Box of Goodies

It has looked like this all day at my house. In case you can't tell those streaks in the picture is lots of rain pouring off the house. It has been one wet day, and I feel as if I have been cold and wet all day. Today was the day I had to get my Thanksgiving Swap package off. Nothing seemed to go exactly as planned, not to mention I have the two dogs to tend to. I do not have a project to show, but thought I would show a little picture of what my swap partner is getting next week.

Rain, rain, rain and more rain!


This is her box of goodies. I hope she likes them. Remember the "Give Thanks" plaque, the candle and the note cards? She will be getting those along with 2 pretty pumpkin towels, a journal, notepad, small cookbook of Holiday Appetizers, and Easy Weeknight Favorites, a turkey tea light holder, bag of spice potpouri , a little acorn dish filled with chocolates and some spice cider mix for juice? I hope she likes it. Have a wonderful and blessed weekend, and maybe I will have some more projects next week. See Ya, Jackie

Better Late Than Never

I am a little late posting today's project because I had to substitute teach today, and I had church last night and was just too tired to get the post ready. This project is quite simple, just a little more time consuming. I have not yet perfected the way to get the pattern, well perfect. I can be a little ridiculous about trying to perfect something and get frustrated if I don't think it is just right, but here goes. First you will need one of these. This is a small clipboard, about 1.39 at Staples.

Next, some of this. Just pick your favorite pattern.

Some of this and one of these.

And you will end up with this. I will be adding a pretty brown bow to the top.

And there you have it. Not just another ordinary clipboard! I will be helping my daughter make some of these to give as Christmas gifts too. Let me know if you have any questions. You could also add the recipients initial at the bottom. I will probably do the back in a coordinating color. Have a wonderful evening. I will try to be a little earlier tomorrow! Jackie

Need an Easy Christmas Present?

UPDATE!!

The acrylic sealer is a necessary step. I used clear acrylic sealer Matte found in the craft section at Wal-Mart and I am sure they have it at Michaels and Hobby Lobby. The stamp will wash right off the tile if the sealer is not used.

Yes, the project I am posting today would make a easy but wonderful Christmas present. If you are like me, I am looking for some ways to save on Christmas spending this year. After all, it is not all about the presents it is about HIM...........Christ our Lord and Saviour! Now this is not original to me. I first saw it here. This girl has many wonderful ideas! First you need this.

Then some of this.


One of these.


To make some of these!

Maybe you are asking what are they. They are tile coasters. The only thing I have left to do is add some cork or felt to the back to prevent scratching tables. You could use any design, I just like the bird nest, and I have an additional idea that may make an addition to this for a cute present. I think, I will be doing these for some Christmas presents.

I will try to break down the cost for you here:

Tiles were .32 ea. at Lowes

Stamp originally 8.99 Hobby Lobby. I got on sale for 4.50

Staz On Ink Pad (you must use this kind) originally 7.99 Hobby Lobby. Half price 4.00

Backing which I still need to purchase I think that will be picked up at Hobby Lobby too.

Your original investment may seem like a lot, but do you know how many of these you can make? Bunches and bunches, not to mention that the stamps would be great for note cards, gift tags, etc. Someone else suggested that they sprayed theirs with acrylic sealer, but I don't think this is necessary with the StazOn. Hopefully I will get the second half of this gift worked out and post it later. Have a wonderful, blessed Fall day! Jackie

Simple Project

Today I am posting a very simple and quick little project, because most of my time was spent on a big project.........mowing, raking, and clipping bushes in the backyard. It was badly needed, so I spent half the day out there and considered this my workout for the day. Monday nights I have Bible study, so I had to wrap things up a little early. I did however finally hang the wreaths on my doors.

Here's the front.
and here's the back.

Last of all this is the quick and easy little project that I promised you. This is the small jar candle that I told you I purchased from Wal-Mart. Very fragrant, I am still amazed that such a wonderful smell comes from a Wal-Mart candle. I wanted to pretty it up just a little. I measured a strip of scrapbook paper. Wrapped it around the jar, hot glued it. Added a strip of ribbon and glued the little resin pumpkin right in the center. A simple companion for my "Give Thanks" sign. These little goodies will be on their way by Friday. Now I am off to my first project of the day today....a little hair color. Have a blessed day! Jackie

A Project A Day

I am trying to bring out my creative side, or at least what is left of it. I can only wish that I had half the creativity that some of you have, but needless to say I have a special reason to be busy this week. All that said, I hope to be able to at least bring you one small project a day. So here is the first.

