El Cheapo wrapping paper-o

Okay, I really don't speak Spanish. I speak what my hubby calls "Spanglish"! Anyway, just wanted to give you a tip (in case you are interested) for an "el cheapo" way to wrap gifts this season. I have been doing this for several years now because I love the simplistic look of it. Ignore the clear tape- you really can't see it in person. I guess it decided to reflect my flash so it shows up quite nicely in all the photos!

All I use is brown packing paper! You heard it right- cheap, long rolls of brown packing paper! In the several years I have been doing this (at least 4), I have only had to buy 3 rolls and have plenty left. And do you know how much that stuff costs? $3.50, maybe! Pennies compared to rolls and rolls of fancy paper. The possibilies are endless with this stuff, too. For Christmas, I simply wrap each gift in the paper and tie some fabulous yarn around each. I use red squiggly, brown or a green velour yarn or sometimes even some fancy ribbon. They are all so perfect.

My Mom taught me years ago to save those greeting cards you get by the dozens from friends and family. Just cut the cover of the card away from the back and viola! You have a "tag" for your gift! Write your note on the back and attach it to the lovely brown packing paper wrapped gift and you're finished.

I must tell you that these gifts look much yummier in person- wasn't quite in a photographing mood tonight.

For birthdays, my kiddos have colored or painted the paper for a personal touch.

Try it, it sure is fun- and "el cheapo!!".

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR MIDDLE CHILD!!

And what's a birthday, without a dog with a birthday hat on?!Our star. And yes, she scored this one!!

I can't believe that 12 years ago today I gave birth to my amazing middle child. I honestly cannot put into words what a light she is in our lives. She is my child who VERY rarely is unhappy. She is always smiling or singing or dancing or skipping or acting or.....well, you get the idea.

My precious girl is growing up before our very eyes and today I pray many things for her. But above all else, I pray a prayer of thanks to our Lord giving us such a gift. We are so unworthy, yet have been entrusted to raise this awesome child to be a disciple for Him. I pray that she will always keep her carefree, beautiful spirit and use it to draw others to Christ.

We had a wonderful day today. It began with our traditional (not sure how it became a tradition) sausage ball birthday breakfast. After eating, singing and opening gifts, it was off to our middle's basketball game. The game was a great present in itself. Her team one 16-15 with 10 seconds left. My star scored 6 points and played so well!!

We followed the game by going to a local craft show (you know you liked it, honey!!) then a bit of shopping. Let me add here- DON'T EVER GO SHOPPING 2 WEEKENDS BEFORE CHRISTMAS!!!!! Better yet, don't step outside your front door- crazy I tell you. The birthday girl got to pick lunch, and we ended up at Atlanta Bread Company. Love that place!

We headed home for a low key rest of the day- some sewing, wood pile burning and don't forget a 9:45pm trip to our local Dairy Queen. You only live once, right?! Now to do a quick cleanup and head off to bed. Have a blessed weekend!!
In Him,

E

Oh, how I love Walgreens!

I hear stories all the time about how much people love Walgreens. They get great deals or reindeer antlers (Mom) that they wear the entire season. What could be better, right? Well, I had the most fabulous experience at Walgreens today.

We stopped by on the way home from lunch because I remembered at the last minute that they had BOGO scotch tape this week. Follow me here- we went in and added 2 3-packs of name brand tape for $1.99 to our basket. Next, I remembered envelopes and Sharpies were also on sale. Buy one pack of Sharpies for $1.99 get 2 packs free!! And Mead envelopes for 59cents a pack. So...our purchase included 3 packs of Sharpies, 2 packs of envelopes and 2 packs of tape with 3 per package. Keep following...our total was $5.82 at the checkout. Hubby only had 5 $1 bills and was mumbling under his breath about not wanting to use the card. He saves all change but decided to dig down into those pockets and let go of some change. Now, the girl behind the counter was an angel- great personality and very smiley. She said "wait just a minute!" and pulled out a $5 coupon! Yes, a $5 coupon, I tell you!! So, minus $5 and the tax that went along with it we spent a total of 18 cents for everything! Merry Christmas to us!! We now LOVE Walgreens!! Thanks checker outer girl!!!

And yes, Mom, you should come shopping with us more often!

