WHAT IS A BIRTHDAY?

Birthday is the name given to the day that some people in many cultures celebrate the anniversary of the day they were born. It is often marked by a birthday party and/or friends when gifts are given to the person celebrating the birthday. It is also customary to treat people specially on their birthday, either generally acceding to their wishes, or subjecting them to a rite of transition.

It is thought the large-scale celebration of birthdays in Europe began with the cult of Mithras, which originated in Persia but was spread by soldiers throughout the Roman Empire. Such celebrations were uncommon previously so practices from other contexts such as the Saturnalia were adapted for birthdays. Because many Roman soldiers took to Mithraism, it had a wide distribution and influence throughout the empire until it was supplanted by Christianity. The Jewish perspective on birthday celebrations is disputed by various rabbis.[1]
The celebration of birthdays is not universal. Some people prefer name day celebrations, and Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate either, considering their origins to be pagan festivals along with Christmas and Easter. Some adults loathe celebrating it as it reminds them that they are getting progressively older.

The birthday cake is traditionally highly decorated, and typically covered with lit candles when presented, the number of candles signifying the age of the celebrant. The person whose birthday it is makes a silent wish and then blows out the candles. If done in one breath, the wish is supposed to come true (but only if the person keeps the wish to himself or herself). It is also common for the "birthday boy" or "birthday girl" to cut the initial piece of the cake as a newlywed couple might with a wedding cake. If the knife touches the bottom, or when withdrawn from the cake comes out with pieces of cake adhering to it, the birthday boy or girl may have to kiss the nearest boy or girl of the opposite sex.

Birthday cakes date back as far as the Middle Ages when the English would conceal symbolic items such as gold coins, rings and thimbles inside their cakes. Each item was associated with a prediction. For example, a person finding a gold coin in a birthday cake would supposedly become wealthy; a person discovering a thimble would never marry. COPIED FROM WIKEPEDIA.ORG

thrift store fun!!!

whenever I get into town, I always head to my favorite thrift store, the salvation army. We only have one in the entire area. They always seem to have something I really want!
This large santa---about four feet worth---was sitting in the window all by himself and I commented that he was really great! The girls said 'well he is for sale you know and today is half off christmas stuff!
So santa jumped on my walker seat and rode around the store trying to see if we could score any thing else. We both oohed and ahhhed over this next find!
He was $40 but with the 50% off sale he went home for a song and dance and $20!! this is a genuine paper mache mica flaked christmas boot made in japan!! It is at least fifty years old. Half off it walked out the door at $4.89!!!
These two items were big finds as far as I was concerned and will be part of our holiday decorations for years to come!!

I hope all of you are finding some time to relax in all the hustle and bustle this week. I think of you every day. Still trying to fend off sleep and get something accomplished!!!

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?

I cannot believe it is two weeks before Christmas. Somehow I keep sleeping most of the days away!! I am going to have to have someone on stand by to pinch me to keep me awake for the actual event!!

The last two months have found me in the prone position or in the big comfy chair with my head thrown back and my mouth open while I catch a few minutes or hours of much needed sleep. I am sure glad it isn't summer and the flies aren't out!

We aren't sure if it is the change in medicines, my RSD itself or something else entirely going on but there it is. I had all these grandiose ideas of making 50 tussies mussies filled with home made candy for John's dept at work------talk about an over achiever! I have been collecting garlands of all kinds christmas at yard sales and the thrift stores for very little. But then this 'sleeping beauty' phase came along and I am lucky to get a meal cooked once in a while and my teeth brushed every day.

John set me down and we had a heart to heart talk. He convinced me that I was really trying to over do too much on my list. As much as I agreed I still hated to say I just can't do it this year.
At first I half convinced myself I could do a marathon session of tussie mussie messes and get them cranked out. Then after more thought I decided I would not do a GREAT JOB and I would hate myself for plunging in and trying to make myself exhausted physically and emotionally.

When I make and do things for others I like to do my best in everything. I know most of us are that way. We cringe if we spy a stray thread or a wisp of hot glue floating off our prize gift!! Perfectionism takes time!!

We even skipped my family cousin christmas party. We rent a big hall and everyone comes laden with food, food and more food and wine and drinks for all ages. We have a small decorated tree and gifts for toys for tots to put under the tree from all of us.

music is played, food eaten, reminiscing and catching up. The younger children and teens always have a craft activity and games to play. They each have a stocking and the elder groups bring small stocking stuffers.
The kids also exchange gifts until they are 18.

This is the first christmas gathering we have missed in 15 years. The day before we drove two hours to a small farm town to attend one of our niece's College Graduation. It was a beautiful sunny albeit cold day at 19.

