State Tests (TAKS) RUINED HER

I think she was just too highly stressed this week cause now she is WEIRD. TOO hard to pass up a photo like this.

Thankful Thursday

This week seems to be full of little thankfulness moments. I took an order Friday for a baby UT quilt, and then on Tue got another order for my Baby Genius Quilt, I finished the benchwarmer last night after much struggle over how exactly to get the embroidery how I wanted it (opposite directions on the pillow parts) then two different pillow parts, it was sort of confusing but I accomplished what was in my head design wise. All that money goes to help the younger two go to church camp. Which is another things I am grateful over- the scholarship I applied for. The ability to even be able to apply is wonderful, otherwise there is no way they would go as it is $300 per kid. I think we can manage the $150 per kid if quilt sales continue. So we are all just praying and waiting to see what God has in store for them.

I am thankful for all the quilts and things I have been able to make for this craft show on Saturday, thankful that my cousins wife will be joining me at my booth and selling her bow creations for little girls hair and also bow boards that are simply adorable.

I am thankful for the puppy that keeps me company even if he has not learned how to sleep through the nite yet which is making me incredibly tired.

I am thankful that the kids made it through the state TAKS testing and that it is finally all over and that summer is around the corner.

I am also thankful for a friend that sent me my last secret pal package that was full of wonderful goodies. Quilt blocks, chocolate, a book, fabric, a table cloth, a quilt pen and so much more! Once it slows down I will have to play with all the quilt blocks she sent and make something wonderful with them!

While I look forward to Sunday- because I am going to go to bed right after church Saturday night and then SLEEP IN Sunday. I am grateful it stopped raining and we do not have rain coming into our den anymore.

We have all had such a long week and I look forward to the next one. It will be so much less busy.:-)

Truly Precious- Wordless Wednesday

Daughters new water turtle- that "daddy" found

Distraught

Today I find myself tired-distraught-discouraged. I need to connect with God this morning lean on his strength, ask for renewal and rest. Through Christ I can do all things- he will strengthen me.
I was up most of the night with a puppy that would not sleep. He itched himself all night and whined while doing so. We started out in our bedroom but soon by husband got upset and tired and I got kicked to the couch with the puppy. So at 5:30 when I came in our room to climb in bed and realized I was stepping in lots of water I was dismayed.
It has rained so much in the last 24 hours that water is now entering our den. I have already gone through 4 towels, and replaced them. I am sure I will be washing and drying towels to continue laying on the floor so that it will continue to soak up rain water.
I pulled the quilt out of the dryer that I finished last night to find that the nice expensive thread I purchased and used bled on the white fabric! I am rewashing it a few times to see if I can get it to lighten some, but I doubt it. Thankfully I do have a friend I can gift this quilt to, she is an A&M fan.
I then went to look at my remaining fabric and realized I do not have enough white blocks left, so tomorrow after work I will have to go purchase more fabric for this donation quilt due Sat morning. So much for being ahead- to be honest it was a huge blessing that I washed the quilt- I had prewashed all the fabrics so I wasn't going to. I would have been horrified to know that it happened to someone that purchased it from me. So I can't say it was a total loss if that makes sense. Sure was a pretty quilt though.
I went to take the kids to school this morning and discovered the front seat was wet. I thought maybe the door had been left ajar, but come to find out that it was raining that hard when my husband stopped at the store last night to get food. I just hadn't thought about it. He did strip pretty much down to nothing at the door and I did throw every one of those Walmart bags away as they were full of water-was just a shock to Mekenzei when she climbed in to go to school this morning.
So since I am exhausted and discouraged I figure a nap is in store. Then I will proceed with some quilting for today. I can't tackle washing clothes as we have had so much rain that I might flood the yard by adding washing machine water to it too- it drains into the lawn. With the Carnival this weekend I am sure I have plenty of quilting to still do though. I pray today for strength, contentment and courage as I move forward in my day, but first deep rest that would renew me and help me feel better.

Menu Monday

This week will be rushed for me- I have a quilt booth at the kids school on Sat May 2nd.

I am thinking we will do Mexican- I will make up a couple pots of beans and we will have easy meals.

