He Drew Me Closer

Life is ever changing.  We learn, grow, and move forward.  Our path isn't always what we imagine it to be.  At times we stumble or lose sight of what is important.  It happens.  That's when we pick up the pieces, find our way back, and push on in the right direction.

I'm often one to put on a brave face and convince myself that I am unaffected by whatever circumstance falls upon me.  At times it's true, yet not always.  For a few months I found myself feeling very down.  I was unable to shake the sad and negative that had crept up and piled on.  When I hit a point where I could release some of it I felt better, but it wasn't completely gone.

As I began to read an inspirational fiction book, there were points that hit close to home.  I opened my heart a little more and pondered the lessons I could learn from this story.  When I finished it, an ebook that I had gotten during a Nook Free Friday was the next one that popped up.  I was feeling a little under the weather and thought it was a good time to start reading it.  The overview for "When You Can't Find God:  How to Ignite the Power of His Presence" by Linda Evans Shepherd says "You can find hope and peace--no matter what."  This book has pointed me back in the right direction.

Life is not perfect, nor will it ever be, but God is in control.  The circumstances (good and bad) shape us.  My recent struggles and sadness brought me to a place where I reached out to God, yet He was already there, and He drew me closer.

Philippians 4:13   I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

One of my absolute favorite songs...

   Mercy Said No by Greg Long

Affect Someone

Do you ever have moments when you feel as though you just can't win?  You're defeated at every turn and just want to fast forward to bed time.  Then out of nowhere, someone says or does the most priceless thing that makes you smile.  That person, having no idea how much their actions or words mean, can change your entire day.  They may not erase all of the negatives, but instead remind you that it's often not all that important.

I have amazing friends from various states in this country.  We don't get the opportunity to talk on a regular basis and I'm lucky to see some them every few years.  Yet when we do have a conversation or get to visit, we pick up as though we saw each other yesterday.  I have a handful of fantastic local friends that make me laugh and smile whenever I see them too.  To have these people in my life means I'm blessed with truly incredible friendships.

A number of these special people have brightened my day without even knowing that I needed it.  With an email, a letter, a photo, a quick phone call, a post on Facebook, or just stopping in to say hi.  It brings tears to my eyes thinking of moments when I have needed a reminder that I am loved and cared about and my friends were there.  Without having any idea of what happened in my day or what was happening in my life at that time, they gave me a little pick me up.

It's moments like these that help me remember there are much bigger things in life than my bad day.  God is in control and He has blessed me with beautiful relationships and friendships!

Maybe you will be the person who turns someone's day around.  Remember how easily you can affect your friends, co-workers, family, or even a complete stranger.  Kindness matters.

Sticking With Cupid

Once upon a time....  That's how fairytales begin right?  How often do we want to know the rest of the story when it ends with true love's kiss and happily ever after?  Do you ever picture characters lives beyond a book?  I know I do.

Today I'm sharing and my old blog post, Romantic Notions, with the story of how I met my husband.  I'm linking up with Diane Estrella's How Cupid Shot Me blog hop, so pop on over and check out all of the real life love stories.

Beyond our story of how it all began, I have a secret to share.  Cupid doesn't leave.  I fall in love with my husband all over again daily.  While love, relationships, & marriage are not easy, we don't let the struggles keep us from what's important.  We love each other.

When I'm having a rough day, C often finds a way to make me smile and laugh.  He's surprised me with a thoughtful gift when I least expect it.  When I say gift, I don't mean expensive jewelry or roses.  If you ask my husband, he'll tell you that's not what I would want anyway.  To give an example of what I mean, it could be as simple as a special sandwich I've been craving, a crafty item I've been searching for, a soundtrack on my list, or a hard to find jacket that I've desired for a long time.  It's never about money or materialism, but about the thought and time he took for me.  It's the little things, such as a much needed reminder note, daily lunch time conversation, or just sitting near each other while we read, work on projects, or relax.  He let's me vent, encourages me, laughs with me, stands beside me, and holds me up when I need it most.  There are very few people in this world that I feel I can count on and he knows he's #1 on my list.  He let's me be who I am.  I adore him for being a wonderful father and husband.

On the flip side, I do my best to put thought & heart into our relationship too.  Thoughtful gifts are my speciality, but it's more than that.  A day doesn't go by without the words "I love you" and a kiss.  C knows how much he means to me and often hears my words of appreciation.  My husband is my best friend.

Not a day goes by when I don't realize how lucky we are... and fall in love all over again.

What's your story and how do you keep the pages turning?

Life's a happy song when there's someone by your side to sing along...

<3  March 23, 2012 makes 15 years since we met online and 13 years of marriage.  <3

Insult to Injury

Bullying is a hot topic in today's society.  While the focus is generally on children, the fact is that adults deal with it as well.  Rumors are spread, people gossip, and whispers can be heard behind each other's backs.  Simply put, it hurts.

Physical injuries are visible and people often easily recognize your need to slow down and heal.  It's not as simple with the emotional hurts we incur.  Most are unable to see heartache without someone verbalizing it.  We all react differently to these circumstances and at times they can even change our personality.  No matter if the issue is large or small, it can affect us.

