Celebration of Joy

We're going to be trying something new at my church this December. In the past we've had Ladies' Luncheons the first Saturday of December (and three other Saturdays a year too). We'd make a craft, have a guest speaker share her testimony and then we'd enjoy food and fellowship. But after many years and many crafts the idea pool had run dry and we decided we would try something else.

Next Saturday will be our first annual Celebration of Joy ~ a Ladies' Christmas Luncheon. We'll be having a potluck lunch with a twist in addition to a special time of music and a message from our pastor's wife. The potluck twist is that each table will be having their own little mini potluck. Each table will have it's own hostess and she (and in some cases a co-hostess) will be responsible for setting their table with their own dishes, linens, centerpieces, etc. I attended this type of luncheon at my son's mother-in-law's church a couple times in the past and truly enjoyed myself. It's fun to see all the decorating styles and it's such a blessing to have all those women together celebrating

"The Reason for the Season".

There are many little details to pull-together so your prayers and good thoughts would be appreciated. Hopefully I'll be able to share some pictures next weekend of our celebration!

I Am Thankful

We had a lovely time on Thanksgiving Day ~ my family, all together, laughing and having fun. A dear friend there too ~ sharing with us. We spent the afternoon and evening at my daughter's home, where we all contributed to a yummy meal and sweet fellowship.

My son-in-law led us in prayer and we thanked the Lord for the many blessings we've had this past year. New additions to our family, health, a roof over our heads, food in our pantries, each other ~ so much to be grateful for. So much to thank the Lord for.

Since then I've been thinking ~ I've been thinking about the things I'm thankful for that didn't get mentioned while at Katie's home. Things I'm actually a little surprised that I can admit I'm thankful for. Things like difficulty in relationships, job security, physical limitations, unfulfilled expectations, hurt, anger, sadness, fear, feelings of being over-whelmed, over-tired, and just plain over-done! I'm thankful for all these things in my life, and in my family's life ~ because they draw us closer to the Lord.

Times of difficulty help us to develop trust and perseverance as we learn to live in the knowledge that our strength comes from God.
"Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31

Each day, no matter what, can be a joy-filled day.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you".

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We can be thankful in any circumstance....because we know that the Lord is walking right beside us and that His strength is sufficient to see us through. We must learn to say "Praise God" right in the middle of the mess that may be our life, rather than waiting till the mess is all over.

It's my prayer that each member of my family (including myself) would rise above themselves and their circumstances and live lives that honor Jesus Christ no matter what is going on in those lives. It's difficult to feel thankful when we focus on all that is wrong in our lives and in the world we live in. But if we place our focus on the One who should be at the center of it all ~ it becomes so much easier. He has done so much.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:8

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"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Philippians 1:21

Is it?

"Can we say of our lives we live wholly for Christ as the apostle Paul did? "For me to live is Christ"...Yet, this alone is the love life of a Christian--it's source, it's sustenance, it's fashion, it's end. All gathered up in two words---Christ Jesus. For me to live is Christ. Lord, burn that in my heart and mind. Lord, accept me; I here present myself, praying to live only in Thee and to Thee. Let me be as the bullock that stands between the plow and the altar, to work or to be sacrificed; and let my motto be, "ready for either."
From the prayer journal of Wanda Jakelsky

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

Drum Roll Please.....

First of all ~ THANK YOU so much for all of your wonderful comments!! I was truly overwhelmed by them. So many new places to visit and new people to meet!

More than seventy-five entries to choose from! Now for the winners!

1st place

Jamie from millerhomestead

2nd place

Carol from Carol'sheirloomcollection

3rd place

Trudy from Bitsofwool

Congratulations to all of you! Please send me your addresses (check my profile for email address) ~ I'll be mailing out the goodies next week.

This was fun! I may have to do it again ~ soon!

A Special Day

Last Saturday was a special day for Elijah ~ and it wasn't just because he got to wear a tie and visit with his cousin Charlotte. Here they are at Olive Garden wondering, if this is a celebration for Elijah, why are they sitting around watching everyone else eat. Don't you love how her head is tipped as if to say "I'm hungry too" and his hand is resting on her shoulder as he tells her "It's OK, our time will come".

Back to the special day ~ It was Parent/Child dedication Day at their church. It was a sweet service full of beautiful little faces. I especially loved the letter that each child received as a part of the service. It's a letter that will be tucked away and given to Elijah on the day he trusts Jesus as his Savior. I thought you might like to read part of it.

Dear Elijah,

Saturday, November 22, 2008 was a very special day. Your parents stood before God and their families and friends to thank God for the precious gift of your life and to commit to raising you in a Christian home. They pledged to "bring you up in the nurture and instruction of the Lord", to teach you Scripture that will lead you to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, to recognize and encourage your talents and uniqueness and to love you as Jesus loves you. They wanted you to see the face of Jesus mirrored in them.....