Burritos
Echiladads
Tacos
Taco Salads
Tostadas

Then some do it yourself for over the weekend.

Hubby's Work this weekend

We have nine chickens- three are older then the rest but not by much. They really needed a chicken coop. That is what my hubby has worked on all weekend. He didn't even get plans just came up with the idea in his head and started at it. He probably would have side walls on it but we went to church last night, then date night afterwards. Then today I pulled him away to help me move a couple things in our bedroom. I think his progress is wonderful and honestly I am so IMPRESSED. I think he did a great job and can't wait to see what it looks like when it is done. He was so cute- he said to me last night- I think after doing this- I could really build you a little shop for your quilting. SO sweet. Honestly I hope projects take a while because I am enjoying my quilting in our living room. May not be very impressive if we had guests (although we never do) but I can be with the kids and such. If I had a shop I would have to set hours. LOL

Weekend of Work

Okay so somehow I lost my bedroom between January and now. It started when hubby was building the walls for a room off our closet- which by the way still is unfinished. But then just skyrocketed as it became a dumping ground! I could not stand it anymore! I was getting sick and I really really needed this desk in the living room- this is where I used to quilt- our bedroom.

I got a little discouraged part way through the sorting process of everything on my side of the bed so I enlisted Mekenzei's help. I needed someone to sort through fabric squares so I could put them in plastic bags- can you see how thrilled she is? LOL
I am proud to say that after two days work- minus church, eating and a couple other things like dishes and wash I was done. I had moved some of my fabric containers back into that unfinished room. Moved the desk and file cabinet out of our room with hubbys help. YEAH!

Also moved the dresser (that had fabric in it) to the spare room off our closet. Moved the location of the TV and Couch and moved a metal box of blankets to that spare room too. It is amazing- I can see the floor, can see the bed- and wow you can move around in here!

What amazes me is I removed 2 large trash bags of TRASH! I told the kids my room is OFF LIMITS now. In order to uphold that policy I need to finish cleaning the den and living room where some things from our room got relocated to. Like the desk and filing cabinet. I did not even attempt to go through two large containers of paper and junk that needs to be filed. But maybe next weekend. Hubby got a lot done too- the Chicken COOP is almost finished- will post another blog for that one. It will be so nice when I go to bed tonight. And NO- I did not make the quilt on my bed. I wish- I did get it for $20 at a place called Garden Ridge though. I love the colors. Any my mom made me the crocheted blanket on the wall. I picked the pattern and colors of yarn then she crocheted it for me. I love it- it has a huge dark sage green cross on it.

Now if we can get the wall fixed where all the mold is building up that would be great. My chest is so HEAVY from breathing all that in.

Prayer Request for Newborns

My cousins wife just let me know that a friend of hers had twins last night. They had to take them early. They way just over 2 lbs each and she had to have a veritcal C-Section. Please keep the family- babies, mom and dad in your prayers. We all know the miracles that the Lord can perform.