I may add a small hanging wire at the top, with a bow on the side.

What do you think?

Set of "FALL" note cards, with matching envelopes.

Close Up.

Totally amateur compared to most of you, but I'll keep practicing.

Have a blessed week!

Jackie

Random Thoughts

I am still getting used to the schedule(non-schedule) of a substitute teacher. Monday's plans were to get all my little household chores done, in addition to helping get my husband prepared for an extended out of town stay. At 9:30 there was a change of plans...I would be headed to the school to sub for the afternoon. Tuesday was spent running errands mostly. Wednesday I finally got to the cleaning, laundry, etc with the exception of ironing. I got a call Wednesday afternoon to sub all day at the High School, then my plans were that I could spend Friday catching up on some little craft projects. Change of plans ....I will be subbing at the High School again. As I said in an earlier post, God is definitely teaching me about flexibility. I am so grateful for this opportunity. It allows us to have some additional income, yet flexibility at the same time. For someone who likes to plan at least a week in advance this has been a big step! Enough said.

We did go to some yard sales Saturday and found a few things. I will leave you with that...

2 Vera Bradley purses, gently used...FREE!

12 Cream dinner plates...8.00.

This lady was selling items from her mothers catering business

and told me she had at least 150

if I would like more. I have noticed a few small chips, so I may go back for some more.

This unique little trivet...1.00

Would you paint this and what would you do with it?

Let me hear your suggestions.

This little lady had a hard time deciding what her prices were. She would say one thing then it was at least double when you picked it up. Needless to say, we moved on. I may check a few out this weekend, I will have to see. Typically October is a good month for some great yard sales here, but they have been less than the best this year.

Right now I am reading this. It is the last book in Karen Kingsbury's latest series. I had ISS at school today, so that gave me plenty of reading time. Hope to be finished soon. I hope to be on to some fun projects this weekend.

Finally last but not least, Sandy is having her 100th post giveaway of her favorite things for today only. So hurry over to leave a comment and enter.

Jackie

VOTE!

This is what I will be doing this afternoon. My husband will not be in town during the election, and we found out recently that we can vote early, from now until the election. So this afternoon my ballot will be cast. A reminder to all, be much in prayer for this election and our future President.

"The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes." Proverbs 21:1

I'm Still Here

This has been a busy week for me. When I saw my name on some one's blog roll and it said I last posted 4 days ago, I was surprised. I was called in to sub two days this week, and with an extra puppy to tend to, I just seem to be running in circles some days. On another note of good news, it has been raining since Thursday, off and on. Today it began raining @ 7:00 A.M. while we were walking the girls before church, and today has rained by the bucket fulls! Now for the bad news. Do you know what it is like taking two dogs out in the rain off and on all day. Since this morning ,other that going to church, I feel like I have walked dogs in the rain and dried them with the hair dryer. We needed the rain so badly, so I will not complain.

We also went to see the movie FIREPROOF yesterday. It was a great movie and one that I hope you will choose to see. We are not big movie goers but a good movie is worth seeing. This is a valuable message about what God intends for marriage. I hope you won't miss it.

The above arrangement is one I finished on Monday, and have been meaning to share this picture with you, just kept forgetting. I had seen a similar arrangement in a specialty shop up town and I thought to myself, I have everything at home to do the same thing, and I did. The small pebbles in the hurricane, make for some easy arranging of the sticks and feathers.

Thanks for all the great suggestionsyou gave for the Thanksgiving Swap, I think I am headed in the right direction. I hope to post some pics of what I am working on this week. Have a wonderful and blessed week!

Jackie

Another Taste of Fall and A Question

Kim had a beautiful post this evening and so was the inspiration for my photo tonight. As I have said before,Fall is my favorite time of the year! There is just something about those cooler days after a long hot summer, the changing colors, that bring a refreshment like nothing else.

