Hi, all you animal lovers!

Hi, all you animal lovers!


This is pretty simple... Please ask ten friends to each ask a further ten today!

The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily so they can meet their quota of getting FREE FOOD donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute (about 15 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals for free'. This doesn't cost you a thing.

Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.

Here's the web site! Please pass it along to people you know.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/


AGAIN, PLEASE TELL 10 FRIENDS!

Baby Keepsake Boxes

I also wanted to let everyone know that from today until December 31st, 2009, 100% of all sales from my Baby Keepsake Boxes will be donated equally between the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and the Ronald McDonald House!
Please help me out with this. It is such a worthy cause.
Just imagine if you yourself, God Forbid, had to spend Christmas away from home because you had a sick child. There are alot of families that I am sure, this will be the case. Please help lighten their load a bit.
Thank you.

I am so sorry!

I know I have been MIA for a while now. I wanted to drop a line to let you know what has kept me away.

We are in the middle of moving from Campbellsport into West Bend.
Oh, yes, what a joy!
Don't get me wrong, I am excited about the move. It is just a lot of work.
The Very Best part of the move is that I will have a room of my own for my crafts! And my husband and his partner will be building me shelving for it. I would appreciate any input on things to think of when designing my new room. It is going to be so great!
I will be teaching craft classes. I will have to make a schedule and list of items that will be taught. Any input on this would also be appreciated.

I have the following craft shows coming up (which has also kept me away).
October 24th, 2009-Fall Fair to Remember at the Washington County Fairgrounds
November 7th, 2009-Brown Deer, WI
November 14th, 2009-Hartford, WI
November 15th, 2009-Menomonee Falls, WI
November 21st, 2009-Holiday Marketplace, West Bend, WI
December 5th, 2009-Richfield, WI

Busy Busy!
But loving it!
I hope you all are well and after things settle down a bit, I am hoping to get back into a routine!

To: YOU

Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE

This is God. Today I will be handling All of your problems for you.. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day.
I love you.

P.S. And, remember...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now..

If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine. Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!

Should you decide to send this to a friend; Thank you.. You may have touched their life in ways you will never know!
Now, you have a nice day....God


God has seen you struggling,

God says it's over.

Living Bible

I wanted to share this with as many people as I could and figured this would be better than sending a million emails. I am hoping more people get to read it this way.

My aunt Annette sent this to me. She lost her best friend and husband last year. My uncle Vern. If you even met this man for 5 minutes, you would have fallen in love with him and wanted to sit with him just to hear him talk. He always talked with such compassion for everyone he was speaking to. It was like meeting someone for the first time but feeling like you knew him for a lifetime. All within the first five minutes. Aunt Annette is what her friend wrote. A very sweet women with a huge heart of gold! I am not sure I could be as strong as she is. But, she knows she is not alone. God is always with her.


She writes:

my friend sent me this morning with a note on it that said "reminded me of Vern" and she is absolutely right! In fact, he used this story in one of his sermons....this is exactly what he would do....

It is a sweet reminder of my friend that I miss so much.............. I just wanted to share it with you......

also, had a rummage sale last weekend....and a man came and looked at books....looked for a long time and then started selecting them....I talked with him about them and he told me that ever since his son was 6 he wanted to be a minister....and has always read everything he can get his hands on....so now he is off to the seminary and his father was buying the books for him...

soft covers were 25 cents
hard covers were 50 cents

the man bought 27.00 worth of Vern's books and of course I threw in tapes and flyers and anything else I could find...we shared stories and I told him about Vern...he told me his son would be so excited to have these books....I sent along a picture of Vern with him so his son could see whose books he was reading....It was such a thrill to know that someone will love his books and his love for study as much as Vern did.... and perhaps change lives like Vern did by his love for God and compassion for people.


God takes us, no....... wants us, as we are. We should be able to do this too.


Now this is the Living Bible:


His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with
holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his
wardrobe for his entire four years of college.

He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He
became a Christian while attending college.

Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very
conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the
students but are not sure how to go about it.

One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no
shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has
already started and so Bill starts down the aisle
looking for a seat.

The church is completely packed and he can't find a
seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable,
but no one says anything.

Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and
when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down
right on the carpet.

By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in
the air is thick.

About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the
back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward
Bill..

Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair,
and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very
dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he
starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to
themselves that you can't blame him for what he's
going to do.

How can you expect a man of his age and of his background
to understand some college kid on the floor?

It takes a long time
for the man to reach the boy.

The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the
man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't
even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even
preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.

And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the
floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits
down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be
alone.

Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains
control, he says, "What I'm about to
preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen,
you will never forget."

"Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible
some people will ever read!"


I asked the Lord to bless you
As I prayed for you today.
To guide you and protect you
As you go along your way....
His love is always with you,
His promises are true,
And when we give Him all our cares,
You know He will see us through.

Southern Bella's Ways To Save: ***Mom Moment Monday*** Book Edition

Southern Bella's Ways To Save: ***Mom Moment Monday*** Book Edition

Rusted to Perfection

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far. I know for me, it is going by too fast.
I just began a new collection for my crafts and it has been going very well. They are called, "Rusted to Perfection". I cannot seem to keep enough of them to take pictures before they get sold. I am trying though! I have included just a few here. They are wine glasses, vases, candle holders and other decorative containers that are decorated with a "coat of rust". I know what you are thinking. Most people do not want their things to rust. But, I think it has a "special" feeling to it when you look at something and it looks old. You wonder where it has been.... what did they use it for....what did it cost back then.....why did they part with it or was it just lost along the way. I just love antiques. So, this line was created because I was inspired by my antiques. Why not drink from a rusted wine glass? If you really get to look at them, you will see the different colors that are in the rust. Some have blue, some have green, some have purple tints in them. No two are alike. Each is an individual piece of art. They are made from 100% certified Non-Toxic material so they can be used. They are sealed with 4 coats of sealer and can be hand washed only. They cannot sit in water.
Please take a peek at them and let me know what you think. Once I can keep enough in stock, I will post them on my website. For those of you that don't remember my site, it is: www.klaykisses.com. Right now, the majority are in the craft shop (The Country Craft Barn) and I have a few more that I am preparing for my upcoming shows. I, to say the least, have been a lean, mean, crafting machine. I am looking forward to getting a little ahead so I am able to read all of your blogs again. I am so far behind in that but I plan on reading all of them soon. I have Google Reader, which I absolutely love, and can see what everyone has been up to so far this summer.
I also received this email from a dear, sweet friend of mine and I wanted to share it with all of you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I AM THANKFUL:

FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME, AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.

FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED .

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION .

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

AND I AM THANKFUL:

FOR THE crazy people I blog with BECAUSE they make the day interesting and fun!

I Believe...

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born.
A Death Certificate shows that we died.
Pictures show that we lived!

Have a seat . . . Relax .. . .. And read this slowly.

I Believe...
That just because two people argue,
doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
we understand that friends change.

I Believe...
That no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you every once in a while and
you must forgive them for that..

I Believe....
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...
That we are responsible for what
we do, no matter how we feel..

I Believe....
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe....
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...
That my best friend and I can do anything, or nothing, and have the best time.

I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When you're down,
will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had,
and what you've learned from them.....and less to do with how many
birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same
thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of
hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, if
a friend cries out to you........you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I believe …
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything.

Thank you God for all the wonderful people who help us throughout the journey of life..

As You Slide Down the Banister of Life, Remember

As You Slide Down the Banister of Life, Remember 1. Jim Baker and Jimmy Swaggert have written an impressive new book. It's called ........'Ministers Do More Than Lay People' 2. Transvestite: A guy who likes to eat, drink and be Mary.. 3. The difference between the Pope and your boss, the Pope only expects you to kiss his ring. 4. My mind works like lightning, One brilliant flash and it is gone. 5. The only time the world beats a path to your door is if you're in the bathroom. 6. I hate sex in the movies. Tried it once. The seat folded up, the drink spilled and that ice, well, it really chilled the mood. 7. It used to be only death and taxes now, of course, there's shipping and handling, too. 8.. A husband is someone who, after taking the trash out, gives the impression that he just cleaned the whole house. 9 My next house will have no kitchen - just vending machines and a large trash can. 10. A blonde said, 'I was worried that my mechanic might try to rip me off. I was relieved when he told me all I needed was turn signal fluid.' 11. Definition of a teenager? God's punishment...for enjoying sex. 12. As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way... Be who you are and say what you feel...because those that matter... don't mind...and those that mind...don't matter!

In Need of Prayers

I need everyone's help please. My grandfather was taken to the emergency room last night. He has suffered another heart attack. That makes three. He has had a stroke a while back and has had triple bypass surgery. They don't think he is going to make it back from this one. He was without air for 4-5 minutes and may have brain damage. They won't know anything until later today. He is 89 years old and never stops working. He still shows us kids how to climb apple trees and get the best apples from the top. He was rototilling someone's garden when he fell over. No one around him knew CPR which would have made things a bit better.

Please, my grandfather is very special to me. Could you please find a little time to say a prayer for him?

Do you like being old?

Sorry for not being around lately. I have been so busy with orders, I have had no time to read or write. I received this email from a friend and wanted to share it. I will be posting regularly once all my orders are done. I also have some new items that will be listed on my web site. I will let you know as soon as they become available.
Have a wonderful sunshiny day everyone!

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making
my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.
I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.
They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers,
or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and
compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore.
I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever,
but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it).

The History of APRONS

I don't think our kids know what an apron is.

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, because she only had a few, it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

Send this to those who would know, and love, the story about Grandma's aprons. Or it can be a good history lesson for those that have no idea how the apron played a part in our lives.

REMEMBER:

Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.

They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron.
I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron.......

But Love !!

Author Unknown

BBQ RULES

New Standard Operating Procedures released today please learn BBQ RULES!

We are about to enter the BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity . When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:

Routine...
(1) The woman buys the food.
(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert ..
(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - beer in hand.
(4) The woman remains outside the compulsory three meter exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other manly bonding activities can take place without the interference of the woman.
Here comes the important part:
(5) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.
More routine...
(6) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.
(7) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is looking great. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he flips the meat
Important again:
(8) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.
More routine...
(9) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.
(10) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.
And most important of all:
(11) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.
(12) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed ' her night off ', and, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women.

The 2009 Handbook

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a
beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that
is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.
8. Sit in silence at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10 - 30 minute walk daily. And, while you walk, smile.

Personality:
1. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
2. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
3. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Don't waste your precious time or energy on gossip.
6. Dream more while you're awake
7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil your present.
11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
13. Smile and laugh more.
14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:
1. Call your family often.
2. Each day, give something good to others.
3. Forgive everyone for everything.
4. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
5. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
6. What other people think of you is none of your business.
7. Your job wont take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
1. Do the right thing!
2. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
3. GOD heals everything.
4. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
5. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
6. The best is yet to come.
7. When you awake in the morning, thank GOD! (You're alive!)
8. Your inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

How can I top this?

The kids and I made this video last year for my husband for Father's Day. It has proven to be the best gift he has ever received.
One night, he was working. He does splicing for cable tv and has to do night cuts. That means he has to shut down the cable plant (no internet/cable for people during the cut) and switch the cables over. This has to be done in the middle of the night so people are not affected being out of service like during the day. Some people, like to drink at night. They don't take kindly to having the internet or cable tv shut off when the come home drunk at 2:00am. On this night, a guy saw my husband in his backyard with a flashlight and beacons on his truck, cutting the cable and stuck a shotgun out his window and it was pointed at my husbands head. Mike had to call 911 and the guy was arrested. That could have been the end. But God has shown his grace and kept my husband and I together. I made this video prior to that night. When my husband got home that night he played this video over and over again. Another night, he was almost hit head on by a drunk driver. He said it made him feel better watching this video. Knowing how close he had come to losing everything. Knowing that all things were great in his life and he had alot to be thankful for when God saved his life. He said that when he watches it, he realizes how much he is needed by the people in the video. His Family. We could never live without him.


Now tell me, how can I top this???

Words For Women To Live By

1. Aspire to be Barbie - the _itch has everything.

2. If the shoe fits - buy them in every color.

3. Take life with a pinch of salt... A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.

4. Keep your chin up, only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest.

5. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).

6. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.

7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality.

8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.

9. Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.

10. Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny.

