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Tuesday, July 31, 2007

A Bit Better Today

Today is a bit better than the past few days have been. Baby still hasn't returned, but I have a renewed hope today that she will eventually come back to us. I called the Animal Control and gave her description. They said that no one fitting that description has been picked up by them, dead or alive. That gave a bit of a sense of relief. I then visite the local Animal Shelter's website, where they post pics of lost and found pets. Baby was not there, either. I, along with Hubby, really believe she's being held "hostage" by someone who's not aware that she already has a home and a family that loves her. I am very thankful for all of you who have written to me with encouraging words and thoughts and prayers you've offered up for me and Baby. Reading all the comments has REALLY helped me not to totally fall apart in the last 6 days. I have tried to return the comments to each one of you personally, but if I've missed anyone, please know that I am truly grateful for each of you who've written.
I got a note from Cheryl at Artsy-Fartsy about "break-away" collars for pets. So this morning I went to WalMart and bought 4 collars. The boys don't seem to mind theirs at all, but Lucy Momma and Cali-girl both had a fit when I put their on. Especially Cali. She's always been so frightend of every little thing. I don't know why. We try to show her love and kindness the same as we do the other cats, but she's always been very standoff-ish. She's gotten to where she likes to come in the house now, but runs and hides under the sofa or a table in the corner. She'll roll over and let us pet her, but she DOES NOT want to be picked up and held, AT ALL. And she's so beautiful, that you just are compelled to pick her up and hug on her. But I guess that's just her personality. The other cats are all "in your face" when they want attention.
Well, this post is the last one for this month, and that means that I have posted at least something every single day for one whole month. I started my blog in May, and did two posts that month. In June I had nineteen. Now in July, I think I already had thirty-one, but that was because I posted twice in one day, I think the last time Baby ran away and came home in the same day. I've made a lot of new "friends" in bloggerland since I've been doing this. It's been a lot of fun and I hope to continue blogging and continue making more friends and becoming better acquainted with the current blogger friends.
Wow, this is turning out to be a much longer post than I had originally intended, but that's okay. My ramblings may bore other people, but they are therapeutic for me. But I will close now, as I have much work to be done before hosting the bridal shower this weekend! So gotta get crackin'! TTNT :)

Monday, July 30, 2007

Time Passages

Five days, and still no Baby. I am beginning to lose hope. It's getting a little easier, but the waves of sadness still come without warning and without control. Time passes quickly though and hopefully this intense pain and sadness will too.
Tomorrow my human "baby" starts driver's training. She's already sixteen years old and quite the young lady. Time really does pass quickly. It's seems like almost yesterday that she used to crawl up in my lap at church after I finished with the music part of the service and would go to sleep in my arms. She was my little "puddie-wat" back then. We've always called Baby "puddie-wat" too, as a nickname. I miss the times of my baby girl being so little and precious and I miss my Baby being so little and precious to me now. (Tears are coming right now, as one of those "waves" is overtaking me for the moment.) Okay, now, it's passing, thankfully.
Today I finished up the stuff for the Tussie Mussie Goody Swap. All I have left to do is package everything up and put it in the mail. I hope Tonia won't be too disappointed with her package. After she has received it, I will post pics and tell everything that's in it. But can't do that right now, 'cause I know she "peeks" at my blog. Well, I think she might not be so disappointed...I think I'd like to receive all the stuff that's in it, so hopefully she will too.
Okay, so now I only have one more post to do tomorrow and I will have blogged every single day for a whole month. I begun journaling several times and never made it past two or three days at the most, before losing interest, but blogging is so much fun and I can't wait to get here every day. So, that's about it for today, but I will definately be here again tomorrow!

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Ramblings

Well, today I guess will be another nonsensical rambling about how I don't have anything to write about. Because I don't. Unless I just whine some more about Baby still not returning, and even I'm getting a little tired of that. So, I will say that I've been working on goodies for the Tussie Mussie Goody Swap. I finished the tussie itself, and will now work on making some goodies to go along with it. I'm not really happy with the way the tussie came out - not used to making them as large as the requirements for this swap. (Sorry, Tonia, I hope you'll still like it.)Anyhow, I gave it my best shot. (As I'm writing this, Baby's momma and one of her brothers are in here with me and they are boxing each other. I love to watch how they all interact with each other. I've never raised a "family" of any kind of animals together, always had "singles" in the past. But they are so fun to watch them as they play together and love on each other. They are a lot of entertainment to us.)
Back to the tussie mussie. I can't say too much about it right now, because I know Tonia will be peeking (no peeking, T, can't stand for no peekin' - who knows where that comes from - ever watch Little House On The Prairie?) But I hope that she will like the goodies that I put in the tussie, even if she doesn't like the tussie itself. So I'd better stop talking about it now, or I might let out too many details and give away the surprise!
So that's going to be about it for today. I hope tomorrow will be a better day.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Read It Or Don't - I Don't Care!

