Scrappy Week

I was home alone all week, gave me lots of time to scrapbook! I was able to do several challenges for Faith, Love & Scrapbooking and CropNChat, both Cafemom groups.

 This was a mystery diecut challenge. I signed up and was sent this cute little mouse. I made a card for my granddaughter, to send her Christmas savings bond inside.

 I used the same layout to make my grandson's card.

The double page layout was my interpretation of a sketch challenge. All it needs now are some Thanksgiving pictures.

This is another sketch layout, using items from a group swap.

Another sketch challenge.

S fold card to send my mom.

Another sketch challenge. My youngest had so much hair, I kept her hair in braids most of the time. When she was 3 or 4, she cut one off of her pony tail.

                                                                                                       

Happy Scrapping!

I realize I need to organize my scrapbooking folder, before I can post pics again because everything is helter skelter there!  Here is the only handmade Christmas card I sent out this year.  My goal for 2011 is to make 2 Christmas cards each week and not send any store bought next year.  I'll let you know how that goes.

This layout was done for a challenge in a scrapbook group I'm in. The directions were to use 2x3 blocks & use 20 of them. The problem with that is that I would have no space between the rows, as my paper is 12x12 so, being married to a retired marine, I improvised, adapted & overcame, lol. This is a close up I took of flowers in a vase. I had it printed to 8x10. I am not quite sure what I will put in the empty blocks, I'm not even sure I will leave the layout as it is. Please leave a comment and tell me what you would do.

My Creative Mojo

I've had some the last few weeks.....and here is what I've gotten accomplished: First are cards I made for some challenges in 2 groups I'm in on Cafe Mom: Faith Love & Scrapbooking and Crop N Chat. I sent these plus 5 birthday cards to one of the members of Crop N Chat for Operation Write Home. This organization collects cards, then sends them to our military so they have cards to send home.  OOPS, the 2 cards with photos of flowers I did not include in that group.

Next are the layouts I've done , for more challenges in the above mentioned Cafe Mom groups. I'm finally making progress on finishing Jess's books!

What do you think? And would someone please tell me how to get my blog to look like it does when I'm writing it?  All the pics are nice & neat, together but when I preview it, they are taking up a ton of room! And why, after I post pics, is my text always centered?

Oh Me of Little Faith......still

Once again, God has had to remind me of how little faith I have in my prayers. I need to be like the little girl who was the only one who came to a special prayer service for rain carrying an umbrella. I prayed yesterday that God would open a seat for me to get on a flight home. If I really believed that prayer, I would have told Mike I would be home last night. Then he wouldn't have made dinner plans he had to cancel, instead, he would have started home from the beach earlier, in anticipation of picking me up from the airport. I have to thank God for this reminder, little by little my eyes are being opened at just how small I am & how AWESOME is He!

What do you think?

                                               

I took this pic when we took our granddaughter to the aquarium during her visit
a couple weeks ago.
I get the impression they don't want anyone touching the plants....how about you?

Just Dishes??

Are you a fan of FiestaWare? You'll want to read all about my adventures at this year's Homer Laughlin Tent Sale over at my family blog:  http://sandy-lifeofriley.blogspot.c/...

Scrapbooking = Relaxation

Its been entirely too long since I've actually spent a block of time scrapbooking. I'm diligently working on finishing Jess' books: 7 - 12 grade; proms/formal dances; dance, recitals, competitions.  She already has her birth - 6th grade. I suppose it doesn't sound so bad if you don't know she is now 22!  I am thrilled to report that I can take her her prom/formal dance book when I go to PA this week! Here are the pages from 10th & 11th grades. I inked the pages from 11th grade and really like the way they turned out. I'm heading to PA this week and will be doing some cardmaking with my mom, I'm looking forward to spending that time with her. Pics will be posted sometime next week.

He Stilled My Tongue

God was with me today, stilling my tongue and allowing peace to prevail.  I can Praise Him for this but submitting in this instance still hurts. Father, please don't let me hold today against the one responsible. Thank you.

