Granny's Precious "Things"

My Precious, Precious 95 Year old Granny

I wonder how many dishes have been washed in her sink.

Wonder how many conversations

have been shared on this kitchen phone?

She still uses this metal dish pan. I can remember

this from when I was a little girl.

Her Precious little hands doing her favorite thing.

The Gas Stove that she heats with and it is warm!
Old Kitchen Radio

Her canisters.
I wonder how old these are.

These kittys are hanging on the livingroom wall
Granny was frying okra for lunch.

Her Favorite Thing....Her sewing machine.

Sometimes when I visit my Granny I take pictures of things that I think are precious. Most of the time she never knows when I am taking them. I look around her little humble home and think how happy she is inside of herself. I think of how we all think we need "things." I talk to Granny a lot about her life and the most important thing to her is her "Lord." She says that is all that matters in this life. My daddy told me one day about her routine. She gets up, turns the coffee pot on, reads her Bible & prays. Then she fixes her breakfast (homemade biscuits & bacon & eggs) and then she starts her day. She usually starts her quilts early in the morning and sews most of the day. She does have to take breaks though. When she takes breaks you will find her doing word searches or puzzles. She eats her lunch around 11:30 and it is usually a pan of cornbread and something simple like fried okra. She loves sewing her quilts. She tried to tell me one day about how much she loves doing them and I told her I totally understood. She says that most people don't understand her love for it. She told me that once she starts a quilt she likes to get it done in case something happens to her, she would want it finished. She used to do 2 quilts in a week but now I think she just gets one done. I think that is a lot. (It took me 25 years to do my first quilt.) She is very proud that I am enjoying sewing. She does have a t.v. but I can honestly say that I have never saw it on. My daddy told me that she does watch 2 church programs a day. Friday is always "wash" day. She will not change her schedule at all. She goes to bed before 7 p.m. -I remember going to visit one day and it was about 5:30 and she told me that I needed to come earlier because it was about bedtime. She is just so precious. I know that "things" are not important to her. But as I look around and see things that have been there as long as I can remember they are sure precious to me. By taking pictures, I will have memories more than just in my mind. It is not so much the "things" as it is the memories that I want to never forget. I hope you enjoyed the pictures as much as I do.

Below are my goals for tomorrow (Monday) per flylady.net. As I get them done I will be marking them during the day. Last week I didn't do as good as I had planned to, but Life does happen. My Bible reading stopped after last Tues. and then "the trial" came and I didn't pass the test because I didn't resume my Bible reading. I will be trying to do better this week hopefully. I am picking myself up, dusting my knees off and starting again.

Flylady Update: Zone- The Main Bathroom & Home Office Area
Monday-Weekly Home Blessing Hour (cleaning) DONE

Prayer Time & Bible Reading: Starting again in :Psalms 3 DONE

*This weeks Zone: The Main Bathroom & Home Office Area

*15 min. Decluttering: I will be cleaning out 2 drawers in my bedroom DONE

*15 Minute Mission: I will start by starting at the top, cleaning any cobwebs from ceiling down, then cleaning the vent & light fixtures in my master bathroom. In the Office area I will be clearing off my desk area. DONE

*Water: Goal is 6 Glasses

*Walking: Goal is 15 minutes

*Laundry: I always wash a load or 2 whether big or small every weekday morning. DONE

*Ironing: I will iron as the clothes come out of the dryer in order to keep up. DONE

Whats for Dinner tonight? Barbecue chicken, Potato Salad, & Baked beans DONE

Sewing: I want to finish my siggy blocks this week. That is my goal. We will see!

*flylady.net

By the way, I sent both of my PIF gifts out last week to my MOM & to Darla! I hope they liked them. I made them a Buckwheat Neck Pillow made with 100% natural buckwheat hulls that are allergy free and dust free. I made them with some beautiful blue waverly fabric. Alyssa, my 8 year old grandaughter also signed up for the PIF. I didn't think she would enjoy a neck pillow so I have made her a special gift that will go out in the mail on Tuesday. I will share pictures of all of these once Alyssa gets hers.