In Him,
E

My Favorite blue bird

You'll all be happy to know that my beloved blue bird is indeed NOT chipped! It must have been the way the light was hitting it that made his chest look cracked!! PHEW!
E

Wondrous Ornaments

This one has a decorated tree on one side and a naked tree in the form of a cross on the other. It says something like "Once you strip away all the tinsel and glitter....God's real truth shines through".

This one is a heavy ceramic ball ornament with the explanation of the Christmas

wreath on it. Lovely!

My youngest LOVES anything that has to do with the Holy family and the Nativity! This one is perfect for her- the 3 Wise Men following the star. And guess what- it's musical!!

Opening their ornaments- see the velvet boxes?

Excited- just before decorating the tree. Unknown to us, our youngest's little body was in the process of developing a fever at this point.

We have a tradition here in our home. Every year each of my ladies receive an ornament from us. The tradition started many years ago with my Mom. She let all 3 of us pick out an ornament so that when we were married and had our own trees, they would not be bare. My husband and I have continued this tradition with each of our girls. I must say that when they are gone and live in their own homes with their own trees, our tree will be quite bare!

Last year after Christmas, I was looking around at the after sales. I came across some beautiful ornaments made by Dayspring- I believe I paid less than $5 for each of these. I bought one for each of my girls, and they opened them just before decorating our tree last week. The pictures aren't fabulous but I promise the ornaments are! Two of them came in the most wondrous red velvet boxes- not sure why the third one didn't. Check them out!
In Him,
E

Okay, okay...more pictures

Okay, I just couldn't go away without adding the rest of her pictures. Enjoy!


Flowers needing some TLC on our front porch.



Basket of nature's goodies in the sunroom- love this basket (old wooden tool box).

Our beloved, sometimes, cat. We inherited Roski when he was a tiny kitten from my sister who thought she could sneak him into her dorm room. That was 11 years ago!

A quilt my husband's grandmother had made for him. It was a gift for his high school graduation.

Guess where my youngest wants to work when she grows up? This is on my oldest's backpack. But yes, my little one really wants to work there. We spend dinner as a family at our fabulous Moe's once a week.

In Him,

E

A few simple treasures of life...

A few weeks ago my youngest asked if she could take a few pictures of her favorite things. I was busy (doing who knows what- but it was important!), so I sent her on her way. (Honey, I was half watching her and she did have the strap around her neck.) Sorry, back to the story...

She came back to me with these treasures. I had told her she could take 10 pictures, so I can't show them all here. She is quite the little photographer!
You know, it's funny what kids find important and special. I was touched by some of her choices. It just goes to show that whether we believe it or not, our children look to us for everything- we are so influencial.

Enjoy the treasures of life from a 7 year old's eyes!



This is her most treasured personal belonging- her sister gave it to her for her birthday last year. This birthday was shared with a tribute to a most amazing man, my Grandfather. He died a couple months before, but his memorial service was held on her birthday in Orlando, FL. What an honor to share such a special day!!





I love this guy!! I won him at a mission auction our church hosts annually. He hangs at the entrance of my kitchen- I can't help but smile every time I see him.






This was made by my Great Aunt (I think). I love the colors and the pattern.



This is one of my most precious treasures. My dear Mom gave it to me several years ago. GASP!! Is that a chip on his chest?!! I must go check it out- I've never seen that before! Wonder if that happened right before the picture was taken....hmmmm...





This is our blessing tree. I think I promised a post about it- obviously that slipped through the cracks. This tree comes alive on our sunroom door every November. Every day each member of our family writes one things he/she is thankful for on a leaf and adds the leaf to the tree. By the end of November it is just glorious and before our eyes we can see our many blessings. I am always in awe at some of the things my kiddos write- Awesome!

In Him,

E

Good morning!

Okay, so my last post wasn't so uplifting, huh? Sorry! A mixture of feelings flowing here, especially during this season. I love my girls more than life itself and can't imagine my life without them. I hope noone looked my post as me being ungrateful because I fully realize how enormously blessed we are! Can you be content yet still yearn for something else? I am terribly grateful for my family and the many people God continues to put in my path. You are all such blessings!
Next bit of news....those of you who don't run in the adoption circle may not know how popular giveaway/fundraisers/raffles are. Many families have raffles going on on their blogs. I found out about an amazing raffle this morning- over $700 in giftcards!! We seem to have quite a bit in common with this family. They share my heart for special needs orphans and homeschooling and are in the process of bringing home a little one with SN from China. Check out their website http://www.chinaherewecome.com/ or click on their site link in the right column here and support them if you can- they are getting so close!
Have a super blessed day!!
E

Sad

I'm so sad and tired of waiting. Just being honest here, okay? I can't put into words how my heart aches for more children. I feel as if my heart is literally breaking- can that be possible? Why is waiting so terribly hard? So many pray and hear the answers immediately. As far as adopting, it's expensive (or can be). I know that. But so many take that leap of faith and know that God will provide. And He does. In ways that noone could ever imagine!


