News from Goat Creek....

Happy New Years Eve!

2011-12-31T07:45:00.003-08:00

Can you believe its already the last day of 2011??? Where did all the time go??? Have you set any goals for yourself for 2012???

One thing is for sure, the hubby and I have had our share of set-backs in 2011 and are hoping that 2012 holds a better future for us and all our friends.

I have been in such a slump lately that I have decided first off that I am gonna do my best to drop at least 20 pounds in 2012 and do a little bit more exercising. I told the hubby we were going to be eating a little healthier and the I think it scared him, you see... he has a very bad snacking problem. We were given a Wii as a gift this summer from my BFF and I think even if we just do that more often, it would help.

I also have plans to start a Etsy shop with my dear friend/sister, Kookie. She makes some of the most wonderful things and I can't wait to have her share them with all of you. She has been a real source of inspiration to me in the past year and I feel really blessed to have met her and gotten to know her.

So.... what about you? I would love to hear what plans you have for the upcoming year.... and I look forward to getting to know you all so much better. We are as strong as those we keep around us!

Take care and be safe tonight!

*hugs*

Debbie K

Harvest of Grace

2011-12-26T11:34:00.000-08:00

Harvest of Grace

Cindy Woodsmall

Sylvia Fisher works on the family farm and thankfully her father doesn't make her keep to the Old Order of The Amish, that the women take care of their homes and raise babies. He lets her tend and nurture the dairy herd instead and she does a wonderful job of it.

All is going well until her 'intended' demands a yes or no answer to his marriage proposal. Sylvia hesitates as she feels there is something missing, only to have hm turn to her younger sister who jumps on the chance to marry him.

Feeling betrayed, Sylvia moves to another town to help the Blanks make a go of their failing farm which is sinking in debt. All is going well until the Blank's son, Aaron who is a recovering alcoholic, returns home. Sylvia feels her position at the dairy farm is being threatened and Aaron is feeling that she is going to ruin his attempt to convince his parents to give up the farm and move to town with him.

This book is the third in the Ada House series and even though I did not read the first two, I really enjoyed it. I did find that it made me want to read the first two books to find out more of the stories behind the other characters. I think anyone who reads any of Cindy's books will not be disappointed.

I received a copy of this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

Enjoy!

Debbie

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Blogger Note: I recently suffered some computer issues and have to use someone elses to post on my blog and its not allowing me to post links like I would like to for you. I apologize for this. To view links for this review, you can go here:

To view information on the book at Amazon, please go here: http://www.amazon.com/Harvest-Grace-House-Amish-Romance/dp/1400073987/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324997667&sr=8-1

You can visit Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks

I am sorry for this inconvenience and hope to have it resolved soon.

Thank You,

Debbie

Heaven is for Real for Kids : A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back

2011-12-13T06:25:00.000-08:00

Heaven is for Real for Kids is a story as told by Colton Burpo to his parents, Todd and Sonja Burpo

We have all heard stories of people having near-death experiences and catching a glimpse of Heaven only this one is through the eyes of a four year old.

After life-threatening surgery, Colton came back with stories that amaze his parents. Stories of a sister he hadn't met, things he was shown by God.

The book is filled with illustrations of what Colton saw and I found it interesting to really see things through the eyes of this child.

My husband had the opportunity to read the adult version of this book and could not put it down, so it is on my list of books to read but I think this 'kid friendly' version is a great book for parents to share with young children who may have questions and who may be scared of the concept of death. I wish it had been around when my sons were little.

I received a copy of this book through BookSneeze.com in exchange for my honest review.

Enjoy!
Debbie K

The Christmas Singing : A Romance From The Heart of Amish Country (Ada's House Series)

2011-12-10T06:02:00.000-08:00

After Gideon coldly broke her heart, can the warmth of the season revive Mattie's hopes?

Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve.

Three years later, will learning the truth behind his rejection restore her Christmas joy - or open the door to even deeper heartache?

Spend Christmas with the Amish inn this story of love, romance, heartache, and restoration.

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You can view a video clip for the book HERE.

or

If you would like to read an excerpt from Chapter 1, you can find it HERE.

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I truly enjoyed this book when I read it and I think you will too! And to make things even sweeter, the wonderful folks at WaterbrookMultnomah are offering you 30% off and free shipping on 'The Christmas Singing' (and any other title) when you use promo code CHRISTMAS11 at checkout on WaterBrookMultnomah.com . The coupon code expires on December 20th, 2011.

Enjoy!
Debbie K

Friday Freebie Book Download

2011-12-09T04:37:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! Its a frosty 27 degrees here in southeast Missouri today. What would be better than curling up with a free Christmas book to get you in the holiday mood? I love reading Christmas stories and here is one that I thought I would share with you.

'A Dixie Christmas'
by
Sandra Hill

Product Description: Two magnolias-and mistletoe-inspired holiday stories from the bestselling author of more than thirty romantic, humorous novels. Laughter and love combine in Sandra Hill's BLUE CHRISTMAS - with a touch of Elvis magic.

Wealthy Wall Street businessman Clayton Jessup III has only one reason for arriving in Memphis a few days before Christmas - to sell off his inheritance, an embarrassingly kitschy hotel named The Blue Suede Suites. His feelings for the Land of Elvis are dark: his long-dead Memphis mother abandoned him and his dad when Clay was a baby, and now Clay wants nothing to do with a southern legacy that couldn't be more different from his sophisticated big-city life. But then he steps in trouble - literally - when he confronts the bizarre group of Elvis impersonators who've set up a living Nativity scene on his property. One slip of a wingtip in some sheep poop lands Clay in the care of gorgeous Annie Fallon, whose big-haired Elvis-girlfriend get-up can't hide her wholesome, sexy appeal.

Annie and her brothers have set up the Nativity scene to earn some badly needed money for their struggling dairy farm. The last thing she needs is an angry Yankee with a concussion and a come-hither smile...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In JINX CHRISTMAS, sexy NASCAR star Lance Caslow makes a last-ditch effort to win back his ex-wife Brenda.

Five years ago, his reckless pursuit of racetrack fame tore them apart and broke Brenda's heart. Now Lance shows up in Louisiana determined to make things right this Christmas, not just for himself and Brenda, but for their young daughter, Pattie. He's got his work cut out for him and desperate measures are needed. Lance will do anything to prove he's worthy of Brenda's trust again - even join the Cajun Christmas show starring a raucous Cajun family whose menfolk dance for charity events in little more than a smile...

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They might be a little cheesy and predictable but who doesn't like a book that can make you laugh? This one just may do that. You can find the link for the book HERE but please remember that just because a book is free today doesn't mean it will still be free tomorrow.

I hope you enjoy! I would love hearing what you think of the books picked.

Happy Reading!

*hugs*
Debbie

Friday Freebie Book Download!

2011-12-01T16:48:00.000-08:00

I love to read and since I have my new Kindle Fire, I have decided to host a 'Freebie Friday' to let you know when there are some free Kindle downloads available on Amazon.com.

The first book I chose for you is:

'O Little Town: A Novel'
by
Don Reid

Product Description

In a small town at Christmas, three families find themselves muddling their way through the challenges of life: marriage, illness, bad decisions, friendship, faith, forgiveness . and a fifty-year-old mystery.

About the Author

Don Reid, a member of the Statler Brothers, country music's premier singing group for nearly forty years, has established himself as a singer and professional writer in multiple fields.

As a songwriter of 240 published and recorded songs, many of them number one and top ten hits, Reid is the recipient of 18 BMI (Broadcast Music Incorporated) awards, 3 Grammy awards, 9 Country Music Association awards, 48 Music City News/TNN awards, 13 gold albums, and 8 platinum albums.

Reid also cowrote (with his brother Harold) the television series The Statler Brothers Show and numerous TV specials. He has published three nonfiction books (Heroes and Outlaws of the Bible, Sunday Morning Memories, and You Know It's Christmas When.). O Little Town is his first novel.

Don lives with his wife, Deborah, in Staunton, Virginia.

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This book was given a 'Five Star' rating on Amazon.com and the reviews posted were all pretty good so that has me wanting to download to read and hopefully you will too!

Just remember that just because its free today, doesn't mean it will be free tomorrow so please double check before you download.

Happy Reading!

*hugs*

Debbie

Ornament Swap 2011

2011-12-01T05:51:00.001-08:00

This year I was able to participate in the 2nd Annual Christmas Ornie Swap over at the Prim Pals Forum and I was simply amazed at all the wonderful ornie's I received. I think my tree will be the best dressed tree in Chaffee this year!

Over the past two years I have been very blessed with meeting some very special and talented ladies. They are always there to help a sister out whether its a crafting dilemma or just offering a shoulder to cry on or ear to listen.

I love having my little prim tree decorated with ornies they have made. Its so nice to sit back and see a ornie and knowing the special lady who made it.

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I know I haven't been very good at blogging over the past year but I am really going to put a better effort in doing the things I love.... blogging being one of them!

I hope your all having a great week and managing to stay warm. I woke up to a frosty 22 degrees this morning. Can I please just stay home and craft???? I don't want to get out in it.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

*hugs*
Debbie K

Need A Gift For the Book Lover????

2011-11-29T15:11:00.000-08:00

If you need a gift for the reader in your life (or yourself) and you are lucky enough to have an eReader... do I have the perfect gift for you!

An eReader Cover!

The covers I show are already made and fit the new Kindle Fire but will also fit any of the eReaders with a 7 inch screen. If you would need one to fit a different style of eReader just let me know and I can make a custom cover made to fit!

These covers have a stiff interfacing and cotton batting which make them soft, yet sturdy enough to protect your eReader from dust and scratches. It has a button and a double-stitched fabric loop for a secure closure. The inside of the cover sports two little side pockets that can be used for easy storage of notes, etc. The cover folds back for comfortable and easy reading too!

The covers sell for $20.00 plus $5.00 shipping and handling in the US. ($6.00 in Canada)

I have them in the following fabrics if anyone would be interested.

Green/Gold/Brown

Brown/Teal

Garden Friends

Winter Theme

Mardi Gras Chickens

Blue Floral

Brown/Orange/Teal Retro Circles

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If you have any questions concerning this cover or any custom order, please send me a message prior to ordering.

Your eReader Cover will ship via USPS with delivery confirmation within 5 business days,

Please allow at least two weeks for custom orders, however most orders should ship withing 5 business days of receipt. Also you must be sure to include which type of eReader you own for
custom orders.

All orders will ship to the address you provide through Pay Pal unless otherwise specified.

Thank you so much for looking!
*hugs*

Debbie K

A Giveaway...

2011-11-25T06:50:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! I just wanted to let you all know about a giveaway being held over at 'Hybrid Simplicity' by Johanna. She is getting ready to celebrate her 30th birthday and in honor of it, giving you a chance at winning a $30 gift certificate from one of my favorite places, Barnes and Noble!

Johanna is the daughter-in-law of a fellow blogger Marie of 'Spun by Me'. I have known Marie since I started blogging several 'moons' ago... So stop by Johanna's blog and wish her a Happy Birthday and sign up for this wonderful giveaway!

*hugs*
Debbie K

The Christmas Singing

2011-11-22T05:54:00.003-08:00

'The Christmas Singing' - A Romance for the Heart of Amish Country
by
Cindy Woodsmall

Three years ago Mattie left her Amish community in Pennsylvania to rebuild her life in Ohio as a successful cake decorator, when her childhood sweetheart broke off their engagement on Christmas Eve. She pours her life into her dreams of creating the most beautiful cakes for her Amish and Englisch customers alike.

Life is going well with her business and her love life when something happens that forces Mattie to go back to Pennsylvania for a while. She is faced with all the old feelings she had for Gideon and finds that she has a decision to make once Gideon reveals the secret that caused their break up.

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I had never read anything by Cindy Woodsmall but after reading this book she has left me wanting more. Her characters are well written and you feel like you are part of the story. I would definitely recommend this book to all my friends who enjoy reading.

I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

An Amish Wedding

2011-11-22T05:09:00.001-08:00

An Amish Wedding
by
Kelly Long, Kathleen Fuller and Beth Wiseman

'An Amish Wedding' is the tales of three Amish women whose lives and stories are all connected.

A Perfect Secret by Kelly Long

Luke and Rose are set to get married but Rose seems to have a few doubts. She longs for romance that she just doesn't seem to have with Luke which makes her wonder if she is marrying him for the right reasons. She takes the advice of her maiden Aunt Tabby who suggest that she looks a little deeper at the 'real' Luke and what Rose discovers, surprises her.

A Perfect Match by Kathleen Fuller

Naomi is an older sister who runs her own baked goods business out of her home next to her parents. She also tends to play matchmaker, so when her friend Margaret seeks her help Naomi decides to help her find a suitor. Little does she know that Zeke, cousin to her sister's intended, has other plans for her matchmaking.

A Perfect Plan by Beth Wiseman

Priscilla and Chester have known each other since she was sixteen years old and they fell in love and patiently wait for her to turn nineteen so they can make plans to marry and start a life of their own. Unfortunately the closer the wedding date comes, life seems to be throwing up little road blocks that make Priscilla wonder if God is trying to tell then that maybe its not to be...

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I really enjoyed these three stories, especially the way the three different authors tied all the characters together. The only one I had read previously was Beth Wiseman and I have to say that I was not disappointed in anyway with the other two ladies writing styles. These stories were a great peek into the life of three Amish women and I would definitely recommend it.

A copy of this book was given to me by the publishers at BookSneeze.com in exchange for my honest review.

The Mercy

2011-11-04T18:36:00.001-07:00

The Mercy
by
Beverly Lewis

Book Three of 'The Rose Trilogy'

Two Amish sisters yearning for new beginnings.

Hen cares for her injured husband, uncertain what the future holds.

Rose welcomes a second chance at love when she least expects it. Is she finally able to give her whole heart?

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This was the first novel by Beverly Lewis that I have read and while it was well, written book I felt a little lost for not having read the previous two.

Hen had given up her Amish ways for her English husband. In the previous book, he was in an accident that left him blind and he and Hen are back living with the plain folk while he is recuperating. Throughout the book you are left wondering what was going to happen between those two... Would they divorce and go their separate ways or would they reconcile and live a plain life.

Rose on the other hand is living with her parents and helping care for her invalid Mother. Rose has apparently broken off an engagement with Silas, but pines secretly for Nick, the adopted son of the Bishop. She begins dating Issac in the story who seems to be a 'filler' character to me as we just catch a brief glimpse now and then.

This book was good but I would highly recommend that you read the first two. I felt like there were holes in the story that I would of understood if I had read them first.

There are seemed to be a lot more bible references in this book compared to other Amish stories I have read but I did not mind them. I would give this book three out of five stars.

A copy of this book was given to me by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Shadows of the Sand

2011-10-25T06:16:00.001-07:00

'Shadows of the Sand'
by
Gayle Roper

She serves him breakfast at her cafe every morning.... but he never seems to notice her.

Carrie Carter's small cafe in Seaside, New Jersey, is populated with a motley crew of locals... although Carrie only has eyes for Greg Barnes. He's recovering from a vicious crime that three years ago took the lives of his wife and children - and from the year he tried to drink his
reality away. while her heart does a happy Snoopy dance at the sight of him, he never seems to notice her.

