Little Things in Life...

Project Time! ~Tray~

2009-12-30T23:20:00.000-06:00

Everyone else is posting Tablescapes, Holiday Decorating, New Years Eve plans, menu, etc. Me, a project! A craft!

In my archives you will see where I went 'thrifting' and found a silver plate tray. And promised to post more about that tray in the future. (Tray in the upper left.)

Thanksgiving 2008 I displayed my faux turkey, leaves and gourds in it.

Christmas 2008 I displayed my bisque nativity in it.

This year it has under gone a transformation.

Here you see my price tag. $2.48. And I think blue stickers were marked down that day.

You can see there are spots where the silver has come off and a little rust has set in.

Primed with what ever I had that needed to be used up.

Added the color I wanted and an additional coat...

Then added a couple of layers of Chalk paint.

I dropped some chalk paint on the edge. When I tried to clean it up, I got this effect. Loved it!!! Added it to the project. :-) Aren't mistakes great blessings!

Hey, Alabama won SEC Championship and is headed to the Nationals! Merry Christmas will have to wait until next year.

ROLL TIDE ROLL! One more week!

Christmas Day

2009-12-25T23:24:00.000-06:00

New Camera!

Favorite Candy in Stocking...

Ed got a case of his favorite candy. It would not fit in his stocking.

LOL!

Favorite people.

New camera works well and this new movie was watched...

...so many times! Cute movie!

Turkey Breast Pot Roast Yum!

With potatoes and carrots!

Steamy green beans with almonds!

Our favorite rolls made from a secret recipe ;-)

Ed in his party hat that came out of his party cracker.

For dessert, our favorite! Vanilla ice cream with Martha Stewart's Hot Fudge Sauce. Oh yum! And only about 1000 calories!

The Cannon G11 does a pretty good job! Of course, I would like to think that the photographer had something to do with it. ;-)

I hope that everyone had a wonderful and Merry CHRISTmas!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T15:13:00.002-06:00

During this time that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I wish all of my friends in Bloggerville a very Merry Christmas!

Sunday Video ~Steven Curtis Chapman~

2009-12-13T07:40:00.000-06:00

All I really want for Christmas...

Sunday Video~Francesca Battistelli

2009-12-06T14:22:00.000-06:00

"I'm Letting Go...."

Enjoy!

Roll Tide Roll!

2009-11-27T18:52:00.001-06:00

Sunday Video~Francesca Battistelli

2009-11-21T21:55:00.001-06:00

~It's Your Life~

Who is watching you?
Who are you living for?

Nice Casual Table Setting & Turkey Post Roast

2009-11-18T22:21:00.002-06:00

I am doing one of those double post thingys. Very nice since these two are so close together. :-)

Thanks you Susan with Between Naps on the Porch for hosting TableScape Thursday every week.

And thanks to Gollum with Designs by Gollum for hosting Foodie Friday every Friday!

Please click on these links to to go these ladies blogs and see all the wonderful tables and food. A site to behold indeed! Many many ideas as well. Now for my post. ;-)

I wanted some plain dishes that I could use and mix and match as needed. And I need a 6 piece place setting. I found that set at... Big Lots! Actually that was 5 months ago. I found them onsale, 30+ piece set on sale for $19.99. At that price, I could use them once and donate them! It came with a serving platter and a large serving bowl, 6 of each: coffee cups, dinner plates, salad/luncheon plates, soup bowl and ....

Cereal Bowl. Yep, 6 (one was broken) honk'in big cereal bowls! 3 heaping cups of cheerios in the bowl! Can you say "Portions?" LOL!

I kept two of the bowls and I use them for serving bowl. :D they are a perfect size!

I love the creamy colour and how it stacks so well on the table.

I can mix and match anything with it. I love my fall napkins with the dishes.

The turkey plate looks great! The dinner plate almost looks like a charger.

Speaking of turkey....

Foodie Friday's menu is:

Turkey Post Roast
Kale
I started out with a 4lb boneless turkey breast. Any brand or size will do. If you have one of those really large crock pots, you can do a whole turkey.

As usual, I rarely measure anything. Just pour or shake until it looks right.

Or until my nose starts burning... I did use about 1/2 c of white cooking wine, 2 T of olive oil.

I chopped up some potatoes and carrots to cook with the turkey. You can add onion and celery, mushrooms, what ever your family will normally eat with a pot roast.

Put it all in a crock pot and let it cook all day.
Kale:
Wash kale very well and chop. Place in pot with a tad of salt, 3 cut winter onion, pepper, minced garlic, ham if you have it on hand.

Bring to a boil and turn heat down to a simmer. Cook until tender then add a tad of olive oil.

UMMMMMM UMMMMM ! this stuff is good!

Tender and juicy! Just plate it up and watch it disappear.

My family loves turkey cooked this way and I never throw any of it out. We often have leftovers for 2-3 meals. The turkey will also make wonderful sandwiches, if you have enough left over. It is very good!!! And anything that my family will eat, will make me happy to cook. You can put this in the crock for the day and supper ready that night!

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to go by Susan's blog Between Naps on the Porch to see more tablescapes or to participate in Table scape Thursday.

Then go by Gollums bog Designs By Gollum to see for food and recipes! Thank you ladies for hosting!.

Blue Monday & Bringing Justice to Bella!

2009-11-16T12:00:00.012-06:00

Good afternoon! Welcome to my Blue Monday Post. Thank you Sally for Hosting Blue Monday ever week. It has been a while since I have participated, but I have been collecting photos.... ;-)

I am going to have a double post type thing today. I hope you enjoy it!

Many of you have seen my chalk board before. I love it! Planning on making some for Christmas presents this year. Isn't that teacup pretty? $1.47 cents at The Foundry Thrift Store. Yep! Johnson Brothers. White bone china made in England. I thought only Manuel found bargains like that. I guess going to her blog has rubbed off on me. ;-) They only had one set, but I thought it would be perfect for holding my chalk and sponges I use for my chalk board! Kewl huh! I will photograph and talk about the lamp on another post. The coffee cup, I have several of. I think I paid $ for them some where, like our favorite place... the $$$$ tree? I don't remember. I have so many blue coffee cups from the $$$ tree. LOL my favorite place to buy them.

November is a time that we are thankful for so many blessings that God has given us. I am thankful for the wonderful Christian husband that God has given me. The blessing of a beautiful and sweet daughter who knows and loves the Lord.

November is also a month that churches are coming together and putting an emphasis on the orphans in our country and our world and an emphasis on adoption. Orphan Sunday was November 8th. There was a live event that was tele/webcast all over the country and to other parts of the world and what a blessing it was! If you did not get an opportunity to see it, either at your local church or online, I will post a link at the end of this post. You will be able to view it at your leisure.

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come for you. John 14:18
Did you know that in this country alone, there are over 140,000 children in the foster system? Most need homes and need them soon. What would happen if the churches stood up and did what God commanded us to do and care for the fatherless? This number would be...zero. Worldwide, the number of orphans run into the millions! What a testimony it would be for the Christians to step forward and not just support these children, but give them a family, a home. A Godly Christian home and a loving family...

Many feel lead to answer the call that God has put on their hearts. Adoption is expensive. Whether through children's services, domestic or foreign, it is very costly. Often times a family who does a foreign adoption will plan on one child and come home with multiples. Because of this expense, many couples are coming up with creative ways to pay for adoptions in order to not go into debt or add on additional debt. You might say, "but what about the 'tax credit'?" It is nominal compared to the overall expense.

I want to introduce to you one such family, the Wilbanks. (Don't you think a little girl would look precious between these 2 boys?!? I do!)

You can read more about their testimony of God's calling here on their blog Bringing Justice to Orphans . They are in the process of adopting a baby girl from India. Her name is Bella. They are using their blog as one source of raising money toward Bella's adoption expenses and have opened a Just Love Coffee store on their blog! $5 from of every bag of coffee purchased from the Wilbanks' Coffee Store goes into a fund to help in offsetting Bella's adoption expenses. I know most of y'all love good coffee. (I read about your coffee drinking on your blogs all the time! :-D) And let me tell you, Brittnie would not be selling it if it was not good! B/c like me, she is picky about her coffee. Feel free to post a link to their Wilbanks' Coffee Store on your side bar, just as I have done.
I also told you I would post a link for Orphan Sunday Webcast. Fix yourself a cuppa, sit back and enjoy!

Don't forget to go by our wonderful Hostess' blog, Smiling Sally, and check out the other Blue Monday Posts that are linked there. You may even want to participate!

Sunday Video

2009-11-15T06:18:00.001-06:00

A beautiful ballad by Steven Curtis Chapman. He sang this at the Cry of the Orphan Concert. A true testimony to his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Enjoy.

Chic Day!

2009-11-11T22:11:00.009-06:00

Have y'all missed me! I have missed you! Very much. Looking forward to blogging more in the future. :-)

Today I am participating in Tablescape Thursday hosted by Susan of "Between Naps on the Porch". Thank you Susan for hosting! After reading my post, stop by her blog to see more Tablescape posts. Many beautiful ideas there!

Wed the 11th, being Veterans Day (Veterans and those currently serving in our armed forces, thank you so much for your service to our country.) school was out. DD and I had a long awaited "Chick Day" planned. We were going to watch Sense and Sensibility (the PBS one with Hugh Grant...), but somehow we watched Spiderwick. I guess you could make that a "Chick Flick" if you use your imagination hard enough. LOL! Then we went on a bike ride. That was fun and we had the perfect weather for it.

Now our "Chick Days" always involve going to a Tea Room. DD and I just love Miss Rosemarie's Tea Room in Hoover, Alabama.

And I thought, "I will get photos of the Table Scapes as well, and I will participate in Susan's Tablescape Thursday!"

Miss Rosemarie's tables are always beautiful! Lovely china, some matching, some not.

She has shelves of teapots, tea cups, teas (many her own blends), cookbooks and other wares for sale all about the tearoom.

DD is hungry! Looking forward to FOOD!

Most of the tables are antiques or vintage.
She has a layer of glass over all of them to protect the finish.

Each table also has a Mint Julip cup with roses. Very pretty.

The tea of the day is Orange Spice! Only served this time of year. It is wonderful!

DD got a tall glass of Sweet Iced Blackrasberry Tea. It is so good!

DD ordered Roast Beef with Tomato Basil Soup.

I ordered quiche, crab crapes, salad and a cup of mushroom soup. YUM!

I love Miss Rosemarie's soups. And I love how it is served in this lovely tea cup!

No more pictures mom!!! (She cleaned her plate and bowl!)

I had a Walnut Maple Scone for dessert,
but it jumped into my tummy before I could take a photo! ;-)

I just love all these tea sets.

Don't forget to stop by Susan's blog, Between Naps on the Porch, to see more table scape posts or to participate yourself!

And if you are ever in the Hoover/Birmingham Alabama area, go by Miss Rosemarie's tea room. You will not be disappointed.

A kewl thing I forgot to mention about Miss Rosemarie's Tea Room is, if you are wearing dark clothes you get a black linen napkin. If you are wearing light colored clothes you get a white linen napkin. Reason? Lint that the napkin leaves behind. :-) Rosemarie, who usually wears dark slacks or skirt, told me once that she always hated going into a restaurant, place a white linen napkin on her lap and have the lint on her clothes the rest of the day. And the black napkins do the same thing to lighter clothing. So she keeps plenty of both. Great idea!

Over the Rainbow Bridge

2009-11-05T16:41:00.005-06:00

My DD's little Budgie hen, Candie, (right) passed away earlier today. She leaves behind her husband of 4 years, "Tweety" (left) and one son, Elvis. (Yellow Harliquin on the sidebar.)

She started showing signs of congestive heart failure in late July. 2-3 weeks ago, had some sort of stroke that crippled her on the right side. Tweety cared for her by helping her move around the cage, get to the water and by feeding her. We attached the nesting box to the cage as it kept her from having to perch. She stayed in there most of the time as Tweety would get her food and water when she needed it.

It was a very sweet love story to watch.

With the help of a friend, DD buried her later this afternoon. Rest in peace little one.

Photography Special!!!

2009-10-29T11:07:00.002-06:00

I am currently offering a Fall Portrait Special on my Business Blog. Go to Images by "Missy" to check it out!

I Broke a Promise to My Husband....

2009-10-08T20:57:00.011-05:00

...that I made to him 17 years ago and last week I made Tuna Casserole!!! Just before we married, (17 years ago Saturday) he made me promise that I would never make and serve him Tuna Casserole. I have gone 17 years without Tuna Casserole!!! And I have really been craving it. Yum yum!

Look at this delicious mixture. Light chunk and albacore tuna, cream of mushroom soup, fresh broccoli and grated cheese.

And cooked brown rice... yum!

I could not find any saltines, but I did find some wheat things so that is what I used. And added more cheese. Look at that hot bubbly cheese. Yum!!!h

Serve it up! A meal in one dish on a plate. Oh it is so good! DH took a small spoonful and asked that I never make it again. DD took one "thank you" bite then made herself a PBJ.