The family dinner afterwards and the drive back home put the day at 12 hours of activity. I was too tried to even talk to the kids on the phone on Sunday let alone attend a wild spirit and love filled 'happening'.

I received my JOY garland and many times during the day I catch a glance and the joy spells out the mantra JESUS OTHERS YOU in my head. I love that.

Jesus and our love for Jesus and our faith in Him and with Him are what the season is about. Not trying to push myself too far to make less than quality gifts because I think I have to.

I didn't attend the cousin party but my cousins still love me and still pray for me. They aren't going to be sitting around crabbing about me not showing up. They will call me like thay have been, inquiring into how I am really doing and wishing us a happy holiday with our families.

Simply put they love me. I love the people in John's dept who have been there through lots of ups and downs with us and we them over more than 30 years. They aren't going to feel bad about not getting a decoration of some sort this year......but they will feel bad if they know I am not feeling my best. That is what it is always about. Loving each other, caring for each other and sharing what ever Life throws at us.

I have been cutting out patterns, fabric and sewing clothes for four different baby dolls this week. With each set I have that grand daughter in my mind and I have been so happy and full of smiles for each one.

They are all so different but they love their 'babies' and spend their time emulating what they see others around them doing. It is so sweet when they coo and pat and are so tender with them. Of course there are those instances like You are in time out. That was very rude. etc.

I can't help but think God gave his son, Jesus as an example of his love for each of us. Jesus tells us to 'love one another.' Society tries to push materialism and merchandise on us for 'christmas'. None of us will be happy unless we have diamonds or a new car or that perfect expensive whatever under the tree.

Our family is trying to 'simplify' the season and focus on Jesus others then last ourselves. We do love each other every day through good and bad and everything in between. We want christmas to mean what it symbolizes. The birth of Jesus because God loved us beyond measure.

My wish for all on my list this year-----------------------and that includes everyone of you special 'friends' I have met this year through our swaps and those who read my blog because they like it. I want all of you to have those special people in your life that love you no matter what. Those who encourage and support you. Those who will still call you on dec 26th even if you didn't give them their heart's desire. I wish all of you a reflection of the Love God or whoever you believe in shows each of us.

Please Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and yes lately even in my dreams!

JOY JOY JOY

I particiapted in the ga ga garland swap and my partner was Valerie from vmjess. I was pondering what to decorate with or what to make to put a garland or decorations up on the mirror in our family room. Both John and I batted around a few ideas. THEN the mail arrived a few days later and my garland was here from Valerie. It is absolutely perfect! She covered J O Y letters ,edged them with silver ribbon and then collaged special words on each one with decorations of ribbon old buttons and fabric flowers. They hang from a green garland bough.
here it is hanging on my mirror. It is a perfect fit. Every time I look at it I am reminded of the message: Jesus Others You. It serves to keep me focused on what is really important this holiday season!
Valerie also sent me this darling gingerbread and vintage christmas stickers and tags. Thank you Valerie. This will always be a special part of our holiday decorating

The last swap is the vintage stocking swap and I was the recipient of
This beautiful stocking is from Jane at There was a crooked road. Jane lives down under and they are celebrating christmas in the midst of their summer! I am trying to imagine christmas without snow and cold!!
Jane did an amazing job on this beautiful stocking! The colors are muted turquoise, lavendar, plum, creme and so pretty. It is expertly sewn and lined. here you can see the details of an applique tree and jewel and some
glitter. the inside is lavendar and outside deep plum or purple velvet.
The pictures don't do it justice. Jane included some ornaments that are lost on the tree somewhere and I didn't take a picture of them and some yummy candy!

We lost all of our stockings in our house fire------------somehow john's showed up in the stuff they salvaged. His mom made it when he was born so it is pretty old-------. I have been slowing redoing all of the kids and grand kids. Our kids were theirs since birth as well and did not show up. Mine was the last on the list of course and still not made. So this will be mine now every christmas and I will always think of Jane when putting it out.

IN fact both Jane and Valerie will always be thought of fondly when decorating the house for the holidays from now on. I have received many compliments on both items since I have them displayed.

Thank you both for adding to our holiday stories and bringing part of you and yours to our house for Christmas

Sweet Goodness Holiday Sister Swap Continues!

I am still participating in the holiday sister swap with paula from
on a rainy night. It has been so much FUN and of course I have made another wonderful friend. The month of november we were supposed to send a 'holiday' garland and some christmas gift tags. I actually took some pics this time.

Paula is so creative and talented. She hand drew these gift tags for me and I want to keep all of them but they are going on the gifts for our sweet grand daughters.

