A Day in My Life....

That's all folks

2009-04-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

Good evening,

No more blogging for who knows how long.

Nana

In the Kitchen

2009-04-07T15:57:00.001-07:00

Good evening,

I made the most delicious loaf of bread ever today. Of course, it was my third attempt! :) The first two loaves I substituted 1 cup of coconut flour for white bread flour. Evidently that's a no-no. Even with vital gluten added they did not rise. So those were tossed. And I was so disappointed at the waste of ingredients, that I just threw together the ingredients to make plain ol' white bread. No egg, no dry milk, nothing special added. Boy, did it bake up beautifully! I could hardly wait for it to cool to taste it. I slathered it with butter & real honey. Yummy! I couldn't stop eating it! But not wanting to explain to my husband how I could "eat a whole loaf of bread", I put the breaks on. I sure hope I can duplicate it tomorrow cuz we're gonna finish it off at dinner time tonight, guaranteed!

I also roasted two whole chickens and picked off the meat to use in different dishes this week.

I managed to do two loads of laundry & take Chase to co-op. So today was pretty well spent, I think.

Ok, if you've never baked your own bread may I encourage you to do so? I "cheat" by using the dough cycle of the bread machine. I let it rise & bake in a regular loaf pan because I can't stand that hole in the bottom of the loaves & I don't like the texture of the bread machine bread.

Ok, get bakin'!

Nana

Stocked Freezer

2009-04-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon,

Church was good this morning. We stopped at Burger King & got an egg & cheese biscuit to share. Keeps our stomachs from growling during church. :) But I also think it's putting me to sleep! So next week, no biscuit. Today I could hardly stay awake during church! I wanted to curl up on the pew & sleep, sleep, sleep!

I've been sitting up in the balcony with my husband for the last few weeks. It all started one Sunday when he couldn't hear much at all out of his left ear. Being the sound man, that's not good! So he wanted me up there in case the sound needed adjusting & he didn't realize it. It's very nice to sit with my husband again. For the passed couple years I've been sitting down on the main floor, by myself.

I find though that I am getting depressed & loosing interest in church by being up in the balcony. No one & I literally mean, no one, else sits up there. So we are isolated & very disconnected from every thing that goes on at church. Ok, enough with the pity party.

I am going away for the summer & have been trying to stock up the freezer for Mitch. After lunch I took inventory of all the seal a meal packages I had in the freezer. Here's what I found:

waffles 6
meatballs 3
baked chicken 15
pork fried rice 2
meatloaf 1
brown rice 4
Chinese 2
meatballs w/spaghetti sauce 1
cube steak 1
burritos 2
pork chops (raw) 2
chicken (raw)2
kielbasi 1

Gotta get going & put some more food in there. Don't want the guy to starve while I'm gone. Nor do I want him eating fast food all that time either!

See ya later,

Nana

Revolt!

2009-03-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon,

Boy, oh, boy, if there ever was a time we needed a 2nd revolution, it's NOW! We need to take back our government! This has long ceased to be a government "of the people".

I usually avoid politics. I find it causes me to worry & takes my focus off the Lord. You can really spiral into a funk when you get sucked into all the stupidity of the government. All seems hopeless & you can begin to think "what's the use?".

I just read an article that Florida is trying to pass a law making flu shots mandatory for all preschoolers. How ridiculous! That just sent me into orbit. I am so thankful that I am not raising children in this day and age. But I do worry about my grandchildren & how all this government control is going to impact them.

I have never before felt that the tribulation is so near as I do now. Obama is gonna usher it right in as fast as he can. He's gonna change America, alright, but not for the better.

Keep watching for our Lord's return!

Nana

My steps

2009-03-22T03:10:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

Have you ever looked down as you were walking to see the size of one of your steps? It's not really very large, is it? Not for us women, anyway. Even being generous, it wouldn't be more than twelve inches, I don't think.

Now, go read Psalms 37:23

All those little steps that make up ones life can be ordered, arranged by the Lord. He doesn't just care about the "big" moments, the "big" decisions. He cares about your every step.

If someone were to order you every step - they would have to know an awful lot about you in order not to cause shipwreck. You would also have to have the utmost confidence in that person, wouldn't you? Jesus knows all about us & has our best interests at heart. He alone is worthy of our faith & trust. Jer. 29:11.

Are you worried about that word "good"? Do you fear God is only directing those who are "perfect"? Is that what you think of when you think of a person being "good"? That definition is third & fourth in Webster's dictionary. The first definition is "valid, legally firm, not defective". According to God's word, when I got saved Christ's righteousness was imputed to me. 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil 3:9.

I have no goodness of my own, Christ gives me His. So legally I have a valid standing in Christ. God doesn't see me, He see Christ. So on the merits of Jesus Christ I can put myself in the spot of a good man & thus can look to Jesus to order my steps.

My steps are then methodically arranged by God Himself. He has a plan for me; right down to the very steps I take. If I let Him lead & arrange my steps, I will fulfill His plan & purpose for my life.

This surrender will cause me great joy & satisfaction. The road He leads me on will bring me delight; not necessarily happiness; not necessarily freedom from trouble & heartache, but joy none the less. Knowing I don't walk alone, I am walking in the very path He has created specifically for me brings me great joy & delight.

Will you surrender your steps?

Nana

Our Cats

2009-03-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

Good morning, again,

I thought I'd post pictures of my cats. I just LOVE cats! Hey, did you know big cats (lions, tiger,etc) that roar don't purr and vise versa? Isn't that weird?

Anyway, all the cats were strays at one time. Momma we've had for about 8 years I guess. Mary brought her home one day for me. Little Miss was a stray my friend took in. But she has so many cats now that she has rescued that she is trying to find homes for some of them. So we took Little Miss.

Satin just showed up at our trailer one day. She is an absolute jewel. Just wants to be petted all day. And purrs her little head off! Oh, and I don't know what the flash did to her eyes, but they are not that color! They are just normal colored cat eyes. :)

Little Miss and Momma have been spayed. Satin will go next. She's just a couple months too young I think. Thankfully we have a spay and neuter clinic in town so each visit only costs $25.oo.

Be responsible - spay or neuter your pets! :)

Nana

Blackwork

2009-03-20T03:59:00.001-07:00

Good morning,

It's a beautiful 60 degrees here. Nice and quiet. Mitch is on his way to work and the cats are being cats - chasing each other around this little trailer. They're hilarious.

A few months ago I started a cross stitch class. Well, a couple weeks ago we were introduced to blackwork and I just fell in love with it. Here is my first finished piece. Tuesday the teacher is going to help me frame it.

We're supposed to go to Mary's house for dinner tonight. I don't know if that is gonna happen or not. I think we will probable end up cancelling. We've got car trouble. Mitch's car broke a belt on the way to work Wednesday. He had to leave it in the parking lot at work. He's been using my truck. He has made several trips to the hardware store trying to get the bolts he needs. He is trying not to have to order them from a dealer. Costs too much! So I am car-less this week. It hasn't really been too bad. It's alot cheaper to stay home! :)

I got my seeds in the mail yesterday. Now all I have to do is get them started and planted! ha ha. I've never planted radishes; but they are supposed to be good for people with low thyroid, which is why I am trying them.

If you've got a running vehicle. Praise the Lord for it!

Nana

Jumper

2009-03-19T16:19:00.001-07:00

Good evening,

I'm posting a picture of the black jumper and knit top Bethany made for me. She's my seamstress. Just ask if you need a seamstress & I'll send you her email address.

I know I don't make the lovliest model in the world, but...

I just love being able to have clothes that are modest! I get to have my dresses as long as I want them to be. I just love that. I don't have to worry about things being too tight or revealing. I have switched to heavier weight cotton because I noticed one day that knit dresses were a bit revealing, no matter how padded my bra was.

Plus I get to pick the color. As you can see, I am a plus size. Have you ever looked in the cataloges at the outlandish colors and patterns they make big dresses in?! Do they actually expect big ladies to wear those things! Yikes!

I read an article on modest clothing and this tip has stuck in my mind every since. "long, loose & layered" that's the key to modest dressing. Works for me! :)

Check your closets for offending outfits!

Nana

Sprinting

2009-03-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon,

Hey, wanna know something? I'm a great sprinter, but I rarely cross the finish line. I hate that about myself. I am gung ho at the beginning of something, but fizzle out before seeing many things to fruition. I hate that about myself. It's a horrible character flaw. Character flaw my foot. Let's call it like it is. Sin. Starting something you know to be in the will of God for you and then letting it slowly fade away or just outright quitting, that's sin.

As my husband would say, "I come by it honestly." I remember my Dad never finishing anything. I guess I picked it up subconsciously from watching him all through my childhood. Oh, he had good intentions, but that's about it. Same with me. I don't intend to quit. I don't want to quit, but I do.

