one I designed for a contest many years ago when I was in the Computer_Crafts Yahoo Group. The paper is from Hobby Lobby. I'm not fond of pink and lime for Christmas colors, but other than the little designs resembling snowflakes, it would be hard to tell it even is a Christmas paper. The trim around the edges were made with Martha Stewart's Snowflake punch and a bow punch I picked up a long time ago. I don't remember the brand. I created the adornment on the top from 'doilies' cut with my Silhouette, another snowflake punch, some buttons and a bit of embroidery thread. To top it all off and add some bling, I used Wet & Wild glitter nail polish to all of the snowflakes on the edge of the did and then to the whole lacy embellishment on the top. I just wish it would have shown up better in the photo.
I am entering this fun little box in several challenges,

Pile It On

Creative Craft Challenge

Catch the Bug Challenge

Double whammy 'Duh'_ on me! LOL

2011-09-14T23:30:00.000-04:00

Ok... so I'm gonna tell on myself here. Years ago, I designed an octagon box template and this morning I decided to redraw it in Silhouette Studio. It worked great, so I sent it through the machine to be cut. While the machine was running, I went back and looked at it again in Studio and suddenly realized that I had totally forgotten to adjust the cut lines! So the machine was cutting every single line, even the fold lines! My box was no longer gonna be a box, just two flat octagons and a bunch of square and triangle pieces. So I waited for the machine to stop (while my BFF and my daughter laughed at with me). Finally the machine gets done and I pull out the cutting mat with the cardstock on it that would have been my box. But there is no box! There are not even 2 octagons and a bunch of squares and triangles cut out! There was NOTHING! Just a clean blank sheet of cardstock. It was then that I realized that I had forgotten to put the blade back in this morning! ROFL I had taken it out to see if there was something wrong with it when after 3 cuts, it still wouln't cut all the way through the sheet of cardstock on a print & cut I did. (Never did figure that one out; unless it was because I was using a new, super-sticky cutting mat.)The moral of the story: For those of you who have a Silhouette cutting machine, there are some things you should know. The first of which is this: The blade has to be IN the machine for it to work! LOLBTW... I eventually did get the box finished!

Another Silhouette Discovery!

2011-08-10T05:44:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I was just playing around with what I'd posted previously, and decided to try making all the elements/parts of a card to print & cut out.
In doing this, I discovered that I can take any digital background, lay a white shape on top of it, hit 'crop' and it will merge the pattern on to the shape! No more being forced to use their limited fill patterns!

Again... if you have any questions, please ask and I will do everything I can to help!

Silhouette Discovery

2011-08-09T03:06:00.001-04:00

Just thought I'd share this photo I took in Canton, Ohio in the art district. It was beautiful from all angles and at all times of day or night.

So today as I was playing in Silhouette Studio, I thought about all the thousands of Hugware and digi-scrap images I have and how I'd love to be able to print them and have my Silhouette do all the cutting. I wasn't sure if it was actually possible, but I figured it was worth a try. Sure enough, with a little playing around, adjusting some sizes and settings, I was able to create my own Print & Cut files from my own graphics! I haven't actually cut any of them yet, but at least I know I can! Next, I'm going after the black & white outline images (I guess they are now called digi-stamps?) so that I can color them myself. I hope to use them on cards and other projects soon!

I'm not good at writing or videoing tutorials, but if you have any questions, please get ahold of me and we will find a way that I can walk you through the process!

Flutterbies

2011-08-07T16:46:00.003-04:00

I'm back again already with another card for another contest. This time it is the Flutterbies challenge from Crafty Cardmakers.It was not my typical style of card, which is why I'm really happy with the way it turned out. I usually use lots of color and patterns, so to do this one almost all in white was very interesting! :)

Created on white cardstock, the edge is punched using one of Martha Stewart's border punches. The butterfly design on the front was cut using my Silhouette cutting machine, as well as the flowers making up the cluster on the inside. The butterflies inside are from a Martha Stewart punch. The hint of color on the front is from chalk pastels and the color on the inside is from watercolor pencils.

Colour Create Challenge Entry

2011-08-07T05:42:00.000-04:00

Well, as promised, I am sharing some of my newest creations. First of all is one I created for the Colour Create Challenge because I have ALWAYS loved Pink, Green and White together. My favorite shades of those colors are not the ones in this card, however, I do so love the floral paper and wanted something special to do with it. Someday I will do a project with the sweet, delicate, romantic, soft shades of pink & green and add all the pretties to go with them. Meanwhile, here are the pics of the card I created for this contest.

I have so many supplies from so many places that it will be hard for me to say what brand I'm using, but I believe that for the most part, I will be able to at least remember where I got them from. I do apologize.
On this particular card, the floral patterned paper came from one of many 3lb scrap packs that I bought at Hobby Lobby. The 'sisters' images are from the 2008 Easy Scrapbooking Calendar (day by day). The lace design was cut from white cardstock using my Silhouette cutting machine (which I LOVE so much and wouln't trade for anything!) The brads are from Hobby Lobby, and I made the bow from ribbon found in a child's create-a-dollhouse type kit.

I'm still alive! LOL

2011-08-03T22:02:00.000-04:00

I've decided that I'm gonna try blogging again. It's been over a year, and a lot has happened since then. But instead of rehashing it all, I'm planning on doing a photo recap... as soon as I get an image resizer installed.
One thing that has happened is that I finally have a crafting area, and my daughter is crafting with me, so I will be posting some of our things, along with some great links I find.
Today's great link is posted on my sidebar... http://scrappinforkenzie.blogspot.com/ has a giveaway that is massive! I LOVE IT! She also has a beautiful baby girl! *grin* Head on over and check it out!

Are you taking the High road?

2010-06-14T08:41:00.001-04:00

I had a dream, the meaning of which is this:
If you were to step into your future, years ahead, what would you see? People who's lives have been transformed due to your obedience to God? Or people who think Christianity is a joke because they grew up watching you be a Pharisee or a hypocrite? Are you taking the low road and portraying yourself as a Christian while sleeping with the enemy or allowing bitterness or self-righteousness to blind you to the damage it's doing? Or are you taking the High road and doing everything Father wants you to do with a clear conscience and a zealousness to avoid all of the enemy's sly traps? If your children's -grandchildren's, niece's, nephew's, etc.- relationship with the Lord and eternity's location were based solely on your representation of Christ, which road are you taking them down?

Would you like to be closer to God and don't know how?

2009-10-25T12:53:00.000-04:00

Don't worry about formal praying or prayer time... you can get so caught up in trying to say all the right words, or trying to figure out how long you need to pray or thinking about whether it 'sounds right' that you miss the blessing of spending time with Him. If you just go about your day talking to Him like He's right there with you... and He is... you will find yourself drawing closer and closer to Him. I'm saying talk to Him like He's there with you as in...
"Which outfit do You think I should wear?"
"God, You are awesome!"
"I have a friend who needs some encouragment... what do You think would be the best way to help her?"
"Whoa! You're quite the artist! I love how You painted that sunset! And it was just for me??? Thanks!!"
"I love You, Daddy!"
"You are so holy... and I am so thankful that I am your child!"
"I'm not sure how to get through today... can I lean on You?"

And praise Him!
Praise Him for Who He is... and what He's done, and even for what He's done that hasn't happened yet (that you can see)! Look back at where you've been and where you are now, and praise Him for what He's brought you through already.
Praise Him for what He has seen in your life that He has prevented from happening... the health issues that could have come on you but din't... the times when He caused you to be late so you could avoid the accident you would have otherwise been in... the times when the devil tried to take you out and your Father said "No! That's My child and you will not touch her!"
Praise Him because He's holy... and righteous.. and the One who created you just because He loves you.
Praise Him because His mercy endures forever and His grace is everlasting.
Praise Him because He can cover you with the Blood of Jesus and satan cain't touch you because to get to you he'd have to go through the Blood and that's not possible!
Praise Him in everything... even the negative situations.
Praise Him for already working out that difficult situation that you are just starting to encounter.. even if it looks to you like there's no way though it.
Praise him for the perfect plan He's had for your life since before He created the world.
When you realize that His plan is the absolute best plan for your life, it's much easier to just put your hand in His and say "I trust You, Father!"
Just remember... it's your praise that makes Him say "Come here, daughter... I like what I'm hearing... let me put my arm around you and we'll walk together." and when you're walking with God, you're protected from anything the devil tries to bring against you!
Now I know that this is not the only way to get closer to God, and I know there is more to it than this, and I know that everyone is different. But I also know that God is the same yesterday, today and forever, no matter how different people are. And I know that if you will do this... you WILL get closer to God... and then He can take it from there and take you into a deeper relationship with Him where He can reach out to others through you and bring them to Him. All of the other 'more than that' will fall into place when you get the 'that' in place.

Just updating a minute...

2009-02-19T16:28:00.001-05:00

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17

I'm now working off my new laptop and found a neat little Vista gadget that lets me post to my blog right from the desktop instead of going to my blog and doing it the long, time-consuming way. We'll see if that gets me posting any more often! LOL

Girlsense

2009-02-03T14:50:00.002-05:00

Jessi's friend was over a few weeks ago and showed her a website for tween/teen girls to have fun designing clothes. Being the cautious mom, I went to check it out and make sure it was appropriate for her (mostly just out of curiosity). What I discovered is that there are other moms there... it's kinda a site for moms and daughters to have something in common.
So anyways... here is my boutique:

Create you own

Join Girlsense

Mystery

2008-12-21T23:30:00.001-05:00

A child was born on Christmas Day
Born to save the world
But long before the world began
He knew His death was sure
The pain and strife secured

Mystery, how He came
To be a man
But greater still
How His death was in His plan
God predestined that His Son would die
And He still created man
Oh, what love is this
That His death was in His hands

The Christmas trees
They glow so bright
With presents all around
But Christmas brought
A tree of life
With blood that sacrificed
The greatest gift in life

Chorus

I am just a man and
Can't begin to comprehend
When You look into this traitor's eyes
What do You see that justifies the Lamb

God predestined that His
Son would die
And He still created man
Oh, what love is this
That His death was in His plan
Mystery, mystery

Five Loaves and Two Fishes

2008-12-07T00:21:00.003-05:00

5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,
9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
John 6:5-14

I haven't gotten the picture thing figured out yet so that I can show you my quilt blocks, but I was thinking about this today and decided to write my thoughts down.

