Where DOES The Time Go?

I guess the saying is true...time flies when you're having fun (and as busy as a little bee!!) Who knew that in all of my fun, that my poor blog would be the one to pay the price. I know!! I know!! I still spend an awful lot of time on facebook, (farmville is my newest gaming addiction) keeping up with my day-to-day things, so why can't I come here to do the same? Maybe because my lack of time to scrap, and this blog's reminder of my passion being put to the side as other things have taken it's place.

For one, I've really started taking an interest in my health. Researching low glycemic foods, foods to lower blood pressure, and studying the effects different foods have on my body. In the past 3 years, I've gone from a size 20/22 to a size 10!! (It's amazing how just changing your diet the weight falls off...very happy about the results) In the past 6 months, I've incorporated an exercise routine, and even joined the YMCA. (My arthritis isn't hurting me nearly as much as before.) And did I mention I'm now incorporating MORE vegetarian means? (Gave up red meat & pork, but still eat fish, poultry and dairy) Eventually I may go total vegan, but for now, I'm happy.

Then there was a change in our family dynamic...my youngest son moved back home from Michigan this past February. It's been WONDERFUL having him back here...but now he's ready to move back to Michigan to be with his fiance', Felicia. (Our family got to meet her this past Christmas, and we just LOVE her.) It's been a bit cramped in this tiny house, but we managed just fine.

I've started spending time with my pastor's wive's father twice a week. (To give the family a little rest.) He'll be 99 in November and just the sweetest man you'll ever meet. Once upon a time he was a checker champion, so we spend a LOT of time over a game of checkers. (His philosophy is if you can win at checkers, you can win at anything life throws at you.) Once a week, he still gets on his tractor to cut the grass (even if now some of the rose bushes suffer from his deteriorating sight ::grins:) Smart as a whip, amazing sense of humor and loves the Lord. Just a delightful blessing to be around...and I consider myself blessed just knowing him.

My jewelry sales are up. I've sold quite a few pieces to several ladies at church, and even more at one of the local hair salons. Nothing that is considered a steady income, but enough to keep gas in the car (and these days, who could complain about THAT?!?)

And finally, after my success with the tomatoes last summer, I took the plunge to add MORE veggies to my gardening this year. (3 types of tomatoes, yellow sweet peppers) And then there are the flowers... (4 hydrangeas, 4 spider plants, 3 wild rose bushes, 1 schefflera plant & 1 fuschia plant.)

Of course, these are only the highlights...however, my time is up and I'm about to rush out the door.

In Search For The Perfect B'day Gift...

Tonight at 7pm, Kat & I will be at our church celebrating Stephanie's 18th b'day!! (A Harvest Youth member.) For the past couple of weeks I had been wracking my brain for gift ideas. Finally, after talking with her mom, I found something I could create...JEWELRY!! I learned what her favorite colors were and the type of jewelry she likes and took off from there.

SILVER--PINK--BLACK...hmmm

It took me a while because I created and recreated the tassel at least 4 times before giving it a thumbs up. Praying the recipient also gives it her approval...

I've also decided to give her these pair of fingerless gloves that I made...
though I will add either bows or create a fabric flower to adorn the tops.

Thankful Thursday...

I'm thankful...

1. That another month of bills have been paid with enough left over for groceries!!
   
2. For my incredibly sweet hubby. (Is it possible to fall MORE in love with your spouse with each passing day?)
3. For the rain we've received and that all of the severe weather went around us.
4. For talented jewelry designers/crafters/artists that share their ideas and tutorials online. (I've found SO MANY cool ideas for Christmas gifts this year!!)
   
5. For baggy clothing because it means I can buy a smaller size!! (I am smaller now then when I first met hubby nearly 12 years ago...10's/Mediums never looked so good!!)
   
6. For the changing of the leaves...it's my favorite time of the year!! I LOVE FALL!!
7. That Halloween is almost here...it's marks the beginning of my Christmas madness!! (When I start pulling out all of my boxes, totes and trees and decorate for the holidays!! YES, I really have to start decorating Nov 1st or I couldn't have it finished by Dec 1st...lol)
8. For long soaks in hot water...it has helped ease my back and wrists the past 2 days.
9. To know when to smile and keep my mouth shut...it just makes things a LOT easier when dealing with people that like to gossip or cause strife.
10. For the massive amounts of encouragement I've received about my cooking changes and weight loss...it has meant the world to me!!
    

My Jewelry Pieces...

From the encouragement of a friend, (Catherine Readshaw) I started creating my own jewelry a few years ago. Because of arthritic pain I had put it away but tried to keep up with new tutorials and jewelry designs. Now I've picked the hobby back up and wanted to share some of the pieces I've recently created.







I've got several new pieces in the works and will upload as they are completed...