Vaughanville

Au Revoir

2008-05-29T23:35:00.002-01:00

Well, this little blog experiment appears to have come to an end...for now. I've just lost interest or perhaps I should say that other interests have taken the place of my blog posts, etc.

Thanks to all who have stopped by. I'll still be around, but can't gurantee any postings. Just a ramble here and there if and when I feel so inclined.

Happiest of times to you all!

The White Flag of Surrender - a Temporary Cease Fire

2008-04-17T11:15:00.004-01:00

Readers...I've given up. The muse has gone from me, words fail me and I have no creative resources left to write this week.

I kept thinking each day that I would have a topic to share with you (did anyone notice that Marriage Monday was NOT?), but each day I woke up with one thing on my mind...preparing for our Bible Quiz National Competition.

You see, each year dh and I coordinate the food and some logistics for a group of nearly 70 teens and adults for this event. This year...Minneapolis. My mind is brimming with lists of to dos and have dones and what ifs and could bes. Trying to figure where we'll be, when we'll be there and how we'll get there. With that sort of bric-a-brac clogging the creative pipeline can you understand why I'm struggling?

Now don't get me wrong, my dh and I look forward to this event every year. Hundreds of teens gather from all over the country to compete. These teens have spent the year memorizing several books of the Bible WORD FOR WORD (I can't stress that enough...not even a "the" or an "of" can be out of place when called upon during the quizzes) and now they're bringing what they've learned to the table ready to quiz. Last year our top team took the National Championship. This year, we have two very strong teams that could....well....I won't speculate....my competitiveness is showing I think. *blush*

I'm also especially giddy because THIS year John Piper is our keynote speaker to kick off the event. He has to be one of my favorite modern day authors and teachers and I can't wait to hear what he has to share.

Anyway, I'm responsible for our ministry group alone, but it's a challenge to feed that many people, three times a day, out of a hotel room using 3 banquet tables, 5 coolers, a bathroom sink for dish washing and multiple trips to the grocery store. Can you picture it? We love a challeng but planning is key.

And so...I will beg your leave to cease entries on my blog from now until I return. That means about a week and a half from now or so. And then I'm sure I'll have plenty to say.

Hasta La Vista, for now.

Today's Helpful Tip: "Like..if you have a butter knife in your head...don't yank it out"

2008-04-15T12:58:00.003-01:00

Am I sick to think this story is actually humorous? Well, maybe not the plight of this boy, but...well, wait until the last 30 seconds of the piece. If you can keep yourself from laughing at his sage advice...well...then you're a better woman than I (which probably isn't really open for debate anyway!).

Then Sings My Soul - "Grace Like Rain"

2008-04-12T13:00:00.003-01:00

Just sit quietly and listen with your heart to each beautiful, unbelievably TRUE word. What more can I say but "Hallelujah!"

"Cold Sassy Tree" - a Little Humor with alot of Bite!

2008-04-11T13:00:00.005-01:00

I'm always looking for good fiction to read. It seems I sew in the fall and winter and read in the spring and summer. "Good fiction" to me can be just about anything...romance, mystery, pseudo-memoirs...but I especially love something that can make me laugh (I might be addicted to laughter).

Cold Sassy Tree did that, but I think I liked it most for it's irreverence toward societal rules in the turn of the century deep South. Now, I'm not a southern girl so I admit that I can't be sure if Miss Olive Ann Branch's view of Cold Sassy, Georgia is a true representation of southern folk in general,but if it is...ya'll are a HOOT!

This would make a good rainy spring day read, after the first 40 or so pages. I give every book I read a 10% chance. Meaning I read through the first 10% of it and if it hasn't captured my fancy by then, I give myself permission to put it down (any less than that seems disrespectful to an author, don't you agree?). Cold Sassy Tree barely made it, but the remainder of the book more than made up for it's slow start.

The dialogue was captivating, with all the southern vernacular and backwater phrases leaping into my mind and sometimes out of my lips. I found myself saying things like, "if'n you want", "cept'n this time", and "'thout havin' to". When I didn't say it, I was thinking it...like translating a foreign language before speaking it out. It's addictive I tell ya!

One reviewer compared the main character, young Will Tweedy to Huck Finn and the story itself to Gone with the Wind and To Kill a Mockingbird. When I read that I do believe I rolled my eyes. Talk about over-selling. But, post-read, I have to say they weren't THAT far off. The chacracters names alone are worth the read - Love Simpson, Aunt Loma, Cousin Lottie, Cudn Hopewell Stump, Bluford Jackson, Miss Effie Belle, Loomis, Lightfoot McLendon. How CAN you go wrong with a cast of characters like THAT?!

I recommend it to anyone who's not afraid of a little Presbyterian/Baptist doctrine twistin', unexpected bitin' humor or splashes of non-gratuitous swearin'. Give it 15% and you'll be glad you did.

Thanks Shalee for pointing it out to me.

I'm Confused or How To Reply To Blog Comments

2008-04-10T01:34:00.004-01:00

I LOVE getting comments on my entries. I LOVE hearing from folks who have actually taken the time to read something that I've written (wouldn't my kindergarten teacher, who taped my mouth closed to keep me quiet, be surprised?) and then pause even a moment longer just to chat with me about it.

I also LOVE replying to you and I try to do this as much as I'm able. I LOVE that sense of connection and comraderie that builds when we connect via our blogs and comment sections.

One thing I do NOT LOVE is how confusing it can be for me to find a way to reply to some.

I'm still not completely SURE how I've done this or exactly SURE how others have, but I know there is a way that I am notified via email that I have received a comment on a particular entry I've made. And for SOME of you, I can just hit "reply" from my email account and send you a message. For others, I can't. In this case I do try to go to your profile and hunt down your email. When that fails I try to comment in my own comment section hoping that perhaps you'll return and see that I haven't ignored you, but truly appreciated you stopping by. Besides that, I'm not sure what else to do.

I "think" that the reason that I can reply directly to some and not to others is because of your settings. Some have an email address added under the "settings" and "comments" tab in your Blogger dashboard. It's very simple to do really and I think makes reading and commenting on blogs a gazillion times more fun and friendly.

Do you agree that this is what makes the difference? The email added to the settings, I mean? Or is there some other way to change one's email settings to make a blogger able to reply directly to a comment you left. I really DO want to acknowledge each and every visitor when I can.

Thank you.

Marriage Monday: For Happiness or Holiness? or Our Last Best Chance to Grow

2008-04-07T15:01:00.005-01:00

“If the purpose of marriage was
simply to enjoy an infatuation and make me “happy”,
then I’d have to get a “new” marriage every two or three years.”
– Gary Thomas The Sacred Marriage

I suppose each of us comes into marriage with the idea that we’ll be happy. I mean, who’d spend months planning a big party and spend thousands of dollars buying the perfect dress, choosing the perfect cake and then invite all their friends to dress in their finery and come to watch the send off to a work camp? A big bon voyage party wishing our friend well as they are carried away to a life sentence where they are sure to grow in character, but thrust of their days would be filled with sorrow, emotional upheaval, struggle, strife, sickness, uncertainty and, ultimately, death? Ugh. How sick would that be? But the reality is that, after the wedding, there’s a lot about marriage that looks like that work camp. But what if it’s all part of God’s plan to mold us into the creation he intended us to be?

Each time we’re called upon to confront our own sinful nature there is spiritual value. And we have many opportunities, beginning even before the wedding, to do just that. Marriage can go a long way to buffing off our rough edges and polishing us along the road of sanctification.

*Marriage can teach us about God. Marriage analogies can be found throughout the Old and New Testaments. In Hosea we’re told that God will no longer be our “master”, but our “husband” whom we’ll be betrothed to forever, which gives us a glimpse into the passion the Lord has for His people. In Matthew, Jesus is the Bridegroom. In Ephesians husbands are told to love their wives as Christ loves the church. The comparisons go on and on.

*Marriage teaches us to love others. When we love well, we please God. Whatever we do to one another we’re doing to the Lord Himself. By loving our spouse even when he is “unlovable” we’re exampling Christ to him, to ourselves and to others. Christianity is all about learning to love and marriage is a great place to get that lesson.

*Marriage can expose our sin. I’m not sure I need to say much about this. I’ve sinned more and caused more sin because of my marriage than I dare to remember or confess and anyone reading this who is married knows EXACTLY what I mean! But, without having had that sin exposed, how could I have grown and, by God’s Grace, overcome it? It’s easy to pretend that I’m perfect in a superficial relationship, but I can’t run from the reality of who I am when I share a bed and a home with for more than twenty years.

*Marriage teaches us to forgive. I think the above says all too well that forgiveness is a must in marriage and by learning to forgive our spouse over and over and over and over…and watching them forgive us, we’re learning about God’s capacity for forgiveness

*Marriage can create in us a servant’s heart. Going into marriage with a “me first” attitude is going to get you one of two things…either a life filled with anger, frustration, tears and harsh words or a divorce. There’s no way around it. If you want a marriage that lasts, one that honors your partner and God, you’ll learn to be a servant and the better and quicker you get the lesson, the more content your time on this earth.

I have friends who have been struggling in their marriage since before the I do’s were said and rings exchanged over a decade ago and are now heading toward a divorce. There is “fault” on both sides. He struggles with unrepentance and honesty issues, she’s a victim and a martyr. Everything that ever goes “wrong” in her world is someone else’s fault and he can’t seem to get past his own pride. They’re both Believers, but they aren’t living victorious in Christ. They’re not allowing their marriage and circumstances to better them. Their years together have not been spent growing their relationship with the Lord, but in name calling, finger pointing and blame. Grasping and demanding that their partner “make them happy”. But it’s not our spouse’s responsibility to make us happy. Happiness, only mentioned a handful of times in the Bible, seems to be coupled with our commitment to the Lord and His blessings upon us. Not in anyway externally generated by another human being.

So to the question of whether marriage was intended to make us happy or holy? I’d have to say that I think that marriage is meant to keep us from sin (1 Cor 7:2) and is part of our continued sanctification (holiness). As we grow in Him we will find happiness.

Want this button?

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - "Gather at the River" For a Lesson in Singing Harmony

2008-04-05T13:21:00.006-01:00

"Just LISTEN and sing it the way I do. I'll sing your part for a while then, once you've got it, I'll switch to mine."

That was the Big Plan that my, then, 12 year old step-daughter came up with. She must have started and stopped the Point of Grace cassette tape (yes...I said TAPE) a hundred times that day and patiently helped me through each note. I tried to explain to her that I just couldn't do it, but she refused to believe me. To her it was as natural as breathing or a heartbeat. I can see her big brown eyes just PLEADING with me to miraculously begin to hear the way the notes all fit together to make chords. I'm sorry to say she was disappointed.

That was over a decade ago. I still can't sing harmony. She told me the other day that until she came to visit this week and heard her Dad, brother and sister playing their instruments and singing (a daily happening in Vaughanville) that she'd "completely forgotten" she was musical. I can't tell you how sad that made me. She use to love singing and playing her flute and dancing and yet, all through her teens, the time she was away from us, she barely explored that part of her.

Well...I remember. And every time I hear this song, I think of that hot summer day and how patiently she worked with a musically hopeless step-mother.

I'm An Exclamation Point - But Is Anyone Really Surprised?

2008-04-04T21:46:00.002-01:00

You Are An Exclamation Point

You are a bundle of... well, something.
You're often a bundle of joy, passion, or drama.

You're loud, brash, and outgoing. If you think it, you say it.
Definitely not the quiet type, you really don't keep a lot to yourself.

You're lively and inspiring. People love to be around your energy.
(But they do secretly worry that you'll spill their secrets without even realizing it.)

You excel in: Public speaking

You get along best with: the Dash (though I just took the test FOR my dh and I think he's a Comma! And wouldn't it be just like an Exclamation Point to take a PERSONALITY quiz FOR someone ELSE?!)

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

So, friends...what say you? Do you agree or disagree? What Punctuation Mark are you? If you take the quiz be sure to stop by and tell me and I'll give you MY "evaluation" of it's accuracy. :-)

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(you know something...this IS my favorite!! Go figure!!)

Jesus Came to Bring Reconciliation

2008-04-03T14:34:00.006-01:00

I’m a blogger. As a blogger I should be writing on my blog, sharing my astute observations and bright ideas, but this week…well, I don’t seem to have the words I need to put anything before you that is worth reading.

