a day of art

First thing I made this for myself. I hear a lot about caring for myself.

Dash had his heart set on crafting gifts for a dinner we are invited to on Sunday to see his Aunt and Uncle (beloved brother) We are all going out for burgers on Sunday.

Little Dove desired to make a gift for someone.
So we made these bird houses that I had set aside.

The "Painting bug bit" then as I was preparing a cardboard for them Dove asked if she could use one of my canvases. I gave them each a real canvas to do art "for their bedroom walls.
Little Dove makes a smile face.

Dash paints me in the sun with a tree and sky.

Dash Hawk and I cracked nuts and I taught him the way to do it. We had a nice conversation about "love" the greatest force...Dash was telling me that it is more powerful than hate and war. Then he said something I have thought before but had never really shared with folks. That God must really Love satin. It must really hurt Gods heart that things turned out the way they did . Because she said "The world would be such a place filled with love if satin did not make such a bad choice.

That boy is eating MEAT, if you know what I mean.

Beloved came home at the old regular time and a little early at that. After a sweet call with Denise. We all left to go to the picture show. I was struggling with staying home and sewing but really wanted to be with the family. So I went. We had popcorn and some of the candy from home and a big water. I get a very large bottled water then ask for water cups at the register. We get a refillable Popcorn and use the water cups to dispense it. Then run and got a refill before the movie started.
We saw "Enchanted" a cute Disney flick that has been out a while. It was fun. We went to get a taco after and Dove was a ll upset because she did not get to have a soda. I did not want more sugar lowing into them before bed. It is an expense that is not necessary when we ar 5 minutes from home.
We went to the neighborhood light display., but Dash had a tummy ache so Daddy Man drove him home to use the toilet. He came back for us with Dash in the back seat with a pan ill. So we all all home dash is better after a BM and is now resting and story time is over .
I am a bit used up. Dove is grumpy with me and I have little tolerance of it tonight. Man she is going to be a teenager too soon! My kids are very interruptive and I am getting to a point that I get irritated by it. It is a real problem in my family. Even a sewing friend who was over noticed it. I am interrupted constantly by Hubby or kids. Hearing Impairment is a part of it with Dash. Boy it is annoying. Then it bothers them that I am irritable well DA~ is what I am thinking but they just do not get it. Even when the message is clear. I wish this was a issue with an easy remedy. Any ideas? Bet I have tried them... Be cool
is there was a fresh idea out there for me?

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen steps of a "perfectly orchestrated day"!
Let go and let ....

1. Wake up at 7:15 to a dog crying to go outside (as apposed to going on the bedroom carpet :)
2. Arise to children who adore life and thrive in the joy of a morning at home with mom, we made crafts and had a very educational edifying conversation.
3. I made a good breakfast for us. Rested until 10 a.m. or so and just relaxed.
4. A call, child care for Dove. Who is to be dropped off in 20 minutes.
5. A hot shower, getting dressed and out the door in said 15 minutes.
6. while in the shower the list given in my head. Get all the records. Christmas cards, Keep pens ( for the staff at the hospital), drawing board for dash (to use during the financial meeting)
7.On the road and good traffic arriving 15 minutes later to a curb drop off (via a cell phone recently given to us) a call to tell her to meet me. a short cut to a freeway gets us moving right along.
8. Some how I made it to the first meeting within two minutes of the appointment (freeway traffic was heavy) That appointment lasted from 11:46 to 1:15 it was supposed to last 45 min. Well I made too much income and could not meet the criteria. It looked a bit of a loss and as I pulled out the work I had done and apologized for not having it all done the girl looked at me and said " are you kidding ? I never see it even look anything as complete as this." I then tried to work toward the numbers and they were just short a thousand $ or so.

