The Children are nesseled all snug in their beds....

It's Christmas Eve morning and my girls are still asleep... I'm enjoying the quite with my coffee and camera.  Just changed the batteries and ready to capture the Christmas moments....

Merry Christmas to Everyone....

A little Crafty at the Office

I decided that I needed a little Christmas in my office and we can also use it at the office Christmas lunch next week.  Thanks to  LeeLou   Blogs for their wonderful Christmas banner, I was able to do some crafting at work.  I printed, cut, and then wondered what I was going to string the letters on.  Hummmmmm, I looked around and found an old phone cord.  Works for me!!! 

Please check our LeeLou's FREE Christmas downloads.

Homemade Bath Salts




You will need:


1 cup Epsom salts

1/2 cup sea salt (finely ground)

3 tablespoons milk powder (makes your skin smooth)

essential oils , I used Rosemary/Mint - I also liked "relax"
something to put it in, I used small canisters from the Dollar store and a double batch filled 3.

I tied ribbon around it

Home Made Bath Salts

Laura at Along for the Ride shared her reciepe for homemade bath salts.  I thought I would try it - it turned out fabulous.  I used Rosemary/Mint oil.  It smells so good....

You will need:


1 cup Epsom salt

1/2 cup sea salt (finely ground)

3 tablespoons milk powder (makes your skin smooth)

essential oils , I used Rosemary/Mint - I also liked "relax" it doesn't take much

something to put it in, I used small canisters from the Dollar store and a double batch filled 3.


I tied ribbon around it and placed the small plastic spoon that came with the set in it.

give a way

New Post! - Welcome to Day 3 of Leelou's Favorite Things Giveaways. I take my absolute favorite things from the http://ht.ly/1a9hRo

Thanksgiving

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,

And into his courts with praise:

                                  Give thanks unto HIM, and bless HIS name                                         

                                                                

~Psalms 100:4

What I am thankful for 2010

Dale

 Mollie & Millie

 Walter & Miriam

 Job, Duchess, & Corky(hiding in the background)

Bailey

Graduation!!!!

 I was a beautiful November evening, clear and cold.  So a fire was perfect.

 My nephew Carter and Millie. 

The two ladies with their Master's degree in Education. 

Millie has a graduation party on Friday night, I would say that we gave it but.... let's just say we financed it.  She did all the work, set up for it, and planned it. 

Graduation - I love Fall Quarter Graduation - it's a small group!!!

 The family- Walter, Claire, Millie, Mollie, Dale, and Miriam.

The partners in education Millie(& Jake) and Emma( & Jordan). 

2010 United States Marine Corps Birthday Message

And they're off or out(of the fence)

My mom is out of town and we are supposed to be keeping an eye on my Dad.  He headed to the farm as usual yesterday only to be met at the creek by all of our horses, donkeys, mules, and ponies.  There had been a storm overnight and tree blew over on the fence.  They found it!!!  Escaped and  followed the fence to the road and they were off.  They were headed to the highway when he found them.  I'm so glad the cows did not join them in the break for freedom. 

They followed him back easily and all but one of them re-entered where the fence was broken.  He had to get feed to get her back in.  Most of his afternoon was spent fixing fence, so he was glad that we we brought pizza to his house. 

Sighting in our Guns

Mollie, Dale, and Greg

A quick picture post.  Hunting season is almost here so it time to check the rifles, sight in the scopes, and be safe.  Also, we heard there was a peeping tom in the area - I don't think he will show up at our house now!!

Roughedge Farm

I wanted to share a few pictures of the Farm.  We had a great time there on Sunday.  Spider Lilly's right behind the house.   The view from Dale's deer stand.  You can barely see the house.  The view from the house.

Football Fun

Although the afternoon game was very hot - we won and had fun!  We took pictures so I wanted to share a few. 

It's Friday

It's almost 5:00 pm and I'm ready to head home!!!  Dinner with Larry & Lisa for his 50th birthday!  Tomorrow I'm judging a debate tournament, talk about out of my league.  I hope we judge in pairs and I have a good partner.  The La Tech football game at 3:00 pm with Tailgating before.  It's going to be a fun weekend.  I'll try to post pictures tomorrow. 