Proverbs 3: 5-6

'Trust in the Lord with all your heart & do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him & He will make your paths straight.' (NASB)

I've been asking God to show me what the verses I memorize really mean. This morning, as I sat on my jumpseat taxiing to the gate in St Louis, I was asking God about this Scripture. This is what He showed me:
I need to trust God with my entire being, all of the time, no matter what is going on. I don't see the entire picture, my understanding is limited. I need to be mindful that God is the leader of my life & seek His guidance in every single area of my life, in every instance, I need to seek Him/His will. God will never give me bad direction.

Now I pray I will bring these verses to life, in my life.

On another note, as I was driving to work this morning, I listened to my favorite Christian radio stations, one from home to about exit 87, another from there to about exit 107 and the last from I 40 to the airport. I was really listening to the songs, to the words this morning, asking God to speak to me through them. I don't know the title of this particular song but the questions asked have stayed with me the entire day: 'Why not here? Why not now?'  Reminding me to let others see God's love in me no matter where I am; to begin this moment, don't put it off until another time.
Have others been able to see God's love in my life today? I wonder.

Philippians

Life Change Series: Philippians


This study emphasizes a personal discovery of Philippians, gives practical application, insight to the historical scenes/practices & explains the intended meaning of words that might have multiple meanings. It also suggests some study methods to enhance one's understanding of God's Word. This study is simple enough for beginner's yet thought provoking for the more experienced student.

The format is set up for both individual & small group study. Both answer the same questions with additional discussion for the group setting. Upon completing this study of Philippians, there is a review section, helpful to put everything together in one place. There are additional ideas for further study with thought provoking questions. This book concludes with a listing of study aids with explanations of each.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

'Plain Paradise'

by Beth Wiseman


I typically do not choose to read fiction but chose this book for some light reading. I must admit, it is very typical of most fiction I have read, with some twists & turns but in the end, everyone lives happily ever after. After all, this is what we want from light reading, right?

The main character is Linda, a 17yr old Amish girl, who finds out she is adopted & her birth mother wants to meet her. The author did a great job of keeping me wondering if Linda would eventually  choose the English world over the Amish. She did an excellent job of describing the struggles Linda went through. The author included, without it being out of place, the role God & her faith played in Linda's life & the decision she finally made.

It was interesting to see the change in Linda's adoptive mother towards her birth mother. The author did not try to sugarcoat her thoughts & feelings, her struggles & finally her acceptance. One can relate to these feelings and how satan builds on them. I found myself often understanding the emotions & wondering if I would be so obedient to God's leading.
I read this book for entertainment and was not disappointed.  The author does an excellent job of describing the turmoil in each of the characters in this book. She also shows how each member of the tight knit community affects & is affected by one another.  I think teenage girls and maybe mature preteens would enjoy & also learn some valuable lessons from this book.
 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Random thoughts

Either I'm getting old & cranky or people are becoming more self centered.

God answers prayer.

There are worse things than not having a HS diploma.

Life is like a box of chocolates, you don't always get the one you wanted.

Marines are not soldiers.

No one knows what shoes another is walking in.

Friends can often times be a lifeline.

Just because we don't get to see it doesn't mean right doesn't win.

Take off the dark glasses satan has put on you and you will see God's blessings.

I love my job.

Homeless

I have been pondering the homeless for several months.  God has given me a burden for them.  I know many think the homeless are that way because of choice, perhaps some are.  I believe more are homeless because of unfortunate circumstance, perhaps bad choices. Now I am praying for His leading on how I can help.  I've spent some time creating a list of what might make the homeless more comfortable. 
Here is my list & if you have other ideas please feel free to share.
toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, chapstick
soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant
hand soap, hand sanitizer
socks, underwear
body lotion, hand lotion, lipstick
hat, scarf, gloves/mittens, coat
pillow, blanket/sleeping bag
kleenex, toilet paper
feminine products

I am so thankful that I have never experienced true homelessness.

...and kitten makes 4..... or 5

Initially, Grace wanted the kittens that were born back in Oct. Due to work schedules, she wasn't able to get to PA to pick them up and decided maybe she didn't want them. Jess really needed to get rid of these kittens. She already has their mom & dad, a rabbit, a dragon lizard & a snake. Somehow (I'm still not sure how) Missy & I convinced Mike to allow 1 kitten to live with us. Grace would take the 2nd. 

