Black Friday-Am I Crazy?

It started with a short conversation between Sarah and I.  Did I want to go our and do Black Friday with her since she's never gone?  I said yes, hoping it would be forgotten. (fat chance of that happening!)

We actually planned our evening.  We left about 11:40 to get to the mall by midnight.  We got there about 12:20 due to all of the traffic.  We had to park in Offic Max's parking lot a little way from the mall parking.  It was worth it.

We first went to Deliah's where everything in the store was 40% off.  What we didn't count in our agenda was time in line waiting to pay.  Our first stop it was 30 minutes.  We snaked past things that we could look at so it wasn't so bad.

Our second stop was Forever 21.  Oh my what a big store that is.  I sat down and waited until Sarah came back with clothes she wanted.  We waited in line over an hour to get her clothes.  I usually wouldn't have done that however, we had nothing but time.  I actually made it all that time in line.  My back started to hurt and my hip too but we did it.

That place was a mess.  There were clothes all over the floor.  I don't understand why.  I guess people weren't hanging things up they were just draping things over clothes on racks and eventually they fell.

Our next stop was to get something to eat.  Here it is, 3:30 a.m. and we are having pizza in the mall.  It was like the middle of a Saturday at the mall.  It was a little surreal.

We went to Bath and Body Works and came out with such a deal.  If you bought 3 of their signature collection scents, you got 3 free. If you did that, you could get a great tote and 6 different kinds of scented items from spray to lotion and even a candle for $20.

We sat down a while and rested and talked and got something to drink.  Next we were to go to Target to get some DVD's for Ben.  We only found one of the ones we needed.

We drove around a bit looking at lights, then got to Joann's for their 6 a.m. opening.  I needed to get an Ott light.  They were 19.99.

Next we were on to Pat Catan's where all Martha Stewart things were on sale for 50% off.

Our last stop at 8 was a name brand resale shop.  Sarah found a necklace, and some tops in there as well as a purse.

We got home about 9 a.m.  Sarah went right to sleep.  I had coffee and talked to Tim who couldn't believe we shopped for 9 hours, as only women can!

It was a great time with Sarah and lots of fun.  Would I do it again?  Ask me next year! LOL

Thanksgiving Was A Positively Wonderful Day!

 Thank you to all of the soldiers who are and have served so that we could all be free and safe.

I know I'm late in posting this but I have to tell you that this was the BEST Thanksgiving in a long, long time. I'm not sure why the reason, but my FIL was so happy to be with us. Lunch was at 2 so he wouldn't have to drive home in the dark. He arrived at 11 he was so excited! The weather was so warm that day that we sat out on the screened in porch in a sweater. Dad moved with the sun like a cat.

 We had a typical Thanksgiving meal and it was great to see Dad fill his plate and eat. He's alone for many meals so this was a great scene. This is also the first Thanksgiving without his wife, so I wasn't sure how it would go. It went very well. He mentioned her and we acknowledged his story and moved on. I know he's happy that she's not in misery any longer.

 Dad brought candy from Malley's chocolates! The kids got huge Santa's (I know, he's a little early) and Tim and I got Survival Kits. What a cute idea. I could just picture him standing in the candy store picking things out. This put a huge smile on my face.

 We sent dad home with lots of left overs he could put into the microwave. He also got pie on top of it all. I'm so thankful to have spent this day with Tim's dad and our family. Thanks God for such an uplifting day. Blessing of the Day:Dad stayed 5 hours and we all enjoyed his visit. Thanks for visiting. Blessings,

Day Off, Day Off, Day Off!

So don't you love having a day off when you can sleep in? I sure do. I kept waking up this morning and finally had to get up......It was 7 a.m.! I was so irritated that I didn't sleep in. Of course I went to bed at 10:30 last night.

 I'm praying for hubby that today won't be as stressful as the last two days. Lots going on at work that has to do with credit cards and making sure their systems are safe to protect customers. Lots of things Lube Stop has to do to prove they are doing all they can to protect their customer's information.

 Today I got to make a card for all of the challenges this week on SCS. So this is a triple play card. It is for Technique Lovers, Color and Sketch Challenges this week.

I found a fun set of videos today that made me laugh.  Being a teacher of Special Needs I could relate.  There are lots of videos you can enjoy.  Take a peek at this one.  It's called Math Class.

One of my dearest friends stopped by and it was so good to see her.  It's been so long since I've seen her.  Even though she's not working, she's so busy with life.  Her mom and grandchildren take a lot of time in her life.  So I'm thankful to see her when I can, even if it's for a quick visit.  Thank you God for giving me time with Val today.

