Freebie Friday........

How to roll a center pull ball of yarn........

1) You will need a toilet paper roll or paper towel roll... and a skein of yarn. (new or used)
2) Fold the paper tube of your choice in half and in half again to get this look......

3) Place the end of the yarn in the crease of the paper tube like this......

4) Fold the tube in half holding the end inside the crease and start rolling your yarn around the outside of the paper tube.

5) continue to just roll a simple ball to create a good base for your center...

6) This is where the creation begins... start to roll the yarn in a winding motion bottom to top of your center ball...

7) As you do this ... roll the paper tube in your hand so that you continue to wind the yarn around the entire outside of your ball.......

8) continue to roll the tube in your hand as you wind the yarn...

9) lookin' good.......

10) almost done.......

11) Woo Hoo... you made it to the end...... now its time to tuck in that tail.

12) I use a handy dandy crochet hook to tuck in the tail........ slip the hook under a bunch of wraps.... grab the tail.........

13) and pull ........... tah dah.

14) Now to take the paper tube out .............. reach in and grab the beginning tail of your yarn that is inside the crease of the tube.... hold it with your thumb as you grip the yarn ball so not to have you initial windings come out of the center as you remove the tube. With you other hand... pull tube gently out ... wiggling it a touch if need be.. depending on how tight you wound the ball.

pull........................and ....................

15) Done!!!

16) You now have a nice and neat center pull ball of yarn to tuck away with other yarns and it not unroll or tangle. And when your ready to use it........ you wont have to chase it across the room like other yarn balls. *whew*

Have a Fantastic Friday...... and a Wonderful Weekend!

God's Blessings to you all!

hugs & love

Tam

**For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
~ Galatians 5:13**

Thankful Thursday........

1 Timothy 6:6-8 6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

**What are you thankful for? Are you thankful for only the good things? Are you thankful for most things… but not ‘everything’? Are you happy with what you have… are you content? Or do you want more… always looking to have what others have or more than they do? Feeling angry because you or a loved one are dealing with some sort of ailment? This is something to really think about. You know… I ‘AM’ thankful. For absolutely everything I have and don’t have! But it goes beyond that … are you happy with who you are… who you better half is… your kids? Do you find yourself judging them… or expecting them to be someone else? Why are we not content with the ones God puts in our lives? He knows whats best! If there are issues your dealing with personally or with your loved one… LET GOD handle it. Let God touch hearts... heal minds and bodies... Be content in knowing that… and be content with you and who they are and who you know we will all become with Gods love. The more content you are… the more trust you’re giving to God. The more trust… the more Blessed your life will be! Trust your Father in Heaven. He’s a good Dad.**

Huge hugs… lots of love and blessings beyond your wants or needs!

::Tam::

**Give and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full-pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.
~ Luke 6:38**

W.I.P................

W.I.P. (work in progress)

I have several WIP's ....... this being one of them. Its going to be a Big Beautiful Bag. I've spent some time studying the bag that was made for me... so that I may attempt to make something at least close. I have to say... I'm pleased at how its coming along so far.

From the moment I started the first stitches.. this became a WIP. It will be until I am completely done with it. Even if I was to set this aside for months... it would still be a WIP. If I want it to get done... I have to stay focused... believe in myself that I can do it... and have patience. Will the project frustrate me? Maybe. The pattern might not work... the yarn might tangle... the stitches may not match up.... but all my whining ... and begging aloud wont change those things. Now my focused attitude upon myself in being confident that I can do it .. will then change the way the project goes.

W.I.P............. Like my bag... we are all WIP's. We will be until God is done with us and calls us home. As much as I try... I still make mistakes. I dont always spend the time with God that I should.. .yet I want Him to fill my needs ALL the time. I want God to change people... fix them so that I feel fulfilled. For years now I've been praying for God to change others. I blamed everyone else for me not feeling good about myself.

If they just loved me no matter what.

If they just understood me.

If I could just get him to read the bible with me.

If they would just listen... they would see.
While surfing the net... I came across this book, Power of a Praying Wife, certainly if I began praying diligently for others everything would be fixed. I was able to get a sneak peek at the book, ready to change others through prayer. Imagine my surprise when the first thing the author suggested was that I pray for myself! My intentions in looking into this book was to change others through my prayers, not to change me. That really opened my eyes. Maybe God didn't want to change my everyone else ; maybe He wanted to change me! Maybe I NEED to change first!