11. When life gives you lemons - turn it into lemonade then mix it with vodka.

12. Remember where ever there is a good looking; sweet, single or married man there is some woman tired of his bullshit!

13. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls!

14. If it has Tires or Testicles it's gonna give you trouble.

15. By the time a women realizes her mother was right, she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong.

'Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live for today'. Now smile and share this to any woman wasting time at work, or just suffering from life that might need a reason to smile!

I Now Have The Cutest Site On The Block!

Is it because of my age that I forgot to tell you all my website was done? Or is it because I have been so busy? Or....who knows what other excuses I could come up with.

I purchased this site package from The Cutest Site on The Block! Let me tell you, I gave this company a run for their money. I am not computer literate. When someone told me I had to put mega data into my site and, as they explained it, "all you have to do is copy this code and put it in between body and before head", I spent an entire day looking for a person to attach this code to. Maybe it is the hair color? Blonds have more fun huh? They just take longer than others to learn stuff.
Well, anyways, I found this site and I started snooping around and found the most awesome site package and knew right away, for what I sell, it was perfect. So I contacted Brick from the Cutest Site On The Block. It was the happiest day!
This poor company went to heck and back with me. I asked them so many questions that I thought there would come a day where they would be afraid to answer the phone when they saw it was me. But no, every time I had a questions, they were available. They did not treat me like I was an idiot. They explained things to me in a way that I could understand. They helped me with EVERYTHING! From beginning to end. I did not get transfered 100 times or even put on hold. When I had issues, they fixed them immediately. They helped me with things that they probably should have said to me: "Look lady, if you would just listen and watch the tutorials that we have provided, it is pretty self explanatory and you will figure it out. Now quit bothering us every five minutes." But they did not. They spent the time to tell me how to do things on my site. It was so easy. So, every time I went on the the site to get help online, I saw another template that I wanted instead. I asked them politely, if they could stop putting such awesome website templates on there so I would not be tempted to change mine every 5 days. They said they have a package you can purchase where you can change your site any time you want with out a hassle. How cool is that? They also have blog templates. Another cool item.
If you are looking to re-do your website, I would very highly recommend "The Cutest Site On The Block". And please, don't take my word for it. Just take a minute to check out my site at Klay Kisses and Holiday Wishes. And take a peek at theirs. Just a warning: Make sure you have the time to spend there. It will be worth it. You will need to look at everything they have to offer and at such reasonable prices. You won't be sorry if you visit them. Their customer service alone is worth the trip!
To me, "Brick Rocks"!
Please let me know if you check out both these sites and let me know what you think. All comments that are left on here from today until Monday night, will receive a special prize. I cannot tell you what it is but I think you will really like it! So, you will have to leave an email so you can be contacted for an address to have your surprise sent to. Or let me know you left a comment here and send your address to swesteen@klaykisses.com. In the subject line, please write: visited post, left comment, want surprise!

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend! I will be back on Tuesday! Vacation in Michigan. Yeah!

Hello.....I am here!

I do not like that when that happens. I went to post this and only put the title in. Dah...where is the subject?

Here it is!!!
All I wanted to do today was spend the morning writing my blog. I have so much to say but such little time. I had to leave at 8:00 am and drive for an hour and a half to help a friend with their computer. No, I am not a computer geek. I just know stuff. Apparently more than he did. Well, I am thinking a couple of hours and I will be back. Yeah right! Mental note (and I mean mental) to self: Who are you trying to fool? You know it would be a whole day thing. Why would you even set yourself up like that. Thinking you will be back in time to read all your friends blogs, watch Cindy's videos, learn how to make the next coolest thing she has, figure out supper and wait for everyone to get home. Give me a big fat break!
I just got home at 4:45pm. Uggggggg! My whole day is shot. Well, actually not. He paid very well for my time and gas. More money for (clay) family weekend together!
So, now it was a stop at the store to get supper. Hmmmmm. What ever shall I choose? Day before yesterday did not work so well as I completely burnt the chicken that I myself, put on the grill so lovingly for my family to enjoy and went about my lentil making excursion. Oh my gosh? What is that horrible smell? The smoke? Oh no! At that, hubby pulled in the driveway to see the grill in flames. I was almost in tears. He came in and asked, "What's going on here?" I said, "Ummm, you see, I was sweeping the garage floor (yeah that's it) AKA: (playing with my clay) when the grill suddenly burst into flames for no apparent reason (because I was so engrossed with my new talent and I could not put it down). It was too hot for me to do anything and now our supper is ruined. I am so sorry. Do ya know what he said next? He said, "that's ok hunny. It is no big deal. I will just blow out the flames and peel the burnt off and finish cooking it." Oh my gosh. What a guy. And he ate it too! I had Special K with strawberries. I could not believe it. Well, yes I can, he is just that kinda guy.
So anyways, tonight for supper: I found these boneless chicken wings at the store already in little pkgs and brought them home to heat them. (I shall pass these off as home made) Naw, I really could not do that. Then, once their bellies are all full, I shall slink off to the computer and watch some more videos from Cindy. Then I shall proceed to the "craft area of my dining room) and make what I have just learned!
Bottom line is I was to post every day on why I follow everyone on my list. Well I am behind I know, but I will catch up.
Here is number 2:
I follow Cindy Lietz because she ROCKS. Her videos are so easy to learn from. I have (probably not, but it seems like it) all the clay books that are out there. See picture below. I have not learned how to make much from them except for "what the heck it that" items. I have learned more from Cindy and her videos than I have learned from all the books I have. And I am not even done! She has so many videos and tips. I just need need to find someone who sells "time" and I will be an awesome clayer some some day.

I could not resist sharing this!

A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.
As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up.
He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
He said, 'I'm very sorry for this mistake.. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him.' I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk; naturally...I assumed you had stolen the car.'
Priceless

Divine Order

All is in divine order. I know this truth; I live this truth today and every day.
Divine order is established in my life. The spirit of God is working in and through me to guide my ways and light my path. All my circumstances and experiences are brought into a harmonious balance.
I put God first as I go within for guidance. Therefore, my decisions are made with confidence and faith. In the silence of prayer, I clear my mind and refresh my spirits so that my thinking is constructive and illumined. I remain open at all times to receive what God is offering me.
The indwelling spirit of God is both my motivation and my inspiration, encouraging me to look for and expect good. I meet every experience with this expectation and with the understanding that all is in divine order.
"You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways."--Job 22:28

I don't know....