Santa appears and Dash is the first kid to get to see him, no one else was there or knew he was. Santa was so good. This very real looking (no fake beard) man has Dash at knee and says to him ..."well have you thought about what you want for Christmas?...Dash responded...Santa then floors me with .." Well Dash I need to speak to you about this issue of towels on the floor...Dash's eyes BIG as pancakes... panicked ...deer in the head lights... looks up at me. I am all but splitting a gut.. straight faced listened on. "(Santa) Well are you going to do something to take care of that? Dash" yes sir"... Very serious...Then Santa said to him"let me ask you one other thing...If I were to come over to your house right now what does your room look like?...Dash;;;"well not so good"...Dash" how did you know?" Looks at me "did you tell him?" "No"...say I Dash turns to Santa "how did you know"? Santa ..." I have two special elves who make it their business to know and they report it back to me...are you going to go home and do something about that today?"... "Yes sir" said Dash Santa then gives him a gift and Dash thanked him and they gave me a tube of candy for sissy. I was laughing so hard inside it felt like such a stress relief. They then came back and got Dash to have his picture taken with the Big Guy! Too perfect! I gave Dash a card and a keep pen for Santa. Santa thanked us for the gift. He was sweet.

As all this is happening I am going back and forth with Beloved faxing new pay stubs and trying to sign papers and such She then told me she could make a way. She said that if Beloved did not work any overtime for 2 pay periods (4weeks) that we could easily be within range with deductions to spare. We are now at 100% out of pocket worse case is we are out an the Speech appointment today?? The doctor appointment is covered. I have to visit this again in one month and I have the medical expenses already calculated so I just bring in the same bag and the 2 new 80 hour pay stubs. Do it one more time and we will again be covered at 0% out of pocket! God mad a way!
I was able to pass out the keep pens and cards the girls were all so appreciative to receive them. The clinic is very minimally funded and the pen was a needed thing to them
9. Dash walked off without a melt down and did his speech therapy! While I was working through the finances. That is huge the first time he has ever left my side.
10. We got to have our appointment with Dr DIDI DOLITTLE! yes that was really her name! She was awesome! Her nurse noticed Dash had rubber bands on his wrist and that he had a flag on his chart for latex allergy because of mom. Well the nurse pointed out the rubber bands were latex! God watched over me again. The gift of a bag of rubber bands from a friend is a hazard to me, I would of never caught it. Dr Dolittle was so good she even got a sheet on hidden latex allergy info for me.
Dash had a good report at the clinic. Some concerns about head aches when he tilts his head or during movement. He has a review with the ENT in March and another Eye test in June. It is always so dark a blanket when I face the thoughts of the ushers syndrome with the blindness and deafness threat. I know I KNOW that God has Dash no matter what I KNOW THIS!
11. I left and had Jaye meet me at the urgent care with Dove. Our appointments were at 3:15, 3:30 and 4:00 pm I pulled into the driveway of the urgent care at 3:16! It was only $46. in copays. 4 Rx's were only $57. Dove has allergy clear chest (zyrtec and cold syrup). Dash has sinus infection very red nose inside and a cold (anti biotic, zyrtec and cough meds) He did me last and stepped back and said ..."but you...your the worst, your chest is rattly just short of bronchitis and a blazing ear infection (funny Willy pointed at my ear today) and a sinus infection...( ear drop antibiotics and pill antibiotics too) So all cared for 4 days before Christmas we will all be better real soon. America land of the fortunate! I dropped off the prescriptions at the drug store and took the children out to a "fast food" supper and too run it out in the playground at the "jack in the box". I called (on the cell phone) and left a message for beloved, grabbed him a burger and had 45 cents left over!
12. I grabbed the medications and the pharmacy tech. spoke with me and thanked me for the card I had dropped off the day or so before. We spoke of community and I shared my gratitude for her good service. I pulled into the garage moments after beloved with his meal hot, in hand
13. A man from the mens group stopped by just after beloved finished the last bite and I had told him the good news about the CRS coverage. After the men took care of the business at hand, this dear man (who is a nurse by trade) put the drops , that were very painful in my ear and taught beloved how to do it properly. TOO COOL!

Supper Santa just gave me a loving hug good night

The children have been dosed with their medications. One will help them sleep well. Another to clear their heads and another to kill the infection. Now I rest! I think I might just go pull up a cover and get into bed.

Little Dove just lovingly came in and hugged me good night and asked to take my picture.
Am I blessed or what!

Good night:)
Love you all.

