Moving, Moving, Moving......

Sorry I have not posted....our move is taking much longer than we expected. I am not going to complain because our new landlord has been doing some really wonderful things for us in our new home....so it truly is a blessing. I am just getting really antsy to get settled in and to have Christmas.....
So say a prayer for us as we work this move....and for my upcoming finals for this quarter....there is just alot on my plate right now and I hope to be blogging again soon.
I will share this, I am sick to death of eating out!!! So I have been eyeing all the cooking magazines and new books....as I so want to get back to cooking and baking. I picked up the new Pioneer Woman cookbook and it looks wonderful....you will have to check it out. I am planning to use several of the recipes for Christmas Eve dinner.

Anyway.....Blessings and a Merry Merry Christmas to all of you!!! I so appreciate your friendship and prayers as we have traveled through this last year....you all will never truly know how much it meant to us!!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Ok Christians, I am officially embarrassed for us.....

Sometimes I have found the same stuff gets said to me over and over in different ways....and after awhile I just feel like that for some reason I am suppose to share this...so here goes.
In the last month, this topic of conversation has come up among several of my son's friends that work in the restaurant business....the story? They hate working Sunday's because the church crowd is the WORST at tipping and in the way they treat the restaurant staff. How sad is that???

We recently found a great "new to us" pizza place in Chattanooga and we have been going often and telling our friends -- one of the waiters was sharing with my son about being there when a Christian group came in, their bill came to $100 and he was surprised and please to find two $100 bills on the table for payment. He had really worked hard for this group and was thrilled to see that they had appreciated it....that was until he found that one of the $100 bills was actually a track telling him how he was going to hell on the back of it. Really????? I mean Really???? What kind of witness do you think you are leaving with this tacky act?????

This stuff just makes me highly irritated to think that this is the witness we are giving. I work really hard to make sure that we try to go above and beyond if we are able to help change the opinion of these folks that work really hard for their money.

If you are guilty of this....SHAME ON YOU!!! We truly do need to set a better example of what living a Christian life truly is.....it is about sharing the love and grace that God grants to each of us every day.... Do I miss the boat on this......sadly, I do on a frequent basis.....but let's work to make a difference in how the restaurant community thinks of us.

Ok....I am off my soapbox......for now anyway....LOL
Hugs to each of you!!
Debbie

P.S. thanks for all the comments about the Halloween decorated house....I am sure I will have another picture to share when the Christmas decorations come out.....

A Little Overboard, Don't You Think???

I quickly snapped this picture on my way home from school the other day.....sorry for the poor quality, but I have been wanting to post a picture of this house for some time.
This isn't even ALL of the blowups that are on this lawn!!

This is for Halloween......it is even more crowded for Christmas, if you can imagine!!! LOL
There is always so much on the lawn that it is just too much to take in...and each time I pass it, I just think that someone either has money to burn or way, way, way too much time on their hands........or this is the result of a bet gone wrong!!! LOL

But the more that I look at it, the more that I see that I think alot of us do this with our lives.....we clutter it with so much "stuff" that it is hard to really see the "heart" of who we are. Plus we have so much clutter around us of all we have to do, want to do, demand to do, feel pressured to do.....that we just look unapproachable. Check out the house above, I am not sure how the heck you would even get to the front door without a map!!

So I am working to take this life lesson to heart. I am "decluttering" some things in my life that I have been hanging on to, but they are things that aren't serving me well. Are there some things that you need to let go of????

Hugs to you all...
Debbie

I Am Here.......

I love, love, love Fall!!! I am so happy to have cooler weather.....if the rain would just let up that would be great!!! With so much rain, I know I saw an ark being built and animals beginning to pair up....geeesh!!! LOL

School is back in session....and is much tougher this go around. Math has never been my "thing" and I have a college math course, plus anatomy/physiology and intro to massage. Please understand that I have trouble remembering my own telephone number right now, so adding these body parts, systems and such to memorize, well, I am a little over my head. But I am hanging in there. Plus trying to balance homework, getting items done for a craft show, and just keeping up with home stuff is making me a bit nuts. I do know it will be ok....it is just a struggle to work some sort of system out to make things easier.

I do know that with starting my massage classes I am very aware of wanting to "practice what I preach"....and that so much of what I am learning is linked to good health. I have battled with trying to find a better way of eating that is actually doable for me...and for my life. And frankly it has been hard. I did pick up a magazine that I liked this week called "Clean Eating"...it advocates some of the things Jen has been preaching to me for some time about eating 5-6 smaller meals. I just always had trouble trying to figure out how the heck I was going to find the time to plan those ahead for when I am away from home....but I am going to give it a shot and see how it goes.

Hope you all are doing something fun this Fall to share the season with your family. Walks, pumpkin farms, hayrides, and such......it makes for wonderful memories.

Have a wonderful week!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Crossroads

I am sorry I have been so absent....school is taking more of my time than I even imagined. But Monday I do my final projects and then finish up and get a couple of weeks off. So I hope to catch up a bit here and have some fun for a change!

Below is one of my projects I am submitting....what do you think???
Hugs,
Debbie


(video removed....)

Prayers please....

Dear Friends...
I really was hoping things were headed for an upturn and that things were beginning to take on the shape of something resembling a new normal for us. But today I got hit with some things that have totally changed what I thought our life was beginning to look like.
This has been a really hard afternoon....I do know that God knows what lies ahead and that He loves us, but in truth, it just hurts right now.
So I am here to ask for prayers for my family, as we work our way through this...and look to finding what our life it going to look like.
Hugs,
Debbie

I Soooooooooo Get It Now!!!

