The Charm House

Over my blog vacation and a new decorated room....

2011-06-23T12:59:00.003-04:00

Yes, I am back!

It feels like forever since I made my last post and I have so much to tell you!

Today's post will be about decorating a new bedroom in my home!

When we built our home, we had a small room in the front (probably most would use for an office) that I felt would have more potential if I put a door in the room entering our master bath. When you look through this door and my master bath/master bedroom door you can see straight through. We have been here seven years and the room has served as everything with the exception of a bedroom. To tell the truth over the last year I have hit the age where sometimes I need to allow my husband a good night's sleep and sleep in another room. This room does it. I can see him.... He can't hear me!

When I decided to decorate this room, I wanted something different from the rest of my house.... Something that showed my love for all things old. Most of the accessories for the room I already owned. The entertainment center came from our beach house and needed a good coat of latte paint. The room is filled with touches of blue glass (which I dearly adore)! The bed coverings are just a mixture of quilts and covers I have used in the past. I did purchase the mantle ($35.00) for my headboard and the lamp on the side table from Hobby Lobby (using 50% off). The shade on the little lamp on the metal table was made using burlap and trim!!! I also made a couple of new art pieces to display in the room! I still want to add a few things to the room.... It will happen when I find the special touches it needs.

So... What is your favorite thing in my new room???

Friendship and the Collage.....

2011-03-31T10:05:00.002-04:00

I am a truly blessed woman!

When you look up in a dictionary to see what the definition of a girlfriend is you will find that it usually deals with love between a boy and a girl. So disappointing for one who loves to use quotes and definitions in her work..... I have been married to the same man for almost 29 years and I claim his as my best friend! But there is something about girlfriends.... the bond, the history that seems to be a "happy place" that I enjoy going to. How is it that friends can get together after years and that bond is still there or even stronger because we have been thinking and praying for them over that time?

Friendships for me started in first grade.... Yes, I said first grade! I seem to only have good memories of "the girls", I am sure I experienced bad... but the memory of these times is just not there! Memories of parties, teachers, boys, the ball park, the All Star, Ken's Pizza, driving down Memorial Drive, Winn Dixie parking lot and my favorite~ Playing Girls Basketball!!! Over the last couple of years the "ladies" of South Gwinnett High School Class of 1978 have been getting together every month. We average about 15 at each luncheon, trying to spread the luncheons out between locations and time so all can attend. I am amazed at how this group of girls adds so much to my life! We talk about the present, but so many conversations lead back to the past. Teachers we admired, trouble we got into (including spankings) and wondering about those we no longer have contact with or that have passed on.

I have a group of about 17 girls that I actually attended 1st - 12th grade with. Now that is a true band of girlfriends.... We still know so much about each other, many of our children attending the same school and knowing each other.

When I started working on this piece, of course I had to find the perfect quote.

I loved the quote ~

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.

But the I found this one....

Like branches of a tree we grow in different directions, yet our toots remain as one. Each of our lives will always be a special part of the others.

I read this quote and knew it had to be the quote for my piece.

If you have old girlfriends that you have not heard from in some time...

Call them, put together a girls date.

You will be so blessed by igniting that part of your heart again!

Some of the girls that I attended 1st - 12th grade with!

ChatterHangers...

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Another great class at The Charm House~

ChatterHangers

ChatterHangers are 4" X 4" pieces of art that tell a story. We all had the best time, talking and laughing! When it came time to attach the small jewels and charms, it was very obvious who needed glasses~ Thank goodness for my fancy looking glasses! The next class is this Thursday.... ChatterBoards.

Giveaway of a "Rejoicing Chicks" painting....

2011-03-08T10:53:00.006-05:00

The Charm House Facebook Page

Drawing to be held Friday at 7:00 in the evening. I will take all comments from my facebook page from now until then for the drawing. You have to hit the LIKE button on the facebook page to count. Drawing for a 9-1/2" X 9-1/2" Rejoicing Chicks painting.

Also, Please be a follower of this page.

A wedding planned around a scrapbook paper... Part II

2011-03-08T09:05:00.003-05:00

so... Yesterday I showed you the scrapbook page Katelyn selected. We can finally show you all the wonderful things Katelyn was able to pull together using this theme.

The Invitations.... Gorgeous! Katleyn added some bling to the invites to match her personality.

The programs... It was so awesome sitting in the Church watching everyone enjoy Katleyn and Daniel's program. She had filled it with information about all of the wedding party. You felt like you knew each person after reading about them.

The gift from the bride and groom.... Katelyn and Daniel both attended and met at SPSU. (We use to call it Southern Tech, but the name has changed.) They came up with this wonderful poem telling everyone how they met. Attached to it was a hand calculator with their name on it. PERFECT!

The Wedding Cones.... We made a wedding cone for both the bride and groom's parents. They were placed at the row where they were sitting. See Katelyn's MOM and DAD's wedding picture on the cone.

Now this is a great idea for a guest book. As everyone arrived, they put their thumbprint on the tree and then signed their thumbprint. This was an awesome idea. I am pretty sure that Katelyn's sister drew the tree and the two lovebirds for them.

And saving the best for last.... THE CAKE!!! Oh my goodness, the was one of the prettiest cakes I have ever seen! It matched the paper perfect! Zadie (Katelyn's sister) designed and created the cake topper! This will be a precious memory keeper for Katleyn and Daniel.

Tomorrow I will put up a few more of my favorite pictures from the wedding!

A Charming Wedding .. Part I

2011-03-07T11:58:00.003-05:00

My daughter's sweet and beautiful friend, Katelyn, was married this weekend to the love of her life, Daniel. From the time that Katelyn walked through the door, crying with tears of joy, as one being in attendance, you knew this wedding was going to be special. Katelyn and Daniel, together, took the time to fill their whole night with symbolism of what Christ expects from us as we take this journey.

The wedding planning started taking shape when Katelyn and her MOM came to me asking for suggestions. When I found out she wanted to use apple green, I was so excited. I went to Archivers, our scrapbooking/art store, and started looking for papers that we could use. I had one paper that really caught my eye and I knew that Katelyn would be the type of bride to hop on the train and use it. The flowers on the paper were charming! After visiting the florist that I highly recommended, The Garden Gate in Monroe, the color scheme was set.... Apple green and a wine red. I LOVED IT! This was going to be a fun wedding!

The beautiful bride, Katelyn. She wore her Mother's veil.

Katelyn's bridal bouquet!

The Bridesmaid Flowers.

Katelyn and her MOM, Leslie.

My daughter and Katelyn.

This dress was perfect for Katelyn! Look at all of the details!

The wedding party in front of one of the most beautiful Churches I have ever been in.

The shirt Daniel designed for the wedding party to wear at rehearsal.

Too Cute!

The paper that started it all!

Questions of Life in black and white.....

2011-03-05T07:10:00.003-05:00

I love old pictures (but then again I love anything old). They are perfect for making me smile, for using in art and just to have sitting around for conversation. I always wonder about the daily life the persons live.....

....wonder if this is a baby picture of Marilyn Monroe....

....did she buy all of these shoes and the one pair, are they for her husband?....

..... is this a perm gone bad or was this her everyday struggle....

.... is this her work out clothes?.....

....and I think I hate exercising now~ Wow, I would have never exercised if I had to do this every day.

Life in black and white~

Images for you....

Inspired by a Garden Nursery...

2011-03-04T09:04:00.009-05:00

This time of the year I start feeling..... well, let's just say you can call me Droopy from the seven dwarfs. I am very ready for spring, seeing everything bloom, warmer weather and the green grass beneath my feet. For the longest, we had the most wonderful little garden center in Monroe, Land Arts. The owner, Jane Bath, has written many books, designed both of my landscapes and she is a joy to talk with. I would go there sometimes twice a week just to walk the nursery. It felt good to be there. Jane and her sweet employees never seemed to mind, they knew a sale would be coming soon. Due to the bad economy, sad to say Jane closed Land Arts. I have truly missed her and her gem of a store so much. Yesterday, I needed to find a nursery to visit. I knew the old Pikes Nursery in Snellville had been closed and a family had purchased it to reopen into a nursery. I decided to make the thirty minute drive to visit. To say the least, I was so inspired! Walking into the gift store, your eyes take you for one vignette to another. It was truly amazing. There was not a "Jane" there, but I received great service. I wish we had something like this in Monroe, but then again Monroe is Monroe....... First we need a grocery store! I hope the following pictures inspire YOU as much as The Family Tree inspired me!

Directions ~ In Snellville on Highway 78.... Almost half way between Atlanta and Athens!

Follow them on facebook here The Family Garden Center

This little "shed room" was built from the flats materials are delivered on. Roof, sides, everything!

My Vintage Handmade Smock!!!!

2011-03-03T15:43:00.003-05:00

What a joy to come home today to find a package at my front door. I knew who it was from the second I seen it, Tammy at The Other Side of Me. http://theothersideofme-tl.blogspot.com/ I had admired her smock on her trip to the festival at Stone Mountain and ask her if she would make me one! I was so excited when she said yes. I love it dearly and plan on hanging it out when I am not wearing it. It will definitely be saved for special events!

My smock was in this beautiful handmade burlap bag! Tammy really knows how to charm her customers, even down to the mailing box!