There’s a lot happening here in Vaughanville, but it’s all still so fragile and ambivalent that to say much might just cause it to shatter into a zillion little bits. I can give you a peek as a peace offering until such a time in the near future I can bring you something more substantial.

If this week of my life could have a theme I think it would be “Reconciliation”.

I have been led to re-establish communication with a woman from church. We had a falling out a couple of years ago and, while we agreed to disagree, things have not been the same since. Each time we see one another there is a great deal of discomfort and averting of eyes. I’ve attempted to extend the olive branch on more than one occasion and have been rebuffed each time. This time however, I think the Holy Spirit is leading me and my prayer is that I’m hearing clearly. I’ve established contact via email and have a date to meet with her at church this Sunday. I’m not sure what to say or how to approach the subject of reconciliation. I still feel that I was wronged in the initial exchange and yet…I don’t want to hang on to that anymore. Jesus was wronged and yet he prayed that is offenders would be forgiven, holding no malice for them. That’s what I want and my prayer is that my over active sense of fleshly justice will not hinder me and that she will be as ready to move on as I am.

Also, this week, we’ve had a visitor here. My step-daughter whom we’ve not had much contact with in about ten years has come to see us. I’ve had a stress ball of contradictions in the pit of my stomach for weeks…a conflict of emotions between fear and elation. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what went wrong and why there was a severing…is that the right word? No. Maybe better to say a dwindling of connections between us. Looking back it seems that it was a little of this and some of that added up to nearly a decade of estrangement. It’s heartbreaking really. But now…here she is… grown woman with no one standing between herself and her Dad and siblings. She’s ready to come and go as she pleases visiting us and us visiting her and rebuilding and reconciling. She’s very different now (her religion, her manner of dress, her political views, etc) but in many ways the same (same red hair, same big eyes, same witty personality, same kind heart, etc). My hope is that we can connect on our commonalities, accept with respect our differences and that the Lord will work to restore her to Himself.

So you see? It’s all very uncertain. I feel like if there is one misstep or careless word that all might be ruined and so explains my silence.

"Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation."

Steam Engine from a Votive Candle (video tutorial)

2008-04-01T17:02:00.004-01:00

This is the COOLEST THING!! (keep in mind I'm easily impressed, but still...)

I was doing a StumbleUpon search just cruising the web a couple of days ago and came upon this video. I sat watching and wondering if this would turn out to be four minutes of my life that I'd wish I had back (you know how that is, right?) Well...I'm blogging about it so it MUST have been worthwhile...what more can I say? I give you...the Votive Candle Steam Engine!

Building The Amazing Steam Candle - The funniest home videos are here

Can you imagine these swirling around in low bowls of water as centerpieces or filling the pool at a summer party? Nifty,huh?

Let me know if any of your little geniuses *cough* science geeks *cough* give this a try.

Marriage Monday: Be a Generous Wife

2008-03-31T13:45:00.003-01:00

My step-daughter is still visiting so Marriage Monday will be short and sweet this week, but what I'm sharing can pack a wallop.

I've subscribed to this email reminder for a couple of years now and I regularly apply the tips and principles that Lori from The Generous Wife shares in her daily tips. Don't be nervous about giving out your email. They are faithful to keep it only for the purposes entended.

Here's what Lori has to say:

Over the years I have grieved to see couples that lack intimacy and show signs of stress and conflict. In considering why, I came to the conclusion that most couples aren't taught how to cope with the changes and stresses of life. Instead of digging in deeper, standing together and nourishing each other, they withdraw in an attempt to nourish themselves, giving up kindness and care, handing out leftovers instead of their very best.

To stop this in my own marriage, I decided to "give a bit more" and, well ... "get generous." It was not an immediate and complete understanding at first, but as I walked toward generosity, I began to reap the benefits of it - my husband's gratitude, respect and love. At that point, becoming a generous wife became a serious goal. (I even jokingly said, "When I die I want 'she was a generous wife' put on my tombstone.") I enjoyed intimacy and security in my marriage and I could face my marriage with a greater sense of integrity as I blessed my husband with little acts of kindness, respect, and love.

I know that generosity won't cure all marriage ailments, but I sincerely believe it will cure many. I offer this list to women as a way of beginning to change the atmosphere in their marriages from one of distance to one of intimacy and mutual respect.

Everyday you'll receive an idea geared to bless your husband (a mix of romantic, practical, sexual, relational, and spiritual). Use the ideas that will work for you and use the rest to spark your imagination in looking for ways to bless your husband. Please join me in becoming The Generous Wife.

Then Sings My Soul - "There is a Fountain" ~ Insanity and Spiritual Songs

2008-03-29T11:50:00.009-01:00

There Is A Fountain

There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;

And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains;

And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;

And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.

Washed all my sins away, washed all my sins away;

And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.

E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,

Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.

And shall be till I die, and shall be till I die;

Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.

---------------------------------------------

William Cowper met Jesus while in a mental asylum. His life was marked by a constant struggle with anxiety and depression yet in the midst of that struggle he found great joy in knowing that his pain was architected by a sovereign God who was leading him ever closer to Jesus. Out of this troubled life came beautiful and vivid poetry, including Cowper's most famous work "There is a Fountain Filled with Blood". (Youtube comments)

For more details see this beautiful article by pastor John Piper entitled Insanity and Spiritual Songs in the Soul of a Saint where he says “What we find is that William Cowper's life seems to be one long accumulation of pain.”

This song is a beautiful testimony of God’s sovereignty and His use of even the weak and unlovely vessels to achieve His Holy purposes.

**Note for whatever reason I wasn't able to get the code to load into Blogger today, but if you'd like to see more from other bloggers participating in Then Sings My Soul Saturday, click on the button in my sidebar. Enjoy.

My First Pedicure or Confessions of an Anti-Pampering Snob

2008-03-28T12:49:00.008-01:00

Manicures and pedicures are for women who don't have lives, sit around all day chatting over coffee with their girl friends and/or shopping at the mall, wasting money and time on themselves that should have gone for the proper care and feeding of their families or at the very least to something more permanent and practical.

That is how I have always felt...until a couple of days ago.

My birthday is in the fall and for that occasion a friend had given me a gift certificate for a pedi at a local salon. While I was very appreciative of the sentiment behind the gift (one of my love languages), I really didn't want to go have it done. As a testament to my reluctance I waited until one week before the certificate was slated to expire before finally giving in. My thinking was that if I HAD to use it (and I did or risk hurting my friend's feelings) then I'd wait until almost spring sandal weather so that at least it wouldn't go to waste hidden inside a pair of shoes.

So, the day arrived and off I went to the land of self-indulgence. I had no clue what I was doing...NO CLUE! In I walked and was greeted by a teeny little Asian woman named Kim who spoke English, but, even after 22 years in the US from Vietnam, was still difficult to understand. I confessed my ignorance of all things pedi-related and she volunteered to be my guide through this unfamiliar territory. In she marched me to The Chair. This little doo-dad is a wonder in itself. First, massaging rollers run up and down my spine and neck, switching to pulsing fingers all over my back...mmmmm. THIS I would have come for alone had I only known.

I sat my things down beside the pedi station chair and climbed on board. Relaxing against the massager chair, rolled my paint legs up and tucked my naked feet into a bubbling tootsie-jacuzzi. Aaaaaaah. Dare I relax and let myself enjoy? How could I not? I figured it would be a once in a lifetime experience and I might as well squeeze all the joy-juice out of it that I could.

For the next 30 minutes I was treated to a salt scrub of my feet and calfs, a blue masque on my calves that made them tingle for the rest of the day (I don't know what was in that paste, but I likey muy much!), a good exfoliation with what look liked a little like a cheese grater to me, but worked miracles (I do try to keep my feet supple at home, but nothing like this), and lots of rubbing and kneading and sqeezing and pressing all over my legs and feet. Kim, all the while chatting with the other little ladies in the shop in their sing-song language, made all my cuticles look almost non-existent. Each nail even and well kempt. Really they are beautiful feet. Who knew?

I have to break from this description of my hedonism to tell you about something funny that happened about half way through. An African American man and his wife with their three children came into the salon. It seems the wife had dragged this poor man, well over six feet tall and built like a linebacker to her favorite haven with the intention that The Husband and his pre-teen daughter would share the joys of a pedicure together. A little Daddy-Daughter Bonding. Just watching them may have been worth the price I paid for admission! He kept switching from toe-scuffing shyness to loud guffaws and remarks born of embarassment while another petite pedicurist pampered his giant feet. His daughter was so embarassed by his behavior that about two minutes into it, she put on her iPod and didn't emerge until her toes were bubble-gum pink. I don't think this was the bonding experience Mom had intended. Oh well. I will say that, overall he was a really good sport and by the end of his time in The Chair...he pulled out his cell phone and began calling his friends and telling them about the joys they were missing and asking them to join him for his next visit. Another convert!

In the end I knew just what he was feeling and couldn't agree more. Kim finished up with my pampering and asked me to choose a nail color. Wanting to pick something that would last a while I picked a french/white tip pedi and indulged even further by having her paint little white and pink flowers on my two big toes.

Friends, can I just tell you that I have fallen in love with pedi-pampering? I think it was a FANTASTIC gift (and called my friend right away to tell her so and thank her again...this time with FEELING). If you have never had a professional pedicure I emplore you...I beg you...I entreat you. Run to the nearest salon TODAY. I even cruised over to the shoe store that same day and purchased some new sandals (on sale and with a coupon of course) to compliment my pretty piggies. Sing it with me..."I feel pretty....oh so pretty...."

Update: My darling dh knows how much I've enjoyed this little feminine indulgence and so surprised me with another gift certificate last night to the same salon. He intended it for a manicure, but I really still do feel like my life is just too active to justify something like that. I'd have them broken off and chipped away within an hour by housework, typing, sewing, and yardwork. But he's given me permission to use it toward my next pedicure. Weeeee! Now...how to thank him properly?....

Wedgie-Free Wednesday

2008-03-26T14:05:00.008-01:00

I absolutely just HAD to post this! Why? Simply so I could put those words "Wedgie-Free" in my blog! I might just dance around the house today singing the words out now and again they're so fun. Come on.....say it outloud right now. Can you help but smile?

Okay, juvenile fun aside, Hanes really does want to send you a free pair of the wedgie-free panties. Here's the scoop. Every week Hanes is giving away 500 pairs of panties until the end of the year. Let's see...that's over 20,000! The odds look good that taking advantage of Wedgie-Free Wednesday will score you some new undies.

I've already signed up and drawings are every Thursday. If you don't receive confirmation that you've won, then sign up again the following Wednesday. Send yourself an email (they have a special Wedgie-free ecard right on the website) reminder every week...that's what I'm going to do anyway. The entry form is a quickie so no laborious surveys, etc.

Happy Wedgie-Free Wednesday! (horns blow, streamers fly and the band plays on)

My Picks: 18 of the Funniest Family Friendly Films

2008-03-25T14:02:00.007-01:00

After reading this about putting a little laughter in your marriage, Diana asked for some suggestions for funny children's movies. Honestly, I had a tough time coming up with any we liked that were both funny AND just for children. So here is a quick list of those movies that we found to be family friendly, but necessarily just for youngsters.

I'm sure it goes without saying that what one family deems acceptable for their children may not be the same as that of another family. Also, consider the age of your children, etc. There. That's my disclaimer.

I hope you find a few you enjoy.

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*Absent Minded Professor(G)
*Daddy Day Care (PG)
*Flubber(PG)
*Freaky Friday (the old one) (G)
*Herbie movies (we prefer the older ones) (G)
*Incredible Mr. Limpet (G)
*Mrs. Doubtfire (PG)
*Muppet Movies (G)
*Parent Trap (I prefer the older version, dd likes the newer) (G)
*Princess Bride (PG)
*Shaggy D.A.(G)
*Shaggy Dog (PG)
*That Darn Cat(G)
*The Elf (PG)
*The Santa Clause (PG)
*Three Amigos (PG)
*What about Bob (PG)
*Yours, Mine and Ours (not rated)

And hey...while I'm at it. Are there any NOT on my list that YOUR family finds funny? Leave me a comment.

Marriage Monday: My Husband Gave Me Wrinkles

2008-03-24T18:01:00.007-01:00

How do you get a kleenex to dance?

… Put a little boogey in it.

Come ON! Now that's funny!!

-------------------------------------------------------------------

I consider myself doubly blessed because I married a man who makes me laugh. Oh, I suppose I could have married someone who was more serious, more focused or driven and I also suppose I might have been rich by now if I had, but I know I wouldn’t be having as much fun or enjoying my life as much as I do.

