Christopher Counting

I love to make story book quilts for my grandchildren. They are not expert by any means but all my love goes into them. I pick a book I think they can relate to such as "The Hungry Caterpillar" or "Runaway Bunny" and just let the story speak to me.

My latest project is "Christopher Counting" in honor of our newest grandchild Christopher.

This promises to be a very fun quilt. I mean, just look at the main character. I don't think I can go wrong here!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Presents have been opened and enjoyed. The smells of bacon and cinnamon rolls fill the air (hmm...maybe a hint of Bella and her chicken flavored treats)

The table is set, our hearts are prepared for a full day of Christmas.

"The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Emmanuel (which means 'God is with us')

Merry Christmas!

"I'm Soooo Excited!"

"And I just can't hide it..."

Baking is done, presents are hidden and may I say "boobytrapped" in case someone tries to find their gift? Everything is lit up with white lights. I would light up our dog but I'm afraid she would bite me ;-)

I know there are wars and rumors of wars. There is hunger everywhere. If you know me well, then you know I have given to every cause imaginable. My goal for 2011 is to give more. I encourage you to do the same. No...not money, but a gift of yourself. Read with a child, spend time with a senior citizen, donate time or money to Meals on Wheels...you get the idea.

Fill in the blanks and let me know how you are giving back in 2011.

"National Re-gifting Day"

Bring it all out of the closets dear friends. Our day has arrived. It is "National Re-gifting Day".

Oh I hear you. You would never re-gift that scarf you've never worn. Or how about that candle pack that probably wouldn't burn now even with a blow torch.

You can open this present anytime you want. I used the prettiest paper I could find. Hallmark has an amazing selection of really great paper and matching tissue paper. I even went all out and bought their tape for your present because, even though I think the Dollar Store is great their tape makes me swear. I really don't want to swear during Advent and certainly not while I am re-gifting this beautiful gift.

So here goes. Settle back. Do you have something yummy to drink? Can you hear the Christmas music playing in the background? I hope your house lights are dimmed and you only see the soft lights of Christmas.

Ready? Open:

For a child is born to us,

a son is given to us.

The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called:

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God.

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Please enjoy this gift of Life.

Apathy

I keep hearing of one or another just "not caring" anymore.

Just look at this beautiful snowflake. God cared to make it.

I must admit. Sometimes I just don't care. It hurts too much to care.

It takes too much effort to care.

Why should I care?

I've been wrestling with these thoughts recently in the face of families facing such hard times. Where is God when our hearts are being torn apart?

Just look at the most intricate pattern of the snowflake above and you'll realize (I hope) that God cares about every aspect of every crystal. And yes, he cares for us.

New Directions

We are sending out one of our own tomorrow. Jordan will be ordained and sent out by our church to be the Pastor of the Young Adult Ministry at a church in San Francisco. God's hand is securely placed on his shoulders. He has a firm grasp of the Gospel, never wavering from the truth of God's Word. Yet tonight I am sad. I'm not ready to see them go.

I stopped into their house for their "yard sale" today. They were giving away their possessions. Jenn and Jordan truly know what it means to give up everything to follow Jesus.

After leaving their "sale" I visited my friend's craft faire at a local community center. Just look at the beautiful piece of jewelry pictured above. Kim donates all her proceeds to ministries that benefit children. I bought a beautiful pendant necklace for a mere $10 price tag today. This month her proceeds go to Smile Train, a ministry that provides surgery for cleft lip, cleft palate patients.

If you would like more information on Kim's jewelry designs I'd be happy to give you her contact information.

Turbulence

So, I selfishly sat here waiting for my beautiful Jenny to update my background while all the while my dear friends were enduring such turbulence in their lives. I have a dear one unable to breathe comfortably. Another friend is facing heart problems.

Now let me tell you of a friend who can't even seem to face life. She has been through many "programs". She is a believer but feels alone many times in her walk. My own Mama is alone (except for my brief visits and her friends from Meals on Wheels)

I could go on. There are the homeless outside Safeway. The ones who are in the "Donut Hole" and can't afford their meds...

All this to say, I don't need an updated blog background. All I need is to keep in touch with everyone around me and pray for them

New Background

This is a "not so subtle" hint that my ever so talented, overly busy, very talented daughter just might want to update my background for the holiday season. Oh, no pressure dear one. It's just that I want to brag about you. I dearly love your blogs www.vintagemommy.com and www.fourhappyhearts.com but you see...I'm not nearly as talented as you are with all the pretty stuff. Oh don't you worry about me though. I'll just sit here in my boring little corner.

