It's Been a Long Time!

Wow!! I have been away for a while! and I am not sure if there will be anyone out there to read. I have really needed some time away to refresh and think about exactly what it is that I want to do with this blog. I want the things that I share here to be helpful and encouraging and sometimes just fun, to those who are reading. We will start back with a little fun. I will give you a little hint about what I was up to last week.

We saw this.

Did a little bit of this.

This was the preferred mode of transportation.

Ate here.

And saw this cutie every day!

If you guessed we were vacationing at the beach you are right! I am missing those ocean breezes already, as we endure 100 degree temps here in south GA! We had a great time, and eventually Judah decided that he likes the beach too. He wasn't too sure at first, but my husband and I love spending time at the beach, so we figure we had  to get him started early. Next year it should be a little easier, when he has figured out that the sand is not there to eat.

I have some new posts planned that I hope will be helpful, practical, and sometimes like I said, just plain fun! I will be also trying to get together a little summer giveaway, so I hope you will hang in there with me. What about you? What has everyone been up to lately?

Have a blessed week!

New Hobby

For quite some time I have wanted to learn to crochet, so when the opportunity to take a class at our local technical college came up, I gave it a try. The teacher just happened to be my sunday school teacher, so I have access to her help outside of class. My goal was to learn enough to make some pretty dishcloths, and I am excited to say that I learned just that, and a little more.

The bag I started using for my supplies, became the color inspirations for this granny square afghan that I am working on.

and here's a little closer look.

It is not perfect for the first try, and I saw my mistake a little further down the road, than where I wanted to go back and pull everything out, but improvement will come with practice.

Another added bonus is that in the few classes I have had, I was able to teach my daughter to crochet during my last visit to her house, and she has been going at it, trying new patterns, and even tackled making some little flowers. I can't wait to see all that she has done. How about you, what new things have you learned lately?

Have a blessed week.

Braggin Time

Mimi's Favorite!

Have a blessed weekend.

The sky is falling?

No, the sky was not falling. While I was outside painting this morning I heard a loud thump,thinking that it was probably a dead limb falling from this huge oak tree in our back yard.

Much to my surprise, it was this!!!

It had fallen out of the tree, right next toEdgar(our dog)!

This is the snake stretched out across the limb after he had climbed back up into the tree.

We are guessing that he was at least 6 feet long!

I know you must be thinking, why is he not dead?

I was asking my sweet husband the same thing, to which  he replied that it was a good snake and he just didn't have the heart to get rid of him. The idea of that dropping out of the tree next to me is not a pleasant thought at all. He has promised if he drops in again, he will have to go. Check out how calm the bird is! That was my excitement for the day, how about you?

Pitfalls of Perfectionism and other Random Ramblings

I finally decided that it was time to post once again. I have not quit blogging, not to say I didn't think about it. I am not sure there is anyone out there still reading.   I guess there hasn't been anything  to read, now has there?

Remember this?



 Well now we have this!

I wish I could report to you that all is finished, and all is well, but alas, it is not. The counter top has been wrong twice, and just when I thought we were past counter top issues, there is a spot on one side where the laminate is separating. It has been a slow process, especially when I have done most of the painting on the existing cabinets

.

Here's where pitfalls of perfectionism come in.

 My eye seems to be drawn to every imperfection, and I have had to decide what I can let go of, and what has to be fixed.

There were some paint issues on the doors. Corrections made. They are not perfect, but I still love the way it looks.

When you are paying someone, I guess my standard may be too high?

The bead board is great, however the installation...not exactly what I was hoping for. But it is getting there. A little more caulking, and touch up. It is looking like a totally different kitchen.

Beginning a major project during the holidays is difficult, however, this was the best time for us.



I even celebrated the big 50 while I was away!

My husband brought me my favorite cake, and we celebrated quietly, just the way I like it.

Other things that have been going on:

• I helped give a couples shower/dinner for a friend that got married last weekend.
• Last weekend spent helping prepare for the wedding reception. I was the coordinator, of the food that is.
• My son is home until his next move to Seminary in the fall, at least that is the plan. It has been a joy to be able to spend more time with him.
• I am reading through the Bible with our church. It has been a blessing. I have never read through the complete Bible. I am learning a lot, mostly God is speaking to me about many things.
• I am learning to crochet. That has been fun!
• My cute grandson (and his Mama) have been to visit several times during all the mess.
• My parents are coming Friday, so I am trying to do some intensive cleaning!

