December 26, 2009

Today was the cooking and cleaning day in preparation for the kids coming for our Christmas get-together. I can't wait!

Credits:
Vicky Day, Sweater Weather
Font: Pristina

December 25, 2009

I have been so busy this month that I just have not done any of the challenge layouts to speak of. So, last night I stayed up all night! I can't do that as much as I used to! I have been pretty groggy today if I sat for very long! I was knitting and about dropped the needles out of my hands, so I decided it was time to go to bed! Tomorrow I will be cooking and cleaning for the kids coming in, YEAH!!! Can't wait! Nat will be here a day early I found out today, too!

Credits:
Maddy Fernandez, Moon Flower Madness
Font: Pristina

December 24, 2009

This is for all of you who "believe" in Santa and wonder why he takes so long to get to your house! :)

Credits:
Amanda Thorderson, Christmas Rhapsody
Font: Santa's Sleigh Full

December 23, 2009

Well, I like how the bulletin board turned out. I really like the garland made into little pine trees. And the glitter tissue paper made pretty decent snow. I think I need to add some more stars to the middle section of the board, but if I don't get a chance, that will be OK, too!

Credits:
DeDe Smith, Snowman Friendz 2 (I won this kit by being a FB friend of DeDe's. I had to send an e-mail to her with my wish for one of her kits. This is the one I chose. I never win anything, so I wasn't hopeful! Nice surprise!)
Font: apple butter (I love this font, if you haven't figured that out yet! :)

December 22, 2009

Today I have been working on getting the new bulletin boards fixed. I'm going to have to work out something else for the verse as I do not have enough room for the one shown in my "sketch" in the layout. I added felt for the snowmen's articles of clothing. I have some pine garland to make the tree with and will use some contact paper with a wood design for the tree trunk. I am using glittered tissue paper for snow and I found the cutest snowflake garland at Dollar Tree to go around the frame of the bulletin board. I want to get these boards done before the kids get here because after that I'm certainly not going to want to mess with them!

Credits:
Vicky Day, Sweater Weather
Font: apple butter

December 21, 2009

YEAH!!! The shower is ready to use! I bought a curved shower rod at Walmart today. I also bought a shower curtain and a shower liner (for the window). I bought curtain hangers for the curved rod, but forgot to get some for the liner that will cover the window, so I'll do that tomorrow. I like the corner caddy I found. It has an extra segment of bar in case I want to move it from the tub area to the floor, but there is no room for me to do that, so it will stay right where it is. Plus, I really like it in the corner. That would be unused space, anyway!

Credits:
LissaEDesignz - Tis the Season page kit freebie
(You have to be registered in the forum to be able to download the kit)
Font: apple butter

December 20, 2009

This cute snow bear was made by one of the members' son who used to come to the church but takes his granddaughter to another church now where there are more activities for the kids.

Credits:
Barb Speck, Winter Blues
Fonts: apple butter and tubular

December 19, 2009

I spent some time outside taking pictures of the snowfall today. I heard the snow calling my name! It was very wet underneath, but the sun didn't stay out long enough to melt it much!

Credits:
Funky Winter by ameliescrap
Font: apple butter and PC Snowflakes

December 18, 2009 - SNOW Fun! NOT!

We reached I-77 South near Ravenswood, WV at around noon. We traveled a couple miles on I-77 and then stopped at Burger King for sandwiches which we ate on the road. The slushy rain started around 1:00. By 2 it was snowing. By 2:30 the roads looked like the first picture.


This is a bad day for someone! Praise the Lord, He protected us all the way home!

One of the many instances of both of us getting out and cleaning the ice build up off of the wipers and windshield!
Treacherous driving conditions!

We made it home 4 hours late, safe and sound! Praise the Lord! What a beautiful coat of winter white!

December 18, 2009

Happy Birthday, dear husband! I pray we spend many more years together here on earth!

After visiting Tim's dad yesterday, we went to Tim's mom's house in Covington, KY. She had waited for us to come so that she could take us to a steak house for supper. OOOPS!! So, she was hungry when we got there and we decided to drive to McDonalds and drink something while she ate supper.

