Where Love Abides

My first review!

2010-03-25T10:12:00.003-05:00

After watching many movies this winter and lots of tv shows, I have decided that it might be a good idea to enhance my entertainment center. Perhaps get some surround sound, or speaker stands. Coincidentally, while looking for many of these items, I was actually contacted by someone who works at, www.csnstores.com asking me if I would like to do a review! They have everything from home decor, cookware, and fitness equipment to name a few. So I have decided to review a set of dumbbells, so stay tuned!

I hunted and hunted through the websites and finally choose some 10 lbs Cap Barbell Neoprene Dumbbell's! I want to see how they compare to my cheap Walmart ones! I can't wait to get started using these at home and work on my first review!

So make sure you check out CSN and all they have to offer!

A Wonderful Giveaway!!

2010-01-22T10:18:00.001-06:00

My sweet friend Katy is having a great giveaway over on her blog http://countryblossom.blogspot.com/ Make sure you stop by to get yourself entered!

Im Back....

2009-11-17T10:20:00.003-06:00

Well, it seems I have taken a little hiatus... huh?? It's generally just because of LIFE. Over the past year I have been given some more responsibilities at church and guess what I have been busy tending to those along with baseball!!! So I organized an entire fall festival complete with a Carnival theme and over 20 booth's and two bounce houses.... Been working on our adult Christmas Musical and taking the boys to practices for theirs. We also have added a Saturday PM service to the mix...

So it has been nonstop. I have been asked to take on a couple of projects in 2010... Yes I know it's not even 2010 yet but, both of these require LOTS of planning!!! and well I'm a planner of all types :)

So I'm coming to YOU my blogging friends if you are any still around..... I need help with all you craft fair ladies!!!! I'm organizing ONE!!! Well my question for y'all is this..... Generally when you place your items at the Fair's you attend what are the fee's and what does it include? We are wanting to keep the fee's low so we can get a good group of vendor's but still make a little bit of a profit f0r some other things we want to do over summer. So if you have participated any one or any please share your experiences and what helped to make it run smoothly......

2009-10-14T08:42:00.002-05:00

My sweet friend Jenn over at http://bittersweetfixinsnprimitives.blogspot.com/ is having the cutest and I do mean cutest snowman giveaway! Hop on over there and check him out!

Been away for awhile!

2009-06-12T13:15:00.002-05:00

Sorry it has been so long since I have blogged... Actually the second I clicked my last post... (My bathroom redo) My phone was ringing as I hit POST. It was actually my grandmother's dialysis clinic calling about her. She was being rushed to the hospital and had already been revived twice. We sat with her nonstop until May 5th when she passed away. It has been a very long a difficult struggle for me as I miss her dearly. She was one of the closest most dearest people to me...... Some days are better than others and then there are others that I just feel like crying all day. I know it is selfish of me to want her back her with me as I know exactly where she is. You see she was the women who moved into my parents home when I was five and never moved out; she was the one who took me to church from then on; she was the one who started attending the church where I met my husband; she was the one who loved me unconditionally; she was the one who adored my three boys; she was the one whom I spent hours upon hours on the phone with each and every morning; she was the one whom I never thought would actually leave me; she was my best friend. I find myself okay except for in the evenings when Im laying in bed..... I lay there praying and wondering what she is actually doing in Heaven...... where she went first once she got there...... who all way waiting for her......I just miss her so! Anyway so that is reason for my lapse in posting. Hopefully here in the next few weeks I can get back into the groove of things. I do still have to tour of my home to do!

Hope you each are blessed!

It's a Flag Day Giveaway!

2009-06-12T13:10:00.004-05:00

Pam over at Farmhouse Primitives is quickly approaching her 100th post!
So to celebrate along with Flag Day - she's giving away and awesome Flag Day basket ($70 value) make sure you head over there now and get all the wonderful details! http://farmhouseprimitives.blogspot.com/

Additional Bathroom Pics

2009-04-27T12:39:00.004-05:00

Here is a couple of additional pics that I forgot to take of the bathroom :) I haven't really decided what to hang on the towel rack. I would love to find just a small quilt type piece to hang there or towels. I haven't found any that I like yet. The tissue holder I found at the Good Will for a $1.00 painted and primed it up! I love the color it ended up being.

Close up of the sampler....

Dining Area Progress

2009-04-27T10:02:00.011-05:00

Well since I shared last week my bathroom I thought I would show you what is actually on the other side of the half bath. As you enter our front door we have a small and I do mean very small entry areaWalking through the dining area My pic in between the walking area.... Its says at the bottom "God's Promises are like the stars, the darker the night the brighter they shine"
once you come through the door you can either go up the stairs or head straight through the dining room.

The little entrance area goes to the small bathroom down in my last post.

This is suppose to be I guess a dining area ....... but if you know me Im so not a formal foofoo kinda gal :) I still haven't gotten it the exact way I want it but, Im getting there! Slowly but surely. It definantly looks alot better than it did since it was a complete empty room for a year! I want to actually get a buffet or table to go on the wall where my star picture is. I also know that my table arrangement will eventually change. Just gotta get some more money!! A little at a time for sure! I also have been on the look out fo some candles that I can afford.

Half Bath Remodel Project!!!!

2009-04-22T17:24:00.004-05:00

I promise my bathroom wasn't as ugly before as it looks in these pics :) When we moved in the previous owner had just completely had the house professionally painted... I could not justify putting the money out to paint so I worked with the green color in this half bath that is between our formal dining area and our family living room. It also wasn't as bare as it is in the pics I had already taken some stuff down.

BEFORE:

Fixtures I bought at Home Depot and primed up.

