eager hands

lithotripsy update

2012-01-28T07:46:00.000-05:00

wanted to write a quick update while i am still sort of "with it" before my morning dose of narcotics take full effect.

had the lithotripsy procedure done late afternoon yesterday. doctor told clint that it went well. i am supposed to call my urologist on monday to schedule a time to come in and get the stent removed. apparently, the stone fragments will come out the same time as the stent comes out...

i guess everyone reacts to anethesia differently, but my reaction was crying. all i remember mostly during the actual procedure was me crying on the table and the shock waves hurting my back. and next thing i knew i was in the recovery room. crying. like sad crying. i guess all of these past two weeks just hit me or something. and i was so sad. thinking about the pain, weaning robby, etc... eventually, i came to and stopped crying and was ok. then, clint drove me home a little while later.

i am extremely sore. oh my gosh. feel like i've been run over by a truck. i am in bed now with my laptop. i had to start taking the narcotics again for the pain. hopefully, i will not have to take them much longer. hoping and praying that i will be back to normal very soon. i am so grateful that my parents are here for a few days. because there is no way i could take care of my kiddos/house feeling the way i feel right now.

thank you all so much for your prayers and emails.

garland of hearts

2012-01-27T12:56:00.000-05:00

I had enough energy last night to make a little garland to put on the bed in my guest room. I wanted to make my parent's room look really pretty in honor of their big anniversary. I thought you'd like to see some photos. I think it turned out so sweet. I was thankful that the Lord gave me enough grace to make it for them. As long as I am sitting down, and not walking around, I feel ok. So, this was a perfect little craft project for me right now! All I used was scrapbook / decorative papers, yarn, fancy stickers, and a bit of ribbon.

And I also made this little card for them this morning. I used picnik to add the scripture to the bottom of their wedding photo. (That scripture passage was in the lyrics to the song that was sung in their ceremony)

All I did was print it out on nice cardstock, put it on top of another piece of cardstock, punch two holes, thread a ribbon through them, and oila - instant card! :)

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We also put a vase of flowers, a heart shaped box of chocolates, and a few gifts. My mom was super excited when she walked into their room! (They got here a couple hours ago.)

Clint is taking me to my surgery at 2:30p. The actual procedure starts at 5pm I think. I will update y'all when I am up to it. I'm not sure how out of it I will be because of the anethesia. It will probably be tomorrow before I feel up to writing anything...

I so appreciate all of your prayers!

a giveaway to cheer me up

2012-01-26T13:02:00.003-05:00

Hi guys-

Had a rough morning today. Just bein' honest. I know that I should be super duper grateful for God's grace on me during this current trial I am in. But, it's hard to be "up" all the time, you know?

Benjamin's been telling me for a week now how he's got this big science project/presentation that he wanted me to go to. I wanted to be there for him SO BAD. He's worked so hard! Clint came home from work on his lunch break so I could go over to the school and support my big boy. I did my best to rush over there to see him and his project. But I was too late, and had just missed it. The science teacher took me over to the empty classroom and showed me Benjamin's project that was in a corner with the rest of the projects. It was amazing. Benjamin had just gone up the big stairs to the cafeteria for lunch. I had just missed him. And I wanted so badly to run up those stairs to give him a big hug. But, I knew it would hurt too much physically for me to make it up those stairs. So, I hobbled back out to my van and drove back home. I cried like a baby all the way back. I am ready to be a normal mom again. I am ready to be "fully present" with my kiddos again. I am ready to do the dishes and the laundry. I am ready. If only my body was, too.

So, I knew that doing a giveaway would be just the thing to cheer me up today. 

All you have to do to enter is leave me a comment with an encouraging scripture. 

That's it. 

And if your number is chosen, you'll win one of these: 

Personalized Hand Stamped Antique Brass Tiny Initial Bow Necklace

(brass disc can hold up to three characters)

spread the word! :)

I'll pick a winner on Sunday night around dinnertime.

golden anniversary

2012-01-26T08:20:00.001-05:00

my parents on their wedding day, 50 years ago today
January 26, 1962

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!!!

It is truly incredible that you have been married for fifty years!
Wow! What an accomplishment!

To God be the the Glory!!

unexpected miracles

2012-01-25T12:02:00.000-05:00

Ok, this might be a long post, but I want to make sure that I write all of the thoughts down that are on my heart right now before I forget them...

I went to get my big xray today to find out what's been going on in my body. I was pretty sure that the kidney stone was going to be gone. Especially since I haven't had any kidney stone pain since last Thursday morning. The only real pain I've had has all been related to the stent inside me.

Well, I held up that big xray film to the sunlight in my friend's car as she drove away from the hospital. And there it was. A big kidney stone. Right there below my kidney. It had not moved an inch. Can you believe that?

So, I am scheduled to have lithotropsy on Friday at 5pm, which basically means "blasting" surgery.

I'm actually doing really well. I thought I would be more upset. But, I am glad that I finally know exactly what's going on with my body.

And, as I've been pondering the past 10 days in my heart this morning, God has been showing me all these miracles that He's done for me! I'm really so encouraged!

The biggest miracle of all is that I have not had any kidney stone pain since last Thursday morning. Remember that little video I posted that day? I had told y'all that I woke up that day feeling so much better, like a new person. I really thought I had passed the stone that night or something and didn't catch it...

I remembered this morning that on Wednesday night, I had a big breakdown and cried out to the Lord for Him to take the pain away. And then, I woke up the next morning with no kidney stone pain! I suddenly realized that He had answered my prayer! As I looked at my xray today and saw that big kidney stone, lodged in my uterer, three times as big as the tube, I realized just how big of a miracle this whole thing has been. I truly should be in more physical pain. I haven't had to take the narcotics since that day, Thursday, the 19th. The only pain I've had has been related to the stent. So, PRAISE HIM!!!! He is good, and He will not give us more than we can handle in His strength! He has shown me extreme mercy and grace. And I am so thankful!

Also, so many people have come out of the woodwork to help me. Meals have been brought over, people have come to watch the kids, help me feed them and put them to bed, and I've received so so many emails and messages with sweet words of encouragement and prayers. It's really been amazing.

And another thing - my parents on coming up on Friday to help out with the surgery/recovery, etc. And you want to know the coolest thing? We've had their visit on the calendar for months! For the very day that I have to have this surgery! (Their 50th anniversary is tomorrow, and my dad surprised my mom with a fancy overnight stay at a beautiful resort that's not too far from where we are, so they decided to come see us on their way back!) So, God knew all of that. And led my dad to pick an anniversary destination that was close to where I am, so that they would decide to stop by and visit us the next day, which just so happened to be the day of my surgery! Crazy... And just like God to orchestrate all of those details!!

Oh, and one more thing. When I called to register for Friday's surgery, the nurse told me that it was marked as "charity" and that there would be no charge. Unbelievable!!

So, there have been lots of unexpected miracles in all of this. I am grateful for all of the little things that He has done to make this rough road not as rough as it could have been!

healing wings

2012-01-24T14:24:00.002-05:00

I managed to sit down at my dining room table this morning and hammer out a little jewelry. It felt really good. I could only do a bit, but it was enough to lift my spirit. Without fail, Jesus ministers to my heart whenever I make things with my hands. Today, I made a little necklace that really speaks to where I am at these days. It's all about healing. And safety. And being rescued, more like swept up, by the mighty wings of my Powerful God.

{healing wings}

hand stamped sterling silver necklace with sterling wing & swarovski crystal

"But for you who revere my name,

the Sun of Righteousness will rise
with healing in its wings.

And you will go out and leap like calves
released from the stall."

Malachi 4:2

side note - Whenever I quote that verse, I usually leave off that last bit of the verse with the calves leaping. But today, it means more to me than almost all the rest. I am clinging to that last bit. I can't wait to be free and healed up so that I can leap like a calf let out of its stall! Free from this stent inside me. Free from any fragments of kidney stone that are lingering still...

Oh, and here's one other thing that brought some healing and hope to my heart this morning:

my buddies

Have a wonderful Tuesday, everyone!!

And if you're in need of some healing,

His wings are plenty big enough for you, too!!

(linking up with:)

comfort food

2012-01-23T10:17:00.002-05:00

Today is my first full day alone, without help, since I got my kidney stone eight days ago. I am still in quite a bit of pain, mostly when I am standing/walking around. I am pretty sure that part or all of the stone has passed, or is at the very least hanging around in my bladder. Most of the pain/discomfort I am experiencing at this point is from the stent inside me. It makes getting around pretty difficult. But, I am making it. I just have to go really slow and take extra care.

Last night, Clint had to go to work around 4:30p. I gotta admit- I was nervous about handling all of the children by myself. And I was especially nervous about making them dinner and putting them all to bed. Around 5:30p, a woman from my bible study called me and asked if she could come over and help me out. She was such an answer to prayer! She came over around 6p and fixed dinner for the kids, did the dishes, played with the kids, and then put them all to bed! It was such a blessing.

This morning, Clint had to get all of the kids ready for school by himself. I felt bad, because normally, I help him out and make sure they're all dressed/fed, lunches made, etc... But, he let me sleep in today and did it all himself so I could rest. Such a sweetie...

So, this morning, I had to get creative taking Robby down the stairs. (It's pretty hard for me to lift him for long periods of time.) So, I held him on my lap and we scooted down the stairs, one step at a time, on my bottom. It was actually kind of comical. But, it worked! And I felt a lot more comfortable going down the stairs that way, than carrying him down on foot.