Election Day

If you live in Louisiana you need to vote!!!  I think we take the ability to elect our government officials for granted.  We have several local elections - Mayors, School Board, Fire Protection tax - plus our Lt Governor and 2 state constitutional amendments. 

I've accomplished alot today - bought fall mums and pansies then planted them.  Stopped at the dollar store for kitchen and hand towels to be appliqued.  We voted, then went to the farm to put up Dale's deer feeders, and we saw 3 deer.  Next was a trip to buy a pumpkin with Mollie, she plans to carve it tomorrow.  My brother in law, Greg, was there to help.  Thanks Greg.

Dale on the left, Greg on the right. 

Class Reunion - Part 1

We only spent a little time at the Homecoming football game tonight due to Dale's eye injury.  There were people that were soooooo much younger than me and I had no idea who they were!!!  Several of my classmates were there and it was good to see them.  Most of them will be at the party tomorrow night.

Let the good times Roll CC Class of 1980 - Class Song Let the good times roll - The Cars!!!!  I do need to add that I did not go to an all girls school.  At the last reunion the "girls" took tons of pictures - no husbands or guys in them.  I did a little better this time with Ron, Wayne, and Tim joining the fun. 

Where does the time go?

I seem to spend all of my time reading other blogs than posting to mine and now a just bought something on a blog sale....  There are too many ways to spend money....  I seem to find all of them.

My 30 year class reunion is this weekend, I'm beginning to get excited.  Friday is the football game with tailgating - then a get together on the patio at Sundown.  Saturday night is a multi-year class reunion for 1980-1984.  The turnout was not as good as we expected, but it still will be fun.  Now to worry about what to wear!!!!

I have brown and black boots that I bought at My Girlfriend's Closet, plus a brown sweater & jeans to wear Friday night.  I hope it is cool enough for the sweater.  Saturday I have a cute top & black pants - I'm going to have to see if the black boots will work or go with black heels.  It should be fun!!!

Remember what Mom always said

I walked out of the house to go get donuts and remembered what Mom or Grandma has always said.  "Remember to wear clean underwear - you might have to go to the hospital".  After looking at what I was wearing I hoped I did not have to go to the hospital or even see anyone that I knew. I've never been one to wear slippers - just slip on the first shoes that I find in the morning.  (I'm the only one up - who cares what's on my feet.)  So I slipped on gold sandals, then came the underwear - it's clean - the first bra that I found was hot pink.  Then next I found short - Eskimo Joe's with paint on them, then for a top t-shirt that matched the shorts, I forgot that I was wearing a hot pink bra and this shirt is white.  Thank goodness I was not involved in a wreak or got a speeding Ticket, and that the donut shop that a drive thru window. 

I'm safe at home and Mollie and I enjoyed the donuts!!!!

I thought a picture was needed to "the Sunday morning donut run look", but I came to my senses and I am posting pictures of my new bird house.  Last year on vacation I bought a "See Rock City" bird house.  It was still in the box and it disappeared.  My loving husband replaced it this year.  So pictures of it instead!!! 

Red Shelves

Millie, Mollie, and me (well it should me I, but I like the 3M's) took a Saturday trip to the Rolling Hills Thrift Shop.  We walked in the door and the first thing we spotted were red, well kind of pinkish red, crown molding shelves.  Just one look and we had to have them.  I should have taken before and after pictures.  I bought 2 cans of deep red spray paint and the two new shelves and the 2 old ones.  They are ready to be hung on the wall!!!!

What a week and its only Tuesday

She looks health as a horse - looks are soooo deceiving....

Mollie woke up on Sunday "not feeling right".  While I was enjoying our evening worship service and the reception afterwards, she was at the ER.  I had left my cell phone at home - I was going to church - cell phones are not needed at church!  They had drawn blood and were set to do an ultra sound on her appendix by the time that I got there.  Everything pointed to her appendix, and the decision was mad to watch it and wait.  Soooo, we have been back daily to the doctor -  yesterday just blood work (no change) and today both blood work and another ultra sound.  They are still not 100% sure if its the appendix - it's not enlarged and her blood work is not elevated.  Maybe a virus.  She has a good appetite which is odd for an enlarged appendix.  It's the practice of medicine and they are getting lots of practice on Mollie. 