A couple of years ago (or so), an online friend decided to go back to school. She is this wonderful, creative soul whose blog and posts (on an online group we were on then) were "required" reading as far as I was concerned. She introduced me to new authors, great books, decorating divas and designs..and wonderful recipes.... (Thank You Teresa!!).... But when she went back to school...she dropped off the face of the earth. I was a bit miffed....how could she leave me in the lurch like that....who was going to fill that void????? LOL Ok, maybe is wasn't quite THAT dramatic....but I really did miss seeing her posts and ideas.

Now that I have started back to school....I SOOOOO understand. It has been much tougher than I thought to try and find my balance...to adjust to a new schedule and figure out how to make it work in my life without it driving me nuts!!! These first two weeks I have really stressed over my classes. They haven't been that hard, but trying to read and comprehend the textbooks is like reading Greek to me. My instructor said if we were 'readers" we wouldn't have any problems.....sorry, but I beg to differ as these writings are a far cry from my usual reads.
And quite honestly, I made myself ill stressing about the first test I was to take for my Art Appreciation class...only to find it was so much easier than I made it out to be and actually aced the thing to my surprise. Will that stop me from stressing about the next test this week....probably not, but at least I have a better idea of what is expected and I am really working to adjust.

I haven't forgotten my sweet friends here...and I am getting a laptop this week and it should make it easier for me to get online and do some fun things I have missed. So I will try to catch up a bit with all of you. I have missed my crafting too and I have been struggling to get back in the groove of that so I will be ready for upcoming shows. I did manage to get all my supplies ordered this weekend and they should be coming in soon...and that will help. Doing potpourri, soaps, room sprays...those fragrances always get me in the mood for Fall and the Holidays!!!

Just wanted to let you know that I am still here!!! That I have missed you all...and will try to get back more. But if I am absent a bit....at least you know that I am home burning the midnight oil for whatever class is driving me crazy that day!!! LOL

Hugs,
Debbie

Pin Swap Group Update.....

I have been worried that I might have lost someone from the pin swap list. So if you haven't been contacted (I have had trouble with some emails)....please don't feel you have been forgotten. Go to www.yahoogroups.com and look for the group "The Gathering Basket". This is the group I set up for this swap group....there we will post updates and share info about the swap.
If you can't get on, please email me at: dailygrace@bellsouth.net

I am going to close the sign ups later tonight....so get with me as soon as you can!!! I can already see that this is going to be a fun group. I love it when you get a group of women together that have the willingness to share ideas, inspire each other....let the creativity flow!!!! LOL

Hugs,
Debbie

Pin Swap Update.....

I am so excited about the pin swap and all the gals that want to participate. I will be working on an email to send you all this evening...and if you missed the sign up, please go ahead and email me your name and email addy...and I will get you added.

Actually, if those of you that signed up want to email me directly with your email addy and name, it will make getting my list together so much easier.

Looking forward to this!!!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

A little of this, A little of that.....

I started this blog awhile back just to record where I was with my life. At that time my son was just getting ready to graduate from high school and I knew that my life would be changing....entering a new phase. The blog reflected that journey.....but it also became about home, crafting and such.
During the last few months more changes have occurred with the passing of my hubby...and I was wondering about where this blog was going....was I pulling it in two many directions...what did I really want it to be about??? Especially since our "life" is being tossed in so many directions.
I decided to keep this blog about home....decorating, crafts....about the grace of opening your home to others....and even about the faith side of life. But I needed a place to put all my stuff about some of the other changes in my life. So I have started a sister blog to put those things about health, about changes in the year ahead and such.
It may be of no interest to you at all...and that is perfectly ok....but it is there if you are interested.... http://lossandfound-ajourney.blogspot.com

About the pin swap.....I have had others tell me they were interested, I am hoping we have a good turn out for this as I believe it will be lots of fun.

Sweet Dreams all....
hugs,
Debbie

Pin Swap!!!!

(Hi--you will see we have added a swap button for the pin swap to the side bar..please feel free to add it to your blog and link back to this post. Thank you so much for helping me promote this...and a HUGE thanks to Kris of SewPrimKris for making the button for me!!!)


Pins, glorious pins....I love fun seasonal pins, everyday pins....from prim to shabby chic and everything in between.
I am inviting you to join me in a fun pin swap. For now, I am just asking you to sign up to make pins in whatever medium you work with for this swap. How many you will need to make will depend on how many we have sign up. If there are alot of people, we will break down into smaller groups.....so hang on till the sign ups end and we will have more info then.
So the rules, you ask????
Simple....make pins for your group (number to be determined) and by the cut off date, you will mail your pins, a return address label and a small shipping fee (to be determined---this is not for anything other than to pay for the shipping of your set of pins back to you)..to me. I will then package them up and ship them back out to all of the participants... This way no one ends up not receiving something because someone didn't participate...only those sending something in will receive a package back.
One of the things I really love about these types of swaps is I always learn something.....everyone is at a different place with their crafting, different mediums and such and it is so much fun to collect. I also love these to use on small trees for ornies.....
If you have any questions let me know....and I will get back with you. You have until Sunday, August 16 to sign up and I plan to give everyone until October 1 to get your pins in...I wanted everyone to have plenty of time and not be hurried.
So Sign Up Today...and tell you friends....
A side note....I would love to have an icon for this that you could put on your blogs to advertise it...I don't know how to do this or who to ask...if you have anyone you would like to suggest or ideas on how to do a nice one, please let me know!!! (dailygrace@bellsouth.net)

Thanks everyone...I look forward to sharing this with you all!!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Sweet Friendship Swap...and Creative Beginnings....

Yesterday was a wonderful mail day!!! Awhile back I signed up to do a Friendship Swap....this was a new one for me. For this swap you had to find things to represent each letter in the word "Friends"...it was such great fun and an opportunity to get to know someone new. I was so fortunate to be paired up with Joann from CA. I signed up for this swap before John was taken to the hospital....and Joann has been such a sweetheart through all of this, even giving me the option to back out if I no longer wanted to participate. Through everything that was going on...it was something I had to look forward to, and I am glad I decided to stay with it.

