Wednesday And All The Possibilities....

Hello There my Dear Friends! I know there are some of you out there lurking! Why don't you come on in and have a chat? Its cold and snowy outside and the tea is just about ready! I would love to have a visit with some friends!

I can't believe that I haven't written a post since before Thanksgiving! I honestly meant to but the weekend was so wonderfully busy with family, friends, food and fun that I didn't have the time. I didn't even do my homework or open my laptop for any reason! While it felt good to do that,  I am definitely paying the price now! I didn't get my homework done for class last night. Whoops!! I am so ready for this semester to be over. Statistics has been the most difficult class yet! I am getting a "B" right now, but we started a new topic that I just don't understand yet! I am hoping to catch up tonight or over the next few days...

I have so many pictures to post from the last few days! Thanksgiving with family, Twinkle Parades, Cookies and Cocoa while watching Charlie Brown....It really was a wonderful weekend! Just wait til you see!

Well, the weather turning colder finally. We have had a beautiful fall this year, with temps even up in the 50s this last weekend. All that changed yesterday with the temps dropping and the rain starting. Today we had our first visible snow, meaning the snow actually stuck to the grass so you could see it! ;-)

With this colder weather, it really turns my thoughts to all sorts of possibilities! I am a dreamer, so I find my mind drifting off to places I haven't been and things I haven't seen. I think of people I'd like to meet and adventures I would like to take. While my pocketbook says I will be staying home, my mind is ready to go!

I also find that at this time of year, my thoughts turn to all the things I would like to do and all the possibilities there. I long for my quilting, my reading, my writing, my decorating, next years garden and I make plans and dream and hope and pray. Someday my outside life will reflect that which lives inside my head!

Well, thanks so much for the chat! Stop back soon to see the new pictures from Thanksgiving weekend! I would love to see you again! :)

Who I am Praying For:
My son as he grows into a young man
My daughter as she looks ahead to middle school
My boyfriend as he faces the challenges in his life
My family as we work through another holiday season without my Mother
Our military members and their families
My friends that they find joy and happiness!

What I am Thankful For:
The recovery of a friend who was hospitalized far from home and returned to his family this week!
New Journals
The feelings of satisfaction as I finish my first knitting project!
The hand drawn pictures from my daughter that adorn my cubicle walls at work
The long heartfelt conversation with my son about serious topics
Health
A warm and cozy house!

Giveaway #1: Marie Madeline $50 gift certificate!

Giveaway #1: Marie Madeline $50 gift certificate!

This a great Giveaway at a wonderful site for fabric and apparel! Such cute colors!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello my dear friends! I am just popping on to say a very heart felt Happy Thanksgiving! I will not have a chance to get on tomorrow, so I wanted to make sure you all know how thankful I am for YOU!

My kiddos and I will be going to visit my Aunt and Uncle about 30 miles from our house, so no major traveling for us, but a busy day nonetheless! I send out a prayer to all those who ARE traveling. The weather in my neck of the woods isn't the greatest today and its supposed to get worse tonight with freezing rain, sleet  and snow. On this the eve of Thanksgiving, I would like to share what I am thankful for.

- The fact that God loves us so much, he sent his only son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins!
- My beautiful children whom I adore with my entire heart!

- My loving, incredible boyfriend, who also happens to be my best friend! (How did I get so lucky?)

- My spectacular brothers, without whom I would have spent many a time stranded on the side of the road
- My beautiful sister-in-law who has always been there for me for almost as long as I can remember
- My supportive father who I  know is proud of me even if he doesn't say it!
- Each and every one of my nieces and nephews. Each one of you holds a piece of my heart!
- My friends. They are always there when I need them, any time, day or night. Some of them for over a quarter of a century!
- My warm, cozy home. I may complain that it is too small and cramped, but it is filled with warmth, love and laughter.
- My job. I love the company I work for!!!!

- My health. Since I quit smoking, my kids and I have not been sick as often! Yaaa Hoo!!
- My kitties. When my kids are at their dads and my Honey has Drill, they do everything they can to keep me company. They talk to me, they snuggle with me, they make me laugh and they love me.

