White

Newest craft to do when everything else is packed up: fabric flowers. Hopefully these will adorn the lampshades of the two candlesticks I painted white recently and that you can see slightly in the background. Only have a couple more HUNDRED to make....

Berries

They're just Jiffy blueberry muffins; but my son loves them and I like to make him happy. The blackberries are from our canes in the backyard. Gotta love them berries! Have a "berry" nice day.

Moving

Well, it looks like we're moving back to Maryville! That's right folks. It's been a GREAT two years here in Nashville, but the house is on the market and we're headed east. We don't officially have to be there until August or September. I trust that the Lord will bring a buyer by then. We really want to build this next go 'round, so we'll see how it goes.
Last week, Matthew awoke with the worst case of hives I'd ever seen. Unfortunately, I think he gets this from me. Anyway, the doctor put him on some steroids and said we probably won't ever know what caused them. Savannah has been running some high blood glucose numbers lately. Maybe she's going through a growing spurt or something, but I think we're going to have to adjust her insulin intake. Mickie, our Golden Retreiver, had a seizure the other day after a going a long time without one. Poor girl. That's all the bad news; everything else is fine and dandy. Hope all is well with you.

It's been awhile

So, here's what I've been up to. I repainted two lamps, (will show off when I finish the shades), embellished a tank top, and worked on a recycled wreath. The wreath is made with those plactic shopping bags we all collect from Wal-Mart, etc. The idea came from HERE . The way they're cut, reminds me of carnations. I'll post what the kiddos have been up to tomorrow. Bye for now.

Severe Storms or The Weekend Nashville Flooded

When it started raining, I had no idea that we would end up with water in our basement. I was at work and my husband called to say that I had to come home right away, there was water in the basement. This news flash immediately caused me to start crying as this had never happened before and I love my house and all I could think was that all was lost. The kids, hubby and I worked all afternoon and into the evening to get the water out and had it all dry only to wake up Sunday morning in time to walk downstairs and watch as the water filled up the basement a second time. Again, all hands went to work, including my friend from across the street, sweeping, squeegee(ing), and sucking (with 2 shop vacs) gallons and gallons of water. Just as we'd get a section dry, we'd watch as more water came in and filled it up again. It just was SO frustrating and it truly felt like we were not going to win. But somehow, we managed and it is dry now. Unfortunately, many areas in and around Nashville have not been so lucky. The death toll is at 28 I believe and expected to rise. We received in two days a quarter of our ANNUAL rainfall! It was just too much. In our case the ground just became so saturated the water had nowhere else to go but in the basement. In many cases, the Cumberland just left it's banks and filled the city up. I am so thankful we didn't have more damage; now on to help others who have. I heard that one of the members of our homeschooling group has lost everything. So sad.

Learning

...and my most recent skirt. Very simple, but oh so summery (is that a word?). These are so quick to make; they may become a staple for me.

Notebook

Here's my version of the cute notebook that I blogged about previously. I like it. I'll definitely do some more!

In Progress

Currently, I'm trying to make one of these . I have alot of cute fabric and want to use it up (so I have an excuse to buy more). My sewing skills are NOT up to par with my knitting and crocheting skills which is a shame since I do work at a sewing store.

I can cross one of the goals for this year off of my list. I was given the opportunity to sing "Anyway" at church this last weekend. It's my prayer that it encouraged someone to keep believing and continue to pray, (even when our prayers are not answered the way would like them to be).

Kim's asked if I would join her in a 5k race in mid May. Since my running hasn't been happening lately, I suppose I need to get in gear, if I plan on participating. No time like the present.........

Current

Using the yarn pictured above to make the piece pictures below. It will eventually become a soft wraparound ear warmer for my friend. It's hard to see in the picture, but it has a column of cables (my first time doing them) and will be folded over lengthwise upon itself and sewn along the long edge to form a headband. Glad to be knitting again.

My first day at JoAnn's was interesting and exciting. Can't wait till I actually get to WORK! On my way to choir. Good evening.

Really?!

Has it really been a week since I last posted? Alot has happened since the 31st. Let's see....