After spending the night, we went to Frisch's Big Boy for buffet breakfast bar, YUM! Then we took her back to the house, loaded up the car and headed back to NC. We were hoping to miss the snow but it started before we got to the mountains! What a trip! Cars were sliding off the road in every direction! The snow just kept coming down! We had to stop several times to clean off the wipers for the snow that had turned to ice on the windshield and collected on the wipers making them not clean the window so Tim could see to drive. Well, we ended up getting home 4 hours later than we should have! Tim and I had stopped at Burger King to grab a bite to eat on the road and about 3 hours before we got home, our bladders were about ready to explode, but we didn't dare stop, mainly because the exits were slicker than the road! So, we just kept plugging along! The snow was still coming down heavily when we got home! I'll post some of the pictures in a separate post. WHEW!!!! Glad to be home, safe and sound! Thank You, LORD!

Credits:
Cindy Ritter, Winterland Waltz
Fonts: apple butter and adorable

December 17, 2009

We traveled to Northern KY today to visit Tim's parents. We were going to leave at 11 a.m. to travel to WV and spend the night with our DD. This would break the trip up and we wouldn't have to spend so many hours on the road in one day. Then we were going to get up tomorrow and travel the rest of the way. After our visiting, we were going to go back to our DD's house in WV, spend the night and then leave Saturday morning for NC. However, with the winter weather forecast calling for a foot of snow in the mountains, 1-3 inches here in W-S, at 8:30 in the morning, we decided we would leave at 9 a.m. and travel straight through to KY to visit the parents and spend the night with Tim's mom and then head back home tomorrow, hoping to beat the snow before it hits the mountains!

We had a nice visit with Tim's dad and stepmom. Since our plans changed, we arrived there around 4:30. Reba fixed supper for us while we were there. We exchanged Christmas gifts and then headed to Tim's mom's house.

Credits:
Cindy Ritter, Winterland Waltz
Font: apple butter

December 16, 2009

Yeah, I know! The title is stretchin' it! But, it's my story and I'm stickin' to it! :)

Credits:
Cindy Ritter, Winterland Waltz
Font: apple butter

December 15, 2009

WOW! Addressing, stamping, writing notes on Christmas cards has consumed me the last couple of days! I had to buy more stamps and more cards! Next year I am going to have to cut waaaaaay back! But, at least I got rid of alot of the cute little snowman postcards that I had stacks of!!! Got them BOGO from Current, Inc. several years ago! I still have a few left, but not like I did!

Credits:
Maddy Fernandez, Lavender Blue
Font: apple butter

December 14, 2009

Tonight was the monthly service at Mallard Ridge Assisted Living home. I took my camera with me because I hadn't taken a picture for the day yet. I saw this nativity scene on the way to the services tonight, so I decided that would be my picture for the day.....as long as DH could stop in the street long enough for me to snap a couple of pictures. Fortunately, no traffic behind us, so I could take my time. However, this is the clearest shot I got. I got rid of the house in the background, did some blending, added some glow and light rays to the star and voila! Turned out pretty nice, if I do say so myself! :)

Credits:
Barb Speck: Dusk to Dawn the kit
Font: apple butter

December 13, 2009

I started 4 bags of Amish Friendship bread on 12/3. Today was the 10th day. I worked on the bread literally all afternoon.....until I ran out of sugar! I froze 15 starter bags and made pancakes for when the kids come to visit for Christmas and made 2 loaves of lemon poppyseed bread! They are delicious! I was going to fix some cinnamon streusel bread in a bundt pan, but that's when I ran out of sugar! I left out one starter bag so I could make some bread for Christmas and for the New Year's Eve party at church.