I wanted my blog to be like all the wonderful christian bogs I love to read. I wanted my blog to be a cheery, christian homemakers blog. Full of pithy sayings, gems I had gleaned from the Bible, etc. But it's not. It's not ever gonna be that. I can't be all roses and sunshine. I fail. I fail more than I succeed. That's not a pretty thought, but it's true.

Well, "they" say confession's good for the soul. I don't know but, here goes. I quit on my Bible reading, I quit on my healthy eating. Anything else? I don't remember. But there. I said it.

Nana

Little Miss

2009-03-12T04:10:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It's a very comfortable 55 degrees here this morning. Mary & I were just talking last night about how short and mild our winter has been this year. We've barely had to use the heater. I think maybe we've used it 5 times? Not too bad!

We adopted a stray cat this week. We named her Little Miss. I took her to be spayed and vaccinated. She'll be an indoor cat from now on. She's really quite sweet. She stunk to high heaven when we first found her. A bath fixed that problem. Of course, the cat we've had for 8 years hates her. They hiss and posture like they want to fight, but so far, that's all they've done- threaten. So our "free" cat ended up costing $37 dollars.

Nana

Update

2009-02-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning,

Long time, no see! Life has a way of pushing blogging to the back burner. I've meant to write. I've planned to write. Honest I did.

Monday night we went to the Camp Meeting over at Hope Children's Home. Boy was it good! Those kids are so adorable! You just want to scoop them up and take them home! It's so hard to believe that the parents don't want these kids. Praise the Lord they have a place like Hope to go to.

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Glendy Hamilton and Greg Locke spoke. Both were dynamic! Both encouraged us to go out and witness and put God first in our lives.

I've been doing so well on the healthy eating bit. In January I lost 10 pounds. Haven't had a soft drink since January 1st.

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I also enrolled in a counted cross stitch class. I really enjoy it. The picture is the monogram I'm currently working on.

It is so cold here this morning. Supposedly it's 50 here now, but I don't believe it! 30 maybe, but not 50 and it's so windy!

Stay warm and check it out!

http://www.hopechildrenshome.org/

Nana

Typical Day

2009-01-12T13:36:00.000-08:00

Good evening,

I hope all is well with you. Are you keeping your New Year's resolutions? :) So far, with God's help, I haven't had any sweets or soda! Yippie! That's a major feat!

This is what I have had to eat so far today. It's 4:30 here in Florida. I had a big salad (lettuce, celery, carrot, cheese, chicken) an orange and a cup of homemade vegetable beef soup. And I am not hungry nor do I feel deprived.

The soup was good. I had a piece of round steak hangin' out in the freezer. So I thawed that and add Lipton onion soup mix, a small (individual sized) can of spicy V-8 and a bag of frozen mixed vegetables ( Italian mix). It cooked all day in the crock pot. Now, you're gonna think this is weird, but I think round is still kinda tough, even after cooking in the crock pot. So I ground the meat up in the food processor & threw it back into the crockpot. Worked out great! No major chewing required. :)

Unfortunately, I am already falling behind in my daily Bible reading. I keep meaning to get a calendar so I can keep tract of what I am to read each day.

Mitch was sick all weekend. A bad cold. So he didn't go to church Sunday, I went by myself. I expected that there would be someone to run the sound booth, but no. I had to do it. I managed to get Sunday school recorded but goofed up both preaching services so they didn't get recorded.

Chase and I went to the ASPCA this morning to check out the cats. I had seen a beautiful persian cat on the website. Of course, we got there only to be told it had been adopted over the weekend! I am kicking myself for not going on Saturday when I first saw it.

Got Chase's achievement test results back today. He is below his grade level, not by much but still below. He goofed off all year in 4th grade. He was a major rebel when it came to doing any school work. I guess now I should have failed him and had him repeat 4th grade instead of putting him into 5th. He is doing well so far this year though. And I have to remember that lots of people are bad test takers. I think he may be one of them.

Well, I am gonna have a little more soup and start on some laundry.

Nana

Resolve

2009-01-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

Good morning,

It's a very comfortable, rainy 75 degrees here this morning. My alarm clock never went off this morning. I was awakened at 3:45 by my cell phone ringing. It was Mary wanting to know where I was. I was supposed to be at her house by 4:00. So picture me jumping out of bed, slipping on my flats, grabbing my purse and dashing out the door. Yes, that's right. I didn't even change out of my night clothes! Thank goodness, the things I sleep in look like simple a-line dresses. I got to Mary's house in 20 minutes. Not bad. What a way to start the day. That's Mary in the picture. That picture was taken on Chritmas at my Dad's house.

So far, with God's help, I am sticking to my no sweets,few carbs diet. I am still feeling tired, but I am feeling more like my old self with each passing day. One victory leads to another.

I started Genesis on January 1st. I am going to read the Bible through at least once this year. I am reading five chapters a day. I finished chapter 30 yesterday. I hope you have a reading plan to read through the Bible at least once this year. I am surprised at how many Christians haven't even read it through once. That's sad. When we stand before the Lord at the Judgement Seat of Christ, we'll give an account of our deeds. And I'm sure we'll be asked why we couldn't make time to read God's Word. Don't you?

Get into God's Word! :)

Nana

Happy New Year

2009-01-05T12:17:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon,

I wanted to let you know how I started my new year. New Years Day was spent in great personal struggle. I realized how much I had failed the Lord. I realized how lazy I have been. I realized my obesity is ruining my health and my testimony.

I went to the watch night service at church with every intention of just throwing in the towel. Of just giving up on living a Christ honoring life. That was going to be my last church service. God had other plans for me! The warm Christian fellowship and the encouraging testimonies given during testimony time, softened my heart and gave me new resolve.

Here's what I did. January 2nd I started what was to be a 3 day fast. It turned out to be only 24 hrs. That was enough though. I wanted to break the hold food had on me, especially sweets. I wanted to deny my flesh. I didn't want to continue to be a slave to my desire to over eat.

Amazingly, God gave me sweet peace and a real lack of hunger pangs on that day. On the 3 rd. I just ate some cheese and a piece of breakfast sausage.

Yesterday I ate no breakfast. I had 2 scrambled eggs and 2 pieces of turkey breakfast sausage for lunch after we got home from church. That evening I snacked on some nuts. Of course I am downing water like there is no tomorrow.

Today I ate "breakfast" at about noon. One egg scrambled with cheese and a piece of turkey sausage.

Here it is 3:30 and I have just eaten a tossed "salad" ( actually it's a bowl of lettuce!) with romaine & mozzarella topped with blue cheese dressing. I guess by the looks of my menu, I am loosley following the high portein low carb diets. I just know I LOVE pasta & breads and sweets! So I have to stay away from them like poison.

I'm like an alcoholic, I am just facing one day at a time. I am counting my successes in 24 hours increments. I am feeling kinda tired, but victorious just the same.

I KNOW God is able to keep me going on a healthy life, I just hope I don't spoil it.

Nana

1Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Rom 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Pro 23:2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

Pie

2008-12-23T16:01:00.000-08:00

Good evening,

It's been awhile since we chatted. I've just gotten lazy I guess. I stopped blogging to get everything ready for Thanksgiving & then just never went back to it.

Thanksgiving just wasn't the same this year. Without Hannah and the girls, it's just not as much fun. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. But I can see the attraction is fading. If I can't have both the girls there, it's just like any other ordinary day. :(

I did want to show you my homemade pecan pie! It's Mitch's favorite pie. It was beautiful and just as tasty, too. The filling was full of chopped pecans. I don't like the pies where the only nuts are the ones on top and the filling is just all gel and no nuts.

Good night, World.

Nana

Sorry

2008-11-29T04:28:00.001-08:00

Good morning,

Why do we say "I'm sorry"? Have you ever wondered? I mean why we really say it. Oh, we can say it because it's the "Christian" thing to do when you've hurt someone. But who does it really help? Who is it really for?

I am beginning to think it is for the person who caused the offense, not for the offended.....

Sick, sick, sick

2008-11-11T03:46:00.000-08:00

Good morning,

I'm finally able to blog again. I have been as sick as a dog! About a week ago, my grandson had a runny nose and cough, sore throat, etc. Well, being the generous soul that he is, he shared it with me! LOL. I've had a head cold the size of Texas! (no offense, Texas!) When "they" say a cold is 7-10 days, I guess they mean it! Today is the ninth day and I am still not completely over it. I'll spare you the details! :)

Nothing like being sick for a week to see how need I am around here. The house looks like a hurricane had hit it. No kidding.

