It's been...

 ...quite the month.  

Hello friends!  I'm so glad you stopped by.  I know it's been awhile since I posted and I have no good reason why although it has been busy, among other things.  

We started the month by beginning the building of the new dog house and pen.  If you remember, their old one caught fire and burned down completely.  We had been planning on moving their pen anyway but would rather have done it without the fire and the melted siding on our home.  In any case, they have a new and bigger pen, as well as, house.  That took most of my husband's time between storms.

We do live in Oklahoma and Spring wouldn't be Spring without tornado and severe storm warnings pretty much every day.  Most days we ended up not getting even much rain but with the potential for tornadoes and storms you sure don't want to be caught outside.  Plus he had to go to work so the process was slow going but it is done and now on to replacing the siding.  If it's not one thing it's another.

Of course, Easter happened.  I don't really celebrate Easter myself.  I try to observe Passover as much as I can.  My family, however, does celebrate Easter and I do always love dressing up.  Many of you know that my granddaughter and I have a tradition of dressing up to the nines for the occasion.  Hats, new dresses, new shoes and purses.  If I could find pretty gloves we would wear those too. 

These were our outfits this year.  She has grown up so much since we started doing this.  She turned 16 years old this past Saturday and we've dressed in this way since she was a baby.  She loves it as much as I do.  I hope she never decides she doesn't want to do it.  I would love to see her carry on the tradition with her own kids and grandbabies!

Of course, I have to get a picture with one of the most important guys in my life!  I tell you, though, it is a chore to get a picture with him.  He is a goofball and hates the sun in his eyes.  Even in the shade, he complains about the sun...Which is his way of saying, "I don't like having my picture taken", I suppose, because he plays baseball out in the direct sun.  Hmmm...  Anyways, this is as good as it gets.  I'm just tickled that he wasn't making a worse face than that!  Funny thing is, my son - his uncle, is the same way.  Silly boys!

Mentioning boys...

I am going to be a Grandma again!  Those two almost grown and half grown grandblessings of mine are going to be very busy teaching their new little brother all about life.   

It was quite the surprise!  I'm not sure my 36 year old daughter and almost 40 year old son-in-law are prepared to begin raising a baby, again,  but they will do fine.  Just when they could see the light at the end of the tunnel!  HeHeHe... 

I am so thankful you have stuck around while I was gone.  

Shalom

What Will We Find ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.


1. What will we find on top of your refrigerator?

Probably more dust than I will ever admit but other than that you will find a basket full of crackers, pretzels, maybe some raisins, prunes and dates. There will also be those large boxes of storage bags because they don't fit anywhere else.

2. What will we find on your nightstand?

My Bible, glasses and a journal are always there. Probably a book and crossword puzzle book, pen/pencil.  Also, My iPad, a lamp, lotion and a yeti for water.

3. What is in your purse or handbag?

Of course, my wallet and keys but I also carry hand cream, reading glasses (for those pesky labels at the grocery store), a pen and small notebook. An old sunglass case holds dental floss, a hair tie, lipstick and gloss. In the outside pockets, I keep my key fob, sunglasses, hankerchief and baby wipes.

4. What will we find on your coffee table or side tables? How about your kitchen or dining table?

Actually my coffee table is being used as a plant stand. I can't really use it in front of the couch because the dogs get on the couch and they are just too big to jump around the table.  

The kitchen table only has a candle on it. Occasionally, I will put a tablecloth on it but not often. I really cannot stand for anything to be on my table. I hate having to move everything so I can sit my plate down. I've always been like that, even growing up when there was the 60's melmac napkin holder and the Tupperware salt and pepper shakers. Hated it, hated it!

Thanks for stopping by my Tuesday 4 post! You can read other posts here.

This is the day...

Hello friends!  I'm happy to see you!

Here we are!  The middle of March.  I hope you are doing well and it is starting to feel like Spring.  Even though some of you are still getting snow it won't be long before the trees will be full of leaves and the grass will need to be mowed.  Our weather has been all over the place but I expected it.  We really only had one real bad cold snap with a lot of snow and some ice but overall, since the beginning of Autumn, our weather has been much warmer than normal.  I hate to think of the bugs and snakes that will no doubt be in abundance this year.  Time to sharpen the hoe and load the gun.  I don't do snakes and since there already seems to be a lot of mice and moles already out, it is only natural the snakes will follow.  No walking around, outside, in sandals or bare feet!  LoL...now that you have that mental picture to take you through the night.

Our trees started budding early and put on quite the show with their beautiful blooms and then we had tornados and hurricane force winds that knocked off most of the blooms. The tender leaves were still hanging on but then we got a couple of overnight hard freezes so those poor little leaves took a beating but no doubt they will bounce back but I don't think our fruit trees will produce anything. 