Credits:
Kit by ameliescrap_romanticfantasy
Font: apple butter

December 12, 2009

I don't mind telling you that today was a very moving and emotionally draining day! I absolutely HATE going to funerals! I ALWAYS cry, even when I don't know the people! This funeral was back up in WV, about a 3 1/2 hour trip from our home in NC. We had 2 of the former pastor's daughters with us. They were at the deceased's house LOTS when they lived in WV for about 10 years back in the late 50's to mid to late 60's. One of this man's daughters is a member of our church. The funeral was at 1:00. We left at 7:30 figuring this would give us plenty of time to stop and eat lunch and in the event of any flat tires, stopping for potty and gas, etc. Well, it was really to early to eat when we got to Princeton, WV. So, we drove on into Rainelle, WV where the funeral was. We got there at 10:45! So, we had more than 2 hours to kill! Well, we went to Pizza Hut (the doors were not even open til 11!). We were there for a little over an hour and then left for the funeral home. And, so the emotions begin! The text in my layout reads as follows:

Today a soldier was laid to rest. Yes, it is true. He was a Marine, at one time in his earthly life. But, more than an eartly soldier, he was a soldier in the Army of the LORD! He fought many, many battles. But, they were not all battles of an earthly, military nature; they were far more dangerous. These battles were fought with an unseen force. I am speaking of the battles we, as Christians, fight every day of our lives, with the devil and his demons of hell! Their one sole purpose is to destroy their enemy, the One, True and Living, Almighty God of heaven. But, no matter how hard they try, they will never be able to do it! And, no matter how many battles they win against our human flesh, they will never be able to steal us from the protecting hand of our Father God in heaven! Praise Ye the LORD! (John 10:27-30)

The enemy that defeated this soldier that was laid to rest today was cancer. What an awful enemy to mankind! The service at the grave today was very moving, especially when the military salute began with roll call of the men. When his name was called once, then twice and then very quietly the third time, with no, “Here, Sir!” to be heard in response to the call, the helmet was placed on the gun and then you heard the low, slow sound of taps being played. WOW! Tears and sobs were heard from many! But, alas! The victory over death has been won! This soldier closed his eyes in death on December 8, 2009 and within a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, he was awakened to a new day in that celestial city, whose builder and maker is God and he bowed before the throne of heaven, praising and thanking God, his Savior, for choosing him to live eternally with Him in heaven! WOW!

Credits:
Barb Speck, Dusk to Dawn the kit
Font: Apple Butter

December 11, 2009

Another of my Santa collections. I tried to capture the "smoke" coming out of the pipe from the stove. You can see it somewhat in the close-up picture. The incense cones are supposed to smell like peppermint. However, I've had them sooo long that they really don't have much of a peppermint smell to them! Don't actually remember if they ever did have much of a peppermint smell to them!

Credits:
Maddy Fernandez, Mele Kalikamaka (Merry Christmas in Hawaii)
Font: Apple Butter

December 10, 2009

I've been working with a kit of Barb Speck's entitled "Winter Blues" and the song Elvis sang just keeps going through my head! So, when I got my all time favorite Christmas decoration out again this year, the song automatically popped into my head! So, today's page was born!

Credits:
Barb Speck, Winter Blues
Font: Apple Butter

December 9, 2009

This kit was perfect to scrap about the ornament I got when we were in Hawaii back in 2005. I get to dream about that vacation once again every year when I put the Christmas decorations out!

Credits:
Maddy Fernandez, Mele Kalikimaka
Font: Bradley Hand

December 8, 2009

My dear, sweet friend, Susie was working on some Barbie outfits and mailed them to me. To my surprise, there was something else included in the box. An angel from Willow Tree called "Thinking of You" and the angel is listening to a sea shell. Her sweet gesture made me cry. We had a wonderful time together at Myrtle Beach in October and this little angel just spoke volumes to confirm that sweet time together as friends. Many blessings to you, my dear friend!

Credits:
Digitals Team: Angels Among Us
Fonts: Apple Butter for journaling and Blackadder for the black part of the title

December 7, 2009

I took a break from knitting today. I had other pressing matters to attend to.......namely, the checkbook! I did not realize until last week that it had been 4 months since I had reconciled it! YIKES!!! Fortunately, nothing unexpected was found! WHEW!!! So, while I was working in the checkbook, I decided to take care of this month's bills, too. Then I had to fix up a couple of pages of borders for Tim's "Gambling" sermon he will be preaching on Sunday. One of the ladies asked him a couple weeks ago if the church would accept a tithe from a lottery winning! He was going to let it ride for awhile, but then someone else said something about taking chances every day, so he decided it was time to go ahead and deal with the issue!

