A Year in Pictures

Wow! 2008 was quite a year; difficult in many ways. Looking back through pictures brought tears to my eyes several times. Thank you for being there for me and with me during the past 12 months. I hope that you will continue on with me as we journey into 2009.

I chose one picture for each month of the year. Some I chose for the memory. Some I chose just because they "spoke" to me. Enjoy!

January

There is just something comforting about a vintage apron. These are a few from my collection.

February

February was the last month in our beloved home. So many things I miss.....

March

We enjoyed a beautiful snow in March. Quite unusual for Arkansas.

April
Sorting buttons is such a peaceful activity.


May

Roses from a sweet friend. Beauty amidst the chaos of my life.

June

This is the month that we moved into our new home in our new town.

July

Blooming crape myrtles and a new apron for my collection.

August

Do you ever feel this way? I do!

September

I opened my booth in the antique store. {ReNew}al for my creativity.

October

Some dear, sweet friends came to visit and brought me "HOPE".

November

The beauty of fall is always a blessing.

December

Taking the photos for our annual Christmas letter brought me joy!

There you have it! A little review of the year. I look forward to more memories and pictures in the coming year.

{Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about; See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life. Psalm 139:23-24}

Christmas on the Plains

Whew! We made it home about 10:30 last night. It was nice to see all the family, but I was ready to sleep in my own bed. Being away from home is exhausting.

When we stopped for supper last night we noticed the speedometer. My poor van! It is only an '05.

I just thought I would post some random pictures from Christmas on the Plains of Colorado. (We also celebrated on the plains of KS.) They are just a glimpse of the things we saw and did.

We completed a 1000 piece puzzle. It is somewhat of a tradition to do puzzles at Christmas. My Grandma enjoyed doing them. She is in heaven now, but we still carried on the tradition.

My older brother let my son do some target practice. He doesn't get an opportunity to do that at home because my husband really isn't a hunter and we don't own a "real" gun. They even went coyote hunting. I'll spare you and not post the bloody picture.

It is always difficult to get a good picture of all the grandkids. This is on the stairs at my parent's log house. I love the stockings! Mom made them for the entire family a few years ago.

My younger brother is a farrier. When he is not shoeing horses, he does some creative metal work. These are some things we got as gifts this year. If you are in need of iron hooks, cookbook holders, etc. just contact me. He would love to make something for you. Hopefully he will have his own website soon to sell his creations and my SIL's quilts.

This is my dad's chuckwagon. He and mom do authentic chuckwagon cooking for family reunions, festivals, etc.

This is my parents in front of dad's new office. He built it with leftover logs and lumber from the house. I told him he needed to build another one next to it so my mom could have an antique store. Wouldn't that be neat?! If we lived closer she and I could have a fun little business!

This is a gift I made for my family's gift exchange. The spindles are from my inlaws. They have given me some great architectural pieces that were torn off their porch years ago. The porch posts are even still in their shed waiting to find a way to Arkansas.

This is the scripture I put below the four seasons pictures.

Like I said, this was a random glimpse of our time in Colorado. We are thankful that we got to spend time with family, that we had safe travels and we were blessed beyond measure. I hope that you have also been blessed during this holiday season.

{There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1}

Christmas JOY

The reason my son was holding the "Y" in the previous post was for our annual Christmas picture! It is very difficult to get a good picture of these three kiddos. Sweet Girl is constantly moving and rarely looking at the camera. The boys....well, they are just boys! I was pleased with how this turned out. I love my beautiful children!

For those of you who participated in my Read for Rett book sale, I just wanted to let you know that I made a donation (my sales commission) to RettHelp.org . I really struggled with which organization to choose. RettHelp is fairly new, but the founder, Kathy Hunter has been around for quite some time. Back in 1984 her daughter Stacie became the first child in the U.S. to be diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. Kathy has done amazing things for Rett research and support. Right after Sweet Girl was diagnosed, she called me personally just to offer encouragement. She has helped so many families through the struggles of Rett Syndrome. So, thank you Kathy, and thank you to those who purchased books.

Today we found out that one of Sweet Girl's appointments in Houston had to be moved to Wednesday morning. That means we will be leaving a day early - tomorrow! This afternoon and evening have been quite busy trying to get everything ready to go. We will head out tomorrow after school. Please pray for our health and safety on this trip. Also, please pray for my sanity as I try to get everything done.

I'm not sure if I will have a chance to post anything for a couple of weeks. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Now I have got to get off this computer and get busy!