That's just how it is. Living in the southwest/plains you never know what will happen. You take it one day at a time and be grateful for it.  We should be doing that anyways.  Rejoice for this is the day the Lord has made!

"The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see"

Where did the time go?

I can't believe we are over a week into March and it's been well over a month since I last posted.  Time sure knows how to get away from us doesn't it?  I can't say exactly what I did in February but I was busy it seemed.  One weekend, I had my grandson.  He turned ten years old, if you can believe it, and he wanted to come for a visit.  Of course, that took all that time but I am happy to spend it with him.

Let's see...Oh, another couple and myself, are trying to get a nursing home ministry started at our church.  We went visiting there and had meetings with the Pastor about it.  We'll see where it goes.  You know how it is...everybody thinks it's a good idea to do things until it is time to actually do it.  It's the same in every church so I won't be surprised if it goes nowhere but God's will be done.

Hmmm...Oh!  We came home one Sunday to find a bunch of people walking around in our yard.  I figured the neighbor's horse got out again, until...my husband spotted smoke coming from the side of our house.  Seems our girls burned their house down.  

It had been cold and we had turned the heat lamp back on for them and either they knocked it down or it shorted out and caught their bedding on fire.  The doghouse was about 10 - 15 foot from the house and garage but it was hot enough to melt the siding on our home and burned one window frame on the garage.  

Fortunately, that wall is concrete so the siding was the only damage.  It will be easy to replace that and the window frame.  However...

This is all that is left of the girl's Taj Mahal doghouse.  Not to worry because they have another nice one inside the garage so they are safe, warm and dry.  They aren't happy that they don't have a place they can climb on and watch the world go by but they will be ok once we get their new house and pen finished.  

This could have been so much worse but I know God protected our babies and our property.  You know, I have prayed, the blood of Jesus, over our home, property and our animals for many years.  I can't count how many times the Lord has covered it all with His mighty hands.  

I am so thankful and humbled by His love and the love He has for all the things that are important to us.  Never doubt that.  I am so very grateful for good neighbors who are willing to jump in and take control of the situation and thank God that they were home and paying attention.  I can never repay God nor those neighbors.  I made cookies for the neighbors but that is not enough in my eyes.  

I hope you are all having a good March and are preparing for a beautiful Spring season.  

Shalom.

Hello February!

Hello Friends!  I'm so glad you're here.  Grab something warm to drink and look at all the things we can do to enjoy February!

Shalom,

Supermodels...kind of.

A teeny bit of humor on this bitterly brutal winter day.  I hope these SUPER MODELS, sporting the lastest winter wear, make you smile.

First we have the ever slender, sleek and freezing racing models

Next up are the Fairy/Yoda models. Always precious. Always...over the whole situation.

How could we ever forget the model who is always up for a good game of frisbee or herding the sheep?  Always ready for a good time!

Of course, we must mention the cheerleader.  Pom-Poms are a girl's best friend.

And the model that exudes sweetness... like a hershey's kiss.

One mustn't overlook the big, lovable, Teddy Bear models.  Always ready to listen and love on their human...and anyone else that needs a good hug.

And finally, the model that always wins the award for the best "Cute But Don't Mess With Me" face.  

If you made it this far, friends, thank you for putting up with my silliness.  Hope to see you again soon.

Shalom.

Books, brushes and a bracelet

Hello Friends!  I'm glad you stopped by.

I think winter is finally coming to Oklahoma.  We've been so blessed with sunny, pleasant days but, right on time, it is supposed to get brutally cold with a ton of snow.  Now y'all all know I ain't no dadburn snowbunny!  LoL. The weather that is said to be coming is my nemesis, so to speak.  I hate everything about snow, ice and cold.  Sure it's pretty until the dogs go out and pee, trample all over the yard and then come in wet.  Oh and don't get me started on the ugly once it starts to melt and then refreezes...melts and refreezes.  Anyhow, I am very thankful to Adonai for a warm home, food, and an over abundance of hot tea!  I will, however, be glad when this system goes along it's merry little way.

Anticipating the weather, I went shopping on Amazon!  Why are you laughing?  Isn't that what you do?   Anyhow, I thought I would share the "necessities" that I got.  I will put the links for all the items down below in case you need to do your own "winter necessary" shopping.

I heard about this book from one of the Youtubers I watch.  When she described it, I knew I had to read it.  It has 387 pages so it isn't going to be one I fly through like normal, which is ok because I want to chew on it and really take it in.  Theo of Golden is a National Bestseller and when I tried to check it out at the library there were almost 200 holds pending(the reason I bought my own copy).

Inside front cover

Back cover

I also got another book that I want to savor through the seasons of the year.  I will probably read it all the way through to begin with but then I will take each seasonal section and really sink in, throughout the year.

The Country Commonplace Book is a beautiful book filled with poetry, quotes, a few recipes and other delightful things.  If you don't know what a commonplace book is here is a definition from Mrs. Blackwell's Village Bookshop.  Click below for more info.