I thought heating up some of Grandmama's sweet potato casserole for breakfast would do just the trick for making my morning more lovely. (My mother in law made a big batch of it while she was here this past week.) It's amazing what a yummy plate of comfort food can do for your spirit! I wanted to share the recipe with y'all, too. It is so delicious!

heaven on a plate

Sweet Potato Casserole

4 cups cooked sweet potatoes
(Baked potatoes are best but may use canned ones)
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup melted butter
3 eggs.....beaten
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsps. vanilla
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Topping

2 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes or bran flakes cereal.....
(could also use other cereal such as Special K, Wheat Chex, etc.)
Measure cereal before crushing.
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 Tb. brown sugar
2 Tb. melted butter

Mash sweet potatoes. Add all other ingredients in order given. Mix with electric mixer or by hand. Pour into a 13 x 9 baking dish. If you don't want to make this much, you could half the recipe and use an 11 x 7 or similar size dish.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Remove dish from oven and add topping. Bake additional 10 minutes.

cafe francais in my favorite mug, my bible,
and the book clint and i are reading together...

I hope y'all have a wonderful week! I would really appreciate your prayers for me this week that I would have extra grace and strength to take care of the kiddos on my own. I am getting a big x ray on Wednesday to determine how much of the stone is left, so they can decide if I need another surgery that is tentatively scheduled for this Friday. So, this week is a big one!

Thank you so much!!

(linking up here)

great is thy faithfulness

2012-01-21T09:42:00.000-05:00

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.

His mercies never come to an end.

They are new every morning,

new every morning.

Great is thy faithfulness!

(an oldie but a goodie)

slowing down

2012-01-20T17:58:00.002-05:00

Well, life is definitely slowing down for me these days. It's been quite a rough week, with this painful kidney stone appearing on the scene last Sunday.

I had my appointment at the urologist this morning to talk about my surgery to blast the stone. I was hoping that they would do an xray today to determine if the stone is still there. (I suspect that I have passed some, if not all, of it, because I have been feeling better since Thursday morning, as far as the kidney stone pain goes.) Unfortunately, the nurse told me that an xray cannot be done until Wednesday. At that point, they will decide if I need to have the blasting surgery done on Friday. If the stone is not there, then I will have the stint removed about a week after that.

So, best case scenario is that I will not have the blasting surgery done and that I will have the stint removed about 2 weeks from now.

I confess I cried a lot today. I guess I figured I would have more closure after my appointment today. Instead, I am faced with more waiting. Don't get me wrong - I am very thankful that the kidney stone pain has decreased dramatically.

However the pain and discomfort from the stent inside me is hard to get used to. It pretty much feels like a constant urinary tract infection. And I have to be very careful getting around, not picking up Robby unless I absolutely have to, not doing too much, etc...

"bloom where you're planted"

I've been thinking about that phrase a lot today. I don't understand why all this has happened to me over the past week or so, but I do know that I can control how I respond to it. I do have control over how I react and if I choose to continue to praise God through it. I can try my best to somehow find the good in it and have a thankful heart, no matter what.

So, that's what I am trying to do.

So, my life's gonna look quite a bit different for awhile.
It's gonna be a lot slower.
A lot less busy. A lot less complicated.

And I am gonna focus on appreciating the good things in it. Like that the sweet face in the photo above. I'm gonna sit and sit and sit - holding my babies. Singing more songs. Reading my Bible. And resting in the loving arms of the God who has carried me through this little trial.

a little video update

2012-01-19T11:38:00.000-05:00

i won't be overwhelmed

2012-01-19T10:26:00.000-05:00

God, I Look to You
Jenn Johnson/Ian Mcintosh Bethel Music Publishing 2010

God, I look to You, I won’t be overwhelmed
Give me vision to see things like You do
God, I look to You, You’re where my help comes from
Give me wisdom; You know just what to do

I will love You, Lord my strength
I will love You, Lord my shield
I will love You, Lord my rock forever
All my days I will love You, God

Hallelujah, our God reigns
Hallelujah, our God reigns
Hallelujah, our God reigns forever
All my days, Hallelujah

waiting...

2012-01-18T13:07:00.000-05:00

still in a lot of pain. still waiting for the stone to pass...

clinging to the Lord.
leaning on His strength.
thankful for friends and family for their help in my time of need.

thank you all for your prayers and words of encouragement.

hopefully i will have good news to report soon.

surgery update

2012-01-17T19:45:00.001-05:00

i just wanted to give you all a quick update while I am sorta coherent.

i went into the er again last night around 9:30p because the pain was getting increasingly worse and i had developed a fever. when we got there and after they'd done some bloodwork, etc., the doctor told me that i needed to have surgery right away to put a stint from my kidney to my bladder. apparently, the kidney stone was too big and hadn't moved at all from the kidney. it was blocking the urine flow and they had to go in and drain all the bad stuff out of my body that had been blocked up.

so, my surgery was at 2am. they put me completely out and also put a tube down my throat and put a catheter in...

it's been a pretty rough three days! but God has given us lots of favor at the hospital and put us around some wonderful nurses and doctors. we are hoping and praying that the hospital will be able to cut the bill down some since we don't have insurance.

i am back home now and pretty much staying in the bed till I pass the stone. I am praying that it will dissolve and pass on its own. If it doesn't pass on its own within 7 days, I will have to get it blasted by the urologist.

i can't tell you all how much i appreciate all of your prayers, and kind words. It has really carried me through.

praying that tonight will be a good night for me and that God will do a big work in my body to get this stone out quickly.

blessings,

kidney stone

2012-01-16T11:37:00.000-05:00

warning- i am on narcotics for pain, so if this post sounds weird, that's why..

just wanted to give you guys an update on my kidney stone. I woke up at 5am yesterday morning in a lot of pain. I waited it out as long as I could till about 1pm, and then I knew this wasn't gas, and was most likely something else. Clint took me to the ER and they gave me an iv with fluids, pain meds, anti nausea med, etc and did a CT scan. Turns out I have a pretty large kidney stone (most are 1-2 mm, mine is 5 mm). Anyway, they sent me home last night with narcotics and anti=nausea meds. I am totally wiped out. Can't get out of bed.

My sweet mother-in-law offered to drive the 9 hour drive up here to stay and help with the children until I pass the stone. (the dr said it'll take 5-7 days)She'll be arriving tonight.

so, please please pray that the stone will dissolve/break up so I won't have to pass the solid stone. And pray that it won't take a week like the dr said)
and for grace and strength for me. I feel so so weird. I'm sure a lot of it is the meds i am on

and also pray for my emotions too. I had to stop nursing robby abruptly becase i don't feel comfortable nursing him with this narcotic in my body. So, I am super sad about that. I didn't get to have a final goodbye nursing session with him. :( He's old enough now, its more me than him...

ok, gotta stop typing. my head is fuzzy.

thank you for all your prayers and encouragement via twitter and texts, calls, etc.

pretties

2012-01-14T09:47:00.000-05:00

(source)

Have a wonderful weekend!!

bread of life

2012-01-13T10:39:00.002-05:00

I dusted off my bread maker last night. It had been several years since I had used it. (I got it at a yard sale soon after I got married.) Anyway, I found an easy recipe for basic bread and made it last night. It was so easy to do, and best of all, my house smelled amazing. The smell of freshly baked bread is one of my absolute favorite aromas!

Simple White Bread II Recipe (for your bread maker)

1 cup water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups bread flour
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

Place ingredients in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select cycle; press Start.

A late night snack of toast with butter and strawberry jam.

Heavenly!

(and don't you love my new vintage plate?
I got it the other day at Goodwill for 29 cents. :))

I couldn't help but think of this scripture as I was waiting for the bread to be finished baking. My house smelled so good, and I could understand why Jesus compared Himself to bread.

And His words are so true - He really does satisfy!

As I was writing this post this morning, I remembered an old song that I used to sing with a traveling singing group when I was in my early twenties. The words are really beautiful!

(When I looked up the song on youtube, I felt pretty old!
The photo of the CD is really dated. :) But, it's still a good song!)

tiny initial bow necklaces

2012-01-12T10:15:00.001-05:00

Some of you may have already noticed these two new necklaces up in the shop, but I wanted to do a quick blog post about them for those of you that haven't seen them yet.

I'd like to introduce you to my new Tiny Initial Bow Necklaces !

Aren't they cute?!

Personalized Hand Stamped Antique Brass Tiny Initial Bow Necklace

Personalized Hand Stamped Antique Silver Tiny Initial Bow Necklace

These sweet little necklaces can be personalized with a lowercase letter.

You can do your initial, your husband's initial, or your baby's initial.
These would also make adorable bridesmaids gifts, too!

lots of possibilities...

I even have room on the disc to stamp two initials with a "&"
(ie. c & l - for "clint and lora")
i mean, how cute would that be?!

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And today only, I am offering a special introductory coupon code (for blog readers only) for these two sweet little necklaces.

Just use the code PUTABOWONIT to get 15% off!

wordless wednesday - fourteen months

2012-01-11T09:55:00.000-05:00

stick out your tongue

2012-01-10T12:24:00.000-05:00

Leo was born tongue-tied. In other words, the little string of skin that's underneath his tongue was connected to the very tip of his tongue, making him unable to stick it out. It was never really an issue until recently, when we realized that he couldn't say certain words. It was virtually impossible for him to make the "th" sound. So, this morning, he had surgery to correct his tongue and make it possible for him to stick it out. (and now, he will be able to say the words that he couldn't say before)

I had to get up very early this morning to take him to the surgical center for the surgery. He was given a drug before the actual surgery to make it easier for the anethesiologist to put him under for the surgery. The medicine the nurse gave Leo before the surgery made him quite "loopy". It was actually pretty funny - he kept meowing like a cat, and then he started laughing and saying, "Mommy, you have two faces!" He was quite happy and relaxed by the time the nurses wheeled his bed out and into surgery. The surgery itself was very quick and he only ended up having to have two stitches. So, I am very thankful for that!

