Queen of Theme

Top Ten

2009-03-29T16:02:00.008-04:00

10 Reasons I Believe In God

By Bill Shuler
Pastor, Capital Life Church, Arlington, Virginia

1. An innate sense of right and wrong came from somewhere.

2. The universe is far too organized and intricate to have come about by chance.

3. Seeing chimps doesn’t compel me to organize a family reunion.

4. Anyone who has witnessed a baby’s birth will attest to miracles.

5. He has appeared in history.

6. There must be a reason the heart hungers for truth.

7. People since ancient times have sought Him.

8. People since ancient times have found Him.

9. I see Him in the lives of those who forgive.

10. I spoke with Him this morning.

The major questions of life demand a verdict. Where did I come from? Is there more to life than what I am experiencing? Does God exist? The Bible says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Instant change

2009-03-29T15:28:00.009-04:00

Wanting to add a little pizazz to this lamp, I got my scrap-booking supplies out and covered the candlestick portion with a piece of paper. You can get so many different looks just by changing out the paper...I'm lovin' it!

C I R Q U E

2009-03-28T20:04:00.005-04:00

Cirque was great fun...the show was spectacular. Of course, there were no pictures allowed so I can only tell you about it. The clowns were very talented, but at times a bit off color. :( But the acrobatics were sitontheedgeofyourseatgaspforyourbreathriveting!!! :) We had a wonderful weekend in Atlanta...spending time together...just the three of us!

Heroes of the faith

2009-02-18T21:24:00.020-05:00

Hero - distinguished for exceptional courage, fortitude, or bold enterprise; idealized or held in esteem for superior qualities or deeds of any kind.

Every year our church holds a Global Impact Conference. It is a very special time where we celebrate those who make many sacrifices in order that people all over the world might come to know Christ. It is always such an exciting time to hear how God is working all over the world...a time to celebrate our heroes...a time to reconnect with old friends...a time to reflect on how God would use each of us in reaching a lost world for Him!

Feeling Blue

2009-02-12T23:23:00.011-05:00

I have wanted a blue bedroom and bath for a very long time. Over the past year or so, I having been piecing my bedroom together. First , I found some blue and white window treatments, then a comforter, next some plates to hang over the bed. Little by little, I am getting there. Recently, my DH and I began painting. We started in the bathroom and still need to get another coat on the walls before moving to the bedroom.

I am wanting to paint the ceiling in my bedroom, too. Anyone out there know whether I should use the same color as on the walls or do I need a different shade?

Letters from the heart

2009-02-10T11:02:00.005-05:00

Last year, for Valentine's Day, I sprayed a metal mailbox hot pink and stuffed it with goodies for my DD.
It has a special place on her bedroom wall, but I haven't been as diligent as I had planned about keeping the lines of communication open with letters. This Valentine's Day, I'm going to make sure it is full of heart notes and that it stays that way during her teen years! :)

One thing leads to another

2009-02-09T09:02:00.007-05:00

This is what I've been doing................rearranging!

I tried hard to rearrange so I wouldn't have to change the grouping on that red wall. That paint is not very forgiving and if you look closely, you can see that I'll be doing a little patching and painting to fix that place where the sofa left it's mark. I now also have to get those dents out of the carpet where my furniture has been sitting for YEARS.

I had to rearrange my great room furniture so my dining area could accommodate this baker's rack.

That's because I had to make room in my guest bedroom for a couple of pieces that are now in my master bedroom. Remember that armoire? Yep, it's still in my garage and before we can move it in, my DH says other things have to move out.

One thing I know for sure...I'm going to be rearranging for a while!

Guess what I got for Christmas?

2009-01-02T23:00:00.006-05:00

CIRQUE

I am sooooooooooooooo excited and patiently (o.k., maybe not patiently) awaiting the arrival of February 20th. That is the day that we head to Atlanta for Cirque Du Soleil! My DH surprised me with tickets on Christmas morning! I have wanted to go to Cirque ever since I became fascinated with their acrobatic abilities and their artistic expression through the use of brilliant color. I LOVE color! Don't know if they allow pics, but I will definitely share anything I can capture! Stay tuned!

From Our House To Yours

2008-12-31T22:10:00.033-05:00

Snippets of Christmas 2008...