Vintage Flowers and Bird Nest....

2011-02-28T12:23:00.003-05:00

Saturday was a wonderful and beautiful day for creating flowers and birds nest. It was a class of 15 (larger than most of my class) ready to create artist! We had the best day and everyone caught on really fast!

Shipping out the Flower Girl Baskets....

2011-02-24T18:36:00.003-05:00

I have been given the wonderful honor of creating two flower girl baskets for a young couple in Florida! I was so excited and even more when she told me about her wedding. As in all of my projects, I try to tell a story. I hope by viewing the baskets, you can learn a little about this sweet couple!

Flameless Candles with 5 hour timer.... WOW!

2011-02-18T06:04:00.000-05:00

I love battery operated candles and I thought I had some of the best until I seen these from IKR designs. You can find them at her etsy shop... http://www.etsy.com/shop/IKRDesigns?ref=pr_profile
Beautiful flameless candles from IKR. They run on two AA batteries & have a five hour timer!!

I think this is a future purchase for me! So pretty!

Sports Banquet Personalized Placemat...

2011-02-17T11:49:00.002-05:00

With all the incredible supplies out today, this is a great way to make a place mat for your banquet and create a memory board for the kids at the same time. My daughter took the place mat for each year and hung them on her wall. (YES, I am one of those MOM's who gave their bedroom to their child to decorate on their own, with my watchful eye)
You can find the scrapbook paper that is a place mat size. Build your memories from here as you do a scrapbook. OR with today's photoshop, printshop you can actually create a place mat and run it off on your computer.
The last step is to laminate your piece. If you are going to do this for many years, buy a roll of laminate. If you want someone else to do it... find a Kinko's nearby!

Back to Rejoicing Chicks...

2011-02-16T06:04:00.000-05:00

I am really enjoying painting my Rejoicing Chicks.... Sometimes, as this piece, I remind myself of God's wonderful word to help keep me out of TROUBLE!!! I find so much comfort from sitting down and painting out all of my stress!

Decorating Hints & Saying I love YOU daily...

2011-02-12T05:45:00.004-05:00

I love to find ways to tell my husband that I love him. Some have been sweet, I love you on the bathroom mirror and some have been quirky.... He gets onto me for not replacing the toilet paper, I write I love him on the finished roll so that when he throws it away, he knows how much I appreciate him. But, for a chance to say I love You and have it permanent, use scrabble tiles. I made this little shelf from a Hobby Lobby shelf, paint and scrapbook paper. It is in our bathroom between our two mirrors. I surprised my husband one morning by placing the scrabble tile piece in front of the cross. In turn he surprised me with a little love note that sits there until this day. We may have been married for 25+ years, but we still realize the importance of letting each other know that we love them!

Advice for the day.... Don't worry about what others think about having your love notes out for each other. Daily working on YOUR marriage is much more important!

P.S. These little love notes can be made for your children also!

Happy Valentines Day!

And my Art becomes her Art.....

2011-02-08T15:06:00.004-05:00

I have watched her grow up and lately I have admired her even more. She is still in school, but already you can see a gift that she has been given. Her eyes and hands seem to be part of the camera that finds the right angle and look for her pictures.

When I saw this digital image, I had to make her a necklace. I gave it to her as a surprise, hoping that through this gift she would know how much I admire her work. She took the gift and gifted me back with these three beautiful pictues! I was so incredibly surprised!

I know that we will continue to see wonderful pictures from her.

Brooklyn Claudia McDaniel Photography

Day of Creating with Friends...

2011-02-07T04:48:00.005-05:00

It was rainy outside, but inside we were all having a blast! Using Cosmo Cricket theme papers, the girls created their own story boards! Each one was so different and had its own story. They were encouraged to either bring their own "goodies" or go through my "stash" of goodies to personalize their pieces evens more. The girls came up with ideas that I hope to use in the future, including this little window box. Don't you just love it! She used different flowers until she came up with the perfect fit! I love it! The class was so successful that another has been planned on the 21st of this month!

And the daughter is a REBEL too!!!

2011-02-04T07:32:00.001-05:00

Wednesday was spent at Lake Oconee with my MOM and Whit! Whit and JD (daughter and son-in-love) live in a little bungalow next to my mother and daddy's house. This is the little house they lived in while theirs was being built. It became the house where the kids hung out, invited their friends to stay and now it has become JD and Whit's home. It is a tiny one bedroom home with Whit bringing the charm of a sweet newlywed couple living there. Her decorations are inexpensive, some given to her, some found at GoodWill. She is trying to find her way of decorating while remaining true to who her and JD are as a couple. They love life, love to create and love to share the Lord with others. Tomorrow we will return to 443 Lakeshore Drive, I just thought today you could see how the child is like her mother!

Somewhat organized like her MOM!

Whit's little corner to create!

Their string wall of pictures and memories!

They had to have a brown wall, so they painted!

Did you catch the little things....

2011-02-03T06:21:00.001-05:00

So... Did you notice my pool balls on the table or my record holder turned into my filing rack in the last two post?
With Goodwill and Thrift stores popping up everywhere, one can find the most amazing things really inexpensive to decorate with. The children love to play with the pool balls when they visit. So far, no one has been hurt by them.
The record holder turned file holder was simple to make. I found six record holders at a junk store and purchased them all thinking... I can use these for something. Came home, looked at my 45 records, pulled out the E6000 glue and ended up with a "COOL" file holder! Something from nothing! And because I purchased all six for a dollar, gifts for everyone!

If you like something, use it!

It's your home, make it cozy for you and your family!

I Always LOVED Motown!

Another Day of The Charm House Decorates...

2011-02-02T08:04:00.001-05:00

I don't know what it is about the age I am.... But, I just don't care about rules that one should go by to decorate. I have entirely thrown all rules and being realistic about decorating out the window. If I want to take my kitchen table out because I love the view and want a two seater couch there... Well, I am just going to do it. If I am just tired of that painting that I begged to buy and want to take it down to put up a piece of my altered art.... I'm going to do it. Just because a room says that it is a breakfast room, I say differently. Oh, how I love this rebellious age!

Now, Girls I have to say for some women this rebellious stage will not be as easy for you as it is for me. I have one of the most easiest going husbands in the world and he loves everything I do. I have a thought of moving something, he is there to move it. He loves our eclectic world that we live in, often finding his boyhood toys used as decorations and bringing back wonderful childhood memories for him.

Today I want to show how I folded down the kitchen table, made it a desk and moved in our "love seat" that holds both of us "perfectly" and "snuggly". This window overlooks the lake and outside of it hangs our bird and squirrel feeders. We love to sit here and watch God at HIS best! For us, it is the most relaxing thing to do during the day.
I know you are asking.... So, where do you eat? We still have the breakfast bar, but to be honest.... Most nights you will find us in front of the TV and fireplace eating a bowl of soup!

How I love Rebelling!

Bug Man said I decorated "Cool".....

2011-02-01T06:56:00.000-05:00

I need a change in blogland......

I would like to post about something other than creating ART.....

Who gave me this idea????

My Bug Man!

A new quarter and a new Bug Man. As he comes into the house, his eyes starts to wander the room. I could tell this was a man that caught everything. After he had completed his job in my house, he stated.... "This is the coolest house I have ever been in".... I knew what it meant... (in my own words) "Wow, you display your "stuff" well"! After his visit, I felt good. Some other man than my husband had noticed how I display my "stuff" and he liked it. It was then I knew I had to do a series on

Decorating The Charm House Style.

Having my children gone, change me. I want things in our home to be where WE enjoy them, not necessarily those visiting, but Reid and I. We are the ones that live here all the time, so why not. Over the next few days, I will show you how I decorate and hopefully it will bring out something in you to make changes in your own home.

When people arrive in our sitting area, they are shocked to find my chairs hanging on the wall....

What did this accomplish...

1) A place to put my extra chairs

2) Less cleaning under chairs (they are hanging)

3) A wall hanging!

This was all accomplished by taking a long peg wood rack and hanging it up and down. You can find this at The Container Store. http://www.containerstore.com/

Join me tomorrow in another episode of

Decorating The Charm House Style

Stepping out of my comfort zone.....

2011-01-31T04:42:00.004-05:00

Childhood Friends ~ South Gwinnett High School

This week I am trying something new......

Teaching a large group of women how to create their own piece of ART!

I have had classes for children and enjoyed them, I have had classes for small groups of women and enjoyed them...... Now, it's time to Step Out and teach a large group of women!

I am excited about this class! Most of these women I have known since childhood, actually attending school with them from 1st-12th grade. They are a wild and crazy bunch, so teaching them will be a great experience for me. It will be quite a challenge keeping their attention while they are laughing and talking. I know if I can end the day with these girls having completed their piece, I can teach anyone. It will be a blast Friday at 443 Lakeshore Drive!

Creating ~ Shower Gift for the Bride....

2011-01-30T06:39:00.002-05:00

This weekend Whitney and I were invited to a wonderful Bridal Shower for her friend, Katelyn. Katelyn was one of the beautiful bridesmaids in Whit and JD's wedding.

I started thinking about what I could get her for some time now. Then it hit me, she loves the vintage look like me, I will create for her.

