tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43331958633498855652024-03-05T03:35:39.876-05:00messy.beautifulEllenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-10243664704254584472014-06-03T01:51:00.002-04:002014-06-03T01:51:47.553-04:00one of the desires<center>Psalm 37:4 - Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.<br><br>
Did you catch on my little profile sidebar there ---- the <i>small</i>, <i>little</i> detail that says we are <b>moving</b> because God answers prayers?! That's right, my little yet growing desire to move to Prince Edward Island is now a <b>reality</b>. <br>
God placed in me that desire and now he is making it happen!!!<br><br>
In a future post, I will give the testimony on how this all came to be. Be sure to have your popcorn ready, for the story is like some sort of sitcom! I can't even begin to tell you how absolutely excited I am about all of this. We move in about two weeks. I will continue my posts on homeschooling and everything else I already talk about, but I will also be using this blog to journal our new adventures of living in Prince Edward Island! :) <br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsq5n8a_dPfk7WvE7dENE68AC1By-zXqVHRW4eSFx4bJnxxVp32U9PUfOfpDZtYUFf-0Uqmp5_SaVYsIEEpx0LRQ3UYm-GiZc5xMfOW_z3r2Rgi6v1soUUWR8NNwh1Eoqch0jQLISv94/s1600/pei.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsq5n8a_dPfk7WvE7dENE68AC1By-zXqVHRW4eSFx4bJnxxVp32U9PUfOfpDZtYUFf-0Uqmp5_SaVYsIEEpx0LRQ3UYm-GiZc5xMfOW_z3r2Rgi6v1soUUWR8NNwh1Eoqch0jQLISv94/s320/pei.jpg" /></a></div></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-39543622509183013202013-11-28T14:25:00.000-05:002013-11-28T14:25:48.241-05:00in the midst<center>So, it's like this could potentially be a completely new and different blog. I have so much updating to do. In fact, I just updated my sidebar to include that my husband and I have been married 7 years, that my children are now 4.5 and 2 and also include a new little girl!
<br><br>
I've changed the title of the blog to messy.beautiful from Shimmer & Tulle. Why? Well, in the last two years, I've learned that yes, as a daughter of the King, I need to shimmer and let me light shine and there's a definite importance to remembering and seeing the beauty in everything. However, for myself, I've been on a transformation where God is showing me that it's not just the blatant beautiful things that are well, beautiful. It's in the messy details as well. My dining table that post-lunch looks like a hurricane passed through the room --- instead of getting frustrated and annoyed by it (and overwhelmed by the mundane "I have to clean it again"?! idea) --- well, God is showing me that it's a beautiful thing, for it means that my life is full of children, that we have a roof over our heads, that we have food on the table, that my kids are engaging in life and with each other, that my kids are full.of.life. (And abundantly exceedingly so!!) :)<br> <br>
That's just one example. <br>
But either which way, I am the clay that is being molded. <br>
And it's a messy.beautiful experience being in the midst of God's hand.</center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-41543476520654870442013-02-02T21:29:00.001-05:002013-11-28T14:27:17.321-05:002013 Book List<center>I love how I can somehow "journal" on my life via the types of books I read that year.
2012 was definitely a year about becoming radical in my Christian faith and the "how to's" of homesteading.
2011 was about raising children/boys and overall, parenting help.
Each year, I make a pre-set list, but the end results always vary. But I do try to read about 2-3 books a month...<a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.ca/2012/02/2012-book-list.html">2012, I was able to accomplish 27 books</a>, and in <a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.ca/2011/12/2011-books-list-recap-and-how-to-get.html">2011, I read 34</a>.....
For 2013, I'd like to read from a potential 44 titles....<br>
Be bodacious<br>
Sherlock in love<br>
The dirty life<br>
The band played on<br>
Be fruitful and multiply<br>
The way hone <br>
Ultimate guide to homesteading<br>
Write start<br>
Spiritual mothering<br>
Artistic mother<br>
Lm Montgomery books/ journals<br>
Girls gone wise<br>
Keeper of the spring<br>
Slow Death by Rubber Duck<br>
The how of happiness<br>
Shed your stuff<br>
No plot no prob<br>
Profane waste<br>
Teach your own<br>
Anything by Charlotte mason<br>
A millon little pieces<br>
She's gonna blow<br>
Cruel harvest <br>
Cutting for stone<br>
Mere Christianity<br>
The great divorce<br>
Till we have faces<br>
Left to tell<br>
100 days of solitude<br>
Same kind of different as me<br>
1000 gifts<br>
Reason for god<br>
The island of the world<br>
The problem of pain<br>
Why Christians are Sick<br>
Crazy Love<br>
Ovid<br>
Anything by D. Bonhoeffer<br>
Gold (C. Cleave)<br>
Our Daily Bread<br>
The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving
Kim Peggy: An American Secretary<br>
Behind the Beautiful Forevers<br>
The American Way of Eating<br>
A Geography of Blood<br>
<br>
I guess this year there really isn't a "theme"...we can usually see the theme after I've finished the year, what kept drawing my attention...
What about you? What's on your must-read list?
<br>
So far, what I've read:<br>
1. Slow Death by Rubber Duck<br>
2. Crazy Love<br>
3. A Cousin's Promise<br>
4. A Cousin's Prayer<br>
5. A Cousin's Challenge<br>
6. SHED Your Stuff<br>
7. One Minute After You Die <br>
8. Made to Crave<br>
9. The Birth Order Book <br>
10. Before Green Gables <br>
11. The Catch <br>
12. The Pelee Project <br>
13. The Dirty Life <br>
14. Born Again Dirt <br>
15. Managers of Their Homes <br>
16. Managers of Their Chores <br>
17. Managers of Their Schools <br>
*updated November 28th, 2013
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-25348917167695113042012-03-29T15:37:00.002-04:002012-04-05T20:08:11.731-04:00"Stenciled" DresserIn an effort to consolidate our stuff, I bought a new dresser. Might sound backward but we had the "his and her" dressers and I thought that we should have only one. But I wanted to find a dresser that was "big" enough to hold both of our stuff..so something along a 6-8 drawer one but not one that was this huge item in our room. I also wanted to make the room look bigger. <br />
<br />
So on Kijiji, I found a 8-drawer dresser for $20! It was that dark brown veneer color that someone heavily painted on. But for the price, and the fact that it was a bit smaller, I bought it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOemGu09q-T4pLPyVOxOO8nHGn1guiMD_UFpy6mM6pPxNBhVaFEoOZlfkt6ZA59TQwdBLkn-3p6PylinIZ9IK_1yUOFRkcm3cPGym2QKFSLZ0u_JfHCy-MSvu5CP9525ZnFNHR7wdnZA/s1600/d1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOemGu09q-T4pLPyVOxOO8nHGn1guiMD_UFpy6mM6pPxNBhVaFEoOZlfkt6ZA59TQwdBLkn-3p6PylinIZ9IK_1yUOFRkcm3cPGym2QKFSLZ0u_JfHCy-MSvu5CP9525ZnFNHR7wdnZA/s320/d1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And I went red with it! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCjkghzGBLpmAcDXf4LZKruKyUs7SgxA_GHXfRmXf0gPscp3MNLAvwl-pdh6WaZsTt0zXy7VW_dPLG_kzXyORnIXgU13Do2xYuKYT_PZIoNzl-LdtbQa42EDlBCGZU0JpPNTApo7f7Xs/s1600/dresser4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCjkghzGBLpmAcDXf4LZKruKyUs7SgxA_GHXfRmXf0gPscp3MNLAvwl-pdh6WaZsTt0zXy7VW_dPLG_kzXyORnIXgU13Do2xYuKYT_PZIoNzl-LdtbQa42EDlBCGZU0JpPNTApo7f7Xs/s320/dresser4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Initially, I was going to do a blue and red theme. And something crafty for the top. But this is what my creative mind came up with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjncsvU_vjB8PPpZOx2mleIUtciemNTlHbRDvJd0M7CojhL7nSyWVxWp2cjzwZw0I6sWXBf9rFEG3qgZrFIiJCUQLOJpYBGQFDgW5HTRbjKaCeAEfErE_P5Xjeyh7oYWiIZ_sd_WS6FNI/s1600/dresser3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjncsvU_vjB8PPpZOx2mleIUtciemNTlHbRDvJd0M7CojhL7nSyWVxWp2cjzwZw0I6sWXBf9rFEG3qgZrFIiJCUQLOJpYBGQFDgW5HTRbjKaCeAEfErE_P5Xjeyh7oYWiIZ_sd_WS6FNI/s320/dresser3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And it has an eco-friendly, upcycled vein in its body. For the stencil, is actually a plastic bag. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB4vLeXDPdEnULxfUY0TNL7O1iFAfTKbH6U91mfi3tJ2PIVwwpzstLHEI3oEDK1T6aA5bUP4VbtgTwjywQPhJTZ8iRRqYglGa6YqigNSS2UkAIgFIjj34ulRT3gtK4e-Emr-wHcZQBm0/s1600/dresser1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB4vLeXDPdEnULxfUY0TNL7O1iFAfTKbH6U91mfi3tJ2PIVwwpzstLHEI3oEDK1T6aA5bUP4VbtgTwjywQPhJTZ8iRRqYglGa6YqigNSS2UkAIgFIjj34ulRT3gtK4e-Emr-wHcZQBm0/s320/dresser1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I cut out the flower and just Elmer-glued it on. The stencil went on very nicely. I had the thought that it would look so obviously bad -- like I had cut a plastic bag and just glued it on. Go figure, right? <br />
<br />
For the drawer handles, I found some fabric in my stash and glued it on. It was a dark blue and white French toile pattern. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKTIieLijqPyiDKYltxlnk75MgCNtoVvNvHx68EEBNm0UKObxCI9Z98yTAUiMYM5n68iARYrt1-t66XtKKyD0dgaolum5JzTPtHWWJMfuDZBhHvCBuoifGHbMrPLcR-dnKPjNYXYeWMw/s1600/dresser2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKTIieLijqPyiDKYltxlnk75MgCNtoVvNvHx68EEBNm0UKObxCI9Z98yTAUiMYM5n68iARYrt1-t66XtKKyD0dgaolum5JzTPtHWWJMfuDZBhHvCBuoifGHbMrPLcR-dnKPjNYXYeWMw/s320/dresser2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Pretty happy with it. And the best part is that my husband likes it as well. At first, when I said a) I was going to get rid of his 5-drawer dresser and b) now he had to share an 8-drawer with me c) that I was going to paint the dresser RED and stencil on a flower....obviously he wasn't all that enthusiastic but he was pleased at the end of the day.<br />
<br />
<br />
Linked to:<br />
<a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/">Raising Homemakers</a><br />
<a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com">Between Naps on the Porch</a><br />
<a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/">Making the World Cuter</a><br />
<a href="http://diyshowoff.com/">DIY Showoff</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/">The Girl Creative</a><br />
<a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/">Sumo's Sweet Stuff</a><br />
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Made By You</a><br />
<a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/">Today's Creative Blog</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/?">Blue Cricket Designs</a><br />
<a href="http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.com/">Fireflies and JellyBeans</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lbratina.blogspot.com/">Tales from Bloggeritaville</a><br />
<a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/">Somewhat Simple</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com">The Shabby Creek Cottage</a><br />
<a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/">Beyond the Picket Fence</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/">Sweet Little Gals</a><br />
remodelaholic<a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/">finding fabulous</a><br />
<a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">romantic home</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/">fingerprints on the fridge</a><br />
<a href="http://kojo-designs.com/">kojo designs</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/">Sugar Bee Crafts</a><br />
<a href="http://imtopsyturvy.com/">Topsy Turvy</a><br />
<a href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/">Funky Polkadot Crafts</a><br />
