Sunshine!!

We have had some nice weather lately, and the sunshine has streamed through the window beautifully. In the early mornings, the bunnies are all over the backyard, much to Sassy's enjoyment!
Speaking of bunnies, I have a few Easter pics to share. My children all ready for church on Easter morning..... My mom and sister joined us for church too! After a wonderful church service we all came back and had a cookout. The grandkids were with us this year, which made Easter extra special!!!
I will share more Easter pics next time.
Here is an update on the family....
Sweetheart is working LOTS of hours, but I am so grateful for the job!!!Charlotte is, well,.....Charlotte is Charlotte. She has good and bad days. School has been an issue here, but I think maybe, hopefully, prayerfully, she is starting a new trend.
She is enjoying her needlework, playing outside with friends, and hanging with her brothers.
Zach is doing well in school, and is looking forward to a summer break. We homeschool through most of the summer, so he may be an unhappy guy very soon! Oh well, we only work in the mornings. He LOVES that cat, and is spending lots of time outside playing with his best friend, Stephan.
Kyle is so glad the weather is nice. He is outside more than he is inside and loves playing basketball with the guys in the cul de sac!Me? I have been getting Bud and Rachel's old house ready for the new tenants. My sister in law, who lives in Colorado, owns the house, so I am helping her by showing and renting it. The new family signed the lease here this afternoon. I am so glad that is over!! Now on to some Spring cleaning around here and back to some quilting projects that have been far too neglected! My mom an sister are coming early in the morning to attend Mother's Day service at my church. How blessed can I be? 2 times in 3 weeks!!! Next Sunday, Zach is getting baptized, so that will be an event also!
That's all for now. I will come back early next week and share more! I'm sure this long post wore you out!!!

Things I Don't Say

I have seen this on a couple of blogs...namely Crispy and Debi, and the blog that started it all, Stitched In Color. So what are some of the things I don't say...

QUILT RELATED:

I am a fabric snob...ok I have said that before, but never to the degree of it's reality. I will not use cheap fabrics. I don't like Walmart fabrics, Joann's, or even Hobby Lobby. I have used them in baby quilts and table runners, but for my main quilts it is ONLY quilt shop fabric.

I dislike novelty prints.

I hate batiks...really hate them.

I am not fond of modern quilts. I can admire them, but have no desire to make one.

Machine quilting....again no desire.

BLOG AND SOCIAL NETWORK RELATED:
I "hide" my facebook friends (and family) who swear, are mean, or on such a soapbox for their own "faith" that they come off unloving.

I do most of my blog reading in my reader...hence the few comments I leave.

I play NO facebook games....farmville, zoo-something, or any other game is not on my schedule.

I am a blog lurker on several blogs and have never "introduced" myself, and I like it that way.

I lose 1-2 followers every time I do a post about Jesus. When I put the "He Died For You" button on my sidebar I lost 3.

I am not concerned with how many followers I have.

I won't enter giveaways with hoops to jump through.

I do not read any RAD blogs....I gave that up long ago. There is one I read once a week to catch up, as she is a friend, but I don't even read her blog daily. This is to protect my thinking.

PERSONAL:

I struggle with anxiety issues since adopting Charlotte, though I am working hard to overcome it.

I still secretly want to smoke cigarettes...but I don't...but I really want to.

I am addicted to sugar.

I am extremely conservative (which has not always been the case)...to the point that I am more conservative than Biblically required. Some have called me legalistic....I don't see this, because a legalistic person requires others to be the same, and I don't.

I personally believe the King James Bible to be the true Word of God, and do not use other versions....AGAIN, not something I require of others.

I am terrible at math, though I have a friend who calls me for mathematically quilt related questions...though when I have a question I call a different friend! How I can figure out a friend's math problem, but not my own is a mystery.

I am madly in love with my cat....she is like one of my kids. Seriously. That is warped.

So there are some of the things I don't say, or talk about. I bet you could do a post just like this one....let me know if you do!!!

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is Sweetheart's Mother's birthday. She is an amazing woman who is loved so much. She was a wonderful daughter, caring for both her parents until they passed away. Look at this face.....
...is that TJ's face, or what!!!???
She is a loving Grandma and Great Grandma. My kids all love her deeply.She was a beautiful wife to her husband, "Grandpa" who passed away a few years ago.
And an incredible sister to her 10 brothers and 1 sister. Her bond with Sweetheart, her only child, is deep and strong, and she is a wonderful Mother in love.
We love you Diane!!!
Happy Birthday!!!