I don't know the secret to success but the key to failure is to try to please everyone!

The story is told of a painter who desired to produce one work which would please the entire world. She drew a picture which required her utmost skill and took it to the public marketplace. She posted directions at the bottom of the piece for spectators to mark with a brush each portion of the picture that didn't meet their approval. The spectators came and, in general, applauded the work. But each, eager to make a personal critique, marked a small portion of the picture. By evening, the painter was mortified to find the entire picture had become a blot.
The next day the painter returned with a copy of the first picture. This time she asked the spectators to mark the portions of the work they admired. The spectators again complied. When the artist returned several hours later, she found every stroke that had been panned the day before had received praise by this day's critics.
The artist concluded, "I now believe the best way to please one-half of the world is not to mind what the other says."
People will always have an opinion about what we say or do. That is why we live our lives according to the words of the Bible --God's opinion. Then we will not fret over the opinions of others.

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other."
Matthew 6:24

I received this in a letter from a friend. I was always worried about the opinions of others and seeking approval from them. I spent a huge majority of my time trying desperately to please others. Now, I find myself caught up in the same type of situation. I was told to "go out there" and find as many people as you can to draw traffic to your website. I wanted everyone to check it out and tell me what they think. I wanted to see my numbers grow. I wanted every one's "approval" on my site. I wanted to know if they liked it or what they thought about it. But, all the time what I really wanted was for even just one person to purchase a Baby Keepsake Box and be able to send a check to the Ronald McDonald House and Children's Hospital. I wanted to know in my heart, that by doing this, I had helped a family stay close to their sick child and not have the worry about money like I had to at that time in my life. I find that I do not spend a lot of time doing what my original intention was. I spend time looking at other blogs, reading and commenting. I had to ask myself, "Why do I do this?" Am I letting everyone know I am here and I have read what they took the time to share with me? Sometimes, it is from deep inside them. Other times, it is about what is most important to them. Am I seeking "approval" from them when I leave a comment? Looking to get another number? The conclusion I came to was "NO". I am not seeking approval. I leave a comment because I wanted to share something back with you. I appreciated being able to read what you wrote and somehow, it made me open my eyes or made me laugh or made me want to help someone else. I don't need your approval to have my web site. If I never get an order, at least I gave it 100% of what I was capable of doing.
Recently, as I was "traveling through the web", I came across something. Well, I did not actually "come across it". I actually realized something. Most of the people I ran into, were just looking for "numbers". "How many followers do you have?" "How many people do you follow?" Is this because you own a website and want traffic or because you care about the people you follow and who follow you? Is it because you are seeking approval from the world wide web people? To me, it is not about how many "followers" I have. Each of you are special to me in one way or another. I do not follow what I am not truly interested in or I do not read. I am not doing this to get the approval of others. Just because you choose to follow me does not mean that, just for that reason, I will follow you out of fear that you will no longer approve of me if I don't. So, if I don't follow you, it is not because I do not like you. It is because what you blog about really does not "fit" into my life or have purpose for ME.
I follow for the following reasons:
*You give me inspiration
*You crack me up
*I can relate to what you write in one way or another
*You take awesome pictures
*I can learn something from you
*You help others
*You care about something I care about and have sidebar gadgets to prove it.
You see, to me, you are not a "number". To me you are special and unique and I want to thank you for what you give to me. I appreciate each and every one of you for what you give to me! I am not seeking your approval. I am not looking to increase my followers. I am looking to find friends I can share with each and every day. (When I have time).
Of my followers, how many of you follow me because you are interested in what I say? How many of you were looking for a "number"? I would like the opportunity to spend the next couple days (or however long it takes) to let each of the people I follow know WHY I follow them.
I am starting with Warren Baldwin of Family Fountain.
I follow you because I find inspiration in what you write. You bring thoughts "to light" that I find very fitting for my life. Your blog is uplifting. Warren, thank you for sharing your blog with me.

I am not sure, after reading this again, if I have two different subjects here or if I just rambled on trying to get out of my mouth and on to paper what I am trying to say. I suck at writing but, I am not seeking anyone's approval on this blog. I am just trying to get feeling from my brain (and it's still early and I have only had two cups of coffee and no chocolate yet so bare with me) and onto my blog. Maybe someone could leave a comment on what they thought I was trying to say? Preferable, someone who CAN write!
Have a wonderful sunshiny day everyone and GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

I Always Know...

I always know ..... God won't give me more than I can handle.
There are times I just wish He didn't trust me quite so much.

To Paint or Not to Paint?

To paint or not to paint? This is my question!

I found this little guy at a rummage sale for, get this, $2.00. I had to have him. I don't know why but I do. Right away I pictured him with his insides cleaned out and a candle inside. I think he would look great with a tea kettle on top maybe with some flowers. I don't know if I want to just clean him up or paint him. Once I do paint him, I can't go back. So...please help me decide. I would like to know what you think. I will follow up with the pictures of him completed and properly placed when he is done.
I love daisies and vines. I think I may go with that.
What color do you think and what design? Or, leave him his happy little self? What do you see in him?

Oh yeah, and by the way....
Nothing happened to me yesterday. Nothing at all! Nothing exciting, nothing new, nothing, nothing, nothing!
But then I was thinking......hmmmmm,
My family was not sick.
I have lots of friends.
The sun was shinning.
The birds were singing.
Kids were happy.
Hubby was happy.
Website did not crash.
Everything I wanted to do yesterday, I did.
So...I guess it was right. Something good did happen to me. NOTHING BAD!

What's New Today?

This is my "horror scope" for today> too funny. No, I really do not believe in this stuff but I thought it was kind-of weird. I woke up this morning with the strangest feeling. I do not know if it is because it is Friday or if something special is going to happen today. Did you ever get that feeling? You do not know what it is but it makes you feel all energized and excited to start the day? Just thinking something great is coming my way today! (I'll let you know)

You have help from unseen quarters today as your 12th House of Universal Consciousness is strongly activated. Things seem to fall your way and you appear to intuitively know which direction to go. Whether it's angels watching over you, spirit guides sending you clues or just the luck of the draw, don't resist the good news when it arrives. And keep in mind that you may have to set logic aside for now so you can follow your intuition.