You've prob'ly heard that story of Jesus feeding the 5000 with just 5 loaves and 2 fish... but let's just step back in time for a few minutes.

Early that morning, a young mother woke up with a busy day planned. She needed to clean the house, prepare food and bake bread for Passover. She gathers the supplies and starts mixing it together, and soon it is in the oven and the aroma is filling the air. A little while later her young son comes in all excited about the crowd of people gathering a little ways outside of town...
"and Rabbi Yeshua is there and He's going to talk to everybody and can I go too?? I want to go see Him! They say He's touching sick and crippled people and they are all fixed... I want to see that! Benjamin and Joshua are going to be there... can I go? Pleeeeeease??"
So she agrees, as long as he takes some food, because like any mother, she doesn't want him getting hungry and it's a long way for a little boy to walk back home just for a meal. And it would give him something to do besides getting underfoot while she prepared for the Passover.
"And stay near Andrew because I don't know what kind of people are there." She wraps up a couple of fish her husband had just caught the day before, added 5 of the loaves of barley bread so he would have some to share with his little friends, and sent him off with an admonishment to pay attention so he can tell her all about it when he came home that evening.

She had no idea when she got up that morning that 5 loaves of the bread she was going to bake were going to be held in the hands of God Himself, prayed over and stretched out to feed 5000 men, their wives, and their children! In fact, I imagine that she probably thought her little boy was making up stories when he came home that night and told her that he gave his lunch to Yeshua and when He got done passing it around to everyone there were 12 baskets full of leftovers. You know how little boys' imaginations run wild... Until she went to the well that evening to draw water and everyone on the street was telling the same story! But even then I don't believe she knew that it was God who shared the bread she'd baked that morning... I wonder if she ever knew. Was she later part of the crowd crying "Crucify Him!" or was she one who heard Peter preach at Pentecost, believed and was baptized? Did that miracle that day with her bread convince her that Yeshua was the Messiah they had been waiting for? I don't really know, but I kinda think so.

There are so many different things in the Bible that we don't know the whole story of.
Mom and I were talking about the song "Mary, Did You Know" I like the one line that says "when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God." I know that she knew that He was the Son of God, because the angel told her so... but when she was just being a mom, cuddling and loving on her tiny newborn, I wonder if she really knew when she was kissing His sweet little face, smoothing down His baby-fine hair, shielding his deep brown eyes from a bright sun, teaching Him to take His first step as a toddler, cleaning off a scraped knee, etc. that He wasn't just the Son of God, but that He was God himself, or did she just think of Him as her little boy? If you have children, think back to all the things you do and think from the time they are minutes old.... then put yourself in her shoes for a few minutes and ponder what it would have been like if you had been the one chosen and that infant you had held was God in the flesh. How would you have thought of Him when you were doing your daily life routine?

My Quilt Blocks

2008-12-05T02:42:00.007-05:00

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniuities will I remember no more. Hebrews 10:16-17

Ok, so it's been more than just 'tomorrow'... and I'm still not getting the full story in tonight, but I do have a good reason this time. My monitor is acting up on me and trying to die. Over the weekend I noticed that my screen was quivering... it was the strangest thing! But I rebooted and after a bit it seemed to be ok. Then a few nights ago my hubby was on here (which he almost never is) checking out his family's MySpace pages, and I peripherally saw a flash like a power surge on the screen. After it happened a few times, all of a sudden it just went black. I finally got the monitor back on this morning, but I still left the computer off til I knew whether it was hgoing to stay working or not. So far, so good.

So anyways... I am still quilting. And building my fabric stash. I think this is the longest I have ever done any one 'craft' and I am really happy with that! Usually I last about a month before I'm on to something else, but I have been quilting since August! Love it!

I have discovered that I much prefer to hand-piece wherever I am and make a lot of different blocks using different fabrics rather than doing the same thing over and over in one place by machine. So when I'm home, I try to get as much fabric cut into squares as I can. As long as I have my squares cut and prepared, all I have to do is grab some of them, choose a block pattern, and put all what I need into my quilt tin and go. I try to keep two or three in que just in case I end up going somewhere for longer that I expected. I'd rather have too many than to run out and get caught with none to work on.

Anyways... as soon as I can figure out what glitch is not letting my resize them, I will show you some of the ones I've done. They're not all the best, because while I have figured out how to choose fabrics that go together, I still have a problem with the values. So I end up with two different fabrics that go together very well, but there is no contrast because they are the same value. At least it's something that I am aware of, so I am working at improving. It also helps that I have gotten more fabric cut which gives me more variety.
But on the flip side of that, I am stitching between 10 to 12 stitches per inch... so the quality is pretty good even if I am still learning about the fabric choices.

I Did Not Get Lost...

2008-12-01T01:36:00.000-05:00

I know... I know.... it has been almost 3 months since I last posted, not counting that video. I'm sorry! I have so many reasons, none of which would have single-handedly kept me away, but all of which add up to be why I haven't been around. And so... since it has been that long, I do have a lot to write about, which means it may take me several days to get this post written.

Nah.... I'm not going to take several days to write one post. I'm gonna just try to split it into several different posts over the next few days. If I can.... because I never know from one day to the next what I will be doing anymore. I can plan my tomorrows, but from the time the phone wakes me up in the morning til late evening, it rarely ever happens like I plan anymore. So if I don't post tomorrow, or the next day, something else came up. But I will try to get back here and tell about the last few months that I've been missing.
Oh... and by the way... even though I am not online as much anymore, when I do get here and have a little bit of time, I do try to always at least catch up on what's going on with Marfa, Melanie, Jannidee and Kristen. You guys are the best!

What Holiday Are You?

2008-11-30T23:33:00.005-05:00

You Are Christmas

More than most people, you are able to find magic in life's small moments.

Traditions mean a lot to you, and you tend to be quite nostalgic.

You are a giving, kind person who really understands the true meaning of holidays.

You inspire others to be as altruistic and caring as you are.

What makes you celebrate: Tradition and a generous spirit

At holiday get togethers, you do best as: The storyteller. You like to recount memories with everyone.

On a holiday, you're the one most likely to: Give a gift to everyone you know

What Holiday Are You?

Victor Borge... the page-turner

2008-10-03T02:32:00.002-04:00

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..." Proverbs 17:22

Quilt Update

2008-09-06T11:49:00.005-04:00

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8

Well the quilt is coming along great. I have gotten all the blocks cut and sewed into strips, and 4 of the strips sewed together. I'm really happy with how well it's turning out. I figured that when I sewed the strips together, the corners would be all wonky, but on the contrary, my corners are all eith perfectly matched or else no more than 1/16 of an inch off. I have decided that now that I'm looking at it together, I'm not as happy with the fabrics I used. It's beautiful, but the colors are all blending in together. The rail block are almost the same value as the tulip blocks, with the contrast only in the difference of the print size. But oh well! LOL I still like it and am proud of it for being my first quilt ever!

I decided though, that I wanted to post a bunch of links to some quilt sites I have come across that I like... most with either lots of block patterns or else great how-tos. So here goes!

Quiltville - my favorite quilting site! Look at all the links down the left side

Ideas For Quilting - main page

Ideas For Quilting - Quilt block patterns

Warm Wishes Quilt - This is the one I'm making, only in pastels

Sew A Quilt - Great place for a beginner to start

Free Quilt - links to hundreds of quilt patterns

UFO-rphanage For Quilters - for all those UnFinishedObjects

Denver Fabrics - Wahing information for quilters

Quilter's Cache - a wealth of how-to information

Quilter's Cache patterns - almost anything you could imagine

Tulips & Daffodils

2008-08-25T17:13:00.006-04:00

Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

Well, I'm off on another venture. Yes, I was doing boxes (and I will go back to them), but I got a hankering to learn to quilt. So all my paper has been put aside for a bit as I pull out my fabric. Seems like most of last week was spent with an iron in my hand! I'm totally new to it all, I din't have all my fabrics washed. Then I went and bought more for this new quilt I want to make. I could have used the other that I have, but I wanted my first quilt to be beautiful colors and fabrics that I really love working with. So I had to iron all of those too.

Now that's done and I'm scared to death to try to start cutting on it to make the squares! I don't really know how to use a rotary cutter... and when I did try it, I din't do it right... so I'm so afraid I'll cut it wrong, or not cut through all the layers, or the fabric will shift, or something will happen that I will ruin it.

This is so strange for me! Usually when I try out a new craft I jump right in with both feet, and have no fear or trepidation at all. I look at how it's supposed to be done and just do it. Not this time! I look at how it's done and see all the reasons why it won't be done like that when I do it! LOL

But honestly... I don't think I'll have any (much) fear once the cutting is all done. I'm mostly a newbie when it comes to sewing too, but as long as I'm only sewing in straight lines, I'll do fine! ROFL I've done a little bit of sewing... such as curtain toppers or worship flags, so this should be a breeze, right??

Anyways... I went into PSP, scanned all my fabric and played around trying to create the layout I want. I think I mostly have it... what do you think? It's from the Tulips & Daffodils line of fabrics.

Wordless Wednesday - More Boxes & Such

2008-08-06T23:47:00.003-04:00

Pretty Paper Boxes, Baskets, Dishes and Vases

2008-08-05T17:57:00.011-04:00

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

If you come here on any kind of regular basis at all, you will know that I have not posted anything in over a week. Here is why...

See the mess?? LOL I've been paper crafting!
I have been making these unique, one-of-a-kind, little boxes and containers, and have decided to sell them! They are really fun to make, have lots of uses and look so cute! Wanna see?

