Welcome Home

Right now I should be:

• Packing more boxes
• Making address changes
• Buying a refrigerator
• Doing laundry
• And a million other things.....

Instead, my heart just felt like making a card for the family buying our house. So many emotions this week..... We close on this house on Thursday. Since my husband hasn't found a new job yet, we are moving to a rental in town. I am struggling with that.

"Home is where the heart is." My heart isn't at that rental - I can tell you that much. I've written before about the struggles of moving here. And yes, we long to move out of this area..... Right now, though, my heart is out here in the country. Peace and quiet. Deer in the front yard. Watching the boys, fishing poles in hand, walk to the pond. Coffee on the front porch (in my pj's).

I'm sad for our family. Again, I find myself wondering what God is doing. Sorry. Then I think of the feelings of the new family. Having never owned a home before, they must be so excited. Room for the small children. Maybe a swingset in the yard. Strolls down the country road. Possibly even coffee on the front porch (in pj's)!

Anyway, that is my rambling for today. I need to get back to my list......

{"But our homeland is in heaven, and we are waiting for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven." Philippians 3:20}

Happy 9th Birthday, Mr. P!

This adorable little guy was born 9 years ago today. He has been bringing smiles and laughter into our lives ever since.

His humorous personality was evident at a very young age.

See? He just makes you laugh!

He and his brother both went through a pretty big cowboy stage.

You will just have to take my word for it - that is really him underneath that hat. He was tuckered out after helping Grandpa and Grandma with a chuckwagon dinner.

He is such a loving brother. He and Sweet Girl have quite a bond.

He is a piano player.....

.....a great student.....

.....a fisherman.....

....and a lego-maniac!

I love you, buddy!

{A wise son brings joy to his father (and mother).....Proverbs 10:1}

She's With Me Video by Collin Raye - MySpace Video

Blogger isn't letting me upload photos this morning. We will see if I have better luck with a video.

When I first heard this song a few months ago I just sat and cried. If you have a child with special needs I think you will understand. Colin's granddaughter has many similarities to Rett Syndrome, but she is undiagnosed.

My Sweet Girl is home with the flu right now. She is doing better today. Right now she needs her mommy, though, so I will leave you with the video.

She's With Me Video by Collin Raye - MySpace Video

Well, that didn't work quite like I had hoped. Just click on the link above and it will take you to the video.

It's a Bag, It's a Purse, It's a.....

.....coupon organizer!

For a long time, I have used a baby wipes box for my coupons. It worked okay, but there were some problems. 1.) Cashiers always thought I was trying to steal a box of wipes when I didn't unload it out of the cart. 2.) It was awkward to carry and I always worried that I would drop it and send coupons fluttering all over the parking lot. 3.) It wasn't quite big enough.

So....I have been on the hunt for the perfect "container" for my coupons. I went up and down the aisles of Walmart and Target. Nothing. Ebay and Etsy had a few options, but nothing that seemed just right for me. Next, I decided to see what the local thrift shops had. Still nothing.

Then last week I was in the antique store checking on my booth. I decided to walk around and see what the other vendors had to offer. I spotted this purse (no, it is not an antique) and had an "a-ha moment."

I love my new purse coupon organizer! It is easy to carry - just throw it over my shoulder and head for the store. Spacious enough for all my coupons, but not so big that it doesn't fit in the seat of the shopping cart. Pockets for my calculator, pen, scissors, etc. And the cashiers don't think I am stealing!

I use "return" envelopes from those pesky credit cards for my coupons. I cut off the flap and then use an index card for the category tab.

As I am shopping I put the coupons I am using in the front pocket. Then they are all ready to go when I reach the check out.

Oh, did I mention that I paid $2 for my new purse coupon organizer? I always love a thrifty solution!

{Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Get for yourselves purses that will not wear out, the treasure in heaven that never runs out, where thieves can't steal and moths can't destroy. Your heart will be where your treasure is. Luke 12:33-34}

Praise Him

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Amen.

Bittersweet

bit ter sweet 1. climbing plant with purple flowers and poisonous, scarlet berries. 2. climbing plant with orange seed cases that open and show red seeds. 3. sweet and bitter mixed. 4. sweetness and bitterness mixed. n., adj.

This seems to be a fitting word right now. It is what my heart is feeling today. If you are a close friend or family member or if you have been reading my blog for awhile, you might know my feelings about moving here. I fought it. I have searched my heart and blogged about it. A couple months ago I was honest with you about some struggles we were facing.

When we moved here this house really became a refuge for me. In the midst of the chaos, I could sit on the porch and find peace. When I was lonely I could decorate and make our house a home. Peace would surround me as I watched the wildlife (or my children) playing in the yard.

Today is bittersweet. The tears are falling along with the rain outside. We have an offer on our house. In this economy, I know that this is a blessing. God is taking care of us. But I am human and I am sad, scared....and yes, maybe bitter.