What is stopping us from adding more children to our family? Of course, I love babies!! I would take a baby any day, but those aren't the children I am talking about. I am talking about the children who are quite literally disguarded by society. I want them to feel the love that only a family can give. I want them to know what it's like to be a part of something wonderful. I want them to be well fed, have a warm place to rest at night and know that at least their parents and siblings will NEVER leave them and love them more than life itself. I just want to tuck them in, sing them "Happy Birthday", laugh and cry with them.


I'm frustrated and honestly, angry tonight. And I know, anger isn't of God. I am tired of waiting but He has a plan for us. And so I go....praying and waiting. For that is exactly what He wants me to do, and I will obey.


Amazed by His grace,


E

P.S. Take a peek at this- amazing!

50% off ENTIRE store!!

From now until 10PM Monday evening, my entire Etsy store is 50% off !! Take 50% off listed prices. I'll adjust your bill before sending you an invoice.

Thank you, Mr. President!

It's time to put our differences aside and thank the Lord for putting such a strong man in charge of our country the past 8 years. He has had to make some of the most difficult decisions of his life while trying to keep our best interests at heart. (Thank you, God, for not picking me for that job!!) I personally am a HUGE supporter of President Bush and pray for some much needed rest for him.
Click on the link below and listen to the heartwarming song Steven Curtis Chapman (another favorite in this house) wrote for President Bush. Goodbye Mr. President!!

http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/

In Him,
E

Thankful

As I wake up this morning to a quiet house, I am oh so thankful!
Thankful for our loving, forgiving God who excepts me with all my quirks and weaknesses and loves me unconditionally!
Thankful for my amazing, resilient husband who sacrifices each day. He's my best friend whom I can't imagine my life without.
Thankful for each of my sweet, sweet girls. I pray for each of them- that they may grow to be strong, Godly wives and mothers.
Thankful for my parents, siblings and their families. I know many who aren't as fortunate to share the kinds of relationships we do.
Thankful for adopting families who are opening their hearts and homes to the "least of these".

I really could go on and on (and did this morning in my prayer). Thank you Lord! I pray a blessed Thanksgiving to each of you!
In Him,
E

And the winner is.....

LROHLER!!! for any tassel in my Etsy shop! Aren't you an RR Mom? You have until Thursday to contact me before I have to move on to the next winner.

The winner of the $5 gift certificate is Valerie (an RR Mom!!)!!

Congratulations to both of you! Sorry for the delay in posting. I have been under the weather (migraine) and I'm just feeling myself again. I will be offering free shipping on all purchases made between now and Sunday (November 30th)

Be writing more later. Have a blessed night!

In Him,

E

Good night!

It's late and before going to bed I just thought I'd write a quick post. Several things hit me today that made me step back and take a look at myself. It seems I do that alot lately which must not be good.

First, I read a post about this family. I have told my hubby several times that we should just sell it all and move to Africa. He kind of laughs and shrugs it off, but I may not be kidding. This family is making the ultimate sacrifice to save their son. Of course, I would be WAY out of my comfort zone. I have lived in the same county my entire life- only miles from my parents and sister. What would I do without them? My brother and his family don't live terribly far and they have a new baby- I wouldn't be able to see my nieces and nephews growing like weeds in their early years?!! But....aside from all my anxieties, and wants, and fears God has a plan for me. And P.S.- He'll probably be taking me way out of my comfort zone!

Then I found out about my dear sister-in-law. Her lymphoma is stage 3, and she now faces many more rounds of chemo than originally planned. But I know Markana and I know our God and I know they are both strong. And she'll beat this thing! The challenges she faces are more than anything I've ever personally had to deal with, so why do I complain?!

After basketball practice tonight, we stopped by Chic-fil-A to pick up our oldest and spend some time with friends. As we sat there, I saw it. The look our middle daughter gets when bad things are about to happen. You know what I mean....and off to the bathroom she went. Poor thing- we left Chic-fil-A and brought her home. To our warm, cozy home so she could rest and heal.

