A Spirit of Gratitude: July 31

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

The female offspring cleaning the dining room

So. Much. Ice Cream.

Learning something new

Being woken up much too early

Thunder in the distance

The grand baby splashing in puddles

A Clean(er) bedroom

Trips to Sam's Club with the Man of the House

A day with no rain

Sleepy Grand Baby

The Man of the House scratching my back when I had a headache

Cupcakes

A husband who works hard - at his job and at home

The male offspring assembling his bedroom furniture 

With his sister's help

Weather that feels like September at the end of July

Be sure to visit my giveaway HERE for a chance to WIN a

Hand-crafted Cotton Spa Bath Set!!

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Service With A Smile

We are meant to serve other people.

But even as we serve people, ultimately it is the Lord we are serving.

We serve Him through serving people. 

As we serve people we are acting as His hands and feet here in the world.  

Not because we have to serve.  Because we want to serve.  We are compelled to serve.

We serve people to share Him with with a wounded people. 

We serve people in order to serve Him.

 Be sure to visit my giveaway HERE for a chance to WIN a
Hand-crafted Cotton Spa Bath Set!!

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Three Things: I Want To Crochet

I'm a teeny tiny bit addicted to crocheting.  I always have at least one project going at any time.  And usually it's more like 2 or 3!  (gotta have one personal project and one for Etsy shop going at all times!) My Pinterest board is overflowing with ideas and patterns for things I want to create. 

Here are three of my top "I wanna crochet that!" items:

1) An area rug:

http://www.bestfreecrochet.com/2010/12/17/round-rug-free-crochet-pattern/

There are a billion and one different crocheted rugs all over Etsy and Pinterest.  I want to make one for my dining area. Still looking for just the perfect pattern.

2) This cabled bag:

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/plus-size-cable-bag

It's big and roomy.  It's got a cool cabled pattern.  It's fabulous.  And I want it! Although I'd probably make it in a pretty Tiffany blue color. But the grey is good too.

3) This coat:

http://gipsybazar.blogspot.com/2011/02/missonis-back-from-70s.html

I don't even know if there is actually a pattern for this somewhere or what.  But if I ever find one - I am so making this!  I mean.... c'mon - just look at it!  It's just stunning!

 Be sure to visit my giveaway HERE for a chance to WIN a

Hand-crafted Cotton Spa Bath Set!!

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A Hand-crocheted Spa Bath Set Give-Away!

I am just overwhelmed that over 100 people now follow this blog via Google Friend Connect.  And even more follow with BlogLovin' and by email.  I wish I could thank each and every one of you individually for taking time to read my randomness.  But since I can't... how about a giveaway?

As my way of saying "Thanks!", I am giving away this Spa Bath Set:

 

The set includes one hand-crocheted cotton spa bath set by Queen B's Busy Work (1 washable cotton bath puff, 1 cotton washcloth, and 8 cotton facial rounds) and a 3 piece Vanilla scented travel set (shampoo, body wash, and lotion). 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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A Spirit of Gratitude: July 24

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

Perfect weather with temps in the 70's

Feeling nostalgic

The male offspring telling me about "grolar bears"

22 years with the female offspring

Waking up to rain falling

A hummingbird perched on the cable outside the kitchen window

Sushi

The grand baby telling his mommy "it's you birthday!"

Glancing out the window to see the hummingbird hovering right there - looking back at me

Making lists

The grandbaby making me laugh with this:

K: What do you want to do? Do you want to play with your toys?

Grandbaby: C-Pop!! (what he calls his grand-dad)

K: That's nice, but he's busy... and C-Pop is not a toy

Grandbaby: But he MY C-Pop!

Someone else doing the dishes

The Man of the House bringing home ice cream

The grand baby watching the birds at the feeder

Long kisses

The grand baby pacing around with his hands clasped behind his back

A cup of afternoon tea on a rainy afternoon

Crazy thing with my eye was nothing serious

Starting a new book

USPS package pickup service

Oatmeal with blueberries and walnuts

Be sure to visit my giveaway HERE for a chance to WIN a
Hand-crafted Cotton Spa Bath Set!!

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

The Rear View Mirror Torn Off

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what it ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" - Philippians 3 :13b - 14

There's a country song by Jo Dee Messina in which she sings that she's "Got a lead foot down on my accelerator and the rear view mirror torn off 'cause I ain't never lookin' back"

photo: publicdomainpictures

That's the image I get when I read Philippians 3:13b - "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead".  Moving on down the road of life, keeping an eye on the road ahead - not on the road behind.

