Something's Going Around

You know how when people get sick...you start to "feel" sick, whether you really are or not? I think we've got that here. That's when I start trying to quickly "get things done" before I drop. Not that it matters much...things quickly go to you know where when mom is stuck in bed!!! Anyway, that's my motivation tonight for getting my blog updated. Whatever works, I guess.Tony was home this past weekend for his birthday...and just to check in since we haven't seen him since before Labor Day. It was VERY good to see him. And he was a trooper...no cake and ice cream to celebrate. Just one meal of my "famous homemade pizza" and another of steak and potatoes. He even went to church with us, which thrilled me to no end. It was his first time at our new church. I got to spend Saturday night and Sunday afternoon watching football with him. :) Good times.And, I got a kid picture taken...so I'm set for the Christmas card in case I don't get another opportunity. Don't you love their fake smiles? (They get that from their father!)

Monday was a gorgeous day...unfortunately, the pumpkin farm place we go to for pumpkins is closed on Mondays. So, we went Tuesday....quick! Before it rains! It was chilly, too. Pumpkins used to be important to the girls...now it's the animals. They have corn in gumball machines so they can feed them. Nice.

The goats were the worst...greedy little spoiled things! They were climbing the fence and each other's backs....

And Barry actually thought to take a picture with Mommy in it, which was nice. But I still hate having my picture taken...

I've still been adding cards to my etsy shop...but still no sales. www.melissakaydesigns.etsy.com
I'm being patient...and trying to figure out how to bring in traffic. I'm working on ideas for advertising and using my art blog. I could start with advertising...like letting friends and family know what I'm doing. There's a concept, eh? :) Here's some new stuff...the bookmarks I did a while ago, just haven't taken pictures before now. The cards are new this past week.

The girls and I are possibly going to Eau Claire tomorrow for shopping. We'll see. Tomorrow night we'll be at Morgan's volleyball game...it's tournament playoff time. Hopefully, Barry will be able to hunt tomorrow. Saturday, he works...so maybe I'll get in some play time. And we have Extreme Christmas Musical practice. This year, I have a job...costumes...as it's my church now. :) I'm sure housework will crowd out play time. Ugh.
I'm working on having more of a "servant's heart". I do plenty of serving...at least for my family. But is my heart always in the right place? Oh! Speaking of hearts...someone I love dearly got saved! She's opened her heart to Christ and I am so giddy with excitement...as is she! It gives me hope for some others that I constantly pray for.
Ok, that should be enough of my boring life to tide you over for now. :) Have a fabulous weekend and God bless!

Busy, busy, busy!

I know, I know, I've been slacking. But, really, it's been busy. And, of course, now that I stop to tell you about all of the things we've been busy with, I can't think of a thing! :) That must be old age....or lack of sleep! Ummm, well, the girls have started piano lessons...they've had two so far, and like it very much. We drive WAY out in the country (it's a gorgeous drive right now, but not looking forward to winter!) to her old family farmhouse. Now, we just need a piano. Add that to the list! The girls are really liking our new church and Christian Ed on Sunday mornings, as am I. Tomorrow we begin practices for the Friendship Christmas musical that the girls have participated in for the last 2 years.

Oh, remember I told you that my Grandma had inspired me to FINALLY get over my fears and open a shop on etsy? Well, I've been working on that for a week...I am now up and running. Now I just have to relax and not think about how long it's taking to make my first sale. :) If you wanna take a look, I'm at http://www.melissakaydesigns.etsy.com Below is my banner in the shop.

I'm absolutely HORRIBLE at selling my own stuff. It's a little confidence problem I'm working on. So, I'm going to have to rely on my family and friends to put out a good word for me. Thanks in advance! Besides checking out my little shop, please have fun shopping...there are so many people making beautiful, neat things out there.

We've had some "welcome to winter" weather around here the last few days, today being the exception. Here's a picture Barry took of Erin enjoying the snow she's waited so long for...

We're impatiently anticipating tomorrow evening when Tony's coming home for a visit...his first since he went back to school. We miss him. We'll be celebrating his 21st birthday (sans cake, of course). I can't believe he's that old. Ugh.

Here are a couple of cards that I created for my Grandma. I really like them. And based on the views on etsy, others do, too. :)

Since I can't think of anything else interesting, I'll leave you now. Hope you have a fabulous and healthy weekend!

Finally Home!

Skipped yesterday... didn't want you to get too used to me posting daily!

Well, besides doing 5 loads of laundry, sweeping, vaccuming, and unpacking...it truly is good to be home. The animals missed us. Cassie hasn't been off of my heels all day. And she, along with both cats, slept on top of me all night. :)

We came straight home yesterday...no stops except for potty and food. I guess once you know you're on the way home, you don't wanna stop. Sunday, as we traveled East, we watched the clouds of rain follow us. Yesterday, we drove into the rain. It hasn't stopped raining since. Welcome home.

I had one of those "God works in funny ways" moments today. I had done a custom card job for someone, and ended up getting jipped on the payment. It was really my fault...I was too trusting. I have a confidence problem anyway... I hate asking for money for what I do. I know that my work is worthy, but I truly doubt myself. Anyway, I had mentally decided I was done trying to sell my work (even though I really don't try to sell it at all). Then I got a surprise call from my Grandma. She loved the thank you card I had sent her and wanted to order 12 cards. This means a lot to me, as my Grandma is a very creative person (a wonderful quilter) and makes all of her own cards. I think this must have been an example of "the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away." It was a huge boost for me.

In fact, it spurred me into calling for information on having a booth at our town's annual Christmas Walk sale thingy in November. Generally, it's people selling Tupperware and Mary Kay and such, but I could sell my art there, too. I'd like to have my etsy shop up and running by then. Thank you, Grandma, for the confidence and motivation to keep on. :)

Speaking of art, here are some layouts I did for my friend Jenn's etsy shop
www.boysmamaXtwo.etsy.com (if you click on the pictures, they should get bigger)

I had a meaningful quiet time this morning, too. I'm currently reading Beth Moore's "The Beloved Disciple," which is about John. Two points stood out to me today:

1. Beth suggests that Christ's appointments are never haphazard - He can accomplish anything He desires by merely thinking it into existence. That He assigns men & women to certain tasks implies that the experience of the servant or beneficiary is often as important as the accomplishment. So, the things he leads us to do are often for our benefit....or for the benefit of those we affect. A good reminder that we should pay attention and be open to what we can learn...always.

2. This might get confusing...

(Psalm 25:14) "The Lord confides in those who fear him." The KJV says, "The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him."

Beth's thoughts: these hidden treasures are not secret because He tells them onl to a chosen few, but because not many seek to know him & tarry with Him long enough to find out.

(Ecclesiastes 3:11) says God makes everything beautiful in its time

Beth says, "I truly believe that if we're willing to see, God uses every difficulty & every assignment to confide deep things to us and that the lessons are not complete until their beauty has been revealed. I fear, however, that we have such an attention deficit that we settle for bearable when beauty was just around the corner."

Wow, how many times have I just "gotten through" something, when had a really been present and open and with Christ, I would have reached the beauty meant for me.

Have a fabulous weekend!