Sweet little moments!

Christmas was extra sweet this year!

All my girls were home, the two son in laws...and a wonderful little grand baby.
We weren't expecting BIG reactions from baby Emerson this year. She is only eleven months. But to our surprise really got into the spirit on Christmas morn.

Her present from Grammy & Pops (that's us) was a rocking horse. (also the first present we gave our first girl) Imagine our surprise when our non walking grand baby took right to "gidiyupping" on her little pony.

Hope your Christmas was full sweet little moments!

God is so good!

Christmas Time in New York!

Skipped out to New York City with my oldest...Holly! I'd never been there before so she showed me the sights.

Horse and buggy ride in Central Park, Christmas Spectacular with the Rocketts at Radio City Music Hall...and maybe a little shopping!

NOW....back to wrapping, shopping, cleaning, playing, baking, cooking, planning, hugging, smiling...

Have a joy filled week!

Jordan & Emerson

Deep, profound thoughts on life by me

The last couple of months have been challenging.

As I've written before, my kid was going through a tough time...her first broken heart. During this time someone told me.."a momma is only as happy as her unhappiest kid" true ...soooooo true.

But being the Pollyanna that i am, I always try and look on the bright side or find a truth I can stand on. Of course, I could go on and on and on about how my daughter has grown in her faith or learned some valuable life lesson.....BUT today its about ME...ALL about ME.

Here is one thing I've learned in the last months. One truth I've realized. One thing that has touched my soul and shed new light....I love cowboy boots.

I know..profound! Oh my gosh... they just make me sooooo happy. In fact I'm wearing them right now...in fact...its all i can do to ever take off my new boots. My husband got me these adorable LUCKY BRAND boots for my birthday. (OK...he might have had a little help in the selecting....:) They just make me feel better all over. Shoot, not just better... POWERFUL, I can take on the world... I can see why cowboys have that swagger....(gosh...all this time, i thought it was the chaps)

For those of you that don't know me ,this is waaaaaay odder than it might sound. I live about 4 1/2 miles from Washington D.C. Cowboy boots...not really the common thing.('specially since W left) Guess what? I don't care. I'm 51 as of last week...and I'll wear cowboy boots with a Tinkerbell outfit if i feel like it!!! WOW ...getting old just seems to shed your inhibitions....(shoot...can i say wise instead of old??) either way...i just thought you should know...or be warned...however you want to look at it.

Have a great week...I'm out to round up some cowpokes...or errr real estate clients

thanks Charlie! :)

Good Grief!

Ok I admit it...I've been struggling the last couple of weeks.
Really in the pits. Why you ask? Did something horrible, dreadful, life threatening happen? No
Has some awful tragedy befallen you or your family? No, thank God ,No! So what is my problem?

Here is what I've learned ....very slowly...very, very slowly ...the last month.

I can take a lot. I can take something bad happening to me pretty darn well. My leaning in skills to the Lord...pretty stinkin' good when something is going on with me...BUT let it be to one of my kids....Good grief...I have a lot to learn.

Before I make this sound even worse than it was...this was not a huge deal in the span of a life time. But my daughters heart was breaking. Watching it..made me crazy. With a capitol C. Well Shelia...how is your daughter doing??? Here is the funny part...(not funny haha, but funny peculiar) she is doing much better than me. In fact, if I could choose, I don't think I'd take this particular trial from her. She has grown so much in her faith. She has leaned into the Lord. She is going though the fire and putting God as her number one, she and the Lord have built quite the Ebeneezer this last month.

So back to what I've learned...or am learning. I have a hard time turning over my kids to the Lord. Well...actually...I turn them over pretty quickly...but then....I snatch them back...and I turn them over...and I snatch them back. You get the picture. And on and on this last month has gone.

So I've decided this has been GOOD GRIEF. Who could possibly love my kids more than me?...of course my Lord. I know there are plenty of lessons for me...I'm still unpacking them. But the last month as it turns out has been GOOD GRIEF.

