Mom Caves Challenge....

  Between Naps on the Porch is having a Mom Caves Challenge special linky party and a giveaway from Homegoods. Bloggers are posting links to their "Mom Caves", and there will be some great prizes awarded after the judging. If you want to enter, go to her blog and read the rules, and then link up to her post HERE. 
 
  I'm using the post I did a few weeks ago about my bedroom makeover. I would have used the same pictures, so I couldn't see why I would need to reload all of these pics. Most of you know how time consuming that is on blogspot these days.

    I actually did my bedroom makeover 2 years ago after I had my tongue cancer surgery (you can read about that in my archives - May '08. Let me also say I am cancer free!). I love my bedroom. It is the place I can totally relax, read, do puzzles, and pray every night before I fall asleep.

  This was my comforter I had from J C Penneys. (Pretty boring.)

  I wasn't able to really do much on the sewing end, and my DH was so supportive and helpful wanting to cheer me up. After I got a little stronger, he would take me to some of the local antique shops looking for things to use. I had already bought my Matelasse bedspread as I wanted to decorate with a shabby chic look.
  Let me back up from here and say that I had completely redone my furniture a few years ago. It was dark pine, and I wanted something brighter. It was too nice to chunk and start over. I went to Lowe's and got an antiquing kit. I think it turned out pretty good - considering.
  One thing I needed was a little nightstand. I found one chunked in the back room of an antique mall. I brought it home and refinished it (with the help of my grandson.)

After

This is the bedskirt I found with a crocheted edge. It was just perfect!

Now, let me show you where I placed the painting I won from Erin. I thought it looked best sitting on top of the chest. It's the first thing I see when I walk into the room.



I bought a beautiful quilt with a sweet rose print - the main reason I was so glad to win the painting. It just all goes together so well, and winning the painting sure wasn't planned.

View of the whole bed with quilt. (This pic was taken before I added the painting.)

Now the next item is one of my favorites. It is the top to an old fireplace that came from one of the older homes in our parish.

The wicker table underneath also came from the antique store where I got the mantle and the quilt. It was just perfect to hold my quilts and a couple of my treasures. The doll quilt is one that my grandmother made, and the piece of a yoyo quilt was made by my other grandmother. They are very old, and not in the best shape, but I cherish them.

Now I will finish with a few pics of the small pillows I made out of placemats.

That's it folks! I hope you have made it to the bottom of the post. I know it's long, but these things just take up a lot of space on here.
    One more peak. I love old cutwork and handmade linens. I try to use them around my home.

 While looking around Homegoods, I found some cute pillows that I think would also look neat on my bed.

  I could also use a couple more things for my walls. I thought this was interesting.

 I know the judges will have a hard decision to make. It was fun to participate, and to view all of the other entries.

Thanks,
 Shirley





My Latest Project...

 
A few weeks ago my daughter won a giveaway from Sara Norris' blog. Sara has a website if you are interested in her patterns. Click HERE.

  Emily won the pattern, and the fabric to make the Lacey Claire skirt that Sara designed. The skirt is done with puffing strips in between the fabric strips. Her pattern gives all of the measurements for a perfect fit.

  The fabric is so sweet, and I had enough fabric by using the scraps to make a top to go with the skirt.

 As soon as we have a chance to get our little princess to model, I will post pictures, but for right now I just wanted to post the outfit and thank Sara again for a wonderful giveaway.

Justice for Justin Bloxom

  Some of you read my answer to 'what creeps me out' on my Monday post, and I think you were a little shocked.  Sorry, it is just something that is ever present on my mind. (More details at the bottom.)
  As I mentioned then, it was the guy who murdered a former student, Justin Bloxom.

 Justice for Justin Facebook page.

  Most of us think this could not happen to our kids or grandkids. Well, wake up, folks, because it happens everyday, and most of the time the kids don't tell, or they end up in the horrible hands of someone like Brian Horn.