Cosmo Cricket has this wonderful theme paper and for Katelyn, it was perfect. I started with a 12" X 12" board with a 1-1/2" depth. I love these deep boards because it gives me the option of creating on the sides. On this piece I attached some chandelier parts on the side. I place a nest at the bottom representing the two starting their own little nest. I also placed a key and heart together. I really think I was able to capture Katelyn!

Bridal Shower wrapping with Vintage Love....

2011-01-29T10:41:00.003-05:00

There is something about receiving a gift that makes it so much more special when someone takes the love and time to wrap it.

Not to say that there is a problem with gift bags....

It's just that when you are handed that gift....

Seeing it wrapped up and knowing the extra effort was put into the gift....

Well, that is the "SUPREME" of gift giving!

The Package!

Whit and I are attending a bridal shower today for one of her best friends. With Valentine day being around the corner, we couldn't resist to add pink and hearts to the gifts. I always love to wrap my gift with craft paper. That gives me a good base and background to be creative. Plus, you can buy a roll of craft paper for little or nothing.

The flower is a flower that I will be teaching a class on in February. I used vintage papers and recycled tissues from other gifts!

So, What do you think about wrapping gifts.....

One of my favorite blogs....

2011-01-27T06:41:00.002-05:00

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/

I love to jump from blog to blog looking at decorating, craft and buying ideas. When I seen the name of this blog, of course it grabbed my attention. From the first look, I was hooked! Jen gives or leads us to some of the best ideas! I appreciate everyday what she has to show us!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this blog!

Valentine Images for you Sweetie!

2011-01-26T05:34:00.001-05:00

A Cool Picture....

2011-01-25T05:18:00.000-05:00

Working in my studio, I looked down and thought,

"WOW, what a cool picture this would make. "

So, I took it!

We can find beauty in the most unusual things....

Look around and tell me where your beauty is found today?

Anniversary Gift for a Special Couple!

2011-01-24T06:14:00.002-05:00

Saturday night we attended the 50th anniversary for some very dear friends, Marlon and Nell Cook. They are my sister's in-loves, but for me they are also my family. They shower my family with so much love, I just love them!

For the party, my MOM wanted me to make this piece for them. I have made it many times, it seems to be a favorite of everyone! This one belongs to my Prince Charming and his bride.... In other words, me and Reid!

Wedding Invite~ Green Apple and Wine....

2011-01-23T07:07:00.000-05:00

When my daughter's friend Katelyn ask me to help with her wedding invites, I was so excited! Katelyn and Daniel are the type of couple who would allow me to have some fun in the design! She gave me the colors she wanted to use in the wedding, I started looking for a good scrapbook paper and the rest is history. Everything fell into place so easy and fast. I know when the guest receive their invite, they will know the wedding is going to be fun and exciting!
All 150 invites were under $300.00 including everything down to the jewels!

Time to Bloom Mantle....

2011-01-22T06:42:00.001-05:00

With all the cold weather here in Georgia.... I needed something to lift me up! I got up yesterday morning and decided to start decorating for Spring. It's my favorite time of the year. There is nothing better than walking the yard and seeing all the daffodils poking their little heads up from the soil. It gives me hope, makes me feel good.

My theme this season is Time to Bloom. This came from a piece that I created several weeks ago. I think this is probably my favorite piece that I have ever made.

Auburn University and its wonderful Creed....

2011-01-21T03:00:00.003-05:00

Auburn, Alabama~ The Loveliest Village On The Plains!

For generations, Auburn University students, alumni and fans have celebrated Auburn victories at the center of the Auburn Universe..... The corner of College Street and Magnolia Avenue.
This is also the home of Toomers Drugstore (an Auburn landmark for over 150 years), the world's best hand squeezed lemonade. Hanging over the corner are two massive old-growth oak trees, and anytime anything good happens at AU, toilet paper can usually be found hanging from the trees. This tradition is known as "rolling the corner". Of course, a few weeks ago when AU football won the BCS National Championship, a celebration was held at the corner!

THE AUBURN CREED

I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn.

Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.

I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully.

I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men.

I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities.

I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all.

I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.

I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by "doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God."

And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it.

5 Pay it Forward Gifts.....

2011-01-20T06:14:00.000-05:00

My 5 Pay it Forward Gifts.....

Busy, Busy, Busy....

2011-01-19T06:01:00.000-05:00

Shall We Gather At The River.....

2011-01-18T06:16:00.001-05:00

What is it about the middle of the night that I get my ideas...... I woke up, singing

Shall we gather at the river.....

the whole time thinking about my rejoicing chicks. I knew this was a sign, as Jeff Foxworthy says.... I had to paint my chicks going to the river, rejoicing all the way! I also decided to name my chicks....

Meet Redneck Chick Mama, Bling Jean and Hairy.

Finding the Inspiration.....

2011-01-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

A few more ChatterHangings..... When I am working on my ChatterHangings, I usually work of 3-4 at a time. This allows for the paint / paper to dry on each individual piece as I am working on another. The perfect work day for me is to have three pieces waiting for me in the morning that have been painted and the paper has been glued down the night before. I usually finish these three pieces and also by the end of the day have three more pieces painted and glued to work on the next day.

My inspiration for a piece usually comes from the paper that I use for the background, possibly a Bible verse or quote that I have read that day or sometimes the inspiration comes from the feelings that I am experiencing that day. I think each artist has a different place they find inspiration and I think that an artist is within all of us. The difference between me and someone who says they can't do it...... I broke down the wall that said, "I can't". I picked up a brush and just started, not fearing the final outcome but looking forward to the outcome.

Valentine Images 4 U.....

2011-01-16T06:05:00.000-05:00

Vintage Dick and Jane Images....

2011-01-15T07:13:00.000-05:00

If you follow The Charm House, then you know I have a soft spot for Dick and Jane! I love the old school books and have very fond memories of reading about them in school. Every so often, you will see a piece of my art using one of these images. I find using them so comforting and fun!

I hope you can enjoy these and use them any way that you wish!

One Icy Hill.....

2011-01-14T06:53:00.000-05:00

Having the glare of the lake come into my kitchen is not an unusual event during the winter, but seeing the reflection of the sun on our ice covered hill is totally different. The glare was so bright that it instantly caught my eye. I have never seen anything like this and probably will never see it again. As I watch TV and see all of the flooding in Australia, snow here.... I thought about how truly powerful God is. He is in total control of all of this, He can turn NE Georgia into one sheet of ice. He shows me constantly that He CAN do all things!

Please God, Help me to continue to rely on YOU and know of the power that YOU yield!

The RIGHT motive....

2011-01-13T05:56:00.000-05:00

A good friend of mine posted the most interesting post on facebook.

Pay it Forward 2011:

I promise to personally deliver something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment here. They must in turn post this and send/deliver something they make to the first 5 people who comment on their status. The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2011.

When I read this, I thought it was such an awesome idea. I immediately put my name down for a gift from Melinda and quickly went off to post the same rules on my facebook page. I was so excited to see the people commit on my page. I immediately started making gifts for each individual, thinking about their likes and their personalities. The more I thought about it I began to doubt my reasons for participating in this. Was I doing this out of the goodness of my heart or was I doing this simply to be part of the group? It has always bothered me to want to do something just to be a part of "the group". I tried to teach my children to create their own walk in life and if others wanted to follow, let them. If they didn't, enjoy what they were doing and stick to who they are deep inside.

All day this thought lingered over me, constantly asking myself why I was doing this. Then, WHAM... A God Moment..... I was checking my e-mail and there was an e-mail labeled YOUR VERSE FOR THE DAY! It caught my attention because this was the first day that I had received MY VERSE FOR THE DAY! Through all my doubt I was asking God to help me. HE knew the best way to show the answer.... placing it right on my computer screen. I slowly (and I mean slowly because that is the way my computer now works) pulled up the verse and to say the least I was shocked.....

Let all your things be done with charity....

I Corinthians 16:14

What a gentle reminder God gave me as I strive to keep reaching out to serve HIM.

I pray that charity not only reigns in my heart, but shines each and every day in my actions!

Chatter Hangings.....

2011-01-12T06:15:00.001-05:00

Chatter Hangings ~ Little tiny art pieces to hang from your kitchen cabinet knobs.

I started making these little pieces years ago and today with all the wonderful fabric flowers that are offered, they work up so fast. The hardest thing is having the patience to allow all of the papers that you glue down to dry properly. I usually do all of my gluing at night and then by the morning they are ready to be sanded and finished. Many times I will use vintage necklaces for the chains. And as always, I love using scrabble tiles.

I always want each piece to tell a story. In the first piece, I used an old vintage love letter. You can tell at the bottom where it says, " love you and miss you". For me, art is a chance to motivate, encourage and inspire others. That is why I call everything my Chatter Art. I want to tell a story that will make the person receiving the art piece feel more encouraged and inspired.

Waiting for Prince Charming....

2011-01-11T09:28:00.004-05:00

Ok... It is so true!!! I love the thoughts of love! Why not, I have my Prince Charming! I knew the first moment I met Reid that HE was the one God had waiting for me! In every respect HE was a Prince Charming and from our first blind date lunch, I knew I was going to make him mine. That day I even called my mother to tell her that I had found the young man that I was going to marry. It didn't take long for me to convince him that I was also the one that HE was waiting for! Within months we were engaged and within a year we were married in a big Church wedding.