Customer Satisfaction

2008-11-14T09:13:00.002-05:00

SHE came to pick up her ornaments and she liked them...well, all except the horse. Now, we both know the horse needed work. She said, " could you make his neck a bit longer"? And I did...and guess what...he actually looked like a horse! And SHE was a happy customer! :)

Stretched

2008-11-12T08:14:00.010-05:00

This holiday season, I have been making and selling personalized pet ornaments and initial ornaments. And there is a very good reason why I stick with those two items...because I can make them. When one of my customers asked me for four ornaments, one with a chili pepper, one with a bunny, one with an angel, and one with a horse, I said O.K.! Did I really say O.K.? What in the world was I thinking? Always wanting to please, I began about the task of envisioning what she had asked for and begging God to help me! (seriously)
Now you must know that I truly cannot draw a stick figure...but here is what I ended up with...

...So, if you think they are alright, well then to God be the glory! If you think they're not so great, well, then you didn't really understand what God had to work with! :)

Tray Chic

2008-11-11T22:33:00.003-05:00

Wanting to preserve those beautiful fall leaves, I decided to make a tray. I had seen this idea in a magazine years ago and had always wanted to give it a whirl. First you take a picture frame...remove back, place leaves on glass...add a second piece of glass as a backer...screw hardware in place for handles...AND you have a beautiful, useful tray!

Happy Fall

2008-11-05T08:20:00.004-05:00

yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Matthew 6:29

Re: Chicago

2008-11-03T08:43:00.003-05:00

Chicago in a nutshell:

Refreshed
Rejuvenated
Revitalized
Reexamined
Repentant
Rekindled
Reignited

REMARKABLE!

Chicago's calling

2008-10-08T10:51:00.004-04:00

I can't wait...I can't wait for "true woman 08".
Tomorrow I am off to Chicago with a girlfriend to attend a woman's conference. I am looking forward to being encouraged and refreshed as the speakers lead us into a more intimate relationship with Christ. If you are going, e-mail me...maybe we can meet in real live person! :)

Designing for Life

2008-09-17T22:00:00.011-04:00

Kari and Kijsa are at it again. Those two talented sisters are hosting a "share your own personal design for life" party. So, I decided to give a glimpse of one of my very favorite spots in my home.
It's the Kitchen table.

This table is special for many reasons. My husband got this table for me on my birthday a few years ago. While I slept into the night, my sweet hubby stayed up very late putting it together, so that he could surprise me in the morning! This table is a place where family meets...where meals are served...where coffee is consumed...where the Bible is read...where games are played...where conversation flows...where tears are shed...where discussions abound...where joys are shared. I love this place, because life is truly lived out right here in these chairs!

I consider my style an eclectic mix...I love casual elegance...nothing pretentious...just easy living.

One of my favorite items here in the Kitchen is this collection of coffee mugs.

I pull one off the wall nearly every morning to begin my day with a steaming cup of java! There's just nothing like it first thing in the morning! :)

My House is Sparkling

2008-09-14T15:15:00.020-04:00

...yes, my house is sparkling! No, not sparkling clean...just sparkling. That's because I've been busy busy busy making these

...and there is glitter EVERYWHERE!
I am personalizing and selling "bow-wow baubles" this holiday season. My first event was yesterday - Bark in the Park! I sold enough to cover my event donation... and then some! I don't know if I'll actually make any money, but I'm having fun... and when you catch me in the right light, even I sparkle all over!!

Oh...and for those of you who can't live without a personalized pet ornament for that pampered pooch, just click on the little envelope and e-mail me! I'll send you all the details! :)

In search of the perfect pair

2008-08-24T20:13:00.021-04:00

Where have I been? What have I been doing, you ask? Well, I've been making sure (like any good mom) that everything was in order before HIGH SCHOOL began. And this included the search for the perfect pair of glasses for my DD!

like these?

maybe these?

what about these?

here's some

and then some more

o.k., what cha think?

too much like my last pair?

these are different

love leopard

blue and lime...good colors

solid blue...even better

and then FINALLY
she found these

...and
the SEARCH WAS OVER!

Our staycation in Scotland?

2008-07-26T20:24:00.011-04:00

Well, it felt like Scotland anyway! We recently took a (close to home) staycation and visited Birmingham. We enjoyed...

our Scottish castle (the Marriott)...

that came with a bagpiper...

lots of pool time...

and a trip to one of our favorites -The Cheesecake Factory.

Outrageous Oxymoron

2008-07-21T20:07:00.005-04:00

My DD spotted this the other day... we had to laugh! Is this not an outrageous oxymoron?