He did end up having quite a hard time after the surgery in the recovery room. He was in a lot of pain, and was very disoriented, irritable, etc. I felt so bad for him! And he also threw up a few times there and on the ride home. But, I picked up a big McDonald's chocolate milkshake at the drive thru and by the time we got home, he was feeling better. I took a few photos of him on the couch a little while ago, while he was watching Wallace and Gromit and enjoying his cold milkshake.

He's much better now - its been a few hours since we got home. God really took care of him, and eased my worries/nerves, as well. Thanks to all of you that prayed for my little Leo, as I updated his status via Twitter. I really appreciate it!!

And now, he'll be able to say "theater" and "this" and "that" and "thank you" with no problems!

evidence

2012-01-09T10:05:00.001-05:00

This morning, I put my shoes on to take the trash out to the curb, and heard a crunch. There were cheerios in my left shoe. I had to chuckle. And, then God started speaking to my heart (like He often does, when it comes to experiences I have with my children).

ev·i·dence

[ev-i-duhns] noun

1. that which tends to prove or disprove something; ground for belief; proof.

2. something that makes plain or clear; an indication or sign:

3. data presented to a court or jury in proof of the facts in issue and which may include the testimony of witnesses, records, documents, or objects.

I heard that word clear as day. EVIDENCE. And then, I started to walk around my house with my camera in hand, searching, like a detective, for evidence. Proof of my children in my home. And, I found many things. Some might say, I found a mess. But, it's all in your perspective, I think.

I found signs of happy, creative, inquisitive, intelligent children.

cheerios in my shoe

spools of thread taken out of the drawer, ready to be put into bowls

books that have been read and left on the couch

rescue heroes in a basket, put up high so "the babies" don't get them

a giant bunny in a stroller, carefully "buckled in"

pillows and blankies on the (marker-decorated) couch with the slipcover taken off

another marker-decorated piece of furniture, complete with a random spoon

About a month ago, I was walking the three youngest children to church. And I ran into my pastor's wife (who has five grown children). She smiled at me, pushing that big ole' double stroller, hair falling in my face, as I struggled to get it up a hill.

I asked her, "How did you do it? How did you survive?" And she spoke something so profound to me that I don't think I'll ever forget. She said,

"You may not think so, but one day, not too far from now,

you're going to miss the crazy."

I know that soon my children will be grown and out of the house. My living room will be clean. There will be no marker decorations on my couches and tabletops. There will be no toys on the floor. There will certainly be no cheerios in my left shoe.

And I will miss it. I will miss the mess. I will miss the crazy.

So, today I am trying to keep that thought always in the front of my mind.

I am embracing the crazy.

I am embracing the mess.

I am embracing this season with my five little children.

And I am praising God every day for giving me the privelege to raising them up.

So, my challenge to y'all today is - go look for "the evidence" in your home of your children. And then, find the beauty in it. Find the loveliness in it.

(linking up here:)

a kiss

2012-01-08T10:43:00.001-05:00

joseph at the playground on friday

(he did this on his own, no prompting from mommy)

linking up with:

sunlight on our faces

2012-01-07T13:56:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous sunny day! I took advantage of the nice weather and went to the playground at our church with all of the children. They had so much fun! And I did, too. :)

The light was so beautiful - I got so many wonderful photos!
(see the new pics of the kiddos on the right hand column of my blog?)

Here's some other photos I took of us with sunlight on our faces...

this shot's not perfect, but it's of all five of my children sitting down together!

(a miracle in my book...)

five things i love friday - vintage ski sweaters

2012-01-06T09:39:00.001-05:00

This week has been so cold! You would laugh at me with my three littlest ones each morning as we walk out the door to take our morning walk to Ruth's preschool. I bundle the kiddos up so much that they can hardly move! But, there's nothing like a brisk walk in the cold each morning to wake you up! :)

All this cold weather has got me thinking about one of my favorite things about winter - sweaters! I am a sucker for sweaters, especially warm, ski sweaters. And if they are vintage, even better! :) For today's edition of "five things I love friday", I'm showing y'all five awesome vintage ski sweaters - all under $20.00.

Vintage Gray Henley Ski Sweater by retrovous
($15)

80s Boat Neck Purple & Grey Sweater by nichestyle
($14.99)

Vintage 70's Mackinaw Woolens Ski Sweater Cardigan by mbaugher
($12)

sweater / turtleneck / mohair / rabbit hair / oatmeal / vintage by StudioNostalgia
($14.99)

70s 80s Cable Knit Ski Sweater by cottoncandystreet
($16.99)

Which one's your favorite?
I can't choose - I love them all! :)

*******************************

And just to give you a good laugh this morning,
here's a video clip that I thought of the other day when I was bundling up the little ones before our walk to school in the 19 degree cold.

Go check it out. You won't regret it! :)

jewelry making year in review

2012-01-05T10:33:00.000-05:00

2011 was a very full year for me, in terms of jewelry making. I made lots and lots of necklaces! I thought it would be fun to go through the year and show you some of my favorites over the past twelve months. It was hard to pick just one for each month. There were so many that I loved! (And also, so many awesome stories of how the Lord spoke to my heart while making them!)

(january)

"You gave abundant showers, O God;

you refreshed your weary inheritance."

Psalm 68:9

(february)

"The joy of the Lord is your strength..."

Nehemiah 8:10

(march)

"Dark am I, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem,

dark like the tents of Kedar, like the tent curtains of Solomon."

Song of Solomon 1:5

(april)

"Her children rise up and call her blessed;

Her husband also, and he praises her."

Proverbs 31:28

(may)

"Abide in Me, and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine,

neither can you, unless you abide in Me."

John 15:4

(june)

"Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart,

All you who hope in the LORD."

Psalm 31:24

(july)

"I will not leave you orphans: I will come to you."
John 14:18

(august)

"Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away."

Song of Songs 8:7

(september)

"The leaves on the trees are for the healing of the nations."

Revelation 22:2

(october)

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by your name; You are Mine."

Isaiah 43:1

(november) 

"In everything give thanks;

 for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 

I Thessalonians 5:18 

(december) 

"So if the Son sets you free,
you will be free indeed."
John 8:36

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Which one is your favorite?

wordless wednesday - hammocking

2012-01-04T08:15:00.000-05:00

meditation on apples

2012-01-03T10:03:00.000-05:00

"Keep me as the apple of your eye;

hide me in the shadow of your wings."

Psalm 72:8

"As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sit in his shadow, and his fruit is sweet to my taste."

Song of Songs 2:3

"Keep my commandments and live, keep my teachings as the apple of your eye."

Proverbs 7:2

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."

Proverbs 25:11

"Taste and see that the LORD is good;

blessed are those that take refuge in him."

Psalm 34:8

(linking up with:)

building a hut

2012-01-02T08:22:00.000-05:00

A few days ago, Charlotte took Benjamin and Leo on an adventure. They walked to a nearby lake and built a "hut". It took them a few hours, and boy, were they proud of what they had made!! She took some beautiful photos of them hard at work.

Here's a few of my favorites:

My boys are getting so big! Time has really flown by.

I was playing with Joseph and Robby last night before bedtime, and it dawned on me that they are exactly the same age as Benjamin and Leo were when we moved here five years ago.

I can't believe how much my two oldest sons have grown up!

They are so. much. fun.
Full of life and energy.
Full of giggles, imagination, and spunk.
All in all, a pretty great pair of brothers.

They drive me crazy sometimes, I'll admit, but I wouldn't have them any other way.
They are precious gifts from God that He's given to me to take care of
and raise up to become mighty warriors for Him.

I can't wait to see where God takes them in the future!
I know that their futures are bright.

(linking up with:)

tea time for the girls

2012-01-01T14:54:00.004-05:00

I spent the last afternoon of 2011 enjoying tea time with my sweet daughter.

We ate warm popovers, fresh out of the oven, with strawberry preserves.

I had my usual Cafe Francais in my favorite mug,
and Ruth had milk in her favorite mug.

It was delightful.

Popovers

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour and salt; make a well in center. In another bowl, beat together eggs and milk, then pour into well. Gradually stir egg mixture into flour until batter is consistency of heavy cream yet slightly lumpy; do not overbeat. Allow batter to rest for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.

2. Preheat oven to 425 F. Place 1 teaspoon butter in each cup of a 12-cup muffin tin or two 6-cup popover tins. (I used regular muffin tins - just don't fill them too high. I did, and the butter spilled over to the bottom of my oven, which I now have to clean. :) ) Heat in oven until butter melts, about 1 minute. Divide batter among cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake until popovers are puffed and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Turn out popovers and serve warm. Makes 12.

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Happy New Year!!!

and a special Happy Anniversary to my dear mother and father-in-law!

They are celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary today!!

celebrating 2011

2011-12-31T10:45:00.002-05:00

God has been so good to me this year. He has healed my eyes, given me continual grace as a mother to five little ones, blessed my little etsy shop, given me favor and used the works of my hands beyond my wildest dreams at this show and this show, and many, many other blessings of provision and grace. I am thankful.

So, today, on this last day of 2011, I am celebrating with a big sale in the shop.
Everything (with the exception of personalized custom pieces) is 30% off!!!

(Use the coupon code CELEBRATING2011 at checkout to receive your discount!)

Sale ends at midnight tonight.

Happy New Year!!

five things i love friday - vintage tea towels

2011-12-30T11:05:00.005-05:00

Today is my sweet husband's 40th birthday! He was born in 1971. So, for this edition of "five things I love friday", I thought it would be fun to feature some great vintage tea towel calendars from that year. I love to decorate with these linen calendars. I've got two of them hung up on the wall in my laundry room.