 

-Living in a small rural community where my family has deep roots! Five generations of deep roots!

Thank you for letting me share what I am thankful for! It isn't until we look at our blessings that we see how wonderful our life truly is!

Safe journeys and Happy Thanksgiving my friends! God Bless you all!
Love Sheila

What/Who I am Praying For:
Everyone that is traveling over the holiday weekend
My children, boyfriend, and family
Our government as they face the tumultuous times ahead
My friends mother battling cancer
My friends brother recovering in a hospital so far from home
Our soldiers away from home, fighting for our freedoms
The families that await their return

Some of my Favorite Things

I know I haven't been posting much lately my dear friends. The end of the semester is approaching for me which means my workload has increased, along with preparing for the Holidays and my children's schedules. So tonight I thought I would take a few minutes and post a few of my favorite things (besides my children and boyfriend....

Baking, especially when it is done with family!

Fall is my favorite season!

Books! Reading! See my newest stack?

My kitties!! This is Sassy, but I have Jinx too!

My latest passion....Knitting!

And of course my quilting!

Canoeing!

And Faeries! This is Twig at the Minnesota Renaissance Fair in August 2010!

So, there you have it! These are a few of my favorite things, aside from my children, my boyfriend and my family! :) What are some of YOUR favorite things?

Thank you doesn't say enough......

As the proud girlfriend of a Soldier, daughter of a vet and with many uncles, cousins and friends who serve, I want to say THANK YOU to all the service members and veterans who serve our glorious country! May God Bless each and every one of you.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them" - John F. Kennedy

Wishes and Dreams.

Hello Dear Friends, I am feeling a bit melancholy and nostalgic today. There are just days when I look at my life and inspect it thoroughly. I look at all the pieces of it and wonder if they are where they are supposed to be, if there are any missing, or if I have too many! With all I have going on in my life, I can honestly say that my life is not what I wanted it to be, nor is it where I expected it to be.

When I was growing up, all I ever wanted to do was to get married, be a Mama and live happily ever after. I wanted tons of kids (six or more) and I wanted to stay at home with them and care for them. Laura Ingalls Wilder was my hero and my idol and I wanted to live just like she did. I played house in the yard or in the play shed, sewing curtains and things for my "house". I borrowed my mothers dishes and silverware to "can" and "put up" food for the winter. I gardened and took care of my baby dolls and I loved every minute of it!  How far from that dream my life is today.

Today I am a single parent, raising my 2 beautiful children on my own. I work a full time job and go to school part time so that I can better my circumstance and that of my children. All the while I can't help but feel that I a putting myself farther in debt for something that really doesn't mean a whole lot to me when held up against my "Dream". I wonder if my children appreciate what I am doing or ever will. I wonder what impact it is having or will have on their lives. Is this the right decision?  It doesn't further me in my walk with the Lord, it doesn't help me to spend time with my children while they are still young. It keeps me from that which I love to do, my quilting, knitting, writing, reading, homemaking, etc. Yet I don't want to face the loan payments yet and I don't want to quit in the middle of what I started.

I also fear that if I follow my dream, it will be too late in coming for any qualitative good in my children's lives. At 15 and 9, they have been molded and shaped by the circumstances of their lives. They are the children of divorce. They suffer daily with the pain of having parents that not only live apart, but live in separate states. They hurt and I can't help them, which makes me hurt. They have resentment and anger and I can't help that either. Their father is a born and bred "city boy". He sees no benefit to living out in the country, so far from civilization and the modern convenience. He plays inappropriate music around them, lets them watch inappropriate movies and has exposed them to a way of life that is in direct contrast to that which I wanted to teach them. He has let the genie out of the bottle in regards to modern society and there is no putting it back.

I long for the quiet simple life. The life of gardening, homemaking, and caring for my loves. My heart aches that I cannot live that life. I trust the Lord and I will follow where he leads, but I dream of someday having that time, that place, that life. A house in the country where I can have my gardens, some animals, peace and quiet and love....I love to go over to Rosie's blog and wander through. Check it out....Rosie's Ramblings She lives my dream and I hope and pray that someday, my life will resemble hers....Until then I pray that the Lord hears my cry and helps me to find the path I am to follow.