A Thanksgiving Tale:

We were all gathered at the ranch for Thanksgiving. The scents and sounds of a family gathering hung in the air. Grandpa Gordie asked us to gather round to pray for God's blessing, remembering all those who have yet to be gathered to the fold. We sat down to a feast. When I say a feast , I mean a feast. The sounds of everyone chewing and talking and laughing were more than a heart could contain.

And then our dear Lily climbed under the big table to tell Mama she was finished and received a deep splinter from the wood floor. She cried, she wailed, she panicked. We carried her from the kitchen to a comfy room and decided that the splinter needed to be removed. By this time Lily was into a big pain panic. Mama held her as I went for a sterilized needle. I poked, and stroked and prodded that offender out. Finally amidst cries of "No please, no tweezers!" the offender was removed. Papa Al arrived and scooped up the patient in his arms and rocked her to sleep. They slept for an hour on the couch. Papa soothing Lily and Lily soothing Papa as he has had a very hard work week.

At the end, all was forgiven. We had pie.

Thank you Jesus for Thanksgiving.

Balance Beam

When I was in High School we had to endure 6 weeks of each of the Physical Education rotations. One of my least favorites was Gymnastics. We had to perform on the trampoline, the mats and then the balance beam. I could fake my way through much of it but the balance beam was my nemesis. I lack balance in life...always have. I walk into walls, fall off of ladders, trip over my own feet (cast at 7 years old)

And so now, at 57 years of age I find myself knocked out with all the pain and suffering around me. My friends are in pain and dying. Children are going to sleep cold and hungry. I long for an answer and ask God "How can I make a difference?"

If this is your prayer please join with me. If you have a solution, please share.

Light Up The Sky

Right from the start, this is just a computer image of the most amazing sight Tyler and I shared this afternoon.

We were leaving Grocery Outlet and Ty said "Look at that rainbow Mom". This was no ordinary rainbow. The arc was huge and the colors were so bright. As we were driving down Main Street he kept telling me how amazing the rainbow was. All of a sudden he said "Turn right here!" We drove down to the lake and the rainbow seemed to be on fire. I have never in my life seen anything so beautiful. Many cars drove up at the same time. We all got out and marveled at the beauty of this display of color appearing to just dip into the lake.

When I got back into the car this song by The Afters was playing:

Light, light, light up the sky...Light up the sky to show me You are with me.

Thank You Lord for your wondrous reminder that you are with us.

Mug Rug For a Friend

Oh just look at this little cutie. The cold weather is now here to stay so I thought what better way to thank a friend than to whip up a cute little mug rug.

Last week I put out an SOS on Facebook because I was missing the one size crochet hook to finish a baby gift. I mean, I had every other size than the one called for.

Karen came to the rescue with several around the size called for just in case the gauge was off.

Now, I'm one of those knitters/crocheters who doesn't do a swatch and then kicks myself later on because that adorable little baby hat turns out to be for Big Foot's baby!

Lucky for me with this project gauge doesn't really matter. It is approximately the size the pattern said it should be.
Ahh...I think I'll make some tea.

Alas and Did My Machine Break

I'm one of those really strange people that just love the back of the pattern envelope. I get really excited at the fabric suggestions and the list of notions needed to complete the project. I can just hear you all snickering now "weirdo".

I love the smell of bolts of fabric, the excitement of starting a new project and the feel of the tissue paper pattern as I pin it onto a new creation.

So...You can imagine my dismay as my machine slowly broke down in the process of making doll clothes for Grace and Lily's American Girl dolls. This is their 5th birthday and I wanted everything to work out just so. My friend Lynn donated all the fabulous buttons and trims to make these outfits spectacular. A knotted thread here + A broken needle there + A bobbin that refused to cooperate = MELTDOWN for Nana.

B R E A T H E --- Everything's gonna be alright.

Not what I planned, but alright.

Five Years

This journey started five years ago.

My sweet Nana went to be with Jesus in December. Before she passed her nurse and I sang "Jesus Loves Me" to her. Al and I prayed with her. She wanted to make sure I was Italian before she left. I guess that is some sort of prerequisite to Heaven.

Six months later Uncle Bill went to join his Mom. Patty and I prayed with him as he lay dying from cancer.