When Carrie's dishwasher is killed and her young waitress disappears, Greg finds himself drawn into helping Carrie solve the mysteries... and into her life. But when Carrie's own painful past becomes all too present, her carefully constructed world begins to sink.

Will the fragile relationship she's bulding with Greg implode from the weight of the baggage they both carry?

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Carrie owns a small cafe in Seaside, New Jersey with the a cast of loveable characters that the reader can easily relate too. Carrie has a love interest in the form of Greg Barnes. A man dealing with the tragedy of losing his wife and children. Carrie feels that he doesn't know she's
alive.

One morning Carrie's dishwasher is found murdered after being gone for a few days... Next the young, sixteen year old waitress disappears. Is it a coincidence or are they connected. Greg helps Carrie to solve the mystery and finds that he can no longer fight the secret attraction
that he has been hiding. He also learns that Carrie has a secret that she has to come to terms with.

This book was easy to get into and the story was a good one and help my interest right up to the end. The way the author writes, leaves you feeling like you too are a part of this story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

The Wonder of Your Love

2011-10-12T05:55:00.000-07:00

The Wonder of Your Love
by
Beth Wiseman

Katie Ann lost the love of her life.
Then God offers her a new beginning in Colorado.

Katie Ann Stoltzfus lives in the small Amish community of Canaan, Colorado. At forty sh is widowed and raising her first child. But baby Jonas will never know his father, and Katie Ann wonders if her Heavenly Father hasn't forgotten about her as well. Is it really God's plan for her to be a single parent?

Eli Detweiler has come to Canaan for a wedding and a long vacation. Having raised six children following the death of his young wife, Eli is finally an empty-nester. He's enjoying the slower pace of having no one to care for but himself.

When Katie Ann and Eli meet there is an instant connection. Yet as strong as the attraction is, they both acknowledge that a romance would never work. He is done parenting, while she has just begun. But as their friendship slowly blossoms into feelings that are as frightening as they are intoxicating, Katie Ann and Eli question if the plans they made for themselves are in line with God's plan.

Can Katie Ann entrust her heart to another man, and rediscover the wonder of God's love?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have always been fascinated with the Amish way of life and just recently begun reading some Amish fiction. This is the first of Beth Wiseman novels that I have read and I absolutely loved it.

The characters in this book seemed so real and I felt that I could too could also feel the heartache Katie Ann was going through as a new mother and widow. Watching her heart open up to Eli and learning to trust again after the betrayal she suffered by her husband and Eli realizing how he wanted both Katie Ann and Jonas in his life. Neither of them seem to be able to fight the attraction that they both feel for each other.

I also enjoyed getting to know the other characters in the book such as Martha and Danielle. I find myself wanting to know what was going on with them too. I think there is a book in that story also!

All in all the book was one of the best I have read and I was so sorry to see it come to an end. I would definitely recommend it!

I was given this book by BookSneeze in exchange for my honest opinion.

Veiled Rose

2011-09-25T17:26:00.000-07:00

Veiled Rose
by
Anne Elisabeth Stengl

The Veiled Rose is the story about a young boy named Leo who sets off to hunt a monster and instead discovers Rose Red. Despite the fact that she is mysteriously veiled, they explore the mountain and develop a friendship he has never had before.

This book is the follow up to Ms. Stengl's book ' Heartless which I have never read. I found this book well written and the characters likable but
it wasn't a book that I would of chose on my own. I sometimes found myself easily distracted while reading this story. If you enjoy fantasy, dragons and such, you will like this book.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Sarah's Key

2011-09-25T09:28:00.001-07:00

Sarah's Key
by
Tatiana De Rosnay

I have always been fascinated by the history of the Holocaust and ever since I heard Regis Philbin talk about this book on 'Regis and Kelly' I have had it on my wish list. Well yesterday my hubby picked it up along with a book he needed for school because he too wanted to read it. He brought it home at noon and by 7 pm I was done! It sucked me right in and I couldn't put it down. It was that good so if you are looking for a good read I highly recommend this book!

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PARIS, July 1942: Sarah, a ten-year-old girl, is taken with her parents by the French police as they go door-to-door arresting Jewish families in the middle of the night. Desperate to protect her younger brother, Sarah locks him in a bedroom cupboard-their secret hiding place--and promises to come back for him as soon as they are released.

SIXTY YEARS LATER Sarah's story intertwines with that of Julia Jarmond, an American journalist investigating the roundup. In her research, Julia stumbles onto a trail of secrets that link her to Sarah, and to questions about her own romantic future.

Dry As Rain

2011-09-13T05:24:00.000-07:00

Dry As Rain is a Christian Contemporary Romance written by Gina Holmes. It is dealing with two people, Eric and Kyra, who fell in love, thinking it would last forever, only to find their marriage gradually falling apart twenty years later.

Just when Eric thinks all hope is lost, Kyra is involved in a car accident which erases part of her memory. Eric sees this as his chance to hopefully get a fresh start and win back Kyra's love.

Through this book, Eric seems to push aside his relationship with God, and just does what he thinks he can do to make things work. Once he realizes it isn't working, he puts his faith where it belonged in the first place and the Grace of god shines through.

While I wouldn't of picked this book for myself, I did find it an easy read, though a little predictable. I think I had basically figured out what was going to happen halfway through the book.

I received this book free of charge from Tyndale House Publishers for review purposes.

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Hope you all are enjoying a Fall-like week!

*hugs*
Debbie K

Are You Being Sabotaged?

2011-09-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

I know there are a lot of us that do craft shows or inspired to try our hands at doing them and I got to wondering. Do any of you ever feel like your best efforts are being sabotaged?

I personally feel that every time I make plans to just craft, the hubby seems to always come up with something he needs my help with, etc. For instance, I had a four day weekend and planned on getting all my grocery shopping done and parking my Jeep in the driveway and not moving it till I went to work this morning. Well... that didn't happen. I ended up in town almost everyday which just blew any motivation I may have had.

What do you do when this happens to you???? I personally think if you try to run a business, you need to treat it like a business and allot a specific time frame to work. I am beginning to think I actually need to go somewhere 'out of site'.

Anyone have some helpful hints for those of us who are struggling???

I know I would appreciate any advice you can give me.

*hugs and blessings*
Debbie

Remember Me????

2011-09-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have not blogged in over a month and a half. I have no excuse except life seemed to keep getting in the way all summer long. I had such big plans to spend my summer vacation crafting and working on making some things for my Etsy Shoppe but did not get done close to what I wanted to finish.

Most of my time was spent taking care of the house, hubby and keeping up with the Prim Pals Forum. Now, school is back in session and I am already counting down the days till Christmas Vacation! *laughing*

I did manage to get a few items made though....

I got this thing for pinwheels and made this little table topper. I also cut out a runner and a lap quilt too of the same pattern. They will look nice once I get them all finished.

I found a charm pack called 'Bella Citrus' and just fell in love with the bright orange, green and blues.

Right now, I have about half a dozen tops pieced together, just need to find backing and put them together and get them quilted.

I also had to do a little work with felt and make a few candle mats for the fall.

There is this one for Halloween....

Then this one for Fall.....

We did a 'Choose Your Own Medium' challenge over at Prim Pals last month. We were given a scarecrow pattern and allowed to make it into whatever we desired.
I decided to work with felt and this is what I made.

I am really happy with it how it turned out.

The next project was a tree skirt that I wanted to do for Fall. I had been wanting to do a little painting so I decided to paint a Fall design on it.

The picture doesn't show it, but I tea-stained it and then quilted around the painting.

It looks perfect around my tree. Now I just need to make some new ornies for it.

Thanks for taking a look and please know that I really missed you all. I promise to try and do better. I hope you all are doing well!

*hugs*
Debbie

The First Gardener

2011-07-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

'The First Gardener'
by
Denise Hildreth Jones

This is the first novel I have read from this author and I must say that I found myself being 'sucked into the story' from page one.

Jeremiah is a sweet old man who has been the gardener for the first families of Tennessee, for the past twenty five years. This story is about the way his life, intermingles with Mackenzie London and her husband, Gray, the Governor of the State of Tennessee.

I found myself feeling so connected to these characters and felt myself suffering right along side of them when they find themselves suffering a great loss and then fighting to keep their faith in the midst of such a great tragedy.

I laughed, cried and found myself even saying a little prayer... I highly recommend this wonderful novel.

I would also like to thank Tyndale House Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review of this wonderful novel by Denise Hildreth Jone.

Friendship Swap Goodies

2011-05-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

Last month I joined in the 'Friendship Swap' that was held over at Tricia's 'Hillcrest Home Prims'. I was matched up with Sheila of 'Season's of Thy Heart'. I did not know Sheila prior to the swap so it was great making a new friend and getting to know her.

Monday I came home from a rough day at work and found a box had arrived and look at all the goodies I found inside.

Sheila knew I loved sunflowers and loved to sew from our conversations so she created the most wonderful things for me.

I love Americana too! Don't you just love this arrangement Sheila made?!

And there is this sweet little watering can arrangement too! Complete with sunflowers of course!

Isn't this spade with sunflowers just adorable? Sheila even threw in a pair of gloves for gardening!

Just in time for Memorial Day... This cute 'Stars & Stripes' sign!

There is also this wonderful sewing caddy! I love that I can take all my sewing supplies with me in the living room and be able to keep them all in once spot without fear of losing them!

Sheila also included a cute red, white and blue bracelet and a recipe for 'Picnic Chicken Salad'! How did she know my hubby loves chicken salad.

Thank you so very much Sheila! I LOVE my goodies very much! I am so happy we have gotten to know each other and hope to continue this friendship for years to come!

*big hugs*
Debbie K

A Finished Project!

2011-05-16T05:23:00.001-07:00

Over at the Prim Pals forum we try to do a crafting challenge every few months. In April the had a 'Signature Block' Swap and then the challenge was after we all received our blocks, we had to create something out of them.

Well I finally completed my project and came up with this.
A table runner! I love how it turned out. Its going to be nice to have these little reminders of my blogging and forum friends to look at. Its like having a little piece of them around.

The next challenge is called 'Choose Your Medium'.

We were given a pattern and were told we can do anything we want with it. Its a stitching pattern but we were given the option to paint it or even cut it out of wood. I am getting ready to start on it next. Its going to be so much fun to see what everyone comes up with!

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Hope you all have a Happy Monday! Only three more working days till summer vacation!!!! Yay me!

Take Care,
Debbie K

Pin Keep Swap

2011-05-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

I love pin keeps and when I saw that Wendy of Ravenwood Whimzies was holding a pin keep swap I knew I had to join in.

My partner was Valerie of Yorkie's Primitives.

Yesterday when I came home the mail lady had delivered me a package and this is what I found inside!

I LOVE it! Valerie had asked me about some of my favorite things and I love how she incorporated my favorite color green and my love of sunflowers into her design. Can you see the little card in the pocket on the apron? Its a needle keep! Its just perfect!

I just love it Valerie and Thank you to you and Wendy too for hosting such a fun swap!!

Flood Watch 2011

2011-04-27T01:36:00.000-07:00

As most of your are probably aware of, the Midwest is being hit very hard by the recent storms and has had a lot of flooding going on. Well.... guess who lives in the Midwest? If you guessed me.... You guessed right.

Wendell and I live in a little hick town called Allenville that is so small they do not recognize it to even have our own zip code. Our official address says we live in Chaffee which is about 8 miles from our house. (Its been a headache too!)

We are about 75 to 80 miles from Poplar Bluff, Missouri which has even made national news as there are 1000 homes there that have been flooded.

This was the view from my front porch on Monday, April 25th.

This was the view from our front porch yesterday.
Tuesday, April 26th.

The water is beginning to cover the road.This is the field on the left side of our house. The road directly in front of it is flooded and has maybe 6 inches of water on it. The ducks all seem to like it. On the side of this field is a gravel road which was the last road we could of gotten out by but were told that chances where the water wouldn't get to the house.This is the view in front of our house yesterday afternoon about 2:45 pm. The water has raised about six more inches. Our driveway has about 2 inches of water on it.

It rained last night and its dark here at 4:00 am and I cannot see what it looks like outside because its so dark here. When I stepped out on the front porch all I could hear was a train in the distance and the frogs.

I have not been able to get to work since the road has been flooded over. Thankfully a neighbor about a mile or so, and higher up from us, let us park our vehicles at her place. Wendell wanted to hold his ground because we were told that the house had never flooded. Water did get up to the yard in the flood of '93 but the house was safe and the owners had stayed.

Part of his decision to stay was because we have no family near by and would of had to stay in a shelter but none of the shelters here allowed animals. There is no way we could leave the dog or cats here and I don't think we could of all survived living in my Jeep till the water goes down but right now I am seriously thinking about it. We can still make it out if we walk out the back field though it will probably be muddy as hell.

I am thinking today is going to be spent carrying things of importance upstairs and then maybe we should hike up through the field to the neighbors and load up the Jeep with the pets and what we can carry. I don't know where we will go but I would like to be able to sleep without worry.

I am gonna go and try getting some things upstairs. I will post again later with new pictures.

Please say a prayer that the rain will stop. I don't know if I can handle losing my home again. It was just a little over two years ago that we lost our farm. If we lose this place, I don't know what will happen or where we will go.

Be Safe....
*hugs*

Debbie

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T05:44:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to drop in and wish a 'Happy Easter' to all my fellow bloggers and friends! I hope you all get to spend a wonderful day with your family. Ours is going to be a little quiet here as the kids all have plans elsewhere. Easter dinner won't be too traditional here.... BBQ chicken wings in the crock pot and potato salad.

We were hit by more severe thunderstorms last night. Thankfully I was not left to drive in them like on Friday evening. I had to go to a baby shower for the gal who was camp director last summer and it broke up right in time for me to drive through the worse of it to get home about 9:15 pm. I was fearing for my life the wind was blowing so hard. According to the weatherman we are suppose to be hit again tonight too! I am really tired of all these 'April Showers'.... I say lets move on to the 'May Flowers'!

Take Care and Enjoy Your Day!
*hugs*

Debbie

Stitchery Giveaway

2011-04-19T05:59:00.001-07:00

Trish of 'Me 2 U Primitives' is holding a wonderful giveaway over at her blog and I hope you will go check it out. She is hoping to make at least 14 new friends and the winner that is chosen on April 22nd, will win this wonderful stitchery, handmade by Trish herself!
While your there, check out the rest of Trish's work. You will be glad you did!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope everyone is having a good week so far and safe from the nasty weather that has been hitting us the past few days. I am sending out prayers that all my blogging friends and their families are safe out there!

*hugs*
Debbie K

A Giveaway, New Etsy Items and a New Family Addition...

2011-04-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

Rachel of 'P.S., I Quilt' is hosting this sponsor giveaway. What is being given away? This wonderful bundle of fat quarters from 'Green Fairy Quilts'.

Rachel's blog is one of the first quilting blogs I discovered and I love it.... I think you will too so hurry on over cause Rachel is drawing a winner on Friday.
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This past weekend I worked on a few projects for swaps and for my Etsy shop. I can't show you the swap projects but I can show you a few of the new candle mats that I stitched up.