My posting has been a little sporadic, but I am trying to get used to substitute teaching, along with having Chloe with us again. She is a lot of fun, but still very much a puppy. There is something to what we have heard, that when children get really quiet they must be into something. Well, the little girls were really quiet this afternoon and when I checked I had forgotten about the stick that Chloe came in with after our walk. Needless to say by the time I found them the stick was in shreds all over the bedroom floor, but it could have been worse. This is my third week as a substitute, and I have been in a different school each week, and it is surprising to me, how much I have enjoyed it.

Now for my question. I need a little help from all of you. I am participating in Emilie's Mini-Thanksgiving Swap. Being new to the Blog World and Swaps, I am asking for a little help. I want to be sure my partner is blessed, so here is where you all come in. The rules were to spend around $10-15 minimum, send at least 3 items related to Thanksgiving, and we were given a little survey of some likes, styles etc. If you were on the receiving end what 3 items would you like to receive. Keep in mind it can be store bought or homemade. So how about it, will you help me be a good partner? This is my big pumpkin sitting on my breakfast room table with the best value in a candle this season. A little over $2.00 for this spiced cider candle from Wal-Mart. Well worth it and very fragrant. I am not usually a Wal-Mart candle purchaser, but this one was a good deal.
Hope you have had a blessed day. Jackie

Joining the Party!

I am finally getting the chance to sit down and post so I can join in the fun over at Kimba's. She is having a Fall/Halloween Party!

Check out all the wonderful Fall and Halloween decorations.

These are my pumpkins on top of the old pie safe. Someone suggested earlier that I add some more pumpkins at varying heights so here they are.

Pretty fall pumpkins and gourds.

My dining room table. Love those dollar tree pumpkins!

Here's a close-up of my dishes. This was my china that I picked when I got married.
I never realized it would make the perfect fall china.

Here's another little pumpkin for the bathroom.
Original aren't I?

I did all that with my trusty little helpers.
I did some major house cleaning today along with getting the decorations almost finished. I need just an ounce of the creativity that I have seen over at Kimba's.

You will not want to miss it! Jackie

Busy, Busy! and Some Comfort

What a day it has been! Being the perky A.M person that I am (not), getting a call at 7:15 asking me to be at the high school to sub by 7:45. This meant I would have to move from my typical slow gear to turbo-speed! My morning routine in the past has begun with several cups of coffee, this morning it was a travel mug to go as I ran out the door. God is teaching me that I can be flexible. I am realizing I may have to return to the days of having an outfit picked out and ready the night before. All that hurry, and my students would not be arriving for another 30 minutes. So thankful I would have some time to pray and finish that coffee!
Continuing in top speed, I arrived home this afternoon and began preparing a meal for our neighbors before heading out to church.


I have also concluded that God is also teaching me a few things about control . I am a planner. I like to have things planned out ahead of time. As my husband and most of my family would kindly put it , I am a Control-Freak! I am progressing in making some changes but God has shown me , I am certainly not there yet. I like being in control. That being said, this is my heart I would like to share with you.
So much is out there lately reminding me that not many things are certain, and so many are out of my control. Our economy, political stability, health and many other things we will face on a daily basis. I have even been surprised at all of the comments about this among us bloggers. Today I would like to offer you this encouragement. GOD is in Control! Nothing, not even our economy catches Him by surprise. Being a child of God we can know He alone is bigger than any crisis we will face. He has called us to be salt and light to a world that does not understand this. We can offer hope to those around us that God gives a peace that passes all understanding to face any uncertainty surrounding us. How are you sharing that peace with those around you?
Blessings,
Jackie

P.S. I promise I will lighten up a little tomorrow, and hopefully finish fine-tuning for fall. And by the way it really was a great day! Busy, but great. God is good.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?" Psalm 27:1

A Mother's Work

Have you ever heard the saying"A Mother's work is never done."? Well that is how I am feeling today, and my children are 20 and 26. But that's O.K. In a sense our work should never be done. I am reminded that now, my work is, to be about praying for them daily. Whether they are 5 or 25 that is what God has called me to do.

How about you, have you prayed for your children today? Jackie

A Little Bird and the Word

I hope you will bear with me through this story, because I truly know that God spoke to a specific need of mine, by using a simple thing , actually this simple object.

This afternoon I came in from my half day of substitute teaching and was reading through some blog posts. One particular one spoke of the depressing economic situation and I began to dwell on it. One thing led to another, and I began to feel very discouraged. I have a history of panic attacks and have not had one in quite a long time. I then went back and listened to the President's comments yesterday evening, since I had not seen it, and then felt even more discouraged.

