Blogging Star Award

"Mom of three girls" just pasted on an award to me. How thoughtful is that! I enjoyed the hug. I am in a place where the kindness was a gentle embrace.
Thank you Dear Lady.

This award is for bloggers who shine their light throughout the Blogosphere. Some do it with humor, others with creativity, and others with their kind and thoughtful natures. We all know more than a few of them so why not give them some recognition?
Well after some thought about this honor the idea came to me. How am I a star? "this little light of mine" and "If you live your life under a bushel you've lost something kinda crucial, You've got to live right to be the light of the world!"
(a line from Jesus Christ Superstar) ooo shows my age :)
"Rise and Shine" this is on a sign over my kitchen sink. To shine is a choice to make daily (some days pose battles that are a lot harder than others). Bring light, and the warmth of your light to others around you, shine!
I'm suppose to pass this award on to five other bloggers that I feel are a "Blogging Star".

1.Spaghetti Pie
2.Scribbit
3.Ohio Farm Girl
4.Living and loving every minute of it
5.JD'S days

Shine on all. You are stars!

A Smiling Wife (Poem)

This is my "Carnival of family life Submission" It is a weekly writing contest hosted by kailani at "An Island Review".. Come spin a pen (or click clack a keyboard), join us and share your mind.
The carnival is up over at "Mom on Wheels"

A Smiling Wife

I have a friend with one great need.
He longs to see his woman smile.
A gentle word, a soft embrace.
Too many wounds, resentments, stolen away.
Of all the loss it is poignant to know
the sweetest loss, her smile.

The power of this,
tenderness within .
Safety, a peaceful place to rest awhile.
Empty are the pursuits to gain,
all is loss whether self righteous or profane.
Emptiness is all that remains.

What power we hold,
yet untold.
Lost in a flicker of carelessness.
Warm eyes, a simple grin.
It is what is most important to men.
We may not see this until a tragic end.

So in your strength
smile at him.
Offer your eyes of warmth
a safe place to enter in.
Gain all that he needs in you.
You will have a forever friend.

Life is a series of challenges.

I woke up this morning happy and just fine the night before. I noticed that my socket hurt and that my jaw was stiff and swollen.
Well after a shower and a Sweet husband attending to a prescription for me. I look like this. The swelling is progressing. Thank God the Pain is bearable (yet steadily getting worse). I am feeling flu like symptoms and I think I'm in for a ride. I may go into the urgent care if it goes to far. Hubby researched it on Google and the advice is to do so if symptoms get intense. Irony is that just Thursday I had my complete evaluation (no cavities!). The x rays showed no problem with any other teeth near the dry socket. I told him it just didn't feel right and it was dismissed to the slow healing time of a dry socket. I am supposed to have a crown replaced on Monday morning (other side upper) . Funny, if it were not so darn tragic:)
Life is a series of challenges.

I called the dentist on his emergency line. He gave me the number to his college. I called him and he was in Colorado enjoying his day. He very kindly ordered an anti biotic rx for me.

Photo Hunter Paper

I was challenged in 2005 to write a 50,000 word manuscript.
This is my fictional Novel.
It is a story of a woman who is a hospital clergy member with a mysterious journey into the passages of her faith.
It is still in the edit phase.
This took great courage to share with you.

I had to cover the flash to get the image sorry for the poor image quality.
My dear friend over at "Life in the midst of writing..." just published hers (we worked on them together) , and it is now available on Amazon. One day I will finish the edits on mine and follow her courageous example to publish.

Friday Feast

Organic baby greens, Red Salmon,sweet red peppers and tomatoes
In a China bowl. My lunch today.
Christine over at "Are we there Yet" Is hosting today

Friday Feast

Appetizer

What is your favorite type of art?

Realism is preferred over most. I love textile works, Thrown pottery, ceramics, BEADED WORKS! Expressions of the heart that are full of true self representations of the artist (this of course is the joy and pure beauty of the art of children).

Soup

When was the last time you got a free lunch (or breakfast or dinner)? Who paid for it?

It is a long time ago, but a friend came for a visit mid day and brought a salad for me. We shared a lunch break. That was when I was still home schooling. She gifted me with a meal and thanked me for the gift of a peaceful table to enjoy it at (that comment was the dressing on the salad, so to speak:).

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how emotional are you?