Easy as Pie

2008-07-19T12:25:00.005-04:00

I never really understood the term easy as pie, as my pies are never easy! Now my mom and my sisters...well their pies seem easy. They can roll that dough out with perfection and have a delicious dessert in no time at all...but I didn't get the pie gene by any stretch of the imagination! So I thought I would share this easier than pie recipe with those of you who also lack the pie gene.

2 packages chunky chocolate chip cookies (not soft) 27 total cookies - I use the brown pkg. (it's either Keebler or Chips Ahoy)
Appx. 1 cup milk
1 lg. cool whip (thawed)
Chocolate bar

Dunk 9 cookies in milk (about 6 seconds each). Place in bottom of 8x8 Pyrex dish. Add layer of cool whip to cover cookies. Repeat process and layer 3 times. Garnish with shaved chocolate or crumbled candy bar of choice. Refrigerate overnight. Serves 6-9.

Not bad for 10 minutes work. :)

The most lavish gift

2008-07-10T10:21:00.010-04:00

What is the most lavish gift you have ever received from someone?
I received a very lavish gift from my DH for Christmas a couple of years ago...no, it was not a girl's best friend (which we all know is diamonds), however, that doesn't mean that I don't want diamonds or think that they are not lavish, dear sweet hubby. But instead, on this particular Holiday, I received man's best friend. That's right...the most lavish gift I've ever gotten - and this is why!
My husband likes dogs...even had a very special one growing up named Troubles! But, in all of the years that we'd been married, my husband had always said, and I quote, "we will NEVER have a dog living in our house"! NO NO NEVER NEVER huh-uh uh! And for 18 long years that was so! But life's circumstances have a way of changing minds...and after an event that changed the course of our very lives, my mantra became "life is too short". That little phrase paid off in a big way when one Christmas Eve my hubby slipped upstairs with a gift. Could it be pearls? diamonds? pots and pans? No...it was obviously something that made noise. Although I never heard a sound, my daughter, who has super-sonic hearing (yes, she's an only child) began to go nuts! As my husband threatened her within an inch of her life, I was more perplexed than ever as to what all the commotion was about. You see, I knew FOR A FACT that my DH would never bring another living breathing animal into our house - my daughter already had a cat! And I knew FOR A FACT that my DH would NEVER in a million years let us have a dog! So you can imagine my astonishment when my husband presented me with an adorable, precious puppy! I was surprised, shocked, stunned, amazed...I am thankful, grateful and forever blessed!
It isn't that Dach Holiday (that's what we named him) is such an extravagant gift - it's that my sweet, dear, wonderful, loving hubby put my desire to have a dog WAAAAAAAAAAY above his "til death do we part"NEVER gonna have a house dog desire! :)

WIP

2008-07-07T15:48:00.000-04:00

Several weeks ago my DH and I began this Work In Progress. We were driving through a new neighborhood when I spotted this armoire for sale. Not knowing where I wanted to use it, I passed that $50 bargain up...but a week later visions of that pine armoire were still dancing in my head... and not wanting to pass up such a great deal, I asked my husband if he would return with his handy dandy pickup truck and load 'er up. Lucky for me, the piece was still there. The painting began...and this is what she looks like today! A couple more coats ought to complete the process and then, she'll take up residence in our bedroom.

2008-07-02T21:29:00.000-04:00

Kari and Kijsa are celebrating a "Fabulous Flag-Flying Fourth"!...so I decided to make my contribution to their fun Fourth party! Be sure and check out all the other fun and creative ways that people are showing their patriotism this Independence Day!

Embellished

2008-07-02T12:36:00.000-04:00

I adore all things embellished...so yesterday, while in the creative mode, I picked up my ribbon and supplies and forgot about cleaning...here's a sampling:

create or clean? hmmm!

2008-07-01T17:35:00.001-04:00

o.k. - do you ever have one of those days when there is a lot of work around the house that needs to be done like laundry and ironing and cleaning? but for some reason, your brain just keeps focusing on ideas and projects and things that take you to a place that you shouldn't go (while you have chores to do anyway). a place where you can't write your ideas down fast enough and if you don't write them down, they are gone...because you are already on to the next light bulb? well, today was one of those days. when the day was done, nothing else was...not the laundry...not the ironing...and especially not the cleaning! :)

For Moi?????

