*Happy Birthday *!

Sunday was Malik's 10th Birthday

It rained all day and we all have a touch of some kind of cold/sore throat kind of thing.

So I baked him his favorite cake, Red Velvet and he stayed in his room all morning trying to master the game he got on Saturday night for his birthday. So excited to be out of school today so he can continue to play game.

I just want to say, how proud I am of you. You are growing into a wonderful, kind hearted and thoughtful young man. You think of others, and have a heart of gold. I can't believe you are 10, it seems only yesterday that I carried you to the nursery after you were born. You captured my heart at that very moment. I pray so hard that God will give you strength to forgive, except, love and endure all things. You have proved to us over and over again you have a strong faith, and we pray you will let him guide you throughout your life.

I love you , little man

Nanny

Thank goodness the weekend is here, now we can Booze it up.......

Just kidding....

Just a picture of the beautiful blue bottles @ the shop. See the wine display was a wonderful Thrift store find. Way to go Jennifer for pointing it out.

Makes a nice display and I have sold a few for detergent and olive oil.

We have a full but not so thrilling weekend planned. Work, babysitting, cleaning, grocery shopping and maybe alittle rest.

Here's to a great weekend, clink clink!

Show and Tell Friday

I wanted to share these pictures of my livingroom, It is a very small room, since we knocked out a wall and took most of it for my studio. But no one ever uses it and it is my show place. To show off my treasures. I love to read about Ireland and the rolling green hills, the cottages and to visit there is a dream of mine. So until I do, I have created alittle cottage of my own. Enjoy the tour.

Sniff Sniff, what is that smell? Is it? could it be, naw, it can't be LOVE.

Well, it is that time of the year. Time for men to leap out of their element and try to guess what we, women want them to say and do for one of the most romantic days of the year.

I love my hubby with all my heart, and if possible I love him more with each day. He was a romantic, and remembered all the little dates. Like our first kiss and first offical date. When he ask me to marry him. But as the years, have passed, he has changed. I have changed. We are happy, and in love. But sometimes, a girl wants the romance back, if for only one day a year.

Last night he ask, And what do you want for Valentines?

Do you know what this means?

He will stop by Winn Dixie and get what is left. He will get a card and sit in the parking lot of the store and try and write something that will make me jump into his arms and say "I love you".

Just like alot of other men that knows they better not come home empty handed.

And you know, I will.

Because I love him, with all my heart.

Happy Valentines Day!

Yeah! It is snowing in Alabama!

As a child of the 60's and 70's music played a big part of my life. I was reading Jennifer's blog today she had joined a Fun Monday over at http://oohashinypen.blogspot.com/. Since I am not a computer suave as she, I must just post mine here. Not sure how to post from there. I could not decide on just one so here is a selection of greatest hits. I like them all....... Hope this works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xigl6RXUS3M

Show and Tell Friday

So I thought I would take pics of the familyroom. And tell you about my favorite's.

This picture was a auction find over a year ago. I was so giddy about getting her, and hubby was shaking his head. And for only $5.00. This grand Lady inspired the colors for the room makover. No matter she was damaged, if it has cracked paint or worn smooth, this is my type of goodies.




These are a few of my sea shells, I have collected over the years. Sorry the pic is blurry.

And this sign was another auctions find. I don't care if it was made from a headboard, it just spoke to me. Now I am on the hunt for a end table a lamp, sconces and a rug. And then the room will be complete. Well, maybe I need a few more sea shells.
Hubby never says a word about my re-decorating a room. Because when I decide to change, I will just sell it at the shop. There is bound to be someone with my taste out there, somewhere.

This beautiful young lady became apart of our
family when she was only 4 years old, when
my brother married her mom. Several years
later she was diagnosed as a juvenile diabetic.
She graduated high school last year, and started
nursing school last fall. Her health has declined
the last year and tonight she is in CCU. The doctors
think her kidneys are trying to shut down. Please
keep Elisabeth in your prayer tonight.

Boy, what a week! There is major
rearranging and redoing at the
shop this week, daughter has the flu
or something like it, basketball
pratice every night, getting ready
for the first game on Friday night
and just everyday chaos.

Here are the pics of my recent Estate and Junkin trips.
I love love love the glass place cards, can't you just see them at a luncheon, before bridge, with the girls.