I'm so glad that my GOD is slow, kind and gentle with me...so glad HE is so patient. With His grace I will learn to put all my troubles at HIS feet...and quit tripping over my own.

blogging break

Hey sweet bloggin' friends....

I think i'm on vacation....

i seem to have nothing to say.....

be back in a week or so! :)

blessings shelia

Thank You for the Cross

ONCE AGAIN

Jesus Christ, I think upon your sacrifice
You became nothing, poured out to death
Many times, I've wondered at your gift of life
I'm in that place once again
I'm in that place once again


CHORUS-
And once again I look upon the cross where you died
I'm humbled by your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank you
Once again I pour out my life

Now you are, exalted to the highest place
King of the heavens, where one day I'll bow
But for now, I marvel at this saving grace
I'm full of praise once again
I'm full of praise once again

CHORUS-
And once again I look upon the cross where you died
I'm humbled by your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank you
Once again I pour out my life

Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross, my friend

Have a wonderful Sunday!
blessings Shelia

Some days...

The last couple of weeks have been a little rough. A few family issues i needed to deal with...but sometimes when your down...you just have to get your "groove" on...

So when your feeling down...a girl has gotta get going...hope this helps you like it did me!

(turn your head sideways and push arrow :)

Missed you friends

Needing a lil Emerson

Hope you're goin' somewhere fun today!

Enjoy a wonderful Wenesday

I LOVE FALL

What is not to love about this time of year!!!

Traveled to God's Country this weekend, (thats right--West Virginia), for a football game and camping. Truth be told...i may not have been so eagerly looking forward to the camping part. But.....God is good...the weather was fantastic, camping spot gorgeous..and the game ...really good..

BOTH TEAMS WON.

Let me explain...West Virginia (pretty good football power house) playing Liberty (sweet little but growing Christian school). My daughter is at Liberty but family tradition and her beau at West Virginia. Frankly I prayed all week long that the Liberty team would not be hurt and would not be demoralized. Again...i'm not really a huge football freak---BUT i knew with the papers saying 40-50 point spread, that this could be UGLY.

Delighted to say...at half time score 10-10. Now i was sitting there with a half wvu shirt and half liberty shirt on. Very well tolerated in the WVU section when i first sat down.....but as the teams played...my life was in danger! It turned out well...WVU won...but Liberty held its on...and none were injured! YEAH

And the band played..don't tell my husband--but this is really my favorite part of football games. shhh :)

Camping went great too...Weather was chilly-perfect. One unexpected perk...the tree cover was really thick and there was a full moon. It looked like twinkle lights from our tent site.

My parents met with us(husband, daughter & beau) the morning of the game..and off we all went to the game. Some weekends...are just Perfect!

Baby blanket...kind of!

I've held onto something from each of my daughters babyhood to create a keepsake for them when they have children.



For my youngest daughter, I had made a quilt..totally hand stitched. Confined to bed during the entire pregnancy...i stitched and stitched... My plan had always been to hang onto this for her "keepsake."



Cass loves her blanket. The colors and style weren't made in a "babyish" way...so she has continued to use it for years....and years....and years...and then i STOLE it. After a quick run (giggling) through the house...with her in hot pursuit..i gave it back. She said it was the perfect weight and size for everything...folded into a great pillow...watching TV...etc.



And i get it...it is/was a good size. As she went off to college...luckily the quilt stayed home. In it's battered and very fragile state she was afraid it would be DISRESPECTED. Her words...she cracks me up.



I met up with her this weekend for a ball game at college and gifted her with a "new" quilt. It'll do mom...It'll do...big smile on her face. GOT TO LOVE THAT :)



p.s. of course, same size & weight!

Camping this weekend!

Actually "glamping" this weekend...you know glamour camping...