In its simplest form, a commonplace book is a place to record and organise all those quotes, stories, and ideas from other people so that you can recall them to inspire you in the future. 

I can't wait to wrap up in a cozy blanket with a cup of hot tea and enjoy this one.  It's that kind of book...cozy.

I've been needing to replace my makeup brushes so I did. Those are necessities, right? I mean, when your makeup brushes start shedding all over your face, it's time.

I've never used this brand but they were raved about by another Youtuber and they were affordable.  We'll see.  If they last half as long as my old ones I'll be happy.  They are at least ten years old if not more.  Most are still in excellent shape, really, just one eyeshadow brush and the blush brush.  

Now this truly was a necessity...well...anything for my grandbabies quickly become necessities.  Anyhow, my grandson will turn ten years old in about three weeks!  I just can't believe it but it's true.  Makes me sad but I'm definitely glad he is!  He almost wasn't born at all because of pregnancy complications...But GOD!  I hope he likes it.  I also bought a t-shirt for him but it has to be returned because it is too small.  I forgot how big he is getting and ordered the wrong size.  

So sorry!  I know this ended up being a lot but that's how I roll!  I don't post for weeks and then I can't stop writing when I do!  

I am so grateful that you came and hung out for awhile and I hope to see you again soon.  Remember the links are below if you saw something you liked.

Shalom,

Pam

Theo of Golden

The Country Commonplace Book

Teoyall Makeup Brushes

Boy's Bracelet

Yep...back to normal.

Hello friend!  I told you I would be back to my old posting habits!  I've been busy though.  I am in the process of decluttering more.  I started last year and it was a slow process because I would do one closet and then not do anything else for a few weeks.  Anyhow...it will get done eventually...maybe.

So, back during Blogmas, I showed you some of the things I found at the thrift store and said I would be back to post what I actually bought.  This is that post.

I picked up this picture.  The picture, itself, really isn't my style but I love the rustic frame.

The corners have these metal pieces that I call reinforcers.  They may simply be for looks but they also hole the frame together nice and tight.

The picture is sweet but it wouldn't go with anything in my home.  If you like it, and want it, I would be happy to mail it to you.  Let me know.  Oh and yeah...Grandma's are just antique little girls...and I'm getting more antiques by the second!  Aren't we all!?

I grabbed these two spools of Christmas ribbon.  Certainly not for the ribbon that is on them because that stuff is flat out ugly!  I liked the vintage spools and used them in a Christmas vignette.  I may use them somewhere else but I will wind some prettier ribbon on them if I do.

These book just jumped off the shelf and into my basket so I had to bring them home!  They may have had some help jumping but I'll never admit it!  I've seen the movie, "Under The Tuscan Sun" but I don't think I've ever read the book.  Should be a nice way to spend a cold, dreary day...if our weather ever changes.  I'm still not complaining about the wonderful weather we've had!  It's been wonderful and certainly has kept my S.A.D. at bay, for the most part.  Anyhow, I wanted, so badly, to read the Little Women Christmas Dreams book but if I'm honest, I just wasn't in the mood to read.  Too much drama surrounding our kids and trying to figure out if they were coming or not and if I even cared if they did.  Long story that needs to be thrown in the shredder!  BOOKS!  That's what I was talking about!  I absolutely love the Gooseberry Patch books!  I will snatch one up in a heartbeat.  I don't know that I actually use the recipes much but they are so pretty and I have found a recipe or two that have become favorties.

Remember that big rack of vinyl records I posted about?  These are the ones I got.  I bought myself a small, portable record player for Christmas and didn't have a single record so when I found that rack, and the price was only $1.00 each, you better believer I dug through every one of them.  I didn't find too many that I liked but these will do until I find the ones I want.

If you are of a certain age, you might remember the boxed album sets that Reader's Digest "presented".  That was how they introduced things back in those days..."Reader's Digest presents, this thing or that thing".  There was a large box of these sets hidden under a shelf by the books.  I naturally dug through it.  I found this set and of course had to get it since I love folk music...well, vintage folk music...not this new crap.  I loved the cover, too!  Can't you just hear that young man seranading his sweetheart!  Oh, those were the days, were they not?

Now this record, here, I have no idea what the music is because I didn't and still haven't looked to see.  I just fell in love with the cover.  If I don't like the music then I might use the picture for a craft project.  Who knows, it may end up being my favorite.  We'll see.

Last but not least, and perhaps my favorite thing I bought that day, is this little resin mushroom.  The cap is a bit sparkly and the little darling was all alone on a shelf and I felt bad for her so she also jumped into my basket...with help.  I have a little cubby shelf she will look cute in.

Well, that is my pre-holiday thrift finds.  I have been thrifting since then and will show that trip and purchases soon.

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope to see you again soon!

Shalom,

Pam