I warned you that this would be random. On another note, I am wanting to change things up a bit here. Not sure yet, exactly what that means, but I know I do want my writing to be meaningful and encouraging to others.

For now I will close, and promise not to be so long in posting again.

Blessings to you all.



A Sneak Peek

Remember this little song?

This is the song that never ends.

Yes, it goes on and on my friends.

Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was, and they'll continue singing it forever

just because....

This is the song that never ends........

You Get The Idea!

Well these days, I am feeling like this is the project that never ends.....

 I thought I would give you a little peek at what I have been up to today. The cabinet man did come and hang the doors, all but a few that is.

Here's a look at the drawers. Pleas pardon the dirty floors and all of the sawdust.

Here's a look into the laundry room, with the bead board wallpaper.

Now, here's what I need to know.

How picky is too picky?

There are a couple of doors that got dinged and he is taking them back to re-paint, but I have a couple of doors that the finish has some dimples in. The doors were sprayed with and oil base, and then spray lacquer over the top. I am not familiar with this process, so my question is, am I just being too picky?

If it was not noticeable I would be OK, but it is a little too noticeable, at least I think it is.

 I think I told you before, the counter-top order got lost, but should be here next week.

 Light fixtures have been ordered, and they should be here next week.

 Couldn't get a hold of the counter-top guy.

One door was completely the wrong size, and I gauged the paper behind the washer, when I was touching up some things. Thank goodness it is behind the washer.

I know I am going to thoroughly enjoy the new kitchen, but I am ready to be functioning normally once again, and for my house to be CLEAN!

Still here, and time for a Happy Dance!!!

Yes, I am still here. Things have just been busy here, with holidays, the flu, visits, and still working in the kitchen! 

One day I will have some after pictures to show you!

 It is coming along, but slowly, and having my house in one giant upheaval of a mess is starting to get to me. The doors are ready to be installed, now it is just up to me, to finish painting the frames. I want them to be just a little too perfect, so that slows me down. Today I found out that the shop making my counter tops lost the order. We ordered from a local building supply, I had not heard from them and thinking just maybe I should check on them,  I called (thankfully) to find out that the counter top shop did not have the order on record. They have put a rush on it, so they should still be ready in time for this slow girl.

Visited this little fellow during Christmas, and my how he is growing!

Now here is the reason I was doing a happy dance today. My boy is officially  a college graduate!!!! Long story short, in order to get credit for a class he had taken, he had to pass 2 different tests. This was a requirement since he had taken the classes at another college, and they were not in the state university system. What he did not realize was, that if he did not pass the test, he would have to repeat the classes! Something that everyone failed to mention. The pressure was on! He also got the flu before Christmas, and felt bad until Christmas eve, so needless to say there was not much test preparation going on. He put in a lot of hours studying, and this Mama was praying.

I knew the test started around 9 this morning, and he called around 10 to say he had passed the test, and would be getting that diploma in the next week!!!! We are so proud of him!

In other news, I am getting close to post number 300! So I am thinking we may have to do a little giveaway, so spread the word. Not sure what it will be, but I will try to make it a good one. What would you like to win? Let me hear from you, and in the mean time I will be thinking on it.

Be watching because I will post it some time next week.  For now have a wonderful weekend!

Edgar has arrived!

We picked up Edger Tuesday, and he is making himself right at home. Stella is still trying to figure out why he is here, she has been the top dog since Nick died this summer, so she has been a little bit ornery on occasion, but they seem to be adjusting well. Edgar is a mixed breed with some spaniel and retriever. He seems to be very loving and gentle. He has been a little homesick but hopefully he will come to know this as home.

How could  you resist this face?

In other news the kitchen is coming along, still slowly. I painted the first coat of paint on the outside of the cabinets and it will take a little longer to dry. It has been a topsy turvy mess here, and I am ready for things to be in order once again. I have been reading this and I am ready for some simplicity around here.

 Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider is worth reading. Her approach to simple living is realistic for everyone. After cleaning out my kitchen for the work that needed to be done, it became very obvious to me that it was time for a little simplicity. We had the huge yard sale about two months ago, but it is time to go a little deeper. She addresses the energy and time that it take to care for all of the accumulated stuff, and determining whether or not it is worth it. I encourage you to get a copy, especially if you are sensing the need for more simple living.

