tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51759778010945763172024-03-14T03:30:01.008-07:00Grandmommy's GemsA little of this and a little of that.Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-30585992545111689912013-10-27T14:20:00.000-07:002013-10-27T16:06:57.234-07:00Recovery, Rehab, Relaxed, and Read a Good BookI know you're all wondering, how is Karen doing, how did knee surgery go, what's for dinner, what time's the game. Don't worry, I know you care. Sorry I've been so long posting. It's not like I didn't have time while resting at home for six weeks. Well, it was a while before I felt like doing a lot. Seems like I slept as much as I stayed awake. And when I was awake, I exercised. <br />
<br />
This was 3 weeks after surgery. My therapist took the walker while I worked on my extension while walking. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6JskyvXBah4hYRo7s6wywGjF5a3hAQ-TeXPrejW7NLGAvTXJCtl7t805Z_P4H2HWu2LnbH9SmZu70Z6nq0sbfbBeluRVIXvnabau-YOA7GgU-5nPeTyfIYEWlSoDnqT6VzTg3S96Ytxo/s1600/IMG_5026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6JskyvXBah4hYRo7s6wywGjF5a3hAQ-TeXPrejW7NLGAvTXJCtl7t805Z_P4H2HWu2LnbH9SmZu70Z6nq0sbfbBeluRVIXvnabau-YOA7GgU-5nPeTyfIYEWlSoDnqT6VzTg3S96Ytxo/s400/IMG_5026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For all you wonderful people who have to suffer with Osteo-Arthritis and wonder if it's worth it to have knee surgery. I have to say yes, for me, it was worth every penny and pain. I am doing wonderful. </div>
<br />
My daughter and grand-daughter and I went to the zoo and walked for an hour and a half without me complaining once about my knee. We were both impressed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJfDiPz9Fcr8EhC66mT1QwFPmKt7ZVAu6mzKx6WW2II7IGd8A7c8qvW9fVZkdWGeXJ8PM67ruAxm3L8YXBPsFfWk1OzTLjcQpcl0_kUUbSd6yJjl1f19ncwbBlGiuPKRzneDOIFT-2GXw/s1600/IMG_5223+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJfDiPz9Fcr8EhC66mT1QwFPmKt7ZVAu6mzKx6WW2II7IGd8A7c8qvW9fVZkdWGeXJ8PM67ruAxm3L8YXBPsFfWk1OzTLjcQpcl0_kUUbSd6yJjl1f19ncwbBlGiuPKRzneDOIFT-2GXw/s400/IMG_5223+%25282%2529.JPG" width="397" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, there was the one time I climbed on a big step to get a pic of the gorilla and stepped down way too hard. Got it. He was very cooperative.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCDXoPgqBQegc9u-dLX9Eqp9gI8qrUB9hWzoG7ZDG0SaNyfarVhQTzKDYC5Z9bGNS-8Y7ffHaa4cWs64PcVc3U8cftIxL8uNkrcE3Du7F0QKiyjiShvou8awsMdEfu3W2dKaq5PXY0Bmv/s1600/IMG_5170+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCDXoPgqBQegc9u-dLX9Eqp9gI8qrUB9hWzoG7ZDG0SaNyfarVhQTzKDYC5Z9bGNS-8Y7ffHaa4cWs64PcVc3U8cftIxL8uNkrcE3Du7F0QKiyjiShvou8awsMdEfu3W2dKaq5PXY0Bmv/s400/IMG_5170+%25283%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I went up and down stairs and chose to do that instead of taking the ramps. I was so happy that I could walk. It was the best day ever. My daughter and I just followed our three year old wherever she wanted to go. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NFhu8lotal5JuzDZc1CzMC682hW_AZ6po7V35ozOVtivliH_ZYOE5j5s4cUeRBvJSsEp63U2kghh3ljy3aT6x0er19w5sTiPYhCkf37TWRuC8PP43Q6zsZ0C20m7KdYoyAH101CW21vy/s1600/IMG_5243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NFhu8lotal5JuzDZc1CzMC682hW_AZ6po7V35ozOVtivliH_ZYOE5j5s4cUeRBvJSsEp63U2kghh3ljy3aT6x0er19w5sTiPYhCkf37TWRuC8PP43Q6zsZ0C20m7KdYoyAH101CW21vy/s400/IMG_5243.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
So you have my recommendation and so does my doctor, Dr. Kurt Rathjen, in Dallas. If I need to replace my left knee, no problem. I will do it in a heartbeat. The trick is to exercise. I'm still in outpatient therapy but my doctor is so happy with my progress I almost got to skip it. I'm just working on range of motion to make it even better. I asked for aquatic therapy and I get to have a couple more days of it unless I can talk my therapist into letting me go longer. My favorite part of therapy is the warm water. Then we do land therapy and not so great but I love it. It feels so good when it's over. I have so much more energy. I have about six weeks of land therapy and I'll be ready to climb mountains.<br />
<br />
Now I don't know if Dr. Rathjen calls all of his patients, his Star Patient, but he was very pleased with me as was my home health therapist, Tara.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWhFanZ0_rSjfjrnEw6w9wCUuXu9lzh9PKNJV-vpvV8bxXl_Zh7UFtNywLhTZIhyK7YNRRXRburXq9D809BRRVXSdidyDUqNprc6SzKNwbKRkj7bxHJg2HZFCU9M7GE9PDrKWiNpce0R4/s1600/IMG_5079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWhFanZ0_rSjfjrnEw6w9wCUuXu9lzh9PKNJV-vpvV8bxXl_Zh7UFtNywLhTZIhyK7YNRRXRburXq9D809BRRVXSdidyDUqNprc6SzKNwbKRkj7bxHJg2HZFCU9M7GE9PDrKWiNpce0R4/s400/IMG_5079.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here is an after picture of the surgery. The scar isn't pretty but it's not too bad either. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEr7GCwr5uHYx7RDUEaYj43LP8TsJlMUxSAEEKwRI7L5l7_F7-ceen7rsGOdpitAsaNWaL0NFAhB3gjUtN0XIjADQNFWLsBsBeyfDz-8Ww8Bq7Cr8awYwGsTtD2wZKkNr5z_u4AgK1nryQ/s1600/20131027_144931+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEr7GCwr5uHYx7RDUEaYj43LP8TsJlMUxSAEEKwRI7L5l7_F7-ceen7rsGOdpitAsaNWaL0NFAhB3gjUtN0XIjADQNFWLsBsBeyfDz-8Ww8Bq7Cr8awYwGsTtD2wZKkNr5z_u4AgK1nryQ/s400/20131027_144931+(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I also had a little time while I was off work to learn how to use my new embroidery machine. It is a lot of fun to make new things and I'm getting very motivated to do even more. So look out, I'll be sharing some of my fun things I'm making. Here is the very first thing I made on my machine and got a few orders just posting them on my personal Facebook page. I would call it a unicorn but my 9 year old grand-daughter would argue it's an alacorn since it has wings. She wants a real one when she grows up. The 12 year old wants a live miniature giraffe. Yeah, we're not living in fairytale land over here, are we? <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUGxXSwxb4AKjCvm5AZt7fz9Yz-0vPzcp3Wje4pBIzw65EngdjpGpqRckdGSOVXkEZjhWvuNg-N6hnT2wxJNfkH0aM2HF5ghoxT_Q7HwiWFsNPJvQYNkoRwbABqdT3JEd9wJsctxLFlia/s1600/alacorn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUGxXSwxb4AKjCvm5AZt7fz9Yz-0vPzcp3Wje4pBIzw65EngdjpGpqRckdGSOVXkEZjhWvuNg-N6hnT2wxJNfkH0aM2HF5ghoxT_Q7HwiWFsNPJvQYNkoRwbABqdT3JEd9wJsctxLFlia/s400/alacorn1.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also played around doing fun doing things I don't normally have time to do. I have far too many hobbies but I love arts and crafts and wish I was as good at drawing as my naturally gifted 12 year old grand-daughter. But I ordered a couple of new books from Stephanie Corfee and here is my 9 year old grand-daughter I drew while sitting on my swing watching the girls play outside. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwy5JeP2HuczjtjoEGD_GEn50e7BCahakfiBISySHba1CjNaYY6bnch4rraXuocdRC-Z-VTGc5NMjIiZUR1BTIMdTxPA0T_7Gm9EO6MTBGURIA599PFX_5rHBzRYpl-0nmOLtAT5qIhHy6/s1600/Reace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwy5JeP2HuczjtjoEGD_GEn50e7BCahakfiBISySHba1CjNaYY6bnch4rraXuocdRC-Z-VTGc5NMjIiZUR1BTIMdTxPA0T_7Gm9EO6MTBGURIA599PFX_5rHBzRYpl-0nmOLtAT5qIhHy6/s400/Reace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Also, while I was off, I was on a book launch team for Mary DeMuth's new book, The Wall Around Your Heart. It is a wonderful book and helped me make a few changes in my own life. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJ5n1XN2FhPFh5xC7g86EhEDWjsxpKyLJsfuuxpHhmm0sJZ5DyVS9253WQzEOW55MAms5kiozJM0sCkjzpGtHAwh_iKNNUWQwKDRMaOrrxOihslzQywheR8449jpVqhffKU5ZucLCtutR/s1600/wallpin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJ5n1XN2FhPFh5xC7g86EhEDWjsxpKyLJsfuuxpHhmm0sJZ5DyVS9253WQzEOW55MAms5kiozJM0sCkjzpGtHAwh_iKNNUWQwKDRMaOrrxOihslzQywheR8449jpVqhffKU5ZucLCtutR/s320/wallpin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It addresses how we build walls to protect ourselves from hurt and pain but in doing so it closes us off to happiness. Also how to tear down those walls and heal from the pain. Some people don't even realize they have walls. It is very eye opening and a great inspiration. Awesome book and I highly recommend it as well. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="225" src="http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1172545_10151645032891300_1149975615_o.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can order it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400205212/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1400205212&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwrelevantpr-20" target="_blank">here</a>. Read posts <a href="http://openheartedpower.com/" target="_blank">here.</a> Check out some of the pins with quotes from the book <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/grandmommysgems/mary-demuth-openheart/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39G8lRlTRHjgSCv2U6n3_RUCOHLb4OHJjNAe9jkViOKEdRvKwD1Pgc06SSCwQDHL81-TUJRMG4Hbdqp3xuqz8ANNvEsFDvqVpFu7HxdIUANZ1HVUZ3w2nL22pkFXz2VDj43UJ4f_iyGfw/s1600/1157447_10151535217756300_1094429706_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39G8lRlTRHjgSCv2U6n3_RUCOHLb4OHJjNAe9jkViOKEdRvKwD1Pgc06SSCwQDHL81-TUJRMG4Hbdqp3xuqz8ANNvEsFDvqVpFu7HxdIUANZ1HVUZ3w2nL22pkFXz2VDj43UJ4f_iyGfw/s400/1157447_10151535217756300_1094429706_n.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
So that's about it. I started back to work on Monday and the wonderful friends that do what I do at other stores came in weekly and then made a two day job of cleaning up my office, boxing paperwork, and doing a major overhaul. They also had me caught up and ready to work. What a wonderful feeling to go back and not have 6 weeks worth of back paperwork. Plus, another friend I work with had been keeping up with most of the daily paperwork as well as some filing. I have such good friends and I am feeling very blessed. I have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to pay forward. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZ3pi7szQyo48n9Kp6DIRCePl8n1zYmp5p2NZCl2jUszfq3CVrELTAhmpWU9Q6T1oceYatkE36bXc58My1u9CaXasnO2R7GS6ulih645QKTHvAmcRWkaAYHUv_RumIhyyGCzIEeRBP35Z/s1600/IMG_5236+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZ3pi7szQyo48n9Kp6DIRCePl8n1zYmp5p2NZCl2jUszfq3CVrELTAhmpWU9Q6T1oceYatkE36bXc58My1u9CaXasnO2R7GS6ulih645QKTHvAmcRWkaAYHUv_RumIhyyGCzIEeRBP35Z/s640/IMG_5236+(3).JPG" width="378" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-36816553332340051012013-09-08T22:17:00.000-07:002013-09-09T06:22:14.424-07:00Tomorrow I Get a New KneeYep, out with the old and in with the new. I'm excited, a little concerned about pain but not too much. It won't hit me until I wake up and it's over and I'm freezing from the cold pack. I remember my Mom going through this a little over four years ago. She had both knees done (I wanted to do both, doctor didn't) and she was 20 years older than I am now. If she can do it and do so well, I know I can. She was a pretty tough bird and suffered far longer than I have but I told her I wasn't going to wait that long.<br />
<br />
She didn't want to leave her best friend with MS, Charlie, without someone to take care of him. I told her she needed to take care of herself, he had children that could take over while she recovered but she suffered and never quit going. I know she was in terrible pain, her legs became bow legged, she pushed herself from healthy to weak She didn't get the full benefit of her new knees. She passed away four years later last October and the last two years she was pretty much confined to wheel chair due to Orthostatic Hypotention. She was mad because she had new knees and couldn't use them.<br />
<br />
I want to go to the zoo with my grandkids and enjoy walking with them to see all the animals. I don't want to depend on someone having to push me around in a wheelchair. I'm tired of the pain and the limitations Osteo-Arthritis has put on my activities, my body, my enjoying my family. I want to go shopping and not have constantly find a chair to rest. <br />
<br />
I'm ready for a change for the better. <br />
<br />
So here is the old knee (hint: it's the right knee being replaced). Look at that monster of a knee. I'll have an ugly scar but it'll be worth it if I can walk better. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpiPCe5EtMb_xCIcvLCadPXKjKZo_zkhGak3dtZePG6CObL1njlZnpxILk0lZuZefEJIf3E1j54mrg5RHHw50WEb0XqgmokQ6ZzZT_EsjCD1bD8LohZK04ZsGKe9uUPfli8O5Z9M2gMI5/s1600/IMG_5024+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpiPCe5EtMb_xCIcvLCadPXKjKZo_zkhGak3dtZePG6CObL1njlZnpxILk0lZuZefEJIf3E1j54mrg5RHHw50WEb0XqgmokQ6ZzZT_EsjCD1bD8LohZK04ZsGKe9uUPfli8O5Z9M2gMI5/s320/IMG_5024+(2).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm also praying when I start walking better I can lose some weight and get even healthier but that's another story. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll keep you up-to-date on my progress. So it's after midnight so today's the day. Wish me luck and throw in some extra prayers for me this week. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks in advance. I have the blessed assurance that God is with me in all I do and He has a plan for my life. He is watching over me and already knows the outcome. </div>
Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-66519249061361340962013-08-25T19:12:00.000-07:002013-08-25T19:37:55.179-07:00First Day of School (Poem revisited)<span style="font-size: large;">I thought I would repost this poem I shared a couple of years ago. There is so much talk about the first day of school and friends that are teachers getting as excited and nervous as the kids. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is my oldest grandchild, Kaylyn's 2nd year in Middle School, going into 7th grade, so she's an old pro now. Her sister goes into 4th grade and baby sister has to wait two more years. My oldest grandson start's 5th grade and little brother is still home with Mom but he is so ready to learn he's already reading his colors. He's been messaging me on Facebook for a year now typing out the words he already knows and he's only four. What can I say, all my grandkids are geniuses. I bet yours are too. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So here is a poem I wrote for teachers on this auspicious occasion. Especially, first year teachers. You will do just great. I'm sure of it<strike>.</strike></span><br />
<strike></strike><br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">First Day of School</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: large;">By Karen Arthur</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">May 2009</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As you watch their little feet<br />Pad across to their new seat,<br />You have a tiny, little panic attack.<br />But don’t sell yourself short,<br />Just show them love from your heart,<br />For they are willing to give that love back.<br /><br />Little Mary in row two,<br />Looks like she’s ready to,<br />Give up her lunch before the bell rings.<br />And poor Johnny over there,<br />Is asking you, “What’s a square?”<br />After explaining it 12 times it seems.<br /><br />As they march out this first day,<br />Backpacks dragging all the way,<br />All you can think now is “How did I do?”<br />Just ask the parents if you dare,<br />They’ll let you know how you fared,<br />And how much each little angel loves you.<br /><br />With lots of hugs and a some prayer,<br />They learn so much from you there,<br />While today you helped mold their little minds.<br />It may be the just the first day,<br />But what you both take away,<br />Will be remembered for each one’s lifetime.</span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span> </div>
Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-27242668965967720222013-07-02T14:02:00.001-07:002013-07-02T14:02:34.589-07:00God is With Me<div style="text-align: center;">
I woke up with these words in my head Saturday. I wrote it down and then read it at our ladies meeting Saturday morning. Then that I gave it to my Friend at her 75th birthday party that night. I'm going to reprint it on pretty paper and frame it for her. Val has been my best friend for almost 30 years and I call her my angel. No matter what I need, she is there to take care of it and I do the same for her. So I thought I would share this special poem with you. I hope it speaks to you as it did to me. Remember, God is always with us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love, Karen (Grandmommy)</div>
<br />