  What I'm asking you to do is go to this Facebook page if you are on Facebook, and sign the petition. First you have to LIKE the page, then click on this link, and it will be the first topic under the Discussion tab.

http://www.facebook.com/Justiceforjustinbloxom?v=app_2373072738&ref=sgm

 Sign your name, your parish/county, and state. That's all.

  Click on notes and you will see that our Governor Jindal has already approved The Justin Bloxom Act.
  Every state needs to pass new laws or amend the old laws for convicted sex offenders. Actually, for any sex offenders because when they get out, they are not cured, and nearly always strike again.

  Justin was spending the night with a friend, another child I taught. He had been texting a little girl in his class. Brian Horn took the little girl's cell phone, and sent texts to Justin pretending to be the girl. He coaxed Justin into meeting him because Justin thought it was the girl. Brian Horn drove a taxi, and the girl (alias Brian Horn) told Justin she was sending a taxi for him. This was in the predawn hours of March 30. 
  This is where kids don't think. He just thought he was sneaking out to meet his friend. Justin was 12 years old. He was probably thinking he would be back before anyone noticed. The friend he stayed with did know the girl had asked him to meet her, but no one knew he was going.
  By the time they realized he was gone, it was too late. Our Sheriff's department was out in full force, and witnesses had seen that taxi up and down the highway. That is how they found out who it was, and it went from there.

  It's a sad, sad story, but it could happen anywhere. As parents and grandparents, we need to teach our kids to be aware of their surroundings, and to be aware of things that just don't seem right.

  I appreciate your support if you chose to sign the petition.

Shirley
 

My Blog Award and Passing It on...

 As I posted last night, I received the One Lovely Blog Award from Marie at The Things We Find Inside. Thanks again, Marie. I was quite honored to be noticed.

  My job is to send the same award on to 10 newly discovered or deserving blogs.
 This was a hard decision. I chose these blogs because of three reasons:
 1. The inspiration they have given to me.
 2. The inspiration they have given other people.
 3. The contributions they make to the blogging world.

 I hope you will go visit these blogs if you haven't already. Everyone can always use a little encouragement along the way.

To accept this award I have to link back to the person that gave me this award and then pay it forward to ten other bloggers whom I've newly discovered and contact them of the award. This is my list, and I will be contacting you.

Blessings From Our Nest

Ellis Inspired

Fifi Flowers

From A Writer's Kitchen

Grammy Girlfriend

Simply Debbie

The Old Geezer

Life as a Survivor

The Dalai Mama

Caiafa Craziness

I Received a Blog Award!

  I feel so honored to receive this award from Marie at The Things We Find Inside.

 You need to visit Marie's blog. I have really enjoyed reading her posts. She has a very versitile and "down to earth" blog. 
 Thanks again, Marie. 

 I have really been trying to make my blog more interesting to a variety of people. It can be time consuming, but I love blogging. 

  I would like to thank everyone that has taken time to leave comments. That really means a lot to me.

  To accept this award I have to link back to the person that gave me this award and then pay it forward to ten other bloggers whom I've newly discovered and contact them of the award.

  It may take me a day or so to do this, and I will be posting my awards as soon as I have time to link up to everyone. 


 


 

Meet Me on Monday.......

  It's time for Meet Me On Monday over at Never Growing Old. Come and join the fun to meet new blog friends.

1.  What is your favorite all time movie?

 My totally favorite movie is BEACHES. I know it's sad, but it is about friendship. Friendship and being a good friend is one of the most important things after God and family.

2.  How often do you go over the speed limit?

  I don't go very much over the limit. I have never (keeping my fingers crossed) had a ticket, and I sure don't want one now. If I did get one within my parish, I could probably get it fixed as I taught the sheriff's son one year. LOL

3.  What really gives you the creeps?

  The creep that murdered one of my former students. I wrote about it here. I could still throw up every time I think about it. The creep dumped his body not far from the school on a main highway. So the school buses pass it everyday. The only good thing is that those kids are reminded daily to beware of sexual predators.


 4. What is your favorite snack?

  Would that be a WW snack or a REAL snack? LOL On WW, I love their one point chocolate fudge bars.
  Now for a REAL snack, I could sure put my lips on a homemade chocolate oatmeal drop cookie right about now!