We were talking last night, hubby and I, about all the signs of aging he and I are experiencing and will be experiencing in the years to come. We landed on the subject of wrinkles. Each year mine seem to be multiplying and deepening at what others might consider to be an alarming rate but not me.

You see, what I’ve come to conclude is that I sort of like my wrinkles. Crazy huh? Let me explain. I think of my wrinkles as a true testament of joy in my life and my marriage. A badge of bliss I suppose. My laugh lines are an inheritance of each and every joke my husband has ever told me, every prank we’ve ever played, every pun he’s ever proffered. Each new wisecrack or quip (and believe me, he’s “got a million of ‘em”) may deepen a line or plow a new furrow beside my eyes or create a crescent beside my lips, but I’ll welcome each one and more rather than live with out laughter.

Unfortunately so many couples don’t or can’t laugh much with each other. Maybe they’re angry or resentful. Or maybe they’ve just never picked up the habit of laughter.

Studies show that there are many benefits to laughter including a boosting of one’s immune system and a clearing of the mind. A good belly laugh even burns a few calories. When we laugh with someone else it builds good will – a bond between those sharing that mirthful moment.

I believe a habit of laughter and good natured fun should be a part of every marriage. Here in OUR house it comes naturally and can get pretty rambunctious with tickle fights, joke books and harmless pranks. Just talking with my usually happy husband makes me laugh, but there are many degrees and levels to playfulness and hilarity. Maybe you enjoy a more quiet humor. There’s nothing wrong with that so long as you’re enjoying some of it together.

Consider your relationship. When was the last time you laughed with your spouse? If it’s been a while then you might need to put a little thought into adding some lighthearted moments to your everyday lives.

Psalm 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

Here are a few ideas to keep those bones (the funny ones) nice and humidified:

*Subscribe to email lists that will send humor right to your inbox -

http://www.mikeysfunnies.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/martysjotd/

*Book mark some humor websites to visit regularly to find new jokes and funny stories,videos you might be able to share around the dinner table -

http://www.cleanjoke.com/humor/Funny-Stuff-Videos.html
http://www.ewsonline.com/jokes/clean.html
http://www.jokebanana.com/
http://www.cleanjokes4u.com/

*Send him funny eCards at work -

Hallmark eCards
Dayspring eCards

*Make a “comedy only” movie night -
100 Funniest Movies of All Time

*Play games that make you look a little silly – when was the last time you experience Twister or Charades?

*Tomfoolery –
when was the last time you put a rubberband on the sink sprayer or stole your hubby’s clothes while he was showering? One that my sister-in-law seems to get her husband with every April Fool’s day is to wait until he gets into the shower and toss a big cup of flour over the door onto him. Of course, she always offers to help him clean up afterwards (wink).
http://www.kidzworld.com/article/1939-april-fools-practical-jokes-and-pranks
http://www.huddlenet.com/reallife/pranks.html

Put a little play back into your day however you like but the main thing is to DO IT. Lighten up and wear your laugh lines proudly and thank God for the blessing of a joyfilled marriage.

"Sexiness wears thin after a while and beauty fades, but to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ah, now that's a real treat." - Joanne Woodward (married to Paul Newman)

To that I say - AMEN!

FREE Movie Monday from Redbox

2008-03-24T16:47:00.004-01:00

We've started having Friday night family movie time on Mondays all because of Redbox. If you haven't tried it, you should. It's easy and very convenient (for those who live near a Redbox location).

Even without the free movie code, it's only $1/day to rent movies.

Today's free code for a Redbox movie is LK8LV1.

This code is good for one free movie and you can use it until midnight tonight.Note:- If you want to rent more than one movie for free, bring more than one credit/debit card. You can use the same promotional code, you just will need different cards to charge it to. The charge will be zero as long as you return your movie on time for the next day.- When entering in your free movie code, you need to enter it FIRST before picking the movie. On the very first screen, click the, "Rent with Promo." Enter in the above code and then make your selection- the amount should then total zero.

VICTORY!! He is Risen INDEED! Let's Celebrate!

2008-03-23T08:41:00.014-01:00

Turn up your speakers. Put on your dancing shoes and lift up your hands because He's ...

"Alive Forever, Amen"

(Click to listen. Don't be fooled when it settles down...the best part is still ahead)

Then Sings My Soul - "Were You There?"

2008-03-22T04:53:00.005-01:00

Holy Saturday is traditionally a time of reflection and of quiet meditation as we contemplate the darkness of a world without a future and without hope apart from God and His grace.

I get chills each time I hear this song. It starts a little slow, but be patient...tight harmonies and a fine tenor voice are well worth the wait when they "let it all out", in my opinion.

Sometimes it makes ME want to tremble....how about you?

Michele

Watch the Lamb

2008-03-21T16:21:00.005-01:00

My brother-in-law sings this song so beautifully. Whenever I hear it I think of him and the way the Lord has truly worked miracles in his life...and in the lives of each of us.

I hear the beginning of the end. I think about that Passover day, that first Good Friday so many years ago when the Great One humbly stooped down and began what would be the end...the end to mankind's bondage to sin.

May I always endeavor to watch the Lamb.

Michele

Happy Spring and Easter Weekend Music

2008-03-20T13:43:00.007-01:00

See! The winter is past;the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth;the season of singing has come, he cooing of doves is heard in our land.
~ Song of Solomon 2:11-12

Finally...finally it's here. Spring time! I'm feeling much better and can now get about the business of de-wintering my home. I think I'll start with my computer desktop. Here are some of the wonderful sites I've found that offer free screensavers and wallpaper images to inspire that fresh spring feeling when you sit down to read your favorite blog. Enjoy!

*Screensavers.com - Tons of wonderful images and searchable by keyword too boot!

*More - A warehouse for free Christian graphics.

*And More - Gorgeous photos of spring blossoms and blooms. Also searchable.

And another little something for you...

I had ever intention of making Holy week something special for my family this year, but my illness pulled the rug out from under my plans. Instead we'll observe the remainder of the week with music.

Both dh and ds are worhsip leaders at our church and have been spending a great deal of time in preparation for the days ahead. While I can't create the music, I am so thankful for the gifts of melody, harmony and poetic lyrics that others bring. When artfully bound together I know personally they can speak to the heart of a sinner like me and change them forever. For me, music speaks when words fail me. Song writers through the ages - musical poets have said what my heart meant.

Beginning tomorrow I'll share with you some of my favorite Easter weekend songs and how they speak to my soul and have transformed my life.

Stay tuned...

Vintage Laundry Lessons

2008-03-19T13:08:00.007-01:00

"Since time immemorial it seems that wash-day has meant Monday and more often than not, "Blue Monday"; but of late years Tuesday has been growing in popularity as wash-day. This plan leaves Monday as a day in which the housewife can replenish her larder and put her house in order after the Sunday's rest or entertaining. Also, it gives her time to look over her wash, mend the holes or tears that might become larger in the laundering, remove the stains that should have attention, prepare food with a view to having something for the next day, and in the evening place the washing apparatus and piles of clothes in readiness without infringing on the pleasures or quiet of Sunday. Then when Tuesday morning comes, no time need be lost because of the disorganization that so often reigns in the house on Monday mornings. Such a program, regularly followed, will be found helpful in carrying out the laundering processes."

I found this little excerpt in a vintage book Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences, by Mary Brooks Picken.

Upon reading it I thought of what engineers of domesticity our grandmothers needed to be. I StumbledUpon (more on this later) this Vintage Sewing site and thought you might have some fun playing around inside of it, looking through some of the old patterns and books used to train a young lady in the domestic arts and thinking of the women who were before us and what their lives and homes were like.

Also, to consider some of the unusual methods employed in simply getting our clothes clean.

For instance, can you imagine using a tampon and gasoline to clean a stain? Or using sugar of lead to set in colors? Or how about beeswax rubbed on an iron to keep it from sticking? (Can we just stop here and have a moment of silence out of respect for the person who decided to put Teflon on our irons!? Hallelujah!)

I've yet to get back to my spring cleaning as I'm still on the mend from The Crud, but I'm improving and see myself back on task very soon. One of my projects in the next few weeks will be my laundry room. I'm still considering what I might do to improve that dungeon-like area. I'll update you if I come up with anything brilliant.

Stay tuned....

Michele

Marriage Monday: My Piece of the Pie...or Cake...or Doughnuts

2008-03-17T15:50:00.003-01:00

**I wrote this last week looking forward to ~~springing it on you~~ sharing it with you today.**

I woke up this morning and stumbled into the kitchen to the coffee maker. As that wonderful elixir was percolating I started searching for my breakfast. Last night, Hubby had brought home two bags of those little chocolate “wax” Donettes from the store. I call this a “faux food” because I’m not really sure how much of it is synthetic and how much is good old fashion flour, sugar and eggs. And yet…I wanted some. I knew that, as a family, we had been munching on them a bit last night as we were up a little late, but I also knew there was at least one whole bag left on the kitchen counter when I went to bed. (can you see where this is going?)

I searched and searched to find those little waxy wonders and finally struck gold in the LIVING ROOM??! On a side table where dh normally sits there sat the bag…with about half of the contents missing! Now where could they have gone you ask? Ha! After living with this man for so many years I knew exactly where they were and how they got there.

I could go on, but I thought he’d perhaps want to offer his own defense…uh, version…uh…well, here are his thoughts. From his lips to my keyboard.

“As is my usual desire to keep my wife’s figure and health in check (per her wishes) I strive to reduce and eliminate temptations that might overpower her in times of weakness. Please realize this is purely selfless on my part as she has expressed on countless occasions over our 20 years of marriage, her hope to regain/maintain her youthful figure. I feel it is my duty as her provider and protector to shield her from her own self-destructive ways.

With her well being in mind, years ago I implemented a policy in our home that I like to call “Proportionate Portions” and I apply it specifically and religiously to desserts. You see…I myself being 6’2”, with a meaty Schwarzenegger like physique *cough* (with some “bonus” marbling that has been added over the years, *cough* *cough*) feel that a 2/3 for me and 1/3 for her ratio is an appropriate portioning computation. Of course my bride hasn’t always agreed with this line of thinking, (she’s never been good with numbers) but I assure her it is for her own good. I have only her best interests in mind when, at 2:30 in the morning, I rouse myself from peaceful slumber, drag myself to the kitchen, rummage through the cabinets, stumble into the living room and begin ridding our home of any pernicious pies, devastating donuts, capillary clogging cupcakes or other evil edibles that might cause her to stumble. It’s a matter of self-sacrifice to me. It’s chivalry reborn. I’m taking one for the team. Why can’t she see this?”

All right readers…care to comment?

FREE Movie Monday from Redbox

2008-03-17T13:47:00.002-01:00

We've started having Friday night family movie time on Mondays all because of Redbox. If you haven't tried it, you should. It's easy and very convenient (for those who live near a Redbox location). Even without the free movie code, it's only $1/day to rent movies.

Today's free code for a Redbox movie is 92X7WF.

This code is good for one free movie and you can use it until midnight tonight.

Note:- If you want to rent more than one movie for free, bring more than one credit/debit card. You can use the same promotional code, you just will need different cards to charge it to. The charge will be zero as long as you return your movie on time for the next day.- When entering in your free movie code, you need to enter it FIRST before picking the movie. On the very first screen, click the, "Rent with Promo." Enter in the above code and then make your selection- the amount should then total zero.

What Do Spaghetti and Chest Congestion Have In Common? Oregano!

2008-03-14T23:32:00.008-01:00

A good friend, who knew I've spent all winter battling bouts and pockets of flu-like yuckiness, dropped off a little gift for me yesterday. A little baggie (she's BIG on baggies and boxes and all things to compartmentalize our lives...we're alike in this!) with a bottle labeled "Oil of Oregano" and an information sheet with dosages, etc.

Now, I'm Italian you see, and oregano is a seasoning I'm well familiar with and it has, on many occassions played a part in helping me feel preeeety dang good (the smells of my childhood comfort foods are wafting through my memories right now), but never have I heard of it having any true medicinal properties.

As a card-carrying skeptic I would probably have not even tried this except that I was desperate. My throat was closed up, Mucinex wasn't touching my congestion and not even Nyquil nor Montana cough syrup *nod to Gumbo Lily* could help me to sleep comfortably because of a lovely dry, hacking cough that seems to accompany any illness I ever have. (I tell my mother it's because I have "weak lungs" from growing up in a smoker's house. Shame on me for putting that guilt on her...but I do.) So, I thought...what could it hurt to try some of this stuff?