<a href="http://letbirdzfly.blogspot.com/">Let Birds Fly</a><br />
<a href="http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/">Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons</a><br />
<a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.ca/">Tea Rose Home</a><br />
<a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com">Domestically Speaking</a><br />
<br />
My entry into Domestically Speaking’s Power of Paint Party is sponsored by Appliances Online and the Bosch Washing Machines.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-91555225646696350862012-03-29T00:04:00.003-04:002012-03-29T00:38:05.780-04:00Diva Planter<center>With my 5 month old, Jed, nursing more frequently again, I can't stop eating. So my thinking is: "<i>I'm up (again, munching on something). Might as well, do some crafting"</i>. <br />
Makes complete and total sense, right? :)<br />
<br />
I recently purchased an aloe plant in planter from some friends who were selling everything for their upcoming missions trip. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdGT1RSnMSK8eYV0I1ZrxafRrhL29b7vm-uEctB4faWKNl7TeT3GZLKoINBCgbbunYurO4l4vR6SUu2-OkJQ32xV5T_u_M6WV8Yg5Rk8ynGiN0oI5-k1tGnXHYJzG4qcWvwmT1bhCsYA/s1600/oplant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdGT1RSnMSK8eYV0I1ZrxafRrhL29b7vm-uEctB4faWKNl7TeT3GZLKoINBCgbbunYurO4l4vR6SUu2-OkJQ32xV5T_u_M6WV8Yg5Rk8ynGiN0oI5-k1tGnXHYJzG4qcWvwmT1bhCsYA/s320/oplant.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I really liked how the aloe plant was sitting on its side. But as with most things that cross my path, I have to make it stand out somewhat. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih341wCOCgkAfFFm_oC4GLw-DrQn8dJ684-71-JQatUYvU05nK_GD7aRNWB2Jdi2V2dTDI95Q_nTXAqs6WVnQjHaL-M0rhVdMOc9NgfuOv8RsJZLZP0dkw1Xa_10YeZmbWO-RN2rKOOR4/s1600/plant3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih341wCOCgkAfFFm_oC4GLw-DrQn8dJ684-71-JQatUYvU05nK_GD7aRNWB2Jdi2V2dTDI95Q_nTXAqs6WVnQjHaL-M0rhVdMOc9NgfuOv8RsJZLZP0dkw1Xa_10YeZmbWO-RN2rKOOR4/s320/plant3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It turned out to be a quick craft. I gave it a base coat (just in case there was show-through) and then hot glued on my green, blue and white glass beads. I forgot to count how may beads I used, so we can't play *that* game :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyHByCtjFeuMW7-zQ_uVQqJY70GFvshtqPUnMyfwDakJBzBpUspVZBe-5sQmM_77OFht9MZGW6WsOp9JSDEYuE0OTdgADPQQAUAI9kHstGYhgL9mlEROXtTU6e9HoLKehju7JZssUikE/s1600/plant4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyHByCtjFeuMW7-zQ_uVQqJY70GFvshtqPUnMyfwDakJBzBpUspVZBe-5sQmM_77OFht9MZGW6WsOp9JSDEYuE0OTdgADPQQAUAI9kHstGYhgL9mlEROXtTU6e9HoLKehju7JZssUikE/s320/plant4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Yes, I gave it a quick blow-dry afterwards (to melt all the hot glue strands, silly) and yes, I burned my fingers plenty.of.times. <br />
But it's all for the better decor good. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgj09cVl7d38t9ePTKmz0O-HIgqkkgL3UUI56MMIoItMBJPN0j2HXhuuNx7VENPKCK6w_wLg406v3Ldy7NfGa0_99mBMNrC1bm9rxPX5QJg5IRfiKkIdSf7XXi0v5Lv8UDlzitUXVLcfw/s1600/plant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgj09cVl7d38t9ePTKmz0O-HIgqkkgL3UUI56MMIoItMBJPN0j2HXhuuNx7VENPKCK6w_wLg406v3Ldy7NfGa0_99mBMNrC1bm9rxPX5QJg5IRfiKkIdSf7XXi0v5Lv8UDlzitUXVLcfw/s320/plant.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkLiGi9PO_eCqUQ4VPtLsftuO1o_8PyAb3OIlWcaQBwq1xadvq2kFRCDDNDYHx4pfvwq7Vhk3QEpE36HZhF3fBQRWubSO6Habkvnjlt6KoyykhEpc9N3ylsETXnYHC2VIC1Xup11-YX4/s1600/plant2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkLiGi9PO_eCqUQ4VPtLsftuO1o_8PyAb3OIlWcaQBwq1xadvq2kFRCDDNDYHx4pfvwq7Vhk3QEpE36HZhF3fBQRWubSO6Habkvnjlt6KoyykhEpc9N3ylsETXnYHC2VIC1Xup11-YX4/s320/plant2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
What do you think? I kind of feel it needs <i>something more....</i><br />
<br />
**hah, I just realized the irony of me burning my fingers for a craft on an aloe plant.....get it? People usually have an aloe plant as a home remedy for BURNS....<br />
<br />
Linked to:<br />
<a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/">Raising Homemakers</a><br />
<a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com">Between Naps on the Porch</a><br />
<a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/">Making the World Cuter</a><br />
<a href="http://diyshowoff.com/">DIY Showoff</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/">The Girl Creative</a><br />
<a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/">Sumo's Sweet Stuff</a><br />
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Made By You</a><br />
<a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/">Today's Creative Blog</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/?">Blue Cricket Designs</a><br />
<a href="http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.com/">Fireflies and JellyBeans</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lbratina.blogspot.com/">Tales from Bloggeritaville</a><br />
<a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/">Somewhat Simple</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com">The Shabby Creek Cottage</a><br />
<a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/">Beyond the Picket Fence</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/">Sweet Little Gals</a><br />
remodelahoilic<a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/">finding fabulous</a><br />
<a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">romantic home</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/">fingerprints on the fridge</a><br />
<a href="http://kojo-designs.com/">kojo designs</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/">Sugar Bee Crafts</a><br />
<a href="http://imtopsyturvy.com/">Topsy Turvy</a><br />
<a href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/">Funky Polkadot Crafts</a><br />
<a href="http://letbirdzfly.blogspot.com/">Let Birds Fly</a><br />
<a href="http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/">Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons</a><br />
<a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.ca/">Tea Rose Home</a><br />
<br />
My entry into Strut your Stuff sponsored by Appliances Online and the Bosch Washing Machines</center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-69448415712754247872012-03-20T21:33:00.000-04:002012-03-20T21:33:16.899-04:00Respectable<center>I thought this post <a href="http://ladyofvirtue.blogspot.ca/2010/05/respectable.html">"Respectable"</a> from <a href="http://ladyofvirtue.blogspot.ca">Large Family Mothering</a> was just so well written and so important that I am reposting it here. I definitely think society has biblical roles and feminism upside down!<br />
<br />
Happy reading! <br />
<br />
<b>Respectable</b><br />
My prince has come!<br />
Classic television is enlightening. It reveals a little of our cultural values of the past.<br />
<br />
The Man From U.N.C.L.E was a series my husband enjoyed as a boy. He endured the show that came before, "Please Don't Eat the Daisies", just because he knew Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin would soon appear on the screen.<br />
<br />
We bought a portion of this series to enjoy with our own children. During one of the episodes, Napoleon asks the villain, "Is this the way you show your respect of women?". Later in the same episode the villain says of women, "They are noble creatures; they will give everything to preserve the ones they love". Later the villain asserts, "I told you never to lay a hand on a woman!"<br />
<br />
Funny, but these lines were written before the women's movement became widely accepted, before respect was being demanded.<br />
<br />
Flash forward to our current age, and just watch a little bit of TV on any given evening.<br />
<br />
Women are not respected in our culture because they are not respectable. On the small screen, they are hard, capable, shameless and mean. They leave nothing to the imagination, and they sleep around like the horrid males women complained about in the 60's. They are no longer "noble", because they are all for one--"self" is more important than baby or husband or anyone else.<br />
<br />
I grew up in a culture on the cusp of great "change". I was told that what came before didn't matter; that things were always bad, that we shouldn't hope for anything better, that it wasn't possible. Nuclear war was inevitable, old-fashioned methodologies and values were passe', there was something new coming, something better. I didn't know any different; I was a child and looked up to those at school and in the main-stream media. The generations before had somehow lost the ability to articulate, inculcate and transfer the values that made our society free and great, so my parents and grandparents did not retain the reasons for and benefits of keeping these mores and were regretfully among those who decided to scrap the whole thing and start all over.<br />
<br />
Hemlines went up, necklines went down. P*rnography went main-stream and there was even a special variety produced exclusively for women. The pill made it possible for women to fornicate without having to worry about getting pregnant--and so it was the beginning of the end for propriety, virtue and common decency at least within the culture at large. <br />
<br />
But what the feminist movement promised, that women would be more "respected" and have better and happier lives, has yet to manifest itself.<br />
<br />
From where I sit, women have become more slaves to more demands than ever. Duped into believing we can "have it all", we sign up for government education loans by the millions. Then, after the sheepskin is obtained, we realize our fore-mothers traded in one ball-and-chain for another, and a much less-fulfilling one, for that matter.<br />
<br />
And men do not care for women or defend, protect and provide for them as they did in former times. Men don't mind that women are "liberated"; it keeps them from having to grow up. Men have become "Peter-Pans". They don't have to get married in order to have their physical needs met, and even if they do marry, they can sit back and enjoy staying juveniles, with their wives as the responsible "mothers", for the rest of their lives. Therefore, children have become a noisy, messy, and costly nuisance to them.<br />
<br />
After you, my dear.<br />
Instead of men stepping up to the bar to take care of an expectant mother and her baby, men and women alike cry, "Why didn't she use protection?" Everyone expects that women will sleep around, in and out of marriage. This is not considered irresponsible, unless she does not use contraception, and only then does she experience social sanctioning. Marriage is no longer the holy union meant to last a lifetime where two unique people become "one-flesh" together.<br />
<br />
But in the heart of every man there is a yearning for virtue, a yearning to find a woman "spotless and unblemished". In fact, I believe there is an unmet need for virtuous womanhood among men at large, but they have lost hope of ever finding their noble and highly regarded life-companion.<br />
<br />
Women have become notorious for complaining there are no "heroes" left, but heroes need to have damsels in order to display their knightly characteristics. If the damsels are all out slaying their own dragons, the knights would just as soon return to the castle and down a few frothy beers. If the damsels are just as filthy, unkempt and uncaring as the local scoundrel, why do they merit saving?<br />
