Sunday, January 31, 2010

Sunday Scripture

My son's college team praying before the start of the game..


"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to
understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry
aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for
silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you
will understand the fear of the LORD and find the 
knowledge of God.  For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield
to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the
 course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones."
Proverbs 2:1-8

Be blessed today!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Apron Love

My friend Debbie made me this cute apron for my birthday.  I have known her for six years and didn't have a clue that she could sew.  I don't think her machine will be quiet for long, all her friends are asking for one now.  I think it would look cute as a dress if I could get her to put a back on it.  Tee hee...

With joy,

Friday, January 29, 2010

Fun & Easy Scarves



Today I leave town for the weekend for a girlfriends retreat with nine ladies.  I spent a couple days this week making each one of them a scarf.  It was a fun way to use up lots of fabric scraps in my stash.

It all started with the scripture fabric which determined the width of the scarf and then I used varying sizes of coordinating materials.  I decided to make them long enough to do the "through the loop" method.  I hope they like them.  Have a blessed Friday!

Joyfully,

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Little Chicks


We got blasted with snow yesterday and overnight.  My daughter was hoping for a snow day so she wouldn't have to take her last final.  No such luck.  Almost needed to be picked up by snowmobile but somehow I got her there this morning.  I have got to finish t-shirt quilts for customers, but keep getting distracted by these little chicks.  Lea, over at Farmhouse Blessings, got me hooked when I saw her little chickies.  She really shouldn't have told me the name of the pattern because now I can't stop and by the looks of the picture, I've got plenty to make.  I'm thinking that I want to use some of my Celebration fabric from Little Acorns.  But Brenda, I can't seem to make myself cut into it, it's too beautiful.  I honestly pick it up, take my scissors, and put it back down.  Am I fabric obsessed or what?  Is there any fabric that you just can't bring yourself to cut into?

Stay warm today and be joyfilled,

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Max and Cath Kidston


Thank you for all your support and prayers for Max and praise the Lord! for answered prayer.  Max passed the sock this morning and the x-rays were clear!  I could've wept in the vet's office.  You've never seen a happier person than I, digging through the snow and poop to recover that sock.  He's acting a little sheepish today, I think he's wondering what all the fuss was about.  What a relief!!

I opened my mailbox to find this magazine.  I nearly dropped over.  I'm certain I looked like a complete fool jumping for joy in the road.  I LOVE CATH KIDSTON.  I have no idea why I received this except that I placed an order with her online and must be on her mailing list now.  Be warned that you should make sure you understand the pound conversion rate before ordering.  I thought I had it figured out and didn't factor in the expensive shipping costs.  I paid double the price of the item, but honestly, it was almost worth it.  Her packaging is so stinkin' cute that you don't even have to open it to appreciate what's inside.

I don't know why American stores stopped carrying her things.  I've been able to find a few items on Amazon.  Her designs just speak a language clear as a bell to me.

It's probably best that I can't get my hands on this fabric without selling a kidney, otherwise my entire house would be covered in chintz.  Tell me what designers knock your socks off?

With joy,

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Here we go again...


Today was an interesting day, to say the least.  I don't know how many of you have Goldens, but for those of you who don't, they like to eat things.  We are pretty good at keeping him out of things but when winter sets in and stays for awhile, Max gets bored and starts looking for trouble.  He is happy in this photo I snapped in the fall, but today he was pretty miserable.  For two days he hasn't been able to keep anything down and at one point threw up a sock.  After 24 hrs. of not eating or going out.  I took him to the vet.  The long and the short of it is if he doesn't throw up what's still in his stomach by tomorrow morning, he is going into surgery.

About six years ago we had a similar situation with our other Golden, Casey.  She managed to eat a nerf football.  It cost us $1200 to have it removed.  Now, you know where I'm going with this.  I love my dogs.  $1200 is a lot of money.  I know I don't have a choice, but $1200 is a lot of money.  I'm praying that between now and the x-ray at 8:30 am, God will let whatever is in there come out.  I'm feeling very selfish.  Max has barely moved since he's been home.  I'm going away for the weekend and $1200 is a lot of money.  Is it wrong to ask you to pray for a dog?

Thank you Lord for the animals you've given us to care for, forgive my selfish heart...

Monday, January 25, 2010

Tea Anyone?


This little cutie comes from Anthropologie.  Isn't it darling?  I cannot crochet, I have tried, but I just can't get it.  Of all the things I like to do, crochet just doesn't come easy.  My dear friend, Joyce, and I took a class together and we did pretty well, but we just like to sew and knit better.  I look at Alicia Paulson's blog and all her pretty crochet and ooh and ahh, but that's as far as it goes.  One of my goal's this year is to stick to what I do best, and learn something new in that area.  What about you, is there any craft you've given up for something else?

