Wonderful gift for a young girl

When I saw this, I absolutely fell in love!  What a great idea for a young girl's room as a Christmas present!  The original project came from Denise Adams over at http://stitchesandnails.blogspot.com/2011/04/whats-cooking.html

She has so many great ideas!  You should go and check her out!  http://stitchesandnails.blogspot.com/2011/04/whats-cooking.html

New ideas and projects.

Well, my desktop has been acting really wonky lately, Windows 7 doesn't want to seem to boot.  I've tried everything I know including a system restore.  I can't seem to figure it out.  I'm on my laptop right now, but it just isn't the same.  I prefer my desktop over everything so, I'm trying to adapt.  But all of my pics and files and such are on the other one. And, someone stole my iphone which I used to take all my pics.  I'm going to do my best to get it fixed but finances are a bit tight right now, especially with the holidays coming up!

I'm going to start posting really neat things that I've found on the net over the last few months. I've finally joined pinterest and it's really great!   I hope to see you all here in blogland.  I miss you all!

Christianity in a Woman's World.

First things first, I want to thank you for indulging me and following my blog.  I know it contains a little bit of this and a little bit of that.  But that's kind of how I stay contained! =)

It's encouraging to be able to share back and forth stories about our children, husbands, animals, recipes, and decorations, etc.  But today, I feel strongly led to share a subject that relates to all these areas of our lives.  The best way for me to share the reality of Christianity in a woman's world is to share with you how Jesus Christ has become a reality in my own life.

I grew up just outside of Detroit, with all the trappings that entailed.  My mother's side of the family and my dad's side of the family were on separate planets, two totally different lifestyles..."peas and carrots", to be sure.  Without getting too detailed, it wasn't very practical to raise a child in the lifestyle that my mother lived in so, by the age of seven, my dad took custody of me and I started going to church.

Some things that happened to me, while living with my mother, were pretty hard for me to understand and come to terms with, but I always felt, even as a child, that there was someone there looking out for me.  Someone who I couldn't see, but who seemed to wrap me in a bubble of protection and love.  Even when things got really bad...I never felt alone.  I didn't understand what was going on, I was just comforted and felt a sense of peace.

After all these years, experiencing many ugly things to include dying in a motorcycle accident when I was eighteen, I had always felt that presence of being.  Most of that accident, as well as the few weeks following, I do not remember.  I was told that I was screaming in pain and they couldn't do anything else for me. I do not remember. My neck was broken in two places, my back broken in three places and my left leg was shattered.  I was told I'd never walk again.  I slipped into a coma for nineteen days.  When I came back to consciousness the only thing I felt was total peace.  No pain, just peace.  I didn't know where I was or what had happened, but I was ok with that because all I felt was peace.  No, I don't remember any "white lights" or what it was like on "the other side" but what I do remember, is peace.  The accident happened on November 4th, 1987.

Through the grace and healing power of Jesus Christ, I walked my graduation commencement that following June without any hardware or special appliances and I haven't stopped yet.  There was no humanly way possible that I could have recovered half of what I was able to do within eight months.  The only explanation I have to offer you is the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.  Apparently, it was not my time to leave this earth.  I believe I was spared so that I could share my story with others who might want to know a personal Savior.  I realize now, that Jesus was always with me...even before I got "saved".   I wouldn't be where I am today or who I am if it hadn't been for Christ.  I want to share Him with you.  There is nothing to be afraid of, He took all my fear from me. 

HodgePodge Vol 87

1.  101 in 1001 challenge. Essentially you create a list of 101 things you want to accomplish or do in the next 1001 days. What's one thing you'd put on your list?

Finish condensing my storage unit to fit on a few shelves in my garage!! (Yes, it's taking some very creative thinking!)

2. How many remote controls do you have in your house? What's one item in your home you wish could be run by remote control?

 

There are 6 remotes that I can think of...1 for my air conditioner, 1 for garage, 2 for living room tv, and 2 for my bedroom tv.  (I've never been able to get a Universal remote to cover the garage or the air conditioner....so until they come out with one that might even do the dishes for me, I'll stick to my separate remotes.   I wish I had a remote control with only one button on it.... MUTE .... so I can silence the neighbors dogs at 5:30 in the morning.

3. What does having it all mean to you? Is it attainable?

 

"Having it all", to me, means all of my children and grandchildren in the same state so that all the grandchildren can grow up together.  I grew up in a fairly large family.  Getting together on the holidays was always chaos, but it is the heart and soul of who I am.  I want that for my children and their children.  Is it attainable? .... Well, it would be if it wasn't against the law for me to tie my children down so they don't move away.... Ok, I know....they must spread their wings and learn life on their own now... but it doesn't mean I have to like it....

4. What's your favorite movie soundtrack? 

 

Bram Stoker's Dracula, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and the current version of Phantom of the Opera.