I emote what is true to me. To emote is perfectly whole and healthy. It is when the behavior gets waked out that it is witnessed as a negative. I tell my kids to trow balls at the back brick fence rather than to hold it in. I hope to show them how to emote appropriately and to never swallow it or hold it in. I use boundary techniques of "when you...I feel... and I would prefer if you ..."
We need to know how we effect each other. We have no control over how any one will react,so this is done without expectation. We can't change others but we can effectively learn to act rather than re-act. In doing so we can clear up misunderstanding of intent. Often amends and or clarifications can be offered.So I say a 10 and grateful for it. It took me almost 40 years to learn how to cry. I was never allowed to as a child. The punitive nature of my childhood taught repression. NOT GOOD causes heart attacks, high blood pressure and a slew of ailments we see around us.

Main Course

Approximately how long do you spend each day responding to emails?

Through out the day around 1 1/2 hours most early morning or very late evening. I also count comment responses to that total. I have almost stopped watching T.V. all together and am much better off for it.

Dessert

To what temperature do you usually set your home’s thermostat?

We have an automatic timer set up on it. During the off-peak hours when utilities are much cheaper we chill the house down to 78* at 1 P.M. it shuts off and increases to 82* It stays off most the early afternoon and it will come on again automatically for an hour or so in the late afternoon. At 8 P.M. It is begin to chill the house down again for sleeping. We keep the house from heating up during the mid day by scheduling chores during off peak hours. All that will change soon. On October 1st the winter schedule begins and will go through late May. It is hard to switch to the winter schedule. I save substantially on the costs of electricity using this life style. It works well for our family.

She made me smile.

Amy at "Laughing through the tears" gave me a gift this that I just found this morning.
We rejoice that Amy is doing better, recovering day by day.

Donetta is first y'all. She makes my heart smile because I know how much she truly cares about me. I know that may sound selfish, but while she faces tougher obstacles than I do, she puts others first. I know she prays for me and is genuinely concerned about my well being. We've just begun our friendship recently, but I feel loved by her. And how could that not make me smile? Thank you friend for all you do for me!

Now I don't know how you figure to compare obstacles.

Mother and Daughter Blog Carnival

My daughter is 10, yet with special needs she had to battle for what to some may seam a simple thing.
Tonight out of the thin air after all had gone to bed We heard an exclamation "I DID IT" !
Their Daddy was on duty and I had my I-Pod on listening to music in the silence of the house. He and her did the interactions. She then came to me very upset and I not being savvy to what was going on inquired. "I did it Mommy" she said.
"What honey, what did you do sweet heart"? Crying because her Father was trying to bed them and I not wanting to interfere, asked her to to discuss it with him. He then came in and concerned and upset told me that what she had done was to address and succeed in overcoming a challenge he had given your several months ago. He promised her, that if she could count backwards from 100 to 0 he would give her $5.00. Well he was not there to see it. So she was distressed over the accomplishment unwitnessed. Some time later, after I supported him in going to her, and just holding her so as to get to the bottom of why she was crying and to listen.. She came out full of joy! She had managed to repeat the performance in his presence! NOW she can get the pen she wants from the book fair! She earned it! She had remembered her Fathers promise, HER FATHERS PROMISE. Her Father also remembered it too.

How I wish I would always remember my Fathers Promises to this his daughter. If you...I will...
Conditional, yes. Trust worthy yes.

Sewing Manna

I went to the thrift store Wednesday morning after the dentist. I found all this. I was looking for an apron pattern. Out of this huge box of patterns three patterns fell out when I lifted it down to my eye level the only apron pattern in the box fell out onto the floor before me! so cool. (.29) cents a pattern!

I came home with a gold mind of a find. Someone had donated all this fabric! I stumbled upon it!
Look at that baby blue silk!

I will make covers (Got a pattern now for it) for the surger and sewing machine. out of the pillow block print.

can you believe this yardage!

In total I think around 38 yards!
That thick pile of blue and white flannel (soft 100% cotton light weight flannel) A night gown for me :)

For around $28.00 !!!!!!!!! Wow! so... you may say, where you gonna put all that fabric Donetta? Under the presser foot of course!

Welcome Autumn, Home Decor

I found this yardage and most of these decorations at the thrift store. I got the yardage for $3. and it was a perfect length to make a table cloth out off. After washing and pressing it just hemmed the ends. It has sweet little sayings on it. I LOVE WORDS OF LIFE!

