Thursday, July 23, 2009

Peek-a-boo Doilies

My sweet little granddaughter (AKA as “The Jewel” to her Maime) already has wonderful taste. I am introducing her to the vintage scene as quickly as possible. Somehow I have ended up with a ton of crochet doilies. My mom crochets and has made several for me. I dare say I have a collection. After moving into our new home last summer I never really found a resting place for these wonderful friends. I left a basket full of them sitting on the floor just to remind me to find a home for the worn old sisters. I noticed that “The Jewel” seemed to be preoccupied by the one doily that lives on the coffee table. She will play with it for what seems like forever. She laces it around her shoulders, through her arms, around her head and then starts all over again. She recently discovered the basket full of doilies sitting on the floor and that’s when it happened…she became a vintage chic. I have never seen such passion! She takes them all out of the basket, sniffs them, puts them on her head, drapes them on her neck, laces them through her arms, drags them across the floor and signs the word “please and more” for me to play peek-a-boo with her. Needless to say that’s when I get on the floor and proceed to find a new appreciation for vintage doilies. I lace them around my arms, drape them on my shoulders, put them on my head and slide around on the floor laughing and playing peek-a-boo with my little Jewel. My heart is content! The doilies have found their resting place and will continue to live there in the basket on the floor until they are no longer appreciated. When that time comes they will retire to their original purpose but it will never compare to the one they served while living in the basket on the floor, bringing laughter and joy to a little “Jewel” and her grandmother. Is there anything unusual in your home that your child or grandchild love to play with? Do tell!

Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The Pink Tractor

A few weeks ago I spent a morning with my friend Gwynie Pie over at “The Pink Tractor.” She is such a sweet lady. Be sure to visit her blog for some inspiring insights. Gwyn and I enjoy doing projects together and this particular day she was helping me make table runners for my daughter’s upcoming wedding( be sure to keep reading because after the wedding I will have much to share). I have prayed for a long time that the Lord would put someone like her in my life. She is definitely an answer to prayer. She can motivate me like none other when it comes to getting things done around my home. We share many common interests. One in particular is our absolute love for giving “happies” or “sussies” as she calls them. She so blessed me with this sweet tea cup and iron bird wall plaque.


Gwynie Pie is one of those ladies that appreciates a good deal and loves to share them. My life has been so enriched by her and I felt a need to share her with you. Thank you, Gwynie Pie for who you are and how you bless my life. Your friendship has been one of my great finds!
Do you have a special friend you would like to give honor to? Do tell!
Making Memories, Maime

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Transmission

I headed off to LA on July 6th to be with my father as he recovered from a major operation. Things didn’t go as we planned and though I am home now, he is still in the hospital. He will be there for at least two more weeks. He is doing better every day. I would appreciate your continued prayer for him.
My sweet husband decided that he would drive to LA and pick me up on Friday evening. Even though it’s an 11 hour trip he insisted that he wanted to come and get me rather than have me fly or drive home by myself. I admit that I was suffering from a bit of sleep deprivation and his decision seemed to be a wise one. We headed home on Saturday morning and after being on the road for about ten hours my car revved up and quit moving. We coasted to the side of the road in the middle of nowhere and realized that our transmission was not working. Uhh… pretty major deal I would say. To add to the saga, as we sat there in dismay contemplating what we would do next, I decided to get out of the car. I walked around the car a few times and then realized something had bitten my foot. It started swelling and stinging but I had no idea what bit me. It got worse by the minute. Just imagine sitting in the middle of nowhere, having an allergic reaction to who knows what and no way to get to help, oh, did I mention the temperature in the car was 116 degrees? Anyway my hero husband reminded me that I had benedryl in my purse, so I took it and pretty soon the bite was no longer the big issue at hand.

With our focus back on the non functioning vehicle we were able to contact a friend who had a trailer. Thanks to a good Samaritan, about an hour later we were on our way home in a borrowed truck.

I arrived home to a family that had been awaiting my return for several hours and all I could do was say goodnight because the benedryl was putting me to sleep. I got up the next morning to find that my dishwasher was full of water and not draining. In the midst of all these circumstances, and a few more I wouldn’t dare mention, I picked up a devotional that I try to read most mornings and read these words:
A lecturer to a group of businessmen displayed a sheet of white paper on which was one blot. He asked what they saw. All answered, “A blot.” The test was unfair; it invited the wrong answer, nevertheless, there is ingratitude in human nature by which we notice the black disfigurement and forget the widespread mercy. We need deliberately to call to mind the joys of our journey. Perhaps we should try to write down the blessings of one day. We might begin: we could never end: there are not pens or paper enough in all the world. The attempt would remind us of our “vast treasure of content.”
George A. Buttrick
Realizing that my little difficulties were so insignificant in comparison to the vast treasures that God has bestowed on me, I grew encouraged. And even though my car’s transmission is totally shot and I am facing various trials I can count it all joy, knowing that the testing of my faith produces patience (James1:1-2) and boy could I use a good dose of patience!
Making Memories, Maime

Collage

Not enough time to share right now. Hope to be back soon. While you wait enjoy a few pictures.
 
Posted by Picasa

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Wedding Countdown Project

Just thought I would share a couple projects I am working on this week. I had a silver tray that was damaged and I couldn't really use it unless I covered it with a doily. I was inspired by Shanon over at http://thedavisfamilynwa.blogspot.com to use blackboard paint and turn my tray into a message board. With a wedding approaching quickly, I thought it would make a great wedding countdown.

This is what the tray looked like before the paint

This is after the blackboard paint
I love blackboard paint! For those of you with little ones it is so great for them to have a place to write and draw. For those with older children it can be used to leave messages for one another. I will be using it on another project. I got this old dresser at a garage sale a couple years ago and haven't done anything with it. I decided to use it as a kitchen island. It isn't finished but maybe you can guess how I will use blackboard paint on it.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

4th of July

As our country celebrates it’s independence I can’t help but reflect on how costly this liberty is. Most of us live our lives each day totally oblivious to the sacrifices that were made and continue to be made so that we can live without fear and tyranny. Oh how quickly we forget the price of freedom. Having forfeited my Father for a large part of my childhood to the War in Vietnam I have only tasted a small part of what this great freedom can cost. Many of you have experienced the loss of a loved one which, in my opinion, is the greatest sacrifice of all.
Though my voice is small I feel compelled on this great day of celebration to declare my gratitude to all the men, women, boys and girls who have given of themselves for this great cause of liberty! Thank you for your courage and dedication. That goes for all of you Moms, Dads and children who have been left behind for such long periods of time. I appreciate the support you give your soldier. Don’t underestimate the part you play in the big picture. If it were not for your dedication they would not do their jobs as well. I will leave you with a few quotes and pictures of the red, white, and blue in my neighborhood. Enjoy this great day!

My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! ~Thomas Jefferson

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you. ~Dick Cheney

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. ~Thomas Paine

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis

This, then, is the state of the union: free and restless, growing and full of hope. So it was in the beginning. So it shall always be, while God is willing, and we are strong enough to keep the faith. ~Lyndon B. Johnson

Let freedom never perish in your hands. ~Joseph Addison


Please pray for my father who has served this country well. He will be undergoing a major surgery on Tuesday morning. Also, my brother is deployed and away from his precious family. Please pray for his protection. Making Memories,

 
 
 
 
Posted by Picasa