Easter Preparations

It is one of my favorite weeks!! Easter week. The celebration of His resurrection! If you have been reading here for a while, you know I have had a struggle finding a church home. I all but gave up for quite a while there. Well last Sunday we visited a new church.My friend Alesha referred me, as her pastor spoke here recently...I think that was how it went, or the pastor here spoke there...anyway, I have driven past this church a million times...it is less than a mile from my house, but a friend from Florida had to tell me about it! The kids and I enjoyed it and plan to go back on Easter Sunday.

I pressed clothes for the occasion, and got everyone's Easter dud's all ready.

Funny, Kyle's pant had a tag that said, "Wrinkle Resistant"...uh, huh...yeah, I don't think so. Ironing is not my favorite thing to do, but the crisp clothing is a nice payoff.Some of my time this week was spent couponing. Also, not a favorite thing, and I do not spend hours doing it, but I do clip some, and was able to save about 18 dollars total in those clipped coupons. Another $32 using my Kroger card and I did not do too badlyLots of packages arrived in the mail over the last week. Books for the new curriculum we are trying out with Charlotte. That will be another post..... And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
And they remembered his word.


Have a Blessed Holy Day!

$$$Money$$$

I am terrible with money...always have been. I come by it naturally...sorry Mom, but you know it's true. When Sweetheart was laid off, I became frugal out of necessity. It was at times fun. Looking for that bargain. Searching for the best price or deal. Only buying what you HAVE to have, not what you WANT to have. (I LOVE the Extreme Couponing show...it gives me a rush) We never went without.

Now Sweetheart is back to work and it would be the perfect time to save up. You live and learn, right? Well, you should....I didn't. I have been on a spree. Now some of it is ok....I have the money to buy it, yet, I am not shopping with the same frugal mind I did before. I am still looking at prices, and seeking the best deal, but not anywhere to the degree I was. It didn't seem like a big deal until this morning when I went online to my bank and actually added up all the purchases.

Tuesday, I went for a day with my mom. I had a list, and for the most part stuck to it, but, oh, my, did it add up quick. That day cost me $326.39. That does NOT include food....except for the breakfast I bought for us...Mom bought lunch. I do not feel "guilty" per se...just realizing I can not do this on a normal basis like I use to.

Some of the things on my list included, rugs (those are expensive no matter where you get them)...one for under the desk to save my wood floor........and a new set for the powder room...the ones in the powder room got recycled up to the kids bath. It has been a need for awhile, but not one of those "need it NOW" things.

Clothing...With the warm weather coming, my kids needed some new clothes. I got Kyle a new "dress" outfit....this will take care of Easter and any other outing where I want him to look better than his normal jean shorts and t-shirt. I did get him a new pair of jean shorts too though!Zach has grown out of most of his clothes. He gets GREAT hand me downs from a neighbor but what is left...and there is A LOT. (Like 7 or 8 pair of dress pants)...are too big still. He needed a pair of dress pants for church, and for Easter, so I found this pair on clearance. I also got him the shirt, some socks, and a pair of jean shorts.Sweetheart needed some new Polo shirts for work, so I got a great deal on 4 of them at Bergners. My own wardrobe is old. A new skirt and a couple of tops to match, so now I have a new Easter outfit too.

(Don't worry...Charlotte got more than all of us...just give me a minute) Now that was a DAY of spending, right? I'm not done. After all that shopping, my Mom and I decided to get a pedicure. $30 later I had refreshed feet all ready for the new sandals I got...I forgot to mention those, huh? Notice the purple rug....it is one of the new powder room rugs. I should feel badly, but I don't. Maybe that is not a good thing. I get a pedicure once a year and it is always a treat from my mom or Sherry....this is the first one I have paid for myself. If you don't want to get hooked on them, never have one. That was my $300+ day. It was FUN....but will not be a regular thing. My biggest deal of the day?? My $85 worth of Estee Lauder for free. Yep...all you need to do is take your mother to the Estee Lauder counter, let her loose so she spends $90 on lipstick and lip liner and sit back while she hands you the "Free Gift With Purchase" which includes 2 full size lipsticks, 2 full size eye shadows, a cleanser and anti wrinkle cream, a mirror and make up bag......THAT was nice!! ♫Thank you Mom!♫ Not included in that spree total was the afternoon Sweetheart and I had with Charlotte. We took her on Sunday afternoon to Burlington Coat Factory where she got 2 new skirts and 3 new tops...also a pair of sandals....add another $75 to that total. We won't talk about the new monitor I showed you from the previous post...but it all added up to a few weeks that totaled just over $600 in spending. Kinda takes your breath away for a mnute. Everything bought was needed. Other than the pedicure and maybe the monitor, I can not think of one thing I bought that was not "necessary". My frugal friends may disagree with me, and they may be right. I know I need to keep that mentality I used when we were laid off. I am CERTAIN the Lord would have me to be a good steward of my His money. As a helpmeet to my husband it is my duty to him, to not misuse our finances. I did have an okay from him on the above purchases. He is in the business of finance, so he is much better with money than I am...that does not take much. I am afraid I have passed that spending gene down to my oldest son. Prayerfully he will be blessed with someone in his life who is a frugal spender and has the knowledge to manage money. I am praying about purchasing a money management program, or even just a book. I have seen Dave Ramsey change lives. It would have to be something Sweetheart and I do together....praying on that. In the meantime, I am holding myself accountable right here....My dirty little secret is there for the world to see...I am becoming a reformed spender. Everyone take cover, and Lord, help me!