<br />
My husband informs me that a lot of older men miss those days and resist the temptation to forgo these more romantic and polite ways of ministering to women. <br />
<br />
Alas, it seems forever gone are the days when a man would open a door or relieve a woman of her burden in order to serve and cherish her.</center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-47753379960094557202012-02-29T16:03:00.001-05:002012-02-29T16:10:53.595-05:00Guest Blogger: Switzerland or Wales..?<center>Today, a special treat.....a guest blogger from across the world! <br />
And my first guest blogger!<br />
Meet Rachel from <a href="http://threeyearsandonestonethenhome.com/">Three Years and One Stone Then Home</a>. In her post, she gives a little glimpse of her current home, Switzerland and her heart-home, Wales. Aren't the pictures gorgeous? Stop by her blog and say hi! Find out what her son's first word was.. :) <br />
<br />
<b>Life Inside a Snow Globe</b><br />
<br />
Of all the countries that I have passed-through, visited or lived in, Switzerland is the one that is most definitely ready for its close-up, Mr. DeMille. So picture-perfect, so clean, so safe, so harmoniously run, it’s the on-earth contender for Avatar’s Pandora. One of the richest countries in the world with its largest city, Zurich, regularly featuring in ‘top 10 places to live’ and ‘top 10 quality of living’ surveys, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s a place conjured up by the best of Hollywood’s scriptwriters. But it’s not. It’s a place where I live. And it’s a place that, try though I might, I can’t call home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrIktqctKfrBBF0TNgvNAv9fDxcSSynM1v-GT7BQ9q9k2iX-45CG_Zpa3EG0cDIMnDQKEvT9PirRHGSwj0Yw45p3OQBYvib4HCO51DJBnWV_SMBaLH2r9DOFLKHd4hSHwFlQUDZ4-cXU/s1600/image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrIktqctKfrBBF0TNgvNAv9fDxcSSynM1v-GT7BQ9q9k2iX-45CG_Zpa3EG0cDIMnDQKEvT9PirRHGSwj0Yw45p3OQBYvib4HCO51DJBnWV_SMBaLH2r9DOFLKHd4hSHwFlQUDZ4-cXU/s320/image1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
On paper, Switzerland, Zurich specifically, has everything a family could want. Parks, museums, amazing healthcare, excellent schools, a safe haven for children to play outdoors and walk to school by themselves (from the age of 6 would you believe). Mountains on hand for winter sports, a lake so clean you can drink from it, for summer sports. Public transport that runs frequently and on time and a train station that you actually want to spend time in – it’s breathtakingly beautiful. Have I convinced you to move out here yet?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4BDBGhO2aOo8Lb9bWuYp_ysaoeBzmiRPrs3xXXmsUat8eofymjvrp4ocEtchmikzolr5QmoOUdZVswcieF2NOi7Zok43XN80Jk4LbJfTC1yM6ejq429DDy8LxACL4N8B4slmZXvJP-g/s1600/picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4BDBGhO2aOo8Lb9bWuYp_ysaoeBzmiRPrs3xXXmsUat8eofymjvrp4ocEtchmikzolr5QmoOUdZVswcieF2NOi7Zok43XN80Jk4LbJfTC1yM6ejq429DDy8LxACL4N8B4slmZXvJP-g/s320/picture2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Call me crazy, call me insane, but my heart belongs to Wales. I want to go home. And here’s where the problem lies. The most difficult toss of a coin that I’ve come up against. Weighing up the pros and cons of bringing my son up in surroundings and circumstances that dreams are made of versus being close to family and friends and everything familiar. <br />
<br />
I’ve looked back to my own childhood to help make the decision and on the whole, my memories are based entirely on people, never location. In fact, I realized at an early age that you can be bought or buy yourself everything under the sun, travel to the most amazing of places but the best times you’ll ever have are with the people that you love. I don’t need to go further than my mum and dad’s old dining table for most of my favorite moments. Rewind a little further and it’s my grandparents back garden. <br />
<br />
So I can bring my son up in this hugely impressive country or instead, choose to bring him up in the middle of an equally impressive collection of family and friends. Which will give him the best start? Which will give him the best memories? And which of those will help to nurture him to be the best and happiest he can possibly be?<br />
<br />
This post has been provided by <a href="www.threeyearsandonestonethenhome.wordpress.com">Three Years and One Stone ThenHome</a> as part of the Multi-Coloured Blog Swap carnival. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://trouble-doubled.blogspot.com/2012/01/multi-coloured-blog-swap-carnival.html"
title="Picture 13 by 1978rebecca, on Flickr"><img
src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6789578821_8342b13228_t.jpg"
width="150" height="107" alt="Picture 13" /></a><br />
Hey check out my post for a yummy <br />
<a href="http://faycglasshalffull.blogspot.com/2012/02/multi-coloured-blog-swap.html">Vanilla Mousse Cheesecake</a> over at <a href="http://faycglasshalffull.blogspot.com/2012/02/multi-coloured-blog-swap.html">Glass Half Full</a><br />
<br />
Thanks to <a href="http://trouble-doubled.blogspot.com/2012/02/multi-coloured-blog-swap-carnival.html">Troubled Doubled</a> for hosting this awesome <a href="http://trouble-doubled.blogspot.com/2012/02/multi-coloured-blog-swap-carnival.html">Blog Swap Carnival! </a><br />
</center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-53583755837128804812012-02-23T15:12:00.000-05:002012-02-23T15:12:36.869-05:00Painting, from a Women' Perspective<center>Recently, when reading a post from <a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2012/02/few-changes-in-family-room.html">Finding Fabulous</a>, Jane and her husband are at opposite ends on whether to paint the brick/fireplace in a recently spruced and painted room.<br />
<br />
Don't we all have that? Shouldn't this debate be covered in Relationship 101 Manuals, right up there with toilet roll placement and toothpaste squeezeability? Why is it that men just get completely cold feet when it comes to painting things like wood or brick? It's not like it takes away from the durability of the item. It's still wood, dude! Just prettier. <br />
<br />
Anyhow, my husband and I had this lovely conversation when I wanted to <a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2010/03/getting-my-cooking-groove-and-kitchen.html">paint our kitchen</a>, from its boring, er, solid oak cabinets. But we ended up painting them --- er, I even got them to be blue lol!<br />
<br />
And we had the conversation again, when I wanted to paint the brick over the fireplace. I never did a post on it but here are some pics.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklj-dkdN9NTTkwthlFi5UqNBWg0ivWAMn2rx-e2V3N5seou-kqbnrJqtriieTWe8BrymTTTDTTmEVOEC65qYr2Rf0roUVuf1F774QsxT5NJW711mHxohiE2si21yVUFo4EueRWNugoV4/s1600/b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklj-dkdN9NTTkwthlFi5UqNBWg0ivWAMn2rx-e2V3N5seou-kqbnrJqtriieTWe8BrymTTTDTTmEVOEC65qYr2Rf0roUVuf1F774QsxT5NJW711mHxohiE2si21yVUFo4EueRWNugoV4/s320/b2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCPIjFfOTqAg19SDwo7uXxteMUBYN5tYiHEyrOKjjXhW8iT6UTgH02Ueuyt86euZWOxEoJN0tocjFiFOAyQ9-mbBbm8CdhNNX1SQqzM2kzFwDfIMQw5vIAxMG2pQJpi8BEyrujM6RefA/s1600/b4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCPIjFfOTqAg19SDwo7uXxteMUBYN5tYiHEyrOKjjXhW8iT6UTgH02Ueuyt86euZWOxEoJN0tocjFiFOAyQ9-mbBbm8CdhNNX1SQqzM2kzFwDfIMQw5vIAxMG2pQJpi8BEyrujM6RefA/s320/b4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfQsWFWGl9m82ik2fSB5T7GfisFO5cb0zq1KmWvRAxUGAhlw555nB8mCsE_r7aj3sM1cXQ8gT8j64GT3xDDBZTnjJcgqPDd5N3gHP7pPfyu5mtlV6i5uJ9VgCd6x6mOe8ByNzJ1VIZA4/s1600/b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfQsWFWGl9m82ik2fSB5T7GfisFO5cb0zq1KmWvRAxUGAhlw555nB8mCsE_r7aj3sM1cXQ8gT8j64GT3xDDBZTnjJcgqPDd5N3gHP7pPfyu5mtlV6i5uJ9VgCd6x6mOe8ByNzJ1VIZA4/s320/b3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5wspl6A07vDSF6OMJbyqqZzx5I5l7damiINQYyPqyqds8x9ILNjeIVvo-LJUiyBGaxEmSrPbCKkl5UrVh-dUao-d74Os__j81D_SLErJ-d_sHPdJMM6ysK-15LKDDHQCdUmzq7F2neA/s1600/b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5wspl6A07vDSF6OMJbyqqZzx5I5l7damiINQYyPqyqds8x9ILNjeIVvo-LJUiyBGaxEmSrPbCKkl5UrVh-dUao-d74Os__j81D_SLErJ-d_sHPdJMM6ysK-15LKDDHQCdUmzq7F2neA/s320/b1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Isn't the white brick so much nicer and lightens up that room? I think it's a much nicer transition to my blue and white kitchen than red brick!<br />
<br />
And we will have the conversationagain when I bring up how I now would like to paint that actual fireplace. Thinking a deeper red.....<br />
<br />
And oh boy, will we have the conversation, when I mention that I have now been recently very VERY inspired by <a href="http://www.designmom.com/2009/05/painted-piano/">Design Mom's Painted Piano</a>. That's right, I said PIANO. She went green y'all! <br />
<br />
<i>Consider this your heads up, hon :)</i><br />
<br />
I'm partially kidding, as my "crazy sounding" ideas do turn out to be quite fabulous, if I can toot my horn. My husband even liked my turquoise dining table, which he painted for me :)<br />
Again, I need to do a post about that one as well....<br />
<br />
My thought is that it's your house, make it your home. Let it reflect who you are. Surround yourself with what you consider happy, calming, beautiful. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywt-sIYeGC84MgE3bU6sha4zv4ERDYO9gkZWMsVznJJPYls3z39el5_GVgtGg_I7sFtp0KtJ7ebpHEKwSQ9uVHPJI6kVLxgzk8W0456AonlLJDRSx0ChdHm6dFF8galJ3fakb_PE3TPs/s1600/105975397451154670_ZwLLEbVp_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="245" width="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywt-sIYeGC84MgE3bU6sha4zv4ERDYO9gkZWMsVznJJPYls3z39el5_GVgtGg_I7sFtp0KtJ7ebpHEKwSQ9uVHPJI6kVLxgzk8W0456AonlLJDRSx0ChdHm6dFF8galJ3fakb_PE3TPs/s320/105975397451154670_ZwLLEbVp_b.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Or at the very least, you've got a conversation starter. Or, free passes to Hands-on Couple Conflict Resolution Workshop :)</center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-18329207102536581042012-02-17T15:37:00.007-05:002012-03-28T17:51:13.096-04:00The Writing on the Wall<center>It looks like I am getting into the swing of things, juggling a 3 year old and an infant. And with Jed getting a little older, I can actually put him down after nursing and he will stay asleep - allowing me to return to my nighttime crafting routine. <br />
So, I am just ticking off items from my Pinterest or Bookmark list.<br />
And obviously, I am in the wreaths category, for I've done three this week (previous two were the Turquoise Coffee Filter Wreath and the Spring Pinwheels...)<br />
<br />
Now on to a bigger one: the Book Paper Wreath. <br />
<br />
And I'm sure you've seen these all over, yes?<br />
<br />
Well, have you seen any with robin eggs? :)<br />
<br />
Now, in my dining room....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwVBmARjh03-c62XuAkX9aIaqE0jHM1tq1U2xB37IIhOPCD5VPDu0CtMKCDJBI6VFXjGgjW5P39jnvuTDs8p2QFKf3sPXzD34gFCjpm2Lje7h0IxLCuFS_CF70FCFS12aYoSczqbTUzc/s1600/wp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwVBmARjh03-c62XuAkX9aIaqE0jHM1tq1U2xB37IIhOPCD5VPDu0CtMKCDJBI6VFXjGgjW5P39jnvuTDs8p2QFKf3sPXzD34gFCjpm2Lje7h0IxLCuFS_CF70FCFS12aYoSczqbTUzc/s320/wp2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bHtdlY7-QwL3r8_Ch5tjcwPB6sVuXH7-yjfb3DEf57zlTMy1cfHL_GEpQBo9nMtK50OKDM1m9gB_PLrOmE8AkCMQUSMxOg9W4mH3hiRotE18wNNAySsMkW6RBbKPIrpi_CSIdarmMrY/s1600/wreathp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bHtdlY7-QwL3r8_Ch5tjcwPB6sVuXH7-yjfb3DEf57zlTMy1cfHL_GEpQBo9nMtK50OKDM1m9gB_PLrOmE8AkCMQUSMxOg9W4mH3hiRotE18wNNAySsMkW6RBbKPIrpi_CSIdarmMrY/s320/wreathp1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAvgi6FaISHon2O6CKb3zsEoBLVviTfZkTnEJXukbk3-XxfzEdM8_WLitsS_iyWf9hSymUK9hvfr9Rv8njor22iEAFai0z34P0Fp2RnFgXpv6iTiJFpizy23r8UIiJrVCe_Xln9u7TBk/s1600/wp6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAvgi6FaISHon2O6CKb3zsEoBLVviTfZkTnEJXukbk3-XxfzEdM8_WLitsS_iyWf9hSymUK9hvfr9Rv8njor22iEAFai0z34P0Fp2RnFgXpv6iTiJFpizy23r8UIiJrVCe_Xln9u7TBk/s320/wp6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