11 & 80

This one has family sayings on it, such as...
"Nothing says home like a family together"
"In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future."
"Nothing is crazier than family"

94, 58 & 24

These are more for guys. They are brown with simple drawings of surveyors... not like you can really tell unless you're looking... I thought they were golfers! LOL

This one is one of my favorites. It's not the only piece, though. I'm going to do several more matching pieces. It's too pretty not to!

And last but not least (for today, anyways)... When I was sitting there making them, Jess decided she wanted to try it. So I gave her some sheets of paper that I wasn't going to use for her to practice on. This was her second one, but her first turned out just as perfect! Actually, if it wasn't for the paper being something I knew I wouln't use, I wouln'tve remembered who even made it. I'm so proud of her!

~~~~~~~~

Anyways, they are really cute to set around. Most of them I am making into sets... of anywhere from two pieces to... well, right now I have a purple set that has 7 pieces, and probably could go to 10 or 12 if I wanted to.

They can be used for so many things!
You can put potpourri in the little baskets, fill the paper 'jars' with glass stones to hold pencils in place (the only one I have pictured is on the craft table, but it's hard to see).
The open-top boxes with the slanted sides can hold hair accessories like barrettes, hairbands and bobby pins.
Fill them or the baskets with the little colored glass stones and slip one of the battery operated tealights in each one.
You could also put a sticky note pad in one that matches a pencil holder jar.
I used one of mine to keep my favorite fingernail polish bottles together.
I use the box with the lid and divider piece for my rings and bracelets when I take them off at night.
The candy dish one is a little obvious... peppermints and butterscotches... but it can also be used for pushpins and paperclips, too.
The taller ones that look like a vase are perfect to use as a miniature trash can... for paper scraps or tissues when you're watching a chick-flick. *smile*
The boxes with lids without the dividers (I haven't made as many of those) can also be used to hold hair accessories or office supplies, or as gift boxes.
You could put buttons or beads in a jar, cotton balls or Q-tips in a basket, loose change in an open-top box, and Bible promises written on folded up pieces of paper could go in any of them.
I kept one on my desk as a catch-all for all the little stray things that somehow ended up there, such as batteries, keys, pencil erasers, marbles, etc.
I'm sure you could some up with a lot of ideas, too!

They are on average, between 4"-5" wide. Some have smaller bases and are wider at the middle or top, and all have varying heights. If you see some that you are interested in, email me at KittyJo@ymail.com with the number, post title, and description. Also, please feel free to email me if you have questions or would like to see more detailed photos of them. I aim to please!

The prices are $1.50 for the boxes with lids, and only $1 for any of the others! (plus shipping, which will be only what it costs me to actually send it to you.. I don't jack up the shipping cost to make the extra money.)

Just a few notes...
I generally do not take orders, but will consider color suggestions.
I am unable to ship outside the US.
I can only accept paypal... or cash if you want to send it or live close enough to pick up. *smile*
Also keep in mind, that they are only made of paper so they are somewhat fragile, so please use caution when handling them, especially if you fill them with heavier things such as the glass stones, buttons, beads, fingernail polish, etc.
If you see one here that you like, since they are one-of-a-kind, contact me immediately! Once it's gone, I cain't make another like it!

More designs coming soon!!

--<{@

Thursday Thirteen

2008-07-31T23:04:00.000-04:00

Hereby perceive we the Love of God, because He laid down His life for us... 1 John 3:16

Thirteen types of crafts I do or have done.
1. Quilling... After years of thinking it was way too hard to do and what's the point anyway, I finally decided to try it. I love it!! It can be used to embellish scrapbook pages or gift tags, etc. The best place to find patterns is to buy the Day-by-Day calendar. It has a pattern for each day, which is way less than you'd pay for a lot less patterns in a book.
2. Tea Bag Folding... A favorite craft of mine. They can be used on scrapbook pages or handmade greeting cards. It's not hard to do, it's a lot of folding like you do in...
3. Origami... I don't do the traditional animals and flowers and other such things. What's the point? I see no use for them. What I make, using 12x12 scrapbook paper, are the boxes and other useful containers.
4. Crochet... I'm left-handed, my sister is right-handed. She sat across from me about 16 or so years ago and I learned by doing the mirror image of what she was doing. She taught me the basic stitches and then how to make a granny square, and within weeks, I was crocheting things beyond her abilities.
5. Cross-Stitch... I started out, just out of curiosity, with a little piece that was to be a Christmas ornament. It was a musical note with some holly and berries. After a while at cross-stitching, I discovered that it's more fun to design it than to stitch it, so I did that for awhile, now I enjoy both.
6. Scrapbooking... Digital and paper scrapping. I like the look of the paper scrapped pages better, they can be 3D, but I definitely like the pros of digiscrapping much more. No mess all over the table, don't have to go broke on supplies you only can use once, you can share the same single page with everyone, etc.
7. Rubber Stamping... I have a LOT of them. They go well with scrapbooking, or many other crafts. I don't use them as much now as I used to, but I still love the look they give.
8. Decorative painting... not on much of anything besides clay pots, but I have quite a few more things set aside that I want to paint.
9. Polymer clay crafting... I never got very far with this, because it was too much hassle to heat up the oven. But now I have two toaster ovens, so when I go back to working with the polymer clay it should be easier. I din't make very many things, but what I did make turned out very well I think.
10. Decoupage... I would take pictures of collectibles from magazines and decoupage them on to slate slabs.
11. Computer Crafting... I've made notepads, clock faces, lampshades, bookmarks, boxes, baskets,
12. Jewelry Making... Earrings are the easiest and most fun, with necklaces a close second.
13. General paper crafting...This is everything from handmade greeting cards to little scrapbook booklets

Saturday 9

2008-07-26T14:58:00.002-04:00

In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid. Psalm 56:11

1. What part of the world and country do you live in? USA, Mid-Ohio

2. What is the furthest from home that you have been, and where is it? Destiny Village, Haiti

3. What travel destination have you enjoyed the most? Hialeah, Florida... when I went to spend a week with Marfa, Mima and Pipo

4. What travel destination have you enjoyed the least? When we went to visit my father-in-law in Ewing, Virginia.

5. Is there somewhere you’d like to visit but have not, and where is it? Yes... I'd love to visit Ireland

6. Do you prefer traveling to see historic places or to hit the beach and relax? Neither... I'd rather find a nice crick somewhere

7. What popular vacation destination have you never considered because you think you’d not like it? I don't really know... maybe Russia

8. Where do you travel to most recently? Nowhere recently.. are you kidding?? With these gas prices??

9. Do you like day trip “mini-vacations”? Definitely! Especially to Amish Country. But I haven't been able to go in a long time.

Friday Fill-ins

2008-07-25T22:50:00.003-04:00

Call upon Me in the day of trouble; and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me. Psalm 50:15

1. I believe whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

2. If you're good at something, accept the compliments you get rather than pointing out the flaws in it.

3. Why so many people choose to not believe in Jesus is beyond my comprehension.

4. Something is out there, it's my dog and his name is Buddy.

5. If my life were a sitcom, it would be titled "What Next??".

6. Sitting on my back porch [if you don't have one, use your imagination] I see the neighbors' houses along the street instead of the corn fields and bean fields I saw this time last year.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to having Jessi's sleepover, tomorrow my plans include a full day with the girls and another sleepover night, and Sunday, I want to go to church, drop off the girls to their moms, then come home and sleep!

What Is Worship?

2008-07-22T11:50:00.007-04:00

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. John 4:23

What does it mean to Worship God?
Growing up in a strict Christian home, I never really thought much about it. I mean... I always thought it meant to love, serve and obey God, go to church, cry and shout like the other people did. Basically, if you told God you loved Him and got emotional about it, you were worshipping Him. As I got a little older, this dictionary.com definition described what I though it was:

wor·ship -n.
1. reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred personage, or to any object regarded as sacred.
2. formal or ceremonious rendering of such honor and homage: to attend services of divine worship.
'They attended worship this morning'.
3. adoring reverence or regard: excessive worship of business success. to feel an adoring reverence or regard for (any person or thing). –verb (used without object)
4. to render religious reverence and homage, as to a deity.

And all that is well and good... but dictionary.com doesn't quite tell it all. When you go to the Hebrew or Greek and see what the the word means, it's a little... more... It's not like just standing to say the pledge with your hand over your heart to show that you honor the flag. Too many people just say the words and don't even take time to really think about what they're saying. It's the same in church. We just stand (or even sit) and sing the songs and don't think much about what the words we are saying REALLY mean.

This past Sunday in church, we were singing "Holy is Our King" (written by Rita Springer). The lyrics are:

Angels gather round your throne
and around your throne they bring
Praises to the Living Word
To the awesome One they sing

Crying Holy...Holy...Holy..Is our King.

Elders bowing at your feet
And at your feet, they bend their knees.
All creatures on the earth below
Bow before you now.

Crying Holy...Holy...Holy..Is our King.

I'll be honest and admit... at first I was like most of those around me... just singing and not paying attention to it. But about the time we got to the second verse, Father arrested my attention. Immediately I could 'see' what the song was portraying. The Elders were bowing down on their knees in worship, and the whole earth was bowing down before Him.
So today I went to the Strong's Hebrew & Greek Dictionaries to see what Worship meant before it got translated. In the Old Testament, there are only 3 Hebrew words used that were translated to the English word Worship. The word ‛âtsab (pronounced aw-tsab') means properly to carve, that is, fabricate or fashion; hence (in a bad sense) to worry, pain or anger:—displease, grieve, hurt, make, be sorry, vex, worship, wrest. and was only used 1 time and was in reference to a pagan goddess. (Jeremiah 44:19) And if you notice, the word worship doesn't even seem to fit with the other meanings. In only the book of Daniel, only the word segid (pronounced 'seg-eed') is used, corresponding to H5456: sâgad (pronounced saw-gad') meaning to prostrate oneself (in homage):—fall down. Every other reference in the Old Testament were to the Hebrew word shâchâh (pronounced shaw-khaw') which means to depress, that is, prostrate (especially reflexively in homage to royalty or God):—bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship.