<div class="WordSection1">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">God Is With Me<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="WordSection2">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is beauty in the sunrise<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And the misty morning dew,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Creatures scamper here and there,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lord, that’s how I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">See</b> you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span><br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Children screaming in the sprinklers<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Laughing, "Look what I can do?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Calling, "Mommy did you see me?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lord, that’s how I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hear</b> you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span><br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Breezes brushing on my shoulders<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rain splashing on my shoe.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Basking in the warm sunlight,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lord, that’s how I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Feel </b>you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span><br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Touch</b> me in the shadows,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Talk </b>me through my pain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Feel</b> You in the paths I take,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good or bad, You love me just the
same.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I look to You for guidance </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I pray I understand.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your Word is my deliverance,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Your Will is my command.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-9171177770651829272013-05-19T14:49:00.003-07:002013-05-19T14:49:40.599-07:00Where Has the Time Gone?I just realized it's been 5 months since I posted on my blog. It has been such a busy year I guess time just flew by. In Dec I had a routine CT scan that ended up adding a PET scan, an abdominal biopsy, a visit to an infectious disease doctor, a MRI, and a bone biopsy on my spine and now that it's all said and done . . . I don't have cancer. Which is good news, Praise the Lord. I could have done without the stress and pokes and exposure to radiation but I'm glad to know I'm still going to live. <br />
<br />
I do have Sarcoidosis but that's another story. Just an inconvenience. <br />
<br />
So since I've missed saying it, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's Day, Happy St. Patrick's Day, Happy Easter, Happy Mother's Day. And in case I miss it, Happy Memorial and Father's Day. So many days to celebrate, so little time.<br />
<br />
I feel like I can get back to living. I am finally really learning to play the guitar. I took one lesson from a gentleman at church who is graciously giving free lessons (it said youth but some of us oldies showed up). I am so excited, I went right out and bought a new guitar for me for Mother's Day and got my Honey's fixed up for him. I have practiced every day since our first lesson and my fingers are getting numb. Funny how they develop a callous but you can still feel the pain pressing on those strings. I asked for soft strings but got some eye rolls instead. (Okay, I missed two days practicing but made up for it the next day.) The reason I am so excited is I've tried this several times before and never made it past a day without giving up. Maybe two but I don't think so. Apparently, since I am more familiar with pain, I'm like what? You called this pain. This is nothing. I must have been such a wuss. <br />
<br />
My daughter and I went to three craft shows in the last 6 weeks. We set up selling cutesy stuff to next season's cheerleaders. Autumn did awesome. I, on the other hand, gave out a lot of business cards. I expect those to pay off closer to football season. Finger's crossed. I am making big, bead spirit jewelry and have a blast doing it. I am so obsessive compulsive that I just ordered more beads than my drawers can hold. No problem, I have empty folger's jars waiting. That's called positive thinking.<br />
<br />
The craft room has been completely moved around and it is in pretty good shape finally. No, it's not totally finished but we had to make some real crafts to justify taking over the entire den and dining room. <br />
<br />
I'll post pics on my next post. I have to run to church for a Lady's Ministry Kick-Off. Since our oven is not working I'm taking a pack of cookies leftover from Children's Church this morning. Chewy Chips Ahoy, I don't think anyone will complain. I just hope they make it to church still unopened. <br />
<br />
Have a blessed week. Or 5 months but I promise I'll be back before I let it go that long again. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-85159554087333941582012-12-17T20:38:00.003-08:002012-12-17T20:49:33.306-08:00When I Get to HeavenThe story of Newtown, Connecticut is all over the news and our hearts are full of sorrow for the families that lost loved ones, the town that is having to deal with this horrid disaster, and the victims who's lives were cut short before their time. We know they are with Jesus and are not feeling any pain, totally opposite to what we are feeling.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I get a lot of Facebook posts for prayers and I have followed some stories of children that have been going through different illnesses, some from abuse, and how brave they are and I have been uplifted by the faith of the parents going through the anguish and cried with them. Last week one of these little children, a beautiful angel born with SMA, Briley Faith, gently left her mother and father's arms and moved to her new homes straight into the arms of Jesus. I was so sad that she wasn't healed on Earth, yet rejoiced that she was healed perfect in Heaven. In her short two months here she touched so many lives, including mine.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Four years ago another child, Peyton, crossed over on the same day I found out I had breast cancer. Somehow following Peyton's story helped me get through my struggle. She was so brave after discovering she at leukemia at only four years of age, how could I complain. Peyton's aunt said she was my angel to help me through it. I thought of Peyton often. I never met her, her aunt was on one of my Yahoo groups and had asked for prayer. We sent gifts to Peyton and her brother and followed her story while praying for her daily. Just one example of how the Internet has enriched our lives. Being blessed by some really great people and also, hopefully, having the honor of touching other's lives. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When little Briley Faith (what a great name for such a beautiful little girl) crossed over, the beginning lines of a poem began swirling in my head. The words kept coming back to me over and over. And then the shooting happened. The same lines bore into my brain and I had stop what I was doing, sit down, and finish this poem that God put on my heart to write. It was around 11 p.m. and I finished it at 2 in the morning. So this poem is dedicated to Briley Faith and the 20 children that crossed over last week. I have cried buckets of tears and I know tears have flowed through most of America and across the globe even. I've prayed many prayers for the health of our country, Briley's parents, and also for everyone involved in the tragedy and my prayer today is that this poem will somehow touch you and give you comfort. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Please feel free to share this page with your friends. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
God's Playground</h3>
<div>
by Karen Arthur</div>
<div>
written December 15th, 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I get to Heaven I want first to see,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s beautiful playground where the children will be.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some were abused, many ill, others shot</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few came together, in accidents, some not.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to hug all and give them a kiss.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll let them know how on Earth they were missed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know that Jesus will be there as well<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Holding the children with stories to tell.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll take their hand as I sit on the ground<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With all of the children gathered around.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ll take turns sharing about how they arrived,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll tell them each one has changed many lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll comfort them then and I’ll let them know<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their parents were sad when they had to go.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But they’ll be here someday and to not dismay,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll be there for them until that great day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t be discouraged, each child’s life has a plan,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let God’s love surround you while you hold their hand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And if one is taken by sickness or hate,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They’ll be playing in Heaven right close to the gate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Watching and waiting for us to appear,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And remember in Heaven there’s never a fear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I’ll head to the playground to meet them someday<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Excited and happy, I’m coming to play. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-68631995980901490592012-11-12T10:25:00.001-08:002012-11-12T14:49:25.654-08:00Thank you Veterans, Veteran’s Day 2012<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dEk5s_z0PeE/UKE_IxHV0mI/AAAAAAAAAjE/vU7IQXBIm50/s1600-h/IMG_4208%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4208" border="0" height="254" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--u6ijbjUs4w/UKE_JZUdcxI/AAAAAAAAAjM/hB7YUl9ViUg/IMG_4208_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4208" width="379" /></a><br />
Yesterday our church dedicated three new flagpoles in front of our church to our veterans and active servicemen. It was a beautiful ceremony and honored our 84 year old member of Trinity Life Baptist Church and WWII veteran Carl Wood. He is a really sweet guy and funny. When he spoke he started at his birth and covered his 94 years but it wasn’t too long, he was great. He also worked at the Veteran’s Hospital for thirty years after he got out of the Army, the last three as the director (head honcho). I, for one, am very impressed. I’ve only known him as a sweet old retiree. He even worked at Sam’s Club thirteen years after he retired from the hospital opting not to sit home but staying busy. If he had not begun losing his eyesight he would probably still be working. We were even on Channel 4 news at 9 last night. Well, not me but Mike made it on there along with quite a few members and of course, Carl and his lovely daughter, Barbara Ripley (they kept calling her Riley so I wanted to set that record straight). <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p_nKyAzz1pc/UKE_J8rtwmI/AAAAAAAAAjU/YCS-BA7aKBk/s1600-h/IMG_4155%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4155" border="0" height="408" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P28OoyqWvjk/UKE_KTqXpmI/AAAAAAAAAjc/XfVngzk43aw/IMG_4155_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4155" width="273" /></a><br />
<br />
My husband was asked to speak during the first service. The Senior pastor who was not in the first service told me three people came up and told him how moving Mike’s speech was so he asked him to speak again at the second service. I’m so proud of my husband for so many reasons and one of them is his heart for God. He wore his uniform and looked so dashing. The picture above is just as he said amen in the dismissal prayer. So Pastor was not being disrepectful by not bowing his head. The other pic had him looking at his watch so I thought this one was better. Didn't want you to think Mike was a longwinded pray-er. Then we moved outside for the dedication and he was asked to pray again. Guess Pastor Russell thought he need to get prayed up. <br />
<br />
Here is his speech from the first service in case you missed it or just want to hear from a veteran in the Viet Nam era about his service experience. Believe me, it’s worth it.<br />
<div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:644bd620-3d77-4518-a882-6853c0132ec5" style="display: inline; float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div id="c358d7dc-8edc-4571-8e62-94115c5436ae" style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIlZmsxTNNw&feature=plcp" target="_new"><img alt="" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('c358d7dc-8edc-4571-8e62-94115c5436ae'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/uIlZmsxTNNw?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/uIlZmsxTNNw?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UMVgAlIqin0/UKE_K5RrWXI/AAAAAAAAAjk/wbOjmhluUOo/video58d19d4445d3%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="clear: both; font-size: 0.8em; width: 448px;">
Mike speaking</div>
</div>
<br />
Background data, Mike and I knew each all our lives because our dad’s worked together. When he was stationed in Japan, he wrote a letter to my dad and mailed it to the house. He said if anyone in your family would like to write, I’d love to get letters from home. Mom swore he was aiming that at me which I knew she was crazy but I wrote to him anyway because I’ve always had a bit of a crush on him anyway. You know, the older man and all. So that’s how we ended up married. It was love at first letter. <br />
<br />
We are from a family of servers. My dad was in the army and went to India, Mike’s dad was in the Army Air force and went to Italy, Mike's mom was in the Marines and went to Hawaii as a pastry chef, and my son went to Egypt and Iraq as a medic. And we have lots of friend that served as well. The picture below is from church yesterday. My husband is the one in uniform next to the lady in the red blouse (that’s me) and my friend, Val, is standing in front of me, her husband Joe was in the Air Force. The lady next to Val holding the baby is Jill. She has three boys and her husband Jonathan has been to Afghanistan so many times I’ve lost count but he is at this moment in the states on his way home for good. He has or is receiving a medal (or medals) for saving the lives of many people in a suicide attack on our service men not too long ago. He was injured as well but made it back to keep fighting. Praise God for his bravery and service. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fUD2V5GT1rk/UKE_LX7B7XI/AAAAAAAAAjs/PwM-iDqSNRM/s1600-h/veterans%252520day%252520tlc%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="veterans day tlc" border="0" height="331" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZSaVaYf-8ig/UKE_L3xD81I/AAAAAAAAAj0/A9EDS2L0cto/veterans%252520day%252520tlc_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="veterans day tlc" width="440" /></a><br />
<br />