Opening the box was so much fun, as I took out each item...I knew just where it would go or how I could use it...and it was truly special to have some items (the tote and pillow) that Joann had made herself.

Thank you Joann for being such a dear.....and as you can see from the next picture, I am finding homes for all the sweet gifts your sent. You have been such a great friend through this....thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!

Above is the mantle I put up in my bedroom...as you can see I already have a space for the pillow and tin Joann sent.
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We were invited to a wedding this weekend...the first one that I have attended in some time. And feeling like my creativity has been on hiatus for awhile...I decided to try to make a gift tin to house the gift card that I was giving. I know -so dang generic...I normally try to do some sort of themed basket, but you read the last sentence.....creativity has left the building (for awhile)...LOL.
I have seen such beautiful things done with these tins...and I know this is just basic, but give me credit for trying...LOL

It really was a lot of fun to pull out the papers and stickers to create something again...just feels good. I filled the inside of the tin with wrapped wintergreen lifesavers and buried the gift card in it. I was happy with the result...and everyone seemed to really like it. So at least it is a start.

Do something creatively fun this weekend.....it can be something as simple as making a card...but it can really open you up to your creative side that spills over into all areas of your life.

I haven't forgotten the pin swap....I will be posting the sign ups for it on Monday, I really am hoping that several of you will want to play!!!

Have a great weekend.....tomorrow is church and then off to see Julia and Julie.....
Hugs,
Debbie

The Note......

This has been a really busy week....lots of decisions to make. Some things had to go on the back burner till other things are handled...and some things just may not make the list, ever.

But as I have been dealing with all the new things coming our way...I remembered several years ago, I was doing a little speaking for women's groups about the creativity of grace in our lives. When I started, I chatted with a dear friend whose ministry I was working with...and told her how in making some of the decisions about this, I just wish God would write me a note and fill me in on what I needed to do. Then He gently reminded me of the time in the Old Testament that He wrote on the wall.....yep, things didn't go to well with that.... (smile). But awhile later, I discovered Beth Moore studies, and in one of them she talks about "God Stops"....all the little things we take for granted that God has placed in our way to make us smile, to remind us that He loves us....and things that just act as a gentle hug. So I am looking for these things in my life...those sweet reminders....

After a meeting this week about my going back to school (I will fill you all in on that adventure later!!! LOL).....I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and decided to stop by a popular re-sale book store in our area and browsed through some books...looking for some treasures to take home. As I was flipping through the pages of one of my "finds"....I found a note tucked inside that spoke to me....it said,
"You and I have some pretty big waves in our oceans of life right now. They're simply an invitation from God's own hand to come with Him "further still", and come to know Him more intimately than we have ever dared dream. So come on Sister...we've got some waves to walk on."

I truly feel like I got my "note from home" this week..... And a reminder, that the words of kindness we share with others, may reach much farther than we ever realized....

Sweet dreams all,
Debbie

Jars in Waiting.......

(thanks for the heads up...I believe all the links are fixed now!!!)

Hi...My name is Debbie.....and I have a mason jar addiction......(group response..."Hi Debbie!").

Ok, now that we have THAT over with....LOL. Several months ago, while spending the evening working at the library I had some time to surf the web looking for some new blogs, ideas, recipes and such. This is when I stumbled across lots of info on baking in jars. I loved this idea. Now in the past, I had played with the cookies in the jar thing (you know--where you layer all the ingredients for a cookie mix in the jar, attach the recipe to the jar and give as gifts)....but baking...loved that!!!! Plus, I found those pricey bakery sites that sold the little jars of cupcakes for big bucks, but had fanatical followers to attest to their lusciousness. So there had to be something to this, right????

So here is what I found....I have been collecting these to have a "play" date with them in my kitchen...and hopefully it will happen this weekend....
First....I found PIES!!! Yes, pies in a jar.....
check them out at:
Sycamore Stirrings, Not Martha, Lloyd and Lauren

Cake in a jar:
Angry Chicken

Then came drinks....
All Recipes, Mommy's Kitchen, Country Pleasures

Current favorite to try... CUPCAKES!
Ok, after reading this blog I went straight to Wally World right after work to pick up what I needed to make these. Funny thing was, I was standing in the jar aisle when a woman walked up to me to ask what I was canning....my reply? "Cupcakes"....yep, that threw her a bit!!! LOL She was from our local extension agency and is teaching a canning class on Saturday and she thought she had a new recruit!!! LOL

Joy Shope Yes, she does wonderful cupcakes in the jar, and shows how she decorates the jar for giving. This was a new blog for me and I am a big fan now. I tried other recipes for baking the cupcakes in the jar with less than stellar results....I mean they were edible and ok and something new to try. But I like the idea of going ahead to bake the cupcakes separately and layering them in the jar.

I know there are a lot of other ideas out there.....I use the jars to store homemade bath salts, bed linen powders, bulk spices, flavored tea bags, and much more.....

And I know that some of you have some ideas of your own, or other sites to share and I would love to hear those!!! So come on, comment......(smile)
In the future I will try to collect some more ideas as filling the jars are great gift ideas too!!!

And I would like to leave you with a youtube video I found today and love. This has become a favorite song of mine recently.....
Hugs,
Debbie

Mason Jar Love and A Swap Idea.......

Ok, I promised a post about mason jars for today, but sadly my day has been a little chaotic. So I will visit this subject again on Wednesday. But I want you to participate then, so let me tell you what I am thinking about....and then get your ideas together to share in the comments area on Wednesday.