There are even more Greek words translated to mean Worship, but I am not going to put them all here. The one that is used most in reference to true worship is proskuneō (pronounced pros-koo-neh'-o) meaning to fawn or crouch to, that is, (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore):—worship.
Somehow I get the impression that to worship means to bow down in humble reverence to God.
So then why is it that we can so casually talk and sing about worshipping God and yet will so rarely bow down prostrate before Him in reverence and adoration? I understand that there are some who literally cannot physically kneel, much less lay prostrate in the floor, but what of the rest of us? Is it pride? for fear someone might think we're weird? or maybe that we just don't think that is necessary? maybe we don't know what to do while we're laying on our face before God? I don't know... but I do know that, like God said, "If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 (Interestingly enough, that word 'humble' is from the Hebrew word kâna‛ (pronounced kaw-nah') meaning, among other things, to bend the knee)

PS. This was as much for me as for anyone, if not more. I need to be on my face before Jehovah way more than I have been. He is Holy, He is Righteous, He inhabits our praise, He lives in our worship!

This is the song that I wrote the lyrics to up there ^... it's not the original, but it will give you an idea of what the tune is. I'd like to have the mp3 of the songwriter, Rita Springer, singing it. I think it would be even better than the one I have by Rick Pino.

A Golden Sunbeam by Carrie Bender

2008-07-21T22:32:00.002-04:00

If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5

A Golden Sunbeam -book 5-

Blessings of family, friends, and farm warm Miriam's heart. Martha comes from Germany to live in Miriam's home. She keeps things lively with the children and with her romantic ups and downs. Miriam and Nate's faith is tessted when close friends leave on a mission assignment, taking along Dora, who is like a daughter to Miriam. Then Miriam's patience is stretched when she is suspected of child abuse. Yet inner peace anchors Miriam. She and her family press on toward the goal of God's heavenly call.

Potato Puffs

2008-07-19T02:51:00.002-04:00

If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7

Potato Puffs
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:
3 eggs, separated
2 cups refrigerated mashed potatoes, heated
½ cup sour cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp. white pepper

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. In medium bowl, beat egg yolks until smooth and add warm potatoes. Fold in sour cream, cheese, and white pepper, then fold in the beaten egg whites. Pour into 2 quart glass casserole and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes until puffed and brown. Serves 4

A Treasured Friendship by Carrie Bender

2008-07-18T18:24:00.003-04:00

God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

A Treasured Friendship-book 4-

With Nate and their four children, Miriam revels in the seasons and interactions on their Amish farm. However, some of her friendships are strained. A trail of trouble follows a schoolteacher lodging in Miriam's home, disrupting the household. Meanwhile, Miriam tries bookish tips to improve her relationship with her husband, with mixed results. Through it all, Miriam treasures the promise of faith and learns the power of words that can wound or heal.

Thursday Thirteen

2008-07-17T16:15:00.004-04:00

It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace. Hebrews 13:9

It took me a bit to think of what I wanted to list today... a few days ago, I knew, but by the time I sat down to write, I forgot. Anyways, here it is:

Have you ever stopped to think about the sounds, sights, tastes and smells you enjoy but usually don't pay attention to? Well, I guess if you don't pay attention to them, then you obviously haven't stopped to think about them, huh? LOL But once in awhile, I do.

...the dusty smell of rain, a few minutes before it starts
...a tiny yellow butterfly fluttering by
...the gentle ripple of water over the rocks in a crick
...the taste of fresh picked corn on the cob dripping with butter & salt
...the tantalizing smell of a BBQ in someone's backyard (preferably my own!)
...Hollyhocks and Morning Glories growing up among the Ivy
...the chirping of many songbirds waking up early in the morning
...funnel cakes at fair time
...the smell of a brand new box of crayons that takes me back to my childhood
...the quiet mew and soft fluffyness of a tiny kitten
...big white poofy clouds against a rich bright blue sky
...a big glass of really cold iced tea on a 98° day (or any day!)
...the sound of treefrogs in the evenings accompanied by the twinkling of the fireflies

Wordless Wednesday - Did you ever lose something behind a chair?

2008-07-16T11:32:00.006-04:00

Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy that it cannot hear. Isaiah 59:1

Ultimate Transformation Dance Team

2008-07-15T01:15:00.004-04:00

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 1 John 2:1

This is the youth dance team at our church. It is one of the best ones they have done... I just wish my camera (and my shaky hand) could have done them justice. It's been at least a year since they first did this, but it still gives me goosebumps when I watch it! God was all over this one!

Sunday Seven

2008-07-13T20:54:00.004-04:00

I have so much to be thankful for! I'm not sure I can stop at seven, but here goes:

1. I'm thankful for the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross of Calvary for my salvation.
2. I'm thankful for the Word of God and our freedom as a nation to have it in our homes.
3. I'm thankful for my hubby of almost 18 years, Dave. He is so good to me and I love him so much.
4. I'm thankful for my son, Drew. He is my best buddy, my firstborn and is such a sweetheart.
5. I'm thankful for my daughter Jessi. She is my best friend ('cept Jesus), and is just wonderful in so many ways.
6. I'm thankful for my other best friend, Marfa. She is there whenever I need her and is so much fun.
7. I'm thankful for my computer and internet. I cain't imagine my life without them!

I could go on and on for days, but I will restrain myself and wait til next Sunday!

A Winding Path by Carrie Bender

2008-07-13T20:16:00.003-04:00

Wait in the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14

I have now moved on to book 2.

Miriam and Nate, happily married and raising their growing family. They receive a disturbing letter from Priscilla. She asks if she can come live with the Masts to be near her daughter. Henry Crawford, an outsider, is interested in joining the Amish and falls in love with Priscilla. Is he sincere and to be trusted? Miriam helps Priscilla deal with the doubts and joys of courtship and wedding plans. Then Henry disappears, and Priscilla is heartbroken. Gradually she learns that the Lord's grace is there for her in the midst of trials. Book 2 in the Miriam's Journal Series.

Trust

2008-07-13T18:29:00.002-04:00

2 Samuel 22:31-33
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him. 32For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God? 33God is my strength and power: and He maketh my way perfect.

As for God, His way ...course of life or mode of action... is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried ...from the Hebrew word tsaw-raf' meaning refine, cast, refiner, founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try... He is a buckler ...protector, defense, shield... to all them that trust ...confide in, have hope, take refuge... in Him. 32 For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock ...refuge, sharp edge, strong... save our God? 33 God is my strength ...defense, fortress, fortified place... and power ...a force, host, might, riches, strength, army, virtue, valor: and He maketh my way ...journey, course of life, mode of action... perfect ...complete, full, sound, upright, whole...

Saucy Chicken

2008-07-13T16:42:00.002-04:00

Thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly. Matt. 6:4

Saucy Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups salsa
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp. honey dijon mustard

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine all ingredients and place in 13x9" pan. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 40-45 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked. 6 servings

I made this today for the first time. I absolutely LOVED it!!! The rest of the family liked it well enough to eat it again, but maybe not enough to request it for a meal.

A Fruitful Vine by Carrie Bender

2008-07-11T17:42:00.000-04:00

As for God, His way is perfect: the Word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those who trust in Him. Psalm 18:30

This is the book I started reading today. I love Amish fiction, so I am really enjoying her books. I finished The Whispering Brook Series already, now I'm starting the Miriam's Journal Series with this book.

Miriam is 41 and alone for the first time in her life—a single woman in an Amish community where marriage and children are the norm for every woman. After seeing her aged parents through their final illnesses, Miriam is now ready to begin her own life. Book 1 in the Miriam's Journal Series.

How can I think outside the box when they won't even let me out of it??

2008-07-11T13:10:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I had a long conversation with Marfa about my blog.
I Like my blog.
But I don't like my posting habits. I have somehow adapted some rules for myself that either I think are 'how it's supposed to be' or else it's how I feel like I need to do this thing. Either way, rules are rules and I don't like breaking them. Therefore, if I cain't 'follow the rules', I usually end up not posting at all rather than to break the rules. Which is why I haven't been posting lately.
Some of these rules are:

1. Post in my blog once a day. (I broke that one many times... mostly by not posting at all, but a few times by *gasp* posting twice in the same day! I don't like breaking this rule)

2. My posts should be mostly about me and/or what's happening in my daily life. Exceptions to this rule would include Wordless Wednesday, Thursday Thirteen, etc.

3. Don't write about how I REALLY feel about things or people, because someone I know personally may read it and think less of me. (I already think nobody really likes me anyway, so how much 'less' could it get?? LOL)

4. Don't tell anyone I know personally about my blog or give them the link. That way they cain't read what I post and think how un-Christlike or spiritually 'juvenile' I am.

5. My blog needs a lot of pictures or graphics. I think very few people enjoy reading a blog that is all text.

6. Every post should have labels of every relevant key word.

Basically, like I told Marfa... I guess I always felt like a blog was supposed to be like your daily journal.

Anyways... when we were talking, I realized that I was putting myself in a box of my own making. And as the saying goes... 'realizing the problem is half the answer', so while I still won't break the 5th rule, I do need to work on the rest... even the 3rd and 4th ones (with caution, because while I shouln't care as much what other people think of me, I do need to be always conscious of what my Lord thinks of me). So I think I am going to change up my postings a bit and see what happens.
I want to feel like I'm 'allowed' to create a post just for a link that I find somewhere that I like or think someone else might like, then turn around a couple hours later and create another post about a craft I'm wanting to try, or a meme I like, and still be ok with creating a third post later on that night about what book I'm reading or to show off a pic I took. I want to be ok with stopping in the middle of a post because I don't remember what else I wanted to say and publishing it anyways, creating posts that are out of character for me, or the same type of thing every day, or my daily life, or not post at all without feeling guilty or like I'm breaking the rules!

Can you hear me breaking out of the box here?? LOL

Appley Kielbasa

2008-07-10T21:01:00.007-04:00

Ingredients:
2 lbs. fully cooked kielbasa sausage
¾ cup brown sugar
1 cup chunky applesauce
2 cloves garlic, minced