Where do we go from here? How do we start over when we will walk away from this home sale with nothing? When will my husband find a new job where he can be happy and people will believe in him?

(Photo from Country Home)

We are surviving. This house will become a home for a new family. My husband has a job. We have family and friends who love us. Sweet blessings, even in bitter times.

{What more could I have done for my vineyard that I have not already done? When I expected sweet grapes, why did my vineyard give me bitter grapes? Isaiah 5:4}

Autumn {ReNew}al

The trees are beginning to blush! Isn't that a wonderful description for this time of year? I can't take credit for it. Another blogger (sorry I can't remember who) used that phrase the other day. So true. As I drive down the tree-lined country roads I can see glimpses of red on some of the leaves. Ahhhhh.....Autumn is my favorite season!

With the changing of the seasons, I decided my booth needed some {ReNew}al; a little freshening for fall. These old tinker toys make a unique "autumn" display, but could also be used to hold photographs or place cards.

Here they are displaying some old Probe game cards. I am not a Halloween/ghost/witch person, but I do have a few things in my booth. It amazes me how many people go all-out with Halloween decorating. The Humorous Ghost Stories book sold right away.

This isn't a great picture, but it shows some of the over-all display.

This peg shelf got a coat of paint and some distressing after it finally stopped raining last week.

If you enlarge this picture you will see that the book is opened to "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe.

If something is metal and rusty I just might like it! The toolbox tray fits in that category. Add a few colorful accessories and it turns into a nice display piece. At least I think so! What do you think of the wire pumpkin? I made it out of some old garden fencing.

You can't see the rust on this metal box, but it is there! Rust is a fall color, right?

Did I mention that I love this time of year? Turning leaves, cool temperatures, homemade soup, sweaters...... Well, it isn't quite sweater weather down here in the south. However, we did have our first homemade soup of the season last night. Thank you, Lord, for the blessings of autumn.

{People of Zion, celebrate in honor of the LORD your God! He is generous and has sent the autumn and spring rains in the proper seasons. Joel 2:23}

Come On In!

Good morning! So glad you came knocking on my red screen door.....

Go ahead and grab that handle and come on in!

A couple weeks ago some friends asked if I wanted to go "curb shopping" with them. Yes, that is basically the equivalent of dumpster diving. I do that, okay. Anyway, they had just seen a pile of junk and were heading to go check it out. Of course, I jumped in the van with them.

Well, most of it really was just trash. But just as we were getting ready to leave I caught a glimpse of some chippy red paint. Wait a minute! Could it really be a screen door underneath all that trash?! I had to do a bit of digging and it was pretty disgusting - creepy crawlies and all!

I think it was worth it, though. I've always wanted an old screen door. Just look at Layla's door. There are so many possibilities....pantry door, porch door, closet door. Right now it is on my porch. It will have to wait for a future house since this one is for sale. I'm sure my hubby is quite excited to have one more "treasure" to move from place to place.

At least I didn't buy that old cast iron sink that weighs a ton....yet! If it is still at the thrift store today it may have to come home with me. I spotted it yesterday. It is like the sink that was in the house I grew up in. WAIT A MINUTE! I'll be right back!

Okay, I am back. Had to make a quick trip to town. You see, as I was writing about the sink I decided to do a Google search to see if I could find a similar one to show you. I found it! This is the first link I clicked on. Ummmm, that sink sold for $595!!!! Seriously, as soon as I saw that I hopped up, grabbed my keys and ran out the door. I am now the proud owner of a sink very similar to the one at this link. I am also $3 poorer!

Look! Even this little guy is smiling at my good fortune. When I was out taking pictures of my door this morning I found him. He is tiny - probably not even a full two inches long! Cute little critter....

Now for the bad news. My camera isn't working correctly. It is stuck on "auto" mode and won't change. So, even if I truly did understand aperature and shutter speed, I couldn't use them. Bummer. Anyone want to buy a sink for $600?

{"Here's what I'm saying: Ask and you'll get; Seek and you'll find; Knock and the door will open." Luke 11:9}

A Full House

Well, actually my house is almost empty right now. Sweet Girl is sleeping. Hubby had to work today and the boys are outside playing. Yes, it is dark and they need to be in and taking showers already. I just don't have the heart to call them inside quite yet. It has rained all week - over 12 inches since last Saturday. This evening it is finally NOT raining! They've been in the house way too much this week.

Here is where the full house comes in. My brother and his family visited this week. They live in Colorado and are on their way to Orlando. It was so nice for them to spend a couple nights with us, even though our three bedroom house was busting at the seams! I had planned for the boys to camp out in the tent, but all the rain put a {damp}er on that. Instead we just had air mattresses and sleeping bags all over the floors!
I love this picture! It is my brother, three of his kids and my two boys heading over to the pond. If you look real close in the picture you might be able to tell that it is raining. They still had a good time.