Our Sweet Valentines

Our newest Grandson, Davis

Our grandson, Brett

Our grandaughter, Alyssa
Our grandaughter, Triston

Our daughter Mandy, & Dusty

Our daughter Maranda, & Lane

Our daughter Shannon, & Bryan

Our Son Nathan, & Bella

"BLESSED"

Happy Valentines Day!

Everytime I see this it makes me smile so I thought I would share it with you.

The Trying Of Your Faith

I was once told by a good friend that you are either in the midst of a trial, going into a trial, or coming out of a trial. This is so true. Trials can really drag you down whether big or small. Everyone always has something to deal with. Christians are for sure no exception. Our trials are actually a trial of our faith. It is up to us to hold on and get through it. We are told to rejoice in our trials. That is a hard one for me but I know that it is the right thing to do. Christ is our example. Just think what he went through and his response was "forgive them, for they know not what they do." What is it to be a Christian? To be Christ like. Are Christians perfect? NO! We make lots of mistakes along the way. We have to fix them, dust our knees off, get up and try again. At least Christians are trying. Can you all tell I went through a trial today? Well, I did. Normally I call my "sweet daughter" or my "sweet husband" and talk with them about it and they always help me through it, but today I didn't bother them. I thought to myself how I have been trying so hard to read a chapter a day in the Bible and get down on my knees and pray and then it hit me! It is a test. I almost got on a pity party about my trial. It was a trial that I could do nothing about. I had no say so in it. It is easy to tell someone how you think it ought to be. It is always easy to blame someone else. This trial came from no where. As I was hanging my head about what was said to me, I realized that I needed to hear the WORD. I remembered a cd from a pastor of ours that has already gone home to be with the Lord. It is called "The Trying Of Your Faith." I have listened to it this afternoon and it has really helped me to know that when we go through these trials, big or small, they are to strengthen us. He told us to pray to the Lord not to remove the mountains but give us grace to climb it. He also shared with us Romans 5:3,4 where it says: And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience, And patience, experience; and experience, hope. He also shared some things that Paul went through in his sufferings for Christ. It sure made my trial look really small. So I rejoice in my trials and I thank the Lord for them because HE says they will make me stronger in HIM. I sure didn't feel strong as I was going through this trial today. I realized though that I cannot make everyone happy. I can only do the best that I can do. My best may not be satisfactory for everyone but I do try so hard. But after listening to this cd and getting into HIS word I am feeling stronger. And just think, if this trial hadn't came along, I would not have listened to this cd today. When I think of all that Christ suffered for me it makes my little trials seems like nothing. I thank HIM for my trial today and I rejoice in it.

1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings: that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Shannon's Salsa Recipe

My "Sweet Daughter," Shannon's Salsa Recipe 1/4 of an onion whole

4 tsp. of Jalapenos

Process in Food Processer just a second to chop up.

Add 1/2 tsp. Cumin

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

1/4 tsp. sugar

14 oz. can of whole tomatoes

1 can of Rotel Tomatoes

Process just another second or 2 to the consistancy you like.

This is delicious. If you like salsa, you will love this. Shannon said she cut up an avocado and added it in chunks to it also and she said it was great.

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Flylady Update:

Tuesday-Misc. & Planning Day
Prayer Time & Bible Reading: Done - Psalm 2
This weeks Zone: Kitchen
15 min. Decluttering: My kitchen is pretty organized so I decluttered for 15 min.in my basement.
*5 Minute Mission: I scrubbed down my counter tops in kitchen.
*Water: 6 Glasses
*Walking: Done
*Laundry: Done
*Ironing: Done
Whats for Dinner? Chicken Enchildas & Chips & Salsa
*www.flylady.net

Along with doing many other things, I have my "Pay It Forward" gifts ready to go in the mail. I also listed several things on ebay and cut out more siggy blocks. I feel like I have accomplished a lot today.

One of my favorite Quotes: What worries you, masters you.

by: Haddon W. Robinson

Beautiful Grandaughter

Our "Sweet Grandaughter" Look at this smile.....
Look at those eyes..... What can I say?

Isn't she gorgeous?

She was dressed up to go the 8th grade prom.

I just think she is beautiful.