5.  Would you rather be a dog named Killer or a cat named Fluffy?


  I guess since I've always wanted to be liked, I would choose Fluffy the cat.

It's a Small World - Blogger Friends!

  I posted on a blog last night that I've been following for a while. I'm not sure how long. Probably just this summer.
 The blogger wrote back on my blog, and said, "Hey, I live close to your daughter!"

  The blogger is Teresa from Grammy Girlfriend.

 Well, actually, my daughter used to live close to her, but she's since moved.

  I know Teresa, and we used to attend the same church. I've been to her house years ago with a friend. Teresa is a fabulous decorator.

 Go check out her blog, and also her Holiday Blog. You will be so inspired that you will be ready to start decorating for Christmas!

Do you remember "The Blob?"

If you remember when this movie came out (unless you've seen it on Sci-Fi), then you would have to be close to my age.
  I don't know what made me think of this, but I have to tell this story.
 When I was a kid, my mama worked in downtown Shreveport for the Christmas holidays. We lived quite a ways from downtown, and we would ride the city bus to go and meet my mama to ride back with her after work. Sometimes I even went by myself. Can you imagine that this day and time?
  I actually think this particular day my mama went shopping, and she let us tag along. My brother is nearly 4 years older than me. He wanted to go and see this movie "The Blob". I had no clue what it was about so I agreed. Mama said I had to stay with Robert.

 (You can read about it below). To continue, we go in and sit down in the theater. The show comes on, and this meteor falls out of the sky. It burst open, and this jelly stuff rolls out. Then some fool that saw it fall from the sky picks up a stick and pokes the jelly stuff. The jelly stuff crawls up the stick and onto the person. Of course, he can't get it off.
  So far, so good. Then the stuff started getting bigger and bigger from the people it ate. Let's just say that by the time it was out of control, I was scared stiff! I got up and ran out of the theater at least 3 times. My brother kept coming after me and dragging me back inside, and he finally SAT on me to keep me in there.
 OK, this was 1958, and I was about 8 or 9.  Our television programs were very mild - like Red Skeleton, and I Love Lucy!
  I'm telling you I was traumatized! I can't remember much else past this point. I think it was many years before I could ever sit and watch the show and not shake like a leaf. LOL 

From Wikipedia:
The Blob is an independently made American horror/science-fiction film from 1958 that depicts a giant amoeba-like alien that terrorizes the small community of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. It was not until star Steve McQueen became famous with the TV series Wanted: Dead or Alive that the film became a hit at the drive-in theatres.

Some things I made recently....

 I like doing pajamas for the grands. I call these my "light" sewing. It doesn't take long to do the pants, and I usually embroider something on a shirt.
  Since Cayden is getting older, I sometimes do the ragged edge applique, but on this shirt I used an applique stitch that sort of looks like a blanket stitch. It did really well.
 For Cayden I did long pants and short pants.

Wonderful Giveaway...

 I am just in awe at the beautiful things over at The House of Turquoise. Erin is having a birthday giveaway.
Click HERE to read the details.

Meet Me on Monday - 9/13/10

  Monday is here again, and I've got my five questions answered. Sorry no pics to spice it up this week. I'm just too tired.

What is your favorite pasta dish?

  I love mostly pasta from the Olive Garden. My favorite is their Cheese Ravoli with alfredo sauce on top. Lately, I've been eating the Eggplant Parmigiana.

2.  What is the last thing you do before going to bed?

  I believe I answered this in another blog post about how late I stay up.
  I like to read my Bible, go over my prayer list, possibly read a chapter in a book,  and play on my iPod. Sometimes I fall asleep with it in my hand. I've always had problems falling asleep so if I tell my mind I need to do these things, then I usually fall asleep faster. LOL

3.  How many nights a week do you go out to eat?

   Well, it used to be a lot more when I was working and I had no energy to cook. Now that I'm home, and we are trying to do WW, I cook nearly every night. We do go out at least one night a week, and maybe once on the weekend depending on what we have planned. Our small town doesn't have much of a choice in restaurants so if we go out to eat, we want to find something good.