The cute little leave, gourds and beaded wire were all in a bag for $1.99! They are just perfect

I hope you can see how cute these candle holders are. $1.99 each. I think I need to repaint them eventually. I need to set them on something to make them stand out better.

See the detail of the beads, as you know I love , Did I tell ya I LOVE BEADS! :) This would be such an easy technique to do just thread a ton of beads on a wire the twist every so often! To Cool! They shine so pretty.

I had the topiary and the candles. There are a few things up in the attic that I have made over the years. With Thanksgiving held here at the "big house" This will be changing this out a few times. I just can't get in the attic today so...I use what I can :)

New Meme Craft Project Thursday

Caterpillar Craft

"three peas in a pod"

Is hosting a new meme
Craft Project Thursday
This looks like a nice Idea and you know me I'm all about introducing kids to art.

Thursday Thirteen...

Christine from "Are We There Yet Mom?" is hosting for us.
Thirteen things that begin with “A”

1. A little boys curiosity can be amazing!
2. A little girl can be so tender and gentle (so can her brother)
3. A series of shots can help Knees bend and function
4. A cup of coffee is even good when it is cold.
5. All food is for the body not body is for the food. FREEDOM.
6. A just God keeps an eye on the innocent to save them from crooks.
7. A Amplified Bible is my good friend and mentor.
8. A husband loves God with all his heart and this is so good!
9. Absent menu, I have no idea whats for supper and thats O.K.
10. A peaceful home is wonderful.
11. A fall season approaches. It was 70* on the back porch this morning! Dash was cold!
12. A Harsh word is awful and amends can be made. :{
13.An excited Mother gets to go get her children in 15 minutes. They are such a joy!

Thankful Thursday

My Father's eye upon me as He searches over the face of the earth saying is there anyone who will stand in the gap and pray. That He cares that I say "here I am" . I am so privileged to be a party to His loving mercy upon His humanity. I stand awed that He loves us all so much.

I am thankful that those around me say "here I am". My husband delights in these opportunities and does not ever resent it. Some spouses do resent the inconvenience.

I am grateful that I am able to be here available every day. Whether I am busy or not that I don't have to fret a loss to offer my availability. My time is always made even. Little events will happen. Like yesterday when looking for a apron pattern. I lifted a box of 60-70 patters to search three patterns fell out and one of those was the only apron pattern in the box. He always redeems my time.

I am humbled that my kids get to witness all of these acts of service that I simply walk into without pursuit or effort on my part. Being available is all that is needed.
My daughter embraced me at the school with such affection. Her teacher said she was so glad that it was me there to help the children. me = Gods presence=peace=God being Glorified!=safety for the children.

Car crashes, unconsious woman, stolen mail, police and 650 kids pictures.

Wow What a Morning!
It is no !p.m.
This is right out of a novel!
So I have a rushed (picture day at school) morning and on the way to school I see a car up on the curb with someone at the wheel. So I turned my car around to check on her and I beeped my horn she looks up at me and then passes out. I told my kids to stay in the car. (we were on a very quiet neighborhood street). I go over to her and her foot is on the gas and the car is in drive with the tire holding it from moving. I shifted it into park and turned it off and pocketed the key. I spoke to her and then a wonderful big beautiful man stepped my way with a cell phone. He called 911 and a neighbor came out I told her to grab an umbrella. The woman was in and out of consciousness.

I started to pray over her and the big beautiful man beside me prayed with me! I then sang softly to her for she was very combative when he said that help was on the way. When she heard the sirens she began to get very combative I whispered in his ear that I can not afford to get hurt. I told her I needed to go to my kids. (the neighbor had oped the cars passenger side and the kids had eye contact with me all the time). The Paramedics came and I left them the key and took off.

On the way around the park there was another event, a MAJOR accident with a Mom on a gurney. Two cars badly damaged.

The kids went to school. I returned to stop by where the car was and they were loading her into ambulance. I asked the paramedic and he said she was going to be alright.

So I had a wonderful drive (3 minute) home only to get a call before I even sipped my coffee that Dash needed his picture money. I went to the school post hast and took an extra pair of socks Miss fiction needed. I went to the room where the group photos were being taken to find only a man and his wife there. I told them I had signed up and yet never got a call to help with picture day. After asking them if they needed help they were thrilled. Apparently a misunderstanding occurred and the son of the photographer dismissed volunteers (much to the chagrin of the photographer) I was the only parent volunteer. 650 kids :) It was fun and I was honored to be available to help. The Wife took off and I helped until noon. I saw my kids get the picture taken and the classes of the student body were very well behaved. Only one angry teacher who frankly concerned me ( a time for prayer). Teaching is very hard work!