Cool e-mail I just got

Who Started This Christmas Stuff?

A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many
hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else
imaginable; and after hours of hearing both her children asking for
everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the
elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time
of the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every
housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that
perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure
we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure
we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the
car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with
her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take
it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing
should be found, strung up, and shot."

From the back of the car, everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond,
"Don't worry, we already crucified Him."

For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could
have heard a pin drop.

Thankful Thursday

This is a wonderful morning with my children. We are all a bit under the whether with colds, yet we are together. This has been a slow easy morning. I have been visiting with them sorting colors for them and lout lining Coves dog for her.Dove told me I am a good Mother. It was sweet. I asked her what she thought made me a good Mom. she said"because your helpful and kind and sweet". Wow that is really something to be thankful about. To see myself thought of that way by her. She said that" everybody thought so at school". It really felt warm.
We spoke about character and truth and a little about sex and good choices. We spokd a bit about peer pressure. At this age they are so exposed already. They spoke about teasing not being fun and other ways to set boundaries with kids and anyone teasing them.
I am over joyed with the gratitude of all goodness that I am able to spend such slow moments with them.
I am thankful for the opportunity to do CRS and the coverage we have had up to this point. I know even though we may lose the same % we have enjoyed it will turn out alright. I am most thankful to now hear my Beloved having this tone as well. He is expressing that same peace and trust in Gods provision. I really love that example of strength. It is wonderful how he is strong when I am weak and visa-vera. What is most wonderful is that we are both in this place of GOD is our strength and we are weak/strong in Him. That is so cool. Hard won place to rest.
I am so grateful that I got medical appointments at 3:15.3:30 and 4pm. So as soon as I get back from the city and the tree appointment there ( finance, speech therapy and doctor review check up all for Dash) I will get back to this side of town and do three more appointments. God is so good to me to have a nice morning of rest.
I am going to go have a hot shower. I am so fortunate to have HOT WATER.
I know that my sinus and ear will heal in time and that my Son will be alright and that My Daughter will recover her cold. How wonderful to have this sweet assurance this sweet optimistic outlook.

Tails from the scales Weel #12 maintained

193 starting

191 week one

191 week two (at 189 on Friday) First Synvisk Injestion

193 week three Second injection

190 week four (189 peeked at me) Third Injection

192 week five

188 week six

189 week seven

192 week eight (most of it lining my colon)

189 week nine

189

189

189

O.K. some goals.

Remember to take care of ME

1. Drink more water and tea
2. Do my knee exercises and core strengthening.
3. Walk or ride bike every day.
4. Stay away from avoids (wheat,dairy, corn and candy)
5. rest better set myself up for a good nights sleep.
6. Pray for all of you and myself that we all resist the temptations that would so easily take us off course.
Maintained at 189
Stunned I did not gain! I thought for sure I was in a real regressive pattern and ready to just let it go.
NO!
Can Not do that. I guess I did not spoil it too bad through my neglect. I did try to watch out for the wheat and such. I did have a lot of candy again. I have been drinking a lot of green tea.
My knee exercises have fallen by the way side must get that scheduled and stick to it.
I need to take the kids and myself to the doctor today we all have what I think is a sinus infection. I am sure the intake of candy sabotaged our immunity.

Please pray for Bob he had a heart attack today

Pray for Bob

Written by his wife.
My husband, Bob, had a heart attack yesterday. He called me in town when I was taking the kids to school and told me to stay by the phone, he wasn't feeling well. Then he called right back and said that he was having chest pains, labored breathing and was sweating. I hung up and called 911. We live 25 minutes from town, so, the paramedics got there before I did. They were working on him when I arrived and quickly moved him by ambulance to a hospital nearby.The doctors found blood clots in both lungs (Bob is not a smoker, never has been). Last night , he was moved to ICU and by noon he was in cardiac arrest. They went in and put shunts in a 99% occluded artery. He is on blood thinners for the clots, which are small and will hopefully just dissolve. His prognosis is good, as there are no other badly occluded arteries.
Thanks be to God, who brought him into the hospital with blood clots so we could save him during a heart attack. They say if it had happened at home, we probably wouldn't have been able to save him.