So today, on this Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2012, I say thank you to all our veterans and active duty service members for serving our country. Thank you for the sacrifices you’ve had to make and thank you to the families for their sacrifice as well, and sometimes the ultimate sacrifice. Our country would not be free today were it not for our men and women who serve. Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-47648511368933957772012-11-02T20:42:00.001-07:002012-11-04T06:48:22.782-08:00Good News is Meant to be Shared<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you don't believe in prayer, let me be a testimony to God's grace and answered prayer. <br /><br />I was up until 1:00 a.m. looking for a very important paper. First, I looked in the last place I remembered keeping it (my sewing chair compartment under the cushion). Then the next place where I keep important documents, (the jar on my dresser) then the third (several different places I have files like actual drawers). No luck, so then I just tore up the house searching through drawers, closets, bins, book shelves, and more files while keeping my poor husband from having a good night's sleep. I looked in the living room bookcases, the craft room drawers, buckets of junk, any possible place I could have put this huge envelope with an important document. I wouldn't have put it just anywhere. . Would I?</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBT8Kum_bNLshMOseVh-EhO4MlIUSGnGbXjcPcmCOscBAgLj9KY-kkPL_kVvBJjSrOuCTInOGL4IFXnR7KWAOLGluaG4PFB-LJ_h2lDgZ5GYB9b4olgvdjS2zsChH21QJZbWZ9e4qfXto/s1600/IMG_3868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBT8Kum_bNLshMOseVh-EhO4MlIUSGnGbXjcPcmCOscBAgLj9KY-kkPL_kVvBJjSrOuCTInOGL4IFXnR7KWAOLGluaG4PFB-LJ_h2lDgZ5GYB9b4olgvdjS2zsChH21QJZbWZ9e4qfXto/s400/IMG_3868.JPG" width="400" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Finally, sweating and exhausted I went to bed. I was praying the whole time. I tried to let my mind relax so God could send me a mental telegram, audio, visual, some sort of message of where to look. I had a fleeting moment of a placing it in a shallow type box and it was gone. Of course, I know I had it in the chair and it's a shallow type box. So much for that glimpse. <br />
<br />
The next morning I checked a couple of places I thought of that I might have missed in my ravaging of our crowded, full of junk, space. Nothing. I called Autumn when I got to work after the girls had been delivered to school, and she began looking as well. The first place she checked while on the phone to me was the same spot I had already looked. Under the sewing chair cushion. Yes, not the best place for important papers but it was so important I knew it was safe there, no one ever looks in it. It doesn't have much in it and so not that hard to look inside. We both lifted the two round boards and shuffled the two doilies around. Nothing. Like it was going to materialize. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTq6odrjh7Jy5f1wNG_LQpoKclwWwoPPuSD3cN5_9iXKTHLk5eTQg3zkITg5k7038nB95wGX4XuoMAxxWupWP3F0B-GzlfNQa7dRTd2x5HFovOKOe0b7CrC5iYELSsB94b0dG68r7JzEk/s1600/IMG_3866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTq6odrjh7Jy5f1wNG_LQpoKclwWwoPPuSD3cN5_9iXKTHLk5eTQg3zkITg5k7038nB95wGX4XuoMAxxWupWP3F0B-GzlfNQa7dRTd2x5HFovOKOe0b7CrC5iYELSsB94b0dG68r7JzEk/s320/IMG_3866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I talked to Mike on my way home for lunch and told him about how I need that document and I know God will take care of it so please pray that I find it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Just before I hung up, Mike said, "I'll say a prayer." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I said "Great." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">So I hang up and stand in my sewing room scanning all the possible hiding places I could have stuck a large envelope that could be brown, white, or not even that large, it could be over sized letter envelope. I just knew it was in an envelope. I say to Autumn, the last place I kept it was in that chair. Mom and I took it out one day and looked at it so I thought I moved it to the bedroom to a drawer for safe keeping. Yet, I looked in the drawers and didn't find it. <br />
<br />
After all my prayers for God to show me where to look, I just had to look one more time in the chair. I opened it and still, no envelope. Like I said, hardly nothing is in the chair anymore. I picked up the boards, nothing, moved the two doilies on a card. Nothing. I start to put the boards down when something white caught my eye. An envelope folded in two. Not small, just a large envelope folded over. I grabbed it, looked at Autumn with wonder in my eyes. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3viLwk6bkGBPfQe6dCmjJkKEVmzhhoPca6gr0yf-6xTRYi_dnNobnxbh9esGW_kum-obG0k6g2eHKAVDsRZxDflw1fFlKuS9oPISvfpH9kLi5etu5JWnYlYAY2sIQ0vbs07HwZNHjR5-g/s1600/IMG_3867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3viLwk6bkGBPfQe6dCmjJkKEVmzhhoPca6gr0yf-6xTRYi_dnNobnxbh9esGW_kum-obG0k6g2eHKAVDsRZxDflw1fFlKuS9oPISvfpH9kLi5etu5JWnYlYAY2sIQ0vbs07HwZNHjR5-g/s320/IMG_3867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">"Is that it?" She asked. </span><span style="font-size: small;">I knew it was it the minute I saw the flash of white. She exclaimed, "I looked there! I even lifted the boards, too." <br />
<br />
"I know," I said, "So did I." I thought I did anyway.<br />
<br />
I am here to tell you, I serve an Awesome God. A Supernatural God. If that envelope was there, it was invisible to our human eyes but for whatever reason, it was there right before I dropped the cushion down. God answered our prayers. I immediately texted Mike. We had been off the phone for maybe 30 seconds. "I found it!" <br />
<br />
"Great, that's wonderful." He texted back. I couldn't stand it, I had to call. Good news is meant to be shared. Not just texted! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Do not tell me God isn't real. He is my Savior, my Salvation, and my Mentor. <br />
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Without Him I could do nothing<br />
Without Him I'd surely fail<br />
Without Him I would be drifting<br />
Like a ship without a sail.<br />
<br />
Without Him I would be dying<br />
Without Him I'd be enslaved<br />
Without Him life would be worthless<br />
But with Jesus thank God I'm saved.<br />
<br />
Oh Jesus, oh Jesus<br />
Do you know Him today<br />
Please don't turn Him away<br />
Oh Jesus, my Jesus<br />
Without Him how lost I would be<br />
Without Him how lost I would be.<br />
<br />
A dear friend of Mom's passed away this week. I can just imagine the joy and excitement in Heaven when she appeared at the Pearly Gates. I know Mom was front and center and shouting, "Welcome Gladys!" louder than anybody. And Glady's precious husband Paul planting a big ol' kiss on her angelic lips. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's a little poem I just wrote. Hope you like it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Time slowly passed,<br />
On Earth, nothing lasts.<br />
There's the inevitable signs of aging.<br />
The wrinkles now show,<br />
Aching muscles go slow,<br />
And politics on the news is enraging.<br />
Morals are slack,<br />
The leaders laid back.<br />
The State of the world is a horror.<br />
If God hadn't promised<br />
He surely would vomit<br />
Destruction like on Sodom and Gomorrah.<br />
But His promise He gave<br />
And by dying He saved<br />
All us sinners just for the asking,<br />
For forgiveness of sin<br />
It's the ticket to win<br />
Life with Jesus Christ everlasting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
Like I said, <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Good news is meant to be shared.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-16146156442102328752012-10-10T23:41:00.001-07:002012-11-03T21:31:51.417-07:00Goodbye Mom, For Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclOuIjoDN7ezgiZOo-vufY8kO9uDWVTmdt9X2MqZyPYxGriPZQcZVc_Wu1fZwfCIV6z_4X-qwiRF9l_nJRtusP7noBmxmAuLKAJzBOp7AQfbki6x398tk11AgItHk9hPxXSFxjE0LrOpD/s1600/nanny+wflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclOuIjoDN7ezgiZOo-vufY8kO9uDWVTmdt9X2MqZyPYxGriPZQcZVc_Wu1fZwfCIV6z_4X-qwiRF9l_nJRtusP7noBmxmAuLKAJzBOp7AQfbki6x398tk11AgItHk9hPxXSFxjE0LrOpD/s1600/nanny+wflowers.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Mom crossed over into Glory Land early this morning. The phone rang and I missed the call by the time I pulled off the CPAP machine and found my phone. I rang it back as Mike's cell began to ring. On my phone the nurse at the hospital asked me to come to the hospital regarding my mother. <br />
<br />
I asked if she had passed and she said, "I'm sorry, yes ma'am she did. Do you want to see her?" <br />
<br />
I said, "Yeah, we'll be right there." Thinking this must be normal although nothing seemed normal right then. I didn't cry, I felt relief. She was on her deathbed and I didn't want her to suffer. <br />
<br />
Mike's call was the hospice nurse Andrea. She gave me the details as they had been given to her and my head was kind of spinning while trying to get dressed and get on my way. Then the social worker called as we were leaving the house or as we got to the hospital. Not really sure now but I told her we knew and thanks for the call. <br />
<br />
When we arrived, they ushered us into room 218 where Mom looked like she did when I left her, except her chest was no longer going up and down. I watched her breathing all week to make sure she was still with us. Occasionally she would moan, choke a little, but mostly just sleep. The pink had left her cheeks and her skin was getting cold but still touchable. I stroked her cheek and told her I loved her as tears rolled down mine. <br />
<br />
It is a relief to know Mom is now praising Jesus in Heaven. I know she was met at the gate by my Granny and Grand-dad, Dad, Charlie, her best friend after Dad and Granny went to Heaven, and so many others too numerous to name. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiBueMkYqd5SUsSGOD3L63y1120Wiognr5EPY2psCj9MYgaSJFF1rkawUeYzD1fN9_n6jaEp11w9Pjdw4iYagJ8ym1_FRG0AMy9Y1FhaySf-qxZd0IR6E1dh8iVJMPsh5jP0pw4mJ5mHr/s1600/glamour+nanny4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiBueMkYqd5SUsSGOD3L63y1120Wiognr5EPY2psCj9MYgaSJFF1rkawUeYzD1fN9_n6jaEp11w9Pjdw4iYagJ8ym1_FRG0AMy9Y1FhaySf-qxZd0IR6E1dh8iVJMPsh5jP0pw4mJ5mHr/s320/glamour+nanny4.jpg" width="229" /></a>No one wants to lose a loved one but no one wants to see that loved one suffer. It's is a hard thing to do, but it was good for me to spend the last few weeks spending extra time with Mom. She lived with us but we are always so busy with life that we don't often slow down and spend time just talking. I spent every lunch hour at the nursing home or hospital and every night someone went by to visit and keep her in the present and out of the scary other worlds her mind took her. She had some good days and some bad nights. Mom had always had a sharp mind. She was a crack crossword puzzle solver so it was hard for her to lose her memories. And she knew it was happening. She had moments of normal followed by fear and confusion then back to normal but she remembered much of the confusion as real. Then she'd realize she was losing it. She told me two weeks ago when she got her ability to talk back briefly, "I didn't want to go this way." Heartbreaking.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlqyRMMtNQS5cgsDu_fWWIXR7ItXqAQIASNjDGyUFOivzp73oWO2r768LjIF5h20zdD50yV11f7od8rL7sywnPBeRNzfWJ-BOXdQQ0XzAEwzkkj8H7pdC3LBFf0jxPYHBHyxdA8xcJqME/s1600/blue+dress+nanny5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlqyRMMtNQS5cgsDu_fWWIXR7ItXqAQIASNjDGyUFOivzp73oWO2r768LjIF5h20zdD50yV11f7od8rL7sywnPBeRNzfWJ-BOXdQQ0XzAEwzkkj8H7pdC3LBFf0jxPYHBHyxdA8xcJqME/s320/blue+dress+nanny5.jpg" width="192" /></a>If I have one takeaway from this experience to share with others, it is this; spend time with your loved ones. Go visit your parents, visit with your children, call your friends, stop and smell the roses, then pick some and take them to someone who needs a little cheer in their life. Life is too short to be mad, sad, rushing, fearful or confused. Mom ended up very confused with dementia but you could see her personality even in her confusion. Be careful how you live because all of your traits, good or bad, are magnified when your mind starts to fade a little. I want to be happy, do good, make a difference, be at peace, so when someday should I get dementia, forgetfulness, or confusion, let my true self show through with beauty, grace, and no fear. I want my legacy to be, Karen gave of herself and her heart was full of love. I want to be a giver like my Mom. No one could go hungry around her, she'd give off her own plate. Literally, "Here, eat this. I won't eat it." Even if she just took her first bite.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdYtT_rWqlYU5PyG0DxNafF0WiHQENGsw_SmETgeI3VyHfTLiVztSJ9kdTm9Ugt0uxpQ53XBgqc6Y5iDufx8gn2zmQRho7RvTaY0O_pnWEnlUM2Eus9X-JSji8lVMkDNPFMb2g01sf3wB/s1600/mom+dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdYtT_rWqlYU5PyG0DxNafF0WiHQENGsw_SmETgeI3VyHfTLiVztSJ9kdTm9Ugt0uxpQ53XBgqc6Y5iDufx8gn2zmQRho7RvTaY0O_pnWEnlUM2Eus9X-JSji8lVMkDNPFMb2g01sf3wB/s320/mom+dad.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
I know Mom is at perfect peace now and full of joy. That is how I see her, with her beautiful smile, young and dancing with my dad. I told her when she gets to Heaven, Dad and Charlie will be fighting over her. She laughed at that. She was blessed to have found love twice and nursed them both in their sicknesses. Dad passed away at 52 with cancer and Charlie suffered from MS their whole courtship. Mom was a caregiver so it was hard for her to accept our care giving to her. Always stubborn and self sufficient, she hated being dependent on anyone. Unless, it suited her. I sometimes think she saw herself as queen and us her subjects. Ha! Yes, at times we butted heads but we loved her and she loved us with all her heart. She would do anything for her kids or grand kids if it was in her power and sometimes even if it wasn't.<br />
<br />
Mom loved her Bingo. She had Bingo friends that she missed dearly since she hadn't been able to go in a year. She had church friends from forever that she still talked to often. I grew up sitting in the laps of her, dad, and all of their friends while they slammed dominoes on the table boasting their victories. Mom was a ferocious player. She liked to win and she was good. My brother and I grew up playing with Mom and Dad in every kind of game such as 42, pinnochle, hearts, spades, even double nines, tri-ominoes and anything else we could find to play. As Randy got older we had to hog tie him to play with us but Mike came along and we became partners with Mom and Dad in the weekly games. We were just like the old folks playing dominoes. As a kid we had fun vacations and always had our games with us to keep us busy in case of rain. Mike and I continued that tradition even to this day we take extra things to do or play. That may be why I love rain and don't mind rainy vacations.<br />
<br />
Autumn just brought me a Grandmother's Memories book that we gave Mom and we didn't know she had filled it out. Oh my, now this brought tears to my eyes reading her memories. Pastor Russell asked me tonight if she had a favorite bible verse and I didn't remember one. Here it is in the book.<br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<h3>
2 Timothy 1:12</h3>
<h3>
<div class="txt-sm">
King James Version (KJV)</div>
</h3>
</div>
<h3>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<span class="text 2Tim-1-12" id="en-KJV-29822"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">12 b</span></sup> for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.</span></div>
</h3>
</div>
<div class="passage version-NKJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<br />
I had some tears reading some of her answers.<br />
<br />
I know there is a God because<br />
<strong> I feel His presence.</strong><br />
I believe when I go to Heaven <br />
<strong>I will meet my loved ones face to face</strong>.<br />
An important lesson I hope all my children and grandchildren learn<br />
<strong>To always be honest, serve the Lord, and be kind to one another.</strong><br />
Someone who helps me be a better Christian today<br />
<strong>Your Grandmommy (me)</strong><br />
<strong> PePaw Charlie (her companion for 25 years)</strong><br />
Something I have learned about getting along with others<br />
<strong> Do not criticize, be a good listener, which sometimes I'm not because I guess I want to talk. </strong><br />
<strong> (anyone who knows my Mom knows this is TRUE.)</strong><br />
My best friend now <br />
<strong>Actually I have always said your Grandmommy is not only my daughter, but also my </strong><br />
<strong> best </strong><strong>friend, which I think she is.</strong><br />
<br />
Nuggets of silver and gold left behind for us to find. <br />
<br />
Thank you Mom. I will always love and miss you.<br />
<br />
So Goodbye. For now. I'll meet you on the other side.<br />
<br />
</div>
</div>
Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-17553544907366141902012-10-09T18:15:00.001-07:002012-10-09T18:32:07.030-07:00Waiting for GodWhat a difference a few days make. Mom seemed to be getting better but I think it was a nice gift. Mom was able to talk for a day and a little the next day. It was blessing and we were able to try to calm her fears. The dementia or brain damage is causing her body to fail.<br />