Did I mention that I thought she was so pretty???

Can you tell I am a proud Gran?

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*Monday- Weekly Home Blessing Hour

Prayer Time & Bible Reading: Done - Psalm 1

*Flylady Update: I did my home blessing (cleaning my home with a timer).

This weeks Zone: Kitchen

*15 min. Decluttering: Cleaned out 1 cabinet in kitchen & junk drawer. Do you have a junk drawer?

*5 Minute Mission: I washed my kitchen trash can inside and out. How easy is that?

*Water: 5 Glasses

*Walking: None

*Laundry: Done

*Ironing: Done

*Supper: Butter beans, Fried Okra, Fried potatoes & cornbread

One of my Favorite Quotes: Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.

*www.flylady.net

Happy Birthday to My Mother

My Sweet, happy, content Mother

A Waitress singing Happy Birthday in Italian to Mom

Mom making a wish before blowing out her candle on her cake.

I wonder what she was wishing.......

I bet she was wishing she was sewing!

Below are more pictures from our little outing Saturday at our favorite quilt store.

Isn't she beautiful?

She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

There is no one like my precious Mother.

Your Birthday is here,

Bringing joy and pleasures new,

On this special day,

Mother dear,

I want to remember you.

I cannot give you costly gifts,

And I've told you this before,

No matter what I give to you,

You give back much, much more.

I'm giving you a pure, sweet rose,

Gathered in the early morn,

This rose you planted in my heart,

The day that I was born.

In kindly, loving thoughts of you,

And with the faith you still impart,

The rose I give to you today,

Is the love that's in my heart.

I love you MOM more than you will ever know.

Happy Birthday!

I love you,

your daughter

Delight thyself also in the LORD;
and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalms 37:4

Wonderful Day

These are the handmade soaps from Darla. These are the hand poured candles from Darla.
These are a few quilts from Lavender Lime Quilt Store

Today was a wonderful day. I met my "Sweet Mom" & my "sweet sister", Karen and we went and ate breakfast at Panera Bread. Then we headed to our favorite quilt store for the Saturday Sampler. We always have a lot of fun there. Me & Mom went back to her house and played with her new sewing machine. It is always nice to spend time with my mom.

Then I came home and had a package waiting for me. It was from Darla! She sent me my Pay It Forward gifts. I just love them. She sent me 2 Soy Wax Candles that are hand poured. One is Butter Pecan and the other is Apple Orchard. Oh my goodness, I wish you could smell them. They are so pretty that I hate to burn them. She also made me some hand poured soap made with natural clear olive oil. Everything she used is all natural. The soaps are in all different shapes. I just love the little green frog. I have got to find the perfect little soap dish to put these in. Little did she know that I have been wanting to make some candles and soap but I have no idea how. I am hoping she will show us with a tutorial. Wouldn't that be great? Thank you Darla!

Thrift Store Find

Today I had to do some running around for my "sweet honey" but I also found the time to stop by the thrift store while in town. I have been decluttering my home so I had a small load to take and donate. While I was there I thought I would walk through just to see if there was anything I couldn't live without. I mainly saw a bunch of junk but you just never know. As I turned the corner, I saw it. I looked at it. I thought about it. I wanted it. Since I am trying to save money, anything I purchase needs to be pondered over so I don't regret it. I need to tell you a little bit about why I was so excited about this MIRROR that I had just found. A few months ago, my daughter and I went into a local store called Tuesday Morning. I am not a shopper, so this is very rare, but while I was there I found a small lighted magnifying mirror. I looked into it. I did not like what I saw. My face magnified was not a pretty thing but I could see things that could be fixed. This mirror was 8.99 which is a lot for me to spend on a tiny mirror only to look at my flaws everyday. I saw a larger one on a stand. It was very nice. It also had a light. I wanted it but it was 50.00 and there was no way that I was going to spend that kind of money to look at myself just to see all the wrinkles magnified. But I do have to admit, I wanted it. I guess I thought it might help me look better. Who knows? I purchased the small one and I have really enjoyed using it. Well today walking through the thrift store.....there it was! I couldn't believe it. It still had the original price tag of 50.00 on it, but the thrift store only wanted 5.99 for it! I bought it - brought it home - I did not even know if the light worked but it does. It is so nice. I sure hope it helps me look better. (Ha!)It is kind of scary when you look into it. But it is mine. I love it. Even my "sweet honey" loves it. The funny thing is that I was so proud because I was donating stuff that I didn't need in my house anymore and that is the reason I was there. I almost forgot to unload my things! But as I was walking to my car with mirror in hand, I realized what I was really there for! So I got rid of some things that I didn't need that maybe someone else might want and also got a mirror that I wanted so bad and never thought I would get because I could not or would not spend 50.00 on it. What a blessing!