This has shifted my focus on what God could do in and through me. Instead of trying to figure out how His Word applied to everyone else, I need to focus on how it applies to me. As I will pray for myself, I also begin praying for others. This time I will stay out of God's way and let Him work in all our hearts.

I am a wife..... friend... daughter... mother... etc. but even before that I am a child of God. I pray my marriage and relationships lasts forever, but I have no guarantee of that. I do have the guarantee that my relationship with Jesus will. That's the relationship I must work on first. Amazingly, when that one is right, the rest falls into place. It doesn't mean that all is well, but it means I am well.

The next time you find yourself yearning for more from your relationships , think about this. Instead of asking, "How is my marriage doing?" or "How is my relationship with my family or friends?" Ask "How am I doing?" or "How is my relationship with Jesus?"

We are all still a WIP.... it takes time.. patience ... and faith. But with the love of God... it can and will be complete!

Have a wonderful day!

Huge Hugs......... Lots of Love.... & Bountiful Blessings,

.:: Tam ::.

**For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
~ Ephesians 2:10**

Freebie Friday.......

I'm sharing a free pattern by a lovely lady that designed this fish dishcloth. If you would like to make a school of your own.............. just visit GrannyJudith. Enjoy!

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God's Free Gift........

Salvation is the free gift of God through Jesus Christ. Eternal life, deliverance from death and condemnation, cannot be purchased for any earthly sum, but it is yours for the taking, completely free of any charge. This is because Jesus Christ has already paid for you, for all of us, by His death on the cross in our place. By His sacrifice, He ransomed us, paying the price for all the sins we would ever commit, and thus opening up the door to paradise. If you would like to drink the water of life, it is available to you, right now, and without any cost. Simply believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. As ambassadors of Christ, as though God were urging you through us, we beg you, be reconciled to God! (2nd Corinthians 5:20).


Let your heart not be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
John 14:1-3


For God loved the world so much, that he gave His only beloved Son, in order that
whoever believes in Him might not perish, but have eternal life
John 3:16

For you have been saved by (God's) grace through faith (in Christ);
and this did not come from you - it is God's gift.
Nor did it come from what you have done, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9

For there is no deliverance through any other person,
nor has any other name on earth been given by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12

"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved."
Acts 16:31


The testimony of scripture is abundantly clear. All that is needed is for you to accept the gracious offer of a loving God, who has already done everything for you. What more could He do than to send His precious Son to die in your place, so that you could live forever with Him? All that is needed is for you to accept, to place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, to believe in Him, and eternal life will be yours. All God asks is that you not reject this His ineffable gift.


And the Spirit and the bride say "Come!" And let the one who hears say, "Come!"
And let the one who is thirsty come;
let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.
Revelation 22:17

hugs...love... & blessings,
.::Tam::.

**If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
~ Romans 10:9**

Thankful Thursday.......

This mornings drive to school was like most... full of chatter! The boys asking questions.. telling stories or noticing things outside as we all chime in our two cents worth.

This morning was filled with talk about how lucky we are and how thankful we are. Parent teacher conferences were last night... all is good on the school front! The boys all enjoy school!

We were talking about how lucky they are that they enjoy school... and that they have teachers they like and like then back. Michael mentioned that he was really thankful that he was able to go to school and learn. Some kids cant... or dont... for whatever reasons.... and they miss out of learning a bunch of stuff! Which all lead into conversations about growing up and what they want to be....... how long they have to go to college for that... what things they have to study... etc. Then somehow that all turned to talking about Military folks. They wanted to know about the time their grandpa spent in the Service... the time their dad spent in the Service... what they did and if they served in any wars. Of course that whole conversation went on about how thankful we are that there are people like their grandpa.... dad... and older brother that served or are serving in the Military to keep us free and safe. We talked about fallen soldiers... and how thankful we are that they were brave enough to take that fall for us. All that talk got a little emotional... and Michael got to thinking about his brother in the Navy.... and asked ... what if he ended up going to war and died. We all talked about how sad that would be ... but how Proud we would be too. With little tears in Michaels eyes... he said... *yep... if Melvin died in the war... I would be sad... but I would smile real big every time I thought about him* Little David chimed in and said...... * yeah... I would smile even when I cried* I asked them why the smiles... (even though I knew) they said because they would want people to see how proud they were instead of sad and upset.... and smiling would make them feel better anyway.