Then, our dear friend Dorothy left this earth. She left in much pain and I don't know of her condition with Jesus. She always proclaimed much faith. I will trust God.

Sweet Daddy left us shortly afterward. He knew his Jesus was waiting for him. As he lay in his bed in the nursing home he looked up and said "He is coming for me!"

And now my sweet friend Jeannie is with her Father in Heaven.

Five years, wow. If we were Hallmark givers we would give wood or silverware gifts for the five year anniversary. I think I will set my table with my Mom's silverware tomorrow night to commemorate all my sweet loved ones who have lost their battle here on earth but have gained Heaven's Glory.

The picture above is of the Silver Bells. Rejoice!

Jeannie

Our beloved friend, mama, granny, pastor's wife...

went to be with Jesus this afternoon. We will all miss her.

I can't imagine a world without her sweet spirit. God has divinely chosen to take her. Thank you Jesus for ending her suffering.

Endless love to you Starks family.

Sweet Stuff

I redeemed my Hallmark points today and bought the movie "A Dog Named Christmas".

Oh My....They should have included a package of kleenex with it.

If you haven't seen it, find it. Rent it, buy it, borrow it...you can borrow mine :-)

Wren Bay

I just finished the most beautiful, enchanting book. You simply must read it. I will loan you my copy if you would like, but it is worth adding to your collection to read over and over again.

Every page is a delight. As you read about young bride Wren's life I'm sure you will travel back in time and feel part of her story. Wren even shares her own recipes which sound so yummy.

The author Clarice Fox-Hughes is a delight. I sent her an email and I feel already that I have found a new friend.

S T R E T C H I N G

No, This isn't a yoga post. No, it's not a nutrition post.

It is a post about being incredibly human and unkowing.

I had the extreme privilege this morning of ministering to a family that I love dearly.

They have just suffered a very deep loss.

Upon entering their home you would never sense a loss. A toddler runs through the house with all the curly haired excitement that only an 18 month old can generate. There are signs everywhere of family life. The smell of maple syrup in the air. The random toys left in the midst of some great adventure. Yet Daddy tries to gather everything up in one fell swoop and make it right. (By the way Great Job Daddy)

So, I set myself to the task at hand. Feed Mommy, do laundry, clean the kitchen. But, as I start to straighten the living room I start to weep. There are signs of an ongoing, thriving, loving family life here. There are cars and broken branches, scattered crumbs, mail that lies on the floor...

Scene two...Mommy asks me for a meal. I don't know her kitchen. I don't even know how to make the malt-o-meal she is requesting. So I utter a prayer, right OUT LOUD, Please Lord help me bless this family.

Don't be afraid to cry right out loud for all to hear:

"Lord help me bless this dear one!"

Scene Three: My friend is very gracious and says everything was perfect and delicious. Kitchen is clean. Nothing is put back where they can find it. I leave and my precious friend sleeps and heals.

Thank you Jesus.

Come Thou Fount...

Everyone loves Fall for a different reason. One of my reasons, really~~ honestly just one of many, is the song "Come Thou Fount of Many Blessings".

I particularly love the phrase "Here I Raise My Ebenezer."

My stone of help and redemption and remembrance. As we enter our season of harvest, raise your stone of Ebenezer; whatever it may be. Feel free to take a rock from your garden, the lake, the craft store and imprint it with the word Ebenezer as you pray to the Lord of our harvest.

Alarm Clock

Most people require alarm clocks. I'm not saying I don't but...I have this inner alarm clock that tells me GET UP!

This clock is the TV show " Gilmore Girls". It is on every morning and as many times as I have seen every stinking episode, I just have to get up and watch it! Al gave me a couple of seasons on DVD but there is something about running for your second cup of coffee while Lorelai and Rory work out their current dilemma.

My friends Mary and Shelly understand this "problem" and gladly support me in my "need".

Ahh...there is nothing like a good friend and an obscure TV show to get you through life!

You Are My Sunshine

I have raised my children on all kinds of music. Folk music mostly but they have had their share of happy tunes that let them know...Well let them know they were indeed my sunshine.

I was watching a Lawrence Welk special tonight (yes, I AM that old) and someone was singing my childrens' song.

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

you make me happy when skies are gray.

You'll never know dear, how much I love you.