A Day in the Life....

Hi there, it's so nice to see you! :) I am taking some time tonight for me. I was supposed to have class but we are only reviewing for a test that is next Thurs. We will be reviewing on Tues. night as well, so I decided to take a night off. My kids loved it and I got a LOT done! It was a night well deserved as I am finding this semester much tougher than I ever expected it to be. I posted earlier, so not a lot to say tonight, but I thought I would share a few pictures of the evening....

Who/What I am Praying For....
My friend struggling with depression
My kids
My bestie and her new relationship
Me, as I remember my mom...

What I am Thankful For...
My kitties
Beautiful weather in early November in Wisconsin
Receiving a phone call you have been waiting for

The Mean Mother.....

So in my earlier post, I mentioned a poem called The Mean Mother. I love this poem and honestly believe in it!

The Mean Mother...
A mean mother never allows candy or sweets to take the place of a well-balanced meal.
A mean mother insists on knowing where her children are at all times, who their friends are and what they are doing.
A mean mother actually has the nerve to break the child labor law by making her children work ~ washing dishes, making beds, learning to cook ~ all sorts of cruel and unpleasant chores.
a mean mother makes life miserable for her offspring by insiting they always tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
While her children's friends are dating at the "mature" age of 14, the mean mother makes her children wait until age 16...
A mean mother produces teenagers who are wiser and stand a little straighter and taller....and she is secretly tickled to piecs when her children call her mean~
What the world needs now are more "mean" mothers and fathers.
~L. Voskuil Dutter

Sheila's Simple Woman Daybook....

For Today: Thursday 11/4/10

Outside My Window: The parking lot at work and the highway going by. Wishing I could be on that road, headed home to my children....soon, very soon....

I am Thinking: That the day has come with mixed emotions, sad, happy, excitement, worry, anticipation and love

I am Thankful For: My children, wonderful friends and heat!

I am Praying For: A dear friend as they fight their demons, my children in their life journey and my father for continued healing.

I am Wearing: Blue jeans, long sleeved white t-shirt with a mustard colored zip up hoodie and my brown Doc Martins

I am Creating: A beautiful cream colored scarf as I learn to knit and a wonderous bug emblazoned baby quilt!

I am Going: Straight home after work for the first time in weeks!

I am Hoping: That things get back to normal very soon!

I am Hearing: Room for Two sing "Roots before Branches" and the heater

I am Remembering: My Mother, today would have been my parents 49th Wedding Anniversary. I miss you Mama!

I am Learning: That I can't fix everything.

From My Kitchen: BBQ Ribs in the crockpot, mashed potatoes and veggies for dinner

On my mind: Lots of worry today. My dear friend with Depression has taken a turn for the worse. I pray without ceasing....

Words to Ponder: "Keep alert, stand firm in  your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.:" I Corinthians 16:13-14

One of my Favorite Things: A set of brand new pens in beautiful colors, pink, aqua, purple, green to use in a new journal!

Plans for the next few days: Tonight, make Apple Tartlets and go through all of Baby Girl's clothes to determine what fits, what doesn't, what she needs and what we can donate. Tomorrow, take the kids to their dad and then celebrate Paul and I's 5 year anniversary! The weekend is wide open and kid free, just him and I!

A Picture to Share:

My mom on the left and my Aunt on the right. I miss you Mom!! Thinking of you today!

Week In Reveiw

Hello! Welcome! It's so good to see you again! I hope that you are finding God's blessings on you and yours! It's been a wonderful week and weekend here in Wisconsin. The weather has straightened out and we are back to having our beautiful fall weather. It was rainy earlier in the week, but the last few days have just been gorgeous! I can't believe that tomorrow is the first of November. 

