Monday, December 23, 2013

Christmas Break

Thankfully, we've started Christmas break! I finished my shopping this morning. I only had one item on my list and although I'm glad I purchased it, it wasn't critical.

I started a hat Saturday evening. Only had an inch or so done. I worked on it for an hour yesterday and about three hours today. I'm a slow knitter but this was super bulky yarn. I completed it with a Pom Pom, my first. It's been okayed by the recipient.



I have another hat to finish. It's going much slower. The yarn is finer and it has a cuffed front edge. Don't know if it will be finished in time for Christmas. But that's ok. I'm good with giving it as a surprise.

Have a blessed Christmas!

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope those who come across this little blog are having a great Thanksgiving. I am such a blessed person and today I'm thanking my Heavenly Father for His wonderful blessings.

I made the decision a few weeks ago to have a solitary Thanksgiving dinner. Since the passing of my parents and marriage of my sister, I've been blessed to have dinner with sweet friends more than family. That is really not out of the ordinary, my parents traveled a lot and sister and I often did Cracker Barrel lunches and movies for Thanksgiving. :)

But this Thanksgiving I decided I wanted leftovers and to try my hand at Mom's dressing. So I began cooking yesterday and have several family traditional dishes made. I added a fudge pie for dessert and this is the first time I've ever made this recipe. I guess I'm starting my own tradition. :)

My hen should be ready to come out of the oven soon and I hear the potatoes boiling now.  I'll leave you with a picture of the dressing I sent to sister!


Blessings to all!

Saturday, November 2, 2013

November Thanksfulness

Two year ago, I tried to post a daily thankful post. I decided this year to post on a weekly basis.

For my first thankful post, I'm really thankful for family. I'm awed and humbled to have a heavenly Father who loves me no matter what I do, say or don't do. I'm beyond thankful for the many blessings He's given me. The most special blessing being my earthly family.

I had two loving parents, who I miss terribly. But they instilled in me a love of family, friends, and travel. I love being with a group of friends, doing nothing more than enjoying each others company. I'm planning on doing just that tonight.

I also love my family. I have a sweet sister and brother-in-law. I don't get to spend enough time with them and we have to set dates to get together. But rearranging the calendar is nothing in order to be with them and again, it's the simplest of times. Just hanging out is a pleasure, being in one another's presence is enough for me and I truly enjoy time with them. I LOVE my baby sister!

Travel seems to be so much of my life, dad traveled all over the world for his job and even today, I think nothing of jumping in the car and taking a 4 hour drive to visit or see something and then come back home that same day! I also love longer trips and I'll leave you with a couple of photos of my summer trip to Maine.



Saturday, September 28, 2013

Hairy Week

I have had one of those weeks that has lasted six weeks. :)

I've been growing my hair longer for over two years and a few weeks ago decided it desperately needed a trim. I kept making appointments only to have something come up and need to cancel.

Last week our school pictures came back and when I saw mine I became determined to get a haircut. I looked awful with my long hair.



I had wanted it long enough to wear in a messy bun. On Monday, I finally wore it that way! On Tuesday it was supposed to be cut and the appointment was changed again. :(


Today, this is what it looked like before Kelli cut it.



After the cut, I'm back to my normal length and I think I look much younger!

Tracy

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Crafty Saturday

I really wanted a new iPhone yesterday. I was patient and stood in line only to get to the counter and be told they had just ran out of the one I wanted.

So instead of a new phone I got my tech fix with a new basic Kindle. :) I love my iPad but it is heavy and as it ages the battery requires charging sometimes twice a day. I don't have time for that.








I knew it needed a sleeve because I plan on chunking it in my purse. I woke up early and an hour later I had one made. I had lots of scraps and I followed a great tutorial on Pink Chalk Studio's blog. It was easy and the directions were great!

(Sorry for poor lighting so early in the morning!)

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Saturday Baking Day

I have really fallen for the bread making process. But as a carb addict, I really shouldn't be making this yummy stuff.

Today's batch hasn't been rising long and the first time I checked it I had to move it to a bowl. In the class I took, Sherrell suggested using an oiled ziplock bag for the first rising. I have been doing that and today, the weather must be perfect. The bread was oozing out of the bag (you leave a little opening for air to circulate) and I was very surprised.

I grabbed the mixing bowl put bag and all straight in. When I last checked you can see how much had escaped. I'm sure it will be delicious.

Luckily, I'm out of bread flour and won't be making any more for a couple of weeks. Shopping isn't on my agenda - too many events planned.



