Thursday, September 30, 2010

September Storms Out

Generally the stormy lion and docile lamb illustration is reserved for Spring, but it seems more fitting for Autumn this year.

Within three days, the temperatures in the valley have jumped from 62F to 81F. Yesterday was 76F, and this morning I woke up with an icy nose and toes! Now weather.com is attempting to convince me that it will be 88F today! I'm ready for something steady. Cold or hot, I care not! Just bring me some stability! =)

I've been sewing lately. It's been very productive and fun, but I wish I had something to show for it! They're mostly birthday/Christmas presents so I can't post pictures of them yet. I guess I'll have to work on something publishable. I've been working on blankets lately. I'm hoping to work on some pillows for our bed. I've had the fabric and trimmings for over a year now, but the intimidation of a new pattern has kept my creative courage at bay.

Today I'm planning an "Inspiration Day". These days typically consist of delicious coffee, hours at the library, lots of sticky notes, and a really good pen. I'm excited to share what I find!

Hope you have a beautiful day as well!

Friday, September 24, 2010

What a week...

Friday! How I have longed for you! Now I'll embrace you in a desperately grateful hug!

It has been an incredibly long, bumpy, unenjoyable road to get to this weekend. We have arrived safely, however.

The week began with an incredibly short-notice termination of my babysitting job. I always knew it was temporary, but a little reminder would have been nice. God gives grace.

Monday saw Steve drowned and buried in Ebay work. The wife feeling slightly neglected, but knowing the necessity of her abandonment, accepted it - grudgingly. :P

Tuesday was a day spawned in hell. I probably cried about a gallon of tears. Steve was home again Wednesday, but feeling trampled under the weather, he laid on the couch feeling miserable all day.

Wednesday I also found out that one of my uncles has a cancerous tumor surrounding one of his kidneys as well as a spot on one lung. He's undergoing medical treatments this weekend. Please, please, please: Pray for him and his family. He's my mom's only brother, and I know its taking a toll on her and her three sisters. I'm praying God gives them all mercy and faith to know that He is in control and He loves them with a jealous, everlasting love. That all is safe in His arms. Your prayers will be an incredible blessing. Trust that!

Thursday was a bit better. I got a few things done around the house, and got to spend my evening at the Humane Society. That always brightens up my day. Most of my time was spent hauling pet food from the garage to the sales floor. I decided that was my workout and spurned the eliptical for the rest of the day.

The highlight of my time there was when I met a tiny puppy who had just been adopted. She ha come to the shelter as a stray, dirt matted in her hair. When I met her, She had been recently shaved for her spay operation. Her fur was so silky and curly! Such a doll! Her disposition is so sunny and happy despite her past! She would be an incredible therapy dog, both because of her story and her personality. I'm hoping her new owner will pursue that! Thank you for adopting

Today is Friday. Finally! God has really taught me that I have made little progress in my prayer life compared to what He has in store for me to learn! Praise God for His new mercies and grace He freely gives daily. I don't want to think where or who I'd be without them! Steve has one day of work left, and then it's time for a LOT of R&R!

We hope you have an excellent weekend as well!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Craving FRESH?

Here's what's in season!

It's time for fresh veggie trays with broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, peppers, turnips, and tomatoes!

Toss a salad and "Relish" the last bites of summer goodness with beets, cabbage, spinach, chard, fennel, kale, and leeks...

Dig out those delicious, Fall casserole recipes filled with the sweetness of newly picked onions, the spice of chilies, tummy-warming pumpkins & squashes, juicy sweetcorn, and the ever-versatile potato and zuchini!

If you're thirsty for a fruit smoothie, look for blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, pears, and plums.

Don't forget to set some aside for your freezer!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Relax: A Home Spa Day

Chill Out








*Find a quiet peaceful place*
Escape to the bedroom or bathroom & lock the door!

*Treat yourself to some special spa gifts*
Soothing music, fresh flowers, a fluffy new towel or robe...


*Throw together or pick up some easy, healthy foods*
Jamba Juice =)

*Lay back, relax, and enjoy*
This is YOUR time!





I know I can't afford a night at a spa, but I can bring a little spa to my home.
Draw up a bubble bath with a little help from Pioneer Thinking.
You can usually find a cheap foot bath at your local Goodwill!
Sterilize with a little rubbing alcohol.
You're good to go!



If you can, splurge on some massage oils from Bath & Body Works.
A little goes a long way & smells wonderful!


Treat yourself to a facial!
You can find some quick, easy recipes here courtesy of ModCloth.
You could even make yourself an eye mask!
Use this simple pattern and tutorial from Prudent Baby.
What are tips and ideas you have for a Home Spa Day?

Monday, September 6, 2010

Warning: Saints' Voices in Testing

Sound checks in heaven? I highly doubt it.

However, our earthly vocal chords need some testing and trying before the Saintly choruses break forth.

I loved the sound of my fellow church members and I struggling along through song request after song request of old, dusty hymns we hadn't sung in decades ~ or ever!

It reminded me of how we toil and fail on this earth, but in heaven we will be perfected.

I just keep trusting my Lord as I walk a long. I just keep trusting my Lord and He gives a song...

What a day that will be!

    1. How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
    1. Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
    1. What more can He say than to you He hath said—
    1. To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
    1. “Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed,
    1. For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
    1. I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
    1. Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.
    1. “When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
    1. The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
    1. For I will be with thee thy trouble to bless,
    1. And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
    1. “When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
    1. My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
    1. The flame shall not harm thee; I only design
    1. Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.
    1. “The soul that on Jesus doth lean for repose,
    1. I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
    1. That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
    1. I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”

Friday, September 3, 2010

A Fantastic Friday!

It's amazing to me how tiny a child looks when they aren't feeling good. Friday began with a major attack of the sleepies on Steve, Little Girl, and myself. It was just awful. None of us could keep our eyes open, and LG was upset and cuddly - a strange mixture, to be sure.

After a long nap, some delicious Subway for lunch, and a quick visit with Miss Cathy, we headed downtown to spend the afternoon at the waterpark.

Little girls are soo sweet! This little girl was a bit older than LG, but not much taller. She was very well-spoken with an incredibly inquisitive mind.

In a matter of a few seconds, she knew LG's name, age, and had decided to mentor her in the workings of the waterpark.

I thought she may have regretted it...

But children are so quick to forgive and forget! I love spending my days with them!

When she was a bit younger, LG was afraid of the water fountains. Now, she bravely dashes right into them, spewing water, and staring bewilderdly at the children her size who were screaming and crying out of fear. As I said before, they have short memories. ;)

It was a fantastic, fun Friday. Once home, LG gulped down an ice-cold bottle of milk and promptly dropped off to Slumber Land. Her mom and I had a laugh at her expense when we tried to rouse her a half hour or so later. She wouldn't budge. Poor baby... It was well worth the exhaustion though.
"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation."
~ Plato

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Crazy Thursday!

I'm enjoying my day off from watching the Little Girl. We've gotten a lot done today! Steve passed his motorcycle permit test! Yay!! He can now ride a motorcycle around with Jon (the endorsed rider). In less than a year, Steve hopes to be a fully endorsed, free-riding biker. I'm so proud of him, and yet nervous! Eek!

I've been having a blast with these websites:





Christmas is a comin' up soon!! Are you ready??