{But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11}

M & M....& Y

Two different thrift stores in two different towns. One day and one perfect letter. Okay, I know I probably don't need any more decor for Sweet Girl's room, but when I spotted the vintage plaster of paris (?) "M" I couldn't pass it up. To my surprise, later that same day I came across the wooden "M" plaque. I guess it was meant to be.
In keeping with the letter theme - "Y" is my mom making me hold a stencil? I will show you in a future post.
With temps hovering right around 30° last Saturday, I ventured out to some garage sales. I found a few things here and there, but this quilt top was by far my best buy. It was folded up in a box without a price. When the lady told me $1 (is it weird that I'm always telling you what I paid for things?) I almost jumped for joy. I was on the lookout for things to sell in my booth. I figured even if it wasn't in great shape it could certainly turn a profit for me.
When I got home later and took it out of the box I really did jump for joy (okay, not really)! But seriously, this quilt top is fabulous. And big. It is at least queen size. And in great shape. There are a few spots on some of the white fabric, but I bet they would come out in the wash.
Look! Pink and chocolate brown! One of my favorite color combos! You've probably guessed by now that this probably won't be ending up in my booth. How can I part with something so beautiful?!

I was walking through an antique store (not where my booth is) earlier this week when a lady stopped me and said, "Are you Vanessa?" Turns out she "knew" me from this blog. It was so nice to visit with her. She used to live close to where I used to live and recognized the name of one of my favorite thrift stores. She said her husband moved her hear kicking and screaming several years ago. Sounds like we have some things in common. LOL! Several weeks ago I met another lady here in town who reads my blog. Thank you, ladies, for reading my ramblings and introducing yourselves. That brightens my day!

{Jesus got them all to sit down in groups of fifty or a hundred—they looked like a patchwork quilt of wildflowers spread out on the green grass! Mark 6:39}

Gasoline

I guess this is sort of old news now, but I sure am excited about the price of gas these days. Did you ever think it woud get below $2 again? I sure didn't. We traveled at Thanksgiving and will be traveling again for Christmas. We will leave here on the 17th and drive to Houston. Sweet Girl has doctor appointments on the 18th and 19th. From there we will drive to CO to celebrate Christmas with my folks. Then it is on to KS and hubby's folks before heading back here to AR. I just used mapquest to add that up. 2270 miles! Yikes! Now do you understand why I am thankful for the gas prices?

Since I've had travel on the mind, I did a little travel display in my antique booth. Vintage flashcards, state plates, dist-o-map.....

....more flashcards (not so vintage) and a train mug.

Here is another look. The leather suitcase isn't old, but it is unique. The framed picture is a map and a 50's TWA advertisement. Little blocks that spell "GO". A thermos (my Grandpa always traveled with a thermos full of hot coffee). Tourist glasses. It was a fun little display to put together.

I did hardly any Christmas decorating this year. Seemed silly to go to so much work for only a couple of weeks. We put up the tree and that is it. I really hate that I have BOXES of decorations out in my shed and I didn't get them out. Next year I seriously think I will start decorating before Thanksgiving so that we can enjoy it more.

The boys brought this in from the woods the other day. Is it some sort of holly? I really don't know, but I thought it was pretty and festive.

Sweet Girl got her new wheels! Doesn't she look happy? This stroller is so nice. It is significantly bigger than her old one (which is what she needed) so I am still trying to figure out the easiest/best way to get it in and out of the van. It is not super heavy - just bulky. We are going to donate her old stroller to Wheels for the World. What a great program!

The "guys" are in town at Upwards basketball. The 8 year old is playing, hubby is coaching and the 11 year old is "assisting." Tonight is their first practice and games will start after Christmas.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I plan to hit a few garage sales and finish up wrapping Christmas presents tomorrow. Along with the usual laundry, picking up the house, etc.....

{You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. Ephesians 4:4}

Holding On to Fall

I cannot believe it is December! Can we hold on to Fall for just a bit longer? I took this picture on Sunday. It is pretty much the last of the color for the season. It was cold here this morning (for Arkansas anyway) - 26°. Here is something funny. When we lived in ND the schools took the kids out for recess unless it was below 0°. In KS I think it was 20°. Central AR - 32°. Southern AR - 40°!

This is a little project I finished up yesterday. It is a Christmas card holder, but could also be used all year for other things. I used a scrap piece of trim from my shed and painted it red. I drilled holes and inserted a piece of old wire garden edging (from the thrift store, of course). I did add a bit of glue in each hole.
The clips are old Christmas candle holders. I glued on vintage buttons. You could also use binder clips, clothespins, etc. Isn't that a funny picture? It was stuck inside an antique book I bought one time.