When my husband came in I told him how discouraged I was, wanting to know what his thoughts were, etc. He then told me everything I already knew...........God is in control and none of this has taken Him by surprise. I do know this to be true, but I continue to say,"I still don't like all that is going on". His reminder again was that we must remember God's faithfulness to those who belong to him. Absolutely true!

Hope you are still there, here is the rest of the story. I had planned to go to a new shop that was opening this evening, but I told my husband in light of the current economic crisis, maybe I should not go, now am I sounding a little crazy or what? His response was well you don't have to buy anything, to which I replied "OK".

This is where I went, and what a treat! One of the owners is from my church, and she shared that the idea came when our pastor presented us with a challenge. That is another story. Her idea is to offer a unique place to shop or just come in to browse in a wonderful atmosphere, giving her the opportunity to get to know the people of our community better. It is just that. UNIQUE! Charming, unhurried , quaint with all of the handmade items coming from local people. Beautiful calligraphy, hand crocheted dish cloths, organic soap, also hand made, one of a kind gift tag cards, paintings, knitted wool felted purses, antiques, glassware and tons of nostalgia. One of those places you want to linger. Tall, tall ceilings, rustic brick, wide plank floors, you get the picture.

Here's my little bag, and when I left, tucked inside was the rest of my story.

Here's a peek.

It was this little bird, handmade from pieces of wools sweaters. Now there were lots of these little birds scattered about, and I thought it was the strangest thing that this is what I was drawn to, and believe me for someone with my taste, there were many beautiful things. You girls out there would have loved it! It was hard to choose, there was a little gray bird, a red , a pink and brown striped one, all unique. But this little yellow one was sitting against a green suitcase, kind of like my walls here, and I knew this was the one.

After browsing and visiting with some wonderful people I headed home. I was actually still wondering about the bird. Why would this be one of my favorite things? This is the special part..........immediately this scripture came to mind:

"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? " Mark 6:26

This was just what I needed for this very moment, a very real reminder that God knew exactly how I was feeling, and that I needed this gentle reminder that He is in control, He loves me and cares for me more than I can comprehend, and he knows that I need. My part is to cast all my worries and cares at his feet. Jackie

Fluffing the Nest and a Conclusion

I have been working on adding touches of fall all around the house. This post would have been up earlier today, had my batteries in my camera not died, again! Did I happen to mention that I have a camera that drains a battery in a heart beat!!!! Very frustrating, any more camera advice would be helpful, cause I've got to get a new one soon!

Another conclusion that I have come to, is that every time I see my decorating pictures, I realize more and more of what a Plain Jane decorator I am. I believe that I could probably benefit greatly from some advice, from all of you marvelous ladies out there, that may happen to visit my place from time to time. So here goes.........

This is the top of the pie safe in my kitchen, and I promise my kitchen walls are not hot pink! It's this wonderful camera that I have.

A little more of everything that is on top.

What might you change?

Bowl of pumpkins, some candy corn of course and......

...........this little gadget is an old nut grinder that I got at a yard sale this weekend. I am a nostalgic kind of girl, and this reminded me of something my Grandma had. The cute little design

was sort of black and orange which reminded me of fall colors.

Some thrifty little acorns in a glass decanter that I also picked up at a yard sale.
I have been walking around the yard collecting these.

Jen over at Lipstick and Laundry loves acorns, so these acorns are for Jen.

Now it's your turn give any suggestions that you like for my fall decorating, and I promise I will not be offended. You all have such wonderful ideas and are so creative, that is why I ask.

Thanks, Jackie

New Adventure Update and a Package

This morning I announced that I would be off on a new adventure today. Well I am back and it went very well. By now I guess you are wondering what this new adventure of mine was. Maybe you won't be too disappointed when you realize it was not the thrifty shopping adventure we all dream of, or an exotic getaway, or many other exciting things that you might think.