Wish I could just start writing about how wonderful everything is, but it's just not. Baby still hasn't come home and today I found out that there have been coyotes in our neighborhood in the past week. And I'm still in my "funk". So, I'm not going to write a big long post, I just needed to put something down so that I can keep writing every day, even if it's just a few lines. I talked to my friend Esther on IM today and she is such a great friend, that she just listened to me whine and offered comfort and understanding. She talked about a lot of different subjects, I think partly to distract my mind from my troubles. I'm very grateful, because it really did help me for a while. I'm trying to hold out hope that my Baby will return safe and sound. I know that many a cat has left home for long periods of time, and then return to their home out of the blue. I truly hope that will be the case with Baby. I know if you're reading this and not an animal lover, you will think I'm just a looney toon being stupid over the loss of an animal. But pets, cats in particular, have a very special significance for me that stems from my childhood. It's not a rational thing, I know that. But I can't help how I feel. I'm not writing this for any readers, I'm writing for my own self today. And I don't care if anyone reads it or not. It's just something I've got to do. So here it is. Take it or leave it, read it or don't. Today I don't care.

Friday, July 27, 2007

In A Funk Friday

Well, here it is Friday again already. Today I'm in a funk - actually I'm just plain bummed. My "Baby" kitty is gone again. She took off night before last and hasn't shown her little puddin self since. When she, or any of the cats, are not home, I worry constantly until they are all back safe and sound. If you read my post about them back a few weeks ago, you'll remember why I'm so obsessed with all these cats, especially Baby. So I didn't sleep much last night and when I did sleep, I dreamed she was back home. But when the sun came up and I went out to check, she still isn't anywhere in sight. Hubby says because she's so friendly to humans, that she's probably inside someone's house somewhere, and when she gets a chance to get loose, she'll come home. I so hope that's the case. I really don't have time to sit around and worry about her, but I don't feel like doing anything else either. Partly, that's because I am running on about three hours sleep. You know how when you don't get enough sleep you get like that "pit" feeling in your stomach, and your eyes don't want to stay open. This is how I used to feel when we operated a Fireworks stand for the church. I would usually volunteer to do the overnight shifts and when you go four days with a combined sleep total of about 12 hours, you get "in a funk" both physically and mentally.
Well, I guess I should close. I don't want to sit here all day and whine. I hate whiners and today I am one!

Thursday, July 26, 2007

It's Comin' Together

Okay, so today I finished making the tussie mussie favors for the shower. I still have to add the bath salts, but that will only take a few minutes. I also made the centerpieces for the tables. Here's a pic of four of them. There will be a fifth, as soon as the dress comes from Ebay.
Each table will seat four people and will have a periwinkle undercloth covered by white lace. The tea sets will be different at each table, as well. I will try to use mostly blue sets.So these are the Barbie-sized dress mannequins that I found at the 99 Cent Store. I had hubby drill holes in the tops, then I spray-painted them white. I got all the dresses from Ebay for just a dollar or two each. I got the flowers on sale at Michael's, so each centerpiece cost around $5. Not a bad deal when you consider that I saw just the form with wedding dress at Farr's Stationary for $35. So I can use these pretty much for any bridal occassion, just change the flower and ribbon color. I could even just leave the white roses and change only the filler flower color.
All in all, I'm pretty proud of myself. I think I made something very nice, for an even nicer price! So, there you have it - my creations for today!

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Tussie Mussie Favors

Here's a couple of pics of the tussie mussie favors I'm making for the bridal shower next week. They will be filled with homemade bath salts, and accompanied by the little fur-trimmed baskets I made last week. The baskets will hold handmade soap petals, plus a little container of lip balm. I still have 10 more of these little suckers to make, and I have to tell you, I'm tired of getting the crap burned out of my fingers from the hot glue gun. I'm usually pretty handy with it, and don't get burned, but these are tiny and the glue keeps getting all over my fingers. Of course, I did these the hard way. I used party horns that were baby print on the outside, and re-covered them with this paper that is in the wedding color.