Matthew started his first REAL job on Fri. He worked from 9:30 till 4:00. Whew! Sat. I turned in my application at JoAnn's and spent the rest of the day baking with Savannah in preparation for an Easter get together we were having on Sun. Easter morning went to church and celebrated Christ's victory over death. Came home, set up everything for the party and then enjoyed a lovely afternoon with Kim, her girls and her dear parents. Cooked a leg of lamb for supper with roasted beets, potatoes and cauliflower. Woke up Mon. morning and did my shopping for shut-in meals. Got a phone call from JoAnn's to come in for an interview at 3:00. Got hired at JoAnn's at 4:00. Went out to eat with family. Tues. morning delivered shut-in meals to church. Was asked to sing for Sunday services (originally planned for May 2) and went with a lively group to the nursing home to sing and share the gospel.

Deep breath......

I go in to work for training tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Changing things you don't like

I've had this picture FOREVER. It's a print (with corresponding postage stamp) of the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans. I've always loved it because it has fish and beautiful blue colors in it, but it's always been in a gold frame. I'm really not into gold, so I decided it needed to be spray painted. I chose a beautiful silver; not too shiny. I think it looks much better now. Yes, I'm aware that the matt on the picture is the same color as my wall. That was an accident, but since I REALLY like turquoise, it works out ok for me. I think I have the spray painting bug. Now I have to find more stuff to paint!

Almost Done

I'm almost finished with my crocheted retro cardi and will post pictures of it as soon as I buy buttons for it (oh, and block it....this will be a first for me, but since I've seen so many do it and do it well, I figure I can too). Looking forward to Easter. It has become my favorite holiday with all the hope and promises it contains. Thank you, Lord Jesus!

Our Children

It's Friday already and I've only blogged one day this week. It's hard to come up with something for EVERY day, but I did want to share about my children today. I'll start with my daughter who is thirteen. Earlier this week she surprised me with a show of compassion that I sometimes forget she has. She carried my friends youngest daughter back to her home after she had been hit in the arm with a softball. Kim, I know you'll read this and I'm aware that Sav is not ALWAYS this caring and sweet, but I think she really feels for the injured or underdog and it really touched me that she "took care of" your little one, even stopping to pick a flower for her and waiting on her while you fixed her boo boo. Since I'm on Sav, I'll also share that she finished what could possibly be my favorite painting so far that she has done. In fact, I like it so much, I'm framing it and putting it in the living room. I think the orange colors in it will play off nicely with the light turquoise walls.

Matthew surprised as well on Wednesday after returning from getting his hair cut. Sav and I were walking through the neighborhood and he stopped so I could get a look at his new "do". I noticed a bag on the front seat from a local grocery and he said "I picked up some milk". At which point I believe I heard angels singing?! My son had stopped and bought MILK....with his OWN money.....and doesn't want me to pay him back! Ok, maybe this isn't as important to some of you as it is to me. For those of you who know me well, milk is REALLY big in my life. I can remember getting into a HUGE fight with my mom and sister over milk. I can't start a day well without cold cereal and milk. Yes, I like having coffee, too, but if I wake up and find out that someone drank the last of the milk and didn't leave any for me to have cereal in the morning....well, let's just say I won't be the only one having a bad day.

Seriously, though, compassion is something we try to instill in our children and I think both of them did a fine job of showing it this week. Sav to a younger friend and Matthew to his mother. I'm so looking forward to seeing them grow up! Have a GREAT day and I pray someone shows YOU compassion in the near future.

Weekend

We enjoyed some warm, beautiful weather on Friday and thinking it would be like that on Saturday, we went fishing. Saturday, however, was a different story. The sun never could break out from the clouds, so it didn't warm up until 11 o'clock. It was SO cold, holding the pole was taking effort. Luckily, we wore gloves. Matt caught the first fish, a smallmouth, pictured above. It was a pretty good size, too. We released it after taking several pictures. It was then my turn. I caught a large mouth, but it was only about 10 in. I haven't bothered posting a picture of it since it was so small. Even with the cold, it was an extremely enjoyable day spent with my hubby!

The bottom picture is my latest project for me. It's crocheted instead of knitted. It's a retro cardigan from Interweave Knits in a lovely robin's egg blue. It's coming along nicely and I'll show you it when I'm done.

Hoping to get another picture frame painted this week and maybe a bronze cross I have that I want to do in antique white. Pictures to come....