Today Tim and I put up our Christmas lights outside.  We did it in record time too.  We put lights on the bushes and that's it.  This weekend we'll do the inside of the house.

Have you stopped to think of the things you're thankful for?  I am thankful right now for my health.  There is no hip pain so it's a great day.  I take so much for granted.

Here's a great picture of Billy Graham and a saying that says it all.

 This is something that I'm praying for lately.  I want to free myself of things that are displeasing to the Lord.

 Here's a pretty sight.  This is the Christmas Cactus in my kitchen.  It has lots more blossoms now.  That window is the perfect place for it.  I wish it was Christmas and not Thanksgiving, but hey, this is the most blossoms I've had on this plant.  Thank you God for giving me this beauty right before my eyes.

I got all of the Thanksgiving cards done for the Home Bound for our church.  I feel good that they will be remembered again this year.  I saw the bag that I dropped off for the older woman who usually does these cards, still on the shelf at church.  So I took them and sent the cards this year.  This woman lost her mom a few weeks ago so I'm sure she's been busy with things involved with that.

Blessing of the day:Seeing Val and being able to help Tim with errands and the lights.

Thanks for checking in today.

Blessings,

God Is All Around Us

It's a wonderful story to watch.  God is working all around us.  So glad a news channel thought it would be good to show it.
 

Today we got through another day.  One more day until Thanksgiving vacation.  Today was a tough day.  Kids were sick and I felt drugged, so tired.  I got more sleep than I usually do and was more tired than I usually am.  Go figure.......

I saw this today and added it because I've been asking God to show me what He wants out of my life. I'm praying that I will let go of it and turn to God for help in doing this.  Sometimes we deny things that we know are not what God wants for us.  Other times we don't know that we don't know.  Does that make sense?  I want to be really yours God.  I want to see others with your eyes.  I want to see myself with your eyes, not the eyes that deceive me day in and day out.

Tonight Sarah had a doctor appt. and it went well.  All is good and she's my sunshining Sweet Sarah.
I used to sing, You Are My Sunshine......Check out this darling video of a 17 month old singing with his dad.

No card today as I was addressing my Thanksgiving Cards.
Blessing of the Day:My phone reminded me of an appt. for Sarah that wasn't on the calendar or in my mind.  We got there on time! :)
Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,

A Long Day But a Very Good Day

I am so tired tonight as I type this.  I decided to get up at 6:30 because I woke up, and make a card.  I knew it was going to be a  very busy day at church so that's what I did.  I'm now paying for it.  I can hardly keep my eyes open! LOl

At church I went to a meeting for a new ministry called Congregational Care.  It was exciting since Card Ministry will link with this ministry to make sure people who do home, hospital or nursing home visits has a card to take with them.  I will also be writing and sending cards to people who are home bound. (I sure like that name better than shut-ins.)

I'm excited to see where God takes this ministry. I've been praying that God would open up my eyes to what he has for me after I retire.  Could this be it?  I'm going to see where God guides this.

Here's the card I made.  This was for the featured stamper on SCS. I borrowed these stamps from Jane.  I make several a year usually to sell at the church craft fair, but I didn't get that far this year.  I only had one or two.

 I saw this a week ago and wanted to remember to add this to my post.  What a beautiful photo and saying. I also thank God for sending me the children he did.  It's the hardest but most rewarding job I have.

 Max Lucado is a wonderful pastor and author. I'm praying to make a difference in the lives around me.

 Last night Ben had some friends over.  His friend has blonde hair and Ben of course has brown hair.  They asked Sarah to show them how to alter photos. She did a great job with this one.  Ben was trying to convince some people he'd colored his hair to blonde.  They believed it and were relieved this morning at church when he showed up his usual brown-haired self!  Kids........

Blessing of the Day:Ministry opportunities and Tim sold fish and got several hundred dollars today.  He also bought fish so he didn't make that much profit.  He did however get a few very rare fish that he's never seen anywhere but a magazine.  He said he's wanted these for so long that if they were the last fish he bought, he'd be happy.

Thanks for stopping by today.
Blessings,

Only 3 Days, Really?

It seems like forever ago that I posted but it's been a very busy week. It was only 3 days but it seems like forever!
Ladies Latte Monday
Couples Bible study Tuesday
Shopping and Getting Sarah to church Wednesday
Parent Conferences Thursday (A 12 hour day)
Stampin' Up Stamping Night at my house Friday
Help with Groceries and Shopping with kids for clothes (Saturday)

Ready for some down time.  I did get some cards made and posted on Splitcoaststampers.