There are some things that you want to carry with you.  Lessons learned.  Happy memories made.  Those things are light and easy to carry.  But there are some things from the past that are  the past around - they are only going to weigh you down. Inhibit your forward motion.  Let them go.

The past is past.  It is what it is.  There's no going back.  No changing it.

If you keep looking behind you, the things in the path ahead are able to take you by surprise and cause you to trip - maybe even fall.  The way can be winding and full of pot holes.  You have to keep looking where you are going.

Press on.  Keep your eyes forward.  Eyes on the prize.  The past is behind you.  The prize for which God has called you is in front of you.

Keep moving forward.

(psssst.... speaking of looking forward - come back tomorrow for a giveaway!!)

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Juana Mickels: Wednesday's Prayer Girls

WholeHearted Home: Wholehearted Wednesdays Linkup
We Are THAT Family: Works For Me Wednesdays
Woman to Woman: Word-filled Wednesday
A Little R & R: A Little R&R Wednesdays
Joy Dare Blog: Capture Your Journey Link Up 
My Daily Walk in His Grace: Winsome Wednesday 
So Much at Home Linkup Party

 

Three Things: I could do without...

We've all said it: "I could really do without______". 

You know... those things you are fed up, overloaded, or just tired of dealing with. 

At this stage of my life I try very hard to see the blessings - both big and small and to be grateful for all of those instead of focusing on the difficulties of life  But let's be honest. there are still a few things I could definitely do without:  For example:

1) Negative people: You know.. those people that always seem to have plenty of gloom and doom to share.  The ones who are constantly telling you about something sad or depressing.  The ones always looking at the gray skies instead of looking for the rainbows and enjoying the sound of the rain.  Now... I have to confess, that I can very easily start swaying this way sometimes.  But I am making an effort to be a more grateful, more positive person.

2) Onions:  Don't like 'em.  Never have.  Never will.  They make me gag.  My parents have stories about my intense aversion to onions as a child. If a recipe calls for onion - I leave it out.  Maybe toss in a little extra garlic to make up for it.  But NO onions.

3: THIS:

It's called a subconjuctival hemorrhage.   It doesn't hurt.  I just woke up the other day, looked in the mirror and freaked out because there was Blood. on. my. eyeball!!  (I challenge you to stay calm in that situation!) It's bleeding between the clear "conjuctiva" tissue that covers the white part of your eye and the tissue underneath.  Imagine a bruise, but with no skin and pigmentation - you actually see the blood instead of a purple spot.  No clue what caused mine. But they can be caused by something as simple as rubbing your eyes, sneezing, or coughing.  No treatment required. Just have to wait for the blood to be reabsorbed.  In the meantime I just look "eeewwww"

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A Wise Woman Said... Make New Throw Pillows!

I've been wanting some new throw pillows for my living room.  But if you've looked at them lately, you know they are NOT inexpensive items.  Eeep!  That doesn't sit well with my thrifty little soul.  So I have been planning to make some covers for the existing ones or just start all over from scratch.   

Until one day while at World Market... inspiration struck!  

Today my post is over at A Wise Woman Said... showing you how I made this lovely pillow by using an item usually found elsewhere in the house.  

http://awisewomansaid.blogspot.com/2014/07/napkin-throw-pillows.html

Come on over and join the crafty fun!

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The Song in my Heart: Ob La Di

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Saturday's Inspiration: Let Your Heart Soar

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For the Birthday Girl

Dear Captain Princess,

You were my first miracle.  The first baby to steal my heart.  My bright and shining little princess.  My tough and tumble little girl.  The girl playing with Barbies one day, fishing with Daddy the next.  Putting on frilly dresses, and wanting to climb trees and splash in the mud while wearing them.

Growing up you amused, amazed, and befuddled me.  And you still do.

I thank God every day for granting me the honor of being your mother.  Seeing you grow from that spirited little blond girl into the woman you are was a journey I wouldn't trade for anything in the universe.  I am constantly awestruck by the person you have become.

You are one of the smartest, funniest women I have ever had the privilege of knowing. You have such a quick mind - it's hard (nearly impossible) to keep up with it sometimes.  Though our views on things often differ, I am always impressed by your sense of justice, tolerance, acceptance, and fairness.