More for Me!!! :D

Tuna Casserole
2 cans of tuna~drained
Bag of frozen broccoli~Fresh works well too
1 Can of Campbells Cream of Mushroom Soup
Steamed rice
Diced or shredded cheese
Saltines

Mix together, pour up into 2qt casserole dish and bake in oven for about 30 minutes.

Thank you Gollum for hosting Foodie Friday. To see more Foodie Friday Treats go to Gollum's Blog.

A Tag and an Award!

2009-07-23T21:40:00.002-05:00

Several months ago, Sweet Robin at My Blessed Nest tagged me. (Actually she tagged me on my business blog, but I have decided to keep in only business and award/tag free so I am posting it here!) I have not been blogging very much. A couple of projects have kept me busy and I have been wanting to make summer fun for DD in my spare time!

I am to tell 6 things about myself and tag 6 more people.

I am a Christian. Accepted the Lord as my Savior when I was 7. I know, young, but that was when I knew I was a sinner and needed to ask Jesus into my heart. My SS teacher followed me to the alter and led me to the Lord. I will never forget it.
I am Baptist. Raised Southern Baptist. The church I go to is part of the Southern Baptist Convention, but is considered Reformed Baptist.
One of my hobbies is teaching exercise classes.
Another hobby is sewing and crafting. I started learning to sew when I was 5. That is started learning... There are no projects around from when I was 5.... They must not have been that good. LOL!
I was a brownie and a girl scout
I am a Freelance Photographer and you will see a link to my business blog over in my right sidebar.

Now to pass this tag onto 6 people. :D

Valerie at ~ It's a Wonderful Life ~She lives near me and one day we will meet!
Anya at ~ Hills Creek Quilter
Nina at ~ Portugal Bound
Kat at Kat's Corner
Debbie at Jadehollow
Stephanie at Lulu's Cottage

I am looking forward to visiting these fine ladies blogs and seeing what they say about themselves. And the rules are they are to tell 6 things about themselves and pass the tag along to 6 more people! Link back to the tagger's blog and link to the blogs you tag.

Now to show an Award.....

A sweet award from Valerie at It's a Wonderful Life... The Super Comments Award!

I feel very humbled and honored to be given this award, as I have not been much of a commenter of late.

I will pass this award to 6 people/bloggers.

Sally at Smilling Sally's Blog~ She never fails to comment. We could all learn from her. Thank you Sally for all of your encouragement to all of us bloggers!
Kitty at A bit of Fluff~Really Quite Messy ~ So sweet! And in her limited time for blogging, never fails to take the time to say "Hello!"
Nancy at ~Southern Lady~ and a true Southern Lady she is! And never fails to stop by to see what is going on.
Susan at A Southern Daydreamer ~ Runs her own Outdoor Wed Party every week, keep a busy schedule and still manages to speak to all her participants and comments on new posts. (She and Sally are toss ups for Comment Queens!)
Robin at My Blessed Nest ~ Who lives near me and one day, we will get to meet. :-)
C at Primitive Devotion ~ Missed her while she was gone and she is back with us! :-)

And the rules are they are to post the award and who awarded them with a link back to that the awarders blog and pass the blog to 6 other bloggers and link them to the post.

I hope everyone is having a great Thursday and planning on a wonderful weekend! Please take a moment to visit the above blogs, congratulate them and see what they have to say.

Hugs,
Missy

A Blue...

2009-07-05T23:05:00.004-05:00

... Red and White 4th of July!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. We certainly did.

Welcome to Blue Monday and thank you Sally (Smilly Sally's Blog) for hosting Blue Monday every week!

I wanted to share with you a few photos of my table.

I made this M&M tablecloth w/matching napkins many many years ago. My in-laws and I use it for every use it every patriotic holiday. Either at our house, the lake house (before FIL sold it) or at my IL's house. The napkins are a generous 22". When I make napkins, I make them big enough to cover your lap!!! Look at how the patriotic M&M's and the white stars stand out on the blue fabric.

And dessert! Luscious blueberries {yum!} on the fruit pizza! Look at that deep blue color! And so fresh and jucy! This is one of our favorite desserts

And we cannot forget table decorations! After reading about all the bargains Gloria got at the $$$ Tree a couple of weeks ago, I went there to see what I could find. Flag garland. I decorated the chandi with it, used it for napkin holders and decorated my teapot with it. Oh, and I had DH and DD pick up red and white flowers for me. Actually DH was afraid to pick out flowers and had DD do it. Didn't she do a great job! I am tired of always using a clear vase... and there was one of my tea pots sitting there. Just the perfect shade blue and there were even two Teapartys here in the B'ham area Sat. Perfect! (This pot btw also makes a perfect pot of tea!)

I hope that you enjoyed my Blue Monday Post. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I read each and everyone!

To see more Blue Monday Posts or to participated in Blue Monday, go to Sally's Blog~Smiling Sally.

Happy Fourth of July!

2009-07-03T08:06:00.015-05:00

God Bless America!

Wishing every one a happy and save 4th of July!

TableScape Thurs~The McLean House

2009-06-24T21:12:00.010-05:00

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday and thank you Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) for hosting your 44th TT!

In Appomattox, VA., where Robert E. Lee surrendered the Confederate troupes to General Grant, you will find the McLean house. It is a beautiful 3 story home.

The McLeans lived in Manassas, VA. He was a banker and also speculated in sugar. After the war started they moved to Appomattox, VA. History tells us it was because of 'business'. But there is also a legend that during the battle of Bull Run (Manassas), which was also the first battle of the Civil War, a cannon ball went through their Manassa home.

In their lovely home in Appomattox the kitchen was on the first/ground floor. The morning table setting of breakfast for the head cook, housekeeper or even Mrs. McLean would look something like this.

Mr. McLean would have had his afternoon tea set in his study much like this.I believe this is Flow Blue. I was behind a barrier and there was a big ranger woman watching me. I suppose she was afraid I would make off with the china....

On the ground floor, across from the kitchen, is the dinning hall. I bet there were many dances in there as well. I love those empire sideboards.... but this is about table settings. Mrs. McLean (or her servants) set a lovely table. And look at the painted cloth under the table. It is beautiful! Expensive for the day and forerunner to our vinyl tile.

Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. To see more Tablescapes or to Participate in Tablescape Thursday, go to Susan's blog Between Naps on the Porch .

VBS Crafts for 5th & 6th Graders

2009-06-24T08:56:00.003-05:00

You know, it is always hard to find a cool, challenging VBS Project for 5th & 6th graders and still stay with in budget. What I have found that works best, and it is not original with me as I believe the young lady who was in charge of A&C before me told me she did this. Take the budget you have been given, divide the number of classes/grades you have to supply and that is the limit that you give yourself to spend on each class/grade. And that is what I try to do.

We typically have fewer 5th and 6th graders, so we can spend a few more cents on a project per child. But keeping it age appropriate, fun, etc.... Some of these kids were dragged here kicking and screaming... After all, they are TWEENS!!! Some are in Middle School! The great thing about our church is we do not put a 6th grader in a dept with a 12th grader. Nor are they in the same dept with a kindergartner and 1st grader. The 5th & 6th graders have their own Department, their own minister, their own worship leaders, etc. They do not have to be with the little kids or pushed into a scene where they are not quite ready. And we must have some exciting things going on for them b/c we had record numbers of 5th and 6th graders sign up for VBS this year.

5th graders, we chose Painted Ceiling Tiles.

You can buy these by the 6 pack case at Lowes or Home Depot, cut them down to what ever your budget will allow. Kids of all ages love them. This year we selected a larger size and allowed the 5th graders to paint them.

Tempera Paints work best with ceiling tiles. You will need to add a tad of water to them.

We use the primary colors and colors the Aborigine would have used. Some of the children wanted to change things up a bit, so we had white and black on hand for them to do so.

Of course this being Hoover Bucs, Alabama and Auburn Territory, we always have to keep plenty of orange, black, orange, blue, red, grey and white around. However, I did not see much school spirit painting as I have seen in the past.

A young lady, who is a very talented artist and used to be in charge of the VBS A&C researched Aborigine art. Then she came up with some templates for the youth to use with their ceiling tiles. (Thanks Andrea!) And the children were educated on the Aborigine art and then they put their own ideas to work.

I think these 5th graders did a very good job!

They color washed the tile with a background paint one day and gave some thought to their designs. Maybe even doodled with a pencil.

The 2nd day they painted the designs.

We drilled 1/2 inch holes about 1 and 1/2 inches down from the top of the tile. Ran "springy" clothes line rope through and tied it in the back for hanging.

Ceiling tile craft ran around $1.00 per child. You can cut the cost down by cutting the tiles smaller.

6th Grad Craft! Covered Clipboards!

For this craft, we had a lot of supplies already on hand. Supplies such as scrapbook paper, fabric, duct tape, glue & paint. All we had to buy were the clipboards. And through a google search I found them for .77 cents a piece!!! Yes!!!

Since this was to be a pricey craft, we wanted it to be a "right of passage" for the oldest children. Most of them really enjoyed it. And did a fantastic job with their clipboards.

Here are 2 cloth covered ones. They were started on day one. Time was an issue here as we only had 2 days with the tracks being 25 minutes long.

Here are some others that also have fabric on them.

The boys used old blue jeans,, duct tape, really cool designs, but most of them had their names front and center and I did not feel good about putting those photos on my blog....

Here is a completed clipboard. It was done with scrapbooking paper.

Here this clipboard is completed and drying. It has the weeks memory verses included in the decoupage. We try to reinforce the Bible Study Lesson and Memory Verses in all of our crafts.

Day 1 complete the back. Day 2 complete the front.

Because we had so many of the supplies on hand, fabric donated, this craft ended up costing about .80 cents per child. Not one you could do with a large group or a small budget, but doable if you work your plan right.

We had contemplated not doing the Ceiling tiles with the 5th graders next year, but cutting them smaller and, again incorporating VBS/SummerQuest theme, using it for a younger grade. However, I have a 4th grader going into 5th. And DH and I teach 4th graders. They are all 'abuzz' about getting to do ceiling tile painting next year....

Please let me know if you found these posts on VBS Crafts helpful.

I think the ceiling tiles were a hit! And we can give Glory to God!

Mosaic Crosses~VBS Craft

2009-06-19T21:09:00.008-05:00

Our 4th grade craft was an Australian Mosaic Cross. My heart was set on Didgeridoos, but my sources for bamboo kept falling through. And what happened to all that bamboo at the $$$ Tree? Last year they had them by the cases. I never could find them this year. They never did get it at the Old Time Pottery Barn either.

One of the ladies who helped me with the selection of the crafts found the wooden crosses and plastic mosaics online.

$5.99 for 12 at S&S Worldwide.

The mosaics were also $5.99 a bag and there were about 1500 pieces per bag. We had tons left over. Some children did not use as many as we thought they would or completely cover the wood with the mosics.

Day one, the crosses were sanded and painted. This took ALL of the time allowed for the track.

Some children were creative with their painting. :D

On day 2 they apply a generous amount of glue and the mosaics.

While the glue is still wet, have an adult instructor apply the mystery part of the craft (sand). We are not allowed to have sand in the church. So.... this had to be closely guarded and secretive.

If you will notice in one of the above photos, the cross has a hole in the top. This is so you can hang it if you like. If the child wants to hang it in a window or as an ornament, they can paint the back. This is a good time to flip the cross over and paint the back. The sand should keep it from sticking to anything. We used fishing line to hang the crosses with.

Another option we gave the children is to use a 1 1/2 inch magnet on the back. If they choose this, have them place a mosaic over the hole so it will not be visible from the front.

The cost on this craft was about .65 cents per child. And another craft that will be a nice keepsake. We will do this cross craft again. And suitable for different age groups.

Down Under Puppet Craft

2009-06-19T07:45:00.000-05:00

Kocoa the Koala

Several years ago, Pack-o-Fun magazine had a little teddy bear puppet named Traveling Jack. I have been wanting to use him in SummerQuest for a long time. He was on a track a few years ago, but materials did not work out. So he did not get made.

Using the Traveling Jack pattern as a guide, I modified it into a Koala bear to go along with our SummerQuest (VBS) theme. Really turned out cute. The craft takes about 40 minutes to complete using sewing glue and taking the time to write out a testimony or a witnessing story.

We selected this craft for the 3rd graders. Right at the top of the age for making puppets. However, the idea behind this craft was more than a craft to take home, but a tool for a child to share their testimony and to witness to others.

Some of the children wanted to sew their Koala bears.

Even the boys!!!

OK if you need a week long craft. In our case, each grade only came in for 25 minutes 2 days during the week. Some did sew theirs. I think a lot of teachers helped. You can also use sharpies to add color and facial features.

Make the top on day one and glue the bottom on the second day. The sewing glue is often thick. We have to pour it out on a plate and spread it with a flat toothpick. If it is too thick or lumpy, add a tad of water. But it holds when dry.