5. Describe the best view you've seen from a rooftop?

 

One of the best views that come to mind is spending the night in Hollywood, California with my friends and renting a hotel on Sunset Strip, just to say we did it.  Hollywood at night, from the rooftops of a hotel....That was pretty amazing!

6. What's your least favorite thing about summer?

 

The record breaking heat...causing droughts...(in essence, doing away with most water sources that allows mosquitoes to breed)...and not being able to sit out in my backyard because of it.  Makes me feel like I'm living in a Convection oven...I lived in the Mojave Desert for 8 years, it wasn't nothing compared to this soup we have to breathe every day!  Where's the snow when you REALLY need it?

7. Our weekly Hodgepodge lands on the first day of August. In ten words or less sum up your July.

 

Stayed out of the hospital for once!

 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

 

There are 3 things in life you need: Fortitude, Tenacity and Guts. Fortitude to stand, no matter what, Tenacity to stick with it and Guts to deal with whatever is in front of you.

Quilters Question?

Before getting to the actual question, I have to share a story my grandmother told me.  She told me that "Mammy", my great-grandmother, loved to quilt with scraps and old fabrics from shirts, curtains, sheets and pillow cases.  (1920's and throughout the Great Depression).  Just before she passed away  she gave her daughter (my grandma) her remaining quilt tops, 19 of them.  When all was said and done and my aunts and my dad stopped having children, there ended up being 19 grandchildren.  I just thought that was a neat family story and I wanted to share.

 Here are a couple of pics of the quilt that I was given.  I've used it on my bed for several years now under my bedspread and above the flat sheet.  It's still in fabulous shape. When my grandmother put the back and the binding on, she did it by hand, as well as the quilting part of it.  There is no batting. 

I wanted to know if there was any way that it could be preserved so that it doesn't fall apart in the future. I love using it and was wondering if there is any preventative measures I should take...other than putting it in a box somewhere until the moths find it.  Thanks for any advice!

My feline owner, Bella

Tricia from http://bluffareadaily.blogspot.com/  posted in her blog about her "Lil Man" and he is absolutely Beautiful!

And he could be my owner's twin brother!  So I wanted to share this with you as well!

 This first picture..I was going to enter a sweepstakes from Arm & Hammer Kitty Litter and one of the rules was I had to pick one of their cartoon graphics to add to the photo of my kitty, so hence the cartoon collar.

 This picture is her favorite way to sleep...and it's usually on MY side of the bed.  Since I really hate to disturb her beauty rest, I end up at the end of the bed, curled up in the fetal position, trying to get a good nights rest!

 This was the same day my new furniture was delivered.  She automatically had to establish her ownership rights so, she picked the most inconvenient spot to watch t.v.. We had to wait until her program was over before using the couch.  Good thing I had an overstuffed chair and a recliner to sit in.

 This is Bella...again, asserting her divine queenship over my overstuffed chair, resting in her favorite snoozing pose.  Yes, she is sleeping.  Blessed baby!

5 question Friday

1} What do you call them- flip flops, sandals, thongs, or slippers? 
Personally, I don't call them any of those....I call em "flippers" because that's what they sound like when folks walk with them on..."fliiiip" "fliiip"

2} Are you a "my kids can do no wrong" kind of mom or a "Johnny punched you? Well what did you do to him first?!" kind of mom? 
I'm a what did you to to him first kind of mom...but, then again, if I find out mine started it...there will be consequences.

3} Would you confront a good friend that looked/looks down on your husband/significant other? No, I really don't think I would.  I'm very open and honest with my friends and they are with me, so "confronting" wouldn't really apply.  One of my best friends, Tammy, didn't like my husband at all but still stood up with me as my maid of honor when I married him.  Unfortunately, she was right about him and although it took me 17 years to finally figure that out, she has still remained one of my best friends.

4} Biggest pet peeve? When someone breaks the sound barrier to jump in front of you on the freeway and then drops down to slug speed. 

5} What's your favorite take out meal?
My favorite take out meal would have to be Little Caesars pizza and most importantly their bread sticks!!

Thursday 13 with Joyce

Sounds from my childhood:

1.  Coal train tooting it's whistle.
2.  Boblo Boat (the ferry that took us to Boblo Island, an amusement park on a Canadian Island in the middle of the Detroit river).
3.  The Faygo theme song!  Recorded on the Boblo Boat!  Faygo Pop theme song
4.  The roller coasters and the amusement park sounds from Cedar Point, OH!! Good times!

          Cedar Point is a 364-acre amusement park located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio, United States. Opened in 1870, it is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the United States behind Lake Compounce.