Thursday

Well, hopefully today I can get my package mailed off to T. I tried yesterday and was thwarted by my rural post office. Evidently, they close at 12 noon on Wed. Go figure?! T, it will go out today, even if I have to go to another town.
Had choir practice last night. We're preparing for Easter. It's going to be awesome. It's a perfect mix of God given talent and glory and praise to our Lord and Savior. There were lots of tears last night as we shared about the first time some of us had come to grace and we prayed for friends experiencing true life and death battles. God sure has given us a tremendous gift. I wish more people could enjoy it.

Winner!

Congratulations, T of Balken Style, you have won yourself a pair of baby booties! If you'll e-mail me with your address, I'll get those in the mail for you. Thank all three of you for commenting and hopefully I'll have another giveaway soon.

Lucky Tues.

Well, the bootie giveaway is tomorrow. I've gotten three comments. Maybe I can use colored marbles to choose the winner? Good Luck you three!
Went to the rescue mission tonight to sing. It always amazes me how these men who have lost so much: jobs, homes, families, their health; how they end up blessing us who come to minister to them. God IS awesome and was definitely moving tonight. Look forward to the next time!

New Booties

Here are the Heather Bailey baby booties that I just finished. These are sized for a 3-6mo. old I would venture to guess. She has a great link in her side bar with a pattern to make your very own. Very rewarding.
Don't forget about the baby bootee giveaway below. Just leave a comment, and I'll announce a winner on the 16th.

Giveaway

The Saartje Bootees are done! Aren't they cute. They are brown with shell pink flowers near the back. Since I don't need baby booties, I've decided to give them away. Leave a comment and I'll write everyone's name on slips of paper and pull a winner next Tues. This shouldn't be too hard since I don't get many hits. We'll see. Good Luck!

Dishwashing

I recently told a friend that I was going to blog about the wonderful pump dispenser she had given me. Boring, you say. Now hold on, anyone who's spent any time having to hand wash dishes will appreciate what I'm about to say. There are a few key components to dishwashing: dishes, water, cloth, soap and something to dispense said soap from. When one of these is missing, dishes simply can't be washed. The pump pictured above is the perfect pump. It's clear, so you can see the lovely color of your dishsoap. It dispenses just the right amount of soap with ONE pump and NO priming and the pump itself is reminiscent of something old, made to function, but beautiful in form like a hand pump on a well. It's simply perfect! Here's to washing dishes! And to friends who know what you like and know that you wouldn't buy it for yourself, but would gladly accept it as a gift. Thank you, again!

Voting and Something New

All votes are in, (meaning my family's and two followers'; thanks Wendy and Kim). The winner is this one: Hope YOU like it, too.
Now, on to another project that requires checking my gauge:

and following detailed instuctions:

wish me luck!

Decisions, Decisions

I need help. I'm making cake stands from thrifted milk glass. Which do you think looks the best? I know which one I like and the family has already voted. Now it's your turn. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

The Future

Ahhh what does the future hold?.....I haven't a clue. I do know that I want Jesus guiding me every step of the way.

I'm hoping that I get to accomplish some of these things:

• go back to school
  
• learn to give a gentle answer even when I'm frustrated
  
• listen more and talk less
  
• run 3 miles w/o stopping
  
• eat better than I ever have by incorporating more whole grains and uncooked vegetables and fruit
  
• sing "Anyway" to a crowd, especially our youth at church
  
• successfully get my children through high school
  
• love more, judge less

Here's to a wonderful 42nd year!

The Present

That's today. It's a gift. Church this morning, singing praises to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Lunch at the Melting Pot, then home for birthday cake and family. What more could a girl want or ask for. Thank you to all my friends who sent wishes of birthday happiness my way on facebook, through the mail, on the phone and in person. I love you all!

The Past

So tomorrow I turn 42. I'm really excited about this. Am I the only person who gets excited about getting older? I'm thankful that the Lord blessed me with another year to live; to hang out with and enjoy all the people I love and to meet some new ones, too. He's also helped me accomplish things this last year that I thought I'd never do, though I always wanted to. I sang a solo in front of alot of people and didn't pass out! I began run/walking with Kim routinely and haven't passed out yet,(I think I'm afraid of passing out) and I started this wonderful blog. Had the thrill of catching some beautiful bass in the spring, (if you don't fish, you won't understand). My daughter and I have kept her A1C level below 7. She has Type I diabetes and this is a huge deal. Congratulated her when she caught her first rainbow trout. Helped teach my son to drive and celebrated when he got his license. Helped (and I use this term loosely here) my husband lay flooring for the living room and bedroom and plant a bountiful garden (that's pictured above). Enjoyed fixing 36 meals for shut-ins once a month. Oh, knitted my FIRST sweater AND wore it to church!