I am so thankful for the time we had to spend together. It makes me sad that we only get to see them two or three times a year. We are still praying that we will be able to move closer to home soon.

What do you think of the new blog look? I was just in the mood to change things up a bit this afternoon.

Okay, I certainly have blogger's block this evening. Nothing more to say.

{Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. Luke 14:23}

Normal Day

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure that you are." Mary Jean Iron

I read this quote awhile back on this blog and gave it some thought. It is so easy to focus on the bad days; the days when a child is sick or the car breaks down. In the blog world, we often emphasize the good days. It is fun to write about exciting happenings, a new purchase, a child's accomplishment.....

I haven't blogged in several days. What do I have to say? What have I done? Then I remembered the quote and decided I just needed to blog. I need to share the "normal" with you. These things may seem random, and well, I guess they are.

Today I made a birthday card for my niece. It felt good to be creative.
Last week I found this piece at a thrift store. It needs a little TLC and then I will try to make room for it in my antique booth. I really like it and won't be too sad if it doesn't sell.
As I was getting Sweet Girl's feeding pump ready (yes, that is "normal" here) the other night, I asked one of the boys to bring me the camera. Isn't this a sweet little scene? The little girl on the bed is a music box from my childhood. She has blonde pigtails just like Sweet Girl and her Baby Be Blessed doll.
I like to take pictures of the sky. There is nothing "normal" about God's creation. It is spectacular!
A few weeks ago I found this verse. It was during the time when we were waiting to hear about hubby's job. I prayed this verse over and over and wanted it to be visible, so I wrote it on one of my chalkboards. God's "nick of time" is obviously not the same as mine. I am still praying this verse. I wonder, though, what potential buyers of our house think when they see this chalkboard on the wall?

That is my "normal" for the night. I hope you will take some time and enjoy the normal in your days.

{With things back to normal, Paul called the disciples together and encouraged them to keep up the good work in Ephesus. Acts 20:1}

A Butterfly Flitted

I meant to do my work to-day --

But a brown bird sang in the apple tree,

And a butterfly flitted across the field,

And all the leaves were calling me.

Richard Le Gallienne

I have been seeing beautiful butterflies out my back door and I just can't help but grab my camera and run outside. They are such amazing creatures.
The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. ~Rabindranath Tagore
I read that a butterfly's life span is only 2-3 weeks. Their beauty is such a gift and lasts only a short time. I wonder what our lives would be like if we knew we only had a matter of days to share our beauty, gifts or talents with those around us? What if we didn't always think "I have tomorrow"?

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. Author Unknown

Caterpillars are rather ugly. Our hearts can be ugly, too. Just like God changes the ugly caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly, He takes our ugly hearts and fills them with joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness..... Thank you, Lord!

I didn't mean to preach to you today. These butterflies just stirred a lot of thoughts in my head. I hope there are butterflies in your world right now. Make sure to stop and enjoy their beauty.

{I did these things so you would realize that I am your God. But the LORD must give you a change of heart before you truly understand what you have seen and heard. Deuteronomy 29:4}

Junk Therapy

Good evening! Thank you for stopping by my blog. If you read this post you know that life has been a wee bit stressful around here. Well, late yesterday afternoon my husband finally got a phone call. He was not hired for the position he had applied for. We are very disappointed but know that He must have a reason.

I have neglected my antique booth for the past month or so. Not knowing if you were going or staying, I just wasn't sure what to do with it. Now that I know we will be here for a while longer I really need to get it spiffed up.

Junk therapy is always good for stress relief, so I headed out for a bit this morning. I was glad to find some things to put in my booth. This "Hermes Rocket" typewriter is the cutest little thing. I think if I can find a ribbon for it that it will work. Interestingly, I have a larger "Hermes" the same pretty green that I also need to sell.

Last weekend at a sale I bought two jelly jars with red lids. After I got home I was wishing I would have bought all the other jars they had. There were no lids, but I thought they would make great little dessert dishes. This morning I found all of these. Same jars - just moved to a different sale than last weekend. I guess it was meant to be - especially for 10 cents each!

I know, I know. I am supposed to be buying things to re-sell. So, while I love this pretty J&G Meakin platter, it is headed to the booth.

This little log cabin cookie jar might be headed to the booth. My parents live in a log house, so maybe I should give it to them. What do you think, Mom?

You really should click on this "black mammy" picture to enlarge it and see the details. It is not a painting, but actually a collage. The head wrap, dress, scarf and apron are cut out of fabric. The basket is some sort of textured material. This type of thing is pretty collectible down here in the south.