5.  Nature sounds from Bambi Lake Baptist Retreat in Roscommon, MI.

6.  My granddaddy snoring.

7.  The craa-aa-aack of a baseball bat hitting the ball on Opening Day in Tiger Stadium.

8.  Ernie Harwell, Tigers Baseball announcer.

9.  The sound of the whippoorwills, at night, while sitting on my great aunt Myrtle's place in Greenfield, TN.

10. The sound of a Gordie Howe hat trick during a Red Wings hockey game.  A Gordie Howe hat trick is when one player scores a goal, notches an assist and gets into a fight all in the same game (a natural Gordie Howe hat trick occurs when a player does all three in one period).

Wednesday Hodge Podge

1. The summer Olympics begin next week and London is playing host. If you had the chance to go in person what (non-Olympic) London site would you most like to visit?

I'd love to see the West End and Soho.  I love the arts and the shopping.  I'd also absolutely adore to visit the London Street Markets!!

2. What is something in your life right now that feels like an Olympic event?

Getting out of bed!! I seem to be having a difficult time getting over my extended hospital stay and truly worried about something else being wrong.  But other than that....I'm doing great!

3. What's your favorite supper to prepare and serve when it's too hot to cook?

A marinated veggie tray with some cold cuts and a salad.  It just seems to hit the spot.  Sometimes I will add whatever fresh fruit is in season.  Like right now, the peaches and the grapes are sublime!

4. July 18th is National Get Out of the Doghouse Day...when was the last time you were 'in the doghouse?'

Welllllll....... right after I got out of the hospital....(after being told I couldn't smoke anymore).... I was sharing a cigarette with one of my best friends...and dad caught me.  I'm almost 43 years old and I got "busted" for smoking a cigarette.  He was definitely NOT a happy camper.  He even "peached" on me on Facebook! 

5. What television commercial do you find particularly irritating or inappropriate? You may not answer with 'all of them'. I know some of you were thinking about it. 

Those "Enzyte" commercials with "smiling Bob" and his "appreciative wife".  How an herbal supplement can enlarge a man's penis and make his wife "extremely happy" and the neighbors jealous is beyond me.  Wikipedia states that the founder and his grandmother were convicted on criminal charges and they went bankrupt after collecting some $400 million dollars from the gullible consumers. Be very careful if you decide to try a "miracle drug" from t.v.

6. Share one interesting piece of news from the year you were born.

May 15, 1969 – An American teenager known as 'Robert R.' dies in St. Louis, Missouri, of a baffling medical condition. In 1984 it will be identified as the first confirmed case of HIV/AIDS in North America.   July 4 – Michael Mageau and Darlene Ferrin are shot at Blue Rock Springs in California. They are the second (known) victims of the Zodiac Killer. Mageau survives the attack while Ferrin was pronounced dead-on-arrival at Kaiser Foundation Hospital - Richmond. 1969 was a year full of the "WOW" type of news.

7. What's the best part of your average day?

The best part of my average day is enjoying a favorite cup of coffee and some fresh zucchini bread.  Folks have been giving me zucchini after zucchini from their gardens in exchange for me making them my special zucchini bread.  *the recipe calls for 3C of zucchini, but I substitute 2C of it with 1C of shredded apple and 1C of shredded carrots.*

 8. Insert your own random thought here.

Until you've lived my life and had my experiences, don't judge me.  There are reasons why I do what I do and I am who I am.

Another great book!

She started the story, that evening, as she always did.  Her children listened, wondering if she would finish it this time.  It starts out with the young girl falling in love with a prince and it continues until they secretly meet under the bridge in St. Petersburg Square, amidst the snow and the starry night sky.  They watched in fear, a black carriage pulling up to the young girl's building across the square, as the Black Knight and his minions drag her father out of the building and throw him angrily into the back of the carriage and drive off.  The prince tells the young woman to go home and be with her family and leaves her under the bridge, shivering from fear and the cold.  That's where the story ends...each time she tells it.  Her children beg for more but she rebuffs them angrily and walks upstairs to her bedroom, leaving them increasingly curious, disappointed, and resigned. 

This is a story that starts out in St. Petersburg, Russia and spans the decades to culminate in a story of death, separation, and loss in the war-torn world that Lenin created when he stormed St. Petersburg, and how love, hope and determination can outlast the tyranny of war.


Winter Garden by Kirsten Hannah

Follow Friday Four Fill in from Feeling Beachy and Five Question Friday from FiveCrookedHalos

This week’s statements:

1. My day always starts by ____
2. I prefer ___ to ____
3. I never thought I’d __________ until I __________
4. I wish I could ________ for ________________.


My answers:

1.  My day always starts by starting the coffee pot and feeding my feline owner, Bella. 

2.  I prefer Autumns in Michigan to any other season in any other state.  It's the only time and place that seems to just reach down into my soul and grabs a hold.  The smells, the air, the leaves, the apples and cider donuts, and the diminishing of mosquitoes  are the end all be all of creation!