The biggest surprise was her garland------vintage tinsel and vintage thanksgiving postcards with ribbons!!!! This blew me away. I opened the box and could not believe it!!! I was saying Oh MY GOSH all day long!!!

Here it hangs on our fireplace in the dining room. It got so many 'oohs and aaahs' at THanksgiving. So thank you Paula for your creative generosity and contribution to our Thanksgiving day with Family and friends.


I hung it up the first thing and the reason I was "oh my goshing' so much was that I made a VINTAGE POSTCARD Garland for her as well!!! John came home that night and said "oh you made another one honey. I like it." I said NOOOOO that was what Paula sent ME. Isn't that the coolest thing? We hadn't talked about them or anything. In fact I was doing a christmas themed garland for her when I was working on my Christmas cards. I always make them with my old vintage post cards.
I thought hmmmmm why not use up my vintage thanksgiving cards instead for a garland. and there you have it. She collects turkeys and I happened to have most of them with turkeys on them.
I was so thrilled about the 'coincidence' I had to call her and tell her how we are so much alike or intuition was working in warp drive!
We had a wonderful phone conversation. She is terrific and I am so glad I called you Paula!!!

Isnt this a sweet loaf dish? It was another gift. I made up the pumpkin bread loaf as an appetizer and served it with cream cheese-------yummy.
a thanksgiving themed pot holder and do I need new ones! She also sent a leaf cookie cutter and some ornamental corn to help my table decorations. Paula thank you so very much. We have one more swap the month of december and I am still working on her birthday gift!!!

The following are things I sent in Paula's box: Isn't this the funniest turkey hat? I found it at the 50% OFF CARD SHOP and just had to get it!
I wanted one for here but it was the only one they had....darn.

And this is the garland I sent to her on vintage tinsel garland and embellished with 'stuff'. I thrifted this turkey and thought she was adorable!
and also thrifted this turkey sugar bowl or jam pot I can't remember.

I had thrifted two other turkey items as well but put them away and couldn't find them!!!! You know those 'safe keeping places' that are so safe even you can't find them? HA!!!!!! The salvation army was having a ten cent turkey day!!!!! So you know what I bought!!!!

I am working on Paula's december swap box but am wearing a hat so there is no esp going on here!!!! I still think it is the best thing and have to tell everyone about it. About 20 people heard the story over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Paula has also just become a 'retired from the work force to open a home day care MOM' to enjoy her job a lot more with lots of hugs and kisses for and from her little 'puddle ducks'.

Swaps Lift Me Up!!!

Happy after Thanksgiving to everyone! Recently I was in a mini paper doll swap with Karen from Bluemuf's Corner,
Rachael from the Rose Room and Liz from Lizzie.
this one is made by Rachael and is made out of fabric, part of a vintage linen and beads and a vintage button. it is sooo pretty. You can tell she has been making them a while. Thank You Rachael.
Liz made her paper doll dress out of all fabric as well with a cute kitty print, kitty cat buttons and a variety of ruffles and lace bead trim. So adorable. Thank You Liz and thank you for noticing I love my cats!!
karen sent this cute little fan as well and liz added the decorated clothespin magnet for me. both so darling.
Karen sent me this sweet 50's style dress in pink gingham check paper and lace and tiny bead trim. She does amazingly precise work as well.
all of the dresses were backed with vintage sheet music or vintage print paper. I loved trading with all of you sweet hearts!! You will have to click on their sites to see what I sent them. Once again I sent mine off without taking pictures of any kind. I will get better at that!!! Hope all of you lovely ladies are busy with exciting new projects. Check out their sites to see!!!!

Trouble For Tigger!!!!!!!!

okay this is me on halloween night..... At five oclock I got into this outfit with much difficulty...it has a zipper that is only part way down the back to the back of the head. When the neighbor brought her grandkids over I had her zip me up.. The trick or treaters loved it and all had something to say. I was having such a fun evening.
Meanwhile John was stuck doing late cases at the hospital and kept calling to say he was going to be still later. That was fine. But about 8:30 I realized I reallllllllly had to peeeeeeee! I could NOT get to the zipper! My lack of mobility in my arms would not allow me to unzip the zipper far enough to get it down no matter what I tried to do.
One of our neighbor boys is now married with 5 children and he usually comes by with the kids so I thought i would just have them un zip me no problem.
Well wouldnt you know it---------------------------------- the first halloween they have missed in years would be tonite!!! At nine I realized no one had been to the door in about an hour and all the neighbors had their lights out. MY oh MY made me want to go even more because I couldnt!!!!!!

My daughter 5 hours way called me about then and I told her the dilemma I was in. SHe laughed and said well guess you will have to get a pair of scissors out Mom. We really laughed over that.