I want to let you know of a new blog authored by my friend, Joyce.  It's called "I love pretty little things."  You can find it here.  It is such a treat and I'm hoping you will join me in welcoming her to the blogosphere.

Be a blessing today,

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Sunday Scripture





"The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and
increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD 
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40: 28-31


Wishing you a Sunday of renewal,

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Julie & Julia









julie_and_julia.jpg


Last night I watched Julie & Julia again.  I can't help myself, I love it.  It always leaves me wanting to cook Beef Bourguignon and anything made with butter.   I love the clothes from that time period, how they are feminine and not revealing.  How they let you see the person, not the parts that should be covered.  I think this role is the best of Meryl Streep's acting career.  I enjoy Amy Adams as well, finding her a very believable and authentic actress.

I really enjoy cooking.  I've had to adjust my quantities since my son left for college.  His senior year, I had a bunch of his friends over every Thursday for lunch.  I had a lot of fun cooking for them.  They were often my food testers as I would try new recipes.  I have a picture of all the boys and myself that my friend Missy took on one of our last lunch days before graduation.  I haven't cooked as much recently as I should and so I've been trying to get back into it again.  I find that when I meal plan for the week days things run a lot smoother at home.  On the weekends I will try out new things.  Last Saturday I spent all day in the kitchen baking a cake, cookies, banana bread, challah and chicken chili.  I think my husband and daughter thought I had lost my mind.   I'm thinking about tackling the Beef Bourguignon today.  How about you, what's cooking?

Joyfully,

Friday, January 22, 2010

My Kitchen



I'm inviting you today on a tour of my kitchen.  I've really enjoyed its transformation and thought I would share it with you.  After my son left for college this past fall I decided I needed a project.  My kitchen at the time was painted red and as much as I liked it, it was too dark for a house that doesn't get much sunlight.  So I had it painted a pretty yellow.  Then the fun part began.  First I made new valance from Aunt Gracie fabric and a big yellow buffalo check fabric I had in my stash.



My friend Nancy sells the cutest oilcloth in her cafe and so I bought some to liven up the counter tops.  The magnetic knife holder project came from The Farm Chicks website.  It's so much fun working with those knives!  I just love my pink mixer, I'm convinced every girl should own one.



My little baking area is one of my favorite spots.  I saw the idea to use the teacups as scoops a couple of years ago in a magazine.  They certainly draw attention from visitors.  I was thrilled to find the pink capped spice set on one of my excursions.  Two of the caps were black so I bought some paint and mixed the colors to match the other ones and you would never know the difference.  The pink measuring bowl is from Longaberger.  Every year they have some new pink pieces for breast cancer awareness and I can hardly wait each year to see what's next.



This little beauty sits by my stove.  My friend Diane and I picked these up when we were "junking" together.  She got a pink one and I got the yellow.  She has graciously agreed to swap with me so I'll be making a change soon.  My next project for this kitchen is to find a better island.  I'd like one made from a dresser, painted pink, with butcher block on top.  I just need to find the right pieces.  So much fun and my husband doesn't mind the pink!  I'd also like to find a vintage cookie jar that goes with my theme.  So far, all the ones I like are way out of my price range.  I can wait, the thrill of the hunt is as fun as decorating, don't you think?

My God bless the work of your hands today!

Joyfully,

Thursday, January 21, 2010

A Bundle of Blessings!

This is Kai, he is the new grandson of my dear friend, Nancy. He was born last Tuesday. This photo just takes my breath away. What an absolute gift from God he is. Congratulations Amanda and Raj! I am reminded of the verse,

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me
together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I
was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written
in your book before one of them came to be"...
Psalm 139:13-16
With joyful thanksgiving,

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

A Gift To Myself


I found a box waiting for me yesterday. I had forgotten that I had ordered myself a gift for my birthday. I have been looking for an affordable dress form and found one at Etsy. Very fun to have it come on my birthday. I put it in my sewing room with a vintage dress I found at the Junk Bonanza in Minn. in the fall. My Mom-in-law gave me the crocheted apron years ago and I had the fun pearls from one of my excursions. I can see that this little vignette is going to change often. I also want to share with you the little doll dress and form that I bought last year at my friend, Nancy's store. It sits on top my fabric cabinet. I just think it's so cute! I hope your Wednesday is bringing you peace and blessings!

With joy,

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Birthday Wishes


Today is my 48th birthday, I can hardly believe it! Don't be late to the party! It's SUNNY here and WARM so you won't need your sweater. I'll bring the silly party hats and noise makers. We'll sip lemonade and eat white cake with pink buttercream frosting. Then we'll play pin the tail on the donkey, freeze tag and drop the clothespins into the milk bottles. There won't be any gifts though, because all of you are a gift from God to me.

Giving thanks for you today!

Monday, January 18, 2010

From My Daybook

Outside my window... you guessed it, cold snow, grey sky, no sun...