So many times today girls and boys settle for less than what God has waiting for them. I always taught Chase to be someones Prince Charming and I always told Whit to wait patiently on her Prince Charming. I can tell you that both found their perfect match not only for them... But, for our family! I truly believe that God has a Prince Charming waiting for every young lady... We just have to teach them to wait upon the Lord for HIM to reveal their

Prince Charming!

A Snowy Night in Georgia....

2011-01-10T08:08:00.002-05:00

When it snows in Georgia like this, all is still! We become homebound! As soon as we hear of the threat of snow or ice, we all run out and gather our supplies for a long stay in the house. Chicken Stew is started on the stove, crock pot holds vegetable soup. Yes, for us, we snuggle up.... watch it snow, eat.... and just wait for the power to go out! I really enjoy this time, my husband takes on a new personality. He can't go to work and there is something about the snow that brings the child out in him. As soon as there was enough light this morning, he had to go out and take pictures. And I know, later in the day if possible, the sleds will come out. I really like seeing this side of him.... With the struggle of work, it is so good to know there is still peace inside of him waiting to come out.

Had to do it.... Rejoicing Chick #2

2011-01-08T10:12:00.001-05:00

Do you Inspire Someone????

2011-01-07T06:05:00.000-05:00

My Rejoicing Chickies!

I realized a very long time ago, that as productive individuals it is not only important to be inspired, but to also inspire others. I have mingled in some type of craft/art form for many years. By some I have been called an artist and by others.... A glue gun queen. I am not sure what "label" I should fall under, but I do hope that through some of my work, I can help others find their hidden talents. When my children were young, I felt that my God gave me the gift to encourage, motivate and inspire others. I would hide gifts of encouragement that I had made into the lockers of children at school, send gifts through the mail to those that God had put on my heart. This went on for years, until I started feeling an emptiness in my heart. My children were leaving for college and I knew something had to fill the void. My neighborhood encouraged me to create some of my encouragement gifts to sale at our clubhouse for an Art show. They were a hit, starting what and who I am today. I dare not name all of the artist who have inspired me with their work, I know I would leave someone out. Many of you reading this blog are one's on this list. With that said..... after visiting Sam, I had to pull out a board, colorful paints and break out of my shell and let the paint fall where it may. He inspired me! This is one of many attempts at me creating a piece of Folk Art. I will have to say this by far is my favorite.

I hope in some way that it can and will inspire YOU!

Meeting Outsider Artist Sam Granger....

2011-01-06T05:56:00.001-05:00

Several months ago, I found a wonderful Folk Artist Sam Granger. I started keeping up with his facebook, reading the interesting stories behind his pieces. I quickly became attracted not only to his work, but the stories behind them. Sam is a Georgia artist and I knew I had to go and see his work in person. For Christmas, things started falling into place quickly. Sam offered his facebook members an opportunity to win a $50.00 gift certificate. I wanted that gift certificate!!! I had as many of my friends as I could "like" Sam. In the end I won! The greatest surprise came when I opened my Christmas gift from Whit and JD...... Her gift to me was a trip she had put together with Sam to meet him on January the 5th. Well, that day was yesterday and BOY was this a great present for me! Sam is one of the most gracious people I have ever met. His heart and love for his art goes far beyond what most artist have. His joy comes from seeing others enjoy his talents. We talked for over a hour of his love for the art, his stories behind the paintings and basically as he spoke you could see that he is not in it for the money, but something much, much higher!!! You can tell he loves the Lord through his work and that the Lord has gifted him immensely. As Whit and I were getting ready to leave, Sam looked at Whit and ask her to pick out a piece for herself. If I had not seen his heart within that hour, I would have been surprised at his generosity. But, Sam is that kind of guy..... He wants to share his love of the art as much as he can! Find Sam at http://www.samgfolkart.com/aboutme.html. I think you will enjoy his story and love for the art as much as I do! Thanks Sam for a great day!

Having fun finishing old projects.....

2011-01-05T06:05:00.001-05:00

Family of Cowboy's Collage......

2011-01-04T06:41:00.000-05:00

This is the finished Cowboy Collage for my nurse! I don't know what I would do if she didn't show up faithfully every three weeks to give me my treatments. For me, she offers faith, hope and love in every motion that she makes to help me! I love her dearly and hope she really enjoys this collage of her husband and two boys!

Working on three projects......

2011-01-03T11:19:00.003-05:00

Busy today working on three projects.....

Today is treatment day and I have a wonderful nurse that will show up around 3:00 to start my treatment. I've had her for years and love her to pieces! She is the best! Her family is into rodeo's and shooting. I am making this collage for her!

A Chatterboard for a Christmas present.....

2011-01-02T06:25:00.003-05:00

We celebrated my husband's family Christmas on New Year's Eve day. We draw names and then buy a $20.00 gift for that person. My husband picked his brother-in-law. Of course, you know as Reid's wife, I will be doing the shopping. I found this wonderful $85.00 scarf at Macy's on sale for 50% off and then I had all of my coupons to go with it. The price fell to about $28.00. I was excited, but the more I looked at it, the more it look like something for my son. I thought about things for a couple of minutes, found myself in the studio and before I knew it..... I had created this piece for him. It is a storyboard of his family!

2011~ Follow your Bliss!!!!

2011-01-01T06:04:00.000-05:00

Bliss–noun
1.
supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment: wedded bliss.
2.
Theology . the joy of heaven.
3.
heaven; paradise: the road to eternal bliss.
4.
Archaic . a cause of great joy or happiness. —Idiom

This year make an effort every day to Follow Your Bliss!

Wee, Wee, Wee all the way home....

2010-12-31T06:57:00.000-05:00

I am really enjoying Dick and Jane pieces right now.... I think we all get in the mood for certain images, etc. and we just have to keep working with them until they work out of our system.

I just had to put the pig on top of the piece and of course attach some crayons to the side!

If you go out tonight, be very careful!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!

A couple of Images and Upcoming Contest.....

2010-12-30T06:02:00.001-05:00

Starting January 1st, I will be running my 500 Post Contest!

I am working on a special piece now to give away.

So, remember to look for my year to start on giving you something special!

It has been so awesome having a place where I can meet and greet with friends.

Thanks for all the wonderful comments and a special thanks to my Georgia Blogger group!

Love you all!

Whit's Fabric Collage~ Recipe for Love...

2010-12-29T06:44:00.002-05:00

My daughter, Whitney, loves to sew....

She is like me in the fact that she will sew anything.

When she seen my first fabric collage, she had to make one.

This is her first fabric collage titled~

My Recipe for Love

Don't you just love the S & H green stamps??

Dick and Jane Collage..........

2010-12-28T06:43:00.005-05:00

DICK AND JANE

COLLAGE

For Sale in The Charm House Etsy Shop

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64827692/dick-and-jane-collage

$58.00

Size: The box is 5" x 5" with bottom legs the piece stands 5" X 6". Hand Dyed Christmas Tree, vintage tiny dog from Japan, vintage chandelier parts, vintage key. The Dick and Jane images are copies on matte paper from my old Dick and Jane book. The back is covered with chipboard and scrapbook paper. The piece is signed on the back.

My Christmas Day Collage....

2010-12-27T06:18:00.000-05:00

I posted yesterday about being at home on Christmas.... I would like to share with you my creation for my husband! It is a piece of us as children up until we were married! Also, the door parts are from my grandmothers old screen front door. It turned out to be a Christmas of Miracles and Blessings. I hope you enjoy my piece!

The Miracle in Atlanta!

2010-12-26T10:22:00.003-05:00

The last time measurable snow fell in Atlanta on Christmas Day was in 1882. Up until last night, this had been a Christmas that felt very different. It is in the sense that I knew my children would be with their in-loves on Christmas and I only put up a tree and a wreath on the front door for decorations. Maybe I was preparing to have a sad day on Christmas, thinking of myself and not the miracles that we are provided all through the year by the one that we celebrate on this day. I woke up early on Christmas morning (4:30 or so) and went to look out the front door. I saw one star..... it was so bright. It was telling me to search for Him.... During the day, Reid and I sat in our cozy little work space. I started creating a piece about Reid and I and how from the very beginning God had put us together. I thought about all of the miracles God had provided for us, how He constantly gets us through each and every day. Of course my day started changing and Christmas day started feeling different. As we prepared to end our night, God showed us one more miracle..... Snow falling. Miracle of Miracles.... Snow in Atlanta in December! WOW! That's what Christmas is about.... The Miracle!!! Merry Christmas to all!

Bloom!!!

2010-12-23T17:04:00.001-05:00

Just playing in the studio, creating a little hanging for a gift!

Sometimes, I wonder if the gift I am making is for me

(because I enjoy creating it so much)

or for the person that I am giving it to!

She challenged me and I created....

2010-12-22T06:11:00.002-05:00

I have a cousin, Renee, that is always challenging me to create her inspirations. Renee needed an ornament for her Bank Christmas Party. She knew she wanted a pink pig on it. From there, I could add anything else that I wanted. It is hard to tell from the picture, but the piggy is on 3-D foam. Renee was really happy with the way "our" ornament turned out. I hope the recipient is just as happy!

Our 2010 Christmas Card...

