Tulip Girl

I lost my camera then found it! Phew! I have been doing a little sprucing lately rearranging, adding super cute finds. I have a thing for world globes. I have three now. You won't believe how I came upon this black one. First Sunday back at our church last January as I practically skipped down the hallway to Sunday School (what can I say, I was happy to be back) I stopped, my eyes grew dewy and I fell in love! There sitting by the gymnasium doors on a shelf off to the side was a black ocean globe practically coming apart at the seems. Well, for three months I eyed this globe lovingly as it just sat abandoned. Then someone commented that they thought the boundaries were not even accurate and right then and there I knew he needed to be mine. I called the church office the following day and wouldn't you know I picked him up that afternoon. I may be a mite crazy but at least I'm crazy with a cool globe. This blue one was a gift. She is a semi-precious stone globe gifted to me b...

Updated: I found it! Click here to go see the blog, A Holy Experience . It is about the most peaceful place you will find on the internet. Somewhere out there in bloggy land is a blogger who does this linky party where the goal is to list 1000 thankfulnesses (is that a word?). I found it and lost it. There is a lot of blogs out there. If you know, please let me know either by e-mail or comment please! So even if I can't participate in her link up party, I did already start my own list in a cute little pink notebook I made at MOPS, the only MOPS I've been to this whole semester. I would have gone today but, phlegm hacking isn't a desirable trait in public so I stayed home. Ok, so on the the 1000 Thanks. 1. I have Eternal Life through Jesus Christ who was crucified for my sins and rose again, was resurrected and ascended into Heaven where even now He is making me one kick butt pad (thats mansion for those who don't know my street lingo, umh, ok, I watched MTV...a few time...

I woke up at 12:30 am to Wiggles crying. It was all I could do to go change her diaper show her a quick book and put her back in her crib. I couldn't even talk ya'll ! My throat was on fire! I put her back in her crib and gave her a "Figure it out girl. I got nothin '" and walked out. Poor baby girl! Fortunately she fell asleep...eventually. This picture is of Wiggles with her first pig tails. It took a while to get it but she didn't pull them out at least. I took the picture with my phone 'cause I don't know where in the world my camera is.

I am seriously in need of some creative ideas here! I am sick and would be out for the countwith my cold and drainage but I'm IT for the next few days so I don't have a choice. What do you all suggest for an energetic 14 month old with a runny nose and a sick mommy? So far books and videos and lots and lots of aloe lotion tissues for the both of us. We are bored!

The first pilot spoke vehemently. "You know, I believe in God. I have met Him sometimes in the beauty of a sunset or flying high in the heavens. But I have not patience with the church and its talk of Christian doctrine and theology. Why do I need to go to church when I can experience God on my own?" Nonplussed, Lewis responded politely. "I have no doubt you have experienced God through the splendors of nature. I have as well. But isn't it possible that God hasgiven you these glimpses of His glory because He desires you to seek Him and truly know Him?" The pilot pushed his cap off his forehead and shrugged. "Just as we need a map and a guide to learn about an unknown country," Lewis continued, "we need the Holy Scriptures and other believers to help us learn more about God. God wants to offer you life eternal as well as a personal relationship with Him. You shouldn't be satisfied with a few isolated experiences that have left you with good ...

I have been feeling with either allergies or a cold, not sure but relaxing to kick its butt so it will stop kicking mine has been a seriously agenda of mine lately. So at nap times and at night time I've been reading Inklings, Expectations and Evasions in the Oxford Chronicles Series by Melanie Jeschke . If you have a thing for England especially Oxford then this series would be incredibly awesome to read. There is an awesome sale at my Etsy shop for Mothers Day. To learn more check it out here . If you want to participate in a giveaway then click here .