Preparation:
Cut kielbasa into 1" pieces and combine with brown sugar, applesauce, and garlic in 3 quart crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until thoroughly heated. 12 appetizer servings

When I looked at this recipe, I was thinking there is no way applesauce and brown sugar would taste good with garlic and sausage, but it was a big hit, especially with my pickiest eater! It's worth a try!

Time's fun when you're having flies!

2008-07-07T22:51:00.005-04:00

Oh wait... that's only if you're a frog!

Yes, this is the same tiny frog that I was holding in the other pic. I love my camera!

Ladles and Jellyspoons & Oh, Ain't We Crazy

2008-07-02T22:56:00.005-04:00

Just a couple dittys from my childhood... do you remember them?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ladies and Jellyspoons,

I come before you
to stand behind you
And tell you something
I know nothing about.

Next Thursday,
which is Good Friday,
there will be a ladies' meeting,
for gentlemen only.

Wear your best clothes
if you haven't any,
and please come if
you cannot attend.

Admission's free
so pay at the door.
Take a seat
and sit on the floor.

It makes no difference
where you sit
The man in the balcony's
sure to spit.

We will be discussing the four
corners of the round table.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now I know a little ditty. It's as crazy as can be.
The guy who wrote it said he wanted it and he handed it to me.
I found I couldn't use it because it sounded blue,
And that's the very reason why I'm handing it to you.

CHORUS: Oh, ain't we crazy? Oh, ain't we crazy?
This is the way we pass the time away (away, away).
Oh, ain't we crazy? Oh, ain't we crazy?
We're gonna sing this song all night today.

It's the song the alligators sing while coming though the rye
As they serenade the elephants up in the trees so high.
The iceman hums this ditty as he shovels in the coal,
And the monkeys join the chorus up around the northern pole.

It was midnight on the ocean. Not a streetcar was in sight.
The sun was shining brightly and it rained all day that night.
It was a summer's day in winter and the rain was snowing fast,
And a barefoot boy with shoes on stood sitting in the grass.

And the cows were making cowslips, and the bells were ringing wet.
The bumblebees were making bums and smoking cigarettes.
A man went in a stable and came out a little hoarse.
He jumped upon his golf stick and rode all around the course.

While the organ peeled potatoes, lard was rendered by the choir.
The sexton rang a dishrag. Someone set the church on fire.
"Holy smokes!" the preacher shouted. In the rain, he lost his hair.
Now his head resembles heaven 'cause there ain't no partin' there.

It was midnight on the ocean. Not a horse cart was in sight.
I went into a drugstore to get myself a light.
The man behind the counter was a lady old and gray
Who used to peddle shoestrings on the road to Mandelay.

"My husband's dead," the lady said. Her eyes were dry with tears.
She put her head between her feet and stood that way for years.
Her children six were orphans except one tiny tot
Who lived in a house across the street above a vacant lot.

It was midnight and the rising sun was setting in the west.
The little fishies in the trees were huddled in their nests.
It was a dark and stormy night and the sun was shining bright,
And everything that you could see was hidden out of sight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wordless Wednesday

2008-07-02T17:53:00.017-04:00

I'm sorry I don't have the widget here.... I went to get it today and for some reason it's been joining my first post to this last post as though they were one post. Maybe if I can figure it out, I might be able to use it next time.

The Rest of the Story...

2008-06-30T21:35:00.005-04:00

As promised...

I guess I need to back up a bit. Not because I forgot anything, but because this part of the story comes before we went to the motel.
On one of our last days staying at my parents, it was pretty late in the evening and I got a phone call from my eagle friend, Wendy. The conversation went something like this:

Wendy: Hey, K., How are you?

Me: Blessed!

Wendy: Have you guys found a house yet?

Me: Not yet... we've been out looking every night and have two that we're waiting to hear back about.

Wendy: Well I have someone here... Taylor's nurse. Her name is Kay... She and her husband flip houses. You know what that is?

Me: Yeah! I just discovered that show a week or so before we moved out. It's really awesome how that do that!

Wendy: Well they don't do anything on the scale of the TV show, but I asked her if they had any houses that they were working on, and she said they actually were finishing one up soon. So I asked her "Within a month?" and she said yes. It's a 3 bedroom, two up and one down, bathroom on both floors. Would you be interested?

Me: Oh my gosh! YES!! Where is it?

Wendy: It's on the corner of ******** Ave. & **** St. A yellow house with shutters and a decent sized back yard.

Me: In *******?

Wendy: Yeah.

Wendy: we were just sitting here talking and I was telling her about you guys and your situation, and that you needed to be there to start taking care of your parents more, and how much you've been a blessing to me, and about Jessie and Drew and what good kids they are.
She said they would be willing to rent that house instead of selling it.

Me: Do you know how much?

(I hear her asking Kay in the background)
Wendy: She said $___

Me: You've got to be kidding! That is right where we need it to be! We've run into a situation where we found out that we won't have quite as much as we were planning on and would have to come down some and that is exactly what we needed to come down to. That is so like my Father!! God is so awesome!

Me: Do you know if we would be able to keep our dogs?

Wendy: I really don't know anything about it other than what I've told you. But she's here, you want to ask her?

Me: Sure!

Kay: Hi, K.! It sounds like we have a house you need?

Me: It sure does! I'm so excited! I do have a few questions for you though...

Kay: Sure! what's that?

Me (tentatively): Do you allow pets?

Kay: Well... I hadn't thought about it.. what kind do you have?

Me: We've got two dogs. One is a little lapdog... a Yorkie. The other is a small German Shepherd mix who will primarily be an outside dog.

Kay: I'm not sure... it probably won't be a problem, but I'll talk to my husband before I say definitely. We haven't laid carpet yet. We put all new laminated wood floors in the new bathroom, the kitchen, and the dining room and we were going to carpet the living room and the bedroom because they have the older hard wood floors, but they're kinda scratched up and not in the best shape. But I suppose we could just not put the carpet down... I'll see what he says. I'm sure it'll be fine.

Me: Whew! That is a relief! They are family to us and it's so hard to find a place where we can keep them. I do have one other question.... what about waterbeds? Are the floors solid enough for them? I have fibromyalgia and the bed we have is so horrible. I wake up in a lot of pain most mornings.

Kay: As long as it's on the main floor, I don't see why not!

Me: It would be. That is great! It looks like God just worked this out perfectly!

Kay: Sure does! Well, we've got a graduation party to do this weekend, but let me give you my phone number and get yours, and I will get back with you about the dogs and by then I should know more about when it will be finished. I've got to run, so here's Wendy back. Nice talking to you!

Me: Thank you so much, Kay! I cain't wait to hear back from you!! Bye!

I talked to Wendy again for a few minutes while she was backing out to let Kay out of the driveway, then we got off the phone and I about had a shoutin' spell! ROFL Just in time, God (Who is never late, no matter what it looks like) came through for us with a house!
The next day (only because it was already after dark and I wouln't be able to see anything), we drove over by the house and looked in the windows. We really couln't see much, but enough to know that it was a cute little house in a decent looking neighborhood!

So now fast forward to after the two weeks at my parents and the two weeks at the motel. God has impeccable timing! He worked it all out so that we got our stimulus check on the very day that we needed the deposit and first month's rent, and it all coincided with the new vacation cycle at hubby's work (for some weird reason, June 1st is when they can start planning their vacations for the year instead of at the beginning of January when everything else starts over).
So we got the key, signed the year lease... and met one of the new neighbors in the process because she was the witness on the lease. Her name is Carrie, and she is a real sweetheart, about my age, with two daughters and a hubby/boyfriend. So we started moving everything in. Furniture first, and got it in place, then started bringing in the other necessaries a little bit at a time. We still have 3 storage units, but each of them is now missing stuff... most of the furniture, some full boxes, and others just individual things that I have pulled out of the boxes. I'm NOT bringing everything into this house that I had in the other one. Once the landlords get their stuff out of the garage and give us the key, I am going to start bringing things over here and putting price tags on them! I am ging to have a real garage sale for the first time! And to make it easy on me, I just might put a quarter sticker on everything smaller than a breadbox! But at least I am finally going to be getting rid of my packrat stuff! LOL

And now you know.... the rest of the story!

I'm Back!!

2008-06-21T01:37:00.006-04:00

Mornin', Ya'll!!
I've been back a week or so now, but I'm only getting the occasional quiet time alone to gather my thoughts so I can write in here. And I'm not sure how long I'll even stay awake, because it's after 2 AM and I'm sleepy.
But anyways... where do I even begin?? I know, I know... at the beginning. But I've slept since then... how am I supposed to remember it all?? LOL
Ok.. let me think.......
After we moved all our stuff into storage, we still couln't find any place to rent. So we had to stay at my parents' house for a little bit. I hated it. Absolutely and completely. Don't get me wrong... I love my parents. But one house was never meant for two families, especially when there are two women who have run their own households for too long and are set in their ways. I hated it that my dogs had to stay in her nasty basement and that she complained daily about the 'dog smell' ...that was all in her head (because somebody was constantly taking them out or else they were gone with us). I hated it that she blatantly played favorites with my dogs. She loves Buddy and would always baby-talk him and talk about what a nice sweet dog he is, then turn around and say really mean things about Maddie, like that she cain't stand her and wouln't care if she was in the middle of the ocean with a rock tied around her neck. I hated it that I couln't discipline my kids without getting one or the other of them (my parents) upset. I hated it that she had her nose in every single aspect of our business. Like just because we were staying in her house, she had a right to know our every thought. I hate "you should..." "ya'll better..." "Now K., when he gets his check, you better make him..." "you better not be spending your money on that, you need to save it for...". Anyways, so after a week or so, I was starting to adjust(if you can call it that), and then right out of the blue, her pastor throws us out! My parents rent their house from their church, which is why he even had that authority, but still... I mean, we weren't causing any trouble, we weren't destroying the place... if we even left something laying in the wrong place we got told about it by mom or scowled at by dad! But he up and makes us leave. And not like he quietly came over to the house and asked us to leave... no, he waits til they got in church for prayer meeting and atarts praying and loudly 'telling God' "They've got to go!!!" I'm still trying to figure out where the love of Christ is in that! So, whatever... he let us stay one more week til the kids were out of school.