Please pray for Olivia

Fellow blogger BIG MOMMA writes...She has requested Prayer!

It is bacterial meningitis. And it’s a rare form. The doctors aren’t sure how to treat it and don’t think that what they’ve been doing is working.

They are meeting with an infectious disease specialist in a little while who will hopefully have some answers.

Please pray for wisdom for the team of physicians, healing for Olivia, and peace for Kristie and George.

Olivia is two months old

Resting at Beloveds Insistance

Beloved is serving up Daddy oatmeal tonight as I sit and rest a spell at his insistence. He worked on the kitchen for me as I swept the sandy floor, how they could learn to empty the shoes outside!
I will continue crafting after the kids retire. I am so worn out this evening. Hubby said" I need to go to bed!" I am maybe gonna do so. I'll see. My head hurts and I just well got a real stuffy head. The kids are coughing a bit in the evening. Dash is concerning me. He has a bad stuffy nose. I should of taken them (all of us) in to the doctor I think.
I have to go to the city for the CRS clinic. 11 am for the financial stuff and the appointments are at 1:00 and 1:45 I'll have to drive home and all too. Lunch out tomorrow with the kids. I'll need to do the rest of the receipt search (in the morning) for tomorrow's appointment. Gotta come up with another ?$2,000. in deductions. I think it is there but I just have to list it and sort it out. I have to go through the debit slips. Our Quicken crashed and it has been a whole year of no quicken Yikes! New Years "to do thing"

Beloved came home with an EMPTY basket!
The woman who brought home made traditional tamales
asked if she could take home the last 1/4 of the basket and if she could have my recipe.
Beloved was so tickled to tell me so. He had looked forward to telling all the way home.
An artistic talented baker gifted me with a home made cookie.
Wow! What a treat to have a well prepared cookie at another's hand. It was perfect. No flavor red in the frosting and a perfect butter cookie underneath. ( I know it was naughty) :D

My children are home now for several days.
Oh, how I have missed them.
They are so full of life and vibrancy
and unfortunately very loud.

Monkey Business

Thank you Marylou
Your kindness gave me wing.
I have the ears mouth and eyes still.
See no evil, speak no evil hear no evil.
That perfect stage of completion :)

Times up! I got to go get the kids!

Ginger Bread Houses and Childrens Joys

This post was written for the Wrapped Emotions writing prompt:
"Capturing the Gift of Every Moment"

Please click on the link below to visit Wrapped Emotions to see how other writers took on this prompt...

Well my 11 a.m. Helping at Little Doves class was changed to 9 a.m. and it all worked out!
I really enjoy being able to be so flexable.

The children were marvelous! Well behaved.

I set all the tables with trays of mixed candies and decorations.

Opened the containers

Passed out a variety of sprinkles and such

I mixed up some green frosting as well and passed it out with a bag and tip.

This is Little Doves creation.

I left with all of the graham crackers to take home and feed the birds.
I was just thinking only an hour or so ago how I had not put out any suit or seed for the birds.
That is a sort of holiday tradition I did not think about till just today.
The birds bring me so much pleasure.

I stopped by Dash's class just in time to find the teacher all done.
She had opened the apron I made her and had it on.
I gave Dash those extra candy canes to pass around his class.
When I thanked the teacher she said..."no thank you" , and had the class pose for a photo.
She treats me so appreciative and like I'm doing her the favor.
She is so good with Dash. I do not think my life would be near this beautiful without the kids Teachers, I am so blessed with good women.

Well I am ready to feed the birds and to do my holiday baking.
Wow what a truck load of goodies for baking. (should I tell you I had prayed about this provision...would you believe me that I did...I think that things are so simple in my life.)

Good Morning, The oil in the Lamp

Well up at 3:30 with a bad dream! Very grateful for the "job" I am so fortunate to have I praise and worship HIM.
I wish so many other women I know could have this employment for them selves.
After some time in prayer I finished the hand sewing on Dash's Quilt.
Have yet to tie it (later this morning)! After I drop the kids at school I'll have 3 precious hours to sew the things for the kids.