Some of the children even added clothing and baby pouches to their Koalas. The loved writing out their testimonies and those who did not know the Lord as Savior, shared that as well. Opened up the door for witnessing and praying for that child.

This is an afforadable craft. If you purchase your felt by the yard and use a coupon (Hancock's, Hobby Lobby, Joann's...) you can get the cost to around 60 cents or so a child. 1 and 1/3 yard of felt will give you about 18 puppets.

For 2nd and 3rd graders, puppets are a great craft. A new pattern can be drafted every year to go with what ever VBS theme you have. Sharpies, colored felt pieces, even sewing can be used in the construction. It just depends on how much time you have.

Some of you have yet to have your VBS. If you are using Lifeway's Boomerang Express Theme and are interested in the instructions and pattern, email me through my profile and I will be glad to email it to you.

Crafts for VBS~OutBack Adventure!

2009-06-18T17:35:00.002-05:00

For us, VBS (we call it SummerQuest) has come and gone. Ours was the first week in June. It was a great week for us! Our theme was chosen from Lifeway's Boomerang Express.

For the past 3 years (I think) I have been craft director. A 'mega church' does not always mean 'mega budget' and we do have a few $$ to spend and we like to look for items that the children will enjoy making and not be trashed as soon as they walk out the door. SummerQuest is also for 1st - 6th grade. And additional challenge to find the right craft for the older children/tweens. And we had plenty of them this year!

Kits from the Craft houses are great, but expensive. Some children can complete them in 5 minutes and you still have to entertain them for 15 + minutes. If we find a craft that works, we will use it 2-3 years in a row. Some crafts we alternate. Some we try to work with the theme.

Lifeway had a great idea with the Praise Bells. We did use that one for both the 1st & 2nd graders this year.

Aborigine Praise Bells

We chose one craft per grade and a filler if needed.
To make this craft last 2 - 25 minutes tracks
we had them paint the outside of the pots the first day.

The next time their grade came to the craft track, we had them add the ribbon and bells.

We used primary colors. The Aborgine Praise Bells turned out very nice.
I think few found their way to the trash.
Also a little tip, we tried to make sure everyone wrote their name & Bible Study Room # on the INSIDE of the pot just in case the mom wanted to display or keep it for a keepsake.

This turned out to be a very nice inexpensive craft. Hobby Lobby had the pots on sale for 1/2 and I ordered 500 of them to cover 2 grades and VBS for a mission action project that our church does in North Birmingham. We had plenty of money left to spend on ribbon including enough to cover the N.B'ham project. We used twine for the jingle bells. If we were to do something similar again, we would use a yarn or a softer string.

Tomorrow I will post about our Kocoa the Koala Bear Witnessing Puppet the 3rd graders made.

~Banner~

2009-06-18T06:58:00.002-05:00

Edited to say I just redid my blog for the 4th! I like it!

I just realized I still have my Easter banner up. I think I need to work on a new one in the next few days.....

Outdoor Wednesday-Daylilies

2009-06-16T22:00:00.003-05:00

Good Morning! I hope that everyone is having a great day today. Welcome to Outdoor Wednesday hosted by our sweet Susan from A Southern Daydreamer. I took these photos of daylilies a little over a week ago while vacationing in Williamsburg, VA. They are planted in the garden right behind Raleigh's Tavern Bakery. I love to go there to eat a Ginger Cake and drink some Apple Cider. Yum! What a treat!

The sun is hot, but the beauty of Photoshop is, you can adjust that. :D

As you look at the photos, observe all the different prospectives the daylilies were photographed.

Look Around to see what other elements you can include...

Don't forget the other side of the garden. You can get a different prospective of light.

Y'all know, I love those close ups and micros...

I hope you enjoyed the photos! Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to post a comment.

Thank you Susan for hosting Outdoor Wednesday. To participate in Outdoor Wednesday or to see more Outdoor Wednesday posts, please stop by Susan's blog~ A Southern Daydreamer.

Hugs & God Bless,
Missy

Happy Birthday Pink Saturday!

2009-05-29T23:13:00.003-05:00

Congratulations Beverly for hosting one year of Pink Saturday! You have done a great job with Pink Saturday and the few times I have gotten to participate, I have really enjoyed it. Thank you for inviting me to the Pink Party!!!

Everyone is singing and dancing! Beautiful in Pink!

Tea served from a beautiful Pink Tea Service!

Pink Party Favors!

And even Minnie came! All dressed in Pink of course!

Happy Pink Saturday and Happy 1^st Birthday Pink Saturday!!! Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to post a comment.

To enjoy more Pink Saturday posts, go to Beverly's Blog at How Sweet the Sound.

Neighborhood Walk-A-Bout

2009-05-26T17:39:00.000-05:00

For Outdoor Wednesday, I wanted to share with you some photos I took on a walk Memorial Day Morning. It was cool, humid, and in between showers. Lovely walk.

Thank you to Susan from A Southern Daydreamer for hosting Outdoor Wednesday every week.

I first made a few photos of flowers in my yard...

Lovely Star Gazers. I just love these lilys. I must plant more this fall.

It was raining when we woke up this morning. I love the water droplets that the rain left all over the flowers.

A pretty snap dragon looking flower that I planted from seed for my grandma. She lived with my mom and was not able to plant her garden the last year she was alive. DH and I were engaged at the time. We planted her garden for her. She asked me to plant these flower seeds for her. She died a few months later. My mom later had me bring some of the plants to my house. They come back every year. I have no idea what they are called and have not had any luck finding out.

Anyone else know? They are pretty. They bloom in the spring and in the fall. Reseed and seem to be either a biannual or a perennial. They replant well. Rarely bloom in the heat of mid summer. But as the temps warm in the spring or cool in the late summer/early fall, they begin to bloom again.

Now for the walk....

Don't you just love Magnolias? I do.
And here in the Deep South, the trees are full of their blooms.

I love the center of this one.

Pink Lemonade Honeysuckle is a popular site around mail boxes. I have never tasted the nectar of the blooms. I wonder if they taste as good as the regular wild Honeysuckle?

I just love Hydrangeas, don't you? I have tried growing them many times, but the voles (a mouse looking critter) and moles keep eating the roots. So I have found it is cheaper to enjoy the neighbors.

And back home again in my own yard...

I do not remember what this is called. I mail ordered it at least 16 years ago. The name is in one of my garden journals, that is when I kept garden journals.... The root goes to China. I love the flower. Very hardy perennial.

I hope you enjoyed my walk. To participate in Outdoor Wednesday or to see more Outdoor Wednesday posts go to Susan's blog A Southern DayDreamer.

3 Blind Mice

2009-05-25T21:23:00.003-05:00

I sure have missed blogging! Now that things have temporary slowed down, I will be back to posting a few times a week. :-)

I wanted to participate in Diane's (A Picture is Worth a 1000 Words) 2nd Time Around Tuesday today. Thank you Diane for hosting!

I have been wanting to share these little fellers with y'all for a long time.

My MIL got them in a Christmas Gift from her Bridge Club gift swap or secrete pal or something like that. LOL! She hated them! This was before DH and I married and DH thought they were cute so MIL gave them to him. He put them on top of the door in our (his) kitchen. I thought they were adorable and after we married, kept them there.

To participate or to enjoy more Second Time Around Treasures go to Diane's site A Picture is Worth a 1000 Words. Thanks again Diane for hosting!

Foodie Friday-Grilling Time!

2009-05-15T08:10:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Foodie Friday! I am cheating a little bit, as this is a repeat post, but with summer around the corner! And grilling season is here! Well in the deep south-we grill all year 'round. ;-)

Thank you Gollum of Designs by Gollum for hosting.

I thought it would be fun to share a grilled meal with y'all. It gets hot and humid here in the deep south and I just hate to heat up my kitchen. And I love healthy, low calorie meals!

The Menu (To feed 2 adults, 1 child and enough left over for one lunch the next day)

2 Tuna Steaks
1 lb Fresh Tiny Asparagus (on sale at the local market this week!)
2 Medium Sweet Potatoes

You will also need Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Lemon Juice & Greek Seasonings. And of course, a grill and a Microwave.

Marinade the Tuna in Olive Oil (1-2 Tablespoons), Juice of one Lemon and Greek Seasonings.

Microwave Sweet Potatoes for 3 minutes, slice about 1/2-3/4 of an inch thick and set aside. This will enable the potatoes to cook quicker on the grill and they will be ready to take up at the same time the meat and asparagus are ready to take up.

Wash Asparagus and pat dry.

Place the Sweet Potato and Asparagus on the grill, brush with Olive Oil, sprinkle with Sea Salt and Greek Seasonings.

Add your Tuna to the Grill. If you have never Grilled Tuna before, Grill it just like you do Beef Steak. We cook ours done, but like it moist, tender and flaky.

Make sure you turn your vegetables frequently.

Plate it up and
Enjoy!!!

To see more lovely foods and meals or to participate, go to Designs by Gollum .

Blue Monday-A Blue Heart

2009-05-11T06:50:00.005-05:00

Welcome to Blue Monday! And thank you Sally for hosting.

Today I am sharing a stain glass heart purchased on our Honeymoon in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I saw it hanging on the big window in the Pigsgah Inn Gift Shoppe with the light coming through it. I knew I had to have it. It has been hanging in my kitchen window ever since, almost 17 years.

Happy Blue Monday everyone! To see more Blue Monday Posts, go to Smiling Sally's Blog. I am still busy with work. Hopefully will get some photos posted on my business blog for you to see. I will try my best to stop by and see and post to everyone.

Happy Mothers Day!

2009-05-10T06:34:00.003-05:00

To all the Moms and Future Moms!

2009-05-09T07:58:00.002-05:00

(Last years recital photo.)

Busy day planned today. Piano recital this afternoon and dance recital tonight! Life has been really busy, but it will be slowing down in a few weeks. :-) It is good busy. I like staying busy. ;-)

Now to go workout, get some breakfast, label all of DD's clothing and articles for tonight's dance recital, make sure she practices her piano pieces and.... did I leave anything out....

Portugal Bound!

2009-04-29T08:18:00.003-05:00

It has been a long time since I posted last. I am a freelance photographer (that does not mean I work for free, though many think and hope I will) and it is a busy time for me. :D And that is a "Good Thing!"

At church, I work with GA's. It is our younger girls mission program. Girls in Action. One day, during my blog surfing expeditions, I discovered Portugal Bound. It is about a family of Service Corp Missionaries who God lead to Portugal. The wife, Nina, misses Wal-Mart and Pam amongst other delicacies of the south. (Oh, I forgot to mention, she and her DH grew up in the Greater Birmingham Area, pronounced Bur-min-ham.) As a mission action project, we decided to collect a few things….

Nina, did you say you like Pam….

I sure hope! There are 10 or 11 cans there. Your story about the European equivalent costing $16 made an impact. It will take a while to get there. Because of the aerosol cans, they have to be shipped on a boat. It will take 3-4 months. I hope you have enough to last until then. Then you will have enough for the rest of your life!!!! Now to go see about getting some of this…

packaged up! I hope to get it shipped off to you in the next couple of days. :D

Birmingham, Alabama

2009-04-17T17:45:00.002-05:00

First you must learn to pronounce the city's name. It's 'Bur-min-ham'.

Driving Information:

Burminham has its own version of traffic rules. The truck with the loudest
exhaust goes next at a four-way stop. The truck with the biggest tires goes
after that. Note: Blue-haired ladies driving anything have the right-of-way
anytime.

To find anything in the city, it is required that you know where
Malfunction Junction is, which is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the end. It may be one of only two 'cloverleaf formation' interchanges in
the world. We invented it and only one other city was stupid enough to
implement it again, Atlanta -- making them only a wee bit dumber than we
are.

The morning rush hour is from 6:00 to 10:00. The evening rush hour is from
3:00 to 7:00. Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning. If the term
'merging delays' is ever used by the person reporting the traffic, even in
passing, call in to work and tell them that you will be at least 30 minutes
late regardless of where you are in your commute.

If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be (at the very least)
rear-ended, cussed out, and possibly shot. This applies to male and female
drivers alike.

You must know that 'I-459,' 'I-59,' 'I-20,' and 'I-65' are the same road.
They just loop around, cutting in and out of each other's path. We think
this was a ploy utilized to confuse outsiders and discourage visitors after
the War of Northern Aggression.

Always, always, always, find out if it is a race or football weekend before
you get on any of these highways to travel somewhere. If it is a race or
football weekend, stay home. You won't be pleasantly going anywhere else.

Construction is a permanent fixture in Burminham. The barrels are moved
around in the middle of the night to make the next day's driving a little
more interesting.

If someone actually has their turn signal on, wave them over to the
shoulder immediately to let them know -- you can be sure it was
'accidentally activated'.

The minimum acceptable speed on 'I-65' (see above) is 85 mph. Anything less
is considered downright sissy.