Oh, I almost for got to tell you, our home school co-op took a field trip to an alpaca farm. The owners were so sweet. I think she said they have 45 alpacas. An interesting fact - female alpacas are happiest and healthiest if they are pregnant. They like to be pregnant their whole life. Two weeks after giving birth, they are ready to mate again. Isn't that unique, to say the least.

Are you surprised about the election outcome? I'm disappointed, but realize God sets kings up and takes them down. I know God allowed obama to win. I'd like to talk to some of his supporters in a couple years, after all the "changes". I'd like to see just how happy they are then!

It's a chilly 55 degrees this morning. My daughter is off work today so I won't have Chase today.

Well, I'm gonna go make some hot cocoa. Want a cup? Do you like marshmallows in yours?

Nana

Show & Tell Friday

2008-10-31T09:29:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon,

Remember getting chips delivered right to your home? Remember getting chips in a can?!Then you remember Charles Chips!

I found this miniature chip can at a flea market in Florida about ten years ago. This sticker is still on it - $1.00.

And that's my show and tell item. Check out http://kellishouse.blogspot.com/ .

Nana

Doll

2008-10-29T13:09:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon,

I made this rag doll today, but I don't know if i like it or not. What do you think?

Nana

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

2008-10-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It's a chilly 40 degrees this morning! Yikes! Did I say I was looking forward to fall?! Oh, I am so cold. I forgot how bitterly cold it gets even in Florida. Our 20 year old trailer and all it's drafty windows don't make it very cozy in here! :) Tomorrow I'm turnin' on the heater. It'll be fine once noontime rolls around and old Mr. Sun heats things up.

We had a great weekend. Saturday was our church hayride and wiener roast. About 60 people showed up. We had to make two runs with the hay wagon because there were so many people. The kids had a kick ball game going on while they were waiting for the hot dogs to get done.

The men of the church had two grills goin' so it wasn't a very long wait. Inside we had all kinds of pasta salads, potato salads, chip, and desserts.

After we all ate, we went outside and started a big bonfire. The kids thought that was great. We were encouraged to throw stuff in there that we shouldn't have as Christians. Lots of books, music, t-shirts, etc went into that fire. It was really meaningful to the people who tossed in stuff. I think that was a really good idea.

Then Pastor gave a devotional and about 10 people gave short testimonies. All in all, it was a great night.

Nana

Nuthin' Much

2008-10-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

Not much happenin' today so I thought I update a few posts I had made.

I finished the New Testament about a week ago and am in 2 Chronicles now. I hope I can finish by years end.

I haven't eaten healthy or walked on the tredmill in so long I can't remember.

Hannah says things are going ok at her house. No more violence, still some bickering. She is going to stay with him unless he gets violent. This is his last chance.

I made a pencil roll for my grandson the other day.

Guess that's it.

Nana

Obsessed

2008-10-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

Good evening,

Here's two pictures of the tote bag I made this weekend. It's a little smaller than I like. I never met a big bag I didn't like. :) I'll probably never even use this one because it is so small. It's approx. 7"X9". It's Simplicity #9949- view B. The colors came out so drab. In "real life" the pinks really pop. I do love the fabric, it's just too small. :(

Why am I obsessed with making bags?! I really am. That's all I want to do when I have free time. It would be different if I were good at it, but I'm not. I just do it cause I like bags. Silly, isn't it?

I had a horribly frustrating day today with Chase. Why can someone be so sweet one minute and the next be a raging lunatic? I've noticed that when asked to do something he doesn't want to do, out comes the Jekyll and Hyde routine. I thought I was gonna pop a blood vessel today. Really, the screaming is like a two year old.

Hummm....how do I act when I am told to do something I don't want to do? Do I sweetly go ahead and do it as unto the Lord? Oh, yeah, right. I may not be screaming on the outside, but in my heart lots of times there is a rebellious spirit rearing its ugly head.

Stop a minute the next time you are infuriated with your child's behaviour. Is the same willful behaviour lurking inside your heart?

Nana

Making a card

2008-10-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon,

All you card makers out there have my utmost respect and admiration! I just made my first greeting card and envelope from scratch. That was not a very easy task nor did I consider it very much fun. I never dreamed making a card would be so difficult! The creative process was stressful! I don't have a very good eye for what goes with what. I tried to use cards I found on the web as my model, but mine didn't turn out very well at all. I don't know if I will be making anymore.

I did learn a few things though! Something to cut with other than a pair of scissors would have been useful. Umm, so would a good ruler! I know my card is not straight and neither is the envelope. I didn't want to put alot of money into paper crafting supplies since I didn't know if I would like it enough to continue it. And I don't think I do.

I included a picture of my "craft table", ha ha.

Thank the Lord if you are blessed with a room for your crafts.

And get craftin'!

Nana

Deodorant

2008-10-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

I hope your early morning weather is as nice as it is here in Florida. We have a slight breeze and very low humidity. Of course, that will all change come noon.

I wanted to tell you what I've been doing for deodorant. I didn't want to keep putting all those chemicals under my arms. Nothing like a direct shot to the lymph area, huh? I got out some good old fashioned corn starch, about a cup I guess, and put it in a Tupperware bowl, doused it with some tea tree oil and peppermint oil, put the lid on and shook. Now in the morning I sprinkle that on. It has been working great.

I am including a picture of Mitch resealing the roof on our trailer. Some day I'll take a picture of my tiny little kitchen, but not today. It's a mess.

Mitch, me and Chase went over to the club house to watch the Rays baseball game last night. What a game! Normally I just watch the Bucs play football. But hey, I wanted to be interested in what my husband was interested in. I actually enjoyed myself.

I am gonna try to get into making cards. I just started to get papers. I've seen so many beautiful cards on other peoples websites. I think, "I can do that!" Maybe....I don't have an artistic bone in my body.

Nana

Dress

2008-10-13T03:57:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

What a beautiful morning it is here in Florida! It's cool, slight breeze and no humidity!! Yeah!

Mitch just left for work so I thought I'd quick post a picture of the dress I had made. It's Kwik Sew #2922. I just love it. I love the loose fit.

Don't have to watch my grandson today so I might do a little sewing, who knows? I certainly have enough fabric in my stash to keep me busy for months!

Church was very good last night. We had a guest speaker because our pastor and his wife are on vacation. The gist of his message was live so as when you die, there won't be any question about where you went. Have you known people who have died and you wondered where they went? Some people make a profession of faith, but there is never any evidence of a true salvation experience. Never any conviction when they did wrong. Never any joy in the Lord. I suppose we'll be surprised when we get to heaven and see just who is there and who is noticeably absent.

Live like the Lord is coming back today!

He just may! :)

Nana

Our conversations

2008-10-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

I'm sitting in front of the computer instead of in my regular spot at church this morning because I am home with a sick boy. Chase stayed over night last night so he could go to church with us today, but last night he spent most of the night in the bathroom. I guess it's the flu, I don't know. He seems to be better this morning, but I am making him stay in bed til Grandpa gets home from church.

I want to tell you about church last Sunday. I don't know if it will come across in type like it would in conversation. Maybe I'll sound jealous or sensitive. I don't know.

One couple shares the pew with me. That's all. It's just the 3 of us. They come for Sunday morning worship service that's it. Usually we exchange the cursory hello's and that's it. And I'm fine with that.

Well, this lady started a diet in December. I don't know what's worse - a reformed smoker or a dieter. Anyway, the first thing, the only thing she said to me was "I lost another pound. I know every body hates me cause I'm getting skinny." Then she flitted off to tell someone else.

Honestly, I was floored. That's the only thing you can say to me?! God knows my heart, I am not jealous. I'm glad for her. I should be doing the same. But if you're gonna break with the tradition we've had for 2 years and say something other than hi, that's all you got?!

Then sadness sunk in. I got to thinkin' this woman has never said anything spiritual to me in the 2 years I've been there. I think that's sad. She knows I'm a new Christian, she was there when I got saved. Not once has she told me about reading her Bible, about what the Lord has done for her that week. Nothin'.

I glanced at her at times during church, out of the corner of my eye. She spent the service looking at her new shoes, smoothing her skirt down, straightening out her leg and looking at it, etc.

I actually started crying. It truly broke my heart. Here we are 2 saved ladies and all we can talk about is the flesh. All she could do during the preaching is be concerned with her body. How pathetic. I cried because it said alot about the hearts condition. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. I would have rather she hadn't said anything to me then to say what she did.

Then I got to thinkin, why haven't I said anything spiritual to her?

Why do I look at some people and think they would be good to talk to about the Bible? Is there something, some reason why I gravitate to some people. Why I have Bible centered conversations with some and not with others? What draws me to them? Is it the Holy Spirit in me being drawn to the Holy Spirit in them? I don't know.

What is your conversation centered around?

Do people want to talk Bible with you?

