Hope

I'm sorry that I have been "away" for so long. I won't go into all the reasons or excuses. You know how life is - especially this time of year. I will say this, right now the blog world is full of Christmas decor. Everywhere I turn I see beautiful photos of stockings, trees and wreaths. Don't get me wrong, I usually love to decorate. I have boxes and boxes of decorations. But this year I guess I am having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit.....

....Until this past weekend when I had a great reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

Many of you have likely had the privilege of watching your child perform in a Christmas Pageant. You know the excitement of seeing your child re-enact the Christmas story. Unless you are the parent of a child with "special needs." Then maybe your child has been left out. Or possibly worse, he or she has been included, only to stick out like a sore thumb. You are proud of your child but you know the hurt of them not fitting in.

Now imagine a stage filled with smiling children; all with differing abilities.

The angels are there.

And so are the shepherds and stable animals.

The wise men have brought gifts.

And of course Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus are present. And the bright star. And the innkeeper. And narrators.....

Yesterday, with tears streaming down my face, I witnessed the most beautiful portrayal of The Nativity that I have ever seen. "Labels" and "syndromes" were forgotten. Wheelchairs and walkers didn't matter. Perfection took on a new meaning as some of God's very special children shared His very precious story.

Fancy decorations don't matter. Neither do expensive toys and gifts. What does matter is this.....Over 2000 years ago a baby boy was born in a stable, bringing the gift of Hope to the world. Thanks to Hope Landing, that gift of Hope is being shared with children and parents who desperately need it.

{But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11}

Four Words

M&M's. Premiums. Mint. Chocolate. Four words that have kept me going this week. Okay, that is probably not really the truth. But seriously, have you tried them? The M&M's Premiums have been out for some time now, but I hadn't tried them. I'm too cheap to pay $3.99 for a little box of M&M's. So, imagine my surprise as I was strolling down the cosmetics/pharmacy aisle at Kroger the other day. I stopped to check out their little "clearance" section and way down on the bottom shelf were several boxes of M&M's Premiums Mint Chocolate. Right below the pantyhose. Marked down to 39 cents! Let's just say I came home with a few boxes.

We got moved in to the rental house last weekend. It has been an interesting week.

The color of the living room is "Rusty Pumpkin." I don't really know what the name of the paint color is. I just know it is going to take some getting used to. It's not nearly as pretty as the little pumpkin in the picture. See the little "straw" bundle? My nine year old created that with some dried grass or something. I just stepped out the front door and noticed it the other day.

I've spent a small fortune on critter control in this place. That's all I'm going to say about that.

Speaking of critters, the guys killed a baby copperhead snake while raking and bagging 33 bags of leaves in the front yard on Saturday.

The garage door has a mind of its own. Sometimes it just opens. Nice.

We moved from the "sticks" into town and we now have poor cell phone/internet reception. Go figure. I will be lucky to get through this post before I get "disconnected."

Here is a little peek into our master bathroom. I think this entire bathroom could fit inside the tub of our old bathroom. No towel bar? No problem. An old floor lamp will do just fine.

And teal is no longer just an accent color. I bought these thrifted cups for our toothbrushes when we moved into the other house. They are almost an exact match to the tile that covers most of this bathroom.

I haven't unpacked much more than just the necessities so far. But the other day I was needing something to make this place feel more like home. I dug my aprons out of a box and tied them to this curtain rod. I know it doesn't look great, but they do help to cheer me up.

So does this sign. Where do you suppose this was originally posted?

How is that for a random post? I probably won't have time to post again this week, so Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope you have a blessed day with family and friends.

{“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”- Psalm 100:4-5}

Welcome Home

Right now I should be:

• Packing more boxes
• Making address changes
• Buying a refrigerator
• Doing laundry
• And a million other things.....

Instead, my heart just felt like making a card for the family buying our house. So many emotions this week..... We close on this house on Thursday. Since my husband hasn't found a new job yet, we are moving to a rental in town. I am struggling with that.

"Home is where the heart is." My heart isn't at that rental - I can tell you that much. I've written before about the struggles of moving here. And yes, we long to move out of this area..... Right now, though, my heart is out here in the country. Peace and quiet. Deer in the front yard. Watching the boys, fishing poles in hand, walk to the pond. Coffee on the front porch (in my pj's).

I'm sad for our family. Again, I find myself wondering what God is doing. Sorry. Then I think of the feelings of the new family. Having never owned a home before, they must be so excited. Room for the small children. Maybe a swingset in the yard. Strolls down the country road. Possibly even coffee on the front porch (in pj's)!

Anyway, that is my rambling for today. I need to get back to my list......

{"But our homeland is in heaven, and we are waiting for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven." Philippians 3:20}

Happy 9th Birthday, Mr. P!

This adorable little guy was born 9 years ago today. He has been bringing smiles and laughter into our lives ever since.

His humorous personality was evident at a very young age.

See? He just makes you laugh!

He and his brother both went through a pretty big cowboy stage.

You will just have to take my word for it - that is really him underneath that hat. He was tuckered out after helping Grandpa and Grandma with a chuckwagon dinner.

