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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

What's Better Than a Bow?

Why a little bit of Rag Garland of course!


Everything you see here is thrifted, or items I already had on hand.
The fabric is leftovers from adorable Christmas wreaths that my daughter made for everyone, and of course silly me forgot to take a picture!


This was the last little bag of goodies for my nephew and his sweet wife.
I am joining DIY Day over at ASPTL, so head over to check out all of the other wonderful projects.
Jackie

Thursday, December 24, 2009

The children were nestled............


....all snug in their bed


while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.

Wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas!
Jackie

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Revealing the Mystery

Remember when I gave you a little peek at a few things for a project that I have been working on here and here? It was finally complete around the time my computer decided to die. I can now share the details since the new computer is here.

For several years I have decorated a table for a Ladies Christmas gathering at the church where I participate in Bible studies. It was so neat to watch it all come together. This year's theme was" Wise Women Seek Him" and our speaker was Jan Silvious. In the beginning I committed to pray for each lady that the Lord wanted me to invite and I did just that. It was neat to see how He showed me specifically each person that I should invite.

 I initially started looking at table decorations, figured I would pick out a picture, and go with it, UNTIL.......the Lord gave me another idea. I went back to thoughts of my grandmother. She has been gone for quite a long time, but I still miss her, and am reminded of the wisdom that she showed, and thus my table idea began. This wonderful blog friend took her time to send her wonderful ideas, and helped me to know that I was on the right track.

The picture you originally saw was my grandmother's sewing machine. This one I happened upon at our thrift store, my husband encouraged me to purchase it, and I did, for half of what they were asking.This way he did not have to dismantle my grandmothers to display. This was my table centerpiece. I spent many times at her sewing machine pretending that I could sew just like her.


The quilt piece that you see was an old pillow w/ quilted top that I purchased from the thrift store for .49. The number 28 was my table number, so I stitched it on an old piece of embroidery also purchased from the thrift store.


These were pin cushions that I made for the place cards. I was even able to stitch each lady's name.


Here's a look at the table with a few of my guests. I couldn't get anyone to look at the same time, or smile together. I wanted to use plain dishes, which I realized after the fact that I did not have 8 of everything, so I headed to Wal-Mart and purchased some plain off white dishes that they had in the Christmas section. I knew that I would use these regularly. By the time I figured I would purchase them, they had no coffee cups to match. What was I going to do? I went to the Dollar Tree, and they had mugs in the same off white color with similar beading around the top. Hooray!  Everything on the table was a reminder of a wise woman that I knew, my Grandmother.


 These Christmas cactuses were similar to the ones my grandmother used to grow. At Christmas when we would visit she had a room full and we always enjoyed seeing the beautiful blooms. I guess without realizing it,  I have inherited her love for growing these. I have six, all in full bloom, and I had purchased a small one to sit on the table. Along with the pincushions, and an old thimble each lady received a cutting to take home with her. I wrote a letter sharing about my grandmother, and shared a small portion of the story that she wrote to us before she passed away. Her letter closed with the words,"May all of you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior is my prayer." I had so much fun preparing this table and was so blessed by the ladies that accepted my invitation. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Jackie

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Back in Operation!!! Finally.

I am thrilled to be back in full swing, with a computer that is, and have many things to share since my last post. It has been raining almost non-stop here, with the exception of a beautiful sunny day on Thursday. Our backyard was beginning to look like a pond, and considering it is on a slope, that is a LOT of rain!


Yesterday, it was party day at the school that I have subbed at all year. I did the party for one class, and made goodie bags for the class I subbed for this week. Those kids have just grabbed my heart, and one little girl in particular. It has been so exciting to see positive responses from her.


These are the little goodie bags that I put together for that class. When I arrived, she ran up to me, put her arms around me, and said, " I am not going to let you go" I was so blessed by this simple act of love from a child that was responding so differently  in the beginning. Just another wonderful gift from the Lord. Some of these kids just desperately need some positive attention and a little love.

Look around and see where there is a little opportunity to give, and I guarantee the Lord will bless you for it.