I have so many ideas running into my head... just need more time. Thankfully there are only 27 more 'school' days till Summer vacation so I am hoping that means I can get a lot created.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last Thursday I came home from work to find my husband sitting on the front porch. When I got up to the steps, he told me to go inside and look in the box up on the entertainment center. Okay.... I slowly walked up to the box and peeked inside to find these little babies.

Since it had been so nice out, he had decided to mow the grass and came across a rabbits nest. The good news was no babies were harmed, however four of the six in the nest took off. These two stayed behind. Hubby sat and watched them for a while but momma never came around and they just set there. Because he was worried they would be victims to other animals, he brought them inside.

Thankfully they already had their eyes open (which means they were at least ten days old) and that I had all my farm baby experiences to fall back on because I am now a 'bunny momma'. I say bunny as the little one passed away Friday afternoon. We were worried about it as it wouldn't eat for us very easily.....

The other one though is a little eating machine. Yesterday I gave him his first bit of carrot and he loved it. He is still drinking milk but he is starting to eat pellets and drinking a little water too. According to everything I have read on wild rabbits, he should be able to fend for his own when he is four weeks old but I think there is going to be a problem.....

I don't know if I can let him go.... lol
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Well, I hope everyone is having a great week. Tonight I am baking cake for my niece's wedding on Saturday. I promise to take pictures to share!

Take care and hope you all have a great evening!
*hugs*

Debbie K

A New Project and Some Old Ones....

2011-04-06T05:05:00.000-07:00

I was part of a 'signature block' swap over at Prim Pals and this week the blocks went out. These are also part of a challenge that we are doing over there. We all contributed one block and now we have six weeks to do something with them. I am so excited to get started working on what I am going to do with them. I think I have an idea of what I want to do but that could still change. There are eighteen of us that participated so it will be fun to see what everyone comes up with.

Sunday I was able to do a little crafting and it felt so good to have the whole day to do just whatever. One of my friends made some of these little felt bunnies like I had done earlier (tutorial can be found over at Cathy's blog, Tolentreasures) and she had embroidered a simply little flower on them. Well I loved that idea so I made a set doing the flower too! I like them so much better than my original set.

Thank you for the idea Kookie!

The next project of the day was pin keeps. Lately I have had a fascination for them and found myself searching for patterns/ideas to make some for myself.

I started with doing a few like these. They were really simple to do.

After I did a few of those, I remembered that I had seen some of these upstairs in the attic when we first moved in.

I brought about a dozen downstairs and washed them up and proceeded to work on making a few of these.

I think it turned out pretty good!

By the time I had to start supper, I ended up with this nice little pile of pin keeps to put in my Etsy shop!

With some luck, I hope to come up with a few more in the upcoming weeks.

If you like making pin keeps and are up to a swap.... check over at Wendy's and sign up for her Pin Keep Swap! She is taking sign ups until the 15th of this month, so hurry on over!

Well... I guess I better get busy! I have so many projects and commitments going on from now until the end of May. My niece is getting married on the 16th of April and I have to make the cake. Once that is finished I will be able to breath a little. I have been so nervous about it. I know things will work out... but I won't stop worrying until its done. *laughing*

Hope you all have a great Wednesday! If your not doing anything this evening... Come chat with us over at the Prim Pal forum. We chat every Wednesday night, 7 pm Central/8 pm Eastern time. We usually have a lot of fun.

*prim hugs and blessings*
Debbie

Code of Justice - Book Tour

2011-03-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

When I was asked to review a copy of 'Code of Justice' by Liz Johnson for an upcoming blog tour, I jumped at the chance. This book is the third of Liz's 'Love Inspired' novels and I have to say it was a great read. My attention was grabbed right from the beginning and I found that I could not put it down till I turned the last page.

Whats it about?

"FOLLOW THE DRUGS."

Her sister's last words shake FBI agent Heather Sloan to the core.
They also convince her that the helicopter crash that only Heather
survived wasn't an accident. Sheriff's deputy Jeremy Latham is
assigned the case - he's the one who can help Heather find the
person responsible.... once she convinces him they should work together.
As they dig for the truth, they learn to trust and care for each other.
Will they lose it all when the killer targets Heather? She's willing to
risk her life to find her sister's killer - but her code of justice could cost
her the chance to win Jeremy's love.

If you love to read, you will love this book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Liz Johnson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Bunnies, Bunnies Everywhere!

2011-03-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

Its true! They do multiply! *laughing*
I started out with two and ended up making twelve more.

They can be found over on my selling blog and in my Etsy shoppe if your interested.

They turned out really good. If you did not know any better they look like real chocolate.

Thank you for looking!
*hugs*
Debbie

Another Great Swap from a Prim Pal

2011-03-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

Every month over at Prim Pals we do what we call a "Happiness Exchange' which is a simple little swap designed to make a new friend. This month I had the privilege of getting to know Michelle from 'Grannie's Pantry' .
Michelle sent me a huge envelope, stuffed with all kinds of goodies! Don't you just love how she wrapped everything with homespun?!?! She knew I 'suffer' from a fabric addiction so of course... she contributed to it!

First stop the edible goodies.... two of my favorite snacks... potato sticks and Milky Ways. She also tucked in a gift certificate to Caribou Coffee!

I love sunflowers so she sent me this cute basket liner.

She was talking to me one day and I had mentioned I was out of muslin, so she sent me some! :) There was also some great recipe cards!

I love cookbooks and Michelle set me up with this great cookbook binder complete with some of her favorite recipes! A girl can never have too many recipes!

I saved the best for last..... this wonderful penny rug made by Michelle herself! It has two of my most favorite things... Sunflowers and Crows! Isn't it just beautiful?

I really enjoyed getting to know Michelle and feel blessed that I can now consider her one of my many sisters and friends. I can't thank her enough for all these wonderful goodies and especially for the gift of her friendship!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope you all have a wonderful day!
*hugs*
Debbie

My Spring Swap from my Prim Pal Sister!

2011-03-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

I signed up to do the Spring Swap over at Prim Pals and was matched up to Jan of The Primitive Outhouse. Jan and I have known each other for a little while now and it made the swap lots of fun. We have been known to talk to each other on the phone for three hours at a time! *laughing*

Look at all the goodies Jan sent me!

She spoiled me but good!

She sent me these cute muslin flowers in a neat burlap flower pot and this little picture that is finding a place on my desk.

She also sent me this sweet little sheep. Don't you just love that 'sexy' bikini? She came with 6 or 7 little outfits to change with the seasons. Kinda like a big girl version of a paper doll! I love her!

She also sent me a prim, tea stained dish towel and these wonderful grubby candles!

And isn't this little bee just the cutest! I have the perfect place for it.... My box of felt Sunflowers! I think it will be the perfect little touch.

Jan also knows that I love to quilt and sent me this 'Idiots Guide'. :)

All the quilting I know, I picked up from my Grandma so I know this book will be a big asset for me. I actually had looked at it and almost bought it but didn't..... its a good thing, huh?

There was also a few other little things that she sent me but apparently I didn't get a picture of them. :( There was a box of wonderful smelling candles, a cute homespun bag with sunflowers on it and a wind chime!

I loved everything Jan! You made my day on Monday when the mail lady brought this box. It was like Christmas in March! Thank you so VERY much my prim sister!

*hugs*
Debbie

Pot O'Gold Giveaway

2011-03-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Oh what a fabulous giveaway I came across today while reading my favorite blogs.

Vickie of Spun Sugar Quilts is celebrating 700 posts and over 1000 followers!

What is the prize???

3 - $50 Gift Certificates from 'The Fat Quarter Shop' to be given away on St. Patricks Day!

I have this horrible fabric addiction and let me tell you... The selection over there is bad for a girl like me!

So head on over to Vickie's and check it out. She has a wonderful blog and I love seeing the quilts she creates.

Memorial Day Weekend Plans

2011-03-09T05:12:00.000-08:00

I was hoping to make a trip with some of my Prim Pal sisters to Ohio or Pennsylvania to Amish country but with the way things are around here and money being tight, there is just no way I could do it.

That is when TJ and Holli, two of my Prim Pal sisters, decided we should all get together on Memorial Day weekend and have our own little gathering. TJ was planning a trip here on the weekend anyway as she and her hubby were coming for a visit already, well Holli did not want to be left out so she decided she wanted to come too!

Every year, here in Southeast Missouri, there is a 100 mile yard sale that goes on each Memorial Day weekend. (This year May 27th and 28th) They start setting up on Thursday and it the real shopping goes on Friday and Saturday. (some of the homes even keep their items out till Sunday) Its a yard sale lovers dream!

This is when we got the big idea to invite some of our friends from the forum and blogland!
We figured we would plan an early start on Saturday to head down Highway 25 and see what bargains we can find. Then that evening, we are hoping to have a BBQ and just enjoy each others company.

Depending on who comes, maybe we can even plan an activity or two.

Right now there is definitely four of us going to be here: Holli of 'Where the Rooster Crows', TJ of 'Willow Bend Prims' and Casey of 'Olde Spoon River Homestead'.

As far as arrangements go, there are several places to stay near by, or if you like to camp, my yard is pretty big and maybe we can set up a tent or two outside. We can work something out. Heck... maybe someone has a camper???

I live in a little town in Cape Girardeau County called 'Allenville' but for directions sake.... just look up Cape Girardeau, Missouri. I am about 12 miles from there.

We would love to have you come join us, even if its just for the day!

*hugs and blessings*
Debbie

ps: If you have any questions, feel free to email me at cmdarlin@hotmail.com

Giveaway Extended and Helping My Addiction...

2011-03-07T05:11:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to remind everyone of the big giveaway being held over at the Prim Pals forum. Its hard to believe it but we have been together for a year now and what better way to celebrate than giving back to those who have helped us?

The giveaway has been extended for another week, so the drawing will be held on March 14th. Here is a sneak peek at a couple of the prizes to be given away.

and

The rules are as follows:

YOU MUST be a forum member
YOU MUST post or posted an introduction in the NEW MEMBERS SECTION ( we will be checking )
YOU MUST have at least 20 POSTS
YOU MUST comment here that you would like to be entered
YOU WILL get an extra entry for the prizes by Posting this on your blogs or Facebook pages. PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT THAT YOU DID SO WE CAN CHECK and give you credit.
Winners will be announced March 14th
One GRAND PRIZE winner of a 25 dollar gift card and 5 mystery gifts will be awarded for a total of 6 prizes !

I know a lot of you won't enter because of the 20 posts requirement to the forum but please understand that its because we want to 'give back' to those of you who have worked so hard to help us make Prim Pals a fun place to gather.

If you do not have the 20 posts requirement, its not that hard to do. Just go to the Welcome Wagon and Birthday sections of the forum and say hello or wish your friends a Happy Birthday! Or you can visit us on 'The Porch' and let us know what you have been up too, look for recipe ideas in the recipe section.

So... If you would still like a chance to enter.... please head on over and see us!

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In the past few weeks I have notice my 'addiction to fabric' has really taken a hold of me. All I want to do is head over to the local fabric store and bring home more fabric. Its horrible... I have tried to be good... really!

Well yesterday I got word from Jennifer of 'Stitchin' Thyme' that I won 2nd prize in her giveaway. She is trying hard to 'de-stash' and make room so she had a contest to see who could guess how many pieces of fabric were stacked here.

It ended up being 113!

What was 2nd prize??? Three yards of wonderful fabric!!!!

Winning made my weekend and really helped my 'addiction' to pretty fabrics. I can't wait to get my hands on my selections so I can start planning some new projects.

Thank you Jennifer for hosting such a nice giveaway!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I finally heard from my niece late on Saturday night and she absolutely loved the pictures I sent her of the flower arrangements. It was such a big relief for me. Now all I have to do is work on the cake. I hope it goes as well.

Well, I am off to start another work week. I hope you all have a wonderful day!

*hugs*
Debbie

A Busy Saturday...

2011-03-05T18:05:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago my niece had come over with something she wanted to ask me. She and her boyfriend had set their wedding date to April 16th, and they were in desperate need of some help. Of course I jumped at the chance to help her.

She knew I decorated cakes so she asked me to help out with the cake which I assured her that it was no problem since I had all the pans that I needed for what she wanted. She also asked if I would help with the flowers too. Well, I have never done anything like that but was up for the challenge.

The past few weeks I have been doing a lot of research because I wanted to be able to do something I hoped she would love. Her theme for the wedding is 'Camouflage' so she wanted to use white and orange flowers in her bouquets. The flowers she gave me were just orange and white Gerber daisies which seemed like no matter what I tried didn't work. I called her and asked her if she minded if I bought some other flowers to add to them, my treat. She told me it was fine... she trusted me.

Well, this is what I finally came up with...

The Bride's bouquet

This is how I ended up wrapping the stems. Underneath the ribbon is a piece of 'Mossy Oak' fabric. I really like how the ribbon turned out.
This is one of the two boutonnieres I had to do.

I also did a smaller version of her bouquet for her sister, the Maid of Honor.

She also asked if I would be able to make two garters for her. One to keep and then another for the garter toss.

I was happy with the results of everything but of course I will still be nervous until I hear what she thinks. I emailed her pictures early this afternoon but haven't heard back from her yet. I am saying a little prayer that she will love them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Since it was a rainy day, I also got a couple table runners completed today to put in my Etsy shop.

I am really pleased with how they turned out. Tomorrow I plan on washing them and get them ready to post.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am hoping to work on some more projects tomorrow. I am participating in the 'Spring Thyme' swap and the 'Happiness Exchange' over at the Prim Pal forum this month. I have so many ideas for what I want to do... I just have to get busy and do them.

Yesterday I also received my first package of quilt blocks from Jennifer of Stitchin' Thyme. She is one of the twenty ladies participating in the 'Signature Block Challenge'. The rest are due to be sent out by the 15th of March. Once the blocks are all distributed, we will be working on creating something out of them. I am so excited to see what everyone comes up with.

Well, its been a busy day so I am going to close for now and head to bed. I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend.

*hugs*
Debbie

Prim Posie Penny Rug

2011-03-03T19:21:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let you know I have a new offering at my etsy shop. You can check it out here if your interested.

*prim hugs and blessings*
Debbie

March 2011 Happiness Exchange

2011-02-23T06:05:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that the Happiness Exchange Swaps over at Prim Pals is starting up again. All you need to do is sign up as a follower on the blog or forum to participate. All the details can be found here.

Please check it out because it is a fun way to get to make new friends!

*hugs*
Debbie

My Latest Project and A Giveaway

2011-02-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

My Grandmother quilted and what little I know I owe to her. I can remember going over to her house and she would have a quilt set up in the living room. When we were little it was great.... kinda like our own 'tent' where we would sit and watch television. When I got a little older, Grandma would let me sit with her and patiently she would show me how to stitch along the lines that were drawn on the top. (Yes, they were all done totally by hand)

Well, I have been thinking about her a lot lately which got me to wanting to quilt something awfully bad so I started searching blogs. Let me tell you , there are so many talented quilters out there. I spent hours being awed by their talent.

One of my favorites was by a lady named Rachel. Her blog is called 'P.S. I Quilt'. I spent over an hour going through her posts and wonderful tutorials. She had a Pinwheel Sampler Quilt Along that inspired me to make these:

While I would love to do a full size quilt, I just don't have the space for it so I think I am going to make a little table top quilt.