Mindless Watching/Listening

Do you have some movie or tv show you turn on for white noise?

I used to get so put out with Dad for watching westerns 52 times! Now I can't count the number of times I've watched NCIS, West Wing, or any Harry Potter movie!









I watch NCIS almost nightly. I can be surfing the Internet, knitting, stitching, you name it and it's almost always on. I can quote parts of all of them. I need to start an NCIS DVD collection. Some day it will be replaced just like West Wing.

I can't do this with just plain tv. Very few shows don't get on my nerves and can play in the background.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Monday Making It

I finished the dishcloths and decided to start a me project. I started a lovely scarf and then realized I don't know how to do one of the stitches. So I put it away and will take it to a stitch night at my LNS for some tutoring!

Then I pulled out a lovely boucle that won't photograph in true color. It is a lovely plum shot with blue, yellow, and a little green. I'm making a hat and scarf. The yarn matches the lovely blue in my winter coat. I'm hoping it is cold enough to actually need a scarf, hat and coat!



Saturday, August 31, 2013

Long Weekend

After my class last Saturday, I've made one more loaf of bread and today I have another rising. I plan on letting this be a recuperating weekend. School has worn me out! LOL But I am not complaining.

I plan on knitting - finishing my dish cloth, but I'm afraid I'm running out of yarn. It may not be totally square. Then I have printed out some small letters for an applique project. But I left them at work. I was showing them to a student and forgot to put them back in my laptop bag. So I may have to leave the house today and run to work to pick them up.

I'm going to applique on a t-shirt for dress down Fridays which are football game days. A co-worker purchased one from a local shop and I loved it, but I knew I could make one and choose my own fonts. Thanks to the Teacher Pay Teacher website, I have an abundance of fonts to choose from. The trick is not to get one that is too skinny. Our school colors are royal blue and white and I hope I have some bright colors in my stash. If not, I will have to wait until I make a trip to the quilt shop.

I also really need to run the vacuum and do come general household cleaning. But that wouldn't be any fun!!!

Have a great weekend.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Classes?

Yep, I took another class today! This one was in bread making and my bread is making its final rise before I put it in the oven.

A friend decided to teach cooking classes and her first class was on yeast bread. Her mom was one of the cooks when I was in school and the rolls were always delicious! We met at her church and learned the art of bread making. Really the art of making yeast bloom was our most discussed topic.

My dough rose and I wasn't sure if it was one loaf or two. So I divided it into two and just popped it in the oven. It will be yummy no matter what I'm sure! She had several great recipes to share and we came home with the dough we made. After we made the dough, we shared some delicious cinnamon rolls made from the dough recipe. It was a yummy morning.





Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Christmas Presents


Yes, I said the "C" word in August. I've actually been knitting presents. I found this wonderful dish cloth project on Ravelry - the Double Bump.

I had a lovely little bundle of Sugar and Cream in Country Stripes. It is a tropical blend of greens and blues that didn't photograph well. :)

I plan on adding some of my Scentsy Layers shower gel and having a nice little present!

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Weekend Pleasures

I really enjoy the weekend. School has started for the teachers in my county and students will return Monday. So I'm cherishing this weekend.

Today, I'm doing laundry and planning a day of stitching. I have a goal of taking the border off two quilts (wee size) and working on redoing them on Monday (a half day for students and teachers). Quilting on Monday will check those items off my summer to do list and be an official ending to that list. Not everything was finished. I will put those items on my list of things to do over several weekends.

Most weekends include a busy Sunday. I often run the media for my church and I'm at church by 7am and out at 12:45pm at our main campus. When I'm at the satellite I get to arrive a little later. If I have grocery shopping to do and want some variety of items, I will shop after church. My little grocery store just doesn't have a great variety of vegetables and fruit as well as other goods. Sam's Club is near church and I like to run in and stock up on bulk items every few months.

I also like to pick up simple things at Sam's like frozen broccoli and whipping cream. I love the broccoli and eat a lot in my lunch. For a quick lunch, I'll fill a container with broccoli and a frozen mesquite grilled chicken breast. They microwave in about the same time and are delicious.
Today in addition to stitching, I'm watching the humming birds at my feeders. A few weeks ago I put out a glass feeder. The birds really didn't like it and had a hard time drinking from it. It was pretty but not functional. So I moved another one to my porch and the birds loved it. Last week, I bought what I called the big gulp, a 32 oz feeder. I've had four birds flying around this morning as well as two wasp. It is time to put out fresh food. I'm really glad I put them on the porch, I can watch the birds until sunset or later every day.