I will close with a quote from my boy. We were discussing Christmas presents, and the stress it often presents us with this time of year. Trying to find the perfect gift, wanting everyone to be totally thrilled with what we have given them, and the list of expectations can go on and on. Both of my children have asked for nothing until I pressed them. Our family has found pure joy in just being able to be together for Christmas.
Our gift giving will be very simple, and with no expectation whatsoever from any of us. Explaining I had gotten very little for him, I said," isn't there anything else that you just want?" to which he replied, "Mom I am so over the  whole Christmas present thing! This year we are going to have an attitude of  thankfulness every day, and give the entire year, not just waiting for Christmas." I was struck by his honesty, and how true that  needs to be for everyone of us. People don't just need at Christmas. There are those around us that the Lord wants us to bless, everyday of the year. So, this year I will be thankfu,l and giving the whole year, not just at Christmas. I would love to hear your thoughts on this, and wish each of you have a blessed weekend!
Jackie

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

I'm Back, Sort Of

Waiting on the arrival of the new computer. My sweet husband says he thinks it should be here by the weekend. Yeah!!!!! I am going to try  to share a few pretties with you on this dinosaur.

Life has been busy at the Holder house, much more so than I would like for it to be this time of year. Last week I had a little project that I was working on for a ladies event, and that took a lot of time. Traveled to Savannah yesterday for annual check ups. Subbing several times a week, and have not even been able to check on all of you.  Today looks like stormy weather, so I plan to stay in and hopefully start looking a little like Christmas around here.

I am joining Kimba for a little DIY day late to show one little project that I worked on last week. I will send a package of the Hot Cider Mix to the first one that guesses what this was for. I will give you a hint. Remember the post where I showed you a few pictures and asked you to guess what I was doing? This went along with that little project.

Oops looks like I have told you a story. Pictures will be coming and I will still send a little goodie to the first one that guesses. The dinosaur is not hooked up for me to load pictures!!! I promise I will be back soon with lots of pretty pictures. Hope everyone is enjoying a blessed Christmas Season!

Jackie

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Technical Difficulties!

I will be back to regular posts with pictures when we get a new computer! Yes, Thanksgiving Day our computer officially died. There were a few little indications that it was coming, but it can no longer be revived. We are using an old computer a friend gave to us, mainly so we can actually get online and look for a new one. It is slooooooooooow!  Hopefully at the beginning of the week, we may have been able to figure out what we actually should get, and have one ordered.

Will be heading back to Florida to take my daughter back to the Dr. and perhaps I can get in a post while I am there. Please pray for her. She has been tired, her UC seems to be not exactly OK, and that if she is not getting the meds, that she will get them this infusion time so there would be some indication it this treatment will help. She appreciates all your prayers, and so do I.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. Have a blessed week!

Jackie

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Giving Thanks for Friends



I have a special friend that makes me feel like this...



so I decided that Thanksgiving was a great opportunity to tell her how blessed I am to have her for a friend.


So tomorrow I will be delivering her a little basket that lets her know I am very Thankful for her.
I have surprised myself that I can join Kimba's DIY Day. Head on over and see a multitude of wonderful ideas! Have a blessed Thanksgiving! Jackie

