Cleaning that Gas Stovetop and Shower Doors

I love cooking on my gas stove but let's face it, it's hard to clean!  I use baking soda and a warm wet cloth to scrub with and once it is clean I coat it with car wax, let dry to a haze and then buff.  Amazingly it will keep the scrubbing to a bare minimim next time it is wiped!  This will last for quite a while before it has to be done again.  I love it when you find an easy way to clean.  I also have found once the shower doors are clean, I can take a bit of baby oil on a wash cloth and rub over them and they will repel the soap and water. 

MIA For a While!

Well it's been over a year since I blogged and I want to start back again.  Much has happened in the last year.  We have had Ava since May, 2011 while Casey is deployed and it's kept this ole lady pretty busy!  Spent months wondering how we would do it and now worried about how we will make it once Casey is home and Ava leaves us!
We lost our precious poodle Rudy in July.  He got into the road and hit by a car and broke our hearts.  We are a dogless home for now but plan to get another when Ava goes home.  I just couldn't imagine potty training a 2 year old and a puppy!
Many blessings throughout 2011 and have continued into 2012.  I got some sewing done I will share as I post and new projects in the works!  Dad had a bout with pancreatic cancer, had surgery and treatments and doing well.  We are planning building him a home next to us as soon as the weather permits.  I can't wait, my dad is one of the most pleasant and fun folks to be around!
Will try to start adding some things next week, tomorrow the grandblessings are keeping me.....there are 4 of them so I have no doubt I will be well tended to!

Ava Has a Birthday!

Ava is celebrating her first birthday today.  We had the actual party on Sunday afternoon and returned back home today.  Had a wonderful time spoiling her and watching her antics.  She is very vocal and is walking around everywhere now.  Sweet little personality and looked adorable (as you can see) in her birthday outfit!

New Year, No Resolutions!

I think I am at an age where I have broken so many New Year's resolutions that I am NOT going to make one this year!  In fact, I don't remember when this started happening but I have not had a New Year's resolution in several years!

I have the worst time doing all I intend to do.  I gather for projects that never get done at times because I seem to always be gathering for projects I want to do!  I have several things to do for Ava, want to make all the grandchildren quilts and my son, I want some coasters for myself and the list goes on and on.  On my Yahoo sewing group they are discussing a journal so you can see what you are accomplishing.  Maybe that is what I need.  I have a severe "focus" problem so I think I will give this a try.  We'll see what good it does me!

Rainy and cold here today and I really want to curl up under the blanket with my book and read and sleep but that won't get the projects started.  (really started, not just "gathered!")  First things first, I need to get Ava's birthday top finished for her birthday tutu.  If I mange to stay on track I can have it done in a little while so off I go to the machines to see what I can accomplish.  Since her birthday isn't until the 20th, this would be the perfect thing to get done first and off my mind.   I hope to post a picture of the finished top today or tomorrow.

Making a Teepee Model

Yesterday had to make a teepee model for Emilee. I got online and read although I had in my head an idea of how to do it. Finally settled on covering a cheap childs party hat with some tan fleece I had on hand and used some reeds I had left from some fragrance dispensers for the sticks. Easy enough! Then I cut a circle from construction paper for a sun and used strands of thread to put behind it for a "sun" decoration, put some red rick rack around the teepee....used a knotted piece of green thread glued to it for a "snake" and took a piece of indian looking fabric, fraying the ends, and glued all this on for decorations on the outside of the teepee. I cut some leaves from some fabric scraps and glued them on there too. I used a permenant marker to make paw prints on it too. Not really hard to do but the real delight was when Parker saw it......he kind of had that glazed look that I get seeing a new sewing machine......saying I need that. So after I can get myself settled I guess I will be making some teepees for the grandsons that enjoy those cheap plastic "army" type men so much!
We are so blessed with the grandkids but they do keep you busy. I can't imagine how parents manage alone without the help of someone else!