I have been so blessed in my life and I am feeling especially so this week. I just feel that God is really working in my life right now and that He is really having a hand in all that is in me and my life! What an amazing feeling! I wish that everyone felt this close, this cherished by God! As you will see in the rest of my post, it has been a really busy week at our house and it could have been incredibly stressful, but by God's grace, it was one of the best weeks I have had in a long time! 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

I really want to recap this week for you! It really has been so very busy, but so very blessed. On Monday, my son and niece (who is more like a daughter) had their Marching Band Review Concert. This is the concert where the Marching Band plays all of the songs that they performed during the football half time shows all fall. It is a fun concert to watch as all the special clubs (color guard, poms and twirlers) perform as well. 

On Weds, Hailey and I went over to my brother and sister-in-law's house to carve pumpkins. It was the first time in months that I have been able to just sit down and visit and enjoy time with my family. We have always been so close, with my sister-in-law more of a sister than someone just married to my brother. I have so missed our time with them. Their kids, Jeff and Becca are more children to me than nephew and niece and my kids feel like they are more siblings than cousins. It is such a blessing to know that they care for each other so! I believe that this night was the turning point for my emotional upheaval. It was the night that made me sit back and take stock of my life. I realized that I need to have that time with my family in order to feel complete, to feel centered and grounded. I need it in order to feel like all is right in my life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course I had class on Tues. night and Thurs. night and Friday night and all day Sat. but boy was Sunday a complete blessing! We got up and went to church where we packed boxes for Operation Christmas Child during Sunday School and the sermon that Pastor gave hit me right in the heart! It was like he was speaking directly to me! Then it was home for a relaxing afternoon, making homemade beef stoup and rolls for dinner and then off to trick or treat with friends! :)

Well, thank you for spending a few minutes in my little corner of the world. I pray God's blessings on you all!

Who I am Praying For:
Nicholas, for his continued recovery
Nicholas' parents and sisters for strength and comfort during Nicholas' recovery
Paul, for his healing
Paul's children in their needs and growth
My children
My Father and his continued healing and recovery

What I am Thankful For:
God's touch in my life
Renewed Relationships
Children
Friends and Fellowship

So many smiles....

Hi there! Welcome to my little place on the internet. I can't help smiling today! I think that most of the world is smiling today! I am thoroughly enthralled by watching the images of the Chilean miners come to the surface after being trapped for so many long days, weeks and months. The smiles, the laughter, the cheering are all doing wonders to raise my spirits. To see the country of Chile and actually, the entire World come together to save these 33 courageous men brings a song of thankfulness to my heart!

I am at work, but can't help checking out Chilean Miners and following the coverage of the miners surfacing and the reunions with their loved ones. If ever you wonder whether God answers prayers, watch the video.

Praise be...


Today I am thankful for:
The successful rescue of the miners in Chile
The hard working rescuers and the companies and people involved
For the ability to smile
For hope

Today I pray for:
The miners and their families
The rescuers as they bring the men to the surface
Safety for all involved
My loved one struggling with depression
My children
My father

Weekend Memories...

Hi there! Have you ever had such a great weekend that Monday morning was a complete shock to the system? WOW! I really didn't want this last weekend to end! While there were moments of it that were less than stellar, like a sick boyfriend and a funeral, for the most part, it was fantastic!


Paul (my honey) lives 2 hours south of me and my kids' dad (Chris) lives 3 hours north of me. While not the most ideal situation, we do manage the best we can. With the kids busy in school, it makes for some interesting scheduling! This weekend Matt had to play a half time show for the football game on Friday night and because it was the biggest rivalry in the conference, requested to stay for the rest of the game. His dad understood and we made arrangements to take the kids to him on Sat. morning. Normally we meet half way, but my Uncle's funeral was near his house, we just drove them up to him. Hopefully he can repay the favor some day! Not holding my breath, but one can hope right? Paul was sick on Friday night so got up at 4:30 Sat. morning and drove the 2 hours to my house to get into my vehicle to drive the 3 hours up to Minneapolis!

We dropped the kids off with my ex (Chris) and checked into the motel. After a bite to eat, we went on to the funeral. It was lovely to see so many relatives that I don't get to see often, even if for a sad occasion. Uncle Harold was 90 years old and had suffered through several bouts of cancer, the latest being Prostrate Cancer. He was in a lot of pain and missed his beloved wife terribly. She passed nearly 2 years ago.