He is such a loving brother. He and Sweet Girl have quite a bond.

He is a piano player.....

.....a great student.....

.....a fisherman.....

....and a lego-maniac!

I love you, buddy!

{A wise son brings joy to his father (and mother).....Proverbs 10:1}

She's With Me Video by Collin Raye - MySpace Video

Blogger isn't letting me upload photos this morning. We will see if I have better luck with a video.

When I first heard this song a few months ago I just sat and cried. If you have a child with special needs I think you will understand. Colin's granddaughter has many similarities to Rett Syndrome, but she is undiagnosed.

My Sweet Girl is home with the flu right now. She is doing better today. Right now she needs her mommy, though, so I will leave you with the video.

She's With Me Video by Collin Raye - MySpace Video

Well, that didn't work quite like I had hoped. Just click on the link above and it will take you to the video.

It's a Bag, It's a Purse, It's a.....

.....coupon organizer!

For a long time, I have used a baby wipes box for my coupons. It worked okay, but there were some problems. 1.) Cashiers always thought I was trying to steal a box of wipes when I didn't unload it out of the cart. 2.) It was awkward to carry and I always worried that I would drop it and send coupons fluttering all over the parking lot. 3.) It wasn't quite big enough.

So....I have been on the hunt for the perfect "container" for my coupons. I went up and down the aisles of Walmart and Target. Nothing. Ebay and Etsy had a few options, but nothing that seemed just right for me. Next, I decided to see what the local thrift shops had. Still nothing.

Then last week I was in the antique store checking on my booth. I decided to walk around and see what the other vendors had to offer. I spotted this purse (no, it is not an antique) and had an "a-ha moment."

I love my new purse coupon organizer! It is easy to carry - just throw it over my shoulder and head for the store. Spacious enough for all my coupons, but not so big that it doesn't fit in the seat of the shopping cart. Pockets for my calculator, pen, scissors, etc. And the cashiers don't think I am stealing!

I use "return" envelopes from those pesky credit cards for my coupons. I cut off the flap and then use an index card for the category tab.

As I am shopping I put the coupons I am using in the front pocket. Then they are all ready to go when I reach the check out.

Oh, did I mention that I paid $2 for my new purse coupon organizer? I always love a thrifty solution!

{Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Get for yourselves purses that will not wear out, the treasure in heaven that never runs out, where thieves can't steal and moths can't destroy. Your heart will be where your treasure is. Luke 12:33-34}

Praise Him

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Amen.

Bittersweet

bit ter sweet 1. climbing plant with purple flowers and poisonous, scarlet berries. 2. climbing plant with orange seed cases that open and show red seeds. 3. sweet and bitter mixed. 4. sweetness and bitterness mixed. n., adj.

This seems to be a fitting word right now. It is what my heart is feeling today. If you are a close friend or family member or if you have been reading my blog for awhile, you might know my feelings about moving here. I fought it. I have searched my heart and blogged about it. A couple months ago I was honest with you about some struggles we were facing.

When we moved here this house really became a refuge for me. In the midst of the chaos, I could sit on the porch and find peace. When I was lonely I could decorate and make our house a home. Peace would surround me as I watched the wildlife (or my children) playing in the yard.

Today is bittersweet. The tears are falling along with the rain outside. We have an offer on our house. In this economy, I know that this is a blessing. God is taking care of us. But I am human and I am sad, scared....and yes, maybe bitter.

Where do we go from here? How do we start over when we will walk away from this home sale with nothing? When will my husband find a new job where he can be happy and people will believe in him?

(Photo from Country Home)

We are surviving. This house will become a home for a new family. My husband has a job. We have family and friends who love us. Sweet blessings, even in bitter times.

{What more could I have done for my vineyard that I have not already done? When I expected sweet grapes, why did my vineyard give me bitter grapes? Isaiah 5:4}

Autumn {ReNew}al

The trees are beginning to blush! Isn't that a wonderful description for this time of year? I can't take credit for it. Another blogger (sorry I can't remember who) used that phrase the other day. So true. As I drive down the tree-lined country roads I can see glimpses of red on some of the leaves. Ahhhhh.....Autumn is my favorite season!

With the changing of the seasons, I decided my booth needed some {ReNew}al; a little freshening for fall. These old tinker toys make a unique "autumn" display, but could also be used to hold photographs or place cards.

Here they are displaying some old Probe game cards. I am not a Halloween/ghost/witch person, but I do have a few things in my booth. It amazes me how many people go all-out with Halloween decorating. The Humorous Ghost Stories book sold right away.

This isn't a great picture, but it shows some of the over-all display.

This peg shelf got a coat of paint and some distressing after it finally stopped raining last week.

If you enlarge this picture you will see that the book is opened to "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe.

If something is metal and rusty I just might like it! The toolbox tray fits in that category. Add a few colorful accessories and it turns into a nice display piece. At least I think so! What do you think of the wire pumpkin? I made it out of some old garden fencing.

You can't see the rust on this metal box, but it is there! Rust is a fall color, right?