This little fellow, just stole my heart.
And I love odd pin cushions, the heart box, well, it's Valentines. Maybe a nice man with buy it to put a large diamond in it, for his sweetie.



Love old packs of needles, and even a lady needs a pretty swiss army knife, of sorts.

This find, was actually found by Jennifer. Or she pointed it out. The wine rack was a thrift store find. I recently had bought 3 cases of unused wine bottles, don't ask. I will tell you, we live in the country and alot of guys make wine, and women too. Passes the time I guess. As we opened the boxes, we noticed they are all cobolt blue, they made a outstanding display. The two pictures were bought for the frames, but I kinda like them both. And the coal bucket will sell fast, good color and still useful.

Well, I am already looking in the paper for this weekend sales. Maybe I won't miss the auction house that burnt.

Happy Thursday.

Went Junkin yesterday and the car was full, but not packed. I believe we could have gotten a few more things in , but we ran out of time. Jennifer and I had a good time, we both needed to get out and about, you know girl time.

As the day wore on and we were getting hungry and tired, we found humor in everything. This sign just cracked us up.

I dropped everything at the shop yesterday so pictures tomorrow.

I will leave you with this little story.

SOMEBODY'S RAISING THEIR KID RIGHT!





One Nation, "Under God".

One day a 6 year old girl was sitting in a

classroom. The teacher was going to explain

evolution to the children. The teacher asked

a little boy: Tommy do you see the tree

outside?



TOMMY: Yes.



TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the grass

outside?



TOMMY: Yes.



TEACHER: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky.



TOMMY: Okay. (He returned a few minutes later) Yes, I saw the sky.



TEACHER: Did you see God up there?



TOMMY: No.



TEACHER: That's my point. We can't see God because he isn't there. Possibly he just
doesn't exist.

A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions.



The teacher agreed and the little girl asked
the boy: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy do you see the grass
outside?



TOMMY: Yessssss!



LITTLE GIRL: Did you see the sky?



TOMMY: Yessssss!



LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the teacher?



TOMMY: Yes



LITTLE GIRL: Do you see her brain?



TOMMY: No



LITTLE GIRL: Then according to what we were taught today in school, she possibly may not even have one!

(You Go Girl!)
"FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT"
II CORINTHIANS 5:7

Just thought i would show you a picture of a great spread I got at a Estate Sale on Sunday. It was so busy that it was hard to get around, but I pushed my way on through, Sunday is 1/2 off day. It is so hard to get to these sales with the shop but Hubby and I wanted to get out for awhile. You know he had to get back to watch the Super bowl. On the way home I ask, Who is playing? you should have seen the look I got. Anyway, got a few more little things, will post tomorrow. Going junkin again today. Wish us luck.

Welcome to Show and Tell Friday!

These are my collection of Hankerchiefs, that all started with the first one being my grandmothers. It is stained because she dipped snuff, but it is a treasure just the same. When I was a child grandmother would fill a empty and cleaned ( I hope ) snuff can with cocoa and sugar for the me to play with. There was also a box of old clothing that we would play dress up . It was so much fun to pretent to be a grown up. I believe I still have one of her snuff cans and a picture of me and sister all dressed up. It was so much fun to come to the country and play.

This is a few items, I won at the auction on Saturday night. I wasn't paying attention and I heard them say letter set. So I threw my hand up ( I can use these in my scrapbooking, I thought) And I got them, and a the rest for $5.00. But now as I look at them closer, I might put them on E-bay. I also got a sofa, to be recovered and another post. Got a new calender for Christmas- ( thanks Jenn) with chocolate Quotes. So I am leaving you with Chocolate for thought, get it, instead of food 4 thought...
Anyway...........
I often lie awake at night wondering if in this huge mysterious universe there might be planets with nicer chocolate than ours.- anonymous

Valentine Tip

With Valentine just around the corner, I wanted to share a tip.

When Grandson #1 was about 5, the Valentine Bandit came to visit every morning starting

Feb 1st. He would leave a heart cover pencil or a sticker, something inexpensive. The child looked so forward to it that he jumped out of bed ready and eager for 14 days. ( which was a reward for us, he has never been a easy child to get up, and still isn't)

On Valentine's day, he woke up to a curtain of hearts hanging in his doorway, and a Valentine Cupcake.