Every night, when Dave got home from work, we'd leave. And every time we'd leave to go anywhere, we had to take Maddie or both dogs with us, even if we were going to the store. Most nights we were going out driving around looking for 'For Rent' signs in yards, or going to look at the ones in the paper or that someone told us about. Every time we'd see another door, it would slam in our faces. It was almost like we were being forced to stay at my parents', but then that door slammed in our faces too. When we'd look at a place, it either cost too much rent, or it was too small, or it had a second floor and the bedrooms were all on it, or if everything was ok about it, someone else would get it right out from under our noses.
So, since we had to leave there and nothing opened up for us, we went to a motel to stay for the next two weeks.
It's not cheap to stay in a motel, so I went to the phonebook to call around and see where would be the least expensive. That was the 'Stay Inn' in Marion. What a mistake!! We went there, knowing that it was all we could afford since my parents were actually fronting us the money, but when the guy showed us the room we would have to live in for two weeks, it was all I could take. I broke down and cried. For a long time. The place was moldy and mildewed, nasty, tiny, had cigarette burns all over the microwave and tiny fridge, poorly patched walls, unpatched fist holes in the walls, and just felt dirty, even though all I was doing was standing in the middle of the room. So we started back to my parents' house and decided to go check at the place where we had spent the first night before resigning ourselves to staying at mom & dad's. Al Smith's Place. Come to find out, it cost the same for the weekly rate, it was twice the size or more, clean, freshly painted, had a big corner shower, a kitchenette sink by the door, a microwave and half refrigerator without the cigarette burns... the total opposite of the other one! So it had been about an hour and a half, and Dad and Dave went back to the Stay Inn to get our money back because we weren't going to be staying there. At first they weren't going to give it back. They said they had to wait til the next day if they wanted to discuss it further. Then when we went back the next day, they were only going to give back half. After going through a major hassle and mom writing a letter threatening going to the police and writing to the editor of the Marion Star newpaper, and contacting the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General, and I don't remember who all else, they decided to give back the part that went on the credit card, but not the cash. No way! I can be as stubborn as mom when it comes to money... so I stayed right there arguing with her til she agreed to give back all but $9. And I would have gotten that $9 too, but by then we were pushing too close to the time we needed to pick up the moving truck, so Dave made me quit arguing and leave.
Anyways, so we ended up at this really adorable place that had a cottage garden feel to it.

Here it is looking through the gazebo...

then a pic of the left half (it was basically shaped like this --> |_| with the gazebo at the top)

Here's the gazebo... isn't it just beautiful??

And then here is our room. We were on the end... but even though there is a door there, it's only for looks. Our door was in the back.

And now that I've gotten you caught up to what happened for the first month, I'm going to quit here and post about how we 'found' our house and up til now in the next post. I won't guarantee that it will be tomorrow or anything, but I do promise that I won't post anything else til I get the whole story told. Fair enough? And if I remember things that need to be posted in this first half of the story, I'll either update it or else add it to the end of the second half.

Going temporarily offline

2008-05-09T23:10:00.002-04:00

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."
Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Ephesians 3:20 "Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us"

I've been blogging for one whole month! And I am proud of me... I've been pretty consistent with it and posted, on average, every other day. I'm lovin' it!

But it's all come to a halt as of tonight. This is our last night in this house. Tomorrow we are packing everything else in this house and moving it to the storage unit. As of right now, we don't have a place to go, so I will be packing up my computer and all that is around it and storing it also until we find a place to live where I can have internet again. That is gonna be kinda hard for me... to not have my computer, with or without internet! But ya know... I have already discovered a long time ago that although I'm on it a lot, I can actually do without it and be fine. It's not my whole life, and I'm really not as addicted as I used to be! LOL But all that aside... I will still be back to post updates every chance I get or as soon as we get a place and internet. *grin* Be back soon!

Thursday Thirteen... 13 quizzes about me

2008-05-08T13:47:00.016-04:00

Your Ideal Pet is a Little Dog

You're both high strung, hyper, and cute.
You're one of the few people who can get away with carrying your little dog in a little bag.
(And yes, I do. I have a cute pink fuzzy bag that I carry Maddie in!)

What's Your Ideal Pet?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your Blogging Type is Artistic and Passionate

You see your blog as the ultimate personal expression - and work hard to make it great.
One moment you may be working on a new dramatic design for your blog...
And the next, you're passionately writing about your pet causes.
Your blog is very important - and you're careful about who you share it with.

What's Your Blogging Personality?

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You Should Live in the Country

You are laid back, calm, and good at entertaining yourself.
You don't need an expensive big city to keep you busy.
You'll take the peaceful life over the stressful life any day of the week.

Where Should You Live?

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Your Biblical Name Is...

Kefira Sabra

You will live to see the end of times. (I knew that already! I've said for a long time that I'm not going to die, I'm going in the rapture!)

What's Your Biblical Name?

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Your Personality at 35,000 Says...

Deep down, you prefer spending time alone to spending time with others. You enjoy thinking more than talking.
(Totally! Especially right now... I've become a recluse and don't wanna change even if I should)
You don't spend much time thinking about your place in the world. You are who you are - and people can just deal with that!
(well, sometimes I'm like that... other times I just stress over not fitting in)

Your gift is having a good eye. You take amazing pictures and have the natural talent for most visual arts.
(This one, I think got it right. Exactly right. And I love it!)

You are inspired by what is possible. Real life is often too ordinary for you.
(I don't know if that is me or not. Mostly I think not... if I'm wrong, somebody let me know, and why!)

It's very easy for you to feel happy. You can find peace with any situation.
(This is true for the most part... although sometimes it takes a little while to find peace in the very toughest situations)

The Personality Test at 35,000 Feet

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You Are Pretty Logical

You're a bit of a wizard when it comes to logic
While you don't have perfect logic, you logic is pretty darn good
Keep at it - you've got a lot of natural talent in this area!

How Logical Are You?

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Your Love is Based on Commitment

You believe that love is something that develops and grows.
You don't believe in love at first site, and you never mistake lust for love.
For you, love is about mutual devotion, respect, and understanding.
You don't feel comfortable in a relationship, unless you're both in it for the long run
Why your love can last: You don't take commitment lightly - or leave relationships easily.
Why your love can fail: You're so committed, you often can't see the most obvious problems in your relationship

What Is Your Love Based On?

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You Are a Carnation

You are down to earth and grounded.
You tend to be more traditional than trendy.
Your confidence gets you through anything.
People trust you and are very loyal to you.

What Flower Are You?

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Your Thinking is Concrete and Random

You are naturally inquisitive and curious.
You're excited by new ideas, and you are a true independent thinker.
You are interested in what is possible. You like the process of discovery.
You are often experimenting, challenging old ideas, and inventing new concepts.
Rules, restrictions, and limit don't really work for you.
You have to do things your own way, and you can't be bothered to explain yourself.

What Kind of Thinker Are You?

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You Are Medium Maintenance

You aren't as hard to deal with as some girls, but you aren't the most laid back chick either.
You're easy to deal with 90% of the time, but watch out for that 10%!
If the guy you are with has good intentions, then calm down a little,but if he's really screwing up, don't waste your breath - move on :-)

Are You A High Maintenance Woman?

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You Are a Realist

You don't see the glass as half empty or half full. You see what's exactly in the glass.
You never try to make a bad situation seem better than it is...
But you also never sabotage any good things you have going on.
You are brutally honest in your assessments of situations - and this always seems to help you cope.

Are You An Optimist or Pessimist?

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Your Linguistic Profile:

60% General American English
15% Dixie
15% Upper Midwestern
5% Midwestern
0% Yankee

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

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You Belong in 1988

Wild, over the top, and just a little bit cheesy. You're colorful at night - and successful during the day.

What Year Do You Belong In?

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Wordless Wednesday

2008-05-07T23:54:00.001-04:00

Regardless

2008-05-05T22:45:00.010-04:00

Just to summarize, for those who don't know me...
The owners of the house we are in have decided to put it back on the market and resell it. We have been trying to find someplace else to move for awhile, but now it has come right down to the wire and this is our last week here, even if we haven't found somewhere else to live. Which we haven't. So we're packing our stuff and moving it to a storage unit this weekend, and they will come to change the locks on Saturday once we have everything out and get it ready for the real estate people or the buyers or whoever. We will take the kids to my parents house and I don't have a clue where Dave & I will go. We cain't stay at my parents' house because one, there really isn't room, and two, she won't allow my dogs in the house and doesn't have a yard for them to be outside (as if you could put a Yorkie outside anyways!), and three, there could be some serious physical repercussions from the tension and stress of us staying at their house for more than one night. We cain't really afford a motel at $50 a night, and still save any kind of money for a house. But we cain't find a house either. We have driven up and down streets in every town that is within decent driving distance of Dave's work and the kids' school and have driven over all the country roads between those towns and there is nothing for us. We need a single story, 3 br. house for rent. (I have physical problems that prevent me from getting up and down stairs. Besides the fibromyalgia, I have been having problems with my knees to where it causes pain if I put any weight on my leg when it's bent.) We can find one, but not both. If it's single story, it's not a 3 bedroom. If it's a 3 br, it's not a single story. If it's a single story and 3 br. it's for sale, not for rent. And the two times that we actually did find something that could possibly work, they weren't gonna be ready til at least June! So while we both really hate the idea, but we're even looking for apartments now. But I'm finding that it's near impossible to find a 3 br. apartment, much less a decent one! Right now, unless God intervenes, it seems like the only option we have is to buy a tent and an air mattress and rent a spot at a campground until something opens up for us.