4.  Are you an avid book reader?

  Do I like to read? Yes. An avid reader? No. I take it in spells. After I had shoulder surgery last summer, I read quite a few books because I couldn't do anything else. I'd rather be sewing, but I do like to keep some kind of book by my bedside. I like to read devotional books or books in which people have overcome adversity.

5.  Would you rather have x-ray vision or bionic hearing?

  Definitely x-ray vision. I could sure use it these days, or maybe just some sort of built in magnification. My mom was legally blind, and I do think about that a lot.

  I hope everyone has a great week!






.

Grandparent's Day!

 Today was Grandparent's Day for Shelby's daycare class. She has a wonderful teacher, Ms. Felicia. We were very impressed with Ms. Felicia last May at the pre-school graduation.
 When the class first came out, they lined up in a line. I saw those big ole eyes looking around trying to find me because she knew I was coming. Be still my heart!  They said a prayer together. It was so cute watching them all squint their eyes shut. Then they sang a song, "God Made Me." (Sheby has the pink flower in her hair.)

Sorry this is a little dark.

 They turned the kids loose, and they all ran to their grandparents. As soon as we sat down, she asked, "Are we going to do something fun today?" Well, of course!

  They served us a breakfast brunch. If you know my Shelby, that girl loves to eat. She ate a donut, part of a cinnamon roll, part of a muffin, a piece of bacon, and juice. Plus she'd already had breakfast!

 

As soon as we got in the car to leave, she said, "Are we going to eat?" This is just routine with her.

  We went to Kid City which is a church affiliated inside climbing cage. The kids love it, and the parents love it because it is totally safe and enclosed. She played for a while, and then we decided to go and meet Mommy for lunch.

  The best part of my day was hearing, "Mimi, me love you soooo much!" It just doesn't get any better than that!

This is Shelby in one of the outfits I made minus the bottom button. She's a princess, but she's also a tom boy too!

 This is what the kids made the grandparents. I love having my own little footprint of Shelby!

I did get to see Cayden for a few minutes after school. It's sure been hard not being able to do fun things with him during the week. He is doing great in kindergarten, and learning new Bible verses every week. This Mimi is thrilled! 

Looking Down from Above! My Little Town...

 
 I can't believe another Friday has rolled around. I get to go to grandparents' day at Shelby's daycare (Friday). It will be wild, but I am looking forward to us having some one on one time together. (She's 3.)
 
  Now I thought this would be a fun post to show you pictures of my little town from above! The husband of a teacher friend of mine owns a small airplane, and he frequently flies overhead. Mike took these pictures a few months ago. Becky gave me permission to borrow the pics.
 
The first two pics are of Logansport High School (LA). Our whole parish (DeSoto Parish) built new schools a few years ago except for one small rural school, and it received a renovation. This school houses Pre-K through 12th grades.  

 Logansport sits right on the Sabine River which runs into Toledo Bend. Toledo Bend is a sportsman's paradise. Maybe one day I can get some pics of that. It's a man made lake. If you cross the bridge here, you will enter into the state of Texas. We do shopping on both sides of the river. In Texas, you don't have to pay sales tax on groceries. We don't have much here, so we mostly have to travel to get groceries and anything else. There are a few shops downtown. We have a couple of restaurants, and not one grocery store. At least it's only a couple of miles into Texas to get groceries.

 This is another shot of downtown from the south side. Word is the state is building a new highway north of town. We will dry up and blow away then!

 Now if you follow this road away from the river going east, you will pass my street. I only live about a mile from downtown.

 We do have a nice riverfront park area. I will have to take pics of that some day. It's the prettiest in the spring. I love to go down there and have a picnic while watching the river traffic, etc.
 
  I hope you enjoyed my little tour. Have a great weekend everyone!

Thanks again Everyone!

  I came in 2nd in the Ugly Knit Challenge thanks to my supportive and wonderful friends.

