Thankful Thursday

Lynn is our host for the month of May.

Today we our thankful to Mothers.

I am thankful that I still have my mom with me. That wasn't always the case. I was one of those rebellious teens and I can only imagine the anguish I cost my parents.
Being a mom myself I can understand some of that anguish now.

It took a while before our relationship was as good as it is now. There were times I shared more with my Aunt or Grandma than I shared with my mom.

I was talking with my daughter yesterday. She told me I wasn't her hero but I am a good role model. I can live with that. I don't need to be her hero, but I am glad she thinks of me as a role model. I know that hasn't always been the case.

Mothers can be someone other than our Mothers. A mother can be a close friend, an aunt, a grandma. These are special people in our lives too.

I know Mothers day can be hard for some women. Women that have lost children, or are infertile, or have had miscarriages. This day can be painful as well as joyful.

I hope you have a wonderful Mothers day!

I rejoice that I have my two healthy children.

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Proverbs 23:25 (New King James Version)

25 Let your father and your mother be glad,
And let her who bore you rejoice.

Ramblings......

Today I went to the dentist. It was a good appointment but I will need a new crown on a crown I have had since I was 13. It's OLD and needs to be replaced. And the hygienist was a little vigorous with the cleaning. My teeth hurt.

My hubby got the stuff for the garden expansion yesterday and will be working on that tomorrow. I am excited to plant a bigger variety of veggies this year!!

This afternoon we had the little guy's kindergarten interview. It's a private Christian school associated with our church. I can hardly believe he will be starting kindergarten. He is excited. Me, not so much. But it will all be good!!

Today was my dog Otis birthday. He would have been seven today. I still miss him.

Hubby also got a new bird bath. We have three of them in the yard and the biggest, main one had a huge crack in it. He got a smaller one but I think I might like it better than the old huge one.

I am so happy it is spring. I like the sunshine a lot and the smell of the freshly cut grass. Even the smell of spring rain is refreshing after the winter!!

Memory Verse 18

Proverbs 11:18:

"The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward."

May blankets

These are small blankets that I have been working on.

They will go for preemie babies in the NICU.

The white blanket is made with Red Heart and all the others are made with Homespun.

None of them took that long to make since they are so small.

White--22x24
Pink---17x19
Blue---17x17
Variegated pink--17x19
Variegated blue-18x17.5

Hummingbirds!!!

The hummingbirds have arrived!

I just now spotted the first male.

We just put up the feeder yesterday afternoon.
I didn't expect them this early since it's not been too warm here, but they are really just a few days early!

Yay!!!

Hands

My daughter came over today for a while and she wanted a picture of their hands together..

Little guy loves when big sister comes over.

These pictures are their hands.

May 1 , 2009

Today is May day. The first of May. I seem to have a faint memory of making Mayday baskets on this day when I was in elementary school.

Anyway, just a tiny bit of info about may day:

Roots of May Day celebration in America:
The Puritans frowned on May Day, so the day has never been celebrated with as much enthusiasm in the United States as in Great Britain. But the tradition of celebrating May Day by dancing and singing around a maypole, tied with colorful streamers or ribbons, survived as a part of the English tradition. The kids celebrating the day by moving back and forth around the pole with the the streamers, choosing of May queen, and hanging of May baskets on the doorknobs of folks -- are all the leftovers of the old European traditions.


The weather here is improving though it is cool and rainy sometimes. We need the rain though.

We will wait til the end of the month to put in our garden. Tomatoes for sure, some peppers, hot peppers and I want to try some carrots and herbs again.
I really want an additional garden but it would have to be so far away from the other one, which would make it hard to water etc. I want lettuce but maybe I will do that in containers. My brother is doing it in pails and it's always good!

The end of school is coming up this month. I have the boy signed up for T ball and swimming and I am sure we will find other things to do throughout the summer.

It's that time of year to make dental appointments for me and the little guy. It's something I dread and I find myself putting it off unfortunately.

We found a new church home. But it's not exactly new. We have been going on and off for about twelve years and decided to make it our church home.
This church has a ton to offer for everyone of every age. We are currently taking a gifts class, only two weeks left for that. I believe I will be taking the summer off from any class or small group but will start again in the fall. The church offers a Beta class that I am interested in.

Daughter recently moved into a new place. I hope she likes it. No roommate this time. It's still close to her work. She has been coming over each Thursday while the husband and I take our class. Little guy enjoys when big sister comes over!!

I am currently crocheting some tiny preemie blankets for charity, along with regular sized baby blankets and the prayer shawls. With a few baby hats thrown in along the way. I find that I like making baby hats more than the bigger hats. Little guy put in his order for a new winter hat already!!!
I'd really like to have a go at crocheting socks!!

The dogs are both doing well after their bump removal and gum surgery. Off all antibiotics and pain pills now--thankfully. They won't have to go back to the vet til next spring!

My mom is still doing well thankfully. She will be 81 in July. I am glad she is in good health.

I was at the store today behind someone asking about cigarettes. I am so glad I quit when I did. One pack of cigarettes is seven dollars!!!!! I couldn't believe it. But the government is taxing them heavily.

I think that's all I have for this post!

Have a great day!

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1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear...

Thankful Thursday

Todays topic is Courage.

What does courage actually mean?? I wasn't sure so I looked it up.