After the quilt I worked on these. I got 25 or so finished to mail another 10 to find proper address for. I think there may be 10 more on the list I did not get too. Next year I will consider email cards. It is just a hard thought. I get the cards at 75% off just after Christmas. It helps but postage is high now. I love so many and it is just a small token to send a card. I really like the real thing in hand. I desire to do so many more things than there is of my ability to do or time to do it in. I am prioritizing my heart for my children.

The cards to the right will have a Keep pen attached to it and given today to all the player that play a role in the lives of the children at the school.

I found this candle burning at the kitchen sink...Opps I left it over night.
Sorta reminded me of the Minora (sp?) candles and the Oil in the lamp lasting eight nights. The wonderful workers who rebelled at the idol in their Temple so many hundreds of years ago.
I see my oil lasting as well. He is my provision. It is amazing to me how "time" is not limited in His realm and His Heaven on earth is here for me today. I am living in it.

The corn bread was for Beloveds work Christmas party

I have the privilege to work in Doves class room today.
Yikes! I have so many things yet to do for the children.
Christmas supper to plan out too.
Standing Rib Beef roast. I got it and froze it when it was on sale.

Tackle It Tuesday ~I Sew~I Sew~so... off to work I go!

Well it is now 9:10 pm and the kids just went to bed (late!). I have Dash's quilt to stitch.
I painted my nails red! Just for me.
I need to wait now for them to sleep before I can sew. Beauty (Dove ) came in and we had a sweet talk. She asked to turn the heater on for me...how sweet is that! So here I sit Sewing:) Drinking a cup of celestial seasoning tension tamer tea..Yummy

It was so cool I had all this and did not have to go to a store.
Beloved insisted on going to a different Costco to get the mis. I thanked him but no...I can do it. I freaked out a little just from bing a bit overwhelmed, but I regained myself shortly. It happened at the same moment the kids lit up a sibling tiff.

I also had a scrap of fabric and this trim I got it for .10 cent a yard two years ago in a clearance bin. It has little Holly and berry on it, the fabric has mallards in green with tiny hearts, very pale.

By lining your fabric while it is flat , with plastic wrap it is much easier to place into the basket.

Served up into the basket I leave a little breathing space between so the do not stick together.

Corn Bread for 65

Kids are fed.. I have to make corn bread for 90 people!
Yikes! Marie Calendar to the rescue (a mix), I'll amend it with caned corn and cumin.
WELL THEY WERE OUT OF THE MIX...YOU KNOW WHEN I WENT OUT INTO THE DEEP FREEZE THERE WAS A NEW BAG OF CORN MEAL AND A NEW BAG OF FLOUR. I HAD ALL THAT I NEEDED.
6 C corn meal
6 C flour
1/2 c baking powder
2 Tbsp. sea salt
1 Tbsp cumin
12 eggs
6 c (soy milk/water from canned corn)
2 cans whole kernal sweet corn

Baking now. 450* 25 turn down to 400* ? Until done through
(wooden pick comes out clean).
will serve 60-70
(that'll do...)
I have a nice big basket I need to make a Christmas Bread cloth for it.


Sewing to resume after story/bed time!

I am stuffing the Monkey's!

Now how many times in a life time can you say that:)

Last month I was inspired by"Chelsea's Morning", Barb made one. Jaye gave me these socks and so...I sew:)

2 pm I got them stuffed! Kids due home in 40 minutes so I need to pack up for another sprint.
Got the kids and went to the post office.

I was able to get three packages mailed today at a little post office inside a store. Good places to go shorter lines. The woman turned the channel to a PBS station and the children sat quietly on the floor and watched the TV while stood in a line for 10 minutes. Not to bad a wait and they were good.

I got a package from Dash's former teacher today. That is a first! a Package from a teacher. She wrote a very tender note and complemented me kindly. It was so dear and loving. It was a mixed box of See's candy a chocolate Santa and nutcracker the kids had and 4 suckers we shared. There is more still out in the car.

12:30 Hurray! I just finished Beloveds' gift!