I kept thinking John would arrive any minute. By ten I was really uncomfortable thinking back to all the liquids I had had that evening.
I told myself if he wasnt home by 10:15 I would get in the car and drive up to my moms who lives a few miles away and have her unzip me!!!
At five after ten I heard John pull in the driveway and was so relieved.

When he didnt come in the door I went out to the porch and I said :
WHERE ARE you??????????????????
He came around the corner of the house and said "I am putting the garbage cans out."
NOOOOOO come in here quick YOu have to come in right NOW HURRY

John set the can down ran in and was so frantic What what? Did something happen? are you all right? he was so upset.

I said honey please unzip me quick I have to pee so bad!!!!

He laughed so hard but only after he unzipped me!!! He kept teasing me all night and the next day he told everyone at work and they all thought it was hilarious.

The moral of the story is to make sure you always have someone with you when you are going to be 'tigger'!!!!
I hope everyone had a great halloween week

Sweet GOODness Swap

Sweet Goodness Swaps is hosting a swap between swap 'sisters' that started this month and continues through Christmas. I forgot to take pictures of my halloween swap to Paula but you can see it at her site. Paula of On a rainy nite made this wool bag with all the great appliques hand stitched on it. I use it when I go to physical therapy and put a magazine or my latest book in it. She also sent me some pretty halloween fabric, a black bat candy dish that is full of sweet treats, some cute scrapbooking halloween items that i made a card with and two bags of candy!!! My favorites: licorice and caramel goodies. The weekend we got this package we had company so the candy disappeared quite fast but was so yummy!
Our next swap is a holiday garland and gift tags. PSSST i will tell you a secret but dont tell paula I am working on those as well as finishing up her birthday gift for her oct birthday!!! that is a bcllgoekofoetewtkksgiiinppdse but don't let her know that!!!!!

Halloween GOODIES

Hi Everyone! I hope it is a fun halloween week for all. I have been keeping a low profile the last few weeks. I would be terribly remiss if I didn't pay tribute to my two new 'swap sisters.' the first is my halloween hat from Susan at Blackeyed Susan's Kitchen. Susan made this wonderful hat for me. "Izzie" has been wearing it out in the family room for the Halloween season.
Susan also made this darling little notebook that fits perfectly into my purse. I have been using it almost every day to jot notes, grocery lists whatever. Susan also sent a huge bag of candy corn and of course that disappeared soon after!!! Thank you so much Susan. I love my goodies and getting to know you!!!

YOU MAKE ME SMILE

I have been given this award:" You Make Me Smile" from Rachael at the rose room. Is that not COOL? It certainly made me smile! Thank you Rachael. The rules are to nominate ten wonderful friends that make me smile. So I have nominated the following special blogger friends who have always made me smile:
1. Mica @ Garboodles Soup
2. Molly @ Craft Happy Women
3. Lolly @Lollys Nest Egg
4. Sonia @ ccraftscollectibles
5. Cheryl @zanymad
6. Heidi @ the spiritual knitter
7. Susan @ Black eyed susan's kitchen
8. Paula @ on a rainy night
9. Anne @ reloves projects
10. Dolly @ mycherryheart
consider yourself 'awarded'

I have been TAGGED!

Rachael from the rose room so nicely tagged me while I was out of town and I don't want to ignore her! I am supposed to list 7 things about myself that are random and weird and so devastatingly interesting--------------
so here goes.

1. One of my favorite stories is that I "saw' John twice before I ever met him in person. The first time was at a movie. Six of us girls went to see Romeo and Juliet--we were all in Nursing school then.---- In walks 6 guys all together and dressed in black suits and ties. They sat two rows in front of us. Of course at intermission we all went out to flirt with them. No one asked any of us out. We told each other the story on a date and realized we were there together!!
a few months later in the dorm, a roommate got a phone call while she was in the bathtub. I answered for her and it was John telling her he was picking her up the next night for hamburgers. I asked who he was as she was engaged to somene else. She said we have been neighbors and friend s all of our lives.
the next night a few of us were leaving the dorm when john came to pick michelle up. We all said hi and left.

Over a year later I was at a night club and met John through another 'mutual' friend ..........................and it was true love. 36 yrs later it STILL is!