So Coming home I stopped by the car to leave a get well note and my name and number. When I checked the door I found the car to be unlocked . Try as I might I could not get this car to lock.
So I looked around and far to many important papers, mail and medical records were around the seats and floor. So I decided to secure the property and call 411 to get the home number and let them know I had her things. Well this is where it gets suspicious. 6-7 inch stacks of unopened mail in several names were there in the mix. I at first thought is was only a mother or something so I called the one persons name to tell them that I have there things. The people only spoke Spanish after 5-7 phone calls of goggle interpreter I got another call from them to translate by a friend. I told the interpreter that even though this is bad news God was watching over her so she now knows
Mean while the police have been called and they are supposed to be here any time now to get all this stolen property. The Spanish Woman had her identity stolen by this unconscious, up on the curb, woman driver. Oh I drove back and removed my name and number from her car.

O.K. this is the strange thing. The Man had no shoes on! (If you live in Arizona you understand) a child , a woman sometimes rarely any one who normally wares shoes can go barefoot here the side walk burns feet. Why was he out walking with no shoes on? I gave the key to the paramedic and shook thee mans hand thanking him. I had to get my kids to school so I needed to leave. He stayed there. He thanked me so kindly and lovingly I had chills..

Post script 5 P.M.
The officer just left. The woman behind the wheel had been arrested three days ago. She had been released to a hospital. They arrested her again today for being under the influence of drugs behind the wheel as per my report. I testified that she was behind the wheel with the car running and the key in the ignition. She was the registered owner of the car. She was the person with the 6-7 inch stack of bills from the varied medical facilities.
I wonder ...There was a duck with a pink ribbon... I wonder if she was in grief over a recent diagnosis...? The officer said that sometimes folks have more than one identity. He is going to tow the car. The other name will have a utilities check and perhaps the other family is not involved. I sure hope not. If not I jumped to a conclusion. She may have just been a desperate woman Ill and distressed. I would rather think that be the case. However she could of easily of hit the children on the sidewalks. They were all around waiting for the school bus. I keep telling my kids no matter what we did what was right.

Works for Me Wedensday Morning chores

"Rocks in my dryer" is hosting Works for me Wedensday
When making lunches in the morning I lay out a paper towel. Set out four sliced make two sandwiches and cut one in half. Hubby gets the other the cool thing is all the mess is on the paper towel. It is very sanitary. I do not use towel with inks in them for food preparations.
Kids lunches finished all in 5 minutes. Then keep that paper towel out to keep using check it out.

I use it to spread the "all fruit jam" on Miss Fictions bread.
Next tip the yogurts are purchased when I get them 20 for $10. FREEZE THEM! They think it is a treat and they do not expire. They are cheaper too!

anyway... Now after cracking the eggs adding the, Onion salt I use a chop stick to scramble the eggs, Very easy to wash off the cooked egg

I wipe off the spreader with the towel (saves a little water) toss it in the dishwasher and then I use that same towel to wipe off the jelly spreader too, and toss it too. The counter has no mess all things back into refer and I'm done. ( I use a slice of ham with my scrambled egg.

What type of Mother are you?

I went over to Corey's "living and loving every minute of it"to visit her and she had this challenge up.

I took this test

Your type is: isfj —The “Tender Loving Care” Mother

“I want my children to feel they have an ally, someone who knows them completely. I want to be a haven for them.”

• Gentle and kind, the ISFJ mother provides her children with generous amounts of tenderness, affection, and the comfort of daily routine. Her aim is to “be there” for her children, physically and emotionally. She is sensitive to their feelings, offering closeness, understanding, and quiet support.
• Loyal and devoted, the ISFJ mother has a strong sense of duty and consistently puts her children’s needs first. She delights in taking care of the little things that matter to a child, making each one feel loved and special.
• To provide her family with security and warmth, the ISFJ mother tends to the practical and domestic, aiming for a smooth-running household and an attractive home. She also observes and conveys the value and importance of family traditions.

I like that this celebrates the difference. Women so often abase themselves through comparing. We all shine in our own true beauty and Glory.

Wordless Wedensday

Cooking lesson (cuting an onion) ,Corn bread pie.