What am I Learning Friday

You know they say the Lord never provides you with more than you can handle. I think that is totally true- I think I need a lesson in budgeting time, so that I don't feel overwhelmed.
My husband kindly mentioned to me last night that he would like me to not do another craft show this summer. He feels that I am "SPENT". The house is in bad shape and it does seem like all I do is quilt. I do clean too, but I just can't have the house TIDY- it is just cleverly kept. Even then not very well at times. I think it started about Spring Break. I did the Handprint Quilt, took an order for a UT Tag A Long, then Took an order for the Royal Purple Faith Quilt, then an order for a Magnolia School Color Memory Kindergarten Doll Like Quilt, Did a donation quilt for my cousin for something he was involved in. Business just flourished.
I have gone to work in the mornings on M,W, F. Done a couple things with the kids school, met up with my friend and then my cousins wife- who feels like a sister- a couple times now. Then worked on a couple quilts for my Booth for the Carnival.
I will say that Saturday or Sunday I worked all day inside the house and had things looking much better, today well it is a wreck again. Dishes have been done- minus the big stuff on the counters, wash is caught up minus folding it all, sheets have been washed and beds are actually made but I look over the house and it doesn't look like I have cleaned in a week. The biggest problem is our bedroom. It looks like a dumping ground. The only clean surface is my bed.
To make matters more complicated I just took a new order- EVER SO GRATEFUL FOR NEW ORDERS, and then saw that someone might like a Tshirt Quilt by the end of May. WHEW!
How exciting. That led me to realize I need a few things.
I need a good spreadsheet that is printed and in a notebook- the one on my computer is great but I need it printed, then I need order forms, receipt forms and a calendar to track my orders.
I think it is getting to the point where I have a real company. I just don't know that my idea of Excel spreadsheets are working and I need some guidance on how t make it all work better for me! First I need to take my empty print cartridges to Walgreen's and get them refilled- then buy a binder and a small calendar- unless I can get hubby to print them from Outlook, I love FREE.
hmmm so I am learning that running a small business is a prayerful matter. That I need to strike a balance between work, play, home and quilting. I did figure out that I can get up 30 min early, answer emails and then when I go to work three mornings a week- I just take a book to read- then I feel like I have some Me time- during the parts where Anne sleeps. I think God made that transition for me this week as I didn't even want to see my computer! I just wanted to escape- dream and READ. It is a hobby I have loved since I was little and I found myself staying up late to read- problem between me and hubby. Problem now solved.
So I believe that if the Lord wants this company to thrive and do well that HE will help me with my spreadsheet problem but since I know I am not the only one out there- I figured why not Blog about it too:-)
What have you learned this week?

Posting Wordless Wednesday Late

Okay so I can't totally Be WORDLESS- My hubby is so thoughtful. I have quilted all day. I said earlier I needed some chocolate when he sent an email and asked how it was going.

Now how wonderful is this

If only it were just for me. (yes, I can be selfish- imgaine that) LOL

Death of Loved Ones

I would like to extend out prayer for a close friend and then also my sister in law. My sister in law G lost her grandmother early this week. Her father is having a hard time dealing with the loss, and it is hard on my SIL and her three girls. Please keep them in prayer.

Also, my dear friend Mel lost her grandfather last night. Her mother was already in Canada as they knew it was approaching. Please pray for that entire family. She has a new baby that she will most likely be traveling with. Please pray for their safety.

Death is never easy but what a wonderful thing it is to know that we then become LIVING in Christ. Here on earth we are dead but later in Eternity that is when we begin to LIVE

Thankful Thursday

I have not been able to Blog all week. I keep trying and it shuts me out. How frustrating. I decided to try again this morning as my head is all foggy, my eyes are full of gunk and my chest and throat are super sore and to be honest I just don't feel like climbing out of bed just yet and working on those two donation quilts that are hanging over my head.

I am so thankful this week. We were able to put new tires on the car and my husband took it right over last night to get it inspected- before the month was up. YEAH one less thing I have to do.

Our oldest got inducted to the National Junior Honor Society Monday night- that is a great honor and he should feel very proud for all the hard work he puts in, although he admitted he is slacking some in Algebra. He still has an A- he just knows he could put more effort in there.

I have gotten so much accomplished quilt wise- visit my other blog or my facebook page for pictures.

I tagged along Monday to the Science Club the younger two go to after school. It was fun, we got to walk from their school to the 6th grade campus and listen to the science teacher there give a tour of the campus and a Squid presentation. He reminds me of a Nutty Professor as he is a little crazy, but fun. I think he enjoys life.

The greatest accomplishment this week was getting the Royal Purple Faith Quilt done. It turned out so nice. I also did wash- every last bit, although I must admit it sits on Mekenzei's bed and needs to be folded- oh if I only had the energy.

Today I am praying for God's strength and healing. The Carnival is May 2nd and I have two quilts to finish a University of Texas and an A&M University Quilt. I have most of the fabric cut at this point but I need to finish cutting the rest today, then hopefully sew at least one of the quilt tops together, if not both.

I am so thankful for the weather, I know we needed the rain but the nice sunshine is something the garden needed for sure. We were simply soaked.

Have a great weekend.