Which brings me to my next observation- it's cold outside! A bone chilling 30 when we arrived home. I went out for a bit to help hubby unload something from my car and was shivering. Shivering in my leather jacket....while there are those without jackets. Shivering under bridges, in dark alleys at the same moment I walk back into my warm, cozy home to our family room with a fire burning in the fireplace.

Just before typing this post, I was looking at all these faces. Faces of little ones, REAL children, who don't have families. No Mom or Dad to snuggle with or tuck them in tonight. It strikes me to the core- I can't imagine one of my biological children alone, scared and with noone to love. It's cold there and many don't have proper nutrition.

It makes me sad. I get so wrapped up in me and my life that I don't take enough moments to be thankful. Not only be thankful, but do something. I know that God is calling me.....but calling me to what? My prayer tonight is for an answer- just write it down and stick it in the mail, God, because I can't figure it out! I need it spelled out to me, obviously!!

I am so very blessed and thank the Lord tonight for my husband and kids, our families, our health and my warm home. I challenge each of you (and me) to do something. Anything to help someone who may need it and step out of your comfort zone.
In Him,
E

Giveaway Time Again!!

Yes, that's right! It's time for another giveaway. In honor of the grand opening of my Etsy shop, one wonderful person win a tassel of her choosing. I will also have a second drawing for $5 off any one item in my shop.

There are 3 ways to be entered into the giveaway. You can choose one and be entered once, or 2 and be entered twice. Or even all three and be entered 3 whole times!! Here's how:

1. Visit No Greater Gift and choose your favorite item. Leave me a comment and tell me what your favorite item is. Make sure I have some sort of contact information so I will be able to contact you if you are the chosen winner! This will get you one entry.

2. Mention and link No Greater Gift on your blog. Leave me a comment here letting me know you mentioned No Greater Gift with the link to your blog and contact info. This will get you one entry.

3. Hey!! If you get a friend to also mention No Greater Gift on his/her blog, not only will your friend be entered but you can even get another entry!

***Remember, I must have your contact info so I can contact you if you win. You will not be included in the drawing if I don't have this important information.

The giveaway will close next Monday (November 24th) at 9:00am EST. All entries will be entered in a random drawing and the winner will be announced later Monday morning. Have fun and good luck!

In Him,

E

BOGO 50% off and Bartering for Christmas

Today (Sunday) only- buy one tassel and get one 50% off. Great for Christmas gifts for those "hard to buy for". Perfect for passing down through the years. Just click on one of the links to the right (picture of my church, snowball or Santa tassel) to head over to my store.
Moms (and others), I would love to barter with some of you for Christmas gifts, too. Leave me a comment or Convo me over at Etsy if you are interested. I love personalized items!! Bartering could benefit us all!
Have a blessed night!
In Him,
E

Where to hang tassels?!

Okay, some of you have asked "So, where should I hang my tassel?" I have to say to you- ANYWHERE!! Here are just a few ideas. Really anywhere that something could possible hang should have a tassel hanging from it.:)

UPDATE ON MARKANA- Thanks so much for those of you who are praying- God heals!! Markana had her first treatment last Friday and although she felt a little "fluish", she felt okay. Chemo will continue for the next 6 month every 2 weeks. Please, keep praying, praying, praying!!

In Him,

E

Bummer!

First, I added a link to my shop in the right column- check it out. I still have work to do but it's slowly coming along.
The show I was a part of this weekend was a bummer! Not a good weekend for anyone. This was the first time this MOPS group had hosted a holiday show, and I know it's a learning experience. I met several extremely nice ladies who helped to support me this weekend- they were the only buyers!! Many people sold less than $50 worth of items so it was just bad all around. Again, I urge you to check out Etsy. The site is wonderful and the concept even better. Mainly handmade (or vintage or craft supplies) items and lots and lots of Moms!! I encourage you to "support the little guy" this Christmas instead of the big chain stores. It's a win/win. I personally seen many items from some Etsy sellers and the quality is out of this world!! Go look!
I just listed LOTS of new items and my traffic is picking up quite a bit, so hopefully some sales soon! The girls are getting ready to open their shop- Sweet Potato Sacks. They have been busy making dresses and hairbows and hope to list in the next couple of days. I just love my girls!!
Have a blessed Sunday!
In Him,
E

Buy one get one!!