None of that roughing it stuff for me! I put the tent up in the backyard (picture above) just to make sure i had everything just right.

ok NOT!!! :)

Right now my living room is covered with every conceivable need...basic need! I have not been camping in years...(ugh-- things we do for our children)

Actually...it's gotten chilly and extremely "fallish", so and i can't wait. Just hoping i don't forget something real important...

Keep me in your prayers...hoping the bears, mosquitos and stray bad guys don't git me! :)

Have a wonderful lllllooooong weekend!

Found Treasures

I extremely nontechnical...

I don't understand the telephone let alone computers.

But I'm becoming dangerously addicted to FACEBOOK. And the above pictures of my daughter, Lacey's, wedding is part of the reason. Lacey married two years ago this December.

We were not very happy with the professional photographer.

Milling around on facebook the other night...i found a treasure trove of wonderful pics on one of my daughters friends site. She didn't realize i didn't have them....my daughter didn't even know they existed.

OHHHHH I love a good wedding! Hope you enjoy the pics. Daughter Lacey is the bride, of course handsome husband (son in law extraordinaire) Jordan. In the bottom pic..the two lovely girls on the right are my daughters Holly & Cassidy. I'm a lucky momma...I've got me some sweet girls!...and SIL's!

Have a great Tuesday.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

This is what I'm thinkin,

I'm a little out of step.

My spirit leadin right,

But the living keeps on pullin left.

I'm thoroughly conflicted,

I've got this pebble in my shoe.

O, You know that I wanna have it my way

But I wanna come out looking more,Like you.

Chorus:So I'm wrestling the angels,

And maybe I won't win.

But if this is how the blessing flows then,

Count me in.

I'm falling on your mercy,

I am losing to gain.

Walking with evidence of change

Walking with the evidence of change.

This is how I'm moving,

It's a limp that's all my own,

It's the journey O becoming,

And on it I am sure I'm not alone.

Chorus

Change that makes a diamond out of coal.

Chage that makes Your glory,

Shine through these holes.

Chorus

By Kelly Minter

scrappin' it!

Hmmmmm

I seem to have aquired a small scrap pile.

Actually, I just had to move my small scrap container to a large storage/moving container. Something HAS to been done.

*** scraps multiply like gerbils***

In a post a couple of days ago (8/16 post) i showed small credit card size bags I made for my daughters' roomates.

That used about 6 small pieces...SHESSSSH what to do???

So i decided to start a coin quilt. Great way to use up lots of scraps. Mixing scraps with my FAVORITE-- unbleached cotton

(not to be confused with muslin-unbleached cotton has a linen look and feel)

ALL that being said...the top picture was taken AFTER i cut out all the above pieces.

YIKES I maybe be making quilts for ALL my daughters dormmates at college :)



There is a great tutorial on the QUILT TAFFY BLOG (no need to recreate the wheel)



Enjoy!
blessings Shelia

Makeover Time!

Struggling

I'm really not sure why.

I've been rather introspective the last couple of weeks...TRUST ME...I'm really not wired that way. I usually see the cup half full if not over flowing. And probably fairly shallow...BUT this empty nest thing...

Yesterday it occurred to me that i have been a mom more then half my life. I always wanted to be a mom...even as a little girl. I remember telling my mom that i was going to have a dozen kids. She always said...I'll come visit you...don't come visit me! :) God blessed me with three wonderful, God loving girls. What is my problem?

OK..truth be told...not exactly a problem..but I'm sure more emotional than usual. An adjustment I guess...who am i going to blame for the lights being left on? the door left unlocked? empty glasses through the house?....oh (face goes into a smile) there is still the HUSBAND!

Well...i decided a makeover was long over due. Above my new picture! What do you think? Just a few hair extensions...lest you think I've had surgery...no NO i tell you. I've been sleeping upside down, like a bat...letting gravity do its job! A little make up and voila! (i think when i was sleeping upside down...50plus pounds slid off-who doesn't love that?)

Looking to see what God is going to do with me next!

Snap! Now i feel much better!

Darlin!