What I did that was stupid, was I took the horn completely apart and glued the paper onto a flat surface. Then I had to use the hot glue gun to glue it back into the cone shape. Why didn't I just glue the paper on the cone to begin with? Well, I think it must be that moron factor kickin' in again. So I've done 10 the hard way; when I do the next 10 I'll try to use a little more brain matter instead of burning the crap out of my fingers some more.
And after all this, these better turn out the way I have planned, or I will be just a little more than upset! :)

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Doin' Stuff Today

Today I went to my friend Becky's house to help her with some planning for her boutique on Aug. 11th. I bought a cute little white cutwork apron from her. I'll wear it for my tea parties. My other battenburg apron is pretty, but the straps always fall down and drive me crazy, so I think this one will work better.
As I was leaving Becky's house, her neighbor had put two wicker tables out my his trash with a sign that said Free. One of the tables was in bad shape - the wicker on the top was all broken and partly missing, but the other one was in decent shape. The top is a little "lumpy" and the whole thing needs to be painted, but it is structurally in good shape. So I nabbed it! It's still sitting in the back seat of my van, though, so I don't have a pic to share right now.
When I came home, I worked on the party favors for the bridal shower. I finished glueing the maribou on all the little baskets, then cut out the paper that's going to cover the tussie mussie bath salt holders. I also worked on making some stuff for my swap partner in the Tussie Mussie Goody Swap. I can't say what it is right now, 'cause if Tonia reads my post, then she would find out what I'm makin' for her.
I think that's about all I have to ramble on about today. It's getting kind of late for me, since I've been awake since before 5 a.m. today and didn't get a nap this afternoon. I just love naps, but I always seem to want to have one about the time it's time to make dinner.
O, and Jean Knee "stole" the nerd test from me and a bunch of people took it. We found out that many of us are not really nerds at all, but Jean Knee and I found out that there may be a fate worse than nerdiness...being Morons! We can't figure out how to control the picture factor on our blogs and make the pics go where we want them instead of being controled by blogger. Maybe if we were computer "nerds" we wouldn't be such morons who can't figure out how to do stuff.
So, that's going to be a wrap for tonight. Stayed tuned for more amazing but trivial little tidbits!

Monday, July 23, 2007

My Desk

So this is a little shot of my desk all set up in my new room. It's the only thing I've gotten organized so far. I have gone thru most of my boxes and gotten rid of a LOT of stuff, and now I have stacks of books sitting in the floor waiting for my bookcase to be moved inside. Then I'm getting a chair and a table with a reading lamp to put in the corner next to the bookcase. I'll re-cover a nifty little footstool I got at an estate sale, and put it in front of the chair, so when I want to just sit and reaad, I can put my feet up and become a "chair" potato.

I think I'm about organized enough to get started on finishing up stuff for the bridal shower. I have an old computer desk that will be my "work" station for crafts and sewing. That way, hopefully, I can keep my desk all neat and pretty, and make my messes on the craft desk.
Well, I guess that's about all I have for today. Unless something strikes my fancy to write about later, that is. Not very likely, though. So, until tomorrow, :)

Sunday, July 22, 2007

In Memory Of!

This was an email forwarded to me. I thought it was worth keeping, as well as passing it on to others.

Subject: In Memory of!! Please Read!
Body: Its sad because there are actually some kids who have to feel this way.

Her hair was up in a pony tail,her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,and she couldn't wait to go.
But her mommy tried to tell her,that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,if she went to school alone.
But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates of why he wasn't there today.
But still her mother worried,for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,she tried to keep her daughter home.
But the little girl went to school eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees; a dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats
One by one the teacher called a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed.
At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching, for a man who wasn't there.
"Where's her daddy at?" she heard a boy call out.
"She probably doesn't have one," another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say,
"Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day."
The words did not offend her, as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher, who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique.
"My Daddy couldn't be here, because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be, since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so.
He loved to tell me stories he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses, and taught me to fly a kite.
We used to share fudge sundaes, and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him, I'm not standing here alone.
"Cause my daddy's always with me, even though we are apart
I know because he told me, he'll forever be in my heart"
With that, her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her, doing what was right.
And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud.
"I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here, but heaven's just too far
You see he was a firefighter and died just this past year
When airplanes hit the towers and taught Americans to fear.
But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away."
And then she closed her eyes, and she saw him there that day.
And to her mothers amazement, she witnessed with surprise
A room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes.
Who knows what they saw before them, who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side.
"I know you're with me Daddy," to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her, was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.
And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them,
a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.

REPOST THIS to SHOW APPRECIATION for the people you'll never forget.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Just "Stuff" Today