I have always had a thing for mason jars....I have done some of the simple stuff, put my buttons, ribbons, other sewing notions in them.....even some scrapbooking items. I have made lamps out of them with rosehips and cinnamon sticks in the jar part. But now I am doing some new things courtsey of some great blog ideas I have found. I am going to look for the links so I can share those with you Wednesday...but I have found great ice tea syrup ideas, a great coffee syrup recipe, salads in a jar....as well as small pies in a jar!!! I just love all the possiblities!!! So let me have a little more time to get all the info together to share....and I would love to hear your ideas too!

And I tweeked the coffee recipe for us and I love, love, love the result....and I will go ahead and share with you. The original idea came from Mommy's Kitchen.
What I did was take a wide mouth quart jar....add to it one cup of coffee (not instant..but the regular coffee grounds). Then fill the jar with water to about 3/4" from the top. Then I put on the lid (after shaking it around a bit) and set it on the counter overnight. The next morning I strain the mixture through a wire mesh strainer with a coffee filter placed in it....I put the "coffee syrup" into another jar for the fridge. I do this for a couple of days in order to fill the jar with syrup...or you could just have 2 or 3 jars going.
Now the original recipe had you use 4 ounces of coffee syrup, 4 ounces of milk, sweeten to taste and you could add a flavored coffee syrup....then pour over ice. it is ok, but I needed more punch for it to taste like my favorite Frappachino....sooooo.... I use 4 ounces of coffee syrup, 4 ounces of my favorite coffee creamer (french vanilla or southern pecan)...now this I water down a bit for my taste...and sometimes add a splash of caramel coffee syrup. Pour over ice....ohhhh baby!!! love this stuff and it is addictive!!!!

Now for the next idea....
I have been wanting to do a swap for awhile....I have loved the Friendship Swap I am participating in...and the Kitchen Swap I finished awhile back....so tell me what you think of this idea....

I found this great canvas tote at Walmart and it started me thinking..... I would love to fix this up to carry to my craft shows (or for carrying library books, crafts I am working on.....whatever works for you). These totes came in canvas, denim...and a few other colors and different styles. What better way to decorate than with pins!!!! What I love about pins is that you could change them out for different looks...or for the seasons or holidays. And I love having things that are handmade from my friends to just remind me of them. (NOTE; Just wanted to clarify, you don't have to use the same tote I am..it was just an idea. You could use something you already have or make your own great tote!!!)

In thinking about working this into a swap....I thought of a swap we did for several years on one of the groups I had. We did a handmade swap, this was a swap where everyone made something in whatever craft medium they worked in...they would make enough for everyone to have one. Send them all to me, along with money to ship it back. I would put together a box for everyone with one of each item...so you got back a wonderful box of treasures. The beauty is, you don't have to worry about someone not sending something as they wouldn't receive anything unless they sent theirs in.

Are you with me so far?????

So I thought this might work with pins....we would see how many are interested....if the group got too big we could divide it up by groups of 10 or 12.....your could sign up for more than one group if you wanted. And we could possibly have groups by... Everyday Pins, Halloween/Fall pins, Christmas/Winter pins.....

I would love to know what you think about this before I do a sign up.....and I would give everyone a month or two to do this so that no one is rushed.

What do you think?????
Have a great evening....I am off to finish painting my bedroom...(btw, there are extra paint brushes if anyone has the urge to paint!!! LOL)
Hugs,
Debbie

Blog-napped post...

Yes, I stole the quote from someone elses blog post today....I got it from Teresa at Plumwater Cottage...but it just spoke to my heart this morning.

My hubby was my biggest cheerleader...and that is what I thought of as I read this post.. My prayer is that we all do this for someone in our lives!!

“We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us something is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch. Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit.” ~~e e cummings

Have a wonderful Sunday...tomorrow I want to talk about my mason jar obsession...LOL.
Hugs to you all!!!
Debbie

This Just Made Me Smile......

You know, sometimes we just take ourselves way to seriously...but to see the fun and joy that was put into this "celebration" of marriage...well, it just made my day!!! Enjoy!!!

Now Open.....

I am working hard to get things in order and moving forward here....so I am starting by reopening my little blog shop. You can find it at: Pieces From A Creative Heart
The plan is to add something there each day...so please, stop by and check it out...you might find a little something special for yourself or some fun gift giving items. And just leave me a comment to let me know what you think....

Thanks so much!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Sunday Ramblings......

I woke up this morning to heavy rain outside and decided it would be a great day to just sleep in and putter around the house.....I also realized that I missed blogging and wanted to start again.
There have been so many ups and downs in the last few weeks....trying to work through all the paperwork, wanting to ask John about how something was handled and realizing I can't do that any more....and trying to find out who I am now.
I was so blessed to be married to someone that was my biggest cheerleader....I grew up always hearing the negative about anything you wanted to do....but with John, I only heard "why not"? Even with this encouragement, because of John's extended illness...there were alot of things that were put on hold..... And now I need to figure out where I am going, what I am going to do, what life if going to look like now and who I am. It will be different, but it can be good...and that is what I am trying to focus on.
I guess I really began to think of this while at one of the many office visits one of the papers I had to sign said "marriage ended due to death".....I realized that I was no longer a "wife"..something that I have been for so long that I have forgotten what time was like before there was someone else.
So that is where I am right now.....I am trying to figure out what I am going to be doing....part of it depends on what I find out from the VA and such....I know that I am eligible to go back to school (this was something that John and I had talked about me looking in to for January)...going back to work (great timing on this with the economy)....and figuring out what craft shows that I can get ready for.....trying to get some things together for Etsy and my selling blog... Just working on that one step in front of the other stuff.
I did read a blog today that dedicates her Sunday posts to a prayer for the week....and asking for grace.... I like that, and I may borrow that for my blog in the future too.