The Offering

the offering
Originally uploaded by sapaho

Offering

I will not give what costs me nothing. When I bring my Sacrifice. Cause You have asked for only one thing. That I gladly give my life.

So now I lay down on Your altar. Knowing what I lose I'll find. Please receive me through I falter. For all I have is Yours, it's no longer mine.

Chorus: With my mouth I will praise. With my strength I will obey. This is my offering. I will go where You lead. I will trust what I can't see. This is my offering, this is my offering.

May my worship be a fragrance. Rising up in sweet refrain. As I come into Your presence. May I be a life worthy of Your name.

By Kelly Minter

Have a awesome Sunday.
We have an awesome SAVIOR

Last year for vacation we headed off to Florida. We stopped on the looooooooooooooooong way down at Amelia Island. An artsy little town (my favorite kind) and in and out of all the little shops... i practically ran! My sweet husband, (who doesn't understand why you would paint a painting when it's soooo much easier to take a picture-enough said about that) was lovingly following...well dragging behind me.

We went into one store...colors were just beautiful. DELIGHTFUL...bright...my kind of thing...I looked and looked and looked and then..at the next painting...BURST out crying! A little about myself...i'm not much of a cryer. Sweet husband ..looks at me...looks at the painting and ...sqeeks out...BUY IT! :) NOT something we would usually do..a real treat. I wasn't sure WHY i was so effected by that painting ...til I came home.

After relaying this fiasco to a close friend...one look and she looks back at me...cocks her head...SHELIA...its your baby's leaving the nest. I'm a little slow....ok ....make that a lot slow.

I'm so glad to have this painting...makes me smile. Hope you enjoy it too!

We're Off!

Our goal is to steadily turn our ( daughters) away from their earthly parents, who will let them down, toward a heavenly Father who will always be there for them and in whose arms they will always be secure.

Susan Alexander Yates

Today is the day.

We're heading off to southern Virginia to Cassidy's college. Part excitement, part fear (what have we forgotten)....

the future is ahead for my little dumplin'.

And for all my concerns...I'm pretty excited to see where God is going to take her....

She couldn't be in better hands!

She is greatly loved

shhhh...it's a surpise!

I decided to whip up some wee little pouches. I just love to make itty bitty things...not sure why..just do! One of my other favorite things to do is goody bags...goodness ...give me half a reason -I'm putting together goody bags...this week...you guessed it ....daughter going to college.



For my older daughters, i would put together a little something, along with a note and leave hidden packages for her and her roommates...so I'm working on Cassidy's roommates presents. I decided to whip up a pattern for these little pouches for college id's, a few dollars and maybe a chap stick..added the swivel hook so they could add it to their book bag or add their keys and be ready to go. I added a Starbucks card to the pouch and I'm off the wrap them. I also added Jeremiah 29:11 on a little gift tag.

"For I know the plans I have for you", say the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

**These pouches were made off a 5 inch square. I did cut them down slightly (no 2 ever a like), I also square off the bottoms. Otherwise made just like any other lined, zippered pouch! (more unbleached cotton used---MY FAVORITE...i think it has a linen look for a WAY cheaper price! These little purses are a fabulous way to use up the scrap bucket.

Happy Monday!

Primping

A year or so ago special clients gave me a gift certificate for a spa. I've been saving it for something special...and today was it!

Cassidy (child deserting me for college) and I headed off to the Red Door Salon for mani pedi's.

She leaves on Tuesday...

OUR DAUGHTERS ARE THE MOST PRECIOUS OF OUR TREASURES, AND THE DEAREST POSSESSIONS OF OUR HOMES, AND THE OBJECTS OF OUR MOST WATCHFUL LOVE.

MARGARET E. SANGSTER

Today was the day.

Today was the celebration of Ms. Dorothea's life. It was wonderful...all that one could hope for.

I just felt so greatful to be there, to hear about parts of her life i didn't know about, meet a little of the family...but most of all to hear more about her LAVISH LOVE.

