Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Visit with John and Sara




There is a gift from God that we sometimes take for granted or really don't realize what a special gift it is. That gift is friendship. Over the years, God has blessed me with several very special friendships and I thank Him for them. Two of those special friends are John and Sara. :) I have known John's family since my 8th grade year when they moved into town a block away from my house. His sister, Dorothy and I became good friends and walked to and from Junior high school together. His brother, Tom, was my first boyfriend. (aside from all my elementary school girl crushes!) lol John and Sara moved to Port Angeles about 1977. I had just had my 4th child. We all went to the same church and became brother and sister in Christ. We enjoyed having John and Sara over for dinner on Sunday afternoons after church. We share many fond memories of church potlucks, school presentations, Couples fellowships and especially Bible study times together. One of our fondest memories are the Ladies Bible Study that we had going on for a couple of years. God put together a very special group of ladies that shared their hearts, their lives and their love of God. It truly was a wonderful, uplifting, growing time together. We laughed. We cried. We shared! I miss that time. Another bond that we shared is their daughter, Leigh Anne! She was a surprise to them and has been such a JOY in their lives. Our family just adored Leigh Anne also. This Auntie Marcia cherished the times that Leigh Ann wanted to sit with me in church and times over at the house visiting! Then just before Leigh Anne turned 6, the family sadly moved away. A big hole was left in this heart!! And as busy lives go when you have young families, we didnt' stay in touch like we would have liked. Fast forward to FACEBOOK! Lost Friendships reconnected!!!! Last August, Sara and I were able to meet for a 4 hour lunch in Wenatchee and rekindle the friendship that we both cherished and missed. Well, Leigh Anne lives out this direction and is expecting her first child, so mom and dad are out visiting and were able to break away for a couple of days before the baby arrives to come and stay with us. We did nothing together but to chat and visit and catch up on lost time! lol And LOVED it! Both Sara and John are such warm people. And I had forgotten how much I enjoyed listening to Sara share life's events. She has a gift for sharing details. Oh, yes, Sara and John are animal lovers. They fell in love with Spot and obviously Spot fell in love with them. John's is the only other lap besides mine that Spot has climbed into! They have only been gone a few minutes, but I miss them already. But it will not be 20 more years before we are reunited again. Their daughter is closer in proximity now so they will be back and we are going to start planning that trip to New Mexico for next fall! Love you John and Sara and I am thankful for your friendship and bond in Christ!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Hoagie Buns


These look nummy and easy to make!


Hoagie Buns

Fresh from the oven, these homemade buns provide a delicious and convenient way to serve my beef.—Betty Sitzman, Wray, Colorado

SERVINGS

18





PREP

30 min.

COOK

15 min.

TOTAL

45 min.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
  • 3 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided
  • 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 8 to 8-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Add 1 tablespoon sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add the remaining warm water and sugar. Beat in the oil, salt and 4 cups flour until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 18 pieces. Shape each into an oval. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. With a scissors, cut a 1/4-in.-deep slash across the top of each. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 20 minutes.
Bake at 400° for 13-18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Pumpkin hair clip by IddyBitsofLove on Etsy


My middle daughter now has her Etsy shop up and going. Her is just one of the clippies that she is offering. If you see something you like and want a different color, contact her on her etsy site and she will work with you to give you what you want! :) Check it out!

Pumpkin hair clip by IddyBitsofLove on Etsy

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Just a Blessed Day








What a nice morning I had today. My sister in law came down to visit and she and I along with my daughter and granddaughter went out to lunch at the Windmill in Sumner. We sat on the patio and it was just gorgeous. We laughed, gossiped, chatted and talked crafts! :) We always have fun when we get together. My daughter made these darling dragonfly clippies to go with my granddaughter's outfit. They are so cute. She would like to make these up and start selling them. Sounds like a great idea to me! :)

Sometimes, it is just nice to have girl time!

Address Roundup - 91 Days to Christmas

I like to keep my Christmas list on my computer so that it makes it easier for updating. I am going to update some addresses right now. Help yourself get organized for Christmas and hope on over to 100 days to Christmas to join in!


Address Roundup

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Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting


My Baking Addiction...

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Caramel Apple Cookies & BlogHer Food


Caramel Apple Cookies & BlogHer Food

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Christmas Card Consideration - 93 Days to Christmas



Today's directive is to start thinking Christmas cards. DH mentioned last night that he wants Spot on the cards this year. So, I am going to do some research on where and pricing for cards. :) Works for me. Jump on over to 100 Days to Christmas to read all that she has to suggest and hope you will join in!!

Christmas Card Consideration

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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Matthew's Taggie Blankie



I love this taggie blankie! The 'soft n cuddly' is from a garage sale. I love it but it is difficult to work with. The other side is flannel. One ribbon on each side has basketballs on it. Ben, Matthew's daddy, is a basketball player so had to add those. I think the colors are nice and bright for my newest grandson. :)

Falling for Fall - 94 Days to Christmas


Today is the first day of Autumn. And today's 100 Days to Christmas organization is ALL about Autumn. So out to the garage storage room I went and gathered up some of my Autumn decor. I also made 4 of my Toilet Paper Pumpkins. I am not finished decorating but this is my start.

I love that 100 Days to Christmas is designed to help prevent stressful holidays and that she reminds us in her way to "take time and smell the roses" along our journey. Today I took time to smell Autumn!!!! Check out her blog today and join in the planning!