Last night I was crankier than cranky. Again the allergy monster hit and my lymph nodes swelled, drainage sludged its way down my throat and mean Katie came out. Hubby was awesome ! He put Captain Wiggles down, we ate left overs, he cleaned the kitchen while I watched Ghost Whisperer and then he ironed while I fell asleep after folding my little bit of laundry. I'm linking up this week with Living by Faith . It is "To Love Their Husbands" Tuesday! I'm all for that. This last weekend was Hubby's Birthday so we had a little get together on Saturday and went out sans Wiggles on Sunday. I have to confess that I have been horrible for Hubby's Birthdays not making him a cake or doing anything to overly special. The last two I cried. Yeah, pathetic really. So this last one, I was determined to make it good. It was. Yay ! Here is a list of things that makes my husband awesome. 1. Good back rubs 2. Can make me purr when he runs his hands through my hair 3. Brags about...

You know, there are areas in the Christian Church that no matter how humble and close to God we get, sin's damage will not be erased. They are like reminders of the fall, burdens we carry to keep us ever clinging to Jesus. The Bible tells us we are brothers and sisters in Christ, we are encouraged to treat each other as such, for Christian brothers to treat Christian women as sisters. I imagine treating my brothers in Christ the way I treat my brothers. I'm here to tell ya, that ain't ever gonna happen. I grew up with three brothers down the hall (the other two were grown and gone when my parents married). I love my brothers. I find such security in their love for me. My brother, Brandon and I went out to lunch the last time I was there and I felt like a little girl on her first date. I often go to my brother Scott for a man's perspective when I don't feel I am seeing my husband's perspective and I know that he will always take up for Hubby. My little brot...

OH! I have so much to share, it might take me all week to share it. First of all, I started an Etsy shop, IM139, last October but then the Holidays hit and we moved and my little shop was sadly neglected. There is still much to do but if you don't mind stepping over the construction (i.e. pre-fab etsy button there to the left instead of a cute custom made button) then I know you will find some treasures. You can also click here . I'M HAVING A MOTHER'S DAY SALE! I am taking a deep breath. Ok, Monday through this coming Sunday, when you purchase a necklace, bracelet or charm you get 50% off a pair of earrings. When you purchase two items or more, shipping is free. If you head over to Rachelle's blog there is a giveaway of a pair of earrings, you pick! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In other areas, I recently listened to a Radio show, Midday Connection from Moody Radio on friendship. It took me a while to digest it, I took notes and listened to the first part twice...

I love ya'll . I mean I love you guys, but what I really mean is ya'll as in the word. I used to say it as a kid, like, in Arizona. Yeah, it didn't go over there like it does here. There I got some strange glances. Here, I fit right in. I'm sure enough not Southern but I am the Mama of a Southern Girl. I know some of those down more South than me like Georgia or Mississippi or Tennessee may not think this is the south but c apital of the former Confederate peeps is the birth place of Captain Wiggles so that makes her Southern. Me, well, I hope Southwestern is good enough. I'm proud of that too by the way. I'm working on embracing the good ole Southern Hospitality. You may not see much fried food around here but at least now I know a Hush Puppy isn't a puffed pastry. Seriously.

When I was in fourth grade I tried out for the spelling bee. The teacher gave me a "You've got to be kidding me." look. I don't know how after all these years and all the writing I do, my spelling can be as bad as it is. I wrote the word earring about a hundred times this morning. Amost every time I had to go back and add the second 'r'. Seriously?! I don't know how I do it. Ya'll must think I'm ten or something. I have other strong points I guess. At least I know the differences for two, to and two...most of the time. I want to give you all a heads up because, well, your my peeps. I am doing a Mother's Day sale at my Etsy store starting Monday (its gonna be a busy weekend preparing). This sale, Monday through next Sunday night will be 50% off a set of earrings (I just did it again) with the purchase of a necklace, charm or bracelet. With the purchase of two items, shipping is free. So that is that. This weekend is Hubby's Birthday. W...

I've been mad at work trying to do, well, just about everything. I've made more jewelry. My mom a while back gave me a five strand necklace full of beautiful faux bone beads I've completely taken apart and reworked. I also tried to draw a diagram of the Holy Temple from Exodus. It looks more like a fridge. I need to stay away from the markers. At least I seem to be better with jewelry. So enough with the words and on with the show. Three Strand Beach Party with pearls and glass beads 3 strand, Cocktails in the Sand This five strand is the one my mom gave me. Those blue faux bone beads were coupled with some blue heart shaped foiled glass beads. I reworked it with iris blue fresh water pearls, an oil in water glass rectangular beads and peach glass beads. This ring I've had for years. Then I did a little remodel with silver wire and pearls. You like? So what does a jewelry artist do with toggles that won't tog? Earrings of course! Silver with S warovski crys...