some close ups...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9-kQOr-Xkl_aHthAqx4HxZ-Crl0Zl65_kVZgQdl2q_UlpSHoI44AliaedZGhd7lD_xQrJBCP4dLlZP2TYaRUpFO_Tar1PWj4lTFb4cUg_FoUENgPvNHEeqIZpApRENLwBqWIOcW0DkE/s1600/wp3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9-kQOr-Xkl_aHthAqx4HxZ-Crl0Zl65_kVZgQdl2q_UlpSHoI44AliaedZGhd7lD_xQrJBCP4dLlZP2TYaRUpFO_Tar1PWj4lTFb4cUg_FoUENgPvNHEeqIZpApRENLwBqWIOcW0DkE/s320/wp3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRj6xUGm500RyTwUjRSlDQOy4dvbj97ukH3jbuultxyB9edAg_KOshWnXM0Ev8hl55M_dFGCI1CtXIYyihzaJbBCOqtb4Z2o7gZ2bqNyY9dJfCY4oC0Ik8egudaQXmiASMTq1REBxwEi4/s1600/wp4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRj6xUGm500RyTwUjRSlDQOy4dvbj97ukH3jbuultxyB9edAg_KOshWnXM0Ev8hl55M_dFGCI1CtXIYyihzaJbBCOqtb4Z2o7gZ2bqNyY9dJfCY4oC0Ik8egudaQXmiASMTq1REBxwEi4/s320/wp4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oUlEgJsbKJPpaXou6N4X7hnY8lBtkdUs8LlXi4BGZjf_6t2RrhKNWcvqeSSMi47sr44RZ8qRePE-OqfGztQ_TzVlx2Wej2q_OGXhQ-sQT_mawCeSJRXmjAWFAkZQkzK3E2FqB1DGtZ0/s1600/wp7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oUlEgJsbKJPpaXou6N4X7hnY8lBtkdUs8LlXi4BGZjf_6t2RrhKNWcvqeSSMi47sr44RZ8qRePE-OqfGztQ_TzVlx2Wej2q_OGXhQ-sQT_mawCeSJRXmjAWFAkZQkzK3E2FqB1DGtZ0/s320/wp7.jpg" /></a></div><br />
can you guess how many pages I used?<br />
<br />
<br />
Linked to:<br />
<a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com">Between Naps on the Porch</a><br />
<a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/">Making the World Cuter</a><br />
<a href="http://diyshowoff.com/">DIY Showoff</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/">The Girl Creative</a><br />
<a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/">Sumo's Sweet Stuff</a><br />
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Made By You</a><br />
<a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/">Today's Creative Blog</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/?">Blue Cricket Designs</a><br />
<a href="http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.com/">Fireflies and JellyBeans</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lbratina.blogspot.com/">Tales from Bloggeritaville</a><br />
<a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/">Somewhat Simple</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com">The Shabby Creek Cottage</a><br />
<a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/">Beyond the Picket Fence</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/">Sweet Little Gals</a><br />
<a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/">Raising Homemakers</a><br />
remodelahoilic<a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/">finding fabulous</a><br />
<a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">romantic home</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/">fingerprints on the fridge</a><br />
<a href="http://kojo-designs.com/">kojo designs</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/">Sugar Bee Crafts</a><br />
<a href="http://imtopsyturvy.com/">Topsy Turvy</a><br />
<a href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/">Funky Polkadot Crafts</a><br />
<a href="http://letbirdzfly.blogspot.com/">Let Birds Fly</a><br />
<a href="http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/">Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons</a><br />
<a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.ca/">Tea Rose Home</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-26046067070291210492012-02-15T12:32:00.002-05:002012-03-27T17:22:42.537-04:00And another wreath...<center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicM0Uk54NCTT2WQrW7DKZz96gyMb5CxlXybWsStVIXOgg_1elh9jaP2WI1DFqbdCxTei5eBK5tWldfA4PUIOY11ycJ5stcvfLfR3QK55-9Q54P5FBYQydDmDQbIWCrwgngLBNcuMvd7f8/s1600/wreathdoor1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicM0Uk54NCTT2WQrW7DKZz96gyMb5CxlXybWsStVIXOgg_1elh9jaP2WI1DFqbdCxTei5eBK5tWldfA4PUIOY11ycJ5stcvfLfR3QK55-9Q54P5FBYQydDmDQbIWCrwgngLBNcuMvd7f8/s320/wreathdoor1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This is 2 of 3 wreaths that I made...I was on a roll apparently.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcaNibsgY9ki0u8fzpovMTIcadDw8NTrF-wEAUQv3G_ywaCmCN3fq8fb7-ySmU8UAHB_GXBM4jfHjKiClh3dSVKqXuIREghVgMADeNzSq0BnbSrSbEjlhEuZAS9ZMBmr1t9K2zuHKG9U/s1600/wreathdoor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcaNibsgY9ki0u8fzpovMTIcadDw8NTrF-wEAUQv3G_ywaCmCN3fq8fb7-ySmU8UAHB_GXBM4jfHjKiClh3dSVKqXuIREghVgMADeNzSq0BnbSrSbEjlhEuZAS9ZMBmr1t9K2zuHKG9U/s320/wreathdoor2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This is what I call my "<i>I'm pretending that Spring is more around the corner than what it looks like outside</i>" wreath.<br />
<br />
Because I am in Canada.<br />
<br />
And it's cold.<br />
<br />
And I need some pretty spring looks around here. <br />
<br />
Or maybe turn up the thermostat. <br />
<br />
Hey, I've got Caribbean blood people :)<br />
<br />
Linked to:<br />
<a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/2012/02/countdown-to-spring-party-spring-subway.html">Domestically Speaking</a><br />
<a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/fresh-spring-floral-door-bucket/">Southern Hospitality</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-49168712175521796182012-02-15T12:03:00.002-05:002012-10-25T15:49:33.931-04:002012 Book ListOf my 40 books on my <a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/12/2011-books-list-recap-and-how-to-get.html">2012 reading list</a>....<br />
Each book has a link to their listing on amazon.com. I post reviews on some books, but do let me know if you want it on a particular book.<br />
<br />
I've read,<br />
1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Project-Morning-Aristotle-Generally/dp/006158326X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329325205&sr=1-1">The Happiness Project</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coming-Revolution-Americas-Signal-Nations/dp/0849948290/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329325238&sr=1-2">The Coming Revolution</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blythes-Are-Quoted-Penguin/dp/0143172417/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329325268&sr=1-1">The Blythes are Quoted</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Days-Activities-Ideas-Enjoying/dp/0786884525/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329325300&sr=1-1">Baby Days</a><br />
5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Values-Your-Family-Simple/dp/B006TQWU84/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331003383&sr=1-1">Amish Values for Your Family</a><br />
6. Going Green: Growing Vegetables<br />
7. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mom-Want-Be-Rising-Future/dp/0736917551/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331003507&sr=1-1">The Mom I Want to Be</a><br />
8. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Year-Living-Biblically-Literally/dp/B0076TKW0G/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332170821&sr=1-1">The Year of Living Biblically</a><br />
9. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Youre-Them-Oprahs-Book-Club/dp/B0041T4PGQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332170918&sr=1-1">Say You're One of Them</a><br />
10. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Measure-Man-Spiritual-Autobiography/dp/0061357901/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335913327&sr=1-2">The Measure of a Man</a><br>
11.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-New-Kid-Friday-Character/dp/B004R647K2/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335913400&sr=1-2"> How to Have a New Kid by Friday</a><br>
12. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lies-Homeschooling-Moms-Believe-Wilson/dp/1933858141/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335913448&sr=1-1">Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe</a><br>
13. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Middlesex-Novel-Oprahs-Book-Club/dp/0312427735/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340365905&sr=1-1&keywords=middlesex">Middlesex</a><br>
14. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Farm-City-Education-Urban-Farmer/dp/0143117289/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340365956&sr=1-1&keywords=farm+city">Farm City</a><br>
15. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Real-Marriage-Truth-Friendship-Together/dp/140020383X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342149974&sr=1-1&keywords=real+marriage">Real Marriage</a><br>
16.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Apple-Cider-Words-Heart/dp/0978496302/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343365279&sr=1-1&keywords=hot+apple+cider"> Hot Apple Cider</a><br>
17. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Little-Red-Book-Wisdom/dp/1595553541/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345746897&sr=8-1&keywords=the+little+red+book+of+wisdom">The Little Red Book of Wisdom</a><br>
18. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Sensory-Smart-Child-SensoryProcessing/dp/0143115340/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345746946&sr=1-1&keywords=raising+a+sensory+smart+child">Raising a Sensory Smart Child</a><br>
19. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0425245136/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345747028&sr=1-1&keywords=the+help+paperback">The Help</a><br>
20. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/An-Experimental-Mutiny-Against-Excess/dp/1433672960/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349812720&sr=8-1&keywords=7%2C+an+experimental">7, An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess </a><br>
21. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Taking-Faith-American-Dream/dp/1601422210/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349812829&sr=1-1&keywords=radical+david+platt">Radical, Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream</a><br>
22. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Plain-Promise-Daughters-No/dp/B003UHUBL8/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349812886&sr=1-1&keywords=plain+promise">Plain Promise</a><br>
23. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Out---Sync-Child-Recognizing-Processing/dp/0399531653/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349812990&sr=1-1&keywords=the+out+of+sync+child">The Out of Sync Child</a><br>
24. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Child-Woods-Children-Nature-Deficit/dp/156512605X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349813430&sr=1-1&keywords=last+child+in+the+woods">Last Child in the Woods, Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder</a><br>
25. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Plain-Perfect-Daughters-Promise-Book/dp/B0023RSZT6/ref=pd_sim_b_3">Plain Perfect</a><br>
26. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Man-Word-Hearts-Middlefield-Book/dp/B003STCL0W/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351194224&sr=1-1&keywords=a+man+of+his+word+by+kathleen+fuller">Man of His Word</a><br>
27. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anything-Prayer-That-Unlocked-Soul/dp/0849947057/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351194289&sr=1-1&keywords=anything+by+jennie+allen">Anything</a>
<br />
*updated October 25th, 2012<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-8892023198763776962012-02-13T14:57:00.008-05:002012-03-28T17:53:05.315-04:00Mama's Got a Wreath<center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSHwqbiRA1pGyR6BwoH8Xxy06RgKYV_03MvAr-6ALK0e1PMcZreit5dfaQc6XDYzJl41L_MleztO6qDMVyW8WFzO3p0eYoQDWu1e0bKox2mwQO7-vq8da4fmcLcL2gUYPTHqoQEAdOQo/s1600/wreath4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSHwqbiRA1pGyR6BwoH8Xxy06RgKYV_03MvAr-6ALK0e1PMcZreit5dfaQc6XDYzJl41L_MleztO6qDMVyW8WFzO3p0eYoQDWu1e0bKox2mwQO7-vq8da4fmcLcL2gUYPTHqoQEAdOQo/s320/wreath4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I finally got around to it.<br />
<br />
I've seen these wreaths all over and I "reserved" the box of coffee filters and put them aside. Actually, it was more like "<i>hey no one drinks coffee here right, so these are up for grabs...these are mine.</i>"...<br />
<br />
I had seen the natural color filters and thought I was going to make that one, but having only the white ones, I decided to frugally make do. <br />
<br />
But I wasn't really impressed with the way the white ones looked. Maybe it was just me, but they were so darn obvious: <i>Hi, I am a scrunched up coffee filter. Trying to look pretty</i>. <br />
<br />
And besides, I wanted to do a completely different color. And I hadn't really seen any turquoise wreaths....so.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBOWqMCWyeWyky3u_BAEe_owajYO8VVvL_anfGKpyFp3eB8HwLFn_1-DZM92kg8EhvnIQdBf1hjvBylQZuhHapj0JFh_mC2FeCYLy1q0McSn51Rcpze8Y8zppEc6wNzGA4Ir5lrxW-Zw/s1600/wreath2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBOWqMCWyeWyky3u_BAEe_owajYO8VVvL_anfGKpyFp3eB8HwLFn_1-DZM92kg8EhvnIQdBf1hjvBylQZuhHapj0JFh_mC2FeCYLy1q0McSn51Rcpze8Y8zppEc6wNzGA4Ir5lrxW-Zw/s320/wreath2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
No need for a full blown tutorial -- it's pretty much along these lines...<br />
1. Grab a box of coffee filters.<br />
2. In a bucket, mix warm water and a few drops of food coloring. Make the color a little more intense than what you are desiring as it will fade a little when dry.<br />
3. Place filters in colored water and pretend you are a human manual washing machine. <br />
4. Take filters out, squeeze excess water out and lay flat to dry on newspaper. <br />
5. After drying, you may want to repeat Steps 3 and 4 to get the desired color. <br />
<br />
When dry, <br />
6. Place filter in palm of left hand and push in middle with available right pointer finger until you get a slightly scrunched flower look. Sort of like what you do to dinner napkins when you put then in the napkin ring holders.<br />
7. Hot glue "stem tip" and place onto desired spot on wreath. Push down with end of unsharpened pencil (so as to not burn those fingers --- you do use a whole box of filters lol).<br />
8. Keep going until wreath is complete.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TVkc2Xer9jCwt2lXR5vvPf93QcmSm74oRrfKpVnm2aN0jBww5VhSUnuJK_abMhv2qc6cH2B1PTVab5Tm6PbSCJIMTVirFB9zp0X2DgwijQoa7dULw7CpR-jv6PfL9vIZ-uFvk4RrSWc/s1600/wreath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TVkc2Xer9jCwt2lXR5vvPf93QcmSm74oRrfKpVnm2aN0jBww5VhSUnuJK_abMhv2qc6cH2B1PTVab5Tm6PbSCJIMTVirFB9zp0X2DgwijQoa7dULw7CpR-jv6PfL9vIZ-uFvk4RrSWc/s320/wreath1.jpg" /></a></div>Some tips:<br />
About halfway, you WILL think it looks like a piece of junk...just keep going. Ignore the "<i>look at me, using stained scrunched COFFEE FILTERS as art</i>" comments dancing in your head.<br />
<br />
Also I put the filters in the middle of the wreath and fluffed as I went.I didnt want just the flat/folded look. I also filled in whatever spots showed.<br />
<br />
And my biggest tip --- HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON THIS WREATH, as it only cost me $2 bucks....<br />
DON'T buy any wreath, especially from Michaeal's. It's just gonna get all covered up. Instead, I bought a foam board (pk os 2 for $4) and just asked my husband to cut the wreath shape from it. Now, I also have an additional foam piece to do another wreath. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCovdayIAA_lHyTyfdk3I93Bsek23Nvg2Mh3ZkcMnnCNQ6ttg0Gx944OoZ-_ePqLOEMCuzNknBL0mx_TkhFjHA2hSCn5EyNJYVZfP1hD4OJ7PJ3FnbaDG5mc1Pj_t1SiWL2l3Vh8t7nY8/s1600/wreath3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCovdayIAA_lHyTyfdk3I93Bsek23Nvg2Mh3ZkcMnnCNQ6ttg0Gx944OoZ-_ePqLOEMCuzNknBL0mx_TkhFjHA2hSCn5EyNJYVZfP1hD4OJ7PJ3FnbaDG5mc1Pj_t1SiWL2l3Vh8t7nY8/s320/wreath3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Linked to:<br />
<a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com">Between Naps on the Porch</a><br />
<a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/">Making the World Cuter</a><br />
<a href="http://diyshowoff.com/">DIY Showoff</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/">The Girl Creative</a><br />
<a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/">Sumo's Sweet Stuff</a><br />
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Made By You</a><br />
<a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/">Today's Creative Blog</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/?">Blue Cricket Designs</a><br />
<a href="http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.com/">Fireflies and JellyBeans</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lbratina.blogspot.com/">Tales from Bloggeritaville</a><br />
<a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/">Somewhat Simple</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com">The Shabby Creek Cottage</a><br />
<a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/">Beyond the Picket Fence</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/">Sweet Little Gals</a><br />
<a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/">Raising Homemakers</a><br />
remodelahoilic<a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/">finding fabulous</a><br />
<a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">romantic home</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/">fingerprints on the fridge</a><br />
<a href="http://kojo-designs.com/">kojo designs</a><br />
<a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.ca/">Tea Rose Home</a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-55598024271834597952012-01-27T10:46:00.001-05:002012-01-27T10:53:03.631-05:00Midnight Crafting<center>Do you remember those commercials, probably back in the 90's, that said: <i>"It's 10pm. Do you know where your children are?".</i><br />
<br />
Well, I have my own version.<br />
<br />
<i>It's midnight. Do you know your wife is crafting?</i><br />
<br />
With a 3year old and a newborn, my days are quite busy and often it's just me going back and forth between the children, meeting their needs. And not only am I feeling like I am not really getting anything done -- it's a good day when I can get food on the table --- but I am feeling my creativity is just pent up. I need to do something. Even a small craft project. Though, with me, nothing is ever small, so to even come up with an idea is an ordeal. Just saying, y'all. <br />
<br />
So it was on my mind and aim to get something, anything, done. Tonight. So after putting a strong willed preschooler to bed and nursing a newborn, <br />
I went on my mission. <br />
<br />
Decided to do a small project. One of those that you always see as "need to get done" because every time you pass it's future location, <br />
the lack of "project doneness" irks you. <br />
<br />
Evidence 1. Notice anything about this wall? Something missing?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmarZzkOBH0tal1NyQ28nWl7W8ynthMyv1a0Sf5FdsUZ7codwGsXJYh9NVFeApVSkoxdod8NA4wVSZB2x0_GlW6VVyecLz8QLQgzicGJsPHN4ROka4SuV5ytLm-3MSJ1jYtabnOfvrmWo/s1600/p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="238" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmarZzkOBH0tal1NyQ28nWl7W8ynthMyv1a0Sf5FdsUZ7codwGsXJYh9NVFeApVSkoxdod8NA4wVSZB2x0_GlW6VVyecLz8QLQgzicGJsPHN4ROka4SuV5ytLm-3MSJ1jYtabnOfvrmWo/s320/p2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
See the smaller blue frame? I am notorious for putting up frames, without their pictures. Why? Because putting pictures up is a two step process. You find an awesome frame but need to find the right picture to go into it. Or, the reverse and then you got to find the location for this match made in heaven. It's not rocket science. <br />
<br />
Though in my case, I usually find an awesome frame first and then have to find that picture. And usually before finding the picture, I put the frame in the desired location, because, honestly, sometimes that determines the picture, right? <br />
You can't have too many lovey-dovey pictures in your kitchen...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHMjaxPDP7BVx7vlbnPunxhMvmObaih2wcUFzJICdCmXLUFlf-nyjslFguLPKBBeSzhV3eOoOWA9UmCPGpQBN_M3Au3KBLtnsFz6gpreyM8wSqytwW-LQflwiU6AwdVcAjpXxIh4wwRI/s1600/p4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="238" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHMjaxPDP7BVx7vlbnPunxhMvmObaih2wcUFzJICdCmXLUFlf-nyjslFguLPKBBeSzhV3eOoOWA9UmCPGpQBN_M3Au3KBLtnsFz6gpreyM8wSqytwW-LQflwiU6AwdVcAjpXxIh4wwRI/s320/p4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So I had this antique-looking robins egg blue and gold frame (from the clearance section, I think in Marshalls) on the wall for a while. Still not coming up with a picture, I thought I would do something a little different. And during this craft lull, happy cheery pinwheels were perfect. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcKRTVJUY4QFq9XCMt7V_HB11tw6y4ejnXNSlDxVpvvEFISy3m11WyzL3bE_JhnSLwjxGqf7Sv_TtA4L9PFz8TBCUdhG_46-P7eMrPaWWvvy70iXbKUTYjun7wGe_gmocGWhLgPwfd6k/s1600/p5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcKRTVJUY4QFq9XCMt7V_HB11tw6y4ejnXNSlDxVpvvEFISy3m11WyzL3bE_JhnSLwjxGqf7Sv_TtA4L9PFz8TBCUdhG_46-P7eMrPaWWvvy70iXbKUTYjun7wGe_gmocGWhLgPwfd6k/s320/p5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Using the <a href="http://www.themotherhuddle.com/tutorial-fabric-pinwheel-hair-clip/">tutorial from The Mother Huddle</a>, I made an antique-ish pinwheel from fabric scraps by gluing a sand colored suede fabric to a cream lace piece. Then I went through my stash of buttons and actually glued two together. I was really happy to have come across the button that said "Embrace Life".....good message to read daily. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkIQcnk-d_2MY-XX-j3ticafp7Q01YgMKHRZ64eUgDPZdp_ZniJUJur6X307G9Os84-7f-H66Utily_-hqvfNO53SQuOUaUHSeU5qerJ7jaP38Ko30Tj8KMTUWjcLjL1BIra0xVH7om0/s1600/p6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkIQcnk-d_2MY-XX-j3ticafp7Q01YgMKHRZ64eUgDPZdp_ZniJUJur6X307G9Os84-7f-H66Utily_-hqvfNO53SQuOUaUHSeU5qerJ7jaP38Ko30Tj8KMTUWjcLjL1BIra0xVH7om0/s320/p6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Actually, kind of funny for the message to be Embrace Life, for now, with my completed craft, I'm gonna go and embrace some sleep. :)<br />
<br />