I am thinking of placing the blocks like this. What do you think? I have a few ideas for completing it and I am hoping to work some more on the top tonight. I figure I have three and a half days to complete it. I love working for the school system.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now for a new giveaway! There are so many out there right now but I want to be sure you hear all about this one. Its being held by my best friend and sister, Holli of 'Where the Rooster Crows' . (We are not really sisters but have known each other for a long time and if one could choose their sisters... I would of picked her.)

Holli is celebrating two years of blogging and wants to celebrate with friends, new and old.
Isn't this a wonderful prize?

To have your chance to win these wonderful goodies, head on over to her blog and sign up today!

I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend!

*prim hugs & blessings*
Debbie

Valentines Day

2011-02-15T05:39:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentines Day. Yesterday was the first time in probably six years that I got flowers and I was so proud of him cause he did good for under $10! He even cooked supper. It was a good day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We are having a heatwave here. Yesterday it actually hit 60 degrees! Now if we could be rid of the wind it would be wonderful.

Sunday I worked on my blocks for the Prim Pals 'Siggy Block' swap. I finished 20 blocks in about an hour.... then had to sign and date them all. Can we say writers cramp??? I am so excited about doing this swap even though we only ended up with 18 gals signed up. I can't wait to received every one's blocks so I can figure out what I will make with them for the 'challenge' part of the swap. I don't think there will be enough to do a lap quilt but maybe a table runner.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, its off to work I go. I am a little excited today because we have a five day weekend coming up. I am looking forward to working on a couple projects.... one being my niece's wedding bouquets. Will be interesting since I have never done any before. Anyone have some helpful sites for me?

Hope you have a great day!
*prim hugs & blessings*

Debbie

Just A Few Days Left...

2011-02-12T18:19:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to put out a reminder that sign ups to do the 'Signature Block Swap' stop on Tuesday, February 15th. So far there are only 17 ladies signed up but we hope more of you might want to join in. Its going to be so much fun to have a little memento from others, from all over.

So please check out the rules here and sign up to join in on the fun!

*prim hugs and blessings*
Debbie

Celebrating 1000 Followers on Facebook!

2011-02-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

Prim Pals is celebrating 1000 Followers on Facebook and we think it calls for a giveaway!

We are offering the above, A 1800's Style Church/Handkerchief Doll!

The rules are simple,

Be A Follower on Facebook

Post On Facebook Under The Giveaway and

Tell Us Something About Yourself And That You Want To Enter!
(We would like to get to know our followers)

Simple as That!! =)

You can obtain and extra entry, if you also become an active member of our forum!

Good Luck To Everyone Who Enters!!

P.S.~ We also have a few other exciting things in the works on the forum be sure to be on the look out!! Come Join In On The Fun!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100000881920552

A New Giveaway and A Spring Time Swap...

2011-02-10T07:03:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been fascinated with quilting and have been checking out some great blogs for inspiration.

Today I found a blog called 'Snippets of a Quilter' by a talented quilter named Wendy. If you enjoy quilting or just looking at some beautiful pieces of art, I encourage to give Wendy a visit.

It just so happens that she is having a giveaway to celebrate her birthday and her blog makeover. She will be drawing 3 numbers on Valentines Day so hurry over and check it out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I also want to announce another great swap being held over at the Prim Pals Forum.

We all know that everyone is ready for spring, so we figured why not do a spring themed swap!!

This is a spring swap not Easter, an Easter one will follow later!

It will consist of 3 items, 1 fabric item and 2 wild card items of your choice

as long as they are Spring themed. You can do more if you choose but you do not have to!

Think of all the fun this will be, what a way to rid those winter blues!!

Sign Ups Taken Until February 25th and then partners will be sent out!

You will have until March 15th to mail your package to your partner with delivery confirmation!

HOW TO SIGN UP:

Visit Us At: http://primpals.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=swaps&action=display&thread=2732

Or e-mail me for more information @ primouthouse@gmail.com

Use "Swap Info" as your subject!!

Come Join The Fun!!

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Yesterday we were hit with another little snow storm that did not give us a whole lot of snow but enough to pack the roads and make them slick. They did not cancel school so my 20 minute ride took me at least 40 minutes and that was only after an hour of the snow falling. Thankfully the superintendent of schools decided to close today as all the secondary roads are horrible. The temperature was -3 degrees this morning and our high is only suppose to reach 25 today.

So what to do this morning.... My plans are to finish some blocks up for the 'Siggy Block' Swap.... which we have 16 wonderful ladies participating in. There is still time to join if you would like.

I also need to get my house clean as I have a niece getting married in April and she is coming over this weekend so we can buy flowers and supplies to do her bouquets. I am so happy she has asked me for help.

I hope your all are staying nice and warm... It looks like the weekend is going to be a lot warmer so that is good. Maybe Spring is finally on its way! A girl can hope, right?

*prim hugs and blessings*
Debbie

A Giveaway Win!

2011-02-08T05:41:00.000-08:00

I just had to share this wonderful giveaway win from Linda at Parker's Paradise. Linda was celebrating 200 followers and had chosen five fantastic giveaway gatherings. Well I had been one of her lucky winners.

Look at all of these wonderful items Linda sent me! I couldn't believe all of those molds... especially when I have been wanting to try making some pantry cakes. Linda must have read my mind! :)

And I have to say that Linda is so sweet. When she mailed me the original box she was unable to fit the book rack that I had won. Well a week later I received another box from her and SURPRISE! She sent the book rack along with some wonderful pewter pieces and this great 'Welcome' sign. I was definitely spoiled.

Thank you so very much Linda! *big hug* I love it all so much.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It looks like we may have the possibility of another snowstorm tomorrow.... and I am guilty of hoping for a snow day because I am so excited to work on the swap being held by the Prim Pal's Forum. I have wanted to work on a quilt and think this one will be really special. I am hoping we get enough friends involved so we can do a lap quilt.

What a special keepsake it would be to make a lap quilt with signature blocks from friends from all over.... I hope you will join in on the fun. If your interested.... you can sign up by commenting here on the Prim Pal blog where you will also find the tutorial for the block we are using.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today I also want to say Thank You to all of you who follow me. I appreciate each and every one of you! When I started blogging in May of 2008 I never imagined how many wonderful people I would meet. I have been truly blessed!

*big hugs*
Debbie

Siggy Block Swap and Challenge

2011-02-06T10:04:00.001-08:00

There is a new swap going on over at the Prim Pal Forum and it sounds like its going to be a lot of fun.

Just think how much fun it would be to receive blocks from 50 or more of your fellow prim brothers or sisters from all over. 50 you say???? Well... we don't know if there would be that many but just think how neat it would look to create even a lap quilt or small wall hanging out of the blocks you would receive.

While we would really love for everyone to join us on the forum, sign up is NOT a requirement for joining in the swap. You just have to love meeting new people and having fun.

Sign ups start today until February 15th over at the Prim Pal Blog so head over there to check out all the details and check out the tutorial on how to do your own 'Siggy' Blocks.

We hope you will join in on the fun!

*prim hugs & blessings*
Debbie

New Offerings over at Goat Creek Mercantile

2011-01-31T17:26:00.000-08:00

Despite being sick all weekend, I did manage to get a few new items posted over at the
Goat Creek Mercantile.

Thank you for taking a look. I do appreciate it and hope to add a few more items really soon!

*prim hugs and blessings*
Debbie K

Valentine Ornie Swap at Prim Pals

2011-01-28T05:58:00.000-08:00

One of the things that we have been doing over on the Prim Pal forum is trying to have Ornie swaps for all the different holidays. Its been so much fun especially for us gals who like to have a little prim tree up all year round.

Only ten of us participated this time around but it was enough to brighten up my little prim tree for Valentines Day.

This was the ornie I did for the group.
These cute little pillows were done by our prim sister Tracie of Flutterbygone's.

This cute little annie was made by Jennifer over at Stitchin' Thyme.

These cute little hand stitch ornies were made by Cyndy over at CraftyStitchers.

This little bunny and heart ornie was done by member Tammy2010.

Isn't this the cutest patchwork heart made by our prim sister Kookie!

Jan over at The Primouthouse painted these wonderful spoon ornies!

My prim sister TJ, from Willow Bend Prims, made these cute little bees!

Then we have these cute stuffed hearts made by Tracy of The Prairie Patch.

And this cute little heart is from Debbie at Debbie's Dodads.

If you enjoy doing swaps, I urge you all to come over to the forum and see what we have coming up. We try to have at least two swaps a month and coming up for February we are going to try and do our first Quilt Block swap! I am really excited about this one!

Take care and hope you all have a wonderful Friday!
*hugs*

Debbie K

Don't Fall Asleep!

2011-01-27T05:32:00.000-08:00

I warned him repeatedly not to fall asleep the other night because it was only 7 pm and I knew he would not sleep later that night. Well...... he did not listen and I got bored! *laughing*

Maybe next time he will listen!

Winter Wonderland and a Giveaway Win!

2011-01-21T07:08:00.000-08:00

I must have done a really good 'snow dance' because today we were blessed with another day off from school. The roads look clear but there is some serious black ice and the temperatures are the coldest I can remember for a while. It was -5 degrees.

The sun is out and the trees look beautiful but I think its going to be a perfect day just to stay indoors and be creative!

The forecast for the weekend says we will have another system going through on Sunday so maybe this four day weekend will turn into a five day weekend.
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Have you all noticed the wonderful giveaways that have been going on all around us??? Well imagine my surprise to find out I was one of the lucky winner's of the fantastic giveaway that was held over at Linda's Parkers Paradise!

It has been so long since I won anything. Thank you so very much Linda for hosting such a great giveaway. If you don't follow Linda's blog I urge you to head on over here and check it out.

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Well, I guess I should go get busy. I have plans for today which involve a little cutting and a little painting. Aren't snow days great!?!?!

Take care wherever you may be and try to stay warm!

*prim hugs and blessings*
Debbie

Snow Day and a Valentine Swap

2011-01-20T08:25:00.001-08:00

Well I did a 'snow dance' last night and it must of worked because we got a snow day! This was taken early this morning and now we probably have 3 inches of the white stuff with it still coming down. I am wondering if it was good enough for a four day weekend????

I know there are people out there who could live without snow but I love to have at least one good snowstorm. After this one, spring can come and I would be happy.

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We did a swap for Valentines Day over at the Prim Pals forum and I got Tracy over at 'The Prairie Patch'.

She kept telling me that I intimidated her with my crafting but I told her not to worry.... she would do fine and boy did she!!!

When I picked up the box it smelled soooooo good! It did not take long to see why. She made me the some great smelling soap and wax tarts.... oh and what about this candle!

It looks pretty good on my candle mat if I say so myself!

Thank you so very much Tracy!!!! I love it all!!!!!
*great big hug*

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I took Wendell to the doctor to check on his hand. We were getting worried because the stitches were dissolving and coming apart. The doctor assured us that it looked great and that his incision was one of the best he has seen. He did tell us that it will take quite a while for it to heal completely because of the 'zig zag' cut. Once it heals completely he will have to do physical therapy but that may be another six weeks yet.

He also made a decision to sit out this semester at school. He is not happy with his original major and is going to do some researching for something different while his hand is healing. I think I may need some prayers if I am home alone, 24/7 with him this summer! *laughing*

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Well, I am off to be creative. I have a whole day to do what ever I want to do. Hopefully I will have something new to put on the selling blog this weekend! :)

Take care and I hope you all are staying warm!
*prim hugs and blessings*

Debbie

New Selling Blog...

2011-01-08T13:22:00.000-08:00

I hope you will come on over and check out my newly reconstructed selling blog.

Goat Creek Mercantile

My hope is to offer an assortment of wonderful handmade gifts.

Here is a few offerings you can find over there right now!

Black and Dark Red Candle Mat

Snickerdoodle Latte Soy Tarts Wax Melts

Gingerbread and Hot Maple Syrup Soy Tarts Wax Melts

Hope you all are having a quiet but nice and warm weekend!

*prim hugs and blessings*
Debbie

100 Followers and a Giveaway!

2011-01-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

My prim sister, Cheryl aka Boltz Raggedies, is planning to giveaway this darling little 'Buzzy Bear' if she can reach 100 followers over at her blog 'Boltz Raggedies'. Cheryl is so creative and is also giving away 2 patterns of your choice!

I hope you will head on over and tell her 'Hi!' for me.

*hugs*
Debbie

Feeling No Pain...

2011-01-05T12:39:00.000-08:00

Well yesterday was the day DH was scheduled for his hand surgery. We had to go to the surgery center at 12:30 pm and basically sat there for 45 minutes filling out paperwork and waiting. They finally took him back and then let me come back about 1:30 before they wheeled him into surgery. The poor guy was so nervous I thought he was going to bounce right off the gurney he was on. I also had to smile because he apologized to me for the way he was probably going to be acting. (He is not the best patient) I just smiled at him and said that is okay because he may have to forgive me too when I tell him to 'kiss my grits'! *laughing*

After talking to the doctor and anesthesiologist they wheeled him back for the procedure that took 70 minutes. The doctor came out and told me he did well and that he was prescribing pain medication and an antibiotic. Finally about 4 pm I got to go back and see him and help him get dressed and head home.

This pic was taken about 7 pm, just before I gave him his first pain pill. The smile on his face tells me he must of still been feeling pretty good cause he kept telling me he wasn't feeling any pain yet. I still made him take a pill because it had been four hours since the surgery and I did not want him to be hit with it right off.

Don't you love the neon green cast?

Today he has been doing pretty well and not running me too ragged though he is learning how much he use to take for granted. Poor guy can't even button his jeans without assistance. Lucky for him I am home the rest of the week to play nursemaid.

While I am playing nurse, I hope to get a little crafting done. I finished a couple candle mats for Valentines day that I hope to post in the next day or so... so keep an eye out.

Take Care my friends and stay warm!
*hugs*

Debbie

Finding Inspiration....

2011-01-02T08:47:00.000-08:00

I don't know about everyone else but I have hit a few slumps lately when it comes to creating. I just have not felt like I was doing anything that really mattered. My husband tries to encourage me and tell me what he things I want to hear but its always seems lacking. Do you know what I mean?

Growing up my Mom always encouraged me to create. She never discouraged me to try something new. that is probably why I find myself doing a little bit of everything when it comes to crafting.

Mom taught me to sew and crochet but I always loved to draw and paint. I remember when I got older Mom took a tole painting class and loved it. One winter we even took a 'Bob Ross' painting class together. It was so much fun. Eventually Mom and I started doing craft shows together and I can honestly say it was one of the happiest times of my life. I was creating, something I loved to do and was spending time with the lady who most inspired me.

In September of 1996, Mom passed away after a long two year battle with 'non-hodgkins lymphoma'. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to deal with. I had not just lost my mother, but my best friend too!

It seemed that after her passing, all desire to do anything disappeared. I stopped doing craft shows, painting....almost everything that I use to love. Oh I crafted but nothing like I use to. Even my marriage of 17 years fell apart and nothing seemed to work. I felt 'empty' and like I had nothing to give.

After four years I met my dear husband. We seemed to have an instant bond... so much alike. We married after oly a four and a half month romance. We just celebrated our tenth anniversary this past August. While things have not been easy, we are still together and still very much in love. Some couples would of probably thrown in the towel by now, after all we have been through but he and I are still moving forward with the hopes that things will get better.