I realize there are people out there that don't like Mother's Day or Father's Day for what ever reason those people have. I respect their opinion (as long as they aren't my husband or children.) Some moms are so wonderful, humble and awesome they don't expect anything and wouldn't talk about Mother's Day or even think about getting recognition. Well, shoot! I'm not one of those awesome moms. I want Mother's Day. Call me crazy, but to me its like a second Birthday only I get to share it with other moms. I'm not so much a fan of my Birthday because it IS all about me, but a day all about me that is shared with other moms having a day all about them is much more up my alley. I just read this article at lilsugar that has inspired my selfish side to let lose a bit. I don't hint to my hubby what I want just for the record. I like surprises so hinting would make it to easy. Just for the record, I'm a hypocrite. I don't normally like ...

We have a family of rabbits. Yeah, seriously cute. There are overgrown bushes out back and yesterday was the first time the babies came out, well, that I saw anyway. Six bunnies including Mom and Dad. There were hoping like little bunny children do all over the yard rambunctious as all get out. This morning they were chasing each other all over the neighborhood. No fear. Good thing I didn't try for the vegetable garden. No hope for the irises, lilies and wild berries. Oh well, I rather have cute bunnies to look at than flowers. I want to name them, but don't know what. Any ideas? Oh yeah, and outside my kitchen window (which goes all the way to the floor) was a little puddle underneath the blooming azalea bush with a cute little sparrow taking a bird bath. It was quite cute. We are feeling better now. Well, I mean, I'm still sick but better. Captain Wiggles seems a bit more at peace. Less frazzled. I drew a diagram earlier during nap time of God's temple f...

While yesterday was chalked full of awesome, it as apparent by night time yesterday that today wasn't going to be. Captain Wiggles is cranky as all get out getting frustrated at the slightest provocation which is a new thing. A new thing I don't much care for. Hopefully she will be ok decompressing in her crib which is her usual way of wanting to destress when she has had to much going on. I am most certainly sick. My throat hurts, my head hurts and my sinuses are hurting and doing that yuck cold congested thing. Oh yeah, and my gland thingies in my throat feel swollen. Blah. Hubby won't be home who knows when. He is interviewing several big candidates for the company he works for. I am rather proud of him by the way. He was recently put in charge of the program that he was a part of creating which is integrated into several other sights all over the world. How cool is that? Probably cooler for you if you knew what the heck I'm talking about. Just know my husb...

I believe Tuesday and Wednesday have conspired against Captain Wiggles. Tuesday: Nursery for Mommy's Bible study followed up with visit to Chick fil A (is that right?) and a jog in a new jogging stroller after last nap rather than book time and Baby Einstein animal DVD. Wednesday: Play date with a baby, two year old and three year old in our home for lunch. Blanket fort in dining room for the first time, outside play house in the living room, late nap, big bruise on cheek from tripping in blanket fort. All that combined to equal one very over stimulated Captain Wiggles. She hung in until the end. She cried herself to sleep for thirty minutes. I admit I did go in once. I think it helped though. I'll go in once so she knows we know she is there and we didn't forget about her. That helps I think. Poor Captain Wiggles. I think she is ready to dry dock for a while. Tomorrow will be a just us day. Friday we have plans for the beach though I'm not sure. I usually li...

Part 1: Co-Crucifixion Part 2: Co-Resurrection For those coming over from Its So Very Cheri's blog hop, consider this a DIY Bible Study as in it isn't one I got from someone else, but did it myself. What can I say, I'm excited about Cheri's big surprise for Wed. and I wanted to help garner peeps to head over and check it out seein ' as she is my newest bloggy buddy and all. Well, enjoy and make sure to check out the first two parts. Just click on the Part 1 and Part 2 above this paragraph. I recall a sermon I heard a while back by Pastor Thurman Hayes. He compared us as Christ followers to being ambassadors. I am so loving this description. From the moment we die to self and sin and are resurrected the new man (or woman) in Christ we are no longer citizens of this world but officially citizens of Heaven. As we move around this earth we are ambassadors representing our King and our home country. I will take this a step further and talk about the diplomatic immunity ...