There. Now isn't that a happier wall....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5h8xWnW5BOV66xgUAh-D7sYiyvjmxOoqnDSstVNhoRSPbqmFAj-Mj0zYmCm7MNxPhyphenhyphenPpDaztBwW8TnFoiJCcKKfc8OyK9TMAH_lUipEHLOyp_zkReqjfI981bK_mvyxXDSj3rJmdP0A/s1600/pin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5h8xWnW5BOV66xgUAh-D7sYiyvjmxOoqnDSstVNhoRSPbqmFAj-Mj0zYmCm7MNxPhyphenhyphenPpDaztBwW8TnFoiJCcKKfc8OyK9TMAH_lUipEHLOyp_zkReqjfI981bK_mvyxXDSj3rJmdP0A/s320/pin1.jpg" /></a></div></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-57111725906575090892012-01-19T09:56:00.000-05:002012-01-19T09:56:52.230-05:00On being Set Apart...<center>Our Memory Scripture last week was from Romans 12...<br />
<blockquote><i>Therefore, my brothers, in view of God's mercy, present yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your spiritual act of worship. And do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be renewed by the transformation of your mind</i>.</blockquote><br />
I have to say that, for at least the last year, I really have had my eyes and heart opened to "patterns of this world" and the very important need to renew my mind, to transform my mind, to set myself apart.<br />
<br />
Jeremiah 1:5<br />
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations...<br />
<br />
Romans 1:1<br />
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God...<br />
<br />
Galatians 1:15<br />
But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace...<br />
<br />
We've been set apart and called to live a different way of life. And with this, I'm giving you a heads up on a 30 days series in February (I guess, then a 29 days series :P) that I will be launching called<br />
"Being Serious about Being Set Apart".<br />
<br />
I think a lot of people, Christian women included, struggle with what a Christian woman "looks/acts" like. And it seems, to me, that we do the things we aren't supposed to do and don't do the things we are supposed to do. <br />
<br />
The series will take a look at what "set apart" means in terms of:<br />
our ambitions and desires,<br />
our dress and presentation,<br />
our homes and families,<br />
our beliefs, values and actions.<br />
<br />
This will be a great journey of both the mind, heart and spirit. There will also be some great giveaways too!<br />
I can't wait to go on it with you! <br />
<br />
Stay tuned February 1st....<br />
</center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-34427974416431570412012-01-16T07:49:00.001-05:002012-01-16T07:53:40.208-05:00Shekinah Glory<center>At a special evening worship service at our church last night, we sang (and sang and sang) a wonderfully inspiring song....<br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>Shekinah Glory</b><br />
<br />
We wait for You, we wait for You<br />
We wait for You; walk in the room<br />
<br />
Here we are, standing in Your presence<br />
Here we are, standing in Your presence<br />
Shekinah glory come down, Shekinah glory come down<br />
<br />
Release the fullness of Your Spirit<br />
Shekinah glory come, Shekinah glory come<br />
<br />
You move and we want more, You speak and we want more<br />
You move and we want more; we want the fullness<br />
<br />
We want more, we want more, we want more, we want more<br />
We want more, we want more, more of Your Spirit</blockquote><br />
Here is the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJzqnW2qDOQ&feature=related">Cory Asbury video</a><br />
<br />
And if you are wondering what Shekinah Glory is...it's the actual dwelling and presence of God. How wonderful is it to know and feel the presence of God...<br />
...the creator of the world<br />
...your creator <br />
<br />
and btw, the WINNER of the About a Bride giveaway is Amy, from <a href="http://amybeads.blogspot.com/">AmyBeads</a>. Amy, contact me to choose your design!</center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-80918909602810362732012-01-12T15:05:00.000-05:002012-01-12T15:05:46.839-05:00Then Sings My Soul...Another BookSneeze review. This time on "Then Sings My Soul", vol 3. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XZOLIqU3D4YkNHAI8clKX-u61Td93joj6cxKG4WBKEREusxf8Nso4yfu6v-vNdJ_SHbIgtTlb-YfkWaP3hEP5kQ9TqoFDa7tb8qV-0jVMZtSyIltp0pvYTxKHve_DddpTSTbZlMEX5A/s1600/117980108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XZOLIqU3D4YkNHAI8clKX-u61Td93joj6cxKG4WBKEREusxf8Nso4yfu6v-vNdJ_SHbIgtTlb-YfkWaP3hEP5kQ9TqoFDa7tb8qV-0jVMZtSyIltp0pvYTxKHve_DddpTSTbZlMEX5A/s320/117980108.JPG" /></a></div><br />
At church, do you sing the songs, unsure of whether you are singing the right words? Or, do you ever wonder how the song ever came about. Would you love to be able to play the music at home on your own instrument and with your family? That's why I love these series. In it, are over 50 songs and hymns, with the lyrics, the history and the sheet music. What's really neat about Book 3 is that it has a focus on more of the "lesser known" hymns, even some ancient and medieval hymns. The stories are well-written and give an insight into the experiences and lives of the hymn writers. <br />
<br />
It's a great way to do family devotions and lessons on Christianity. The book is a definite goldmine, especially for musically inclined families or history buffs.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-84372993190394856482012-01-08T11:02:00.013-05:002012-01-08T11:02:00.510-05:00A followers Challenge (Giveaway)<center>Thought I would start 2012 with a Giveaway.<br />
One blessed reader will get to choose one of my designs. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkoUQxy-cSTDMeaHriuSmM_BKbJ7BmMV3OSSrvUC-9yaHzDNawvMJg06XT5Oz40oNaLwtPdfb0mvfU1HM6Q5grrpOKNtacp4oiv_tkrQtywIz2npyCfDtoinWQRbNnUvpdesLsqln_ck/s1600/il_570xN.241928173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkoUQxy-cSTDMeaHriuSmM_BKbJ7BmMV3OSSrvUC-9yaHzDNawvMJg06XT5Oz40oNaLwtPdfb0mvfU1HM6Q5grrpOKNtacp4oiv_tkrQtywIz2npyCfDtoinWQRbNnUvpdesLsqln_ck/s320/il_570xN.241928173.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhQ0RH-PXxgIUKk8aTadDyj85qK9nNPwK7vZTGiQ3aC5UB0H7PXGRwwf0De9HsDO6w_PwGeLjnZInO31ejube38Dw4W0DMU-9HcjhdVvcuCw2WgmCt6aibt-nLuCjsLfY19l2nTH0rsA/s1600/il_570xN.252452837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhQ0RH-PXxgIUKk8aTadDyj85qK9nNPwK7vZTGiQ3aC5UB0H7PXGRwwf0De9HsDO6w_PwGeLjnZInO31ejube38Dw4W0DMU-9HcjhdVvcuCw2WgmCt6aibt-nLuCjsLfY19l2nTH0rsA/s320/il_570xN.252452837.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRUcObPGJrqtO35fc2xIJInw4TkRr1e8wvwH06G9DDzJiRRmlafyjH6xPaaMX6H6esyIaeIdNuRKzsIUl-4ziPADCyLyxcQgYKzCpOoDOD4ySjYY_RPs48J2TkwvsxfeufdguOalMSB4/s1600/il_570xN.252449547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRUcObPGJrqtO35fc2xIJInw4TkRr1e8wvwH06G9DDzJiRRmlafyjH6xPaaMX6H6esyIaeIdNuRKzsIUl-4ziPADCyLyxcQgYKzCpOoDOD4ySjYY_RPs48J2TkwvsxfeufdguOalMSB4/s320/il_570xN.252449547.jpg" /></a></div><br />
You can see more at the <a href="http://aboutabrideboutique.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-about-bride-designs-summer-2011.html">About a Bride boutique blog</a>.<br />
<br />
To win, tell me <i>what was your favorite Shimmer & Tulle post of 2011</i>....<br />
<br />
This Challenge will end next Sunday, the 15th.<br />
<br />
Looking forward to it! </center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-44745466712186964062012-01-07T12:52:00.001-05:002012-01-07T02:15:11.632-05:00How I shimmered in 2011...<center>With New Years, come New Years Resolutions. But before even going there, I believe in knowing where you've been to know where you're going. And with that, here's my year in review. From personal reconstruction (that involved my marriage and family), to adding another child to a total of 11 creative projects, it's been quite the ride. <br />
Thank you God for blessing me in many, many wonderful ways this year!<br />
I am grateful.<br />
<br />
My 2011 in pictures. <br />
(you can click on the caption to read full post).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY5HjrkEjkd5vXFzKPAuiIWpm1h-gcy1rZKZioKxJpO5aTqmiq45BGcK_0ml85K60X2Vp4diP1NsoHP91Q4YBVIRht09A2paJHHD6-BtNe2IaAGzWHAUzyQ-piW5F4TimH5JUDSsyoD0/s1600/jed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY5HjrkEjkd5vXFzKPAuiIWpm1h-gcy1rZKZioKxJpO5aTqmiq45BGcK_0ml85K60X2Vp4diP1NsoHP91Q4YBVIRht09A2paJHHD6-BtNe2IaAGzWHAUzyQ-piW5F4TimH5JUDSsyoD0/s320/jed.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/12/jed-most-welcome-blessing.html">Jed, my second son</a>, was born in October. This was my biggest highlight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIca7ATGJSGYUsXbOkmt-rogWaDu_9_mjRFfTpmY3qsFuAVScPJV5VkzC8MKtcV9OBztaSCVlQCDX8P4oC0C4rvK5qv9lvFszCH1efclYtgRrwmCZxYeUd_ZvSzeQo6R6WLx2mwbj37Rc/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIca7ATGJSGYUsXbOkmt-rogWaDu_9_mjRFfTpmY3qsFuAVScPJV5VkzC8MKtcV9OBztaSCVlQCDX8P4oC0C4rvK5qv9lvFszCH1efclYtgRrwmCZxYeUd_ZvSzeQo6R6WLx2mwbj37Rc/s320/3.jpg" /></a></div>I <a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/12/2011-books-list-recap-and-how-to-get.html">read 33 books this year</a> (aimed for 25). This is a personal best. <br />
<br />
My blog got a makeover (how do I look?:P) and we traveled to Orlando, Florida and visited Disney. THAT was an amazing (and overstimulating) adventure! <br />
I even designed and created Eliel a <a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/03/american-mickey-tshirt.html">Mickey Mouse tshirt</a> for him to wear!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYd0BUdvIOfvcfBx92XmwFQJDRWK7gYEW4F4ZR759FBTIeP4liohQ56zjSETD7kXDvETYFNxTe3s28MphvgTIHU6vrA9w2k_5HgUm_IM4-wTSoBGh7ZVtDnJAb1cy5KqUjPUyKwOqvZU/s1600/IMG00253-20110319-0946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYd0BUdvIOfvcfBx92XmwFQJDRWK7gYEW4F4ZR759FBTIeP4liohQ56zjSETD7kXDvETYFNxTe3s28MphvgTIHU6vrA9w2k_5HgUm_IM4-wTSoBGh7ZVtDnJAb1cy5KqUjPUyKwOqvZU/s320/IMG00253-20110319-0946.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje39Ltnea-gE8d6LWR9AIh0-VucSfPTlHDwYT4yG2rCjKRnEXrnXuwkSsRfTyAkOVM3qFuIJFq91OPWpSsKtopxo3UFcnNTbfRRIfob0q5UYTTewM99knCEJkbqwr605-hB4lJyUN0z6E/s1600/268425_2179798090060_1100154185_32708451_1038268_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje39Ltnea-gE8d6LWR9AIh0-VucSfPTlHDwYT4yG2rCjKRnEXrnXuwkSsRfTyAkOVM3qFuIJFq91OPWpSsKtopxo3UFcnNTbfRRIfob0q5UYTTewM99knCEJkbqwr605-hB4lJyUN0z6E/s320/268425_2179798090060_1100154185_32708451_1038268_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My husband and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. My vision for my family really started to develop and became more concrete. I got <a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/06/on-need-for-exclusivity-within.html">more into <a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/08/leaving-legacy-for-your-children.html">homesteading</a> and <a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/08/leaving-legacy-for-your-children.html">off-grid ideas</a> and found myself in a hot debate on <a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/06/on-need-for-exclusivity-within.html">exclusivity in the homeschooling field</a></a>. <br />
<br />
