Saturday, November 5, 2011

Celebrations

I have been crazy the past few weeks, but have promised myself this will slow done ASAP. I'm a complete Holiday Nut, nothing like it! Amongst my retail Job, Make Scents Company, sewing for friends, the kids, Being a wife , saying nothing of being a Pastors wife and those roles sometimes  the "plate" gets a little heavy :) I'm hoping to get my home  in order and slow done and really enjoy the Holidays this year.  What will I remember in years to come? That's the stuff I want to focus on.

 If you know me you know I love my Christmas village collection. Last year I didn't really put it all up and my kids have begged me to do it this year. So no more Grinch for me..Set up my village , and ready to Enjoy Thanksgiving all the way thru !! Let the fun begin!!





Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Bakerella



First off if you are like me and you stop by starbucks for a cup of caffiene you cant help put drool over those adorable new cake pops they have. I hate the fact that my disciple just caves at the sight of those cake and white chocolate masterpieces. So you know me I always think I can make something I see. Garrison and I get the cake supplies and he does a beautiful job on the cake mixed in our frosting and dip our pops ..FAIL ..Okay so not really a total fail but they came out more as truffles then adorable pops. Still tho the tasted heavenly!! I wanted to share with you a totally cool site I found while googling recipes .BAKERELLA , isnt that a cool name? Check out the mad baking skills this lady has!! Oh how I envy (ssh dont tell anyone I said that word) her skill in the kitchen, Hope you all enjoy!!
I seen her Cake Pops book at Barnes and Noble and could stare for days at It (I respond to brightly colored fun looking objects,HA)
So if you try them and they work for you..Go ahead and send em to me Ill taste test them for ya!:)


Bakerella

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

My Gratitude Adjustment


 
 Ever hear your parents say " You need an attitude adjustment"? I know as a parent Ive had to say it a few times and that usually means "business" for the recipient :) Well my heavenly Father I figure recently figured the same thing as he sent me an "Gratitude Adjustment"!

A really unique and wonderful situation happened to me last Wednesday while having a home school morning at Barnes and Noble. To Make a long story short, God sent a wonderful right now word from a sweet looking older gentleman named Fernando as I was walking by his study area there.  At the end of our conversation ( more like him sharing a word from heaven to me, without knowing anything about me at all) he said he wanted me to read a book and he'd be back. He purchased and had gift wrapped for me a book by Debbie Macomber  called "One Simple  Act" Discovering the power of generosity.

 When I opened it in the car I was taken a back, as it really didn't seem to fit what we were talking about from the title. As I read it boy did I discover a whole new level of thinking. The gift wrapping was careful tucked in between two pages of pg. 168 +169. Two pages of scriptures like "Cast ALL your cares upon the Lord  " They that wait upon the Lord  Shall renew their strength" Lifting scriptures that brought peace and joy to my heart.  I began reading  and was really enlightened about all it talked about. How miracles start to happen when we start giving back and helping others even tho we are faced with needing help our selves. This act releases miracles in our life, How you say? GRATITUDE.
I sat and thought about that word for a long time. Am I truly thankful for every trial? Can I give of my time when My schedule seems jammed packed?  Say an uplifting word, when Ive had  terrible crushing ones from those I love said to me? Can I buy a lunch for a homeless man  when I have no $$ Myself? Theres POWER in giving, even sometimes giving.....Forgiveness. I know that was a hard word to hear huh ? It is for us all.

We have become a thankless generation of all that we've been given, spoiled brats of sorts (not any of you reading this of course) We think God and man Owes us something. We've often been giving things and luxuries, some we have not paid the price for so we have no gratitude or respect for.. I.E. Churches, Money, Positions, gadgets,cars, jobs, etc, etc.. If we are not careful we can be Heartless Harvesters of blessings that we didn't sow, but that's another thought for another time.

 The Author suggested writing in a daily journal 5 things everyday that you were thankful for and that it would turn your thinking around. It really opens your eyes for what we do have. I've often heard my husband quote " A Thankful Person is a Thinkful person"..If we really only realized all we have and how our "trials" have really been for our God, we would see how much he's done for us.

 Benefits of Gratitude
Not only Spiritually , but listen to what researchers found (taken from the book, oops SPOILER ahead)
 3 of my favorites...