Nana

Sewing

2008-10-11T18:07:00.000-07:00

Good evening,

Guess what I just finished making? Another water bottle carrier. My grandson just had to have one. But I'm not stupid. His is a VERY simple version. No way was I going through the grief that I did when I made mine. His is unlined and uninsulated. He doesn't even care. I used the leg of a pair of denim shorts he had out grown. I did a french seam down the side just to make it look a tad bit neater on the inside. I just sewed straight across the bottom, didn't even bother boxing the corners. It was done in a matter of minutes. It holds a 16 ounce bottle and he is tickled to death. So I'd call that a successful project.

Nana

Cleaned at last

2008-10-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

Good morning,
.

I am embarrassed to post the pictures of my sewing area, but, hey, we're friends, right?

I have been sewing on silly little things all week and haven't put a finger toward cleaning up after myself. The nasty part of it all is that the sewing machine is smack dab in front of the windows in the living room there for all to see. I can't close the door and ignore the mess. I can't close the door on unfinished projects. I just get up from an unfinished project, leaving things as they are knowing I'll get to it soon.

I'd really love to have a room for my sewing. But that's a luxury I won't be enjoying anytime soon. I paced it off, my living room is about 10'X13' . That's not too big, in case you can't picture it. We live in an old "park model" trailer. It's basically a short, single wide trailer. Just enough room for the essentials.

I think you'll agree that the bottom 2 pictures show a tidier area.

My sewing machine is a Viking that I bought on ebay from a very nice lady on the east coast of Florida. It was her mother's and then hers and then her daughters. She had all the original paper work and manuals. I picked it up at her house and her house was filled with beautiful things she had sewn. She had 3 very expensive Viking models in her large sewing room.

The chair is a frebbie. I found it sitting outside waiting for the garbage men to carry it away. I had painted it that nice turquoise but then my daughter wanted a chair so I was in the process of spray painting it black when she decided that she didn't need the chair after all. That is the story behind the awful paint job.

The white thing hanging from the curtain on the left side is a jumper pattern that i use alot so I just leave it out instead of folding it up all the time.

My cat, Momma, decided to get into the picture! I am a major cat lover. Momma is about 8 yrs old. She is a stray Mary brought home for me. :)

Well, there's another peak into my life.

Nana

Cosmetic Bag

2008-10-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

Good evening!

I want to show you what I made today. It is a blue cosmetic bag, even though I don't have "cosmetics"! :) I used Simplicity 9949- view G. It's about 4"X7".

It was my first ever gusseted zipper. Not bad for my very first one. The one end with the zipper pull is not perfect, but that will come with making more of them. I always want my bags to literally turn out perfect, but of course, if you know me, they never do. Do you seamstresses have that same problem? On this bag the black bottom doesn't line up on the front and back. But all in all, the ability to do a gusseted zipper is gonna come in handy down the road, I can see that.

Usually my bags have no closure at the top or at the very most, a piece of velcro. I did buy some decorative snaps today at JoAnn Fabrics. I've been wanting to try them and so I used my 40% off coupon to get them.

Dinner was a breeze tonight. The company had a bar-b-q and hubby brought some home. Ribs, chicken, potato salad & baked beans. That was sure nice!

After dinner he and our grandson walked over to the trailer park club house to watch the Rays baseball game. I get to stay home and enjoy some peace and quiet! :) We don't have TV and neither do either of my daughters, so it's a treat to watch something now instead of being a mind numbing experience. This is our second year without a TV and I don't mind one bit! Good riddance! Reminds me of a great bumper sticker I saw: "Free your mind, shoot your TV". My sentiments exactly.

I am in 2 Kings in my Bible reading. I want to finish the Bible by years end. I've already read most of the New Testament. This will be my second time through this year. One year, the year I got saved, I read it through 3 times. I just couldn't stop! Now when I read, I think there is someone sent from Satan to sit on my eyelids and make them very, very heavy! Not that I think the Bible is boring, I just think it's Satan's trick to get me to fall asleep so I won't get any reading done. Does that ever happen to you?

I want to encourage you to read your Bible through twice a year. That's not asking much. Lot's of people read many more pages of novels in a year and think nothing of it. I sat next to a man on a plane last year and he pulled out some paperback by a watered down charismatic and asked me if I had read the book. I politely said "no, I am on track to read the Bible through twice this year and really don't have time to read anything else." Well, as you can imagine, he gave me a look like I had just sprouted a third eye. Funny, people don't mind reading about the Bible, but they sure don't want to read the Bible itself.

I'm not voting again this time around. I don't think women should vote and my husband thinks I'm a kook for thinking that. I was supposed to register per his request and I fully intended to do it. But to be honest with you, it slipped my mind. I do feel bad. I know I'm not supposed to disobey my husband even if it's unintentional.

I try not to keep up with the news or politics or economics, etc. I find it causes me to lose focus on the Lord and I become filled with fear and a sense of helplessness. About the only news tidbits I get are the ones on Yahoo's front page that I see when I go to check my email. That's enough for me.

Well, I have rambled on long enough. It's 9:30 already! Passed my bedtime! Ha ha.

Nana

Finally Finished!

2008-10-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

Good evening,

I am happy to say I have finished the water bottle carrier. It is definitely NOT my finest work. I think it stinks, but it does do the job.

This was easily the most frustrating project to date!!! I don't have enough words in my vocabulary to describe the frustration it caused me!! GRRRRRRR!

I am off now for a bike ride around the trailer park with my grandson - work off some of that frustration! :)

Nana

GRRRRRR!

2008-09-30T07:04:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It's another muggy morning here in Florida.

Here's a picture of my grandson & his friend from church, Tony.

I worked on the water bottle carrier, but quit before sewing the bottom on it. I tried to fit a Publix water bottle into it before I wasted, er, a, spent anymore time on it. It didn't fit. The carrier was too small around. So no need to sew on the bottom! I hate that. I hate when a project doesn't come together right. I hate the wasted time, the wasted materials. Grrrrrrrrr!

My grandson has his chess class this afternoon. So I'll be taking him to that. Other than that I don't have anything up for today.

Nana

Mundane

2008-09-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It's another hot day in Florida. The A/C is not working right at Mary's house, so I am literally dripping sweat while I sit here and type.

We had a good day at church yesterday. The pastor preached on the idols in our lives. Really good. We had a fellowship after evening service.

This afternoon I'm working on a water bottle carrier - finally. I've only been talking about doing it for weeks.

We'll have,,, tah dah,,, meatloaf for dinner tonite. So I can sew all afternoon and not have to worry about coming up with something for dinner. Those make ahead entrees are workin' out pretty good! :)

Nana

All day cookin'

2008-09-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

Good morning,
.

65 degrees this morning! WHOOO WEEEE!!!! It felt so good. None of the hot sticky weather we usually, have even at 6:00 a.m. Oh, can Fall be far behind?

Well, I want to tell you about how yesterday went. I got this big idea that I would cook up a weeks worth of meat. That way I'd have something at the ready all week - no more fast food. Well, there's a price to pay. And boy was it steep! :)

I cooked up something like 6-7 lbs. of meat. I made meatloaves and meatballs til just the thought of ground beef makes me kringe! I also made a pan of brown rice. Baked that in the oven. It took me all day. In between all that cooking, I managed to throw in 2 loads of laundry and wash the truck. Well, come 7:00 p.m., I was good for nothing but laying on the couch!

I had read blogs about OAMC ( once a month cooking) and had always wanted to try it. Did I mention how much work it is? :) Well, now I've tried it. I can cross that off my "must do" list! :)

I am hoping that all that hard work will payoff in the end.

I got the recipes from http://allrecipes.com/ . I made Amish meatloaf, Sweet & Sour meatloaf, appetizer meatballs & BBQ cola meatballs. All but the appetizer meatballs, I have tried before and we like them. The appetizer meatballs is a new recipe, so we'll see how my Sweetie likes those. I only made meatballs and meatloaves because he likes them. Me, I could care less about meat.

Give batch cooking a try....if you have the stamina!

Nana

Cookin'

2008-09-24T05:47:00.001-07:00

Good morning,

It's such a beautiful day!! It's a cool, not too humid 70 degress this morning. Oh, can fall be far away?

I'm gonna try something new today. I'm gonna cook up a weeks worth of entrees. I am hoping it will save time and money. Hopefully it will cut out all the trips for fast food.

Sunday

2008-09-22T05:11:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

We had a great day at church yesterday.

After the evening service there were several of us hanging around talking to the pastor. Then Erik came up and asked how many of us wanted cheesecake! He is a experienced chef. by the way. Ummm, what kind I asked. Peanut butter & chocolate. EEEEwwww. Doesn't sound appealing to me at all. I already knew I didn't like chocolate & cheesecake mixed together. The thought of adding peanut butter just made it sound that much more revolting. But, ok, let's have some cheesecake. :)

The seven of us went into the fellowship hall and had cheesecake & lots of good conversation. That's the part that I like, the conversation. We live so far from church (1 hr one way), that we don't get to fellowship with people during the week. That was fun. I even ate the cheesecake like a good little guest.