La Tech Game

It's Louisiana Tech's first home football game and way too hot to tailgate.  I've got to get motivated!!!I think I'll go find some shorts or something cooler to wear. 

Dale just left for BWI market in Chattanooga, TN.  I hope it cooler there.  He is supposed to get me a replacement "See Rock City" bird house for the one that I bought last year and it disappeared!!!!  This one will be put together and on the stand ASAP. 

The girls and I shopped at My Girlfriend's Closet consignment sale today.  Items that were priced in RED ink were half price.  We really racked up.  I got a red jean jacket, a regular jean jacket, jeans, black boots, brown boots, a white shirt to dip dye, and black pants.  Millie ended up with 2 jackets, several dresses, and some cute tops.  Mollie got a few tops, a sweater, jeans, and pants.  Everything we bought was about $100.00!!!!!

Mollie Moved Home

Too Much Stuff for just one room

It's September

OK....  I haven't blogged in a long time.  It's been a long hard summer.  Dale had back surgery in June - he took 2 weeks off for recovery.  He was about to go crazy sitting at the house with nothing he could do.  He was also worried about no work=no pay.  He is doing well now, it's hard keeping him from doing too much.  He is not supposed to lift over 30 pounds, but he is back feeding our steers and bush hogging, mowing, etc.

Mollie has going to the US Navy and is back home.  She was sent too soon after surgery.  We were scared that this might happen, but her recruiter said it would be OK.  Well, they almost charged her with fraudulent enlistment.  She had to write a statement of what happened and that she had informed the recruiter.  She only made it to the second day at Bootcamp.  She had to send 2 long weeks in a separation unit.  The second week that she was there, she was given the responsibilities of a unit and also ran errands all over base.  The hardest part was seeing her original division march by.  I really hope that she tried to go back in the Navy.  She will have to wait 1 year before she can try again.

Mollie has had one job interview, and a possible job if the first one fall though.  She is also looking at going to vo-tech or other classes online. 

Millie will begin her student teaching next week.  She was assigned a pre-school class at the Louisiana Tech Early Childhood Education Center.  She will graduate in November and begin looking for a job.  Maybe there will be something that comes up at mid-term.

Update

I haven't posted in a while.  Life is busy...  Less than 2 months before Mollie heads to Bootcamp for the US Navy!!!  Millie has online classes this summer, so the weekend will be full of homework.  Dale has back surgery scheduled for June 24.  He is supposed to only be in the hospital for 2 days!!!  Only a 2-4 week recover.  Hopefully it will only be 2 weeks.  We have several mini vacations planned and are headed to the lake tomorrow. 

Bilble Study - And we are changed

Since I could not get this to post on the Bible Study blog - I'm posting it here.  We are studing "And we are Changed".  Chapters 3 -5.

The Lord spoke to me about my attitude and then gave me a test before I finished reading Chapters 4 & 5. I was really enjoying my study - a cup of coffee, listening to the thunder, and not having anything scheduled until after lunch on Saturday. (Something very rare at our house) Then I received a call from Mollie- the person that was supposed to bring them breakfast at work never showed up. She wanted me to bring her breakfast. I was going to do it, but with the wrong attitude. I quickly changed my attitude and was blessed. When I started the car there was wonderful Christian music playing, the sun was shining through the clouds and the spring flowers were beautiful. I took donuts for the entire staff - when I delivered them, Mollie asked me to look in the window. They were all smiling and waving at me. It was all because my attitude was changed.




I was fortunate to be raised with Christian friends & family. Everyone went to church, but not everyone chose Christ as Savior. I accepted Christ in high school at an FCA meeting. I had excellent youth leaders and mentors. Christ has always been my best friend. He has been there through good times and bad, but it has been easy to be too busy to spend time with Him. This study is really speaking to me about that.