This is also Alabama 's state-highway-sponsored version of NASCAR --
especially during rush hour (see above) and everyone in the city is driving
at once, bumper-to-bumper. If you are in the left lane and only going 70 in
a 55-65 zone, you are considered a road hazard and will be 'flipped a
bird' accordingly.

Do not gawk at the woman in the car beside you in traffic who is applying
make-up, drinking a Diet Coke, smoking a Marlboro and maintaining a steady
speed of 85 mph on I-65 in rush hour traffic. If she is coming from north
of Burminham, she might be packing. If she is coming from south of
Burminham, she IS packing and is not afraid to use it.

Weather Information:

If it's 110 degrees, Thanksgiving could be next weekend. If it's 10-20
degrees and sleeting or snowing, then watch out. Burminham residents
consider this 'demolition derby' day and will be all over the roads
(frontways, sideways, etc). Please proceed with caution, as you could be
the next target.

Seasonal Information:

If you stick to the seats in your vehicle, it is Spring.

If you need to let the car 'get some air' while standing next to it with
the doors open for a minute before you can stick your upper body inside to
crank it and get the air going, it is Summer.

If you are sweating even with the windows down, driving 55 mph, it is Fall.

If you finally turn the AC off and roll your windows up, it is Winter.

General Information:

Do not ever speak during the song ' Sweet Home Alabama ' unless it is to
sing along with the lyrics. This is a form of heresy and will erupt in a
brawl if everyone doesn't show 'proper respect' to the band who gave us
Free Bird. This is especially true if alcohol is present (notice I didn't
say 'sold at this event,' but 'present').

Yes, we know that Vulcan is mooning the entire city. It's not that funny to
us anymore and by now we're used to it.

If you ask someone for a 'coke,' they will often ask you, 'What kind?' This
is not a trick question. Tell them what you want: Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Root
Beer, etc., it is all 'coke'.

All tea is sweet. If it's not sweet, you are in a Chinese restaurant or
have crossed the Mason-Dixon Line .

Possums sleep in the middle of the road with their feet in the air.

There are 5,000 types of snakes on earth and 4,998 of them live in Alabama
(an' this little feller's mama, daddy and bros and sisters live in my yard!)

There are 10,000 types of spiders. All 10,000 live in Alabama, plus acouple no one's seen before.

If it grows, it sticks; if it crawls, it bites.

Onced and Twiced are words.

It is not a shopping cart; it is a buggy.

People actually grow and eat okra.

'Fixinto' is one word.

There is no such thing as 'lunch.' There is only dinner and then supper.

Iced tea is appropriate for all meals and you start drinking it when you'retwo.We do like a little tea with our sugar!

Backwards and forwards means 'I know everything about you.

DJeet is actually a phrase meaning 'Did you eat?'

You don't have to wear a watch because it doesn't matter what time it is.You work until you're done or it's too dark to see.

You don't PUSH buttons, you MASH them.

You measure distance in minutes.

You'll probably have to switch from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day

All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable,grain, insect or animal.

You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.

You carry jumper cables in your car . . . for your OWN car.

There are only own four spices: salt, pepper, Tabasco and ketchup.

The local papers cover national and international news on one page, butrequire 6 pages for local gossip and sports.

The first day of deer season is a national holiday.

100 degrees Fahrenheit is 'a little warm'.

We have four seasons: Almost Summer, Summer, still Summer and Christmas.

Going to Wal-mart is a favorite past time.Fried catfish is the other white meat..

We don't need no stinking driver's ed ... if our mama says we can drive, wecan drive.

If you understand these jokes, please forward them to your friends fromAlabama (and those who just wish they were).

EVERYONE can't be a Alabamian; it takes talent. You might say it's an artform or a gift from God.

Happy....

2009-04-11T17:12:00.002-05:00

...Resurrection Sunday Everyone!

Sing Alleluia! Jennifer Knapp & Mac Powell w/3rd Day. To enjoy, please turn off the music on my playlist on the sidebar on the right.

Have a Blessed Easter!
Love,
Melissa

GiveAWays I have Won!

2009-03-26T19:16:00.007-06:00

Have y'all missed me? I sure have missed you. I have been and will continue to be very busy for a while and it is keeping me from bloggerville! I am able to lurk and post some. So I do know a little bit about what is going on. :D I am also collecting a lot of blogging material so .... when time allows... y'all watch out!

I want to take a few moments to show off some things I won!

Remember our ~Southern Lady~ Nancy's - Flaunt it Red Party! All the participants were entered into a drawing and I WON one of the 2 prizes! Thank you Nancy!

The box was just full of goodies! A precious note and kewl black, white and....

RED Goodies! There is a bag that can be used as a clutch or a make-up bag, beautiful luggage tags, look at that sweet picture frame! It is shaped like a little red purse! Zebra Kleenexes! ( I will have to hid them from DD...)

And you know Nancy! Roosters!!! She included these sweet Country French toile plates and napkins with Roosters on them. And they are Red too! They are just precious!

I also won a beautiful teacup and saucer from Jan and Tom of Rose Haven. They gave away 14-16 teacups and saucer sets in their big Teacup Giveaway that started the first of the year.

Isn't it sweet! I love the little birds. I love bird watching out my kitchen windows as I drink my coffee or tea. This is the perfect cup and saucer for that.

And Jan added something else! I am always in need of sewing needles and I found a nice surprise! A pack of sewing needles! Good sharp ones too! Thank you Jan!

Thank you for my prizes ladies.

I will be on bloggy break for a couple of more weeks. Hopefully will be able return soon!

God Bless,

Love,

Melissa

Foodie Friday~Turnip Green Soup

2009-03-13T15:21:00.006-06:00

I hope it is not too late to participate! Thank you Gollum (of Designs by Gollum) for hosting Foodie Friday. It looks like much fun!

There is a wet chill in the air here in the South and I had to make some soup. We love Turnip Green Soup. Yum Yum!

My family loves Turnip Green Soup. The recipe was printed in the Birmingham News a few years ago. I had it at a friends house first (I mean, who makes Turnip Green Soup?) and fell in love with it. Then made it for my family... It is now one of the favorites!

~Recipe~

Beef Sausage -fried (I usually grill-and pat with paper towels less fat that way)
1/2 bag of dried Navy Beans or 1 large can of Navy Beans
2 boxes of fresh frozen turnip greens or one package of fresh frozen turnip greens. Rinse and squeeze.
1 package of Knorr Soup Mix
3 Shakes of Tabasco Sauce
3 Cups of water (maybe a tad more)

I use dried beans. First, I like to soak them in a solution of Baking Soda dissolved in hot tap water. I usually let them soak for several hours or in the fridge overnight. Next, I cook them in an iron pot (any pot will do with 1-2 table spoons of Apple Cider Vinegar. These too steps keep beans from making people gassy and have heartburn.

I usually grill my sausage, but today I precooked them in a skillet. After patting down in paper towels, cut up into small pieces.

After rinsing and squeezing turnip greens, set them aside ( I have used fresh greens, I have also used kale and other greens. Whatever I had in the fridge that had to be used up. My family loved it. In fact, my 10 yo DD prefers fresh kale over the turnip greens...)

In crock pot or large stew pot, add 3 cups of water, Knorr soup mix, 3 shakes of Tabasco and bring to a boil. Add greens, beans and sausage. Cover and if in a crock pot, walk away until you are ready to eat. :-) If stew pot, let it cook for another hour or so.

Now you have to have bread with this soup and nothing is better than made from scratch buttermilk cornbread unless.....

You have one of these babies in your pantry! Yum yum!

Nice and hot, fresh from the oven. (Two packages for a pan like this.)

Side salad optional... This soup is a meal by itself. And very filling!
(Nina, if you are reading this, do you want us to send you some dried Navy Beans, Knorr Soup Mix and maybe some canned Bushes Turnip Greens? Can you get that where you are? We have plenty of Jiffy Mix now....)

And what better for dessert? Strawberry Shortcake!

To see more Foodie Friday participants or to participate yourself, go to Gollum's Blog. Thanks for hosting Gollum!

Tablescape Thursday

2009-03-11T08:16:00.008-06:00

This is my first Tablescape Thursday. And I hope that I do not bore you with this tablescape! Thank you Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch for hosting Tablescape every Thursday.

Now you see, because I do have a lot of dishes, and I lust, I mean admire all the dishes I see out there, and because I made the 'Dishaholic Award' a few of you accused me of being a Dishaholic! Now I have never been awarded the Dishaholic Award. :D But I think you do have to buy a lot of dishes to be a Dishaholic. ;-) (Tee Hee)

Well here is one set that I have actually bought. And some have already fallen victim to my granite tile counter and terracotta floor. (Sigh....) I certainly am glad that I only paid $9 bucks on clearance for a 4 piece place sitting for 6 at Big Lots. One of the Dessert/Salad plates was cracked (all of the boxes had one cracked Dessert/Salad plate thus "Clarance" for $9 bucks!)

A lovely white stoneware set that goes with anything!

I had to have some lovely flowers for my Tablescape so I got these from my garden. They look perfect in the vase. A friend gave me that vase for my birthday several years ago.

My Chateau (by Oneida) stainless flatware (wedding gifts) looks just right with this set of dishes. Here in the south, or at least in this house, our iced tea glasses are huge! I bought the glass (I do buy my glasses and I try to keep about 10 - 12) you see here, a Libby Glass from Wally World. .97 or so. When it falls victum of my counter top or kitchen floor, I go buy another...

The placemats and napkins are a gift from my mom. I think I have had them at least 20-25 years. Not sure. They used to go with a set of stoneware I had when I was single.

I found this little square plate on clearance somewhere last fall. It goes with one of my homemade cloches. (I borrowed it from the cloche.) Now after seeing it with this tablescape, I want 5 more.... (is that lusting or sinning? Am I a dish-o-holic?)

Guess what? When DD came along, we got several sets of Chateau baby/toddler flatware! I guess Oneida makes it for little ones too! Well I think the knives look just like individual butter knives so that is what I use them for. :-)

I thought everyone in Bloggerville had a set of these but me. Then one day I was in that French store.... Tar'je' (Target) and there they were! I plan to make tassels out of them.

The bread basket was a wedding gift. It was silver plated. Last fall, after reading all the paint parties on the blogs, I primed it and painted it blue. See, I did not buy it either and I was about to give it away. (I have given tons of stuff away. But I continue to be blessed!)

Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. To view more Tablescapes or to participate, stop by Susan's blog @ Between Naps on the Porch.

Have a blessed day,
Hugs,
Melissa

Outdoor Wednesday

2009-03-10T20:02:00.000-06:00

I am eager to spend more time up in the Blue Ridge Mountains. For us in the Deep South, it is summertime in June, but there, it is still spring. Hey, this Deep South gal packs long johns for that trip. LOL!

I love it because...

The Daises pose...

The cows pose....

The moths...

and butterflies (or maybe this is a moth as well) pose for photographs....

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. To see more Outdoor Wednesday posts or to participate in Outdoor Wednesday, stop by Susan's blog, A Southern Daydreamer. Thank you Susan for hosting another fun Wednesday!

Have a great day!
Hugs,
Melissa

Pillow Parade

2009-03-10T05:46:00.005-06:00

Today I am also joining Kari & Kijsa's Pillow Parade!

To see more of the Pillow Parade or to participate, be sure to stop by there site! Thank you Kari & Kijsa for hosting.

I only found out about this late last night and did not have time to take photos. I had this photo in the archives. And it has to be one of my favorite decorative pillows. I bought it at Civil La Tea in Gettysburg, PA about 13 or 14 years ago. Someone made it to sell in their gift shop/boutique section. I fell in love with the pillow as soon as I saw it. I know it would be easy to make. I have made tons of pillows, but a girl can treat herself to something special can't she? :-) My mom mad the pillow that is underneath. I have a runner around here somewhere that matches.

Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.

I hope that you go byKari & Kijsa's to see the rest of the Pillow Parade!

Hugs,
Melissa

2nd Time Around Tuesday

2009-03-09T19:02:00.006-06:00

Today I am joining Diane's @ A Picture is Worth a 1000 Words blog party, 2nd Time Around Tuesday. Today I want to share with you my Grandpa and Grandma's China Cabinet. It is the first piece of large furniture that my Grandpa made. He made it from cherry wood left over from a job. Grandma wanted a pie safe style china cabinet with Hepplewhite legs. The cherry was wood for cabinets and moulding in a house. When the job was finished, Grandpa asked his customer what she would like done with the left over wood. She asked him to ..."haul it off..." He asked her if he could have it, "I can make something nice for my wife out of it." She told him to take it. He made it in 1931.

Grandpa had a hard life. Orphaned and abanded at age 8 with a 2 1/2 yo half brother to raise. After nearly starving to death, he began whittling wood into little things he could sell. A carpenter saw his work, took him under his wing,gave him a job, apprenticed and journeyed him.