This is what I found:

Courage:

*a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

* also known as bravery, will, intrepidity, and fortitude, the ability to confront fear, pain, risk/danger

*mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty

Then I found some synonyms of courage:
*mettle, spirit, resolution, tenacity = mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship.

Courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty .

Mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience .

Spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened . resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends .

Tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat .

When I think of courage, I think of Anne Frank. And Miep Gies, the brave woman that hid Anne Frank and her family.

I think of Corrie Ten Boom, and her family, who had a strong Christian faith. They had the courage to do what many didn't.

There are thousands upon thousands of examples of people with Courage. I like to study the Holocaust so these are just three examples that come to mind.

The bible talks a lot about being of good cheer and full of courage too.

Today I am thankful for:

* My husband having some time off
* a good pre-school conference!!
* the rain ( not really but we need rain and I am trying to be of good cheer!)


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Philippians 4:20
Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


Psalm 85:6
Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

Psalm 121:8
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Steaming.............

The picture above is a steaming pile of manure compost. It's not my picture though.

My pile of steaming compost is much darker.

Today my husband and little guy went to the local dirt place to pickup a pickup full of steaming manure compost to add to my not so steaming compost pile. And for the garden.

The nice part about living in a small town is that he got a whole truck bed full of this gold dirt for TWENTY dollars. I was shocked when he told me that.

Now maybe I will finally have a steaming compost pile. We have never added manure to it but I think that's the key ingredient to make it steam.

And it really really smells.

Memory Verse Week 17

MEMORY VERSE 17:
Proverbs 11:16: "A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth."

Last weeks Memory verse really hit home for me.

I know I have issues with my tongue and what I speak. I think I go through seasons where I am really watchful of what I speak and other times where I am not.

To me, gossip and taming the tongue are very difficult to gain control of.

Sometimes it is so easy to just say something without thinking.

This is definitely an area where I need to work on. And sometimes it's not even gossip, it's just how I say something!!

Thankful Thursday

Today's theme is Provision.

There are plenty of areas in the Bible that God provided for.

What comes to my mind immediately is the provision of food for the Israelites in the desert. They may not have liked or appreciated the manna from heaven but it was indeed Gods provision for them in the wilderness. For forty years they ate manna. Can you imagine that?

As I look back on my life I can often see Gods provision in my life. I have never wanted for anything and that is because God has provided for me in my times of need.

Today I am thankful for:
*not needing anything, I have plenty.
*for my family
*for friends

I am thankful for YOU today!!

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Exodus 16:35 (New King James Version)

35 And the children of Israel ate manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land; they ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.

Spring cleaning........

It's that time of year again to do my spring cleaning around the house.

This year I am not only doing the house, but some personal spring cleaning because it's time--actually long past time.

I've been spending some time cleaning out my computer.

You know the million bookmarks you have that you rarely visit.

The long list of blogs that you rarely visit. Blogs of people you are not in touch with. I've been deleting a lot the last few days.

The *friends* that aren't really friends on Facebook. I've been cleaning folks.

I've also cleaned up my YIM. There were people on my list that I haven't spoken to in over a year. It's definitely past time.

Sometimes I have a hard time letting go, but it's becoming easier and easier for me.

Cleansing in fact.

Almost a feeling of freedom!! Have you ever felt that freedom from just letting go??

Today is the day!!

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Proverbs 10:12, King James Version

Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

Philippians 4:23

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

April blanket

I finished this blanket today.

It's made with Bernat cotton tots yarn. I love making afghans with cotton yarn. Not everyone likes cotton blankets though.

This blanket is 28 inches wide and 44 inches long.

Taming the tongue...............

The list below comes from This study. I linked because I am not posting the whole study, just the list of 20 verses about taming the tongue.

I thought it was timely given the Memory verse this week. I have posted about taming the tongue before too. Mostly I have an issue with gossip.

People don't realize the power the tongue has when we speak words into existence.

Here, then, is the list of twenty:

1.I resolve to ask God for wisdom to speak out of a single-minded devotion to him. (1:5)
2.I resolve to boast only in the exultation I receive in Jesus Christ and also in the humiliation I receive for Jesus Christ. (1:9-10)
3.I resolve to set a watch over my mouth. (1:13)
4.I resolve to be constantly quick to hear and slow to speak. (1:19)
5.I resolve to learn the gospel way of speaking to both rich and poor. (2:1-4)
6.I resolve to speak in the present consciousness of my final judgment. (2:12)
7.I resolve never to stand on anyone’s face with the words I employ. (2:16)
8.I resolve never to claim as reality in my life what I do not truly experience. (3:14)
9.I resolve to resist quarrelsome words as evidence of a bad heart that needs to be mortified. (4:1)
10.I resolve never to speak decided evil against another out of a heart of antagonism. (4:11)
11.I resolve never to boast in anything but what I will accomplish. (4:13)
12.I resolve to speak as one subject to the providences of God. (4:15)
13.I resolve never to grumble. The judge is at the door. (5:9)
14.I resolve never to allow anything but total integrity in everything I say. (5:12)
15.I resolve to speak to God in prayer whenever I suffer. (5:13)
16.I resolve to sing praises to God whenever I’m cheerful. (5:14)
17.I resolve to ask for the prayers of others when I’m in need. (5:14)
18.I resolve to confess it whenever I have failed. (5:15)
19.I resolve to pray with others for one another whenever I am together with them. (5:15)
20.I resolve to speak words of restoration when I see another wander. (5:19)

Memory Verse Week 16

Thanks to Bethany for the memory verses each week. She can be found here. Her intro for this weeks verse is inspiring.