Blessings

It has been a week of blessings! One blessing was the new monitor and computer set up that Sweetheart gave me last weekend. Nice, eh? No more running to the basement to check emails or read blogs.

Another blessing was this wonderful tea and strainer from my sweet mom. A new tea shop opened in the mall and she bought me this wonderful blend. It is White Ayurvedic Chai, and Samurai Chai Mate. Look how beautiful it is. The smell is indescribable!! I haven't tasted it yet, as I am an evening tea drinker and this has caffeine, so I need to drink it in the morning!

Yet, another blessing last week was the opportunity to serve others. My mom's Aunt Fannie passed away and my children and I hosted a luncheon in our home for the family. We had 50 people here and it was such a blessing to see my children show a servant's heart!

At the end of the luncheon, another blessing arrived.....

The grandkids came for the night! TJ stacked the left over cups into a "castle" and was so proud of his accomplishment. Some might see that as a huge waste of cups...I saw it as a work of art!

Little Miss Emerson Avery was a true blessing! I think she is going to be a leftie like her Uncle Kyle! She is talking like CrAzY! At 2 1/2, she said...and all at once, just as clear as a bell, "Grandma, Uncle Kyle is talking at you." It all happens so fast...that growing up thing!Look how big she has gotten...Charlotte can hardly carry her anymore!

Sassy-Cat had a blessing over the last week also....the windows are open!She only looks annoyed because I was taking her picture! As soon as she realized what I was doing, she turned her back....What a joy it must be for her to watch the birds fly overhead. It is her favorite thing to do in the world!!

Praying that your week be filled with an abundance of blessings!!!!

Bits and Pieces

Nothing major to share here today. I thought I would share a few tidbits. The 3rd PIF gift was received by Kathy, so I can show it to you now. It is a Rose of Sharon block. Hand appliqued and hand quilted, it is one of my favorite blocks to work on. I put it in all my samplers. I would really like to do a whole quilt of these! Speaking of hand applique, I have set aside the last 2 PIF gifts for a bit (I have a year to do them) and picked up my own applique work. The next couple of pics are blurry, but you get the idea. I have added some leaves to the floral applique border and they look great! The fabric is perfect for leaves! My favorite applique technique is needle turn. I have freezer paper underneath to give me a nice crisp edge. Once sewn on, I cut a slit in the back and pull the paper out.

Today I am going to applique more leaves while watching Gone With The Wind. Other than laundry and dinner, it will be that kind of day. I need it!!

Hey, remember how Sweetheart and Zach worked together to put a lock on the file cabinet drawer? (There was a keyed lock, but we never had the key) At the time they were doing it, Zach was not sure why. Later he asked me and I explained that it was to lock up medicines....Charlotte has acquired a taste for medications that taste "good".

Zachary looked a little puzzled and said, "You know mom, that lock isn't doing any good. All you have to do is pull the top drawer open enough and you can reach right down into the bottom drawer." My eyes got huge as he said this. Goodness!! I told him NOT to tell his sister that and hopefully she would not figure it out! Either he is extremely bright, or we are extremely dim!

Did you see the baby eagle hatch? I have been watching the Live Eagle Cam with the kids. So exciting to see the new baby come into the world. The 2nd of 3 eggs has a hole in it so another one will be coming soon. You can find other bird cams there too. My mom is watching the hummingbird babies...the mom comes and feeds them while you watch live. Very addictive, so make sure you have the time.

My oldest son moved into his new digs. The kids spent the weekend with him. They both love their "new home with Daddy".Emerson loves the new puppies that live there. (Bud moved in with a friend)

Ginger and, I think the Ginger's baby is named Slash...I could be wrong. TJ talked about them a lot. Also 2 kitties...Sugar and Nitro.

I thought it was nice to see Bud has his quilt at the foot of his bed...he sent me these pics.

Well, I am off to make lunch, switch laundry around and put in Gone With The Wind.