But then..........
Reality sets in. If you want to talk about "LUCK", I am not the person to speak to. I have none! Ok, I take that back. I do have luck....it's just mostly bad.

You see, I started this "SCHEDULE' so that I could get more done. Silly women! Apparently, children and husbands do not know what that is. To them, all that means is this silly women thinks we will stop bothering her and let her finish "her stuff" and then we will ask for help. Oh no, no, no! This is how, (in my brain) it goes.
*6:00 am. I wake in the morning, (thank God) rush to the coffee pot. (no one talks to me before my first cup and if I could make this last just a bit longer I would but I am a coffee freak!)
*6:05 am: Wait for husband to tell me he is going to work (staying home to annoy me) or needs me to do paperwork, invoicing or find a map or check the weather. He is a self employed cable splicer. We have cable equipment every where. Cable reels (these things are huge), parts, tons of (junk) equipment.
*My schedule says,
*6:00 am: (drink at least two cups of coffee really fast) "check email, read blogs, answer questions (hun, did you see my ____, mom, where did you put ____, baby, do you know where, sweety, can you check the weather for me) from my online friends etc."
*6:15 am: get another cup of coffee
*6:30 am: say goodbye to everyone and take a deep breath and start the (relax, they are all gone, I can sit for 5 min. and not be bothered, find my stash of chocolate) cleaning and the laundry.
*6:35 am: make another pot of coffee.
*8:00 am: Teenagers cell phone calling home from the bus: "mom, I forgot to tell you, the basement flooded again and I tried (not even a little) to clean it up but there is water everywhere. Sorry. Have a nice day."
Me: "That's ok, you did not have time (because you spent the first hour and a half of your morning eating and resting because you were so tired from all that (texting and talking on your cell phone) sleep you got last night) before school. I will take care of it and thanks for telling me. Have a great day."
Spent 2 hours mopping up water from the basement floor.
* 10:00 am: (Drink my 7th cup of coffee and get rid of the chocolate wrappers.) Start working on the latest (phone ringing: mom, I forgot my ____at home and I need it at school (right now) as soon as you can get here) clay project that Cindy showed me yesterday.
* 12:00 pm: Finish the pot of coffee and need to find something healthy (chocolate that I have cleverly hidden somewhere in this house but cannot remember where) for lunch.
*1:00 pm: Check email and decide what to post on my next blog (phone ringing: Baby, I need my _____ it is in the garage, hanging on the north wall between the ____ and the _____. It looks like____. Can you please run it to the job site for me. (I need it right now) whenever you have a minute because I know you are working on your crafts and you are happy doing that and I am behind you 100% and don't want you to give up on them (because you are frustrated that you can never get enough of your stuff done because we won't let you)). You just need to run it to _________ it should only take about an hour to get there and I love you! and work on my crafts.
*3:00 pm: Start to figure out what to have for supper and try to not be down because I have accomplished nothing on my schedule. My crafts were (looked at) started and my email is still (full) being worked on. Looking at the clock trying to figure out how I can accomplish a whole day schedule in 30 minutes before the kids get home and my work will begin again.
*3:15 pm: Found the stash of chocolate, made another pot of coffee and headed out to the gazebo (my take "5" space) to think clearer about supper (to eat the whole bag of Pepperidge Farm Double Chocolate Fudge Milano Cookies (that were in the cupboard the whole time) (cleverly hidden in the towel drawer. I do all the dishes so they have no use for a towel when they have perfectly good curtains to wipe their dirty hands on) and feel better!
3:30 pm: Here they come, ok, chocolate remnants gone, check, coffee pot empty, check, supper figured out, check.
Children: "Hi mom, how was your day?"
Me: "I had a wonderful day!" (I had a horrible day, what do you think? I spent the entire day doing everything for all of you and you were not even here and still managed to take every minute of my "stay at home job" away from me. I am not a mean person or a horrible mom so I happily do all these things for all of you and not be upset with you one bit because you are all so important to me and I love you all) "How was school?"

Wow, I did not think I was capable of rambling on like that. I am sorry for such a goofy blog today but I think I just needed to vent. I refuse to take these things out on my family. I am a wife and mother first and crafter second. It is what I chose to do. I must live with my decisions. (common, can't they show just a little mercy?) I am truly happy with my life and everything about it. I am very lucky (only sometimes wish to trade them for a new craft room) to have the family I have.
So....as far as my "horror scope" yeah right, when pigs fly! We will see.
Oh, and have a wonderful, sunshiny day everyone!

Laugh Out Loud

Laugh Out Loud
If you want to take a break and just crack up laughing, check out this blog. Lol everytime I read another post. Go ahead, take a break, you deserve it!

DISCOVERY

Today I smiled, and all at once

Things didn't look so bad.

Today I shared with someone else,

A bit of hope I had.

Today I sang a little song,

And felt my heart grow light,

And walked a happy little mile,

With not a cloud in sight.

Today I worked with what I had,

Nor longed for any more,

And what had seemed like only weeds,

Were flowers at my door.

Today I loved a little more,

Complained a little less,

And in the giving of myself,

Forgot my weariness.

Grace E Easley

I just love this poem. It makes me feel so happy just reading it. What are some "little things" that make you feel happy?

I am one SPOILED MOM!

On Friday, we went to our sons Spring concert at school.
He was a little bee! So cute! He was not mad at all because we took this picture. He was such a happy little bee.
I just love seeing the little one's in plays and concerts.Then we came home and I thought I would finish my website. I only have a few pictures to adjust and wa la...done! Now I can tell everyone to take a peek and tell me what they think. I did a few and thought I could just finish them up the next morning. No big deal.

