Playing with Pictures

A few pics I played around with . . .

My dog isn't the best at posing. But I try!  She makes me smile
anyway.
I took this one on July 4th weekend.  I edited on Pic Monkey by using the 'Frosty' edge option.  I would like to try taking her pic here again without the leash.  I'll have to get Cowboy to go with us to help.

Next I tried a different option.  Check this out!

I love the sparkles. It really looks like rays coming off the crown! Perfect for the crown photo!
It's hard to see but the tie around her neck is just a strip of fabric it had hearts on it. 
I had used it to tie my hair up.  This shot was taken at the end of the evening when my Cowboy and I serve a Valentines Dinner to our daughter and grandson. 
In this shot she was recently groomed.  Really, really short.

This next one is probably my favorite . . .

I used Pic Monkey again on this one and did the edges dark. 
I like the way the lighting came through the window.
Here she is shaggy again.  This was just before she was groomed.
She looks peaceful but she is actually pouting.  I was decorating the Christmas tree,  I had told her to stay on the tile in the entry way.  She snuck over to this hide that was laying on the floor.
I had used the hides on the mantel for fall.  

So have you tried Pic Monkey.  It is simple to use.  I only used the free option but you can do more if purchase the upgrade. 

Check it out and these fun linky's . . .
Linking with Camera Critters.  Click Here.
Linking with Donna's Photo Challenge.  Click Here.
Linking with Smile It's The Weekend.  Click Here.  

Do you love Christmas?  Check out my Count Down Linky!
It's fun and simple just post anything Christmas related.
The link opens every Tuesday and runs all week.  Click Here!

Staycation Day 1 Sweeeeeet Satuday

                                     Staycation
                                      To Do List

Day 1

1. Sleep Late...Check

Move Mountains . . . (topic of an upcoming post.  Do you feel like you are always moving mountains?)

2. Nothing.  Working On It!

Have a Good Day Hope your Saturday is Sweet
Just in case you Saturday isn't so sweet yet maybe this
will sweeten you day . . .

photo sources Pinterest

Linking with Christine for Sweet Saturday
Linking with Camera Critters

Letter L Alphabet Thursday

Letter L . . .

Little Horse . . .

Laugh . . . He does.  He makes me Laugh. 

Love

And lastly L is for Linky . . .

Linking with Jenny for Alphabet Thursday.  Click Here. 

My Last Fence

It is bittersweet for me to share this fence . . .
This photo is from the last Christmas we spent in the last house with property where we were blessed to live. 

To celebrate my Count Down To Christmas link party I wanted to share it with you and Tex.
Linking with Tex for Good Fences.  Click Here.
Linking with Outdoor Wednesday.  Click Here.
Linking with My Journey Back for Count Down To Christmas.  Click Here.

Perfect Pictures

A few perfect pics  of people and critters . . .

 Two Things

Lost Two Teeth

Animal

Fairy Pig

Handwriting

Arm Writing

Frozen



Naptime



Linking Perfect Pics with Christine for Picture Perfect Wednesday. Click Here.
Linking Prompts with Ashley for Scavenger Hunt. Link Closed.   Click Here to visit.
Linking with Create with Joy for Wordless Wednesday. Click Here.
Linking with Sweet Serindipty for Friday Photo Journal.  Click Here (Opens On Friday)
Linking with Camera Critters.  Click Here.

Count Down To Christmas #4 Christmas in August

Welcome to our 4th week of Counting Down To Christmas.  I want to thank all the bloggers that have already joined us.  You are making this project very fun for me!

Last week I promised I would share why August is especially a special time for me to think of Christmas.  When I was a child I loved going to church. 

One of the programs I attended was Girls in Action or G.A.'s as we called it.

G.A.'s was the missions activities/discipleship program for girls.  We learned all about missionaries all over the world.   We learned about famous missionaries.  We learned about the countries where they served.  In fact at times it was a real geography and history lesson and I really think I learned more in G.A.s than I did at school.


G.A.'s was a program a little like Girl Scouts in that you had to complete projects and activities to more up in the levels of the program.   I don't really remember all the levels but they were named after royalty like: Princess, Lady in Waiting and Queen. 

Each year there was a huge program at the end of the year and the girls received crowns and other items as awards for completing the levels.  It was a big event.  We wore fancy dresses. 

Christmas in August is just one project that we participated in.  It was a learning project and a hands on project




Christmas In August is a program to help missionaries by providing them with resources and things they need for the ministry that they do.  They provide a 'wish list' of items that would be helpful to them in their service. 

The first Christmas in August^TM was a project of the Sunbeam Band of the First Baptist Church of Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1927.  The full story is here.   When the project began it provided needed items for foreign missionaries and was planned in August to give the 'gift's time to make it through the mail to the recipients. 

Through the years there have been changes to the program and now it focuses on home missionaries. 

The time that I spent in the G.A. program is very special to me.  I really enjoyed it and I have some wonderful memories.   

