Life and a box of crayons

fun with my new bundt pan

2010-02-20T18:38:00.000-05:00

I used my Cricut, a heart stamp and my new mini bundt pan to make little cakes for Valentine's Day. I gave them to friends at church!

I love this! Blessings.

Color with love,

Valentines Day! (Some retro fun)

2010-02-10T18:01:00.004-05:00

"....and the greatest of these is love." 1 Cor 13:13
Valentine's Day, just one day set aside to celebrate love. I think it should be Valentine's Day everyday! I love the hearts, and flowers, and chocolate. Not to mention, red & and pink are my favorite colors! So, February 14th shouldn't be the only day, what if I celebrated on the 14th of every month? Hmmm, I'll think about that.
I dug out some Valentine goodies from the past. Here is one of my first "stamped" craft cards. I remember making this for my husband, giving it to him, then asking for it back! The date was 2/2002!

I made some "containers", too. I used these as gifts for teachers and friends. They were filled with candy and goodies. The box is still one of my favorites. The painted & stamped pot is still in my craft room.

If you want quick and easy, these little cards & stamped tile refrigerator magnets are a fun way to share love!

and a little "pick up" card

This one is probably my all time favorite goody bags for the boy's teachers. Just little hershey nuggets with a topper. I know this has be done over & over, but still so cute.

I found some other really cute Valentine things.

Laurie at http://www.stampingupnorthwithlaurie.blogspot.com/ has some really great Valentine designs! I also found some at HP.com and GoodHousekeeping.com.

This is what I'm working on for this year. I'll post a pic after I've finished them. I'll be giving these to my sweet friends & teachers at church. I can't wait.

Tell those in your life how much you love them. And, remember that "God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish but would have everlasting life." John 3:16

color with love,

Family night = Who Dat?

2010-02-08T07:58:00.000-05:00

Sunday is family day for us. We serve and worship the Lord together on Sunday mornings. Lunch is sometimes out, sometimes at home, but we're together most of the time. My children all work, but all told their employers when they hired, that they would need to be off on Sundays (and Wednesday nights, too). Sunday nights are laid back, our church does not have Sunday evening services. Many times, Sunday night means we have our kiddos (and others) hanging out for a sporting event on TV, or game night, movie night, or just hanging out! But, last night was just a little different for us. My husband is from Louisiana, south Louisiana, really south Louisiana. His hometown is between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. This means that it was the Who Dat nation at my house during the super bowl! My children are all AVID Saints fans, and his family keeps them supplied with Saints apparel. I was really even a little afraid to have friends over, they are serious fans, so I didn't know if they could be polite hostesses. Here they are with a half time event (not Who fans).

Brittany made cupcakes & Bryan & Michael were trying out the gel icing - Saints logo, of course!

So much fun! Family means the most to me. Father God has blessed us, and we cherish our time together.

color with love,

Comfort food day! Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

2010-02-06T16:10:00.002-05:00

This is a cold, snowy Saturday and it was just screaming something hot & yummy to eat. Chicken Pot Pie sounded great, but I wasn't sure I had the ingredients in the house, and I didn't want to go get anything. So, time to start digging - found chicken breasts, vegs, etc., but that would mean I'd have to make my own crust! That sounded a bit overwhelming, but I thought "I can do this"!
Simple pot pie ingredients:
3 large chicken breasts
1 small bag of frozen mixed vegs
1 can Healthy Request cream of chicken soup
1 stick of butter or margarine
1 onion-chopped
1 stalk of celery (I didn't have this!)
1 tsp salt

Pie crust:
3/4 cup of Crisco
2 cups of all purpose flour
4-8 T ice cold water

Put the chicken breasts in a 3 qt pot of boiling water while you start the crust. Use a pastry blender to cut crisco into flour until it is a "mealy" consistency.

Add cold water 4T at a time until the crust will ball. Separate into 2 balls. Flaten into discs and wrap in plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator to chill.
While the crust chills, and the chicken is boiling, chop onion & celery. When chicken is done, drain & put aside to cool. Use the same pot to mix the filling. Put butter or margarine in the pot, when melted, add onions & celery. Then add cream of chicken soup. When all is blended and heated through, add chopped chicken breasts.

Take pie crusts out and roll each one into 9" round. Spray 9" glass pie dish and add 1st crust. Add pot pie filling. Top with second crust.
Bake @ 375 degrees for 30-45 minutes.