Once again...thank you all for your prayers, comments and friendship....I am trying to move forward....and want to begin to blog again on the good stuff.... And all the while remembering:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) Amen.
Hugs to you all!!!!
Debbie

This Week......

Frankly, the last few days have been tough ones......but ones that showed us that we are not alone...and that gift is precious.

The last few days held not only the passing of my hubby......but a few days after, Father's Day and his birthday.....very real reminders with floods of memories of him. So I would like to post today some of the pictures that we used for his memorial.....

We realize that for awhile we will live on a teeter totter.....life going up and down as we look for balance. But we truly are beginning to get our footing.......learning to breath deep again.....

Thank you for your prayers and friendship.....a new chapter is opening for me.....and I am not sure exactly what lies ahead.....but I know I don't go alone.

Skipping Rope...

Do you remember when we were kids and skipping rope on the playground? Two of your friends would be manning the rope...twirling it round and round as you listened to the quiet slap of it hitting the ground with each turn. When you were ready to jump in, you stood beside the rope watching it turn......bobbing along with it to get into the rhythm so you could jump in and be part of the "dance" of jumping rope. That is where I feel I am at right now....standing next to the rope....watching my friends cheer me on....trying to find the rhythm so that I can get back into the game again. It is hard right now because I am missing a beat or two in the rhythm...but I am getting there.

Last night was John's memorial....you never really know how these things are going to turn out. But I could not have orchestrated a more perfect service. We decided to have an open time of sharing...allow anyone that wanted to say something about John to speak. When the minister first opened it up, there was silence.....all I could think of was that this may have been an awful mistake. I looked at the minister and signaled that he could just move on...he just smiled at me and continued to wait. He told me later that he had been a minister for some time and he could tell when people were being moved to do something...and he had no problem waiting for them to be "obedient"...(smile). And I am glad he didn't follow my signal....because in a bit several rose to speak some I knew, some I didn't, some sharing stories that I never knew, and some just confirming some of the special things that I have always known about my sweet hubby...but you don't always know that others get it too.

While each and every one that spoke truly touched my heart....one young man really made the service complete. Alex was our neighbor's son in Indiana....I always had a soft spot for this kid. He just had a spirit of fun about him...and even babysat my son for awhile. I know Zach was always thrilled to have Alex come over because whatever they did would be an adventure. I knew that Alex's parents were coming in for the service....but his arrival (along with his sweet wife and two adorable children) was a big surprise....and an even bigger surprise when he rose to speak. Alex told about growing up and listening to my hubby, his father and a couple of their friends sharing about life, their time in the service and all the things they went through....he told about how it touched him to hear these stories from "men of honor".....how he came to want to be just like them. Men who sacrificed for their country....who worked to be good fathers and husbands...and how it set a course for his own life. Because of them, he had enlisted in the service to give back to his country....and now he is home, married, father of two sweet kids and still working to give back. And he credited John for helping to set the course for his life....John would have been so honored to know that.

Others have stepped forward too....a neighborhood friend is taking Zack with a men's group from his church on a Star Trek movie outing this afternoon...and offers of all sorts of help have been coming in..... And with it, I am trying to find the rhythm....I know it is there......but it may take me a bit to be able to catch and jump back in. Till then, know that I so appreciate all the comments, emails and prayers....each one has been such a bright spot and such encouragement. I know there are brighter things ahead....and I know there are tough times too. But with the pain, there are been glimpses of such grace....knowing that John is no longer in pain....knowing what wonderful friends and support I have. With that, I can't pass up this opportunity to thank my dear sister/friend Jen who has showered us with support, love, a listening ear and even some calls to the funeral home....we love you and the family so much!!! Also my mom and brother have been so amazing during this......loving us, cleaning house and my brother coming to clean gutters and make sure my car was ok....love that.

Once again, thank you.....for praying, emailing, commenting and just caring....it does make a difference.
Love you all....
Debbie

Memorial Service..

First, I can't thank you all for your kind words, prayers, offers of a listening ear and more. Right now there are friends and family in and out here....but I know soon that things will calm down and as it becomes more "quiet" I will need those listening ears. So know your offer is appreciated and not taken lightly.

We are having a memorial service for John on Wednesday at Coulter-Garrison Funeral Home, Dayton, TN. We are hearing from friends that will be traveling in and we look forward to seeing them and sharing this time.

I ask for your continued prayers for myself and my family. There are some big decisions ahead and some possibilities that I am not looking forward too. But I also know that God sees the big picture...and knows the way ahead.....even when it isn't clear to me at all.

Thanks again for your love and support.....
Hugs,
Debbie

John

Thank you all for your sweet wishes and prayers.....John passed away this evening.
It was and is a sad time for all of us and frankly, I am a bit lost right now.
We asked for your continued prayers for us.....
Hugs to you all,
Debbie

A Note About John....

Hello....
Thanks for the prayers and for the concern....I so appreciate all of you. Time has been limited....I can check facebook and twitter on my phone at the hospital--sometimes, seems like wifi is very spotty there.

There is no change in John...other than they now have him resting comfortably. They are giving him an anti-anxiety drug to help him...which has really made a difference and he is now resting so much better. We had a new doctor this morning that is checking into some things...they are all stumped so far about what could have happened. I think that is the hardest part, not knowing...the questioning if you could have done something different....all those things that are up in the air right now.

We have a social worker-counselor-chaplin-hospice nurses....these people are serious about making sure you get through this. For the most part they have been kind....but in some ways it feels like they are moving this along way to fast. I want to know that we aren't missing something...that we don't just give up. But then you have to consider all the possibilities...what you are going to do in all scenerios......that is when it just hits you like waves. I find that I think I have it together and am getting through.....then I make a call to tell someone or run into someone that wants to know what happened and in the middle of the story it just becomes "real" and it hits you again. Frankly...this journey sucks. And you could sink into that so easily.......