Elijah and Charlotte are both blessed to have been born into families who will teach them about Jesus ~ I know that I can't wait to sing praise songs with them ~ talk about a joyful noise!!

Swaps Are Great Fun!

I participated in this secret ornament swap and wanted to show everyone the wonderful ornament I received.

Isn't it the cutest, sweetest little squirrel!!!

He can hang on my tree or frolic in the acorn patch on my desk at work. He's enjoying the frolicing right now!!

Thanks so much to Stephanie at "ourpieceofquiet" for the perfect ornament! Gee ~ I wonder how she knew I liked squirrels!!

Thanks also to Julie at "appilyeverafter" for organizing the swap ~ it was fun to get a surprise in the mail! I'll be mailing my secret ornament off to someone special this week!

Times Running Out!

Wow ~ I am amazed at the amount of comments I've received on my giveaway post! Hardly seems right that I pick only one winner. I think I'll pick two more! First name drawn will still receive the prim little gathering shown in my left sidebar. The second name will get this gingerbread man candlelight and the third will get the little gingerbread tart pan plus a bit of something extra.

Hurry up ~ you only have until midnight (EST) tonight to enter. I'll draw three names tomorrow and post about them tomorrow night. Click on the raggedy gathering at the top of my left sidebar to enter. Thanks so much to all who've visited me ~ and thanks for all the nice things you've had to say!

Random Monday Memories

Cold ~ day 6. My throat is scratchy, my nose is stuffy & my head is foggy ~ memories (random or not) are slow in coming. But through the fog I see a cobalt blue glass jar in the distance....and it triggers memories of the past.

I remember when I was a little girl I would get a seal sounding kind of cough, my nose would get all stuffed up and my chest and my throat would hurt so much. My mom would rub a thick layer of Vicks on my chest and my throat and then she'd wrap an old cloth diaper around my neck and tuck the ends into my pajama top. The warmth kind of seeped into my chest and throat and the vapors cleared my nose ~ it was wonderful! I loved that smell! I confess that I used to take that blue jar out of the medicine chest just so I could unscrew the lid and take a whiff every now and then! Ahhhh! I can smell it now!

My children didn't seem to appreciate the benefits of Vicks as much as I did. "The fumes make my eyes burn!" "That stuff stinks!" "I don't like how that feels on me!" "Stop rubbing, it tickles too much!"
They don't know what they were missing! I think I'll go get that little blue (now plastic) jar and take a sniff ~ I'd rub some on but I don't think the disposable diapers would work the same as those old cloth ones my mom used!

I've Had Better Days

I'm not feeling very well today. I have a nasty cold. I feel better than I did yesterday though ~ so that's encouraging!

There's so much to get done this weekend ~ I think when I get home from work today I'll go straight to bed.

Colds are not fun! But this little nurse sure is!

Some Of My Favorite Things

Here's a little peek at some of the things I love to look at in my home.

Isn't this little button head doll a cutie...I stood in line waiting for the artist to finish her and then snatched her up! The little berry-trimmed candlelight keeps her little corner lit up at night.

I love this little stitched verse...it's a good reminder! The little berry topiary is actually a candle that I found for a quarter at a thrift store and there's one of my fat birds sitting on a fabric covered box!

I love old kitchen utensils and cookie cutters and Purinton pottery...especially the apple and pear pattern. I also love one another!


More cookie cutters, a sweet little raggedy gal and one of my Susan Branch books share a spot in my dining room hutch with more Purinton, a yummy smelling candle, a tiny copper teapot and a rusty mini sad iron.

I just like stuff........

It's Baby Day!

Introducing Penelope!

Exciting news ~ my son, Kevin, and his wife, Jacqi, are expecting their first child in March! There are clearer pictures of her but I like this one because she's waving at me!

"Hi Gramma ~ I can't wait to meet you!"

When Penelope arrives she'll join her (then) 14 month old cousin Elijah and cousin Charlotte, who will be 10 months old.  A newborn, a 10 month old and a 14 month old ~ what a bunch of babies to love! What an armful! What a blessing! I can hardly wait!!

Random Monday Memories

100th Post Giveaway!

My memories today go back 100 posts. I was "surfing the net" and happened upon the wonderful Land of Blog. It's been a lovely adventure ever since. There are so many places to visit, so much to learn and so many friends to meet ~ all over the world! I've been spiritually challenged and creatively inspired. My heart's been touched in so many ways. Who would have thought that could happen while sitting alone at my laptop. What a pleasure it's been to get to know new friends while keeping old friends and family up to date and entertained by my babbling! What a pleasure it will be to send a bit of me to someone who visits my blog.

So here's the giveaway ~ one winner takes all! A raggedy doll who needs a home, a snowman candlelight and a framed, prim welcome. The rag doll is about 24 inches tall, the candlelight and snowman are tucked into an evergreen filled sleigh and the hand stitched welcome is in a 5x7 wood frame.


Make a comment here and get a chance at this sweet gathering of goodies. Post about it on your blog and get a second chance. Please comment by midnight EST on November 25th. I'll be drawing a winner on November 26th ~ the day before Thanksgiving.