So yummy on this cold, snowy day! Enjoy!

color with love,
joyce

Crochet?

2010-02-04T08:33:00.001-05:00

Valentine's Day is coming and I saw these great little crocheted hearts at twocrazycrafters. I loved them and was inspired to try something I hadn't done in years. A trip to Hobby Lobby for yarn and a hook, then to get to work.

I used this pattern:

Directions:

Row 1 - ch 12, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 4 sts, 3 hdc in next st, hdc in next 4 sts, 3 hdc in last st, work around the backside of the chain, hdc in next 4 sts, sk next st, hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in last st, join to top of ch 1 that was the ch skipped in the very beginning.

Row 2 - ch 2, hdc in next 6 sts, 3 hdc in next st, hdc in next 6 sts, (2hdc in next st ) 3 times, hdc in next 3 sts, sk a st, hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in each of the last 2 sts, join with a sl st to top of ch 2

Row 3 - ch 2, hdc in next 7 sts, 3 hdc in next st, , hdc in next 8 sts, ( 2 hdc in next st) 4 times, hdc in next 3 sts, sc in next st, sk a st, sc in next st, hdc in next 3 sts, ( 2 hdc in next st) 3 times, join with a sl st to top of ch 2

Row 4- ch 2, hdc in next 8 sts, 3 hdc in next st, , hdc in next 10 sts, ( 2 hdc in next st) 5 times, hdc in next 3 sts, sc in next st, sl st in next st, sk a st, sl st in next st, sc in next st, hdc in next 4 sst, ( 2 hdc in next st) 4 times, join with a sl st to top of ch 2. Fasten off.
(I added an extra "round"with pink yarn before the fasten off.)

Ta da!!

It took me over an hour, and every stitch is not exactly right, but I am thrilled with my crocheted heart!

color with love,

Hooray! The Fed Ex truck was here!

2010-01-29T13:39:00.001-05:00

It was only a couple of weeks, but it seemed much longer! I've been watching the beckyhiggins.com site for the announcement that the new Project Life kits were available. What is it? A VERY simple way to scrapbook, with all the cutting, planning, etc., done for you. The kit is designed to hold pictures that are taken daily. I know, that sounds overwhelming, and I know I won't do that. But, the layout is your own, it can be used for daily, weekly or monthly pictures or a combination of both.

And, look at all the fun stuff inside. The album is large and the color is more beautiful in person. The small boxes are full of fun little cards for journaling. You also get a pack of 12x12 paper if you want to add more stuff. You could add more embelishments, too. But, that sorta defeats the purpose, huh? There's even a little date stamper! (I love little things!)

The page protectors are made of a high quality, photo safe, plastic. They are divided for pictures and cards. Everything fits in it's spot, perfectly. I left a few empty so you can see how easy it would be to change things around or add more cards/less cards, more pictures or not. Fun!

This has to be the easiest way to scrapbook ever!

What a perfect way to document your life, your faith and tell your story. I think I'm going to use mine to remind me to be thankful for the blessings and be thankful in the trials.

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thess. 5:18).

I may find out what my life focus is, or what I spend the most time doing, who I spend the most time with, or where I am most of the time! I don't think I can keep up daily, in fact, I've already missed some days this month, but I'll do what I can and see what happens!

color with love,

joyce

fabulous give away.....

2010-01-26T21:36:00.000-05:00

Looking for a new piece of bling? My precious friend, Traci is having a give away!! Go visit Traci at Beneathmyheart.blogspot.com. Comment on Traci's blog to register to win a beautiful piece of jewelry from queenbeedesignsbyamanda.blogspot.com! Go be blessed by Traci's talent and her love for our Father. While you're there, look around at all the inspiring and wonderful "Traci projects" and posts! She is one of the most talented people I've ever known, and there's so much fun goin' on at her place!
color with love,
joyce

"Crayon Cakes"

2010-01-26T20:48:00.001-05:00

When I saw these cute "cakes" on the internet one day, of course I had to try them!! I made some tonight and thought I'd share the recipe with you.

2 large eggs
3/4 C water
3T vegetable oil
1 17oz box of cinnamon swirl quick bread
1/2 C M&M candies

Preheat oven to 375. Whisk together eggs, water & oil. Stir in bread mix and spice mixes until blended.
Divide batter into muffin pans, and put 1 T M&M's on each muffin. Stir through batter and bake 20-25 minutes.
Enjoy!

color (and bake) with love,
joyce

starting the new year!