Some creative projects I completed this year were...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBVni57uMOy5DVFxHC0AcXf2tXIquzVPRlv8E-ZdnB1w2TQxnl_yVOP7pIBHEeAiU39xL7mj1AWoZvlMYK-j7UrA1A3e6DY8iaoXmGkOQ5Aso5QbSoFScT58NWegi-anWVFmSsQ1EOZo/s1600/belts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBVni57uMOy5DVFxHC0AcXf2tXIquzVPRlv8E-ZdnB1w2TQxnl_yVOP7pIBHEeAiU39xL7mj1AWoZvlMYK-j7UrA1A3e6DY8iaoXmGkOQ5Aso5QbSoFScT58NWegi-anWVFmSsQ1EOZo/s320/belts.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/10/31-days-series-belted-day-11.html">belts for Eliel</a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdTS7xFLr_2sYMCchZaVFAuq_tHE2xzpstgB09LbIlrDfJ6ZKzoB3_NFCfUkT12AZhNV92h1dlFYxFluWG2ONPQNA0r59-EbTZu6DpKk1TWKNt4zy8IQAajz_qJlg9m803uHB01aJL14/s1600/IMG-20111003-00185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdTS7xFLr_2sYMCchZaVFAuq_tHE2xzpstgB09LbIlrDfJ6ZKzoB3_NFCfUkT12AZhNV92h1dlFYxFluWG2ONPQNA0r59-EbTZu6DpKk1TWKNt4zy8IQAajz_qJlg9m803uHB01aJL14/s320/IMG-20111003-00185.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/10/milk-machine-uniform.html">nursing cover</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcSUZ5-YOs3ERuHzZmBRhOhRPiZHp3v3QIjTk9ucz10s17aHGzxb6XC59F8a-RspSsgLU1sTGTmJ-nxfOM_hxeqxNkEV5UuCDTi5peEkX5Te3OjK6l7eS3yc5Db9xTfeoCBUsr8lidyU/s1600/fall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcSUZ5-YOs3ERuHzZmBRhOhRPiZHp3v3QIjTk9ucz10s17aHGzxb6XC59F8a-RspSsgLU1sTGTmJ-nxfOM_hxeqxNkEV5UuCDTi5peEkX5Te3OjK6l7eS3yc5Db9xTfeoCBUsr8lidyU/s320/fall2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoAwRFmp5-cyIFvIy1D9xFO6-nTjfaCRjJjbe8c5vlq2UbzyX8RacxmhHDw56UdkjQa5rQnVJLSjfeNYBLDTSVBapsUx88ir6pAyt0P4XcAaxNYSOdo3VJiEAstydvqkyGxGKwv6Ljcw/s1600/fall3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoAwRFmp5-cyIFvIy1D9xFO6-nTjfaCRjJjbe8c5vlq2UbzyX8RacxmhHDw56UdkjQa5rQnVJLSjfeNYBLDTSVBapsUx88ir6pAyt0P4XcAaxNYSOdo3VJiEAstydvqkyGxGKwv6Ljcw/s320/fall3.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/09/mantel-in-transition.html">fall frames</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0ZWfvDI0YODRf-6xrHCr2kWKhQk7vIIzQK2c8sXQf5T0g8QSnJfJlJsXXtv-FPEulwERK4ipxHg4JegwXYho3lAPCLpiOG6ctnfOCPbnG8VFMzUSfwAiYOzYPVAn2P6lPCYWlLPJesQ/s1600/p3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0ZWfvDI0YODRf-6xrHCr2kWKhQk7vIIzQK2c8sXQf5T0g8QSnJfJlJsXXtv-FPEulwERK4ipxHg4JegwXYho3lAPCLpiOG6ctnfOCPbnG8VFMzUSfwAiYOzYPVAn2P6lPCYWlLPJesQ/s320/p3.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/09/youre-smart-pumpkin.html">book pumpkins</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmygCgEdwvUacsYV9wDTpmCh7Y4-fFsjGBy_QXTUkTlPFRUebPMdQupS1y2TG8rua0lwBH-xqHyji4C8PEbj-3oIhP0nCO_FKTLwaqLgBno1QrKKx3VnL3ZFTMPrwZRgcjk9TuGxofqdE/s1600/DIY-Chalkboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmygCgEdwvUacsYV9wDTpmCh7Y4-fFsjGBy_QXTUkTlPFRUebPMdQupS1y2TG8rua0lwBH-xqHyji4C8PEbj-3oIhP0nCO_FKTLwaqLgBno1QrKKx3VnL3ZFTMPrwZRgcjk9TuGxofqdE/s320/DIY-Chalkboard.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-roadkill-has-been-featured.html">crib chalkboard</a> which was featured on <a href="http://roadkillrescue.net/2011/09/crib-base-framed-chalkboard/">Roadkill Rescue</a> by the way! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqcv3G32zQB_8bZMe0qSpGRZdwVvAMmo0WSiS_xTUiBUEOFvsrTyG2yjy-Bm0lLyvnyWmqFuhYK3YkHwu5TepAYTOXFPJzTWzSEOfGCoIDwSebJzrxb__rz3jZb9of0f7QqrAX7-suos/s1600/IMG_2292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqcv3G32zQB_8bZMe0qSpGRZdwVvAMmo0WSiS_xTUiBUEOFvsrTyG2yjy-Bm0lLyvnyWmqFuhYK3YkHwu5TepAYTOXFPJzTWzSEOfGCoIDwSebJzrxb__rz3jZb9of0f7QqrAX7-suos/s320/IMG_2292.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-patchwork-picnic-blanket.html">picnic blanket</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjld-LZRD4Ld8x8Kh5wqzvy1e8tX2OhfsIBtfBOEJnp7AAtzbmxyG-YogYtjbCeUNKE4nUTKLm5PfNGFDSL-2WNrRYwuP4gwQe8QwNDGlcPEjP-7b02hNIX3OXZywrfGmUjdGinlhpzOjI/s1600/giraffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjld-LZRD4Ld8x8Kh5wqzvy1e8tX2OhfsIBtfBOEJnp7AAtzbmxyG-YogYtjbCeUNKE4nUTKLm5PfNGFDSL-2WNrRYwuP4gwQe8QwNDGlcPEjP-7b02hNIX3OXZywrfGmUjdGinlhpzOjI/s320/giraffe.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/07/enter-giraffe.html">portable giraffe growth chart for my kids</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibggqFdkMk8L_3mDeFk8l2jvEpgNgoZy14YFzlA5hJTCBssC8Fg49WmmG3CoeeOfn0A31UVMBCoFrtcchdZef9F63Zjk0jEJ90xHhoigLYLtcs6Tw8nhVQOp3qgkudaShS5ayKbN1ZkAQ/s1600/il_570xN.252452837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibggqFdkMk8L_3mDeFk8l2jvEpgNgoZy14YFzlA5hJTCBssC8Fg49WmmG3CoeeOfn0A31UVMBCoFrtcchdZef9F63Zjk0jEJ90xHhoigLYLtcs6Tw8nhVQOp3qgkudaShS5ayKbN1ZkAQ/s320/il_570xN.252452837.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5PbCEtzGJsK0JQQIR1bXdo4ZAudRS4PW865CYXPZOHLMBH4QIrrMoIP7b5UZJbENzNfYoomfI1MkhsbOFz-tWA1XRukFJZiA5JHXzL22G0G7A_1Y5_a7Ki5dmkrIlmarwZ9gcMPiBHY/s1600/il_570xN.241928173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5PbCEtzGJsK0JQQIR1bXdo4ZAudRS4PW865CYXPZOHLMBH4QIrrMoIP7b5UZJbENzNfYoomfI1MkhsbOFz-tWA1XRukFJZiA5JHXzL22G0G7A_1Y5_a7Ki5dmkrIlmarwZ9gcMPiBHY/s320/il_570xN.241928173.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70O96UqJnmBlMuddjI41G3VOVXEFl-ZTUazG62tDMQwnq5pLvEtSvnCacCr9vJYZ38k7TNWiOeKSDG9pi5BHwf8Gd5o1NqbY7-2bLNz18otm9wciGx2CRNDwgJGIcUrihEVHifynN4Nk/s1600/il_570xN.252491957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70O96UqJnmBlMuddjI41G3VOVXEFl-ZTUazG62tDMQwnq5pLvEtSvnCacCr9vJYZ38k7TNWiOeKSDG9pi5BHwf8Gd5o1NqbY7-2bLNz18otm9wciGx2CRNDwgJGIcUrihEVHifynN4Nk/s320/il_570xN.252491957.jpg" /></a></div>some new designs for my hair accessories business<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpn1YyXrv5PEr0hyphenhyphenFSP2oBDdo8VyEyOE03umdiJV2cmk9-BH59lqamn563lRsCfjd40i5X-Hx1vaIo11aWhaVae35AOY1KJ7B3i0nXgThRXR4b0LlAoWsIwGDbzHkf1OWBHXvVLT9gO8/s1600/IMG_1461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpn1YyXrv5PEr0hyphenhyphenFSP2oBDdo8VyEyOE03umdiJV2cmk9-BH59lqamn563lRsCfjd40i5X-Hx1vaIo11aWhaVae35AOY1KJ7B3i0nXgThRXR4b0LlAoWsIwGDbzHkf1OWBHXvVLT9gO8/s320/IMG_1461.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0D2BzE2bQKWKQGoTpNbdL04mgTJUQXkU5qnwrtZnIX99enHGb1QRV3gjyOKovytdrSQ5cuXyi6qwBwm2ja-vJ-KcXta-311Qadjk4PrrQQiU1tyCEpVEDLsYUFLQeUXXBmwjTLm-4AiU/s1600/IMG_1260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0D2BzE2bQKWKQGoTpNbdL04mgTJUQXkU5qnwrtZnIX99enHGb1QRV3gjyOKovytdrSQ5cuXyi6qwBwm2ja-vJ-KcXta-311Qadjk4PrrQQiU1tyCEpVEDLsYUFLQeUXXBmwjTLm-4AiU/s320/IMG_1260.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/02/productivity-via-awkward-neighbor.html">kitchen curtain</a> and <br />
<a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/02/little-dishcloth-that-could.html">kitchen apron</a><br />
I even tried my hand at making a <a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/04/its-time-for-veggietales-bday-party.html">birthday cake with homemade fondant</a>!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3WKOIp-FN3wu560wGE9Lhr-zWFdJf8fTvLHn2hEDHLG20yOWZpJwctZhLnyQVPKWcCp4yQDe_GLxMoycRGAFSyfkXH7Ho7HdIKEv1wl0Z-k2sXmgCI1KBZLrG5Ch41dIuhWQYChBAio/s1600/v1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3WKOIp-FN3wu560wGE9Lhr-zWFdJf8fTvLHn2hEDHLG20yOWZpJwctZhLnyQVPKWcCp4yQDe_GLxMoycRGAFSyfkXH7Ho7HdIKEv1wl0Z-k2sXmgCI1KBZLrG5Ch41dIuhWQYChBAio/s320/v1.jpg" /></a></div>and <a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2011/08/two-ingredient-elephants.html">homemade pasta</a>!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJV8w495YdsvUBkm_pR4VoPlhIoBvVWU6nuxQjnx_mPtxwSJdeX9YE6jCHrfDdNPZGt3OxQVX6fTQj7rxKgEp5Hv3TZBulngbbSEL5iOK264DmVyucKx5FTZb9VfRmYX0nlFeWJ80WQ1Q/s1600/IMG_1957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJV8w495YdsvUBkm_pR4VoPlhIoBvVWU6nuxQjnx_mPtxwSJdeX9YE6jCHrfDdNPZGt3OxQVX6fTQj7rxKgEp5Hv3TZBulngbbSEL5iOK264DmVyucKx5FTZb9VfRmYX0nlFeWJ80WQ1Q/s320/IMG_1957.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I posted twice as much as in 2010 and also gained many more friends and followers. <br />
It's been a fantastic year and I look forward to 2012 and all of its blessings as well!<br />
<br />
<br />
</center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-18154910424231594172012-01-06T22:50:00.000-05:002012-01-06T22:50:37.016-05:00The Word of 2012: Diligent<center><b><i>“The plans of the diligent lead to profit<br />
as surely as haste leads to poverty.”<br />
-Proverbs 21:5</i><br />
</b><br />
So apparently, New Year's Resolutions have been replaced by the now trendy, Word of the Year. <br />
K, I'll join the bandwagon.<br />
<br />
My word for 2012 is <b>Diligence</b>.<br />
Intentional Diligence.<br />
<a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/2012/feminine-diligence/">Feminine Diligence</a><br />
Diligent Joy.<br />
<br />
I came across this when reading Eat, Pray, Love and it spoke volumes to me. <br />
<blockquote><i><br />
In my own life, I can see exactly where my episodes of unhappiness have brought suffering or distress or inconveniences to those around me. The search for contentment is, therefore, not merely a self-preserving and self-benefiting act, but also a generous gift to the world. Clearing out all your misery get YOU out of the way. You cease being an obstacle, not only to yourself, but to everyone else. Only then are you free to serve and enjoy other people.</i></blockquote>There have been plenty of times when yes, I got in my own way. Whether by sabotaging, making excuses, or allowing fears or <br />
insecurities to penetrate through. <br />
This is the year to be intentional.<br />
This is the year to be diligent.<br />
<br />
<b>Our Greatest Fear</b><br />
by Marianne Williamson<i><br />
it is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.<br />
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.<br />
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.<br />
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.<br />
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,<br />
talented and fabulous?<br />
Actually, who are you not to be?<br />
<br />
You are a child of God.<br />
Your playing small does not serve the world.<br />
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other<br />
people won't feel insecure around you.<br />
<br />
We were born to make manifest the glory of<br />
God that is within us.<br />
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.<br />
And as we let our own light shine,<br />
we unconsciously give other people<br />
permission to do the same.<br />
<br />
As we are liberated from our own fear,<br />
Our presence automatically liberates others.</i><br />
<br />
And another one from <a href="http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/redlightrunner/thinkdifferent.mov">Apple</a>....<br />
<i> Here’s to the crazy ones The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. <br />
They’re not fond of rules.<br />
And they have no respect for the status quo. You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They invent. They imagine. They heal. They explore. They create. They inspire. They push the human race forward. Maybe they have to be crazy. How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art? Or sit in silence and hear a song that’s never been written? Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels? We make tools for these kinds of people. While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.</i><br />
</center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-88884321290837978692012-01-05T15:50:00.002-05:002012-01-05T15:50:00.060-05:00The Artist & the Audience<center>“The Artist and The Audience”<br />
By Kennan Burch<br />
<br />
The Artist has given me a ticket to His concert of life; <br />
His all-consuming music touches every part of me<br />
<br />
Everything I see, hear, touch, taste, smell, and even comprehend are all part of the music of The Artist.<br />
<br />
May I never forget that I am the audience and not the artist, <br />
that I am the receiver and not the giver!<br />
<br />
For at times I’m tempted to summon The Artist to recognize me for my song, And to woo others in the audience to hear me too,<br />
<br />
But I find the sound of my song drowns out the music of The Artist<br />
<br />
It is only when I lay down my own instrument and focus towards the stage, that I begin to hear music loud and clear,<br />
<br />