This will probably be my last post until after Christmas, so here's wishing everyone a blessed Christmas!

Oops! Tendinitis and Edgar

Here are some totally random updates for the day. First is the BIG Oops! Yesterday, while waiting on the inside of the cabinets to dry before the second coat, I decided to trim out the breakfast area. My sweet guy hates to trim, but doesn't mind the painting. I am the opposite, so this works great for us. I am not sure what I was thinking when I let the lady at the Benjamin Moore store talk me into this one. My very first reaction was, OH NO!

It is VERY dark! Actually it is even darker than what it looks like here, and especially at night. I am trying to soften things up a bit, and Wilmington Tan is not going to do it. I am looking for a soft neutral to go with the white cabinets and black granite looking counter tops. Any suggestions for the perfect color? I have a Sherwin Williams color deck, but may make a trip back to the Ben Moore store to see if they can do something with the gallon that I already have, but would love any of your suggestions.

While in the  process of painting, (a lot of painting) I have developed what my Mom thinks is most likely tendinitis in my left hand. So not only has this been a lengthy process, but a little bit painful too.

I told you this would be some random rambling. So by now you are wondering who is Edgar? Edgar would be the dog that my son would like to bring home for Christmas. Edgar's family doesn't like him very much. He is one of about two or three other pets, so they have decided that Edgar must go. My son has taken a liking to Edgar, and thinks we could give him the perfect home. I have no idea what kind of dog Edgar is, other than my son says he looks like a larger version of Stella. Stella has been pretty lonesome since Nick died this summer, and Chloe went home at Thanksgiving, so perhaps there will be an update on Edgar soon.

Remember girls, I need some suggestions on that perfect paint color. I pray everyone is having a blessed Christmas season.

Snow?????

It snowed today, here in my little bit of the South!

The snowflakes were swirling, and for just a moment we had our own little winter wonderland.

It's cold outside and just right for this.

Both of these are earlier this year.

Pardon my excitement, but just remember how rare it is that we see snow here. It just occurred to me that we have had it twice this year! That is unusual!

Have a blessed evening.

The Way We Were

Here we were just a few short days ago.

And here is a little comparison of where we are today.

Here is what I have discovered in this process.

• Progress seems slow, but we are getting there.
•  It is hard being a perfectionist and remodeling.
• When you have a huge project going on, a little more seems to be added to the pile. We have a car that died, my son called to say his heat is not working correctly (in the 20's here in the deep south).
•  I have Dr. appt. tomorrow
•  My nephew graduates Friday 
•  For the first time in a long time I am longing for a few Christmas decorations, and there won't be any this year. (another story for another time)

This is what I have to brighten the kitchen right now.

I would love to think we could have this pulled together for Christmas, but my sweet husband is on night shift for the next couple of days. He has already painted the ceiling, so today I hope to trim out the remainder with primer,and trim the walls so he will be ready to prime over the red, and then paint. I then have to actually paint the cabinets. The counter tops should be here next week some time so I need to keep rolling.

Oh, and I forgot to add that even though we are keeping it very simple this year, I have purchased only ONE gift!

Bet you can't guess who that is for. Hopefully I will be able to remedy that tomorrow. After Dr appts. I hope to do a little shopping!

Any more project advice for me? I am needing to purchase a new fixture for the kitchen are and over the sink. We have removed the long florescent light. I would like some sort of pendant light over the sink, and the ceiling fan is coming down (over the table) I am open for ideas if you all have any suggestions. Have a great day, and hope you are staying warm!

Snuggling

Just couldn't resist showing you this picture of the little Snuggle Bug that was at my house during Thanksgiving.

It's beginning to look a lot like....

............Not Christmas!

This is what my kitchen looks like at the moment, and since you see empty cabinets, that leaves you to imagine where everything is. My dining room holds most of it, and I am wondering how I have accumulated so much stuff! After we finally got everything moved out of here, I told my husband that I am feeling the urge to purge a lot of things again. As a matter of fact, I started another yard sale box today. I am looking forward to the opportunity to think through what will stay, and what will go.

Here is a little peek at how the laundry room is shaping up.

I am liking this bead board wallpaper that my husband hung behind the washer and dryer! This is my roll that I got for 1 cent at Home Depot this summer. Yes, you read that right 1 cent!