Well............ the ride home alone with all that to think about.......... got me to wondering about smiling. Do we do that enough? Do we smile even when we're sad? And if not... Why not?

Do we feel we are just faking the smile? Do we feel like we are bottling things up and putting on the 'happy face' for others? Yeah I know... there are things that happen in our lives that make us sad.... and thats fine... but why should that stop the smiling? A smile from one person brings a smile to another. A smile is a way of sharing joy... happiness....blessings.

Think about this for a minute... even as frustrated as Jesus must have been at times with folks... He was always smiling. As sad as God is with people of the world that turn their back on Him... He still smiles. A beautiful sunrise or sunset... A smile from God. A rainbow as bright as it can be....... A smile from God. A blooming flower....... A smile from God. God has a smile for us every single day......... but how many of us frown back. Well.. I for one am not going to frown today... today I'm thankful for all I have and I plan on smiling about it. Yeah.. sure.. there are things that arent going the way I want... or things I'm really confused about........... but I'm going to Smile back at my Father in Heaven and thank Him for all my trials! I will grow and learn from them and be a happier person for them. So... lets try it today... Smile! Show God and others that you are thankful for all you have! All the other stuff will work out.

SMILE............ God is!

Show & Share............

Speaking of fallen soldiers........ this is a square I made for a lady that is collecting squares for a comfortghan for a family that just lost their 21 yr old son to the war in Iraq last week. God Bless them! Thank you Johnathon for all you did to keep us free and safe!

This is a square made for a Swap on C'ville. Per my partners request of color and pattern... here it is.

I found out that her birthday was the day we were assigned as partners... so although we aren't to send extra items in this Swap... I felt she needed a little birthday gift. So I made some stitch markers.. I haven't decided which ones to send along with her square.. but she will be getting a few of these.
Gone fishin'.....................

This is such a cute idea. Its a fish dishcloth. It was super simple to make and turned out great!

I think I may have to make more of these....... :)

Well........ I'm off to get some crocheting done.
you all have a Thankful Thursday..................... *smile*

hugs... love... & blessings
.::Tam::.


**Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.
~ Acts 16:31**

A day of surprises........

Well............. Good evening all.
So my day started out pretty normal... and easy going. Get up... turn on coffee maker... shower.. drink coffee.. get boys up ... get them all showered and ready for school... drink more coffee.... start van... finish fixing my hair.. drink more coffee while filling a travel cup with coffee and take the boys to school.
Off to the store for a few things and home to crochet ... crochet .. crochet.
I get home... make more coffee........ (drank the first pot) spend some time reading email... chatting with friends... crocheting a bit... drinking my coffee... and next thing I know... Ken is coming home to spend the afternoon with me. We're going to go out and have lunch and just visit. (surprise #1)
We had a Nice lunch! I crocheted an itty bitty ditty bag while we were there and gave it away. :) Got the boys from school and headed home.

Home to find this............... (surprise #2) My prize for winning Bingo on my crochet yahoo group.
Is this just the cutest darn thing ever?!? It's now the new centerpiece on my coffee table in my living room. Thank you Aurora!!!!!!! I love it!!!

Added a couple of my own goodies... hehehehee The cupcake and Oreo cookie I decided to add just for extra fun.

Did you know God is full of surprises?
Jesus was born not far from Jerusalem, but it was in a small town, in a barn and the first people to know about it weren’t the wealthy, the powerful, the educated or even the terribly religious. God chose to tell shepherds first. It’s a surprise. It doesn’t match our expectations about God. And in Jesus’ life the surprise never stopped. When I look for evidence that our God is a God of surprises, I need not look any farther than the life of Jesus. I believe it is quite significant—it says a lot about who God is—that God chose to reveal himself to humanity in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus was a carpenter and most of his friends were commercial fishermen...Some of Jesus friends were tax collectors....Jesus’ teachings were surprising, many of them: blessed, or happy, are the poor, the Meek, the persecuted? The kingdom of God is like a farmer who goes to the market place to hire workers. He hires some workers at six in the morning, some at nine, some at noon, some at three and some just an hour before quitting time and then he pays them all the same wage? It’s easier for a rich person to get to heaven than it is for a camel to go through the eye of a needle?
It’s a surprise.