Thankful Thursday

This week is almost over, it is very hard to believe. I feel like I have never sat down. However, that wouldn't be true since I sat all day yesterday while at my cousin's house enjoying time with his wife and children. I truly enjoyed my time over there so much that my phone rang at 4:30 and I grabbed it, I didn't know who it was so I didn't answer it, but when I noticed the time, I was shocked. It didn't feel like I had been there for four and a half hours. We had lunch and enjoyed chatting, their little girl B rolled over from back to tummy while I was there. That was so exciting to see. I love milestones. She chewed on my fingers which had a little burp rag over them, she pushed up lots on my legs to try and stand. It was adorable, and just before I left I washed my hands so that the milk wouldn't be on me all day and make me want another baby! I didn't leave until after 6 pm, so on the way home I picked up breakfast food so that all would be forgiven for me not getting a thing done all day. It was wonderful taking some time for myself. Boy do I remember the days with little kids liker hers too, I am sure just having someone over at her house was nice also.

As for the rest of my week I finished the Handprint Quilt and was able to drop that off on Tuesday. I truly think it was a beautiful quilt and am very proud of all the hard work I put into it. I took an order from this same lady for a Benchwarmer for her son, so that is exciting- a true blessing to get repeat business.

Another huge blessing is- I had been asked on Tue to be a parent helper for a camp invention our school is having. With that job- which is primarily helping by word of mouth- my two younger kids get to attend the one week free. To be very honest I had not thought of them going, mainly because I knew we would never come up with the money for it. However, both children are deeply in love with Science- Inventions- Discovery so this camp means the world to them. It is amazing to see God fill the desire of their heart. What was wonderful is my boss will change my hours for that week so they can go! That was a huge obstacle as I am normally at work by 8 three days a week and camp started at 9, so initially I turned it down, till hubby said- just ask if you can change your hours- explain the situation. Now I still have not told them yet, as I don't have all the final details and nothing is set in stone but at this point it looks like they get to go. How exciting.

My husband has been working all week on our fence- and the chicken cage. He got a lite hooked up last night for them- as we keep getting some "cool spells". He got the wire wrapped all along the second side- so he just needs to purchase one more roll and it will be finished- minus the whole for a gate. Not bad. I am ever so grateful for him. He works all day, then comes right home- puts in a couple hours here and then helps with dinner and dishes and getting kids to bed. I could not ask for a better companion!

Today is also a day for a Blessing- as my parents celebrate their anniversary today. My mom is feeling better- recovering from the Mumps and Strep Throat. They leave tomorrow for a week. How exciting. They love to go camping and they even take Tara their Dog. So On that note- Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! (if you didn't figure it out- they are in the picture up top)

This week I have much to be thankful for!

WordFilled Wednesday

Normally on Wednesday I like to find a picture from the week and post it, maybe add a scripture. This week I will do more of a post on Time and Talents. Yesterday I finished a quilt project that had kind of landed in my lap. I was using my Time and Talents at a Book Fair at school during the week a month or so ago. I was talking about my quilting business and how slow it was. Then I was asked to create this hand print quilt. I was given several blocks in different sizes and told that the only requirement was a placement of a few blocks in the center, other that that- I was given creative right to the quilt. I soon learned it would not be a lap quilt, but rather more almost Twin Size. I prayed over the quilt as I worked on it. One for God's guidance in where to place things, finding the right fabrics, my workmanship- that HE work THROUGH ME and help me finish the quilt, then also for the right bible verse to pray over the quilt before giving it to the mom of this little girl who hopefully will always treasure it.
Time and Talent has been a verse I have leaned to since I was so little.
1 Peter 4:10 says,
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
1 Corinthians 12 talks about time and talents (gifts) also.
4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