2.Once on a medical trip to Guatemala, we were in a small village hospital. We were using their surgery rooms for cleft lip and palate repairs and burn contracture releases. I was taking a break and walking around outside the recovery/surgery area and right next door was a lady crying. Her feet were up in stirrups and no one was in the room.
She was actually hemorrhaging into a bucket. her baby was in a basket near her crying away.
I talked to her to calm her down and then went and got one of our surgeons who was taking a break. He came in to examine her and ended up cauterizing a bleeder and then packed her uterus. I stayed with her and got to hold her baby--she was so scared and it was her third baby.
Later that evening we were still there working and a nurse from the ob unit came to ask for "ANNA" The mother asked me my two names and they called us all by our middle names.
They took me to visit the momma and her family-- parents,, husband, children, sisters etc. Then they named the baby after me! Her first name was gabriella after her mother then Anna catalina after me!
I was so humbled and touched. The father handed gabriella anna catalina to me and then gestured around the entire group of family and said. "We honor you by giving our daughter your name. You saved her mother, my wife, their daughter and sister. We will always remember you and tell the story so when ANNA grows up she will tell the story to her children."
I can't tell you how emotional that was for me. I cried and thanked them with all my heart to honor me in such a way. Anna would now wbe 22 years old!!

3.Whenever I am very stressed or have increased pain levels I have to tear my studio apart and reorganize everything. John also notices that I have an increased appetite for junk food at these times.

4. i AM a swapoholic, garage sale aholic, thrift store aholic. It has been four days since my last "fix."

5. I LOVE kids. so does John. We have neighbor kids and our kids' friends that have grown up and started their own families and they still come to visit. Neighbor kids siblings come now. I love visiting with them and we always have treats on hand. One teenager comes once every few weeks to visit and eats dinner with us.

6. I love color and funky decorating. I want our home to reflect 'us' and not every other house that is built like this. We have a very funky bathroom with glass hands and vintage medical signs

7. I was a majorette in jr high and high school and recently my mother gave me one of my old batons. I can STILL twirl them and throw then in the air and catch them in all different positions! WOO HOO What I cannot Do is fit into my old high school uniform!! At football games I twirled fire batons every year til I graduated. I actually fried my hair a few times.
ta da there you are 7 most fascintating and interesting facts about ME.

I waited so long to answer and post I am going to not pass this on but it was fun thinking about things I could talk about!!! thanks Rose!!!!




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YEAH VINTAGE BOOK SWAP!

Finally i was able to upload pictures. My swap partner in the Vintage Children's Book swap was Heidi Schlumpf from the Spirtual Knitter.
I so enjoyed getting to know Heidi. What a sweetheart. She really outdid herself.
here she sent me a bag of vintage fabrics that are very nice. I can't wait to use them in some upcoming projects. I am slowly building up my stash!

this is avintage cookbook that i really like. John and I are both into cooking and used to have tons of old cookbooks. This is a special addition to our cooking.
Heidi is an editor for a catholic magazine and sent all of these extra books for me. Some address chronic pain and health issues and I have already read all of them. There is always so much one can learn in any situation. Heidi I appreciate these thoughtful books more than you will ever know. Thank you.

this is my favorite item in the swap. The homemade book mark. Heidi made. She hand felts old sweaters into beautiful felted wool. This is so pretty. She added leaves of autumn colors and it is so special. It is already being well used in my current book. If you want to see more felted projects you can go to her website.
the first vintage children's book is Richard Scary's Counting Book. Our oldest daughter Sarah was home when the package arrived and she remembered it being one of their favorite books
The next one is the Big Big Story Book. I love the illustrations and stories in this one.
The last one is a beach book. All of our grand daughters are very close to Oceans and spend alot of time there so this book is very special. They collect shells and swim and watch sea life etc.

Heidi is a great swapper and an even nicer person. Thank You Heidi for all of your thoughtfulness!!

Frustrated B logger here

hi everyone
We were gone for five days to the coast to see the kids and two of our grand daughters. Now I get back and want to post pictures to my blog and for three days it keeps giving me messages that they are unable to do so and are working on the problem.
Is anyone else having problems with this?

I received my vintage book swap gifts from Heidi and want to post all the delicious gifts she sent!!!!

New Kid On The Block!

meet the newest addition to the family!

I left t0 run errands on monday and saw a car parked by the driveway.
I thought it might be workman's comp scoping me out but they didn't follow me so I forgot about it. The road ends at our driveway.

I got home a few hours later ..................and huddled in a sleeping pile in the middle of the lawn.............. were five little kittens!!! soooo adorable. I should have taken a picture of them.

I took them to the pet store and begged them to take them as I knew john would die if we got stuck with FIVE cats. They didn't want to take them but one guy decided to see if they would eat food and use the litter box.

After an anxious few minutes he said it was fine...BUT they only had room for four of them and that was pushing it. I thought okay one is better than FIVE right?

So I asked if there were any girls. They said nope.................. boy boy boy boy................ oops girl.

I called sydne bean our 4 yr old grand daughter to let her have the honor of naming her. She said "Oma you now have a new daughter---a kitty daughter."
Recently she has been naming and renaming her dolls and toys Anna.

her mommy was perplexed as they don't know any Annas.