Even some of Jesus’ miracles were surprises. He healed people. He fed thousands of people with a single bag lunch and he raised Lazarus from the dead. My favorite miracle of surprise is a fish story from the book of Matthew.
When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?’ He said, ‘Yes, he does.’ And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?’ When Peter said, ‘From others,’ Jesus said to him, ‘Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.’
Surprise
But the biggest surprise is yet to come.
Jesus’ death was not final. Death could not keep him in the grave. God’s love conquered death and continues to conquer death. Because he lives, we also shall live.
Surprise, oh glorious surprise.
And the final surprise...... Christ will return and restore the fallen world. Praise God!

Hugs... love.. & blessings
.::Tam::.

**But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
~ 1 John 1:9**

24k Love........

In the middle there you will see a Rose............ a real rose dipped in 24k gold. That is what I received from my wonderful husband for Valentine's Day. I was shocked... I had never seen anything like this before .. its beautiful... you can see such wonderful details of the rose under the gold. I'm not quite sure how I want to display it yet.. but for now... it sits on our fireplace.

Dear Lord,
I am so grateful to You that You are the best shaping agent in my husband’s life. I love having the front row seat in watching him live his faith. Forgive me and help me to release him into Your hands in those moments when I want to be the primary shaping and influencing force for him, when I forget that Your way is better than mine, when I live as if I don’t believe that You are in charge, when I doubt his faith and Your ability.
Lord, let me also be sensitive to inspirations from You that You might intend me to share with him. Give me wisdom to discern what is Your way and what is my selfish own. I am fulfilled in the deepest ways that I am able to be a help to him in small and in big ways. I pray that he may be aware of Your presence in this day. I ask that his faith in You might increase in his present trials. In Jesus Name ~ Amen

hugs...love... & blessings,

.::Tam::.

**For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son.
~ Colossians 1:13**

Happy Valentine's Day.....

Love..........

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-15

hugs... love & blessings,

.::Tam::.

2009 Prayer Blanket Challenge.....

For children with Nephrotic Syndrome

Good Morning..........
Let me first say THANK YOU to everyone that helped me with this challenge last year as it was a GREAT success with reaching and exceeding my goal of 21 Prayer Blankets for "my kids" for Christmas!
After talking to Michael's nurse the other day... and spending time praying and thinking.. I'm going to change this years challenge.
Apparently there has been an increase in children coming in and being diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome. They are coming from other near by states too.... to receive treatment. The blankets that were taken for Christmas are down to 3. You can see ... they are going to need more blankets.... soon.
So......... my challenge is to to take 5 blankets each month starting with this month which I already have 5 blankets ready to go.
Prayer Blankets are made with a 12 point round blanket pattern.
Anyone willing to help me with this challenge that does not have a pattern of this sort... please email me (address on sidebar)
THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!

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What is nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is a condition often characterized by the following:

*very high levels of protein in the urine
*low levels of protein in the blood*swelling, especially around the eyes, feet, and hands
*high cholesterol

What causes nephrotic syndrome?

Generally, nephrotic syndrome results from damage to the kidneys' glomeruli - the tiny blood vessels that filter waste and excess water from the blood and send them to the bladder as urine. However, in some cases, the cause remains unknown.Nephrotic syndrome may occur with many diseases, including the kidney diseases caused by type 2 diabetes. Prevention of nephrotic syndrome relies on controlling these diseases.

What are the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is actually a set of symptoms and not a disease in and of itself.
The following are the most common symptoms of nephrotic syndrome.
However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

Symptoms may include:

*high blood pressure
*swelling in the feet and hands, and around the eyes
*susceptibility to infections


Why is this important to me?

My sweet little 10 yr old (Michael) has been diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome.
The doctors have placed Michael back on prednizone due to tests showing his relapse once again.
Michael is the one that set this ministry into motion. I had made a Prayer Blanket for him during one of his bad relapses.... he found such comfort in it .. he said that all the kids with Nephrotic Syndrome needed one too. It would help them feel better like his does.
I spent time in prayer about it and came to the conclusion that Michael was right.... so for the last two Christmas's we have delivered Prayer Blankets for "our kids"
God Bless everyone that has helped us with this!

A handful of 2008 Prayer Blankets

Time to get busy crocheting.
Have a Fabulous Friday and a Wonderful Weekend!!!

hugs... love & blessings,
.::Tam::.

**We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
~ 1 John 4:16**

Christ Is The Cure

-- There is much that ails this old sinful world. The problems... sickness and destruction of man unto man can be read everyday in the newspapers. Where does it all end? What or who is the cure? The Lord Jesus Christ is our everything. He is our Creator, Commander, Controller - He is our Cure.