 This is a matchbook snack holder.  Isn't it cute?  I used SU designer paper a MS border punch, the SU bird punch, the wide oval punch, mustard ribbon, and small cello bags from SU.  We made these for my SU stamping night.

 Look at the beautiful card I got from Rose, Hope's sister. (You know Hope, she's the one I tease whenever we get a day off.  Speaking of a day off, we have Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off next week Hope! teehee :)

My family was in a fun mood last week.  This board is our shopping list but Hubby turned it into something fun with his drawing of the man jumping up and down and the lawnmower to let kids know they'd be doing the lawn Saturday.  Then I added, It's Friday....., Then Sarah, yes, Sweet Sarah added the words about our neighbor's cat......Our neighbor's cat comes into our yard and tries to get the birds near our bird feeders.  He got the chipmunk :(
  So we dream of getting him with the lawnmower or the car.

Can't wait until this day. We're doing a study of Revelations and the 4 common thoughts on it.  It is a study not meant to tell you which is right because we don't know which is right.  One thing is for sure, there will not be a doubt when Jesus returns.

I have to warn you that I cried when I saw this video, A Parent's Love.  It sure made me think about my father-in-law and how lonely he must be without mom around. How we need to make sure that we visit him regularly and listen to his wonderful stories and ask him questions about his past so we can really learn who he is.

 We are coming up on the first Thanksgiving and Christmas without her.  I pray that he will feel loved by his family in spite of his loss of the love of his life for 50 some years.

Blessing of the Day:I had an afternoon of rest which I desperately needed. No running around just doing what I needed to do.
Thanks for stopping by today.
Blessings,

What's In A Day?

It's been a busy week so far. My mom went into the hospital Sunday evening with dehydration and vomiting. They did a scan but couldn't find anything wrong. They got her re-hydrated and sent her home. Seems though that she didn't remember why she was in the hospital and seemed confused......We're in the process of trying to get her to a geriatric doctor to see what's going on. Not sure if it could be dementia or Alzheimer's or what is going on with her. She'll be 81 next weekend.

 I went to Ladies Latte Monday at our church and listened to the pastor's wife speak on Psalm 139. We looked at how we should look at ourselves and see ourselves through God's eyes not our eyes or through experiences we've had or other people's eyes. It truly was eye opening....no pun intended. :) 

We are doing a Bible study Tuesday evenings on the book of Revelation and the 4 different beliefs about the end times. This is pretty interesting. Tim's leading it and takes lots of time during the week to study it to present to us. I am grateful for him doing this. Tonight I got some cool metallic nail polish which was on sale. Buy one get the second half-off. Check it out.  I got the purple and Sarah and I did our nails together oooooing and ahhhhhing about how each nail came out. Lots of fun.

Looking forward to making some cards on my own soon.  I made cards for Card Ministry last Friday and have finished cards for this Friday which is my monthly make and take.  Not sure how many ladies will be here.  I hope to be able to stamp tomorrow night and Saturday.  It's been so long.

Ben told me he wants to do missions trips this summer instead of going on the Sr. High trip to St. Louis.  It will be interesting to see where he gets to go.  He's helping with an organization called Building Hope in the City.  So he is involved in helping to set up churches in homes in the Cleveland area.  

 I liked this saying and wanted to pass it along.  My daughter will be 16 in a month.  Hard to believe.  I don't know where the time has gone.

Check out this picture. Sarah and I were fooling around with a website that takes your picture and adds different affects.  This one is rain.

This one was ghosts.

This one added all sorts of sparkles to our picture.  Lots of fun and laughs was had doing this with Sarah.

 Love this quote and it was spoken by one of the BEST preachers I've every listened to.  He's a very gifted teacher and pastor.

It's time to get some sleep.  Long day tomorrow as we have teacher conferences.  Thank you for stopping in.

Blessing of the day:Time spent with Sarah Annie.

Blessings,

For Veterans We Are Thankful

I am so thankful to be an American because of the many men and women who have served and are serving in the military to keep us free. Thank you to all who have given of themselves to keep us free and safe. I can't imagine what you and your families are going through because of your commitment. You are a true blessing to all of us.

I made a few cards for Card Ministry check them out.  I love this retired SU designer paper called Frostwood Lodge. It's double sided so I could use either side for cards we made.  Great variety.

 This is a thin foil that I purchased at Hollo's.  I attached it to the cardstock first then I put it through the Cuttlebug.

 Here's the pretty champaign color of the sparkly paper from SU.