According to the directions, I put about 5 drops in a glass of grape juice and chased that with a big glass of water. The smell alone would have dropped a lesser woman to her knees, I think. Not "bad" but so strong! Like snorting marinara sauce. I also dribbled 2-3 drops on my fingers and rubbed into my neck and chest thinking it might work like Vick's Vaporub to stop my coughs. I was a little worried at first because my skin was tingling and even grew a bit warm and pink. I wondered if it was going to cause a reaction or something on my skin and what it would take to get that thick oil off. But that wasn't necessary as it settled into a nice warm feeling around my neck and chest.

All I can say is that I slept like a baby. Dh told me I barely coughed all night (poor thing is such a light sleeper that if I even so much as sigh he wakes up) which is saying something. In addition I can feel the congestion breaking up all day and was clearing alot of the yuck out of my chest (sorry...I know it's gross, but life's messy).

I decided to do a little MORE research on it to see what others had to say. I ran into the usual wacky claims of it's "miracle" properties, but I also came upon some solid information too. It's a bit pricey, but a little goes a long way. I'm planning to keep this in my medicine cabinet for years to come as it's reported to have antiseptic, antifungal and immune boosting properties and more.

I'm not sure I'll look at oregano the same way again. I'll have to remember to send my friend a special thank you card! (though I hate to admit when she's right...she'll never let me hear the end of it! Do any of you have a friend like that? LOL)

****EDIT March 16th - While the O of O is helping to break up the congestion, I am still very sick. I didn't want to leave this entry sounding like it was a cure-all or over selling it's properties. :-)

Spring Cleaning Inspiration from My Sick Bed

2008-03-14T20:10:00.002-01:00

Here's the comment I left for Amy at The Mother Load. Run over there and tell me if you don't feel a bit of that ol' spring cleaning bug biting you as you admire her shiny kitchen.

"Brava! Brava! The flu has me down right now and so I have abandoned the challenge temporarily, but I'm inspired even as I sit here with my fever breaking and can't wait to feel well enough to...clean? Something sounds wrong about that! LOL"

Coughing, Swollen Throat, Aches...'Must Be the Flu.

2008-03-13T14:01:00.002-01:00

I thought I skated through the yuckiness that dd had last week, but apparently it was just lying in wait for me. It's got a pretty good grip now so I think I'll be "down" for today at least. Dd swears she'll nurse me and has my comfy blanket and tissues all ready to go on the sofa.

Talk amongst yourselves...

Money Monster

2008-03-12T13:01:00.002-01:00

Today I am beginning to rework our family budget. We’ve gotten a little lax over the last few months and have started reverting to our non-budget days where our money happened to US rather than us happening to our money (ala Dave Ramsey). We’re not saving ALL of our receipts. We’re not balancing our checkbook WEEKLY. We’re not spending our money on paper FIRST, etc.

Dh met with one of the Crown Financial Coaches at our church a week and a half ago to get some advice and he suggested we start from square one. We’ve been through the Crown classes years ago and understand the principles, but are convicted that our mechanics are a bit rickety and so we agreed that this was a good idea.

I’m excited and apprehensive all at the same time. One of the reasons we weren’t able to stick with the Crown layout for a length of time is that Dh has a fluctuating income. The way Crown’s spreadsheets, et al for your monthly income, monthly expenses, etc are set up make me crazy when all of these categories are really always in flux. So instead I switched to more of a Dave Ramsey approach (he thinks more like I think…Big Picture). I listed our bills in order of priority down a page and, as money came in, I paid them. If it wasn’t on the list (if I hadn’t spent it on paper first) then I didn’t spend it …unless…it was an unforeseen expenditure, in which case I usually took from our emergency fund…

Aaaah, the emergency fund. Well, THAT is another sore subject. Our emergency fund is all but gone. Due to my laxity in budget keeping and the lack of diligence in my list/budget making each month…well, “unforeseen” things have suddenly started to appear in our lives. They’ve all been necessary, but if I had been watchful, they wouldn’t have snuck up on me. Argh!

And so, it’s back to the budget drawing board for us today. Oh to be a little less creative and a little more analytical. This whole right brain-left brain thing is a crock!

Fueled By Three Cups of Coffee and Two Pamprin...

2008-03-11T12:24:00.002-01:00

I started my morning the same way I always do. Stir and roll-over to check the time. 5:00 am. Try to get back to sleep, despite the Call of the Bladder. Finally get up around 5:30 because I just can’t fight that feeling anymore (warning 80's song reference). I’m erect, but I keep my eyes shut as much as possible as I shuffle and feel my way through the familiar dark of my home to the bathroom. If I turn on the light I know I won’t be able to get back to sleep.

I take a minute and trek back to my warm bed and so begins the waiting. Waiting to see if, by some chance I can doze back to sleep for just a little while or, since I usually can't, waiting until there is a more sane number on my digital clock so I can get out of bed and start moving around the house.

In the meantime I lay there, making my day’s to-do list, praying for those who come to my mind, planning dinner, trying to remember where things are and what I needed them for in the first place.

Today my ponderings are accompanied by PMS cramping (oh joy!). What is it about my body that I can’t actually start this monthly ceremony at a decent hour when I’m well prepared, but instead at the pre-crack of dawn when I’ve not had enough sleep to begin with? Such is life.

And so I get up. Go through my bathroom rituals...WITH the light ON this time. Start my fuel pump (coffee maker) and work at getting the child-safety cap off the sample bottle of Pamprin I received in the mail a few days ago (thanks Freebies 4 Mom). I take my recommended dosage of the pills and wash it down with my liquid drug-of-choice which I then carry to my office, fire up my computer and start my day.

The best part of waking up is…

Free Movie Monday from Redbox

2008-03-10T21:26:00.004-01:00

We've started having Friday night family movie time on Mondays all because of Redbox. If you haven't tried it, you should. It's easy and very convenient (for those who live near a Redbox location). Even without the free movie code, it's only $1/day to rent movies.

Today's free code for a Redbox movie is PL96QA. (thanks MotherLode)

This code is good for one free movie and you can use it until midnight tonight. Enjoy a free family movie together!

Side Notes:- If you want to rent more than one movie for free, bring more than one credit/debit card. You can use the same promotional code, you just will need different cards to charge it to. The charge will be zero as long as you return your movie on time for the next day.- When entering in your free movie code, you need to enter it FIRST before picking the movie. On the very first screen, click the, "Rent with Promo." Enter in the above code and then make your selection- the amount should then total zero.

Craptastic Cheapsakes!

2008-03-10T15:19:00.005-01:00

What goes better with a morning cup of coffee than a clever turn of phrase?

Like this wit-twister I was treated to this morning from a column by Lizz Winstead in the latest issue of Plenty magazine, “ The great family heirloom is quickly being replaced with craptastic cheapsakes.”

http://www.plentymag.com/features/2008/02/life_in_the_green_zone.php

After wiping the laugher-sprayed coffee off the front of my pajamas and the moisture from eyes I realized that Winstead had summed up in two words what I’d been trying to explain for years as to WHY I shop at thrift stores (besides the money savings), WHY I like “ugly old” furniture and knick knacks. And ultimately WHY I quilt and give handmade gifts when I can. Because I don’t think this world or the people I love who live in it, need any more cheaply made, non-durable, non-sentimental things that are soon out-dated and more likely than not out of commission.

Tell me…when was the last time you lovingly ran your hand over the pressed particle wood desk purchased in 1995 from Desks R Us and pondered how its’ future recipients would cherish it and what memories it would hold for them? As a matter of fact…is that desk you bought back in ’95 even still being used…or did it fall apart the last time you moved it from one side of your office to another?

Or linens. Do you suppose our daughters and grand-daughters will pull out our JCPenney pillowcases from the spring 2000 bed-in-a-bag collection and press them with lavender water before tucking them neatly onto the guest bed, thinking all the while about all of the seconds that some underpaid worker in Bangladesh or Malaysia took in pulling them from the assembly line?

How about the latest video game console or iPod? In 25 years will your grandson cling to an Xbox 360 and shed a respect-filled tear over Microsoft’s craftsmanship?

I have to agree with Winstead when she says, “I have the sneaking suspicion that 100 years from now, my great-great-grandchildren won’t be clamoring through my attic saying, “Oh look! It’s one of those vintage Air Poppers. I think I’ll make a lamp out of it!”

Oh, I know it’s very PC to be “green” these days, and that Winstead’s article is more about saving the earth than saving memories, but I’m more accidentally green rather than purposefully so.

When I’m quilting or crafting or buying for my home the heirloom angle is always on my mind. I also think about all the stuff I have sitting around my house that will end up in the landfills without a second glance and believe me, I have plenty of experience with this as I’ve already sent hundreds of “craptastic” items that way.

This ideal has come over me just in the last few years. Now, when I’m shopping I ask myself, “Will my kids want this in 20 years?” and “Will it even be around then?”

I ask myself the same question when I’m quilting. Since I hand quilt almost exclusively, I take special care in the quality of the work I put into it, hoping against hope that the project in my hands will make it beyond the average lifespan of a cheaply manufactured “must-have-today-so-I-can-replace-it-tomorrow” Walmart special. And while my needle glides in and out of the fabric I enjoy imagining that one day one of my descendants will be rummaging through MY attic and find a REAL treasure.

**Addendum: Please realize that while I did enjoy this article by Lizz Winstead I do not endorse her political comedy or views. I just thought her turn of phrase was witty. Don't read too much into it, all righty?**

My Six Word Life Story

2008-03-05T14:17:00.004-01:00

Six word memoirs. An interesting concept, I thought as I was scanning the newest Reader's Digest and came upon a feature about a contest Smith Magazine ran last year asking folks to write their life stories in six words.

Then I sat down with a cuppa java and did a little blog-walking this morning and ran upon this writing exercise that Gumbo Lily did with her teenage sons.

A few of my FAVES that I've read so far:

Bad brakes discovered at high speed. —J. Baumeister (been there...yikes!)

Never really finished anything, except cake. —C. Perkins (can I get an "amen"?!)

I still make coffee for two. —Z. Nelson ( and I drink it all! LOL)

God, coffee, family. In that order. ~Mom (somethings are obvious! :-))

And the one I WISH I would have thought of MYSELF....

Asked to quiet down; spoke louder. - Wendy Lee (if you know me....you understand! LOL)

I tried to write my own with a clever twist, but this is what it all boiled down to.

Lived without Jesus, discovered I can't. - Michele

What is YOUR six word memoir??

Maintenance

2008-03-01T19:01:00.003-01:00

Please excuse me if you subscribe to my feed and receive re-postings. I am attempting to do a little spring cleaning and am not sure what will come across the feeds to you.

Any comments or suggestions are welcome. Can you read this font size well?

Michele

Bag Lady

2008-02-01T20:40:00.001-01:00

I've never made a purse or tote or really anything related to them, but it was my goal this year to try my hand at it and here are the results.

This first little bag I made using instructions from a tutorial I found online at Chocolate on My Cranium. This really helped me understand how to do the lining. Sooooooo, easy with all her great pics.

And it's reversible!

The next is a creation of my own design. It took me a little finagling to figure out the how-to and it's not "perfect", but I like it well enough that I'm counting it a success. I think I'm going to call it my Four Fat Quarters bag.

And...no comments on the dead leaves in the overgrown hedges, all right? If I have to choose between yard work and sewing...my needle and thread win every time!

There Once Was a Man From....Limericks Anyone???

2008-01-18T14:02:00.000-01:00

There's a fun little contest going on at Rocks in My Dryer that you might enjoy. Make up a limerick and post it to her blog today and you'll be entered to win a MP3 Player.
Here's my entry:

In the mirror she gazed with despair

O’r the size of her derriere

Not to mention her thigh

How’d it get that size?

And LOOK, she’s got a matched PAIR!

Out of Step

2008-01-09T15:27:00.000-01:00

You've heard that quote, "Life is not about fitting in, but about standing out", I'm sure. Well, apparently I've taken that to heart.

Or maybe it's less that I "stand out" and more that I am always running to catch up with those who are "in".

I miss deadlines regularly. I say I'll call and then I forget to do so. I hear about an event or happening a week after it happens. It's not that there's something "wrong" with me, I think, it's just that I'm out of step with everyone else.