<br />
The doctors advised against a feeding tube to prolong her life but really we didn't want to prolong her suffering. They assured us the dementia would prevent her from being hungry. She is in the hospital but they are discharging her Thursday and we are taking her home to her house and she will be under 24 hour hospice care. My brother will come into town tomorrow night and will stay with her until she crosses over into the Promised Land. <br />
<br />
I had a meltdown at the hospital today and ended up not going back to work. They were simply ignoring her and she seemed to be choking so I went and asked if they ever checked on her. They simply didn't seem to care one way or the other. I asked the tech if he ever observed her to see if she was choking or her breathing and he said, "I don't have time." In a very how dare you expect me to waste my time taking care of a patient that is dying kind of voice. At least that's how I felt. I asked him if his intention was to just let her suffer and die? I know she's dying but this is supposed to be comfort care, not I get to be comfortable while you suffer care. I told them they may as well put a pillow over her face since they were just letting her choke. So ridiculous. Be very adamant with your loved ones. We have to be their advocates when they can't speak for themselves. <br />
<br />
Needless to say, I went balistic, told him the get the respiratory therapist to suction her mouth and he came back and said she's coming but she doesn't think she can do anything since she's on hospice. So when she came, I went balistic on her and she said she can't do it if the doctor doesn't order it. I said, "So, you're telling me that if a patient in this hospital is choking to death, you're just going to let them die because the doctor didn't order it?" She didn't want to put a tube down her throat in case she started bleeding. I said just suction her mouth and get the gunk out of it so it doesn't roll down her throat and choke her to death. I used a choice word or two to get my point across. Not proud of it but she got the stuff and set it up. Don't mess with me when I'm taking care of my Mama or my kids and I'm sure if my hubby is in that position, I might stomp on someone's head. Just sayin'. I may go redneck on them.<br />
<br />
I already had the hospice nurse on the phone and she was appalled at their behavior and came right out as she was about to come anyway and the social worker came out to tell me the hospital caled that they were going to discharge her today. By now, I'm about to lose it and already told Nurse Andrea that my brother was coming Thursday and we could take her home if necessary. She deemed her 24 hour care and they began calling the idiot lady who said they were kicking her out. My poor Mom had already been kicked out of the rehab (they wouldn't let us bring her back Sunday), kicked out of Baylor so to speak but that's whole other story, and now kicked out of Dallas Regional (I do NOT recommend this hospital after our treatment). On the other hand, I should have stayed at Baylor since I had an option at the time but I let someone else push me to make a different decision that I now regret.<br />
<br />
My pastors came out and I think they may have heard Pastor Russell ask if I had a good lawyer. They were very comforting and offered any help if I need it. Prayed for Mom before they left. <br />
<br />
The nurse spoke to the tech who never apologized to me even though she said he felt bad about it but it was very hectic at that time. Funny, when I went and got him he was sitting down behind the desk. The doctor said she's had trouble with him before and wanted me to lodge a complaint but I think Nurse Andrea did it for me. I don't want to complain on someone that is taking care of my Mom. At least not until after we've left. He did make a 180 and was very much kinder after that. <br />
<br />
So the doctor came in (our nursing home doctor is the hospital doctor) and said the hospital wanted to discharge her because there was some kind of inappropriate admission and she said we don't have to worry about it, we won't get a bill, the hospice people will have to take care of it. So Mom's staying until Thursday and then going home to her house. I really hope she makes it because all she really has ever wanted to do is to go home. And if she doesn't make it that long, then she will truly be going Home to her Heavenly Father. So it's all good. <br />
<br />
Praying she makes it and we are all around her to say goodbye at that time when God takes her to her Forever Home. <br />
<br />
Mama, I love you and I'm going to miss you like everything but you'll be so happy in Heaven with Dad and Charlie, Grannie and Grand-dad and everyone else that's waiting at the Pearly Gates right now because they know you're coming soon. <3 Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-54972846658478800692012-10-05T16:59:00.002-07:002012-10-05T16:59:59.682-07:00One Step Forward, Two Steps Back<span style="font-size: small;">I decided to move my FB updates on Mom to my blog since they are getting longer and longer. <br />
<br />
Mom can now talk again. Not perfect but I can understand her most of the time. She's scared. She started crying and said, "I have cancer."<br />
<br />
Autumn and I said, "No you don't"<br />
<br />
She argued, "Yes, I do!! I am dying." <br />
<br />
I told her we're all dying but I would tell her if she had cancer. We had to get the nurse in there and I think we may have her convinced for now. She was great and explained everything to her about why she is there and what they are treating her for and she seemed to understand. I may have to tell her again and again. Her biggest fear my whole life has been that she'll get cancer. It was kind of a joke. My dad said once, "Billie's always been afraid she'd get cancer and I'm the one that got it." He passed away at 52 and she is 83 and still afraid of cancer. I told her I had cancer and I'm still here, but you don't even have it so quit worrying about it. Everytime she has an issue, she says, I bet it's cancer. She actually did have skin cancer but not bad. <br />
<br />
Still, she does have a clue about what is happening to her. She has always been sharp as a tack. Only a year ago she did every crossword puzzle she could find. She told me later, "I don't want to die." I told her it was up to her and God, I don't have anything to do with it but she has a lot of people waiting for her and it'll be a wonderful. happy place and she has no reason to be afraid because she accepted Jesus as her Savior. I alos told her that until then, we are doing everything we can to keep her comfortable and well.<br />
<br />
Very hard to see your mother so frightened and not really in her right mind. At least she can verbalize now and we know what she's feeling and can talk to her about her fears. <br />
<br />
Most of the time she's smiling and happy. Last night she was breathing pretty heavy but today seemed much better. They give her Dilauded for comfort to help with the breathing, I don't think she's in any pain. She has moments of different personalities, they're all hers, just sort of separated into different groups. The scared Billie, the almost childlike Billie, the tired Billie, and knocked out Billie. <br />
<br />
I asked if she wanted me to read some more of the book I've been reading to her. She smiled big and said, "Yes." She's enjoying the book, Heaven is For Real. It's a really good book.<br />
<br />
So I read a chapter and in the middle of the second one she started to say something. I said you want me to stop now. She said, "yes." I could tell she was tired. We left to go get something to eat and let her rest. We left our things behind so she'd know we'd be right back. Paige was with us (2 year old grand-daughter) and was very upset we left it. She is going to be very controlling someday. What am I saying, she already is.<br />
<br />
We went to the gift shop and picked out a stuffed puppy for Mom. Well, Paige picked it out, a pink poodle with big eyes. She insisted on two. "One for Nanny and One for Me." Who could say no? Then she didn't want to leave Nanny's with her and pitched a fit when we left. Very strong willed and prissy at that. The lady in the cafe thought she was in pageants by the way she walked and put her hand on her hip. Nope, it's all natural. <br />
<br />
When I got home, a different doctor than yesterday called and he was sooo nice. He's leaving information in the room for me about the artificial nourishment (feeding tube), etc. They think the dementia disease is so progressive that it would not be ethical to insert a feeding tube. Our concern is that she will starve to death and be hungry. They said her brain will not tell her she's hungry but we can just let her eat what she can for pleasure. I'm prone to agree. She had chocolate pudding today and had some trouble swallowing but she enjoyed it and smiled. She had a little ice cream too and swallowed. As long as she can have her sweets she'll be happy. She had already volunteerily quit eating and pretty much quit meat. Nothing was tasting good or she just didn't feel like eating.<br />
<br />
I hope I am not bringing anyone down with my updates but this is just what is going on and if it is hard to read, I'm really sorry. I know her friends and family are so concerned and waiting on any word and the best way to let you all know is to post it publicly for all to see. Easier than calling one by one and phone chains can get information all mixed. I'm not even sure I remember everything the doctor tells me and miss important facts from person to person. I think my head starts spinning at "Hello, I'm Dr. so and so." <br />
<br />
So this is my journal of how Mom is doing and her ups and downs. I'm sure later I'll read it and say, Wow, I totally forgot about that. I'll be glad I wrote it all down. I re-read my caringbridge one day and I found it very interesting and had totally forgot a few things. When you are battling cancer or any disease, you seem to make it through by the grace of God just when you need it. Of course, same goes when you're caring for a family member. I am amazingly calm but I do have some extra help with that besides my family, who have been great. <br />
<br />
People say if there's anything I can do let me know. I hate to ask anyone for anything, always have which is why I get stressed out. I am hoping if I have a takaway from this I will be more aggressive and doing and not just offering since I know what it's like now more than before. One of the best ways to help is to sit with her. I need time away but I don't want her to be alone. I want to be there 24/7 but I can't. Yet, I now she's better when I'm there so I feel rather guilty when I'm not. I try to go everyday or night. I did it in the nursing home and now in the hospital but it's harder since Baylor is farther away and I still work 40 hours a week.<br />
<br />
Mom needs to know people care about her. She has always needed that since I can remember. Her self esteem has never been too high and she needs constant reassurance that she is loved. I don't know why, maybe from something in her childhood but she loves visits even if she cries, which she has always been over emotional. She passed that on to us so it's a genetic thing.<br />
<br />
Our house is torn apart with a plumbing leak and weird flies are everywhere. Mike is going to try to fix it himself and we have to repair the floor and move all the furniture. Our finances are pathetic. I know God will provide but with all that is going on, it is so stressful I haven't even had time to pay the regular bills. It's so depressing and I'm sure I'm racking up late charges. <br />
<br />
I'm so tired I'm running on adrenaline. My blood sugar as been a little high this week, probably from not eating regular meals or just not being hungry when I do have food in front of me. <br />
<br />
We have a busy day tomorrow with Reace being head cheerleader, then taking Kaylyn to the zoo for her internship and leaving Autumn and the other girls while Mike and I attend a photography workshop, then back to the zoo and Harry Hines to a shop for the cheerleaders. It's sort of a happy day outing to put set aside some of the pain and just have some fun. I'm not sure we'll get to do it all but we'll see if the stars align and give us a much needed break. Then we'll head back to the hospital to see Mom. <br />
<br />
If you are still reading after this ridiculously long post, I Love you All and Thanks for All the Prayers. My friends and family Rock.<br />
Karen</span>Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-67536306118651121182012-07-22T17:17:00.000-07:002012-07-22T17:17:10.543-07:00Grandmommy's picture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While the boys were in town, my daughters tried to make me my very own</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
GRANDMOMMY pic kind of like </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Papaw's Father's day gift last year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is a little blurry, I pulled it off Facebook from a cell phone upload. But you get the idea.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been giving them fits to make me one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/255614_2090469616997_5013162_n.jpg" style="height: 540px; width: 720px;" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well . . . </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nice try girls.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Paige was not in a cooperative mood and if you look close, Lacey is hiding behind the tree holding up Elijah so her legs are hilariously behind Paige who is holding the DM that is supposed to be between the N and O. But you know what? I love it. It's real in typical kid's style. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PzG_tErbggx3VPMcx8cGv6bKPq3LFEBsxxY6eID9266I4A6D1ObEGXSmYc2YG3KjP5rvi2bghcNJMUVpYhK_J6Xu_qhJ5L7B62W0xJ7JYOpUsMTZ065MJfO1TEwJvmiQo2JJ89hxyuYv/s1600/IMG_7826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PzG_tErbggx3VPMcx8cGv6bKPq3LFEBsxxY6eID9266I4A6D1ObEGXSmYc2YG3KjP5rvi2bghcNJMUVpYhK_J6Xu_qhJ5L7B62W0xJ7JYOpUsMTZ065MJfO1TEwJvmiQo2JJ89hxyuYv/s640/IMG_7826.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course, I wouldn't mind having Photoshop if I knew how to use it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hopefully that will be someday soon. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After I pay off the insurance company for repairing my car from accidently backing into a truck last week. The truck survived, my lift gate did not. $249 deductible is about what I had planned to spend on Photoshop on sale. Oh well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life is a bowl of cherries, and you just have to spit out the pits so you can taste the sweetness. </div>
<br />Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-11984518027725422312012-06-03T21:15:00.000-07:002012-06-03T21:24:50.999-07:00Butterfly Magic<div style="text-align: center;">
I couldn't resist sharing a picture of this beautiful butterfly <br />
I encountered on our Kansas trip while visiting my daughter's family. <br />
Trying to capture these fluttering creatures digitally is quite a trick. <br />
They don't like to sit still for two seconds.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFurrEi24ynIRKgAtC10Ld8x-l8XMqHAMhcXLFTtHhSDvfRQVVqrEgObxITtooMLeQmjhEL0qz_toUOVAylhkRSHzyJ_odQcNdqTIp48Po_G6HLTmY1OgolHz0eg8OgQPGlJiIryQWMAW/s1600/IMG_6845a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFurrEi24ynIRKgAtC10Ld8x-l8XMqHAMhcXLFTtHhSDvfRQVVqrEgObxITtooMLeQmjhEL0qz_toUOVAylhkRSHzyJ_odQcNdqTIp48Po_G6HLTmY1OgolHz0eg8OgQPGlJiIryQWMAW/s640/IMG_6845a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This was taken at the Salina, KS Wildlife Adventure. It is a small zoo but any bigger and I might not have made it all the way through. It was hot, I was tired, and the camera got heavy. I'm not a long distance walker due to osteoarthritis in my right knee but the new knee brace was a life saver. I'll add more pics of the trip soon. Lacey and her two boys came home with us so we are crazy busy.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am blessed to have all three of my children and five grandchildren in one house for short time. It felt so good hearing all of their voices together today as they talked and laughed. Not that it's always fun and games. Three of the crew were under the weather today so looking forward to good health tomorrow and a family portrait before we have to take our three visitors back and lose them once again to the Kansas plains.</div>Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-24687188338659949382012-05-16T16:42:00.000-07:002012-05-16T20:09:26.568-07:00Getting Organized - A Tutorial - Ribbon Storage out of recycled Pringle cansI am always looking for ways to be more organized. So here is something Autumn started doing while we were on vacation. Using the (cleaned out) Pringle can to store rolls of ribbon.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFc8QCBkOjjK9bHCk2H0CwE5rnS5G1u5S7CegyMds2xu0OdCqUNXhxuXfWIBlxyFhPaWDlmZ3btgZZxqSnUWYOrRji8gZN4MUXlqBk-iAY-dAp0ngeazBxf2lxNzLfhZv-wPMs7Mgk9F7/s1600/IMG_5781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFc8QCBkOjjK9bHCk2H0CwE5rnS5G1u5S7CegyMds2xu0OdCqUNXhxuXfWIBlxyFhPaWDlmZ3btgZZxqSnUWYOrRji8gZN4MUXlqBk-iAY-dAp0ngeazBxf2lxNzLfhZv-wPMs7Mgk9F7/s320/IMG_5781.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then today she mentioned she thought of covering the cans with scrapbook paper and putting a scrap of ribbon on the outside so we'll know which ribbon is in which can. Of course, I jumped on it and covered a couple for her today.<br />