What I have learned about Time and Talents is that it seems to constantly change. There are so many ways in which we can use our Time and Talents. Some of us are blessed with many talents and it is ever so important to use them to the best of our ability. I always believed the one Talent God would want me to use was Teaching. I have been teaching in one way or another since Jr High- with girl scouts and younger troops, VBS, Church Sunday School, Daycare...the list goes on. I even was fairly close to finishing a Teaching Degree. Lately I have had a door opened to teach quilting. Something I am still learning to do but I was able to help a friend learn how to use a sewing machine and she has made 3 quilts- that are nearly finished- for family members. I would have never imagined teaching someone to quilt or sew as I feel so inadequate in that area- there is so much I still want to learn. Yet The Lord does surprise us doesn't He? The doors he opens just amaze me at times.
Growing up I always worked in the community doing some kind of service, whether it was elderly on my street- just visiting- helping them with things, or with children, senior centers, singing events, music events. As an adult I found myself missing that. I can see now that the Lord hears the desires of my heart without me even speaking them. Yesterday I was invited to be a Parent Helper to a Camp Invention that is held during one week in the summer at our school. With my duties- child admission would be free. I did have to pass on the Camp because I would have no way to get my children to and from since I work caring for Anne three days a week, but I know that if the Lord wants them to go to the camp then a way will be provided. Yesterday I also had several people talk to me about different quilt orders they were interested in- especially Tshirt quilts for their children. I found myself a little overwhelmed as God is gradually opening the doors to ways that I can get further involved in HIS MINISTRY with my business and as a MOM.

I find myself today digging deep into what other Talents I have been provided that the Lord wants me to use. My prayer today is that He would continue to show me those areas, that He would help my business to grow and that through my quilting that He would touch the lives of others.

Have you thought of what your Time and Talents are lately and are you using them?

Tackle it Tuesday

Been a long process. But probably my favorite quilt ever to create for someone else. This has been a true pleasure. I wish I had some better photos but these will do. It measures 56 by 82. It has nearly 8 yards of Handmade Binding in a Marble Hot pink. Top Half of Quilt

Bottom Half of Quilt

Folded Nice and Snug to Deliver

This is a quilt for a little girl currently Four years old. My prayer that goes with this quilt is the following,

"the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him." Psalm 32:10

Menu Monday

What a wonderful Easter weekend we just had. It is always so busy but I enjoy spending the time with the kids and making memories. We have lots of left overs from yesterday's meal so we will have leftovers

Monday and Tue-

Ham, Sweet Potatoes, Mac n Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli Cheese Soup, Broccoli

Wed

French Toast, Ham and Eggs

Thursday

Taco Salads

Friday

Create your own Pizza

Saturday

Ribs/Sausage and Veggies

Sunday

Your On Your Own

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”- Romans 3:23-24

Easter and Thankful Thursday

This Easter season has me thinking alot. This week I have found myself missing family so much. My mom has been very sick with a combination of the mumps and a strep infection. Her immune system is so very weak so I realize the seriousness of her getting "sick". My Grandma June, who just lost her loving husband back in January, went into the hospital Sunday night, she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and liquid in her lungs. I found myself ever so thankful that I had taken a couple photos of her while visiting during the week I was there because I think God will agree that it is her time. I have never seen the commitment of love that this couple shared. I hope I will see it again- maybe even in my own marriage. She truly is so lonely without her Kale and I know she would like nothing more than to pass on so she can return to him in heaven. As my heart hurts knowing this may be soon. I am ever so grateful for Our Savior, Jesus Christ, that he died for us, that he freed us of our sins and that we too if accepting him into our heart, can be in heaven for eternity. That we will be free of the pain, sickness and ailments of this world and we will be made whole in his Beautiful site.

I am very thankful to a friend today also, I sent her some quilting blocks and fabric for a quilt that a few years back I wanted to do for my husband and I. My mother in law had picked the colors and theme for this quilt and it was to be a surprise to my husband. I had worked on it some but every time that I worked on it I found pain in my heart because it reminded me so much of her. At one point I decided to just put it away. I had dug it out a couple months ago and once again attempted to finish my UFO. I just couldn't. This morning had been such a morning of trials. My embroidery machine wasn't working, the Internet wasn't working, I went back to bed with a sore throat. Then after some prayer things came together. When I logged into Blogger today, there it was a finished Quilt with the fabrics I had picked. I just sat and cried a bit. It was perfect timing as I am taking my daughter this afternoon to my mother in laws grave to put some lilies there for Easter. I don't know that Des will ever know how much it means to me that she finished it. Better yet I pray that when she lists it in ETSY that it will bring her household some money, as her husband and her have had some rough times job wise with hours and such lately. If you would like to see the quilt click on the link here. It truly is Beautiful.