What a wonderful thing to be remembered for. If i get to pick ...that's what i'd like to be remembered for...having loved LAVISHLY. Hmmmm...what will i be remembered for? Guess i also want to finish well!...she did that too! See ya soon Ms. Dorothea. Love you

It is well....

Monday mornings i work "desk duty" at Weichert Realtors.

This morning...was as usual...i go in, turn the lights on, get a cup of tea and look for a radio station (the local Christian station--which for some reason doesn't come in very well in the building)

As i was struggling this morning to get rid of the static I started singing...the receptionist that used to work with me...well.. we would always sing together before the office opened.

Ms Dorothea (our retired receptioninst) is a lovely lady. She retired from our office a couple of times. ....we all love her so much we were always trying to lure her our of retirement...The last time she left i believe she was in her late 80's.

Anyway...I sang this morning (without her) and thought...I just have to give her a call. Two hours later an agent walked by and said did you hear the news?

Yes....... my Ms Dorothea has gone to be with the Lord. I was so grateful that i'd had that special time "with" her"singing" this morning....funny how those things work...we sure do have an AWESOME GOD!

Below (youtube) was "our" song...bet it's one your favorite too!

(slight disclaimer...ok...its not Ms. Dorothea & I singing)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9rZCJSn_-A

Part 2

Raising daughters is like mountain climbing....

you can't keep them from taking chances in life.

They're going to leave

No matter what--it's making sure you've used the right rope and given

the right amount of slack.

EILEEN BROWN

Letting Go

A Mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary.

Dorothy Canfield Fisher (1879-1958)

As daughters, it's hard to let go of our mothers. No matter how old we are, we still hear their voices in our heads. But as much as we love them, as much as they love us. God wants His voice to be louder than our mothers'.

As mothers, it's hard to let go of our daughters. We would like to be with them wherever they go in life, protecting them from all life's dangers. But God wants us to put our daughters in His hands, trusting that His love will provide for them far better than we ever could.

from...Just the Girls

Handbag review!

the above pic from Handmadefirstclass

Slow but sure......

A few graduations presents I'm still working on....grrrrrrr. But today i'm trying to tackle the last purse. Using a pattern i've used several times this summer, purchase on ETSY from Handmadefirstclass. Easy pattern and i love it! Great for beginners and so far NO tweeks...gotta love that. I'll post a finished pic maybe tomorrow. Guess I better get to it :)

Have a blessed Wenesday!

It's all in the little things!

As i've whined...(giggle) daughter Cassidy is leaving for school soon. I have two older girls that along with all the other treasures packed up for school-we made a gift box. You know little things to give for birthdays that don't break the ole' college budget. So i've been making little pouches...could be for make up, change purses etc...a place to put the college id and a few bucks. In the gift box we'll throw a little curling ribbon, colored tissue and little odds and ends that i pick up...chap stick, small lotions, note cards, etc...or Cass may choose to pick up a candy bar or nail polish to make a sweet gift.

There are lots of easy patterns (free too) out there so goggle away. Also...you can find many inexpensive PDF patterns on ETSY. A little caution...etsy...is addictive, proceed with care!

TIP** I've made these pouches for just about every occassion..one thing i've been doing that really improves the finished look--i line them with flannel. I buy tons whenever Joanns or whomever is having a sale. I also think fabric handbags look so much better with flannel lining. It just seems to make the bag 'hang' better.

Hello all!

Summer is coming to a crashing end...my youngest daughter is still planning to leave me for college...a few sewing projects still need my attention....but ahhhhhhhhhhhhh the weekend. Traveled to my husbands hometown...of Flatwoods, WV. I'm sure most of you have HEARD of it and their legendary GREEN MONSTER. Apparently BIG doing's goin on there in the 60's (i believe) with aliens landing.(google-Flatwoods wv monster-if your looking for something to do!)