3.  I never thought I'd be living in Missouri until it finally dawned on me that after 15 years, it looks like I'm staying for a minute or two.


4.  I wish I could influence the political decision makers for the benefit of all of mankind.  Voting is great and I'll be there with bells on in August and in November, eventhough I'm still upset that the one I voted for last time switched platforms AFTER he got elected....there should be a recall allowed when they switch sides...if not, a good fish-slapping with a halibut right across the noggin would be appropriate.  Might not change their minds and such, but it would sure make me feel better!
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. What's your view on men wearing sandals (yay or nay)?


Ideally?  Nay.  I prefer the dockers with no socks at all. But I can understand that mens' feet sweat as well as ladies' feet and for comfort's sake...sandals or flip flops might help alleviate their discomfort. But only if they do NOT wear socks with either.../shudder...that's sickening. I'm just sayin.......

 2. What song do you love but are embarrassed to admit?


I really don't have one...because I love Disney songs...my grandchildren and I sing at the top of our lungs when they come on...same with Veggietales and Christmas songs!  I like most all music (except for Opera) and not ashamed of any of it... It's part of who I am and I'm very proud of it...(I even love celtic bagpipes and Irish tapdancing)

3. What summer camp should they make for moms? 

They should make a summer camp for mom's that teaches them that no one is perfect, kids do NOT come with an instruction manual, wearing sweatpants and t-shirts to drop your kids off at school is perfectly fashionable, and teaches them how to have fun with little to no money.  They should have a few weeks of re-conditioning to remind them that YES, they are still women who are important, special, and have a job that would make most men cringe with fear...(child-raising).  Then, as an added bonus, teach them time-saving techniques and organizing skills that would shame Martha Stewart.


4. What is the most romantic song? (Not necessarily your favorite or your wedding song...)

The most romantic song that I can think of is "Everything I Do, I Do it for You" sung by Bryan Adams, Sting, and Rod Stewart

5. Do you have an embarrassing pregnancy story?


Absolutely.  With my first daughter, I gained quite a bit of weight...73lbs to be exact...didn't help that I had toxemia and she was an 8lb 2oz baby, but as you can imagine...lotta weight = bigger than normal boobs.  In about my 8th month, I was sitting in church one Sunday morning and she was right under my rib cage when she decided to start doing somersaults and jumping jacks.  My stomach was rolling and bumping like I was at a Run DMC concert...fairly uncomfortable...then she decided to start kicking upwards....so every 2-3 min or so, ONE boob would get kicked almost up to my chin....and she wasn't prejudiced....she kicked both of them...just not at the same time.  Needless to say, the song leader of our church at the time apparently noticed and could not for the life of him stop giggling.  I was sure glad when it was time to go home.

I'M BACK!!

I am back after a hiatus that lasted entirely too long!  I have truly missed everyone of you and I hope to reacquaint myself with the blogging world!  I've missed too many opportunities to share life with everyone!  Yippee!!!

Kelly: Missing in Action!

Just a quick note to let everyone know, I haven't disappeared...just dealing with a couple of health issues right now!  I will be blogging again in no time! Hope to see you soon!  Love and hugs! Kelly

Kelly@CCCC Hodgepodge-Volume 67

Questions for the Wednesday Hodgepodge-Volume 67

1. February 22nd is National Be Humble Day...what makes you proud? What keeps you humble?
My grandchildren keep me humble.  Looking at things, through their eyes, gives me a fresh perspective on life.

2. Where is the catch-all (aka dumping ground) in your house?
My bedroom, which totally stinks!  If no one knows where to put something, they put it in my room.  If someone is cleaning and comes across something they don't want to fool with, they put it in my room.  I think that "out of sight = out of mind" is a pervasive philosophy in my house and I think "mama" has decided that some things are gonna change...... =P

3. Do you make it a point to visit State/National Parks when you travel or even in your own hometown? What's your favorite?

Not really, to be honest.  Most State/National Parks around here are so "commercialized" and touristy that there is nothing special to them.  I rather prefer to head out into more natural surroundings.  It doesn't feel so "tainted" that way.

4. How would you define honor?
I would define "honor" as doing the "right thing" by someone; by giving your word and following through on promises made; by standing fast and looking out for the underdog.  There's a country song that immediately came to mind and the chorus states, "You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything.  You've got to be your own man, not a puppet on a string.  Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name.  You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything." by Aaron Tippin.  Seems that covers a good portion of it.

5. Angel's food or Devil's food-which cake do you prefer?

Devil's food cake, all the way!  I love the rich, moist chocolate cake over the dry, spongy texture of the Angel food cake!