She asked Sydne "Honey who's Anna?'

"That's her mommy. You know the one we sing about in church.

whose anna whose anna."

When we asked her to sing the song for us she said," I can only sing about Anna. I don't know the other kids' names."

Isn't that precious? I love all the little stories and things they all tell us.

Of course the new kitty's name is ANNA.

My baby Callie is so mad at us. She even bit me when I went to pet her one morning.

Anna is glued to me every minute I am still. Callie continues to hiss and growl at her but last night she was actually chasing her around in play.

Two minutes later she was growling again, but that is progress.

John is such a honey bear around the kitten. He was so relieved when I told him we only had to keep one.----------smiling here.

I now have another little 'baby' to watch over and keep me company when I am here alone.

I have become such a pet advocate for anyone who is alone or ill. They bring companionship and comfort as well as giving one something to focus on.

If you know anyone who is alone or chronically ill consider getting them a small pet to love. It could add so much to their lives.

When I was still working as a nurse, we had pet therapy for the kids.

No matter how ill the kids were, they wanted those dogs to be next to them. Some were too ill to do anything but lay in bed, but even when the dog was lying next to them, they would pet them and smile.

I think the nurses looked forward to them coming as much as the kids and parents did.

Just having one of my 'babies' sleeping on or near me makes any kind of day that much better.

I hope you all have special pets in your lives, no matter how they arrive.

20 QUESTIONS FOR HOLIDAY SISTER SWAP!

I joined the sweet sister holiday swap at sweet goodness swaps and my swap sister is Paula over @on a rainy night. I am really looking forward to meeting another new friend and 'sister' of the heart. I can't tell you how many wonderful friends I have made on here so far. It means so much to me. To help our new 'sisters' get to know us, we are to answer the following 20 questions on our blogs.

1.What's your Favorite color?: pink and red, purples/lavendar

2. What kind of chocolate lover? :not really a chocolate person ...prefer carmel or licorice any day
3. your favorite craft or hobby?: collage


4.a craft/art hobby you would like to start: i do and have done so many I have no idea-you can surprise me.


5. What is one craft you have No interest in?: knitting or crocheting.


6. Do you have any allergies?(we don't want to send anything with peanuts if it will make you blow up like a ballon)? just hay fever


7. What's your favorite part of halloween? decorating, candy eating ,costumes or something else?: I love decorating but most of all i love seeing all the little kids in their costumes coming to our door.

8. Do you decorate for thanksgivng/fall? YES i love decorating for anything!


9.December holidays-what do you celebrate and what type of decorationd do you like to put up for that holiday?


I celebrate Christmas. I love victorian ornaments and decorating like feather trees etc. I also use traditional decorating. I have a very large collection of nut crackers.


10. Do you have any children and sex and ages? Ryan is 32 married to Lehua and 22 month Nai'a. Sarah is 31 and is engaged to another ryan.
Bethany is 29 married to Bryce, they have 4 yr old sydne bean and 8 month old Lauryn. Brianna is 27 and married to jason. They have 5 yr old Nakiah and 2 yr old Tovi joi.


11. Do you have any pets? We have two cats-one a calico Callie and a new tabby baby named Anna.


12. Are you a reader and if so what type of books do you read?: I am an avid reader. I love mysteries and anything that is not a harlequin romance book.


13. Are you celebrating a birthday, anniversary in Oct. Nov or Dec?


yes my birthday is Dec 23. I have two sibs with birthdays the same week and my sis in law has the same bd as I do.


14. Do you collect anything? If so what type of things do you collect?


I collect heart shape anything( including rocks), victorian emphemera, vintage linens, buttons, old advertising and medical stuff as well as vintage milllnery.


15. what type of things do you like to cook? are you an appetizer person, cookie maker or take out person? I would much rather cook and create in the kitchen than take out.........................but of course that is always a nice treat! I enjoy either appetizers or baking.


16. What is your favorite scent? is there any you can't stand? I wear Madelline de Madelline that is a european fragrance. I do wear others and prefer light fragrances. Can't think of any I wouldn't wear.


17. What's your favorite song? I hope you dance by LeeAnn Womack.


18. What's the last movie you went to at the movie theatre? The 3:10 to Yuma. It is a remake of a 50's western and very very good.


19. what's your favorite candy? Caramel or licorice!!


20. Tea or coffee or other? I love flavored coffees and also flavored teas but drink more coffee.

I hope this helps Paula!

This has been so long in posting! A week ago I spilled a glass of pepsi on my laptop keyboard!!!!!EEK i tried to drain the pop off right away and then dried it with a blow dryer.