2010-12-21T06:41:00.001-05:00

Our 2010 Christmas Card..... This year I wanted to share with everyone the children's weddings. Reid and I are blessed with so many friends that we try so hard to stay in contact with each and every one of them. Christmas, for us, is always a great time to catch up on events. I am amazed at how many photo cards and newsletters I get each year. I love to see how our friends children have grown and I love to read the events of their year.

I can highly recommend TinyPrints for your Christmas Cards. I have used them for the past few years and the quality is incredible! As you can tell, the front and back of the three panel card was used! I think this has to be one of my favorite cards that I have sent.

Christmas Past....

2010-12-20T09:36:00.003-05:00

I love Christmas.....
Simply put, I love EVERYTHING about it!
Being with family,
Continuing Traditions,
Visiting Santa,
and most of all....
Celebrating the Birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ!
My mother has always been the best of best when it came to hosting our family dinners. Food covers the cabinets, games are planned to include everyone and laughter has always been the highlight of the day. She has taught us well on how to entertain your family. This is the first Christmas that Reid and I will have with our new family! With both of the children now married, we will create our own traditions! For us, this is so exciting!
Me and Santa..... Probably 1964!

Chase, my mother and Daniel sledding! 1987

When we had Chase, we decided that we would start a tradition of sending out Christmas cards each year with our children on them. It is so amazing now to look at them and see the different personalities of the children each year. This picture was made in 1990. It includes my nephew and niece...... Daniel and Lauren. The four of them have always been very close!

Our first year being married..... 1982

What traditions can you share with others that you and your family enjoy?

An awesome Christmas Song by Train....

2010-12-10T08:33:00.001-05:00

I heard this song and just had to dance around the room!!

It is the song for the Coke commercial!

Just trying to figure out where I'm at....

2010-11-24T15:06:00.004-05:00

Chase and Jackie at their new home in the middle of the City of Lawrenceville. I can see them walking for coffee in the mornings and walking to dinner at night!

How embrassing... the last post I made was on November the 5th!! Life has been extremely wild here in our household. My IVIG treatments have been moved to every three weeks, with a little extra med. each time. I am amazed at how fast three weeks comes up. We have also been dealing with a sick daddy. Dad, who plays golf a couple times a week, has totally been knocked off his feet for the last couple of months. He has been in and out of the hospital, staying in CCU for a week and a half. We are still trying to get him well. He will be having surgery on the 2nd of December.

Chase and Jackie have bought a wonderful new condo. They are the perfect couple for living in the city. You walk out onto their balcony and you see the courthouse tower clock and all the city lights from the restaurants. Almost across the street from them is a outdoor rooftop restaurant. It is so beautiful. I hope to do better in the coming weeks to keep you up on my goings......

On-Line Magazine for Christmas!

2010-11-05T06:05:00.001-04:00

You have to visit Amy Power's on-line magazine.... It is wonderful! You will also see some of your favorite artist giving tutorials!

Open publication - Free publishing - More happy

Have you broke out the Christmas Music yet???

2010-11-04T06:52:00.001-04:00

I love Christmas!!! I can't help it, but I try hard to think about the joy and the reason for Christmas everyday and I try to live as if it was Christmas everyday! If we think about it, Christmas is the gift that is given to us everyday! We wake up with the gift and we drift to asleep every night with the gift. The gift takes us through our highs and lows each day, it brings us joy each day!

I'm the person everyone complains about having decorations in place before Thanksgiving, singing Christmas carols the day after Halloween and the person who has all of her Christmas Shopping finished by December the 1st just so she can enjoy each and every day of December!

I love the sounds of Eddy Arnold, The Brooklyn Tabernacle, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Connick, Jr. and Diana Krall. They can warm my heart as fast as a well built fire in the fireplace!

I have a few favorites such as Andrea Bocelli singing When A Child is Born and probably my all time favorite~ Bing Crosby and David Bowied singing The Little Drummer Boy. Oh, and if you have not heard Gene Autry perform One Solitary Life.... You better go to Itunes and look it up! We are so blessed to live in a Country where Christmas means the celebration of the Birth of Jesus! So many places celebrate Christmas as a day to have fun, share gifts, decorate and with Jesus no where to be found in their hearts.

As we start the season soon, what songs can you share with me that are your favorites?

Gift Wrapping Ideas & FAB (or maybe feisty) 50!

2010-11-03T06:24:00.001-04:00

My dear sweet friend Debbie turned 50 last week! I cherish her friendship and each time we are together, I come home with even more joy and love in my heart. Her lovely daughter, Ashley, gave her a surprise birthday party in Athens with some of her "old friends".

When I say old, most of us went from 1st grade through 12th grade together!

It's a great bunch of girls that I love to gather with! One of our girlfriends, Marla, could not go to Debbie's party in Athens, so we decided to pull a fast one (at least that is what we were thinking) on Debbie by inviting her to lunch a week early. That is how it came to be that Debbie received two gifts from me!
Inside this package was one of my large chattertiles. I use kraft paper for most of my wrapping .... You can do so much with it! The star has a clothespin on the back side. This will allow Debbie to use it over and over.

This package held a ChatterBlock that I made especially for Debbie. I use pictures of her and her family when they visited Africa and Paris a few months ago. The flower on the top is made from paper. I put a pin on the back so that

Debbie can wear it if she chooses!

Our friends from Snellville, Georgia!

Six of us went from 1st through 12th grade together!

Sweet Debbie~ Fabulous at Fifty!

Mother's Fall Garden.....

2010-11-02T09:05:00.004-04:00

True peace for me is found outdoors. There is something about having the sky above me and the soil below me that makes me feel free from everything. I have always loved to walk gardens, admiring the flowers, taking in the different scents. I know this love comes from my mother, who also received this blessing from her mother. As a child I would roam my grandmother's yard picking all kinds of flowers. As a young adult I would look for young plants to take home for my own garden. Now, I do the same in my mother's garden. In all three homes I have lived in, I have left generations of plants that my family tended and loved. I wanted to share a few pictures of my mother's gardens with you. This is just a small sampling of all her yard has to offer. MOM has sitting areas tucked all through her gardens. You can spend hours upon hours enjoying all the little surprises she has for you!

A rose that MOM and DAD actually transplanted from my Bold Springs garden.

MOM and DAD's home is at the end of a long road. This is the sign they put up with the name of their home.
One of many sitting areas my MOM has. This is my favorite!

Can you believe this fern???

It is hard to stop the squirrels from invading the bird's home.

God Bless America!

Our Science Lab....

2010-11-01T11:02:00.008-04:00

If you had ask me yesterday after Church if we would be able to have Halloween the way that we like to have, I would have said, "No Way can we pull this off". This past month has been so wild and hectic with my DAD being so sick and Halloween was the last thing on my mind. But with DAD coming home this past week things have been looking up for our family. After Church Sunday, the children showed up and the decorations came out. Jackie help me to finish 140 goody bags (not near enough for our 200+ trick or treaters), Whit made costumes for her daddy, JD and herself. Chase and Reid hung the decorations. JD and Whit carved the pumpkin. Finally, Jackie and Whit put the final decorating touches to the house! I was so proud of how everyone pulled together to keep our tradition alive. And I forgot.... I made two pots of soup and a pot of Velveeta cheese dip... My sister also made a pot of her wonderful chili. We have so many family members come to our home for trick or treating and they are one hungry bunch when they finish roaming the neighborhood! I have to say that Lakeshore Estates has to be the best place to trick or treat for families!!! It is a blessing to see our streets full of families on golf carts, hay rides and just walking around!

Reid roasting pumpkin seeds.....

Whit painted our Welcome sign.....

JD with two of our favorite trick or treaters!

Jackie and our goody bags.... We always try to put scripture with our theme!

One pot of soup finished!

Reid's Science project for the kids tonight!

Jackie and Chase!

Whit, Yvette, Betty and Taylor... My dear sweet neighbors!

The Girls!

JD and Whit..... smelling the brains and heart they will be sharing with the kids.

Reagan, my sweet niece with her magic wand.... She kept the pot going for us all night with her wand... Toooooo Sweeet!

Yvette and Chase!!! I love this boy!

Science project for the kids!

Missionary Mary Proctor ~ Visionary Artist

2010-10-19T16:40:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite folk artist~ Missionary Mary Proctor.

A self taught visionary artist from Tallahassee, Florida
Mary uses found objects from her junkyard, now her American Folk Art Museum, Missionary Mary crafts three dimensional assembled works from buttons, mirrors, jewelry and other trinkets. Some works are inspired by Bible scripture and others by memories of her grandmother or her childhood and most include written messages of spiritual truths or life lessons.

I now happily own three of Mary's small works. This is the first piece that I purchased and it will always remain dear in my heart. Her work always inspires and makes me think about life! I will try and share the other two pieces tomorrow!

Enjoy sweet friends!

ATC Swap and Update on My Going On's....