Well, after the funeral, Paul and I went to the Mall of America! I haven't been there in over six years and was excited to go back! We stayed til late and ate dinner at Ruby Tuesdays! Yummy!! Steak, potatoes and tiramasu!! Mmmmm...my favorite! :)

I think I have to have the most indulgent boyfriend in the entire world! Sunday he took me to JoAnn Fabrics and walked with me while I searched every aisle for just the right item! I stocked up on paper maiche christmas ornaments for Hailey's gifts and some Christmas fabric. Then I found the photo boxes on sale 2 for $5! Of course I had to have them, along with some scrapbook items for the kids' books!

Then it was off to lunch with my awesome friend Tracie! I haven't seen her in 6 years and it was as if not a day had passed! We cried when we saw each other and we cried when we had to leave! I miss her so much! She was one of the few friends I had when I lived in the Twin Cities and was there for me through one of the worst times in my life!

After lunch, Paul and I snuck over to the quilt shop! One of my favorite places in the world (along with the bookstore)! I had a hard time deciding on something, so I bought several somethings and 2 hours and $100 lighter in the pocketbook I was finally done. I am so excited to get home from work tonight and dust off my sewing machine! It has been screaming my name for some time and tonight I finally get to succumb to the passion that comes with my quilting! For me, it is therapy! Listening to the whir of the machine soothes me. Standing there mindlessly pressing blocks is better than any drug! I can't wait!! And I just found out my bestie, Lori may be coming to join us! 

I will post pictures as soon as I have them! :) Until later.......

What I am Thankful For:
Visiting with Family I don't see often
Seeing a friend after a very long absence
Browsing (and buying) in a quilt shop
An indulgent Boyfriend
Spectacular kids!
My job
Warm temperatures in October! (Nearly 80 in Wisconsin on 11 Oct? Unheard of!)
Walking with friends
Goals

Who I am Praying for:
My friend with depression (though they seem to be doing better the last few days)
My friend with the  twisted intestine
My friend who's mom has cancer
My cousin as she sorts out her life and gets back on the right track
My dad
My kids of course, always, every day, several times a day

Depression....

 
Hi There....Welcome.....I hope things in your world are bright and sunshiny! I wish that for everyone, however, I know that there are people out there who don't have a sunshiny world. Those who suffer from depression feel that their world is a deep pit of despair with no way out. I know this because one of the people I hold dearest in the entire world suffers from depression and right now is in one of the deepest, darkest bottomless pits I have ever seen them descend into.

I want to reach out to them and tell them that all will be well, and I have, many time! To them however, they just can't see how it can be. Everything is so overwhelming that they cannot get out of bed. For them there is no light at the end of the tunnel. I suggested medication and that route is being explored, however it takes quite some time before the medicine will take effect, and then there are side effects and dosing issues. In the meantime, the darkness continues to spread throughout their life, contacting and in many cases, swallowing everything in its path.

I see rifts in our relationship because of this illness and I don't want them to be there. I want to shake this person and tell them to snap out of it, even though I know that they cannot. I want to cry, to scream, to beg this disease to go away. I pray and pray and pray for them. I miss my friend deeply and so want them to come back to being the person that I adore.

I know that they want it too and are trying their best to over come and return to the land of the living. It is so hard to just sit by while they go through this. How can I best help my friend? Where do I start?


What I am Thankful for Today:
Sunshine
Friends
God
Prayer

Who I am Praying for Today
My friend suffering from depression
My friend and his family who received the cancer diagnosis
My children, and their continued health and growth and wisdom.
My Dad as he faces his brother's funeral
Safe Travels for all of us this weekend as we go to Minneapolis for the funeral.

My Craft Table....

