Sunday, October 19, 2008

52 Blessings

Today is Sunday...and I am blessed!

This song, Heart of Worship, has been a long time favorite of mine.

Lord, please help me to always remember that it's not about me, but that it's all about you, Jesus!


Saturday, October 18, 2008

Can We Expect Our Goodie Bags!?!

I just got a call from my daughter a few hours ago (she is a sophomore in college at Arizona State)...she's wanting to know if I'm going to be sending her and her roommates "goodie bags" for Halloween.

Yes, they are in college but they.want.their.goodie.bags!

I have been making my kids and their friends little treat bags for each holiday since they were in elementary school. I know I probably enjoy making them more than they enjoy getting them but it's just something fun to do.

Why should this holiday be any different from any of the other holidays except now the goodie bags arrive by mail. Sure kids...I'm on it! Only this time I'll be delivering them in person next week!

Oh and by the way, my daughter tells me that Tim, a longtime friend has inquired about his goodie bag for Halloween. I've been instructed that I can just send his to his dorm at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo where he is a sophomore too! Like I said, I'm on it!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Boo Sign Tutorial

A few of you asked how I made my Boo sign so I thought I'd take a minute and give you a little tutorial. Believe me, it was so simple that it really will only take a minute to tell you how I made it.

Supplies I used:

1 8x10 frame
1 can of flat black spray paint
newspaper
boo sign (Michael's)
1 can spray adhesive

First off, I spray painted an old frame that I had at the house. I gave it 2 coats. I cut out a piece of newspaper the size of the cardboard backing from the frame and with the spray adhesive, glued it to the cardboard.

I also spray painted the Boo sign that I got from Michael's. I paid about $2.00 for it. It originally had a spiral metal handle on it so that it could be hung up but I took my metal clippers and cut it off.

I put spray adhesive on one side of the Boo sign and placed it directly on the newspaper. I then placed the glass to the frame in back of the cardboard for more support. There is no glass in the front of the frame as the Boo lifts up off the page a bit.

That's it. It really couldn't be any easier. I hope these instructions are easy enough to follow, if not, let me know.

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Each and everyday I see more and more incredible ideas for Fall and Halloween decorating ideas. There are so many creative and fun ideas floating around in blogland that I'm finding it hard to tear myself away from the computer!

I've seen so many great creations that what I have done so far has included none of my normal decorations. I haven't brought out any of my old decorations yet, everything I've done to date has been the result of talented, creative bloggers!

Here are 3 of my favorite things I've done so far...


One of the first things I made this fall was this ribbon swag. It was so easy to do and I just love it. I can't wait to make one for Christmas.


These BOO signs have been all over blogland. I'm on the lookout now for more frames so that I can make up a few more of these to give to some girlfriends and family members this Halloween.


I just finished my "spooky" tree yesterday (I'm sorry it's blurry). I brought these branches home with me from our recent trip to the mountains. I forget what type of bush they come from but I know your not allowed to cut any of the branches off of these bushes. I picked up these fallen branches while on our hike down the mountain. I spray painted them black and viola!

So for our Friday question I'm wondering what ideas you've seen in blogland that you've tried out for yourself this Halloween season? I'd love to see and hear about them!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Am I The Only One Who Has A Problem With This?

There is a blog that I visit occasionally that has been on my mind for a few months now. In fact, I can't get it out of my mind. Let me tell you a little bit about it and then I want your opinion.

She is married to a professional husband, mother of 6 (college age down to preschool), and blogs about raising her family and the joys/heartache that is involved in doing so. She writes about her everyday life just like the rest of us. Although she didn't talk about it much, from what I can tell she developed a weight problem after having her children and it bothered her...it bothered her enough that she had surgery for it over a year ago.

Unbeknownst to us in blogland, she again went in for surgery, down in Mexico, and she did not survive the surgery. Out of the blue, her husband wrote a post stating that it was with sadness that she had passed away on August 14th.

I.was.dumbfounded.

Not only have I not been able to get her out of my mind, and constantly thinking about her poor husband and children, but now I'm bothered by what I'm reading. Her husband has taken over her blog and will post from time to time.

Only 6 weeks after his wife's death, he told us that he felt it was time that he start dating...yes, dating.

And.he.has!

Am I the only one who has a problem with this? Come on...6 weeks. I find this highly disrespectful to his late wife. They were married for almost 20 years and he only gives it 6 weeks. He met a woman and as of a few weeks ago had gone on 4-5 dates with her that week alone. He feels good that he knows he can "feel something for someone again." He thinks he has feelings for this new woman. As of his last post, the new woman had gone back to her old boyfriend but he's ok with it because he knows he can "feel" again.

This man's life is obviously none of my business but I am so bothered by his behavior. Am I wrong? Are you happy for him...happy that he is moving on? Of course I want this total stranger to move on and be happy but I feel he should give it time. What happened to the idea of waiting one year, grieving, before starting a new life? Everyone who leaves him a comment gives him praise for taking this step. I haven't left a comment because I'm afraid I'll speak up and say "what are you thinking?" Is he already trying to find a new mother for his kids? I worry about the ramifications this will have on his family.

Please give me your thoughts, I'd love to hear what you think about all of this.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Birthday Goodness - Part 2

My blogging friend Jan sent me the greatest gift package for my birthday last month. Each and everything she picked out is something that I would buy myself. She also sent along a bag of carmel corn with cashews that was amazing. The carmel corn didn't make it into the picture because, well...it was long gone way before the picture was taken! Jan, thank you again for everything.


Another wonderful blogging friend, Janiece, sent me this special treat and I love it. I didn't have a "Home Sweet Home" plaque so when it arrived I was thrilled! Janiece and I have been blogging buddies for a few months now and like I've told her...if we were neighbors, I know we'd be fast friends! Thank you Janiece for my very welcomed and special gift.


Now I'm sure all of you know Kacey from Doodle Bugs Paper, but if you don't, you need to check out her blog soon. She has such talent! Kacey sent me a birthday gift that I truly just about screamed out loud when I opened it up. She sent me the most darling little pouch with stickers inside and as you can see they are just about the cutest stickers around! Kacey, I hope you're making and selling these now because I know I'm going to need more real soon!


Kacey's sister Kim Sue is a blogging buddy too and was sweet enough to remember my birthday as well. Kim Sue sent me these adorable gift cards that will certainly come in handy. Being a lover of all things paper, this was the perfect gift. Thanks Kim Sue!


When I got home from vacation there was a sweet package waiting for me...a package from blogging friend and fellow RN Jennifer. Jennifer sent me something that is a favorite of mine and something that I like collecting. I love dish towels and put a special one out for all occasions (just ask my family!) Thank you Jennifer for my special fall dish towel!


Last, but not least, thank you blogging buddies Jennifer H, Lene, and Patti for the birthday cards you sent my way. They were so appreciated!

As you can see I was spoiled rotten this birthday by wonderful, thoughtful friends that I've met through blogging...women I adore and whose friendships I cherish. Thank you to each and every one of you. Also, thank you to all who left a kind and loving birthday comment. I should have started blogging years ago...bloggers made this one of the best birthdays ever!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

52 Blessings

Today is Sunday and I am blessed!

This has got to be one of the best videos ever...to a very beautiful song. It's amazing!