6. What's the most recent road trip you've taken? Where did you go and how many hours did you spend in the car? Do you like to zoom to your destination without stopping or leisurely wind your way there with stops along the way? What is your car snack of choice?
The most recent road trip I've taken was last month when I drove up to Ohio, with my dad, to visit my best friend, Nani.  It took us about 10 hours to get there and we spent about 8 of those in the car.  I hate "zooming" to my destinations.  I want to stop and look around, search for local Starbucks, try new food, etc.  My car snack of choice are Apple Cinnamon Quaker Mini Rice Cakes and either a diet coke or a coffee!

7. Recent headlines told how a preschool child in NC had their packed lunch from home taken away and a school lunch substituted by a school inspector who deemed the homemade lunch unhealthy. Reportedly the parent was then billed for the school lunch (chicken nugget meal) although an update to the story says the parent was not billed. The inspector was conducting a routine inspection of the classroom-he/she was not there solely to peek in the lunchboxes. The packed lunch contained a turkey and cheese sandwich, an apple juice box, a bag of chips, and a banana. You can read the story here. Your thoughts?

My thoughts on this? Immediately, it really makes me mad.  We [the USA] have not quite yet descended into becoming a communistic society, but it brings us one step closer.  Routine inspection, my arse!  Did the "idea-fairy" just decide to smack the inspector upside the head and say, "Hey, lets look in the lunches to check for pipe bombs and such".  Um, dude....it's a preschooler and this is not Uganda, where even children are booby-trapped with bombs.  Oh, I could definitely get on a soapbox here, but suffice it to say, I'm not a happy camper!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Mothers of teenagers NOW know why animals eat their young!

Most Unique thing I own...

The most unique thing that I own would be a sculpture I bought several years ago.  It's one of a man hugging a woman from behind and her arms are up in the air in absolute trust, love and security.  When I saw it, it struck a chord deep within my heart and I just had to have it!

I have it on a shelf in my bedroom and whenever I start feeling a little melancholy or humdrum, I'll look at it and instantly it warms my heart.

Creative Craftiness... Help?!

http://coffeecupchristianity.blogspot.com/p/journey-with-creativity.html

I posted this when I first started to blog last month.  I would love some input or pictures or any advice you could share in regards to creating a Handmade Victorian Christmas.... I have 10 months left.... =)~

Any suggestions or links would be absolutely awesome!! Thanks so much!

Meet Me on Monday

It is Monday and I am joining Acting Balanced`for Meet Me On Monday.  It is a bloghop.  If you have a blog you should hook up with us.  It is loads of fun!

The five questions for this week are:

1. What is your favorite kind of soup?
2. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?
3. What is your least favorite TV program?
4. If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
5. What 3 places that are on your bucket list to visit?

My answers are:

1. My favorite kind of soup would have to be Cheesy chunky potato soup!  It's filling, so you don't have to eat five bowls to get satisfied.... =P , the deep smoky flavor from the bacon and ham is just enough to make you almost believe that you are down home on a farm, and the cheddar cheese melted in with the soup...it's to die for!  Cut a chunk of crusty french bread to go with it and you have the perfect meal!

2.  The last movie I seen in a theater was New Moon, with my godson, Jacob.  It was his birthday and that's what he wanted to do!  We had a blast together that day!

3.  My least favorite TV programs would have to be soap operas.  The unrealistic plots are always the same, you can pretty much predict who is going to end up with whom, and who's going to die and be resurrected by the following season.  I get way more drama than I need just in real life alone!

4.  Actually I have seriously considered writing a book about my life!! But for now, I've made it an extra tab on my blog called, "Memoirs of a Messed Up Mom".  (I have a weird sense of humor!)

5.  Three of the places that are on my bucket list to visit, (there are way more than three, but for these purposes, I will follow directions!)  Tuscany, Italy; Prague, Czech Republic; and anywhere in Ireland.  Tuscany because I fell in love with it after watching Under the Tuscan Sun.  It just looks so romantic and the scenery was absolutely beautiful!  Prague, because of the architecture.  So beautiful and it stirs something deep inside that made me fall in love!  Ireland, because that's where my roots originated from and I would love to see the beauty and the natural landscapes with my own two eyes.  I've imagined it for a long time, hearing my relatives talk so much about "the home country".