But then you get the chance to see grace at work.....beautiful white flowers that arrive just at the right time....nurses who have a sarcastic streak and like to tease--it so breaks the tension and gives us a chance to step out of the hurt for a bit....doctors who take the time to explain what is going on at each step.....nurses, aides, doctors who speak directly to John when they visit, acknowledge him and include him so that he knows he is not forgotten....friends and neighbors that have reached out.....family that have stepped in to take shifts so John is never alone and churches that have prayed and continue to pray for John and for us.....things that have happened that have protected us from making some mistakes.....a tax check that showed up to really help at this time.....big things, little things, but all things delivered with grace....from One that knows the beginning and end of this story.....and right now I have to blindly trust in that...and know that all is well.

Hugs,
Debbie

Asking for Prayers.....

This morning my hubby was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Even with this start...I never imagined that I might not get the opportunity to chat with him again.

They are not sure what caused it or exactly what has happened...but he is in a coma like state...possible stroke or heart attack in his sleep....and they believe he has suffered possible brain damage.

So I am asking for your prayers for my dear hubby John....I asked that he not be in pain....that Zach and I stay strong and make decisions that my husband would want in this matter. And I know that miracles are possible....

Debbie

Just a couple of pictures....

We have had so much rain.....alittle was great, but after a few days, it was beginning to be depressing!!! So glad we finally had a break and we had a beautiful day today.

And just sharing a picture of my mom....she was great to come to the hospital to stay with me while the hubby was there. Gotta love that.....

Have a great weekend all!!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Settling Back In....

Hello All...I thought I needed to post some sort of proof that I have actually been doing something creative lately!! LOL
To be honest, I don't know if it is dealing with the hubby's medical stuff...or just hitting a glitch, but for the last couple of weeks I have had a horrible time getting myself back into the groove of crafting. As I have posted, I worked to turn our garage into my studio...it still needs a few things, but it is ready to work in. Then I discovered something that surprised me. I have never been one to be claustrophobic, but if I have to work very long out there...it really has started to bother me, and I found myself staying away from there. Can you imagine finally having a set up that works, with plenty of space.....geez, I even have a bathroom out there, fridge and tv......and I can't work there!!! It is just so closed in with no windows and the only door is the garage door which has no windows in it either. We were planning a few additional things for out there.....an air conditioner and finish painting...but now we have decided to add a door with lots of glass...and possibly a window. I think this should do the trick as it has never bothered me before. Strange the things that creep up on us!!! LOL

As you can see from the picture above, I have been knitting....which is something I enjoy but don't do alot of. But I am getting lots of cottage cloths done to list on Etsy and Artfire...and possibly some for swaps and upcoming shows. I enjoy doing them, and I have found this pattern to be wonderful for using myself around the house. I will get some pictures up in a day or two.

I don't know if I posted this before, but I have started the Weight Watchers online and really like it. Also, I have discovered the Hungry Girl books and have tried a few of the recipes...and my family likes them too. (Also, there is a great show on Lifetime--Cook Yourself Thin--lots of great recipes and ideas for eating better. Our library got the book in by the same name and it has some great recipes. It is one of those books that I am going to have to purchase for my own library.

And below you will see my new coffee fave.....Diet Mocha Coffee...it is my own concoction of Diet chocolate milk, sugar free chocolate syrup, coffee, and some sugar free whipped cream....and sometimes a dash of French Vanilla creamer.


I hope you are all off to a wonderful week!!! I have spent today with my favorite veteran...my hubby....
Thanks to all of you for your kind thoughts, prayers and messages while he was in the hospital...it really meant so much to us!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

A Note To God.......

I saw this on Oprah...and absolutely loved it. Thought you might enjoy it too......
Hugs,
Debbie

Say A Little Prayer Please.....

Ok, so I won't go into a long rambling complaint fest of what I think of the VA medical system.....let's just say that it is not the best we could be doing for the men and women that lay their lives on the line for their country.

BUT....we were having problems with them deliverying some meds that my hubby needs....so after several calls.....and frustrated explanation of why what they suggested was not in his best interest...they finally had him come in to see them and then they would decide if he was worthy enough for them to write the prescription for the medication that he requires......(yes, I am saying these words outloud and through clenched teeth...). Upon arriving and sharing with them that all of this and the lack of meds was causing him chest pains...they immediately rushed him to the back and the next thing I know the ambulance is there to take him to a local hospital to be checked out. Now understand, they rushed him to the back.....I had to wait out front, when they finally came to get me, all I was told was that they would be sending him to the hospital and just wait in the appointed chair for a few moments. During this time, I watched them conference with the Ambulance crew....chat amongst themselves......strap my hubby in the gurney and head out the door....all without saying a word to me. It was at this time I looked at a nurse in the hall and asked if anyone even cared that I was there.....and was it on anyone's to do list to let me know what was going on, where they were taking my hubby and how do I even get to that hospital from there?????? Nope, not a happy, jovial camper at this point....

The Upside???? They are not equiped to treat my hubby....so he was taken to a really good hospital in our area...they walked us through everything, checking with us often to see if we had any questions......were we being treated well.....could they do anything else for us...... It was a total night and day difference in the way we were treated.

They contacted my hubby's heart doctor that wanted him kept overnight...and will be checking him out throughly in the morning .... which is a major blessing. My hubby deals with so much pain on a daily basis...and the drama of today was soooo totally unnecessary....but it turned out to be a blessing that he is where he is, and getting much better treatment.

So please say a prayer for him......I would so appreciate it!!!
Hugs to you all!!!
Debbie

Hybernation......