2010-10-18T09:42:00.003-04:00

I cannot believe that Halloween is right around the corner. It has to be my favorite time of the year for my neighborhood. We have about 150 little, haunting guest visit us each year. I always try to have somewhat of a theme to decorate with and to use for my goody bags! I am so behind this season.... My thoughts, mind and heart have been with my mother, father and sister! My daddy became very ill two weeks ago and he was put into CCU in a hospital in Augusta, Georgia. They discovered he had a blood infection, UTI infection and a staff infection. All three of these and there was still a missing infection that was making him so sick. Daddy is a very healthy man, playing golf several times a week with his buddies. To know he is this sick has been terrible. Prayers have been showered all over him and a few days ago they finally found the other bacteria and immediately began to treat it. He is so very much better and hopefully soon, mom and dad can return home and my sister can come return home back to her home. It has been a struggle for me, having to sit back and just watch. With my health the way it is, I could not go and visit. I thank all of you for your prayers and thoughts!

Yesterday was one of the two days the tears covered me. The first was when I grew tired of worry and was upset about not being able to see him. Yesterday tears were Tears of PRAISE. We had special prayer for a Church in our area and this verse was given during the prayer...

Philippians 4:4-9
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I heard this verse that I love so dearly and the flood gates of Praise opened wide!

I also wanted to share my beautiful ATC from

Susan at Art of Mine http://sjmcdowell.blogspot.com/

Our theme was DARK...... She drew her inspiration from a Ghost tour she went on with her oldest son. They went to Savannah, Georgia and went on the Hearse Ghost Tour, driving through the grounds of the old deserted hospital dating back to the Civil War times. Susan kept looking at the windows imaging a ghostly figure might be staring back at her! Sounds like a wonderful trip! Spooky!!! Hope today is going to be as awesome as I think it is going to be!!!

Scarecrow Cupcakes!!!

2010-10-07T15:39:00.004-04:00

I just found this wonderful blog and had to share it with you! They have the most wonderful ideas for entertaining! You have to go and soak in all the wonderful ideas they have!

http://hoosierhomemade.com/

Sweet Proposal....

2010-10-01T06:07:00.000-04:00

A year from today JD proposed to Whit....

Here is the sweet video they put together to celebrate it.

The Proverbial Proposal from Whitney Todd on Vimeo.

A few images for you....

2010-09-30T09:57:00.005-04:00

What a beautiful day in Georgia! Finally, I can feel Fall in the air! I am trying hard to de-clutter my home (all the shows on hoarding are scaring me) and my studio is now spread from the basement to upstairs. Hopefully within the next two weeks I will have everything in the basement when I can really spread out, create and teach what God has allowed me to have!

With that said.... Is the shows on hoarding scaring you????

Bachelorette Party Invite....

2010-09-29T06:25:00.001-04:00

As you can tell, I am staying busy making invites and such! Whit's sister-in-law is getting married in October and Whit is giving the Bachelorette Party. Whit will use the side panel to place the itinerary and other info. they will need.

Masquerade Ball!

2010-09-28T06:13:00.000-04:00

This year George Walton Academy had the theme of a Masquerade Ball. As I am designing the congratulatory, I wanted to put a mask on it. It then hit me.... How cute would it be to expose the girl's name as she moved the mask up! Each mask took some time to make (12 girls) but I think the end result was well worth it!

Congratulations Banner for Locker....

2010-09-27T06:51:00.000-04:00

I love Homecoming where my children attended High School! It is the one time of the year that I try to volunteer my talents to the awesome lady that puts Homecoming Events together. This year I made announcements for all the girls that made Homecoming Court (picture tomorrow). This banner was made for one of the seniors, Lucy, to congratulate her by "The Cupcake Cheerleading Squad". Lucy volunteers her time helping the 5th grade squad. This will be on her locker Monday morning to surprise her! Don't you just love the whip cream on top???

Southern Bloggers getting together again.... Be There!

2010-09-24T06:10:00.000-04:00

Southern Belle Bloggers are getting together again!

Saturday, November the 6th

11:00AM

Kelly Kakes

Roswell, Georgia

Directions can be found at http://www.kellykakes.com/

E-mail Marcy at mantle@piedmontcenter.com if you can attend!

We ask that each person brings an item, handmade preferably, to exchange!

ATC Swap....

2010-09-23T11:46:00.003-04:00

Anna from http://www.frostedpetunias.blogspot.com sent me this wonderful ATC! I love it! Our theme was leaves. This ATC reminded me of raking leaves when I was a little girl and then playing in them. Thanks Anna for bringing back such wonderful memories!

Wow... I can't believe it has been since the 10th that I have posted. Time is slipping away so fast right now. As always, life is good! Even in the valleys I know that the Lord is with me and He has something great waiting on top of the mountain for me! I feel so blessed by the people that surround me and love me. They encourage me, make me smile and are continually building my faith in this world!

Do you have certain people that always makes you look a life in a good way?

Are they a MOM, sister, friend or YOUR OWN husband?

Always make sure that you are the person that God intends you to be and that your attitude so many times determines the attitude of those around you!

Jackie put the feet on and now she is finished!!!

2010-09-10T12:15:00.000-04:00

"Sew" glad it is finished.....

2010-09-07T09:30:00.002-04:00

I had the best time creating this fabric collage! It started off much smaller, but grew as my ideas kept filling the collage. The house photo is the Old Cofer vacation home on Lake Rabun. It is still there and still in the family! It is "sew" funny how I can sew so many things, but I can't take a pattern and create a garment. I hope this short week brings you many great opportunities to create, share and love! If you are without a job, you were on my heart yesterday! It was very hard to celebrate this day with so many people out of jobs. I love you all and hope you have a blessed and awesome week!

A peak at a work in progress...... HOME.....

2010-09-03T14:53:00.004-04:00

I started this piece a couple of days ago. My inspiration.... A photo of the Cofer vacation home on Lake Rabun. My husbands family created generations of wonderful memories in this old home and on the lake. I am in the finishing stages now, putting on the last embellishments, thinking about how I am going to hang it and making a back piece for it. Hopefully, I will be finish by next week.

Do you have a favorite place that you are inspired by?

It is SEW IN LOVE pretty....

2010-09-02T11:38:00.003-04:00

Whitney's final project (Sew in love theme, she loves to sew) ..... Jackie has to put feet on her project, should be finished by the beginning of next week. Totally different from Whitney's. Amazing how you can give the same instructions and end up with two totally different pieces!

An Old Antique Mall gets a NEW, HUGE HOME!!!

2010-08-31T10:17:00.004-04:00

Ian Henderson's Warehouse Antique Mall has always been one of my favorite places to go and FIND good stuff. The booth's go from messy (which I love to look in and usually have lower prices) to the more beautiful booths! They have moved and I really wanted to share the news with you! This is the original e-mail that Ian sent.......

WE ARE IN THE OLD COTTON MILL. IAN HENDERSON'S WAREHOUSE ANTIQUE MALL IS FULL AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS. In three weeks we went from 200 dealer booths spread over several smaller warehouses to over 513 booths in one historic location.

WE ARE OPEN LABOR DAY AND HAVING A GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION WITH A 4 DAY SALE STARTING FRIDAY THRU MONDAY, LABOR DAY!

Everything in the entire Mall will be automatically AT LEAST 10% off the lowest
marked price. Instead of 10%, some dealers are doing 20 or even 30% off of everything in their booths. (Fri.-Mon)

JOIN us for complimentary ALL-AMERICAN LABOR DAY PICNIC STYLE LUNCH with lemonade or wine punch on SATURDAY, AUG. 4. We will have great platters of
ham, pimento cheese and other sandwiches; bowls of meatballs and cocktail weinies; potato salad, slaw and other dishes and favorite desserts brought by our dealers. All this is to show how much we appreciate you and YOUR WONDERFUL SUPPORT.

Local radio station 92.3fm will feature a live broadcast hosted by MELANIE AND JULIO. The farmers market will be out front loaded with local fresh produce. All of this is on Saturday. Inside, the booths are groaning with new and exciting deals on antiques, vintage estate items and collectibles. PLEASE DON'T MISS BEING WITH US THIS WEEKEND.

This is a historic event for our area. With this move, IAN HENDERSON'S WAREHOUSE ANTIQUE MALL right here in Monroe, Ga. is by far the LARGEST ANTIQUE MALL IN THE ENTIRE SOUTHEAST and one of the top 5 in the WHOLE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. My thanks is to all of you for 7 years of unwavering support. I love you all and could not have done it without you.

Help us out and forward this to your friends and family. THANKS.

Ian Henderson
IAN HENDERSON'S WAREHOUSE ANTIQUE MALL
601 S. Madison Ave.
Monroe, Ga. 30655
770-266-6696

www.warehouseantiquemall.com

Conflict and The Housewife's of New Jersey....

2010-08-30T09:08:00.004-04:00

Resolving Conflict....

We had a wonderful service at The Oasis yesterday. As always, we start off with a wonderful praise and worship through song. This always prepares my heart for the message that God has in store for me. Yesterday's message was on conflict and how to deal with it. As I have gotten older, I seem to avoid conflict. I think that I have realized that there are very few things that are worth having conflict with my friends, family and others over. I have found it more important to live my life through a living example of how Christ would want me to live and try to deal with everything through love and compassion. So many times a conflict does not start itself in the conflict you may have, but a truly deeper reason that one has to search out for. Maybe it is as simple as just starting your day off bad. After the message yesterday and pondering over the message, I found that the most conflict in my life is within myself. One of the things that I am really dealing with is watching reality TV. Mother use to always tell me.... Trash In, Trash Out. Meaning that if I listen to trash talk, I eventually will become a trash talker. I found myself excited about certain nights... example~ Monday nights and The Housewife's of New Jersey. AS I watched some trash words were bleeped out while others flowed. Through the show I have taken on some of this thought process which really weighs on my heart. My heart is telling me, This is not what God intends for you to spend your time doing. I have come to the realization that I cannot watch these type of shows without "paying for it" through my actions. This is a conflict that I am dealing with and I intend on crushing it so that pure thoughts can consume me. Because of my illness I have trouble sleeping and the TV becomes my companion. I have chosen now to watch TMC and to watch my art videos. I have also chosen to fill my day with Christian music, His words penetrating my heart. And as I focus on my art, my thoughts again will become much more spiritual... Which I like!
Steps on dealing with CONFLICT....