Last Thursday morning found me on a plane to PIT, met Jess & the kittens at the airport & back in Charlotte by noon. (Added bonus, Jess visited with us until Friday evening.) Jess had named one kitten Chanel, as she looks like her mother 'Coco Chanel'.  Missy & I named the black one Abbey after our favorite character on NCIS.   

The cats were let out of the carrier & they quickly discovered the space under the washer & dryer (up on a platform) made a great hiding place from the dog.  Cleo acts like she'd like to know who they are, why are they here & when are they leaving. She's been really good with them, a blessing as I wasn't sure how she would appreciate being invaded by not 1 but 2 felines.  They spent the first couple days hiding under the w & d or behind the dvd player, only coming out for short times to eat and play.  They are making themselves at home these days and while they still hiss at Cleo, they allow her to get closer to them.  They keep me busy, shooing them out of Cleo's food on a regular basis.  Why does her food taste so much better than their own?  Here is a pic of Cleo doing what she does best and Abbey being much braver, not running nor hissing at Cleo.

Its been over 3 yrs since I've lived with a cat.  I had forgotten how entertaining they are. Abbey is the independent one, she does her thing but if she thinks she might be missing something, she'll zoom in from whereever she was to check things out!  She's been up on top of the treadmill a couple times but of course by the time I can reach the camera is back down again.  Chanel has me cracking up everytime I see her sitting up on her hind legs looking around.

Don't tell Mike I told but he has even been caught (on camera) playing with Abbey & Chanel.  Mike the 'I don't like cats' guy.....lol

PS Grace may have to find her own kitten!

Sunshine!

I am so thankful for the sunshine today! There is just something about the sun shining that lifts my spirits. Not feeling the greatest, thanks to the untimely visit from Aunt Flo, I had planned to stay in my pjs and lounge all day. Seeing the sunshine, I was motivated to take advantage of the opportunity to hang clothes outside. Our dog was more than content to spend the day absorbing the sunshine streaming through the sliding glass doors.  Ah, the life of a dog!

Changes, they are a comin'

This has been my first experience blogging and I must admit, I'm a bit bothered by it.  I am going to try and write more regularly and find a way to organize.  Disorganization stresses me. 
Any suggestions are welcome!

Lessons Learned While Traveling

Here are some of things I learned while traveling over the holidays.  Lessons I pray I can remember, as I deal with the flying public while I'm working and also when I am traveling.
1. Not everyone is traveling for pleasure.
2. Just because someone puts on a happy face doesn't mean there isn't a ton of turmoil going on in his/her life.
3. Sometimes people are so fatigued, they forget to be patient.
4. Sometimes the smile I give someone is the only smile they see the entire day.
5. Customer service personnel, in this case gate agents, are human. They can only do so much. They cannot create a seat on an airplane that isn't there.  Its not their fault the airlines oversell flights.  The government allows each flight to be oversold by a percentage to compensate for misconnecting passengers, passengers who decide to take another flight or not go at all, so that the airlines can fly full flights when possible, not losing revenue.  Lets all remember, a gate agent is just the bearer of bad news, not the responsible party for it.
6. Patience is key when traveling. 
7. Eat, yes, airport food is overpriced but, like children, we are much more pleasant when our tummies are full!  Most airlines don't feed you anymore, even the pretzels are gone!
8. Airports were designed pre-electronic age......outlets are few and far between.  Please keep this in mind when using both plugs in one of those hard to find outlets. 