He still talks about the Valentine Bandit.

Why don't you play bandit, you can be the Valentine Bandit to your hubby, or friend that needs cheering up.

Give this a thought .

I think I will once again pull out that bandit mask, so beware the Valentine Bandit may strike again.

Last night we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the auction we buy the bulk of our stock for the store. I lost out on a gallon jar of buttons, $30.00 was too much for my pocketbook. We did buy a beautiful antique sofa, which needs recovering. BUT....

This morning I got a e-mail that the auction house had been destroyed by fire. As I sat there last night ( as I have many times) I looked at the large skylight and tried to decorate this big open space into my home. This was a old store but it had many many more years left in it. They will re-build or move the auction but I hate to see a old building gone forever. Goodbye old friend.

Just a quick post of the goodies I got in the mail on Friday from my friend and swap partner Dianna. I have already been playing with the contents. I had my camera with me at the shop and took pictures in stages. It is so cute and I love it!

Thanks Dianna!

I have been doing this wrong all along.

But if you are reading this please stop by and help me off the floor.

Tag you it!

I have been tagged by my friend Jennifer, now I have to do for her since I had a hand in her starting her blog. So in away it is my fault. So here it goes....

1. I have been telling my hubby that I am going through the change for about 5 years now. It is the only way I can explain my out burst of anger. But it is usually when he leaves his underwear in the floor next to the hamper. Boy is he in for a shock when I do really go through it.

2. I need to Think less- I can make a mountain out of a mole hill. In my head anyway.

3.I love flowers, I love to get flowers. I don't care if they will die in a day or two, I just like them. And I buy them for myself alot. Not from the florist but just at Wal-mart.

4. I don't have friends my own age. They don't get me.

5.I am obsessed with my weight. I always have been. I cry almost weekly. I go on a diet every week. This has been going on for years. And I just watch my scales move higher each week. I have been on a so called diet for 2 weeks, I have gained a pound each week.

Per #2 Think less

6. I want a new car, but without payments. But the thing is I want a convertible. A sports car. A red convertible. I want the scarf flying in the wind. My hair blowing behind me. ( I have short hair) But I want it...... Now how can I go junkin and buy anything and get it home in a convertible. I have the answer, I can just put the top down....

7. I will eat anything once. I have tried squirrel dumplings, gator, raw fish, squid and much more. But it may be a one time meal. Life is too short, not to enjoy all of it.

Okay Jennifer you ask for it.

This is one of the Many items you will create when you join Teresa Mcfayden- Winter Bella. I made this one while we were waiting for snow to hit Alabama. As you seen in my last post NO SNOW. So I will hang my little snowman and women on my door in hopes of another chance. I have told my hubby the reason we did not get snow was because he was a non believer. Short post today, have been having back spasms all weekend and sitting at the computer doesn't help.

Happy Tuesday!

Alabama Snowman

Well, kinda.

It is a Christmas snow man that didn't get put up.

Fooled ya!

No Snow for us, this time.

Maybe next time.

Saturday Morning

7 a.m

Still waiting for the snow to arrive,

and waiting, and waiting.

"SNOW" yes I said that four lettered word. Snow is coming to Alabama, or that's the forecast for tonight. Bread is bought........Milk is in the fridge.........I am going to put on a pot of Taco soup for tomorrow...............I bought a cake mix, hubby's favorite, yellow cake- chocolate frosting - oven is preheating................. Marshmallow are ready for roasting......Hot chocolate is waiting to make me warm..................more blankets have been put on the beds...............but I forgot toilet paper.

Power can go off, we may have to sit by the old heater to keep warm, but I can't do without tissue. Since there is not a Sears and Roebuck catalog in this house I will make one more trip to the store.

Clink Clink ( clinking my hot chocolate mug)

Here's to the snow, bring it on....right after I get back from the store.

How does your work space look? I can't find anything if it is in it's proper place. Who am I kidding, it is in it's place. I know where I left it and new goodies doesn't get

lost in a baskets or drawers. So this is my Space and I am proud of it. My challenge to you is: BE PROUD. Show us your space. It can't look any more cluttered than mine.