I know this is a terrible picture, but I am excited about my new light fixture! And, yes, I realize that my ceilings are not what is hot right now, but there are just some things that I can live with, and this is one of them. My preference would be nice smooth ceilings, but I am afraid that would send my sweet husband over the edge.

Now a question for all of you that have hung bead board wallpaper.

I am planning to paint it. Is there anything special that I should know before putting the paint on? I sure do not want it falling off the walls when I apply the paint. My husband hung it with glue because that is the only way he hangs it. Do I prime before painting? Let me hear all of your advice.

I know I probably sound like scrooge, but I will probably be doing very little Christmas decorating this year. We will be going to my daughter's house for Christmas, so she said we could come enjoy her decorations. Right now, we are just trying to maintain some sense of order here. It just worked out to where now is when we have  the most time to concentrate on getting this done. New countertops have been ordered, doors are ready to be sprayed by the cabinet man, so I have to get all of the boxings painted to be ready for the doors. Let me tell you one thing I have learned. It is hard being a perfectionist and remodeling at the same time.

Here's my question for you. Any large projects in the near future, and what advice would you have for me as we work at updating and changing a few things around here?

Blessing to all of you!

Thankful List

Today, I am feeling a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. If you have never experienced it, it is hard to explain. With the excitement of the holidays, the hustle and bustle and busyness that comes with it, I often struggle. A cloud sort of descends on me this time of year. I don't know why, but it has been an unwelcome guest many, many times. In order to not give in, me and the Lord are moving on through this. Today I will choose to focus on the abundance of blessings that I have. The enemy will not get this girl! So here goes!

Thankful thoughts for today:
1. It's looking like rain! We need it badly.
2. My daughter, husband and Judah are on their way to see MiMi. This means lots of hugs and kisses are on the way!

3. My boy will be on his way, soon I hope.

4. My Mom and Dad will be joining us for Thanksgiving tomorrow.

5. The remodel process has begun. It is slow go, but I know I am going to love it.

6. A good smelling candle that crackles like a fire.

7. God's Word and His saving grace.

8. A quiet morning to pray and listen.

9. A warm cup of coffee.

10. Beautiful fall colors everywhere!

How about you? What's on your list today? I'm off to get a head start in the kitchen.

Our pre-Thanksgiving meal is going to be Black Bean Soup and Chicken Enchiladas.

I will be away until Monday, but have a blessed Thanksgiving!

"With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the Lord, and in the midst of many I will praise Him." Psalm 109:30

Through The Fire

So many times I've questioned certain circumstances
things I could not understand
Many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision
then my frustration gets so out of hand
It's then I am reminded that I've never been forsaken
and I've never had to stand one test alone
As I look at all the victories the Spirit rises up in me
and it's through the fire my weakness is made strong

(Chorus)
He never promised that the cross would not get heavy
and the hill would not be hard to climb
he never offered our victories without fighting
but He said help would always come in time
So just remember when you're standing in the valley of decision
and the adversary says give in
just hold on, our Lord will show up
and he will take you through the fire again

I know within myself that I would surely perish
but if I trust the hand of God , He'll shield the flames again
(Repeat Chorus)

One of my very favorite songs I wanted to share with you today.

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance."  James 1:2-3

Blooming Beauties

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings

turn routine jobs into joy,

and change ordinary opportunities into blessings."

                                                                                                       William Arthur Ward

Here are my Christmas cactus' that are loaded with blooms.

a little closer look

I just recently stuck these cuttings in this little pot and they have even put on blooms.

Last year the cold almost got all of them. I will be making room for them inside soon.

                                                                                                  

Randomness

Today's post will be a little bit of this and that. Along with pictures of a couple of things that I am thankful for

today.

Here is a shot, pre-yard sale that we had  the first weekend of November. It was hard to get a good shot of all the stuff, and believe me there was a lot!! Yes, it was dark and we had a customer at 6:30 who wanted everything for a quarter! It was the coldest Saturday so far this fall, so we froze, but we got rid of a bunch of stuff for which I am very thankful, and took the rest to the Salvation Army Thrift Store when we were done. I stuck with it, and it didn't go back in the house. Believe it or not as we paint and re-do a few things I will continue to clean things out, for another sale.

Few more piles of stuff!