Saturday morning is here. What a great day! Sun shinning, kids all happy and playing nice together. Hubby out in "Man's Garage" fixin' something. House to myself. Quiet.
Let's just take a looksy at the website and get it done once and for all so tomorrow I will not have to worry about this and I can relax and enjoy my day!
Ok, www.klaykisses.com. .......what the heck.....I did not type London Bridge......lets try again (ya just never know - it's early)
www.klaykisses.com.......London Brige......Give me a break....come on fingers....work......www.klaykisses.com.......ok..I give, you win.....Phone call....what the heck is going on?....I think something is wrong with my site....Yup...sure enough....crash-a-roni! All that hard work....Not smart enough to back it up once in awhile cuz I will wait until I am ALL DONE to do that...
Now I am back in bed, bawling my eyes out. Hubby comes in to make sure I am diligently working on my site and getting it done. What the heck...no one on computer...no one cleaning...no one doing laundry or making a meal...
He comes into the bawling room to find me hiding under the covers and sobbing. Being the most wonderful husband in the world...Well, hunny, what do you think went wrong? Did you do something wrong to it? It's ok. Just call the guy for your site and tell him you need the "back-up copy uploaded. Nothing to cry about....
Well...darling husband...your wife was not smart enough for a thing called "back-up". She had faith in her site and nothing could ever happen. She was almost done. At the home stretch. Back-up? Who needs to do that? Not until your done and everything is perfect. Dah!

Saturday bad....Sunday will be good...

Last week we had a friend come over and spray our lawn for all those nasty weeds. They grow faster and taller than the grass. We have a huge lawn. No more yellow in my yard. Remember, I love flowers. I have gardens every where and tons of flowers. I do not need anything in my grass. Including dandelions. The only time I consider them a flower is when the kids pick them for me. Has anyone ever heard of dandelion wine? My aunt and uncle use to make it. That meant, all of us kids, adorned with a laundry basket, had to go out into the yard and pick these yellow creatures until the basket was full. They went into a big crock to ferment with oranges and raisins and (I don't really know). I hated it. Now, I dislike them so much, I have to have someone spray to get them out of here.

You will never guess what I got for Mother's Day while sitting out on my deck saying to myself, "sinara suckers...you'll be dead soon and I will have a beautiful GREEN lawn and no weeds!" Die, DIE!!! Please don't judge me, I have issues with these things.
The most beautiful bouquet of pretty flowers I have ever seen.
How could you not love them coming from such a sweet child. So, get the vase and put them in the center of the table to enjoy them ALL DAY LONG. What mother's have to do.. oh boy...They were apparently hiding in the field and of course, he found them. Only the biggest and the bestest for me!!!



I was to stay in the back yard and not go near the "MANS GARAGE" until I was notified. All the children and the hubby were working on a project for me and I could not see it until they said. Dandelion boy was coming into the back every so often to give me an update on the progress. (making sure I was enjoying my fresh picked bouquet). "They got one side done and are working on the other side but you can't see yet and I can't tell you what it is", he said.
"Now they got both sides done and are working on the middle" he said. Hummmm....what could it be....two sides and a middle.....
"Now they have to re-do one side but they are almost done" he said.

1 1/2 hours later I was taken into the yard, blindfolded to see my Mother's Day surprise. (very scary considering the girls were now keeping me company and the boys were doing the project and walking me blindfolded) The thoughts were, "boy, I hope they truly love me and don't think playing a trick on me on Mother's Day is a good idea."
Yup, I am one spoiled mom! This is what I received....

Ok, I must have done something right throughout the last year.

My family knows how much I love being outside near my gardens. Last year I received a gazebo and a three seat swing. This year I received all the additions to my space. The frog birdbath, a little wobbly mushroom my chair seat and a garden rock.

This is my place! This is where I go when I want to "take 5" for myself. I sit and listen to the birds and rock on my swing. Read a book. Do anything I want with no phones, no kids, no hubby, no computer, no cooking, no cleaning, no finding, no searching, no nothing. Just me and nature. I love this place and my family has made it so special for me. It is tucked in between two rows of pine tress and is still a work in progress. The flowers are just starting to peek out of the ground.
I will post an updated photo when it is complete.
My family is AWESOME!

This was yet another Mother's Day I will never forget.

And, like that was not enough, my 18 year old daughter brought me yet another awesome gift!

It will have a beautiful home in my gardens soon.

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day and God Bless you All.

Sometimes, Change is Good!

Ok. I have had this blog for a while now. I tried to have a schedule of some sort. I find being attached to this schedule limits me on my "creative end".
I would like to change things up a bit and let you get to know the "real me".
I am a huge fan of crafts and I absolutely go ga-ga over antiques. I love to garden and start my own flowers from seed and from friends. I have my own website. I am sure you have heard this before. It really is almost done. Just a few finishing touches, and away I go!
These items listed above are what I truly love to talk about. Don't get me wrong, I think humanitarian issues are very, very important. I will continue to do work in this area. I love to help people in any way I can.
So...
from this day on...
each and every post will be about something I love. I will continue to highlight the blogs I find that I would like to share. I will be posting pictures of my latest antique finds. I will post about my garden and my home. I will post about my crafts. I may even stick in a few surprises along the way. Subscribe to my post so you don't miss a thing. You will be glad you did.

And the first item....

I found this sewing cabinet at a rummage sale for $3.00. My husband looked at me like I was some crazy lady when I told him to load it into the truck. He asked why I would want a cabinet that someone has cut a hole in the center of. After a "brief" explanation of what this item was, I had to begin another conversation on "what" it was to become. Another story for another day! That was exhausting!

Now I have this item home and in the garage (the manly garage...not for items of this nature) where I proceed to explain what I am going to do with this "hideous" cabinet. (that is the comment from my husband, not from me) I saw potential the minute I laid my eyes on this.!

Ok, so I needed to borrow some tools from the "big guy" that he so generously lent to me.
Did I mention I received my own tools after this? Apparently, outside in the garage, everything has it's place and if you want to use the tools, you had better put them back in the proper place. This is not the inside of the house you know, where there is no place for anything except on the table for me to put away "in it's proper place".

Anyway, this is the result of two weeks of hard work! Still needs a little work on the bottom and I

would really like a glass top for it. But that will come in time...

I think it is a bit of an improvement!








My husband even likes it now!

Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take -
but by the moments that take our breath away."

When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard.

My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.

When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person
who probably wants money and I look away.
My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.

When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much rhythm
so I sit self-consciously and listen.
My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words.
If they don't know them, they make up their own.

When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it.
I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk.
My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.

When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that.
My kids say, "Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy."

When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets.

My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross, and worms to play with.

I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from? No wonder God loves the little children!

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

I wish you Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions!!!

I'm Back and Ready to Go

I am feeling much better today. I have been down with a terrible headache. Nice! It has been beautiful outside and I could not stand the light. Migraine. Yuk.
So, I am behind. I missed Saturday: Thoughts on the Week, I missed Monday: Inspiration (which I could of used a little of myself).