If you have memories of G.A.'s and Christmas in August I would love for you to share them here at our Count Down To Christmas link. 

The linky is open all week.  No real rules just links about Christmas.  It would be nice if you commented and visited the other links.  And followed me! 

Thank you for allowing me to share my special Christmas In August memories with you. 

And one more thing before the link up.  Beginning with this weeks linky party I will be choosing my favorite post from last week.
Today the honor goes to Sara at Magnolia Surprise Click Here 
Sara shared a wonderful post about the great crocheted Christmas items she is making.  Here's a sneak peak . . .


I love these stars!  I have to have some!

Now on with the party.  Link up!

When God Closses Doors-- My New Journey

This past  January I began teaching at a Christian Preschool. 

In two weeks we will begin our school year.  I am excited.  I am Blessed.  I am thankful.  Every day I thank God as I drive in.
Everyday as I walk into my room I am thankful. 

It was a difficult Journey and I am so glad it is over

I teach three year olds.

I spent almost a year looking for a job.  When your over
50 with no education it is really, really hard to find a job.

The last 10 years I spent managing a non-profit that my Cowboy and I founded.  

When I began my job search it was that experience that I feel back on with both feet jumped into searching for a job in that field.


I went on almost a dozen interviews.  Three different non-profits
interviewed and called me back.  One called me back for two other interviews.  Each time I thought I would receive an offer. 

Each time no offer came.  To say I was down and depressed is putting it lightly. 

I began to get more and more depressed and disappointed.  And honestly I began to loose faith.  It was so hard.   

I truly felt alone and abandoned by God. 

Then I went through a phase of applying for any office/clerical job I could find.  I received no calls.  No interviews. 

More depression.  More questions.  I began to beat myself up for lacking faith. 

It was here on this Journey that I kept myself from completely giving in to the idea of believing that God was punishing me.  Or just didn't care anymore. 

Because here I had to stay strong.  Because here I knew deep down that there might be someone who stopped in that might need a little
encouragement. 

And so here I kept it all together. 

And I tried really hard to be cheerful and offer hope and encouragement. 

Today I am not lacking in faith.  For many reasons I see God's hand in where I am now.   

And I remember these words His plans are not my plans.  His ways are not my ways. He does have a bigger plan.  A better plan. 

And even when He seems silent.  He isn't.  All things are working together. 

We have to trust.  We have to have faith. 

And today I am more empowered than ever to share a little faith, a little trust and a little hope. 

Today I hope that you are encouraged to Trust God more.   And look forward to seeing around that curve.

Linking with Jess for The Art of  Homemaking Monday.  Click Here.
Linking with Monday's Musings.  Click Here.

Finding Hope along the Journey

 Sherry

Homemaking Monday A New Series

Welcome to my new Monday Homemaking Series
Here you'll find homemaking related posts.  Today I thought it would be fun to introduce myself and tell you A little about me . . .
As a little girl I dreamed of being a wife and a mommy

My dreams came true

As a young bride back in the 70's I received a special cookbook from my mother. . .

 Betty became my 'go to girl'.  But I loved reading cookbooks.  I have collected cookbooks throughout my marriage.  I have a huge
collection. 

Things have changed a lot since those early days in the 70's. 
My 'go to' place is Pinterest. 


And now over 30 years later my Cowboy and I have raised two wonderful kids and are now grandparents and are empty nesters.

So I am cooking for two again.  I still love cooking!


I love visiting my friends in the blog world for cooking ideas and for tips and just fun things. 


The other day I a fun meme that was perfect for my 'a little about me' post.   A to Z about me . . .

(A) Aprons - Y/N If Y what does your favorite look like?

(B) Baking - Favorite thing to bake.
 I love baking so I'll try anything. 

(C) Clothesline - Y/N?
 Yes.  But I don't have one.  If I was in a house I would definitely
 have one!


(D) Donuts - Have you ever made them?
Yes, Once was enough!

 (E) Everyday - One homemaking thing you do everyday.
 Cooking Dinner.  We do try to go out once a week.  But I  normaly cook our dinner.

 (F) Freezer - Do you have a separate deep freeze?
  Yes.  Thank goodness.  We've been without.  Just bought one last weekend!

(G) Garbage Disposal - Y/N
 Yes.  Best thing since sliced bread!

(H) Handbook - what is your favorite homemaking resource?
 Back in the day I went to my Betty Crocker cookbook for everything.  Now a days its Pinterest.

(I) Ironing- Love it or hate it?
 Not a fan!  I guess that means hate!


(J) Junk Drawer - Y/N - Where is it?
Yes. In the kitchen

 (K) Kitchen - Color and decorating scheme?
 White with mostly royal blue plates on rack and red and black towels

(L) Love - What is your favorite part of homemaking?
Making my house a home.

 (M) Mop - Y/N
 This is a love/hate relationship.   I've learned not to hate it!