<br />
First, eat all the Pringles (or put them in a baggie) and wipe out the can really good so the salt or grease from the chips doesn't get on the ribbon. Then cut the 12 X 12 scrapbook paper sheet down to size to fit the can.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUA1E62F1ZJlTjxV4mXJn9lIgS-O-p2fQu9rKaeIHEvSuJhrcBOSOJox0YsEeiO8kY_b_Z7onVzrs6_S6_w9JmWKcKTpOCw9WyfGu_5tSRRyHwOd4SEnPzYycrAKsj8kfrv8BaxWTPaPQ/s1600/IMG_5782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUA1E62F1ZJlTjxV4mXJn9lIgS-O-p2fQu9rKaeIHEvSuJhrcBOSOJox0YsEeiO8kY_b_Z7onVzrs6_S6_w9JmWKcKTpOCw9WyfGu_5tSRRyHwOd4SEnPzYycrAKsj8kfrv8BaxWTPaPQ/s320/IMG_5782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I used double sided tape around the bottom, top and middle of the can to stick it down, then put a strip down the inside to hold it all down tight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbphpU8hmtPOdqAbBg3EfzvcogQiNxLO9qfrSynpDcFqurKuK4bCnt_S-oCHyxVTJXYxbWCdprFcZN-xRlJcwCA2hgr-f-pN1CW1TefT4PGwPvnP-_DK_AFyIumYYVg6rF0w3_QF78Kpq_/s1600/IMG_5783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbphpU8hmtPOdqAbBg3EfzvcogQiNxLO9qfrSynpDcFqurKuK4bCnt_S-oCHyxVTJXYxbWCdprFcZN-xRlJcwCA2hgr-f-pN1CW1TefT4PGwPvnP-_DK_AFyIumYYVg6rF0w3_QF78Kpq_/s320/IMG_5783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpE6tWyvlJ99aXDYOK8e1_hbVLYYH60gf3JBkrnHnNRzN7lW0MPSqlUzVNj_IAzkGKa3Xemz_i58fMi3bHu-3Uk41MJoSpQZzDG9-08ls4QjA5_jDo22AvuRC8mbps5rCEvEHBzW2qR2dW/s1600/IMG_5784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpE6tWyvlJ99aXDYOK8e1_hbVLYYH60gf3JBkrnHnNRzN7lW0MPSqlUzVNj_IAzkGKa3Xemz_i58fMi3bHu-3Uk41MJoSpQZzDG9-08ls4QjA5_jDo22AvuRC8mbps5rCEvEHBzW2qR2dW/s320/IMG_5784.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yu3SE0NrpTu-YoYUkjxwbN48XZihBmVhvG_ZkoyRQ-B5JtN2Tvski_TOu0VDh2rHP-Q48M88huAGAqK3lOVyIONsW2zJzp0uj8wbEVR6L2RhwJ8pzQQDQGX1RpCVc3AGngC5l9c3tANC/s1600/IMG_5786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yu3SE0NrpTu-YoYUkjxwbN48XZihBmVhvG_ZkoyRQ-B5JtN2Tvski_TOu0VDh2rHP-Q48M88huAGAqK3lOVyIONsW2zJzp0uj8wbEVR6L2RhwJ8pzQQDQGX1RpCVc3AGngC5l9c3tANC/s320/IMG_5786.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTXu4eznU7Z6kra_nHzKJdcgUF5K2VyXgsSs6uQuDMw7kPEYis9wVjmu0-r8BShO46UEShCZqRvhD699j9vhEbG2TLO9Z-cFvhRtXEw1An3-clOrM71Pr39mYJBQdfIvPFznQ9_RWqCMD/s1600/IMG_5787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTXu4eznU7Z6kra_nHzKJdcgUF5K2VyXgsSs6uQuDMw7kPEYis9wVjmu0-r8BShO46UEShCZqRvhD699j9vhEbG2TLO9Z-cFvhRtXEw1An3-clOrM71Pr39mYJBQdfIvPFznQ9_RWqCMD/s320/IMG_5787.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwqZfVtC_M2wwsFOt2ls_I4XSIt2zGoOQ4QL9mdTT0GMnq-ECi6reA3UijsQVBdjT3IVcwyyZQoiydONUP6SEJfBREoH8PZh7XaIIANW0GJ3vcx4rdoPtNBjVCUDzMjigXr4kbcGGSBfu/s1600/IMG_5788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwqZfVtC_M2wwsFOt2ls_I4XSIt2zGoOQ4QL9mdTT0GMnq-ECi6reA3UijsQVBdjT3IVcwyyZQoiydONUP6SEJfBREoH8PZh7XaIIANW0GJ3vcx4rdoPtNBjVCUDzMjigXr4kbcGGSBfu/s320/IMG_5788.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used another strip down the seam to put the scraps of ribbon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRiWXrj50XQiqNViYNp0fIoV1hoMVPl0N2YhB6hO7os2CKwJut_BxQme442LfII4PCesfyu-g0QrObcrDlOAZO5RaqXVciFWxmisKoYew0ELnnNabJiY0HRWWIQN5ecb5aXGJ86hiHtiQ/s1600/IMG_5789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRiWXrj50XQiqNViYNp0fIoV1hoMVPl0N2YhB6hO7os2CKwJut_BxQme442LfII4PCesfyu-g0QrObcrDlOAZO5RaqXVciFWxmisKoYew0ELnnNabJiY0HRWWIQN5ecb5aXGJ86hiHtiQ/s320/IMG_5789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Using the heat tool I cut a scrap off of each roll to add to the side of the can.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWm6RolhEoBmTEZwGosBeNCx-OJ-SjtMW32WQtSzrNMYqcOImQXA3Ob91GN6gbvD2arW5wk_pKhIWPEVN71xf5Tkz6HN-CRTn1NsihDq2kybsX2z2Gb3sp8CZNErSkL029WDLSftkhSel/s1600/IMG_5791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWm6RolhEoBmTEZwGosBeNCx-OJ-SjtMW32WQtSzrNMYqcOImQXA3Ob91GN6gbvD2arW5wk_pKhIWPEVN71xf5Tkz6HN-CRTn1NsihDq2kybsX2z2Gb3sp8CZNErSkL029WDLSftkhSel/s320/IMG_5791.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMBm7ODKABESdt9wehHbadd_8nqa-HTXfvTqY-BZppo0knktpYi8c3vU9-0N2rV1gTYaiPtsA7_7b3H0nZSxUuHWP15VXWwUyA97oFdn4Vp-6_5lQnijUh9NmG9Sxl0_kLqLPYLE4zzQd/s1600/IMG_5794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMBm7ODKABESdt9wehHbadd_8nqa-HTXfvTqY-BZppo0knktpYi8c3vU9-0N2rV1gTYaiPtsA7_7b3H0nZSxUuHWP15VXWwUyA97oFdn4Vp-6_5lQnijUh9NmG9Sxl0_kLqLPYLE4zzQd/s320/IMG_5794.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Put the scraps on the sticky tape and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and Voila, ribbon storage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBD5_iKecoDrN29PCPWTgHvjWWI2NjZYZjkpdf02wa5mirhbDfyvWNJQyvbK6R4u0XzYwFi24q01-gunHcLkNvJh8BiBulsvJPAbrSor4rsnQNP2Hp92RWGjkT4cLVBM-F9JsqWHO6M_dx/s1600/IMG_5810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBD5_iKecoDrN29PCPWTgHvjWWI2NjZYZjkpdf02wa5mirhbDfyvWNJQyvbK6R4u0XzYwFi24q01-gunHcLkNvJh8BiBulsvJPAbrSor4rsnQNP2Hp92RWGjkT4cLVBM-F9JsqWHO6M_dx/s320/IMG_5810.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-26870777211464837642012-05-06T22:16:00.000-07:002012-05-06T22:16:30.006-07:00More Pics of the Teacher's Gift Boxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are pictures I promised you of the other boxes I made tonight. So cute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrTeUihViOgC5XLGhtECgeWabgLqp_hWmU87tvQgfzmz-0DvtUjEZhh6T1s5bcrZLP3IKo0TbD5xGdxCNjOKGQtU2J7G3y8UE5y3apC_Z_PkhVhXrEqVBmA3Zf5CctNLJUabDuNIsys5d/s1600/IMG_5601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrTeUihViOgC5XLGhtECgeWabgLqp_hWmU87tvQgfzmz-0DvtUjEZhh6T1s5bcrZLP3IKo0TbD5xGdxCNjOKGQtU2J7G3y8UE5y3apC_Z_PkhVhXrEqVBmA3Zf5CctNLJUabDuNIsys5d/s320/IMG_5601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I added the teacher's names in precut letters to the spine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhSlXHFhfNhCx_tjGTI8QwWxnQRMyKtymH5P5fxz08Cfw_nFFFXKoJ39mU2RBxC9zvjr3Q_Gx3Y5mgtdmPXz-FsGLgXAJc0b6lwpdmJWzRGItvGg-z6X65K4qbdSw487F_oR3ql2nL6p-/s1600/IMG_5607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhSlXHFhfNhCx_tjGTI8QwWxnQRMyKtymH5P5fxz08Cfw_nFFFXKoJ39mU2RBxC9zvjr3Q_Gx3Y5mgtdmPXz-FsGLgXAJc0b6lwpdmJWzRGItvGg-z6X65K4qbdSw487F_oR3ql2nL6p-/s320/IMG_5607.JPG" width="248" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My favorite I think.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvvTT3sW2HJhSr97f9hcTP1hZQ4kiyUG0M0oFUevVA0A6jGZFEdfR5cZhZjlOwdeM9cwv7iJ2X7uXczhCUmXepTGcQpeLeXjL7A7q55yHLODrWu8N4908I_y9ZyxK2VGMPl-mlzhfBk-N/s1600/IMG_5602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvvTT3sW2HJhSr97f9hcTP1hZQ4kiyUG0M0oFUevVA0A6jGZFEdfR5cZhZjlOwdeM9cwv7iJ2X7uXczhCUmXepTGcQpeLeXjL7A7q55yHLODrWu8N4908I_y9ZyxK2VGMPl-mlzhfBk-N/s320/IMG_5602.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All finished.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnxbnG7rA5JGhiGD5BNmCgPSit36quLDk6eMm7MJWGusPuY4O6TVodvND1l91CxELzwGrSEXMsGsuMrLnmG0LChFkmYNZ1hJ_x8ReAOcIFL_194gI1alE8BZSLT6hoA_zIAyDIIpeWcut/s1600/IMG_5606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnxbnG7rA5JGhiGD5BNmCgPSit36quLDk6eMm7MJWGusPuY4O6TVodvND1l91CxELzwGrSEXMsGsuMrLnmG0LChFkmYNZ1hJ_x8ReAOcIFL_194gI1alE8BZSLT6hoA_zIAyDIIpeWcut/s320/IMG_5606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I put felt in the bottom of the box and added a bead for a handle. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not that it needs a knob but it's cute. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And candy bars for a treat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And my beautiful daughter Autumn put them in the plastic bags for the girl's teachers tomorrow. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Day one, done! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeg-9O6M-42HSXiCtMhvFRXc4QGNG1EMzsRvxU8tKuIkmjibR7iEFA8YyEHjODXxBeUSjQnEUO3ol8ZJUxZC2Led5I2nmnS9V09Oo5NOS_kzP8n_hOK9sAZbCHfDiVMRk-CZU94oz9Hhf/s1600/IMG_5615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeg-9O6M-42HSXiCtMhvFRXc4QGNG1EMzsRvxU8tKuIkmjibR7iEFA8YyEHjODXxBeUSjQnEUO3ol8ZJUxZC2Led5I2nmnS9V09Oo5NOS_kzP8n_hOK9sAZbCHfDiVMRk-CZU94oz9Hhf/s320/IMG_5615.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcDuzOVIpwP8JXTYwdGOHN8HgS27m5wfKcdlfCaOORSMSOWC-Q0fEuvjznq8v1M7CM8k4Xk09X7yG2pXkfKa6EJU7qnghiSk9mocQxHR9OktdW0mi-BeE78G-kQFP-PySYShaXLAYsRtM/s1600/IMG_5604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcDuzOVIpwP8JXTYwdGOHN8HgS27m5wfKcdlfCaOORSMSOWC-Q0fEuvjznq8v1M7CM8k4Xk09X7yG2pXkfKa6EJU7qnghiSk9mocQxHR9OktdW0mi-BeE78G-kQFP-PySYShaXLAYsRtM/s320/IMG_5604.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is my side of the craft room. I'll post pics of the room after I get one more side done. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I worked most of the day Saturday. It's looking pretty good.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoB-r7l5ZQt4K1Bed2Y2ZcyjH01wX1Aqkf9YPjLdWnFGZwLvE42w9MHZc_uoBdrdlBeizAwDL6ZZf4PW4Ak4iY9YXJCvF-AYfrezgLGRqdsHmipSczaVGUUK-R6QSXW39OCXYff5qWz6q/s1600/IMG_5556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoB-r7l5ZQt4K1Bed2Y2ZcyjH01wX1Aqkf9YPjLdWnFGZwLvE42w9MHZc_uoBdrdlBeizAwDL6ZZf4PW4Ak4iY9YXJCvF-AYfrezgLGRqdsHmipSczaVGUUK-R6QSXW39OCXYff5qWz6q/s320/IMG_5556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I forgot to mention the beautiful blouse I'm wearing was a gift from my hubby yesterday. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He's so thoughtful. He went to Walmart yesterday and when he got home I asked, "What'd you buy me?" He said I did buy you something and handed me this colorful blouse that I must say, matches the box I made in the previous post. </div>Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-86687592716832152362012-05-06T17:31:00.000-07:002012-05-06T17:31:36.679-07:00TEACHER'S GIFT - Repurpose A Cricut cartridge boxNext week in Teacher appreciation week in our little neck of the woods we call North Texas. My daughter and a friend call it their Super Bowl. They go all out planning and making wonderful, inexpensive gifts too wow the teachers. So much so, that the teacher's fight over who gets to teach my 2 school age grand-daughters and Kim's 4 kiddo's. <br />
<br />
This is one I am making for my grand-girl's teachers out of recycled Cricut cartridge boxes. I bought a plastic electronic cartridge container and took all my Cricut cartridges out of the bulky boxes to made more room on my craft shelves. I love the boxes with the little magnet closures and couldn't bear to throw them out so I covered them with scrapbook paper and decorated the tops. You can choose your own flavor of embellishments. I've only made two so far but I am about to go back to the craft-room to make some more. <br />
<br />
Here are the pictures of how I did it and the finished products. I'll add the others when I'm finished with my creations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdIRGa6LoqOKF5WqI2BBXA_vzZiwsD2am8AezdvdLDFPOarUpmnYJ-th9cSEJY0rsWr2aIhmKUhAfaAiu1WgTSzXFpxRODu5Ix2Hm-4X8dinqMeqLV-6nt1efjCXgIl1iefFaJiXkP26F/s1600/IMG_5557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdIRGa6LoqOKF5WqI2BBXA_vzZiwsD2am8AezdvdLDFPOarUpmnYJ-th9cSEJY0rsWr2aIhmKUhAfaAiu1WgTSzXFpxRODu5Ix2Hm-4X8dinqMeqLV-6nt1efjCXgIl1iefFaJiXkP26F/s320/IMG_5557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I used double sided tape to stick the scrapbook paper onto the box. Just put the strips at strategic locations. I suggest you put one on each side of the spine and down the middle of the spine. I didn't on the first one and paper didn't lay flat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH53GlDFx7u7t8UoxODzCDKlIeB9WaVvy1viPp-HJyQGApALexnA4yYl5cYoZTaT4pZfCfN5EEwEQVRG3ius3m-ikFv2nhQCGb9xbuKTXCE0LUoVpiWa2tllpniM0TNwjWRxLVlJ9OOCk/s1600/IMG_5564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH53GlDFx7u7t8UoxODzCDKlIeB9WaVvy1viPp-HJyQGApALexnA4yYl5cYoZTaT4pZfCfN5EEwEQVRG3ius3m-ikFv2nhQCGb9xbuKTXCE0LUoVpiWa2tllpniM0TNwjWRxLVlJ9OOCk/s320/IMG_5564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Measure the box and cut the paper accordingly. The Cricut boxes I did were 7 1/2" wide and I cut 11 to 11 1/2" long to wrap about the flap but don't over the magnets as they won't pull as strong through too much paper. If you cut too short (I did the first time) just cut another strip of coordination scrapbook paper and put a piece of ribbonor another strip of coordination paper down the cut edge.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwU0kZ6ykjAftupE2rmlMwqlwEFpH6HCq5EsSprYB07ZcHhc4WHZueve6NWLx_CaDFDzLXtjA6QG26KW7DTUiuGb0VCn8tNQiGBJRqFCJUp_wpJopkKI1tWu7wHhLVelVbUFOAMmhfO20q/s1600/IMG_5560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwU0kZ6ykjAftupE2rmlMwqlwEFpH6HCq5EsSprYB07ZcHhc4WHZueve6NWLx_CaDFDzLXtjA6QG26KW7DTUiuGb0VCn8tNQiGBJRqFCJUp_wpJopkKI1tWu7wHhLVelVbUFOAMmhfO20q/s320/IMG_5560.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now pull the top strip off the double sided tape and carefully stick the paper to the box.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpKuC_ObsNCiz1KrV6q64L4WzomJs3NVvS9vuHIeX1ZTapORS3NHNHs8939PRxrIyXNyUA42C6AAS5SA2SZZu9y-OAxvzY611Ae5NhN9cCxb8azkFJ27IbwiJ5S__XJ7BVTGpKHmEmzUF/s1600/IMG_5566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpKuC_ObsNCiz1KrV6q64L4WzomJs3NVvS9vuHIeX1ZTapORS3NHNHs8939PRxrIyXNyUA42C6AAS5SA2SZZu9y-OAxvzY611Ae5NhN9cCxb8azkFJ27IbwiJ5S__XJ7BVTGpKHmEmzUF/s320/IMG_5566.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_4MGwXLgPcVZsP6cDa0Q-cvGSwY0gxhS_8yFONTdbOwSFj0eQqTxwdcFqk281ZRdsZtghrg_qZh5zSaTxNLVtJf7p3F6fOSI5EkGRQnTWREC25SgtJCyfbOZQn1HKvjTrLpVVmIzi9S_/s1600/IMG_5577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_4MGwXLgPcVZsP6cDa0Q-cvGSwY0gxhS_8yFONTdbOwSFj0eQqTxwdcFqk281ZRdsZtghrg_qZh5zSaTxNLVtJf7p3F6fOSI5EkGRQnTWREC25SgtJCyfbOZQn1HKvjTrLpVVmIzi9S_/s320/IMG_5577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add embellishments. I put letters on the spine with the teacher's name.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCPekCFFn7Yn52QFpTiTNK8zdi9JxOoyoe3c1hyP7T3RjzFFNhjfDPZh25waXD-YGD8pjSzXKGzDMx5M12egMIAD60Bqfmc63o3_gf9GSL3H6WbIZwTfjGd3PgcyeOjdawnrrbgs-8dc0/s1600/IMG_5575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCPekCFFn7Yn52QFpTiTNK8zdi9JxOoyoe3c1hyP7T3RjzFFNhjfDPZh25waXD-YGD8pjSzXKGzDMx5M12egMIAD60Bqfmc63o3_gf9GSL3H6WbIZwTfjGd3PgcyeOjdawnrrbgs-8dc0/s320/IMG_5575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add a gift for the inside. Candy bars, cookies (put in baggie so it doesn't make grease spots on the box, a bracelet, pencils, etc. Whatever you want to add. You could also cover the inside with felt of velvet to make it a jewelry box. It could be a marker, scissor, pencil box.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRLiqCIl1R6NlCWtro6bMJyNyBIXlP_fJNm49gQ9IrczTb6MNVVv9u1l_ltKoiF2rXtsBjsxrGXKuO1bGOjhWk59fLe4-BYBxUua58IGzlEtGuqds7sH6LSS7Xsg3L08wRIvJcggH_5oF/s1600/IMG_5574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRLiqCIl1R6NlCWtro6bMJyNyBIXlP_fJNm49gQ9IrczTb6MNVVv9u1l_ltKoiF2rXtsBjsxrGXKuO1bGOjhWk59fLe4-BYBxUua58IGzlEtGuqds7sH6LSS7Xsg3L08wRIvJcggH_5oF/s320/IMG_5574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMO1KZVB9IPmBmUWJtqvCdXSK0tQHYWIoS6afxlzC34zhFnG7a8gVYrRy-p4skqC7E0_FP5zk2BzVCTAQ8-NmDkJQJCCMIwEBUxnh4ULBmt5EnjcUi8H_CX_YzeR1MegsGiScXgj6qRH4v/s1600/IMG_5580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMO1KZVB9IPmBmUWJtqvCdXSK0tQHYWIoS6afxlzC34zhFnG7a8gVYrRy-p4skqC7E0_FP5zk2BzVCTAQ8-NmDkJQJCCMIwEBUxnh4ULBmt5EnjcUi8H_CX_YzeR1MegsGiScXgj6qRH4v/s320/IMG_5580.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have fun! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-11449918988155634242012-04-17T17:11:00.001-07:002012-05-05T23:48:10.671-07:00What a day for skinny dip.No, not swimming naked. More like my skin swimming in liquid Nitrogen.<br />