Well, today I play "catch-up".

Last week was a good week. I am looking forward to finishing my website. Still. I did not realize how much work it is. I guarantee it will be worth the wait.

Today, I would like to highlight ROSE VINE COTTAGE TWO.
Her name is Kelly. I am sure you all know her, she has 169 followers and her last post alone had 60 comments.

She has the most beautiful cottage which she so kindly shares pictures of with us. She recently won COTTAGE OF THE MONTH! You so deserve this award. This is one blog I visit as often as I can.
Her decorating style is simply amazing. Every thing fits so perfectly in place.
Kelly is a very talented decorator, without a doubt. Please visit her blog and see what I mean. I just cannot find enough words to describe what she does other than Absolutely Beautiful!

Kelly, you are my hero for being able to keep such a beautiful place with 3 boys, a dog and a husband. I will continue to follow this blog and hopefully learn a lot from Kelly and have a home as beautiful as The Rose Vine Cottage.

I myself have 3 boys, 3 girls, 2 husky's and a husband. Not sure if I will ever be able to pull this off but I will certainly give it a shot. I am thinking I will need to walk tall and carry a very big stick. But, if I could just get them to know the rules, "If momma ain't happy, Ain't nobody happy", all will be well. I am putting my foot down! No more ATV parts in the house, that is what the garage is for, No more muddy boots in the house, "Life is full of choices: Remove your shoes or scrub the floor", is my new motto. Any other tips you might have for keeping a white, clean, crisp, beautiful home with the male persons living in it?

Great job Kelly! I am truly envious of you and your home. Until I can transform my home, I will be visiting your blog daily for more inspiration. Keep up the awesome work.

More of Did you know...

Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this month.



REMINDER.... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls.



......... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS


Even if the message is saved on your phone, you will be charged for the minutes to listen to it.



To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222 .


It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.



HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.. It takes about 20 seconds.

It is Friday! Did you know....

Just in time for a Saturday cleaning....

Rice:
Not just for chopsticks!
Do you have a vase or small opening in a jar that you cannot get anything into to clean it?
Put a little rice in the vase/jar (about 1 tbsp) and fill jar 3/4 full of water. Cover the opening with your hand and shake. Walla...clean as a whistle!

Tea:
I am not what you would call a "tea connoisseur" but I do like tea. This one was hard to do (not drink it) but it works like a charm.
If you have garden tools that are rusty and need a cleaning, brew a couple pots of black tea. Once it has cooled a bit, pour it into a bucket. Put your rusty tools in with the tea and let them sit and soak for a couple of hours. You'll be back to the garden in no time with clean tools!

Now that I have given you something to do...Go on...Get to it!

Terms and conditions:
I will not be held liable for anyone that is now without rice or tea. Please put this on your grocery list as soon as possible. And...Have a happy sunshiny day!

Praying For Parker

I do not know this family but I visit their blog as much as possible. I can say I kind of know what the are going through and I pray every day for this family. My daughter Jenny also had many health issues so I feel their pain.

No parent can imagine what it is like to go through the heartbreak of a sick child unless they have been there. Or how much it drains you physically and emotionally.
Not to mention, FINANCIALLY.

God gave Parker to Reed and Tammy because he knew they were strong enough to go through this. For what ever reason He had.
They need your help. Look at his sweet face! How could you not help?
Here is how you can help:

PayPal Donation This will take you to a secure PayPal page to make a donation for Parker.

Install this button on your side bar.



A special fund has also been set up under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act in the name of Reed Parker Hodson Special Needs Medical fund. You can make a donation to this fund at any Zion's Bank or emailing Tammy at: hods5mom@aol.com. The fund has been set up to help with medical bills as well as speech and physical therapies.

Thank you and have a wonderful, sun-shiny day!

Klay Kisses & Holiday Wishes

Today, spring is here. Time for new beginnings.
I have decided to re-do my website. Maybe you have noticed that it is "under construction".
So, for today's product promotion, I am listing my improved site. Same name, more products, better pictures, less reading! I have learned so much from all my friends here in "Blogger Land" and from my friends at the "Blog Catalog". So thank you all so much for your input and suggestions. Your comments have been very helpful. I have taken every one of them into consideration.
Please don't stop here! Once my new home is up and running (should be tomorrow), I would still appreciate comments. I love comments! Drop me a note, tell my what you think. And remember, don't be shy. I am a big girl and can take criticism. I won't even cry!

Cindy Lietz of Polymer Clay Tutor

This has to be my new "BFF".
Her slogan is "I learned by making mistakes... Now you don't have to."
I first ran across her blog from The Crafty Bag Lady (a *very* funny story teller). I fell head over heals for her blog. She has so many tips and lessons, I just do not have enough time in a day. Well, I make the time. That means hubby can wait, lost items can be found by someone other than me, if it is broke, someone else can fix it....you get the point. "Mom's busy, please wait!" I just cannot stop. I have learned so much in such little time that it gave me new inspiration to create items that , until recently, could not figure out.
My first lesson was about 3 Common Mistakes that Cause Frustrations for Polymer Clay Beginners. And I was making them all. Trust me on this!
Cindy has Weekly Video Newsletters and Weekly Color Recipes that are packed full of useful information. Not just for the beginner. I bet even the "seasoned clayers" can learn a thing or two.
Bottom line is you have to visit Cindy. You will be glad you did. I know I am.
Of course I have joined every thing I could that Cindy has. Since then, it has been like Christmas every time I open my computer to see what Cindy has sent me today!
I have to go. Inspiration calls!!

Paul Harvey Writes:

Something to think about! I love Paul Harvey and the words he writes and they way he thinks. It always makes me sit awhile and really think. Just to let is absorb and then say, "Wow, how right he is."

Make sure you answer the riddle at the end of this post. All correct answers will receive 20% off coupon for anything on my site. (the site is currently being updated) The coupon will be good for 1 year.