AFTER:

These pics are on the main wall as you are walking into the bathroom

Mirror side view

This pic is on the wall in front of the toilet. I also hung a towel rack above the toilet with another sampler pic. (I forgot to take that pic) Im still not completely finished. Im on the lookout for a trash can and I want to find some prim towels to match the samplers.... of course I will probably end up making those.

Table Re-do!

2009-04-22T17:17:00.003-05:00

Anyone who knows me know's that Im definantly a budget, goodwilling, thrift store, coupon cutting kinda girl :) I love garage selling too! Which is where I found this ugly little table about a month ago! It was soooo ugly! But, HEY.... it was only $5.00 and I could just see the potential! I have a small wall coming out of our half bath that I *thought* this would look perfect under..... I was sooo wrong! Thought it would also work in the half bath but, it was to big so it found it's permanent home in our very small entry area!!!

Im very happy with the end result! I also made the stacking boxes and found the doily at the dollar tree and "primed" it up!

Who can resist?

2009-03-24T23:19:00.009-05:00

Who can resist my handsome little men?? Im asked many many times if they all belong to us.... In fact one of the ladies thought that Devin belonged only to Jason and then we had the two younger boys together. Devin has brown hair and brown eyes, Mason is our blondie with blue eyes and Matthew has auburn hair and a little bit deeper blue eyes.... Yes, I can confirm they do not belong to the mailman; they do indeed belong to us!

Nothing is more precious in life than brotherly love!!

Also, Mr. Devin passed the TAKS Reading Test!! For those of you who don't live in Texas these test are administered yearly from 3rd grade on and if it's not passed then your child doesn't pass to the next grade. I was a little worried since this is our first year having to deal with the TAKS anyway Devin only missed 4 all together throughout 4 different parts of the test! So I was VERY proud of him today!

Faithful Fridays!!!

2009-03-20T08:49:00.002-05:00

Joy over at http://www.joy-doodlebug.blogspot.com/ is hosting Faithful Fridays and I thought I would participate this week!!

I could go on and on about how thankful and joyful I am for knowing and having the Lord's Love!!! His mercies are new EVERY single morning!!!

Today Im going to be thankful and joyful about my husband! He truly is my prince charming!! At certain points in my life he has been it felt like the only one I have had! He is my rock. He is such a wonderful man of God. Provider, Supporter and strength to me! The boys adore him and he is so wonderful to them! He truly is a gift to me from the Lord!

Happy first day of Spring!

2009-03-20T08:39:00.005-05:00

It's finally here!!!! Thankfully my favorite time of the year! The weather in Texas is just perfect this of year!!! You can actually raise the windows and open the doors and not sweat to death!!! Our plans for today including laundry of course, some cleaning up and then me and the boys are getting out in the backyard and cleaning it up for spring!!! Boy do they have it a mess!!! Daddy will be suprised too so he can go on and get all the fertilizer and weed killer all laid!!!

Jason has some work to do at the baseball fields tomorrow so we may head to the Science center and spend the day there!! Spring break is over for us and Devin will be heading back to school and with me having kids all week we haven't got to do much of anything except visit my mom and grandma!

hope you each have a great weekend! Im hoping to finish the boys bathroom and will post pics soon!

Our Cozy Nest's Giveaway!

2009-03-18T07:38:00.003-05:00

Look at this WONDERFUL Giveaway over at http://ourcozynest.blogspot.com/ that Nicole is giving away!! She made all of this wonderful "springy" stuff and I know that pin cushion would look perfect sitting with my new sewing machine!

Vacation time here I come!!

2009-03-17T13:50:00.002-05:00

Have you ever decided to do something spur of the moment? Like in about a month's time? A few weeks ago after church one day we were eatting and I told my MIL/SIL and all the guys that I would love to go to Vegas!!! Well, for those that know me you know I know nothing about gambling and I don't like to party...... However, I have always wanted to go there!!!! See the lights and the shows!!! I actually wanted to go when Celine was still there but, that didn't happen! So anyway my SIL and I got the calendars out and well the only time we could really go is the end of March. Devin has spring baseball starting so that will consume pretty much ALL of our time till June! and then it is just way to hot to go then! So we have worked out the boys childcare and Devin's school situation and we are taking off!!! Only for 3 days and 2 nights! but, honestly with everything we have been dealing with I really need a break! Jason's grandmother passing away; my grandmother in ICU for two weeks and just dealing with other things I have been a little overloaded these last few weeks! I soooo can't wait... Have you ever been? What's a couple of must see things to do.... I know we are going to go to the Hoover Dam and see the lights show for sure!

Is Spring on the way to you yet? It has literally rained nonstop Wednesday to Saturday night!!! So much to my delight.... It has been so sunny here since Sunday! The boys are aching to get out and play in the back yard this afternoon since it has finally started to dry up!

Primitive Candle Lovers?

2009-02-19T09:52:00.002-06:00

Ladies,

Im looking for some referrals!!! I am looking for the perfect prim grungy~grubby candles! Im not planning on burning these they will be just for looks for my front dining area table. Who do you order your candles from?

The Challenge

2009-01-29T17:37:00.004-06:00

While catching up on my online friends. I stopped in over at Sarah's http://countrygirlsarah.blogspot.com/ she shared this link and I thought I would share it with you friends!!!

Im gonna play catch up and participate! I also started the Love Dare book today. I will share more on that later! Have a great day ladies! Im off to buy me some pretty panties!

Ice, Ice, Baby.....