Here is another shot of one of the clips and an old postcard. I love old postcards! I put this in my booth, but I am really hoping it doesn't sell. I want to use it at my house.

Kelly, this picture is for you! Sweet Girl and her cousin both had their Girl Power tattoos on this weekend. Speaking of Sweet Girl, she is getting a new stroller (wheelchair) tomorrow. It is very much needed. Her old one is too small and literally falling apart. Yesterday the foot rest just broke off. Anway, this may seem like a silly request, but please pray that our insurance pays for this new stroller. Our insurance does not preauthorize these things. The stroller had to be ordered and then the claim can be filed. Now we just pray that they will pay for the $4000 stroller. (Crazy, I know.)

Well, the morning is almost over and my "to do" list is still quite long. I better get busy.

{Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12}

Happy Thanksgiving!

Can you believe it is Thanksgiving week?! As I look back on the year there are times that seemed to just drag on. It was a tough year. At the same time, it is hard to believe that we are already celebrating Thanksgiving again.

I have so much to be thankful for: a husband who loves me even when I am unlovable, three beautiful children, God's nature all around me, health.... I really could come up with quite a list. God is good.

I am so thankful for this adorable turkey. My Sweet Girl made this at school. If you know her, you know that her hands are in almost constant motion (see photo below). I'm sure it was not an easy task for her teacher and aides to get this project done. I love it!

Another thing to be thankful for is that her legs are getting stronger. Yes, the porch post is providing some balance behind her, but otherwise she is standing on her own. There was a day when we didn't know if she would ever bear weight on her legs. Now we believe that she will walk one day. God is so good!

This will probably be my last post for the week. Tomorrow we are heading to Branson to celebrate Thanksgiving with my inlaws. It will be fun to get away for a few days. I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving!

{"All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 4:15}

Blog Boredom

No, I am not bored with all the wonderful blogs out there. I am still amazed at all the creativity I see from everyone. The "Blog Boredom" title is just directed towards my blog. I figured I needed to do a new post, but didn't figure you wanted to read about kids with the sniffles, dr. appointments, laundry.... Just not much exciting to blog about.

Living in the south has some advantages. Like the fact the "garage sale season" lasts longer down here. It has slowed down, but there are still some good sales scattered here and there. For lack of anything else to show you, I will post a few photos from a couple weeks ago.

Wow! This is a really poor photo of a really neat "Mother" pin. The shape is unique. Have you ever gone to a sale and almost felt guilty about buying things? This was a house full of things a man was selling of his mother's. Nothing priced. Things still in cabinets and drawers. Almost seemed too personal. Was the man still grieving the loss of the woman who once wore this pin? I just wonder.
Here are some more odds and ends I picked up from different sales. I love old wooden boxes - beauty and function! The music in the background is a fairly large book - The World's Best Music.
Old bulldog clips of varying sizes. A wooden spool? A unique money clip. Large pins. They are about 4 inches long. Does anyone know what their original use was?

Look at this old softball. After looking on ebay I am guessing it is probably from the 30's or 40's.

Have I ever told you how much I love old books? Well, I do. I started collecting antique school books when I was in college and it has just grown from there. They are an inexpensive way to decorate. The more "battered" ones can be used, page by page, for crafting. Some can be resold in my booth. Some just seem to cry out, "Take me home and love me." Like the one above. I read Heidi when I was a girl, but I am sure it wasn't the 307 page version. And I know it didn't have these delightful illustrations. This book (c. 1924) was illustrated by Frances Brundage. I didn't know anything about her before. Now I will be on the lookout for more books and postcards illustrated by her.

Well, for having nothing to blog about I still managed a fairly long post. Thanks for reading (or at least scrolling through to the end)!

{"Honor your father and mother so that you'll live a long time in the land that God, your God, is giving you." Exodus 20:12}

Borrowing Eggs

A couple of Sundays ago we pulled into our driveway and were met by two of the neighbor kids. The little girl handed me the note below.

I quickly came inside, took an egg out of the refrigerator, padded it with a paper towel and put it into the plastic cup provided by the little boy. Off they went across the yard to their house.

(Before I forget, make sure you click on the photo to see the scripture on the egg carton.) Back to borrowing eggs..... I am so thankful that my neighbor felt comfortable asking me. Sure we go to church together. Sure our kids play together all the time. But how many people ask to borrow and egg or a cup of sugar from their neighbor anymore? I think it is sad that it doesn't happen very often.