2008-06-29T14:35:00.000-04:00

I have been presented the Arte Y Pico award by Chris over at Refining Life! Wow! I feel very honored and humbled to receive this from my new blog friend, Chris. I have recently discovered her blog and always enjoy visiting. She is a lover of tea, a collector of teapots and decorative plates among other things, and her blog simply makes me happy! Thank you Chris for this award...I count it a privilege!

The link to this award will take you to a Spanish blog. As I understand it, this award was started by a new blogger who was very grateful for all that she learned and saw as she explored blogs from all over the world. It is a gift. My life, too, has been transformed by blogging...I have met soooo many wonderful people! Here are the rules :

1. Pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribution to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2. Each award should list the name of the author and a link to his /her blog to be visited by everyone .

3. Each award winner should show the award and put the name of and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award .

4. The award winner and presenter should show the link of the Arte y Pico blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.

Here's the hard part - did you say I can only list five? just five? Well, I'm going to list five that I enjoy (among bunches)! Some I have been visiting ever since I began blogging... and others I have just discovered! But all of them either inspire me or challenge me or just make me laugh!

1. His Heart My Desire (Beverly)

2. Mind Your Manors (Amy & Rachel)

3. Southern Somedays (Bell-ah)

4. Southern Somedays... (Mrs. Decker)

5. Streams of Living Water (Bonita)

Ahhhhhh! So much better!

2008-06-27T21:48:00.000-04:00

Repaired cabinets...

(thanks to Mr. Cabinet Man who stopped what he was doing and came to my house to repair my cabinets for free)

Reduced items...
(in the process of this forced redo, I combined five, yes five! bags of brown sugar and three bags of powdered sugar - (do you know what lurks in your cabinets?)

Restocked shelves...
a place for everything and everything in it's place. wonder how long this will last?

Puppy Love

2008-06-26T21:04:00.000-04:00

I have a Big CRUSH on my DH.....
I know what you're thinking...
but it's not him...

It's my Dach Holiday!
He was a Christmas gift a couple of years ago, hence the name:)
Isn't he soooooooooooooooo cute?

Finished

2008-06-24T20:21:00.001-04:00

Recently, while driving to meet a friend at Panera's, I saw this giant check mark in the sky. I began to think about my To Do List...and how when each task is completed, I get to add a check mark to my list. Then I got to thinkin' about God and what this giant check mark in the heavens could represent...He might have just finished another task...hmmm! So here's a snippet of what I imagine God's To Do List might look like:

Lay the foundation of the earth...check
Set earth's measurements...check
Place boundaries on the sea...check
Command the morning...check
Create Adam...check
Fashion Eve from Adam's rib...check
Enter the storehouses of snow and hail...check
Bring rain to make the seeds of grass sprout...check
Bind the chains of Pleiades...check
Loose the cords of Orion...check
Send forth lightening...check
Tip the water jars of the heavens...check
Weave a baby in a mother's womb...check
Bind up the brokenhearted...check
Heal diseases...check
Redeem lives from the pit...check
Clothe the lilies of the field...check
Comfort those who mourn...check
Show mercy to the merciful...check
Sacrifice My Son on the cross...check
Raise my Son from the dead...check
Offer salvation to the world...check
Offer salvation to Becky...check

Sure glad that I was on His List! How about you?

little did i know

2008-06-23T12:33:00.001-04:00

little did i know that i would be cleaning out all of my kitchen cabinets today...but when i noticed that one of my cabinets was pulling away from the wall last night...well, we had to get the repair job going early this morning...so everything, and i do mean EVERYTHING, had to come off those shelves. i guess there's never been a better time to clean out my cabinets :)

our summer

2008-06-21T15:53:00.002-04:00

swim meets...

fold-out seats...

drinks and sweets...

ferocious heats...

dd competes...

defeats and feats... :)

Mantelmania

2008-06-20T21:13:00.000-04:00

Kari and Kijsa had another great idea when they asked us to share our mantels. I decided to get in on the fun and post a mantel of Christmas past. I enjoyed the simplicity of this fruit theme... it took all of five minutes to put up and even less time to take down:)

Time Warp

2008-06-12T16:59:00.000-04:00

yes...i know i'm in a time warp because the last time i posted was nearly a month ago - and there is no way it could've been that long ago. where did it go? i don't know!

anyway, i got a forward from a friend of mine who NEVER forwards, so i knew it must be really really good...and it is...

WATCH THIS...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ

WOW! WASN'T THAT AMAZING? JUST LIKE GOD!!!

my cardboard testimony might read something like this -

I can't get NO satisfaction...and I tried...and I tried...and I tried
FLIP
Found complete satisfaction in Jesus -
No more searching!

i'd love to hear what your cardboard testimony would look like!