*Gratitude Defends. Just Fifteen minutes a day focusing on things your grateful for will significantly increase your body's natural antibodies..WOW!!! Sick Much?

*Gratitude Sharpens . Naturally grateful people are more focused and measurable less vulnerable to clinical depression

*Gratitude Calms. A grateful state of mind induces a psychological state called resonance that's associated with lower blood pressure and heart rate.

 These are just three, to many to type.

 I was brought to my knees with thankfulness for all he's done for me. As I look over every  seeming Crisis and Trial is has ALL worked out for my God. One of my favorite quotes of the book " The Act of Gratitude  reminds us that God is worthy of our trust"..

Here's My question for you and one I've asked myself many times... Do you trust God?  Really Trust Him,, I mean with EVERYTHING?  When You give everything to him and trust him over your life  Oh the peace it brings.   Start looking at others around your work, community, home, etc for people to give the Love of God to and you'll be surprised at how it puts everything in your life in perspective.. My goal.. An Gratitude filled Attitude, I pray the same for you, and watch what God will do!!



BTW: Maybe a token from God, but since Ive started this new thought process (One I should have got a long time ago, but hey I'm slow... Ive had 4 wonderful miracles in my life this week that only he could have done! Grateful!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Creative Inspiration

   If your reading this blog you most likely know a few things about me. One being I LOVE anything that is creative or hands on crafty. Many people make the comments, " I could never do that", " Im just not creative".... Not so.  Im leaning toward believing that everyone has a little creativity flow that they just havent tapped into yet.
 One thing I love about modern technology is the tutorial and youtube" how to" videos. Im definatly one of those people who learn visually so  watching someone  sewing a placemat online would be much easier than reading a pattern.


How do I know what to search for ?

When you are searching out something (how to sew a button or how to make your own laundry soap) put in youtube or google  " How to sew a button tutorial.. Wording is everything! I have several sites I really gain alot of inspiration from. Below Im sharing one of my favorites that a friend of my turned me onto a while back. She has TONS of tutorials on there for free!!  Youll think me later,its a wealth of info. Hope you enjoy!! Happy Creativity!!

Monday, September 12, 2011

My Fall addiction recipe...


          For those that know me , know I have a weakness for pumpkin flavored bake goods, scents etc.  No kidding  its a bit of a problem:0
This  is my annual fall favorite. Ive reworked it and im telling you its delicious!! When you think fudge you think chocolate.. Not so with this..Smooth white Chocolate chips make this taste like a smooth pumpkin pie fudge..Hope you enjoy !! Pardon me I think my kitchen is calling me to whip this up!


Spiced Pumpkin Fudge
3/4  Cup Butter
3 cups Sugar
2/3 Cup carnations evaporated milk
3/4 cup libbys pumpkin
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 cup nestle white chocolate chips
7oz jar marshmellow creame
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts 
__________________________
In heavy saucepan heat first 5 ingrediants to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly .Continue to boil until mixture reaches 234 degrees on candy thermometor remove from heat stir in chips & marshmellow cream until smooth. Stir in vanilla and nuts .pour into buttered 9x13 pan. makes about 3lbs.
Hope enjoy my personal take on my fall addiction recipe.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

We will never forget!

Today the sun is shining much like it did that fateful morning . I'll never forget the erie feeling when my mom walked in the room I was staying  in while we visited, shook my foot and said "get up somethings happening". From the way she said it I knew it was not good. It seemed as it all began unfolding something had forever changed, like the beginning of the end. I've often heard  people say the will never forget what they were doing when JFK was shot, I now most certainly know how they feel. So thankful that we have men and women willing to risk their lives to help  keep our freedoms and safety. Also for our God who oversees it all!



Friday, September 9, 2011

Starr Heritage Academy

You do what?
Yup you guessed it! In case you didn't know we are one of "those" homeschooling families!  This marks the beginning of our second year homeschooling our oldest and we LOVE it!! Yes , I did say we LOVED it :) Our 2 youngest are still in Public Elementary and totally enjoying it at this point so we are doing what best fits the needs of each of our children. I guess you could say I see both sides of the fence on this. 
This morning on the home school side Garrison and I are enjoying doing our school work at Barnes & Noble! Seriously How cool of a classroom setting is that. I can truly say I too am learning so much and its really awesome to see what the difference our family decision (directed with prayer) has made on Garrison's life. 
I'm still new to this and do not have all the ropes down pat just as yet, but am working on it. My wonderful SIL Christy has totally been an inspiration to me and helped me with all my goofy questions and concerns.