2009-01-28T13:26:00.005-06:00

Font Porch on left and Back Porch on Right:

That is pretty much what is covering our roads this morning :) If you have ever lived in Texas you know that we don't get the beautiful snow at ALL! If we get anything it is always the ugly ice and sleet... Which is what it did for the entire evening last night! Pretty much all of the schools in the Dallas/Fort Worth area where closed today. However, that didn't stop people from getting out and driving in this mess... Ice is so much different than driving in snow (or so I have heard) I refuse to drive on it. It's not worth the time of wrecking my car and especially the deductible it would cost! It's starting to melt however, it's still in the 20's which is REALLY cold for here!

Today is my sweet husband's birthday. Jason is 32 years old today! I made us some beef stew to warm our bodies along the fire and his favorite thing to go with it is cornbread. After that settled I made him a cheesecake! His favorite dessert! I carved Happy 32nd Birthday Daddy in it with a toothpick.... no candles though.

Not sure really what else is going on today for us! I plan on catching up on all of my dear friends blogs today while the boys are napping!! I hope you each are blessed and staying warm out today!

Brr... Baby It's cold outside!!!

2009-01-27T10:35:00.004-06:00

Boy is it cold here in Texas!!!! If you have ever been here you will know how crazy our weather can be It was soooo beautiful last week!! I know one day it even hit the 80's here..... Today however, it's 30 degress and dropping.... Some weather channels are predicting the worst ice storm here since 2003.... I however am not a cold person at all so we will be in ALL day until it's time to get Devin from school! Not to mention last night when we got in from my MIL's my tire sounded like it was leaking air so Jason checked it and sure enough...... He hopefully can get it patched today. It's always something huh!

Well.... I finished Me & Emma yesterday.... Guess I did get into it after all huh :) It took me a bit but, then I just couldn't put it down! For those of you who haven't read any of the Karen Kingsbury books they are definantly a MUST! Especially if you like Christian reads!

Today when the kids are napping Im planning on starting.......

Completely His ~

Loving Jesus Without Limits

by Shannon Ethridge

Today I have been thinking on my many blessings!

I was watching Matthew sleep today and he just looked so peaceful! Then as I was putting Masons' underwear on he wrapped his little arms around me and said; "I wuv YOU!" Talk about melt your heart huh....... Then their is my Devin last week he was awarded StarFish of the Week at school..... (best student in his class for the week) Which for some is no big deal but, when you have a child with severe ADHD you learn to see the big picture. Not only that but, he also was awarded for top Speller and Honor Roll. Those may be small accomplishment's for other children but, he was so proud of himself! I must admit when we went to the Fish Rally when they called his name my eyes teared up seeing his little grin as he stood to get his certificate!

Im learning it's the little things in life that make it worth while! Im searching for a deeper spiritual walk this year..... I want to be a better wife and mother. A blessing to others! I have a purpose and this year I so wanna fill it!

Deuteronomy 28:2 (Amplified Bible)

And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you heed the voice of the Lord your God.

In the no blogging mood funk :)

2009-01-26T12:15:00.004-06:00

Hey ALL!!

Sorry it's been so long since I have blogged.... Truth of the matter I sit down here and think of things to blog but, then just get out of the mood for it. AND I just seem to be super busy busy around here these days. Back in August I started watching a little sweetheart; added a 3 year old and newborn in November and then a friends little one in December.... Now I don't have them ALL together all the time but, between the one's I do have from day to day add my 3 guys into the loop and housework...... Well, hopefully you see why I have been so busy.

I have been finding time to do a little reading.... I go in spurts some weeks it's ALL about crafting, others cross-stitching and then there are the days I just wanna read! I have managed to read the entire Twilight series at the end of Nov/Dec. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!

Im also a HUGE and I mean HUGE fan of Karen Kingsbury and read this last weekend...I cried through the entire thing. My husband found it funny since it was "only" a book :)

Im trying to puddle my way through....... It sounded pretty good at Walmart. However, I think it will be one of those that I just have to stick it out and keep reading. Anyone else read this?

Not much else new for us..... Working on getting the taxes done, and laundry. I hope to next weekend start painting parts of our house. We have been here for 3 years and when we moved in it had just been completely painted through out. Well, the paint color is a VERY dark taupy-brown creamy color. I couldn't see in painting just yet but, now since the owner did not use a glossy paint mixed in with kiddo's hand prints on the walls, up and down the stairs.... yada yada yada and the best reason is it's just to dark for me! Im gonna start doing that I think!!!!

I have definantly been trying to keep myself busy.... The pain of losing my grandpa seems to lessen everyday however, I still think of him. I guess that is why I have thrown myself into a bagillion things here lately. I haven't had much time to be online but, I do adore and cherish the friends I have made here on blogger and hopefully....... this will get me back into the blogging mode! Goodness knows I need some more craft ideas!! Especially prim ideas!

love and many many blessings!

Free Stuff!

2009-01-14T10:28:00.003-06:00

If you register TODAY only with https://suavenomics.sweeply.com/ you will get a coupon for a FREE bottle of any suave product up to $3.00

You can also find links to other great free samples, coupons and freebies at http://www.bargainist.com

Hope you all have a very blesssed day!

Calling ALL cookie makers!!

2008-12-14T21:24:00.003-06:00

Our church is making homemade cookies for a prison for Christmas this year!! A total of 400 inmates will be receiving homemade cookies from us! What I need from YOU is your delicious cookie receipes!! I know I could go and get the ones at the store and just slice them and bake them BUT I want mine to be homemade!! I volunteered to make 300 cookies!!! That's ALOT! I know this will be a great thing to keep me busy this week and my mind off of things! So PLEASE share away!!!

Thanks so much!