 I do feel good about that, and the fact that 2nd out of 39 entries is pretty good.

  Thanks also for all of the sweet comments. I do appreciate everyone who takes the time to leave a comment. 
Shirley

Thanks to my Friends....

 I had completely given up on trying to win the Ugly Knit Challenge over on Lil Blue Boo. It seemed like for every vote I got, the person ahead of me would get 10. I don't usually enter contests like that, and never expect to win. I still don't expect to win as voting ends tonight at midnight, and I'm still behind. The competition is tough.
  The thing is, I have already won in my heart because so many of my friends have been encouraging me and trying to help me get votes.
  If I win, fine. If I don't, fine. I am just so touched to have the love and support of my friends from every walk of life. In the end, that's all that matters.
 Hugs and prayers to all of my blogging friends. I've become a better person reading many of your blogs.

Sincerely and from my heart,
Shirley

Have you ever been here?

  You need to visit, look around, and enter her giveaway. Gorgeous things!

Meet Me on Monday...September 6, 2010

  It's Monday again! Java @ Never Growing Old has posted this week's questions.

1. Do you wear socks to bed?

   I had to laugh outloud at this one. I never go to bed without socks. Winter or summer, it doesn't matter. I have to have my socks. This was my one command when I had surgery was for someone to keep socks on my feet in the hospital because I wouldn't be able to reach them. LOL

2.  Do you have any pets?

  I do. Our sweet Pomeranian, Missy, is almost 16 yrs. old. Poor baby can't hear, and has trouble walking some days, but most of the time she's still pretty perky.
 These are old pictures - when Cayden was 8mos. old, but I just had to use these because I can't believe Cayden is now 5, and of course, Missy was in better shape here also.

 3. What topping(s) do you like on your pizza?

  Well, when I can have pizza, I like pepperoni, red onion, cheese (of course), and very light sauce. In fact, I'm happy with no sauce.

4.  What time do you go to bed?

  Seriously, I stay up way too late some nights for an old lady. That's when I do my blogging, and reading blogs. Then when I get in the bed, it may be another hour before I actually go to sleep. I like to read my Bible, devotions, go over my prayer lists, play Words with Friends, and listen to my iPod.  Why do I do this? Because for so many years when I had to work, I HAD to get in the bed earlier than I liked to. Now I don't have to unless I have to get up early for some reason, and it sure is nice!

5.  Would you rather get free chocolate for one year or free potatoes forever?

  Funny question. I would have to say potatoes. We eat a lot of potatoes so that would be the best choice for me. I love potatoes. If I could, I would eat really good mashed potatoes every day, but they're too high in points on WW. Who wants skinny mashed potatoes? LOL 

 Now if you stayed with me this far, and you haven't voted in the Dharma Trading Ugly Knit Challenge, would you please go HERE and vote for me? My entry is No. 3 - the embroidered monkey jumper. I want to win the machine because I want to start teaching some sewing classes in my area. You can vote once on each computer. Thanks so much!
 Have a great week!
Shirley

44th Street Fabric

  This place has the best giveaways. Check it out HERE.

Dalai Mama Giveaway....

Come on folks, you can't win if you don't enter!
Go take a peak at Dalai Mama's giveaway.

Giveaway at Ellie Inspired...

Some of my friends said I couldn't win this one because I've already won a couple of giveaways. Well, I'm going to try anyway. Who could pass this up when you have a 3 yr. old granddaughter?
  Ellie Inspired

I Made the Top 15 - Please Go Vote...

 I entered the Dharma Trading Great Ugly Knit Upcycle contest over on Lil Blue Boo's blog. I did it for fun, but I was lucky enough to be picked for the final 15.

  Click on Lil Blue Boo, and the vote box is in the top right hand corner. Give it time to load.

 My entry is No. 3 - the embridered monkey jumper. I used 2 of my husband's ugliest shirts I could find, and tried to turn them into something cute.

  I'm only asking you to vote for me if you think I'm worthy. I know there are some fantastic entries.
  Thanks so much.

(p.s. - I've never made this many posts in one day)

I've Been Tagged......