Have an awesome weekend! Enjoy!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Time for a Change

For the past few weeks I've begun to feel thirsty. It has been a slow building feeling and it is for many things. Basically it's a thirst for things that give my life meaning. By that I mean things that mean a lot to me or that my life feels dull and dark without.

The first thing that I know that I've been without is my study of the Bible. I stated back in January that I had somewhat of a plan and I've been slow to implement it. I've been working through a short devotional on falling in love with God on You Version. I've spent many year trying to be a prayer warrior and that relationship with The Lord has been good. It is also growing and becoming more open as I ask Him for a stronger relationship. So I'm thirsty again for His word.

I've known for some time that my creative side was colorless. After my dad died I quit quilting for some time and it still feels like an effort to quilt but I'm working on them. I've only really completed one larger piece of needlework since Mom passed away. It was memorial piece for sister and mine only has a few stitches in it. I've stitched a few small pieces but nothing like I used to stitch. This stops today. I'm stitching.

These two areas have always kept me balanced and ready to pour into these areas and feed my thirst. I hope it never runs dry again. This psalm has really spoken to me from the devotional and I am putting here as an Ebenezer.
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth;
they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals.
But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped. (Psalm 63:1-11 ESV)

It's awesome to feel thirsty again!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Bloglovin

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Crafty and Cleaning Days




I spent yesterday visiting a friend and playing with her grandbaby! Oh the fun we had. I love baby Claire and she is as sweet as pie. She is crawling and loves to follow you through the house. I realized while visiting that I really needed to clean my house! I'm not fond of cleaning and more into crafting. :) But Claire crawling on the floor was something she couldn't do if she were visiting me.

So today, I've been cleaning and I still have a lot more to do, but at least I don't have fur balls rolling like tumbleweeds any more! Need to steam mop and dust, I'll do that in the morning. I have turned my dining area into the crafting area and I spent a lot of the morning putting things back in their proper location.

While I vacuumed and puttered around, Asher curled up in the chair and napped. Puff hid in the bedroom, she doesn't really like the vacuum cleaner.


I took the leaf out of my dining room table, I find the more space available, the more I pile in that space. I still need to finish the borders on the baby quilts. I may attack them again this afternoon. My mitering is not going the way it should. After finding the top of my table, I pulled out my Matthew Precept study and did a couple of days worth. I haven't been diligent in doing this study. But I'm committed to finishing it and part two. I love these studies and I'm trying to ingest them slowly.

I kept seeing these denim baskets on Pinterest. So I made several. They were quick and very easy to make. I need to take to work and find homes for them.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Quilting day

I've been working on a little quilt for over a year. Obviously I haven't worked on it steadily.



I had to trim blocks and I'm the queen of procrastination when it comes to trimming. Once I plowed through the trimming the rest of the piecing was a piece of cake.







I have the borders on and just need to miter the corners. I have a two more quilts that need borders and hopefully, they will be finished this week and taken to the quilter!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Monday Morning Sentiments

This summer break has started with lots of reading, computer time, and knitting. Which means I've been sitting on the couch or in a cushy chair. I have had a constant kitty companion. Asher has turned into a lap kitty.



I found Asher crying on my porch one Sunday morning. I think his mom lost him or disappeared. He was about four weeks old, just barely able to eat soaked kitten food. As he grew, he became a huge snapping cat. My mom kept telling me to be thankful I'd neutered him or he would be meaner. :)



He has really mellowed over the past two years. When the dogs passed away (old age), he transformed into the lap kitty and wants to be snuggled close. This morning I can't move without him following. He's watching me type right now and keeps trying to get his head petted. So sweet.

Have a happy Monday!

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Saturday, June 1, 2013

Book Review - Jennifer



I have a few favorite genres that I read. I love mysteries and suspense as well as christian fiction and I really like it when they are blended. One of my favorite authors who does this well is Dee Henderson. She has recently released a new book - Jennifer. This isn't a mystery or suspense but it is a prequel to her O'Malley series which is full of mysteries and suspense.

This series is about a group of orphans who decide to adopt one another and form a true family. Little sister Jennifer is the last to be adopted and her story is told throughout the series. Her book describes how she found her husband to be and how this relationship leads her to a relationship with Christ. The author introduces us to the O'Malley family and as she weaves the story you feel like a member of this family. What I really like about the story is that it can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series. Dee does a great job of describing Jennifer's busy life as a doctor and her commitment to her patients as well as her family.

If you are like me and love to read great fiction, I suggest you pick up this book by Dee Henderson or any of her books. She has more than one great series.