Well here it is: Today was my first day as a substitute teacher. Actually, today I was the helper substitute. I have been needing to earn a little extra, I call it gas money, and to have something that would be pretty steady yet flexible. If you remember I went a couple of weeks ago for the teacher training, background check, and yes, remember I had to pass a TEST! That was the scary part for me. I received my first call Friday. It was a great day, the student were great, and no complaints except I realized I am not used to standing on my feet all day. I will be going again on Thursday for a half day, but I will be filling in for the teacher that day. Part of the time will be for a pep rally, and I actually get to wear jeans and a t-shirt that day. I am looking forward to this and the children can be challenging, but entertaining also. My desire is to be a godly example to all those I come in contact with. There are so many needy children out there, and I want to be able to be a blessing where I am.

Look what came in the mail Saturday. Kate over at My Messy Nest had a giveaway, and I won. If you have not seen this, it is an Amy Butler not only full of project ideas, but the patterns as well. I hope to be putting together a few goodies from it. If you have not visited Kate you want to go over and check her out. She is REAL and like a breath of fresh air. Thanks so much Kate!

Now tomorrow I hope I will have some fall stuff to show you. Have a wonderful evening! I am off to my Beth Moore Breaking Free Bible study. Jackie

New Adventure

In a hurry at this moment, but I'm off on a new adventure today, and will be back later this afternoon to tell you about it. Have a wonderful day! Jackie

New Look

I am actually learning some new things, but still have a long way to go. I would like your input and suggestions about blog backgrounds.

Where do you like to get your blog backgrounds from.......that offer free backgrounds that is. There is no money in the budget right now for a blog makeover. So I will be the do-it-yourselfer on this one too.

It changed many times last night before settling on one, at least for the time being.

Have a blessed day! Jackie

Rooster Rehab

All of you spray painters have been very inspirational to me, so now I look at things to see if they have any potential with a little spray paint.

This little fellow was just crying out for some new feathers!

The pink, baby blue and white just didn't seem to suit him.

This was the beginning of his transformation.

A little primer, and he was looking better.

Now, I think he has something to crow about. What do you think?
Jackie

29 Years and Counting!

Yesterday my sweet husband and I celebrated 29 years of marriage. Wow, it seems like yesterday, and actually I don't feel old enough to have been married 29 years. You might ask what special things we did so here goes. We woke up at 5:15 am, so we could be ready in time to drive 2 hours to my husbands dental appointment. Yes, dental appointment on our anniversary! But hey, I love him bunch!

Next, I dropped him off for his appointment while I ran some important errands......... 1. Thrift store first stop 2. TJMaxx 3. Ross for Less 4. Panera Bread 5.Tuesday Morning 6. Hancock Fabrics 7. Decorator Fabric Outlet

Then I was out of time because DH was calling me to come pick him up. Actually my sweet son was at school and was able to pick him up , then the three of us met for lunch. We had some wonderful non-diet food from a popular seafood place and the lunch shrimp was wonderful, along with our visit.

There was one more stop before heading home. Yes, this wonderful husband of mine endured a trip to Michael's before leaving town, and you know with all of the wonderful fall stuff I had a hard time pulling myself away. He waited so patiently. Did I mention that the weather couldn't have been nicer, cool and overcast and it felt just like fall.

The most important thing I want you to know is that God has blessed me with a wonderful husband who loves me, and has loved me in the good times and the not so good times. We have been through job losses, jobs where there was extensive traveling for him, a child with a chronic disease, and now we are experiencing an empty nest together. God has used all of these times not only to grow us closer together, but closer to HIM, and for this I am so thankful!
My husband is truly one of God's best blessings to me. Jackie

I've been tagged.............

and I am not very good at this. Kim tagged me yesterday and I wish I lived closer so I could get to know her better. I enjoy reading her blog and know you will too. I am supposed to list 6 random things about myself and then tag 6 others to do the same, so here goes:

1. I am a casual sort of girl. Jeans t-shirts, flip flops, and simple skirts. I would never wear hose again if I could get away with it!

2. I have never flown in an airplane as an adult, and only flown once when I was a baby.

3. I am one girl who does NOT just love CHOCOLATE.

4. I wore braces for a LONG time!

5. My perfect day would be spent on the beach from early morning until evening with a good book, preferably in cool weather with a great blanket.

6. If I could choose any house to live in, it would be a cute little wood sided cottage, with a tin roof, big porch, rustic wood floors and a very shabby chic look (very different from my home now, maybe one day though.

Now I tag : Dawn, Jen, Joy, Angie, Susie, Cherry Ok, now it's your turn.