Linda Grady

Which one's your favorite?
(I think I like the one with the owls best! But, they are all pretty fantastic. :) )

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We had a breakfast birthday party this morning. I gave Clint this awesome t-shirt from one of my favorite vintage t-shirt shops on etsy. Isn't it just perfect for his fortieth birthday? (plus he loves that time period - such a cute history teacher! :) )

Benjamin also made this adorable birthday card for him - it's an i pad. (Clint's favorite thing) ("the hut" is something that he and Leo built outside yesterday with Charlotte)

And here's one more thing:
A little video I took of Clint while we were at the cabin last week. It makes me smile.

Happy Birthday, Honey!!

little mommy

2011-12-29T10:00:00.001-05:00

My parents sent the cutest little stroller for Ruth.

She absolutely loves it!

And it warms my heart to watch her playing with it.

She tucks her "pillow sheep" into the stroller and pretends that it is her baby.

It's so sweet.

She's quite the little mommy!

wordless wednesday - battleship

2011-12-28T08:20:00.000-05:00

letting go

2011-12-27T10:05:00.002-05:00

I had some precious time alone with the Lord yesterday. And as I wrote in my journal, He began to speak to my heart some pretty big truths for my life. I wanted to share some of what I wrote with you today. I hope it speaks to you as well.

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I confess, Lord, that I am overly preoccupied with myself.

My thoughts dwell around only what concerns me.

All around me are people that need a touch from You.

You present me with opportunities every day to reach out beyond myself,

to inconvenience myself for the sake of the Gospel.

{inconvenience myself}

Is Your Kingdom one of convenience or inconvenience?

(I fear it is the latter and not the former.)

Didn't You lay it all down, for the sake of the Kingdom,

so that Your Father in Heaven would be glorified?

Didn't you tell me, all of us, to die to ourselves and our fleshly desires

and to live by the Holy Spirit inside of us?

Is that where TRUE JOY and fulfillment abide -

in the letting go and laying it all down?

Arise in me, Oh Fair One.

Oh Lover of my Soul.

Arise in Me!

ARISE!

Make Your Presence known in my life.

Free me from myself.

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my baby is eight!

2011-12-26T11:56:00.001-05:00

Benjamin turned 8 years old on the 24th. He's growing up so fast! He is such a sweet boy. Very considerate and loving and sensitive. And he's a big help to me as well. I just love him!! We had a little party for him on Saturday night. Here's a few photos:

he looks so old in this photo!!

pretty soon, he'll be taller than I am.

he was so excited about his Transformers cake!

wasn't he a cute baby?!

love his smile!

His teacher, who is also a sweet friend of mine from church, came with her husband to the birthday party as well. It really made Benjamin's day! And this morning, she picked up him and Leo and took them to IHOP for breakfast and then to Michael's to let Benjamin pick out a few presents. Benjamin got a bag full of markers, paper, and scotch tape, of all things. So cute!

Have a wonderful day!!

light of the world

2011-12-25T17:45:00.000-05:00

11 years!

2011-12-24T09:58:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Clint and I's 11th wedding anniversary! He surprised me with a quick one night getaway to our favorite cabin in the mountains. We all went on Thursday morning and stayed overnight. It was a great little trip. We enjoyed sitting by the fire and relaxing. No computers. No cell phones. Just reading and playing games/doing puzzles. And I crocheted part of a scarf as well. I also took the children out to explore the woods and creek behind the cabin. Simple times. Good times.

We drove back last night and then went out on a late night anniversary date. We had a nice dinner and then went to see a movie. It was fun! I am so thankful for my sweet husband. He is such a blessing to my heart! God has truly blessed us with a great marriage and five wonderful children. My cup overflows...

newlyweds

12.23.2000

old married couple (ha!)
12.23.2011

*******************************************************

And now, we are focusing on our oldest child.
Benjamin's 8th birthday is today!
We are looking forward to a fun day with him.

Have a wonderful day and very blessed weekend!!!

I appreciate all of you!

need a laugh?

2011-12-21T12:45:00.000-05:00

i love him.

won't you be my neighbor?

2011-12-19T11:45:00.000-05:00

My favorite show when I was little was Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.

I loved the part in the beginning of the program when Mr. Rogers took off his jacked and put on his sweater. Maybe that's one of the reasons why I love cardigan sweaters. I wear one every day. And usually it's the same one. My trusty super soft grey one.

But, I wore that thing so much, that after all of the washings, its sleeves have gotten quite short. And I like my sleeves long. So, the other day, when I got my new coat, I also got a new sweater! I love it so much.

isn't it pretty?!

so cozy!

and look at the extra long sleeves!

It's pretty much gonna be my everyday sweater at home now.

Just another simple thing in my life that makes it more lovely.

and just to be nostalgic, here's a clip from Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood:

(linking up with:)

my new coat

2011-12-18T15:56:00.001-05:00

My dad is so cute. He and I were talking the other day and he told me to go to JCPenney and buy myself something really nice - his treat. So, I went out today and got a new coat. I've been wearing the same one since college, and it's in pretty rough shape. So, I was super excited to be getting a new one!

He asked me to send him some photos of the coat, so this post's for you, Dad! :)

isn't it cute?

i was going to go the safe route and choose a solid grey or black,

but then, I spotted this plaid beauty and decided to get a little wild and crazy! haha :)

I like the vintage inspired buttons, too.

There is a detachable fur collar as well, but I took it off.
(It kinda reminded me of Lester! :) )
Maybe I'll put it on if I'm on a ski holiday in the mountains or something.

************************************

It was such a fun afternoon!
I've been working so hard lately, so it was so nice to have some me-time.
Clint was so sweet to watch the children so I could go out and recharge my batteries.

nocturne

2011-12-17T21:18:00.002-05:00

noc·turne (n k tûrn ).

 1. A painting of a night  scene. 

2. An instrumental composition of a pensive, dreamy mood,  especially one for the piano

{the beautiful view out of my living room window this evening}

the outline of the tree branches against the blue sky was just breathtaking

my sweet robby

****************************************

The house is so still this evening.
Feels the calm after the storm.

I guess in a way, that's true. I've felt like I've been in a storm recently.
With all this sickness. And with all the extra work I've had for the shop as well.

But, today, I mailed off the bulk of my custom orders for the holidays.
And, I am feeling a bit better, too.

So, this evening, with my children in bed, I can finally breathe one big sigh of relief.
And just sit in the stillness. Enjoying the beautiful night sky.

this song, by one of my favorite composers, sums up how this night feels.

giveaway winner!

2011-12-16T19:04:00.000-05:00

We have a winner! I used random.org to pick a number between 1 and 269. (269 entries - wow! that's so neat. :) )

The number selected was 49:

who was,

Carrie P., who said,

"My favorite thing in your shop is the baby quilt with the ducks on it."

Congratulations, Carrie! I'll be sending you an email to get your address. :)

And as a big thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway, you can use the coupon code GIVEAWAYFRIEND to receive 20% off any one item between now and Sunday night (12/19) at midnight.

freedom

2011-12-16T17:10:00.001-05:00

OH MY GOODNESS. I have been so sick. I woke up yesterday morning, feeling just awful. I spent the whole day yesterday in bed. And today, I have been really weak and not able to do much of anything. I forced myself to finish up a few important orders this afternoon. Clint had to work tonight, so I am pressing through the evening by myself with the children. I've had worship music on in my kitchen, letting it soak over me and keep my mind and heart focused on God. It has been rough! Leo and Charlotte have also been feeling poorly today. I have been especially discouraged because the timing of all of this is not that great. I had planned on working all day yesterday and today finishing up all the custom orders that I've gotten for Christmas. They need to ship out tomorrow. So, somehow, this evening, I've got to finish my work. Help me, Jesus!!

As I was making those important orders this afternoon, I quickly made one that spoke to my situation right now. It says "freedom" and has a feather on it as well. I really love it. And I really love the scriptures that inspired it as well. I am clinging to them today.

freedom - hand stamped brass necklace with feather - READY TO SHIP

"But for you who revere my name, 
the sun of righteousness will rise
 with healing in its wings." 
Malachi 4:2

"So if the Son sets you free,
 you will be free indeed." 
John 8:36

this is one of the worship songs that I have been playing over and over again today:

Be blessed today, my friends.

And if you have a quick moment to pray,

I'd so appreciate your prayers for grace and strength.

wordless wednesday - husband's woodpile

2011-12-14T14:09:00.000-05:00

assembly lines and free pie

2011-12-13T15:29:00.002-05:00

Well, the past few days have been a whirlwind. I've been soooo busy with orders for the shop. It's a good thing, don't get me wrong. But, man, have I been working hard! I've been keeping long hours, hammering away, at custom necklaces. And I've been spending most every morning packing up orders. Bless Joseph's heart - he's been such a trooper each morning playing by himself while I wrap jewelry in bubble wrap and get lost in a sea of vintage pattern paper and packing tape. I set him up near me with a bowl of beads and charms today and he had fun putting them in and out of different containers.

this was my morning.

I was praying this morning with Ruth and Joseph as I walked Ruth to preschool that God would give me the grace to finish the work I had to do today. I had to pack up about ten orders, among other little things, like emailing customers, etc. I was a bit overwhelmed as I prayed.

I stopped by to see a friend on my way home and she gave me a little present, a book called "God's Promises for your Every Need". I flipped it open randomly, and my eyes fell to this scripture:

"Fear not, for I am with you. 

Be not dismayed, for I am Your God. 

I will strengthen you, 

Yes, I will help you.

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 

Isaiah 41:10

I got home from our morning walk and the Lord gave me the idea of doing an assembly line. I cut up all the little pieces of bubble wrap, pattern paper, etc, etc. And let me tell you, the packing went so much smoother and faster than it normally does!

God definitely helped me a bunch today, just like He promised me that He would!

And then, when I got back home from picking Ruth up at lunchtime, I got a special surprise treat from one of Charlotte's friends (whom I had only just met a few hours before!). She bought me a pumpkin pie. (Which is, by the way, my absolute favorite dessert.) Thank you, Jesus!