1. Check your heart and spiritual condition first. Matthew 7:3-5 (New International Version)
3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

2. Handle it, Don't avoid it. Ephesians 4:3 (New International Version)
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

3. Handle it quickly. Pray and think through the process, but don't allow the "weirdness" of not being able to face the person set in.

4. Handle it with the person involved and only the person involved. Don't make your conflict any bigger by involving friends. More than likely THEY will side with you.

5. Conflict resolution is the responsibility of BOTH PARTIES.

6. Speak the truth in love realizing you may not know ALL of the truth.

7. Avoid being defensive.

8. Understand the other person's perspective.

9. Stay focused on the issue. Don't get personal.

10. Clarify THE GOAL..... reconciliation or being right.

11. Avoid the tendency to over spiritualize your position. Don't use God or the Bible to undermine the person.

12. Separate what is a preference from what is a principle.

13. If the two of you cannot work it out, involve a third party. Matthew 18:15"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

14. If the conflict is in the Church, make a commitment to do what is best for the Church. Do not harm the Church just to try and prove your point.

15. Once the conflict is resolved, reflect and apply what you learned.

16. FORGIVE......

17. See conflict as an opportunity to demonstrate the reality that Christ is in you. Let the Holy Spirit control your thought and words.

William - Adolphe Bouguereau (1825- 1905).....

2010-08-29T11:36:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite artist is William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905). His work goes deep in my heart and gives me a peaceful feeling when I look at it. I find myself often using "snippets" of his art to use on my ATC's or other small works of art! I hope you can save and enjoy these pictures as much as I do. I will post a few more tomorrow!

Have an awesome and blessed day my sweet friends!

Can you imagine yourself sitting and making a crown of flowers?

This is so precious!

Preparing for an Artsy week.....

2010-08-28T12:37:00.002-04:00

I have moved down into our basement and created a much larger work area! With the girls coming over often, my studio became much to small. I always cover my work surface with a plastic tablecloth. I purchase this at Party City in a long roll. It seems to last forever and I just keep the roll on my table and roll out some as I need it. I also try to get a bright color. I seem to find "stuff" that I drop much easier on these colors! Today I have been working on some necklaces! Twenty-five years ago I started working in stained glass. I loved it and made very good money. When I started having children I had to give it up. Glass and children really does not mix well. I picked my soldering iron up again about two years and I have not put it down since! I love creating pieces from glass, foil and solder!

It was also time to gesso a few boards! I try to do as many as I can at one time. That way when I am ready to paint, I can let my creativity flow from one piece to another!

Have a great weekend... My next few post will probably be vintage picture give aways. I went to watch 1st grade football and cheerleading (Whit is coaching the 1st grade cheerleaders) and left my camera with JD and Whit. Whit will come back home Wednesday with my camera loaded with some great pics!

Obama~ Same As It Ever Was....

2010-08-27T14:49:00.004-04:00

As many can tell.... I am not a fan of our President! He haunts me at every turn......

Healthcare~ I have a chronic illness and I am just praying that I can continue with the treatment that I am getting. And by the way... our health insurance has ALREADY gone up in anticipation of what more is to come.

Economy~ We own a small business and Obama is slowy trying to take us down....We are not going to let him! We have three new college graduates that cannot get jobs with their degree.... one having a masters! As Whit said yesterday... Our government has given our generation the shaft!

Oil Spill~ We own a home on St. George Island that we use as a rental property.... Obama really allowed this oil spill to get much worse than it should! And because of my chronic illness, that was caused by an oil spill I fear going down because of possible fumes from the oil. The health problems of the people living around the Gulf have not even started!!!! And this makes me angry that BP is having people to sign waivers to sue them so that they now can get paid for any problems. The long term problems are unknown to people living there... But BP and our government is very aware of it!

I could go on and on..... But I just needed a day to vent.....

Same As It Ever Was from RightChange on Vimeo.

Glue and Paint day with my girls, Also a challenge to young MOM's.....

2010-08-26T17:41:00.003-04:00

I never imagined that life would be this good after my children were married! I always heard that when your children got married, than you gained another son/daughter. I always thought that was just a sweet saying for mom's to say implying that they got along well with their in-laws. Well, I always considered my children's spouses to be in-loves. I have never been able to handle the word..... In-Law. It always sounded so cold and harsh. I also wanted my children's spouse to call me either Yvette or MamaE . I desperately wanted them to be comfortable around me and for them to know that my home was their home! Well..... Since my children have been married I know exactly how it feels to gain two more children!!! I love Jackie and JD so very much and consider them to be two of the greatest gifts that I have ever received! They both make Chase and Whit so very happy, they come into my home feeling like it is theirs(often spending the night), and it is amazing how much time we have spent together! I try to plan at least one day a week with the girls doing something special! I would have never imagined Jackie loving to paint, glue... basically getting dirty with Whit and I as much as she does! And she is really GOOD! I prayed hard for Jackie and JD when my children were much younger. I knew God would be faithful in not only providing my children with a wonderful partner, but with giving Reid and I two more beautiful children who love the Lord with all of their heart! If you are a young mom or dad, I challenge you to start praying for your children's spouses! You will be amazed at how God can provide the perfect partner for them and you!

My project..... "Fly away little one..."

Jackie and her project...

Whit's project for JD and their 3 month anniversary.... theme~ sewing! She loves to sew!

Vintage photo of the old family lake house.....

2010-08-25T11:54:00.002-04:00

My husband's cousins wife just posted some old pictures of the old family vacation home on Lake Rabun. My husband's grandparents owned the home with their sister and brother (who married each other) and all of the double first cousins. The home still exist beautifully on Lake Rabun. For anyone familiar with Lake Rabun , the house sits on the hill almost across from the boat house. My husband's aunt now is owns the home and takes care of it. The home sits on a a peninsula with a hidden tunnel below the house that leads to one side of the lake. It is one awesome house that probably could not be built today the way it was in the past. My husband's parents own a 100 year old home that sits across from the boathouse. To build the home, the previous owners had to barge the materials across the lake. That was the only access to the home. I remember when we were first married, we would start at the bottom of the hill praying to make it up to the top. Sometimes it took many trys to make it to the top with us laughing all the way and hoping that we did not meet a car coming in the opposite direction. For years we spent our anniversary in May at the home. I miss it and the views! The home is full of history and ghost stories. Reid's Aunt Neta owns a home further down the lake. It is also just gorgeous! Maybe I need to take a photo tour of the lake and share it with my blogging friends? Thanks Tara for taking me back.......

So... When is a Collage finished???

2010-08-24T07:32:00.000-04:00

So... When is your collage finished??? I think when you can look at it. finally smile, cross your arms and walk away! All day I kept walking back to add another piece, I just could not see the end in sight. Finally, after adding my third paper flower and ..... piece of lace, I felt that my piece was balanced and pleasing to the eye. My mother has always said that I was very "gaudy"....... I guess that is why I enjoyed putting this piece together so much!!! :)

Beginnings of a collage inspired by a Sermon.....

2010-08-23T10:34:00.003-04:00

I have really wanted to try something new lately..... I love fabric (have way to much), love vintage, love coffee stains and I love sewing. All of this also equals a love for KC Willis and her art. I ordered a series of her CD's to watch (I would rather watch a good art video than a half decent movie) and loved the way she layered materials and textures to create a wonderful collage. Saturday, I coffee soaked some more material and ribbon anticipating all of the wonderful layers I could create. By Sunday morning they were completely dry, ready for some layering that afternoon. Our message from Church Sunday, was from Mark 9. Verse Mark 9:24 really grab my attention.... "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" How many times do we say that we believe but yet we have that little bit of doubt in the back of mind? Jesus goes on to remind us that "This kind can come out only by prayer." In verse 23 "Everything is possible for him who believes." My prayer this week is for the Lord to help me overcome any doubt and unbelief that I have and for HIM to help me to meet my full potential that He has waiting for me.
The Healing of a Boy with an Evil Spirit
14When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them.
15As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
16"What are you arguing with them about?" he asked.
17A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.
18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."
19"O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."
20So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"
"From childhood," he answered.
22"It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."
23" 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
24Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."
26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead."
27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
28After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"
29He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer"

Necklace for the Birthday Girl!!

2010-08-20T10:22:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Jane!!!

A necklace I made for her children to give to Jane on her birthday!

A gift book for a wonderful BRIDE!

2010-08-19T13:28:00.003-04:00

Bridal Showers start this weekend for a very special young lady. I will not be able to attend, but I wanted to send her this lovely book I put together. Whitney (my daughter) is Theresa's Matron of Honor and she will be delivering to her. It will be a wonderful keepsake so that Theresa and Brandon can remember who gave them all of their wonderful gifts!