2008-12-14T21:23:00.001-06:00

Thank you all so much for your love and support!!! From the cards to the responses you all are wonderful!!!

My Pa Bill

2008-12-10T16:30:00.004-06:00

Ever have one of those weeks when you just don't know how much more you can take.... Well, over the weekend I got a call from my aunt letting me know that my grandpa wasn't doing well.....

Back Track ---> August 1st he was rushed to Methodist Hospital in Houston via air ambulance from his home town which is on the border of Texas and Louisiana. Almost a 5 hour drive by car. He had had a heart attack and this hospital was the ONLY one in Texas who would operate on him in his condition. He ended up getting a heart pump put in about 4 weeks after being in CVICU and a pacemaker. He ended up getting a huge bed sore on his backside from laying for so many weeks not able to be moved due to his condition....... Not good for a diabetic!

Back to this weekend..... He has been in the hospital now for a little over 4 months and took a horrible turn this past week. The bed sore caused his entire body to be septic. He just couldn't fit the infection anymore nor was there any other medicine that would work. His liver shut down over the weekend and they were gonna give it about a week on a new med... They were also now having to give him blood since his bone marrow wasn't working. I had already decided I was heading back down there this coming weekend to see him. I got a call on Monday that he wasn't going to make it. They were only going to give him blood pressure meds and some blood to keep him here long enough for us all to make it down there. I was stuck.... Jason had a HUGE job due out at noon.... So my sweet sister paid for me to fly down to Houston; since she was already heading that way and I couldn't leave when she was. I made it to the hospital around 8 pm and went back to be with him..... I was crushed.... I wanted to tell him so much but, I just couldn't. He was in isolation due to his condition so we had to put gowns on and where gloves while we were in there. His sweet nurse was with us the entire time and would tell us what she was taking off of him and what it would do. His entire family was there..... minus a few grandkids. However, we were all around him as he passed. It was so bittersweet being with him watching him take his last breath. He was with me when I took my first and I got to be with him as he took his last. His funeral is Friday and I don't know how I will handle that.

Papa Creamer ~ you will forever be in my heart and I do love you..... There was so much left unspoken between us.

I haven't been up to being online much and don't know when I will.

Another cute giveaway for you baby lovers!!

2008-12-03T18:10:00.001-06:00

http://4littlemen.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-giveaway-time.html Hope on over and check out this super cute play mat!!! Yes, I don't have any little one's of my own but, as of this week I do watch 3 babies during the week (another blog maybe?) so I KNOW this will come in handing..............

A smell good giveaway for ya!!!

2008-11-14T12:00:00.002-06:00

Daily Dose of Motherhood is celebrating their 100th post AND the Grand Re-Opening of Harmony Grove Candle Company. Hope over to her blog and get all of the good details! Her candles smell delicious!! and the best part is they are wickless! How safe is that! Especially if you have boys like me who love to throw balls around :)

http://dailydoseofmotherhood.blogspot.com/2008/11/giveaway.html

Prayers......

2008-11-12T07:23:00.002-06:00

One of my new friends Andrea (kinda of an aqaintance but, now friend since I keep her little sweetie Sadie) is dear friends with a sweet family The Delgado's. They were expecting twin baby girls who are conjoined. Melody and Madison were born yesterday and lived for about an hour. Please remember their family in prayers. Here is their blog..... http://goodtimesdelgadostyle.blogspot.com/

Latest Family Pic

2008-11-02T23:23:00.003-06:00

This was taken at my Aunts wedding a few weeks ago....

Coffee/Tea Staining?

2008-11-01T22:53:00.002-05:00

So Im about to finish up my first stitchery! YEAH :) Anyway ~ Im wondering what your way of coffee/tea staining works the best for you? I have tried it a few times and Im just not happy with the final outcome of it.... So if you don't mind sharing.... what is your secret to staining muslin? I know I should have done it before hand probably but, I wanted to stitch something while I was waiting at Devin's baseball practice....

Kim's 100th Post Giveaway!!

2008-10-28T09:12:00.002-05:00

Kim is celebrating her 100th POST!! So stop on over at http://simple-needs.blogspot.com/2008/10/100th-post-giveaway.html and take a look at all her goodies! I know they would all look wonderful here in my home! ESPECIALLY that Saltbox kettle :) What a loot!! Take a look!

Char's Giveaway!!

2008-10-25T22:34:00.003-05:00

Char over at http://charsethman.blogspot.com/ is having a wonderful giveaway in honor of her daughters 21st Birthday!! Can you guess what this is????

It is a toaster cover!! Isn't that the cutest thing!!! I know it would love perfect in my kitchen!

Here it is Thursday!

2008-10-23T21:31:00.003-05:00

Sorry I haven't been posting so much! Truth of the matter I have been so busy these last couple of weeks! Going nonstop..... It seems to always be something! I spent the entire day today cleaning! Do you ever go on a spree and just NEED to do it! That is how I felt when I woke up! I dusted, cleaned the walls, did the floors, cleaned to ceiling fans, the fridge, washed all of the downstairs curtains!! Seriously you name it I did it!!! It feels so good to sit in a nice cleaning smelling house!! Hopefully it will stay that way for a few days!!

The weather her in Texas is finally kinda Autumn-ish!!! It is suppose to get into the low 30's overnight although it will warm back up to the 60's in the afternoon! I love opening the windows during the day and just letting the breeze flow through the house!