<br />
This has definitely been a day. I went to the dermatologist and got some of the ugly keratosis frozen. The back ones I can't see, no problem. Well, except for the pain that is. The legs, not bad. The arm, the stomach, not even hurting now. That's all good. The neck, ew, kind of ugly but I can cover those up with a collar. But, the face. The face. I wanted them off, I hate having to see them in the mirror when I occasionally put on makeup so I wanted them gone and I know, in a couple of weeks, you won't even be able the see the scar. That's the beauty of eradicating them. But today, and for the next two weeks, sigh. I look like I've been in a boxing match and lost. Or a swarm of bees thought I was stealing their honey. Very puffy and swollen. <br />
<br />
They removed over 30 keratosis, I had 100 on my back alone. They didn't take them all, I'd be in the hospital I think if he did. I'm embarrassed that I have so many and yet it's nothing I did, they just are. But I hate them. Yes, I said hate. They're ugly, they grow and I scrape them off but they come back. The only way to get rid of them is to freeze, burn, whatever they do. I've had them cut off, cut out, burned and frozen. This doctor is into liquid nitrogen so he freezes them and it burns. I got a little freaked when he was so close to my eyeball I could see the spray. Guess I should have kept my eyes closed more. I don't know what I was thinking. I thought I did but I just had a short term memory pop into my head. Funny how that happens. I think it's an old age thing. <br />
<br />
He threw in a wart or two and some other name bumps I have no memory of what he called them. another old age thing. He won't remove the dreaded skin tags, says the insurance doesn't cover that so I should just clip them off. He told me that six months ago. They're still there. Clipping never works for me so why bother. They just come back. And it hurts.<br />
<br />
I'm going to try to castor oil again. I've heard that helps get rid of them but it's so oily and yucky. By the way, you put it on the bump, not drink it. I definitely would not drink it. <br />
<br />
So that's what I did at the end of my day. <br />
<br />
Friday I get a new knee brace and pinning all my hopes on being able to walk without pain. Okay, without as much pain and not having those scary I almost fell moments. That can be embarrassing because it happens so fast and the sudden shooting pain makes me yelp. Loud. I'm sure people think I'm nuts. <br />
<br />
I went in around the first of March to be fitted for a new kick butt knee brace and called when I got home from vacation to see if it was ready and apparently, the fax didn't go through to the manufacturer so I had to wait longer. Then it was held up in customs at the border of Mexico. Really? I called today and she said, oh yes, it's in and I have the authorization (I'm guessing from the insurance) and I was going to call you. For the record, she has not called me once, I have always had to call her and she's always about to call. We can see you next Tuesday. Are you kidding me? I've been waiting a month and a half and through no fault of my own, it's been delayed and now I have to wait another week???? Well, let me check, she says (now you're going to check?), I can fit you in Friday at 9 am if you can make it. Great, I'll be there. I know she probably recalled that I try to fit all my appts on my lunch hour or after work. We'll go with that. I'm feeling generous today.<br />
<br />
So, now, maybe I'll go try to get my cell phone replaced. It fell in the toilet at church last Wednesday night. I forgot it was in my back pocket, nuff said, no mental pictures please. Now it's decided not to read the SD card which means no camera and I must have my camera. (We are spoiled these days, remember when a cell phone was just a phone. Or we didn't even know what a cell phone was? That's not that far back friends.) So it's either new phone or deciding between The Voice and Dancing with the Stars. Such decisions.<br />
<br />
Hope you have a good day. :)Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-31654266747112399342012-04-02T21:03:00.000-07:002012-04-02T21:03:49.001-07:00How about a beaded doll tutorial?<h2 align="center">
A Bead Doll Tutorial</h2>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ao_khASbaFY/T3pPwRhRmEI/AAAAAAAAAXw/g1_tMA-syU0/s1600/web+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ao_khASbaFY/T3pPwRhRmEI/AAAAAAAAAXw/g1_tMA-syU0/s320/web+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I made this little bead doll in 2008 while I was recuperating from my breast cancer/mastectomy. Don't look too close, I'm still in my Jammies. Of course, this was after I was able to get out of bed and move my arms again. <br />
<br />
I remember the cute beaded doll necklaces that were the rage when I was a little girl in elementary school back in the 60's. I wish I still had mine. They sold at M.E.Moses for $1.00 to $2.00. I was going to try to make one like that but I found one similar to this in the gift shop at the hospital and bought it so I could try to make it. Mine isn't as perfect as theirs but it was fun making it and kept me busy since I was stuck in the house and not very mobile. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tools you will need.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Needle nose pliers, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wire cutters, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
flexible but stiff enough to hold it's shape wire, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
various size beads, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
charm. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Optional: bead stringer spinner. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MCPxAVcZVRQ/T3pIt-TYJpI/AAAAAAAAARI/DtfdjTV2Pgw/s1600/IMG_0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MCPxAVcZVRQ/T3pIt-TYJpI/AAAAAAAAARI/DtfdjTV2Pgw/s320/IMG_0504.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cut 3 lengths of wire about 12" each depending on the size of doll </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you want to make and depending on the beads. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With the needle nose pliers, wrap about 3 times around the tip</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of one end. this will be the feet and hold the beads on the wire.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_EkA5_CFAg/T3pJQYVpmRI/AAAAAAAAARw/n0pixntdkyc/s1600/IMG_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_EkA5_CFAg/T3pJQYVpmRI/AAAAAAAAARw/n0pixntdkyc/s320/IMG_0507.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Choose the beads you want to use for the legs and feet. </div>
<div align="center">
A teardrop works well for the feet.</div>
<div align="center">
Long beads for the legs. Have fun with it.</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7pdZw082qos/T3pJwLQbstI/AAAAAAAAASI/jvOQLouezOM/s1600/IMG_0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7pdZw082qos/T3pJwLQbstI/AAAAAAAAASI/jvOQLouezOM/s320/IMG_0510.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Repeat for both legs. When at the right length, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Slide a larger bead onto both wires for the hips. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It will need to have a larger hole to fit both wires through.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tRPMewS9BLw/T3pKDGXP1iI/AAAAAAAAASY/apAooYFR9Qg/s1600/IMG_0512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tRPMewS9BLw/T3pKDGXP1iI/AAAAAAAAASY/apAooYFR9Qg/s320/IMG_0512.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6E2WWrp1ISg/T3pKc_WHNEI/AAAAAAAAAS4/6FHMZwC1WkE/s1600/IMG_0514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6E2WWrp1ISg/T3pKc_WHNEI/AAAAAAAAAS4/6FHMZwC1WkE/s320/IMG_0514.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add another bead for the upper body.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JyUh467z6E8/T3pKx4uvSFI/AAAAAAAAATI/_NNrnKH6dIQ/s1600/IMG_0518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JyUh467z6E8/T3pKx4uvSFI/AAAAAAAAATI/_NNrnKH6dIQ/s320/IMG_0518.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take a second wire, find the center and wrap around the body wire for the arms. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4c8NhIw8qAI/T3pKz_2WxII/AAAAAAAAATQ/5CiVMAoUKf0/s1600/IMG_0519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4c8NhIw8qAI/T3pKz_2WxII/AAAAAAAAATQ/5CiVMAoUKf0/s320/IMG_0519.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thread beads on each for the hands and arms. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7eBtF9nGgI/T3pLFw_l8qI/AAAAAAAAATY/xaBKE9TFtJc/s1600/IMG_0520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7eBtF9nGgI/T3pLFw_l8qI/AAAAAAAAATY/xaBKE9TFtJc/s320/IMG_0520.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S58kJgA6dyk/T3pLRgLGm1I/AAAAAAAAATo/4WHiCeDVFKg/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S58kJgA6dyk/T3pLRgLGm1I/AAAAAAAAATo/4WHiCeDVFKg/s320/IMG_0522.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another teardrop for the hands then pull back through all the arms beads back to the center.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add a charm to one of the hands if you like. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Handbag, picture frame, heart, etc. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7jMoR5ARC0/T3pLIRRBITI/AAAAAAAAATg/NSR6HEtmBd4/s1600/IMG_0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7jMoR5ARC0/T3pLIRRBITI/AAAAAAAAATg/NSR6HEtmBd4/s320/IMG_0521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
This is how it looks up to now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kl2duU9jn3g/T3pLhOQojMI/AAAAAAAAATw/6sa3Zt5Oyx0/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kl2duU9jn3g/T3pLhOQojMI/AAAAAAAAATw/6sa3Zt5Oyx0/s320/IMG_0523.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The last bead on the arm only goes through the wire once to create an end. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Use small enough wire that flexible enough to pull back through. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ZLuJTf3C78/T3pLy0sM5HI/AAAAAAAAAUA/i20T0pzQxFg/s1600/IMG_0524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ZLuJTf3C78/T3pLy0sM5HI/AAAAAAAAAUA/i20T0pzQxFg/s320/IMG_0524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pull it tight against the body.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You will now have 4 wires at the top.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9W_sgOsyzew/T3pLpaYHIJI/AAAAAAAAAT4/bQTkNBummaA/s1600/IMG_0525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9W_sgOsyzew/T3pLpaYHIJI/AAAAAAAAAT4/bQTkNBummaA/s320/IMG_0525.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Choose a larger bead for the head and put all 4 wires through the hole.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On some I added another wire for 6 strands of hair.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apSUABq3QWg/T3pMAow_gcI/AAAAAAAAAUI/S5yyo3j5nAI/s1600/IMG_0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apSUABq3QWg/T3pMAow_gcI/AAAAAAAAAUI/S5yyo3j5nAI/s320/IMG_0526.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ln1JK5j6z0/T3pL_NBulgI/AAAAAAAAAUM/lgKrWvN8tkU/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ln1JK5j6z0/T3pL_NBulgI/AAAAAAAAAUM/lgKrWvN8tkU/s320/IMG_0527.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
String seed beads on each wire. </div>
<div align="center">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6tvbk3GoBNc/T3pMLKfBiqI/AAAAAAAAAUY/O9lAPtJ49M0/s1600/IMG_0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6tvbk3GoBNc/T3pMLKfBiqI/AAAAAAAAAUY/O9lAPtJ49M0/s320/IMG_0528.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clip the ends to desired length.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tx7UMC-VJJE/T3pMY03uobI/AAAAAAAAAUo/67NySSDaKp8/s1600/IMG_0529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tx7UMC-VJJE/T3pMY03uobI/AAAAAAAAAUo/67NySSDaKp8/s320/IMG_0529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wrap the ends around the needle nose pliers about 3 times.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BoyAzNG0fwY/T3pMSGNOBoI/AAAAAAAAAUg/PSs0WFXcuYM/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BoyAzNG0fwY/T3pMSGNOBoI/AAAAAAAAAUg/PSs0WFXcuYM/s320/IMG_0530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clip close to spiral.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEQHACVjfuw/T3pMlXCB5EI/AAAAAAAAAUw/sTTAprL570M/s1600/IMG_0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEQHACVjfuw/T3pMlXCB5EI/AAAAAAAAAUw/sTTAprL570M/s320/IMG_0531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can also string the beads with a bead spinner.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pour some seed beads into the bowl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zu0XX9d4IDM/T3pMrnJuwuI/AAAAAAAAAU4/Yu1DpLymUJs/s1600/IMG_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zu0XX9d4IDM/T3pMrnJuwuI/AAAAAAAAAU4/Yu1DpLymUJs/s320/IMG_0532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Place the end of the wire into the bowl and spin.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kUU0OZ4iU4/T3pMurUUrBI/AAAAAAAAAVA/zA0_mIIit6Q/s1600/IMG_0533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kUU0OZ4iU4/T3pMurUUrBI/AAAAAAAAAVA/zA0_mIIit6Q/s320/IMG_0533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The beads will slide up the wire.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWCOI6qdzKE/T3pM8lcEd_I/AAAAAAAAAVI/vDKemrSoR_I/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWCOI6qdzKE/T3pM8lcEd_I/AAAAAAAAAVI/vDKemrSoR_I/s320/IMG_0534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finish off each end.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuIIZgxOmJo/T3pNSMwM7BI/AAAAAAAAAVg/omEERoTib8k/s1600/IMG_0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuIIZgxOmJo/T3pNSMwM7BI/AAAAAAAAAVg/omEERoTib8k/s320/IMG_0537.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Squeeze the circles together if needed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCQkka1BOU4/T3pNS-tzQxI/AAAAAAAAAVo/NPG5KB0acyU/s1600/IMG_0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCQkka1BOU4/T3pNS-tzQxI/AAAAAAAAAVo/NPG5KB0acyU/s320/IMG_0538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are now ready to curl the hair.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1rYXUXAv6k/T3pNfCQL3jI/AAAAAAAAAVw/FA9q4fxtsgM/s1600/IMG_0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1rYXUXAv6k/T3pNfCQL3jI/AAAAAAAAAVw/FA9q4fxtsgM/s320/IMG_0539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used a thin metal rod to wrap the beaded wire around.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RU4oiW_ssVk/T3pN5QjQp9I/AAAAAAAAAWI/ALJLDhxp2vM/s1600/IMG_0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RU4oiW_ssVk/T3pN5QjQp9I/AAAAAAAAAWI/ALJLDhxp2vM/s320/IMG_0542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spread out as desired.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Uueg-YiJYQ/T3pOT23j5hI/AAAAAAAAAWo/pKYPQhPYZII/s1600/IMG_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Uueg-YiJYQ/T3pOT23j5hI/AAAAAAAAAWo/pKYPQhPYZII/s320/IMG_0546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Glue a pin back on the doll. You can make a loop for a necklace.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PfvRt_u_G2w/T3pOdT3ss_I/AAAAAAAAAWw/fQgFgQDPqbM/s1600/IMG_0547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PfvRt_u_G2w/T3pOdT3ss_I/AAAAAAAAAWw/fQgFgQDPqbM/s320/IMG_0547.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have fun with it. Be creative.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ao_khASbaFY/T3pPwRhRmEI/AAAAAAAAAXw/g1_tMA-syU0/s1600/web+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ao_khASbaFY/T3pPwRhRmEI/AAAAAAAAAXw/g1_tMA-syU0/s320/web+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
Lot's of design possibilities.</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPuv26eHW6U/T3pOsQUcZdI/AAAAAAAAAXA/Dc7Cit96spI/s1600/IMG_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPuv26eHW6U/T3pOsQUcZdI/AAAAAAAAAXA/Dc7Cit96spI/s320/IMG_0549.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some others dolls I made. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEahYxm1MIgIHyu2e-VOro95RE7cUPz17maWIghyjEnI3PsPZMfsDKg3_S1llvWuwLYzqsWKFL4PxOV0bz1F3noNPcPwRWQu5MoJ8zUdHlKFsTCEhotQmTv3zY-VtNdSUGBuxVDMAHmsZO/s1600/DSCF2651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEahYxm1MIgIHyu2e-VOro95RE7cUPz17maWIghyjEnI3PsPZMfsDKg3_S1llvWuwLYzqsWKFL4PxOV0bz1F3noNPcPwRWQu5MoJ8zUdHlKFsTCEhotQmTv3zY-VtNdSUGBuxVDMAHmsZO/s320/DSCF2651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Hope you enjoy making the bead dolls and have some fun designing. </div>