Make a Snow Globe

Emilee, the 10 year old granddaughter, had to make a snow globe from recycled materials for extra points. I had never done the but after a little reading on the web found what info I needed and we got one done. Here's what you will need.....
One empty jar with lid (I used a junior baby food jar)
one figurine for the inside (we did purchase a glass angel for $1 at the Dollar Store for this)
gorilla glue or some water proof glue
assorted trims and a bead (all from left over craft projects)
Baby oil
glitter
Make sure jar is label free and clean and dry.
Glue the figurine to the inside of the jar lid and let set whatever amount of time your glue recommends, I let it set overnight.
Fill jar just almost full of baby oil and add glitter. Glue the lid on the jar making sure you seal it well to prevent leaks. When this is set use hot glue or any other you choose and attach any trims you want, we used some beads that were on a strip of fabric that would hang down from the lid. I glued a bead on top and put in a pc. of trim to make this an ornament....use the stronger glue for this so it won't come loose.
I can see where this would be a wonderful project for Bible schools and parties. The baby oil helps the glitter from falling too fast or you can use water with a few drops of glyercine added.
Merry Christmas all....don't stress over all that is to be done, take a breath and just relax a moment, if it gets done, good for you, if not you will likely be the only one that knows what your "good" intentions were anyway!

In the Hoop Coasters

I have discovered a wonderful set of coasters made entirely in the embroidery hoop. The title will link you to http://www.ggdesignsembroidery.com/ where you can find all kind of cute designs and ITH projects. These were extremely easy and came with a wonderful text document, complete with pictures, to guide you. Totally stress-free embroidering and the price was really good! I am sorry the picture doesn't do the fabric justice! I made these for my daughter Casey. She has some really pretty pottery type coasters but with little Ms Ava sure to be crawling before we know it these will be much safer for her and the coasters! All my grandchildren so far have been attracted to the coasters on the tables! Wish I had these a few years ago!

We were able to be with Casey and Ava this past weekend at Ava's dedication at her church. She was a perfect little lady. How can anyone look at this little face and not wonder at GOD's goodness and blessings?

Guess you thought I was gone forever....

I guess I have been lost in a fog since my last post...just after my 50th birthday. I have been really busy. You see posted here a picture of our newest blessing, a granddaughter named Ava. She is 3 months old now and just precious. In fact, there have been three new babies (including Ava) added to our family since my last post! So you can understand the lack of posting!

We lost our precious malta-poo Belle the day after Christmas. She was near 15 years old so we had enjoyed her for lots of years but we sure do miss her. We are now proudly owned by a apricot poodle named Rudy. (the name is short for Rudolph since he was born on Christmas Day) I can tell you that life with a puppy is really hectic sometimes, but hopefully the house training will go fast. He does manage to pull out three things to every one I manage to put up!

We were blessed to make it through a long, cold winter without too much sickness. Now the trees are blooming out and the pollen is abundant! Mowing is here, azaleas blooming and warm, beautiful days come really often along with the occasional spring storms.

Hopefully I will be more regular at this now but you'll have to forgive me when I skip here and there, it will likely be due to family obligations!

A Week Full of Blessings and Surprises!

This is truly a week full of blessings and surprises! I turned 50 on Monday and Saturday night was totally surprised with a party full of family, friends and loads of fun! Casey was able to come after telling me for a full month that she wouldn't be home for Labor Day. My son and his three children were there. Loads of family and friends were there. I can not believe that so many knew and not one leaked the surprise to me! So now I am 50, no longer middle aged I wouldn't think since few live to be 100 so I guess that makes me old? Doesn't matter, as one friend says, I am now 50, I am who I am and comfortable with it and don't care what anyone else thinks! That's me!
Then on Tuesday Steve had surgery on a pinched nerve in his neck. He is doing well, even coping with the fact I am his taxi...he did so well the doctor allowed him to come home Tuesday evening instead of spending the night in the hospital. I pray he will continue to recover and be rid of the pain he was suffering.
So you see, I have had a wonderful week of surprises and blessings!

OOPS I have been behind!

Haven't posted since the 20th of LAST month.....how did September get here so fast?
I have found a new addiction and its Farmtown on Facebook. Cute little game that I was invited to play by different friends. If you want a fun little game to play, try it.
Since my last post we now know that our little "butter bean" is a girl. We are excited and thrilled with the upcoming birth of Ava in January. The time will certainly fly by as it always does.
Have a dental appointment in a bit...sure hate that. Then plans to get some work done here and some more embroidery. I am getting a bit behind on everything. Grandkids suffered a virus but are now better.
I am so thankful we live in a country where we can worship without the fear of being punished. I do wonder how much longer that will be. Christians need to take a stand before things are so out of control we no longer have a voice and while we can!