As an adult, my Grandpa became one of the most sought after Carpenters/Designers/Construction Formans around. In winter months, people with 'means' would bring him photos of furniture and he would custom build it for them. If Grandma really liked it, guess what? She got one too! But this china cabinet was always a prized piece b/c it was his first large furniture. If you look close you can tell it is scrap wood. But that is OK. Does not decrease the value in my eyes a bit. :-D

A 3rd grade education, my Grandpa read everything and anything he could get his hands on. Encyclopedia books, dictionarys, practiced spelling, etc. One of the smartest men I knew.

My Grandma died when I was young so I did not know her very well. But I was very close to my Grandpa. I still miss him. This is one of the pieces I received from his estate. I used to love hearing all the stories he would tell me about his furniture. Almost every piece had a story with it.

To see more 2nd Time Around Pieces or to participate in Diane's 2nd Time Around, please go to Diane's Blog.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,
Melissa
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Addendum~~~~~~~~~~~~
I need to get that 3 in a row linky thing everyone else is getting. If you like this post, read this one. You will love it. It is one of my first posts.... Grandpa's Chair

Sunday Video

2009-03-07T22:10:00.003-06:00

We are having a beautiful weekend. I hope that you are as well!

To enjoy the video, please turn off the music on my playlist that is on the right.

Have a Blessed Sunday!

Love,
Melissa

Outdoor Wednesday-Snow in the South!

2009-03-01T21:49:00.007-06:00

Today is Outdoor Wednesday hosted by our sweet Southern Day Dreamer~Susan. Thank you Susan for another fun Wednesday!

We do not get much snow in the South. When we do, or if it is even predicted, the weather men/women are on 24 hours in advanced trying to predict where it will land. A lady at church winters down here from Michigan. She thought this was the funniest thing! "James Spann our weather man was serious b/c he had his suspenders on!" 24 hour coverage for snow melted by 2 pm. LOL! Well it did last a little longer than that. But I did explain to her and I will explain to you Yankees, our kids have never seen much more than flurries or dustings. This is the first time DD has ever made a snowman. She is 10 1/2. It was so much fun for her. People around here want to know where the snow band will land b/c they will even drive their kids to the outer edges of it, pull over and play in it for a while. And this was a good kind of snow. We had electricity, it did not stick to the roads (well, interstate bridges did freeze...), and was mostly melted by sundown. It was GREAT!!!

Now for photos! (I did not get many b/c we teach 8:10 4th grade Sunday School at church and we had a room full on Sunday!) The snow was already melting by the time we got home.

My Camelia in full bloom and melting snow falling off as I was snapping....

More photos of my Camelia, it is beautiful with the snow...

DD and I have started on a gnome fairy garden. It is in the shade and I had to knock the snow off this little gnome so that you could tell what he was... None of this had melted.

This was covered in white snow as we left for church, but still looked nice when we got home.

For more snow photos, check out my Sunday's Post. For more posts on Outdoor Wednesday or to particiapte in Outdoor Wednesday go to Susan's blog A Southern Daydreamer.

A New Pot!

2009-03-01T21:16:00.004-06:00

Welcome to my Blue Monday post! Thank you Sally (Smiling Sally's Blog) for hosting.

My FIL and MIL took our family out to dinner Friday night. They also presented me with my birthday present (I know it was in Jan, but they have been sick, we get sick, travel, etc... just got around to celebrating....) FIL said he got it from the Smithsonian. I think it is lovely and will make a fine addition to my collection of pots.

To see more Blue Monday Posts or to participate, go by Smiling Sally's blog!

Have a great day and God bless you all!
Hugs,
Melissa

Snow In Alabama!

2009-03-01T15:57:00.005-06:00

And here are just a few photos....

DD made her first 'real' snowman. Since she has been born (10 1/2 years old) we have not had enough snow to make a decent snowman.

Some of my yard art thawing out.

Yellow forsythia.

I think birdies taking a bath is this birdbath will find it a little cold....

We teach 8:10 AM 4th grade Sunday School and did not get to take photos early this morning. At first, I could not understand why church was not being canceled.... but Hunter Street is hosting a big Missions Conference this weekend. What a big blessing we would have missed out on if we had not gone to church. There was an International Missionary speaking in the services (Adults, Children and Tweens) and delivering the message to all venues. The church halls were full of missionaries here on furloughs and Journeyman who have just finished their first 2 year assignment, praying for God's leadership.

By the time we returned home, we still had some snow and DD was able to make a lovely snowman, DH and I were able to make some lovely photos. I hope that you enjoyed them!

Flaunt Your Red

2009-02-26T20:37:00.009-06:00

Good morning! Today is the first day of Flaunt Your Red Party and I wanted to join in b/c I have soooooo much red in my house! In fact, I just took a few photos and there is no real theme. Next time, I will be more organized. :D Thank you Nancy our special Southern Lady for hosting!

First, I want you to show you Zoey's cage. Just because she is a parrot does not mean she does not need style and glam!

I made this. DH's idea, my design. Looks much nicer than the store bought parrot cage covers. And very functional for cages with playtops. The colors go with the decor in my house and I think I have enough fabric left over for a pillow...

Zoey Girl needs a pedicure and her pedicure perch

just happens to be red and matches her cage cover... :-)

I found this tassel (I have a bunch of them, most of them... deep rich red... :D)
It is hanging on my china cabinet door.

The drapes in my Living/Great room and Dinning room are also a deep rich burgundy red. I love this color. If I told you how old these drapes are, y'all would laugh. But, when I go looking for fabric, new drapes, what ever, I do not see anything I like any better and what I have is in fine shape. I found them on clearance at JC Penny's about 15 or 16 years ago. I got the tie back thingys at the same time. When I like something, I usually keep it a loooonnnnngggg time.

I have 2 of these chairs. And more of this fabric. My mom made the striped pillow years ago. The gloved pillow I bought at Civil-la-Tea in Gettysburg, PA about 12 years ago. It would be easy to make for gifts.

Now I have to include a tea pot. I think I found this at TJ Maxx (Love that place!) and the reds in this are perfect for my home.

I hope that you enjoyed my reds. I sure enjoyed sharing them with you. It is a warm cozy, soothing color. Romantic and beautiful.

For more Red posts make sure to stop by Nancy's blog~ Southern Lady.

Have a blessed weekend everyone and thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,
Melissa

~Southern Lady~: ~Are You Ready To Flaunt~

2009-02-26T13:46:00.000-06:00

~Southern Lady~: ~Are You Ready To Flaunt~

Remember-Southern Lady's Flaunt Your Red is tomorrow. I plan to participate. Get your photos ready and loaded!

Dishaholic Award

2009-02-25T12:04:00.007-06:00

I thought that I had seen somewhere on one of my blog surfing expeditions a "Dishaholic Award". I did not snag it. Today, I have spent most of the day looking for it because there are several ladies I want to "award" it to. After hours and hours of searching, I decided I think I dreamed about the "Dishaholic Award". I did find the "Tablescape Award" and the "Dish Addict" award (and I snagged them for just in case...), but no "Dishaholic Award". Soooooo I decided to make up my own "Dishaholic Award" to pass out. :D

I have never made a 'Tag' or an 'Award' before, so I had to think about it for a minute. Then I had an idea. I pulled a few things from the cabinets, sideboards and china cabinet, set it on the table and shot them. Loaded the photos onto my trusty lappy and into lightroomII (love LightroomII) then made my final selection and into photoshop it went. (Hate photoshop though lightroom is also photoshop. Adobe just wants to get all of photographers money... well what nikon and canon doesn't get...)

You know, I never thought of myself as having many dishes, but I guess I do! And I find myself lusting after more. Especially after looking at so many blogs and all the lovely table settings. I hope that is not sinning! I am content with what I have and if I never get another thing, that is OK with me. I suppose I am a "Dishaholic!"

I put a few things together...

I pulled out a few stems as well... then thought about the replacement value. I am fortunate to have my complete set of crystal. And they are no longer stock. There are a few antique pieces thrown in there as well.

I thought this photo would look nice as well...

But I decided on this one!

I guess since I came up with the award, I get to come up with the rules? OK, fun, but simple. :D

1. Post on Blog with link back to awarder.
2. Award to 5 deserving Dishaholics (they can recieve this award a million times and if you think they are a closet dishaholic, give it to them!) Name them for their inspiring taste and display of dishes. The dishes can be displayed anywhere in or around their home.
3. Name your favorite set of dishes/pattern that you own.
4. Name a set of dishes/pattern that you DO NOT own, but would like to own.
5. List a favorite accessory (stems, silver, flatware, etc.)

I am going to stop the list at 5. If anyone wants to list more they certainly can.

Now, there are many many deserving ladies out in Bloggerville who deserve this award and I am not going to pass it out to all of them in this first Christening post of this Award! I have to save some for others to pass it out to.

I have seen and admired (I am trying not to use the words 'lust' and 'envy' here...) the tables, dishes and displays of these wonderful ladies with the most exquisite taste in dishes. I will go back over and over to their blogs just to look at the photos of the table settings. They have beautiful dishes and hundreds of them. In fact the first one could have provided the photo for the award!

1.Precious Shelia @ Note Songs Oh she has such beautiful dishes and a confessing Dishaholic. Just go read her post for today!

2. Sweet Jan @ Rose Haven And what a collection she has. Go see her tablescape for Valentines. Beautiful!

3. Lovely Deb @ Deb's Country Kisses She has been taking a bloggy break, but I bet she has been playing with all those dishes she bought at Marshells a few weeks ago (the one near me closed and she went over there and bought them out @ 60% off) and is taking pictures to post on her blog.

4. Creative Wendy @ Ivory Spring a confessed Dishaholic! Quilt designer, sewer, etc.

5. Extraordinary Linda @ Blue Gate Blog all the dishes she has and what she does with them, well you will just have to go see!

Please feel free to snag this award to pass along to that special friend who is a 'Dishaholic'.

A smaller tag.

Outdoor Wednesday

2009-02-18T08:19:00.005-06:00

Today is Outdoor Wednesday hosted by Susan at A Southern Daydreamer. Thank you Susan for hosting!

Here, I happened to be at the right place at the right time. I call it my 'Farside' photo. This photo was taken on one of the jungle treks at WDW in Animal Kingdom.

To enjoy or to participate in Outdoor Wednesday, please go to Susan's blog A Southern Daydreamer to see all the beautiful posts!

Monticello

2009-02-12T21:54:00.007-06:00

The beautiful home of Thomas Jefferson. 3rd President of the United States of America. Author of the Declaration of Independence, one of our Founding Fathers.

Photo looking out the window of the Ticket House.

It was a foggy morning. A tad cool. I had just bought a new camera for work and was trying it out on this trip. DH said that he remembered me reading the manual in the car while we were waiting for Monticello to open. So, I guess these are the first photos taken with this camera....

Indoor photos were not allowed. Something about the ownership of all the antiques and furnishings in the house and contracts to include no images being taken, etc etc... But we were allowed to take all the photos we wanted of the outside. Lovely Bowling Greens.

There was a painter and a ladder on this porch. They were trying to get through before the crowds started coming around to take.... pictures! DD, DH and I all took photos and did an excellent joy shooting around the ladder and painter. Those columns are pretty big!

The flower gardens are so beautiful. Jefferson grew many many varieties of flowers and plants. (I think this is Joe-Pye Weed in the foreground in this photo.) In some areas, the lighting was bad, so I chose not to take photos. But it was fun to get photos with fog.

The pond looks like a looking glass. Very pretty.

One of Jefferson's vegetable gardens. The building to the left was one of his offices. He was very 'hands on' with all of his work. He would spend hours with his work in that room. And who could blame him? Look at that view!

Jefferson's favorite food was peas. He grew 28 different varities on his farm.

This is where his body lays at rest. And I have no idea why I took this photo in Black and White except I had a new camera and was experimenting. LOL! And was at a graveyard.

Monticello, a beautiful place to tour, visit and spend a day. Learn about our history and about one of our Founding Fathers. A great leader of our nation.

They have a great gift shop, garden shop, hiking trails, etc. We have always planned 1/2 day there. To enjoy it fully, you need to plan on 3/4 to a full day.

Thank you Kelli for Hosting Friday Show and Tell every week. To participate or to see more Friday Show and Tell posts, go to Kelli's blog-There's No Place Like Home.

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

An Award!

2009-02-09T15:28:00.006-06:00

I feel like I have been a terrible blogger as of late. Life is getting in the way and I have several projects that are coming up and they will make me even busier! But that is part of life. I miss you all! I am going to take some time to do more than lurk and will be posting to everyone's blog in the next few days.

Also, a month ago, I started Kay Arthur's Isaiah Part I. This is a wonderful Bible Study. If you ever get a chance to take it, do so. You can also take it online. Since I will not be able to go to class tomorrow, I am going to see if I can view the video online. (technology... too kewl!!!)