But for our weekend...it was boating and time spent with family that we just don't get to see enough. God really must love West Virginia...the scenery was just incredible...it almost took your breath. There is no looking at these mountains and their beauty and not realizing that we have a God who loves us so much. He surely didn't have to create it so magnificently just for our enjoyment!

Hope your Summer is going splendidly. Before you know it school will be back in session and we're back to the grind. Funny how even without school age children, there is a different order and drum beat to the Fall....i think I'm ready!.................well almost :)

Have a Fabulous Weekend!

I'm heading out to Pennsylvannia to visit my daughter Holly and her husband Paul. And on Sunday i'll be going to Liberty University for student orientation for Cassidy, my baby.

YIKES...she goes so soon.

Such a mix of emotions...we are so excited for Cassidy and yet...an empty nest. I guess it's time for the next chapter in our book. Here is hoping you have an exciting story in your weekend...to add to your book!

blessings shelia :)

Fabulous Fourth!!!

I hope everyone had a fabulous 4th!

I went home to West Virginia to celebrate with my family.

A special treat...having all my girls, my parents,my wonderful son in laws and a few special guests. As each year goes by it gets tougher and tougher to round everyone together..

boy, do I cherish every minute!

We had a fabulous times playing games inside and out. Friday night I went to bed with my cheeks hurting. Is there anything sweeter than going to sleep with cheeks in pain from laughter??!!!

This year my baby, Cassidy, also brought home a young man....this would be a first for her. He was delightful and I'll have to say a great sport about the 20 questions (actually more) that he received from the family...NOT TO MENTION the application he had to fill out to date my daughter. He seems wonderful and loves the Lord so I'm a happy momma.

Anybody out there have forms they have for their daughters/sons??? Mine is something I came across in youth ministry..on the fun side...but still leads importance to the occasion. I'd love to hear what other parents have COOKED up! :)

**picture 1-great grandpa & Emerson

**picture 2-Charlie, Cassidy & Emerson

**picture 3-grandpa & Emerson

Sweet Fellowship

Suprise!!!

Sweet Rachel, who lives up the street, is moving. She has a new job, since college and will be moving a couple of hours away. So the gang got together to pray over her and hopefully stock her cabinets a little. Above my daughter blind folded her, drove her around, then brought her four doors from her own home to my house :)

So funny...her commenting how all the sudden she is SO excited about household goodies! That first home is so special!


Of course, wonderful grandaughter joined in on all the fun.

Giggles, lots of food, a nice pot of tea....

Fun & and very proud momma!

Lots of love...

Best wishes to you Rachel!

This partying stuff....hard work!

Hope your going to have a fabulous 4th!

Why are we here?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSWjeB0ZwYc

The Avacado Experience

I love a messy face.

I'm not sure why...but when I was rearing my little ones nothing beat a messy face picture.

So here is my sweet grand baby enjoying her first meal...a delicious avocado.

.

Have a blessed Sunday and enjoy something new!

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! :)

I think that's more of a warning that a declaration!

Life spun a little out of control... mostly good stuff..(actually great stuff)

For several months my work had been really, really, really, slow.

While I missed my paycheck I have to say I really enjoyed delving back into all my fun hobbies that I hadn't participated in for years. But just as my daughter was graduating..
things went crazy!


That's the way the real estate business goes...go on a vacation..people want a house now. Thinking about seeing a movie???----trust me-in the middle of the milk duds commercial---someone needs to sell their house. Don't get me wrong....I LOVE what i do..but sometimes the timing ....sheesch! But, ...I consider my business a HUGE blessing. I love working with people...and there is one more kid to get thru college!

p.s. You should see my Weichert sign dance!!! The things I do to sell houses :)


Well...i have been sewing a little. Making purses for graduation presents. I still have a few more to go...purse pattern reviews coming your way soon....


Hope your Summer is going fabulously! What big plans do you have for your summer??? Relaxing...eating bon bons...manicures and pedicures for you???