 I've been tagged by So Many Memories! This has never happened to me before. LOL  I am supposed to answer 8 questions given to me, and then I'm supposed to tag 8 other blogs to answer my 8 questions. Check my blog list below.

1. If you could have one super power, what would it be and how would you use it?

 No question about it - the power to cure CANCER. I would be a superhero for sure!

 

2. If you could become any character in a book or movie, who would you become and why?

  Ummm.... this is a hard one. I think it 

would be Bette Midler's roll in Beaches .

 To have her talent would be unbelievable, but I think I fit the roll as being able to drop everything and go to my best friend's side if needed. 

 

3. What was your favorite AND least favorite subject in school?

  My favorite subject was reading or literature. I had a wonderul lit teacher in 10 grade. She had us to memorize the whole play of Julius Caesar, and I did it!
  My least favorite was history.

 

4. What would be your dream job?

I think I'm living my dream job right now - RETIREMENT!

  I guess I've always wanted to have a fabric/sewing type shop of my own that would be a place where ladies would like to come to shop, visit, snack, and sew. 

5. What is one new thing you would like to learn?

  I can't really say "one" new thing. I really want to make an heirloom dress for my granddaughter, and there are several techniques I need to learn, or maybe a better way would be to say "per-fect."

  

6. If your life became a reality show, would it be a comedy or a drama?

  Seriously! Neither. It might be classified under "Boring." I don't like drama. I do like to laugh, but I don't think my life could be classified as a comedy. Maybe a miracle! 

7. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate?

  Dark chocolate for sure. Hershey's Specials really appeal to me. I will pick all of them out of the mixed package of the mini's. 

8. What is your favorite way to relax or de-stress?

  Mostly sewing/creating/ embroidering. I've always loved crafting, and when I would get overwhelmed from teaching, I usually went to the sewing machine or found something to work on. I also liked crocheting and piecing quilts. Just give me anything to work with using my hands, and that was and is therapy to me. I also like reading devotionals and inspirational stories.

Now, THESE are the blogs I'm tagging. If you don't have time for 8 questions, just do the best you can. This just helps us to learn more about each other.

Blessings From Our Nest

Coles corner and Creations 

Everything Sewing

Goosegirl Sews

Silver Rose Sewing

The Dalai Mama

When I'm Not Working

Augmented Gem

Here are my questions:

1.  Why did you start blogging?

2.  If you could travel anywhere in the world with no restriction of costs, where would it be and why?

3.  Did you have a teacher in school that had a great influence on your life? If so, what?

4.  If you could spend the day with a famous person, who would it be, and what would you do?

5.  Toilet paper - over or under?

6.  Name one thing in your life that you would do over if possible.

7.  Tell about your pets - if any.

8.  Do you live in a small town or a large town. (You don't have to name the town.)

  I tried to make them fairly easy. I hope you all will be able to participate, and visit the other blogs when you have time.

Thanks,

Shirley

How Lucky can a Girl Get????????

 I posted about this giveaway last week, and about the wonderful bedroom makeover that Guideposts Magazine did for Colette, who has breast cancer.

  Erin, from The Painted Garden, gave one of her beautiful paintings away on her blog to try and get people to post comments that would raise more money for makeovers.

  I, me, myself, Shirley - won that beautiful rose painting.
You have to go there and see it for yourself. God is good, and I have  been so blessed with so many wonderful friends, and my family. Now I have also met a lot of wonderful people through blogging.

  May God bless and keep all of you.
Shirley

I Won a Great Pattern from Brer Rabbit's Blog...

If you haven't been over to Brer Rabbit's Blog, you need to visit. Laurie is a very talented seamstress, and she is posting a tutorial and videos on smocking a bishop. Even if you don't smock, there is a wealth of information that would help anyone that sews.
 Thanks, Laurie. I was so excited to see my name as the winner.

Fabulous giveaway....

Now I know everyone would love to win this one.
Go Here. The blog is The Chronicles of Windy Ridge.

Wordless Wednesday

Need I say more?