Found myself having to tackle the medical records for Thursday. Our (Dash's) coverage at the clinic is up for review and I have to list( itemize and show proof of) up to $9000. in medical out of pocket. It is 11:)) a.m. I'm reaching the number so far but I have all the little Rx amounts to add up yet. Nothing like practically doing your taxes the week before Christmas! My Husbands overtime hours (that we needed to get by) has pushed us just over the cap. I think our Insurance may cover some of the visits if we loose our $0 out of pocket status.

Beloved said he would take the kids out one day so I can sew for them.



Here lie the hopes of Christmas "Present-s"

We depend upon the Super Santa to achieve great leaps into creative Magnificence!
Accually He is depending upon me.

One is 1/2 way underway the other begging to be made whole.

Much to do about this and the items that go with it.

While every hour we look past the stars for our success.
From whence our hope comes

I have to make the rest of the Christmas for these two.

With such anticipation my fingers must spin my needle and tread into magical loving pleasure.

Two Monkey's and Barbie cloths are also in the mix.
Beloved has a delightful gift awaiting him as well.
Slate Gray and Baby blue so pretty together.

Knee exercises too.

Beauty is called Little Dove once again

My little Dove wants her old nick name again. I miss calling her that. Even though she is growing up she is still my little dove. Full of grace and kindness. It does fit her, and she delights in it.
She rested all day and finished this wonderful master piece.
She got it on Saturday when her and her brother and Daddy went to the grand parents and then out shopping. She said "this is where she and Dash are going to live after they grow up and get married". She said a " lot of children could live here". She is going to adopt.

We all had a wonderful weekend.
Friday we all had our Family date night. Daddy got a small Christmas bonus so we all went out to dinner together to Pei Wei for Chinese wok fried fresh food. I was given a coupon for a free dinner because they goofed mine up. The hostess just came up to me and asked so I told her and she returned with a $10 gift card. We then went to the light display in a community that had a Santa. Dash spoke with him while Dove had nothing to do with him. She does not sit on strangers laps (which is fine with me). We then went home and watched two Walton's on DVD. It was a wonderful night.
The weekend was full of sewing.
We played a wild game of Monopoly last night.
I love having time together.
Better said making memories and setting time aside to do it .
Today I sewed all day on beloveds with shall we say inches to go after at least 8 feet of hand stitchery!
Dash has all the hand work yet too. I will break it out as soon as I am sure the kids are asleep.
Another great day!

Dash Hawk's time with Mom

Mom and I made a phone for my family
mom and i had so much fun
making the phone
The above was typed by Dash...

The Invasion

Michelle over at " Life in the midst of writing " just made my day check out this great post!

Roasted Leg of Lamb with curry

2 Tablespoons curry powder
2 Tablespoons ground cumin
1 Tablespoons sea salt
2 Tablespoons kelp powder (sea vegetable)
1 Tablespoon five-spice powder ( I had non so I used clove powder)
1 leg of lamb

Combine all spices and rub over dry meat.

I roast mine. It can be boned and butterflied (opened), and broiled.

Supper tonight and a day of thought provoking aromas.
When I have a leg of Lamb roasting I always think of the exodus from Egypt.
How much courage it took to leave. For a people to be so thoroughly fed up with bondage that they would walk away with their shirts on their backs.
Then once to be rid of the abuse be so profoundly annoyed with God for the difficulty of living independent. Leaving the familiar is hard. Taking the courage to strike out on our own is a very bold thing to do. It takes great courage to exit our past and walk into an unknown future.
Grumbling about the difficulty of it all is so natural a response. But it kept them from all that lie before them...before us.
It is in this that I give thanks with a grateful heart for my freedom. It was hard won. Yes walking through he desert of the battle is challenging, yes hard... Yes Manna can get boaring at times but oh the joy of its provision.
When Moses hit the rock in anger because he got so fed up with the complaint of the people he error ed. It was that he lost patience with it all.
All the whining and griping...I mean really He just stopped the whip on their backs ...but they were used to the whip...freedom can (in all it's glory ) be rather uncomfortable when it is new.
The generation that got out from under the whip never knew the full freedom.
I wonder about our generation?
I am free.
I see the generation under mine, my own children...
Removed from the whip that was my bondage...
What a land of promise they have before them.
Flowing with milk and honey.

