TIME OUT

So many great things are going on at home and at work.....things that require more time from me....so, I wanted to let you know that I will be taking a "Time Out" from blogging for now. I have been thinking of how I can continue to blog and do my best here--and at work-- and it was stressful even "thinking" about it. That's not supposed to happen! I didn't want to stop for now and not tell you why. Nothing bad.....ALL GOOD but I'm getting my priorities straight. I will continue to read and comment when I have the time (and I will post again), but at this time I will take a "Time Out" from posting. Thanks for understanding.

MARRIAGE RETREAT

We're about to leave for a Marriage Retreat that our church is sponsoring. It is a night away at a BEAUTIFUL area to relax and have some time to spend with the one we (should) love most on earth. We sometimes allow our schedules to get our priorities switched around. Hopefully, this will be a time for the 54 going on the Retreat to remember God first, spouse second, .........., ............,.............,............, I will be sure and make pictures for you to see from the Retreat.

REMINDER FROM A DAFFODIL

One thing about living in central Alabama is the variety of weather on a daily basis. I know that some of you who have had snow for weeks might appreciate this. Yesterday it was sleeting ( I still am hoping to see just one snowfall this winter), and today the temperature is in the mid 70's. This afternoon I got outside and walked around in my yard looking at everything that needs to be done before I actually begin planting. I have a fence in the back that separates our yard from the wooded area. Last summer we had the area cleaned so I was not expecting any growth there. When I looked behind the fence I saw these daffodils....we call them buttercups in Alabama. They were absolutely beautiful and I had done nothing to help them grow. Immediately I remembered the verse in Matthew 6:28 where God is telling us not to worry or be anxious. " Look at the lilies (buttercups)and learn how they grow; they neither toil nor spin,but even Solomon was not arrayed like one of these." God spoke to me through these buttercups and reminded me that He takes care of His creation. Several times these past weeks I've been reminded to be still/quiet and listen. I heard God speak and I had to bring them inside to remind me again tomorrow (lest I forget). So.....I put them in a jar and they are on my kitchen table. God is so good!

GUESS WHAT'S COMING

For quite some time I have admired Kimberly's work....especially her quilts. She is another one who must never sleep! Before Christmas she had an open house where many of her beautiful creations were for sale. If I lived close by I would certainly have been there. I love the stitcheries she does and she always lets us know where she gets her patterns. Last week she posted about a new blogger (who happened to be the very person who creates many of these patterns). Of course I go and visit this new blogger and my heart is pounding because I want to learn how to do all these wonderful projects. I almost ordered a book right then, but the price was in Canadian dollars and that did it for me.....I had no idea how much it would be.....gave up without trying to find out more. WELL......that night Kimberly left me a comment telling me that she felt like I could learn this and that's all it took. Today I finally made contact with Cheryl at Country Quilts and ordered me the neatest book that is on it's way! I'm sure it will take it several days to get all the way to Alabama, but I am so excited. I hope to show you one of the projects real soon that I have done. Thanks Kimberly for giving me the push I needed. The picture below is one of the beautiful quilts that Cheryl has made. Isn't it beautiful?

THE TABLE IS SET

Thought I'd give you a preview of my special night with my hubby.....as you know we're celebrating tonight so we can keep the grandsons tomorrow night for their mom and dad to celebrate. I told my husband I'd much rather do something here than go out to eat because it will be so crowded the wait will be forever. So.....he's grilling steaks and we'll have a quiet night here. After my shower, COFFEE, and Bible reading this morning, I decided to go ahead and set the table. See I can get much more done in the mornings than after work. I'm excited about our night.....Yes....even after 36 years I still get butterflies!!!

WHAT I'M WORKING ON

This is the stitchery I've been working on. In fact....I've made three so far. I'm making some that I will be giving to some friends but can't tell you about that right now because some of the recipients might be reading the blog! I plan to frame these little babies. I think they will be perfect to sit on a shelf. Are you planning any thing special for Valentine's for your "special love"? I think we are going to celebrate our special night on Friday so we can keep the grandsons Saturday night for our daughter and her hubby to go out to eat. I'm not sure what I'm getting for my husband but I'm thinking it might be a new Bible. His has pages that are falling out. I know he loves his Bible and has scriptures marked and notes scribbled, but I think it's time that he can begin "remarking". Let me know if you have something special planned for the holiday for LOVE!

BOWLING WITH GRIFFIN

Today is Griffin's fifth birthday. He chose a bowling party and it was last night with his friends. Here he is with his BIG green bowling ball.

I had not been to a birthday bowling birthday party for kids, but it was great. They had them three lanes set up with the pads so they wouldn't get frustrated if their bowling balls didn't go straight. The adults had their own lane ....wished at times there were pads in the lanes for ME....and we had a great time. Of course, there was pizza (which is a favorite). The kids (and moms & dads) ate pizza throughout the night while waiting on friends to bowl.

Here is Griffin (in the red shirt) watching his little buddy, Blake, bowl. Blake's dad is our pastor at church.

CAKE TIME! I made this picture just as Griffin was blowing out his candles. The employees at the bowling place did everything. You can see one of them holding the cake and then she cut it and served everyone. All mom and dad had to do was pay! There were many other children who are not in the picture....sorry!

It doesn't seem like it has been five years since this miracle came into our lives (another post). His mom and dad and two brothers were living with us at the time because they were building a house and it wasn't quite finished. Grandchildren are wonderful....just ask any grandparent. Happy Birthday, Griffin!