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If you follow me on twitter, you know that yesterday was the last day that I was taking custom orders for Christmas. But, I've still got lots of pretty necklaces in the shop that are ready to ship. So, come on over and check them out! Here's one I just listed a few minutes ago:

{never alone} hand stamped brass necklace with turquoise and faceted yellow bead

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you;

He will never  leave you nor forsake you. 

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." 

Deuteronomy 31:8

giveaway day!

2011-12-12T00:22:00.004-05:00

Giveaway is now closed.

Winner (Carrie P.) was picked at 6:30p on Friday night. Sorry!

Yippee! It's Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day!! Hundreds of bloggers will be giving away super-fun prizes starting today! Just go here to see the master list of all the blogs participating. I am giving away two fun prizes!

If your name is drawn, you will win both:

a Shabby Chic Vintage Linen Bundle

and

a {joy} Hand Stamped Copper Pendant

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lots of amazing vintage linens and notions to create with!!

bundle includes:

a gorgeous antique embroidered square tablecloth with crocheted detail, a fat quarter of vintage floral bed linens, a beautiful antique linen hankie with embroidered rose detail, vintage powder blue lace trim, and over twenty five fantastic vintage buttons!

********************************************

and you'll also win this sweet pendant!

"You have made known to me the paths of life;
You will fill me with joy in Your presence." Acts 2:28

******************************************

To enter the giveaway:

1. Tell me what you'd like to make with the vintage linen bundle.

2. For a second entry, tell me what your favorite item is in my shop.

2. For a third entry, become a follower of my blog.

(If you are already a follower, just leave me a comment telling me that you are.)

3. For a fourth entry, follow me on twitter.

(If you are already follow me, just leave me a comment telling me that you do.)

(Don't forget to include in your comment some way to get in contact with you if you win (ie. blog, email) )

I will pick a winner at 5pm on Friday, December 16th.

Good luck, everyone!

gussied up

2011-12-11T11:05:00.000-05:00

I wanted to show y'all a few photos of what I wore last night on my date. I felt cute. :)

I wore a black dress (aka elastic skirt that i pulled up high and made into a strapless dress)

with my favorite green cardigan with sparkly buttons

i also wore a fantastic vintage butterfly belt that was Clint's grandmama's,

as well as a long vintage brass chain

i even wore heeled boots!

it felt good to get dressed up and actually do my hair and makeup.
it's not often that i do that these days.

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hope you have a great sunday!

this is our reality

2011-12-10T09:16:00.003-05:00

Know who you are.

You are a daughter of the King!

{princess} hand stamped brass & sterling necklace with crown

"The King's daughter is all glorious within;
Her clothing is interwoven with gold."
Psalm 45:13

five things i love friday - snowflakes

2011-12-09T08:45:00.000-05:00

I love snowflakes. 

Each one is unique. No two are the same.

Just like you and me. God created us all to be one-of-a-kind.

We are all special and have something to offer the world that only we can bring.

Isn't that incredible?!

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I made an etsy treasury last night all about snowflakes.

Here's five of my favorites from the treasury:

Vintage Music Sheet Snowflake Garland by SouthernPearlDesigns

Handmade Rubber Snowflake Stamp Set by climbordie7

Vintage Large Crochet Doily Off White Snowflake Table Cover or Throw Rug by StoryTellersVintage

Stained Glass Snowflake with Bevels by ShadyGroveStudios

Felted Snowflake Coaster by KnitPurlSquirrel

Have a wonderful day!!

Celebrate your uniqueness today! :)

a boy and his horse

2011-12-08T10:33:00.000-05:00

I took some photos this morning of Robby playing with his horse.

The sunlight was streaming through the living room windows so beautifully.

I love how the rays of light are resting on his golden hair.

He looks like an angel!

(I know I'm just a little bit biased. :) )

Have a great day!!

finding beauty in the mundane (a little vlog)

2011-12-07T09:36:00.003-05:00

His love never quits

2011-12-06T09:34:00.001-05:00

HIS LOVE NEVER QUITS!!

praying for you today, my sweet friends!

(If you have a specific request, email me at eagerhands@gmail.com .
I would LOVE to pray for you!!)

(linking up with:)

lester

2011-12-05T10:01:00.002-05:00

Our sweet cat Lester has been having seizures. He's been on epilepsy medication for a few months, and overall, it seems to be helping. But he's had two seizures in the past two weeks, and it's pretty awful to watch him having one. Poor kitty.

Benjamin and I had a talk on Saturday about what happens to animals when they are put to sleep. I told him that we might have to do that for Lester if he keeps having seizures because we don't want him to suffer or be in pain. After our talk, Benjamin went off by himself for a little bit and shed a few tears.

Lester resting on the big couch by the window in the living room -
his favorite spot in the house

The children and I have been praying for Lester a lot over the past few days.

We've been asking the Lord to heal his little body.

Lester has been such a joy and delight to my little ones. He's so gentle with them, even if they're grabbing and yanking on his tail. And he's been such a wonderful companion to me on those lonely nights when Clint's working. He loves to sit on top of my feet to keep them warm.

I didn't really realize how much this cat meant to all of us until the possibility of putting him down became a reality. God gave him to us to bring all of us comfort, joy and companionship.

I know that God cares about what concerns us, even our little Lester. So, I am hoping and praying and believing for healing for my cat. I am asking God to lengthen his days and give us some more years with him.

My sweet little Lester is one of the blessings from God that has definitely made my life more lovely.

And if any of you are wondering how Clint and I came up with his name, here's a little video of Lester Flatt, one of the very first bluegrass singers, singing one of his songs. (He's the older gentleman on the right, playing the guitar and singing)

(linking up with:)

soaking music for your sunday

2011-12-04T18:01:00.000-05:00

I was blessed to be able to go see Rita Springer this morning at a nearby church. She is so anointed! God used this song today to really draw me closer to Him. I balled my eyes out. His presence was so strong!

I highly recommend taking ten minutes tonight, maybe after the kiddos are in bed, and just letting the words and music wash over you. God will meet you there! :)

gift wrapping with vintage patterns

2011-12-03T10:01:00.000-05:00

I really love using vintage patterns to wrap gifts. They are economical (I can usually get a pattern at the thrift store for about 10 cents!), they are resourceful and eco-friendly, and most of all, they just look cool!

For those of you that have bought something from my shop, you already know that I like to wrap my necklaces and vintage items in vintage pattern paper, tied with yarn or vintage ribbons or lace trims.

Here's what I've been doing lately with my jewelry orders. I got some beautiful ivory organza jewelry pouches online and I put the vintage paper wrapped necklaces inside.

So cute!! (if I do say so myself! :) )

This is a gift I recently gave to my friend Therese for her 30th birthday.
(One of my antique key necklaces is inside the box.)

I cut a small piece of the pattern cover and taped it on the top of the craft box.
I love the retro drawings, don't you?!

and I took a bit of some lovely vintage lace trim to tie around the box.
(you might recognize the trim - I also used it for this project)

And vintage pattern paper is also great for stuffing inside gift bags as well.
It's a lot less expensive than regular tissue paper and looks much cuter!

the bits and bobs

2011-12-02T10:10:00.001-05:00

I had fun last night creating some jewelry with the leftover scraps I've been collecting from all of the custom necklaces I've been making lately. I've got lots of little bits of silver and copper shavings, small pieces of chain in various lengths, and tons of teeny tiny beads that I've salvaged from vintage jewelry that I've taken apart to repurpose.

Charlotte inspired me to make something different from what I normally make - one single earring. She's got quite a unique style and often wears only one long earring. It always looks so cool on her - sometimes she even puts two separate earrings in her ears. She definitely thinks outside of the box. And it works!

I was thinking all about new life when I was making this earring.

I had this sliver of sterling silver that I'd been saving, and decided last night to stamp little leaves down it. I did not darken them, like I usually do, and I love the result. (I almost threw this little bit of sterling out initially, because I thought I couldn't use it for anything - boy, am I glad I saved it!)

Then, I attached three uneven pieces of chain to the bottom(and let me tell you, it took everything in me not to make the three pieces of chain all the same length!! haha)Then, I finished it off with two tiny glass vintage beads on the end. I LOVE the finished earring! So pretty! And I know it will look so great on Charlotte, with her beautiful curly hair.

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The Lord was definitely speaking to me as I was making this unusual piece.

And the message was so clear - He wants to take the scraps from my life, the bits and bobs, the things that I think are trash and can't be used, and turn them into something beautiful.

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." Isaiah 61:3.

31 days of deals!

2011-12-01T11:11:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it's December already?! Wow. Time flies!!

I thought it would be fun to do a special sale event the entire month of December. Each day, I am going to pick one necklace in the shop and take 30% off the price! The sale on that particular necklace will only be good for that day.

I will announce each sale item for each day via Twitter. (If you aren't following me on Twitter, now would be a good time to start! :) )

Here's the first one for the first day of December:

{healed and set free}

hand stamped copper and sterling necklace with aquamarine faceted bead and vintage pearl

regular price - $18.00

today only - $13.30!!

this is gonna be fun!

apple turnover

2011-11-30T09:31:00.001-05:00

Charlotte made some delicious pizza crust last night. And after she rolled it all out, we had a little bit of dough left over. So, I had the idea to make a little apple turnover. I mixed together an apple that I cut up into small pieces with some cinnamon and sugar. Then, I put the mixture onto the piece of rolled out dough. I folded the dough in half, sealed it shut with a fork, and sprinkled some brown sugar on top. After about 15 minutes or so in the oven at 350 degrees, out came a delicious apple turnover!
(or apple pie, as I called it, when I told the kids about it.)

It was a big hit! Very yummy.

So, next time you have some extra pizza dough, give it a try!