I think I'm particularly aware of this today because I MISSED the deadline to get my ds enrolled in our local community college. Now, it's not the end of the world because he's only a sophomore and these would be dual credit classes, but that's not the point. The point is that I INTENDED to do something and I DIDN'T! He's not upset...overly, though he was looking forward to this new adventure and is disappionted. Argh!

I'm assigned to help with my church welcome team. Invariably I check the calendar a week or two AFTER I was scheduled and weeks before I'm scheduled again. Missed it.

I also help with the student ministry as a sort of "presence" since ours is so large. Same thing. I miss my assigned days.

Meetings? Same. I had a teleconference meeting with some folks from our bible quiz group last night...forgot all about it. Missed it.

I do this all the time!

Forgetfullness? Out of Step? I don't know, but I can tell you it's really frustrating...not only to ME, but those around me.

None of us want to be sheep, but just every now and then I'd like to blend in just a bit better than I do currently. I don't want to be "that mom".

A Little Befuddled...

2008-01-02T13:31:00.000-01:00

I recognize that at this time of year the expectation is that one will blog about the New Year, resolutions, goals, plans...perhaps stopping briefly to look back at the year that went before and ponder and ruminate upon your own mental "highlight" reel. I do recognize that...but I can't seem to bring myself to do it.

2008 is starting very s l o w l y for me. I can't seem to get my mind or energies wrapped around the whole "new beginning" feeling nor can I muster the enthusiasm or imagination to make goals and resolutions. I'm a GREAT starter...all beginnings thrill me, but...not this time...not yet.

Today, I'm taking down our Christmas tree and rearranging our living room restoring space and, hopefully, order. Perhaps THEN I will feel more like I'm standing on the precipice of a hopeful and happy new year. Currently...I just have a headache. :)

Happy New Year!!!

2007-12-31T16:27:00.000-01:00

This is Jolie and she is wishing you a very Blessed and Happy New Year! Jolie was a gift to my niece for Christmas and she looks forward to many days of snuggling and book reading with her new friend.

Grant me the strength from day to day

To bear what burdens come my way.

Grant me throughout this bright New Year

More to endure and less to fear.

Help me live that I may be

From spite and petty malice free.

Let me not bitterly complain

When cherished hopes of mine prove vain,

Or spoil with deeds of hate and rage

Some fair tomorrow's spotless page.

Lord, as the days shall come and go

In courage let me stronger grow....

Lord, as the New Year dawns today

Help me to put my faults away.

Let me be big in little things;

Grant me the joy which friendship brings.

Keep me from selfishness and spite;

Let me be wise in what is right.

A happy New Year! Grant that I

May bring no tear to any eye.

When this New Year in time shall end

Let it be said I've played the friend,

Have lived and loved and labored here,

And made of it a happy year.
~Edgar A. Guest

Advent Quilt

2007-12-29T15:37:00.001-01:00

Now that I have photo capabilities I wanted to share the Advent quilt wallhanging I made and our family used this season.

(Sorry for the lighting issues...I just didn't want to take it down quite yet to get a better picture).

And a few of the felt ornaments I made. Each of them went into one of these pockets. The envelope flap was down until the day arrived and then we lifted it and hooked it to the button I sewed immedicately above it.

I wasn't sure what to make. What symbols I would use. I went back and forth and finally landed on just doing a mish-mash of Christmas/Winter related images.

My kids have an ongoing debate about whether this DOVE looks more like a chicken or a monkey in the face!

I'm being lazy this morning and didn't want to take the time to edit this one further. Tilt your head, k?

This is SUPPOSE to be a wreath, but it mutated in size and ended up looking more like a teething ring.

Despite all the flaws and artistic anomolies, no one wants me to change ir improve any of these. They say they find "joy" in them. Weeeeeell!! I think their joy and ulimately their laughter is at MY expense! hrmph. *wink*

Cathedral Window and T-shirt Quilt

2007-12-28T05:09:00.000-01:00

It's a good thing my sis doesn't read my blog. She'd KILL me for posting this picture of her, but I had to PROVE she was actually crying over her gift! LOL

Do you see that dark blue square toward the middle there? The one that says "World Champions"? Well, there's a little story behind that. I searched all over to get enough Royals tess for this quilt and one place I looked was my local Freecycle group (check it out if you're interested at http://www.freecycle.com/). I posted what I wanted and why and had only ONE reply, but what a reply it was. The gal has had this sweatshirt since she went to the "I-70 series" back in 1985. She's not a big Royals fan, but she just couldn't bring herself to just toss it out considering this was the year that the Royals actually WON the World Series. I was thrilled to get this from her and include it in the quilt. As a matter of fact it was the first block that J pointed out specifically and "wowed" over. :-) Aaaaah, Glory Days.

I couldn't decide which of these to post so I thought...I'd post them both.

I'll post up the sock monkey after I edit a certain little someone out of it. :-)

By the way...see those letters that say "Go Royals"? I learned how to make them here from Lazy Gal Tonya.

Merry Christmas? Yes it WAS!

2007-12-28T05:01:00.000-01:00

At my friend Jody's reminding I've decided to put this journal entry on my blog. For posterities sake if you will.
--------
There's so much that has gone on this week and if you were right here in front of me I'd tell you each and everything...you'd probably wish I wouldn't! LOL

I've spent the entire week sick. Dh and I have both had this icky cold/flu thing, but we've managed to muddle through. Now, of course that doesn't sound like a "lovely Christmas" at all, but the Lord blessed us with just enough pockets of energy to be able to participate in all of our planned activities and to complete the projects we were working on.

We went to dh's family's on Christmas Eve. Some who normally don't come, came and it was simply wonderful to have them there. A very full house with over 30 in attendance, not counting the smaller children. We played our usual white elephant exchange (dh wasn't able to put together the leg lamp he intended this year, but he's set on getting it done for next year! ) and with that many people you can imagine what a variety of little "pale packaderms" we had floating around the room and what a roaring good time it was! LOL

The best part though, and I have to remember to send my sil a note about this, was the reading of the Christmas story this year. Dh's family has a variety of levels of those committed and not-so-commited to Christ and even those who are anti-anything Christian, but my sil took this opportunity of CHRISTmas to insist that the Christmas story be read from Luke and to remind all there what this holiday is all about. Afterwards she asked another bil to pray and then another to start off some caroling. It was uncomfortable for many and a few sneaked out after the prayer, but mainly everyone stayed and enjoyed a heartwarming Christmas experience. I was very pleased (as these family events are infamously unpredictable.)

On Christmas day, I woke up first and started our morning breakfast casserole, coffee and hot chocolate and waited for everyone else to start moving around. This gave me just a bit of time to sit in the dark living room and pray by the glow of the Christmas tree lights. In that moment I was thinking mostly of how the Lord had blessed us so richly with gifts under our tree. I could look at nearly every present either purchased or handmade and marvel at either the way the Lord provided the funds or the time to accomplish there presence there. I was also thinking of how different our Christmas celebrations are now that we've been set free from the bondage of our cult-days and delivered into an understanding of what the oft used phrase "Grace and Mercy" means. You can imagine how that little time warmed my heart (despite my sniffles and coughs), amen?

Eventually everyone began to stir and we shared our last Advent devotion from Handel's Family Advent Reader. Dh and I enjoyed this so much, but the children want something different for next year. Ah well.

Then...present time! We all received some fabulous gifts relative to our interests and personalities...books, DVDs, CDs, hobby supplies, clothes, etc. I was most impressed with the thought that went into each. Ds got dd a nice stereo for her room. Hers' died early this year, but we didn't see a real need to replace it as she was still capable of listening to CDs in her DVD player, though the sound quality is greatly diminished via the television speakers. This was unacceptable to Mr. and Miss Music so....ds rectified that.

Ds was thrilled to find 2 new effects pedals under the tree (one from us and one from L's family). None-electric guitar folks won't know what this is, and I barely do myself, all I can say is that pedals are THE thing to have in order to manipulate "tone" and "distortion" among other things when playing guitar. Bottom line...he loved it.

**A fun little side note here: L. has been in Paris (btw, they did make it safely...thank you for the prayers), but she devised this cute little plan to gift ds every day that she is gone. She enlisted my help and so every morning since last Saturday I've had a new present to set out for ds before he wakes up. His favorite soft drink, a picture frame with their picture in it etc. In each is a cutsie little note, too. The very first day was funny. He got this little monkey and you can record your message into it by pressing the palm of one of its hands. Then you press the other hand to play-back. Well, my son...pressed the right hand the first time, heard the message and then, despite a note being wrapped around the recording hand that said, DO NOT TOUCH THIS HAND,...squeezed it and erased her message. He decided to make lemonade out of lemons, recorded his own message to her and went straight to the post office to ship it to her hotel in Paris! Silly kids. ***

Besides some really gorgeous fabric, I received an electric mattress cover. The temperature of our bedroom is a long standing battle between my Husband-The-Furnace and I. We resolved that a few years ago when we began using an electric matress cover with dual controls. But, alas...that went the way of all electronics and died. Now...we can restore peace and love to our sleeping quarters . Aaaaah, sweet harmony!

Dh's gifts under the tree were varied and nice...a new casual coat with sherpa lining, etc, but nothing to "wow" anyone. Here's the thing. WE (he and I) had agreed on the amount of money we would spend this Christmas and we stuck to it. In that, we also agreed that we wouldn't get each other anything over $25 and that it would only be ONE thing. You see? Well, I had been scrounging a dollar here and there for a while to be sure I could get something nice for him without him knowing it (that is the downside of not having your own income I suppose...they always KNOW what's in and out of that checking account! LOL) and so I really didn't feel like that rule applied to me. But...I didn't want him to know that until after he'd done his shopping (of course, that mattress cover tells me HE broke the rules too, so I don't feel too badly! LOL)

Sooooooooo.... After our family gift exchange we went to my sister's house to share with her family. ***(I know this is getting way too long,...I'm sorry. If you've made it this far, you're a faithful friend and deserve a reward! {{{HUGS}}} - I just can't decide what to leave out!)***

There I had dh's "big" gift hidden all this time so he thought his gift getting from me was done. We all opened our gifts from one another (which I'll tell you about in a second) and then when it was all said and done, my sister stood up and said something like this to my dh "Oh my! I almost forgot. Santa came by and knew you'd be here today and so he left this for you" and there, behind the sofa was a BIG package hidden under a quilt. He was perplexed as to what it could be and so he went over and knelt in front of it...the card said it was from the kids and I. When he tore it open it was something he'd been wanting for a while...an Everlast heavy punching bag. (I know this sounds like a silly thing, but he just has always wanted this to workout on so.....) Can you believe my soft hearted hubby teared up?? He just is always so grateful and surprised when someone gives him a gift. I love that about him. He cries over little gifts too...pictures the kids draw, dvds...whatever really. :D Anyway! I was pretty proud of myself for keeping that one a surprise!

Both of the quilts I made went over extremely well (pics in next post). My sister's so much so that she sobbed to receive her cathedral window wall hanging. Big, giant tears. She said she was just surprised and knew how much time that took to make. With a response like that, it makes you want to get started on another, kwim? Sis and I also went in on a video camera for dd. She's been wanting one for ever-so-long and we hope to encourage her creative film making with this little item. It also takes stills so even though I didn't get the camera I wanted per se, I will have digital picture taking capabilities again! YEAH!

We spent the day there, the boys playing Risk and the girls just chatting in the living room (I snoozed on the sofa under the Royals t-shirt quilt for a bit...it sleeps well. :D). And dd video taping it ALL! Then we came home and dh's brother surprised us by coming over with frozen pizzas and gifts and so we did our gift exchange with them.

The girls loved their little reversible headbands, we got the boys shirts with fun sayings on them (like "Most of the people who drive me nuts are in my family"), and my sil really loved her spa kit with the eye pillow and matching headband I made. We finally made it to bed around midnight. All in all it was a lovely, lovely Christmas with lots of familial love everywhere! I couldn't have asked for more!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T14:23:00.001-01:00

Here's the scene right now at my home.

Christmas music in the background, pumpkin spice cake in the oven (love that smell! mmmmm) and cranberry apple sauce on the stove. My family is still snuggled in their beds and I am enjoying the moment sitting in my jammies with a cuppa coffee (black all the way).

To all of you who are racing around finishing last minute details in preparation for a crew of people to descend upon you...I salute you.

Me? Oh, I'm bringing a dish to my sister's for lunch and another to my dh's family's home for dinner. That's it for me.