He is the cure for a doubtful future. Look what is taking place in the world today! He is the cure for a drifting family... a wayward husband... a lonely wife... a rebellious son or daughter.The safest place you can put your family is in the hands of Jesus. Some parents are dependent on schools or doctors. Yes those things can be helpful... but the one and only teacher and healer is our Lord Jesus Christ. A man once said, "You can't take anything to Heaven with you." But he was wrong. You can take your family. Is your family in? Christ is the cure for ALL family problems.

Christ is the cure for a disturbed friend. Some turn to drugs... liquor... sex... and crime. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" Phil 4:7 He is the cure for a dull existence. We can have a victorious life in Christ. HIS joy is insurmountable and immeasurable. Are you praying for your friends? If not you... who will?

Christ is the cure for ALL illnesses... physical or emotional! We are created in His image... just a guess... but Christ isnt ill from cancer ... or depressed. Focus on Christ.... not the illness. The illness is of Satan!

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith," I John 5:4 No matter what happens to me in life - heaven is my home and the devil can't take that away from me! Or you!

hugs... love & blessings,

.::Tam::.

**If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
~ Jeremiah 29:13**

6th Picture Tag....

I've been Tagged.........................Fun idea!

1. Go to your pictures on your computer

2. Open the 6th folder

3. Choose the 6th picture

4. Show the picture on your blog and write something about it.

5. Invite 6 new people to this challenge.

6. Link to them and let them know they are challenged.



This is the 6th picture from the 6th folder on my desktop.

Its a knitted 8x8 square with the State of Nebraska raised 3D like off it. Made this for the fun of it... not sure what I really intended it for ... other than testing it out and seeing how it would look. Hmm... now that I've dug out this pic... I think I should dig out the square and knit a plain square to match to use as a back for a pillow. This would be a cute little pillow to have dont you think... like around Football season? hmmmmmm?

Darn good idea... thanks for thinking of it... hehehee



Okay... time to tag others...................

I tag: Kimberly Patti Crissie Rose Tracy Deb

Hugs... Love... & Blessings

.::Tam::.

**We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.
~ 1 John 3:16**

Whole family sick....

Yep... we're a bunch of sickos.... even my laptop is sick again....... *sigh*
We stayed home from Church today to try and get some rest. I made a big pot of homemade Chicken Noodle soup..... and later a batch of brownies to cheer us up.
Ken is going to take my laptop to the computer doctor again and see what they can do. Sure hope its nothing serious... I like that darn thing.
Anyway.... off to go sit and crochet... that's my kinda of resting... :)

have a wonderful rest of the weekend!
Be back as soon as I can!

hugs ... love... and blessings,
.::Tam::.

Romans 12:12

In loving memory....

Kasey Radford went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ on February 4, 2009. Free from Cancer Forever!

Please forgive me Kimberly for snagging these pic/links from your blog. I felt I had to share here too after I heard! My heart just hurts for this family! Please keep them in your prayers!

For those of you that may not remember... Kasey is the young boy I was asked to make a special prayer blanket for.... and Michael suggested it be a 'hero' prayer blanket... so I made him a special Spiderman Prayer Blanket! Bless his heart!
To You, O Lord, we humbly entrust this child, so precious in Your sight. Take Kasey into Your arms and welcome him into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping nor pain, but the fullness of peace and joy with Your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.


hugs...love and blessings
.::Tam::.

**Matthew 5:4 - Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.**

Giving.....

of our time... our talent and our love is a blessing to someone else as they see the Love of God through us.
My intention was to donate 12 scarves to the Special Olympics this year. But due to the demand on the special color yarn that was required in making the scarves.... I was only able to get 8 completed. But as you will see below.... my 8 was plenty.
I had a great time making these... trying new stitches... making my own patterns... etc. But the end result of knowing someone will be blessed by having one was really the goal.

My 8 donated Special Olympic Scarves

News on Special Olympics Scarf donations

BOISE - The Special Olympics World Winter Games put out a nationwide call nearly one year ago for scarves.
They wanted all the athletes and coaches to have one when they came to Idaho.
Organizers were inundated – receiving more scarves than they expected – or needed.
They received so many scarves they have decided to make these available to the public - what they ask in return is a donation.

Special Olympics World Winter Games organizers had hoped to gather about 2,500-3000 scarves for the athletes, but word spread quickly across the crocheting and knitting community.

As of now, they have received 55,000 blue and white crocheted and/or knitted scarves!