I really like this weeks verse. It reminds me of taming the tongue.

Proverbs 10:19 (New King James Version)

19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.

Agnus Dei

Worthy Is the Lamb







Revelation 5:12 (New King James Version)

12 saying with a loud voice:


“ Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

Ten years.............

It's been ten years this month that I quit working--sort of.

The first time I quit working was 1996, it was a week or so after my dad died and I put in my notice to quit at my job. I had worked there eight years. I loved my job. I worked as a lab tech at a clinic. But after I got married, instead of a 10 minute ride to work, I now had a 50 minute drive and it drove me nuts.

So, my husband and I talked it over and decided it was ok to quit.

I stayed home just for six months, because I did not like being home.

Then I got another job at the VA hospital here. the drive was about 40 minutes but it wasn't a bad drive since I had a relatively early starting and quitting time. I worked there for almost three years. My friend Kim worked there too and we worked together for those three year. We had also worked together at the clinic, which is where I met her.

The job I quit was the job at the VA. It's been ten years this month that I quit. I miss working because though I am not a huge people person, I miss the patients at the clinic and I really miss the Vets at the VA. I learned a lot from them all, and they were all very interesting to talk to.

I actually have worked a little bit since I quit working. Kim had a business that I worked at for about a year.

She had a new home cleaning business and I worked with her at that for a while in 2002-2003, before I got pregnant with my boy. We had a lot of fun since she was the boss! But really it was easy to work with her and we both enjoyed cleaning so it didn't seem like a "job".

I am happy to be home this time and I don't foresee going back to work any time soon.

Though right before I got pregnant I was thinking of going back to school. That may yet happen!

Thankful Thursday

Todays theme is "I am God's daughter"

I know that I am a daughter of God by the way God talks to me. Through people, His word, and just the world around me. It's a feeling deep in my soul that I know that I know that God is my father.

I haven't always felt that way. A lot of times I have felt very unworthy of Gods love.

Today I am thankful for:
* my husband. He is off work and we are having some beautiful spring weather after the long winter.
* my son--seeing the world through his eyes! He is such a joy to me.
* my daughter. She is also a daughter of God and for that I am thankful!
* Sunny and warm days!


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John 6:37 (New King James Version)

37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

Lumps, bumps and teeth........

Yeah, this is a dog post. I don't have any lumps or bumps and neither do any of my family.

Several weeks ago, my Louie was very ill. He just wasn't getting any better. I didn't feel the urgency to bring him to the vet like I did his brother Otis last may.

I actually didn't bring Lou to the vet, I made my husband bring him because I didn't want to go to the vet and come home with a dead dog like I did with my Otie.

Come to find out that the vet was actually concerned too and had some of the same thoughts I did about my Lou man. We talked today and I told the vet that I just couldn't bring Lou in after what happened to Otis. He understood perfectly.

The vet ran a bunch of blood work and gave Lou IV fluids and an antibiotic and steroid shots, but never knew what was ailing my Lou. Thankfully the dog recovered and is doing exceptionally well now--for which I am highly relieved. The thought of losing another dog right now is too much.

I know, I know, they are just animals. But you know what?? As pet owners we are obliged to take care of our animals the best we can, otherwise, we shouldn't be pet owners. It's an enormous pet peeve of mine--people that don't properly take care of their pets.

In January I noticed a bump on my female dogs back. I looked at it and it looked like a growth, about the size of a pea. I have kept an eye on it knowing we would be going to the vet in a few months. If it would have changed in any manner I would have brought her in to have it checked. It turns out that with a needle biopsy it is benign and will be removed when she has her teeth cleaned tomorrow.

Earlier this week I noticed that Lou had a bump the size of a marble. I didn't panic knowing we would be going to the vet this week. Turns out his is just a fatty tumor and we will keep an eye on it! YAY.

So, it's that time of year here where our dogs need their shots and heartworm etc. I brought them both in today for their checkups and lump and bump checks. They are healthy (yay) and in good shape. They are both about 7 years old and gray already!

They both need their teeth cleaned and will go in tomorrow for that. Sophie (I didn't name her! She came to us already named and she was 2 yrs old.) will have her growth removed.

Louie also needs more than a teeth cleaning. He has some extra growths on his gums that needs to be removed and the vet will do that while he is cleaning the teeth.

I am glad we have our dogs and both of them are healthy. It's also a good thing we have a vet budget!! Though we have gone way over it with Lou being ill.

Memory Verse Week 15

Proverbs 10:8 (New Living Translation)

8 The wise are glad to be instructed,
but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.


This verse is fitting for the mood I am in today!

April blanket

This is a baby blanket I made for one of my little guys pre school teachers. She is due in June.

It is made with Lion Brand Pound of Love yarn. I used Pastel Green and White mixed together. I think it turned out pretty!! It is so soft looking.

It is 32 inches by 34 inches. I used a shell stitch and the edging is a crab stitch or reverse single crochet.