Unfortunately though... I still find myself lacking something in life.... inspiration...

A couple weeks ago, thanks to one of the gals over at the forum, I cam across Kim Klassen. It started out because I was looking for tips in photography but ended up with me being truly inspired.

The post on Kim's blog just happened to be called 'I am an Artist - The Journey'.

Kim said that about 13 years ago, she decided to call herself an ARTIST and how she took great offense when people asked her if she 'still did crafts'.

Oh my God! This is EXACTLY how I have been feeling.

She said that 'if we create, and we all should, we truly need to claim it, no matter what our art may be.

I am not going to quote Kim's post to you because I do hope that you with give it a read. I found it very inspiring and it has made me look at myself differently... hopefully for the better. It left me feeling so much better about everything I do. I hope it will do the same for you too!

Find the entire post HERE.

*hugs and blessings*
Debbie

My Wish For You....

2010-12-31T05:45:00.001-08:00

The year 2010 has had its ups and downs for me. Thankfully more ups!

The first part of the year found us struggling but God blessed me with a fantastic summer job working for the Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland as the cook for seven weeks at two of their summer camps. It was my first real job being in charge of my own kitchen and feeding 100 girls every day, three times a day. I loved it. I made some wonderful new friends and learned I was a pretty good cook!

After camp, I was blessed again with an opportunity to work for the public school system as the 'Pasta Lady' at one of the local high schools. It was only part time but it worked out perfect. Wendell's Medicare had kicked in so I had to figure out a way to make ends meet. The job with the school helped me do it plus gave me a little time to do what I love.... create....

We have been dealing with the effects of MS for almost three years now. Thankfully the last MRI showed that his daily injections are working. He still has his good days and bad but we are getting through them.

2011 finds us preparing for him to have surgery on his right hand. He has what they call 'Dupuytren's Contractures'. Its is a thickening of the fibrous tissue layer underneath the skin of the palm and fingers. Although painless, the thickening and tightening (contracture) of this fibrous tissue can cause the fingers to curl . He has this in both hands but only the right is bad enough to warrant surgery. Surgery is scheduled for Tuesday and I am not looking forward to it at all. He isn't the best patient. I am going to need all the patience I can get. *laughing*

I don't know what the year 2011 will bring us but I have enough faith that whatever comes our way... God will see us through it as he has all along.

My wish for you, my friends, is that the year 2011 finds you very blessed with love and laughter and may you never want for more than you need.

Happy New Year!
*hugs and blessing*

Debbie

Happy Memories...

2010-12-27T06:12:00.000-08:00

When I look back at my adventures in blogging, I find that I have been truly blessed with some of the best blogging friends. They are always there to offer support and share life's ups and downs.

Friday I went out to the mailbox and found a wonderful little surprise from my friend, Marie, over at 'Spun By Me'.

Marie sent me this sweet little 'Memory Book' that she made.

Thank you so much Marie! *big hugs* I love it and plan on using it to record all the happy memories in the upcoming year.

Here is to 2011! May it be filled with lots of wonderful friends and many happy memories!

*hugs*
Debbie K

A Christmas Blessing....

2010-12-24T08:00:00.001-08:00

This year has been a rough one for Wendell and I, living paycheck to paycheck and some medical bills hanging over our head but I am sure I don't have to tell you how much it sucks. Unfortunately there are too many like us in the same situation. This month seems especially depressing with Christmas coming and not being able to do for the kids like I wish I could.

I have needed to do some grocery shopping but with only $60 dollars in the bank and ten days to go till payday and the cars sitting on almost empty I felt like I could not spend the extra right now.

Wednesday evening we were watching the news and saw a story they ran about food baskets the Salvation Army was giving out and how they had so many left. If we knew anyone in need of a basket we were given a phone number to call. Well it doesn't hurt to ask, right? So early yesterday morning I called the number only to reach their answering machine saying they were experiencing heavy call volume and would be called back in the order my call was received. Well.... about 11:30 am I was called back only to be told I would have to call the Salvation Army directly. The lady told me she did not know if they would have anything left but gave me the number of a few area food pantries I was not aware of.

I call the Salvation Army and reached a very grumpy lady who just told me 'Sorry...Its all gone'. Disappointed, I hung up and just looked at Wendell who said go ahead and try one of the other phone numbers I was given.

I called the first one on the list and spoke to a lady named Beth. I told her our situation and she told me that they were getting ready to close in 15 minutes and wouldn't be open again until next Tuesday. I was too late.... or so I thought....

Beth asked me where I lived and if it was possible for me to get there by noon. It was 15 minutes till noon. I told her I was probably at least 15 minutes away. She asked me a few questions then told me that if I could leave right now she would stay and see what she could do for me. Since they had just filled baskets she did not think there was any meat left but she would see what she could do. I thanked her and practically flew out the door.

I got there a few minutes after noon and when I walked in the front door I noticed a shopping cart filled with groceries. I walked to the office (the pantry is in a school) and the lady called Beth to let her know I was there.

She came out and I had to provide my drivers license and fill out some paperwork. While I was thanking her for everything she asks me if we like ice cream? I tell her yes cause hubby loves it in the evenings. She runs off and comes back with a container of ice cream.

I take the cart out to my jeep and can barely lift the box out of the cart. In the bottom of the cart is another box with a ham in it and a 12 pack of soda. I go back to return the cart and Beth asks me if my husband and I drink coffee. I tell her yes, everyday. She tells me to wait right there. A few minutes later she comes back with two packages of Starbucks 'Christmas Blend' coffee and a french vanilla creamer. I gave her a big hug and thanked her for everything and drove off wishing her and her family a very Merry Christmas.

I got home and Wendell met me at the door as soon as I pulled into the drive. His eyes just about popped out of his head. He helped me carry the groceries in and that is when we actually got a look at what we were given.

The ham ended up being almost an 18 lb bone-in ham! Besides the ham, soda, ice cream and coffee we received a 5 lb bag of sugar, 2 boxes of instant potatoes, a box of frozen ravioli, a frozen apple pie, canned chicken, tuna, 3 chicken helper dinners, pastas, assorted canned goods, cookies, 3 assorted breads and much more. I wanted to cry....

Just when I was feeling at the bottom and thinking Christmas dinner might end up being hamburger helper and ramien soup, God blessed us with an Angel.

He never fails us and always comes through when we need him.

Definitely a Christmas blessing....

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My wish for you, my wonderful blogging friends is that you enjoy your family this holiday season and have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

*hugs*
Love always...
Debbie

A Visit From the Mail Lady!

2010-12-23T08:09:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a stressful day, having to run into town and deal with the people at the courthouse and a caseworker at DCFS (Dept. of Children and Family Services). The bright side of the day was the two packages the mail lady left on my porch!

The first box was from Cyndy over at Crafty Stitchers. She hosted a 'Twelve Days of Christmas' giveaway and I was lucky enough to win this wonderful stocking!

She also enclosed the cute little snowman that I quickly added to my Christmas tree!

Thank you sooooo much Cyndy! I love it all and will treasure it always. If you have not visited Cyndy's blog you have to go check it out. She makes the most wonderful things!
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My second box was a total surprise from Karen at 'The Barely There Primitive Bear'.

She sent me this nice little bag of fudge which I promptly hid from my hubby. *laughing*

And these wonderful wax ornies! They are now hanging up on my Christmas tree with all my other wonderful prim ornies!

Thank you so much Karen for such a sweet surprise! I really do appreciate it!
*big hugs*

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Today I hope to have a much less stressful day than yesterday.

Here in Missouri we have to pay personal property taxes, which we hate. With the way things have been going it wasn't till this week that I realized that we never received our statement from the County Collectors office so we had to run down there and find out what our they would be. It ends up that we now have to come up with $156.00 by the end of the year to pay these on time. Now I have to figure out how to pay these... more than likely it will be late.

Next stop was to the DCFS. We have been getting notices from the neighboring county saying his Medicaid was being terminated January 2011. Well we have called twice telling them we are not even in Scott County so we do not understand why they even have his information since we have been working through our office (Cape Girardeau County) since we lost the house in 2008.

Since we live in the 'boonies' of Cape Girardeau County, we have a Chaffee address even though we actually live in a little town called Allenville that does not warrant its own zip code. Any way... to make a three hour ordeal short, we were basically told we had to prove we lived in Cape Girardeau County. They called the post office and were told we lived in Scott County because of the Chaffee address. We ended up having to make a 20 minute drive to a neighboring court house and going to the real estate and mapping office. The wonderful lady there looked it up and yes... we ARE in Cape Girardeau County. She even printed a map for us to show where the county lines were.

We take this information back to the DCFS office and get stuck talking to another caseworker. (I think the other got scared of Wendell because he was so frustrated with it all) This is another spot in our store that is frustrating. We explain to this lady what is going on and yes, she knows Allenville is Cape Girardeau County... asks to see our voters registration cards, which we produce and they show Cape Girardeau County too! She takes copies of the cards and the map from the Real Estate and Mapping Office to submit for us.

Of course we get home and we have a message from the original caseworker telling us 'Sorry... but I need you to run in copies of your last two paycheck stubs'. Grrrrrr.... So of course now we have to make another trip into town! (20 miles away)

Nothing seems to ever go easy... It always seems people make things more complicated than they need to be.
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Well... I am off to start on some baking. This is the latest I have ever put things off. They are predicting a snow storm to hit Friday night so I am betting it will be quiet around here. We don't want the kids attempting an hour drive in bad weather.

In case I don't get back this week.... I hope that you all have a VERY Merry Christmas!

*prim hugs and blessings*
Debbie

Another Valentines Day Swap!

2010-12-23T06:42:00.000-08:00

Prim Pals just announced another swap that you may be interested in over on the Prim Pals Forum. Its the 'Won't You Be My Valentine?' Swap!

Its a primitive valentine themed swap and it will consist of three items.

1 fabric item
and
2 wild card items

Only catch is that they have to be 'Valentine-themed'.

Sign ups will be taken until December 28th. So please head over to Prim Pals and check it out! We would love to have you join us in the fun!

*hugs*
Debbie

PS: Don't forget about the ornie swap! Sign ups are still being held until Sunday, December 26th.

'Be Mine' Ornie Swap over at Prim Pals...

2010-12-20T06:30:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! We had such great response to our Christmas Ornie swap that we got together and decided to do a Valentine Ornie Swap. Many of us have little prim trees that we would love to decorate through the different holidays and seasons so here we go!

Sign ups are going to be taken from now until Sunday, December 26th.

For the Christmas swap we had three groups but this all depends on how many of us want to sign up. If you want to do more than one group, please let us know. A group will be no more than 10 to a group.

Names will be distributed on December 28th. Since this is getting close we decided that ornies should be mailed out NO later than January 15th. (confirmation is a must)

Postage of $8.00 should accompany your package. ($1.00 additional postage if you do more than one group.) Ornies do not have to be wrapped unless you want too BUT they should be signed so we know who made what.

Ornies will be sent out on January 22nd. With these time restraints this should give us at least two weeks to display. (the next holiday should be better)

How do you sign up?

Just go visit Prim Pals and sign up to be a member, then check out the 'Swap Section' to see what is going on. We would love to have you join us!

Merry Christmas!
*hugs*
Debbie

Christmas Swap at Prim Pals

2010-12-17T05:41:00.001-08:00

I participated in the Christmas Swap over at the Prim Pal forum this month and was matched to Cheryl over at 'The Sew n Patch'. To say that Cheryl spoiled me would be an understatement. Look at all of the wonderful handmade goodies she sent me!

I could not believe all of the goodies that came out of that box!

Thank you so much Cheryl! *hugs*

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Today is the beginning of Christmas vacation for me. I really do not have a lot planned for the time off except get the house cleaned and things ready for the hubby's surgery.

Today's plan is to box up a couple orders that need to go out and pull down some Christmas decorations from the back porch. With everything going on I had not been in the spirit of decorating but now that I am off and able to be home for a while, I want to set out a few things.

This weekend I am hoping to do some painting and cleaning... not in that order because once I pick up a paint brush I won't want to clean! *laughing*

So what are you all doing today?

Take Care,
*hugs*

Debbie

Needing Idea for Christmas.....

2010-12-15T06:33:00.000-08:00

With only ten days left till Christmas I am finding myself stressed out trying to come up with inexpensive gifts for the five men in my life. With funds almost no-existent... I have been trying to rack my brain for things I could make for the guys. For some reason, they won't enjoy candle, or other craft items I could do.

What are some things you have done that the men in your life have appreciated?

I hope you have a great day and are staying warm. We are expecting some icy weather today. I am hoping for a snow day tomorrow! *laughing*

Take Care,
Debbie

Christmas Vacation...

2010-12-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

and I don't mean like 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' either.

Yesterday I had to take Wendell to visit with a hand surgeon per his neurologist's recommendation. He has had a problem with his right hand. The last two fingers are pulling down and causing him a lot of discomfort. He cannot flatten his hand out at all.
Well, the surgeon took one look and told us he has what is called 'dupuytren's contractures' in both of his hands however the right is a lot worse than the left. We had never heard of it before but it affects the connective tissue under the skin of your palm. Knots of tissue form under the skin — eventually forming a thick cord that can pull one or more of your fingers into a bent position. If we let it go, it will just continue to get worse for him.

So.... since he is going to be off a month for Christmas Vacation from school we have scheduled his surgery for the 4th of January. He is not a happy camper at all and being the typical male patient, I am pretty sure my time is going to be not so much fun either. I am thinking I may need to find a place to stay till its all over. *laughing*

Wish us luck! :)
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Today has been pretty quiet. Our dryer broke a few weeks ago so I have been having to hang clothes up on the shower rod and a clothing rack. Such a pain and I hate to do towels that way so we went to the laundromat this morning. All was well until we were done and carrying the baskets out to the jeep. Wendell opened the back.... the glass went up and he opened the door, slid his basket in. I came out from the awning of the laundromat and ran to the back of the jeep only to run right into the glass. Smack dab on the forehead at full speed. Thank God I did not drop the basket of clean towels but I did cry.

I did not break the skin but now have a wonderful bump and headache. I must be really stressed too because I cried all the way home. I could not stop! I felt like a big baby but think things are just building up and this just had me letting loose. We got home and I curled up on the couch and started watching the Twilight movies. My own little 'pity' party.
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How was every one's weekend? Hope you all are staying warm.

Take Care,
*hugs*

Debbie

Room and Linen Sprays

2010-11-30T06:51:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share the newest item over at the mercantile. Right now I have the following scents available in the 8 ounce spray bottle for $10.95 plus shipping and handling.

Christmas Splendor: A combination of apples, oak, balsam, fir and pine with a background of cinnamon and clove.

Pumpkin Crunch Cake: The aroma of creamy pumpkin pie filling, with rich Eagle brand milk; surrounded with freshly baked yellow cake, melted butter, pecans, and a hint of spices.

Sunflowers: A feminine scent with a blend of fruity, fresh florals.

Fireplace: A woodsy, earthy aroma with balsam, fir and pine and fresh berries.

Monkey Fart: A unique fragrance that begins with top notes of fresh bananas and juicy grapefruit, middle notes of kiwi, juicy bubblegum, and strawberries; and a hint of vanilla.