Imagine a friend, acquaintance, or someone you work with.  Now think about that person talking negatively about you behind your back.  Think about how you would feel when you found out.  What if you had put your heart into something and those hurtful words were about how you handled it?  Would it sting?  Picture a time in your life when you were feeling disheartened.  Now throw that insult to your already injured heart.  Where would you be mentally after that?  Add in that more than one person was talking about you.  How much damage is done now?

Constructive suggestions and hurtful criticisms are not one and the same.  We don't always agree and our process & actions aren't going to be exactly the same.  Sometimes we need to discuss it to gain understanding or explain our own thoughts & concerns.  Certain people are detail oriented planners, while others are the "fly by the seat of their pants" type.  Each of us has strengths and weaknesses.  The world works well with all kinds of people in it.  Where would we be if we were all the same?  Respect, teamwork, kindness, and understanding go a long way.

"If there was only one note how boring life would be.  I'm glad there are so many notes in many different keys."


When life seems to be a whirlwind of negative, how do you shut it off?  Do you have a personal pause "button" to give you time to reflect, refocus, relax, & rejuvenate?  How are you able reclaim your brain and your life?  

CMOM Productions: Tshirt Pillow

 CMOM Productions:  T-Shirt Pillow

My youngest son's love of The Beatles has already been documented.  While searching for that elusive kid sized tshirt, I came upon some great clearance shirts at Target (previously in the music section).  The only problem was that the t's were only in adult sizes.  I snagged the only men's medium left and knew I'd find something to do with it.

As you can clearly see by the photo, I turned the men's shirt into a pillow case!  It was a simple straight stitch sewing project.


Simple How To:
Turn your t-shirt inside out.

Pin under the band/collar of the shirt opening and continue along in a straight line to mark where you need to stitch.

Close off the arms of the t-shirt by pinning in a straight line up to the point of your previous pins.  You should be able to continue your pins to the seams of the shirt (less sewing).

Straight stitch where you have pinned your shirt.

Measure the bottom of your shirt, double the number and add approximately 1 inch.  Cut a strip of fabric that length.  *The width of this fabric depends on your pillow size and preference.

Roll the edges of your fabric for a clean edge and then stitch it.

Stitch the ends of the fabric together.

Pin the fabric to the bottom of your shirt (remember you want a clean edge on the design side of your t-shirt pillowcase).

Stitch it the pieces together.  Trim any hanging threads & be sure to remove all pins.

*Options:  Add ribbon or rick-rack.

Turn your new pillowcase right side out and place your pillow inside.

My son loves the he can lay down and look at his Beatles design!  If you prefer your design to face a different way, cut it, turn the piece, and add more fabric around the design.

Perfect for a Hard Day's Night!

Help! I Need The Beatles!

My son M is a huge fan of The Beatles.  We have been searching for a child sized Beatles shirt without luck.   Now that it's back to school time, he just has to have one.  He'd love an Abbey Road shirt, due to his love of all things "Herbie" (aka VW Beetles), but we've only seen that in a girly style.  We missed out on a (sold out) boys shirt available at The Children's Place.  After continuous failed search attempts at finding a reasonably priced t-shirt for M, I came up with an idea!




A Bleaching Technique 

Project Needs:
Bleach
Plain cotton blend t-shirt (wash it first)
Vinyl cut letters (use a die cut machine or buy pre-cut)
Rag, Sponge, or Paper towels
*Alternate Method Needs:  Spray bottle
*Alternate Idea:  Use your vinyl cut image/letters as a stencil outline instead.

 A Beatles themed school supplies tag (see below) assisted in my creation.

Step 1:  Place vinyl letters (or image) on a clean plain t-shirt.  Place something inside the t-shirt to keep the bleach from altering both sides of the shirt.  I used a piece of cardboard inside a plastic bag.

Vinyl letters in place with school tag for reference.

Step 2:  Dip your rag in bleach and dab over your letters/image. *Or spray with bleach.  You will begin to see the reaction from the bleaching technique.  Once you are happy with the changes, rinse your shirt in water to stop the reaction.

Step 3:  Peel away your letters.  Wash & dry your shirt.

Reaction Complete (colors not exact)

 

Step 4:  Touch ups can be made with a fabric or sharpie maker if you desire.

With Touch Ups (colors not exact)

Step 5:  Gift or wear your new creation with a smile!

One happy fan of The Beatles!

Smack Dab in the Labyrinth

Smack dab in the middle of my brain lies the doorway to my own serenity and organization.  I'm lost in the labyrinth today.  Hopefully I shall soon reach and unlock the door.  If I haven't misplaced the key that is.

I'm unsettled.  My boys feel it too.  Summer is flapping in the wind and ready to leave us behind as school barrels towards us.  If stores would work with us and avoid putting out the school supplies until August actually arrives, maybe we'd feel better about it all.  Seasons are too often rushed.

We have bubbles to blow, sidewalks to decorate with chalk, water fights to have, and so much more to do!  Do not fade so quickly dear friend known as Summer.  Sit, have a glass of lemonade, stay a little while longer.

Sporadic posting may take place as I navigate my way through the labyrinth and enjoy the rest of SUMMER with my family.  There is fun to be had!  May your dwindling summer days be full of it!