Please don't take my sunshine away"

Fibromyalgia

I know I have talked about this here before because I had to refresh the images.
These are all the sore spots we as Fibromyalgia Sufferers feel all the time. Looks rather benign to put on a chart but add that to fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting and lack of sleep you might begin to see what we are up against.
OK now lets add lack of concentration, irritability because of the lack of concentration. Then let's add in an unhealty dose of paranoia because "it's not a real condition". Now we can talk about researching this as a viable health course in the local college. Please. I know there will be someone who will write this up as a grant for further study. Until then....thank you to all who have gone before us.

That's Good Stuff

Picture me with mouth full trying to say "that's good stuff".

I know, it's not a pretty picture but work with me here.

This bread is so good and so easy. Not as easy as the 5 minute artisan bread but still a semi "no brainer". This really helps me at this stage of life because the brain cells are sloughing off faster than the fat cells.

I think I could get used to making this ~~ very often. Hello fat cells.

Buy Local

Patty is here for the weekend.
We went to many of my favorite shops today so she could get a taste of life in Lake County.

One of our stops was Perlz. I buy almost all of my yarn here.

Anat and Joe have a sign on the front door of their shop. "Buy Local or Bye Local" They know how much I support this movement. When Patty went to check out and her yarn purchase qualified for a stamp on a frequent shopper card, Anat didn't even blink. She pulled out my card and gave me credit for Patty's yarn purchase!

Yes, Friends...Buy local. Not for the store credit but to support our local economy. Sure, it's easy to go online and order whatever we need but there is something about shopping locally and supporting our community that makes the shopping experience meaningful. And please...don't ask for a bag. Bring your own or lug your purchases out. Buy big...Bring a wagon!

Letters to God

Oh my, cheezy movie---yes.

Worth renting yes.

So many questions to ask God. Only one answer.

Sock Monkey

I recently crocheted a sock monkey hat. I can't take a picture because I can't find the camera

or the cord to transfer it. On the list...ask Ty for the camera. Anyway, the hat turned

out sooo cute. I still can't get the hang of guage so I'm not sure who this hat would fit. It's very cute though.

It is a pattern from "The Happy Hooker". This is a must read for all who crochet. Very cute projects and easy to follow directions.

Nostalgia

I'm feeling quite nostalgic today. It all started about two weeks ago when my aunt injured herself while trying to open a window. Since then, she has been having a myriad of troubling symptoms and she just doesn't seem to be herself.

We started talking about the days gone by and the conversation led us to Grandma Plyer, the best grandma God ever made. Go ahead and argue with me. We're all right when it comes to Grandmas!

Grandma had quite the selection of books and encouraged us to read all of them ~~ all the time. Some of my favorites were Golden Books and Ding Dong School books. I still get misty eyed looking at these covers. Do you have a favorite childhood book? What memories do you have of Grandma?

The Last Song

Go ahead, call me sappy. That's ok with me. I spent the day sewing a quilted table

runner, baking, taking care of family things and then topped it off with watching this movie.

Yeah, it's simple and sappy but I loved it.

I'm thinking that with all that comes to us teaching us to return hurt for hurt, we can do with

a little love and forgiveness to carry us through another day.

I'm just sayin.

What the **** Is This?

Ahh...Our journey. Today's lunch from Meals on Wheels was Gaspacho, 1/2 sandwich, fruit and dessert.

Mom said "What the **** is this?" Cold soup? Why, yes Mom, It is meant to be cold.

Needless to say she didn't eat it. That's ok though. Meals on Wheels brings really tasty, nutritious meals every day and they arrive via a very sweet, dedicated volunteer.

This is a very "s t r e t c h i n g" journey, for both Mom and I.

I am so thankful for the many people who minister to the homebound. I'm just scratching the surface of all the services our county provides. We live in a fantastic community.

Support them when you can. Pray for them always.

The Stuff of Life

So, this my friends is the stuff of life. My recent
internet search has brought me to a medical alert system

for Mom called Lifeline.
Not a snazzy dress I can wear, not an up to date gadget I can cut onions

with. No, this is what we like to call peace of mind. Yes, this will give Mom

security and freedom in her own home.

It comes with step by step directions anyone can utilize. Wish me luck!

Easy Makeovers

I just found this great book at the library this week. It has so many (101) great ideas to makeover a room or part of a room or...if you're like me just a shelf or two.

Look for it at your local library. Just not the Lakeport library because I have the only copy. I promise to return it soon so you can be inspired too!