Monday, November 23, 2009

Thoughts


He is
In Genesis, He's the Breath of Life
In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb
In Leviticus, He's our High Priest
In Numbers, the Fire by Night
Deuteronomy, He's Israel's Guide
Joshuea, He's Salvation's Choice
Judges, He's Israel's Guard
In Ruth, the Kinsmen's Redeemer
1st and 2nd Samuel, our Trusted Prophet
In Kings and Chronicles, He is Sovereign
In Ezra, He's the True and Faithful Scribe
Nehemiah, the Re-builder of Broken Lives
In Esther, He's Mordecai's Courage
In Job, the Timeless Redeemer
In Psalms, He's Our Morning Song
In Proverbs, He is our Wisdom
Ecclesiastes, He's the Time and Season
Song of Solomon, He is the Lover's Dream
In Isaiah, He is the Prince of Peace
In Jeremiah, the Weeping Prophet
Lamentations, the Cry for Israel
Ezekiel, the Call from Sin
Daniel, the Stranger in the Fire
Hosea, the Forever Faithful
Joel, the Spirit's Power
Amos, the Strong Arms That Carry
Obadiah, the Lord Our Savior
Jonah, the Great Missionary
Micah, the Promise of Peace
Nahum, our Strength and Shield
In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He brings revival
In Haggai, He restores that which was lost
In Zachariah, He's our fountain
And in Malachi, He's the Son of Righteousness, rising with Healing in His Wings
AND THAT'S JUST THE OLD TESTAMENT...
In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, He is God and Messiah
In the Spirit-filled book of Acts, He is the Reigning Fire from Heaven
In Romans, He is the Grace of God
Corinthians, the Power of Love
Galatians, Freedom from the curse of sin
Ephesians, Our Glorious Treasure
Philippians, the Servant's Heart
Colossians, He's God and the Trinity
Thessalonians, Our Calling King
In Timothy, Titus and Philemon, He's our Mediator and our Faithful Pastor
In Hebrews, the Everlasting Courage
In James, the One Who Heals the Sick
In 1st and 2nd Peter, our Faithful Shepherd
In John and Jude, He's the Lover Coming for His Bride
And in the Revelation, in the very end, when it's over, said and done, whe time is NO
MORE, He is and will always be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace,
Son of Man, Lamb of God, The Great I Am, Alpha and Omega, God and Savior
HE IS JESUS CHRIST THE LORD AND IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED!
From Priscilla Shirer's Discerning the Voice of God Bible study.

As I enter this Thanksgiving week, and the Christmas season ahead, I want to daily focus on
WHO HE IS. Will you join me?
Have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving, remembering and thanking Him for all He Is, and all He has blessed us with. Jackie

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Last Tuesday I traveled with a group from our church to Atlanta/Woodstock, where we participated in "Love Loud". This project concluded the Georgia Baptist Convention here in GA. It rained non-stop from the time we left, until the time we returned home around midnight, yet approximately 950 volunteers still showed up to work together and complete many projects around the Atlanta area.

Our team traveled to the Nelson Price Treatment center. Since our fence painting was out of the question, we painted two offices on the inside of the building. Above is our team. We divided up into groups.


Here is our group in the office that we painted. Part of the group painted another  office, and a couple of others did some small repairs.
We had a great time serving others. I am learning when serving others my attitude improves. I am no longer focusing on myself and my needs/wants, which is something I need to practice more often.


Looking for ways to "Light it Up" in our communities will impact others in a way that words cannot. I truly believe this is how the Lord intends for us to function as the Body of Christ.

How will you be "Lighting it Up" this week?
Have a blessed week!
Jackie
"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks through Him to God the Father."
Colossians 3:17

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Favorite Finds

I was going to join Holly for Thrifty Thursday, but it wasn't there. I will join if she adds it today.  Blogger is not cooperating so I had to settle for the pictures that I was able to load, and it took these quite a while. On to some fun finds! I had planned not to attend any sales this weekend since I was having one of my own. I had called a friend who told me about this Estate Sale, and she was sure that I wouldn't want to miss it. Needless to say she was right, and I definitely wish I had been there earlier. They had some great things that had already sold at fantastic prices. Here are the few little things that I picked up.

Check out all these old buttons! I picked up the pressed glass dish as a gift.
Can't wait to start some projects so I can use these.


I loved these old buttons still on the cards.

Yet another favorite thing!! Old wooden spools of thread.
Lots of them! About 75 in all. Based on what I have seen on etsy and ebay
$5 for all was a bargain!


These cute little spools were in there too.

A little closer look at those vintage hankies.
Remember that little project that I posted about? Well some of these items are going to make wonderful additions.
Hope you all are having a wonderful week. It has been a busy week so posting has been slow, and my little Blog Patroler told me that it was time for a new post, so here you have it.
Jackie

Thursday, November 5, 2009

When Plans Change

     Or this could be titled, When your 30 minute dentist appointment turns into a 3 hour and 30 minute dentist appointment. Here's another one: When your filling replacement turns into a ROOT Canal! Or, my mouth hurt last night, and this morning and my mind can't even think of a good blog post. Take your pick.
     With that said, I thought you would enjoy what I found over at Life in Grace. She is having 12 days of handmade Christmas!  Go here to see some wonderful ideas!