So what do home school families do? Are they related to the Duggarts?
First question: We attend a coop once a week with some wonderful people and lots of friends for him to play with, Violin lessons, outings,field trips bible quizzing etc,etc. The whole world is a classroom it seems.Unlike what most people thing its totally hands on and even more busy than public school!
Second: No we are not related , I could only talk my husband into 3 children.

Whats a typical day like?
We sleep till 2pm, eat... NAH no so, lol
I drop my two youngest kiddos off and Garrison starts school fully dressed promptly at 9am
Devotion
Then he usually starts off with teaching textbooks Math
Writing work
We do a Easy Grammar /Daily grams lesson
10 min Break
History
Violin Practice
Lunch
45 bible quizzing
Reading
Everyday is a different elective Course
Chemistry (3 days a week experiments on Thursdays)

And we need to know this why?
 So here's why I'm even writing this today. So whether you have children in Public school or now have jumped the line with the rest of the crazies to homeschooling, you have made a decision Please rest assured that MANY people will oppose either side of your choice.  My personal thought on this is If you have truly and totally thought out your public or non public  choice, prayed and made up your mind go for it! Everyone thought the wright brothers where crazy, but you can thank them now when you get on a airplane to take a 3 hr plane ride to a place that before would take you 3 days.

We were one of those families who were like "No way Could we ever do THAT".. But about a year before starting God starting changing our thinking. How do I know it was God, because me husband agreed to :) So we waited till 5th grade ended and middle school was going to begin. 
Here's some questions we asked ourselves.
  • Why are we wanting to do this?
  • How are we going to do this?
  • What is our plan in accomplishing our goal?
  • What do we expect our outcome to be?
  • Can we do this.. (jury maybe still out some days:)
If you are just starting out believe me you'll have opposition and bad days, but its totally awesome anyway. Those that want to nay say your decision are not in your shoes (unless it is a spouse and then you may want to listen up). Your Children are yours and if it something you've decided to do , then no worries  9 times out of 10 its people that don't really understand what it is, and most likely need to tend to their own family situations anyway:)  So here's to education and helping your children reach everything possible for them to attain.. Cheerio !! Thanks for stopping by..Love y'all!!


Thursday, September 8, 2011

Falling in Love...



Here we are .. Summer is coming to a close and routines are starting up again.! Seriously I'm actually excited about it! I typically adore each season as it comes, but there is something about fall and the change of things that intrigues me. I mean who doesn't love tall boots, colorful trees, caramel apples and pumpkin spice lattes!!

 We had such a great summer going to Grandmas cabin in Michigan, Church camps, boat outings,old fashioned snow cones, cook outs and picnics so much fun for sure. All grand but as I feel the change of seasons it brings a smile to my face.

 So here's  the Changes our lives brought this season in case you desperately were wondering...
 This year Ainsley enters Kindergarten and somehow is switching from baby girl to spunky little girl. She adores her teacher and classmates already.She is so much fun and a loving little thing and did I mention a darling fashionista!!
 Mr.Cade moved on to 2nd grade and is using his energy to make all his new buddies laugh:) Seriously the kid would break a body part to get a chuckle, but yet his is extremely private about a lot of things. Very sensitive about whats right and wrong and things that have to do the God (Thank you Jesus!!)

 Garrison is now in 7th grade, yup you heard right 7th grade!!!!Hes so funny and doesn't even mean to be, reminds me so much of his Daddy and Uncle Anthony. He has now taken up violin, which he is totally loving , and here's to hoping our bluegrass gospel band is being birthed!!LOL

In addition to this my sweetie has gone back to college full time, plus working and pastoring..I get tired just thinking about it!! WHEW Hes also hit 56lbs of weight loss and looking F..I..N...E.. okay enough about that before I have to rate this paragraph.

Me? Thanks for asking just sewing along,  living life to the best of my ability.. ready for chilly afternoons so I can enjoy some candles and hot tea.

There really are some many wonderful things in life if you would just look around.. I'm gonna start "Falling" In Love! Happy Fall Ya'll!!!