Its Saturday

Its Saturday morning and I am trying to complete the online Bible study, but too many interuptions.  Teleamarketers, texts from Mollie, etc.  So I am blogging. 

So far this morning I have read Elisabeth Elliiot - she is so insiteful.  I was so blessed to get to meet her a few weeks ago.  I am trying to finish my chapters in Priscilla Shirer's -And we are Changed.  Almost finished - she is speaking to me.  It's so simple.  Jesus loves me.  JESUS love me.  Jesus LOVES me.  Jesus loves ME.  Three little words...  You can take very verse in the Bilbe back to these 3 words.  John 3:16...

So how can we miss the mark?  To stay on the mark - Just remember the 3 words...

Sorry Blog I've forgotten you

I did not realize that it had been so long since I have posted. Life has been busy. Spring is here and I have been busy outside as well as lots of weddings & showers to help with. I have finally begun to refinish the big piece of furniture that I purchased. Much bigger project than I thought that it will be. Dale tried to help, but I'm not sure if help is the correct word. At least he tried.




The big news and change is that Mollie is joining the Navy. She will leave for Bootcamp August 9 for 8 weeks. It is in Great Lakes, IL then off to school in Pensacola, FL. She will be IT (computers) so the school will be about 14 weeks. After that who knows - she may be ship based or land based. She said that she may sign up for a 1 year tour aboard ship. (That too long for Mom) Usually, it's 6 months. All of our plans have changed - we are trying for one last family vacation just the four of us. Plans for her graduation with the grandparents attending, Millie will be student teaching so she may not get to attend. Then, possibly Thanksgiving in Pensacola.



Millie will get her grad degree in November – don’t know what’s next for her.

pictures

Some of the first flowers of Spring

What says Spring

The first signs of Spring are here. The first tree to bloom is blooming and the daffodils are blooming. Mine are very special to me. Most of these were transplanted from our family. They were originally planted by my Great-grandmother. Each year I move a few more - we needed to build a retaining wall so I moved all of the ones in that area. Each year it is another reason to move a few.

The tree that is blooming was on our land when we bought it. I don't know what it is, but its the first tree to bloom each year. Its gets me excited that Spring will be here soon.   I can't get the pictures to upload will try again later.

Yeah Saturday

I spent some time with Dale this morning.  He had to take something to a friend, so I went with him.  It's good to have a couple of hours to talk.  Then I went to pick up Millie's stuff in her booth at Kool Kids consignment.  She sold bows and other girlie things.  There were only two booths with bows, so she did much better this year.  Next, was some time with Mollie - she thought that 55 degrees was warm enought to tan - she found out it was not!!!  I spent some time sanding on my secretary make over project - I removed the pulls and sanded several drawers.  Still a long way to go, but at least I can say that I have started on it.

We are planning to have boiled crawfish tonight.  I'm not cooking them.  Going out.  I hope they do not run out before we get there!!!  This day has gone way to fast.

Questions, Questions, Questions

OK - I usually don't forward these, but here goes. I guess blogging is not forwarding an email. I like this better.


1. Coffee: Regular or Decaf? Regular.

2. Favorite flower? Hydrangeas. I would rather have live plant to plant in my garden, than to be given cut flowers.

3. Your ideal vacation? Somewhere in the mountains - Jackson Hole, Glacier National Park, Taos, Santa Fe, Colorado

4. Cosmetic you can’t live without: Arbonne Eye Cream.

5. Where did you go on your honeymoon? Snowmass, CO

6. How old were you when you had your first child? 25

7. Manicure or pedicure? Pedicure

8. Chocolate: Milk, dark or white? All !!!
9. Favorite pizza toppings: I everything, but the little fishies - Johnny's Sweep the Kitchen or Sweep the Swamp. Google Johnny’s Pizza

10. Favorite comfort food? Something Chocolate. My Mom's Chocolate Pie - it's my grandmother's recipe.

11. Do you have perfect vision? . I wear contacts so I can see 

12. Do you have a nickname? No really - sometimes - Claire a Bell

13. Would you ever jump out of a plane…on purpose? Maybe, I would have 10 years ago.

14. Favorite television show? Something on TLC- What not to wear, 19 Kids & Counting, Say Yes to the Dress.

15. What song did you and your husband dance to for your first dance at your reception?

We did not have dancing - it was not the in thing in our area when we married - just a punch & cake reception and we were happy!