Day 1- Dishmat  ( my favorite so far)
Day - 4 Fabric Birds (these would be so cute decking out their own Christmas Tree)



I can't wait to see what today's project will be, and in the mean time I will be planning who will get some of those dishmats. Have a wonderful day!
Jackie

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Just a little peek.........

.......at something I am working on.


Mama B's sewing machine.

A great old quilt from her house.



other little odds and ends,

Can you guess what it is?
Jackie

Monday, October 26, 2009

Shades of Fall


Just a little of what Fall is looking like at our house.

Don't you just love pumpkins?



Vibrant colors.



Rembember that jelly?


I love the colors, and everything about the fall season.
However, it reminds me of change. Something I don't always welcome. It is a reminder that another year has come and almost gone, and I am sitting here wondering what have I done this year that really matters?
Really matters to God?
In the mean time, I will be reflecting, praying, and asking where do I go from here? What changes does God want me to make in my life?Changes that will bring beauty, just as this changing season does.
How about you what does this season look like at your house?
Have a blessed week!
Jackie

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Challenge!! LOVE LOUD LIGHT IT UP!


This is a challenge for all of you Georgia folks. The Georgia Baptist Convention will conclude the annual meeting with a Love Loud Light it Up Mission experience. This is the perfect opportunity to show the love of Christ in a real hands on way. Projects to choose from are as follows: haircutting, food distribution, vehicle cleaning, assisted living ministry, landscaping, home cleaning/repair and community prayer walking.  Just go to http://www.loveloud.gabaptist.org/ and hurry the deadline to sign up is October 23 which is Friday. I would love to meet you all there! Jackie

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

DIY Artwork


Today is DIY Day again over at ASPTL. Here is a little DIY art transformation done by my daughter. Thought you might enjoy this easy way to make a larger piece of artwork on a budget. She purchased the picture earlier this summer and didn't feel she needed to spend more on a second piece to go with it. Alone, the picture was not large enough for the space where she planned to hang it.

So here is what she did. I will try to get a few more details later if any of you are interested.
  • First she took some plain old yard sticks from the hardware store
  • Put them together to form a  square
  • Equally spaced the yard sticks and attached to the square frame
  • Spray painted the yard stick frame with brown spray paint
  • Backed it with burlap from a burlap sack that she already had
  • Attached the original artwork to the center and hung it over the bed in her spare bedroom
Looks great don't you think? When she was telling me about the project I definitely had my doubts. I am a visual person and I could not even imagine what she was trying to tell me. It looks great in her bedroom, and next she will be working on the windows and bedding. I will have to show you a complete look when she finishes. Here is a closer view of the yard sticks and burlap. She has a lot more creativity going on than me at the moment. For more transformations Shabby Chic Cottage is having Transformation Thursday.

UPDATE. Several of you have asked about her health and how she is doing. She responded well to the prednisone this time, and quickly which was a good thing. She has been backing down the dose also a good thing. Monday we went so they could do a baseline sig for the clinical trial that she will be participating in at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. It showed a lot of improvement since the one last month. Tomorrow she goes for the first infusion. Please pray that all goes well. She gets the infusion, then stays for an observation period to make sure she does not have any adverse reaction. Please continue to pray. I know God knows exactly what she needs, and He will provide. Got to head to bed. Subbing again for the next two days. They are keeping me busy. I had just walked in the door today when they called. I am blessed to have the work and the flexibility to be with my kids. God is so good! Have a blessed week. Jackie

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Food for Thought?

          Needless to say our Maine trip was not good for my diet! I will be playing a little catch up this week, and for the next little while. For the past 13 weeks I participated in a "Chubby Challenge." I am participating to improve my health, exercise habits and eating habits. This past 13 weeks my weight loss was 14.2 pounds, until Maine that is. I am back with it this week. There was actually a break in the rain today, and I walked and ran this afternoon.
     We felt as if we were eating from the time we arrived in Freeport, until we left Atlanta, and since we were attending my nephew's wedding, there was a lot of good food involved!  I will say all of the food was great! We did not eat a bad meal. There seemed more to choose from, than your typical chain food restaurants.


