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 !:)

Manic Monday- Crisp

"Almost some what Positive "
Is hosting a Manic Monday... CRISP
I found these crisp freeze dried fruits on a clearance due to being discontinued. Regularly $2.99 Each I got them for $.75 each I opened them and to keep them crisp I bottled them> I got 10 of them and they filled that jar full with one unopened bag. These are good! These are a dream on my Amerenth flakes! Something healthy for the Mom! These are so crispy in the cereal yet they crunch easily too.

Five Minutes around the blogosphere.

Kailani has been featured over at "5 minutes for mom". This is a great way to check out the current happenings.

FUN MONDAY! What's your favorite art in your home?

Hosted by sayre smiles Go see all the other interesting submissions.
Brush off your interview skills. Talk to everyone who lives in your house. I want to know what their, and your, favorite piece of art is in your home. Photographs do not count. If there was a fire in your home, everyone would grab photographs, but what is the non-photographic piece of art you would grab on your way out - and why? (Edit: These don't have to be paintings - these can be wall hangings, statues, lumps of clay by your child, anything that is artistic expression of some kind EXCEPT photographs.)

I was in the quiet so I was not able to do the Family survey these are my choices.

I am an Artist. So this Fun Monday although late in my attendance could not be passed up.
This is the "Intercessor" It is bisk It is one of my works. The needlework around it is collected.

This art was made today with my 10 year old daughter. the cloak is reversible. I enjoyed our sewing lesson today. She too loves art like her mother and draws and created wonderful things.

This print pleases me "Home is the first school, Parents are the first teachers"

This is my favorite I think "solo flight" it is my life story in image. His eye has been on this sparrow.

This is one of my husbands mother's works. I have so many wonderful ones from her. She would argue that this is not one of her best. I think though it is one that I treasure most. She is a renowned local artist. I will try to ask her for the url for her site.

This is over my tub. An image of the memory of great comfort and security of my childhood dog who I loved. It is the ipitomy of the feeling with that animal.

This is a foot scrubber made by a very dear friend. Mary Margret, she is gone with God now. She passed two weeks after my daughter came home never getting to see her. She and I battled great wars overcoming our childhoods. (see other blog). She was found dead in her bed having lost the fight giving up on life. It is a reminder to me "How lovely are the feet of those..." She knew her Lord from our 8 years as best friends despite mans perversions of religion in her youth.

This is my Indian Wedding Dress, We had the wedding of my dreams at 23 years of marriage. We had this Doe skin dress created by a lovely artist.

These are things from my two trips to Russia. So many stories in this one image.

My favorite art is the thing I have yet to create. For it gives me passion and imagination.

Thank you

"in the life of a child" tickled my heart with a kindness today. Go over and introduce your selves she is an inspiring woman.

She wrote...(I don't think that they make an award that Donetta hasn't already won, so I will settle for passing this one on to her a second time. She has earned it many times over!)

Thank you that is so sweet. Funny I have gotten a long list. Should I be embarrassed? :)
When you see those names they are all reminders of the loving kindnesses that some soul stopped a moment to share. I have deeply touched embraces from thoughtful people. I see them as if to read "I love you" you know there are times we all just revel and take comfort in being loved. I feel grateful to all for all of the hugs.

On Learning.

Scribits is hosting another write away contest

On Learning

Understanding is the beginning of knowledge. How many of us even begin to understand the world around us. The lives lived in an arms reach, at a cries sound or adversaries bomb. How do we understand even our own journey? Where do we begin to gain understanding?

It is in living that understanding begins to be experienced for those who wonder… WHY …What…Where...When...Who…How? It is in the questions we ask that the understanding might be gained, about our own hearts and the hearts of others. Our questions as to how the elements function or the music is made. Judgments about the people in our communities and even our world discerned appropriately.

Once we begin to have eyes open. Once we see past a boxed view of what “we think, we know” can a thing become understood. When we begin to experience life we gain understanding if we quest to query. Listening to the experiences of others and truly hearing what it is they have experienced; goes far toward obtaining a more global view. It is in that global connectedness that we gain so much. It is in listening past words to the hearts of those who share what they have known. It is in listening without the need to correct, but just with the query to understand “why”.

Mastering the art of understanding intentionally is the beginning of knowledge. When knowledge gain becomes level upon level into a life of intentional action and purpose one can then, and only then, begin to form Wisdom. For wisdom is the implementation all of the knowledge gained through ones quest for understanding.