You are a beautiful woman - inside and out.  

And now that you are a mother yourself, I absolutely love watching you be firm and loving as you guide your little boy through these early years.  You are an amazing mom!!

I am impressed by you.  I am inspired by you.  I love you.

Happy Birthday.

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Over The Top!

You did it!  Y'all pushed me over the 100 Followers mark on Google Friend Connect!

WOW!!!  I still have a hard time believing there are 100+ people who care what I write on this little ol' blog.

But... I asked... you delivered...

and now I am hard at work creating a special little Giveaway to celebrate this occasion. 

Stay tuned - the 100 Celebration Giveaway will go live around the middle of next week. 

And...

a big THANK YOU to all of you for reading and following!!

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A Spirit of Gratutude: July 17

This Week I Am Thankful For:

Tasks accomplished

The Man of the House getting home earlier than expected

Late night thunderstorms

The Man of the House helping get the dishes done

Quiet time during the male offspring's guitar lesson
Bee Measuring Spoons

A treat for the Man of the House

The grand baby being a cookie monster

The male offspring working hard to help on his room makeover

Talking about book stuff with the Man of the House

Breakfast for dinner

A Bee hive canister

Ordering a new bed for the male offspring

My niece's 10th birthday

Mt Laundry getting smaller

Running errands with the Man of the House

The grand baby falling asleep on the couch

Watching documentaries on Netflix

Fresh cherries

Crafting supplies
That face the Grand Baby makes when he's angry
Folding laundry at midnight
Being snuggled up tight with the Man of the House
Fresh muffins (blueberry)
The Grand Baby singing "na na na na na - BATMAN" over and over in Target (loudly!!)
Bee Earrings

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

The Fontenot Four: Thankful Thursdays
Adventures of a Monkey Footed Mummy: Thankful Thursday
Make Me Up Mia: Thankful Thursday
A Beautiful Ruckus: Little Things Thursday
Serving Joyfully: Thriving Thursdays
Jenni Mullinax: Thrive @ Home Thursdays
A Glimpse Inside: Catch a Glimpse
Reading List: Cozy Reading Spot

A "Certain" Place

"When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep." ~ Genesis 28:11

I find it interesting that the verse states "a certain place".  Not just - 'he stopped for the night because the sun had set'.  A certain place.  He had come to a spot where he could safely and comfortably stop his journey and get some rest.

What place?  A specific stage along his journey? A place shown to him?  

He didn't stop just any random spot.  He didn't stop just because he felt tired.  He kept going until he reached a "certain place".

Certain: adjective

1) specific, but not explicitly named or stated

2) known for sure; established beyond doubt

When we come to a "certain" place - we can also find rest.

A place where we are certain where our strength comes from.  Certain where our hope lies.  Certain we are loved.  Certain of grace.

When we are certain of our God and certain who we are in Him.  Even when the sun sets. When we are tired and the journey is long. 

We can stop and find rest.

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Tell Me A Story: True Stories

 Rich Faith Rising: Unite!

 Juana Mickels: Wednesday's Prayer Girls

WholeHearted Home: Wholehearted Wednesdays Linkup
We Are THAT Family: Works For Me Wednesdays
Woman to Woman: Word-filled Wednesday
A Little R & R: A Little R&R Wednesdays
Joy Dare Blog: Capture Your Journey Link Up 
My Daily Walk in His Grace: Winsome Wednesday 
So Much at Home Linkup Party

That Kind of Day

When I woke up this morning today just felt like a 'pancakes' kind of day. 

Pancakes with fresh berries.  And plenty of syrup. 

For a while I tried to convince myself it was a "I'll just have coffee" kind of a day.  But I couldn't ignore the siren song of the griddle.

A pancakes kind of day it is.  And pancakes we shall have!

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Almost Time to Celebrate!

I never imagined this would happen. Maybe in my very wildest dreams.  But kind of not really.

This blog is right on the threshold of having 100 followers via Google Friend Connect!!  99 and counting...


Now, I know for some of you seasoned and/or professional bloggers - 100 may not seem like a lot.  But for a gal just looking for a place to write about her life, her faith, and her thoughts - this seems like a reason to celebrate.

photo: publicdomainpictures

Celebrate we will!!  And one lucky follower will get a present!  When someone decides to hit "Follow" and put the blog over that the 100 mark - we're going to have a little ol' giveaway  here on the blog.