Not too much going on today. Had our monthly Women's Fellowship this morning at church. Kind of a light turnout, but the food and fellowship and the Word were all excellent, as always. A new lady came and she brought the most sinfully-awesome pies! One was made from lemonade, cool whip, & sweetened condensed milk, all mixed up and put into a graham cracker crust. The other was a cream cheese-type with fresh strawberries on top. Both were Oh Sooooo Good! One of our ladies said, "We're keepin' her - she made us Gooooddd Stuff to eat!!
My friend, Becky, is having an Open House Boutique at her house on Aug. 11 to kick off her new "career" as an artist. Her artwork is so fabulous and all of her friends keep telling her she needs to get her name out there and let people know what she does. She doesn't think she's very good, but God has given her such a tremendous gift of being able to paint. So we've finally talked her into starting out with a boutique, and then move forward from there. From what I've seen on the Etsy Shops, I think she should pursue that as one avenue of selling her work. But she will have to decide that for herself.
When I got home this afternoon, I worked on cleaning/organizing my "room". I have most everyting put away now, except books and I can't do that until I get my bookcase moved in here. I even started bringing in some decorations and so it's starting to look pretty in here!
Got my swap partner for the Tussie Mussie Goody Swap. She is Tonia at http://thefamilyjewels.blogspot.com. I emailed her to ask her about her faves as far as color and style and such. I read her entire blog, but she lost her camera and so has no pics of any of her stuff. So I have to wait for her to write me back and let me know about her tastes, so then I can get started making her Tussie Mussie.
O, and I'm still having an invasion of the ants, only now they are coming INSIDE the house! Yesterday I woke up to a stream of ants from the back door all the way into the diningroom, via the kitchen sink, where hubby had left a knife with peanut butter that he didn't rinse off before laying it in the sink. So out came the ant spray, then had to scrub everywhere I'd sprayed with hot soapy water, and all before I had coffee. In fact, I had to do all that before I could even make the coffee. And at six o'clock in the morning, having a battle with ants, before coffee, is NOT something I want to do! Sooo, if any of you have any suggestions, please help!
Well, I guess that's about it for today. I keep thinking "I don't have anything to write about today," and then I end up writing a short novel. Again! So, deal with it! :-)

Friday, July 20, 2007

We Made It!

Hooray!! We made it into my new room with the desk and the computer. It was a relatively painless process, which was surprising since in order to get the desk in, we had to go down one step from the old office, then up a little step from the patio, then around to the front door, up two steps, plus a small step up into the house from the front porch, all of this with the desk (the size of an armoir) turned upside down onto a piano dolly! And, as I had stated in my earlier post of today, Hubby had said I might not have internet access until the new wireless card arrived in the mail. But here I am, back up and running, and loving my new "space". Even got a new keyboard, which I'm still getting used to. Things are not quite in the same places and when I go to reach for one key, I am ending up hitting something totally different! But I'm sure after using it for a little while I'll be used to everything. Now I have the ominous task of putting everything back in the desk and getting everything organized! :-( I'd rather just sit here and surf and blog all day. Much more fun, don't you think?!

Tussie Mussie Goody Swap


I'm am so excited today, because I just joined my first-ever swap. It's the Tussie Mussie Goody Swap being hosted by Maria at The Junk Drawer. I just love Tussie Mussies. They are so pretty and can hold pretty much anything you want to put inside them. They can be made from paper or metal or glass...whatever materials you like. I have a silver one that holds a bouquet of tiny roses and lays on a table in my livingroom. I a set of 6 in gold that are Christmas Tree ornaments. I'm getting ready to make some in white paper trimmed in periwinkle that will hold bath salts as favors for a wedding shower. So, do I sound excited about these little beauties? 'Cause I am!!!
Now I have to get ready to move the desk into my new room today. My computer will probably be down for at least the rest of the day, if not longer. Hubby says we have to put a wireless card in before I can have internet access. He has one from an old computer, but is not sure if it will work or not. It better, because I cannot have my computer in non-working condition. Do you hear me? I C-A-N-N-O-T!!!! be without my internet and my blog!!! Hopefully it will work out and be no problem. Let's keep our fingers crossed or B will be VERY unhappy!

Thursday, July 19, 2007

It's Time To Get Movin'

Since there's only a little over two weeks left until the wedding shower, I thought I'd better get the old rear in gear and get some work done on it. Here's a pic of the baskets I'm making for the favors.

Each basket will have a little bag of bath salts (homemade), a little bag of homemade soap petals, and a little pot of homemade lip balm. I still have to make all the stuff, and I have to get some more of the maribou to finish the baskets. But today, I'll be moving my furniture into my new office/craft/sewing room, and hopefully, I'll have time today to go to Michael's to get the rest of the stuff I need to finish up all the favors tomorrow.
Stay tuned for updates on the new room!

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

I Never Heard Creation Explained Like This Before

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth andpopulated the earth with Broccoli, cauliflower and Spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so man and woman would live long and healthy lives.
Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Creme Donuts. And Satan said, "You want chocolate with that?" And man said, "Yes!" and woman said, "and as long as you're at it, add some sprinkles." And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan smiled.
And God created the healthful Yogurt that woman might keep the figure that man found so fair.
And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane and combined them. And woman went from size 6 to size 14.
So God said, "Try my fresh green salad."
And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side. And man and woman unfastened their belts following the repast.
God then said, "I have sent you heart healthy vegetables, and olive oil in which to cook them."
And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed itw own platter. And man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof.
So God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named it "Angel Food Cake," and said, "It is good."
Satan then created chocolate cake and named it "Devil's Food."
God then brought forth running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds.
And Satan gve cable TV with a remote control so man would not have to toil changing the channels. And man and woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds.
Then God brought forthe the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition.
And Satan peeled of the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And man gained pounds.
God then gave lean beef so that man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite.
And Satan created McDonald's and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. then said, "You want fries with that?" And man replied, "Yes! And super size them!" And Satan said, "It is good."
And man went into Cardiac Arrest.
God sighed and created Quadruple Bypass Surgery.
Then Satan created HMO's.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