Hello, Remember the roast(link)? Remember the taco seasoning(link)?
1 can of corn don't drain
half onion
2 cans tomato sauce
corn bread mix
canola oil
cumin
cayenne
oven safe pan

After you cut off both ends and make a light slice through the skin and remove it. Cut your onion into a half. Slice as shown. the thinner you slice the finer your diced onion will be.

Now slice across as the knife is positioned. Same here the thinner you slice the finer the diced onion. If you slice once and put up the rest in a baggie you have an onion cut for 2-3 days worth of recipe. Cleaning the board only once.

Remember the roast lesson. Now this is a stack of slices. I then sliced very thin one way then the other very fine for little teeth to chew. :)

Hot pan -cold oil! Heat your pan empty ,then put oh 2-4 table spoons of oil in heat oil. Then add onion and meat to brown toasting the meat a little adds a lot of flavor. Add the tomato, and 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning, Stir it will thicken fast after the spices have incorporated into the meat mixture then add the corn juice and all tho thin it down turn off heat.

Now mix your corn bread. I used oh about 3 C mix and 3/4 C water and two dash cumin and a gentle dash cayenne. I like Marie Calenders brand it is sweet corn bread. Lightly dulup it over the mix. Do not over mix. Trying to spread it can cause you a fuss. Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes I use a convection oven and so a little less time is needed . Cut center with a sharp knife to make sure it is cooked through.

Well everyone eat well last night! They all enjoyed it. The fresh tomatoes were the perfect compliment to cool down the spice. Even Miss Fiction ate a few tomatoes.
One pan to wash. Left overs for lunch today and now that I had my lunch back to task! :)

Tackle It Tuesday Good Morning!

Tackled to the tunes of "Big Fish" the movie soundtrack.
"Lets work together"!

This is my living room Sunday with two sick children and a lot of mess. This is not even the worst part of it :)

Yesterday this is what my delighted husband walked into find. He thanked me for the gift in the night as we dozed off for bed. It really meant a lot to him to see it so pretty. I rolled up the rug moved out all the furniture, swept and mopped . Vacuumed the rug and the pad under it. I still have a lot to do in here with detailing the entertainment center and fixing all the messed up DVD'S and video's.
Dusting and the like as well.

This is all the junk I picked off of the living room floor and couches. I have all this to get to today.

I have reclaimed my territory! Tomorrow I get to detail and decorate!The rewards of Tackle!

Thank goodness this is not to bad. I do have breakfast cookies to make see link for recipe. (I did not get the cookies made.) Well this table started out not to bad. It is the balloon effect!

This will be my big filing and little jobs, read and files, little phone call and to do's. Thank you notes.


I did get the towels and wash clothes away. With the kids aseep now dishes will get put away tomorrow.

The catch all and the cutting table and office desk.
Oh man that will have a lot of little jobs.
I can do some sewing now and be ready for this week end too.

Calls: tax guy,
This is all ready to go and I set an appointment for 1:30 tomorrow to meet with him.

knee surgeon (about shots) His office was closed today.
dentist...(I got the partial records from last Tuesday) I need to make an appointment to get more wok done. I have an 8:40 appointment in the morning it will most likely include at least one tooth repair. I hope the other root canaled teeth are all safe from rot under the crowns. That is what happened that caused the tooth to get pulled. I am a little apprehensive, but grateful, there was a cancellation and I was squeezed in!
I called the school to check on Miss Fictions condition (she is detoxing Prozac) and fever (croup). Dash also need head ache check. I spoke with the school and also with the psychologist to review what is going on toward the intervention the kids needs. She was going to read the charts on both kids last night and did not get it done. She is hoping to get them read today? Dash may start testing soon as may Miss Fiction. We had a long friendly conversation.

I aim to get to this see all the mending, sewing and repair work. I have a lot of clothing cut out to sew up for fall for the kids. This is un-touched today :{

This is priority. yahoo! It is dusted too! I filled the paper on the printer and the kids paper too.

So grab the day by the tail and "dust with it"!
See you on the other side.
If you have not done a motivative tackle it Tuesday come join us it is amazing what motivation can accomplish.

I walked both dog around the block (one at a time)
Set up a craft night for this Saturday night (I have two to attend so far)to provide some fun and fellowship for the women in my circle and the new friends I'm sure to make.
I even finished this post. O.K. I'm done !:)