My E-mealz menu for tonight was Chicken Dijon, Baked Sweet Potatoes and Apple Walnut Salad. It was all very good! Yes, even the salad! Not your typical Waldorf salad as it was not made with mayonnaise. Plus, Waldorf salad does not have lettuce in it, if I remember correctly. Tim scoffed at the thought of eating apples and walnuts on a salad. I told him he needed to be adventurous and at least try it. He couldn't say he didn't like it if he hadn't even tasted it! Well, to his surprise, it was good! However, he only ate one bowl whereas I ate two! The dressing is what did it, however! I will have to admit it! But, I am more adventurous when it comes to trying this sort of recipe out. Like grapes cooked with chicken, pineapple on pizza.....stuff like that! Tim, not so much. He is basically a meat and potatoes kind of guy!

Credits:
Maddy Fernandez, Mele Kalikimaka
Font: Apple Butter

December 6, 2009

Before going to bed last night, I surfed the internet for an easy mitten pattern. I found one that looked relatively easy, plus I was able to do 2 mittens at once! The only thing that concerned me at first glance was the thumb. But it was pretty easy! I got the cuffs done last night before going to bed at 1:30 and finished the mittens this afternoon. Pretty easy as long as you follow the pattern closely and count your rows correctly! I used a pencil to mark down each row. I like gloves to go up the arm a little bit, so I added some rows to the cuff. Hope they aren't too big! They look pretty big to me! I think (hope) I will have enough yarn to finish the last mitten! If not, I'll buy some more and maybe make some leggings! But, I doubt they get them for Christmas! :)

Credits:
Shawn Walters, Adrienne's Amethest Apparition (I think the title is spelled wrong on this kit, btw)
Font: Apple Butter

December 5, 2009

Got miss Hannah's scarf done today. Finished putting the bling on the hat, too! Now I'm working on matching mittens for the girls! Neat thing is that I am doing them both at the same time! I'll explain/show you tomorrow!

Credits:
Maddy Fernandez, Lavender Blue
Font: Apple Butter

December 4, 2009

I started Hannah's hat last night at 11. Worked on it til 1 then went to bed. It was approximately 1/3 of the way done. Today, between laundry, cooking and cleaning I got the rest of it done. All I have to do is add some bling! I will probably start the scarf tonight after I finish posting this!

Credits:
Ptikoala Designs, Lilas (I think this lady is French and the kit name is Lilac, I think, judging that it has some lilac clip art in the kit, lol!)
Font: Apple Butter

December 3, 2009

Last night at church one of the ladies gave me a starter bag for some Amish Friendship Bread. She had it started already and it was ready for me to add a few ingredients and then split it into 4 more starter bags plus make a batch of bread. This bread is better than the ones I have done before many years ago. You add cinnamon to the batter as you prepare it for baking and then you sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on the baking dish. It is yummy! It reminds me of a coffee cake. I'm going to make some bread for Christmas to give to the kids when they come and I'll have some to eat while they are here, too!

Credits:
Barb Speck, Winter Blues
Fonts: Apple Butter for title and date and Bradley Hand for journaling

December 2, 2009

We received our new CT assignments at Digitals today. I was given my choice of kits to use, so since it is getting close to winter time, I chose "Winter Blues" as the first kit to work with this month. I think it showcased our first CHRISTmas card quite nicely! Love the snowflake border!

Credits:
Barb Speck, "Winter Blues"
Font: Bradley Hand

December 1, 2009

Well, after getting groceries today and getting dinner in the crockpot to cook, I started working on Christmas gifts again. I added some bling to Kara's scarf and hat and re-worked the flower and attached it. Then I started working on the bed for Hannah's Barbie dolls. It turned out pretty cute! I hope it fits in her doll house!

Credits:
Cindy Ritter, Sugarplums and Stardust
Font: Boomerang