Handmade soap

My friend Kim (mentioned before in yarn/crochet posts) makes handmade soaps.

I saw her the other day and she gave me these three delicious bars of soap. They aren't ready to use yet, they need to cure for a week or so.

But the fragrance from each bar is heavenly. I wish you could smell these bars of soap. Of all the bars she showed me, there was maybe one fragrance I didn't care for. These are so yummy!!

The square one in the upper left is almond/coconut.

The big yellow round one is lemongrass.

The darker round one is frankincense and myrrh.

My house smells so wonderful right now and I can't wait to use the soaps!!

Sunday Song

Celebrate Jesus Celebrate
Don Moen

Celebrate Jesus celebrate
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
He is risen He is risen
And He lives forevermore
He is risen He is risen
Come on and celebrate
The resurrection of our Lord

Celebrate Jesus celebrate
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
Celebrate Jesus celebrate
He is risen He is risen
And He lives forevermore
He is risen He is risen
Come on and celebrate
Come on and celebrate
Come on and celebrate
The resurrection of our Lord

He is risen He is risen
And He lives forevermore
He is risen He is risen
Come on and celebrate
Come on and celebrate
Come on and celebrate
The resurrection of our Lord.

HE is risen!!

Matthew 28

He Is Risen
1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.
4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.
5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”
8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

The Women Worship the Risen Lord

9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

The Soldiers Are Bribed

11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened.
12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,
13 saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’
14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.”
15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

The Great Commission

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.
17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Baseball..........

This afternoon we went to a baseball game. It was a noon start today so it was perfect for the drive.

I love baseball and so does my husband and son.

We got there and it was a quick game. Unfortunately my team lost.

The little guy was a bit restless so we left at the seventh inning stretch.

He was very excited because he got a brand new official batting practice baseball.

We were walking to our seats and an official baseball person asked my husband if the little guy would like a batting practice baseball! OF course he said yes!!!

Thankful Thursday

Todays theme for Thankful Thursday is Sacrifice.

There is a lot about sacrificing mentioned in the bible. Of course the greatest sacrifice is the one Jesus gave us--His live for our sin and eternal life.

The men and women of our military also sacrifice their lives for our freedoms.

Sometimes, we as parents sacrifice for the betterment of our families and children.

Today I am thankful for:

* Jesus sacrifice
* my children and husband
* SUN!!
* baseball





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Hebrews 9: 23-28
23 Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;
25 not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another—
26 He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,
28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

First walk......

It's a cool, sunny spring day here. We decided to go for a walk after lunch.

The little guy is in between stages. He isn't quite ready to walk the 2-3 miles we walk and he isn't quite ready to ride his bike the whole way either.

So, we brought the Burley bike trailer/stroller with us. It was interesting to say the least. He wanted to get out and walk very often but he only wanted to walk for a block or two.

I didn't feel like stopping so much so daddy had little guy duty! I guess it wasn't so bad for a first walk. Maybe next time we will bring something along to entertain him so we can walk our walk.

It was very windy but it felt invigorating to be out of the house, out in the sunshine after a long long winter!

April blankets

Two more small snuggle blankets.

These are also made with Lion Brand Chunky in Lavendar.

They measure 22x21 inches and the stitch is double crochet ripple/chevron.

Memory Verse Week 14

Proverbs 8:32 (New King James Version)

Now therefore, listen to me, my children,
For blessed are those who keep my ways.

Another target.........

Here's a real target from yesterday.

Target Practice....

This is what my little guy and daddy have been doing lately.

Target practice with a BB gun.

The little guy is having fun with it!!

Vitamin dilemma............

I just have not been able to get my little guy to take a multi vitamin at all. I was actually a bit frustrated with the whole situation that I just quit trying.

Until today. The little guy had a doctor appointment yesterday and I asked about it. the nurse told me to try Gummi Vitamins.

Yeah, I know they may not be the best choice according to some dentists, but you know what, HE ATE THEM!!! And didn't say "yuck" and want to spit them out.

So I will take my chances on rotten teeth so he can have a vitamin!!

I would highly recommend these for children who will just not take a regular chewable vitamin. There are several brands at the stores so just try one and see if it works!!

Thankful Thursday

Laurie at Women Taking a Stand is our host for Thankful Thursday this month.

This weeks theme is hope.

Hope can mean many things. To me it means to expect something or trust in something. To have confidence in something.

I have hope for a great many things in my life.

* Hope in my salvation and in God's word
* hope for my family's future
* hope in continuing good health for my family and friends
* hope that spring will soon be here!

Psalm 33:18
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,On those who hope in His mercy

April blankets

These are two small "snuggle" blankets I made.

They are made with Lion Brand Chunky yarn. They measure about 18 x 20

The stitch is a single crochet and the pattern is a simple ripple, or chevron.

Misc...........

* Pray
* Go to bed on time.
* Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
* Simplify and unclutter your life.
* Less is more.. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
* Allow extra time to do things and to get to places
* Pace yourself. Don't lump the hard things all together.
* Take one day at a time.
* Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God
would have you do. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
* Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
* Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key, etc.
* K.M..S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
* Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
* Get enough rest. And eat properly
* Get organized so everything has its place
* Write down thoughts and inspirations.
* Every day, find time to be alone.
* Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
* Make friends with Godly people
* Laugh.
* Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
* Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
* Sit on your ego.
* Talk less; listen more.
* Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

'If God is for us, who can be against us?'
Romans 8:31

April 1 2009 Ramblings

Well, it's April 1st already. And it was snowing here last night. That's no April fools joke either.