It Is Finished (The Painting, That Is)

Hooray!!! The painting of my new room is finished and the wallpaper is up. Went to Target this afternoon and got the curtain valance and got it up, too. My furniture isn't moved in yet, that probably won't come until at least Thursday, since tomorrow (Wednesday) Hubby will be preparing for Bible Study. After all my furniture is moved in, I will decorate. Then I'll post more pics of the completed room!

The color looks way more orange-y than it is. I think it may be the nighttime lighting. I'll take the next pics during the day so it will show the true color.

Monday, July 16, 2007

Before and Almost-After of My New Room

Yippee! Today went and bought the paint for my new office/craft/sewing room. Here's some pics of what it looked like before, plus a pic of the new border and the new paint colors. Stayed tuned for the "after" pics when it's all finished (hopefully tomorrow).
Here's a pic of the room when #1 kidlet lived in there...

after the old border is removed...

These will be the new colors (top: "Barely Pink", bottom: "Cool Pink")...

with this border in between...

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Not Much To Say

Not much to say today. I lost out on two ebay auctions - not because I forgot to bid again, but because I got outbid at the last minute. But I did win one auction today. A whopping $1.82 for a Barbie wedding dress for the miniature mannequins with florals I'm making for centerpieces for the bridal shower I'm planning. Wow, that's coming up in just three short weeks. I've got to get my act together or my rear in gear, whichever the case may be, and get stuff done. I'm making that favors, which will include homemade bath salts, soap petals, and maybe some lip balm. Plus I have to decorate the little baskets to hold the stuff. Then I'll also be making the centerpieces, and hair "foo-foo's". I will also be making all the food. That's why I need to get my office painted and moved into and get all my stuff organized, so I can get busy doing all the shower stuff.
Okay, I'm going to close now and get this posted while it's still today's date. Just wanted to make sure I write a little something every day.
P.S. Today's weather was hot, but not so unbearable as it has been the last couple of days. I'm glad for that!

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Hattie's Tea Party

Today was Hattie's tea party. She and two other friends celebrated the birthday of a third friend with a tea party at Hattie's house. They all ooohhh'd and aaahhh'd over the tea set (Roses, Roses) and the food. Here's some pics.
Hattie's dining room with the table all set for tea...

Each place setting had its own menu...


Petite Sweets - Mini Coconut Cakes, Mini Cream Puffs, Spiced Zucchini Loaf, Chocolately Raspberry Crumb Bars...

Close-up of sandwiches - Egg Salad, Turkey & White Cheddar with Green Apple Chutney, Ham & Jarlsberg, and the classic Cucumber W/Herbed Cream Cheese...

Marion and Dorothy...

Hattie (the hostess) and Leslie, the birthday girl...

The birthday girl, Leslie...

and this is my 'mug shot'...not bad for photographing myself, huh!