<div align="center">
I would love to see your creations. </div>
<div align="center">
Please leave a comment with a link to share your design. </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com1Garland, TX, USA32.912624 -96.638883332.805984 -96.7968118 33.019264 -96.4809548tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-27156137074263202872012-03-31T16:46:00.000-07:002012-03-31T18:31:56.758-07:00Obsessions+ Vacation, Photography, and FunWow, it's been too long since I have blogged. So much for my New Year's resolution. But I'm back. <br />
<br />
We had an awesome Spring Break vacation with Autumn and the grand kids. We went to Fairfield Bay in Arkansas. I got a little carsick on the way so no more playing with my new Kindle Fire anniversary present while on the road. I know better but we hadn't had a chance to get acquainted yet. Our anniversary was March 9th and we left March 10th. Spent a lot of time on vacation playing games on it. Okay, too much time but it was still new. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I went crazy taking pictures of barns.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOf1UxjPBaKmRhEbDv_5_sRbo8m5uhun_W6PWkTAQLFYqVgD_Nct-4qhyLR28wqWZyHGBrVGZoQLuyzWsTFFjKRNlQWMYOWec1zXel8KH8l7mA1XwllcwjKFcyWKzWZ7HXTV_cbWC0tMKt/s1600/676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOf1UxjPBaKmRhEbDv_5_sRbo8m5uhun_W6PWkTAQLFYqVgD_Nct-4qhyLR28wqWZyHGBrVGZoQLuyzWsTFFjKRNlQWMYOWec1zXel8KH8l7mA1XwllcwjKFcyWKzWZ7HXTV_cbWC0tMKt/s320/676.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I pinned a barn on Pinterest a while back and it had so many shares,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my love of a good barn pic has become a bit of an obsession. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNb8VgoXUT_ZpucdV45kNeu_OzoxFPWD-BUQ1aXXnFz1FHFxsWdtL9oQcy57rLC24uW3sbG7bkIc4Jkqq7CnR-m-6_oW9O57IIkQcBPkbfjod1YVAd85wfeciS3lAFEEaZ2wnnIrKqMhm/s1600/649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNb8VgoXUT_ZpucdV45kNeu_OzoxFPWD-BUQ1aXXnFz1FHFxsWdtL9oQcy57rLC24uW3sbG7bkIc4Jkqq7CnR-m-6_oW9O57IIkQcBPkbfjod1YVAd85wfeciS3lAFEEaZ2wnnIrKqMhm/s320/649.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Long shots, close shots, lots of shots. And all of these were taken from the car going 50-70 mph. Mike was not a fan of pulling over on a mountain road with no shoulder and since we were going up and down hills and around scary curves, he wouldn't slow down afraid he couldn't get back up the hill. Talk about fun. I had the window down most of the time and Autumn was freezing in the back seat behind me. Sorry Autumn. (Not really.) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJ5Vgslg9mSdDBAiYmwG5RLeds8IrVCjLw1i8MeIgKvqsYFHl8LpDBkSc_HuybVkHdgwUO5ZoxbT12fJ0JMsZNTFJEL-T-DhX4S2q8ajMhzAKGga8p1TWsCYyJ_Env5-WIrXm3DUZ44ip/s1600/654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJ5Vgslg9mSdDBAiYmwG5RLeds8IrVCjLw1i8MeIgKvqsYFHl8LpDBkSc_HuybVkHdgwUO5ZoxbT12fJ0JMsZNTFJEL-T-DhX4S2q8ajMhzAKGga8p1TWsCYyJ_Env5-WIrXm3DUZ44ip/s320/654.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So now I am falling in love with photography all over again. And barns. Mike and I took lots of weddings and portrait pics in our younger days (as in, before kids). Made some extra money on the side and now with digital, it's an even better time to obsess. No expensive film and developing. Except, now I want an even better camera and lens. So, not so much cheaper. Obsess much?<br />
<br />
Back to vacation, we were talked into buying a timeshare a while back so we have to use it to justify using our life savings. Well, not really our life savings but a good chunk of it. We had an awesome little cabin/quadplex right on the golf course. The 9th hole to be exact with the clubhouse right on the other side of the green. I never went over there but Mike walked over and checked it out. And he didn't even bring his clubs. Too much luggage with all six of us and the bags in one van. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
The bread was for the birds. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVaqtDlE9m5MK6rEvjG589zqDhJa-8_XtNmeHFmp6CgDn8ekV4iE8C2Zjo_wSobDxv03fUGTeJYHbNI0md0ao2neEJITWrN8CJ-t9tDQSR0CohndeuvQb_MFc4xdQmF5DaGbc_PHrVsIn/s1600/1426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVaqtDlE9m5MK6rEvjG589zqDhJa-8_XtNmeHFmp6CgDn8ekV4iE8C2Zjo_wSobDxv03fUGTeJYHbNI0md0ao2neEJITWrN8CJ-t9tDQSR0CohndeuvQb_MFc4xdQmF5DaGbc_PHrVsIn/s320/1426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the front. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The sliding glass door on the left was Mike's and my master bedroom</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and the door on the right went into the foyer</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and then into the living area and the girls bedroom.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsKzjtKAzwtJrUKMLCZujo7X9Dg6G_BNHpqTR_oumZxlifBCsmNZS7g2TpfxuYywhQsqjAzgB2RzMXxlxm7eFb_vLNBJPHfgjJaTVK8BnONTorNLIuhG3mCvxq_GdhUWZk1IusS1KuRM2/s1600/1444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsKzjtKAzwtJrUKMLCZujo7X9Dg6G_BNHpqTR_oumZxlifBCsmNZS7g2TpfxuYywhQsqjAzgB2RzMXxlxm7eFb_vLNBJPHfgjJaTVK8BnONTorNLIuhG3mCvxq_GdhUWZk1IusS1KuRM2/s320/1444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had really cool spa tub. A first for us. I was in Heaven. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was big enough for all six of us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We didn't test that but the girls enjoyed it, too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8q8gIu7IIXk_hccA9FFdZUKcMOPBdms_MfcN2rOjZTVpR1ullk9ohNy037G-HqwUGfj6NgK9Kj1WOObvowxA6OCal18IqSfSaoscUr06Fl8o0UhOn1RhIfqRWhfLuBGmnaWt21ymNXlot/s1600/1450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8q8gIu7IIXk_hccA9FFdZUKcMOPBdms_MfcN2rOjZTVpR1ullk9ohNy037G-HqwUGfj6NgK9Kj1WOObvowxA6OCal18IqSfSaoscUr06Fl8o0UhOn1RhIfqRWhfLuBGmnaWt21ymNXlot/s320/1450.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
We went to the Blanchard Springs Caverns at Mountain View. They have really nice personnel in the shops. They make their own necklaces to sell and they were beautiful. The guide and all the others were great, too. I didn't think I would be able go in the cave and walk the 1/2 mile (arthritis issues) but I took a chance and made it all the way through. I was very proud of myself. And it wasn't claustrophic at all. (Another fear) I did stress a little because it was so big and Paige is not an easy child to control at times. Drop offs, etc.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We started out high and went down steep slopes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCOJDgcitCs7OEUT2JKsd7dY-YqFuBQjwt-Jo89jPiTBFeqJRTVFtlV5knp0UYvhJ-b6D7otpxjfRXMBwBkOXtSEBn9rmbmlC_kg-v3H4BNPFvtSdjm4MSB-fWZsUU1zO7FlMOXvDVAll/s1600/815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCOJDgcitCs7OEUT2JKsd7dY-YqFuBQjwt-Jo89jPiTBFeqJRTVFtlV5knp0UYvhJ-b6D7otpxjfRXMBwBkOXtSEBn9rmbmlC_kg-v3H4BNPFvtSdjm4MSB-fWZsUU1zO7FlMOXvDVAll/s320/815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrzupUM_xmDL11_yN1nyIXyIP9KOn6M_nTnDq5ZXJQeRAvD4thlxvxNfgNVmXgxPIDGIPcg-FJRQ9ICSYZHx-NF45WfJ3PA8QpxlWOnfwBLhInudNZZLYNGwIBUt8G945E8KBvmx7wMWV/s1600/800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrzupUM_xmDL11_yN1nyIXyIP9KOn6M_nTnDq5ZXJQeRAvD4thlxvxNfgNVmXgxPIDGIPcg-FJRQ9ICSYZHx-NF45WfJ3PA8QpxlWOnfwBLhInudNZZLYNGwIBUt8G945E8KBvmx7wMWV/s320/800.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank goodness there were handrails. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Want to know what it sounds like for a two year to scream inside a large cavern? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No you don't. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Yq_bpJNhYhyyT-05iTv6o9ERlRLXxI5cZoVSCfiCmq6yvqltfUJMmW5tdlVvsHGEUTh1GecP9Eq4YkFVKd73_iM1PA9GcyZiF8b1cyQhxgEnxPkGFdyT1V_nS3KnAw6w2GkMjvIBSmSO/s1600/793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Yq_bpJNhYhyyT-05iTv6o9ERlRLXxI5cZoVSCfiCmq6yvqltfUJMmW5tdlVvsHGEUTh1GecP9Eq4YkFVKd73_iM1PA9GcyZiF8b1cyQhxgEnxPkGFdyT1V_nS3KnAw6w2GkMjvIBSmSO/s320/793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a natural phenomenon that is inside the cave and looks like a battleship. <br />
I think it's pretty cool. </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6GmXrQ5xUTDih8GVXH7loYKRX41aa8lMOWD5q5Aki_o4cpMY0HO0GrWL_UOF0hkPUDdobjdVNaJDFraCSro5JTGU37QAo_mKAWT_jP7mMgtbPWRnZLKxCkPnv9XFs3Pdtg_9iKOJ1lUx/s1600/787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6GmXrQ5xUTDih8GVXH7loYKRX41aa8lMOWD5q5Aki_o4cpMY0HO0GrWL_UOF0hkPUDdobjdVNaJDFraCSro5JTGU37QAo_mKAWT_jP7mMgtbPWRnZLKxCkPnv9XFs3Pdtg_9iKOJ1lUx/s320/787.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fortunately we didn't have to go back up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A bus picked us up at the end and drove us back up the mountain to the beginning. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEwVp-uXAHIXHTBzN797pzCf16qTQI-jHODCl7Dq2Sy5JPc8T0bkWCbcGfn3mEaMQFwO6qW8359oj2GGQIk52Upnn2yWL7rf9kntdVXH1ovuwbJonh2uVpDsnz_1IUIX5rrSYch7lrYBj/s1600/838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEwVp-uXAHIXHTBzN797pzCf16qTQI-jHODCl7Dq2Sy5JPc8T0bkWCbcGfn3mEaMQFwO6qW8359oj2GGQIk52Upnn2yWL7rf9kntdVXH1ovuwbJonh2uVpDsnz_1IUIX5rrSYch7lrYBj/s320/838.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaX6HhrEUHlPH9LBleFOyQ-5WWoY2EPWjjTIL8ujjMzuJ5-M_Bs27flNKTIkCZC7HRW4hKYiOwvQDef5pZeMOsISEYYtoXjgpEXrGly0KAIGhe5GR3JXwKWCSntTwO9c0TyKbe2jWUCnfT/s1600/841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaX6HhrEUHlPH9LBleFOyQ-5WWoY2EPWjjTIL8ujjMzuJ5-M_Bs27flNKTIkCZC7HRW4hKYiOwvQDef5pZeMOsISEYYtoXjgpEXrGly0KAIGhe5GR3JXwKWCSntTwO9c0TyKbe2jWUCnfT/s320/841.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mike had fun taking pics of Paige while we shopped. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26Ty6slbhIZuT0in5B44Ll662t4z2ns2kuDioFkDIlenEJX-cwX4Y5W5FKV0lLBz5z2xDbaAdCBLXJ80HEQU-pwWxHmTF8-bYCoTFrZ7PtZVkTfN1tG9h8Ed9VFEO5tWJi0rrKM97YxU6/s1600/852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26Ty6slbhIZuT0in5B44Ll662t4z2ns2kuDioFkDIlenEJX-cwX4Y5W5FKV0lLBz5z2xDbaAdCBLXJ80HEQU-pwWxHmTF8-bYCoTFrZ7PtZVkTfN1tG9h8Ed9VFEO5tWJi0rrKM97YxU6/s320/852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We ate at a quaint little diner in Mountain View </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and bought some souvenirs in the little shops.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-we6RTyCSg8vAeWGMCO9GUMO9uJhlAPUnTFKBF3iJkiTxcMlsCXiLXF4UyOgXDbVLHjQpDYPsAnGksfqRLiGBfWwu6f8mb9M4cQ-kdG2G_DouYe0d_XlbAhiIDSYn_AvAcwToNFbG-mbT/s1600/964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-we6RTyCSg8vAeWGMCO9GUMO9uJhlAPUnTFKBF3iJkiTxcMlsCXiLXF4UyOgXDbVLHjQpDYPsAnGksfqRLiGBfWwu6f8mb9M4cQ-kdG2G_DouYe0d_XlbAhiIDSYn_AvAcwToNFbG-mbT/s320/964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
During the trip, we saw a puppet show, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVxxkLyXqHUBlGi_09aM36l91Jhz5Ys-KBphq2D0W0sSbk7vqqZCf-DbyicdIsRI3hujE-CiRXSpI0U_ve8CRhpvif874QNdRhZkhAm8Qp5N5o8JyZ4t0dO6i_cuxkRBptpgybULKzWYC/s1600/591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVxxkLyXqHUBlGi_09aM36l91Jhz5Ys-KBphq2D0W0sSbk7vqqZCf-DbyicdIsRI3hujE-CiRXSpI0U_ve8CRhpvif874QNdRhZkhAm8Qp5N5o8JyZ4t0dO6i_cuxkRBptpgybULKzWYC/s320/591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
fed the fish at the Marina, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkdzn8XBSGQew5GBD3K6DrvhfA1LL8es5WJZjQGrUsBn6w-y1bF_cHK__mAbVUrwuEHIefaZdZN_s3yyyWyCN5l4NpPyJ7uyrfpqvnl_gwdI6NO0qAsHfOwdjJAQG13BUUukPYjrstyMJ/s1600/413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkdzn8XBSGQew5GBD3K6DrvhfA1LL8es5WJZjQGrUsBn6w-y1bF_cHK__mAbVUrwuEHIefaZdZN_s3yyyWyCN5l4NpPyJ7uyrfpqvnl_gwdI6NO0qAsHfOwdjJAQG13BUUukPYjrstyMJ/s320/413.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
went to Walmart more times than I can count, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bought a lot of stuff, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
spent way too much money, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hung out at the cabin, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
watched movies, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
made a lot of bows, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="720" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/419451_3137103939004_1007014896_32354790_100178133_n.jpg" style="height: 422px; width: 562px;" width="960" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cooked and ate good meals and had an all around great time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the way home I took more pictures and did not get car sick once. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I call that a Success.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-47442312919023010682012-02-15T20:14:00.000-08:002012-02-15T20:14:12.826-08:00Photo of the Day: Handicap Hand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Note to Self: Do NOT use a metal toilet paper holder as a handicap bar. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It breaks apart and tears skin. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looks like I hit someone. I didn't, I promise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So this is my handicapped hand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74GM09n4hlCOktO6D-0v9DKg80uPTOXcwKS_2lOVyykc62tPO1JUl-XVQFvta3rmCVtmD9X2xwNLRk7ehu_wCsvgZEo_DEPcpJx9cwyM0skI4oclLEBeH2QajfPpfg_-TTuxT6TfWjFqK/s1600/hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74GM09n4hlCOktO6D-0v9DKg80uPTOXcwKS_2lOVyykc62tPO1JUl-XVQFvta3rmCVtmD9X2xwNLRk7ehu_wCsvgZEo_DEPcpJx9cwyM0skI4oclLEBeH2QajfPpfg_-TTuxT6TfWjFqK/s320/hand.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunday night just before the kid's play I made a quick trip to the potty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't go in the handicap stall, the door was shut and I was in a hurry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I held on to the tp holder but it didn't hold me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It slipped apart and the metal piece jabbed into my hand. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cut on the side (not shown) doesn't look quite a bad and bruised punture wound on top.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I went to the doctor today for my 3 month checkup and I casually show my hand to him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He was concerned it might be infected so I came out with a<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> tetanus shot </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"></span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">(only had the one with diptheria and pertussis so no hooping cough for me)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">and a new antibiotic to take 3 times a day, in case it's infected. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Sounds pretty intense to me. </span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">I think he was a little worried. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Then I remembered later, it is on the right hand, attached to the right arm which</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">I'm not supposed to even get BP taken on since I'm short a few lymph nodes.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Hmmm. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Guess it was a good idea to show him although my arm might argue with that.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">So far it isn't sore though. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">I learned years ago it hurts less if you relax your arm.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">or hurts more if you tense up. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Works both ways.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">The doc also told me to diet and exercise. I begged for diet pills but he's a no go on those. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">At least my bloodwork was good. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">So I'll be back to trying to lose weight with diet and exercise. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Too bad there's not a shot for that.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-47551207333693829272012-02-11T19:53:00.000-08:002012-02-11T19:53:47.754-08:00Ministry in ActionOur Soul Patrol kids at church are performing a play called A Love Ministry tomorrow night, February 12th, and I can't wait. We just got back from dress rehearsal and these children are awesome. We had some no shows but we've been working on it for so long the others kids filled in the parts pretty easily. Praying they all make it to the performance. I have some pretty awesome kids in this group. I'm sure it will work out. God won't let us fail when we are doing it for Him. <br />