So like Job said, "...the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21)
Regardless of the situation we're in, regardless of whether we become homeless or not, regardless of what the enemy tries to do to destroy my faith...
I WILL STILL PRAISE THE LORD FOREVER! He is my King, He is my Deliverer, He is my Refuge. He said it best to me one Sunday morning... He said "I am God Almighty, but I am your Daddy and I love you!" I can talk to Him about anything and I can ask Him for anything, just as my kids can talk to me about anything or ask me for anything. I'm always there to listen, help, encourage, or give, and always to love, and so is my Daddy always there to listen, help, encourage, give, and always love me.

My First Wordless Wednesday

2008-04-30T15:06:00.004-04:00

My Firstborn Is 14 Already!!

2008-04-26T01:44:00.004-04:00

Fourteen years ago this morning, I was in the hospital.
I wasn't sick, I wasn't in pain... there was nothing wrong with me................. sound like the post from two weeks ago? LOL That's because it almost is. Yes, I was pregnant... with my firstborn. The story runs quite similar to Jessi's, or rather I should say hers is similar to his, because he was born two years before her, minus the two weeks.
They induced labor around 9 am, and much like the second delivery, after two epidurals, the first of which numbed me from my toes to my chest, and the second of which din't work at all... at 4:19pm, an adorable little baby boy (well, if 8 lbs 6 oz can be considered little) was born to the Pierce family! Our firstborn son. We named him Timothy Andrew Pierce. Timothy, because I had said years before that I would name my first son after my favorite cousin. And again, I was told that when you name a son, his names should mean strong and wise. One meaning of Andrew is strong, but aside from naming him Quinn or Quinton, or some other odd name, I couln't find a name that meant wise... except Drew, and somehow I just don't think that would work with Andrew! LOL So we decided to name him Andrew, and call him Drew, so as to get both meanings in there.

So fast forward 14 years...

We din't do a whole lot today, but we focused the day around Drew. We went with my parents to Hong Kong Buffet for lunch, to celebrate both of their birthdays, then to Walmart to walk around some til our meal settled a bit, and to get him a remote controlled car (mo' confo' cow, as my nephew called it when he was little), then we went back to mom & dad's to have the cake & ice cream.

It's amazing how different two kids can be!
Drew is the total opposite of Jessi in about every way imaginable. She's quiet, he's hyper. She likes music, he don't care one way or another about it most of the time. He likes video games, she don't care one way or another about them most of the time. She has to be careful about how much she eats, he has a bottomless pit and don't gain a pound. She's short... hopefully will at least get to 5' by the time she's full height, he's tall... prob'ly will be well over 6' by the time he's full height. He is a whiz at math and reading, she struggles with them a lot. She looks like her dad, he looks like me. She (usually) obeys immediately, he tries to see how many ways he can get around obeying. He likes technological stuff... anything PC or game console, etc. She's totally content with a notebook... or 10 or 20, and a pen or pencil to write or draw. He's a typical messy boy, she likes to keep her room neat. She likes to snuggle & cuddle, he likes to romp & wrestle. I could go on and on... but what it all comes down to, is the fact that I love them both with all my heart and am so thankful that they are ours!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SQUIRRELY!!!

It's Almost Right!

2008-04-24T23:37:00.006-04:00

I have been working on this blog for a little while now... and I have it basically how I want it, structually. I'm happy! I still want to add music and more photos, but other than that, I think the worst of the stress is over!
But this post is kinda like the one from a few days ago... short! LOL I have to get up in the morning and be ready when Wendy comes to pick me up to go babysit for her again. I really want to be a recluse... stay home and not go anywhere or talk to anyone, but if I have to get out of the house to do something, watching Catrissa is a good thing to do. She's such an adorable sweetheart! So, since I have to be up early to do it all again in the morning, I'm headed for bed now!

101 Things About Me

2008-04-24T01:55:00.003-04:00

1. I was born on 6/7/67
2. I was reborn on August 19th 2001
3. I am proud to be a Christian
4. I am God’s favorite kid *grin*
5. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus
6. I am fully blessed and highly favored
7. I’ve been married to Dave for 18 years, come this August
8. I have a son named Drew who is 14
9. I have a daughter named Jessi who is 12
10. I have a daughter in Heaven named Katie who would be 16 now, had she lived
11. I had a miscarriage on my birthday in 1991
12. I am left handed (and proud of it!)
13. My absolute favorite color is bright yellow
14. On average, I drank a gallon of iced tea every day for about 14 years or more
15. I am a stay-at-home-mom
16. My kids are in Christian school this year
17. I love PSP!
18. I do computer crafting
19. I am a graphics designer and pixel artist
20. My favorite author is Karen Kingsbury
21. I used to have a real turtle in my house
22. I have had prob’ly over 150 cats in my life time.. just not all at once! LOL
23. I have one black & white cat, Mr. Man... and a tiger striped cat named Squirt
24. I have two dogs… a Yorkie, and a Shepherd/Chow Mix
25. My dogs’ names are Maddie and Buddy, respectively
26. I also claim 'shared parenting' of another Yorkie, Lexi (who really belongs to my niece)
27. I’m totally a country girl at heart
28. My favorite spot in the world was a little crick with spearmint growing along it and a railroad tie across it
29. I love scented candles
30. My Favorite flower for scent is the Lilac
31. My favorite flower for beauty is the Morning Glory
32. My favorite flower for color is a yellow Rose
33. I used to design cross-stitch
34. I rarely ever wear make-up
35. My favorite scent is SweetPea
36. I love Melaleuca products
37. I’m a pack-rat
38. I once ran a steak knife into my foot while trying to rescue a lost baby bunny (long story!)
39. I had brown eyes that turned bright green when I got in a tire swing as a kid (long story!)
40. As a child, I used to get pneumonia twice yearly
41. I fell out of my highchair when I was 2 and broke my collarbone
42. I have a craft room that is full of supplies and I cain’t get it organized
43. I love Praise & Worship music and Southern Gospel music
44. My favorite preachers are Juanita Bynum, Paula White, TD Jakes, and Eddie Long
45. My first memory is of standing in my crib drinking strawberry milk in my bottle
46. I have dark brown hair
47. My hair was never cut until I was 18.... it was long enough to sit on
48. I lived in the country until I was 18
49. I have lived in Cincinnati, Oh, Toledo, Oh, Monroe Mi, and several smaller towns
50. I want to move back to the country so bad I can almost taste it! EDIT: Thank You Jesus!! WE MOVED TO THE COUNTRY!!!!!
51. My best friend (besides Jesus and my daughter Jessie) is Marfa from Florida
52. I want to learn to speak Spanish.... but not the tourist kind LOL
53. I learned how to type by using instant messengers
54. I used to have my own 'PSP help" chat room on a Christian chat server
55. I have met some awesome friends online
56. I have met 11 online friends in person
57. I am a very visual person
58. I am a type B personality
59. My two favorite artists are Jim Daly and Joan Walsh Anglund
60. I do scrapbooking.... Regular and digital
61. My favorite passage of Scripture is Psalm 139
62. My favorite verses are Psalm 139:17-18
63. I love playing the Sims and Sims 2
64. I left part of my heart in Haiti when I went there on a mission trip
65. I have been to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side
66. I loved Canada when I went there for a weekend trip (Sooz made it a very fun trip!)
67. Someday, I would like to visit Ireland, Switzerland, and the Holy Land
68. I LOVE flute music
69. Sometimes I prefer to pray on paper (or in a word pad file)
70. I love to read
71. I won a trophy in high school for reading 1800 words per minute with 90% comprehension
72. My favorite book is the Bible
73. I am a doll collector.... With a preference for the very realistic looking newborns
74. I love eating sunflower seeds, but I hate sunflowers
75. I made almost all the ornaments for my Christmas tree
76. My favorite season is... umm... anything but fall! LOL
77. I love snow!
78. I actually like broccoli and cauliflour
79. When I was pregnant with Katie, I craved Pringles chips and cheddar cheese dip
80. I have a 1 inch scar on my hand to remind me that I was 1 inch away from dying and going to hell (long story!)
81. I witnessed an accident where a pedestrian was hit and killed
82. My hubby and I were mobile home park managers at one time
83. I don't usually watch a movie or read a book more than once until I have forgotten most of it
84. I hate brown unless it's on chocolate, wood, hair, or teddy bears
85. There are 3 things that will make me see red... saying God is female, talking bad about my church or pastor, and racism
86. My favorite card game is Hand & Foot
87. My favorite board game is Personal Preference
88. I still like to color in coloring books
89. My favorite sport is gymnastics or professional ice skating
90. My second favorite sport is baseball
91. I took piano lessons for two years from two different piano teachers and never got out of the first book
92. I went to public school for K-6 and a Christian school for 7th through 12th
93. I am html illiterate (but I'm learning it by doing this blog!!)
94. I have never been able to do a cartwheel
95. My family tree includes an Indian princess who was married to Chief John Killbuck
96. My mother almost named me Glendora June, Holly Christine, or Beth Anne
97. I still have my first doll
98. I am fascinated by the Amish
99. I am on the computer more often than not
100. My favorite TV shows are Touched By An Angel, 7th Heaven, and any of the CSIs
101. My favorite movies are "The King And I" (or any of its remakes) and "One Night With The King"

Swartz Bridge

2008-04-21T23:04:00.007-04:00

We went for a country drive this evening... looking for houses for sale out in the country. On our way home, we turned down a really really BACK road. We found this historical bridge and I just had to take pictures!

God's got it!

2008-04-18T10:39:00.001-04:00

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgnent thou shalt condemn, this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their rightrousness is of Me, saith the Lord.

God is awesome!

Just to bring you up to date on what's been happening lately...
We have been looking for another place to live for some time now, and the more time passes, the more urgently we need to move. (Father knows this... and I know that He has it all under control.) We have driven down every country road in about a twenty-five mile area between Dave's work and the kids' school , and I have checked every listing from every realty website I can find in the area. For the most part, there is nothing __N_O_T_H_I_N_G__ that fits our needs. But a few weeks ago, we found a really awesome place. It's almost 5 acres, it has a two acre pond out the front window across the driveway, and it has the Sandusky River out the back door and down a slope. There are a lot of trees, and good yard. I was not impressed with the house, but it wasn't bad, and with it priced at $53,000 (!?!), we could get enough extra to fix it up and make it work. All we're waiting on is to hear back about the financing and get the letter of approval for our loan.