I have so much to be thankful for;
*The unconditional love of my Heavenly Father
*The passionate devotion of a strong, talented man
*The good health and friendship of my teenage children
*Family and friends to love and enjoy

So much really...to count my blessings would overwhelm me.

May yours be too numerous to count as well.

Happy Day!

I Hope I Win!!

2007-11-05T19:29:00.000-01:00

http://pumkinpatchcreations.blogspot.com/2007/11/custom-header-contest.html

Wouldn't YOU like to win a custom header for our blog? I think this looks like so much FUN!

Tagged!

2007-11-01T02:13:00.000-01:00

Okay Ohio Farm Girl...I'll play! These are my senior pictures from high school! LOL Oh, for that size 2 jean again. *sigh* Big hair, skinny fanny. Go figure!

Now it seems I must tag 3 others to post pics of themselves on their blogs...old, new, grown or baby...whatever you'd like. Let's see that beautiful kisser! I choose....

Leslie at Abiding

Bessiejoy at Bessie's Simple Days

Clarice at Storybook Woods

First Date!

2007-10-08T15:04:00.000-01:00

*sniff* My baby...he's growing up.

This is my son and his homecoming date. See that corsage? I made that. I was a florist for what seems like EVER, but this was the hardest corsage I've ever made. I'm soooo rusty! Oh, well. I don't think my flowers were the focal point of the evening, I'm sure.

A farmer down the street from Lyndsey's house let us use his property. Isn't this bridge pictureesque? (Ignore the metal building in the background....none of us are photographers).

They have such fun together.

When asked to describe his night Jordan summed it up in one word..."Amazing" (ooooh brother! *eyes rolling*)

2007-10-06T12:48:00.000-01:00

Aaawwww shucks! Thanks Ohio Farm Girl...you shouldn't have! But, I'll accept just the same. (loved your curtains by the way!)

Now, suppose I need to Pay it Forward so I'll nominate Abiding, Bessie's Simple Days, Question the Culture, Thornberry.

Thanks again!

Birthday Wishes...to Me!

2007-10-06T12:03:00.000-01:00

You know it's bad when you're late wishing YOURSELF a Happy Birthday and yet...here I am!

I had a nice day yesterday with a few surprises (nobody can EVER surprise me as a rule...they are always SO obvious when trying to get me to give my "favorite color if I was choosing a sweater" etc! LOL)

But not this year. My dd surprised me with the materials for a fleece tie blanket that she and I constructed yesterday. Come oooon winter! I'm well armed now. :-) Many friends sent me well wishes, cards and goodies.

Apparently there's more to come on Sunday from dh, ds and others! My love language is "gifts" and so...you can imagine I'm looking forward to it!

Here's a special video a friend sent me. Thanks Jody!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XMA5KIgQ54E
(I can't remember how to embed it!)

Win Enrollment in My Access

2007-10-03T13:00:00.000-01:00

I entered to win the writing instruction program
MY Access! Home and the SAT Prep Pack
on the HSB Company Porch!

I never really enter contests. Mostly because I don't like getting my hopes dashed against the rocks of disappointment, but I had to enter this because I've wanted my daughter to have a formal writing program for a while and just haven't been able decide on what or how. So many choices and decisions and I don't like gambling our family's money on "maybe". IF, however I could try one for FREE...well, that's another story as far as I'm concerned.

And so...if you feel the same you might wanted to enter too (though I recognize that I'm decreases my odds by mentioning it! *grin*)

Socialization

2007-10-02T13:20:00.000-01:00

I clicked my way to Jason Holm's website and was tickled at what I found there. His "Schools are for Fish" series of comics is a treat for any homeschooler, I think. Yes, he can be a little "in your face", but it's on purpose and you have to love a guy willing to say what he's really thinking.

Laptop Sleeve

2007-09-29T11:39:00.000-01:00

I found this over atThornberry. I think it would make a nice gift for my sister or my brother-in-law or just about anyone I know (or you know) with a laptop.

And here's a great thread from Craftster on a different version of the same thing. This one has the sleeve with a matching messenger bag. My sis would love this too as "matching" is of the utmost importance to her.

This one is also very funky and I like the idea of maybe some really funky Japanese or Moroccan fabrics for this...hmmmmm.....

If you know of any more really good tutorials for a a laptop sleeve, please share them with me. I need something ultra-masculine for my brother-in-law...hmmmmm. Leather? I've never worked with that. Corduroy? Not sure.

Anyway, let me know if you make one or it inspires you to do something else like it. I'll try to post pics if I do one.

89 Days Until Christmas!!

2007-09-27T12:27:00.001-01:00

Now I know, I know...I hate skipping over holidays or even entire seasons and pointing my focus toward Christmas too soon. I recognize the retailers have had Christmas decorations et al in the stores since July and you're tired of seeing that. I'm with you.

The only reason I bring up the Christmas Countdown is to keep myself (and you) aware that if you're planning on any handmade gift giving...NOW is the time to start.

Today I am making a list of those folks that I'd like to gift with something from my needle or kitchen or other handcrafted category. And then I'm going to begin my search for the perfect gift to suit them. I've been gathering a file of gift ideas for a year or so and I'm hoping to find even more. I'll try to remember to share here if I come up something especially nifty!

Here's one for instance:
CD Pocket Tutorial

What Time of Day Are You?

2007-09-27T00:33:00.000-01:00

***You Are Midnight***

You are more than a little eccentric, and you're apt to keep very unusual habits.
Whether you're a nightowl, living in a commune, or taking a vow of silence - you like to experiment with your lifestyle.
Expressing your individuality is important to you, and you often lie awake in bed thinking about the world and your place in it.
You enjoy staying home, but that doesn't mean you're a hermit. You also appreciate quality time with family and close friends.

What Time Of Day Are You?
http://blogthings.com/whattimeofdayareyouquiz/

To Autumn

2007-09-24T11:45:00.001-01:00

To Autumn

John Keats

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,

Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;

Conspiring with him how to load and bless

With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;

To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,

And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;

To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells

With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,

And still more, later flowers for the bees,

Until they think warm days will never cease,

For Summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.

Holy Suffering

2007-09-24T00:31:00.000-01:00

The Lord has been bringing something to my thoughts and heart lately and I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it. Have you ever done that? It's like you KNOW there's something you're suppose to seeing...some truth that has escaped you that you need to "get", but....you can't quite reach it yet. I know that it has something to do with suffering and our response to it, the way we think of it and the necessity (?) of it. As I say I still don't have it all clear in my thoughts, but this exposition from My Utmost for His Highest is part of what I know the Holy Spirit is showing me.

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

The Holy Suffering of the Saint

Let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good . . . —1 Peter 4:19

Choosing to suffer means that there must be something wrong with you, but choosing God’s will— even if it means you will suffer— is something very different. No normal, healthy saint ever chooses suffering; he simply chooses God’s will, just as Jesus did, whether it means suffering or not. And no saint should ever dare to interfere with the lesson of suffering being taught in another saint’s life.

The saint who satisfies the heart of Jesus will make other saints strong and mature for God. But the people used to strengthen us are never those who sympathize with us; in fact, we are hindered by those who give us their sympathy, because sympathy only serves to weaken us. No one better understands a saint than the saint who is as close and as intimate with Jesus as possible. If we accept the sympathy of another saint, our spontaneous feeling is, "God is dealing too harshly with me and making my life too difficult." That is why Jesus said that self-pity was of the devil (see Matthew 16:21-23 ). We must be merciful to God’s reputation. It is easy for us to tarnish God’s character because He never argues back; He never tries to defend or vindicate Himself. Beware of thinking that Jesus needed sympathy during His life on earth. He refused the sympathy of people because in His great wisdom He knew that no one on earth understood His purpose (see Matthew 16:23 ). He accepted only the sympathy of His Father and the angels (see Luke 15:10 ).

Look at God’s incredible waste of His saints, according to the world’s judgment. God seems to plant His saints in the most useless places. And then we say, "God intends for me to be here because I am so useful to Him." Yet Jesus never measured His life by how or where He was of the greatest use. God places His saints where they will bring the most glory to Him, and we are totally incapable of judging where that may be.

The God of Hope

2007-09-19T21:59:00.000-01:00

“May the God of hope FILL YOU with all joy and peace AS YOU trust in him, SO THAT you may OVERFLOW with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

Ever had one of those weeks where every day feels like Monday? Well, here it is Wednesday and I can't seem to shake that feeling, but...this verse is my prayer.

I'm asking the Holy Spirit to fill me with hope, joy and peace as I trust Him...even to overflowing. How about you? Do you need a little more trust SO THAT you too may OVERFLOW with hope?

Square Watermelons?!?!?

2007-09-18T11:52:00.000-01:00

I almost didn't believe this, but what do ya know! - It's true! Would you eat a square watermelon?

I'm a little weird about my refridgerator so I think I'd like this. I like all of my storage bowls to be square or rectangular because it wastes less space and my fridge is so small as it is...well, it just makes sense to me.

Chivalry is Alive and Well...Hurray!

2007-09-15T01:46:00.000-01:00

Christopher Columbus!!

2007-09-12T17:57:00.001-01:00

My daughter has just been given the part of Jo March in a small local production of Little Women! She's nearly busting and so am I! I can't think of a character that she would have been better suited for as she herself is a creative, determined free-thinking sort.

I can't wait!

Here We Go Again

2007-09-07T22:33:00.001-01:00

Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves. ~Abbé Dimnet, Art of Thinking, 1928

Thus ends our first official week of the new school year. I have to say that it's been a good week and both of the children are very pleased with all that they accomplished this week.

As the years have gone by I've become pretty relaxed in our homeschooling. Too relaxed according to my son who this year actually WANTS me to "turn up the heat" on his requirements, assignments, etc. This hasn't been easy for me because it required alot more planning and research than I'm use to, but after only this week, I can see that my efforts are and will pay off.

There's alot to be said for a relaxed homeschool environment and I can't say that ANY of our time has been wasted in "laying back" on formal studying of certain areas, etc. But I also think that there's something to be said for a well planned, tough(er) schedule and requirements. For instance...

In years past I've been frustrated with my children sleeping in too late and then whining and complaining their way through their school day. Now, they have a plan book with my requirements in it and they don't have TIME to whine if they intend to stick to the plan.

Also, in former years we've struggled and fought over too much time spent in mindless pursuits like television watching and computer/video games. Thus far, we've had none of that and I think it's because their minds are engaged all day long and they are old enough now to see that tv and computer games are a waste of time and a waste of precious mental energy. What I'm saying is that now they have to be a bit more judicious in their pursuits, prioritizing them because they only have so many hours of free time in their day.

I don't want to squelch their inquisitiveness or desire for exploration, I just want to raise the bar so that they know what they're capable of.

So...one week down and thirty something to go!

Wrong Twin Killed in Down Syndrome Abortion

2007-08-30T22:45:00.000-01:00

I read this over at the Mommy Life blog and she's probably right...we'll probably not even hear mention of it in the American mainstream media! She has a child with Down Syndrome herself. Thanks Barbara.

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

Vatican Ire Over Botched Twin Abortion
Herald Sun, Australia, August 30, 2007

A BOTCHED abortion of a fetus instead of its Down syndrome twin has prompted the Vatican to compare abortion to the Nazis' selective breeding practices.

Italy was embroiled in a bitter ethical dispute yesterday after it emerged that a surgeon had accidentally terminated the wrong fetus while trying to abort its Down syndrome twin.

The operation on a 38-year-old woman 18 weeks into her pregnancy was performed at the San Paolo hospital in Milan in June but has only just come to light.

The fetus who had Down syndrome was also subsequently aborted.

Weighing into the controversy, the Vatican said aborting a Down syndrome child was the result of a culture of perfection resembling Nazi eugenics.

Read more here.

911 - I Need Help with My Math

2007-08-30T22:29:00.000-01:00

To Die for the Sake of Living

2007-08-25T14:01:00.000-01:00

"Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die. 'He that will lose his life, the same shall save it,' is not a piece of mysticism for saints and heroes. It is a piece of everyday advice for sailors or mountaineers. It might be printed in an Alpine guide -- or a drill-book. This paradox is the whole principle of courage even of quite earthly or quite brutal courage. A man cut off by the sea may save his life if he will risk it on the precipice. He can only get away from death by continually stepping within an inch of it. A soldier, surrounded by enemies, if he is to cut his way out, needs to combine a strong desire for living with a strange carelessness about dying. He must not merely cling to life, for then he will be a coward, and will not escape. He must not merely wait for death, for then he will be a suicide, and will not escape. He must seek his life in a spirit of furious indifference to it; he must desire life like water and yet drink death like wine. No philosopher, I fancy, has ever expressed this romantic riddle with adequate lucidity, and I certainly have not done so. But Christianity has done more: it has marked the limits of it in the awful graves of the suicide and the hero, showing the distance between him who dies for the sake of living and him who dies for the sake of dying. And it has held up ever since above the European lances the banner of the mystery of chivalry the Christian courage which is a disdain of death; not the __________ courage which is a disdain of life."
-- Orthodoxy G.K. Chesterton

This quote is ringing in my heart strings and I'm re-reading it again and again, turning it over and over and each time finding more to understand. This one phrase, in particular speaks to me:

"he must desire life like water and yet drink death like wine."