Meet Belle

This is another family member.......my malta-poo, Tinkerbelle, or more commonly known as Belle to us. Belle doesn't know she is a D-O-G. Where ever you find me in the house you will usually find Belle. She is almost 14 years old and still in really good health except for some skin tags that the vet says can be removed but will likely return, so we just deal with them as long as they aren't seeming to irritate her too much. She used to have her own chair in the sewing room, or what she thought was HER chair. In fact, one day my daughter was here and sat in the chair as we were looking something up on the computer and Belle kept jumping on my leg and pawing at it and crying or dancing around whining. Casey asked what was wrong with her and I told her she was in Belle's chair. She got up, Belle hushed and jumped up in her chair. Casey says that is one spoiled dog! Since, I have gotten her a basket with a pillow in it because it takes less room and Belle doesn't have to jump into the chair each time we come to the sewing/computer room. I know lots of folks don't care for a pet in the house, but Belle is now such a part of the family I can't imagine life without her. Since I am aging right along, I will likely not have another dog, but I do love having Belle around! She is a wonderful companion and lots of company for me.
Today I am thankful for a growing family! Not only is my daughter expecting, but I have two nephews and wives expecting babies and all are due within 7 months of each other. My youngest nephew, Jake, called yesterday to tell me the news. This will be their first born so it is especially exciting for them. I told him so many were having babies I was afraid to drink the water. His reply was "Aunt Rita, drinking water isn't what does it!" I told you all before, our family has lots of laughs!
I am so excited for all of them and pray God will bless each one with healthy pregnancies and healthy babies!

Back to School Time Already!

My 2 oldest grandchildren will be starting to school Wednesday. I can't believe that the summer with them has passed so quickly. They sure do dread going, but I know that there is some excitement in getting to see friends again that they haven't seen since last spring.
Today is my day with them and shortly we are going to town for them to spend their allowance and possibly go to the movies. The morning has been spent playing games on the Playstation, watching Nick TV and last time I looked the living room floor was full of toys as they set up their "town" using the Fisher-Price toys their dad played with as a child! One thing for sure, we have gotten our money's worth from those toys!
I am so thankful for the time with them. It is truly a blessing to be able to be at home and have days like today with them, although sometimes it requires refereeing fusses! I absolutely believe being a grandparent is one of God's greatest blessings!

My daughter Casey has just gotten her aviation wings at Ft Rucker. Pictured are "my girls" and me. The little blonde is my granddaughter Emilee. We were so proud to be able to be there when she was pinned. Steve did the honors of actually pinning her wings. She is now one of only 300 aviation Medivac pilots. I was really surprised that there are just 300 in this field. The commander over this group says it helps him to maintain a close relationship with each one. Please pray for all of our military. These men and women sacrifice so much to serve our country. Honor them and thank them every opportunity you can.
Yesterday I went with Casey to the doctor and he says all is well with her pregnancy and that next month we should know what she is having! I am so excited!
Today I am so thankful to be back home safely. As I get older, one of the sweetest pleasures of any trip is the trip back home! I am so thankful for the safe trip there and back and so thankful that God has given me a home that I cherish and love returning to. Its not a fancy house, its HOME. I can only imagine what our final trip will be when we go to our heavenly home one day. Seeing all those that have gone before us, those that we have missed and remembered, but mostly seeing the Lord and Savior that has blessed us without fail here on earth.

Our New Baby

As you can see "our" baby is growing.....both of them! Casey, our daughter, is 14 weeks pregnant now and beginning to show. This is an exciting time for all of us. God is blessing us with our 4th grandchild in January...well, lets just say we hope its the 4th and not 4th AND 5th! Actually if God sees fit to send them in two's, we'll happily take them and love them all. She had the first person to recognize today that she was pregnant.....I remember how exciting that was when I was pregnant!
For now we can just be content to watch our blessing grow!

The Beginning

This is the beginning of a new adventure for me! I hope to be able to create a fun blog to share with friends and family. Hopefully I will be able to show some things I make along the way whether it be in the kitchen or the sewing/embroidery room.
Mostly I want to share my blessings with you......I am happily mother to two healthy adults and grandmother to 3 1/2 beautiful, healthy grandbabies! (the "1/2" stands for the grandbaby due in January!) Thank you GOD!