Hey, I finally figured out why I do the things I do. Why I were plain clothes, why I have long hair, why I don't go to certain places, do certain things, why I don't wear pants or go to the beach. I had thought that I did it to encourage others to do the same and maybe that is one aspect of it. But I read 1 Corinthians over the weekend and the Holy Spirit showed me that I abstain from certain things in order not to be a stumbling block to someone else.

You may be saying "Oh, duh!", but I really didn't realize it. Once I did, it made all the difference in the world to me. My attitude changed. I have a gracious, patient acceptance of others who may not be at the same spiritaul point in their walk with the Lord that I am.

When you do right day after day & are trying to encourage others to do the same and nothing in their life ever changes, you begin to question the validity of what you are doing. In fact motive should be questioned. You can't "make" someone do anything. But on the other hand, you shouldn't be the reason they fall either. It's a huge responsibility to do right so that you are not a hinderance to others.

Do right.

Nana

1Co 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

1Co 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

State Park

2008-09-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

I had a wonderful day yesterday. Chase, Mary & I went to our local state park. It was get in free with a library card day! Since the regular entrance fee is $9, that was a deal too good to pass up! The picture is at the aligator exhibit. There were 12 of them in there.

We took the boat to get into the park & the tram to leave. The parks theme is wildlife native to Florida. It was great. Everything was laid out in a very orderly fashion. No back tracking, no missing exhibits. The park was small enough to be manageable for an old lady like me, but big enough that you didn't feel ripped off.

We saw alligators, manatees, Florida panthers, various birds and aquatic life.

I couldn't take as many pictures as I would have liked to. My batteries died and I didn't want to bother changing them.

We saw another home schooling family there. 3 girls with their notebooks and pencils in hand. They took notes on alot of the exhibits. Chase is going to write an essay on what he saw. That is the standard requirement after a field trip. Of course, he always moans and groans about it and writes as few sentences as he can get away with!

We got there at about 11:00 I guess and left by about 2. We were all famished when we got out. We didn't bring any snacks in, only bottled water. Which we are so glad we did. It was so hot and humid. The temp reached 97 degrees. We stopped at Perkins on the way home. I never eat at Perkins and now I know why. It was expensive. I thought it would be along the lines of Denny's. The food was good but expensive. I got the turkey club which came with fries and it was $8.00! Needless to say, that was my last trip to Perkins.

Chase of course got chicken strips. I think that boy is gonna turn into a chicken strip! Mary got a big juicy burger.

We were all ready for a pillow and blankie by the time we finished eating. It probably took an hour to drive home. I got home at 5:00 and hit the sack. Just enough time for a nap before hubby got home at 6:30.

Nana

Busy

2008-09-11T12:43:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon!

I've been so busy the last few days that I haven't even thought about blogging.

I've got lots of running around to do this 6 weeks. My grandson is in alot of enrichment classes, so I get to play chauffeur 3 days a week.

Yesterday we went to a wildlife sanctuary with one of the co-ops. It was nice. It was small, the lady said it was on about 5 acres. All the animals seemed clean and the place really didn't stink. The only sad point was the cages were all so small! The animals fit in there and could walk, but that was about it. No running or jumping. Most of the animals were just sitting around. It was a hot, muggy day, so maybe that had something to do with it. I don't know. The kids had a blast though. Turkeys, chickens & roosters were roaming about freely. There were the standard fare, the big cats, various monkeys & lots of birds. I don't think I would go there again. The entrance fee is a bit steep ($22.00). We got in for a little less on the group rate. There were 35 of us that went.

Today it is science, drawing & engineering with Lego's. I pick him up at 4:30. So right now I have some time to myself. That's always nice!

I read another blog the other days in which a lady said Nature Valley Sweet & Salty Nut was her "new snack". So I bought some today. There can't be anything healthy about them- they are just too tasty! Close your eyes and you think you are eating a candy bar. :)

We are using A.C.E curriculum this year. So far so good. Last year was a major nightmare. I am hoping with this easier curriculum things will go smoother. Last year we had a fight over school work just about everyday! Chase isn't stupid, just lazy. That's the frustrating part.

Nana

Homeschool Co-op

2008-09-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

Good evening,

I haven't had a chance to tell you about Thursday's co-op. It's a Christian group & has been in existence for about 7 years. This was our the first time with this group. It's a pretty good sized group. I think there is about 50 families. One of the best points, it meets only 2 miles from my house!

When I entered the church to register, I was amazed at the sea of people. Amazed because of how they were dressed and how they were carrying themselves. It looked like I had just walked into the local Walmart, not into a group of professing Christians. Short -shorts everywhere, spaghetti strapped tank tops abounded, misbehaving kids in every spot. No one had any decorum. They were all talking loudly and milling around like lost little lemmings.

Then entered Melissa. A petite young woman with two of the most adorable little boys walked or shall I say glided in. She was dressed in a simple short sleeved blouse, ankle lengeth skirt & black shoes. Her hair was short :( but fluffy and every hair was in place. I was sitting off to the side when I spotted her come in. She spoke in hushed tones & so did her boys. Who, I am glad to say, listened to her & weren't running around like little hellions. After watching her to make sure she had finished filling out all the papers, I went up to her and asked her if she was a born again Christian. She said yes & I commented on the modest clothes. We shared the name of our respect churches ( Baptist). She introduced her sons & we exchanged a few more words & I went back to my seat.

I mulled over the whole sceene as I was sitting waiting for the doors to the meeting room to open. Out of all those moms, there were only the two of us who were dressed like modest, Christian ladies. I thought the whole sceene was rather sad.

Now before you jump all over me for being "judgemental", since when doesn't Jesus care how we look or act? Don't pretend like you don't look at what people are wearing. If I had taken a picture of one of the moms and then a picture of Melissa and showed them to random people walking in our local mall, which one of those pictures do you think those unsaved people would have picked for the "Christian"? Be honest. Yeah, Melissa. Why? Yeah, because of how she was dressed. Bingo!

How are you dressed?

Nana

Sick

2008-09-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

Good evening!

I am happy to be able to blog again. I have been as sick as a dog since Monday. I woke up Monday at 6:30, got up and putzed around the trailer. Suddenly, at 9:30, I was running for the toilet. I was throwing up like nobody's business. Off to bed I went. Classic symptoms - fever, chills,aches, seeing the toilet up close and personal more times then I care to remember.

At first I thought I had food poisoning. We had had a fellowship Sunday night after church. One hates to think that, but....

Anyway, I had to eliminate that because food poisoning only lasts about 24 hours. My husband called it right, he figured Monday morning that I had the flu.

At least he had a peaceful Labor Day off! I was in bed and he was on the computer & working on the car most of the day. He is into hydrogen fuel and put an adapter on his car to see if he can get better gas mileage & use less gas by using hydrogen too. We'll see. I sure hope so. He drives 45 minutes to work everyday and we drive 1 hour each way to church on Sundays.

By Wednesday I was back to "normal", at least I wasn't manifesting any flu symptoms. The trailer was a catastrophic mess by then. So I took my time, but cleaned house all day Wed. By the looks of the mess, I guess I am important around here! At least I keep the mess to a manageable level! :)

Nana

Jumper

2008-09-01T03:53:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

Here's the picture I've been promising to post. My grandson took it just before we left for church yesterday morning.

This is Simplicity #9294.

Nana

Swimming

2008-08-27T03:55:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

I was so shocked and disappointed yesterday when we were at the rec center pool. I don't know why I was shocked. What did I expect? For the most part, these were unsaved people. None of then that I know of has ever even hinted at being saved. Maybe I was shocked because I am old enough to have grown up in a modest era. Even unsaved people had decency when I was growing up. Not so today. So many of the girls had skimpy two piece bathing suits on. It's too bad the mothers don't see how men & teen age boys are staring at their daughters, undressing them with their eyes. Nothing is left to the imagination

These same girls would be horrified if someone suggested they run up to the store in their underwear. But make it a vibrant color & call it a bathing suit & voila! suddenly it's ok. Twisted thinking if you ask me.

When ever I can, I always compliment a modestly dressed girl. I like to encourage modesty! (This homeschool group is not a christian group). Anyway, I called a 13 year old girl in our homeschool group over and complimented her on her modest swim suit. It was a skirt and tank top. Looked something like a cheerleader outfit. She was nicely covered up. Well, she said thanks, but that she didn't really like the "modest, girly look". I was taken aback. I thought, who doesn't want to look "girly"!?