Check out my wall y'all

2008-05-12T16:34:00.000-04:00

I have a favorite wall in my house. It's the wall that holds my daughter's artwork. All the years that we've called this place home, my kitchen wall has been our own little art gallery. I painted three rectangles on my wall (three different colors), placed frames on top of the rectangles, and ta da -I ended up with permanent mats! From the beginning, pictures have adorned this space and have been displayed in all their splendor and grandeur! You never know what you might find here... a giant finger-painted butterfly, a floral watercolor, a colorful abstract, or the more refined work of an 8th grade artist (as shown)! This wall has become a wall of memories... when I think back, I can remember gallery worthy pieces that were handmade just for me! Wow! Which brings me to this question...
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WALL IN YOUR HOME? AND WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?

if the shoe fits...

2008-05-09T08:48:00.000-04:00

I must say that this shoe certainly does fit my personality, being a lover of ribbon and all. I found these half off - just $16 and some change. And talk about versatile...you can match them to almost any outfit by just changing the ribbon! Aren't they too cute?

The Champ

2008-05-06T08:12:00.000-04:00

da da daa dada dada daa da da daa dada dada daa dada da dada daaa dada da da daa da daaaaa...
(That's the Rocky theme song, in case you didn't recognize it...we're singing that at our house these days!)

Yes, we have a champ in our midst. Our DD took first place in the discus event at her track and field tournament ... and, as you might imagine, I'm one proud mama!

Special Delivery

2008-05-01T11:46:00.000-04:00

This is what I had delivered for my husband this morning!

Of course, I'm just kidding! I don't even know what that thing is...and it's almost as big as my house. Anyway, I wish I could have it delivered to my husband, because it has reeeally reeeally BIG tires and it's green and yellow...yep! he would LOVE it and LOVE me for it!

Happy Spring

2008-04-28T09:56:00.000-04:00

Nothing says spring to me like red geraniums. My mom usually plants these all the way around her patio. They always look absolutely gorgeous, so I decided this spring that I would surround myself with familiarity. I placed these flowers in planters on my front stoop. It reminds me of home...and you know what they say, "there's no place like home"! (even when your all grown up and have a home of your own)

Shades of Rhoda

2008-04-23T09:55:00.000-04:00

Rhoda over at Southern Hospitality is such an inspiration to me...she is always making good use of her time. Not long ago she showed us how to cover a lamp shade...so the other day when I was looking at the drab, boring, white shades on my bedroom swing lamps, I thought of Rhoda! I grabbed some fabric and trim that I had purchased, and got busy! Oh... sooooo much better! Thanks a bunch, Rhoda!

Take me out to the ballgame

2008-04-22T21:44:00.001-04:00

Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game."
~Jack Norworth

Tonight we spent a perfect evening at the ballpark! This wasn't just any ballgame...you see, my DD was recognized on the field, along with other students from schools all over our city! I'm soooooo very proud of her!! We had a ball! (sorry, I couldn't resist)

i had almost forgotten...

2008-04-21T10:15:00.002-04:00

i had almost forgotten about one of my favorite places to walk. that's because it had been soooo long since i had been there. when i used to homeschool my daughter, we would begin many a day at the park. that's where the trail begins...
today, i rediscovered the charm that had captured my heart the very first time i walked there.
come along with me...walk beside me...let's travel the path together.
i feel the crisp spring air ever so slightly pushing against my back as i head down the long and winding path. this place is a sanctuary for the soul...it is a place that causes your senses to explode! along the path, i hear the lazy creek tumbling over rocks, frogs and birds singing in harmony, and the occasional whistle of a train carrying baked goods to be distributed nationwide. the sights are amazing...a lone cardinal looking for a branch to rest upon, a dogwood showing off it's beautiful blooms, a bunny begging to go unnoticed, vines beckoning all who pass by to venture a swing. the aroma of freshly baked cakes coming from the bakery convinces my mouth that i am actually tasting what i'm smelling. my walk is invigorating, captivating, motivating, exhilarating, intoxicating...i had almost forgotten what it feels like to be alive, really alive... what it feels like to twirl and dance with nature...what it feels like to revel in God's glorious creation!