16. Your ideal day. No house work, shopping, some time for crafting, and family. No cooking!!!

17. What are you doing tonight? It's Friends Friday - going out to eat.

18. What is your favorite season? Fall. I love the cool weather & bright colors.

19. Have you ever made a cheesecake? Yes, its been a while. Purchase a new Spring form pan a few weeks ago.

20. Are you employed? Yes – going to retire in 2 years!!!

It's Almost Spring

I was able to get outside at work today and take a few pictures.  These daffodils are almost blooming.  There are a few leaves on the trees trying to bud out, but most still have the winter look.

There a a few buds on this tree.

Giveaway

Check this out - looks like a wonderful book. 
http://homeswheremyheartis.blogspot.com/2010/02/first-ever-giveaway.html

Alot going on

Alot going on at my house.  I'm not ready to blog about it.  Please pray for us.  God is really poreing out His love.  We are definatly going through a valley.  God is good, He is here with us. 

All that said - went to the doctor today - good report.  Millie also went - put on anitbothics for 1 year.  Praying for healing for her. 

Up Loading/Furniture

Just realized that I have not set up my lap top for pictures.  I am loading the software that came with my new camera.  It's taking a while, when we get back from church I plan to post pictures of my furniture purchase yesterday and maybe a few others.  Next project - moving pics from the old computer to another source.  The computer is old and connecting a cable or a key maybe a problem.

Here it is the first piece for me to turn from trash to treasure.  I would love suggestions or ideas.  I plan to remove the paint from the top and stain the top.  I plan to paint the rest of if a creamy white and destress it.  I am going to replace the pulls, but not sure what type to add.  I'll be checking other blogs for ideas.

Treasure Hunting

There were only 4 garage sales in town today, none had anything I was interested in.  But - my friend knew a second hand place.  I found my first piece to refinish.  It's a big secretary type cabinet thing.  It is currently painted green - not a pretty shade of green.  I plan to  remove the paint/finish from the top and stain the wood.  Then paint the rest a creamy white (the color of the trim in my house).  Next, I will replace the knobs and pulls.  Also give it a drestressted look.  I think that I may take the side door off the top half and leave the shelves open.  We will see.  The whole thing may end up off white.  Dale will need to fix a couple of broken wood pieces.  I think one broke on the ride home on the trailer.  I'm excited.  I'll gather up everything to start removing the paint from the top.  Maybe I can start next week after work.  It's sitting in my garage now, that should be a good place to work.  I also found some scrap book paper for Mollie's coat rack project.  I'm waiting for the Fleu de lis to come in.  I ordered them from Etsy on Thursday. 

We had to feed the cows and put out hay today.  Got to the farm and had a flat on the front tractor tire.  Went to the house and the power was out.  We removed the tire, put the hay bale pickup thing on another tractor, and called to have the power back on.  Dale was able to put the hay out.  It is suppose to start raining tomorrow.  I'm glad we were able to make another tractor work until the tire can be repaired on Monday. 

Today's Deal's

I've been trying to be good and not spend any money, but 1/2 prices sales usually get me. I found these today at the dollar store. I purchased 4, 2 are the same. I love a bargain.

I'm Ready to turn Trash to Treasure

I've been reading blogs about flea market finds. We don't have a good flea market here, but I'm ready head to some garage sales. I'm looking for something to store stuff in, something that I can paint, (it’s the easiest for me). We are going to make my daughter's old room into a craft room so I need something to store everything in. She still has stuff in her closet. This is pay week so I plan to hit the road Saturday looking for someone else's trash to turn to treasure.

It's sunny & a beautiful blue sky outside, but I want to post a few more snow pictures.