Friday, July 13, 2007

Just A Little Post

Just wanted to do a little post, so that I can keep up with blogging every day. The whole reason I started this blog was because I had gone to a minister friend's funeral and it was noted during the service how the wife of the deceased had journaled every single day of their 69 years of marriage. And I decided that I wanted to start journaling. I've started several times in the past to journal - I have about a dozen of those pretty little books with the blank pages. Each book has a couple of entries and then nothing. So when I decided to start this blog, I wanted to try to write at least something every single day. Well, I haven't made it every single day, but I'm trying. So here I am tonight to write about the days events.
Today it was very hot - about 94 degrees. I had to finish my baking for Hattie's tea party that's tomorrow and I wasn't thrilled with heating up the house even more than it already was by having to turn on the oven. But I did so early in the morning before the day got too blazing hot. I made Chocolatey Raspberry Crumb Bars, Green Apple Chutney, and had to bake another batch of zucchini bread, because the one made yesterday tasted burned and hubby said not to serve it. I also made a batch of blueberry scones and got them in the freezer; got all the breads cut for the sandwiches, as well as the cheeses and meats; got my little white tea apron ironed and even shopped for a new white shirt to wear tomorrow as my "uniform". I got the tea set ready - decided to use "Roses, Roses". I forgot to take pics of it before packing it, but I will be taking pictures tomorrow at the party and then I will post them later tomorrow.
I also got my wallpaper border for my new office. I found it at WalMart. It's a white background with pink roses. The bottom is scalloped to the shape of the roses. I'm going to paint the top half of the walls a very pale pink, with the bottom half just a shade or two darker, with the border in the middle. Then I saw a valance at Target by Laura Ashley that's the softest pink voile. I think I'm going to go back and buy it. All the trim in the room will be white. I'm going to use a lot of the pink florals I made for April's baby shower. Some of them will remain on my patio, but I need to incorporate a lot of that stuff into my office decor.
Did you notice the Daily Snippets From The Word by CWO on my sidebar? At first I couldn't figure out how to do the link - I'm still so braindead when it comes to trying to do differnt things on my blog. I had seen this on Christy's blog over at BonBon Boutique, and I really liked it. So I clicked on the link and finally figured out how to add it to my own place. I'm glad. Now I can have a scripture every day to meditate on when I read my blog.
O, I was also very excited to see that Amy over at Silly Daze is back on the blogisphere. I met her quite by accident, although I believe it wasn't really an accident (see post "Not An Accident" from May 11th). She is also a pastor's wife, from Wisconsin, and she was going thru a hard time, as we in our 'profession' do from time to time. She was the first person I linked to on the blog and she had not blogged since May. Yesterday I popped over to her site and there she was - back in the swing of things and blogging away! We had emailed each other a couple of times and I immediately left a comment on her blog yesterday. I hope she's read it and will pop over here to B'z Place and meet all of you great people that I've met thru blogging.
O, and guess what? I forgot to bid on yet another Ebay auction. That makes #6 now in how many days? I really think the old gray matter is faltering!

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Things Are Changing

Today has been a busy day. Been baking for Saturday's tea party for Hattie that I'm catering. I made mini coconut cakes, zucchini bread - tomorrow I'll make chocolately raspberry bars and green apple chutney for the turkey and cheddar sandwiches. O, and I also made apricot nutmeg scones. Have had a hard time getting myself to get up and start working on this party. I don't know why, but the last couple of parties I've catered, with the exception of the baby shower for April, I just don't want to do them. I think because they are just a tea party, and what I enjoy doing is planning an entire event...large events! I love to plan and make the decorations, the invitations, the food, the entertainment. I think I'm just a glory hog at heart!
Things are changing. Today my eldest kidlet turned 18 and moved out of the house. She's been "chomping at the bit" to have her 'freedom' for so long that it's actually a relief to have her leave. She didn't go very far, though. Moved in with two of her girlfriends about two blocks away from our house. So I'm sure we'll see her often. I can only pray for her and ask God to keep His Hand on her. I have to trust in the Word that says if you train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it. The Bible also says that His Word will not return void, but will accomplish that which He sent it do. She has been trained up to know and serve the Lord, and the Word has been planted in her heart and no matter how hard or far she runs, she will not be able to get away from that. So my job now is to just have faith that she will at some point, return to that which she has been taught, and give her life to God. And now that she's moved out, I'll be taking over her bedroom to be my office/craft/work room. Now I will be able to organize all my stuff, have my computer to blog, and have space to spread out projects to be finished. For that, I am excited!

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Invasion of the Ants!

Does anybody besides me ever go 'braindead' when it comes to thinking of something to blog about? I can think a million things I want to say in the middle of the night when I should be sleeping. Then I sit down here at the computer and I can't think of a thing to say. Just wondering if I'm the only one.
But, to the title of my post. I have a HUGE problem here with ants. You know the kind, those annoying little black ones. Some say they're 'grease' ants; my mother always called them 'piss ants' when I was a kid growing up. I don't know what they are called, but they WILL NOT stay away from my cats' food and water dishes. I keep changing the spot where I put the dishes and the cats are so confused they never know where they will end up eating their meals. These ants cover the plate with the canned food, they devour the dry crunchie food, and now they're swimmin' in the water dish. Does anyone have any suggestions of how to get rid of the ants without using poison that would also hurt the cats? This is driving me crazy, which I know, is a short trip! But I really don't want to make my babies eat food covered with the little black critters, or make them go hungry because the ants won't leave their food alone. If anyone has the answer, please tell me.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Old Age, I Guess

I CANNOT believe it! I guess old age really must be creeping in. In the last 2 days, I've missed out on 5, count 'em, 1,2,3,4,5 ebay auctions just because I forgot to place a bid. I had these things on my watch list for days, just waiting for the last little bit to place my bid, and I stinking forgot on 5 different auctions! Okay, I know I'm passed middle age and the onset of old age has begun, but this is ridiculous. I even told hubby to remind me and he forgot, too. Can you even believe it! I mean, I could see it happening once; twice, okay I'm starting to get a little forgetful, but 5 times! Do you think it's Alzheimer's? Somebody please tell me I'm not loosing my mind! :(

Monday, July 9, 2007

Thank You!