10 Random Things about Kelly

1.  I love cherry pie, cherry kool-aid, cherry flavor in almost everything, but I can't stand whole cherries.  Go figure.  I'm pretty positive it's the texture.
2.  I enjoy discovering out of the way boutiques and thrift stores.  It is totally cool to find something that you really don't have a use for, but wouldn't dare consider leaving the store without it!  (ok, ok, I've gotten much better about that....but still!)
3.  I love classical piano and my favorite artist is George Winston.  Most of his music is so soothing, and on my off days, I can sit and listen to his "Thanksgiving" for hours.
4.  I have one sister and one brother but I'm an only child. =)~
5.  I cannot stand bad grammar.  Words like "brung", "tooken", etc., (grrr...it's "BROUGHT" and "TAKEN"!!) And I truly don't mean to be pompous-sounding, but those two words will illicit an automatic response of correction.
6.  I'm a behind the scenes, take-no-recognition type of person.  I love how things work, I just don't want any credit for it.  Yes, it totally contradicts my extroverted type personality, but I really enjoy watching others enjoy themselves!
7.  I say what I mean and I mean what I say.  Life is difficult enough without having to try and interpret what others really mean.
8.  I love the concept of blogging.  My technologically-illiterate brain still fights me at times...but I'm learning.  It's a slow process! But I'm having fun.
9.  When I met Nani, my best friend, and the "Zoo-crew" after my accident, I was totally terrified.  I was 18 years old, my front teeth were gone or broken, I was wearing a neck and back brace, on crutches, with a bicycle-pump-looking thing with screws sticking out of my left leg.  My thoughts were, "How are they going to be able to "see me" through all this hardware and outward appearances?"  I was pleasantly surprised.  They looked at me, said, "Hi", and resumed their conversation, including me when applicable.  They didn't treat me "different" or as a "freak".  I was amazed and, of course, I fell in love with everyone of them.  Including Nani's mom, Jan.  That day was one of the most pivotal days in my life.  Twenty four years later and counting..... I love you Nani, Scott, Jeff, Sheri, Jan, and John!  (Rest In Peace Jan and John, may angels keep you surrounded in love and peace.)
10.  The most important things in my life are God, family, and friends. I would be lost without even one of them.

Friday Fill ins from Nani's Blog

This week’s statements:
1. Sometimes I ____
2. I ___ high school
3. Deciding what to ___________________________ before I ___________________ is such a pain sometimes
4. _________________is my favorite_________________


My answers:

1.  Sometimes I get really goofy with my grandkids.  We'll put in a Veggietales or a Wiggles dvd and we will dance all over the living room singing at the top of our lungs!  I promise you that they last a lot longer than I do!

2.  I wished I had only gone to one high school.  I went to 3.  Ferndale High School, in Ferndale, MI; Romeo High School in Romeo, MI; and Hazel Park Senior High School in Hazel Park, MI from where I graduated from.  It was rough because at that point in my life I was fairly shy and it was difficult to make friends easily.  Once I hit Hazel Park High, I connected with some of my friends from middle school/junior high, so it wasn't as difficult.  But I miss the drama club, the french club, the debate club, and I miss the feeling of energy and promise upon graduation!

3. Deciding what to wear before I go to church is such a pain sometimes.  My weight fluctuates fairly regularly and it's difficult to know what will fit on any given Sunday!!

4.  Writing is my favorite pastime.  I enjoy creating story lines and character developments and I actually started writing my very first novel a couple of years ago...although I have put it in storage for now.  So many things going on in my life at the moment, it's hard to cultivate some serious creative inspiration!  I will get back to it soon.  I always feel like a part of me is missing when I'm not writing.

Mississippi Musings

On the first of this month, I took my dad and my grandson, Devin, up to Cape Girardeau for my dad's birthday.  After we did some shopping and had some lunch, we went down to the Mississippi River.  In downtown Cape, there is a historic area where they built a stone wall between the river itself and some train tracks.  On this stone wall, are pictures that were hand painted with different milestones throughout the midwest history.  Lewis and Clark murals, meeting with Native American tribes, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn type adventures with Samuel Clemens aka "Mark Twain". I was inspired to take some pictures and do a bit of blogging on it.  (I am still getting the hang of blogging, but I think I've made some progress!)  Here is the first picture, when we first pulled up to the tracks into the parking slots.

You can even see the mighty Mississippi, off to the left, with the all too familiar sight of a barge being pushed by a much smaller boat.

It was rather comical, me urging my 4 yr-old grandson, Devin, closer to the water's edge so that I could get a picture of him with the barge moving behind him.  He was pretty amazed at how that little white boat on the far left of the picture could push ALL that cargo AND keep the whole thing going in the direction it was supposed to go.  He told me, "MiMi? When I try to do that in the bathtub all my stuff just goes everywhere!"  Just precious....

Here's another one coming from the opposite direction.  As they pass each other, Devin is trying to pull the imaginary "18-wheeler horn" in hopes that it will work here too!  Unfortunately, I don't think the ships' captains were really paying attention.  Too bad!

I took some pictures of the wall when we first pulled up, as well as a longer one that gives you an idea of how much time and effort went into creating this work of art along the river.

Turning to my left, I took this one....

The level of detail that went into these murals is incredible and I know that my itty-bitty iphone camera did not even come close to capturing that.  What was really interesting is that after we went through the opening in the wall, we discovered that the other side of the wall, that faces the river, was also painted, but this time with the history of Cape Girardeau.  Again, another amazing site.

There's Devin, and my dad, David..the birthday boy!  They are facing the river, while my back is to the river to take their picture.  It was a beautiful day!