Remember as we approach Easter what the true meaning is. That we through Christ have eternal salvation. That with His death we have NEW LIFE. If you do not know Christ as your savior and have not asked Him into your heart. I challenge you to do so today, He will accept you into His Kingdom Just As You Are.

Wordles/Filled Wednesday

The first picture you can't see to well but the dogs are trying to get to the chickens new pen area. UGH! I will show another picture next week on how we are remedying that.
The next is the beautiful SPRING flowers in my yard. Aren't they just lovely.




Verses to think on for today:


8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

“For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”- Romans 5:10

Tackle it Tuesday Something New

Well today I tackled something new. The Tshirt quilt- I got it laid out the way I wanted and put the sashing between the blocks on the top and bottom row then got stumped. After much prayer to be honest I came up with the idea to have a huge block in the middle with a bible verse. Then prayer again as to what one.


I thought of the quilts purpose- one for my own son, two for the ministy of His Kingdom. This quilt represents our church, its values and its youth ministry. I knew the perfect verse. I could see the picture of Our Savior with little children at his feet. I could not see the verse in my head, I had read it a thousand plus times too. Even taught lessons on it. I then IM'd someone, a quilty friend, Nikki. She knew the exact verse I wanted. Dingbat me, it is only in the bible three times. My tired soul didn't even think to just search for the key word Children and then New Testament. Nonetheless, I had the perfect verse.


I sent my husband four versions and asked which he preferred. He chose the NIV. I was torn as I liked the kid friendly version yet felt maybe some of the meaning was lost. I wanted to fight manipulating the verse to say what I wanted it to say too. I needed to shorten it was my fear.


When Paul got home we went back and forth on ideas.


Then he finally said,"do you still have the Tshirt scraps?".


I said "yeah but some dont have backing because parts of the back were used."


Then he said, " You only need four to do what you want to do."


You know that I had four shirts that would work!


I had an extra Tshirt back from something else so I used it as a scrap and it was ordained because it worked so well.


I will split this verse into four portions. There will be four different shirts represented and I can even include the bible verse notation too. WONDERFUL.


Now the hard part is that it is 8 pm and I have four embroidery portions to still create, they take roughly 30-40 min a piece so.. WOW. May do two today and two tomorrow. Now my shirt will be what I had visioned though. A vision of the Fellowship of the Woodlands Youth Ministry.


"And Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God, belongs to such as these."


Matthew, Mark and Luke- now which to quote. Hmmm


If I was really a glutton for punishment I would embroider on the strip below the verse- each of the noted places in the bible. I dont know though. I have many other quilts to still do. So what to do? PRAY again, for guidance.


Oh so thank you to Nikki for help, and to Des for your support and to my hubby who always wants a say in what I do. LOL

Menu Monday

This week will be another one that is rushed. I need quick and easy meals.

I have a few requests from kids, since we ate brisket and beans most of last week. My husband took the remaining brisket to work. Thank goodness!

Monday

Spaghetti- Salad and Green Beans- oh and French Bread or I would be shot

Tuesday

Pork Roast cooked in the crockpot-

added to it 2 cans of green enchilada sauce and a can of green chilis-

eat with beans and flour tortillas

Wednesday-

tacquitos made from my green chili Pork, Spanish rice and beans

Thursday

Enchiladas with the Pork- Cheese Enchiladas for the younger two, bean soup and rice

Friday-

Not sure- I serve at church- kids may eat out with dad.

Saturday-

Homemade Pizza

Sunday-

Hmmm that is Easter so some sort of Feast.