Okay,I have spent the whole morning writing thank you notes for all the goodies and money I got at church yesterday for my birthday. Now I want to say "Thank You" to all of you who have been leaving Happy Birthday wishes on my blog today! Wow, I'm really surprised and grateful to you who are virtual strangers to me, and yet you've taken time out of your busy days to wish me a happy birthday. That is so awesome! I do have a confession, though. My actual birthday is tomorrow. But since pretty much all of the celebrating is already over with, I'm thankful to have it carried over through today with everybody's good wishes.
You know, writing out the thank you's today, I feel like I'm being totally sappy and insincere. I feel like I'm writing the same thing over and over. But when I think of all the love that my friends are giving to me, it makes me get really sappy. And it is very sincere. I love my friends and church family so much and Im so grateful to God that He's brought each of them into my life! And I'm thankful to Him that I'm making new friends in the great expanse of the blogisphere (I hope I spelled that right)!
So to all of you who have written to me, a great big THANK YOU, and please keep visiting my blog!

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Birthday Goodies Pics

Here's a few pics of some of the Birthday Goodies I received from my church family.
Pins from Regina...



This is my very favorite card design by Esther. Here's the envelope...

Front of card...


Inside of card...


Front of lacey card made by Esther (blurry pic - sorry)...


Back of lacey envelope made by Esther...


Tea Set from Helen...

It's My Party!

Today at church, I was surprised with a birthday party in our Sunday School class. I don't know why it should have been such a surprise because we always celebrate everyone's birthday in the class. But I honestly hadn't even thought about my own birthday. We had pound cake with strawberries and cream, and I got balloons and 2 beautiful brooch pins from Regina, a "Lord's Prayer" bracelet from the Henry's, and a gorgeous tea set from Helen. I will post pics later of everything later.
Then into the Worship Service we went for a blessed time with the Lord. I LOVE playing music with our band, and everyone was excited today and we just made pretty music. When Hubby asked Linda to sing a solo, she came out with a beautifully decorated basket (made by Becky) filled with cards from the people in the church. And every single one of those puppies was filled with money! I'm so excited - Guess what I'll be doin' tomorrow?! SHOPPING!! Among the many beautiful cards and good wishes are two cards made by Esther. When I post the other pics, I'll be posting pics of her creations, too! Then you will all be able to see what awesome cards she makes. She made a card that is my very favorite of her designs, then she made another card with an envelope that is my favorite of her envelopes (yep, she makes her own envelopes to custom fit the cards). She is quite a little "trick-ster". She had emailed me a pic of the lace envelope, and told me how she made an embellished velcro closure for it. She said, "I'll have to make another one and bring it to show you how it looks in person." Now all along she knew that today I'd be getting that very envelope! And she never let on at all! She and I laughingly call ourselves Partners In Crime, but I wasn't in on this "crime" with her. She's guilty of it all by herself. But I'm glad she did the crime because I love that envelope, and I love her for making such beautiful things for me!
So keep a lookout for my next post which will have pics of all for all to see!

Saturday, July 7, 2007

The Bigger Picture


Sometimes you've just got to see the Bigger Picture. Today I write my post using my brand new 19" LCD computer screen. This was my early birthday gift from hubby. I'm so excited to have this because ever since I've had my computer I've been using the old-fashioned kind of screen that was only 15". EVERYTHING was so small. Sometimes I had to use a magnifying glass to read things. So, this past Wednesday, July 4th, off to Fry's Electronics we went and got this baby! Now I can actually see what I'm writing and trying to read. I can see clearly now, the picture's BIG! Hooray for B'z Place!

Friday, July 6, 2007

Sunday's On The Way

Well, here it is, Friday, but guess what? Sunday's on the way. That statment has a two-fold meaning. See, as a Pastor's wife, Sunday is our main workday. So when it's Friday, most of you are thinking, "Hooray! It's the weekend!" But for us, it's "Wow, it's Friday and Sunday will be here the day after tomorrow, so I'd better get my work finished!" See, when it's your "job" to prepare for and lead the worship and teach the classes and preach the sermons, Sunday is not the traditional day of rest that it is for the average person, church-goer or not. For the pastors, Sunday is definately NOT a day of rest at all, but it is, in fact, the hardest day of the week for us. But that's okay, because, all in all, it's a pretty great life. We have a great church with wonderful people who are very, very good to us, and we love them! Now, because the Lord Jesus died on Friday, but rose on Sunday to give us everlasting life in Him, it puts a whole different spin on the statement "It's Friday, but Sunday's on the way!" When I go thru trials, I look at them as "Fridays", but then I read the promises in the Bible and know that victory, or "Sunday" is on the way! So I can have peace and rest in the knowledge that God has everything under control and will bring all things about for my good in the end! So, today may be Friday, but Sunday's On The Way!