Now, I'm not going to tell you what the prize will be just yet.  But it will be one (or more) items from my Etsy shop: Queen B's Busy Work.

So... let's sit back and see when I hit that 100 followers mark to kick off the giveaway.

100 followers... who woulda thought?

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Three Things: I Love About Summer

Summer days are rolling past faster than I can say "summer vacation".  And the school supplies are already showing up in the stores.  I want to enjoy summer before it's just a memory.  And while I can do without the heat and humidity (my curly hair does not like...)  there are plenty of things I love about summer.

1)  Fresh fruit and veggies - I've said it before and I'll say it again... I've even listed in a Three Things before.  I believe it deserves repeating - there is just something tastier about locally grown, freshly picked produce.  It's juicier.  It's more flavorful.  It's just better!

2)  Lightening bugs - (or "fireflies", if you prefer)  I love being outside at night in the dark and seeing these little insects lighting up.  It's like summer's version of Christmas lights.

3)  Afternoon and evening thunderstorms - I'm a gal who likes a good thunderstorm.  Especially at night when I'm getting ready to go to sleep.  Just as long as they don't get TOO severe.

What are some of your favorite things about summer?

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Don't Let the Yellow Door Hit You on the Way Out (repost)

originally posted at My Really Real Reality on May 1, 2012

Dear Pollen;

I could no longer hold my feelings inside.  I had to write to tell you that I deeply, truly, madly, endlessly despise you!  I, for one, have just about enough of your antics!  What makes you think you have the right to take over Spring and ruin it for so many of the rest of us?  I am sick and tired of your little games. 

I can't take any more of the way you make my eyes water and itch.  Completing the image with dark circles underneath that make me appear as if I have done a few rounds with a heavyweight boxer.  Not that I can see it for myself, thanks to the way they swell up.

The way you make my sinuses close up, and yet somehow you still manage to keep my nose drip, drip, dripping between the seemingly endless sneezing:  nice - really nice.  As if that isn't enough misery, you also cause the roof of my mouth to be itchy and irritated, along with a sore throat.  And you top the entire package off with some wheezy breathing. 

photo: publicdomainpictures.net

It's not just the way you treat me personally.  You have no respect for any of my belongings either.  You turn my car a funky color by leaving a coating of yellow on top of the original paint color.  Also spreading your yellow dust onto my windows, the front door, and all over my porch and driveway.  It's disgusting to have yellow finger tips every time I try to touch something.  Which means washing my hands before I accidentally touch my face and make the above mentioned attacks even worse! 

Oh sure, you think you are so great and special.  I'm sure the pharmaceutical companies are big fans of yours.  And the tissue manufacturers (who I probably single-handed keep in business this time of year).  And yes, I know all about how you are responsible for the creation of delicious fruits and vegetables.  I don't want to hear it.  Come back and maybe we can talk sometime when I'm not a sneezing, sniffling, watery mess.  I might be willing to listen as I bite into a nice juicy peach or slice up a ripe tomato. 

Until then, I don't want anything to do with you.  Do me a favor - take your yellow mess and just leave!

Insincerely Yours...

 

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A Spirit of Gratitude: July 10

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

All the hard work the Man of the House has done in the office/guest room

The male offspring showing an interest in keeping a journal

The Man of the House taking a 5 day weekend

Aquarium trip

Penguins

Eating outside

Live music while waiting

Safe traveling

Ice cream cones

Cooler weather and a breeze

S'mores

http://awisewomansaid.blogspot.com/2014/07/smores-go-indoors.html

Deck furniture all set up

The sound of fireworks in the distance

The Man of the House making breakfast

Family sitting out on the back porch

New craft closet space

Organized yarn

Beautiful yarn colors

http://my-day-job.blogspot.com/2014/07/ive-got-blues-and-greens.html

 A good deal on a nightstand at consignment shop

Dr Seuss pencils

 The male offspring cleaning his room

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups:

The Fontenot Four: Thankful Thursdays
Adventures of a Monkey Footed Mummy: Thankful Thursday
Make Me Up Mia: Thankful Thursday
A Beautiful Ruckus: Little Things Thursday
Serving Joyfully: Thriving Thursdays
Jenni Mullinax: Thrive @ Home Thursdays
A Glimpse Inside: Catch a Glimpse
Reading List: Cozy Reading Spot 
So Much at Home Linkup Party