As promised, a picture of my swaps. I can't show the contents, and the gals that will receive them, do not know which one is theirs. I still have a few items to add before they are shipped. But by next Monday , I feel sure they will be on the way to Florida and California. ************* Side bar*************Oh, how I wish I was at the beach tomorrow. Listening to the surf, hot sun beating down on me , a cool drink in hand, a small breeze, and sand at my feet. Instead high 30's, cold, chapped lips, hands and toes feel like ice cubes, and a runny nose.

I been working on Swaps for the last few days. The picture show the Alphabet swap, I had "H", and the month swap, I had December. One is not due until March, but I have to keep ahead of these things, If I fall behind, I will never catch up. I enjoy swaps in the winter, but when things get going in the Summer, I have to step aside.

No Auctions, yard sales or Thrift stores this last week, Hubby and I went to a few Antique stores yesterday, of course, it is all for me.He is going to be working all this week so we took the afternoon to enjoy each other. I really hate that he works late hours sometimes and I do tend to give him a hard time about it. How does he put up with me, I will never know. Anyway, I have joined two other swaps, both one on one Valentine swap. You buy a box of candy and fill it with crafting goodies and alter the box. I will have pictures of them soon, they are almost finished.

No, I did not leave you off my Christmas card list, and I am not upset with you. To tell you the truth I did not have time to make my cards this year. I tried, I bought rubber stamps, 3 sets, I bought cards, envelopes, paper, had it all in one place ready to create. I just run out of time. But I did enjoy all the cards I received. They are still up, so I can admire them a little longer. So look at George, ain't you glad I didn't have time.

I am in morning. I must say goodbye to my old friend. She would give me freedom, warmth and comfort me almost every night. My old ragged, worn out many years ago night gown has to be thrown out. I realized last week that she had gotten tangled in the dryer and ripped once again. I stitched her up and wore her one more. Just to feel her rip again in my sleep. Oh , how can I throw her out. She was always there for me. But it is time, time to say good bye. Have you ever had that piece of clothing that is worn thin, and feels so comfortable, you should have thrown it out years ago. But it is so hard. As you know I hate change, I can't stand to try and find that perfect gown again. I know it had passed it "SEXY" stage over 5 years ago. And I could not wear it away from home. It might take me another 5 or 10 years to wear in another, but I guess I am willing to try. Goodbye old friend.

I can't believe we have been having beautiful weather the last few days. Last week it was in the teens. This week it is in the 60 and 70's. That's Alabama for you. I still have hopes for snow, neither one of the boys have seen snow. Malik, says he does not remember it. But there was a dusting when he was about 2. I have pictures. School started back yesterday and I accomplished alot before work and at the shop. Today I am not as gunho. I am creating along with Teresa Mc Faydens WinterBella Group. I am enjoying it, 3 projects each week. I have complete all 3, this week. I am rearranging at the shop too, a new year, new look. I like that we are back into our routine. This is a picture of Malik, one of the days he was out of school. I had to keep him busy, so I bought him a big pack of coffee filters and he made snow flakes. They are all over the shop windows, and he has me a stack for replacements too. He really got into this, and stayed busy. But we are still sweeping up little pieces of paper. The price you pay to keep a 9 year old from being bored. I hope you are have a productive week. P.S - There is a family in our community that has lost a child to a 4-wheeler accident. I do not know this family but Please say a prayer for the them. He was in the 7th grade.

I loved these pictures of my mother the minute I took them. (please enlarge the photo to see it up close. ) If you know my mom, you know she hates having her picture taken. I have very few. But I try. We were at the strawberry patch, and I love how surprised she looks.

I have many pictures I have been taking but not enough time in the day to download them and write a few words, so relax and let's play catch up.

This is my pearls I got for Christmas. We didn't go anywhere for new Years, so, New Years morning, I wore them while cooking brunch. I think they looked good with my gown and fuzzy house shoes.

Went to auction On New Years Day and was so excited to see this hat box full of buttons. And they was going home with me no matter what. Thank goodness I didn't have to sell a kidney or grandchild to get them, this time......

The top picture is of one of the projects on Teresa Mcfayden Winterbella Zine. I did her 12 days of Christmas and was so excited she decided to continue with a Winter Zine. This was a gift to myself.

Today stats basketball practice for grandson #1, seems there will be a lack of time once again.

I have completed a 2 page layout but forgot to take a picture. So check back.