Where has our collective common sense gone? We as a society have lowered our standard of decency to the point that public nudity is all that is left. That's coming. It has to be. There's nothing else left.

I truly hope the Lord calls me home before that happens.

Nana

Computers

2008-08-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

Good evening,

Computers. Don'tcha just love 'em? Mine has been down since Friday. It just died. I don't know what happened. So my poor husband has been working on it in his "spare " time. It's finally up & running. Of course it only took $200 (said sarcastically!) & many hours. :)

Today the homeschool group gathered at the rec center for fun in the pool. My grandson, Chase, is like a little fish! He's been in the water since he could walk. I, of course, got a major sunburn. I forgot sunscreen and so sat in the shade of a building. A lotta good that did.

I got my two dresses back from my seamstress today. They turned out nice. I'll have to have my grandson take a picture so I can post it for you.

I borrowed my daughters vacuum cleaner this weekend and accidentally ran over the cord. Bare wires were hanging out. Well, I've been using it anyway. That is until my husband saw it spark! He yanked the plug out of the outlet and headed up to Home Depot to get some electrical wire to splice the cord back together. Isn't he sweet? Kinda handy too!

We had KFC for dinner. Every Tuesday the KFC by me has a special, 2 pieces, mashed potatoes & gravy & a biscuit for $2.99. So lots of times, that's what we have on Tuesday.

Nana

Breakfast

2008-08-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It was dark and cloudy this morning at 6:00. Very windy too, thanks to Fay. It felt good outside though. I am so eager for Fall. It can't come soon enough for me! I've had enough of this hot, humid Florida weather.

My husband doesn't like to eat breakfast. That makes it easy for me! All he wants is a cup of coffee before work. I usually put a cinnamon bun or sweet roll in his lunch box for later in the morning. So by the time 9:00 rolls around, I can make myself a somewhat decent breakfast. I use that silly divided plate because I don't like my food touching. Today I made French toast. I usually don't do that. And no, it isn't on my healthy eating, wise choice carbs eating plan! :) But it tasted good anyway.

I got a new pattern in the mail yesterday. It is from Studio Kat, the Vervalise pattern. It looks just as complicated as I was afraid it would be. I'm gonna tackle it though, just not today. :)

Nana

Calm

2008-08-20T04:16:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

It's so nice outside! Thanks to Fay we have a mild wind blowing this morning so it not the usual stuff, stale Florida air. How nice! Praise the Lord we haven't gotten much rain yet. It did rain yesterday, but not enough to do any damage.

I talked to Hannah yesterday for just a very few minutes. She was still so tired from the drive back home. She did say she felt "weird" and it was very uncomfortable talking to her husband.

It's very hard to let go of her. To let her do what she thinks is right. The mother in me wants to just scoop her & the kids up and plop them down somewhere near me. Somewhere where they will be safe and loved.

The picture on the left is Grandpa & Emma. We all went to IHOP for dinner. Grandpa & Nana had a delicious breakfast & Hannah shared a chicken strips meal with Emma. Emma was kind of a live wire. She finally managed to knock over a glass of water. Thankfully, it didn't spill on anyone and she did it right before we were ready to leave. I'm sure the waitress was happy to see us go!

The picture on the right is Mommy and baby.

I do understand he dilemma. I don't think anyone sets out with divorce as an option. I know she didn't. She knows first hand how hard divorce is and what havoc it reeks on a family.

I have to watch my grandson today while his momma works; but that's not until this afternoon. He has two home school co-op classes today. One about animals and the other is Lego's. He loves Lego's. Our new school year will begin Sept 1. This year we are going with A.C.E. It is so simply laid out and teacher friendly. I just don't want to go through all the stress I went through this year. He doesn't particularly like school nor does he like being told what to do. So needless to say, we had some battles. I want to eliminate battles as much as I can this coming school year. I do need to look for a co-op chess class. He is actually pretty good at chess. What's more important, he likes it!

I haven't been sticking to the healthy eating or treadmill since last Tuesday. My whole routine fell apart when I had to drop everything and go get Hannah. I did get back on the treadmill yesterday for about 25 minutes. Whoo. I know. Big deal. But hey, it is for me.

Well, we're having leftover beef stew for dinner tonight. I made a crock pot of stew on Sunday and we have enjoyed several meals out of it so far.

Nana

2008-08-18T14:58:00.001-07:00

Good evening,
.
It's 6 p.m. here, the sky is getting dark & it's trying to rain, I've already cleared off the patio of anything that could become a flying misle, filled my gas tank & bought water. That's about all I can do. I'm just waiting for my husband to get home. That will be in about45 minutes.
.
I just hope we don't loose power. Oh, and how could I forget, I hope our trailer doesn't leak! I guess I should say leak too much. The last thunderstorm we had, the roof leaked and now my formica kitchen counter is warped. The roof leaked right down through the kitchen cabinet onto the counter. Of course, the edge of the counter isn't sealed and so soaked up all the water.
.

Ok, here comes the rain!

Nana

Storm

2008-08-18T04:49:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

Well, thanks to "Fay" , my daughter will be leaving town today. She was planning to stay longer, but doesn't want to get stranded here in the storm or its aftermath.

I was up and out this morning by 7:00. Headed out to fill up the gas tank & go to Walmart for water. I also picked up some nuts and granola bars. That'll tide us over if the storm hits us. I am not expecting anything catastrophic. I know the Lord is in control and will keep us safe. I'll plan and prepare but not panic.

We had a good day at church yesterday. 3 girls got saved! It was nice having my daughter in church with me. After church we stopped at a local pizza parlor for lunch. They have a Sunday special - 1 large, 3 topping pizza for $10. So we had that - pepperoni, bacon & extra cheese. It was quite yummy.

Nana

Tragic

2008-08-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I've been away, out of state in fact, for the last few days.

It was a long ride back here Boy, it felt good to peel myself out of the car. Nana

I'm back

2008-08-07T06:13:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

I know, I know, no one knew I was gone. That is painfully evident. I had stopped blogging for awhile because it seems my life is just a little to mundane for blogging.

But, for some strange reason, here I am again, blogging.

I got up at 6 this morning and started in on my day. Got dressed, packed M's lunch & paid some bills on the internet. My husband and I left the house together at 6:30. He went to work and I went to Walmart. :) It's so much easier to shop at Walmart during off hours. No crowds. Picked up some groceries and a few sundries, then back home to eat breakfast.

I got home at 9 and was very hungry. I made myself some bacon and eggs & had a piece of mango. It was good!

I have been feeling extremely bad lately. I can't explain it, just tired, actually, more than tired. Exhausted would be a better word. It didn't matter how early I went to bed or how many naps I had in a day. I had no energy. My husband thinks I may be developing diabetes. That kinda scared me. But diabetes is something one can control with diet and exercise, so I hauled out the treadmill & I have made a concerted effort to eliminate as much sugar & poor choice carbs from my diet as possible. So far so good. :) It's been a week now, and I feel much better.

Vacation Bible school started Monday night. We've had a good turn out every night so far. We have been running about 25 kids. That's good for our church. This is our first Bible school in 3 years. Our Pastor has only been here 3 years and is trying to get the ball rollin'. Our theme is dinosaurs. One of the men in our church is an "expert" on creation vs evolution. He's brought in all kinds of charts and pictures & castings. The kids are lovin' it. We have games & food every night and then the 1/2 Bible lesson. Hopefully the seed will be planting in some young kids heart & they will get saved.

I drop off more fabric this afternoon. Gonna get another jumper made (brown denim).

Well, guess that's it for now. Gotta get on the treadmill!

Nana

Rainy Day

2008-07-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon,

I was up & out by 6:30 a.m. today. Had to meet Daughter #1 at the Walmart parking lot. Walmart is about half way between us, so sometimes when I need to watch C, we just meet there instead of one of us going all the way to the other's house. It usually works out pretty well. Especially today, because I needed a few things at Walmart anyway. It was so nice to shop that early. I didn't have to fight the crowd. I picked up the stuff I needed to make Sweet & Sour Meatloaf. My husband loves meatloaf. He is really happy when there are leftovers. That means no cold cut sandwich in his lunch that day! Yippie! The poor guy is gonna turn into a piece of lunch meat!

My grandson,C likes to cook so I bought a can of refrigerated Pillsbury sweet rolls for him to make for breakfast. He loves making them. And eating them! Not nutritious, but hey, that's what Grandma's are for, right?

I have C doing school work thorough out the summer so he doesn't forget everything he learned. He was really well behaved today and got everything finished by 12:30.

It has rained all morning. Lots of thunder and lightening. That's pretty typical of this part of Florida this time of year. All this rain has caused the grass to look like it's on steroids!