That's how I want to live. Like a brave soldier on the battlefield of life. To crave for life...abundant life by Grace...like I crave/need/require water. And yet to live with such abandon, wholely relying on His Sovereign Will that I'm careless or careFREE enough to live like I was dying. To really understand that nothing I risk for the Sake of the Cross can be anything worse than the sweet, sweet wine of death for the Believer.

Bad Idea: A Novel (with Coyotes)

2007-08-24T14:33:00.000-01:00

I'm not much of a reviewer. As a matter of fact, I've given thumbs up to books I later wished I'd advised a bonfire for, so I recommend this book with much hesitation and a few cautions.

If you're looking for a nice, easy Christian read: predictable and comfy from start to finish...do NOT read this book. Here's a review from Amazon.com

"BAD IDEA by Todd and Jedd Hafer takes readers on a road trip with eighteen-year old Griffin Smith. About the time I thought I knew just who the main character was, another - and sometimes disturbing, facet of his personality would be revealed.

Difficult subjects are not shied away from or addressed in a predictable way. Each chapter brought a surprise, and kept the action and the road trip moving forward - with a few unexpected detours.

I especially enjoyed the hilarious, mental riffs Griffin would take off on. Reading BAD IDEA represents a departure from my usual fare, and I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to read this book. Once I started, I had no intention of cutting my trip short."

Bad Idea: A Novel (with Coyotes)

Shopping Woes

2007-08-23T12:29:00.000-01:00

I don't shop.

Oh, I do go to stores and pick up things now and then, but I'm not one of those gals that likes to stroll through the mall, dazzled by the latest designs nor do I exclaim every couple of minutes, "Oh! How cuuuuuute is that?!" or "*gasp* Look at that jacket. Isn't that adorable?!"

Don't get me wrong. I use to enjoy that sort of thing, but then things stopped fitting me right and a fitting room began to feel more like a torture chamber with mirrors so I could watch the horror unfold for myself. Now when I have to buy clothes I buy them with a few rules/criteria in mind.

Number one: Comfort. If it doesn't take me from a sink full of dishes, to the living room sofa for a read aloud then to the store for some milk, then it doesn't belong in my closet.

Number two: It has to cover and camouflage any thing on my anatomy that I need to de-emphasis. No longer do I have the luxury of caring about how "cuuuuuuute" it is on the rack. What really matters is if the top is long enough to cover my poochy tummy and is it blousy enough to hide my bra bulge. If it's in a favorable color that is simply a bonus feature. And then if it is also currently in style...well, then I've won the lottery, ring me up and call my day a success!

So, now maybe you see why I say: I don't shop...until yesterday anyway.

You see, next week I go to Dallas with my husband to be wined and dined by the company he works for. Next week I have to lay aside my t-shirts, jeans, bermuda shorts and yoga pants and don something that says I shop and I know what I'm doing.

So, back to yesterday. Yesterday I went through my closet and confirmed what I already knew. I had NOTHING to wear that was even approaching nice enough for this little trip. The only solution? To shop.

I left my home and headed out to shop. I won't bore you with the details of the hell that is a department store fitting room nor will I fill your ear with complaints about the obstacle course some call a parking lot, but I will tell you that I left the house at 11am and didn't return until after 4pm. In my arms I had 5 large bags of clothes. Only a small sampling of the HUNDREDS of items I'd pulled on and off throughout the day.

Now, mind you...I went shopping for ONE outfit. ONE. A top and a bottom. A dress. Didn't matter. Just ONE thing because I am only going to be gone ONE day. In my defense it did have to go from a day in an office to a dinner out which made for more of a challenge, but still...it was only ONE outfit. But there I was stumbling in the front door with my arms cramping from the strain of the hundreds of dollars *gasp* of clothes I brought home to try on in front of a mirror that doesn't lie and a pretty honest husband and daughter.

As an aside...does it necessarily spell disaster to have a 13 year old girl and a 40-something man as your personal fashion coordinators? Oh, I sure hope not or I'm sunk for sure!

Dragging in my "finds" I head straight to the bedroom to start the fashion parade. I lay the prospects across the bed, take a deep breath and dive in (might as well get this over with). Slip on the skirt, pull on the blouse...traipse to the living room. Hear the critique. Go back to my room for another round.

One HOUR LATER: Sweat is rolling down my back and sides and I can feel tears stinging the back of my eyes. How frustrating! If only I were a size 8 I just KNOW my life would be much simpler! I had narrowed it down to two possibles, neither of which I loved, but they both lived up to rule Number Two. My darling husband comes into the bedroom and hugs me, tells me I'm beautiful and makes a few more suggestions.

Thirty minutes more and I have an outfit that I actually like. I think I can actually hold my head up in public and maybe even look someone in the eye. :) John then said he'd go with me to return all of my unwanted items and even helped me pick out a pair of shoes while I was out - Shoes! Now that's a whole other animal. Shoes I love! Shoes I can shop for. Shoes are my friend because they don't laugh at me for being a bit chunky and I don't have to hide anything or make sure something is long enough when I buy shoes. Heck, shoes are so easy, you can try them on right out in front of everyone and their cousin. No shame there. No hiding out in the torture chambers in front of the lying mirrors. As a matter of fact. I have nice feet if I do say so myself so shoes...there's a fashion item I DO like shopping for.

So, here I am. The day after. Alive and well and actually pretty pleased with my new duds. When I say pleased of course I mean I can live with them. They're not as dressy as I was going for, but they're not as casual as I'm used to. All this anxiety and what did I end up with you ask? Can you believe I went through all of THAT for a pair of black cuffed capri pants, a fooshy poly-blend blouse and a pair of wedges?!

What will I do when it's time to shop for a bridesmaid dress for my sister's wedding? I shudder to think of it.

Follow Up

2007-08-17T18:33:00.000-01:00

I have (by my own design) such a small readership, but I wanted to follow up my last mournful post so as none of you will think I've fallen into a deep dark tunnel of depression. (or whatever ;))

I've joined the local homeschool group again. I haven't been in one for years simply because I didn't need them and, while we have several to choose from in our metropolitan area, none of them really needed me either. I just never really seem to fit. Now, though I think I need that IF only for the 411 on what's available for high schoolers locally. If all that I use is the calendar of events, then I'll have gotten my $20/year dues worth, I think. :)

In addition I think the Lord has provided some direction and peace for me about my children. I've just got to hang on to that and we'll be just fine.

Thanks for your concerns all. Onward and upward.

Maybe I Need a Mentor

2007-08-04T11:56:00.000-01:00

Really, I'm starting to get a little...oh I can't think of a word that applies exactly. Maybe flummoxed? Discombobulated? Anxious? Grouchy? At one time or another all apply to how I'm feeling about getting the kids ready for college. I simply don't know what to DO! What's the first step? How does one even choose a college to look at? A major? Even a course of study?

Jordan is getting frustrated because it seems his friends (at least the ones who have similar goals to his) are starting to zero-in on at least a general area of study. "Something to do with physics" one says. Or from another "I'd like to work with computers". Poor Jordan feels scattered and lacking focus and frankly, I'm sure it's MY fault. I haven't given him enough experiences to choose from and THAT'S why I need a mentor because I can't give him experiences that I don't even know exist!

One friend's just come back from a 6 week trip to Mexico. It was a special program provided by a local college that he was able to find out about, apply to and was accepted for. I, hick-at-heart that I am, didn't even know that such things existed OR how to go about finding more of the same.

Another has had a job for the last year working with computers...writing programs, grading websites, building simple video games, etc. A perfect fit for him and a great launching point.

But my son, for instance, is interested in public speaking and law. HOW and WHERE do I find experiences for him in this area? Where do I even start? He's also interested in history and music. But neither of these seem to appeal to him as a career choice although they might if I could conceive of how they'd be used in the "real world". I wish there was a BIG list of careers and we could go down and check ones that sounded good to him and then begin looking for local folks who actually did that sort of thing to ask them questions about their work. THAT would be helpful, but does such a list exist? I have no idea!

Yes, I think I might need a mentor...a homeschool mom who has gone before and can be our guidance counselor. But who has the time or inclination? I'm back to square one because I have no idea how to FIND someone like that! "Excuse me. But would you like to be at my beck-and-call prepared to sacrifice time with your family in order to invest in mine?" Uh...I just don't see it happening.

Oh, I have several internet friends I can ask this and that to (and frankly, I'd be completely lost without them rather than just mostly lost!), but I need someone local who is familiar with the programs and opportunities here. *sigh* We have a large homeschool group in my state, but it seems most of them either drop away in high school OR their greatest ambition is to bake the perfect bread or, in the case of the young men, have only ONE area of interest, most of which are in no way a fit for my son (computers, medicine, etc). We just don't seem to fit.

And I envision a similar problem coming up for my daughter. She's such a free spirit...so creative and artsy. Most of the homeschoolers around here do not look favorably upon a female like her. She's too bold and vivacious for their tastes. I can envision her being an author or a theatre major. If it was the year 1965 I'd see her wearing fringe and beads and singing "all we need is love" while painting her walls with rainbows and tie dying her t-shirts!

She is a musician as well, but, while she enjoys the music she plays, the people she plays with tend to be very stuffy and uptight. I might even call them "snooty" if I couldn't think of a better word, which I cannot. They wouldn't even consider listening to Superchick or Skillet when there was Vivladi to consider.

It seems I find out about opportunities AFTER they've passed us by. I'm completely out of the loop...in fact...I don't even know if a loop exists! How do others seem to know about this stuff, but I do not? I'm always late, it seems.

Back on my knees. It's really all I can see to do right now. :)

John sooooo ROCKS!

2007-07-26T19:05:00.000-01:00

I feel as giddy as a high school groupie when my honey plays his guitar. Love that guy!

Blogs of interest

2007-07-03T14:19:00.000-01:00

I've been surfing the blogosphere pretty heavily the past couple of weeks and have run into several that I've enjoyed returning to again and again.

Here are a few I like:

For Personal Finance
http://www.bloggingawaydebt.com
http://www.carnivalofdebtreduction.com/
http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/

Food
http://www.tammysrecipes.com/
http://www.thepioneerwomancooks.com/the_pioneer_woman_cooks/

Currently these are the two areas of the most interest to me. LOL

Bicycle Romance

2007-06-09T19:42:00.000-01:00

Last Saturday our children had plans to spend the day and night at their friend's house and that left John and I to our own devices. (can I get a 'yee-haw'?!).

Now, what does one do when your teenage children are all gone from the house and you havea gorgeous day to do whatever you like? As for us, we strapped packs and coolers onto our bikes, loaded them with food, lots of bottle water and a blanket, put our bikes in the van and took off for a bike trail.

We'd not been on this trail before and didn't know what to expect...flat, easy going? Hills? Rough road/trail conditions? Who knew and...who cared? We just wanted to have a little adventure with just the two of us. We didn't have to worry about whether or not our youngest could keep up, or if we took a long time or...ANYTHING!

It turned out that the trail was a little bit of everything with some sunny open prairie-type terrain and other parts were more woodsy and lush (my favorite). We had level spots which made for easy conversation and smooth pedaling and we also had some thigh-burning hills to keep things challenging. It wound around quite a bit, meandering along parallel with a little creek/river sometimes. It's so nice to hear running water over rocks don't you think? We saw lots of birds that I couldn't identify, a blue lizard that I think must have been a salamander, a little water turtle and a deer that ran right across our path. We even had to be cautious in some areas to avoid the occassional kamikazee bunny or squirrel that just run right out in front of your bike.