BUT you guessed it--the STICKY mess that has ensued. I have cleaned and cleaned around the keys and they are much better but it is very hard to type on them still. I called the Geek Squad" and am very lucky to not have 'fried' my entire computer. I have to order a new keyboard and 'well' that it sits in. I will ask for the old keyboard and then i can craft with the old keys!!

I am unable to make it downstairs to use the main computer because my knees are too swollen/painful and slidng up and down the stairs takes the use of my wrists/hands that are in the same condition lately.

They are much better than they have been and am finally getting caught up with all my swaps. Everything we make of course uses our hands and dexterity!!

For those of you who have been so supportive with prayers and kind thoughts and just your support for my transition to the walker THANK YOU!! I have been out to the mall with john, the fabric store, the grocery store, michaels, etc. It is much easier this week. A dear friend said "No one cares about the walker...you notice it more than anyone else...we just want you to be safe and not hurt from falling," Thank you Shannon.

She is right. I just had to grieve the status change and get on with life!

Who is in Charge anyway?

We know that all things come together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. (Rom:8:28)

I spent all day yesterday alternating between thanking God and just crying. I had to visit the dr for a check up following the injuries from my big fall in July. I fell again last week and banged up my 'good leg' again causing a lot of pain and bruising.

My rehab dr has been 'trying to convince me to use a walker when out of the house and I have refused to entertain that thought . Yesterday it was taken out of my hands. Dr Perry, being a wise and kind man, simply said, "I agree with Dr Rempel you cannot go on like this. You need to start using a walker when you leave the house."

As I sat there and tried to quell the tears pooling in my eyes he said With your rsd it is like climbing a mountain. You are starting down here on the ground and you put every effort you can into getting up that mountain to the top. Well rsd throws in all these obstacles and you only get part way before you fall flat off the mountain. Then it takes weeks or months of reconditioning to try to climb the mountain again. Poof you fall off again and start over. He said you never get past falling off and regaining strength enough but not complete strength so you are always going back to zero.

I have to protect myself while I am gaining strength to climb back on that mountain. He said the goal will be to condition for three to four months HOPEFULLY and then get myself back to my cane.....back to my cane.....echoing in my head.....back to my cane and never without walking without assistance. But then I KNOW that. I just would rather not give rsd any more than 'today' when I think about it.

Thank goodness John was with me. I cried off and on most of the day.
We went by our good friends for some love and hugs and then off to the supply store to get my new walker. I picked one with four wheels and
and nice padded seat, a basket and brakes whoooieeee styling wheels!

Dr Perry has known me for years and knows how active I once was when I would show up with a broken digit from softball or 'runner's knee' or whatever so he knows how difficult this is for me. He looked at me and said DO NOT start becoming a hermit and staying home. Get out there and live your life!

So I came home and took a nap and then we went off to our nephew's cross country meet at a nearby lake county park.

I actually made it up a small hill with the walker----and back down---with my cane I would have taken one look and said "forget it I can't do it' and stayed at the bottom. It was easier with the walker and I was the only one who could sit the whole time alright!

My nephew came right over and gave me a big hug and said 'nice wheels' and I only cried when my sister arrived and said 'i am so sorry'
and then encouraged me.

almost 6 yr old Nakiah our oldest grand daughter put it all in perspective for me. She is having a few difficulties transitioning to first grade..... mostly with all 12 grades...... where she goes to school ......eating lunch in the cafeteria ...... at the same time....

oma when i go through my bad troubles i cry and my momma tells me. ' you know nakiah God is giving us bad troubles to go through because he is making us into the best people we can be. we have to go through them even when we don't want to. But we can choose to be sad or happy.' oma when i go through my bad trouble i just look out the window and smile at God and tell him thank you for making me into a better person.

oma you can look out your room window and smile and be happy too even when your having bad trouble with you legs and stuff you know because God is making you in to the best person you can be.

2 yr old tovi joi was crying in the back ground and I said "why is tovi crying honey?" she said "she bit her daddy and so she can't have her snack.
she is choosing to be sad and doesn't want to thank God for her bad troubles and making her into a better person."

is that a message or what??? she is so amazing. all of our little darlings are so dear to me.

I keep replaying our conversation in our head and thank God for my many many blessings and for such a wise Mommy teaching her daughter
such beautiful wisdom about God.

I am full of awe at the complete circle this is---I taught my daughter about God and living through the bumps in the road----and now she is teaching her daughter the same-----and her daughter --my grand daughter is coming back to teach me again the things I have forgotten or
have taken for granted.