I made a very simple jumper for myself yesterday. The hard part is marking the hem. My husband is going to have to help me. I bought one of those contraptions at Joann Fabrics to mark your own hems. You use it to squirt out a chalk line when you want the hem to be. But it doesn't work well at all. In fact I think I will take it back this weekend. It really wasn't worth the money.

The jumper went together like a breeze so I think I'll just stick with that and not order anymore jumpers to be made for me. I don't mind wearing the same style. I think I'll just work on finding blouses. I may check Beals Outlet.

Nana

Lying

2008-07-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon,

May I ask you a question?

Do you lie?

Of course, you say. Doesn't everyone?

Maybe you're quick to add that they are only little while lies. Maybe you didn't even realize you were actually lying.

Do we have to lie? Is it possible to go a day without lying? Do we want to go without lying? Do we even care?

I had my grandson,C over today and I am very surprised at how many times I lied to him.

"Can I have a snack"?

"Yeah, in a minute".

Do you think he counted to 60 and puff, I had a snack ready?

No, of course not. I didn't really mean 60 seconds, I meant when it was convenient for me I would get him a snack. Why didn't I just say that? That's what I meant. Why did I automatically lie, without even batting an eye?

Do you hate lies?

Psa 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

God does.

Pro 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Pro 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Pro 6:18 A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Pro 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

God hates a lying tongue so I should too. Lying is serious to God. Somehow lying gets a very low rating on the sins list. It's not up there with murder, kidnapping, etc.

How can I keep my tongue from spewing out lies? Well, I can't talk about two things at the same time. So if I am praising God, I won't be lying. If I spent more time talking about the greatness of God and more time encouraging others, maybe that would cause me to be more aware of what I am saying. I really do need to think before I speak.

Psa 35:28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.

Psa 139:4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

I am just praying that the Holy Spirit will show me how much of my speach is actually made up of lies. I know He will answer my prayer to:

Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Nana

Purse

2008-07-18T14:53:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon,

How has your day been? I trust it has been a fruitful & victorious one.

This morning I was up at 3:30 a.m. Couldn't get back to sleep so I just got up. I took a shower, washed my hair & got dressed for the day. Quite a difference from yesterday! Anyway, I checked my email and put away the dishes that had been left to dry on the counter after last nights dinner. That was about all I could do. Didn't want to disturb my sleeping husband.

I had to be at Daughter #1's house by 6:00 a.m. Since it was clear there was no danger of me being late, I decided to stop at Dunkin Donuts & get a bagel. I just love bagels. I allow myself one cola a day, so added a Pepsi to the order. I much prefer Coke, but hey, you take what you can get at 5:00 a.m.

Did a couple loads of laundry while I was there and watched a couple Christian videos. I highly recommend the videos I watched today. They were very enlightening. There are four videos in the series "One Book Stands Alone" by Doug Stauffer. Check them out at http://www.mccowenmills.com. You won't be sorry.

Had lunch then my grandson and I came over to my trailer. He's staying over night tonight.

I finished the purse in the picture. I was able to use some leftover denim from my jumper & leftover cotton from the apron. I kinda like the looks of it, so I'll probably make another one & correct all my boo boos. :)

I was planning to have Ruben sandwiches, broccoli & potatoes for dinner tonight, but M called & asked "What's for dinner'? Not too happy to hear the words Ruben sandwiches. So who knows what we'll have. He may decide he wants to go out or maybe he wants breakfast again. Who knows?

Well, we ended up at Denny's for dinner at 8:00 p.m. It was actually pretty good. M had a mushroon chopped steak dinner, I had a club sandwich & grandson had chicken nuggets. He's gonna turn into a chicken nugget!

It's after 9 now and I am hittin' the hay.

Nana

My day off

2008-07-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Today is my "day off". :)!

So, after seeing my husband off to work at 6:30 a.m., I went back to bed til 9:00 a.m. Mmm, that was nice. Let's see, what did I have for breakfast.....oh, yeah, half a peanut butter sandwich and a glass of water.

Ok, then down to business. I made an elastic waist skirt! The day before I had purchased a sheet at the Salvation Army store; a pretty robin egg blue sheet. Turned out fantastic. If only I weren't so rotund, aka fat, it would have been gorgeous! And it only cost me $3.00. Can't beat that! There is enough fabric left over to make a shirt or vest. I will definitely do that so that it will look more like one piece and not cut me off visually at the waist. That's so flattering, not!

I don't need to watch my grandson because Daughter #1 has today off! :) She works in retail so her days off are different every week.

My grandson, C, had a dentist & doctors appt. today. He has a spacer in that he was hoping would be taken out today. No such "luck". The dentist wants to leave it in a little while longer. He does have the very small makings of a cavity so they cleaned that up & gave him a fluoride sealer.

His doctor's appt. was just a routine check up. No complaints & nothing abnormal found by the doctor. He did have to " turn your head & cough" for the first time! :)

For lunch I made a grilled cheese sandwich in my little Forman grill. It makes such great grilled sandwiches. Come to think of it, it makes good burgers too. That's all I've ever cooked in mine. And of course, more bottled water. It's so hot & humid here, that I drink at least my 8 glasses of water in a day!

After lunch I worked on a small purse while listening to a sermon on the cd player. Robert Hensley(York, SC) is one of my very favorite preachers. I've never met him, but I have listened to so many of his sermons, I feel like a member of his church! He is a very intelligent man. A straight shooting, no holes barred preacher. He loves that old book & preaches his heart out.

Ok, back on the purse. I don't know why I can use the same template & yet get two different sized or shaped pieces! It's maddening! So I had to improvise to get the front & back pieces to be the same size. Still not done with it, but will post a picture when it's done.

I've got to be winding up things. My husband, M, is due home soon. He loves breakfast for dinner, so tonite we will have bacon & eggs & toast. Sounds good, doesn't it? :)

I hope you have had a victorious day in the Lord. With God's help, I did better today than yesterday. So that's good! Trust the same was true for you.

Nana

Black & White

2008-07-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon,

I have a question for ya. Do you live in a black & white world? A world of right & wrong. No greys in your world?

I don't live in a black & white world, but I want to. I think I should. I have been thinking hard about this after a phone conversation I had. The lady I was talking with, a born again believer, said she has changed her views on lots of things she used to think were black & white, cut & dry, right & wrong. I must admit I was very shocked and a bit disappointed. Then I had to analyze myself.

Have I changed? No. I still think certain things are right no matter what...........or do I?

We were specifically talking about women working outside the home. Are there certain situations when it is ok? Are there situations when a woman has no other choice? What does the Bible say about it. Am I willing to side with the Bible no matter what?

What about:

1. a single parent, (death of spouse, divorce, out of wedlock)

2. a woman with no minor children living at home

3. adult girls that are not yet married who may want to live on their own

If the Bible teaches women are not to work outside the home, then in each of the above instances a woman who worked would be in direct disobedience of the Bible. What's the answer?

In case #1, it is not always an option for the adult child with her own children to move back home with mom & dad & then what, does Dad start supporting her & her children? What if her father is retired? What if her parents are just making ends meat themselves? What if they have down- sized & don't live in a home big enough to take in a family?

#2 I guess this woman would be wanting to work maybe out of boredom? maybe her wants exceed her husbands income? I don't know.

#3 How long should a daughter live at home? Until she gets married? What if she never marries? What if she doesn't marry til say 35?

Nana

Sin

2008-07-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

What a proclivity to sin I have! I hadn't been awake 10 minutes today and I had already sinned.

I didn't mean to. I hadn't set out to. But I did.

I had prayed before I stepped a foot out of bed. I had prayed for God's help and guidance. I told the Lord I loved Him. I wanted to do right. I honestly did. I had every intention of doing right. But I failed.

Words fly out of my mouth before I even have time to think about what I say. Why is that? Why can't I think before I speak? Oh, I can, I just don't.

Sometimes it's not what we say, but how we say it. Sometimes it's our tone or our facial expression not not the literal words that we speak. Sometimes it's just having to have the last word. Do you know what I mean?

I don't want to sin. I really don't. I hate sin. I hate the feeling it leaves inside me. I hate the hurt that it causes other people. I hate that it breaks my fellowship with Jesus Christ.

Get your Bible and look up 1 Thes. 4:11a.

Did you ever think you'd have to "study" to be quiet? That seems odd, doesn't it? You'd think that being quiet would be easy. Just don't talk.

In this day and age, women are so used to speaking their mind, of counting themselves equal with men, that we have forgotten how to be quiet. We have forgotten we are to have a "meek and quiet spirit" (1 Peter 3:4). How many times have we wounded someones spirit with a word? How many times we have spoken in disrespect to our husbands? Do we yell across the room because we're too lazy to get up and go speak to a person in another part of our house? Are we loud in public places? That's not good. That's not being quiet.