It's the Lamb.

Two children home sick

Well I wonder how I am going to get this sewing done??
This will be interesting.
Kids are sick with chest colds and sinus this morning. I will take them into the Doctors to see if they are alright. Beauty had a sinus infection that may not have cleared and Dash said his chest hurts. I gave him some albuteral (asthma) and the cough is still pretty bad. So... I don't SEW for them anyway...not today.
Please pray for my children's health. Thank you .

Well I'll make my Beloveds' gift then today :)

Blogging with a purpose Award.

Denise just honored me with this thoughtful award.
Please visit this site to read about the award. Thank you so much
She wrote:
4)Donetta at "A Life Uncommon" This lady is very special to my heart, her life has been anything but easy. But, it is through those hard times, that she has so beautifully shined. I love you all.

How thoughtful and timely. Thank you Denise.
My Beloved spoke to me last night about my blog. He lovingly told me how much he felt like he got to know a deeper side of me more by reading my posts. With a busy life and little time for each other this blog has really helped me to slow down and open my heart. Share my thoughts and ideas, And express my deep compassion for the world around me. With the loss of memory (head injury) I have been able to restore a sense of focus and acuity. Beloved and I lay awake and interceed for your lives. We feel very strongly for all of you.

Sewing and crafting a homemade Christmas.

My Week End has been full of activity.
Beloved took the young ones to the Grand Parents on Saturday so I could set to task.
I dove right into a full day of intense efforts.
I began with these. I have had these cut out for over a year. This is the first Christmas where I can create this for my daughter. Between surgery,car accidents and illness I have been delayed the joys I am knowing now.

As I started my process I was without a vital supply. fusible batting. I started to go shower to leave the house ( I did not want to use my sewing time at a store) , but then it occurred to me!
I had purchased some "wonder Under" on my date night last weekend. I decided to make my own! I had enough larger batting scraps and the wonder under fusable adheasive

Look at God provision here!
That is perfectly enough to fit the pattern ! Is that just too cool!

I got both houses made and had enough cake board to do the first one.
I have yet to hand stitch the openings closed.

Sewing tip* When sewing crafts see how I place my pins set back away and then I just put the peddle to the metal and remove the pins after on the cutting table. I must redeem every moment and work wisely.

This is the house set up, it ties and then folds flat for storage.

Some have used zippers or Velcro for the sides. I just used what I have. I really did not want to go to a store!

Speaking of stores... Years back when a party store was having a 40% sale I invested (yes invested ) in the spools of ribbon one of every color. I still have a supply of the small spools too. I am making an effort to use them up. Some whoever are a rich metallic nature.
This is all kept in a wheeled cart in a closet in the other drawers are the party supplies, gift bags and such. I just pull the drawer out when I am wrapping several gifts. I will use a complimentary mix of colors and tie the packages. Then use the edge of my scissors to curl it.

I also use wired ribbon that I got very cheep several years ago. I have recycled it three times, once it was on the Christmas tree, Then a Garland now for the gifts.

Speaking of gifts. I have a few ideas for you.
I make something I coined "Keep Pens". By using floral tape on ink pens with a silk flower(use wire nippers to cut them) and glue to ends, you'll have a "Keep Pen" (nobody will take it :) They are great gifts for receptionists and such. I like giving them in a wrapper that makes them look like flowers. They are very light weight to mail also.

Another idea is this... When you find nice frames on a clearance get them!
Buy a nice calendar or use favorite images frame them and give as gifts.
These are scriptures. When purchased in a store were talking $45 or so...
Here each one has $3. invested in them and hour of time each (Clean the glass both sides and make sure your glass is dry then remove the backing and frame them. Add a hanger the saw tooth type is best and you have a very beautiful classy gift. Not so good for mailing glass breaks :)

This I finished just for me!

I worked on this while I down loaded the images.
So here I sit and now it is time for me to close. Beloved is calling me to come for showers and to go to bed.
I hope you all had a great weekend!