I know I could find a place for this hooked rug footstool in my house, but I guess I should sell it.
The wooden piece is an old prayer kneeling bench. I'm not sure exactly what you call it. I thought it was unique.
This book of "Horse Stories" was only 10 cents. It isn't in great shape, but I still liked it. It reminds me of the cowboy room my boys used to have.

The carved owl really isn't my type of thing, but I have a couple other owl items I will group together in the booth this fall. Of course, razorback items always sell here in Arkansas. Can't say I am really a Hog fan, but lots of people are.

I liked this green basket and the bottles came with it. I want to keep the basket. Maybe I will sell one I already have here and keep this one.

I wish I could get this one on the right clean. It has a "film" on it that I can't get off. Any suggestions? You can't see it, but it says "Union Made" on it. The other purple bottle will be very pretty as a flower vase.

I am keeping this one, because our last name is Covington. Do you suppose J.Y. was a relative?

I didn't take pictures of the very cool Lego set I found for the boys this morning. I also found a pair of dress pants for my hubby. That might have been the purchase I was most excited about. He is too tall for "regular" clothes, but not big enough for "big and tall" clothes. Shopping for him is not easy. I was very thankful to find the like-new pants today.

It is time for me to put Sweet Girl to bed. Then I need to take clothes off the line and make some banana bread with the "marked-down" bananas I bought yesterday. Yum!

{She knows when to buy or sell, and she stays busy until late at night. Proverbs 31:18}

Happy Birthday, Boy #1

Yes, it has been a busy week at our house. Sweet Girl's birthday was Monday, school started yesterday and today......

....this little guy turned 12! My sweet baby boy was born in Dickinson, ND. His doctor was known as the "Racing Stork" because he drove racecars as a hobby. In fact, while he was waiting for my labor to progress he left to go work on his race car. He was just happy that I didn't go into labor on the weekend while he was actually out on the track.

Oh, how my boy loved Veggie Tales when he was little!

He would work for hours helping Grandpa do chuckwagon cooking. He still would if we lived nearby.
Such a goofball with all his silly expressions!

Now that he is 12 I guess he is too cool to smile for the camera. My little baby is now taller than me (I know, I know - that isn't saying much). He loves to fish. He is intrigued by weather and storms. He will start jr. high football as soon as his arm is completely healed. I am very proud of the young man he is becoming.

Happy Birthday, Boy #1! I love you!

{Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them. Mark 10:13}

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!

This sweet baby girl is 7 today. My baby is 7. Is that possible?


Love that smile! I wish we could go back to Kansas and have this amazing photographer take some pictures again.

Love that attitude! She needs that spunk with all she goes through with Rett Syndrome. You can find out more about Rett here and here.

She may be nonverbal, but she still has a lot to say. This picture is from her 5th Birthday Tea Party. Sorry for all the links, but I would also like to share Tea Party Dreams just in case you haven't read our story before.

She is such a beautiful girl and we love her so much. I thank God for blessing us with this precious daughter.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!

{Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14}

Thank you, friends!

Oh, my! I want you all to know how much your sweet comments on my last post mean to me. I am so thankful to have so many friends and family praying for me. You have touched my heart.

Overall, we had a pretty relaxing weekend. Although we probably should have stayed home and got some projects done around the house, we decided to get away instead. Well, actually Friday was a visit to the children's hospital to get a short cast put on my son's arm. Two more weeks and he should be cast-free! We then did a little shopping - if you can call it that. I spent less than $20 in Target and $8 of that was laundry detergent.

The 8 year old always wants to go to Toys 'R Us when he sees one. I think he has been inside one only two or three times. Since we were going right by we decided to stop. His eyes got big as we pulled into the parking lot. Do you know what the great part is? He was perfectly content to just look - mostly at the legos. He never once asked to buy anything and as we were leaving he said, "Thank you, mommy, for letting me go to Toys 'R Us." When we got home it was right back to his huge tub of legos that I bought from the thrift store for $2!

On Saturday the 11 year old went on a youth group trip and we took the other two down to Shreveport to Sciport. Again, we rarely do anything like this and it was a lot of fun. Before heading out of town I ran into a huge Hobby Lobby and spent - are you ready for this? - $3.13! I bought one thing and used a 40% off coupon.

Well, I was going to make this a quick, short post. I am not doing a very good job. It feels good to blog again. Back to the subject of friends again.....

Several weeks ago I was at a garage sale and some children's books caught my eye (as they usually do). Rummaging through them, I could hardly contain my excitement when I saw this one......

A book about me! Seriously, it could have been my story. Published in 1979 (when I was 6), it is about a little mouse who is very shy and doesn't have any friends. Her mother keeps encouraging her and she eventually makes friends. So sweet!
"A friend is fun to have," said Vanessa. "Especially an everyday, sit-by-the-fire-and-talk friend."

So true.

{The sweet smell of incense can make you feel good, but true friendship is better still. Proverbs 27:9}