So organizers have decided to offer the extra scarves to the community and ask for a donation in return.

Organizers are sensitive to concern that those who made the scarves might be upset they are being sold instead of ending up around the neck of a deserving athlete.

The money received from the scarves will be used for the Special Olympic Games. Any money left over will stay in the community!

have a wonderful day.

Bless someone today... with a gift... a smile... your patience... or maybe just your attention!

Hugs... Love &

**Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home!
~ Proverbs 8:34**

Marvelous Monday....

Good Morning & Praise God...
The day is beautiful... sun is bright on this winter day.... with temps being in the cool 20's.... wildlife out and about taking advantage of the sun and its warmth.... and the calmness in the air to leave one feeling at peace!
Well... its been a while since I just shared whats been going on around here. So lets see... we'll start with the kids....
Melvin graduated bootcamp in the Navy and is in training now. His wife and baby girls are still here close by.... My prayers are always with my son and his family!
Christopher is digging deep into learning about Real Estate. I was impressed with his recent knowledge... I do pray that he succeeds in this new venture he is wanting! His daughter and son are getting so big!!!
Jamie is doing well..... trying to make a good life with her son... his daddy and now a new one they have on the way! How exciting... a new grandbaby to love!
Patrick is growing way too fast............ 12 yrs old.... 5' 8.5" ... 125lbs... with a size 12 shoe..... *sigh* He has had a great school year so far! Enjoys all his classes... getting straight A's and tried his hand at a couple new sports. He played Football and Basketball. His first Baseball practice is next Friday... yep... time to get his arm warmed up for pitching.
Michael is doing well. The doctors put him back on prednizone after their tests said he had relapsed. His protein levels are down and he is on the weaning end of the prednizone now. Michael also is doing well in school. Really likes his teacher and is getting A's and B's. He played Football and is at the end of his Basketball season right now. Baseball practice will be next or him also.
David is still the cutest little bug man ever. He's having fun in school.... and is also getting A's and B's. As much as he enjoys the snow when it falls... he really cant wait till the Spring when the bugs will start to come out. He played Football this school year but passed on Basketball... but Baseball will be coming before we know it!
Ken and I...
Ken has started his own business.... *tkc data* I'm really proud of him. He's working 'on-site' for a client right now.... and is enjoying it. He keeps his eyes and ears open for leads to other clients all the time. This will be a great year of new beginnings for him! (For us)
With all that went on last year... Ken and I are finally really listening to God. Not that we didnt *want* to hear Him... but we admittedly were caught up in trying to put our two cents in with God to get things done..... which became disappointment and frustration because things werent going the way we were hoping. I finally heard and understood God when He told me to just step back and leave well enough alone so that He could work on the family issues going on. Within days there was a break.... nothing huge... but a start. Then came serious communication between Ken and I. With me finally open to hearing God and obeying Him... I was able to express my wants.. needs... fears.... and just plain vent my emotions.... to a point where Ken was able to do the same and we finally heard each other and then Gods answer to each of us.
This last week has been amazing.... God loving us... Us loving God.... and God showing us how to love each other. The tenderness... love... communication and romance has been like nothing I know I have never experienced. And sure.... there will be days of .... lets say *set backs* but the difference now is what God is doing through us ...with us... for us... for each other.... which ultimately gives God the glory... as we show each other... our family... friends and others.... the true Love of God.
Ken and I's love for each other has always been strong... but with God truly in it... its amazing!
The lessons we learn every day are just something else. Just when you think you have things figured out... God says... *not so fast.... I have much more for you*
As for Ken and I... with letting God guide our every move ... thought.... and communication... we have not only surprised each other... but ourselves. God has been showing us what true Romance is! And let me tell you... Ken is better at it than I think he knew.
Before I embarrass him.... I'll move on to my show and share for today.

Show & Share...
This is called a Flat Bottom Bag. I had place a wish for one of these on my wish list on one of my yahoo groups. A wonderfully.... sweet .... talented lady named Cynthia granted my wish. This is what she made me. I love it!!! I cleaned out my other purse and filled this one immediately! Thank you Cynthia so much for granting my wish. I love this bag.

This is the inside.... I flipped it so that you could get a good look at the Awesome embroidery on the pocket. A coffee mug with my initials on it. How cool is that!
Well... off to tend to things around here. Have a wonderfully marvelous Monday!

Hugs... Love &


**Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
~ Colossians 4:2**