Yes, you heard right. From now until midnight tonight (EST) all items in my Etsy shop are buy one get one 50% off!! Deal ends at midnight so hurry!!
In Him,
E

My dear sister-in-law

Many of you have been reading for a while and praying for my sister-in-law, Markana. We are so blessed to have her as part of our family. She is the perfect match for my brother- they went through alot before God brought them together.

I didn't want to put this on my blog until they had confirmation and had let their own friends know. It is with a broken heart that I tell you tonight that Markana has been diagnosed with lymphoma. Cancer is nasty, it is mean and it doesn't segregate. I am so angry that anyone has to suffer with this disease, much less someone I love so much. She begins a battery of tests Thursday and starts chemo on Friday. Please keep Markana, my brother, Chip, and sweet baby Stella in your prayers. The road that lies ahead of them will be hard and long, but with God's strength I know she will be okay. God is good, He is the healer!

In Him,

E

I saw God last night....

....at a High School football game. No, not the place you are really looking, huh? Maybe some people should be- tempers get a little out of hand sometimes! Let me tell you what happened...



Our oldest daughter has a boyfriend (we'll call him M)- yes, I know, I know. Not something we like to think about either, but he is a very respectful, Godly boy. Anyway, we went last night to watch him play. M is one of 6 children, and one of his older brothers (G) also plays. G just got the boot off his leg recently due to a fracture but decided to play in last night's game regardless. Guess what? He broke his leg!!! Again!! This time G broke both bones in his lower leg. An ambulance was called, etc...etc....

Our family, another family and several of the teens go to Waffle House after every game. Last night after the game M (the boyfriend) came over to us head hanging and tears streaming down his face. All the boys on the team are very emotional about winning/losing so I didn't know what to think about it. He is a strong, confindent teenage boy and he was CRYING in front of everyone! M's father was about to leave to go to the hospital and asked M if he wanted to join us at Waffle House or go see G. I saw God at that moment. Here was a boy tired, broken down and in pain (mental as well as physical). He looked at his father and said, "Dad, it's G. I have to go to the hospital." Now, I don't know about you but I know of several teens who would have jumped at the chance to join a girlfriend, boyfriend or group of friends for a meal out. This boy didn't. I could see the pain in his eyes and the aching he felt for his brother.

I couldn't help but think about 3 things. First, how much I love this boy! Second, how much love he has for his brother and what an incredible bond they have. And third, and most profound to me was that I could visualize at that moment how heartwrenching it is for God to see us broken. Physically broken, mentally broken and straying from Him. I can see the tears streaming down God's face when we are hurt just as I saw in M last night. But regardless of how we treat Him, turn away from Him and try to handle things in our own worldly way, He still wants to be with us. He still excepts us. And we can still count on Him. Especially when we are broken.

I thank the Lord tonight for allowing me to be there to witness what I did. My heart aches for the pain M was in for his brother, but God shown through him and for that I am grateful.

In Him,
E

Seven prayers a day for seven days

I feel as if I sometimes need reminders to be praying for and over my girls. I read about this idea- praying over our children- earlier in the week and think it's wonderful. I believe it is so important that our children not only know we pray but also hear us pray (sorry honey, one day!). I have to admit it is very hard for me to pray in front of people- anyone really. Don't get me wrong, I love to pray. God and I have long conversations sometimes- sometimes I feel like I talk so much that I don't blame Him if He's had to move on to the next prayer request!!

Now, not that I'm putting it off, but our oldest will be going out of town in less than a week and I want to make sure I get a full week in. So, as soon as she gets back, I will begin. It will be easier for me (and yes, I know prayer shouldn't be easier for me but I have to schedule things in my life, okay?!!! That's just the reality of it all!) if I begin with all the kiddos at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I will begin praying over them first thing tomorrow morning. But these specific prayers I will wait to use when she gets back. I will write the verses on notecards to keep handy and begin praying.

Here are the events (times of day) and verses I will pray:
1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)
2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)
3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)
4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)
5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)
6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)
7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)


I feel like God has been reminding me more and more lately that I need to live my life in prayer. For my children, husband, family, friends, country, orphans, etc., etc. If you care to join me, just copy these verses onto index cards. Let me know if you decide to pray along with me- I'd love to know how your week of prayer changes you or if anything happens during your week.