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If your interested in any of these scents, please contact me at:

cmdarlin@hotmail.com

Thank you and *prim hugs and blessings*

Debbie

A Surprise from A Dear Sister and Support MS Research...

2010-11-29T04:52:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, I posted a couple ornaments that I was trying to sell for Christmas only to be surprised this morning.

I came online to try to catch up on blogs only to find that my 'sister' Holli from 'Where The Rooster Crows' had a big surprise for me. She posted about my Prim Crow ornament.

For each order I receive for a crow, she is going to donate $1.00 to go toward MS research.

In April of 2008, my husband Wendell, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. To say it was a life-changing diagnosis for us is putting it mildly. Wendell lost his job and we lost our home.

Wendell is luckier than some who have been diagnosed with this disease. While he cannot handle a full time job, he is able to walk and attend school. Our hope is that he will be trained to do a job that MS will not prevent him from doing.

Despite everything that has gone on in our life, I feel God has truly blessed us. We have a roof over our head and a wonderful family and great friends. Holli is one of those friends. When I feel down, she is there to help lift me. I thank God every day for her.

Anyway.... If you are interested in ordering a Prim Crow for $4.00 and helping with MS research, you can leave me a comment here or email me at: cmdarlin@hotmail.com with 'Prim Crow' in the subject line.

I want to Thank Holli for doing this and for everyone who orders.

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I hope you have a great Monday!

*hugs and blessings*
Debbie

A Christmas Giveaway...

2010-11-28T12:37:00.000-08:00

If you have not discovered this yet, you just have to head on over to 'The Barely There Primitive Bear' and check out the giveaway Karen is hosting. She is almost at 200 followers and if she reaches that goal she will be adding to this giveaway. If she reaches 225, she will draw a second winner!

You have until December 8th to sign up because a winner (or winners) will be drawn at Noon on December 9th.

Good Luck!

*hugs*

Debbie

Prim Pal Ornie Swap and Something New For the Selling Blog

2010-11-28T11:05:00.000-08:00

This year was the 1st Annual Ornie Swap over at Prim Pals and I had the pleasure of getting to send out all those packages of ornies to everyone who participated. It was tempting but I did manage to wait until Thanksgiving day to open mine. I wanted to give everyone a chance to receive theirs before I posted my pics. (Sorry Sis...)

Here is a picture of my little prim tree with nothing but the ornies from the swap. There were three groups of ten which meant if you did all three groups you had a chance to receive 29 new ornies made just for you.

Here are a few closeups. Sorry I did not take individual pictures but let me say that we have a nice group of very talented ladies over on the forum.

I want to thank all the girls who participated and I hope they all participate again next year!
*hugs*

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I have been trying to get some things together for my selling blog. Unfortunately I do not have them listed over there because Janice over at the Primitive Outhouse is going to help me re-design it. (It needs lots of work.)

Prim Crow - $4.00 plus shipping and handling.

The tag around his neck can say whatever you would like.
(currently there are 2 in stock)
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Grungy Tea Light Ornie - $4.50 plus shipping and handling

Color of bow may vary.
(currently there are six in stock)

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Snowman in Santa Hat - $4.50 each plus shipping and handling

(currently 3 in stock - 1 red, 1 green and 1 blue)

If there is anything your would be interested, please contact me at: cmdarlin@hotmail.com and I will get back to you on any orders.

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I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Wendell and I spent the day with my youngest son (he is 24), Lucas. He does not make it over much but when he does we always have a wonderful time catching up.

Well... there is a pile of laundry calling my name. Our dryer is broken and until I can afford to get it fixed I am having to do a load a day and hang it up in the bathroom to dry. I keep telling Wendell I would love a clothesline for Christmas! *lol*

Take care and I hope you all have a great week!

*prim hugs and blessings*
Debbie

Happy Thanksgiving to All

2010-11-24T16:11:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to wish every one a safe and very Happy Thanksgiving.

*hugs*
Debbie K

Check Out This Great Blog and Giveaway!

2010-11-23T06:21:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! Just wanted to let you in on another great blog and some fantastic giveaways.

If you have not come across Janice yet, you just have to go on over to the 'Primitive Outhouse' and check out all of the wonderful things she makes and sells over at the 'Primitive Outhouse Mercantile'. I met Janice through the Prim Pal forum and I have to tell you she is just as sweet and as crafty as can be. Boy can this girl paint!

Don't you just love this reversible skate? She painted two scenes on it so it can be used from Halloween through Christmas!

If you head over and check out her blog now, you can also have the chance to win her latest giveaway!

Tell her Debbie sent you! :)

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Speaking of giveaways... check out some of the wonderful ones happening now! You can see them over there on my side bar.

Hope you all have a great day! Its my birthday today and also my last day to work this week. Looking forward to this five day weekend!

Take Care,
Debbie

Kentucky Hillbilly Crafters

2010-11-21T17:13:00.000-08:00

Since TJ from Willow Bend Prims and I started the Prim Pal forum, we have had the opportunity to meet several very talented crafters and I would like to 'showcase' at least one of them weekly to you.

This week, I would like to introduce you to Kay of Kentucky Hillbilly Crafters.

Kay and her husband Jerry live in Kentucky and make some of the most wonderful primitive items I have ever seen. My favorite items are handcrafted dough bowls. I love wooden bowls and I think it is wonderful how you can order a specific size and Jerry can make it just as you picture it.

They also make wooden scoops, wall sconces and candle paddles. Each item is unique and would make a wonderful gift for Christmas but don't take my word for it.... Go take a look for yourself and tell them that Debbie sent you!

'Home for the Holidays' Swap, A Monkey and What I Have Been Up To,,,,,,

2010-11-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

I know I have been MIA lately so I hope you all will forgive me. I have been busy with work and trying to keep motivated at home. I keep saying I am going to do better with blogging but something always comes up.

We have been really busy over at the forum. We held an 'Ornie Swap' and had 30 ladies participate. You should see my living room. I have boxes of wrapped ornies just waiting to be distributed next week in time to decorate after Thanksgiving. Let me tell you.... I was such a snoop growing up and it is been so hard not to peek. I participated in all three of the groups we did so I have at least 27 ornies sitting there waiting to be opened.

Right now over at Prim Pals, we are taking sign ups for the "Home for the Holidays' Swap. I think its going to be a good one. If your interested, you have until November 11th to head over to the Prim Pals forum and sign up.

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Okay... I posted about a Monkey.... You were probably wondering what I am doing with a Monkey! Loving on him of course! Jaygen was a Monkey for Halloween this year and since I did not get to see him that night, he came to see me and Paw Paw.

How can any Maw Maw resist this face???? (camera smile and all) I told him he HAD to let me get at least one good picture and this is what he gave me.

Remember the little rhyme about little monkeys jumping on the bed???

And who can resist that cute little 'Monkey Tail'?? Not this Maw Maw!
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I have been crafting the past few weeks but don't seem to be getting anything finished. I have a lot of little projects started though.

I did try my hand at room sprays and they seem to be going over well.

So far the Caramel Apple, Sunflower and Christmas Splendor are my favorites. Wendell keeps threatening to hide them all if I don't quit using them. *laughing*
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Well, its almost supper time. Before I left for work this morning I put a roast and all the fixin's in the crock pot and the natives are getting restless. I hope your all having a good week and managing to stay warm!

Take Care,
*hugs*
Debbie

Just A Few Days Left....

2010-10-22T10:34:00.003-07:00

... to get entered into this fantastic giveaway over at the Crafty Stitchers. Cyndy will be picking a lucky winner on October 25th so you still have time to enter. She and her friend Mary do wonderful work so please go check them out!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

*hugs*
Debbie

Caramel Apples and Computer Issues....

2010-09-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to try my hand at making some of these but could never find the apples. Everyone was telling me they found them at the dollar store and Wal-Mart but when I looked... they had nothing. Well on Wednesday we had to run in and pick up one of the hubby's prescriptions and I decided to look again. Success!!!! They had some and they looked so real I caught myself picking one up and smelling it. Unfortunately they do not smell like a nice red apple.

I ran home and made these then. They look so nice I am going to have to go back and get the big bag of apples and make more!

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Any plans this weekend? I am excited that we have a three day weekend. (Its so nice working for the school system. ) I have five yards of muslin sitting here calling my name and tons of ideas running through my head. I have been hit by the crafting bug bad these past few weeks.

Its a good thing though because I am in a few swaps and getting ready to make ornies for the 1st Annual Ornie Swap over at Prim Pals. I am so excited about this swap. I love decorating my tree in homemade ornies. I think this swap is so nice because they are taking sign ups and then breaking them up into groups. Depending on how many sign up, the most ornies you would be required to do is 10. I think that will make it very do-able!

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I have been suffering lately because the modem on my laptop died last week. I had to take it in last Tuesday and now have to patiently wait two to three weeks for it to come back. I am so thankful I purchased the warranty. I am slowly collecting that back. Last month my battery died and it had to be replaced.

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Well I am off to work. I hope you all have a great Friday and enjoy the first weekend of fall!

*hugs*

Debbie

Grand Opening Giveaway....

2010-09-18T07:18:00.001-07:00

One of my prim sisters, Melissa, has opened her new selling blog and now holding a fantastic giveaway to celebrate. This is going to be one of three giveaways that she is planning. While I would love to be the one to win, I have decided to go ahead and spread the word. Melissa has been at it non-stop for the past few months and really does wonderful work.

So click on over and visit her at Prim In The Country , sign up for her giveaway and tell her I sent you.

*hugs*

Debbie

A Little Faux Baking....

2010-09-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

I don't have much luck when it comes to actual baking (nothing seems to want to rise in my cold kitchen) but boy can I do some 'faux' baking! I found the directions to making these fabulous cinnamon rolls over at Oodlekadoodle's blog and they turned out fantastic! I only made six and have already sold three of them! With some luck, I hope to post on my selling blog this weekend.

I have been in such a craft slump it feels so good to have gotten something accomplished. I even went out and bought more muslin to do a few more projects. I have three old sets of bed springs here that I have told my hubby that he has the mission of tearing apart so I can try my hand at making some nodders. I also have dragged down some old zinc canning lids I found in the attic. So many plans but darn work seems to get in the way now!

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This week my laptop decided to give me problems again. While I was at camp the battery died so I had to get a new one. Monday morning, my modem went out! Darn laptop was just a year old. Thank goodness when I purchased it I bought the three-year warranty, even though I complained. Looks like that was a good decision and I am slowly getting my money back, huh?

It will be two weeks before I get it back so my posting my be slow since I have to borrow my husband's laptop. He doesn't like to share his toys sometimes! *laughing*

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Tomorrow I am heading to Illinois to spend the day with family. My niece has two little girls whom I have never met, ages three and one. They are having a BBQ to celebrate the youngest ones birthday and 'Great' Aunt Debbie is going to try and take pictures. I am really looking forward to spending the afternoon with them all. Seems like ever since my mom passed away 14 years ago, our family has drifted off in different directions. I am hoping that this weekend will be the first of many more get-togethers with them.

So what are you all up too? Hope you have a great weekend and are able to enjoy some great weather!

*hugs*

Debbie

Its An Ornie Swap!

2010-09-09T06:10:00.000-07:00

That's right.... Prim Pals is going to host their First Annual Ornie Swap for all of their members to participate in. Not a member???? That is okay all you have to do is register on the forum and sign up.

How is it going to work???

The sign-ups are through the month of September, open to forum members only. On October 1st, you will be sent the name of the staff member you will send your ornies to for distributing.

Depending on how many members sign up for this swap, we will divide everyone into groups of 10 or 15. For example: If 30 members sign up we will divide them into two groups. Each person would be responsible for making 15 ornies that would need to be completed and mailed out (with $7.95 for shipping your package of ornies back to you) to an assigned staff member for distributing by November 1st.

Ornies will only be sent out to the participating members who send in their ornies.

If you have any questions, please feel free to to email me or TJ at primpals@yahoo.com

Hope to see you on the forum!

*hugs*
Debbie

For complete rules, check the forum.

I Found Some Crafting Motivation!

2010-08-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

I was beginning to think it was lost forever but I found it! This is what I worked on this weekend.

You all know how much I LOVE playing in salt dough and with Halloween getting closer I was inspired to try my hand at some 'spooky' bowl fillers.

I love how these turned out. I think the mummy is one of my favorites.

I did a few pumpkins too! I love how the ones with the crows turned out. After coffee staining them they looked so nice and 'prim'.

I also experimented with an idea for a fall bowl filler. How do you like my Indian Corn?? I think it turned out nice.

And of course you can't do Halloween without Candy Corn!

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I didn't post about it but the week after I came home from camp, I went to put in an application with the school district in the hopes of getting a job in one of the school's lunch rooms. Well...... I handed in the application and was interviewed right then and there and GOT a job!

I am working part time at one of the local high schools. I am the 'Pasta Lady'! How fitting is that for an Italian girl? *laughing* I have been working there two weeks now and love it. So far the kids are great and I am beginning to recognize a few of my regular faces.

One of the requirements is that we have to wear an apron each day and they can be ones we make. Well... this was all the motivation I needed to bring down my sewing machine and get busy! Here are two aprons I made yesterday.

I had not used my sewing machine in almost 18 months and it felt so good to break it out and actually make something.

I am hoping to cut out a few fall things today after work to keep the creative juices going. It feels so good to be crafting again!

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I hope you all have a wonderful Monday!
*hugs*
Debbie

Prim Pals 'Spooky Thyme Swap'

2010-08-27T06:31:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to announce the newest swap being held over at the Prim Pals Forum. Its the 'Spooky Thyme Swap' just in time for Halloween. So if you love creating and you love Halloween.... just come by the forum and sign up. I think its going to be a lot of fun.

Hope to see you there!

*prim hugs and blessings*
Debbie

Summer Vacation....

2010-08-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

As most of you may remember I spent my summer working for the Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland. At first I was really nervous because I was going to be working as cook for seven weeks, cooking for anywhere from 25 to 75 girls. Well.... it turned out great! I worked with some wonderful girls and made some new friends.

The first four weeks were spent at a camp called Cherokee Ridge. A lot of the activities here revolve around horseback riding and swimming.

Every morning when I walked out my cabin door I was greeted by the site of the horses grazing in the pasture. I have always loved horses but never had the opportunity to be around them much.

Here is the pool house. I only swam once the entire time I was at camp and well.... I didn't really swim. Mostly dangled my feet in the water. Its not that I didn't want to swim, mostly because I am not comfortable in a swimsuit in front of others.... Especially when most of them are all skinny teenage girls! *laughing*

While at Cherokee Ridge I shared a cabin with Michelle a.k.a. 'Band-Aid' the camp nurse. Each year she decorates the cabin to a theme.

This years them was a beach theme. The cabin was really pretty nice. This is a picture of the main room. We also had a bathroom and another little room off of this one where campers could come in and cool off when the heat got to them and believe me, the heat did get to all of us. We were under heat advisories almost all four weeks we were there.

This is a picture of the dining lodge. This is where I spent most of my days. I was responsible for cooking three meals a day. My mornings started at 5:30 a.m. each morning and ended around 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. in the evening.

This is what 'my' kitchen looked like.