It's been a GREAT year! Thank you, Lord.

Christmas?

Ok, I know it's nowhere near Christmas, but I had this really good idea that I wanted to do for the holiday and didn't get around to it....until now. My daughter bought these frames for me last summer at a garage sale. I think she paid a dollar for two of them:

I decided to paint them with this:

to get this:

I know it's a little dark. Trust me, it's very pretty; silver. Now I absolutely love the site Sublime Stitching and how graphic their embroidery is. I decided that I could stitch the simple shape of an ornament and I did (see below)

To achieve this, Ta Da....

Aren't they pretty? And they'll go great with my turquoise and silver decorations next year. Try it yourself.

Booties

Ok. I'm giving you a sneak peak at one booty, not quite finished. A few days ago, I wondered what I could make for some expectant moms at my church. SaartjeKnits has a cute pattern that I've wanted to try out for awhile now. I don't know why I'm drawn to the color brown, though. Everything I own is brown...or black...or white. They're not even my favorite colors, but with the little pink flower on the brown booty, I believe it would suit a little girl. Now, if I can make one just like it, I'll have a pair. These are just a prototype. Maybe I should pick a color more befitting a baby? Let me know what you think....

Tuesday

Well, I made my reservations for the Melting Pot. We'll be going this Sunday to celebrate my 42nd birthday. Thank you Kim for the gift card! I'm really excited. I've wanted to go since Kim told me about it last year, but it's one of those places that you only go to for special occasions, I think. She brought me a menu with the card and everything sounds so yummy. Can't wait!

Made this recipe for Bulgur-corn-shrimp risotto, but substituted scallops for the shrimp. The hubby and I quite liked it; the kids, not so much.

Debunking

Does she only knit washcloths? Yawn....Perish the thought! Actually, I finished my first EVER knitted sweater earlier this year. I chose the pattern because it reminds me of something a ballerina would wear. The sleeves are looong with beautiful lacey ends and the front suplice is shaped to enhance my...um...modest figure. Plus, it has this wrap around tie thingy that hides some of my mistakes, (hee,hee). That's me wearing it up top. The picture's kinda small, sorry. The pattern is from the spring/summer issue of Knit1. It's pattern number 23, lace hem wrap.

Going running again today, although it's rather wet outside. I hope I don't have a heart attack. No, really. Last week, I got a pounding headache, chest pains and was dizzy if I looked off in the distance. I'm planning on doing better today. Don't wanna make my friend have to drag me home!

SUN!!!!

Yay, yay, yay.....the sun came out today. What an appropriate time to post pictures of the project I completed two days ago:



That's right; they're dishcloths in the yummiest colors. Exactly what I needed in the dead of winter!
I also ran farther than I EVER have; without dying or having a heart attack. Thanks to my coach, Kim. I couldn't do it without her. I know, because I've tried...and failed. Anyway...whoot,whoot!

A Poem

Snow Flakes

Out of the bosom of the Air,
Out of the cloud-folds of her garments shaken,
Over the woodlands brown and bare
Over the harvest fields forsaken,
Silent, and soft, and slow
Descends the snow.

Longfellow

Don't ask. It just seems to fit today. I will not be sad to see it go.

Baking Bread

I endeavor to do many things. I don't, however, continue to do things that I'm no good at. That's not to say that I give up easily. On the contrary, if I feel that I'm right on the edge of a breakthrough, I'll double my efforts to succeed. Bread making is NOT my gift. I've tried numerous times only to end in failure with each attempt. I've tried measuring and weighing the ingredients, testing the water temperature and I've also tried throwing caution to the wind and just using my senses to get the right "feel" to the dough to no avail. No, I am not a bread baker. Lucky for me, my husband is. Not only does he make good bread, but he seems to actually enjoy doing it. He says it's necessary to make a "mess" when you make bread. This is usually when I leave the kitchen. I return later to clean said "mess"; and to sink my teeth into a warm, crusty slice of this beautiful baked goodness. I'd say it's a win, win situation!