Another reminder of Fall was the yucky spider web that I walked into going back into the storage room from outside! Fortunately I looked and did see the spider up in the corner of the doorway so I did not bring him with me in my hair..... UGH!!!!!



Falling for Fall

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Tutorial: Bedside organizer

Tutorial: Bedside organizer

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Autumn Brown Bag tote

This is a picture of an Autumn Tote bag, purse organizer, pumpkin that I made along with other goodies for my TOH Autumn Brown Bag Swap.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Budget Humbug!


Today is about budgeting for Christmas. I don't use the Credit card. Christmas truly is about Christ in our family and it is about giving. However, giving should be from the heart, giving of your self. Actually one of the best and least expensive gifts is a homemade coupon book, and yes, it is giving of your self. There can be one coupon a day. One month could be a car wash for the person. Another month a homemade pie. You give them a choice of pies and you can specify that you be given 3 days notice so that you have time to make sure you have the ingredients and can schedule the time to bake. One coupon might be for a dinner at your home and again this would take a couple days notice for scheduling and preparation. Be creative! And have fun with it. Design the coupons to fit the giftee and the giver. Check out 100 days to Christmas. I think you will get some great ideas there.

Budget Humbug!

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Sunday, September 20, 2009

Autumn Corkers from my daughter's Etsy


Aren't these just darling? My daughter makes them and she has added them to her etsy shop. I hope that you will take a look. Her prices are very reasonable and she does beautiful craftsmanship. She takes pride in her work. And mom is proud of her too!!! Check her out at 4sisterscreations etsy shop!

A List of Wishes


A List of Wishes

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Today’s Countdown to Christmas Challenge is to create a page** for each member of your immediate fam100countdownily and give them a chance to jot down their wishes (or work on it together). Then add the pages to your Christmas planner for quick reference. Now you’ll have a place to go when new ideas for gifts are mentioned. Make a comprehensive dream list and later, you can whittle it down to a more manageable size.

Shag Ra - A heartwarming video of inspiration and love

Saturday, September 19, 2009

97 Days to Christmas!

Today is Catch up day! Yahoo! I am finishing my list of giftees and purchased a new notebook this morning to use for My Christmas planning. :) I love the ideas and organizational help that this website gives. I hope that you will click on the link below and follow along and hopefully this will help you to have a stressfree holiday this year also. :)


Weekly Workshop

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Friday, September 18, 2009

98 Days to Christmas!


Who is on YOUR list? Today is the day to take a clean sheet of paper and make the list of names of people whom you would like to gift this Christmas. Make your list and add to your notebook behind the calendars made yesterday. After the list is made, you can begin to think of what you would like to purchase or make. Although the true meaning of Christmas is NOT in the giving of our gifts, it is a part of Christmas and important to plan. what I do like about the 100 days to Christmas planning is that she DOES keep Christ as the center. Click on over to join in on the organizing . 100 days to Christmas.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

99 Days to Christmas

I have so many birthdays between now and Christmas that I have to get started and get organized and on point. I already feel behind!!!! YIKES... but remember my fleece so I am getting a good start, actually.


Today I am getting calendars printed out and in my planning notebook. :) I have added the holidays, birthdays and other appointments that are scheduled so far.

Want to join in? Click over to 100 Days to Christmas and get organized and ready for the holidays!!!! I hope you will join in!

100 Days to Christmas Official Launch!

100 Days to Christmas Official Launch!

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Fall is in the air!

It is a beautiful overcast day in the Northwest! It Rained last evening and the air is so fresh and clean. I am on day 8 of antibiotics for walking pneumonia and I FINALLY am feeling better. Just couldn't shake that low grade temp but I think today is a good day!

I took a short drive this morning to find some fresh sunflowers at a roadside stand but didn't have any luck, so I did the next best thing. I stopped at Joann's and bought some silk flowers and stuck them in a vase to enjoy! lol I love the colors of autumn. The air is crisp but the colors shout out warmth! Guess it is time to purchase some fall color bowls and dress up that $2 garage sale bench adorning my patio! It is just calling me to decorate it for autumn. :)


Sunday, September 13, 2009

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

More Beautiful YOU! - Dedicated to each of my most beautiful granddaughters!

1. More Beautiful You

Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn’t straight her body isn’t fake
And she’s always felt overweight

Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are

There could never be a more beautiful you
Don’t buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

Little girl twenty-one the things that you’ve already done
Anything to get ahead
And you say you’ve got a man but he’s got another plan
Only wants what you will do instead

Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there’s a man whose love is true
And he’ll treat you like the jewel you are

So turn around you’re not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It’s not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear they can all be washed away
By the one who’s strong can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light He will show you truth
And again you’ll see through the eyes of a little girl

Monday, September 7, 2009

The first of the Birthday jammies rolled out.

Oh, these jammies are so soft and cozy! If I could wear it, I just might keep it! lol. I decided on the gown style for Andrea's 13th birthday on the 7th of October. I am still going to make purple fleece bottoms to go with. Although I doubt she will want to sleep in them, they just might be warmer for knocking around the house It worked out perfect with the Hannah Montana right in the middle of the front!

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Spot's blanket for baby Matthew


This is Matthew's Spot Blanket. :) This is actually fabric that I got from a nice lady in Puyallup off of Craigslist and it is just perfect for our new grandbaby. I still do not have the satin binding and mitered corners mastered yet but that doesn't stop me! I am sure that Matthew will enjoy his blankie for years to come. It can be a wall hanging when he has out grown it. :)