This little roadside stop was highly recommended to us, and advertised as one of USA Today's top 10 picks. By the time we parked the car the line had gone from three people to about 15 in a matter of a few minutes. It had gotten pretty windy so we opted for this little place instead.


Sarah's sign out front said,"As seen in Country Living Magazine", so we were hoping that meant it was OK.
We ordered some Haddock Chowder and salad. The chowder was delicious, and we definitely should have shared the salad!

Our table mates ate the rehearsal dinner.

Before



DURING                     


                               And AFTER!
                                    

    If you guessed this is my daughter and her husband you are right.
Can you guess what we had?
Totally Yummy!
All this, and not to mention we still had the wedding reception to go!
Now it is definitely time to get back to reality!
Have a wonderful Friday!
Jackie

Think Pink!


October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage each of you ladies to have regular mammograms. My story is that I did not have those regular mammograms, and before I knew it 10 years had passed, without much thought. When it came time for my regular check up, I knew my Dr would be asking me about it again.  She was able to get me in the same day of my annual check-up since I  to travel an hour and a half  to Savannah. Well instead of getting word that everything looked fine, I had to return for a magnification which was not conclusive, and I ended up having to have biopsies in both breasts. If you think mammograms are unpleasant, I assure you it is nothing compared to having a biopsy. Everything did come back clear, but it was unsettling waiting on the news, and if I'd had those regular mammograms, I most likely would not have  needed the biopsies. I've had to have a couple in a year even after that to keep a watch on some calcifications but I have gladly complied. It is time for my annual exams, so I will be going in early November once again. Don't skip those regular exams like I did!  Jackie

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Fall in Maine

     We returned Sunday evening from our trip to Maine. The fall weather was beautiful! We left cool, crisp fall days and returned to our muggy South GA weather. Being in Maine during the fall was truly a treat!
     For those of you who are wondering, I did make it through the flight without freaking out. Thanks for your prayers! I wouldn't say flying was my favorite thing to do, but certainly was not the worst either.
     We stayed in Freeport, which had plenty of places to shop in addition to all the LL Bean stores. LL Bean Home was one of my favorites, and the bike store certainly had some great bikes!

     Friday we traveled to Pemaquid Lighthouse pictured below.


    We then traveled back to the little town of Damariscotta, where they were preparing for their annual Pumpkinfest.
Check out these PUMPKINS!


Many of the stores had these LARGE pumpkins out front. Each waiting to be carved or painted with something unique.

This gentleman had started carving while we were there. Just seeing all of these Giant pumpkins was a lot of fun!


I love this house that sat on the edge of the river. Nothing fancy, just very peaceful.
So  how did you spend your fall weekend? More on Maine to come when my camera battery is recharged. Have a wonderful week.
Jackie

Monday, October 12, 2009

Giveaway Winners

     I apologize for the delay in announcing the giveaway winners. Between almost stepping on a snake outside my backdoor, and getting ready to fly for the first time, I was a little distracted. But here they are. Sylvia, Jessica from Life as I See It, and Gwynie Pie from The Pink Tractor. Please send me your mailing info and I will get your packages in the mail. I will be back later to tell you all about my trip and get busy checking in with all of you. Have a blessed week! Jackie

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Finished Gift

I know 2 posts in one day! I sometimes have a hard time getting one post a week, but it was a must that I finish this little project, because it is a gift that will be going with me to Maine. I am the family seamstress, and I  enjoy making these little aprons for gifts. I made several last Christmas, and they make a very unique gift. This is actually for my daughter to give, along with a family recipe book that she has made. I have even surprised myself and realized that I can add this to DIY day over at A Soft Place To Land.



I know this is a little blurry, but here is shot of the whole apron.



There is still a little time to enter the giveaway, and I just noticed I am coming up on 200 posts. That just might mean another giveaway is right around the corner! Have a wonderful evening. 
Jackie