I LOVE the dollar stop

2008-04-19T10:17:00.000-04:00

You know the place...The dollar stop! Every time I go to Target, I get stopped by the dollar stop! (I think this is the idea)...anyway, they always have the cutest things. Last week, they had this notebook for $2.50...and since I was needing a notebook (to improve my organizational skills), I bought it. It was adorable to begin with...but being the ribbon queen that I am, I had to embellish it a bit...so I added the ribbon and a"B" that I printed on my computer! Cute, yes?

Did I really say that?

2008-04-17T09:03:00.000-04:00

Did I really say that I would participate in The Eight Week Challenge by sisters Honey Bunch and Sassy?

Did I really say that I would...

1. Go to Weight Watchers

2. Exercise four times a week

3. Eat healthier

4. Drink lots of water

What was I thinking?

The first week, after I got rid of the chocolate chip cookie dough, was a great week! I went to Weight Watchers, walked several times, ate healthier and drank more water than usual! I lost a couple of pounds! Don't get the rah rah thing going yet! The second week, I made up for the first week by gaining back what I had lost , in addition to a few extra pounds! So, today, I'm beginning again...don't they say that today is the first day of the rest of your life?

O.K....I'm BACK! (because I no longer want to be in fear that my buttons will pop off and I'll shoot somebody's eye out...get the picture?)

20 years later...

2008-04-16T17:23:00.000-04:00

THEN...

NOW...

Wow! What a difference 20 years makes! Today, my DH and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary! Before we went to Rain (a Thai bistro), we sat down and viewed our wedding on video. It was sooo much fun. It was truly an opportunity to revisit our heartfelt love and the vows we made on that very special day! Today was a fabulous day, too... not because we did anything totally spectacular...but because we shared it with one another. We let ourselves recapture those emotions and feelings that knit our souls together from the beginning. Life has certainly proven itself to be unpredictable, but some things never change...my commitment to my DH...my undying love for him...and most importantly, our joint commitment to our heavenly Father!
All I can really say after all these years is that "Life is Good"!

completely off the wall

2008-04-07T17:36:00.001-04:00

My red room is an easy room - life just feels easy when you hang out there. I'm pretty content with my furnishings in this room, but I have this big wall with one picture smack dab in the middle. Do I need to take that picture completely off the wall and do something totally different or do I need to leave it and do a grouping? If I do a grouping, I need suggestions. I've visited enough of your blogs to know that you have extremely good taste, so if you happen upon my blog, please leave your advice...it would be so very much appreciated!
P.S. I'm not a lover of symmetry!

The rest of the room...

nectar of the gods

2008-04-05T20:20:00.000-04:00

yep! that's what we call it around our house...nectar of the gods. i'm not sure how anyone can start their day without it. the ONLY (did i say ONLY) thing i look forward to in the a.m. is a steaming hot, large cup of caffeinated coffee! anybody with me?

the perfect giraffe

2008-04-03T10:54:00.001-04:00

isn't this perfect? if you knew me, you would know just how perfect it really is...all mixed up...out of the ordinary...colorful ...original...one of a kind...that's what i like about it. but best of all, my creative daughter made it just for me...she knows exactly what i love! as soon as she finished it, i had to frame and hang it. i love the way it looks on my chalkboard walls!

after...

2008-04-02T13:58:00.001-04:00

after the before! now isn't that soooo much better? only problem is, now i have stuff that i took out of this closet that i'd like to keep, but where am i gonna put it?
yes, one thing leads to another! so...
another project for another day.

law and order

2008-04-01T14:06:00.001-04:00

yes, i do know how to lay down the law so that we can have some order around here. only problem is, while i'm busy preaching that everyone needs to keep their things in a specific place, i'm searching for anyplace to cram my stuff into...like this closet. so today, i pledge to you, on my honor, to do my duty and CLEAN THIS CLOSET...see you after the before!

old friends....

2008-03-26T10:59:00.002-04:00

Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts, nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are-chaff and grain together-certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.
Dinah Maria Mulock Craik

i met her in north carolina...when i took my driver's test, i had to stop by the insurance office...that's where i met my friend. we hit it off immediately...we were both new to town, we had no children, were married to husbands with the same name, and discovered that we were sisters united in Christ. i'll never forget that day...it was the beginning of no ordinary friendship. we spent lots of time getting to know one another and when we had children, we spent lots of time making sure they knew one another. those days were magical...however, life did not stop for us...we now live in different places...different states...talk over the phone and see each other on occasion...BUT the memories linger and the ease of the friendship never changes...no expectations...no conditions...always accepting what is...nothing more.
I treasure you, my friend!