I have been working on some much needed prim projects around here.... I have learned to antique stuff..... Definantly my favorite hobby these days! I finished a shelf that I bought at a garage sale and some wood stuff I found at the Goodwill! now only to get my camera to cooperate so I can share pics! My next project is to master tea/coffee staining stuff :) I also am hoping to grunge some candles this weekend!!! Im having Jason print me some patterns that Leslie shared in her Stitchery how to post; and Im gonna attempt to stitch a few this weekend :)

Devin has an early doctor's appt with his new doctor who will manage his ADHD. Im a very nervous for some reason..... Although I know this is a GREAT change for him none the less..... I still worry! Isn't that what Momma's are suppose to do! Depending on timing I may suprise him and take him to the movies!!! I definantly know that WE (him and I) need to spend more one on one time together and going to the movies is definantly a treat for us! Saturday he has an early game so we will all be off to that bright and early!

Not much else on the homefront!! I cooked some yummy beef stew this evening (my grandpa's receipe) made Jason some cornbread and a buttered pecan cake~ two of his favorite things! Im definantly getting more into this homemaker stuff! I definantly want to be a Proverbs wife and mother!

Proverbs 31: 10-31
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Im off to put the leftovers away! Hope you are each having a blessed evening!

Pumpkin Pecan Braid

2008-10-22T22:06:00.004-05:00

INGREDIENTS

Coffee Cake
3/4 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 egg, separated
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations™ refrigerated flaky dough sheet

Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons milk
1 tablespoon chopped pecans

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix pumpkin, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and egg yolk. Stir in 1/2 cup pecans.
2. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough onto cookie sheet; firmly press edges and perforations to seal. Press to form 13x7-inch rectangle. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough onto cookie sheet. Press to form 13x7-inch rectangle. Spread filling in 3 1/2-inch-wide strip lengthwise down center of dough rectangle to within 1 inch of ends.
3. With scissors or sharp knife, make cuts 1 inch apart on long sides of dough rectangle just to edge of filling. Fold strips at an angle across filling, overlapping ends and alternating from side to side. Beat egg white in small bowl until foamy; brush over dough.
4. Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until deep golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet; place on serving platter.
5. In small bowl, mix powdered sugar and enough milk for desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle over warm coffee cake. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon pecans

I believe!!

2008-10-14T16:32:00.002-05:00

A dear friend sent me this a while back and thought I would share it~

A birth certificate shows that we were born; a death certificate shows that we died; pictures show that we lived! Have a seat . Relax. And read this slowly.

I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe - That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, nomatter how we feel.

I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe - That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe - Two people can look at the exact samething and see something totally different.

I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I believe - That credentials on the wall do not makeyou a decent human being.

I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I believe - The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

I believe - Every action you take is a seed you sow, and every seed you sow is a harvest you'll reap.

Nicole's Birthday Celebration Giveaway!

2008-10-13T22:17:00.003-05:00

Today is Nicole's birthday over at http://backinthedaystore.blogspot.com/ to celebrate she is having a giveaway! So hop on over and celebrate with us!!

Here is a look at her goodies!

Farmchick's Giveaway!

2008-10-13T13:18:00.003-05:00

Thought I would share another wonderful giveaway with you my friends!!

Hop on over to http://farmchickskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-giveaway.html and get entered in the giveaway!

Here is a peak at her items:

An 8 oz. SOY CANDLE
A BAG OF SOY TARTS
PUMPKIN POT STAKE

My 3 Little Guys!

2008-10-12T20:55:00.012-05:00

Well, I have shared my amazing husband so I thought I would now share with you my little guys! Our oldest is Michael Devin who we call Devin.... He was named after his Daddy actually! They both share Michael as their first name and both go by their middle names.... He is our brown hair/brown eyed beauty! He is all of 8 years old!! He is in the 3rd grade this year and is doing wonderful!!! Towards the end of school last year we decided to go on and proceed with having him tested for ADHD. We had already tried the homeopathic medicine's and they just weren't cutting it any longer and I was to the point that I wanted an actual definant answer as to if he did have ADHD or what was going on. Needless to say he is now medically diagnosed with it now. It at times is very heart wrenching for me..... We all want our children to group and be perfect and not have anything at all wrong and sadly for us that is not the case. It is in fact a daily struggle with us and him. He tries so very hard to do his best and wants to be his best at everything! His grades are wonderful and thankfully this year at school so far his behavior is as well.

When not at school you can find Devin soaking up everything he can about baseball. It is his passion. In fact he knows more about it than any of us in our house!!! He loves to also go to church and sing in the kids choir.

When Devin was about 2 years old we decided that we would love to have more kids. Well, we definantly learned that our plans don't always go with the Lords plans...... we struggle with fertility issues and when Devin was five....

We added our Mason Levi to our family!!! I was definantly excited that Devin was getting a baby brother! How perfect I thought it would be for him!!! Mason was born in April of 2005; Now he is a very active 3 year old! We are currently working on potty training! With Devin he was the poster child... crawling at 6 months, walking at 10 months, off the bottle at 12 months, potty trained at 2 years! I mean just perfect!! Not our Mason............ He is however doing great with going to the potty so far! I was just hoping it was a little earlier than now! He also is our animal lover!! Another one of the reason's it was so hard to get rid of the kittens! He was constantly carrying one of them around!! He also loves to "help" clean! Im hoping this will carry on when he is older!! And who doesn't love a blonde haired blue eyed boy! I think he will also be following in big brothers foot steps soon to the baseball field!

Suprisingly and I do mean a VERY BIG suprise!!! When Mason was 4 months old we found out that we were expecting once again. I was in fact on birth control so you can just imagine the suprise! I was sooooo not ready for another baby yet!!! and then in December 2005 we found out we would be having a THIRD boy........ I was so upset..... I knew that this would be our last baby and I sooo wanted that girl to dress in pink and wear those super huge bows. Well, that didn't happen but I did get.......