I am so tired of winter already. I want to see green grass and blooming flowers. I want to plant my veggies and turn my compost pile. I want to clean up the yard from winter dirt. I want to see the sunshine for more than one day!!

Tuesday my bible study ended. We decided to push through and finish a few weeks early so we could all enjoy the outdoor weather when it finally arrives. We will have our end of the year brunch next Tuesday. After that, me and the little guy will have our Tuesdays completely free. Speaking of Bible studies, if you have any ideas for a good bible study, leave a comment for me please. We are looking for ideas for the fall study.

I also was taking an Alpha course through my church and that ended Tuesday night. It will seem odd not to go to church on Tuesdays anymore!!

I am continuing to crochet. I need to start needlepointing again, but whenever I think about it, someone needs an afghan and I get busy crocheting again.

Same with my reading, or lack of it! I still haven't gotten back into reading as much as I used to.

I signed up the little guy for three sessions of swim lessons this summer! He loves swimming and it's a good time to have him take lessons. I was working when my daughter was small so she was a bit older when she took swim lessons. I am blessed to be able to be home with my son! He is also signed up for T ball again this spring/early summer. He likes that too.

My son will be going to kindergarten this fall. All day every day. It will surely be an adjustment for all of us as he transitions into his school days. It makes me sad that this is the last year I have with him when he is home all the time, but I know he will just love school! He is definitely ready!!

My dog Louie was sick recently. I was a little anxious about it since our other dog Otis was sick and never came home. Four hundred dollars later, the vet still doesn't know what the deal is. But treated Louie with antibiotics and a special diet--which Lou just loves! He seems to be on the mend.

The little guy and daddy made two bat houses. The bats aren't here yet but they needed a new house. They are also making a bunch of bluebird houses this year.

All in all things are going very well here. Nothing too exciting going on.

FPU--One year later

It's been one year since we started our debt reduction program following Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.

In that years time we have paid off 31,400.00 dollars of our debt.

We still have a ways to go but are continuing to diligently work at it.

For the first five months we had no budget for eating out. Then in August we added in a budget. Actually, for the first five months, we didn't spend any money we didn't need to. No shopping trips, no yarn, no wood and no eating out. But we made it through and our budget is looking good.

We now have a plan that will get us completely out of debt within six years! That is including our house!

We have paid off a credit card, a home equity line of credit, and a vehicle one year early. We are working on a second credit card.

We are very excited to continue on this path.

Memory Verse Week 13

Proverbs 8:10-11 (New King James Version)

10 Receive my instruction, and not silver,
And knowledge rather than choice gold;
11 For wisdom is better than rubies,
And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.

Memorial blanket

This blanket is for a woman who lost her full term baby girl to a spinal defect.

It's made with Homespun Baby in Soft Violet.

It is 16 x 18.

Sing to the King

Sing to the King Who is coming to reign
Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain
Life and salvation His empire shall bring
And joy to the nations when Jesus is King

Come, let us sing a song
A song declaring that we belong to Jesus
He is all we need
Lift up a heart of praise
Sing now with voices raised to Jesus
Sing to the King

For His returning we watch and we pray
We will be ready the dawn of that day
We'll join in singing with all the redeemed
'Cause Satan is vanquished and my Jesus is King

Thankful Thursday

Today I am Thankful for:

* a clean house
* a full pantry
* my family
* my freedom
* my friends

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Washing Machine PSA----

I've learned a few things about my washing machine.

I have a front loader but most of these ideas will work with a top loader too.

*You only need to use about a quarter of the amount of detergent that the manufacturer suggests. I use ONE TABLESPOON of powder detergent in my loads.

*If you use liquid fabric softener, you should dilute it first.

*You should run at least one Hot cycle a week.

*You need to leave the door open after use to dry out.

*You need to remove the dispenser to dry out after use.

My machine needed some fixing. I called and the same day the guy came out. He also ran something through my washer because I had a huge detergent buildup in my washer which was causing odor issues. But it really wasn't all just the detergent build-up.

I couldn't believe when he told me to use only one quarter of the detergent I was using and to keep every thing open after use to air out, otherwise mold and fungus can grow.

I also washed my clothes and towels without any detergent for one cycle. I was surprised to see that I didn't need any because my clothes and towels were full of soap!!

The guy also told me to use at least a cup of bleach on hot at least once a month. I do that too to keep the icky stuff from growing but apparently that was not enough.

I heard a commercial on the radio for something called "Smelly Washer".

Go to This for more info and This site to order.

So, I am confident that after doing this that my washer will not have any odor anymore and my clothes and towels will smell good!!

I remember my top loader smelling even when I cleaned it and left it open to air dry after use.

I highly recommend this product!!

Memory Verse Week 12

Proverbs 7:2 (New King James Version)

2 Keep my commands and live,
And my law as the apple of your eye.

March Blanket

I've made a blanket just like this one before, except a little longer.

This is made with Bernat Cotton Tots cotton yarn. I love working with cotton yarn and it makes a nice blanket.

This blanket is 30 x 42.