 Here is thin gold paper that I got from Hollo's as well. I liked it plain and not embossed.

 This is a birthday card I made. I did CASE it from someone and when I find her name I'll add it here.

Leaving you with this thought.

Blessing of the day:A great sermon by a young pastor.

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

Homecoming for Sarah and Thankful Hearts

I want to thank all of our service men and women and Veterans for protecting us and for their families who live without their loved one at home for long periods of time.  You are all sacrificing so that we can be free.  You are amazing people standing up for what you believe in and putting your country before your family. May God continue to bless all of you for all that you do.  God Bless you all.

My sweet almost 16 year old Sarah went to Homecoming at our church tonight. I love the fact that our church does this after the typical Homecoming dances in the public schools. Here's a picture of Sarah and her best friend. Aren't they just beautiful? They are both inside and out.

Today I actually got a card photographed to show you.  It's been a super busy week getting ready for Card Ministry and getting progress reports done to go home this Tuesday.  We are a week later than most other schools getting report cards home.

 This is for both of my kids who have grown up so fast.  It seems that each year goes faster than the last. God is showing me what blessings my children are to me and to Him.

 Thanks for stopping by today.  I'll try not to be a stranger here. :)
Blessing of the Day:We had sun and warmth so we could eat outside!
Blessings,

Election Day 2012

I am so happy that today has finally arrived. Now the phone calls and texts will stop! I've hated this interruption to my life by the constant ringing of the telephone.  We actually turned off the sound for the land line for part of the time because we got sick of all the calls with recordings.

I know that whomever wins, God will use for His purposes.  He is not surprised by any of this.

Tonight we started a new Bible Study on Revelations.  It's the 4 views of Revelations.  The study won't get us to choose one view or the other.  It began with the idea that God is the center of your life and living for him and like Him is what you should do, not concentrate on when or where the end of the world will come.

I've been tired and not making progress with getting cards ready for Friday and Card Ministry.  Please pray that I can get going and get things done to be able to cut and design the cards I need.

Thank you Father for allowing me to do this for you.
Blessing for the day-Phone calls and texts from candidates will stop!
Blessings,
    

Crazy Day

Here's a cute Video I saw from Jimmy Kimmel with parents telling their kids they ate their Halloween candy.

 

I thought this was cute, especially the last few kids.

Today was a crazy day with lots and lots to do.  I had to unload all of the things I took to the sale and put them away.  Whew, that was a work out.  I had to keep telling myself to put it away not to stack it somewhere.

God laundry done and some things around the house.  Ready for another work week.  Students will have Tuesday off due to election day.  Because it's a general election and more people are expected to vote, they close the school for kids for their safety.

Long meetings usually in the morning which are usually snoozers.

Time for getting more done tonight.  Have to get card designs chosen so I can cut paper and get cards ready for the Card Ministry which is Friday.

Blessing of the day:I got a lot of things done.
Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
 

Simple Woman's Daybook November 3, 2012

It's been a while since I've posted one of these so here goes.

The Simple Woman's Daybook-November 3, 2012
  

 Outside My Window...it is dark and raining-STILL.
I was coloring images at the Christmas Show at my church and started to laugh that a customer noticed it was Noah's Art!  I was making baby cards, specifically twin cards. 

 I am thinking...that each day I go to work is another day closer to a day off. That's for Hope.

 I am thankful for...a great Christmas Show at church.  The Card Ministry made some money and I made lots of contacts, and memories.
  I also got some Ciao copic markers for $2 each!-Thanks Tammy!

 From the kitchen...all is quiet for the night I think.  Teens have gone to sleep, I think.

 I am wearing...a t-shirt, jeans, socks and shoes.......so sad to have to wear shoes and socks.

 I am creating...a mess in my craft room. I spent Friday and Saturday at the craft show so things haven't been put away yet.

 I am going...to lay low tomorrow.  I need to get some things done to be ready for work Monday.

 I am reading...nothing right now but my Bible.  I've got to check with Sarah to see what she has just gotten from the library.

 I am hoping...that the sun comes out soon.

I am hearing...the Christian music from my laptop which is an encouragement to me.

 One of my favorite things...is reading my Bible and having coffee on the screened in porch.

 A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:voting on Tuesday, In-service for work, and report cards and progress reports.  What fun!

 Here are some pictures I thought were worth sharing...

I really loved this one.  How many times I forget to pray for my dear husband. Thank you God for sending me a wonderful Christian husband.

 Blessing of the day-We have heat, power, computers and each other.
Thanks for stopping by today.
Blessings,