On April 13 I posted, I Am a Free Woman Part 1: Co-Crucifixion , something that was sparked by my Oswald Chambers Devotional, My Utmost for His Highest. I wish there were words to properly convey all that God is doing in and through me right now, change that is so amazing I am truly more in love and in awe of my Savior than ever. My heart has been burdened with unmet expectations lately with regard to the difference in how I imagined certain aspects of my life to be and how God's will is. As I prayed to God for clarification and help to sort through the jumbled thoughts and feelings that had worked its way into my brain and heart, God brought me my brother, Scott to talk to. Then on Friday, a wonderful Christian woman in my church spent time with me in the morning. Through these awesome Christ following people, God worked to open my eyes to His truth, His plan for my life and helped me start the process of dieing to self and coming alive in Him. Well, not starting because I've ...

Here is our lovely new office. It took me forever to get that first picture. My sea foam chair and Hubby's leather chair with matching ottomans facing our desks facing each other surrounded by three book shelves is so awesome! A rug and window treatments will be perfect. I think something needs to go in front of those desks. Mmmh . These are the chairs. That is Leo the cat. Then on Saturday we went to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and found these three beauties. Aaah , much better. I love the traveler looks. I've two globes and my eye on another one that has been just randomly sitting abandoned at my church. I think it is even out of date. Awesome! This grouping sits holding court right behind my sea foam chair. Hubby refinished the army trunk. The rest of those are from Ben Franklin's. Since we already had one army trunk and an Air Force trunk (in the play room) I had to settle for just taking a picture of these two army trunks at the ReStore just to show ya'll ...

Before I tell you about our kitchen, I had to show you this bit of drift wood. I found it walking along the beach the other day (as in I was walking, not the drift wood, that would be wierd) complete with sun bleached wood, shells embedded in it and these white little sea bits of things I don't know what they are but am completely in love with none the less. Oh yes, and my book recomendation was featured at Family Fountain with Pastor Warren Baldwin. I am also excited to see my pearl ring from last week featured at my girl, Rachelle's blog . I'm linking up with her again this week for her blog party. I can't recall if I've updated you all on our kitchen. I can't find it if I had so here it goes hopefully not again but for the first time. Here is the before picture of my kitchen. Yuck. Those counter tops were stained and pealing. The wall was off white and the trim eggshell. The cabinets when we moved in had mold on them. Yuck. Ta Da! Well, now we have paint on t...

I can't believe that I have only just now watched Julie and Julia. Wow, that was a very good movie. It is amazing how blogging can work its way into our lives. I love blogging and I love that I have a husband who loves that I love blogging. He has always supported me in having passions. He doesn't care what it is as long as I have something I'm passionate about. I think that is a pretty cool thing. One thing I am passionate about is my husband. I pray for him often. I recently wrote a book recommendation on Pastor Warren Baldwin's blog for the book, Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian. I really do love that book and hope you will hop on over and check it out. I also have The Power of a Praying Woman and am purchasing The Power of a Praying Parent. Can never be to prayed up I say. Tomorrow Hubby has the day off. I'm so thankful. I've missed him this week. I am also thankful to be meeting with a wonderful Christian woman tomorrow. Hubby and Capta...

I know I should feature more of my own Etsy items but I have to share something I found perusing the Etsy stores this morning. If you want to see my shop you will just have to go there from the link on the left side of the screen. :) I am over the moon about the handmade leather journals made by Renate Ikinger of Kreativlink residing in Austria. I don't know if you know this, but I've been keeping a journal since middle school and I am quite devoted to it. I started out using cheapie journals and journals bought for me, but as of these last few years, I have become serious about my journaling. It is my desire that they be used someday either during my life or after in some way like maybe Captain Wiggles publishing a book about my life or something or just to help guide generations to come. The journal in the above picture is my most favorite journal of Renates and I am determined for it to come live with me and tell my story. So please go check out Kreativlink and see all tho...