Vernal Equinox

Today marks the first day of Spring!! I am glad winter is over!

Here is some info about the vernal equinox.

The March equinox will occur on March 20 in 2009, marking the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and fall (autumn) in the southern hemisphere from an astronomical viewpoint. The March equinox will occur at 11:44am.

Twice a year, around March 20 or 21 and September 22 or 23, the sun shines directly on the equator and the length of day and night are nearly equal in all parts of the world. These two days are known as the March(vernal or spring in the northern hemisphere) equinox and the September equinox.

The word “equinox” derives from the Latin words meaning “equal night” and refers to the time when the sun crosses the equator. At such times, day and night are everywhere of nearly equal length everywhere in the world.

A Greek astronomer and mathematician named Hipparchus (ca. 190-ca.120 BCE) was known for discovering the precession of the equinoxes, the slow movement among the stars of the two opposite places where the sun crosses the celestial equator. Hipparchus made observations of the equinox and solstice.

Thankful Thursday

It is a beautiful day here today.

This week I am Thankful for:

*internet friends
*my family
*my little guy who makes me laugh
*Star Wars movies
*Beautiful sunny days--spring is here!!
*For my faith
*for God's grace and mercy

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Galatians 5:14
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

March Blanket

A bee blanket?? Yes. My daughter has some friends that are having a baby and they are decorating with a bee theme. It goes with their last name somehow.

This blanket it made with Red Heart black and bright yellow. It is 30 x 32.

I hope they like it.

Spring!!!

Though it's actually more like a month or so before I see tulips, I think spring has finally arrived here!!

The ground is still frozen, and will be for some time but it is 65 degrees right now.
Yesterday it was in the 50's!

We have a river out back for the second time this year and the dogs were on the boardwalk/sidewalk sunning themselves!!

The yard is a mess now that most of the snow is gone, but it is warm and sunny out.

The little guy and daddy were out in the driveway riding bikes and scooters.

It seems like it's been a very long winter and I think it's been colder this year than in recent years.

And Friday is the Spring Equinox!!

Memory Verse Week 11

I really like this memory verse for the week.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (New King James Version)

16 These six things the LORD hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away........

Back in 1977, for some reason, I didn't ever get into watching Star Wars. I must have been busy with other things.

When the three new episodes came out in the 1990's, my daughter was interested in them and I think we had the video tapes of the three earlier movies. She went to the theater and watched the new movies. I still never did.

It wasn't until very recently that I watched all six movies.

This week my husband had Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off from work. It just so happened that we didn't have much going on so we took the opportunity to watch five of the six movies.

My little guy enjoyed them too and got to see how his light saber actually works!

So for a few afternoons we watched five of the six movies and I got to find out why Darth Vader went to the dark side and ended up like he ended up.

And to think it only took thirty-two years for me to watch all the movies!!!
I actually have enjoyed watching them all.

There was one we couldn't find immediately and I found it today. It is the Phantom Menace and we will be watching that this weekend probably.

May the Force be with you.......................................LOL

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:

*Entering my sons fifth year, it's so exciting to see him grow
*for my daughter being able to come and spend some time with her little brother. He adores her
*for memories of loved ones gone now
*for friends
*for the sunshine. Even if it's cold, the sun can be shining and all is well!
*that my husband continues to have his job and is even able to work overtime

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Proverbs 14:15-16 (New King James Version)

15 The simple believes every word,
But the prudent considers well his steps.
16 A wise man fears and departs from evil,
But a fool rages and is self-confident.

Proverbs 20:7
7 The righteous man walks in his integrity;
His children are blessed after him.

March Blanket

Another Shawl.

This one is made with Homespun "Tudor". I've made a shawl with this yarn before.

It is 20 inches wide and 77 inches long.

I will be turning this one in tomorrow night along with the other three I posted about.

The prayer shawl ministry meets once a month.

Memory Verse Week 10

Proverbs 5:21

For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord and he examines all his paths.

March Blanket

Another shawl for the Prayer Shawl Ministry.

This is made with Homespun Parfait. It is 71x35.

I saw this beautiful color at Walmart. I had never seen this color before so I bought enough for two shawls.

I think it's a beautiful shawl!

Thankful Thursday

Today, our hostess for Thankful Thursday is Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage and her topic this week is Wisdom.

The Bible is full of verses about wisdom, especially throughout the Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding

I often pray for wisdom because I know I need it. I know of some people that are filled with wisdom and I turn to them as examples. I believe that a person doesn't necessarily need to be older to have wisdom.

This week I am thankful for

*Gods grace and mercy
*my family
*faith

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.His praise endures forever.

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
*my friends

March 4, 2004

Today my little guy is a FIVE year old!!

It's seems nearly impossible that five years ago I gave birth to him but it is true.

His babyhood and toddlerhood are gone and he is a big little boy.

Each year we write him a letter. I still have to write my part, but my husband wrote his part a few days ago. We will continue with the letters till the little guy is 21, then we will give him the letters to read.

He has known for a long time that today is his birthday and he is excited. We are going out to eat at one of his favorite places and big sister will be there too.

On Sunday we will have a family party for him. Most all of his cousins will be there and he just loves all his cousins.

It will be a good day for the little guy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1 Samuel 1:20
So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.”