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Good Friends, Good Day!

Today I spent the day with my friend Esther from Esther's House of Cards. Hubby was trying to repair her hubby's computer. Apparantly he'd gotten a virus and it rendered his computer pretty much unusable. So my hubby, being the computer guru that he thinks he is, was there trying to fix it for him. Well, Esther and I spent the day on her computer with me teacher her everything I know about blogging. That's about as much information as you can fit on the tip of a very sharp pencil! Anyway, I showed her how to add pics and how to link to other bloggers. Then we visited the "Etsy" website and saw lots of really nifty things that people had crafted. Now that Es knows how to add pics to her blog, I hope we'll all be seeing some of her own awesome creations in the form of the beautiful cards she makes. (So Es, when you read this, get busy posting some pics so everyone can see your work!) Well, we spent the whole day there, and, even though everyone was very tired (too much partying last nite - the 4th - O yeah, we all left the party b-4 8 p.m. -we're just party animals!)I just enjoyed myself and enjoyed so much being with my wonderful friend.
O yeah, I almost forgot. I got to "shop" for free at Esther's next door neighbor's house and got some pretty cool stuff there. This was all stuff that was "leftover" from the estate sale held there a few weeks ago. I had previously bought some stuff there and posted pics of it back in June. Today I got some pumpkins, a galvanized tub, a couple of yard stakes for my garden and a trellis for my garden, a Christmas hat bos, some cute little pink and green hand towels, and a plaid tablecloth and napkins in pastel shades of blue, pink, yellow, green. I haven't taken pics yet because the stuff is still inside my car and probably will stay there 'til morning. Maybe I'll post some pics then. That will give me a subject for tomorrow's blog!

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

God Bless America!


Happy 4th of July, everyone! Long may that beautiful symbol of our blessed freedom wave! I tell you, I am so patriotic I can't even believe it myself. At the mere thought of the words to The Star Spangled Banner I get all choked up. I love this country and am so proud to be an American. Our country may have its downside and not be perfect, but I'd rather live here than any other country in the world! So, "from the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam, God Bless America, MY home, sweet, home!" I wish you all a happy and safe Independance Day.

Corsets

Well, I haven't blogged since Sunday. That's because I don't have much of anything to say lately. I did go leave some rather sarcastic (as a joke) comments on some other blogs. Yesterday I started to write about how hot it ws and how miserable I was from being hot, but then it just sounded too whiney even for me, so I deleted the whole thing.
Today I've been trying to make some potpourri sachets shaped like corsets for the bridal shower I having. I bought the material about 4 weeks ago but just haven't been "in a mood" to work on them. Well, I decided that since the shower is in 3 1/2 weeks, I'd better get started on them. I found this really cute black mesh material that has red heart-shaped sequins all over it. I thought it would be really cute to make the corsets out of this and trim with boa beathers across the bottom and I found red sequin "ribbon" that I was going to use at the top as the "straps" of the corset, but would actually be a hanadle for the sachet. WEll, I cut out and sewed one, but didn't finish it. I think it's not going to work out too well. And I need to make at least 22 of them. I used a Barbie dress for a pattern - ripped all the seams out and pressed everything flat. The problem is that the front is in three pieces. I think I may retry, and just cut the three pieces as one, then sew it to the back. I'm making the back out of black satin. Being that I'm not the freatest seamstress in the universe, in fact, I'm pretty suck-y at sewing altogether, I probably should just toss this project in the trash and look for something else to use as a favor. Any ideas out there? It's a lingerie shower. I could use some suggestions. And it has to be simple - remember, I only have 3 1/2 weeks.
Well, I suppose that's about all I have to yak about today.
It is HOT again today, but I'm going to try to not complain about it!

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Esther's House of Cards

Today I am so excited because my friend Esther, has finally created her very own blog. She's at Esther's House of Cards. I have been after her ever since I created my blog to do one of her own, but she's been very reluctant - well, actually, I think a little nervous. But here she is in living print, and I'm so happy to have her join our world of "bloggies". I keep telling her about all the really nice people I've "met" thru blogging and how much fun it is. Now you can all meet her, too. Okay, she makes THE most amazing cards I think I've ever seen. Seriously, they are fabulous. When she gets a little more comfortable with blogging, I think she'll post some pics of her creations. You all will love them. She is awesome with a piece of paper and some scissors - GREAT creativity. Isn't that just like God, though, to just gift His children with such creativeness. Esther is definately gifted in this department. Well, when you "meet" her, and see her cards, you'll know exactly what I mean!
I was just wondering what I should blog about today, and then I opened my email and found a little note from Es that she had created her blog, and I thought, okay, there it is, that's my subject for the day. So, there you have it. Go check her out!