(N) Nylons - wash by hand or in the washing machine?
 What is a nylon? LOL haven't had a pair in I don't know how long!

(O) Oven - Do you use the window to check on things or do you open the door?
 No window!

(P) Pizza - What do you put on yours?
 1/2 Pepperoni   1/2 sausage, cheese

(Q) Quiet - What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment?
 I am in my little sewing room.  Click here for a tour of my little sewing space. 

 (R) Recipe Card Box - Y/N
Yes.  I have a cool wooden box my sister gave me years ago.

(S) Style of house
 Now in an apartment.  My dream would be a house on land.  Any kind of house with enough space for horses.

(T) Tablecloth and napkins - Y/N
 Not a fan of tablecloths but we use cloth napkins every day.  I don't buy paper napkins.

(U) Under the sink - Organized or toxic wasteland?
Can't stand toxic waste.  3 things dish/dishwasher soap and bleach spray are under my sink.

 (V) Vacuum - How many times per week?
 Everyday. I have a big black hairy dog!

(W) Wash - How many loads per week?
 Gee never really counted probably 5.

(X) Do you make a daily to-do list and check it off as you do things?
 Used to not anymore. 

(Y) Yard -Y/N - Who does what?
Cowboy has always paid someone to do the yard work.  He cannot stand it!  One reason we're in an apartment.

 (Z) Zzzz's - What is the last homemaking task you do for the day before you go to bed?
 Fold a load of cloths if I have washed in the evening.  Plug my phone in.

So that's a little about me.
Linking with Jess for Homemaking Monday.  Click Here.
Linking with Lori for Making Monday.  Click Here.
Linking with Much Ado Monday.  Click Here.
Linking with Nicole for Growing In Grace.  Click Here.
I'm linking up to Friendship Friday at Create With Joy.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hear It On Sunday

Our service started with prayer . . .



'. . . Please bless little Zane.  Please be with Chaplain Terry and Sherry and may their day be blessed. Please give Chaplain Terry words that you want us to hear.  And please let Chaplain Terry and Sherry hear a message from you too.' (Zane is our grandson.  You can read about his prayer needs here and here.  Occasionally he spends the night on Saturday and goes with us to our services.  Two weeks ago was the first time he has been allowed in over a year.)

An amazing prayer where you least expect.  Our congregation consisted today of 25 teenager boys that are serving prison sentences.   And yet I wonder why I 'least expect it'.


I go to service every week expecting; hoping that God will join us in this place.   I pray that God speaks to the hearts of these young me. 

I didn't realize until the words were spoken that I go feeling . . .



Thirsty.  Yes I am Thirsty. Thirsty for companionship.  Thirsty
for adults. 

And yet I am surrounded by 3 years olds (at work) and 17 year olds that sometimes act like 3 year olds.  I smile as I write because they make me smile. 

I am Blessed.  I don't go to be Blessed but I am. 

Is this the message God wanted me to hear? 

I am where he planted me. And I bloom.

                    Source found on Pinterest. Click Here.
Linking with Sunday Praise. Click Here.

Scavenger Hunt with Ashley

I love the Scavenger Hunt prompts over at Ashley's.
Look close you'll see some Blue too!

Eyes . . .
 

Upside Down



From Behind

Sunshine

Cup

 

Linking with Ashley for Scavenger Hunt Sunday.  Click Here. 
Linking with Sally for Blue Monday. Click Here.
Linking with Christina for Picture Perfect.  Click Here.
Linking with Create with Joy for Wordless Wednesday. Click Here.
Linking with Kim for Little Things Thursday.  Click Here.
Linking with Friday Photo Hunt.  Click Here.

My Sweet Saturday Sewing Projects for Preschool

Sweet or Not . . .What I am doing today! 

Well spending the day in the sewing room.  Did you see my tour?

A few weeks ago I joined Karen Valentine for her "Where Bloggers
Create Tour".  I had such fun.  Click here to see my complete tour!

Today between loads of laundry I am in my favorite space working on a few projects for school . . .
before I show you these great ideas I have to apologize I have no idea where they came from.  I copied them on my computer when I first began Pinterest and I didn't know how to find the original source. 

Not much sewing going on.  I am pulling together some ideas and
figuring out how much felt I need to buy . . .

                            
 For my classroom. I'll be teaching 3's again. When they start with me in August they will be older 2's turning 3. The beginning of the year is a challenge. They love cars and trucks and this little mat will be perfect to use to introduce them to smaller cars. An exercise that will build mine motor skills.

I won't get to actually making this cute idea but I will begin cutting patterns.  I love this!  Mr. Potato Head is so fun for preschoolers!


A smaller scale option.  I can see doing 2 or 3 of these an the easel at the same time.  The beginning of the year we will be learning to work/play in centers. 


Now this one I did get the link!  Click Here.  I love this idea!

Looks like I am going to be busy!  

Linking with Christine for Sweet Saturday.  Click Here