Luke 1:13
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

Psalm 118:24
This is the day the LORD has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Memory Verse Week 9

Proverbs 4:24

Put away perversity from your mouths;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

March Blanket

Another Shawl.

It's made with Homespun Gothic which is a beautiful purple color.

This shawl is 81 inches wide by 39 inches long. It's a little bigger than what the pattern calls for but I believe you can't have a shawl that is too big!

RIP

Paul Harvey died yesterday.

I often enjoyed listening to him. How sad that he is gone.

Wiki

Moon and Venus

My husband took this picture of the Moon and Venus tonight.

Isn't it beautiful??!!

Thankful Thursday

Thank you to Iris, our host at Grace Alone for our theme this week: Basics

I often think of things when I am in the shower. Yesterday I thought how nice it is to have running water because I know in a lot of parts of the world, there is no running water. And it goes along with last weeks theme of the "little" things.

I am thankful for these basics:

*running water
*enough food and extra food in my pantry and freezer
*a warm house
*a vehicle, though this isn't a basic in some countries!
*clothing
*my family
*my freedoms
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Psalm 7:17 (New King James Version)

I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

Numbers 6:24-26 (New King James Version)

24 “The LORD bless you and keep you;

25 The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;

26 The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”’

February blanket

Well, it's actually a shawl.

It's made with Homespun Prairie. I like how it stripes. A lot of Homespun colors do that.

I'm a little disappointed with the dimensions though. The pattern is out of the "Prayer Shawl Ministry" pattern book. I think there is a typo in this pattern because it doesn't look as wide as the picture in the pattern book looks.

I have made this shawl before but I made it wider because it didn't look right.

It is 18x72. It should be at least 20x72 though.

Oh well, I know someone will like it anyway!!

Memory Verse 8

I forgot to post last weeks memory verse until today.
Here is this weeks Memory verse

MEMORY VERSE 8:
Proverbs 4:14,15--

"Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way."

Word Cloud 6

I like doing these word clouds every once in a while.
I added a link on my sidebar so you can make a word cloud!

Memory Verse 7

MEMORY VERSE 7:
Proverbs 4:13--"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life."

My Rainbow..

I got this from Bethany and thought it would be fun to do it.

Your rainbow is strongly shaded white and blue.


What is says about you: You are a contemplative person. You appreciate friends who get along with one another. People depend on you to make them feel secure. You share hobbies with friends and like trying to fit into their routines.

Find the colors of your rainbow here

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday this week is "Little Things.

Iris at Grace Alone is our host for Thankful Thursday.

There are many little things I am thankful for on a daily basis. Too often I take the small things for granted in my life.

*A shoveled path in the snow out to my car.
*Notes from friends in the mail.
*An unexpected phone call from a friend
*Having enough food
*My home
*books
*yarn
*health
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Colossians 3:15 (New Living Translation)

15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (New Living Translation)

18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

What's up????

4 Non Blondes. Another favorite song.


What’s Up?

25 years AND my life and still
I'm trying to get up that great big hill of hope
For a destination
I realised quickly when I knew I should
That the world was made for this
Brotherhood of man
For whatever that means


And So I cry sometimes when I'm lying in bed
Just To get it all out what's in my head
And I, I Am feeling a little peculiar
And So I wake in the morning and I step
Outside AND I take deep breath
AND I get real high
And I scream from the top of my lungs
What's goin' on

And I SING hey-YEAH-YEA-EAH, EAH HEY YEA YEA
I said hey! what's goin' on
And I SING hey-YEAH-YEA-EAH, EAH HEY YEA YEA
I said hey! what's goin' on

OOOH, OO! OOH-HOO-HOO-HOO-HOO
OO-OOH-HOO-HOO-HOO-HOOOO
OOOH! OOO-AAH-HOO-HOO-HOO-HOO
OO-OOH-HOO-HOO-HOO-HOOOO Whats up?


And I try, oh my God do I try
I try all the time
In this institution
And I pray, oh my God do I pray
I pray every single day
For a revolution


And So I cry sometimes when I'm lying in bed
JUST To get it all out what's in my head
AND I, I Am feeling a little peculiar
AND So I wake in the morning and I step Outside
AND I take deep breath
AND I get real high
And I scream from the top of my lungs
What's goin' on

And I SING hey-YEAH-YEA-EAH, EAH HEY YEA YEA
I said hey! what's goin' on
And I SING hey-YEAH-YEA-EAH, EAH HEY YEA YEA
I said hey! what's goin' on

And I SING hey-YEAH-YEA-EAH, EAH HEY YEA YEA I said hey! what's goin' on
And I SING hey-YEAH-YEA-EAH, EAH HEY YEA YEA
I said hey! what's goin' on

OOOH, OO! OOH-HOO-HOO-HOO-HOO
OO-OOH-HOO-HOO-HOO-HOOOO-AHH-HAA


25 years of my life and still
I'm trying to get up that great big hill of hope
For a destinationOO-OOH-HOO-HOO-HOO-HOOOO

February snow

We had a snow storm last night. Huge fluffy sticky snow that sticks to everything.

It's my favorite type of snow.

This picture is from this morning. I love how the snow sticks to the trees and everything else.

It's just beautiful.

February blanket

I finished this blanket this afternoon.

The pattern is Granny Square. It measures 28x28. I like crocheting large granny square blankets.