One of the best things was that we stopped when we wanted and road when we wanted. We ended up riding about 10 good hard miles one way and stoppping to rest in the town we lived in when we first were married (about 40 miles from our home now). We found a lovely park with gorgeous trees and spread out our blanket underneath it to eat and nap. There was a festival of some sort going on at a historic farmstead across from the park and we could hear the band playing while we dozed. I wondered at one point...how long had it been since I'd laid on the ground and looked up at the clouds going by? Too long. How 'bout you?

After a good long rest we started back. We road over 20 miles over about a five hour period.
We came home to a crockpot of black bean soup, crusty bread and salad and then sat around the house in our underwear, just because we could (is that TMI?) LOL and played board games until we couldn't stay awake any longer.

*sigh* I really did have such a great time.

Share The Road

2007-05-25T17:54:00.000-01:00

My son and I have just returned from a bike ride around our city...thankfully. I say "thankfully" because we were almost hit by a car. Not wanting to be overly dramatic, let me explain that it was probably just a matter of ignorance or oversight on the part of the elderly driver who pulled out in front of us, though we, who were on the main thoroughfare clearly had the right-of-way. Of course, it really doesn't matter who's right when a bicyclist is laid out in the ER or worse.

That got me thinking. You know...before we purchased our bikes just a few months ago, my family probably never really knew the traffic laws and rules as they relate to cyclists and surely we're not the only ones.

For instance, did you know that:

- Each state has their own specific bicycle and traffic laws?

- Some states define bicycles as vehicles, some as slow-moving vehicles, and some give them all the rights and responsibility of vehicles without being vehicles.

- Regardless of how it is defined, provisions ARE made for bicycles by each state and each cyclist AND automobile operator SHOULD be aware of their states guidelines.

- In states where bicycles are given "all rights and responsibilities" as other vehicles (as is the case where I live) a cyclist has the RIGHT to drive in a lane of traffic JUST like a car or truck does. Most cyclist, out of courtesy do move to the right side of the road IF the lane is wide enough that a car/truck can pass them safely, but if not...then the cyclist has NO OBLIGATION to give up the lane to the car/truck anymore than a slow moving farm vehicle or truck would. Sometimes, drivers simply MUST be patient.

I encourage each of you as drivers of automobiles to thoroughly review your states bicycle traffic laws and learn how to safely Share the Road. The next time you're on the road with a cyclist, give them space and respect. It's alot harder than it looks.

And while you're at it...think about getting a bike yourself. It's a fantastic way to spend time with your family, enjoy nature, save money (gasoline is $3.23/gal here right now) and burn some calories while you're at it.

More bicycle safety links Here

The Station

2007-05-23T10:50:00.000-01:00

When I was young my dad ran a gas station on the edge of our small town in Kansas much like the one in this photo. I have many good memories wrapped up in that place. And many lessons that are still with me today.

I learned:

...To ride my "Leave it To Beaver" bicycle in the driveway.

I remember this very clearly because I turned too sharply and ran headlong into the "island" where the gas pumps are at and discovered that even girls can "rack" themselves.

...Good customer service when I was asked to pump in a certain dollar amount of gasoline and ran it over 2 cents. My dad instructed me to tell the lady in the car to "nevermind" about that extra because it was my fault that I didn't stop the pump sooner. Good customer care didn't stop there however. Every customer got their windows washed and an oil check up too at no extra charge.

...That all people were created equal, but that some folks didn't get the memo. This was back when a gas station was "full service" rain or shine, whether the customer parked under the side with the awning or not. The driveway bell would 'ding' as a car pulled in for service. My dad would immediately march out the door, past the vacant covered side of our station where this person could have driven, into a gushing midwest down pour on the exposed portion of the drive where they did drive, to fill up this inconsiderate person's vehicle. A few minutes later he'd come back into the building, his shirt darkened by fat rain drops and commenting about the questionable intellect of "some people"( Maybe I should call that a vocabulary lesson?).

...That I LOVE peach ice cream with little bits and chunks of real peaches in it (the Schwan's man was one of our regular customers).

...To take pride in whatever work I did, even if it was "blue collar". My dad never came to work without his dark blue Dickie slacks andlight blue button-up shirt being nicely pressed, over top of a clean white under-tee. Oh, and of course his black dress shoes shined. I know...because every evening I would get out the polish and cloth and buffing brush and shine each black leather shoe.

...How to count back change properly using a roll of bills and a belt coin changer. For those who don't know... start with the amount they owe and count UP to the amount they give. If they owe $3.71 and they give you a five dollar bill, you start counting back to them handing them change as you say it, starting clicking the changer with pennies - ".72, .73, .74, .75" then adding in one quarter - "4.00" then give them a one dollar bill, "5.00. Thank you ma'm and have a nice day." Oh, where has that skill gone?

...How to mop a tile floor using a string mop and ringer bucket. It's an art you know, especially if you try to work yourself out of a room and not into a corner where you'll be trapped.

...How to remember the combination to a underground safe/vault in the backroom.

...How to stock a cooler full of milk, rotating the old to the front and new to the back.

...How to bribe a crying toddler with a free hostess Twinkie and thus help another of our regular mommies to make it home with her sanity intact.

...How to make someone feel good about themselves with just a few words. My dad was notorious around town for "flirting" with all the old ladies who came in, asking each of them when they were going to "run away with him".

...Where to hide if I saw a tornado and how long I could stand out back of the station gripping my dad's hand, watching it and two others like it converge, before I needed to run into the concrete building for cover. (Have you ever heard a tornado? It roars by like a train and then...it's as still as sleep afterwards, except...the birds almost instantly start to sing out).

...Generosity. Every now and then someone would come to the station and not have the money for gas. My dad always worked out a way to get them what they needed and keep their dignity intact. Bartering or even taking an IOU from some folks, everyone left our station with a smile on their face.

..How to use a looooooooong measuring dipstick to check the gasoline level of the underground storage tanks and what the view looked like from up on top of a gasoline tanker truck. I was sure I wanted to be a truck driver for years and years.

...How to make friends. One of my favorite friends was a man (who's name I can't recall) who drove a junk car trailer. He'd stop in as he came through town and each time, he'd trade me one of his silver dollars for two of my quarters. I was so young at the time that I didn't really understand that he was getting the muddy end of the stick. As a matter of fact I was sure that I was cutting him a deal because after all, he was getting TWO coins and I was only getting ONE, albeit mine was bigger. I've always loved silver dollars and the special shine they have to them, don't you?

Not every memory I have was rosy however. I can remember a time when a man came to our station about closing time. I remember that he was very tall and wild haired and that I was immediately afraid of him. My mom was there (she was the station bookkeeper) and I ran over to her. She must have sensed something was wrong too because she nudged me under the leg opening of the big, green steel desk. Of course, I continued to peek out and watch my dad and the Wild Man. I can't remember the words, but I do know that this man was agitated about something and began swearing. I watched my dad slide his hand into his deep right front pants pocket. My little heart must have been pounding like crazy because I knew that in that pocket my dad kept his gun "just in case". The intensity of the discussion rose, the man's language became more and more rough and before I knew what was happening, my dad, a short man with a tall temper (Italian/Irish heritage...what can I say?) had the big Wild Man pushed against the wall with his black handgun on the man's chin. Instantly the Wild Man's demeanor changed from belligerence to fear. He apologized and left. We never saw him again.

Yes, I have many memories of the little old gas station. It's not in my hometown anymore, they tore it down years ago to make way for a strip mall, but every time I go there...I drive by anyway and think of my childhood and wonder what part of who I am now wouldn't be there, if it wasn't for my experiences at The Station.

Finished Sewing Room (Studio)

2007-01-20T22:20:00.000-01:00

I realized I never posted about my FINISHED sewing room. I know I said I would call it a sewing "studio", but apparently pretension doesn't suit me and I've just not ever been able to make that word stick in my mind. Ah well.

Here are some pics. I really, really, REALLY enjoy being here! Despite the very small space and the mess it's in. One day it will be completely organized (yeah, right!)

Inside Out Origami Flowers

2007-01-20T22:16:00.000-01:00

I've been busy again in the sewing room. I rarely get time for so much playing around, but I guess that's what happens when you feed the kids pizza rolls and stay in your pjs all day!

This is a fun fabric folding technique I saw on an episode of Simply Quilts featuring Rebecca Wat and her book "Fantastic Fabric Folding". It's very simple and I've posted the instructions with pics HERE.

Have fun!

Cupcake Pincushions

2007-01-20T16:55:00.000-01:00

I spent a good amount of time yesterday trying to figure out how to make these little cupcake pincushions I saw online. I played and played and finally came up with a rough idea of how to.

Here are my results.

I had just cleaned out my daughters closet (well, SHE cleaned it out and then I went through her cleaning and dug up this nifty colorful sweater) and thought I'd try it out. I'm pretty happy with the results and am thinking I'll make some up and give as Christmas gifts next year or throughout the year as the need arises.

Moving on...

Man are my abs sore today from a little 10 minute ab routine I found on tv. No crunches involved which is good since I can't seem to do those right and thus...no results. Today, however the pain in my gut is testimony to the effectiveness of this little routine. Yippee!

She's baaaack!

2007-01-19T22:49:00.000-01:00

Boy it's been a long time since I've posted here. I basically set up this blog and then waltzed away from it for...oh, it looks like 6+ months! Well now I'm back. It's a new year and a time for new beginnings. Not resolutions mind you...those only fail. Just a time for a fresh start...new habits, new ideas, new adventures.

My first new adventure is a return to a more health conscious lifestyle. John and I are attempting to lose some weight. 10lbs a month is our goal and thus far I'm at 5lbs down! Whoohooo!

This is my favorite way to exercise currently. I used this video and others in her series to lose nearly 30lbs last year. It seems too simple and almost weird to think that you would "walk" and not be outside (or on a treadmill), but I'm telling you...try it! It's a good work out and low impact to boot.

Walk Away The Pounds by Leslie Sansone

10,000 steps a day keeps all sorts of diseases away!

So 5lbs in 2 weeks...sounds good, right? Well, hubby is down 15lbs! Men! It just doesn't seem fair, ya know?

Well, plan on seeing more of me (or if all goes as planned LESS of me) in the future

Sewing "Studio"

2006-07-16T21:43:00.000-01:00

Since I started quilting, I've wanted my own space to sew in. Right now I'm relegated to a little cubby on one side of our long and narrow basement....but...change it is a comin'!

Last week John told me he'd help me clear out the exercise room (really more a dump all room since we don't use the exercise equipment in there!) (blush) and that I could do whatever I want with it and make it my very own sewing "studio" (I'm not sure what criteria a space needs to meet in order to be called a studio rather than a room or nook, but I like the sound of it and so...it's going to be my STUDIO. :-))

Here's what it looked like after all the boxes and what-not was cleared out. (no comment on the "locker room blue" paint...it looked more periwinkle in the store...seriously!)

And now...here's my new color scheme with key lime green. The color isn't quite "true" on my computer, but I hope it is on yours...it's very "icy" and color reflective (thanks for the tip Kathy!)

Big difference, huh? I plan to cover all of the wires and sump pump and all the yucky stuff up with fabric/curtains/sheers along the wall. Fortunately they're all pretty much on the same wall and should be easy to camouflage.

What to do about that floor? It's too uneven to paint and embellish, so I might just have to use throw rugs...hmmmmm....thinking, thinking....

Beautiful Music

2006-07-16T21:33:00.000-01:00

My next crooked quilt is not quite finished yet. I still have to find the "right" border fabrics. I'd like to do a smaller border in red, but alas....I made the mistake of buying too little of the red fabric I used in the quilt and have yet to find a match for that precise shade. Who knew there were so many colors of red?! And then I'll add a broader dark brown outer border...again...WHEN I find the right fabric.

I chose the center fabrics with the instruments on them mostly because of my musical family. With two guitar players, a cellist/pianist and all of them vocalists/composers, you can imagine that we have melodic and harmonic tones filling corners of our home at pretty much every minute of every day. Up until now, my contribution has been as number-one-fan (and "roadie" of course!). Now I can join in the "song". I don't have a name for this one yet. How about, "And the Band Played On"?

Quilts in Motion

2006-07-16T21:24:00.000-01:00

I've really been enjoying this new piecing technique I learned from a library book "Crooked Cabins" by Pat Sloan . It's very freeing for the geometrically challenged like myself. There's little that can bring me closer to using "bad words" than mis-matched points or corners DESPITE measuring and re-measuring before I cut my fabric!

My first quilt I did about a month ago and was all scraps I had on hand (well, mostly...I did buy some of the blacks). I call it "Movin' and Groovin" (thanks Jodes).