We were finally able to get started on the laundry room. Now if I can just find someone to spray the cabinet doors for me.  The cabinet man called as I was preparing the post, and the price is reasonable so we will be getting the doors to him this week. Yet another thing that I am thankful for!It looks very different now, but not quite ready for an after shot. This is what we have done so far:

Insides of Cabinets painted

Walls painted

Outside of cabinets primed

Molding painted

Still waiting for new counter top and sink, cabinet doors need to be primed and painted, new door to arrive and paint, window trim to be painted. It is slow go. I don't know how so many seems to get things done so fast! I am just slow I guess.

It rained today!!!! It has been very dry here, and we have needed rain . Even these birds were enjoying the shower. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so what have you been thankful for this week?

Be Thankful

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something

For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations

Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge

Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary

Because it means you've made a difference

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are

also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become  your blessings.

Author Unknown

Thankful Thursday

Here I am catching up with all of those things I planned to share each day during the month of November.
It has been an eye-opener to see that my attitude of gratitude could change so quickly to, one of frustration and aggravation. Little circumstances that are not what I wanted them to be!  I got so frustrated over them! I started having problems loading pictures to blogger and I am told that it is a problem with my camera and conflicting software. Why all of a sudden, I do not know.

I am now making an adjustment, and for lack of time I may have a few posts without pictures. I am realizing that I cannot become so wrapped up in this blog that it causes me frustration. I do not want to allow the little things that frustrate me overshadow the many, many blessing that I have, so here goes.

My Husband- He is the best! There are days I don't know how he puts up with me, but he loves me and shows me daily. I am blessed more than I deserve.

My Family- I have an adorable new grandson who is a total joy, wonderful daughter, son-in-law, and son. I am so blessed that they all know the Lord, and desire to live for Him.

My Home- My home is nothing fancy, but then again, I am not a fancy girl, but God has blessed me with all that I need, plus so much more.

A Successful Yard Sale- We sold a ton of stuff, the weather was the coldest it had been, we froze, but many, many people came to buy all of our excess stuff.

My Sunday School Class- I have recently joined a ladies class at our church after being in other areas of ministry. We have a wonderful teacher who is knowledgeable, prepared and loves to teach. We have such a variety of ladies I have been blessed to be a part.

Answered Prayer- Several weeks ago I had something that I gave to the Lord. Only He would be able to do what needed to be done. He answered immediately. Does He always work this way? No, but this time his answer was immediate.

Friendships- I am blessed with some wonderful friends who love me, in spite of me, and for that I am so very thankful.

I have so many, many things to be thankful for and couldn't waste the opportunity to share. How about you, what are you reminded of to be thankful for today?

Thirty Days of Thanksgiving-Day 3, Roadside Finds

Yes, I am thankful for a few roadside finds!

I spotted these on the way home from picking up my car.

 

To the untrained eye, this might look like a pile of dead plants that have been pulled up, but you see, I know better. These flowers will provide many more blooms in the seasons to come, and I have the perfect empty flower bed for them. I purchased some similar mums a little earlier in the season to give as a gift, and the cost was around $10.00. At 10.00 a pot, this is $100 worth of plants. Even at 5.00 a plant, that's $50.00. Do you see what I mean. I am so thankful for the little things that put a smile on my face.

What little things put a smile on your face?

Thirty Days of Thanksgiving- 2 Days in One!

October has gone by so quickly, so quickly in fact that I did not get my first post in for the month of November!
Since I wanted to do a series on Thirty Days of Thanksgiving, today will be a two in one day. Just a little catch up here.
Life often gets so busy, that I myself forget that I need to practice an attitude of Thanksgiving and gratitude every day.I do not want to get so caught up in the worries and cares of each day, that I forget to be thankful for all that God has blessed me with, and it is much. I will spend the next 28 days sharing some of these things with you.

Today, I am thankful for the opportunity to vote.
My sweet boy came home last night just to vote. I am thankful that he sees this as a privilege and responsibility. So we will be off to vote in just a few minutes.

Second, I am thankful that I will be able to pick up my car today.
I know to some that may sound ridiculous, but I have been reminded over the last week, how I take for granted just being able to hop in the car, and take care of whatever I need to. We have been having some maintenance issues taken care of(you'll have those on old vehicles), so I have had to make other arrangements for transportation, errands, etc.

What about you? What keeps you focused on being thankful for your daily blessings?

How about you, what helps keep you focused on being thankful for your daily blessings?