We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better.
I'd really like for them to know about hand me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meatloaf sandwiches. I really would.
I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated. I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car.
And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.
It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.
I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in.
I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he/she wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's/she's scared, I hope you let him/her.
When you want to see a movie and your little brother/sister wants to tag along, I hope you’ll let him/her. I hope you have to walk up hill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.
On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as un-cool as your Mom.
If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one.
I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.
When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.
I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a boy/girl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.
May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flag pole.
I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don‘t like it. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.
I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandma/Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle.
May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.
I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Hanukah/Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.
These things I wish for you-tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness.
To me, it's the only way to appreciate life.
We secure our friends, not by accepting favors, but by doing them.

PaulHarvey

RIDDLE:

When asked this riddle, 80% of kindergarten kids got the answer, compared to 17% of Stanford University seniors.

What is greater than God, more evil than the devil, the poor have it, the rich need it, And if you eat it, you'll die?

The Giveaway: Febreze Giveaway

The Giveaway: Febreze Giveaway

The curse of the Daylilies!

Saturday is here! I wanted to work in the gardens today but the rain decided to beat me outside. I will have to wait. I love spring. Every thing starts to come back to life. It is like a fresh start for everything.

Year one: When we moved into our home, there was a very long garden in front of the house. Is is approx. 60 feet long by about 10-15 feet wide. It was filled with daylilies and pickers. I decided that I was going to "re-do" this patch and get rid of the day lilies to make room for a lot of different flowers. Has any one ever tried to get rid of day lilies? Don't get me wrong, the are pretty and I do like them but I did not want a whole garden full of them. They never die. You can never get rid of them. Ever! We have tried everything.

I tried cutting them down so I could at least see the ground. Then I thought, with all the time I have (ha ha), I will just dig them up and throw them in the waste pile in the back (soon to be a compost pile). My husband watched me spend entire weekends working so very hard digging these tubes up and taking the wheel barrow for the trek into the back yard to dump them. (We have 12 acres and this pile is in the far corner on the other side of the property). Pile after pile. I was going to get rid of these if it was the last thing I ever did. It almost was. Then my husband, being the very helpful loving husband that he is, made the biggest mistake of his life. He asked if I needed help. In tears, I said "yes, please." He is a strong man with a heart of gold. He dug this entire patch down 2 feet to try and eradicate all of these tubes for me. We piled the dirt on a trailer and made ATV jumps (another story for another day) with all the dirt. Then we went to the yard and garden center to get bags of dirt to fill the area back in. One trailer full of 60 bags of dirt outta do it. He filled in the patch, bag by bag, but it was not enough. I felt bad having him work so hard on this project of mine (really, I did) so I said I would take the truck and go get more dirt. I did not think I would need that much. Maybe another 50 bags or so.

I unhooked the trailer and left with the truck (Expedition). Do you know you can not put that much dirt in the back of a truck like this? I do now. I got back home and my hubby took one look at the truck which was almost to the ground in back, and said in his most loving voice, "hunny, what have you done?" I said, "what do you mean? I just got more dirt. Is something wrong?" Umm, dah! "Have you looked at the truck?" he asked. It was at that very moment I realized how very smart I actually am not. This also explains why the guy at the garden center looked at me funny as he brought the pallet full of dirt to my truck. I just thought he was a little strange or something. I have never left in the truck, from that day on, without talking to my husband about what I was taking the truck for and making sure that what I was going to get would be ok to put in the back of the truck.

Year two: With that over and done with, I continued to make this garden my dream garden. I received a lot of plants from my Aunt and Uncle. I planted each one in a carefully chosen spot in my new garden. They were so beautiful. I was out there all the time pulling weeds and tending to this garden that my husband and I poured our heart and souls into. You will never guess what happened next. All of those daylilies began to grow again. Each one, rising above the dirt, to meet the sun. I dug them out and with anger, threw them into the wheel barrow and off they went. My husband came out to check on my progress and made the second mistake of his life. "What is the matter hunny? Lots of weeds?" With tears in my eyes again I said, "they are still here. They will never be gone." He could not believe that with all the work we did the year before they were still there. He asked me what I wanted him to do. He knew how bad I wanted this garden. I said that I thought if we got some weed barrier they would not come through it. Silly, silly women! He did as I requested and picked up the weed barrier and left me to the task of carefully cutting it and placing it on top of the dirt and around my flowers, to once and for all, get rid of these things. We got mulch to place on top of that, (with the trailer this time and my hubby by my side) from the city garage. I did mention to him that I could handle this task alone but he would not think of it. Wonder why? He removed it from the trailer and shoveled it into the garden for me.

Year three: My beautiful garden is now a dream come true. You will never, ever guess the next sentence. Yes, the day lillies are much stronger than I anticipated and still grew though the weed barrier. I give up, they win. They are only here and there and I learned to just live with them in peace. I cannot battle them any longer. My husband is so happy with me that I learned to come to terms and live happily together, FOREVER, with the lilies. Oh, did I leave out some little point I should not have? Did I fail to mention my husband absolutely dislikes gardening? Hates it, hates, hates it! He never comes to check on me when I am in the garden anymore. Weird. From across the yard, he tells me how nice my garden looks. What a guy!

The garden is still a work in progress. I plan on adding more flowers this year as soon as the rain stops! More pictures to come.

Items from around the house...

Did you know you could use:

White Bread and Ketchup

Use white bread to: Dust an oil painting. Gently dab a slice of white bread over the surface to pick up dirt and grime.

Use ketchup to: Remove tarnish from copper and brass cookware. Squeeze ketchup onto a cloth and rub it on pots and pans. They should go back to their coppery color in minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry with a towel.

I did not know these two things could be used for anything other than PB&J and Hot Dogs!

This came from Real Simple Solutions.

Pay It Forward

I was snooping around in some of my very favorite blogs and ran across this awesome idea! I thought it was so cool and just had to be in on it and I am sure you will too! Have you ever read this blog? http://craftybaglady.blogspot.com/ She is hallarious! Please people, live a little and get in on the fun!



Here's how it works....

The first five (5) people to respond to this post will get something made by me.This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. Whatcha get is whatcha get.
2. What I create will be just for you, with love.
3. It’ll be done this year (2009).
4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be weird or beautiful. Or it may be monstrous and annoying. Heck, I might bake something for you and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that’s for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something strange.
6. In return, all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to your blog post.
7. Send your mailing address - after I contact you.

IMPORTANT: This offer is null and void if I do not see you post your own blog to pay this forward. This text was used from http://piggyinthepuddle.blogspot.com/