Hi There!! I am so glad to see you! A visit with friends always brightens my day! Grab a cup of tea and sit down for a visit! :)

So I am sitting here at work, drifting through several blogs, looking at several crafts that my friends and fellow bloggers have on their craft tables and in their sewing baskets and I long for the day when I can get back to my crafts. My quilting fabric is calling my name and my sewing machine nearly jumps out at me when I walk by, begging me to come and sit awhile and listen to the theraputic whir as I stitch together the blocks of a quilt, watching it come to life under my fingertips. I have been browsing the quilting magazines piling up on my dresser of fabric and contemplating a purge so I know exactly what I have in my stash!

My life is so hectic right now that some things have to give. Unfortunately for me, that is my crafting and quilting. I really do miss it and need to find a way to get back to it. It is my stress reliever and my therapy! A day at the quilt shop with my bestie is far cheaper and better therapy than any doctor or drug can be! I also know that now is the time to pass the skills I have on to my daughter. She is 9 and has inherited her great-grandmother's sewing machine. She begs to use it and to learn to sew. Now is the time I need to teach her. Not only that but wonderful bonding occurs at the crafting table!

Lord help me to find the time to pass these wonderful past-times on to her and let me find the time to get back to myself!

What therapy do you turn to when life starts to get to busy and threatens to overwhelm you? 

What I am Grateful for Today:
My awesome adorable kids!
Sunshine
Fabric and Quilt Shops
Family ties
That I have a job

Who/What I am Praying for today:
My dear friend and his family as they deal with his mother's diagnosis of cancer
That the speed bumps of a relationship can be worked through
That I make more time for me (through crafting/quilting/reading/whatever....)
Help working toward my dreams
My family and friends

Wishes, Dreams and a Good Bye....

Hi There....Welcome back! I'm sorry it has been such a long time since I have been here! I can't believe how crazy my life is. I have been in school for the past three years trying to finish my Bachelor's Degree and this semester I have one of the toughest classes I've ever had, Statistics. Instead of enjoying the fall days, baking apple crisp or jumping in leaf piles with my kids, I have to be inside nearly every moment, studying and doing homework. Fall is my favorite time of year and this year I feel like I am completely missing it!

I am not complaining though, once I have this class done, I will graduate with my Associate's Degree. And if I can keep my grade up in this class, I will graduate with honors! How exciting! I will weather this storm to reap the benefits later! :) One step closer to my dream....

As usual in the fall, my thoughts turn to those of living simply and harvesting the fruits of labor to use for the winter. I think of canned apple pie filling that will turn into warm, delicious apple pies in January. I think of the warm quilts that I am working on that will keep us warm through the cold Wisconsin, winter nights. I think of evenings of cocoa and laughter after a long day of sledding and snowball fights! I think of the days spent making cookies and treats to share with family and friends! I love these thoughts and treasure them dearly, waiting for the day that I can live the life that I have been dreaming of for so long.

You see, my dream, the one that I hold dearest, closest to my heart is to have a hobby farm, here, near my family. I want to look out my window and see the rolling hills with the leaves changing colors. I want to see pastures full of cows, horses, even sheep. I want to have a quilt studio for my sewing and a photography studio for my other hobby. And I want to have cabins for recovering veterans, home from war. A big farm house, with a large porch surrounding it with swings and rocking chairs where you can sit and look out on forever. Yummy smells coming from the kitchen, floating over you as you wander the paths of the garden. I am going to school for psychology to be able to help the vets, but I believe that fresh air, sunshine and a place to relax is a wonderful place to begin the recovery. And we all know that animals can be hugely instrumental in recovery as well.  This is my dream and I try hard every single day to take one, two or more steps toward achieving this goal.

One more note to today's post...a good bye.....My Uncle Harold passed away yesterday morning. He was 90 years old and finally gave in to the cancer that tormented him. He is now dancing with the Lord, with his arms around his loving wife. His parents and siblings and many other beloved family members met him at the gate.....Rest in Peace Uncle Harold, you will be missed.....

What I am  Thankful for Today....
My health
My beloved children
My wonderful loving boyfriend
Having a dream
A beautiful fall day
Sunshine
God's love

Today's Prayers....
My  Uncle and my family as we lay him to rest
My children
Safe travels this weekend
Paul's continued healing
The McKensey family and all that they do
My dad as he faces his heart surgery
For a heart of servitude and forgiveness