Matthew Avery!!! My sweet little red head!! However, the disappointment didn't last long when he was born in April 2006!!! This little guy is amazing! He so completed us!!! Looking back I can't imagine not having him! He rounds the boys out so much; they each are their own of course but, he is just the most gentle of them. He can be very timid at times but, doesn't really meet a stranger he won't say hi to! He loves to follow both of his big brothers around and doesn't leave their side; even when they want him to! He also would be perfectly content sitting in Momma's lap all day long if we could! So as you can see Im a very blessed Momma!!! Here is some of my favorite pics of my boys!

Dani's Giveaway!!

2008-10-12T15:27:00.003-05:00

Dani over at Olde Homesteasd Peddler is having a giveaway to celebrate her beginning to blogging! She is having a 1st and 2nd Place Prize!! So hop on over and read her rules and get signed up at: http://oldehomesteadpeddler.blogspot.com/

First Place Prize!!

Second Place Prize!!

One of those days!!!

2008-10-10T23:07:00.003-05:00

Ever have one of those days that just seem that something sad is going on all day long..... Well, that would be how my day was today!

It started out okay! Thankfully it is Friday!!! For those of you that don't know my grandfather had a massive heart attack July 31st. He was airlifted to Houston which is 5 hours from us. It is the only hospital in Texas who would perform the surgery that he needed done. He was in the CVICU for about a month and seemed to be getting some better and was moved to the CCU unit which is actually an improvement for him. He had a permanent pacemaker put in last week and seemed all was heading in the right direction until this week. Wednesday he started talking out of his head and actting crazy so at that point they thought he had either been over medicated or had a stroke so he is now back in CVICU and critical once again. Im just so sad..... Growing up he wasn't a big part of our life. Due to retarded conflicts with my mom. Now we are all old enough to decide for ourselves and we have went and spent a couple of holidays with him these last 3 years. Im just so heartbroken that my boys may not get to know him and will miss out on that like I did. I was so glad that we made it down to see him the Friday night that he was first taken down there. We were the first to arrive there and I was back with him and he told me how much he loved me and how we had always been on his mind and in his heart. The next day is when he had another heart attack and was placed on the ventilator. We had to leave the following day so I still haven't saw him since then. I did talk to him on his birthday which was Sept 24th but, I knew then he wasn't the same..... I asked him what he was doing and he told me, "I just got done jumping through some ditches!" Obviously the medication he was on was giving him some problems. He did know who I was though and told me he loved me. That Im truly thankful for! I would love to make it back down there this weekend but, we just can't afford it. Between gas, lodging and eatting we spent almost 250 dollars the last trip!

Also, our Momma cat had kittens back in July and we got rid of them today and her. We kept one kitten only because Devin was heartbroken over them leaving. I just couldn't take care of them any longer.... 4 cats plus my 3 boys, my nephew and the little girl I keep during the day was just becoming to overwhelming. Having to clean the litter ever single day, sweeping the laundry room twice a day cause they destroy the food bowl and litter pan, keep Matthew out of the cat food and then they started climbing the counters and knocking my breakables off the top of my cabinets........

Sorry for rambling Im just exhausted, and sad all rolled up in one! If you stuck with me this long THANKS! Hopefully tomorrow I will find time to share my boys with ya!

Etsy Shop Sale!

2008-10-09T22:12:00.004-05:00

Well, I have decided I need to get my stacking boxes out of the way so starting today through Sunday everything in my etsy shop will be 50% off. I have a link to it in my sidebar and if you have any questions please send me a message!!!

*** price reflected on etsy is the sale price *** I will change them back Monday.

How I became a Wiggins.....

2008-10-07T15:58:00.005-05:00

Well, I said in my last blog I was gonna try to share about my family this week.... So Im gonna start off with my sweet husband Jason.....

We met each other when I was 15 and he was 17 at our church on July 3rd 1994. He was and still is an extremely shy kinda guy. He was at the water fountain getting a drink and my sister told me "He likes you." He turned the brightest red you could ever imagine. We laugh at each other because we both still remember what the other one was wearing that Sunday night...... Every since that following weekend we have been together. We waited a few years and got married when I was only 18. It's funny looking back everyone thought we were nuts to get married so young. Now we both understand what they were talking about however, we are still happy with what we chose to do.

He is an amazing man..... I could go on and on about him I think. He is the most giving, caring man. He is a wonderful provider for our family. He loves me unconditionally and I know without a doubt the minute I need him he is ALWAYS there. He makes me proud to be his wife and his companion. Our boys adore him and it makes my heart full watching him play with them. Music is also a big part of his life. He can sing like you wouldn't believe! He plays the drums at church. It is such a wonderful feeling watching someone you love do something they love to do! I also love him for his love for Christ. He has sacrificed so much for me to be able to stay home with our boys and for that alone I will forever adore him. He is also a Plumbing Designer for an Engineering Firm here..... I laugh at him when we walk into a place and he starts noticing all of the ends and outs of the building and if he "thinks" it was done properly. He is my heart and my soul! I thank God everyday for bringing him into my life.

Awesome 100th Post Giveaway!!

2008-10-06T15:38:00.001-05:00

Tammy over at http://countrygirlathome.blogspot.com/ is celebrating her 100th post with a wonderful giveaway!!! Some wonderful prim items that both her and her husband have made!! So stop on over and take a look and celebrate with her!

Books I managed to read this week!