Flylady progress today:

1. 30 minute spruce up for the weekend. I swish & swipe my bathrooms. Feather dust as the music is playing and Sweep & vacuum & do a quick pick up before the timer goes off.

2. 15 minutes decluttering: I took this time and used it to pack up all of my 2008 paperwork. We have already got our tax info. at the accountant so I didn't need this anymore. I made new files for 2009.

3. Laundry- Done

4. Ironing- Done

5. 5 minute Mission: Did final clean up on the entrance and porches to my home.

6. Water Drinking: I only drunk 5 glasses today but tomorrow is a new day.

7. Bible Reading & Prayer: Do you ever forget to pray? I do. It is not that I don't constantly think about how thankful I am but sometimes I get in a hurry and just say a prayer during the day but I am trying to purposely get down on my knees to worship HIM. I also finished the Book of Ruth. I sat down with my husband and asked him any questions I had and we discussed the story and what it meant. I am not telling you about my prayer & Bible life to brag that I am doing this. I am writing this down as a reminder to myself so that I may continue because this is my hearts desire. In the process of doing this for me, it might also serve as a reminder to someone else and that would truly be a blessing.

8. Walking- None

Recipe for Red Lobster Clam Chowder: (Our supper tonight)

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup diced onion

1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced leeks

1/4 teaspoon chopped garlic

2 tablespoons flour

1 quart milk

1 cup clams in juice

1 cup diced potatoes

1 tablespoon salt

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

1 teaspoon dry thyme

1/2 cup heavy cream

In a soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, leeks and garlic. Saute for 3 minutes, mixing often. Remove from heat and add flour, mixing well.Add milk and whisk vigorously. Drain clams and add juice to soup. This soup is warm & wonderful.

Another favorite quote: "You are never behind, Jump in right where you are."

by Flylady

Are There Sewing Machines In Heaven?

I was in heaven tonight. I had both sewing machines going at the same time. The new one that does the embroidery was just humming right along working on my siggy blocks and I was on the older singer machine putting the binding on my quilt. I made 4 siggy's and got the binding put on one side of my quilt. Can you see how well that it worked out that the ironing board was positioned right where I could lay my quilt up on it as I sewed the binding on. I also learned more about my embroidery machine. I learned how to keep the embroidery straight. When I first did this it looked crooked to me. The machine does it all. I just didn't have it set right. And Connies tutorial on making the siggy blocks is great. It made it so much easier to understand. I really accomplished a lot and loved every minute. Not only that, but I had my laptop on the other side with Connie's blog playing her wonderful music while I sewed away while wearing my pajamas. Can you tell it doesn't take much to make me happy? Yes, I was in heaven..... I promise.

I wanted to also share a recipe with you. My "sweet daughter & boyfriend", Maranda & Lane made this dessert last night. They are really good cooks and have a lot of fun and we get to enjoy the benefits. It was so yummy!

Ultimate Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients:
1 quart fresh strawberries (or more if you like)
1/2 cup sugar
8 ounces cream cheese. softened
1 cup powdered sugar

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping
1 (14 ounce) pound cake, cut into cubes (I buy the cake already made)
Directions
Wash, stem, and cut strawberries in half. Add sugar; toss to mix well. Chill.
Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar well. Fold in whipped topping and cake cubes. Spread cake into an ungreased 13x9 dish. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Cut cake into squares; top with strawberries.