AMEN is all I can say. My prayer for all of you is that you have a 'very special' and unexpected teacher in your life.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY HOME PARTY

Hello and welcome this morning.....especially if you have arrived from Karla's "what I love about my home party". If you haven't come from Karla's blog, then you need to rush right over to see everyone's blogs and what they love about their home. It is a party all day long and everyone is invited!!

What I love about our home is that it is all rebuilt since the fire and the dining room is my favorite room. We didn't have one before so this is so wonderful. The house was all new and we had to pick paint colors etc.
It really bothered me that there was nothing of us in the newness of everything. So I made the wallpaper for this room. Of course red is my very very favorite color and it accents almost every room but our bedroom and laundry room.
I took two rolls of brown contractor's paper that was $3 a roll at the home improvement store. Then I bought a dark red, two shades lighter red, and a can of white---all latex, all one gallon.

We were residing in a duplex that had an island in the kitchen. So I rolled out lengths of paper ---about 6-8ft at a time and then spooned a glob of all three paints on paper and used a roller to spread it. For the red I just used both reds and the pink i used the dark red and a lot more white. I hung the sheets of paper over the banister and shower rod to dry.

when both rolls were done and it was time to do the dining room we brought it over here. John put all the even edges of the paper along the ceiling first then the bottom of the wall. We tore sections, tearing the paper away from us so the brown wouldn't show on the edges.

Then He papered the corners next. We used wallpaper paste and treated it just like wall paper. We would stand back and decide if we needed more pink or more red or white here or there. It took 28 hours to just paper. We then let it set for 24 hrs, came back and washed it all down.
Then we brushed on two coats of varathane. It is washable and we love it. People either really like it or really hate it.

this is our antique china closet. We bought it after the fire but all the china was salveageable.
the fireplace used to be red brick but would not come clean and was cracked. So we had the new stone added. This divides the kitchen from the dining room.

from the kitchen/hallway area looking into the room. I love the carpet. It is a large area rug over the original wood floors. The floors and the outside walls were the only part of the house they were able to keep.
French doors open to the front entry way and family room.
A beautiful new grandfather clock.
Our 35th anniversary gift to each other was this antique chandelier from the early 1800's. It was originally an oil lamp now electrified.
a close up of the wall and the variation in paint. It is so easy to do--just time consuming.
Just our immediate family numbers 15 now and our table has leaves enough for all of us to sit at one table. I also have a kitchen table that is a round oak table from John's grandparents. They had five round oak tables at one time!! This one has claw feet and three leaves so another 12 people can sit at it.

when we have one or the other side of the family here for dinner, we usually have about 30-35 people. We love entertaining, I love to cook and I love company. It gives me something to look forward to and everyone fits!!!

I would show you more rooms but am tired this morning and have had to do this post three times because the pictures wouldn't upload to blogger until the third time and 2 hours have passed!! Sheesh.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the 'tour' and please let me know what you think of the handmade wall paper treatment. If you want to stay longer hold on and I will brew up a fresh pot of coffee.

Halloween Swap

MORE SWAP GOODIES!!! My partner for the Black Cat and Pumpkin
Swap sponsered by Deb over at HophopjingleBoo is Lolly from Lolly's
Nest Egg
john was home when the package arrived and he had as much fun 'oohing and aahing' as I did.
My favorite piece is her collage of the black cats and pumpkins. I love collage work so much. I am going to frame it so i can place it on the wall
in the entry way for the holiday. Lolly your work is amazing. Thank you!!

This trio of pumpkins are nestled together on our coffee table. I love holidays so much and it has been very slow going to regather holiday decor. After the fire and moving back in there was always decorating and furniture and all that expensive stuff so the last two holidays are pretty sparse for decor. These really help and can be used for fall decor as well as halloween and thanksgiving. thank you lolly!

Lolly also included this darling vintage golden book that is all about

things starting with C! how special!
This cute cat is a gift bag and it sat on my kitchen table for a few days.

both of us thought it was our callie cat for a second. It is so precious.

In this bag were al

l these fun things, halloween straw man, a little black cat with a purple and black hat, a black cat pin, a fall pumpkin and leaf pick, a funky plastic black kitty that you fill with jelly beans and lift the tail for them to come out, we laughed over that one!! I also have a pumpin spice

sachet that fills the house. When we leave and come back in, the house smells like thanksgiving and pumpkin pie!!
Lolly also included a vintage scarf with gold/yellow trim. I can't wait to make it into something special. And there are also vintage and newer buttons. I love them!
Lolly included some very special vintage magazine ads and knitting projects how fun!! These are from the 50's in case you can't tell.

This was such a fun package. I am mailing lolly's package on Monday and am still finishing up a few things. This has been so much fun-----all these swaps are great. Swap partners turn into brand new friends and stretch your creativity as well. If you haven't signed up for one there is no time like the present.