Jump to today...

This morning, Father literally was my protector. I had to keep the car and take Dave to work, then take the kids to school, because mom & dad cain't drive their car til they get the break line fixed. So I dropped Dave off and was on my way up Rt. 4 about a mile outside of town and there's a string of 5 or 6 cars coming toward me in the other lane. The one on front cuts over into the passing lane. There's still room to pass a car and get back over before I get there, but there was just one problem. She was not passing anyone, and she din't get back over! So here she comes, over toward my lane headed straight for me. I start going off onto the shoulder away from her, but the farther I go, the closer she comes. By the time she gets to me, she is totally in my lane and I am completely off the road, off the shoulder, and into the grass. I say 'she' because by this point, she so close I can see her salt & pepper hair! As I'm pulling back onto the road, I look in the rear-view mirror and watch her go off the shoulder into the grass behind where I was, then she must have woke up or whatever, because all of a sudden, she's swerving wildly to try to get back on the road into her own lane. All I could think afterward, was how calm the Lord kept me, and how He protected us! Later I was thinking about it and realized that there couln'tve been a better stretch of road for that to happen. There was no ditch, there were not telephone poles, no signs, no mailboxes... nothing! Maybe I'm repeating myself, but God is AWESOME! And satan is STOOPID!!! he knows that God has a plan, and we are getting so close to our breakthrough, and he is going out of his way to destroy us. As if the near-accident wasn't enough, on the way home, I check my messages and find out that someone else put a contract on the aforementioned house. Now we're back at square one looking for a house again.
NEWSFLASH, satan!! IT WON'T WORK!!!!!!!!! We are gonna praise our way through this, and STOMP ON YOUR HEAD!!!

Jeremiah 32:27, 17

2008-04-17T23:30:00.011-04:00

27. Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
17. Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:

Nothing much to post today... I have to get to bed soon because I have to get up early to take Dave to work so I have the car to take the kids to school. I guess I won't get to do as much tomorrow. I'm gonna try to take the time I DO have and really focus on getting this blog fixed how I really want it.

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This is my family with Mima and Pipo... Marfa's parents.. and my 'other' parents.

My Post Titles are Back!!

2008-04-15T23:46:00.011-04:00

Somehow my post titles have disappeared... but I am not worried about that right this minute. I've been working on this blog all day, and when I look at what I had compared to what it is now, I am amazed!! I don't know beans about HTML. If it's not something I can do visually, I cain't do it... Usually. But like I told Marfa earlier, I have brought myself up from the gutters of HTML illiterate to the halls of HTML fame! ROFL If there even was such a place! I guess since it only exists in my mind, I'm there!
I'm gonna go ahead and close this post for now. I may be back to edit it later, but it's almost midnight. If I publish it now, I won't have to fix the date! *grin*

*edit*
This 'no title' thing was really bugging me after all, so I hunted down the answer. Took me awhile, but I found it! Yay!! Now if I could only figure out why my header image is offset to the right a few pixels....... hmmm...
It really is amazing how much I've learned and accomplished in one day's time! Yesterday I was back to square one but without the yucky blue/black background, and by tonight my blog is almost exactly how I want it!

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Here is most of my family.. hubby, kids, parents, siblings, and some of their kids.

I'm sick and I still feel the need to fix this!

2008-04-14T16:28:00.007-04:00

Just a very short post today.... or at least right now. I'm feeling quite horrible, and from what I could tell by googling the symptoms, it's prob'ly viral pneumonia that's causing me to feel this horrible. Not that I'm a doctor or anything... but I do have what WebMD.com said was the symptoms.
Anyways... I got up for a little while today to work on my blog template. I'm still trying to get it to look how I want it to look before I actually go adding a lot of content, and am not having much luck with that. Today I screwed it all up, so I'm pretty much back to square one.... well... square two, because at least I don't have that horrible blue/black background! LOL Maybe when I get feeling better I'll be able to get it to what I want it to be (if I can keep from getting distracted or side-tracked). So... See me when I feel better!!

PS. I find it interesting that today, when I don't have the energy to find a scripture, there is no spot to put a post title.

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Our Furry Family

~~Maddie~~
otherwise known as PokeyButton

~~Lexi~~

~~Squirt~~
as a kitten

~~Mr. Man~~

~~Buddy~~

My Baby is 12 Now!

2008-04-12T21:31:00.008-04:00

John 11:40 "Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?"

Twelve years ago this morning, I went in the hospital.
I wasn't sick, I wasn't in pain... there was nothing wrong with me......... except that I was tired of being pregnant and wanted that baby OUT!!! So Dr. Hedges Ok'd it (on the grounds that it was getting really hard for me to sleep) and I went in for them to induce labor. This all started I think around 9am, and after 2 epidurals, the first of which din't work, and the second of which kicked in at precisely the right moment and to the right degree, and at 4:55pm, a beautiful little baby girl (well, if 8 lbs 4 oz can be considered little) was born to the Pierce family! We named her Jessica Shannon Rose Pierce. Jessica, because I had promised a young friend of mine when I got married the first time that I would name my first daughter after her. Shannon and Rose..... I was told that when you name a daughter, her names should mean wise and beautiful. Shannon means small but wise, and of course, a rose is beautiful! I had to wonder though... whether I had done the wrong thing by naming her Shannon. Maybe I should've found a name that only meant wise instead of small also! By the time she was 1 year old, she was still in her size 0 newborn shoes and step 1 diapers! And a year or so later, when most kids are in step 5 diapers, I was potty training her out of her step 2s! Do you realize how hard it is to find panties for a little girl that tiny?? I had to find the little diaper cover rhumba panties in 9-12 months! LOL

So fast forward 12 years...

This morning Jessi and I got up early and went to a Christian seminar in a small local church where our friend Wendy was scheduled to speak. It was kinda long, (like 5 hours long, which would have been nothing if we were at Mansfield) but when Wendy got up there to speak, it was awesome! I video recorded it with my camera (in several 7 minute or so segments) til the battery went dead, so maybe if I get myself in gear, I might get them uploaded to YouTube.
After that was over, we went back and picked up Dave and Drew and went to Cici's Pizza place, then to Walmart to get her a cake and some ice cream, and to walk around a little bit, then back home. Dave started feeling miserable last night, and only felt worse today, but he really was a trooper, putting himself through much more than he should have, being sick like that, just so he wouln't ruin our date on Friday night or Jessie's birthday today. I'm not sure exactly what he has, but it's down in his chest and he's running a low-grade fever. He said it felt like pneumonia. I REALLY hope not!! I'm not feeling so good either.. I have the beginnings of a chest cold coming on. Blech!

Now... as for my plans for this blog. I plan to get in the habit of writing in it first! After that has become habit, then I plan to add other things. Some graphics to pretty it up (definitely gotta fix that stupid header image!), maybe some scrapbooking or other freebies once in a while, some music, whatever else I can find to make it cool!

Ok... the Nyquil is starting to kick in, the fibromyalgia is causing some pain, along with being on my feet in heeled cute-boots too long today, and it's 2am. I'm going to bed!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHIQUY ROSE!!!

I Will Praise The Lord

2008-04-11T20:19:00.001-04:00

1 Chronicles 23:30
And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even;

1 Chronicles 29:10-13
Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

Nehemiah 9:5-6
Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be Thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. Thou, even Thou, art LORD alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth Thee.

Psalm 7:17
I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

Psalm 9:1-2
I will praise Thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all Thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in Thee: I will sing praise to Thy name, O Thou most High.

Psalm 22:22
I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

Psalm 28:6-8
Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.

Cat Fight!!

2008-04-10T19:30:00.005-04:00

1 Chronicles 16:11 "Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually."

So today I woke with a jolt! One second I was sound asleep and the next I was bolt upright in bed. The cats were fighting, screaming and chasing each other all around my bedroom, and my Yorkie, Maddie, was dancing around on the bed and telling on them, making as much noise as they were! It seems that Squirt, now that he is a year old, has decided that he wants to usurp Mr. Man's authority so he's been challenging him and fighting with him. Three times today, I've had to physically grab them by the nape of the neck and throw them outside. I guess from now until we move, if they are in the house at the same time, they will have to be closed into separate rooms.
Nothing much else has happened today except that I have spent all afternoon and evening trying to make this blog look better. At least I got rid of that nasty blue/black page background! LOL So now I'm just sitting here watching American Idol to see who goes off, and still fooling around with this dumb blonde.. er... blog. I'm gonna try to see if I can come up with a header image instead of just the boring text.

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Here are the culprits back when they actually got along!

The Number 8 Means 'New Beginnings'

2008-04-09T12:43:00.008-04:00

Psalm 139:17-18 "How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, Oh God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand..."

So this is the beginning of my blog. I don't know how often I'll post, or what all I will be putting in here.... maybe just daily news, maybe some links to places I find interesting, and maybe some scrapbook freebies. But I do know that if I cain't get rid of this stupid blue/black background, I will prob'ly be too frustrated to come look at it, much less post in it! I'm a visual person, and that is a blight that I don't want to look at!

So anyways... Today is a wonderful, warm day. (Thank You, Father, that spring is finally here!) I have a little sparrow that has finally discovered my bird feeder that has been up for a month. A little bit ago, he flew up to the window and latched onto the edge of it to try to see himself up close. I guess he found out it wasn't a mirror when he got that close! LOL The rest of the birds are out there telling the Father how much they enjoy the warm sun and gentle breeze. And I'm in the house, watching 7th Heaven. I woke up this morning feeling like I'd been drugged. Don't know what that's about. I've had moderate pain and discomfort all morning, but I'm gonna take something for that, and in about an hour I'm gonna go out there and join those birds in telling Father how much I appreciate spring and all the rest that He has done for me!
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This is my sister and me, taken on Christmas 2007. She's on the left, I'm on the right.