This one is made with Lion Brand Pound of Love. It's the other half of the skeins I used for the other blue one!!

Memory Verse 6

Proverbs 3:21

"My son, preserve sound judgement and discernment, do not let them out of your sight."

February blanket

Another blanket for February. This is a blue and white baby blanket.

It is 27 inches wide by 35 inches long made with Lion Brand Pound of Love.

It is very soft!!

Thankful Thursday

This weeks theme is Love.

There are many types of love. Love between friends, family, God, strangers. Yes, you can love a stranger!

There is also unconditional love. That is the love that God has for us. No matter what we do, God always will love us.

That unconditional love is the love we have as parents too. No matter what my children do, I will always love them, and I tell them that.

I love my friends too. I have friends that I care deeply about and pray for all the time.

I love my family too. My husband and my children and my mom and brothers.

God also tells us to love our enemies too.

Matthew 5:44 (New King James Version)
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

This week I am thankful for Love.

*For my family and their Love.

*For my friends and their love.

*For the love of strangers.

*For the love I have to share.

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1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (New King James Version)

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Perfume

I am not much of a perfume wearer but recently I purchased some of this perfume. It's called Sweet Honesty and it is from Avon. One of the women in my Bible study is an Avon Lady.

I first wore this perfume when I was in junior high school. Apparently it first came out in 1973.

It brings back memories. It's just a light sort of flowery perfume. Nothing too heavy.

I just spray a little on and it smells so good. Reminds me of when I was young.

Visitors

Here are some pictures of the deer that were here today. The dogs were acting funny and I looked out the window and there were 4 or 5 deer out back.

We watched them for a while trying to find something to eat and occasionally they would look up and it was like they were looking right at us.

I told my husband, and the little guy agreed, that next year we need to get a salt lick and some food for the deer.

A quote..........or two

The opposite of bravery is not cowardice, but conformity.

-- Robert Anthony


Though you can give without loving, you can’t love without giving.

-- Tom Drout

Sunday Song

On Monday...

Aaron Shust
My Savior My God

February blanket

Another pink blanket. Same yarn as the last pink blanket.

This one is 26 inches wide by 35 inches long.

Four things......

Four things you cannot recover.

The stone........
after the throw

The word.........
after it's said

The occasion.....
after the loss

The time........
after it is gone

A quote

We too often love things and use people when we should be using things and loving people.

-- Author Unknown


This comes from Heartlight and I really liked it so I thought I would share.

Memory Verse 6

Proverbs 3:21 (New International Version)

My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;

Journals

I've always been terrible about writing in a journal. I want to keep a journal and I try. And try and try.
It just never quite works out.

I was reading a blog I often read and the blogger had a suggestion. Keep in mind that she has seven children and keeps up with her journal.

There's something that sounds like it might work with her idea.

She keeps a spiral notebook in her kitchen and jots down the day to day things her children do. Even the boring, mundane things they do that people don't generally blog about with their children.

I think I might be able to do this. If I can just get into the habit of actually doing it, I am sure I can keep up. It doesn't have to a pages long entry every time, just the little things you might not remember in a day or two and certainly not a year from now.

We received a Letter box here from a baby shower and each year we write in it I sometimes have trouble coming up with something to write. If I had this simple journal to look back on it would make it so much more easy to write this letter to my boy.

I'm going to give it a go and see what happens!!

Thankful Thursday

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This weeks theme is "change"

This is an interesting word to me. Most of the time change is difficult for me. I know I am not the only one to resist change but I am by nature a person of routine. Routine settles me, change upsets me most of the time. It makes me uncomfortable most of the time too.

I believe that we all need change. I think that God sets change in our lives for good and by having change in our lives, God is communicating what we need. We absolutely need change to grow. Change renews our mind.

Nelson Mandela says:
There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.

Nelson Mandela (1918 - ), 'A Long Walk to Freedom'

His statement is so true. If we never change we never grow.

Psalm 55:19 (NKJV) states:

God will hear, and afflict them,
Even He who abides from of old. Selah
Because they do not change,
Therefore they do not fear God.

We all need to fear God. I know I do. I also know that God is a loving God.

Some changes I like to see:
*Growth in my son and daughter
*The seasons. I am thankful for the four seasons
*growth in myself

I've been through several changes over the last couple of years. Some have been good changes in my life and some have been sad changes in my life.
I have learned to move on though and I continue in my walk with God daily.

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

Romans 13:12

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

The day the music died....

February 3rd 1959 is the day Buddy Holly and other musicians died in the plane crash near Clear Lake Iowa.

Fellow musicians Ritchie Valens and JP "The Big Bopper" Richardson were also killed. The crash and the date February 3, 1959 were immortalised as the "the day the music died" in the Don McLean song American Pie.

Wiki Worth the read.

Buddy Holly is one of my favorite singers.

American Pie by don McLean

A long, long time ago...
I can still remember
How that music used to make me smile.
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those people dance
And, maybe, they'd be happy for a while.

But February made me shiver
With every paper I'd deliver.
Bad news on the doorstep;
I couldn't take one more step.

I can't remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride,
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died.

February blanket

This is a baby blanket I just finished.

It is 24 inches wide and 29 inches long.

It is made with Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and White.

It is so soft too!!

Memory Verse 5

Proverbs 3:9 (New King James Version)

Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;