This is the pantry. My first order was $4100! Wow... to have that type of budget to work with was really something. Of course it wasn't like that each week, just the first week to start up. I had the responsibility to make up the menus and place my order for the following week. At first I was really nervous because I had never had a job like this, unless you count home.

Under the dining lodge we had some little visitors. Three baby skunks. They were so cute! I usually saw them every day but of course they would never make an appearance when I had my camera ready! I tell you.... they are so cute! If there was a way to catch one and make a pet of one, I think there were about three or four of us who would of tried. *laughing*

We stayed at Camp Cherokee Ridge for four weeks and then we had to pack up the pantry and head over to Camp LaTonka. Where Cherokee Ridge was popular for their horse programs, LaTonka is known for their ropes course. I did not go down to it but I did see pictures of the zip line the girls were able to do. I would of loved trying it but I am not too crazy about heights.

At this camp I was able to have my own space. This is the cabin I shared with the lifeguards. I lived on the right-hand side. Had my own bathroom and a very comfortable queen-size bed. Plus it was nice because it was directly across the road from the dining hall so I did not have far to go to cook the meals.

The inside of the dining hall was beautiful. Unfortunately the weather was too hot to use the fireplace, but we did use the handmade tables. I would love to have one of these at home. Each table seated ten people comfortably.

Meal times were very loud, especially when the kids did clean up. At LaTonka, each table is responsible for their own dishes. They are given dish water, rinse water and a dunking basket. Then they bring them to the kitchen where they are dunked and sanitized. While the girls do their dishes, they sing and let me tell you.... they get LOUD! I don't know how many times I would find myself singing 'gray squirrel' when by myself! *laughing*

Camp LaTonka sits on Lake Wappapello and it is absolutely beautiful. This is a picture of the damn from the camps 'swimming hole'.

Each evening, there is an all camp where all the girls meet and do some type of activity. Usually on Thursday nights they would go down to the lake and have a campfire, makes s'mores and sing.

One of the things I liked about LaTonka is that there are stone benches that fan out around the campfire.

Here is a picture of some of the counselors. From left to right there is: CC, Yo Yo, CB, Shades, Digger and Candy.

At camp, we are all given nicknames. Mine was Bunni and it gets to the point where by the time camp is over, even we have a hard time remember what the girls real names are.

When the seven weeks were over, it was almost sad. After living so closely together, you get close to a lot of these people and it was hard saying good bye. Lucky for me, a couple of the girls live close by and most of them are on Facebook so we can all keep in touch.

Camp was really fun and I am so glad I did this. It was a great opportunity and it helped me realize what I was capable of doing. There is already talk of next year and you know.... I think I may do it but until then I am so happy to be back and hopefully this will be the start of getting back into the groove of things. I have missed blogging and keeping up with all my online friends!

*hugs*
Debbie

Winner of 'Blind Hope'....

2010-08-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind but wanted to announce the winner of the book giveaway. It was Kris!

Congratulations Kris! Just send me your address to: cmdarlin@hotmail.com and I will get your copy out to you.

I only had three enter this round but want you to know that I do appreciate each and every one of you.

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I have been back home for two weeks now and finally starting to feel like I am getting back into the groove of things. I am working on editing some pictures I took while at camp and going to post them this weekend. Being without Internet for seven weeks has almost broke me of getting online! *laughing*

Hope you all have a good Saturday!

*hugs*
Debbie

Blind Hope

2010-07-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

An unwanted dog. An Emotional Rescue. Two lives forever changed.

Laurie's dreams had been shattered before she came to work at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch- the ranch of rescued dreams - where broken horses and broken children encounter healing every day. In an attempt to soothe her aching soul, Laurie reached out to save a dog in need. And she soon began to realize that the dog was rescuing her.

An inspiring true story told through the engaging voicce of Kim Meeder, Blind Hope reveals poignant life lessons Laurie experienced through her ailing yet courageous canine friend. Despite the blindness of her dog - and her own heart - Laurie uncovered what she really needed most: authentic love, unconditional trust and true acceptance, faults and all.

As Laurie and her dog, Mia, both learned to follow the lead of a master they couldn't see, Laurie discovered the transforming power of God's grace even for the imperfect and selfish people - and she experienced a greater love than she had ever known.

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I found this book extremely inspiring. Laurie almost reluctantly adopts Mia, a dog who is in desperate need of someone to care for her. The relationship starts off slowly but grows strongly. Definitely an inspiring story that tells us what you see at first isn't necessarily what you get. I would recommend this to everyone!

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Kim Meeder is the author of Hope Rising and Bridge Called Hope. Along with her husband, Troy, she owns and operates Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in central Oregon. Crystal Peaks is a nonprofit organization that rescues abused and neglected horses and pairs them with disadvantaged children, offering the children a place of safety, peace and hope. In 2004, Kim received the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award, one of the nation's highest honors for public Service.

You can find the book and purchase it at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and Christian Books.

This book was provided to me for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

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I am happy to say that the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group has provided me with a copy to giveaway to one of my treasured friends here on my blog so if you would like a chance to win your own copy, please leave me a comment here on this post. Since I am at camp, I will try to draw a winner on August 9th, 2010. Good luck to all of you!

Take Care,

*hugs*

Debbie

My Last Post for A While...

2010-06-12T10:21:00.001-07:00

The last few days have been rushed, trying to get a physical and all my gear together for camp. Not an easy task when the weather has been so hot and humid and we have no air conditioner. I have felt like a slug barely wanting to move. Its amazing how fast the energy can get sucked right out of you!

Today I am almost done packing though. Right now I am basically waiting for the last load of laundry to finish up so I have the rest of the clothes I will need and I am trying to get a few craft projects together so I have something to keep me busy after hours there. Thank you to my prim sister TJ of Willow Bend Prims I will be stocked up on some books to read. She surprised me this week with a camp care package complete with some snacks to take along! Thank you TJ! I love you! *hugs*

One of my projects this week was to do a stitchery for the girl who interviewed me for this job. Keely and I hit it off wonderfully and when she told me she was getting married the following Friday, I knew I had to do something for her.

Here is a picture of the stitchery I made for her and her new husband, Alex! I wish them many happy years ahead!
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The plan is to try and come home over the weekends but that may not be very feasible for us. I may end up staying at camp and just coming home every two weeks if it is possible. If that is the case I will be without Internet at those times and will not be able to catch up with what is going on with everyone. I hate that...

Please know that I will be thinking of you all and pray that you all have a very safe and enjoyable summer. *hugs* You all have meant a lot to me over the past few years and I always looked forward to seeing how your were doing daily. I do have access to mail and would love to have some 'pen pals' over the summer, so if you would like to write.... email me or leave a comment with your email address and I will send you my address.

Take Care....
*prim hugs and blessings to you all*
Debbie

Its Official and A New Item at the Mercantile

2010-06-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

I am so excited right now.... I received the phone call yesterday that my contract had been accepted and I am going to be the cook this summer at Girl Scout camp! *doing a happy dance. Now I am just waiting for my official letter that they mailed yesterday that will also include a list of things I should pack for my time there. I will be leaving in nine days!!!

I will not be posting much at all over the summer but will do my best to drop in and see what everyone is up too. I am hoping to do a little series of 'Letter's from Camp' for the Prim Pals forum and will share them here also. I plan on taking my camera too so hopefully I will come back with lots of great photos too!

Thank you to all of you who said a little prayer for me on this one. I DO appreciate it.

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I have a new penny rug that I am putting on at Goat Creek Mercantile if anyone is interested.
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Well, its still relatively cool this morning... (78 degrees) so I am going to try to get a few things done around here. I participated in an Americana Swap over on the forum and have a couple little things to finish up for it so I can get it in the mail by Thursday. I love doing themed swaps, don't you?

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

*hugs*
Debbie

OOPS! I almost forgot.... I cannot post without giving you an Italian phrase for the day....

Fidati di me.

fee-dah-tee dee may

Trust me.

Gifts Listed at the Mercantile...

2010-06-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

Several of my dear friends have asked me if I was going to be posting the penny rugs on my selling blog and I just wanted to let you know that they can now be found over at the Goat Creek Mercantile.

If there is something your interested in and you do not see one in stock, just let me know and I will let you know how long it will take to get one too you. I have two more in the works and hope to have them posted by the weekend.

Thank you so much!
*hugs*
Debbie

Its been so hot....

2010-06-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

Its been so hot around here as I am sure it has been everywhere. Tuesday Wendell and I spent the afternoon bird watching and enjoying sweet tea and a sweet breeze. While out there the hummers were swarming! Seems like the hotter it is, the more active they are.

Since the weather has been so hot and I am being so lazy, I am trying to at least do something constructive so I did cut out three more penny rugs. Here is the latest one....

I have one other that would of been done had I not ran out of thread and then there is another I can't wait to show you. I just started cutting and sewing it and think its going to look really nice when its done.
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Before I go today... how about a couple Italian phrases?

#1 - Che bravo cagnolino!

kay brah-voh cahn-yoh-lee-noh

Good dog!
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#2 - Che gattino cattivo!

kay gaht-teen-oh caht-tee-voh

Bad kitty!

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I still haven't heard anything definite on the job yet so please say a prayer. I am dying here waiting! lol

Take care and try to stay cool!
Debbie

Happy Memorial Day Weekend...

2010-05-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

I just want to wish you all a 'Happy Memorial Day' weekend! Please remember all of those who have fought so bravely for our freedom.

Not much going on here in Allenville, unless you count the 100 mile yard sale! Each year I tell myself I am going to try and save up a little cash to go but each year something comes up and I never make it. Its amazing how you see all those houses and roadside set ups along Highway 25 from Jackson, Missouri all the way down to the Arkansas border. If you are close to the area and have some free time, you should come on by. It started yesterday but runs all through tomorrow.

We will be sticking close to home all weekend, enjoying the beautiful weather and hopefully the pool. I am hoping that tomorrow we will be grilling something and maybe enjoy a nice supper on the front porch. I was out there for a bit this morning and the hummingbirds are starting to show up in bunches again. I love just sitting in my rocker out there watching them and the other birds.

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I am hoping to add some new penny rugs to my selling blog and an Artfire shop. I have been working on them daily and right now trying to catch up on a few orders I have gotten. Thank you to those who are encouraging me and actually placing orders. I love you! *hugs*

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Are you ready for a few Italian phrases today?

#1 - Vivi ed impara.
vee-vey ayd eem-pah-rah
Live and learn.

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#2 - Fai del tuo meglio.
fye dayl too-oh mayl-yoh
Just do your best.

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#3 - Vive nei nostri cuori.
vee-vay nay nohs-tree kwar-ee
Gone but not forgotten.

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Well, I better go and start sewing. Please have a fun but safe holiday weekend and enjoy your family! Take care,
*hugs*
Debbie

Giveaway Winner...

2010-05-27T07:17:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I reviewed the book, 'Life, In Spite of Me' and offered a copy to one of my blog friends. Today I had Wendell draw the lucky winner's name and it was......

Congratulations to Peggy of 'A Primitive Plot' !!!

So Peggy, please email me your address at cmdarlin@hotmail.com and I will get your copy of the book sent out to you. It really is a very good story and I am sure you will enjoy it.

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Not much has been going on around here except working around the house and getting the yard in shape. We were finally able to get the yard mowed on Tuesday which was a good thing. The grass was almost waist high in spots. I was beginning to think we would need to get ourselves a goat or two!

I promise a 'good' post with pictures tomorrow! Hope you all have a great day!

*hugs*
Debbie

The Birds are Singing....

2010-05-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

and the bees are buzzing. It looks like a beautiful day here in Allenville. We were hoping a part DH needs for the mower would be in but so far no luck. The clover is ankle high and the honey bees are everywhere which makes this girl who lives in flip flops during the summer nervous.

I guess you can say our weekend started with a 'BANG' yesterday afternoon. Wendell and I were heading to the food bank when an elderly gentleman in the right lane decided he wanted to be in the left lane. (It was a four lane highway - 2 heading south, 2 heading north) All I could see was his white Cadillac heading right over at me. I just closed my eyes.

Thankfully nobody was hurt and just shook up. Wendell's poor truck took the worst of it. It was still drivable but the passenger side door was jammed shut. The poor old guy was so upset and admitted to us and the police officers that it was his fault so that is good. We did manage to get our running done and we stopped off to the body shop who has done work for us in the past. They always give us the lowest estimates there. Imagine our surprise when he comes out saying its going to cost $3,956 to fix! Now I am just praying the old guy's insurance company will pay for it. The truck is a 96' but ran like a top. Heaven knows we have no way of making a vehicle payment right now.
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In other news..... the farmer down the road put in a new water sprayer (or whatever they are called in his field over the past month....

Bad news is..... I don't think he is going to need it for a while! *laughing*

The water looks higher than it ever was earlier in the spring. Its even hopped over the levy in a few places. Thankfully the weather is suppose to be warm and no rain at least for a few days. Only trouble is we live down south and we all know that water runs down somewhere.
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Today I am heading over to Chester to spend the day with my Daddy. My cousin is having a graduation/retirement party for his wife and mom today. I am taking the camera and hoping to get some good pictures of the family.

Before I leave though how about a few phrases????

#1 - Vino rosso o bianco?
vee-noh rohz-zoh oh bee-ahn-coh
Red or white wine?

~~~~~~~~~~
#2 - Potrebbe piovere.
poh-trayb-bay pee-oh-vay-ray
It looks like it might rain.

~~~~~~~~~~~
#3 - Impara dai tuoi errori
eem-pah-rah die twoy air-roh-ree
Learn from your mistakes

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I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and can get out there and enjoy some sunshine!

Take Care,
Debbie

And The Winner Is.....

2010-05-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

The winner of their very own copy of 'Indivisible' by Kristen Heitzmann is Shelley of Building a Log Cabin ! Yay Shelley! Send me your email address at cmdarlin@hotmail.com and I will get your book right out to you. Thank you for all who entered and don't forget to sign up for a chance to win your own copy of 'Life, In Spite of Me'.

Keep your eyes open for more reviews in the future!

Take Care,
Debbie

A Great Opportunity

2010-05-15T05:10:00.001-07:00

As I had mentioned in a previous post, I am looking for a part time job and I was beginning to get really discouraged because I was not finding anything in the papers or on all of those job sites. Well... on Wednesday I decided to talk to a friend who works in the office at the trade school where I received my culinary certificate. A lot of times people who have openings will contact them to see if they have any graduates who are interested in a position they may have. It just so happened that a lady from the local Girl Scout Council had been in looking for a cook for their summer camp program.

I was given the lady's phone number and we spoke on the phone. She told me that the job is for seven weeks and it would be as cook for the Girl Scout camp. The cook would be in charge of running the kitchen and preparing meals for 50 to 100 girls daily. Besides having to be 21 years of age, the person they hire would have to live on site. That kind of worried me with Wendell depending on me to give him daily injections so I told her I would have to talk to my husband and get back to her.

Wendell told me to go for it! Yes I would have to live on the camp site but I would have weekends off to come home (camp is around an hour or so away). He confirmed what I thought, that this would be a great opportunity and would look great on my resume so I called her back. We probably talked for 30 minutes or more and she even offered Wendell a job if he wanted one. Unfortunately, even though he would of loved it, we agreed that it would be difficult with a dog and two cats living at home with no one we trusted enough to come in daily to care for them.