Still Stinky

I'm hoping to do better this summer. I have lots of plans for the summer.

I have friends having babies so I'm quilting and sewing in anticipation of their arrival. This quilt is finally getting finished. I have a few more rows to trim and put together. Sister and I went on a mini road trip and I found great fabric for the border.

Betty Burger - YUM
While on our trip, we stopped in Bowling Green and had lunch at Double Dogz. I love using the UrbanSpoon app to find new places to eat or visit. This review didn't let us down.

I have been watching lots of softball. Our team made it through the state tournament and placed 2nd in the Class A division. So very proud of their hard work and sportsmanship.


I've been reading and will post my first book review later today.

Even had time to clean the porch and plant some flowers!


Monday, March 25, 2013

I Stink at Blogging

I find that weeks go by before I think about writing a blog post. It is spring break and I've been searching for a replacement for Google Reader. I'm trying out Bloglovin and Feedly.

I was going to quilt today but I can't find the roll of fabric I was going to use. I'm slowly working on organizing my quilt fabric. Hopefully, I will keep folding fabric and find my precuts.

Instead of quilting, I'm knitting. I started a baby blanket weeks ago and I've ripped it out and started over once. The second time, I gave up and started a different pattern.


I'm doing mine in pink for a sweet baby girl due in June. I am a very slow knitter. But it is a cold and snowy spring break so I have time to get a good start.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Uninspired

I've lost my inspiration mojo. Nothing sparks me to quilt, to stitch or knit! I'm looking at the sewing machine and it isn't calling my name. Oh woe is me!
Maybe when I'm over this respiratory crud the mojo will return. Until then, I'll just sit and cuddle with Asher.



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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

2nd Bi-Weekly Memorization

This is my memory verse for the next two weeks. I'm putting this out here so that I will hold myself accountable.

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world.

1 John 2:15-16 NIV 1984

I am only keeping up with this and my readings/bible study, I've totally dropped the ball on the photos this month.

School is fast and furious. My club is sponsoring two fundraisers and I'm the prom committee person. We started prom planning today! I also kicked of a WWII Simulation in my HS history class and because it's new I feel a little anxious. :)

Oh how I love winter, I would really love some snow!!!


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Project 365

I stink! I totally forget to take photos!



Me today - what my life looks like! Day 2



View - he liked this view. Day 5



Still life - he was really enjoying hanging out until I took his picture. Day 6




Front door - mine still has a wreath. Day 8





In a Drawer - contents of one drawer in my little secretary. Day 9

The actual empty drawer. :)


Now I'm caught up in posting. But I've obviously missed several days. I'm not going to stress missing a few.


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Project 365

I'm intrigued by the photography 365 day project. So I subscribed and you already see yesterday's photo in my last post. I'm not sure if I will post daily or do a weekly summary.

I will take photos with both my dslr and my iphone. I am looking to improve my photography skills and I'm also hoping for pure inspiration that pushes me artistically. 

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Sentiment Time

I'm sitting in my living room, enjoying the peace of the morning. I'm trying to be a little reflective this morning and thinking about the new year.
I don't make resolutions. But I do know there a few things I want to do differently in 2013.
My church has done a church wide reading plan every year I've been a member. This year we are challenged to read through the Gospels and Revelations four times. It is a simple plan. I don't think we read more than 2 chapters a day most days it is simply a chapter.
This morning I read the first section on the lineage of Christ. Many people want to skip this and get to the "good" stuff. But I love reading about Rahab, Ruth, and Tamar. I want to carry out this plan all year.
I want 2013 to be the year I fall in love with Jesus again. I want to read His Word and fill my heart with Him. I want more focused time with Him.

So in addition to the reading, I'm starting with Beth Moore's Siesta Memorization Team - for a second time. I hope to complete the year this time. I made it to May in 2011. I'm starting with the same verses as last time because I honestly can't tell you what they were and that saddens me.
My first rememorization is Isaiah 40:8 NASB The grass withers, the flowers fade, But the word of our God stands forever. If I find these being recalled quickly, I will add new verses.

I am also jumping into a Precepts study of Matthew so that it coincides with our church study/plan. I'm looking forward to it. I'm not trying to teach it, just make this a personal study.
Sound like a lot as I read what I've typed. But it really isn't. I just want more time with Him and I know that if I do that, everything in my world will fall into place or fall apart and try to separate me from my plan. By putting this out on my blog I can have a visual public reminder of what I want and why I want it.
Praying everyone has a blessed New Year!
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