Hope all of you have a wonderful day!!

beauty in the dying

2011-11-29T11:36:00.001-05:00

A couple weeks ago, I was noticing how beautiful the leaves were that had changed colors. Some were hanging by a thread on the branches of the tree, some had already fallen off onto the ground.

And as I was looking at these colored leaves,

the Lord spoke to my heart this simple, yet profound truth:

"There's beauty in the dying"

I began to realize that the most beautiful leaves are the ones that are dying. The ones that are about to fall off the trees. And even the ones that have fallen already and are losing life with each passing second.

And I realized even further that there is beauty in my dying -

to my flesh, to my sinful desires, to my own way.

And each step I take toward God and away from myself

makes me more and more beautiful.

There is so much more freedom and joy

when I choose to deny myself and die to myself and yield to Him.

To simply LET GO.

Because only in HIM, is there true LIFE.

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"He must become greater; I must become less."

John 3:30

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."

Matthew 16:24

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."

John 15:5

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

John 10:10

(linking up here:)

pauline

2011-11-28T09:58:00.000-05:00

When we were in Atlanta over Thanksgiving, I knew that the one person I needed to visit before anyone else was my neighbor, Pauline. She lived in the big old farmhouse across the street from us. And she is a very big part of my story about how I started making things with my hands. She taught me how to crochet when Leo was a baby. And that simple act opened up the door of creativity in my world. She gave me the vote of confidence to believe that I could actually make things with my hands. And I am forever grateful!

Pauline is 91 years old, and still lives all by herself in her big old farmhouse.

So independent! She's gotten quite frail over the past couple of years, but she's still got that glisten in her eyes and spring in her step.

I was so happy to see her. I made sure to thank her for showing me how to crochet, and shared with her how I now have a little business where I sell the things that I make with my hands. She was so encouraged, and said to me, "I'm so glad to know that. I never thought that I would be a part of something like that!"
It was a really special moment for the two of us.

*****************************************

You never know what a little act of kindness can do for someone else. Pauline, with her shaking hands, guided that crochet needle through the yarn as she held my hands in place. It was a small thing. But, at the same time, that afternoon played a profound part in my own personal journey. It really did set my life on a different course.

It reminds me to be always be looking and watching for opportunities to bless and encourage someone else. To speak hope and belief into the life of another. To give that vote of confidence that can propel someone's gifts and talents into the next level.

(linking up with:)

joy

2011-11-27T10:50:00.000-05:00

(linking up with:)

my first vlog!

2011-11-26T17:23:00.001-05:00

Here I am in my first vlog. (i think that's short for "video blog" - not sure).

I gotta tell you guys - I feel a little extra vulnerable and transparent posting this video on my blog. This is the real me. No photo editing/cropping/glossing over. Just me. But you know what? One of my main goals for my blog is just that - to keep it real. To dispel the myths that we as women have to be perfect and look perfect. We are all just sinners, saved by grace. Can I get an AMEN? :)

I plan on posting little videos every now and then to share special things with y'all that are on my heart.... :)

home sweet home

2011-11-24T13:30:00.000-05:00

We arrived in Atlanta last night. It is so great to be here at my parent's house. I've got so many wonderful memories in this home. We moved here in 1990, when I was 15 years old. It's been several years since I've slept here. And the kiddos I don't think have ever spent the night here! (We haven't come to Atlanta very much - my parents usually come to us and stay with us in our home). So, it's been a wonderful visit!! Very relaxing. And fun! Right now, my mom and the older two boys are frosting leaf-shaped cookies for our big meal later on.

Here's a few photos I took this morning:

my mom and I

the vintage apron I gave my mom as a little Thanksgiving Day gift

(and check out that funny little vintage pin I gave her, too!)

I also gave her that oversized pear on the shelf.

I found it last week at a yard sale, and I knew it would go perfectly in her powder room!

Benjamin and Leo enjoying their new sleeping bags from Grandma and Papa

I found them like this this morning as they were watching a show on TV. so cute!

Papa and Robby

Clint relaxing in our room :)

Robby and Grandma

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!!!

(I'm thankful for YOU!! :) )

wordless wednesday - times are a changin'!

2011-11-23T08:41:00.000-05:00

lessons from vintage buttons

2011-11-22T07:48:00.000-05:00

On my most recent thrifting adventure, I was blessed to find a huge lot of amazing vintage buttons, all still on their original cards. I had so much fun looking through all of them. Most of them are from the 40's and 50's. And they are so beautiful! I spent some time over the weekend photographing them in small collections for my shop. Here's a few of them. To see the entire bunch, click here.

Lot Number 4 - Pastel Moonstone

Lot Number 17 - from Germany - US Zone - Imported Moonstone

Lot Number 2 - Fuschias

Lot Number 16 - from Western Germany - Black with Sparkles

Lot Number 18 - from Western Germany - Hand Painted Imported Glass

Lot Number 10 - Sparkly Beauties

Aren't they all so pretty?!

As I was going through all of these, I couldn't help but imagine the ladies so, so many years ago picking the little cards out off the rack in the store. The must've envisioned the buttons adorning a new party dress they were going to sew or a pretty new blouse for spring.

That's one of the reasons why I love vintage things so much. I love to feel a connection from the past. It's comforting somehow to remember that all of us have gone through the same feelings and experiences, no matter what year that we happen to live in. And as women, we have all experienced the joys of life such as falling in love, having a baby, keeping house, and working with our hands.

Which gets me to thinking about eternal value. What we do everyday so often seems mundane and repetitive. But, the seeds we are sowing into our children have lasting importance. They will carry on long after we have died, into the lives of generations ahead of us.

Those little cards of fifty year old buttons have managed to survive over all these years.
How much more, will the words that we say and prayers that we pray, stand the test of time!

Let's be ever mindful of all that we do, because each little seed that we sow is paving the way for eternity into the hearts of those we touch!

(linking up with:)

the joys of working together

2011-11-21T09:56:00.000-05:00

I made some pumpkin bread with Ruth and Joseph the other day. We had a lot of fun cooking together. There's something so satisfying about working together with your children on a task. I love seeing their eyes light up as they are given a new job to do that they have never done before. It was precious to watch my two little ones work together to stir the ingredients together. They are just too cute!

i mean, does it get any sweeter than this?!

look at those cute faces!

hands all joined together

such a serious face! he's working hard..

i love this shot of Ruth and Joseph's hands stirring together

i love being a mommy.

*************************************************

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving week!

I am super excited because we are going to spend Thanksgiving with my parents in Atlanta this year. It's been years since we've done that! It's going to be so much fun. :)

(linking up with:)

key to holiness

2011-11-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

I gave myself a gift yesterday. A little antique key necklace. It was one of the ones that I made to sell at Harvest Fest. It was actually my favorite key of all of the thirty or so that I made. And I was surprised that it didn't sell, because I think that it is such a beautiful and unique antique key, don't you?!

God's been speaking to my heart lately about being holy. About raising the standard in my day to day life. It's so easy to get comfortable in your life. Especially when it's just you and the children alone in your house during the day (like it is for a lot of us stay-at-home moms). Since I've had a renter come into my house, a new level of accountability has also entered. It's not just me, myself, and I.

And with that, has come a new awareness in my heart to live more fully for God in my actions.
In what I spend my time doing.
In what I say and how I react to things everyday.

When I was cleaning the rust and dirt off of this little key, I began to notice two small letters on one side of the key. AS. And almost immediately, God brought this scripture to my memory:

"Be ye holy, AS I am holy."

So, with that, "The Key to Holiness", was born. A simple key dangling freely on a simple chain. A reminder to be ever mindful of my actions, thoughts, and words. And an encouragement from God that He will help me to be holy, as He is holy.

Have a wonderful day, my friends!

(linking up with:)

the best treasure of all

2011-11-19T11:39:00.000-05:00

I took Charlotte to my favorite thrift shop yesterday. I had fun showing it to her - it's literally one of my most favorite places to be. I love going there and finding treasures!

God has the best treasure of all waiting for me yesterday.

I found a brand new, still in the box, leather Bible.

It's a Life Application Bible, in the NIV translation (my favorite translation).

the original price tag on the back of the box.

(I got it for $3.13!)

isn't it beautiful?

and it has the tabs on the side so I can easily find my way around.
i love that.

*****************************************

The first passage that He led me to read in my new Bible this morning was in Isaiah 41:

¹⁷ “The poor and needy search for water,

   but there is none;
   their tongues are parched with thirst.
But I the LORD will answer them;
   I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
¹⁸ I will make rivers flow on barren heights,
   and springs within the valleys.
I will turn the desert into pools of water,
   and the parched ground into springs.
¹⁹ I will put in the desert
   the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive.
I will set junipers in the wasteland,
   the fir and the cypress together,
²⁰ so that people may see and know,
   may consider and understand,
that the hand of the LORD has done this,
   that the Holy One of Israel has created it.

**************************************

I feel really blessed.

I've been asking God lately to give me a renewed love for His Word, and more of a desire to read it everyday. And I believe that He had this special gift waiting just for me to let me know that He has heard my heart's cry and that He will help me and give me more of a passion for the Bible.

we have a winner!

2011-11-18T18:30:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I just picked a winner via random.org, and the comment number selected was 19.

That comment belonged to Lora (yes, she has my very same name!!), who said,

"I love the personalized stamped necklace with the two leaf shapes. Perfect for the names of my two boys."

Congratulations, Lora!! I'll be emailing you soon to get your address. :)

And to everyone that entered the giveaway, thanks so much!

scones from scratch and other blessings

2011-11-17T18:46:00.001-05:00

God has been blessing my socks off lately! A couple of days ago, a young lady came into our path who needed a room to rent. We have an extra guest room, so Clint and I decided after talking and praying about it to offer the room to her to rent. She is a ministry school student at our church and is here for several months from New Zealand. Her name is Charlotte.