The last two shots are of my grandson posing!  He's so adorable!

So, this is how we spent our day, with family, fun, and the mighty Mississippi!

Vintage Thingies from Kelly

I love this re-purposed, wrought iron table! The "birds" hanging from the trees above it just set the scene so beautifully!

Melancholy & Humdrum

You ever have those days where time feels like the enemy and you just wish you weren't human?  I'm having one of those days...weeks...months?

In this "politically correct" world we live in, sometimes I get tired of always searching for the right thing to say.  (Not hateful, spiteful, condescending, or racist or anything of that matter).  But dealing with someone who has grated on your nerves and done everything in their power to continue using you as lawn fertilizer just gets frustrating.  There are so many things you shouldn't say, want to say, and things that even just need to be said.  But being the good, little "poli-correct" girl, that I try to be, I say the placating things that just keeps things calm.

Does this mean that I'm a nice person? Does it mean that I'm a "peacemaker"? Or does this just mean that I'm a hypocrite for not saying the things that I truly want to say, come what may...regardless the feelings involved?

My husband of 17 years is seeing someone else.  Although we've been separated for a couple of years, we still saw each other on a regular basis, ie; going to dinners, holiday things, birthday things, just hanging out, and even going to church together.  We were going through a "getting to know you again" period, that I had hoped would yield better results than finding out from my 4-yr old grandson that "pawpaw" sleeps on the couch with "heather".  For several weeks apparently...all the while, talking me up about working on our relationship, how much he loves me, and how much he desperately wants to reconnect and get back to a healthy relationship.

Granted, we've been separated for quite a while.  So was this my fault?   I refused to let him back into the household until we got things totally squared away...which I guess was optimistic on my part.  But do you go from professing your "love" for someone to that same evening "shacking up" with another woman?  I truly don't know how to feel about this.

Part of me wants to just scream, throw a tantrum, get evil, and look for paybacks.  Another part of me just wants to let bygones be bygones and carry on.  (Divorced, obviously).  And yet, there is another part that feels an absolute sense of relief, as if a giant weight has been lifted from my shoulders.  Do I cry for all those lost years?  Do I cry for the lost "future" we could have had together? Should I be relieved to not have to continue being politically correct all the time, trying to be the "better" person?  Or should I just jump for joy, hoot and hollar, and go about my merry way?  I'm totally at a loss right now?

I know this is a bit  of a personal post, but I would really appreciate some advice or some girl rally time.  Any input would be welcome!  Thanks for reading, Kelly.

Beautiful furniture!

I love your series on Vintage Thingie Thursdays! I really enjoy looking at all the wonderful things that everyone posts!  Some of the items are just exquisite!  Here is my contribution!

I love the toile design to begin with, it just seems so romantic and inviting.  Reminds me of my granddaddy who passed away 2 months before my first daughter was born.  I know that sounds a bit weird, but he had a set of dishes that had the blue french toile design on the them and the passion for those patterns and that style has stayed with me.

Kelly@CCCC Hodgepodge Wednesday

1. The NFL playoffs were held this past weekend and this year's Superbowl lineup will feature The New York Giants versus The New England Patriots. How do you define 'patriot'?  Someone who will stand up for their beliefs, religion, family, friends, and country.

2. What's something in your life right now that feels like a 'giant'?  Waiting to be able to organize and put my very first craft room together and make it functional.  At the moment, the room that was supposed to be my craft room has current tenants.....

3. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think back to being 18?  Flying through the air at about 35mph headfirst into a telephone pole. =P

4. Coconut-mashed potatoes-vanilla ice cream-mayonnaise...which white food would be the hardest to give up?  Would definitely be the mashed potatoes.  I'm not big on any of the others.

5. Describe an incident or a day you remember as the coldest you've ever experienced?  Just before Halloween one year, I rode on the back of a motorcycle from Albuquerque to Colorado Springs (about a 9-10 hour drive).  By the time we got to the border, at Raton Pass, we stopped at McDonalds to warm up.  I was so frozen that I needed assistance to get off the bike.

6. You're hosting a brunch...what's your favorite dish to prepare and serve?  My favorite dish to prepare is French Toast.  I add vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the mix and I use only Texas Toast.  Then just before serving, I sprinkle with powdered sugar.  yummmm, making me hungry now....

7. How do you combat negative thinking?  I look at all the hate, violence, wars, divorce, hunger, homelessness, and neglect that goes on in the world, and it reminds me that my life isn't that bad, that it could always get worse.

8. Insert your own random thought here.   "To know that life is endless, puts new purpose in our days, and fills our hearts with joyous songs of hope and love and praise."  Helen Steiner Rice.

I learned something new!

The Spirit of the Lord was in the house tonight!! Goosebumps all up and down my arms and back!  The music was incredible and made you just want to jump up and start dancing in front of the Lord, as King David did. The message was equally so!