Flylady Progress today ( Baby Steps):

1. House is clean because I blessed my house on Monday with a 1 hour drill of cleaning.

2. 15 minute decluttering: I cleaned out my bathroom vanity cabinet. I set my timer for 15 minutes. I usually hold on to everything but if I haven't used it, I threw it away. I was so proud.

3. Laundry- Done ( I do a small load or 2 every morning)

4. Ironing- Done (I iron as the clothes come out of dryer)

5. 5 Minute Mission: Cleaned front french doors

6. Water Drinking: 7 glasses- that is really good for me.

7. Walking: 15 minutes

8. Bible: I am reading in Ruth ( a chapter a day) and started my day with prayer.

One of my favorite quotes: "Live like no one else, so you can live like no one else."

Dave Ramsey

Several Projects

I am working on my PIF exchange gifts. I know what I am making and I made me one last night. The picture showing the pink flowered fabric is the one I made me. I don't want to show the whole thing or tell what it is until they are mailed but I am excited. They should be mailed out next week. It is a very simple thing but I love it. Simple is good.

I have also been working on my siggy blocks. Connie did a tutorial on her blog showing how she is making hers. I have got several done following her directions. I love doing the chain piecing. It makes it go so fast. I love getting the experience and can't wait to see all the others. Thank you Connie. You really helped me.

I also am trying to refresh myself with http://www.flylady.net/. My best friend, Vicki introduced me to this program several years ago and it really helps me get my housecleaning done so I can have fun doing other things.....like sewing. I have been telling about my progress on my other blog. I have now decided to combine that blog with this one so you will be hearing about it on here now. Today was "desk day" so it was my day to pay bills, write letters, work on tax info., send cards, plan meals, make grocery list, etc.. I also spent 15 minutes getting some things together to put on ebay. I spent 5 minutes washing the windows on my french doors. My home is still clean and laundry and ironing is done. I don't do everything she teaches but I am working on it. She even reminds you to drink water and take breaks and pamper yourself. I will be sharing more things that I am working on with flylady later. It really works!

I am working very hard to save some money also. When I make a purchase now, I actually think twice about it and make sure that we need it. Times are hard for everyone right now. A while back we had to help a family member who had no medical insurance with 2 surgeries and lots of medical bills, along with other things so we are trying to save and recoop some of the money we had to spend. We were glad to help, but now we have to get to work and save, save, save. Thank goodness we are out of debt, but it still takes so much to live. Several years ago, we came upon a radio program that was teaching people to get out of debt. At that time, we didn't think it was possible, but it is. We did it. And when hard times come like it is for everyone right now, it is just a peaceful, safe feeling to know that you have a home paid for and owe no man anything. Our economy has caused people to lose their jobs, homes, cars, etc. Paychecks are down and bills are high. Our electricity bill alone has almost tripled the last few months. I can't believe it. I go around cutting lights out all the time. My kids think I am crazy, but a small leak will sink a big ship so we have to be aware of the little things. This is why I feel like I need to share the website of this Christian Financial adviser with you. It is http://www.daveramsey.com/ - If you need a plan, he has one and it works if you follow it. Dave & Flylady both believe it takes "baby steps. Dave always says: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

I put my card table out so my puzzle can stay out all the time. Yes, I know that I don't have time to put it together but I am doing it anyway. My "sweet granny" says it is good for your mind. Anyway, we all have time for what we want to have time for. The grandchildren help me when they are over here, but we kept having to put it up, but now we can leave it out all of the time. If we want to work on it for 5 minutes or an hour it is there for anyone who wants to help.

Cooking is another passion of mine and I love to try new things so there will be recipes or links on here from time to time also. Tonight, my "sweet daughter & sweet boyfriend,"Maranda and Lane made a mexican dip to go with our soft tacos. You can find this recipe here: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/01/mexican-layer-dip/ - It was wonderful. We love Pioneer Woman!