Always Ready For A Party...

2008-03-22T16:47:00.001-04:00

I have been having waaaay too much fun lately... creating! My passion is custom children's theme parties, hence the blog title, Queen of Theme. I got my business license a while ago, but I've been waiting for just the right time to take the leap. You see, of course, I want everything on my terms...the perfect number of parties (no stress), the perfect clients (easy to deal with), the perfect timing (when my husband is at work and my daughter has plans and I have nothing better to do), and the perfect financial agreement (little work - lots of dollars). I don't think I'm asking for too much, do you?
No, really, on a serious note, I am very excited about my new business venture. I'm kicking around the idea of classifying this business as a non-profit, so that I can create and throw fabulous custom theme parties and make a difference in a child's life all at the same time. I contacted Ronald McDonald House and have already committed to donating a party for their auction this summer. Although this specific party will not be for an underprivileged child, it will still benefit a wonderful organization.
I think I have a novel approach that would allow people to purchase my invitations, banners, party packs, etc. with the proceeds going to throw parties for deserving children. I'll have to do a little more investigating before I know if it is really feasible. In the meantime, I am in need of any thoughts, ideas or experience in the fund raising department. I need your help! I would LOVE to hear your suggestions!

You CAN!

2008-03-06T10:47:00.000-05:00

I wanted to make my gift giving a little different, so I covered a paint can with wrapping paper and
created a "party pail"...a twist on the commonly used gift bag. It's great because you can choose any kind of paper and design it with the recipient in mind! And if I can do it, anyone CAN!

Have You Looked in the Mirror Lately?

2008-02-26T10:49:00.000-05:00

My Bible Study this week is on another item that we carry in our pocketbook- the mirror. I started thinking about those mirrors you see at carnivals...you know the ones! One makes you look tall and thin, the other short and wide!

When we look at ourselves and our sin in the tall/thin mirror, we might have a tendency to under-exaggerate our sin. Because we like what we see, we tell ourselves our sin isn't so bad...we don't really want our image to change.
2 Timothy4:3-4 tells us, "For a time is coming when people will no longer listen (SEE) to sound and wholesome teaching (TRUTH). They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers (MIRRORS) who will tell them whatever their itching ears (EYES) want to hear (SEE).
4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. (BY USING TALL/THIN MIRRORS)
****The words in parentheses are MOP (My Own Personal) translation****

On the other hand, when we look into the short/wide mirror, we might have the tendency to over-exaggerate our sin. We might believe that our sin is soooooooooo great that even God cannot forgive us. WRONG! Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for ALL our sin!
Luke 7:47 says, "For this reason I say to you, her sins, WHICH ARE MANY, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." Praise God, I've been forgiven much!
Have you looked in the mirror lately...the mirror of God's word? God's word reveals the truth...no under-exaggerations, no over-exaggerations...just the plain old truth! It shows us just exactly what we need to correct.
James 1: 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;²⁴for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.²⁵But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

I'm so thankful that I have The True Mirror that allows me to see what's out of place and correct it.

To My Valentine (The Love of My Life)

2008-02-12T11:35:00.003-05:00

This Valentine's Day I did something very special for My Valentine. Persuaded by Gary Chapman, of the Building Relationships Radio Program, I wrote a song for my DH and entered it in the Valentine's Song Contest. Needless to say, I did not win! I'm not a writer or a singer, but I would go to great lengths to express my love for my sweetheart...so I'm proclaiming my love for my DH to the whole world by sharing the words to my song.

My favorite part of me… is you
Man and wife, wed for life,
no longer two.
United as one
Through Jesus Christ the Son
On the day we said “I do”,
And my favorite part of me is now you!

You’re the part that makes me laugh,
You are the part that makes me sing,
The part that makes me sparkle-
You’re the diamond in my ring.

You’re the part that makes me happy
And I know for goodness sakes,
You add the flavor to my life
You’re the icing on my cake.

And I’ve got to let you know
‘Cause it’s true
The very best part of me – it’s you!

My favorite part of me... is you
Man and wife, wed for life,
no longer two.
United as one
Through Jesus Christ the Son
On the day we said “I do”,
And my favorite part of me is now you!

You’re the part that brings me joy,
You’re the part that makes me glad,
You’re my listener, you’re my lover,
The best friend I’ve ever had.

You’re the part that let’s me dream
The part that makes me wanna dance,
You’re my playmate; you’re my soul-mate;
You’re my partner for romance.