And let me tell you, she has been heaven-sent.
A total blessing from the Lord.
An extra pair of hands that seems to always delight in helping me around the house and with the children.
And has a dear heart for the Lord. She has already prayed for me a few times.
Such a blessing!

I was just thinking this morning that the saying "God knows what we need before we ask" really is true! I hadn't even really asked Him for extra help, but He knew that I would be blessed with another pair of hands to help out every now and then. And He knew that I would be so encouraged to have another person in the house to talk to and work alongside, especially on those evenings when my husband is working at his second job. And He knew that Clint and I could use a little extra money to help make ends meet. It's all around a big, big blessing from my Father God.

I went to visit my friend Susanna earlier today and she was baking scones. They smelled so good. I mentioned them to Charlotte when I got home, and she started looking online for recipes. By the time dinner rolled around, there were hot scones, made from scratch, cooling on top of the oven. She had made them for the kids and I. Amazing!!

a mountain of delicious scones

ruthie

charlotte

joseph saying "cheese!"

me wearing my new amazing headband that susanna made for me!

pretty girl

joseph and his new best friend, who he affectionately calls "miss chawww-lotte"
(said in a new zealand accent)

who says you can't have scones for dinner?!

and here's two more blessings that happened today -

My friend Natalie brought me a delicious Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Frappucino.
just. because. :)

And a friend of Charlotte's and fellow ministry school student asked me if she could babysit the kids (for free) tonight so Clint and I could go on a date.
She wanted to bless us!

So, at 8:00, after I put the kiddos in bed, Esther is coming over so my hubby and I can go out to dinner!

All in all, it's been a pretty incredible day.

Thank you, God!

ps- don't forget to enter my thanksgiving giveaway for the "give thanks" necklace!

(that's a lot of "thanks" and "giving", isn't it?!! haha...)

thanksgiving giveaway!

2011-11-16T09:11:00.000-05:00

Good morning, friends!

I thought it would be fun to do a little Thanksgiving giveaway!!

I made this {give thanks} necklace last night to give to one of you blessed readers!

{give thanks} hand stamped copper and sterling necklace
with faceted brown glass bead and copper pearl

To enter, just take a peek at my etsy shop and leave me a comment telling me what your favorite thing is in the shop right now.

If you want a second entry, tweet or blog about this giveaway.

(make sure to leave an email address in your comment so I can reach you)

That's it! :) I will pick a winner via random.org on Friday evening at 6pm.

The winner will also receive 40% off the shop item that is mentioned in their comment!

being quiet before Him

2011-11-15T19:13:00.000-05:00

Ruth was quietly reading her Clifford book this evening. I managed to quickly capture a few images with my camera. She looked so peaceful. It was really sweet.

While I was editing these photos, I got to thinking about being still.
Being quiet before Him.
Especially, being quiet at home.
Resting in the safety of your own home. Your haven.

And as keepers of our homes, we have been given such a wonderful responsibility and priviledge of setting the atmosphere within the four walls of our houses.

I hope and pray that we will all strive to create an environment where the presence of God feels welcome. Where worship is a regular occurrence.
Where peace and rest abide.

"My people will live in safety, quietly at home.

They will be at rest."

Isaiah 32:18

(Be sure to come back tomorrow! I am doing a very special necklace giveaway in honor of Thanksgiving. :) )

(linking up with:)

vintage thanksgiving book banner

2011-11-14T07:48:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share with y'all a super fun and easy vintage-inspired craft that you can make for your home. (You might remember I made one similar to this for Ruth and Joseph's room last spring).

I love that this project can be customized for whatever occasion you want. All you have to do is find the right book! (I found mine at a thrift store for about 50 cents!)

materials needed:
vintage book, hole punch, scissors or rotary cutter, twine/yarn/ribbon

the fantastic little vintage book I used, "Thanksgiving Time" by Esther Mary Schenk (circa 1954), was not in the greatest condition as you can see in the photo, but that was not a problem for this project. I just used the pages that had not been damaged.

I ripped out all the pages of the book

Then, I trimmed up the pages I wanted to use and cut them all the same size

I then decided which side of each page I wanted to use and laid them all out in order

I stacked them together and punched two holes at the top with a hole punch

Then, the stringing together of the pages began.

(I love how the twine looks, but it was quite time consuming to use because the vintage pages were so fragile. Several of the holes ripped and I had to stop and tape them together. I think if I had to do over again, I might have used yarn... Just a thought.)

And oila!! Isn't it cute?!
I tacked up two pushpins on the wall on either end of the banner. Then, I just knotted the ends of the twine around the push pins. Easy as pie! (pumpkin pie, that is. ;) )

And the page reads,

"Daddy said, 'We give thanks for all we have.'"

I also really love that other page with Grandpa eating a turkey leg! :)

(And do you see Leo and Benjamin at the bottom of the photo. So sweet!)

so many wonderful vintage illustrations from the 50's!

it definitely makes my dining room (aka work/craft studio) more festive now!

So, what do you think?!

If you decide to make one, too, I'd love to see photos!
So many possibilities with this easy and fun craft project...

here's a little heads up: I am doing a GIVEAWAY on Wednesday!

(It involves jewelry, so make sure you come and enter! :) )

(linking up with:)

yard sale finds!

2011-11-12T16:05:00.001-05:00

I went to a really great yard sale this morning. The lady had all sorts of beautiful things. I had to use major restraint, let me tell you! But, I did get a few things to make my house a little bit more lovely. Here's the highlights:

my favorite find of the day

{a beautiful little wreath}

i added some vintage lace to it to hang it up on the wall

it fits perfectly on the half wall that divides my living room and dining room

(and for only $1.00, it was a steal!)

{this little stenciled box}

it makes me smile

i'm not sure where I am going to put it, but it's going to be a great little piece to have and store things in.

(and it was only $2.00!)

{this little antique painted box}

it matches the old wooden bucket that i use for storing the children's shoes

and now, i have a cute place to put all their socks!

(and it was only $1.00! score!)

and i wanted to show you this little pair of custom necklaces that i made for a sweet return customer.
she had me make these for her two sisters (with their birthstones).
aren't they super cute?!

********************************************

hope you're having a great day!

icing on the cake

2011-11-11T11:32:00.003-05:00

I've been working on packing up some things today. To me, the extra attention I spend on packaging is like the icing on the cake. I love making my packages like presents for the person who receives them in the mail.

Here's what I've been working on today:

Somebody bought this amazing vintage apron from my shop yesterday.

I wrapped it up in some vintage pattern paper and tied it with twine.

I went outside and found a pretty fall leaf to put on top of one of my fun new business cards.

My new labels! I really like them. :)

********************************************

I've also been working off and on this morning on making twenty handstamped tokens for a wonderful ministry that Laura from Bits of Splendor is heading up called Project Hope. These tokens of HOPE will be put in memory boxes that are given to women in the hospital who have lost babies. As I have been stamping these tokens today, I've been praying for peace and comfort for the women who will receive them.

I found these pretty organza bags & knew they'd be perfect to put the tokens in.

{HOPE}

Head on over to Laura's blog to read more about Project Hope and how you can help. She's still looking for donations. It's a really amazing opportunity to spread the love and hope of God to women who are hurting.

***********************************************

I don't know about the weather where you live, but it is absolutely gorgeous here!

A beautiful fall day.

My hubby is coming home soon from his errands, and then I'm going to go enjoy some of this autumn weather by myself! I'm looking forward to a little date with me, myself, and I. :)

{streams of joy}

2011-11-10T12:00:00.001-05:00

About a month ago, I found these gorgeous little gold swirl charms online. They reminded me of waves. I knew I could incorporate them into some new pieces for the shop and the upcoming craft shows I had. Well, I received them in the mail shortly after and then promptly lost them. I looked everywhere for them.

Then, about a week later, I got an email from a customer that I made a special necklace for. She told me that her package didn't have her necklace in it. Instead, inside her fabric jewelry pouch was a little plastic bag of gold charms. I had been doing so much at that time getting ready for Harvest Fest that I packed those charms in her package instead of her custom necklace (which I never did find, by the way. I had to make her another one!)

She kindly mailed those charms back to me. Harvest Fest had come and gone, and I didn't get to use them in any necklaces. But, I did make this necklace the other day, using one of the little swirls. I love it so much.

{joy} hand stamped brass necklace with gold swirl charm and 18K gold plated chain

"The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland." Isaiah 35:6

****************************

I've been thinking about how I had to wait so long to have those charms back.
That I lost them, then found them, then waited for them to return.....

And God began to speak to my heart about joy

About streams of joy, more specifically.

Rivers of living water.

Waves of His joyful presence.

***********************************

Sometimes, we really do have to wait for our joy to come.

We have to press in, and press through.

We have to remind ourselves that our joy is not lost. 

It is safe in the hands of our Maker.

He has not forgotten us. 

And if we do not give up, the joy will return.

In greater measure.

In a huge wave that will crash over us,

overtaking us, 

drenching us with His living water.

The water that always satisfies our thirst!

wordless wednesday - new skills

2011-11-09T07:45:00.000-05:00

embrace your face

2011-11-08T11:02:00.001-05:00

The topic of this little post has been on my heart for awhile now. It's a work that God is doing in my heart. You'd think at 36 years of age, I would've gotten to a point where I'm comfortable with how God made me, but I am still a work in progress.

Lately, I've gotten increasingly self-conscious of my face. You know, when you're having a conversation with someone and you're looking at them, and they're looking at you. And all you can think about it is how you don't like how you look. You know, like the wrinkles, the shape of your nose, the age spots or broken capillaries, the moles or freckles on your face, the bags under your eyes, etc..... And all of those insecurities get in the way of truly listening and connecting with another person as you talk face to face with them.