It definitely is the rainy season here in Tennessee.....I have had a couple of days to just veg out here at home and have taken advantage of it.

It has been forever since I have had the time to just read a bit...nothing deep, nothing earth shattering.....but hubby wasn't feeling well, the house was quiet, and it was nice for some simple escapism.

On another note....the other day I wrote a post about Heartfelt Challenges....and I have been pleasantly surprised by the response. Thank you to all of you that have written that you were going to take on the challenge and appreciated the reminder. I think we all just need that nudge every now and then. AND I was truly surprised to be the recipient of the Challenge too.....the other day, out of the blue, I received a sweet phone call from a gal that I have know for probably 10 years through online groups. After reading the challenge, she decided to just pick up the phone and call me...we had a fun chat and I will be returning the favor soon. Then about an hour later, I found an UPS package at the front door....I was the recipient of a wonderful RAK from Kimmer...

Thank you for your sweet thoughtfulness to both of the gals. I appreciate it more than you know and the timing was perfect!!! And let me just say from someone that received this....that when you do take on the challenge to do for someone else...it means the world to know that someone is thinking of you, whether it is a call, or a surprise package!!! The thoughtfulness is priceless.

AND I decided to pamper myself a bit last week and went with a really relaxing pedicure.....it felt so darn good and I love the color!!! (OPI's, I'm Not Really A Waitress...)

I have lots of posts in my head for some new things...but I don't want to drop them all in this post...so have a great day, take some time for yourself, and don't forget to reach out to someone else today---even if it is just a smile, you never know how much that can mean to someone else.

HUGS!!!!!
Debbie

Headed for a Rainy Evening....

This is our sweet dog Abby.....this is her normal position.....you can find her like this almost any time of the day....except when she needs to make a short trip outside....or to request a refill on her food....LOL


These are some beautiful flowers my hubby brought in from the backyard....we have some beautiful plants...but they are the "everyman for themselves" variety as they don't get a lot of TLC from us!!! Poor things.....LOL

And now to what has been occupying me today.... I normally go into panic mode about a month before my craft shows and I have to work round the clock to get everything ready to go. I am really trying to be better about it this year, especially since we don't have the shop to worry about. So today, I have been chatting with my partner, getting dates set for the upcoming shows we want to do (in the Fall)....getting applications together to send in. I have decided (with a few exceptions) to just jump into doing all Fall/Halloween right now. If I concentrate on that for a couple of months, that should really put me ahead with stock for the shows....(ok, that is the brilliant plan in my mind....we will see how that pans out...LOL)

So I am pulling patterns, making lists of things that need to be ordered.....deciding what I really want to make and what I am willing to bypass this year. I am still trying to decide if I want to do our annual Fall Harvest Potpourri....and primitive soap.... I do know I will be making lots of fun tags (those were a big seller last year)....pumpkin dolls......primitive apples and pears..... and several new items.

I just have a tough time making things so far ahead as I am so burned out on the holiday by the time it arrives. But hopefully, starting so far ahead, it will be easier not to have to do so much at once. Plus, I am looking into some small shops that I can sell finished items to and also getting my Etsy shop/blog shop up and running.

Now....About the Scrapbook/Journal....I simply forgot about it!!! It totally left my mind....so it is on the calendar in BIG letters to get back to on Monday. Sorry for the delay.... I just really have been off track.

Just another thing.....my friend Jen and I have tossed around the idea of a radio show for some time....the people we put together didn't fit.....then the timing wasn't right....just didn't quite work for awhile. But now it is back on the "do we want to do this list".....I want it to be about life....friendship, faith, current events, home, crafting.....a variety of items that we can share, and also introduce you to some of the wonderful women that we have found through websites, blogs, books and real life....so what do you think??? Would you be interested in listening?? One difference for us over some of the others (that we enjoy listening too...)--We want to cover a broader spectrum of subjects....and from the prospective of mom's with older kids. There is so much out there for moms of smaller children and babies (I wish this had been available when I had a young child!!!)...but I think those of us that are at this stage of life need a voice to...and we have wisdom to offer those with younger children too.

That is what has been filling my day....
Hugs to you all!!!!
Debbie

Sunday's Heartfelt Challenge.....

This is a post that has been rumbling around in my head...but I wasn't sure how to frame it for my blog. The last thing I want to post is a "poor, pitiful me" entry...but I know that there are far more women (and men) that are going through something similar and it is for them that I am writing this.
So to start.....what is a Heartfelt Challenge? It is a reminder in our busy lives to reach out to those around us. It is not that we don't mean to do something special for someone else...we just get really busy...or we think of things that will take more time, more money--so the idea gets shelved for another time. By issuing a challenge...I am giving you an idea for something simple you can do...not a guilt trip, but just a nudge and a reminder that it can be something as simple as just picking up the phone.

I am in a situation that many find themselves in. My hubby is very ill. We have days that are great...and then we have days that are like the last three...where no one has had any sleep...we are all cranky, worn out and just want to hide for a bit. I am very fortunate...I have a best friend that I can call to whine to at 3 in the morning if I need too, my son is home right now--living here while attending school so he can help me out a bit (this is such a huge gift to me that I don't even know how to thank him for---and it comes with the guilt that he should be out living and creating his own life), my mom is nearby and checks in and is always sending over a new plate of some new recipe she has tried!!

But there are others dealing with these same struggles...be it a spouse, child, parent, or other....it can be so isolating!! People can judge you for being a bit (or maybe a lot) cranky at times--they don't realize the nights you have gone without sleep...or worried about finances....or just feeling alone. Living with this is much like a death.....when friends and family first hear of a health crisis, they rally to lend support, pray and just a listening ear. But even though you continue to live with this...their lives move on and you are dropped from the social calendar because you have had to turn them down so many times. They just take for granted that you "can't" and just don't bother to offer any more.