Yeah, I’ve got to let you know
‘Cause it’s true,
I knew it from the start,
You’re the keeper of my heart,
And the very best part of me…
My very favorite part of me…Is YOU!

If These Walls Could Talk

2008-02-11T16:54:00.000-05:00

If these walls could talk...well, they sort of can. Our bonus room is the fun room in the house, so painting the connecting bathroom in chalkboard paint was just a natural fit. We really do have a lot of fun with it...

Day #1 - my DD draws a round face and calls him "Bob"
Day #2 - my DH makes the face square and adds "Sponge" to Bob
Day #3 - I can't help but draw pants and add "Square Pants"

Yeah, that pretty much sums up our weirdness around here...it doesn't take much to entertain us!

Huck & Chuck

2008-02-04T18:07:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow's the big day...Super Tuesday! But today was a big day for me. My family left the house at 7:00 a.m. in the pouring rain to make our way to see and support Mike Huckabee! Everything that I've heard him say, I like. I LOVE his values! Aren't you thankful that you live in America, where your vote counts? I sure am!

God Gives Manicures

2008-01-24T19:36:00.000-05:00

Guess what I found at the Dollar Tree yesterday? A nail file in the shape of a polygon...each side and one end numbered and labeled with progressive steps. It caught my eye because I am leading a Bible Study and the title of this weeks lesson just happens to be God Gives Manicures.

Step 1: Course Grit to Shape
Step 2: Medium Grit to Refine
Step 3: Fine Grit to Smooth Edges
Step 4: Condition
Step 5: Smooth
Step 6: Buff
Step 7: Polish and Shine

Can't you relate to these steps in sooooooooo many areas of your life? I can, especially that step #1. Can't wait for the Polish and Shine part!

Kitchen Candy

2008-01-17T17:46:00.000-05:00

No...it's not the kind of candy that you make in the kitchen - it's eye candy for my cabinets! Sometimes it's fun to mix things up a bit!

Retail with Detail

2008-01-12T19:09:00.002-05:00

I bought these retail, added the detail and ta da...here's what I ended up with. I kept myself very busy during the month of December with this little side project. Each year at my daughter's school, prior to Christmas, they offer a Christmas Shop for the kids. This year I purchased a table and sold my embellished picture frames, albums and ornaments. My top sellers... personalized ornaments and dog bone picture frames. Who knew?

Come Thirsty!

2008-01-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite ways to begin the holiday season is to attend my church's annual Ladies Christmas Tea. Hundreds of tables fill our church gym for four nights at the end of November - each decorated by a different hostess. The tables are amazing and it is such a fun event, but the most incredible part of the Tea is that over 2,000 women attend each year so there is a huge opportunity to reach women for Christ. The theme this year was Come Thirsty - the message focused on the Woman at the Well. We were encouraged to "drop our rocks", those stones we tend to hurl at others. My favorite line was, "Rocks don't hit sin, they hit people"! Something to ponder!

Going...Going...Gone

2007-11-16T13:14:00.000-05:00

I sold my garden stool on eBay and received my very first pay pal deposit...YES! I think I could really enjoy this type of "inside sales". The whole process was pretty effortless and extremely satisfying. It was exciting to watch people bid and the price go up, up, up! I definitely will be selling again in the very near future!

Brave New World

2007-11-03T08:28:00.000-04:00

Last night I listed my first item on eBay, EVER! It is a Beautiful Mackenzie Childs type piece. The reason I say "type" is because it doesn't have the signature. I'm thinking maybe it was manufactured for MKC, but didn't meet their specs. It is a great item...I have one just like it. Mine is actually in a box waiting to be opened on my birthday. However, when I'm home alone, I open it, take it out, look at it, then put it away before my family gets home.:) Isn't it fun to anticipate? ANNTICIPAATION IS MAKING ME WAIT...

I can't believe I did it!

2007-10-26T10:22:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe that I just created my own blog - how great is that? I have always been a blogger wannabe...actually, you could call me the accidental blogger. I just clicked on this button and followed some step by step directions and WOW here I am...an official blogger! I am certainly not a skilled writer and don't know that I have anything of value to share, but I thought it might be fun to venture into a new world! You see, I'm about to be fifty (yikes) and I have decided to embrace life and learning. I have sooooooooooooo much to learn! If the truth be known, I don't even know how to text...and I have a 13 year old. Oh well, today's a new day!