We made arrangements for me to come into town on Thursday to meet with her at a job fair they were holding and fill out an application and background check consent form. We ended up talking for a good 90 minutes or more and I think it is 99% safe to say the job is mine. I should get the official word around June 1st. Say a little prayer for me, okay?

She gave us directions to go up to the camp today to visit and check everything out. The forecast is for rain but Wendell and I are taking a picnic lunch and going to check things out. I am also going to try to take my camera.

I was a girl scout up until my senior year of high school and loved it but never had the chance to go to camp so I am really looking forward to this. Of course I won't have access to the Internet but I will have access to the other facilities they offer such as a pool, horse stables, ropes course and a beautiful lake. I already have thoughts on how I will spend the time and hopefully you will enjoy it too but I won't say anything more until I know for 100% I have this job.

Cross your fingers and toes! *laughing*

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Are you ready for a few phrases today?

#1 - Questa bilancia e' esatta?

kwes-tah bee-lahn-cee-ah ay ay-saht-tah

Is this scale right?

~~~~~~~~~~

#2 - Che hai detto?

kay eye dayt-toe

What did you say?

~~~~~~~~~~

#3 - Credi in te stesso

cray-dee een tay stays-soh

Believe in yourself.

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We did get part of the garden in yesterday since it was the first day that was 'sorta' dry. We planted potatoes, tomatoes and green peppers. Sasha even helped in her own little way. She loves being with us when we are outdoors and she would lay down in the dirt about a row from where we were working and dig! It was so funny. We would move, she would move, lay down and dig another little hole. Of course it is suppose to rain all weekend so I don't know if we will be able to get the rest planted till Monday when its suppose to be dry. I can hardly wait for fresh veggies.

Speaking of fresh veggies.... does anyone else have an asparagus patch? We have not gotten any usable asparagus this year at all. I don't know if its because of the crazy weather or not. Lots of little, spindly sprouts but nothing big enough to eat,. Its been very disappointing.

Well I am off to take a shower and prepare a picnic lunch. I hope you all have a good weekend and hopefully dry one.

Take Care,

Debbie

Book in Review... Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann

2010-05-13T05:26:00.000-07:00

Indivisible
By: Kristen Heitzmann

Battling his own personal demons, police chief Jonah Westfall has experienced the dark side of life and is committed to eradicating it. When a pair of raccoons are found mutilated in Redford, Colorado, Jonah investigates the gruesome act, seeking to unmask the perpetrator before the crime escalates and destroys the tranquility of his small mountain town. Jonah fights for answers - and his fragile sobriety - amid a rising drug threat and never-ending conflict with Tia Manning, a formidable childhood friend with whom he has more than a passing history.

My Thoughts:

Despite the fact that I pretty well figured out 'who done it' halfway through the book, I did enjoy it. Ms. Heitzmann wrote the characters in a way that I really felt connected with them and that I was there. This book does have Christian undertones which was a nice change of pace compared to most books where the main characters are hitting it 'hot and heavy'. I have never read anything else by this author but will definitely keep her on my list of must reads. Overall I did enjoy this book and think you will too!

About the Author:

While homeschooling her four kids, Kristen Heitzman wrote her first novel, and it grew into a five-book historical series. Since then, she has written more historical novels and several contemporary romantic and psychological suspense novels, including The Still of the Night, nominated for the Colorado Book Awards: The Tender Vine, a Christy Award finalist; and the Christy Award-winning Secrets. She lives in Colorado with her husband, Jim, and sundry family members and pets.

You can check out the first chapter of Indivisible here.

You can find the book and purchase it at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and Christian Books.

To hear an audio review from the author go here.

This book was provided to me for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

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I am pleased to announce that I was also provided a copy of Indivisible to giveaway to you, my treasured readers! If you would like a copy of this book for your very own, leave me a comment on this post for your chance to win. You do not have to be a follower of this blog, but it would be appreciated. You also do not have to have a blog of your own to enter but you will have to be sure to leave me your email address so I will have a way to contact you if you win.

I will choose a winner on Thursday, May 20th. Good luck to all who enter!

Take care and Happy Reading!
Debbie

Flowers Are In Bloom and the Buns are Warm and Toasty!

2010-05-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

I hope where ever you are its sunny and warm because here its cloudy and gray and looks to be that way for the rest of the week. I am beginning to think I will never get my garden finished.

Since I have not been able to work outside, I have been working on the flowers inside.

I was so happy with how the sunflowers turned out that I decided to try a little different style and do them in a few different colors. They turned out so cute!

I am going to try and post them on my selling blog at Goat Creek Mercantile. With a little luck, I am hoping to get a few more items done up in the next week or so too.

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Yesterday Wendell decided he wanted some hamburgers for supper but I didn't have any bread in the house and could not afford to run into town just for bread so I decided to make some from scratch. I had come across a recipe a month or so ago on a fellow blogger's site and let me just say I am happy I held on to the recipe because they turned out great!

~ Hamburger Buns ~

Ingredients Needed:

2 cups - Warm Water
5 Tbsp - Sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp - Yeast
1 1/2 tsp - Salt
1/4 cup - Vegetable Oil
5 - 6 cups - Flour
1 - Egg White, beaten
1 Tbsp - Water
Sesame Seeds or Dried Onion Flakes

Combine the water, sugar and yeast together in a bowl, mixing it well, then let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.

Add in the flour (*do so a 1/2 cup at a time) until you get a nice dough consistency that does not stick to the sides of the bowl. Knead for 10 minutes. Oil the bowl and dough, cover and let the dough rise until it is doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and knead the air bubbles out. Divide into 12 pieces for hamburgers or 18 pieces for hot dogs**. Roll between your hands into the correct shapes and place on a greased cookie sheet.

Carefully brush with mixture of egg white and water, then sprinkle with sesame seeds or onion flakes.

Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes or until they are nicely browned. Let cool for 5 minutes and then break apart and move to a cooling rack to prevent the bottoms from getting soggy.

Enjoy!

Helpful Hints: *I broke the recipe down to half and still ended up with almost an entire cup of flour that I did not use.
** When making the hot dog buns, squish them together on the cooking sheet so they rise up and not out.

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Are you ready for a couple Italian phrases of the day?

#1 - Hai bisogno di un passaggio?

eye bee-sohn-yo dee oon pahs-sah-joe

Do you need a ride?

~~~~~~~~~~

#2 - Questa bilancia e' esatta?

kwes-tah bee-haln-cee-ah ay ay-saht-tah

Is this scale right?

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I hope you are having a wonderful day and I look forward to visiting all your blogs soon to catch up on my reading!

Take Care,

Debbie

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to wish all of you Mothers out there in blogland a very 'Happy Mother's Day'! I hope you are able to spend it with those you love.

We plan to have a quiet day here. Wendell and I hope to get out the rest of the garden today. With luck he may even get my herb garden tilled up for me, if I ever figure out where I would like it. While I am thinking of it, I would also like to send a little 'Thank You!' to Terri... ;) She has helped, more than just inspired me to have a nice garden this year. I am even going to try some potatoes!

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I do have an Italian phrase for you today.... It is:

Chiama tua madre.

key-ah-mah too-ah mahd-ray

Call your mother.

Happy Mother's Day!

Debbie

Morning Bloggers...

2010-05-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! Hope you all are enjoying some beautiful weather today. According to our weatherman its suppose to reach the high 80's today and no rain! Yay! I am so tired of the rain. Hopefully today Wendell and I will be able to get out into the garden to plant some tomato and pepper plants we picked up yesterday. I am so ready for fresh veggies.

There has not been a lot of anything really going on around here except for a little crafting and job hunting. Yesterday I ran into town and picked up some applications while doing a little grocery shopping. Wendell will have been on Medicaid for two years soon, so he will become eligible for Medicare. Since the money isn't in the budget, I will definitely have to work at least part time to pay for his medical. I would love to work from home but there are very few jobs that let you do that, at least I haven't found any here.

If I had my way, I would craft and cook to make extra cash. Someday.....

I have done a few samplers in the past week. This is one of the smaller ones. I found the frame at the dollar store over the weekend. It was a little too red for me so I tried 'priming' it up with shoe polish but I think I need to go darker. What do you think?

Friday I made a visit to the Food Bank again. Was really surprised to get five dozen farm fresh eggs! (Maybe this is the hint I should bake this month.)

We received: 5 dozen Eggs
1 can - Pork
1 box - Mac and Cheese
2 cans - Green Beans
2 cans - Peas
2 cans - Corn
3 cans - Pork and Beans
2 cans - Vegetable Soup
1 can - Mixed Veggies
1 can - Carrots
1 can - Mixed Fruit
1 can - Applesauce
1 can - Spaghetti Rings
1 can - Spaghetti Sauce
1 can - Eagle Brand Condensed Milk
4 - Apple Cinnamon Muffins
1 - Fruit Pizza

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Pork Update: I made BBQ sandwiches last week with the canned pork and I thought it turned out pretty good. Of course I had to rinse it good to get rid of all the fat. I liked it but Wendell complained he could tell it was canned. Honestly.... I think if he did not know it was the canned pork, he would of ate it and not said a word. *laughing*
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Be on the lookout next week for my first book review and a giveaway. I am so excited about it especially when they have already sent me a second book to review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Are you ready for a few Italian phrases today?

Prenditi una pausa.

prayn-dee-tee oon-ah pah-oo-sah

Take a breath.
~~~~~~~~~~~

Grazie per l'aiuto.

grah-zee-ay payr lah-you-tow

Thanks for your help.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, its time for me to get busy and get to work around the house. I hope you all are able to get outside and enjoy part of the day.

Take Care,
Debbie

A Little Bird and a Giveaway Announced

2010-04-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

I have had my hummingbird feeders up for a few weeks now and while they aren't as busy as they were last fall, I have noticed the levels going down. I have even noticed a few coming up for a quick drink too.

The past few days I have noticed a few coming right up to my dining room window... just hovering as to peek inside. Tuesday, one actually sat down on a branch and posed for me! I have rarely seen them just sitting. I love this picture.

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We finally got our garden area tilled about two weeks ago but have yet to get anything in it.

It has been doing nothing but raining off and on since then. We don't have anything in it yet because we have to wait for pay day but hopefully next week I will get a few tomato plants. I also want to do some zucchini and cucumbers. Would love to do corn too. Maybe some broccoli and who knows.... any suggestions?

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Ready for a few phrases today?

Hai contanti?

eye cohn-than-tee

Do you have any cash?

~~~~~~~~~~

Respinto.

rays-peen-toe

Declined.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Perche' queste cose capitano sempre a me?

payr-kay kwes-tay coh-say cah-pee-than-oh saym-pray ah may

Why do these things always happen to me?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In other news.... *laughing* There is a fantastic giveaway for a $40 gift certificate from CSN Stores over at Prim Pals. They have 200+ stores and a wide variety of great items.

You don't have to become a member but if you do... you would have three chances to win!

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Well I am off to do a few errands and hopefully a few crafty things. It looks like rain all weekend again so it will be a good time to be creative.

Take Care and Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Debbie

A Trip to the Food Bank...

2010-04-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

There has not been a whole lot going on around here, especially with all the rain. From the weatherman's forecast it looks like that is all we are going to see this week too.

Since I have not been able to do much outside I have been doing a little stitching. I finished my third little project today and hoping to start a fourth one tonight.

We went to the food bank on Friday and thought I would share with you what the gave us.

There were:

4 cans of Fruit Cocktail

4 cans of Green Beans

4 cans of Spaghetti Sauce

4 cans of Corn

4 cans of Mixed Veggies
2 cans of Pork

2 jars of Peanut Butter

4 Pkg of Spaghetti

4 Pkg of Powdered Milk

4 boxes of Cream of Mushroom Soup

Lots of goodies to help stretch out the budget with. I have never used the canned Pork before but tonight I am going to see if I can make BBQ out of it. Wendell has been craving it for a while now. I am so thankful to receive everything but it was nice receiving something besides all the beans they had been giving us.

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I hope you all are faring well on this Monday. Despite it being cold, wet and windy I have been enjoying all of my little bird visitors. Hopefully I will get some photos worked up to share.

Take Care,

Debbie

Paying for the Sunshine...

2010-04-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

That is what we are doing. Here in Southeast Missouri we have had almost two weeks of beautiful weather. Starting last night and so far all day today we have had nothing but thunderstorms. The farmers spent the last week plowing and fertilizing their fields and now as I look out the window all I see is mud! Hopefully it will start drying up by next weekend. I want to get our garden out.

All the irises are popping up and blooming and look so pretty. Yesterday I went to check on the asparagus and its coming up but really spindly. I was going through old post and found by this time last year, we had already had a couple good batches of it. Hopefully all this rain will get it going.

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Ready for a few phrases today?

Ogni giorno e' un nuovo girono.

ohn-yee johr-noh ay oon nwoh-voh johr-noh

Every day's a new day.

~~~~~~~~~~

Buon Compleanno!

bwon cohm-play-ahn-noh

Happy Birthday!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday was my youngest son, Lucas's birthday. I cannot believe my baby is 24. I don't feel much older than that myself. Well.... maybe a little bit. I found myself reminiscing and remembered that 24 years ago on that day, I was out mowing the yard. I was two weeks overdue and my husband's sister had come over, threatening my life if I was not careful. *laughing* I still mowed the grass and after cleaning up proceeded to my nearest Dairy Queen and ordered a double cheeseburger and fries with a chocolate shake. After I finished eating... I told them all I was in labor. I knew if I had not eaten before, once I got to the hospital, they would not let me eat till I had him.

Five and a half hours later, Lucas made his way into the world!

Well there is some serious thunder and lightening going on out there so I better sign off. I hope you all are having a drier weekend than we are.

Take Care,

Debbie

Feels Good to be Crafting...

2010-04-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

Its been so long to really be crafting something other than salt dough but that is what I have been doing.... and still at it. I found this terrific pattern to do sunflowers (created originally by Char) and just went to town. It was originally suppose to be made into a nodder but since I haven't found any wire cutters yet, I decided to improvise.

I even went out into the old shed, fought the bees and found this old wooden chicken feeder, scrubbed it clean and here is how it turned out! I love it and plan on making more to put over at Goat Creek Mercantile for sale.

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Next on my completed projects list was my penny rug candle mat. I was so nervous because I knew what I wanted to do, just didn't know if I was doing it right. Thanks to Karen over at My Colonial Home my confidence is better as she told me I did great for my first attempt.

Not much else going on at the home front. I have been getting started with a few samplers and stitchery that I have been wanting to try. Once I get them done, I will show you. I am trying to find things I can do in the same room with Wendell.

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Are you ready for a few phrases tonight?

#1 - sono la persona piu' fortunata al mondo.

soh-noh lah payr-soh-nah pew four-toon-ah-tah ahl mohn-doe

I'm the luckiest person in the world.

~~~~~~~~~~

Che begli occhi che hai.

Kay bayl-yee oh-key kay eye

You have beautiful eyes.

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Well I am off. It is chat night over at the Prim Pals Forum. Every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. Central time we hold a weekly chat. Last week we had such a good time that it was 9:00 p.m. before I knew it. I am not use to staying up so late! If you have not come and checked out the forum, you should. We would love to have you join our family!

Take Care,

Debbie