I wonder if there was ever a time that John or Peter ever felt like they just needed to get away from all their prayer and study and just zone out watching CSI or something. Well, probably not, I think their relationship was a lot more real, they probably felt a lot more of the urgency of the Holy Spirit. Me, I'm tired. I have chosen no TV this week, have spent a lot more time studying in God's word and with some other books which you can find in my last few posts (before the breakfast one) and Hubby and I are considering a new ministry. Satan must be attacking big time because that is all I know how to explain it. That and with several changes including a rearranging of my evenings, Captain Wiggles changing nap schedule, I'm beat and irritable. I'm pressing on regardless because I don't want to choose the right actions only when it feels good. For now it is 9pm and I am going to bed. Coincidentally the no TV week coincided with a big course Hubby is doing this...

Hubby a few weeks ago made breakfast for us and it was from scratch, biscuits and sausage gravy! My sweetie is so awesome. I very much appreciated it... obviously. Yum!

I've been studying this week on a three part concept from Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest; Co-Crucifixion, Co-Resurrection and Co-Eternal Life. I've been utilizing my commentaries to really get in depth into these three that are taken from Romans 6:5-11. I've been working my way through Co-Crucifixion. For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been free from sin . Romans 6:6 " It is...the greatest moment in your life once you decide that sin must die in you- not simply be restrained, suppressed or counteracted, but crucified - just as Jesus Christ died for the sin of the world. No one can bring any one else to this decision. We may be mentally and spiritually convinced, but what we need to do is actually make the decision that Paul urged us to do in this passage. Pull yourself up, take some time alone with God and make t...

There are a few different verses if not the overall book of Proverbs that makes it clear that who we spend the majority of our time with will shape who we are. That is why, if I could, I would include in my inner circle of friends the following people; C.S. Lewis (who starting at the age of four went by the name of Jack because he no long wanted to be known as Clive Staples), Oswald Chambers (whose devoted wife put together My Utmost for His Highest after his death, an compilation of sermons, notes and conversations so I include her as well), Ruth Bell Graham (you don't get to be Billie Graham without some kind of amazing woman to come along side you and I could learn a thing or two or ten), Priscilla Shirer (what God has revealed to this woman in her personal relationship with Him is infinite more than the majority of the people I know are even remotely interested in being aware of let alone embracing) Melissa Moore (a girl and her Greek & Hebrew translation, what I wouldn...

Dear Captain Wiggles, Today was the first day you walked away from me and you took a piece of my heart with you. Tears in my eyes and a new hurt in my heart, I watched you let go of my hand and walk away. We were walking together and then there you were all on your own. Slowly but surely, and faster than I care for it to happen, you will take more and more steps away from me. I will do my best to be your coach and your cheerleader but don't forget I have a mommy heart. So while I teach you to walk without me and praise you when you do, in my heart I will have tears and it will break a little bit more. I will hide my tears as best I can that they not burden you but rather I will let them fuel my fervent prayers that as you walk away from me you walk closer to Jesus. Do know that when the way is not clear and you are unsure or just need the comfort, my hand is always here open in waiting. And for always, while you hold one hand look over, Jesus is holding the other guiding us both on...

I am kicken ' my weekend off early joining the party over at Fingerprints on the Fridge with Rachel and the gang. Come on over and feature your own handy work or peruse the the handy work of others for ideas for yourself. The only thing better than buying cute jewelry is making it so this week while watching reruns of my favorite show, Ghost Whisper (I love Melinda Gordan's hair), I made myself some cluster rings. I would love to sell them eventually but need to get my skill sharpened a bit. Well, here are some of my super fun pearl cluster rings. I love OPI finger nail polishes. They always have such cute names so I thought, hey why not name jewelry too. This beauty is "Eggs All in One Basket"; I used a nontarnishing silver wire and wrapped several strands of wire for the band then added nine pink fresh water potato pearls and then wrapped the remainder of the wire for this basket look. This similar ring with seven pearls is "Sweet Tooth". "Oli...