Speaking of technology & terrific bloggers.... Meet Sweet Susan - A Southern Daydreamer (go check out her blog! it is awesome and she knows how to use a computer! She has decorative thingys in her sidebar that match her blog! And she has been blogging less than 2 months!). Susan just bestowed the Premios Daro Award to me. *Blush* I did look up the meaning of this award.... “The Dardos Award is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. These stamps were created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers, a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web.” *Blush*

Now, I am supposed to pass this along to 5 other bloggers....

Sweet Kitty Scraps-A bit of Fluff, Quite Messy Really

Smiling Sally-Smiling Sally's Blog-Susan may have given her this award, but Sally deserves it! She is a faithful blogging friend. :D

Lovely Anya-Hills Creek Quilter

Beautiful Nina-Portugal Bound (She follows my Health and Fitness Blog and is my new email buddy. She is helping my with my girls mission goup - GA's- You Baptists will know what GA's are.)

Beautiful Sharon-Keeper of the Home Sharon encouraged me to start posting to my Health and Fitness Blog again after a time of letting it go almost dormant.

Please go by and visit these ladies blogs. Unlike me, they really fit the discription of this award.

God bless you all today.
Love,
Melissa

Sunday Video

2009-02-07T21:29:00.002-06:00

Steven Curtis Chapman "How do I Love a Woman". To better enjoy, please turn off the music that is on my playlist on the sidebar to the right.

Blue Monday

2009-02-01T16:25:00.007-06:00

Welcome to my addition to Blue Monday. Blue Monday is hosted by Sally @ Smiling Sally's Blog. Thank you Sally for hosting every week. We all really appreciate it.

This week I wanted to show you a set of salt and pepper shakers that I purchased at Monticello (Home of Thomas Jefferson) several years ago. I love them and use them next to my stove. And now that I look at the photo (I used one of my work cameras for this photo) I see all the grains of sugar that should have been cleaned off the hutch! LOL!

To see more Blue Monday posts or to participate in Blue Monday, go to Smiling Sally's Blog.

Happy Blue Monday! And thanks for stopping by.

Sunday Video

2009-01-31T19:00:00.000-06:00

A wonderful Video by Mercy Me. To enjoy, please tune off the music on my playlist in the right sidebar first.

Have a blessed Sunday!

Ronald Reagan

2009-01-30T14:49:00.005-06:00

"Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose."

- Ronald Reagan

"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help."

- Ronald Reagan

"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so."

- Ronald Reagan

"Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong."

- Ronald Reagan

"I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress."

- Ronald Reagan

"The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination."

- Ronald Reagan

"Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other."

- Ronald Reagan

"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program."

- Ronald Reagan

"I've laid down the law, though, to everyone from now on about anything that happens: no matter what time it is, wake me, even if it's in the middle of a Cabinet meeting."

- Ronald Reagan

"It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first."

- Ronald Reagan

"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."

- Ronald Reagan

"Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book."

- Ronald Reagan

"No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women."

- Ronald Reagan

"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."

- Ronald Reagan

Chick Flicks!

2009-01-28T21:45:00.003-06:00

With all the cold weather and February just around the corner, I am in the mood for a Chick Flick Weekend! Oh there are so many many options. Most of these are in my DVD Library.

Nothing like a good Cary Grant movie. This one with Deborah Kerr is one of the best romantic tearjerkers of all time. I love this movie. I just love this one. I saw it again a couple of weeks ago. Sigh...
Isn't it time for these two to make another movie together? It has been a while since I have seen "You've Got Mail". I think it might be at the top of my list. :)

And these two... With Patrick Wilson. What a performance. Another tearjerker. DD loves to watch this one with me. The old B&W used to terrify me at her age. She loves all the music and stuff in this movie. When I was little, this was considered a horror film, now it is considered a romantic dark love story. It does make me cry.
I love these films ....
I love the book they are based on... Give me either one on a cold night with a nice comfy blanket. I am happy!

The sweet love of these two, tore my heart out. I cried and cried.... I want to watch it again!

Lake House, it does end with a happily. I do not want to spoil it for anyone who has not yet seen it. Oh what a love story that also stretches over time.

LadyHawke. One of my all time favorites. A fantasy love story. Eternally together, forever apart. Based on some Medieval Tale of sorts. Guys tend to like this one too!

I have some more, but these are the ones I watch over and over. Except for Somewhere in Time. I have only watched it once and that was not long after it came out. I still remember it like yesterday. I need to get that movie and add it to my library. Then it will be watched over and over.

What are some of your favorite Chick Flicks?

Flowers for Outdoor Wednesday

2009-01-27T18:52:00.004-06:00

I don't know about y'all, but I am beginning to long for spring. Thank you Susan of A Southern Daydreamer for Hosting!

To see more Outdoor Wednesday posts or to participate, go to Susan's blog-A Southern Daydreamer. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Sunday Video

2009-01-24T19:39:00.002-06:00

Point of Grace "My God", He will never let you down.

To better enjoy, please turn off my music on the playlist in the sidebar to the right.

Now This is Football!

2009-01-21T11:27:00.002-06:00

DH sent me this earlier today. Really fun to watch, whether you are a football fan or not. Before watching the video, make sure you turn of the music on the playlist in my sidebar to the right. Enjoy!

Blue Monday!

2009-01-18T20:01:00.004-06:00

Today is Blue Monday hosted by Sally @ Smiling Sally's Blog. Thank you Sally for hosting Blue Monday every week. It is much fun!

This week I want to show you a couple of Blue Transferware I picked up a few months ago at an Antique/Flea Market place. (Same place I bought the chandelier for my kitchen.)

I originally bought the plates for my future China Garden. And also for the hangers that were attached. I think I only paid a 1 or 2 dollars for each plate. I was looking for attractive, inexpensive, even chipped plates for the China Garden. When I got them home, I decided I liked them too much and that they would look great hanging on the kitchen wall.

They are stoneware and there is no stamp or mark on the back of them.

The dinner plate is only about 10 inches wide. Here yu can see how much smaller this dinner plate is compared to my everyday stoneware. The small size makes me think it is old.

I bought a couple of bread plates as well. Some of the transferware pattern was smudged when it was placed on the plate before firing/processing. If anyone has any idea of the history of the pattern/stoneware, I would appreciate knowing.

Thank you for visiting my blog today. To see more great Blue Monday posts or to participate in Blue Monday, please stop by Sally's blog by clicking HERE.

Have a great day!
Hugs,
Melissa

Sunday Music Video

2009-01-17T20:18:00.002-06:00

A Beautiful Video/Slide show. Steven Curtis Chapman, "God is God".

To better enjoy, please turn off the music on my playlist on the side bar to the right.

Awards and Thank Yous!

2009-01-15T14:06:00.004-06:00

Y'all it is cold here in Alabama. I live in what is considered the "Deep South". We do not like for it to get this cold without snow! ;-) DD practices the piano for 30 minutes before going to school every morning. It sounded funny! Terrible funny. I told her to 'warm it up' and she tried. But to be honest, it was so terrible sounding, neither one of could stand it. So I told her that she could practice it this afternoon. Rare that the piano sounds like that, but when the temps drop this low, and the great room is so big with cathedral ceilings. It just effects the sound of the piano. It will sound better this afternoon.

I also want to thank everyone for the Birthday Wishes. I really appreciate them. It meant a lot to me. :-D I had a great day and got another Lowes Gift Card!!! Dinning Room Makeover here I come!!!

Ladies (and Gents) I have been very tardy with this first award. It was given to me by Anya of Hills Creek Quilter before Christmas (I think) and though I put it on my award page, I am just now announcing it. (Sorry Anya...)

The rules are:

1. 5 people are allowed to receive this award
2. 4 dedicated followers
3. 1 new follower to your blog who lives in another part of the world
4. Please link back to the person who gave you this award.
Today I will be a rule breaker and take the easy way out... Sorry folks.
If you are a regular reader and poster of this blog, please feel free to pick up this award for yourself.

Kitty @ A Bit of Fluff, Quite Messy Really... gave me these too lovely awards. The first one is very Valentines looking. And both awards are supposed to go to bloggers who are not into "self-aggrandizement". When I saw the list of ladies that she gave these awards to, then saw my name listed with them, I was humbled. That is very sweet Kitty and thank you!

I am to pass these awards on to 8 bloggers who do not into self-aggrandizement and there are so many wonderful and deserving bloggers out there! As I visit blogs, many of you have already been awarded these awards, so today I will be a rule breaker. If you are a reader and poster to one of my 3 blogs, please feel free to pick up one of these awards for yourself. You deserve it! And please take time to visit these ladies wonderful blogs.

Hugs,
Melissa

Blue Disney Monday!

2009-01-11T17:31:00.004-06:00

Of course, Disney is anything, but Blue! :D Happy Blue Monday and thank you Sally for hosting Blue Monday every week.

I had Blue Monday in mind when I took these two photos at downtown Disney.

These two photos were taken in Downtown Disney a couple of months ago.

To see more Blue Monday Posts or to participate in Blue Monday, go to Smiling Sally's Blog by clicking HERE! Or by going to the Blue Jay picture in my Sidebar. Thanks again Sally!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh, I forgot to mention... I am 50 today and I can still do THIS!

Sunday Music Video

2009-01-11T07:06:00.003-06:00

Mac Powell of Third Day and David DeVane, Minister of Performing Arts at Hunter Street Baptist Church along with a few members of the HSBC orchestra. I know I have featured this one before, but I love it.

Mac Powell and David Nasser did the Glory Reveal Tour together. David Nasser goes to our church. When the tour was in Birmingham, David invited Mac to come to church with him. Then he said, "Oh and we want you to do the special music..." Mac replied that he wouldn't be able something about not having his music back up with him, so on and so forth. David replied, "Don't worry, our people will back you up." Mac did not want to appear ungracious, but he has had less than good experiences...... David repied, "Oh you don't have to worry about that, our musicians are good, you'll see!" David Nasser is always positive!

To better enjoy the video, please turn the music on my playlist on the sidebar off.

Blessings,
Melissa

Hooked on Chandi's

2009-01-09T07:14:00.007-06:00

Good Morning Everyone! I hope that you are having a great day! I am! It is Sunny here in Alabama. We have had a lot of fog and rain. Not that I am complaining. But I like sunshine too. :D

I wanted to join Julia@Hooked on Houses ~ Hooked on Fridays Party today. {Please scroll down for Kelli's Friday Show and Tell.} (Julia, thanks for hosting!) She has been Chandelier shopping and as of late I have been obsessed with them. So that is what my post is about. I even have some older posts where I have gone into stores, flea markets, antique shops and taken photos of chandis.... enough of that. LOL!

Since blogging (I started last summer actually for my photo business, and I hardly ever post to that blog!!! LOL!!! And this is my fun everyday blog. ) I became obsessed with Chandeliers. As I posted in Rhodas 2009 Project Party, I have looked for a Chandi for my kitchen for years.

And here it is!

I love it! About $68 total invested. Some of the arms had to be re-attached, some re-wiring done. I saw where I could hang prisms from it so I ordered a few. Too many and too big makes it 'over done'. It is perfect for my space and the price was right as well. :D

Then there is the Foyer Chandelier. I love it. Perfect for the space. I search long and hard for that one, but bloggerville changed all that for me. Made me step out on a limb, buy something perfect in every way but in color. And you know what? A can of spray paint changed all that. :D

I was also on a "hunt" for a Chandi for my DR. I have one of those 8 arm brass chandeliers and I am tired of it. (It looks a lot like that white Martha Stewart one, but it is brass... There is always spray paint!)

I found one on Craigslist dripping with prisms. And bought it, it is in the basement....I have not taken a photo of it yet or posted about it so everyone will just have to stay tuned. :D

For more Hooked on Friday's Post, click HERE. And again Julia, thank you for hosting. It has been fun!

Look at the Gifts!

2009-01-08T22:47:00.004-06:00

Good morning everyone! Welcome to my Friday Show and Tell. And thank you Kelli for hosting Friday Show and Tell every week. It has been a while since I have been able to participate. And actually, I had a textile piece I was going to feature, but I will show it next week. You will just have to come back. :-D

I hope that every one had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. We sure did. Looking forward to what God has in store for us in 2009.

Just before Christmas, I won a GiveAWay from Jan at "Jan and Tom's Rose Haven".

I did not get many photos of the package b/c DD got to the mail box first... It was torn open and she promptly acclaimed she knew exactly where to hang it and took off. LOL!

Her former nursery, (she is now 10) our now Beatrix Potter room, was not decorated and DD had a great time...

...stringing this wonderful Pom Pom Garland. I love it!!! I have another place all planed for it for next year. Jan also sent me some wonderful tea, which will be great on these cold winter afternoons. Thank You Jan!

Today as we were walking in from the bus stop, DD discovered another box... who could it be from?!?! (Thank goodness I was able to get if from her before she tore it up. Isn't this wonderful paper?!?)

It is from sweet Shannon of "Bless Our Nest"!