I can't tell you what it means for someone just to take the time to pick up the phone and call....and allow you to really share your heart...and not just pretend everything is wonderful. We get tired of hearing, "I don't know how you do it"....because we know that there are days when we are at the ends of our rope and we don't handle it well and just want to go to bed ourselves, pull the covers over our heads and hide for awhile. A card in the mail is a gift.....just that reminder that someone does remember you!! These are great ways to let someone know you are there...as a visit to the home can sometimes be stressful, depending on what is going on there.

So our Heartfelt Challenge....pick up the phone or mail a card. It costs so little to do these things in time and money.....but what it will do for someone that needs this lift.....priceless. Find someone in your church, your neighborhood, your workplace...and reach out to them!! It will do wonders for your heart as well.

Hugs to all of you!!!
Debbie

One Project Down......

This week has been full of procrastination...... But today I actually finished the skirt for the sink in my studio bathroom. This is just one of those simple projects that I should have been able to churn out a couple of weeks ago. I just kept going out to the studio, getting sidetracked and ending up not getting much done. So today, I called my mom and asked if she wanted to come over and work in the studio....now my mom--no nonsense--if there is a project, there is no playing around, it is to be finished in record time, before anyone else and perfectly done. Needless to say, it is finished!!! LOL (but to my mom's utter sadness, I took several shortcuts on this project as "perfection" is pretty much not in my vocabulary!!!)

Love my new bathroom....the flooring is pretty much done.....and everything is "workable and I have no excuse not to get busy!!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Getting Week Started......

Yes, we are a family addicted to coffee now..... I love the different flavors of coffee, flavored creamers and such..... Todays fave: Green Mountain Half Caf with White Chocolate Coconut creamer...just YUM!

My week is a bit off as I was called in to sub on Monday....and the weather here has been so dreadful with all the storms...it has left me just wanting to curl up on the couch and nap!

So look for the Scrapbook/Journal post on Thursday...that will give me some time to get some things together and ready to post. Looking forward to sharing!!!

For this post.....since I was at the library yesterday, I have a stash of new books AND already know that I will have to purchase some of them for my own library.....Here is what is on my nightstand reading list....

Hummingbird bakery cookbook.....OMG, you could gain 20 pounds just reading this. The recipes sound wonderful and I can't wait to try some..

Get Out Of That Pit by Beth Moore...what can I say, love me some Beth Moore and her great teaching style.

Seams to Me...Anna Marie Horner (I am really enjoying this!!)

The Slumber of Christianity by Ted Dekker

(Getting Soon!!!) Boneman's Daughter by Ted Dekker....read some of the previews of this book and on his blog about how he came up with the story...can't wait to get this one!!!

Country Living's Farm Chicks in the Kitchen.....great looking recipes, stories, decorating ideas and more...this one I need for my own stash!!

There are other fiction on the list...The Knitting Club, some Iris Johansen mysteries and such.....there just hasn't been alot of reading time lately and I really plan to spend some time reading. Also, picked up some on CD's so I can listen while crafting....

SOOOOOO.... tell me what is on your reading list???? I always get great ideas from my friends for new books, authors and such!!!

The UPS just delivered my Sephora Order....ohhh baby, I have to tell you I am a new Philosophy skincare convert and I just love this stuff!!! LOL I am off to play in the new products....
Have a great evening!!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Something Special!!!!
If you are a fabric addict like I am.....run over to the Farm Chick Blog and you will find a great giveaway for Pixie Dust Fabric!!! Love this line and can't wait to get some of it to play with...I am thinking fun pillows, pillow cases, etc....beautiful colors for Spring!! Now shoo, get over there!!!! LOL

To Make You Smile....

Sound of Music Train Station @ Yahoo! Video

Have a wonderful weekend.....

I am going to be off line for a few days....but I wanted to wish all of your a blessed Easter weekend and leave you with a little "Bebo".....(smile).

Hugs to you all!!
Debbie

Garden of My Dreams....

Ok...I have been wanting to garden--but frankly, with my knee issues, it wasn't going to happen. And I really am not that big on the outdoor stuff, so I knew that I wouldn't be able to care for something big.
Well this weekend, I found this at Sam's Club and I am in love with it!!! It even has the front gate, a hose attachment, lattice in the back for climbing plants.....I WANT this baby!!! LOL
But as a friend of mine told me last night "you can buy a bunch of fresh veggies for the price of that set up!!!" Which is true....but I am looking at the long haul and not for just one year...
So what do you think???
Hugs,
Debbie

I just love this....

Where is Spring and a Studio Update....

I these tulips! I found them over the weekend at Sam's Club and they look so good in my entryway. It is such a beautiful sign of Spring....sadly, my entryway looks like Spring...outside, not so much!

Well, I have been chatting a bit about moving the studio to the garage...it should (at least in my mind) been such a short project....but it is going to be a work in progress for awhile as I am still working on painting, the flooring...and trying to decide on lighting.
Here is the only "before" picture I am not embarrassed to post!! LOL The garage has just been one of those "dumping" areas in the house where anything that didn't have a "home" was stored.

This will be my new computer area. Right now we still haven't figured out why the wireless won't work out here on this computer when it will work on other things....

Part of my fabric storage (yep, there are many other plastic totes with fabric treasures)...

Storage and cutting table area....

Larger picture of sewing table/work area...

Another shot of cutting table area...

Still much work to do....but at least it is set up and ready to work in. So if you want to drop by, I still have boxes of fabric to fold and put away, patterns to organize and small treasures to sort....
Have a wonderful Monday...next week, we will be back to our scrapbook/journal...I hope you are ready and able to share some of your thoughts and ideas!!
Hugs,
Debbie