Our creative hearts

This post really makes me happy.

Through and through.

Yesterday when I was reading my bloglist during lunch

A very inspiring Artist, Ms Junelle, posted a "how to".

As I was watching my Darling Lil G was watching too.

She kept signing, "paper, pencil, paint."

over and over.

Suddenly the light bulb went off 

 I realized she wasnt making a statement

she was asking.

I asked her,

"Lil G, do you want to draw too?"

She signed yes while saying, "yeah!" quite emphatically.

A.DOR.A.BLE!

"so now how is she doing that?!"

I grabbed my new camera

and did my version of creating.

 creating memories.

Lil G loves to wear her scarf. 

Its her fashion statement.

I helped her write her name.....

every artist needs to sign their work.

Hope you enjoy - 

keep counting the grace filled moments

keep your hands open!

maybe take time to fill them with a crayon! create

Yarn along

I've made progress on my baby blanket this past week.That is saying a lot.

Between painting and moving Lil G into the bigger of the bedrooms

My other motherly and wifely duties, plus whatever has been ailing me

I feel like I am burning the candle at both ends Maybe even in the middle!

                     (thought youd enjoy seeing the  purple in Lil Gs room)

I finally put on my big girl panties,Made an appointment

And chatted with my dr about the situation.

Thankfully she has been my Dr for long enough to know

I let it get pretty bad before I cry mercy~ wave the white flag.

She sent me for bloodwork, 8 vials!

(they may be get to see Lil G next time she is due)

Reminds me of when I had Lyme disease in 2006.(eerily so mind you)

I don't have a diagnosis but she did send me home with some meds she hopes will bring some relief

I am thankful, I don't really care for a name,

Just a cure!(if only it were that easy!)

                                                     (FIrst day of dance- see the rainbow!)

What am I reading? I am simply giddy about this!

 I was chosen to review Dee Hendersons latest book. "Full Disclosure"

Meaning:advanced release readers copy In MY hands!

I have read all of her books at least once, Many twice.

Given we've had swimming lessons each morning,

Dr appointments And dance class,

I'm happy to report I'm already on chapter 6.

If you like action, suspense, romance and faith.....This would be a great choice!

The book will be released on October 2nd.

This post was to link up with Ginny at small things

but the linky closed- usally we link up on Wednesdays

thats showing you how swamped Ive really been. 5 days later!

(Washcloths my oldest daughter knit up for me, havent been able to bring myself to using them)

I will update you that weve been staring at a hurricane headed our way

and are thankful that at the moment it seems to have set its sights elsewhere.

gas cans are filled, non perishables purchased,

trees trimmed and lawn furniture put away,

generator prepped, cars filled.

schools closed......

Im sorry for those in New Orleans.

Given how close we are in Hurricane distance

 Lil Gs neurologist appt has been cancelled.

Not real happy about that but what are we going to do?

I will also mention that the medication sent home last week

is no longer an option.

Had a really rough time of it over the weekend from side effects

Id rather walk around exhausted and in pain.

pretty disappointed about that to say the least.

Yarn along and a book review or two!

As summer is winding down I'm like most mothers in the trenches.

I've been trying to mark things off my list, 

say no, 

and stay focused.

Easier said than done I assure you!

I've been knitting a baby blanket for a few months now.

It's a little slow going but that is completely my own fault.

It's a well written pattern and I love the yarn.

Maybe in a month or so when it starts to cool off I will find my knitting mojo.

I've read a few more books this summer.

Right now I am reading  "Same kind of different as me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. I'm about halfway through and it's very gripping. I'm glad I grabbed it out of my daughters "things to donate" box.

 Speaking of my oldest daughter, 

yes we did drive to Kansas and back last week. 

Technically it's an 18 hour drive. 

Hauling a loaded trailer going 65-70mph and a little one on new meds adds several hours.

 I wish we could've taken 3 days each way, 

but we did it and next year when we go for a visit I'm sure it will be easier. 

I'd appreciate continued prayers for my daughter, Ashley.

 I know that God is allowing hard circumstances in her life to develop her character and draw her to him. 

It is hard for a mother to watch tho.

 I'm really ready for things to start looking up for her.

The two books I've finished recently were very good.

I will start with "Travlers  Rest" by Ann Tatlock. 

I have not read any of this authors novels and see that this is her ninth.

 I loved the ease of the story and how the characters stories intertwined. 

This story was very realistic and not sugar coated which made the story enjoyable.

 I find some stories of faith are too simplistic and happily ever after. 

The story takes place in the present with the main characters engaged. 

He gets called off to war and comes home wounded.

I have not read any stories with this plot so it was very intriguing.

 I loved the moral questions that arise and how Jane works through finding her answers.

 I highly recommend this story and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

"Short Straw Bride" by Karen Witemeyer is a novel set back in 1870 in rural Texas.

 The story takes off from the start with action and suspense. 

The reader finds themselves reading about the main characters twelve years before the story actually takes place~

 setting the background  for the rest of the novel.

 I loved the spunky main character and her "I can do it myself" attitude.

 I also enjoyed watching her mature as the drama unfolds.

 The characters meld so nicely and there is enough tension and drama that I had read the book in two reading sessions of," just one more chapter."

There were many candid moments that actually made me laugh out loud!

I dont know when the last time I read a novel that had this effect on me.

 I enjoyed that the book was a wholesome romance and know there are several young ladies in our circle that will appreciate that fact.

 I will give this story 5 out of five stars despite the predictability because of the writers attention to detail and the reprieve it provided!

I have received both of the books reviewed from Bethany House publishers. 

The reviews are my honest opinion.

Studio Sneak Peek!

Summer is just flying by!

I have been savoring the moments 

Play date ......

Quiet moments with family......

Vacation Bible School

oh how I wish this hadnt been impossible for Lil G

But we were showered with love

and everyone knew her name

and lots of hugs and happy dancing......

focusing on the good.

Music in the park on Thursday evenings.

If you really know Grace this is her 

over the top squeal for joy.

Its the best of all the photos I took

camera strap and all.......

Gender reveal shower for the first grand baby of friends-

this next generation.

Its a GIRL!!!

My birthday......

(annoying big brothers!)

 Deep sea fishing trips for big brothers-

and gifts for little sisters.

(the guy driving the boat felt like she needed a 

"blue hat" of her very own)

Last but not least,

Artwork for daughter

A poem we both love

by e. e.Cummings.

the background didnt turn out quite the way I envisioned.

but she loved it

and thats what matters.

I wrote the poem in my own script.

I felt it would be more personal that way

I hope that when she sees it,

it will remind her of me,

of the beautiful times we have shared

and the future moments we have to look forward to

even though many miles will separate us

I carry her in my heart.....

 “I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)

I am never without it (anywhere I go you go,my dear; 

and whatever is done by only me is your doing,my darling)

I fear no fate (for you are my fate,my sweet)

I want no world (for beautiful you are my world,my true)

and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant

 and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root

 and the bud of the bud 

and the sky of the sky 

of a tree called life; 

which grows

higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)” 

― E.E. Cummings