In the box was a lovely Valentines Tea Towel,

And look at this wonderful framed monogrammed plaque she made me! Isn't it divine! I love it. I love them both. Thank you Shannon!

I hope that you enjoyed my Friday Show and Tell. To see other Friday Show and Tells,or to participate, go to Kelli's site There's No Place Like Home. Thank you Kelli for Hosting!

Have a blessed weekend y'all!
Melissa

Project Review!

2009-01-07T06:49:00.017-06:00

Rhoda of Southern Hospitality is having a 2008 Project Review! I am joining in with a few projects. (Thanks Rhoda for Hosting!)

This old frame I found in my basement recycled into a chalkboard in my kitchen.

This old silver plate basket found in my sideboard recycled into a painted metal basket. (Is spray paint food safe?)

For years I have been looking for a new chandi for my foyer. I was sick of this one on the top photo. I would find the right one for the right price, but it would be the wrong color or size. Or I would find the right size and color, but wrong price!!! Bloghood changed that for me. :D

I found one on clearance at Lowes and spray painted it. I did not use my professional photo equipment for this shot. I just used my lil' ole' point and shoot camera. But is is a perfect chandi for the space. When I photograph the whole house for the blog, I will use my pro equipment.

Then there came the cloches. Did you know you can take items around the house and the $$$ store and the $$$ tree and make a Cloche?

Glass Hurricane or Vase, 50 cent votive holder, final and a plate. If you want them to be temporary, use hot glue. If you want them to be permanent, use a heavy duty glue like 6000 (?) or something that will work on glass. Fill it with items and you have a lovely cloche!

Clipboards. The tutorial is on my sidebar.

Christmas Card Ornament

I learned this from watching a Martha Stewart show a few years ago.

I like them and they look nice added to gifts. A great way to recycle cards.

The first project inspired by blogging. This umbrella stand was my late MIL's. I have had it for 13 years and it really needed to go or get a face lift....

Our Magic Christmas Elf needed his own bed. I could not have him sleeping with the American Girl Dolls.... None of that in this house, no siree! So I took this sneaker box...

A few old wooden spools I have been saving (OK, OK 15 cents, so my grandma saved them, then my mom saved them and gave them to me.... at least I am using them and they are no longer just taking up space!!!)

And some fabric and trims from my stash and a few scraps, I made this lovely Elfin bed.

I have tons of projects planned for 2009! A note book filled up. And I got Lowes gift cards for Christmas!!!! Yeah!