One must ask themselves why quest after it? For many it might be in the greed of gain, or power or position. All these things have been driving forces though out humanity. I prefer to set my course for the gain of compassion. It is my belief that to quest after wisdom and all it might gain me, for any other reason, would to be to end my course with ignorance. For if I was to gain everything and yet not know what it is to LOVE, to practice true unconditional love (not that I have attained that level of wisdom, I fall far short of it) I end up a fool. It is often forgotten to offer this to our own self and to those we both know as well as the stranger. In a greater understanding of our own hearts and the experiences (wounds and joys) that form us,can freedom be gained. Without this motive I have not only lost all that I made effort for, but I have lost anything I might have gained. For any and all gain can and is often lost in an instant. To have understanding that leads to the depth of wisdom, found in compassion, the gain will be something that can never be lost. That would be a vast reward

The education of facts helps in knowledge but unless those facts can be applied with compassion they become hollow and as empty as those who are so filled with them can sometimes become.

As we learn and teach others may this be the foundation for the educations we seek.

Why do ants go under ground to get out of the rain? When you have understanding you quickly see that is really is no wonder. It will make perfect since. Then you will begin to understand the life of an ant, or the life of another man. In this hatred and prejudice are defeated. Peace is the gain.

Now as for common sence, it has lost the commonality for so few seek to understand.

By Donetta

Amy is out of the hospital!

The purpose of Total Hip Replacement Surgery is to remove the damaged and worn parts of the hip and replaces them with artificial parts, called prostheses, which will help make the hip strong, stable and flexible again. At surgery, an implant, selected by your doctor to fit your hip, will be affixed to the area between the femur and the pelvis. In most cases, the implant will consist of two pieces: a metal shaft with a ball at one end; and a metal or polyethylene cup. These will replace the socket and ball of the femur, and will form a new hip joint.

Come Welcome her home! "Laughing through the tears".
Will you all do me a favor and Celebrate here home.
Her hip replacement has been rough and she has a long road to traverse before she is able to walk it on her own again.
Will You do me a personal favor and visit her for me. I think it could go a long way toward relieving some of her physical discomfort if you give her a dose of pain relieving life words.
Thank you!

Sunday Smiles

God is in charge, and I thank you all for your prayers. It warms my heart.
Thank you Grandmother for calling our girl that was "The best medicine".
Miss Fiction is resting. Her fever is down now with Tylenol. Dash is breathing a little better right now. Us parents are alright and taking it easy. I felt very loved by your sweet comments folks. Thank you. I happened to buy two new boxes of markers on a clearance rack and so it is a "Bull Winkle and Rocky Show" (dvd) morning with the coloring books and new markers. Life is "lay low" good.

Sick kids tonight.

My sweet precious little Miss Fiction is now resting on the sofa. Her fever 100.5 and chills have begun . My baby! She was so concerned that she would disappoint her Daddy and I by telling us she felt bad because she thought I would call off Dash's party attendance, and that her Grand Parents would not come if she were ill. So I suggested and encouraged that we could call tomorrow and talk with them on the phone.
So Grandmother, if your out there, will you give her a morning call before you go to church; please? My Dove is VERY RARELY ill, so seldom that it frightens her a little to be so. The detoxing dose went down a little more tonight. She is now down a whole 1/3 dose and doing well with it a little panic but still doable. She is so thoughtful I have a very kind unselfish daughter. I am seeing her maturity leap into an amazing Character quality base that delights and humbles me. I stand grateful and hopeful for this dear child's future. It will go well for her!

Dash Hawk had what I thought was drainage and a little asthma now he is coughing, he's had no fever and plenty of energy too. He is a hard on to discern due to all of his other health issues. I think I might have missed the ball here. I might have exposed that other family to a virus. I need to give them a call tomorrow and give them a heads up.

When our children suffer or have illness within them It stops a mothers in her tracks.Lights in the eyes wide alert and ready to charge into all that I can do for them.

My husband and I have been very weak and tired lately and we just chalked it up to my dry socket and overtime. Now we can see we have both been fighting a little something off. I have a silent home right now and knowing they are sick makes me long for their laughter, and saddened at all those moments of wishing it were silent. Motherhood is sorta that way :)
I think I'll close now and go do some crafting for Christmas.
I was asked to show my lanyards. I will soon. I just feel like not right yet.
I think I'm on here too much. I have been so ill the last two weeks with the bone infection I have gotten glued to the chair. I want to pursue some balance too.
I hope all of you peace and to be delighted in the simplicity of your lives.
Focus on purpose and avoid expectations and your chances of peace will increase.
Good night.