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!

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!