More Snow?!!

Seriously? It started last night.....which made me have to have a cup of tea:



It continued this morning.....which made me have to have a cup of coffee and do some knitting:


They're dishcloths. I got the pattern from HERE.

Guess what? There are three young ladies who are expecting at my church and I know all of them fairly well. I want to knit something for each one, so I'm on the lookout for some cute/sweet baby knits. Have any ideas?

Alicia Paulson

Where I go DAILY.

I don't remember what publication I first read about Alicia in, but the article had her website listed which I immediately looked up and fell in deep apreciation for. From her website, I visited ALL of her favorite links which opened up the wonderful world of blogging to me. I couldn't believe there were SO many talented and creative people in the world. For my friends who are new to blogland, if you click on the word "DAILY" above, it will take you to her site.

I now have my own favorite sites that I will link up a little at a time, but hers will always be my favorite. Besides being crazy creative, she's sweet and gracious and an excellent photographer. Ok, enough said. I don't want to seem like some weird stalker!

Fishing

My husband and daughter went fishing today. Yes, it is February, and yes, the temperature never got above 34 degrees and there was a blistering wind, but did that deter them.....NO. Guess what....my daughter caught her very first rainbow trout! Now, I'm not a good photographer, so the flash makes it look all silvery, like a sardine, but it truly WAS a lovely rainbow color. So, in addition to the lamb chops I was cooking for dinner, Sav allowed ME to have the fish as well. She said it was for my birthday, (which is coming up). I cooked trout almandine with butter and lemon juice....I didn't have any white wine, but it was DELICIOUS none the less.

Handmade

Thought I'd share this VERY simple idea for a candle stand. Actually, I was going to use these display pieces for little cookies or pastries, but the candles look so sparkly and pretty, I decided they could use them for awile. They cost .49 cents for the candle stick, (that's the base) and .99 for the little glass dessert plate. I got them from Goodwill, but have seen similar in ALL the thrift shops I've been in. I glued them using Amazing Goop, but E6000 would work also. Not bad for $1.48, eh? Enjoy.

My son earned his license yesterday, whoot! whoot! The person grading him on his driving test said he was the best driver he tested all day. Matthew scored a 100%, and his Father and I couldn't be more proud. Love you, Mattie.

Got my new running shoes last night and am iching to go running. Alas, it's raining outside. Oh how I wish I had a treadmill! Maybe it'll clear up once the sun comes up, (we're early risers). I can always hope, right? Bye for now.

EMS

Flashing red lights are generally NOT a good thing. I don't know what happened across the street, but it was enough for 3 firetrucks, an ambulance and some other emergency vehicle. I hope everyone is o.k.

Back to my knitted socks. I used a Lion Brand pattern and Wool-Ease yarn for the socks. I always try to use less expensive materials for my prototypes. Once I know I like a pattern or technique, I'll invest in much finer materials. The Wool-Ease is O.K., a little scratchy and the pattern wasn't quite right. Overall, these socks make me think of lighthouses, fishing nets, lobster crates and barnicles. Very New England"y". Utilitarian. Maybe, I'll try a finer gauge and some cashmere next.

Although these were my first SOCKS, they were not my first knitted item. Coming soon, I'll show you the lovely sweater knit in dark charcoal Caron Country, (again, not an expensive yarn)......

Melting

Waiting for the big thaw. I couldn't live where I had to deal with snow ALL the time. Thank goodness, it only comes every now and again in this part of the country. Hopefully the sun will break through this afternoon, and will warm us up into the 40's. Certainly, that should remove this white blanket we're under....

Well, I think the snow melted quite nicely. However, the school superintendent must not agree, as they have called off school AGAIN tomorrow. This in no way affects our family since we homeschool, but I have friends who are eager to have their children back in class.

I had my hair done today by the phenomenal Stephanie Derricks of CHRYSTAL'S in PleasantView. Thanks, Stephanie. You're terrific. This photo does NOT do it justice. I get SO many compliments.


I just finished knitting my FIRST ever pair of socks! I'm more than a little proud.