2008-10-04T21:56:00.005-05:00

Most of you who actually "know" me know that Im a HUGE book fan!!! We made it over to Mardel's last week on Saturday during our date day.... My sister took the boys with her for the ENTIRE day!! We also went to the movies and saw Fireproof!!! MUST watch movie!!
ANYWAY~ I managed to get 3 books and have already finished them!!! I love reading books that are in series!!!

I started out with Sunset by Karen Kingsbury which is actually book #4 in the Sunrise Series....

Sunset is about the power of family love, and the healing miracle of redemption. As John Baxter makes plans to marry Elaine, one of the Baxters enters into the most trying season of all. During a time of renewed love and hope for the future, the Baxters try to come together to establish the sacred ground of marriage and to chart a course for the future. Memories of times gone by meet with the changes of today in a story that proves only the support of faith and family can take a person into the sunset years of life.

I so love all of her books and am definantly sad the this series is ended!!

Followed that up with The Longing by Beverly Lewis which is Book #3 in The Courtship of Nellie Fisher Series.....

Although she still thinks of Caleb Yoder, Nellie Mae Fisher has broken up with her beau, choosing instead to follow the ways of the New Order. Yet her yearning for a husband remains, and new possibilities beckon, taking her heart by surprise.
A tragic accident binds Caleb once more to the father who so opposed his affection for Nellie ... and to the farm that will no longer be his. As he longs for freedom, Caleb soon discovers he cannot forget the only girl he's ever loved.

I really have taken a liking to the Amish stories!!! I love learning of all of the simple ways that they live.

I finished A Promise to Remember by Kathryn Cushman last night. I had never heard of her and then last week when I saw it at Mardel's and it was only $2.49 I figured it was worth a read.... and it definantly was! It was a little slow at the beginning but, I ended up not being able to put it down!

Andie Phelps is the envy of Santa Barbara. A devoted mother with a loving son and a successful husband, her greatest joy comes from reaching out to others.
Melanie Johnston is the envy of no one. A single mom who works long hours to pay the bills, and her greatest joys relate to her teen daughter and son.
Then the accident that changes everything. When opposite worlds collide, the impact reaches far beyond these mothers’ personal losses.
Two wounded women…Two families seeking hope…A community torn apart… How far will they go to fulfill A Promise to Remember?

So what are you currently reading????

Busy, Busy Busy.... Yet again :)

2008-10-04T21:21:00.002-05:00

I find myself reminding me that it has been a week since I have blogged. I log on and read all of my favorite blogs daily but, just haven't had even a moment to sit and blog deeply. This week was yet another busy one.... I didn't manage to get much crafts done but, I did get some doillies (sp?) grunged up a bit! I love how they turned out and they found a place to go today in fact! I started watching a little girl who is 5 months old a few weeks ago and having 3 kids under 3 a few days a week keeps me hopping!!!

I got the boys up after we got big brother off to school yesterday and we headed to the donut shop and garage selling! I only found a shelf just like I have been wanting for $5.00 it has some flowers painted on the top of it so my project this week will be to sand it down; I also found some old wooden candle holders at the Goodwill for 75 cents a few weeks ago and plan on sanding and painting them as well! Im hoping I can distress them right :) It will be my first attempt at it! So if you have any pointers shoot away with them!

Devin's ball team lost their game today but, goodness are they coming along!! Jason is really enjoying it and it is bringing out a whole new side of him. For those of you who don't know him.... He is really a sweet easy going sometimes shy kinda guy. Having to interact and talk with the boys and their parents has done wonders...... Im sooo very proud of him! He is an amazing Daddy! Although baseball is just as consuming for us in the fall as it seems to be in the spring! Jason also started softball this past week so another night filled of BALL!!!! The boys like going and it gets me out of the house...... and the BEST part it is FREE entertainment :)

The Youth Drama Team is performing tomorrow night at church Im sooo proud of these guys tonight at practice you could tell they had really been working on their lines! Im so excited to see them show off all of the hard work they have done these past few weeks!

So that has been my week in a nutshell..... Next week Im going to try to post more and tell you about the special guys in my life! I haven't shared much about them and Im hoping to get my boxes loaded onto etsy when I get a chance so I can get rid of them :)

Hope you each are having a BLESSED weekend!

Creative Love!

2008-09-28T22:26:00.002-05:00

The goal of the game - List 10 things you love that begin with the letter you are assigned.The lovely Sandra assigned me the letter F, so let's see what I come up with. If you want to play along just leave me a comment and I'll assign you a letter.

1. Faith
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Freedom
5. Fruit
6. Friday's :)
7. Frogs
8. Fort Worth (where I live)
9. Fall
10. Ford Expedition

Awesome Thursday Giveaway!!

2008-09-25T12:37:00.003-05:00

Here is a wonderful giveaway from Teri at http://thistlehouseprimitives.blogspot.com/ It is a super cute pumpkin candle mat. The drawing will end on October 3rd.

What was keeping me so busy last week!

2008-09-23T14:48:00.008-05:00

Well, I am finally getting around to post pics of some of the crafts I was working on last week!

If you are interested in any of these.....

Please let me know and I can get you some additional details then!

I would also be interested in swapping items as well!

These turned out exactly how I wanted them GIRLIE!!! The tops are crackled!

Faith, Family and Friends ~ 3 of my TOP Priorities!

Stars!!! Perfect Prim or Americana look!!

Top of boxes with star!

Small Stacking Blocks! Again Prim or Americana!

Have a blessed week!

It was almost perfect!!!