Well, did you know that the same mountain (Mt. Moriah) that Abraham was called to sacrifice his son, Isaac, is the same mountain that Jesus Christ hung on the cross when He died for me?  I didn't, until tonight, that is.  God doesn't condone human sacrifice, EVER.  When He asked Abraham to kill his son and sacrifice him, it was to test Abraham's faith and trust in the Lord.  The Lord spared Isaac from that horrific death and yet sent His own Son, Jesus, to bear all the sins of the world, past, present, and future, as He hung dying on Calvary.  It's amazing to look at the big picture and see how in control God has been since the beginning when He created this world.

One of our missionaries from Quebec, Canada, French speaking Brother Michel Poirier, visited us tonight and preached the gospel.  He is one of the missionaries that we sponsor who goes to Port au Prince, Haiti, to start churches, give donations he receives from the churches in our association, and provides medical aid to those victims who are still trying to recover from that awful earthquake that devastated them not too long ago.  Some of the stories he told us tonight were sad and some were inspirational.

All of the missionaries, across the globe, need our prayer.  Their ministries, to save a lost and dying world, are needed so desperately.  The aid, the love, and the support they show to those who wouldn't otherwise receive is the only light that many of these folks will ever see.

aVintage Green: Organization - Tool Drawers in Kitchen

aVintage Green: Organization - Tool Drawers in Kitchen

Out of the mouths of babes

My ex-husband kidnapped my two youngest children, my daughter was four and my son was almost two. It took almost three years to get them back. So I missed a lot of milestones. When they were returned, there was much damage control that needed to be accomplished. One of our first trips was camping on Current River, in Doniphan, MO. We got to the campsite late, I was beyond stressed trying to make everything perfect, the two youngest were arguing with the two oldest, and by 11:00pm I still didn't have the tent up.
I lost my temper and yelled at them and threatened that if they didn't knock it off, they would be sleeping in the woods!! Although they calmed down and waited for me to finish, I felt horrible.
The next morning, my youngest, my son came out of the tent as I was preparing breakfast for them and came over to me and gave me a big hug. He told me, "Mom, you seemed to be having a hard time last night so I prayed for you."
It was a simple statement and yet so profound at the same time. He was just four years old and in one sentence, had me on my knees, hugging him and crying.

The Lord blesses through hardships and diversity and my son reminded me of that on that one June morning.  This is my son, Stephen at the age of nineteen. 

Coffee Funnies

I love this!!

Coloradolady: Vintage Thingies Thursday: Information

Coloradolady: Vintage Thingies Thursday: Information

Vintage Thingie Thursday

 Recycled Garage/shed done in Vintage style! Isn't this beautiful?

Fox Hollow Cottage: Valentine Mantle & Felt Flower Tutorial

Fox Hollow Cottage: Valentine Mantle & Felt Flower Tutorial

aVintage Green: Organization - Storage Sheds/Units

aVintage Green: Organization - Storage Sheds/Units

From This Side of the Pond: Hodgepodge Questions-Vol 62

From This Side of the Pond: Hodgepodge Questions-Vol 62

Tell Me Tuesday

http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/2012/01/tell-me-tuesday-week-three-question.html

Week Three Question:  What is the most important lesson you learned in the past year?

I think that the most important lesson I've learned is that regardless of where you are at, it depends on your state of mind as to where "home" is.

I grew up just outside of Detroit, MI.  That will always be Home (capital "H").  The place that sank into the very fabric of my being from the day I was born.  Motown, Greektown, Cranbrook University, Boblo Island, (which is, from what I understand, now a gated community: no longer a carnival/theme park.), Coney dogs, and Dunkin' Donuts.  These are just a few of the things that I loved so much growing up. One of my best friends posted this on Facebook and it fits so well that I'll re-post here. There is a certain amount of pride when discussing the place where you were raised and that pride, I have in abundance.

"I was raised in Michigan, where we use our hand as a map, the number one industry is tourism, and automobiles came from. More varieties of trees than all of Europe, more water front property than the entire Atlantic coast. Hitsville USA - Motown. Where Tim Allen, Alice Cooper, Madonna, Bob Seger, Diana Ross, Eminem, Stevie Wonder, Robin Williams, and Kid Rock are from. A vacation was to Cedar Point, Lake Michigan, Up North, or a drive across the bridge or tunnel to Canada. We love Faygo, Better Made Chips, Vernors, and Mackinaw Island Fudge. We know that the UP is a place not a direction. We know that Kalamazoo not only exists, but you drive through it to get to Climax and Hell. We play Euchre, swim in lakes, fish, and camp. We bake with "soda" and drink "pop". We measure distance in hours. We can drive 65 mph in a foot of snow or a blizzard and not even flinch."