May God bless you always!
In Him,

E

Thankful Thursdays

Thankful Thursdays are something we started a few years ago. Our kids have changed during that time as has Thankful Thursdays. This year we are going to try to volunteer somewhere each Thursday minus today- I am still trying to get over this yuck (and a migraine, too!!). We will pool ideas and collectively decide where the Lord may use us best.
Last year, we started what we call our blessing tree (I will post a picture as soon as I can find it). Each day during November we each add a construction paper leaf to the blessing tree. Before adding our new the leaf to the tree, we must write one thing that we are thankful for on the leaf. My what a beautiful sight it becomes as red, yellow, orange, green and brown leaves are added day by day. By the end of November, two things have happened. One, our tree has gone from an empty brown trunk to a glorious array of color. But more importantly, we are able to see many things we are thankful for. It becomes a tangible way for all of us to realize just how blessed we are. And that is so very important.
Regardless of what my girls learn in math, history or science, I want them to realize how very blessed they are. I want them to truly want to share the Lord's love and give of themselves to others. That is my prayer tonight. That we as a family can show hope and give hope to those who need it most. Because I am ever so thankful this Thursday.
In Him,
E

Thankful Thursday at Etsy

I have many things to say about Thankful Thursdays. I will post a bit more later, but quickly I must let you know about Thankful Thursdays in my Etsy shop. During the month of November, I will feature one tassel each Thursday. I will have several of this particular tassel available for $14 each and only on the particular Thursday it is featured. Today's featured tassel is above. Please check out the store and get it while it's hot!

Getting ready for a show...

I was invited this morning to participate in a Holiday Showcase. So got to get busy tasseling!!! Some of my lastest creations include Christmas trees, BIG red glass ball things, red birds, swans, pears and much more. I really am excited!

I won't be posting any more in my Etsy store until the show is over. All my inventory will go with me to the show. If you have any special requests, feel free to drop me a line and we'll see what we can come up with together.

I will be taking along the hair accessories my oldest made as well as some too too cute pillowcase dresses my middle one is working on. Creative juices are flowing around here, I tell 'ya!

Have a blessed day!
In Him,

E

A shamless post

Yes, this post is all about me. After working with so many wonderful, talented people while getting ready for the Hoedown, I found myself missing the creative part of me that got lost some time ago. So.....I decided to start doing something again and tonight opened my own Etsy shop. Stop by and take a look. Only tassels for now- maybe our oldest will open a "hair thingy" shop soon. I am hoping to be able to fund...well, you know, fund things with the profit from the store. The profit will not only fund things around here but a portion of it will go to Reece's Rainbow. Check out the Angel Tree and sponsor a child!

Hop on over and take a look. And hey, buy one of those tassels that noone really needs but are just so beautiful to look at!! Coming later this week will be tassels of the balletin' pig, swan, flamingo, Nativity and red glass thing varieties! I am oh so excited!!

Have a wonderful night dreaming about tassels!

In Him,

E

Something to think about

Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody,I think that is a much greater hunger,a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.
-Mother Teresa

The calm before the storm...

BEFORE- Our youngest told me she was tired earlier in the day and without any coercing, curled up for a nap.

AFTER- This photo was taken in the car on the way home from trick-or-treating. Sugar and a nap do mysterious things!

Fall Fun!!

Well, here they are!! We had a great time last night trick-or-treating. Since we live in the middle of nowhere, some friends of ours invited us over to join in their festivities. They also don't live in a subdivision but see one out their back door, so we loaded the kids up into the trailer filled with hay and headed out into the night.
The girls (minus our oldest) had great plans for weeks- each knew exactly what she wanted to be. That is, until around noon yesterday. Why is it that my girls always do this? Probably because I let them! The only reasons they were able to change this time was because we have an over abundance of dress-up clothes and I didn't have to do much.
Our youngest changed from a snow princess to a dog. The princess costume was a little big anyway (save for next year? yeah right, that will change 100 times!!!) so all we had to do was cut some spots out of felt (which I already had) and put a few stitches through them to the sweatshirt. Done and very easy!
As you can see from the pictures, our middle child is such a free spirit. She was going to be a cheerleader (boring!) but instead decided to be a gypsy at exactly 3:37 yesterday afternoon!!! Thank goodness for lots of skirts and lots of costume jewelry! And the beauty of it all is that nothing had to match. She was so excited about her costume (as you can see) and had a blast wearing it. It totally fits her personality!

My gypsy girl

Before heading out

On our way with friends

Hubby and oldest waiting for everyone