<br />
I wrote the play so it's a double dose of excitement here. To see the kids perform my work and the pleasure of working with them. They may not believe it the way I yell (in love) but I absolutely love working with them. They are so fun and exuberant (which is why I have to get loud) but I just want to hug them all. I really do love you guys. I mean it. <br />
<br />
The weather man is predicting snow flurries. Seriously? We've had beautiful weather, barely even had to wear a coat this winter and just as we finally settle down to do our play, snow? Not happening. Again, God is watching over us. You hear that, devil? <br />
<br />
I'm already thinking of what we can do next. This play has puppets, singings, Godzilla, break dancing, solo's and acting all from kids ages 5 to 12. How can we top that? We may have to take it on the road. Nursing homes, here we come. <br />
<br />
<br />Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-70846710432392607352012-02-08T21:52:00.000-08:002012-02-08T21:55:35.946-08:00Pinterest, Play, and PlansI have been wondering around the Internet tonight. I have joined the Pinterest epidemic and still have yet to totally understand how people I don't know find my pins to repin. I don't mind, am even flattered a bit but where are the directions to this thing. I'm not totally addicted yet but I'm sure I will be soon. So far, I'm just having fun searching for pins to become so popular my inbox is overflowing with repins. My most popular yet is <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/247064729527384862/">Red Barn</a> with 44 repins. Cracks me up. It is a neat pic of a red barn though. <br />
<br />
I've been looking at "organizing" pins and blogs. Funny how so many have the same pins. Like the world wide web isn't as big as we think it is. Still working on organizing our craft room. The tables are up but we still have some tweaking to add. Pictures will be coming soon. Right now I'm working on some sort of a CD holder for my stamps. Maybe a box. It'll be interesting to find out how I finally settle on something functional yet neat.<br />
<br />
This weekend the kids at church, The Soul Patrol, will be performing a play I wrote for them and singing some really cute songs. I can't wait. One, for them to perform and two, for it to be over. We have been working so hard and long on it that they have it down pat (I hope). It is so cute and the kids are awesome. They seem to love it. The play is a fictional story about a group of kids doing ministry in a Soul Patrol . Praying all goes well and no one gets sick. Erin missed tonight with strep throat so meds should be kicking in before Sunday. <br />
<br />
My own daughter and grandson in Kansas have strep so guess it's going around the country. My son-in-law in Kansas had an accident last night but praise the Lord he wasn't hurt and the truck still runs. Of course, that was after two tow trucks had to pull him off the guard rail. He hit some black ice and no one else was involved. Lacey sent pictures of snow, but I didn't even think about the road having an ice layer. Guess James didn't either. <br />
<br />
So that's about it for Wednesday. I need to get to bed. Still not independently wealthy, so 6:30 am and work will be here sooner than I'd like. We always told our kids, find what you love and make a career out of it. I finally found a job that I love, okay really like. Let's just say it's the only one that I have stuck it out eleven years and plan to retire from someday. But what I really love is writing and crafting and I have yet make the money doing that as I make at my desk job. So, writing and crafting will be my fun ministry and hobby and Walmart will provide the money to fund my habit.<br />
<br />
Find your talent, use your gifts, and God will bless you as you minister to others. Ministry In Action.Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-56906218099224444052012-01-27T20:29:00.000-08:002012-01-28T06:52:31.908-08:00Fun Weekend, Tough WeekThis has been a really tough week for my family. Paige turned two on the 19th and she was sick. Nothing worse than being sick on your birthday. Okay, that was last week but bear with me. <br />
<br />
Over last weekend Hubby and I went to the Gospel Music Artists Association Convention where I had the privilege to recite two of my original poems and try my hand at a little comedy. Is it comedy if the stories are actually true? There was laughter. I don't mind getting laughed at when I'm the one making fun of me. I hated being teased when I was kid. Yet, I always wanted to be Carol Burnett when I grew up. Maybe I finally grew up. Took me long enough. I'm almost ready to retire. I will post the video on my Facebook Page, Grandmommys Gems.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGC-hVQBcpOdEspqr3bYGQasCkjP0JLJkgXoh_Tb96AFbaopQP0aksnzUansV9RnsCi711UdfR0mph4rQRAp1Jl-VrZ_ZYhuTF8BVk6dzgwgMBR83CAOgUFOlFhQRuMuNJsCwavUItOGZt/s1600/IMG_2430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGC-hVQBcpOdEspqr3bYGQasCkjP0JLJkgXoh_Tb96AFbaopQP0aksnzUansV9RnsCi711UdfR0mph4rQRAp1Jl-VrZ_ZYhuTF8BVk6dzgwgMBR83CAOgUFOlFhQRuMuNJsCwavUItOGZt/s320/IMG_2430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So when I came off the stage Friday night, my throat was so dry. Someone asked if I wanted a bottle of cold water. I said, "Yes, I'm dying!" I downed it before I made it back to my chair. I was so tired on Saturday but we had a great time. I only made it through two hours of the Saturday night concert before I went back to the room to rest. We made it home Sunday morning in time for church but I skipped and stayed home with Reace who was also feeling puny. At Soul Patrol play practice, I felt my throat getting worse. Drainage, allergies, whatever but finally Friday (today) I gave up and when to see my favorite doctor who gave me some meds to make me better. I always wait to go until I can't stand it and that's usually just before I get better. But, I still managed to go to work all week and muddle through. <br />
<br />
During the week, three family members came down with what the baby had last week which was viral and flu like symptoms. Fortunately, we are all on the road to recovery and praying no one else comes down with any of our symptoms. Especially my eighty three year old Mom. She would hate me telling her age even though she tells it all the time.<br />
<br />
Kaylyn had a birthday, yesterday, and her Mom was so sick she didn't get to have her treats until today, Sonic blasts and mozzerella sticks. Sounds yummy. I missed out due to work. But we still managed to celebrate a little last night with a nice dinner, cake, and her present from me and Papaw.<br />
<br />
Now, we get to start the weekend all over again. After I get up at 4 a.m. to go work for an hour that is. Then we get to watch Kaylyn play basketball where I can't yell, then watch her cheer for the boys basketball. This is going to be tough. I realized two weeks ago I was yelling and waving my arms around like a mad woman. Very embarrassing. I'm sure I will have a tough time holding it in but the throat pain will probably stop me from getting too loud. I'm sure if I do I will totally lose my voice. No promise on the arm waving. Then plans to work on the craft room if we still feel up to it. So many ideas and plans, just hard to move around in there. We need a warehouse so we can empty it out and only return what we really need. Who am I kidding, we need it all.<br />
<br />
Like I said, it was a tough week but I'm pumped for the weekend.Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-58557939877525683432012-01-18T20:03:00.000-08:002012-01-27T20:38:02.614-08:00Nifty ThriftyI had to do an audit at a sister Walmart yesterday. It is not that far from my store but it sits right next to one of the best thrift stores ever, Casa View Thrift. I have found some really good things there so I always have to make a detour going out to my car on the way home. <br />
<br />
My cousin asked me the night before if Mom had any old pyrex dishes as she had broke her favorite little dish and was looking for another one. I figured that was as good a reason as any to venture into the Thrift Store. I meandered through the aisles and came upon an almost hidden room full of glassware. I touch one bowl and apparently someone had left another glass dish sitting precariously half touching it. Yep, it fell and shattered into pieces. I let them know on the way out they had some broken glass in the back. <br />
<br />
<br />
My addiction dates back to the time my Mom and I had a building at a fleamarket. We had a lot of fun scouring garage sales to find treasures to resell. We had regular customers and we knew what to buy. One collected shot glasses, one was raising his new grandson, one had a booth down the aisle and loved pottery, glasswear, etc. We found it and they bought it. Half the fun was making people happy. <br />
<br />
We, of course, fell in love with a lot of the treasures. Old habits are hard to kick. Which is why I can't buy another cool item (unless it's really, really good and I can find a reason to really "need" it). I was good though and practiced self control and did not buy anything. We are trying to make more space, not take up more space. Good thing I'm not going back to that store anytime soon, I may not be able to control myself. <br />
<br />
I have a weakness for glassware and my husband, Mike, cringes when I bring home another piece. I can't blame him, my China cabinet is overflowing. So here are some of the cool items I saw yesterday but left on the shelf. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nifty Mixing Bowls</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUasMcfeqz7Ay3uToQv7uaN0NXrWYBAfwW5tNs4yt9aqWLC_18LllLrh6XFpfNyJW5YpGJ6kZ8HSm1vwBhoqWVI3iQfcfTeNRPFij9VRQKd985OK2tvrpku4ikZOO3v50_PE3hgMgzzmV/s1600/bowls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUasMcfeqz7Ay3uToQv7uaN0NXrWYBAfwW5tNs4yt9aqWLC_18LllLrh6XFpfNyJW5YpGJ6kZ8HSm1vwBhoqWVI3iQfcfTeNRPFij9VRQKd985OK2tvrpku4ikZOO3v50_PE3hgMgzzmV/s320/bowls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Isn't this a cool little pitcher? Pancake syrup would be perfect in this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2VYCnT3hZi47V_z6t0pYalLhj4_ho2uHFJwofTvcFUUSVWufKq_Bx1OLInG1aOfFlGnNRlfZ-bK0RZhAvdCUnguwhyekSKCXj2M_1IGSO8UDnANOB61YfsvtvReWGCKRhVSWzsGfbhqt/s1600/pitcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2VYCnT3hZi47V_z6t0pYalLhj4_ho2uHFJwofTvcFUUSVWufKq_Bx1OLInG1aOfFlGnNRlfZ-bK0RZhAvdCUnguwhyekSKCXj2M_1IGSO8UDnANOB61YfsvtvReWGCKRhVSWzsGfbhqt/s320/pitcher.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We needed this when we had Reace's birthday tea party</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and I've always wanted one. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A little silver polish and elbow grease and we could </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
serve tea fit for our little princesses. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVFs9gj6gieGebU8N77IMipuW3FQBX1xu_5FIjsr2v_M9tJRG8bC1Ip0xDgkeECG9W05dIdHDP0y9WwkruVbo5n1MqOOto7mOy6BQr3odPb2P-vhOejK83CbXy5K-AnwBFQ9DC0p1Zs97/s1600/tea+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVFs9gj6gieGebU8N77IMipuW3FQBX1xu_5FIjsr2v_M9tJRG8bC1Ip0xDgkeECG9W05dIdHDP0y9WwkruVbo5n1MqOOto7mOy6BQr3odPb2P-vhOejK83CbXy5K-AnwBFQ9DC0p1Zs97/s320/tea+party.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now I'm itching to go back and check out the one down the street from there that I missed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Autumn said she was sure they'd have the pyrex dish. Just don't tell Mike. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175977801094576317.post-46815861977763347562012-01-17T20:42:00.000-08:002012-01-17T20:56:32.820-08:00The Cross<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfft9WeS0-JfmUC8WCIZp3CdIc4lX-pT3eMH22qKK177OXLJnBDsfneTxiVaLk0ilk9hxBuuBsRtW3gVd0H508bxZtnGxIY3CGd0Gx7hoBOnbQZDg5xxNJalFaIXBS6_3NVFrhJCTtu-B/s1600/IMG_1560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfft9WeS0-JfmUC8WCIZp3CdIc4lX-pT3eMH22qKK177OXLJnBDsfneTxiVaLk0ilk9hxBuuBsRtW3gVd0H508bxZtnGxIY3CGd0Gx7hoBOnbQZDg5xxNJalFaIXBS6_3NVFrhJCTtu-B/s400/IMG_1560.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<v:shape fillcolor="#3cc" filled="t" id="_x0000_s1027" strokecolor="#9cf" stroked="t" strokeweight="1.5pt" style="height: 4in; left: 0px; margin-left: -18pt; margin-top: 9pt; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 113.8pt; z-index: 251656704;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:fill color2="blue" focus="100%" focusposition="1" focussize="" type="gradient">
<v:stroke color2="#36f" endcap="round" filltype="pattern" o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.gif">
<v:imagedata cropbottom="6187f" cropleft="16181f" cropright="40034f" croptop="28136f" gain="74473f" o:title="april2005 059" src="file:///C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image004.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:stroke></v:fill></v:shape><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 36pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><strong>The
Cross<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">by Karen Arthur</span></strong></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">As I’m strolling all around the
dusty roads in my home town,</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">The line of telephone poles
resemble crosses in a row.<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the church just down the street
where we gather every week,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus;">We sing praise in Jesus’ name, and
give thanks for why He came.</span><br />
<br /><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Evergreens that edge my drive,
take me back to how He died.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes Golgotha feels so real,
when I hike a steep, tall hill.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">I can’t know the pain He felt when
crushed beneath the cross He knelt,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus;">But I can sense the heavy load He
bore, to save my sinful soul.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<br /><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Every shrub and thorny vine,
blossom only to remind<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Me of the crown, which tore each
gash in His earthly, human flesh.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">I spot at the hardware store;
nails like shaped the scars He wore,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus;">When they pierced the hands of
God, and the feet on which He trod.</span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;">Every
wound that makes me bleed, flows to refresh my memory<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of the blood that Jesus lost
hanging on that crimson cross.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">A metal fence surrounds a yard,
like Roman soldiers standing guard,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus;">Who shook a spear and bragged with
pride, “I’m the one who gored His side.”</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">A window glass reflects my shame,
and I know that I’m to blame,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">For my weakness brought Him here,
then my eyes fill up with tears.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was all for me I know, just
because He loves me so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus;">He suffered great atrocity, when He
came to set me free.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">But in death, He did not stay; He
rose again on that third day,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">He’s alive eternally, to light The
Way for us to see.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">It all reminds me of the cross,
and the ones who still are lost,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus;">When the Savior paid the price and
became my sacrifice.</span></div>
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
</div>Grandmommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18085627062060132040noreply@blogger.com0