Have a blessed day!

Made By Me ~ 3

I'm participating in a home craft show this weekend. I really enjoyed taking a little time to make some things to put in the show. One of my favorite things to make ~ and something that sells very well too ~ is "bacon & eggs"! Don't you love them! Three little stick pretzels, a little "blop" (that's a technical term you know) of melted vanilla candy wafers, and a yellow M&M...that's all it takes. A little bit of sweet + a little bit of salty + a little bit of chocolate = YUM!

They make me smile everytime I look at them. I started making these around 1985 ~ someone gave them to me and I thought they were so cute...I had to make more! They've been a Christmas tradition at our house ever since.

I found these little skillets at Target a couple years ago, so for the past two years I've sold "bacon & eggs" in skillets. Everyone loves them.

Here they are all packaged up for sale.

I sent twelve skillets full to the show ~ I can't wait to find out how many sold!

Here's a peek at some of the other things I made for the show.

Lacey, victorian bears

Sweet gift for a gramma

Prim, raggedy gals

Teddy bears on homespun candy canes

Snowman candlelight

Gingerbread basket & fabric covered boxes ~ I love making these & I love how they turned out ~ if they don't sell I won't be too sad!!

More prim, homespun goodies ~ whatever is left, I plan to giveaway as gifts ~ maybe even a gift or two to me!


Speaking of giveaways ~ the next post will be my 100th!
Stop back and see what my giveaway(s) will be!!

Baby Day ~ and Here Comes a Giveaway!

I love babysitting ~ what gramma doesn't! It's such fun to cuddle with them without having to share them with anyone...and it's fun to teach them new things and it's especially fun to dress them in things that their parents may not love!

Here we have Elijah in a Detroit Red Wing outfit ~ he's watching one of their hockey games! We're teaching him to love the game of hockey! His dad is a big football fan ~ he loves the Pittsburgh Steelers ~ he does not love hockey!! Oh well....

I'm smiling Joe!

Here's Charlotte modeling a cute little outfit (hat included) that I found at the thrift store. Her mama thought the outfit was pretty silly but she loved the hat! Charlotte thought it was quite fetching.

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I do believe this is my 98th post! How did that happen? One hundred thirty one days since I began my blog and I've managed to post almost 100 times! I'm happy about this and when I'm happy I like to make others happy too! So on my 100th post I'll be talking about a giveaway. I hope you'll come visit and see what it's all about!

Veterans Day

Remembering and Honoring

All Those Who Have Served.

"Thank you for your courage, thank you for your sacrifice, and thank you for standing up when your nation needed you most." George W. Bush 11/11/2008

"Give honor and respect to all those to whom it is due" Romans 13:7 TLB

Random Monday Memories

It has been a crazy few days around here. I haven't had much time to read any blogs and I haven't had any time to post on my own. Finally things seem to be getting back to the regular chaos that is my life. One good thing about the past several days ~ it produced blog material!

One of our hot water pipes sprung a leak ~ it was leaking for a few days ~ shooting a steady stream of water at the back of a particle board bookcase in my storage room. The bookcase was full of books & games. Fortunately the back of the bookcase absorbed the bulk of the water and only a couple of books had to be disposed of.

As I was sorting through and re-arranging the games I got to thinking about favorite games of my childhood.

Mystery Date was probably my favorite game. Check out the commercial that sparked the desire in me to own this game. It was a Christmas gift ~ and I loved it!

Lie Detector was a great game ~ the pictures of the suspects were so funny! It was another Christmas gift and it was a hit! Here's some info about it.

There were a lot of other games I liked, but these two bring good memories to mind. Are there games from your childhood that you really enjoyed?

Grandbabies and a Beautiful Day!

Last Saturday was a beautiful day ~ we were glad because we had made plans to meet Joe, Johanna and Elijah at an oudoor mall near their home. We planned to stroll around, visit and eat. Joe and Johanna chose Red Brick Station for lunch. We ate outside.

As soon as we arrived we saw our favorite little red-head! We live about 45 minutes away from them - just enough time to make it a bit difficult to visit as often as we'd like to. I love seeing how much Elijah's learned in between our visits. He's such a smart boy!!

Unlike Joe and Johanna the rest of us had never been to Red Brick Station. Here's Katie studying the menu.....what to have??

She decided on Fish n' Chips ~ the portions are HUGE!! There were leftovers!



Mark and Bill's Dad enjoyed sharing a beer sampler...



Elijah enjoyed a little snooze....

Charlotte enjoyed the sun-shiney day...



We all enjoyed each other's company.



It was a beautiful day!



Some of us got Starbucks after we visited a couple stores.



Then we said our good-byes to Joe, Johanna & Elijah ~ we decided this had been a nice way to spend an afternoon ~ and we'd have to do it again when Kevin and Jacqi could join us too.


Off we go into the sunset after a very lovely day!