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”- 1 John 3:16

What I am Learning Friday

I am learning that I honestly can't do it all this week. I have a list a mile long for quilts that need to be made by May 2nd, for whatever reason. I am learning that I have to say "NO" at some point, because otherwise life is way to complicated. I am learning that my kids feel a little neglected, as does my house. My house shows it to everyone, my kids showed me this morning and late last night before bed.
My house is a wreck. We have so many things going on right now. Between me quilting for donations and otherwise, between my husband and I putting a fence up and trying to help with homework and chores around the house, then just all the regular stuff we do. My daughter and middle son both have come up to me last night and then this morning before school and gave me genuine huge hugs. The kind that you just feel all warm inside from. Yet I felt guilty. I know that I have not watched a movie with them in a couple weeks. That is generally an every week occurrence. I have not made a "Feast" in nearly three weeks- which they love to have.
In fact the house is so out of control that there were dishes still in the sink, on the counters and the stove when I left for work, there is a pile of 6 loads of clean clothes on my daughters bed that need attention. She slept on the couch the last two nights because her bed is otherwise occupied.
I don't know how life got so out of control. I am learning that I need to go back to a list and a calendar.
I get so busy that I forget what the day is! I almost forgot about a church event for my oldest that is tonight. I had gone to my Spam folder and saw a church reminder that they send out. Thank you for REMINDERS! So the word No needs to be voiced more often. I only get a short while with these kids and then they are grown and on their own. I have a lifetime to donate quilts for good causes, but only a short while to make sure they are nurtured better.
That they truly feel loved by my actions.
Can you imagine if God got to busy too put his arms around us or keep things in our life from really spinning out of control. I know He blocks so much from entering our path so that we are not Given More than we can Handle.

So this weekend we have a list that is a mile long but tonight we will pick a couple of things that have to be done- then I will make sure that I spend some time with the kids. Play a game or something. Next week I will remember to say No to the extras so I make better use of my time. :-)

Today I think of a song that I love- we all have heard it. It is based on Psalm 136-which states.
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.

5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.

6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.

7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.

8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.

9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.

11 and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.

12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.

13 to him who divided the Red Sea [a] asunder
His love endures forever.

14 and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.

15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.

16 to him who led his people through the desert,
His love endures forever.

17 who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.

18 and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.

19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.

20 and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.

21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.

22 an inheritance to his servant Israel;
His love endures forever.

23 to the One who remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.

24 and freed us from our enemies,
His love endures forever.

25 and who gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for family and friends. I put family as a priority today. I called my mom to see how she was doing. She has the mumps- so please pray for her. It is not normal for an adult to get them and they can get very very sick. Of course I wish she had gone to the doctor when she first thought something was wrong last week. Nevertheless she now has confirmation so hopefully all goes well and she will heal. I also called my grandmother- she goes in for a biopsy in May to check a cyst in her bladder. She has been dealing with bladder/kidney cancer for a few years now. It started in her kidneys, they did surgery and thought they got it all, they missed some that was in the tubing going to your bladder. Thus, she got bladder cancer. She is doing good though, so for that I am grateful.

I was able to meet up with my cousins wife Trisha this week so that was wonderful, even if it wasn't for very long. I got to see her beautiful children, who are growing quickly, like all kids do. I also got to give her a handmade gift since she signed up for a Pay it Forward thing I did on here a month ago. She was my only sign up- so nice and easy. It is even nicer that she loved what I made.

Then today I got up and went and had lunch with my husband at a little Fish place we like. We split a meal but it was great. It was nice to just spend some time out and chat. It was super windy too. I had gone in to print a coupon for Joanns- as i forgot to print it before I left the house. Walking back to our truck the wind nearly blew me away. It was such a huge gust that I lost my footing and had trouble opening the truck door to get inside. I know the man that was sitting in his truck had to just be laughing so hard. So whoever you are glad I could amuse you.

LOL
I went to Joanns and got some flannel and blue Batik material for Jakobs Tshirt quilt, that will be my company sampler quilt for orders for a while. It was so hard to choose something. I wanted something tie dyed but I couldn't find exactly what I wanted so I settled.

Tomorrow I hope to conclude my week by visiting with a friend that has a young baby. He is just over 2 months now I think. I have to work in the morning but hope to head out afterwards. I got to see them 2 weeks ago. I missed her little after baby shower they had this past weekend because I was finishing my Valor Quilt which had a deadline so, I hope to stop by tomorrow instead.

Friends and family are so important. It is great to stop and take time and be Thankful.

Wordless/filled Wednesday

I think my whole house needs rest. It is not even 7 pm yet. Zekaryah came home crying, Jakob is out asleep on the couch. Made me think of ...

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.