Flowers from my husband

Oh Me of Little Faith

How did you bring in the new year?  Celebrating the end of the old and beginning of the new with your loved ones, the way I had planned?  God had other plans for me. 
For those of you who do not know, I am a flight attendent, one of the perks of the job is being able to fly on flights with open seats in the cabin, we call it 'non revving'. My grandson was visiting with his father for Christmas break, near Pittsburgh, PA. J's father flew out to CA to pick him up;  I had told my DIL that I would 'non rev' with him back to CA. 
Originally, the plan was to take him home early in the week, before New Year's.  Upon checking the open seating, I discovered the best option for us was to fly out on the first flight New Year's Eve morning.  It was the perfect plan.....meet grandson at PIT 430a Dec 31; fly to Phoenix then on to Palm Springs, meet his mom & my son at the airport then get back on a flight to Phoenix then on to Charlotte, being home by 10p Dec 31. 
You all know what they say about the best laid plans.
I flew to PIT on Wed, Dec 30 & had breakfast with one of my long time friends there; spent time with some other friends and my daughter who still lives in western PA.  It was nearly 1a before we were finished with our visiting so I had her take me to the airport, as I had to be there by 430a to meet up with J. We went through security, stopped at McDs to get breakfast then headed to the gate, only to discover we probably would not be getting on the flight as all the seats were taken by revenue passengers.  We tried to get on the next one, a couple hours later but again, no seats for us.  The family military room was open by 10a so 'J' and I went there, as I have those privileges.  'J' immediately went to sleep on the couch and I dozed off & on in a chair.  The next flight to Phoenix was not until early evening, and I was praying we could get seats on that flight.  By now, I knew I was not going to be bringing in the new year with my hubby.  We did not get out of PIT that day, spent the night in the airport.  I have to say, 'J' was a real trooper, to be 7yrs old and stuck in an airport, dragging his suitcase (Praise God for whoever invented wheels on suitcases!) from gate to gate.  We went to the kids play area where he was able to run around and play with some other boys his age.  After a quick night of sleep, we were able to get on a flight to Las Vegas so my son drove the 2+ hours to pick up his stepson.  We met at 9a, gave him their Christmas gifts & I headed back to the ticket counter, to get a boarding pass, went through security and went to the gates.  I only wanted to get anywhere east of the Mississippi.....Charlotte (home), Philadelphia, Washington DC, it didn't matter, anywhere was closer to home than Las Vegas!  After hours of watching flights going without me, I finally was able to get a seat on a flight to Ft Lauderdale, FL.  Through it all, I am praying and knowing God is going to get me home.  We arrived in Ft Lauderdale around 1a, I had slept on the plane but was still exhuasted plus, I had only brought 1 change of clothes with me.  My daughter had given me a couple Pittsburgh Steeler shirts my husband had her pick up for me for Christmas so I was at least able to put on a clean shirt. 
What I didn't remember, when jumping on the first open seat on any flight out of Las Vegas, was that Ft Lauderdale is where cruise ships dock.  There was not a seat on an airplane to be had, not for a 'non rev' passenger like myself or even to be bought!  There were no seats on the Amtrak trains but, there were seats on Greyhound.  The next bus to Charlotte was leaving at 10p.  If I didn't get on a plane, I was going to be on that bus!  
I had one hope, one of my company's planes was flying a flight to DC and I had priority on that flight.  Imagine my disappointment, at 540p when the gate agent called 2 other 'nonrev' passengers to get on that plane.  I tried to remind this agent I should be on it but he was having none of it.  To his defense, several flights had cancelled, from other airlines, so they were trying to accomodate those passengers on already full/oversold flights.  He was definitly earning his pay that day!  I did not get on that flight and had a complete meltdown.  I was not looking forward to an 18hour bus ride! 
I spoke to another agent and was relieved to find there were seats on a delayed Philly flight.  I was getting closer and I have friends near Philly!  Imagine my surprise when I was able to get on the flight to Charlotte, that left before that delayed Philly flight!  It struck me that when I didn't get on that flt to DC, it was because God had something even better for me.......getting on the DC flight meant I would be sleeping in yet another airport, then trying to get home on Saturday morning.  By not getting on that plane to DC, not only did I get home Saturday night but the couple that did get on that DC flt was able to get to their home too!

I learned some valuable lessons during that ordeal, ones that I will write about in the next couple days.

altered bread crumb container

For those of you who wanted to see it, here is a pic of the altered bread crumb container I did for Jess' manicure set.  I was in a hurry so rubbed some of the transfers a bit too hard.  I think I'll give it to her for her birthday in Feb, along with some posters that wouldn't fit in my suitcase when I took her gifts.  (the kit contained contained liquids, creams and lotions over 3oz ea, couldn't get them through airport security)