Hubby and I went to the movies last night..... Yes this is a chic flick. But He went anyway. Take you Kleenex girls, two was not enough. But I was in a very emotional mood the last few days and can cry at the drop of the hat. So if you are out and about and need a good cry P.S I Love You is the one to see. And they are laughs too. A lot of laughs. Great love story and you see a little naked butt. Gets me every time. Off till Wednesday and I hope to create a little this weekend. Keep your fingers crossed for me, want you. First I got to get these trees up and put away.
Have a Happy Weekend!

Boy, did we eat tooo much during the holidays!

A Century of Living- if you get the chance, watch this on HBO. It is a interview with people born 1900 or earlier. Do you believe they have lived 100 or more years. They take you through the years, through the good times and bad. It is a show to see. One man said " Life can knock you down, but you have to get up, dust yourself off and it all depends how you deal with it" . Isn't this true for anyone and almost all situations.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I am so excited, today is Christmas Eve and tonight ( for 24 Hours) The Christmas Story starts. This is a tradition , I guess. We watch at least one show and I catch myself flipping channels and watching every once in a while through out the day. I love the bunny suit but, I think my fav is the the Chinese restaurant and the singing of fala la la lalala la with a strong"R". I giggle every time.

I can say I made it through the 1st family event yesterday. We had hubby's family over and it was a success.Even though my new sofa didn't make it in and I never found the perfect area rug, and after dinner was over, I went into our bedroom to get something and the vacuum was still out with the cord strung out across the floor. I thought hubby had put it up and he thought I needed to use it in another room. But it all worked out. We ate we laughed, we took pictures and then we ate again. I am starting to get a cold so I didn't get to hold the new addition to our family. But there was no shortage of arms to hold her. Almost every picture consists of someone holding Kate. Nothing planned for today, so I plan on chilling out. And re-charge for Christmas Day.

Christmas Hint

Want a new Christmas pin this year and can't find one or can't find

one you like as well as your older ones ?

Well, just find some wide velvet ribbon and gather it into a circle. Use it as your backing, and pin through it.

You can have a different Christmas pin everyday.

Time to Bake

I love to make sweet and chocolate goodies for Christmas, so I try and set aside a whole day to bake. This year though, I have not found the time to set a day aside. So I am baking when ever I get a chance. This morning I made cracker brittle.

It is so simple and only takes about 20 minutes, and then pop them into the fridge to cool.

Since it is so easy, I thought you might want the recipe.

Lay a pack of saltine cracker on a cookie sheet. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a sauce pan melt 1 stick of butter and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Mix well and bring to a boil for 3 minutes on medium heat. Pour this over the crackers and bake @ 400 degrees for 7 minutes. As soon as you take the crackers out of the oven, pour a cup of milk chocolate chips on them and spread to cover all the crackers. You may now add chopped nuts. Cool and break apart. Yum! Yum! Easy piecee! Nice and just plain good!

All I want for Christmas is........
I have no gifts under the tree, because my hubby has not done any of his shopping. It is just a week until Christmas, He has this idea that I will hunt, search and sniff out my presents. I don't know why he thinks this. I never open them, but I might shake em.
I have him a wish list all ready and waiting for him to take on his one and only shopping trip. Oh how I wish I could only go shopping once and have it all done.
What's on your wish list?

Not a "Traditional" Christmas color, but I am one to try different colors and looks. It was the hardest tree I think I have ever done. I am still not pleased, and will be re-doing it for the next 2 weeks. But this is close to being done , for now. First, this is a $10.00 tree, and it looks it. I saw on HGTV- where they had sprayed old gold balls, but it still needed something else. So I got some of those $ store silver snow flakes and added buttons with bling ( pic #2). I had a blk and white boa ( don't ask) so it went in the center to fill in. New ribbon, black paint and glitter.

Bing bang we have a black, white and silver tree. Elegant, but not your traditional Christmas tree.

BUSY BUSY BUSY
decorating for Christmas. Do you have your tree up and the whole house decorated? No, me either. Took a day off to put up my trees and grandson #1 came home from school with a virus. So this is all I got done. I love this tree, simple and gets a lot of the stuff off the porch. See the old coffee pot to your right, I found it in the old barn. Mama said it was what they had when they got married. I love it. It will happen, it always comes together. Hope you relax and enjoy the next 2 weeks. And don't forget to Believe!