Prayer Request for JD and Whit....

2010-08-18T06:03:00.001-04:00

I want to share one of the many video's that Whitney and JD have put together for their new blog Jitney's Journey's. One of their friends gave them the name Jitney as their "star" name, you know like Bradgelina (Brad and Angelina). Anyway it has stuck and great things are now coming from it. Tonight they are speaking to the Youth at Faith Baptist Church in Monroe, Georgia. Following is a small of their blog from yesterday.........We are so excited to share our individual journeys which both led us to each other a little over one year ago. The main topic will be purity but we will also be addressing the importance of praying for and thinking about the husband / wife that the Lord has set aside for them. So please please keep us in your prayers tomorrow... that the Lord will truly rock these students' worlds and even our own, that He will give us the confidence to speak boldly yet with much vulnerability, and that His Truth and His name will be known above all things.

The following video was taken at a Children's Camp where they were the guest leaders in Decatur, Alabama. The two are living in my Mom and Dad's cottage at Lake Oconee. Mom and Dad's house is next door and I know they all have been a great blessing to each other, especially with Mom experiencing the lost of her mother. They both are searching for jobs.... But, God remains faithful helping them to grow as a couple during this time. Enjoy the video and please leave a comment to let them know you are praying for them.

Please pray for the two of them as God continues to use them in His way and as they search for the jobs that God has waiting for them.

http://jitneysjourneys.blogspot.com/

Children's Camp 2010 from Whitney Todd on Vimeo.

I am into Flower Power!!!

2010-08-17T11:00:00.002-04:00

I can't seem to get enough of making flowers now days! It seems as if everything I do has to have embellished with these little jewels! I save paper from everything.... I think I may be a "PAPER HOARDER"!! Oh no!! I run around yelling..."Don't throw that away, I think I can use it to make a flower"..... Reid and the kids gave me a Sizzix for my birthday and I can't wait to cut a flower from grungeboard! This may happen this afternoon... I have a flower girls basket that I am making and I want it to match the invites to the wedding that I am finishing printing today!

Turning 50, Party and Grandma!

2010-08-15T14:17:00.000-04:00

Back in July, I turned 50.... My sister and mother "surprised" me with a wonderful birthday party at a wonderful local restaurant. I had so many family members and two of my very best friends there. It was so wonderful! After the party, my mom, sister and all of our girls went to visit Grandma Moon at the nursing home. She was in the best mood, talking, kidding around and just having one of her good 'ol Grandma Moon days. I took her my flowers from the party.... I know of no one that LOVES flowers as much as Grandma. She wanted to wear my crown and ask if we would take a picture of her in it. This was a rare request from my Grandma, she has always hated having her picture taken. We stayed around for awhile having the best of time! At the time none of us knew this would be Grandma's last good day. Sad to say the next day and the few days until her death were bad. I had the opportunity to speak at Grandmothers funeral. I wanted us all to celebrate the 93 years of full out living she had. At the end of this post I will honor her again by sharing with you the wonderful life she lived!

My 50th cake~ Red Velvet Cheesecake!!!

Best Friends.... Debbie and Julie!

Family.... Yes, this is my Mom (She always looks this awesome) sister Sonya, daughter Whitney, niece Meredith with Great niece Emma, and niece (like daughter) Lauren!

Grandma wearing my crown!

July 25, 2010
Grandma Moon

Until the end, Grandma found joy in the simplest of things. Being connected to a breathing machine at the end, she would take her breathing tube to lasso her nurse, all the time smiling and knowing she was up to her mischievous ways. At the nursing home, she ventured down to Mr. Murray’s office to be turned away by the office Staff. She was convinced they thought she was trying to kidnap him. Her reason for visiting him??….. “I just wanted to tell him how much I appreciated him having a place for all of these little old ladies”. Even in the nursing home, Grandma never wasted her time. She could be found riding in her wheelchair while pushing other patients in their wheelchairs down the hall. She always had to find herself either being playful, helping others or getting in trouble because of her fanny kicking’s to the staff. She loved to kick fanny, That was Grandmother...

As far as her family, she was continually giving us advice on how to run our lives. One day after sitting awhile and talking about the news of Campton, grandmother looked up and said, “Yvette, You need to remember that you must always protect your name!” I knew exactly what she was speaking of, but I sat there and listened, trying to grasp each and every word. She explained to me that in much earlier days, times were hard for her. She was raising four children on her own and during those days it was not easy. Grandmother continued on telling me that she had made hard and difficult decisions because she wanted to be the best role model for her children.
She wanted to make decisions for her family that would become a pattern lived throughout generations.
Her desire was to work hard, to give hard and to love hard.
So many times she would tell us things we didn’t want to hear… but Grandmother was never scared to tell the truth regardless of who was on the receiving end. She wanted to be the good example, to keep her name strong in the community and with her family. Most of all, she wanted all of us to carry on that same example. I know these words of wisdom were repeated often to all of her grandchildren, with our desire being to live up to the example she set for us.

Grandmother’s words ring so true….
As a parent, she taught us that we have to live the way that we want our children to live.
If we want them to love Christ… We have to love Christ!
If we want them to serve others… We have to serve others.

Grandma loved her family and always showered love on people who walked through her door. She always welcomed others with her daily efforts of making life easier for them. Walking in her back door you were greeted by her well-tended flowers, a different one blooming each month as well as the smell of the food that she had cooked for the day, waiting for whoever showed up at her kitchen table. Most of the time, you would find her sitting at her sewing machine, making and taking care of clothes, baby doll clothes and quilts for those she loved. I never remember a day that Grandma’s back door was locked to anyone.

Grandma Moon was the most precious, of the most precious grandmothers. She has blessed so many lives and I think Grandma would hope nothing less than for us to carry on her legacy of love and kindness with our family and friends. She provided us all with tiny nuggets of wisdom that she would want us to cherish for generations to come.

Our grandmother has always been an example of a strong, accomplished woman. She has so many people that love and admire her. I hope that as a Proverbs 31 woman I can keep the Moon name strong through loving Christ and serving others as she did!

Today we have to Rejoice and Praise God because we know that Grandma is in the multitudes of angels. Knowing how much she loves a family gathering, I know that she is having one incredible celebration, rocking hard in her rocking chair, Bebe, her dog, in her lap and smiling from ear to ear. I know Grandma looked into God’s eyes and He said, “Well done my good and faithful child.” Again, thank you for being here and joining our family as we celebrate the wonderful life she lived.

ATC Swap.....

2010-08-14T12:43:00.002-04:00

Recently, I joined an ATC swap! I love making ATC's and they seem to really help bring out my creativity. September's theme is leaves..... Trying to think of something really good to send to my swap partner! The next few ATC's are some of my favorite that I made.

I love JuNkiNg...

2010-08-08T09:54:00.000-04:00

Artsy Girls Day and YES JD cut his hair.....

2010-08-04T14:46:00.008-04:00

First of ALL............. YES, JD got a haircut!

Neither Whit or JD wanted it cut, but he needs a job and the interviews hopefully will be starting soon. I think that if the company he is hired for will allow him to have long hair. he will.

Do you like it longer???

Jackie's first day of playing in the Studio...... I think she did an incredible job!!!

The top of Jackie's pieces....

Whitney's day in the studio... She is giving this as a wedding gift to a very dear friend this weekend in Alabama!

Our day (Jackie, Whitney and I) in the art studio Saturday was so incredible. I was able to teach the girls a few new techniques, we bonded even more and we all went home with completed projects! The only problem we had was one young man and two even younger men checking in with us all the time (Reid, Chase and JD). These young men are so funny..... We just had to see that everything was going fine (and of course many stolen kisses were taken). It was a day that I consider a true blessing. I would have never imagined that having Jackie and JD in our family would be so awesome. How blessed I am......

Also.....

JD and Whit have started their new blog Jitney's Journeys!http://jitneysjourneys.blogspot.com/

It basically is about their daily walk with Christ and the journey He is taking them on.

They love to video, so get ready to smile and laugh a little!

Creating with my GIRLS....

2010-07-31T14:36:00.002-04:00

How blessed I am today to have Whitney and Jackie creating with me...... We are having the best time and hope to end up with a number of completed projects for their homes and a few gifts for upcoming marriages!! Try to show you the completed projects later! Trying also to keep the boys and my husband out of the room..... They can't stand being in the same house and not being with them! LOL

'Bout time for Chatter, Chatter, Chatter....

2010-07-30T05:52:00.000-04:00

Finally, I have been able to start creating again! One of my mother's friends gave me the project of creating blocks for her and five of her best friends from High school. I was given very small pictures of places they would hang out, their mascot, school sign, crest and pictures of each girl in High school. I was also given a group picture of the girls from last year. I call my blocks ChatterBlocks because I want them to tell a story about a place or person when people view them. It takes about a week to create a block. I have to make time for creating the block, preparing the block and finishing the block. There are hours of drying time needed to complete each block. But I enjoy the end result, hoping that the person receiving the block enjoys it as much as I enjoyed creating it!

The first group picture of my children since the weddings!!!

I can't believe how happy we are all!
Chase, Jackie, Whitney and JD!