So, lately, I've been asking the Lord to free me from those insecurities and to help me to embrace my face. To learn to love those things about me that make me unique and special. To be free to be ME.

Does anyone know what I'm talking about?? I felt like I needed to share this little personal struggle I'm having with y'all because I am pretty sure I'm not alone. It's easy to say, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." It's another thing to really believe it in your heart and walk in that freedom! I want to teach my children, especially Miss Ruthie, to believe that she is beautiful. To know that she was created in the image of God. That she was made and sculpted by Him with love and tender care.

Help us, Lord, to embrace our faces. To walk in the complete knowledge that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. To love who you created us to be! And to be examples of that to our children.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Psalm 139:14

"Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it."

(same verse, New Living Translation)

(linking up here:)

one year old!

2011-11-07T10:07:00.001-05:00

Well, my baby boy turned one year old on Friday! I can't believe it. This past year has flown by! Since I was pretty sick still, we did just a small family party with a little cake I made for Robby. Here's a few photos:

I couldn't find a bib big enough for his first cake experience, so I just tied a vintage bandana around his neck. I think this little cowboy looks pretty cute, don't you?

cake!

sugar shock face :)

(and here's a little video of Robby eating cake for the first time. It's pretty cute!)

opening his gift from grandma.

i had one of these toy phones when i was little, too :)

Robert Clinton II and III

so sweet!!

newborn robby and i

holding my big 1 year old!
he's changed so much!

This past year certainly has been a whirlwind. Going from 4 to 5 children has been a big adjustment for me! Robby is such a joy though - always has a smile on his face and so easy to care for and love. If someone had told me ten years ago that I'd have 5 kids (under 7 years old, no less), I would have laughed at them! God has a way of surprising us sometimes. It's not easy, that's for sure, for I wouldn't trade it for anything. I've grown and changed so much since I've became a mother. I've been stretched to my limits, but through the hard times, I've realized that I am a lot stronger than I thought I was! God has given me grace through all of the seasons He's taken me into. And each child that He has brought into our family has added their unique personality and gifts and most of all, fun! One thing you can say about having a large family is that it's never boring!! :) I thank God for each baby he's given Clint and I. We truly are blessed.

And each child has definitely made my life more lovely.

(linking up with:)

that they might walk in the truth...

2011-11-06T16:02:00.001-05:00

For some reason, when I saw this sweet photo of Clint and Robby that I took at his birthday party on Friday, I immediately thought of that scripture.

It's definitely a good verse to remember each day as we parent these five precious gifts from God. I hope and pray that they will grow up to be mighty warriors for Him!

(linking up with:)

encouraging creativity

2011-11-04T10:21:00.000-04:00

Yesterday morning, I decided to treat myself and the little ones at home so I made cinnamon rolls! After our yummy breakfast, I sat the kids down and we worked on the fall leaf coloring pages that my mom sent them. Here's a few photos of Ruth and Joseph hard at work. I love their little faces, concentrating so hard! And I think their pictures turned out so good. I love to encourage creativity, especially when it comes to making things with our hands. I want my children to be confident in their abilities and gifts. I want them to find beauty in the things they create. I want them to also enjoy the process of creating! I hope and pray that they will also connect with God as they create, just like I do! God gave us two hands to praise Him, in whatever we do. It's our heart's intention that matters!

And I had to put a little photo of the birthday boy on today's post, too!
Here's one of him eating his breakfast this morning:

Happy Birthday, Robert Clinton III!
You are a true JOY!!!

buddies

2011-11-03T09:01:00.000-04:00

I hope and pray that they will always be this close. :)

celebrating Joseph!

2011-11-02T17:16:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was Joseph's third birthday! Unfortunately, Clint had to work two shifts yesterday, so the children and I had a little family party to celebrate Joseph. Since I've been pretty sick all week, I didn't really have the energy to put together a big party, so I did the best I could. I think the children had fun! Anything with chocolate cupcakes and presents will make children happy! :) Here's a few pictures of the highlights! (And mom, I included a little video at the end of Joseph playing with the toy you sent. He loves it!)

star table centerpiece

i love this child!

"It's my birthday!", he exclaimed with delight.

sweet robby (who's birthday is on friday!!)

ruthie

the birthday menu (chosen by the birthday boy)

hot dogs and chips (he takes after his mom!)

(here he is as a newborn! :) )

and a big 3 year old!

i took the easy route this year since I've been under the weather all week

(they sure didn't look as fancy as cakes I've done in the past, but the kids sure loved them, and that's all that matters!)

book from Grandma

big brothers helping Joseph figure out how to work the new toy from the other grandma

mickey mouse airplane from mommy and daddy

three candles for the three year old

blowing out the candles

cupcake face!

here's the short video of Joseph playing with the cute Tonka Town toy that my mom and dad sent him. I love his little happy face in this clip. So cute!

love gifts

2011-11-01T09:24:00.001-04:00

My sweet friend Joy came up to see me at my booth at Harvest Fest on Saturday. It was so great to see her! I felt so loved and supported. She brought with her a little goodie bag for me. I was so touched - so much personal care and attention went into making it!

look at that amazing vintage bag! she knows what i like...

she made that fun journal - so cute! and God has been speaking to me a lot lately about feathers (more specifically covering me with His feathers), so that was an extra special hug from Him as well.

such a great friend...

now I gotta figure out what to write on that label on the front of the journal. hmmm....

and I thought this little glass bottle of crafty goodness was such a creative gift!

Joseph was so fascinated by all of the little bits and bobs...

buttons, beads, ribbons, charms, etc. etc. how fun!!

and Joy put this little pewter token in the interior pocket of the bag. (the back of the token says "follow your heart") I haven't even told her this part yet - just the day before at the conference, I was praying for a lady who had just bought a necklace, and the Lord gave me a little word for her. I saw that exact same thing that's on that token - a heart with wings. I mean, how cool is that?!!

All in all, a fantastic love gift. Thanks so much, Joy!!

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I really want to be that kind of friend.
Intentional.
Thoughtful.
And an unexpected giver of gifts;
gifts that speak of hope and love and encouragement.

Help me, Jesus, to look for ways to bless my friends like that.

(Is there some way that you've been blessed recently by an unexpected love gift?
I'd love to hear about it!)

********************************************

Thanks for all your prayers - I am feeling better today. I got a babysitter this morning so I can go to a women's bible study. I am trying to press through all this junk that's been hitting me so hard since Harvest Fest. I will not let the devil steal my joy and try to take my focus off of what the Lord did last week!!

***********************************************

In other news, today is my Joseph's 3rd birthday!!

Hooray!

Happy Birthday Joseph!

I love you so much. :)

(linking up here:)

wiped out

2011-10-31T11:58:00.000-04:00

(this photo pretty much sums up how i feel right now)

I woke up today feeling awful.
Sore throat, body aches, exhausted.
And I've also been very weepy.
Just plain wiped out.

I know that a lot of this I'm going through today is backlash from the devil because Harvest Fest was so awesome.

Please pray for me to feel better and to rise above this attack.

Thanks, friends.

(Just keepin' it real!)

Harvest Fest - day two & day three

2011-10-30T11:13:00.001-04:00

Well, Harvest Fest is over. God did so much, and there is a ton for me to process and think about. I was able to pray for so many women, blessing them and speaking hope into their hearts, as I put their necklaces around their necks. It was an honor for me to be God's little vessel and encourage the hearts of His precious daughters.

The overall theme this year seemed to be healing from loss, more specifically loss of loved ones who had recently passed away. Several people were drawn to necklaces that spoke directly to their journey of losing someone very dear to them. God used some of my necklaces to help bring closure, comfort, and healing to their hearts. And I cannot tell you how blessed and thankful I feel that He would use these small works of my hands as tools to help in the very important process of grieving and healing.

One girl was immediately drawn to this little leaf-shaped silver JOY necklace with a tiny pearl. Her best friend recently died suddenly of a brain aneurysm. Her name was Joy and her birthstone was a pearl. She bought the necklace to help her grieve the loss of her friend and also to honor her life and remember her.
(She was a missionary overseas)

I gave this {covering} necklace (minus the feather) to a woman who's husband died this past year. They had a ministry together where they taught people how to create beautiful pottery on a potter's wheel. (They actually had a booth right next to mine at Harvest Fest last year.) I ran into her yesterday, and she shared the sad news with me. She is alone now with their four boys. I made this little necklace just yesterday morning. And when I saw her, I knew that she was supposed to have the covering pendant to remind her that the Lord was her covering; that He was covering her with His wings of protection and healing. She was so touched and encouraged by the necklace, and I pray that God will use it to comfort her in this very difficult time for her and her sons.

One other woman was drawn to a necklace that I had made that said LET GO - LET GOD. It reminded her of her father, who had recently died. Her mother had to make the difficult decision to take him off of life support. When they were in the hospital during that sad time, she said her mother kept saying, "Let Go, Let God." So, this sweet woman bought the necklace on Friday to help her remember and honor her father, as well as give her closure and healing. I saw her yesterday and she was wearing the necklace. She told me that she had already received so much hope and encouragement from the Lord through it.

I am so amazed at how God works through these little things. It blesses my heart so much. He loves us so dearly. He wants to help us through the pain and sorrow in our lives. He longs to communicate His love to us. He knows us all so intimately and individually. He treasures us. He wants to adorn us like a bride. He wants to put a crown of beauty upon our heads and a garland of grace around our shoulders. He wants to cover us with His big wings of healing and protection.

My sweet friend Joy came up to visit me at my booth yesterday. She took this photo of me. (I'm wearing a beautiful new scarf that I got from another vendor - it is embroidered with a scripture on it, too)

And as I look at myself in this photo, I realize how happy this {eager hands} experience has made me. I look so content and filled, don't I? I am so thankful to God for giving me this ministry and for allowing me to use the works of my hands to give Him glory!