➢ Music so consistent I cannot imagine an Artist with such rhythm<br />
➢ Music so beautiful I cannot imagine an Artist with such creativity<br />
➢ Music so vast I cannot comprehend an Artist so big<br />
➢ Music so complex I cannot imagine an Artist with such intelligence<br />
➢ Music so intricate I cannot imagine an Artist with such attention to detail<br />
➢ Music so diverse I cannot imagine an Artist with such diversity<br />
➢ Music so vibrant I cannot imagine and Artist with such life<br />
➢ Music so freely given I cannot imagine an Artist with such love<br />
<br />
May I never choose to ignore the music of The Artist, or attribute it to mere happenstance, for therein would lie my greatest offense.<br />
<br />
It is written that The Artist knit me together in my mother’s womb, that he knows when I get up, and when I lie down, and that he counts the very number of hairs on my head.<br />
<br />
For an Artist so great, to invite me to His concert, and play His songs for me… I am honored, I am humbled, <br />
and His music is certainly worthy of my attention.<br />
<br />
May I not perform good works out of duty, but may I enjoy the music so much that my natural response is the applause of good works.<br />
<br />
May my life not be known for the things that I have done<br />
<br />
But for the music I hear, the praise I express, and for encouraging others to listen to the music.<br />
<br />
In so doing The Artist will be honored, I’ll enjoy the concert, and maybe you might find new meaning behind the music <br />
and join in the applause of The Artist.<br />
<br />
But the ultimate experience lies not in simply enjoying the music and applauding The Artist, it is found when I lay down my life and become an instrument in the hands of The Artist and He begins to play music through me, that is where I find meaning, purpose, and a heart that comes fully alive.<br />
<br />
May we all enjoy the music, applaud The Artist and become instruments of His music to a world in desperate need of hearing it.<br />
<a href="http://www.jointheapplause.com/"><br />
Join the Applause</a>, June 30, 2012!</center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-43732295742801806392012-01-04T11:46:00.001-05:002012-01-04T11:46:00.431-05:00On Being a Living Sacrifice...<center>Today, at the breakfast table, we read Malachi 1:6-8<br />
<blockquote><b><br />
“A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the LORD Almighty.<br />
It is you priests who show contempt for my name. But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?'By offering defiled food on my altar. “But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?“By saying that the LORD’s table is contemptible. 8 When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the LORD Almighty.</b></blockquote><br />
Besides being about the proper way to honor God, I think it also forces us to question ourselves: what type of sacrifice am I to God? Am I (in terms of my actions, my thoughts, my heart, my presentation) an acceptable sacrifice? Do I approach the altar looking like a fine sheep, but inside am really diseased inside?<br />
<br />
How often do we go to church on the heels of a fight with our spouse, clothed in anger and resentment? How often do we lose our patience with our children during the ride? There's definite more to the statement of putting on our "Sunday best" once we enter the church doors. <br />
<br />
The Bible says we are to "present ourselves as a living sacrifice"....and today's scripture reminds me to ensure I am a complete sacrifice, inside and out. God know my heart and it's condition. Do I treat my governors the same way? Do I treat my husband or my children as I do outside people? Would I raise my voice to a brother in the church or the pastor -- why then would I do it to my husband? Why do I go all out to prepare the house for company (whether it's making an extra nice meal or creating the "atmosphere") but don't go to this level on regular days with family? <br />
<br />
A false hospitality. <br />
<br />
A contemptible sacrifice. <br />
<br />
Here's a wonderful song: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxB9VH3cCN4&feature=related">Lord Prepare Me</a><br />
<i><br />
Lord, Prepare Me to be a Sanctuary<br />
Pure and Holy<br />
Tried and True<br />
With Thanksgiving<br />
I'll be a Living Sanctuary for You</i>.<br />
</center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-42699480792920363512012-01-03T01:32:00.005-05:002012-01-03T01:32:01.043-05:00How to Raise a Fool....<center>Don't remember where I read this, <br />
but thought it was very good for parents to read...<br />
<br />
<b>How to Raise a Fool:</b><br />
1. Teach your child God does not exist and therefore no moral absolutes exist. Whatever your child feels like doing is the right choice.<br />
<br />
2. Spend as little time as possible with your child.<br />
<br />
3. Raise your child to believe the chief aim in life is to please himself so give him anything he wants.<br />
<br />
4. Do not teach your child to read.<br />
<br />
5. Do not discipline your child ...in any way so as not to hurt his/her pysche. Never make your child do anything, especially work.<br />
<br />
6. Let your child get his worldview from any source other than the Bible.<br />
<br />
7. Since moral absolutes do not exist(see #1), set no standards in your home.<br />
<br />
8. Allow all influences into the life of your child--he has to learn to sink or swim.<br />
<br />
9. Show no affection or praise.<br />
<br />
10. Last, but not least, set an example by living your life only to please yourself.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGdVcDKW2Dy8FzPDa0468Miku92rhI_z62q9J3lPVW0Eap58-RY1LYpuIpVLcB9BsKOVxueyniMQDNZ_OFSivF7xamnPjfyFOWfMH_rr3WkIndpazvSe-_DXpr35aR_Ya-B2Cg50KdzM/s1600/459648867_nofools_answer_2_xlarge.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGdVcDKW2Dy8FzPDa0468Miku92rhI_z62q9J3lPVW0Eap58-RY1LYpuIpVLcB9BsKOVxueyniMQDNZ_OFSivF7xamnPjfyFOWfMH_rr3WkIndpazvSe-_DXpr35aR_Ya-B2Cg50KdzM/s320/459648867_nofools_answer_2_xlarge.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
</center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-12462886152656803652012-01-02T14:26:00.001-05:002012-01-02T14:26:00.815-05:00A sign...<center>that you need to wean off the Dr. Seuss books from the nighttime routine. <br />
I found myself saying....<br />
<i>yes, that's what I said.<br />
you were already fed.<br />
Now I must put Jed<br />
your little brother to bed.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcEs5WdHDLz0xVEOFjRFArS_VQ1avYXVdjfoo3Km-TEB4pjCvvLsF0Hg2rjowj8zIe_Q5SWA8OrsyM4sA5kJOcEYmrpdlq0sAibYP0ir1c5iySkJZdzmVIHGV27lls8GnfOUK10ApaVE/s1600/Favim.com-20318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="319" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcEs5WdHDLz0xVEOFjRFArS_VQ1avYXVdjfoo3Km-TEB4pjCvvLsF0Hg2rjowj8zIe_Q5SWA8OrsyM4sA5kJOcEYmrpdlq0sAibYP0ir1c5iySkJZdzmVIHGV27lls8GnfOUK10ApaVE/s320/Favim.com-20318.jpg" /></a></div></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-44122051025110015862012-01-01T00:55:00.007-05:002012-01-01T00:55:00.476-05:00The Dawn of a New Year...<center><br />
Happy New Year to all!<br />
Here's to new inspirations, growth and many blessings!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJn2TVipPynsaug-KyP2E2wkCMSuvM6Mln3vXAYWQ04web9EmMCCXXr8d3FUc7ueCaVPpFM0-1Katmz-_UTwvr3keTV4Tmne3ACCeeL5HmNlGiPyzihwjkS9jml7Ayul138W6ox9NfJ8/s1600/Tracks%252BIn%252BSnow%252B51813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJn2TVipPynsaug-KyP2E2wkCMSuvM6Mln3vXAYWQ04web9EmMCCXXr8d3FUc7ueCaVPpFM0-1Katmz-_UTwvr3keTV4Tmne3ACCeeL5HmNlGiPyzihwjkS9jml7Ayul138W6ox9NfJ8/s320/Tracks%252BIn%252BSnow%252B51813.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
</center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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</div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811752347277631947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333195863349885565.post-39124446903348577912011-12-31T19:19:00.005-05:002012-02-15T11:54:52.173-05:002011 Books List Recap and how to get even smarter...<center>For this year, I aimed to <a href="http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-smart-list-aka-my-book-list.html">read 25 books</a>. <br />
And so how did I do....?<br />
I read 34 books ---- I am completely proud of my self! :)<br />
<br />
1. Summer Sisters<br />
2. Life After 40<br />
3. The Pillars of the Earth<br />
4. Ahab's Wife<br />
5. The Girl with Pearl Earring<br />
6. Big Fish<br />
7. A Conversation with God<br />
8. Bringing up Boys<br />
9. The Map<br />
10. Reggie<br />
11. A Common Life<br />
12. Prisoner of Tehran<br />
13. Life of Pi<br />
14. Four Spirits<br />
15. Freakonomics<br />
16. Made from Scratch<br />
17. The Bucolic Plague<br />
18. Better Off<br />
19. Hattie Big Sky<br />
20. In this Mountain<br />
21. The Jungle Book<br />
22. Clabbered Dirt, Sweet Grass<br />
23. (The New) Dare to Discipline<br />
24. Hannah Coulter<br />
25. (The New) Strong Willed Child<br />
26. Home Economics<br />
27. Mortgage-Free<br />
28. The Prince Edward Island Book of Everything<br />
29. Eat, Pray, Love<br />
30. Bannock, Beans and Black Tea<br />
31. The Land of Painted Caves<br />
32. Ascent into Darkness<br />
33. Blue Like Jazz <br />
<br />
And that brings me to my list for 2012.<br />
This year, I'm going for 30. <br />
*cue Rocky Music, please*<br />
<br />
Granted, below you will see way more than 30 books....my list is always growing! So the goal is to read at least 30 books from the list. And it's highly likely, I would add more as the year continues. :) <br />
<br />
My mom would be proud.<br />
<br />
1. The measure of a man <br />
2. Say you're one of them <br />
3. One hundred years of solitude <br />
4. Middlesex <br />
5. Cry the beloved country <br />
6. The nature principle<br />
7. Last child in the woods<br />
8. East of eden<br />
9. Home Comforts<br />
10. I will write about this place someday<br />
11. No biking in the house without a helmet<br />
12. From good to great<br />
13. Crazy love <br />
14. Born to run<br />
15. The Quarter-Acre Farm: How I Kept the Patio, Lost the Lawn, and Fed My Family for a Year<br />
16. The Dirty Life<br />
17. A Life that says Welcome<br />
18. The Mom I Want to Be<br />
19. Sacred Marriage<br />
20. Persuasion<br />
21. The Kite Runner<br />
22. Northanger Abbey<br />
23. Practicing Hospitality<br />
24. Be Bodacious<br />
25. Mansfield Park<br />
26. The Second Jungle Book and Just so Stories<br />
27. Light from heaven<br />
28. The Unsettling of America: Culture & Agriculture <br />
29. Heaven<br />
30. One Thousand Gifts<br />
31. Sherlock in Love<br />
32. Hot Apple Cider<br />
33. Paradise Lost<br />
34. Benjamin Franklin<br />
35. Ten P's in a Pod : A Million-Mile Journal of the Arnold Pent Family <br />
36. The No-Cry Discipline Solution: Gentle Ways to Encourage Good Behavior Without Whining, Tantrums, and Tears <br />
37. Be Fruitful and Multiply <br />
38. Amish Values for Your Family: What We Can Learn from the Simple Life <br />
39. Micmac By Choice: Elsie Sark -- An Island Legend <br />
40. Five Little Peppers and How They Grew <br />
41. The Family<br />
42. Damsels in Distress: Biblical Solutions for Problems Women Face <br />
43. Two acre Eden <br />
44. Shepherding a Child's Heart <br />
45. The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical</center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
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