First, stores are open 24 hours a day now. It used to be that if you ran short on an ingredient and it was after 6:00 or the weekend, then you had to improvise. Second, we don't know our neighbors anymore. Don't you think that is true? Am I going to ask my neighbor for an egg if I have barely spoken two words to her in the past? We are too busy to get to know the people next door.

Thankfully, we live in a friendly neighborhood. When we moved in everyone took the time to come introduce themselves. We are not afraid to ask favors of each other because we know each other. Also, we live a few miles from town. Running to the store for eggs is not convenient. So, if you need an egg, sugar, milk....come on over. And I hope you will sit on my porch and visit for a spell while you are here!

{"Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." Matthew 5:42}

What A Week!

In my last post I mentioned that my husband was gone to a conference eight years ago. Well, actually he goes to the same conference every year - same week, different location. So, this week he was in Tulsa. Sweet Girl got pneumonia. Yep! I drug all three kids to the ER in the middle of the night on Tuesday. My Sweet Girl was having trouble breathing, gagging and vomiting up "gunk" and of course, crying. The nurse says to me, "Is she always this irritable?" Ummmm, no.....and neither am I!

On a brighter note, here is a quick view from my front porch. I love this time of year! I wasn't sure how much "color" we would get down here, but we ended up with quite a bit. The last few days have been windy, so now a lot of the leaves are on the ground.
This afternoon the boys and I went to the state park for a church youth party. It was a gorgeous day! We roasted hot dogs (my boys are on the left and far right)....
made s'mores....

played in the leaves....
and went on a hike.

Tomorrow is a Holiday Open House downtown. I spent the week trying to get my booth ready for Christmas. Isn't it too early for that? I've already had to go in a couple of times and fill in bare spots where Christmas things have sold. Never did remember to take my camera with me. I will try to do that tomorrow.

I did find some time to hit a few garage sales and was pleased with the outcome. Again, I haven't taken pictures. This is some of what I bought: old suitcases, a wagon wheel mold from a foundry, an end table, Christmas ornaments, a really old softball, a beautiful old music book, some white dishes, Santa mugs, rick rack and seam binding, buttons..... I had a van full!

I woke up at 5:15 this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. Now it is 8:00 and I am ready for bed. I think I will curl up with the newest Country Living for a while and then go to bed.

{"And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations." Revelation 22:2}

Eight Years Ago...

Very early in the morning, eight years ago today I went into labor with baby #2. No big deal except that I was at home in KS and hubby was at a conference in WY. I wasn't due for three more weeks, but I guess the baby had his own opinion on that. So, I got my three year old son out of bed, drove him across town to my dear friend's house and then drove myself to the hospital. A while later another sweet friend came to the hospital to be with me. She stayed by my side and was right there....

...when this guy entered the world. He was healthy and strong. That was definitely a day to give thanks. I had a healthy baby and I had wonderful friends who were there for me. In case you were wondering, hubby got home a couple hours after delivery.

Here is a quick little project I did a couple of weeks ago. I've had this old screen window (minus the screen) for several years. In this house I decided to hang it in the dining room, but it was looking pretty bare.

I found these chippy old plates at the thrift store. I'd never seen them do this. The white "paint" has come off around the edges and the underneath is black. Most people would probably look at them and think "trash", but not me.

I turned them into "treasure" with a few simple steps. I took a couple old dictionary pages and printed "Give thanks" on them. Then I just cut them out in a circle and glued them onto the plates, added plate hangers and ribbon and hung them in the windows. I do think I still need a punch of color somewhere, but at least I have more than a bare wall now. Not bad for a quarter! I think that is what I paid for the two plates. Everything else I already had.
This old scale came from the antique store. Yes, sometimes I do a little shopping of my own when I stop by to check on my booth. It was half price and I just thought it would be fun in my kitchen. It looks good outside with the pumpkins and gourds, too!



Just in case you think all I ever buy is things for the house or to resell in my booth, I thought I would tell you what I got for $20 at a garage sale on Friday. For boy #1: 1 hoodie, 1 jacket, 4 shirts and 2 pair of pants (all Aeropostle or American Eagle). For boy #2: 1 hoodie. For Sweet Girl: 1 skirt, 1 shirt, 1 pair of shorts and 4 pair of pants (all Children's Place). I have no idea how I would afford to clothe three kids without garage sales, thrift stores and hand-me-downs. I promise you they wouldn't be wearing Aeropostle and American Eagle!


I hope each of you has a wonderful week. Hubby is out of town all week, so it is going to be a long one for me!

{"She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes." Proverbs 31:21}