2008-09-21T23:24:00.002-05:00

The weather here in Texas could not have been more perfect this weekend!!! However, our weekend started out with my husband Jason and our 3 year old Mason feeling under the weather.... You know the type of cold that nothing will do to help it!!! Friday night his sister and her family were moving so we were over there super late helping and then Fall Ball kicked off this weekend so we made it over to my nephews tball game and then my Devin's (8 year old) baseball game! This year they asked Jason to coach and he wasn't all the keen on it since he hasn't done it before but, when they told him that if he didn't then about 12 kids would not get to play so he sucked it up and asked my bil to help him. They have had 2 practices total between all the rain and the hurrican effects so we wasn't sure how it was going to go..... I knew their was a chance of a lot of giggles from the stands however............ The Royals won 10-6!!! AND my sweet little guy hit 3 homeruns!!!!! It amazed me watching him head into the dugout with his wonderful coach there grinning from ear to ear!! Daddy was definantly PROUD!!! of him and his teammates!!!! Afterwards he took the little ones home to nap and I went shopping and to Drama Practice at church with the youth. Jason had to go into work for a bit so we went over to Garden Ridge with my sister. Nothing exciting to report today for once..... :) Except the Cowboys won!!!

I have tons to get caught up on this week! Mostly my cleaning chores!!! My sister moved also this weekend and we swapped kitchen tables and she is using our upstairs couch so I need to definantly rearrange somethings. Maybe, I can get some pics posted this week also of somethings I have been working on!!! WOOT!!!

Praying you each had a blessed weekend and onto another one!!!

Another Giveaway for ya!!

2008-09-17T22:56:00.003-05:00

Kay over at http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com/ is having a giveaway in celebration of the first day of fall!! The deadline is Monday so make sure you hop on over there!!

Downright worn out!!!!

2008-09-17T22:56:00.002-05:00

Yep, that pretty much sums it up! I actually should have my hinney in bed but, at last it is the only moment I have managed to get online a checkup on my new and old found friends :) I got up early and got all of my housework done and then headed over to JoAnn's to look around! Boy do they have some super super cute fall stuff out!!! and most of it was 40% off. Although I tend to wait till it is WAY marked down! Gotta save some money somewhere! Then we headed to Walmart for a few things and I could not believe that I stumbled upon some Kim Klassen pictures..... I was so excited!!!! They have a little bit of Americana going on in them but, that is okay!!! I can't seem to find anything to go on this one wall and these will work till I do! The edges of them were painted gold and I didn't like that part of them so they came home with me and got a fresh coat of black paint on em!!!! I can't wait to hang them tomorrow!! Im trying to get some of the crafts I have been working on DONE! They are cluttering up my kitchen and I can't stand clutter so I spent the better part of the afternoon working on that and then before I knew it it was time to get ready and head to church! We had an awesome service tonight to close it out!! Praise and Worship was wonderful and the rest of the service was even better!!! I will admit that Im sorta kinda glad that tomorrow night is free for me anyway! Since Saturday I have been to church SIX times!!!! Jason and Devin will be at baseball practice.

I am planning on finishing up some projects tomorrow and then next week we are having a Just Between Friends Sale here in town. (if you don't have them in your area ~ it is a HUGE children's resale event) This will be my first time selling anything there! The boys closets are saying THANK YOU!!!! However, I have most of their stuff in boxes and it each item has to be on a hanger and a printed bartag on it. So I plan on getting to that tomorrow as well! So much going on!!!!!!

I hope you each are having a much BLESSED week!

Pure Prim Heaven!!!

2008-09-15T15:09:00.004-05:00

Okay so first of all Im loving this blog world!! It's amazing how many wonderful friends you can find.... I mean I have several great ladies that I post with over at yuku but, finding all this wonderful PRIM stuff..... Im truly in prim heaven! Being from Texas we don't really have that many craft shops anymore other than the Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's or Michael's. We have a Country Peddler Show that comes to town a couple of times a year so my Prim resources are limited! :) Thankfully my friend Brandie sent me some super cute items for my birthday this year to get me started then I also got some stuff at the Peddler. Everything else I have ordered online! So this is pure Prim Heaven!!!!

Other Monday Ramblings~ Our church is holding a revival through Wed. The man who is holding it actually goes and ministers on college steps all over!!! He so far is very thought provoking! Yesterday mornings he ministered on Reconciliation and last night it was who our identity was. I can't wait to see what tonight holds. Devin has baseball practice and since Daddy is the coach.... That is where they will be. I will be taking my 2 little guys with me to play with their little pals in class. I look forward to it actually. They have been little stinks today starting with getting a hold of a blue permanent marker this morning (while I was changing out the laundry.....) so it will be a nice break to get a chance to worship in peace :) The last few weeks I have felt like a drawing closer in my heart to the Lord.... longing for MORE! Well, I better get off and get Devin and my nephew from school. Then time to start homework and church preparations!

Blessings~ Cathy

Awesome Giveaway!!

2008-09-14T16:49:00.000-05:00

Well, I entered my very first blogger giveaway!!

Over at the http://jo-anne-thecarterclan.blogspot.com/

She is celebrating her 100th post and the opening of her etsy shop!! Which has some cute Halloween prim items! So hope on over and take a look!

Have a blessed Sunday

we are about to head off to church for our revival that is being held tonight!

The worst luck....

2008-09-14T16:36:00.000-05:00

Okay so as I am sitting here trying to figure out how on earth to change this background.... it's almost time to head back to church!! Can someone help me out???? How do I do it? I copied and pasted the code but, it just adds it to the generic original template?? What am I doing wrong?

Just getting started!

2008-09-14T00:12:00.000-05:00

Yes... Yes.... Yes.... I have finally moved into the blogging world!! I used to always have sometime of Dear Diary or Journal going.... Now days it seems I have so very many things just churning through my head and decide to start journaling!!