To enjoy more 2008 Project Reviews or to join the Party, go to Rhoda's blog Southern Hospitality! And Rhoda, thanks for hosting. It sure has been fun going over these photos and I am going to have fun going over everyone else's projects as well. Thanks so much and have a Blessed day!!!
Hugs,
Melissa

~~~Addendum~~~

I almost forgot this tired old Chandi I found in a Flea Market Antique Mall in Leeds, Alabama.

And here it is over my kitchen table. So pretty! And perfect! I cannot tell you how many years I have been looking for the perfect Chandelier for this spot. This one stole my heart. With new wiring, prisms total cost about $68 and I love it!

Blue Monday

2009-01-04T21:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my Blue Monday Post. Blue Monday is hosted by Sally @ Smiling Sally's Blog. Thank you Sally!

I love this shot of Cinderella's Castle. It is Blue, and so beautiful with the Ice Crystals dripping from it. Oh I almost missed this shot b/c I was all the way in Fronteirland when I first saw the color change to this Blue. (And it was so crowded. A sea of people, very difficult to navigate through the crowd and with 2 families, 3 of us photographers.) There was another Blue, it was aqua Blue. Pretty, and I captured it as well. I will save it for another post as I have a whole series of the castle photos featured in different colors. At night time, different lights are put on the castle changing color(s), even during the fireworks. It is beautiful. This photo was taken before the Wishes Fireworks show. The camera was hand held as there was barely a spot to stand let alone set up a tripod. That night was very very crowded.

To see more Blue Monday Posts or to participate in Blue Monday, go to Sally's blog by clicking HERE. Thank you for taking time to visit my blog today. Thank you Sally for hosting.

Y'all have a great day!

Sunday Video

2009-01-04T05:00:00.002-06:00

Beautiful Slide Show of God's Creation with a Beautiful Song by Hillssong - "One Way".
To better enjoy the video, please turn off the music on my playlist on the right sidebar.

Addendum: I just tried the video/slide show. It seems to be working fine. Perhaps it was timing.

Pink Saturday

2009-01-02T21:00:00.002-06:00

Welcome to the first Pink Saturday Post of 2009! Here is Wishing you a Happy New Year.

(Cinderella's Castle during the Wishes Fireworks at Walt Disney World.)

Addendum: Did y'all know that Photoshop does not have spell check? My DH just told me that "Year" is spelled wrong. (Y'all that is a TYPO! I do know how to spell "Year"!) But I do not know how to break down layers.... Now to go back and find my raw file and redo this whole photo... Na! Y'all just have a Happy New Yeay!

Isn't the Castle Pretty and Pink! And covered in Ice Crystals. It is beautiful!!! I still cannot believe how well the photo turned out considering I was hand holding the camera. I barely had a spot to stand. It was so crowded! I am not sure if I have ever seen it that crowded... Well, maybe I have. It is always crowded at Wishes. And I was trying to hang onto my 10 yo. Still got a who series of beautiful photos.

Thank you Beverly for hosting Pink Saturday! To see more Pink Saturday Posts go to Beverly's site, How Sweet the Sound.

Y'all have a great weekend!

Advice Please

2009-01-02T12:30:00.003-06:00

What do you think?

This is an old table. It has been all over the house. Not sure where it came from. A piece from DH's mother's family. I think it is sweet gum wood. Most of the furniture that they had was sweet gum wood with a veneer on the top. I cannot find a corner table for my small foyer, but I do keep putting this table here and like it. (My pink wellies always stay here. Maybe I need to find a black pair.)

My foyer is tall. In some places, 2-3 stories and it is where DH and I keep our galleries. Photo clients come in and it is one of the first things that they see. Most of my frames are black. Now I want to spray paint the rest black. The old brass umbrella stand that I spray painted black sits across from the table. (I am still decorated for Christmas. I do not take anything down until after the Epiphany.) Think this table could use a black dress?

Blessings,
Melissa

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T01:36:00.003-06:00

Wishing for you and your family a Happy and Prosperous 2009.

Love,

Melissa and Family

Check it Out!

2008-12-30T23:54:00.003-06:00

If you want to see a photo of me doing a back bend, click here.

Have a great day!
Melissa

Year End Review

2008-12-29T15:06:00.014-06:00

Cindy @ My Romantic Home is having a Year End Review. (Please scroll down for Blue Monday Post.) I thought it would be fun to join in. I do not have a flicka account so I just posted photos.

I have only been blogging since the summer, but I have gotten so much inspiration. And learned a lot! And enjoyed sharing what little I know.

My lowfat, low cal Banana Pudding Yum!

Crock Pot Turkey Breast Roast. That is good too!

Grilled Tuna Steaks, Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus
I think the rest of my food is on the external which I have disconnected....

Tea Time w/Jan & Tom using my Laura Ashley Tea Set.

Huge wicker basket Thrift Store find. I think $4.25. It will be a parrot poopy perch. (Cheaper than Michael's 1/2 price!!!)

Linen piece found at the same Thrift Store.

My favorite find (Yard Saling with Southern Hospitality Rhoda) 1917 Electric Table Top Singer.

Other Thrift Store Finds. Doilies are in my linen chests until after Christmas. Silver tray, see photo below. Also scroll down a few posts and see a Nativity displayed on it. I think I paid less than 5 bucks for that thing. Candle sticks are in my bedroom, white thing painted black and on front stoop with flower pots in it, baskets put to good use around the house.

Thanksgiving Decor.

I found this tired old Chandelier.

And it was just what I was looking for! Now it has prisms hanging from it. (I need to take a new photo.)

My Laura Ashley Tea Pot and Tea Cup...

Crochet Doilies and Trivets made by my DH's Grandmother.

Recycled stuff from my basement. Old frame spray painted then glazed. Foam core sprayed with Chalk Board Paint.
Old Silver Plate Wire basket primed and spray painted to go with my kitchen.

Homemade Cloche.

Another Homemade Cloche filled to the brim with gourds.

Princess House Crystal Vase with Pine Cones and gourds.

And I am looking for a lid to one of my favorite tea pots. I broke the lid a couple of years ago. But meanwhile, it makes a great flower vase!

Beautiful almost flat clear soup bowl. I want to use it in my china garden. That is what I bought it for. But... It is so pretty!

Old Rusty Brass Umbrella Stand. Spray painted to give it a fresh new look.

Clipboard Craft makeover. Makes great gifts for teachers, co-workers, students, etc.

One of my Trash to Treasure features (made from a sneaker box that you would throw away), an Elfin Bed. Fit for any Elfin Prince. Or one coming to visit from the North Pole for a few days.

I enjoyed sharing some of my review with you. Look forward to looking at yours as well.

Happy New Year!

Blue Monday

2008-12-28T22:00:00.008-06:00

Happy Blue Monday Everyone! I took this photo the Saturday before Thanksgiving. A dance school client of mine was invited to bring her performing team to Walt Disney World to perform in the Tomorrowland Amphitheater that Sat before TG. It was all decorated for Christmas and Winter. And the girls danced and twirled to Christmas Songs and Carols. It was so much fun and exciting!

The school invited us to come down and take advantage of the discounted tickets. Park Hoppers were indeed a bargain! And DH & DD have been itching to go back to WDW so we jumped on the opportunity and were delighted to take photos of the team during their performance. I just love how the Blue Stage complimented their Blue costumes! (The school that performed 2 hours before did not have that advantange...) And also notice the coordinated jump! I am an excellent shot at getting those synced jumps. Usually, the girls are not all in sync (sometimes choroegraphed that way) when they are supposed to be in sync and they mess up my shot and their performance. You can tell they worked hard on making this one perfect! Not one girl left on the floor. :D My shot looks good. I think the reason I can get them every time is b/c I danced for so many years and b/c I shoot them so much. Instinct. I know when it is coming and I am ready to shoot.

I love the Blue and the Blue Background. It was not planned. But turned out ever so perfect!

For more Blue Monday Posts or to participate, go to Sally's Blog, Smiling Sally, by Clicking Here. Happy Blue Monday Everyone!

Sunday Music Video

2008-12-28T14:48:00.002-06:00

To enjoy the music video, please turn off the music on playlist in the right of my sidebar.

Have a great day!

Wonderful Christmas!

2008-12-26T22:22:00.005-06:00

I sincerely hope that everyone had a wonderful Christ-filled Christmas day. We had a lovely day. A lovely week! It was busy! And flew by fast. And we had a wonderful time. My mom, who lives 2 hours away, stayed with us a few days. I went to her place to pick her up Tues and took her home today. She does not care to drive. We all spent Christmas day at my IL's house. FIL's wife had invited her two children and their spouses as well. We had a lot of fun.

Next week, I will begin to start posting to my Health and Fitness Blog again. I stopped some time ago. For a couple of reasons. But the main reason is I was asked to try out a product for free and write a review on the blog. I was not told what the product was, but I was so excited! A new fitness tool/contraption. A kettle ball, a new type of band, tube, ring, weight, something altogether different.... Well it was something altogether different alright. I wonder if the person even bothered to read my Health and Fitness blog! If they had, they would have known that this product was totally inappropriate for my H&F blog. If I told you what the product was, you would either die laughing or be offended. So I will leave it to you imagination. I will say, I was so disappointed and it took the wind out of my sails. I almost made it a private blog for the ladies that come to the fitness classes that I teach at church.

I have had a few of you ask if I will start posting pointers, etc again, either in this blog or in the H&F blog. With that bit of encouragement, I will start posting to the H&F blog. I might even start with a photo of me doing a back bend! And a DISCLAIMER and WARNING!

I will include tips on converting recipes to low fat and healthier ingredients that still taste great. How to start exercise programs, set a goal, etc. It will be great!

I hope that y'all will stop by that blog and visit and post often!

And just b/c I work out a lot does not mean I am immune to the holiday back sliding. I have been a Miss Piggy!!! And I will share with you tips on how to control that and get back into a healthy lifestyle when you catch yourself 'backsliding...'.

Have a great evening y'all!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T07:29:00.008-06:00

To: All Blogging Friends and Their Families

Merry Christmas!

(I am going to take a few day off from posting. I will visit, but this will be my last post to my blog until after Christmas.)

As we approach the time that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, it is my sincere hope, prayer and wish that you have a Safe, Happy and Merry Christmas.

Love,
Melissa & Family

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There is a DeWalt Track Saw Combo Kit GiveAWay. Registration ends January 5th. You can check out the details by clicking here or by going to the GiveAWay section on my sidebar.

Merry Christmas!

Jan & Tom's Christmas Card Swap

2008-12-19T22:38:00.011-06:00

I wanted to share with everyone all the gift cards and the goodies I received while doing Jan's Card swap. Oh what fun!!! And.... There is a Recycle Christmas Card Ornament Tut at the end.

BTW, the stack of cut up Christmas card strips with brads on each end is not a book marker. It is a Christmas Ornament. It has 8 pieces . If you spread those 8 pieces out, top one going to the left, the bottome going to the right, so on and so forth until it curves and opens into a round ball. A greata way to recycle Christmas cards. Then just hang by the ribbon from a branch on your tree. It stores easily as well.

Thank you Jan for hostessing the Christmas Card swap. It was much much fun.

Card and Tags and Goodies from Lolly@ Lolly's Nest Egg.

Card and Angel Bracelet from Lady Jane @ Lady Jane's Emporium.

Card, tags and pin from Our Bathroom Beauty Snapper Diva-Shelia - Note Songs

Card and tea from Brett @ Southern Hostess.

Card, ornament and tag from Cary @ A New Path

Lovely Card and ornament from The Hostess with the Mostest- Jan - Jan & Tom's Place

Card and Tags (Nikon cap is being used as a paper weight...) (Awtemnymf) The Faerie Wysperer

(Nikon cap being used as a paper weight) Recipe cards, book mark and tags from Card Designer and Artist Diane Knot@ Diane Musings

Greeting Cards, scrapbookking goodies, recipe cards from Designer and Artist Michelle Palmer.

Now ladies, some of you think that the stack of cut up Christmas cards with brads on each ends and a ribbon at the end is a weird book mark. I see you have not subbed to Martha Stewart Living or watched her shows as much as I have in the past. LOL! This is right off of one of her shows or mags in the past 2 or 3 years. I had to go buy a box of cards b/c I had used all my cards from the last two years. And I wanted to select something that would pack flat in an envelope.

Take a pretty card and cut it horrizonally into 8-13 strips. If it has rounded edges, as this one did, those will need to be trimmed off, as all the corners will need to be squared. You will need to measure your card and get out your calculator as the strips will need to be in even strips. ie: a 10 in card divided by 8 strips... so on and so forth.

Hole punch the top and bottom of each strip in the same spot. Make sure you keep each strip stacked on top of each other in the order that they are cut. It makes a nicer ornament when it is opened up.

Cup the bradded strips in your hand like a C then begin to fan it open. Since I stacked the left side of the card on top fan open the top strip to the left and continue to fan open the strips to the open. You will begin to see the art work of the card to take place and develop and the ornemant take on a round shape as in the photo above and below. If it does not make sense, ask for clarification. I will be glad to answer any questions.

Now your ornemant is ready to hang on the tree!

Y'all have a great weekend!

Christmas Survey

2008-12-19T09:42:00.006-06:00

This looks like fun!

Is having a Mr. Linky Christmas Tag today. I thought it would be fun to participate. If you want to participate, click on the logo link and it will take you straight to her site.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper. With real ribbon. I also like all my paper to be alike and ribbon alike, but my family messes me up by finding the hodgepodge of scraps of Christmas pass...

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial

3. When do you put up the tree? Day after Thanksgiving, but not this year.
4. When do you take the tree down? News Years Day or the 6th of Jan. Growing up, we always took our decorations down on the 6th of January. In DH's home they took them down on the 1st. So we go back and forth.
5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, but hot cocoa better!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? A Barbie in 1964 or 1965. I still have her. And a Chatty Cathy the year before. I no longer have her. She must have died...

8. Easiest person to buy for? My mom.

9. Do You have a nativity scene? Yes. Several and they are all different sizes.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? When I was an early teen, I wanted money. So I got a check in my stocking and that was all. That was a very disappointing Christmas.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Right now, Santa Clause I.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Any time. It is always different.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No. If I do not like something, I donate it.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Sweet Potato Casserole And Ginger snaps

16. Lights on the tree? White and lots of them.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Hark the Harold Angels Sing

18. Travel for Christmas or stay home? Stay home or very close.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? No.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One on Christmas Eve, the rest on Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? No time.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? The deep burgundy reds!
24. Favorite Christmas dinner? A broth soup, a light salad, Turkey breast roast, asparagus casserole, sweet potato casserole, some sort of dessert and coffee. ...

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? melrose silver dinner forks (long story how 4 are missing from my set) and lowes or home depot gift cards.

What I WON!

2008-12-18T06:00:00.003-06:00

Last week I found a box at the door....
It was from Christie@ Somewhere in Time. I had just won her 100th post GiveAWay!

A lovely note and Christmas Card from her.

A Vintage Handmade Ornament

A Vintage Handstitched Wall Hanging

An Adorable Book Marker

A Sweet Vintage Elfin Ornament

A Vintage Cross Stitched Ornament

Cinnamon Sticks ummm they smell good!

Vintage Santa Cards

Mint condition Vintage Linen Dish Towel

Vintage Wall Hanging

Sweet Christmas book

Christmas Fridge Magnet

Vintage Christmas Apron

And there was a lovely silver angel pin that I could not get the camera to focus on so I did not photograph it. But is is pretty!

Thank you Christie!!! I love them!

Award Time!

2008-12-17T14:00:00.006-06:00

Sally from Smiling Sally gave me this beautiful award. Thank you Sally!

A. Put the logo on your blog.
B. Add a link to the person who awarded you.
C. Nominate ten other blogs, add links to those blogs, and leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

Y'all it was so hard to just pick out ten blogs! There are 1oo's, no! Millions of cool blogs!!!
Now I need to go give notice that these fine ladies have been given these awards and pass them on! Congratulations!

Carolyn @ Cranberry Crossings
Cristie @ Somewhere in Time (Private Blog)
Valerie @ It's a Wonderful Life
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality
Anya @ Hills Creek Quilter (Please go look at her quilts!)
Manuela @ The Pleasures of Homemaking
Strawberry Blond @ Shack on the Rocks (Another B'ham Metro Gal)
Deb @ Deb's Country Kisses (Another B'ham Metro Gal) Hey, I'm getting them all!
Karla @ Ramblin' Roads (and make sure you check out her other blog 'Another Road to Ramble' Book Review Blog)
Sandi @ Whistle Stop Cafe Cooking (Yum Yum! Check out her blogs! And another B'Ham Metro Gal!)

My next Award is the Kreativ Blogger Award. It is from Karla @ Ramblin' Roads and Anya @ Hills Creek Quilter. Thank you ladies!

The rules from Anya @ Hills Creek Quilter are:

1. The winner may put the logo on her/his blog.
2. Put a link to the person you got the award from in your blog.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to the blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees.

The Rules From Karla @ Ramblin' Roads are:

Mention the blog that gave it to you.
Comment on her blog to let her know you have posted the award.
Share 6 values that are important to you.
Share 6 things you do not support.
Share the love with six other wonderful blogging friends.

Thank you ladies for the award! :D

I am going to combine the requirements. The recipients may do the same.

My 6 Important Values:

My Salvation thru Jesus Christ and my Relationship with Him
The example I set for my daughter and child
I am Pro-Life
A strong marriage & family with Jesus Christ as the center
Honesty
Fitness and good health

6 Things I Do Not Support:

Dirty Politicians/Ministers (Ministries)
Abortion
Dishonesty
Alcohol/Drug Abuse
Disrespect
Parents Who do not discipline their Children or teach them respect

I will pass this award along to 6 other Bloggers and there are so many Kreativ Bloggers out there.......... I wish to give it to all of you!

Jan @ Jan & Tom's Place
Kim @ Home is Where the Heart Is
Rhonda @ Scooerblu's Whimsy
Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land (One of the most Kreativ Blogs)
Wendy @ Ivory Spring (Please check out her quilts, sewing, decorating and table scapes. They are beautiful!)
Deb @ Deb's Country Kisses

Congratulations ladies!

I WON!

2008-12-17T07:16:00.002-06:00

I just found out that I won Jan and Tom's Give A Way! I will post pictures when I get it! Thank you Jan and Tom!!!

Christmas Decorating

2008-12-16T06:50:00.013-06:00

It is Holiday Open House at Kimba's, BooMama is having Christmas Tour of Homes, Julia is having Hooked on Holiday Tours and our own Birmingham's Southern Hospitality Rhoda is having a Christmas Decorating Party too! Well, though I am still pulling things out of the attic and basement, just put the tree up, I still want to join the parties! (For Trash to Treasure, scroll down to the next post.)

My piano all decorated with some of my teapots and coffee pots. The ones on the left stay that way year around. From the center over has been changed. I borrowed an idea from Diane of A Picture is Worth a 1000 Words of taking a thrift store silver plate tray and displaying my bisque Nativity scene on it.

I love my pewter coffee pot lamp. I have had it for several years. The vintage brown teapot and Lenox coffeepot are gifts from IL's. The tea cup I found at Home Goods.

More pots and goodies.

This bisque Nativity Set is a gift from my late MIL.

Our tree is a hodge podge of ornaments. Homemade, gifts, souvenirs, many made with love by friends, children of friends and our precious little daughter.

My teapot fetish extends to ornaments as well. This photo is not very good as I was hand holding with no flash.

Hayward, DD's Magic Elf, is worn out. He had a busy day today. (To know more about Hayward, scroll down to see the my Trash to Treasures post.)

Hayward's bed and some other furnature is displayed under the tree for a time. He stays with us until Dec 23rd. Then he has to go back to the North Pole to help Santa.

This is my mantel decorated for the Christmas Holidays.

My SIL got me this teapot. It is a teapot for all seasons. It is also a usable teapot. And holds heat very well.

My Step MIL found this teapot in an Antique shop in New England. Heavy old stoneware. I have never used it, but I bet it makes a great pot of tea. And it looks great in my living/great room.

I made our Christmas stockings about 13 or 14 years ago. The one on the far left is mine. Every piece of fabric has some significance in it. Fabric from my after dinner rehearsal dress, fabric my late MIL brought back from IL's trip to Beging, some other fabrics in there as well. The stocking to the right is for pets or out of town guests. And this year that will be my mom! :D

DD's stocking and DH's stocking to the left.

My Christmas China displayed on the hutch in the kitchen.

We do not really do Santa (we pretend) in this house. We do have fun with it. We even have one of those silly little elves that wreaks havok and makes messes in our house this time of year. Do you realize how many people, children worship Santa as a god? I wonder how the Bishop of Myra would feel if he knew that? All he ever wanted to do was glorify God and the Lord Jesus Christ by making sure the orphans and widows had what they needed. We do have fun with it. DD knows the man we now call 'Santa' was a real person, who is in heaven now. He was one of the great Saints of God and God used him in a mighty way while he was living on earth. Somewhere in time, people lost perspective about him.

This has been fun sharing a little of my home with you! I will be posting some more in the next day or two.

Little Things in Life...

Project Time! ~Tray~

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas!

Sunday Video ~Steven Curtis Chapman~

Sunday Video~Francesca Battistelli

Roll Tide Roll!

Sunday Video~Francesca Battistelli

Nice Casual Table Setting & Turkey Post Roast

Blue Monday & Bringing Justice to Bella!

Sunday Video

Chic Day!

Over the Rainbow Bridge

Photography Special!!!

I Broke a Promise to My Husband....

A Tag and an Award!

A Blue...

Happy Fourth of July!

TableScape Thurs~The McLean House

VBS Crafts for 5th & 6th Graders

Mosaic Crosses~VBS Craft

Down Under Puppet Craft

Crafts for VBS~OutBack Adventure!

~~~Banner~~~

Outdoor Wednesday-Daylilies

Happy Birthday Pink Saturday!

Neighborhood Walk-A-Bout

3 Blind Mice

Foodie Friday-Grilling Time!

Blue Monday-A Blue Heart

Happy Mothers Day!

Portugal Bound!

Birmingham, Alabama

Happy....

GiveAWays I have Won!

Foodie Friday~Turnip Green Soup

Tablescape Thursday

Outdoor Wednesday

Pillow Parade

2nd Time Around Tuesday

Sunday Video

Outdoor Wednesday-Snow in the South!

A New Pot!

Snow In Alabama!

Flaunt Your Red

~Southern Lady~: ~Are You Ready To Flaunt~

Dishaholic Award

Outdoor Wednesday

Monticello

An Award!

Sunday Video

Blue Monday

Sunday Video

Ronald Reagan

Chick Flicks!

Flowers for Outdoor Wednesday

Sunday Video

Now This is Football!

Blue Monday!

Sunday Music Video

Awards and Thank Yous!

Blue Disney Monday!

Sunday Music Video

Hooked on Chandi's

Look at the Gifts!

Project Review!

Blue Monday

Sunday Video

Pink Saturday

Advice Please

Happy New Year!

Check it Out!

Year End Review

Blue Monday

Sunday Music Video

Wonderful Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Jan & Tom's Christmas Card Swap

Christmas Survey

What I WON!

~Banner~