Oh, now let's not go over board in the other direction either. Of course, I don't think it means women can't speak! Let's be sensible, realistic.

Let's be ladies in every sense of the word. Let's be the whole package. Dress like ladies, carry ourselves like ladies, act like ladies . Be ladies!

Notice that it does not say study to live a quiet life. It says study to be quiet.

God helping us, let's try to meditate on being quiet. Let's try with what is left of our day to conduct ourselves like quiet, Spirit filled ladies. Let's not yell, let's not talk disrespectfully to our husbands. Before we take that tone with our husband, think, would I say that, in that way, to Jesus were He standing in my husbands place? Stop before you yell from the other end of the house at Junior. Let's think before we speak.

Somebody doesn't always have to be speaking! Silence is not all bad! :) Let's try to only speak if we can improve on the silence.

STUDY, v.i. [L.]

1. To fix the mind closely upon a subject; to muse; to dwell upon in thought.

2. To apply the mind to books. He studies eight hours in the day.

3. To endeavor diligently.

When people observe you, do they see your meek & quiet spirit?

Nana

2008-07-15T04:11:00.000-07:00

No Post Days

2008-07-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,

Sunday's and Monday's will probably be blog-less for me from now on. Sunday's we are busy with church and Monday's I am busy cleaning house & getting ready for my week ahead. So that leaves little time for sitting at the keyboard.

Sunday was really nice. The sermon was good. Pastor is preaching a 4 part series on John the Baptist. After church we went to our friends house for lunch. They are sweet people. Bob is the one who lead me to the Lord. His wife, Dee is a sweetie. They both would give you their last dime if they knew you needed it.

She made chicken and dumplings. Yum. I haven't had that for a very long time. My husband, M, doesn't like it. But like the gracious person he is, he ate his and even went back for seconds. We had some luscious watermelon for dessert. The fellowship was sweet and that's what I am mainly after. The food, though good, was just a bonus. I like to get together and talk about the Bible. We talked about the perfectness of the KJV and also about soul winning.

I picked up my jumper yesterday evening. It turned out nice. I also left her a shirt pattern & some blue flowered fabric to make a shirt to go under the jumper. My grandso took this picture of me wearing it. It turned out too long, but that was my fault in measuring.

Well, the washer stopped so now it's time to load the dryer and keep the cycle going til the laundry is done. I have already cleaned the living room & mopped the floors so the day is going pretty well.

Nana

Apron

2008-07-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon,

I am so excited. I can't wait to show you what I've been working on today. My first apron! I really need one for purely practical reasons. I can't cook or eat without getting something on my clothes. And frankly, I'm runnin' out of clothes! My dresses start out in life as church dresses. Once a dress has a stain on it, it is relegated to the wear around the house pile. Unfortunately, my church dress pile has dwindled to around 3 or 4. So "light finally dawned on marble head". I need an apron!

Having never made one, I didn't want to spend too much money on the fabric. Then comes brilliant idea number 2. The thrift store! I went down to the local Salvation Army store & got a twin size sheet & voila', my apron was born! The nice thing about using a sheet was the hem was already sewn!

I realized after I tried it on that it is too long. Oh, well, next time I can make it shorter.

Nana

Coverings

2008-07-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hello, again,

While I am on the topic of head coverings, I want to share a quote I found on the internet.

It makes more sense and seems to be the most honest view of head coverings I've come across to date.

If this is your honest reason for covering, then you have my utmost respect and admiration.

"It's an outward expression of my inward submission

to the Lord and my husband."

Nana

Head coverings

2008-07-10T11:22:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon,

I wanted to advocate head coverings, I really did. I honestly wanted to wear one. I looked at all the beautifully modest Amish women. Their hair neatly pulled back in a bun, all tucked into a little white cap on the back of their head. How could you not think that was godly and right? It seemed godly, but was it? What should I do? Wear a head covering? Why? Just because other people whom I perceived as "godly" were doing it?

I had to dig into the Bible and figure out this issue for myself. Here's what I've come up with. I do not have all the answers, I'm not pretending to. This is just me letting you in on my Bible study. :) This is what I now believe. The matter is settled for me.

To me, head covering is in the context of praying & of acknowledging headship to your husband

1. the head is to be covered ( not just that little spot on the back of your head where your bun sits) 1 Corinthians 11:5

2. the head is to be covered when praying or prophesying. 1 Corinthians 11:5,13

3. if you have cut your hair short, put a covering on it 1 Corinthians 11:5,6

4. a covered head shows respect & acknowledges your husband as your head 1 Corinthians 11:7-10

5. a covered head does not adversely affect the angels 1 Corinthians 11:10

Pastor Robert Hensley, (not my pastor, by the way), says duties don't conflict. And he's right. So for me, it comes down to this. If God commands me to be always ready to pray( 1 Thes 5:17), if God commands me to cover my head, (1 Corinthians 11:15), if God commands me to show respect to my husband, and lastly, if God commands me not to cause some kind of negative impact on angels, and I am to accomplish all this with a "covering", then I believe that's why I have long hair.

God is smart & practical, too. :) I can be always ready to pray - in the shower, when I wake up during the middle of the night, in a hot humid climate where a covering would bake my head, because I have long hair. It's my covering (1 Corinthians 11:15)

1. By being always covered - I am ready to pray 24/7

2. I am to have my head covered to pray

3. I am to show respect & headship to my own husband by covering

4. By covering I will not adversely affect the angels

1-4 can be accomplished with long hair.

Now, turn about is fair play. You cannot honestly say that a little white cap "COVERS" your head. You can't. I have seen precious few women whose cap or scarf literally "covers" their head. What excuse for not covering do the ladies use who do not sleep with a cover on? who don't bathe with one on? Am I to assume they never pray when in those situations? Do they somehow think "God will understand"? If you advocate wearing a covering, then to be Biblical, you better have it on 24/7.

Now, if a woman wanted to wear one strictly to humble herself and show respect and headship to her husband, that's a horse of a different color. Do it, I think it's great. But don't claim you need a covering on to pray, you aren't being honest.

Hey, it's either way, it can't be both.

Nana

Amish

2008-07-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

Good evening,

For oh so many years I have admired the way the Amish dress. I've wanted to dress like that. Plain, pretty but plain.

Have you looked at pictures of Amish women? They are Biblical in their dress, we Baptists, as a whole, are not. I applaud these women for not dressing in such a way as to cause a brother in Christ to have impure thoughts. I wish Baptist women had as much regard for their brethren.

Well, there is no chance of me "becoming" Amish, but I aim to start dressing more plainly.

I have found a seamstress and put my first order in. I don't think I could handle the stares & whispers if I wore a cape dress (even though I would love to!), so I ordered a jumper to be made of dark denim. It should be done by Saturday. I can't wait! If I like it, I'll get some other plain dresses & jumpers & blouses made.

Oh, and the bonnets or hats, forget it. My husband said no. He thinks I am taking this modest dress thing to the extreme already. He doesn't see the Biblical support for head coverings.

I do wear black "trouser" socks instead of knee high hose and plain black shoes though!

Maybe a cape dress isn't too far behind! :)

I'll post a picture as soon as I can.

Nana

Disclaimer

2008-07-09T04:12:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

I would like to say, first of all, that this blog is just an outlet for my thoughts, convictions, preferences.

It is not my intent to purposely attack or put down anyone elses thoughts, convictions, preferences or denomination; nor am I here to hurt anyone.

I am going to speak my mind though. And let's face it, somethings just aren't all that positive. If I offend you, I am sorry. If you think I am wrong and need to be set straight, save your energy. Move on to another blog.

I like a good discussion, but not a heated argument where your only intent is to prove your point. If you like to argue, this blog is probably not for you.

This all seems so harsh, but I have read enough blogs to know all is not rosey in the world of Christian blogging.

In the same vein, I don't expect anyone to come onto my personal blog and attack me for what I have written.

I am looking for like minded Christian women to fellowship with, to exhort, to admonish, to grow with. My real goal in life is to live a holy, separated, God honoring life. If that sounds like your aim too, come along with me!

Nana

A Day in My Life....

That's all folks

Menu

In the Kitchen

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Revolt!

My steps

Our Cats

Blackwork

Jumper

Sprinting

Little Miss

Update

Typical Day

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Happy New Year

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Sick, sick, sick

Show & Tell Friday

Doll

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Nuthin' Much

Obsessed

Making a card

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Our conversations

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Cleaned at last

Cosmetic Bag

Finally Finished!

GRRRRRR!

Mundane

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Sunday

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I'm back

Rainy Day

Lying

Purse

My day off

Black & White

Sin

No Post Days

Apron

Coverings

Head coverings

Amish

Disclaimer