Another project that we do is that we also help with the food bank (see picture with food shelves) at our Church which we love to do. It takes a lot of time shopping, organizing, and giving food away, but it is a very rewarding thing to do and we are so proud to be a part of it. It is funded by our local church. We have several people that help with this. We also help with a program which provides people that have loved ones in the hospital with snacks, so if they don't want to leave the hospital,they will have food to eat. We try to include things like mints, chewing gum, cup of soups, crackers, chips, jerkey, microwavable meals, sandwiches, etc. This program came to my mind when I actually experienced this with my best friend & her family. They were up at the hospital with her mother who was very sick and a church brought in food for all of us. It meant the world to us. So I told my Pastor about it and he said to go for it. Everyone is totally supportive of this. There are a lot of people involved with both of these projects from giving a little money to help fund it, to donating items or shopping or helping give the food out. Our motto is: Alone we can do a little, but together we can do a lot. This is our little part of spreading the Word, through sharing from our Church.

Another project is that I am trying to read a chapter a day in the Bible. I am in Ruth right now. I also am trying to make sure and start my day with prayer. That is the least I can do for HIM considering what HE did for me. Thank you, Lord.

I have several projects going on that are "works in progress" & I will be listing them on my sidebar soon. This is a way I can account to myself and maybe finish something soon. I have so many things that I want to learn. When I go to bed, my brain is on overload and when I wake up, (right after my coke in bed).....I am ready to get busy. I help my "sweet honey" with his business a lot and I have a small business of my own, so I try to get all my running done so I can come home and get started on something that I love. I heard someone say the other day that they are bored at home.....how can that be? I don't get it. Home is where "my" heart is.

Sewing Nook

Since I had to move my sewing area in my bedroom, I have not been exactly satisfied with it until today. It seemed as though my bedroom looked so messy because of all of my stuff. After blessing my house today (cleaning per flylady), I decided that I was not going to do any decluttering or deep cleaning today. I usually try to do a 15 minute decluttering drill but my shoulder has been hurting some and I thought I would just skip that today. Well, that didn't happen. I finally SAW in my minds eye how I wanted to fix my little sewing area. So I set my 15 minute timer and away I went! It is like a race with me. I knew exactly what I wanted---finally! I did it and I am so happy. I love it. The picture would have looked better if I had closed the entertainment center but I didn't think about it. Tomorrow my 15 minute drill will be to get rid of some of the cords that are showing and organize just a little more. I would love to label everything so I could find it easier but that will take a while. Right now, I am happy with it. I also got the binding pinned on my second quilt tonight so all I need to do now is sew it on and it will be finished. Oh yes, I almost forgot....it snowed today. It was beautiful. I snapped a couple of pictures, but it doesn't do it justice. We are suppose to get a little more tomorrow. I would love it. If you would like to see more of what I did today, make sure and check out my Cooking & More Blog!

I recieved an award from my sweet blogging friend, Darla several days ago. I am just now getting around to doing this. The award is called "Honest Scrap." I am suppose to link to seven other blogs that I would like to pass this award on to but if you read this blog and want to play, then you get the award. I also am suppose to list 10 honest things about me so here goes:
1. I am a procrastinater.
2. I am constantly organizing. ( I take that after my Mom )
3. I can do almost anything if someone shows me how.
4. I love my "me time."
5. I try to fight that worrying spirit. ( I take that after my Mom too)
6. I am addicted to blogging, sewing, & gardening.
7. I don't like talking on the phone. (my BFF, Vicki is laughing her head off right now).
8. I don't like to commit.
9. I am trying to learn to say no.
10. I love to have a cold coke first thing in the morning. (preferrably brought to me in bed by my "sweet honey."
Thanks Darla for thinking of me!

Mommy, Daddy & Baby

Our "sweet grandson", Davis is 5 weeks old today. I thought I would share a few pictures with you. He has really grown. Everyone is doing great. There is nothing like having grandchildren. I have 4 and they are so precious.


This reminds me so much of when I had my first baby 34 years ago. I still have a love that I could not describe for this baby boy "sweet son", Nathan. I had and still have so many dreams for him. I will never forget that I wanted a baby boy first because I knew he would protect his little sisters from any harm. Now he is all grown up. It passes by so quick. You just blink an eye and they are grown. There is nothing like a mothers love for a child. It is never ending.

Make sure to check out my other blog Cooking & More to see what else we have been doing. I am trying to add more about my everyday living on that blog.