Ouch! I've Been Bitten and I Can't Get Up

It happens every six months or so. I get bitten by the redecorating bug.

This time it's my windows. Now listen, I'm not ungrateful or discontented. I love our home and really love taking care of it and fixing it up. There are those times though that I look around and think "yuck, what was I thinking?"

Then I start looking (coveting) at all your fabulous decorating ideas and the itch gets worse.

I'm talking windows this time. We have very old, ugly aluminum windows which I try to disguise. I'm sure I should just embrace them and go with the flow but I'm not feeling very flowy at this point.

Hey, who out there has some really great ideas for inexpensive window treatments that just scream Home Sweet Home (maybe with a shabby chic twist?)

Home Again

No, this is not the house Mom and Lois live in now ~~ but it might as well be.

They have just moved into the most darling house. It's a three bedroom, two bath

little house of a dream. They are used to living in managed care facilities, so when their dinner

was on the table just waiting for them tonight, they sat in their living room chairs waiting to be called to the table.

They made up for lost time by eating bbq chicken, scalloped potatoes and salad. I didn't serve dessert which is Mom's favorite food group, but I'll get into the swing of things soon enough.

Grilled Butterflied Chicken

We tried a new recipe last night. I had the butcher butterfly a

chicken and then we grilled it. What you don't see is the dish we weighted the

chicken down with so it would cook evenly. Oh boy, was it ever

moist and delicious. Try it sometime ~~ you'll be glad you did.

The Young Victoria

A beautiful movie. Watch at least twice, best 3 times to capture all

the language and beautiful scenery.

Easy Pleasy

I never advertise products but I have found something that makes cleaning "easy".

Pledge Multi Surface cleaner makes my life much easier. I just spray and wipe whatever I

am cleaning. I like to go around the perimeter of the room and not have to "switch gears" if you know what I mean. Yes, some might call me lazy. I prefer to be labeled as a "Cleaning Engineer" knowing I can use my time efficiently.

You will not achieve your highest shine that comes from wax, but your surfaces (all of them) will be clean and free of dust. What more can a girl ask??

Try it. Better yet...Go online and look for a coupon.

That-a-girl!

Go Forth and Clean :-)

Amish Grace

Have you seen this movie? You must. Then forgive someone or accept
their forgiveness.

Passion

We always think we can't go another minute, or to be honest another second

with the present trial that has come our way. I've been spending much time over this idea, especially in the light of The Resurrection.

"He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood" Luke 22:44 NLT

Enough Said.

Sewing with Grandma

I do all my sewing on my Grandma's Singer sewing machine. From time to time it needs some TLC. This process can't be rushed. I have to s l o w down and try to diagnose why it is acting up. It might be dust, a caught piece of thread or something as silly as an aversion to the type of thread I've chosen. This machine is very picky. I'm just not ready to turn it in for a newer model. I prefer to be patient, kind and longsuffering. Hmm...sounds like great advice doesn't it?

Lent

Many people give something "up" for Lent. I'm suggesting that we truly GIVE something to "fill up". Christ gave us so much. We can give back in so many ways. I challenge you to fill this basket up for Him. Go ahead, deny yourself in just one little way and fill up this basket. Give love or forgiveness to someone. Send that note to a loved one. Visit that friend that needs your touch. Cut a lawn, babysit a child, make a meal, fill a gas tank, pay a bill...

Fill Up!

National Pancake Day

In honor of "National Pancake Day" I made pancakes, sausage and fruit salad for dinner tonight. I used Tyler Florence's Ricotta Pancake recipe, browned some maple sausage and made a fresh fruit cup to go with our meal.

Even Bella loved it!

Girls Just Wanna Have ...Fun??

Hi Susan~~~thanks for inviting me. Can I go out and visit the "girls"?

They are my true reason for visiting.

Sure, I love my friend. She has so many fantastic ideas for budget friendly meals, freezer meals, quilting, saving...But I love to visit "the girls"

They provide me with the best eggs we have ever had. I love to interact with them. I secretly pretend I can converse with them. Maybe it's not such a secret because Susan said "I've never heard them make that noise before." They were telling me something I'll just have to look up in the Hen Dictionary. It probably translates into something like:

"Oh that darn rooster is soo getting on my nerves"

Just look at these girls just getting along and scratching out the day's news.

"Hey, Henrietta did you see how Sunglow is just strutting her stuff?"

Hens and human Chicks....somethings never change!