I am thinking... seriously about getting some major sewing done today

I am thankful for... Origins ginger body lotion on dry winter skin

I am wearing... white t-shirt, spring blue sweater and jeans

I am remembering... how wonderful girlfriends are

I am going... to lock myself in my sewing room

I am currently reading... The Mark of the Lion series

I am hoping... to do a little antiquing later this week

On my mind... do I take out some cupboards in my kitchen to put in some open shelving?

Noticing that... It's really quiet around here, where's Max?

Pondering these words... "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." Ps. 90:1&2

From the kitchen... Earl Grey tea and Kathi's Poppy Seed Cake.

Around the house... Doing laundry, noticing that my wardrobe needs some brightening up

One of my favorite things~ The red toile wallpaper in my dining room that shows two dogs together

From my picture journal...

My friend Sally's dog Lizzie
The sweetest girl ever...

With gratitude,

Sunday, January 17, 2010

A Sunny Sunday


The sun is shining today. You know you've been without it for a while when you run outside to stand in it before it goes away again. I know this little guy was happy to be having lunch on his porch. The sunshine reminds me that God is still working through all the sunless and snowy days, preparing the earth for the glorious arrival of spring. I discovered one of my foxglove plants half tucked under snow, sprouting some green, reaching for the sun. I hope you are having a restful Sunday!

Be blessed,

Friday, January 15, 2010

Max

Max is sulking today. He found out the vet wants him to participate in their "Biggest Loser Program". He thought he was quite fit, but he tips the scales at a whomping 104 pounds. When the vet said he needed to lose some weight, I thought, "Yeah, so do the rest of us after those holiday goodies..." He's not real pleased that he has to be weighed every month (who would be!) but doesn't he look eager to earn free vacinations? Poor thing, it just keeps getting worse...

Be blessed today,

Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Graceful Garden


Thank you for all your supportive comments yesterday. I feel so much better today and I know it was the prayers of you wonderful bloggers. I dove into cutting out the t-shirt quilts I'm making and also started praising and thanking God for various things in my life and for who He is and that was like a salve on a wound. I need to practice that more often.

Another bright spot yesterday was the arrival of a package from Denise Sheehan of "A Graceful Stitch". In it was her beautiful book, "The Graceful Garden". You won't believe the projects and the photography. It was an absolute treat to sit with this book on a cold winter's day, thinking and dreaming of the quilts and gardens that lie ahead. I have to tell those of you who are starting out in applique that this book has one of the most comprehensive, step by step how-to's (with pictures) on applique that I have ever come across. Since I'm going to be tackling the "Snowbound" quilt that I mentioned earlier this week, I know this will be a big help to me. If you want to try applique but don't want to do a big quilt, there is a pretty tablerunner in the book that would be a great project. Thank you Denise, I love it!

With joy,

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Ponderings

Do you ever have a day where you're just feeling blue? Where if someone looks at you funny you just might burst into tears? That's me today. I wish I could say why but I really don't know. That's the beauty of being female. We can just feel blue, look blue, be blue for no apparent reason at all. Men are baffled by this. Children just stay away hoping not to catch it. So, I bought myself some flowers, but it didn't help. This too shall pass. I just need to stay away from Ben & Jerry's or tomorrow I'll be feeling worse...

With joy regardless of my mood,

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Winter Quilts


I was swapping out quilts in my kitchen and decided to put up the snowman quilt I made a couple of years ago. It is a combination of snowball and nine-patch blocks. I wish you could see the quilting on this. Sue, who did the quilting used a micro-stiple around the actual snowmen. It makes them pop from the fabric. Very fun! I decided it was time to stop being in denial that we have more cold months here in Michigan than warm months. It's time to make a new winter quilt. Anne over at Bunny Hill Designs has a free pattern of the month called "Snowbound" which makes an adorable quilt. She already has the first block done so stop over there to take a look. I'm up for the Snowbound challenge. Heading back into denial now...

Stay warm & toasty!
Joyfully,

Monday, January 11, 2010

From My Daybook


FOR TODAY... from Renee's Daybook

Outside my window... Morning is trying to break through the cold winter sky

I am thinking... about my son and how I so enjoy the man he is becoming

I am thankful for... my health and praying for my friend who is struggling with cancer

I am wearing... workout clothes

I am remembering... When my husband and I first dated, so long ago, and that sweet time

I am going... to the gym as soon as I'm finished here :)

I am currently reading... finished "The Help" this weekend, so good! Will start "The Mark of the Lion" Series

I am hoping... to sew today

On my mind... better meal planning and creative snack ideas

Noticing that... I love a clean house!

Pondering these words... "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3 22-23

From the kitchen... the smell of coffee

Around the house... nothing but the sound of the washing machine

One of my favorite things~ how I wake up on Monday morning with the songs from yesterday's church service playing in my head

From my picture journal...

My friend, Diane and I, with Serena of the Farm Chicks
at the Junk Bonanza this past fall...

Have a joyfilled day!