Did I mention that I love this time of year? Turning leaves, cool temperatures, homemade soup, sweaters...... Well, it isn't quite sweater weather down here in the south. However, we did have our first homemade soup of the season last night. Thank you, Lord, for the blessings of autumn.

{People of Zion, celebrate in honor of the LORD your God! He is generous and has sent the autumn and spring rains in the proper seasons. Joel 2:23}

Come On In!

Good morning! So glad you came knocking on my red screen door.....

Go ahead and grab that handle and come on in!

A couple weeks ago some friends asked if I wanted to go "curb shopping" with them. Yes, that is basically the equivalent of dumpster diving. I do that, okay. Anyway, they had just seen a pile of junk and were heading to go check it out. Of course, I jumped in the van with them.

Well, most of it really was just trash. But just as we were getting ready to leave I caught a glimpse of some chippy red paint. Wait a minute! Could it really be a screen door underneath all that trash?! I had to do a bit of digging and it was pretty disgusting - creepy crawlies and all!

I think it was worth it, though. I've always wanted an old screen door. Just look at Layla's door. There are so many possibilities....pantry door, porch door, closet door. Right now it is on my porch. It will have to wait for a future house since this one is for sale. I'm sure my hubby is quite excited to have one more "treasure" to move from place to place.

At least I didn't buy that old cast iron sink that weighs a ton....yet! If it is still at the thrift store today it may have to come home with me. I spotted it yesterday. It is like the sink that was in the house I grew up in. WAIT A MINUTE! I'll be right back!

Okay, I am back. Had to make a quick trip to town. You see, as I was writing about the sink I decided to do a Google search to see if I could find a similar one to show you. I found it! This is the first link I clicked on. Ummmm, that sink sold for $595!!!! Seriously, as soon as I saw that I hopped up, grabbed my keys and ran out the door. I am now the proud owner of a sink very similar to the one at this link. I am also $3 poorer!

Look! Even this little guy is smiling at my good fortune. When I was out taking pictures of my door this morning I found him. He is tiny - probably not even a full two inches long! Cute little critter....

Now for the bad news. My camera isn't working correctly. It is stuck on "auto" mode and won't change. So, even if I truly did understand aperature and shutter speed, I couldn't use them. Bummer. Anyone want to buy a sink for $600?

{"Here's what I'm saying: Ask and you'll get; Seek and you'll find; Knock and the door will open." Luke 11:9}

A Full House

Well, actually my house is almost empty right now. Sweet Girl is sleeping. Hubby had to work today and the boys are outside playing. Yes, it is dark and they need to be in and taking showers already. I just don't have the heart to call them inside quite yet. It has rained all week - over 12 inches since last Saturday. This evening it is finally NOT raining! They've been in the house way too much this week.

Here is where the full house comes in. My brother and his family visited this week. They live in Colorado and are on their way to Orlando. It was so nice for them to spend a couple nights with us, even though our three bedroom house was busting at the seams! I had planned for the boys to camp out in the tent, but all the rain put a {damp}er on that. Instead we just had air mattresses and sleeping bags all over the floors!
I love this picture! It is my brother, three of his kids and my two boys heading over to the pond. If you look real close in the picture you might be able to tell that it is raining. They still had a good time.

I am so thankful for the time we had to spend together. It makes me sad that we only get to see them two or three times a year. We are still praying that we will be able to move closer to home soon.

What do you think of the new blog look? I was just in the mood to change things up a bit this afternoon.

Okay, I certainly have blogger's block this evening. Nothing more to say.

{Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. Luke 14:23}

Normal Day

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure that you are." Mary Jean Iron

I read this quote awhile back on this blog and gave it some thought. It is so easy to focus on the bad days; the days when a child is sick or the car breaks down. In the blog world, we often emphasize the good days. It is fun to write about exciting happenings, a new purchase, a child's accomplishment.....

I haven't blogged in several days. What do I have to say? What have I done? Then I remembered the quote and decided I just needed to blog. I need to share the "normal" with you. These things may seem random, and well, I guess they are.

Today I made a birthday card for my niece. It felt good to be creative.
Last week I found this piece at a thrift store. It needs a little TLC and then I will try to make room for it in my antique booth. I really like it and won't be too sad if it doesn't sell.
As I was getting Sweet Girl's feeding pump ready (yes, that is "normal" here) the other night, I asked one of the boys to bring me the camera. Isn't this a sweet little scene? The little girl on the bed is a music box from my childhood. She has blonde pigtails just like Sweet Girl and her Baby Be Blessed doll.
I like to take pictures of the sky. There is nothing "normal" about God's creation. It is spectacular!
A few weeks ago I found this verse. It was during the time when we were waiting to hear about hubby's job. I prayed this verse over and over and wanted it to be visible, so I wrote it on one of my chalkboards. God's "nick of time" is obviously not the same as mine. I am still praying this verse. I wonder, though, what potential buyers of our house think when they see this chalkboard on the wall?

That is my "normal" for the night. I hope you will take some time and enjoy the normal in your days.

{With things back to normal, Paul called the disciples together and encouraged them to keep up the good work in Ephesus. Acts 20:1}