2010-01-15T13:55:00.002-05:00

I am so happy to have had time to work in my craft room! It feels so much better when you walk in and everything is where it's supposed to be. I am so blessed to have all of the fun things you see in my room. This room has been years in the making. My husband is the best at building and supplying a craft room, take a look........

This is a great and wonderful space. I cherish my time here!

color with love,

joyce

2009.....a wonderful year of blessings!

2010-01-10T20:11:00.000-05:00

So many wonderful and fun things in 2009, I'll share some of them.....
January snow & ice, so beautiful!

Valentine's Day

Brittany's here! 3/09

Brit's first trip to Keeneland! 4-09

Brit's Bday =)

Bryan Jr. is 18!

Vacation July '09

Michael's 16th birthday! Nana & Grandaddy gave him a car!

My boys going to work....

Bittany's first trip to an apple orchard. 10/09

Christmas 2009

Fun day at the office!

2010-01-06T09:28:00.000-05:00

I am encouraged as we move into the new year, lots of things going on. Today, it's very cold outside, and snow flakes are blowing around in preparation for the big "storm", hahaha. I'm enjoying my time at work today, it's quiet and I'm focusing on new things, and moving foward.

Today I'll work on some administrative things, and a really fun bulletin board for the preschool suite. Maybe I'll post a pic when I'm finished.

That's it for now.

color your life with love,
joyce

Christmas '09

2009-12-27T20:26:00.000-05:00

This has been a wonderful Christmas season! We had some of the same traditions and some new ones. All of them wonderful and fun! I tell myself all the time "life is short, make the most of it!".

We always put our tree up Thanksgiving weekend. Our tree is a traditional mix of all kinds of things. Lots of multi colored lights and old and new ornaments. Each year the kiddos pick a new ornament, one they will take with them when they have their own tree someday. We have old ornaments, even one I made when I was in the second grade, new ornaments that catch our eye, and gift ornaments from friends & family. My tree skirt is a hand made felt skirt, with hand stitched felt shapes & lots of sequins. My great aunt made it for my Mom. I was blesssed with this treasure when my Mom passed away. She also made us each a stocking when we were born, and one for our beloved when we married. For some reason when the boys were born, I decided to break from tradition and use a "kit" for their stockings - what was I thinking? This year I would be blessed with the opportunity to add one more. Brittany would be with us on Christmas morning this year! I finished her stocking in the wee hours on

December 23rd and cherished each minute I spent beading and stitching her

stocking, just as I did with Bryan & Michael's.

Another tradition we have came from my mom, she always made homemade waffles on Christmas morning. Not the mix kind, but the kind from beaten egg whites and baking powder! I tried to sneak in the mix, didn't work! We have a relaxed afternoon meal with Honey Baked Ham for sandwiches, chips & simples sides. This allows me to enjoy the day with my family, I like that.

For the first time, we went to the movies on Christmas night! We went to

see Sherlock Holmes with friends, and had a wonderful time! I worked at the cinemas when I was in school, but I had forgotten how busy it is on holidays.

Everything is packed away, ready for next year. Now, I'm thinking about things to do and make for Valentine's Day!

color with love,

joyce

The Eve of Christmas Eve

2009-12-23T16:39:00.000-05:00

It's been a while. I'll tell you why....I've been trying to work on the look a bit before the big blog reveal. Still so tech challenged that it's still not done, ughhhhh.

What a crazy day! I started at Dick's Sporting Goods, picked up a couple of little things. Then on to Gordman's - they didn't have what I went for. Then....on to Walmart, just for stocking stuffers! Called to check on Daddy & Nana, oh no.....Nana still can't get her email, so off to Palomar. I updated her computer several weeks ago, which changed the look of her AOL, she has not been able to get her email since that time. Bless her heart, I helped her find it again. I drew her a little picture this time, I didn't really want have the updated version, I knew it would confuse her. But, all is well now, I think.

Grant & Bryan are chillin', Jenny is downstairs with Brit, and I'm going to pick up Michael from Wills. Another fun day with my crazy bunch, love it!

color with love,
joyce

friendship.......

2009-11-18T06:56:00.000-05:00

What it means.... Wikipedia defines it as the cooperative and supportive relationship between two or more people. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, affection, and respect along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis. Friends will welcome each other's company and exhibit loyalty towards each other, often to the point of altruism. Their tastes will usually be similar and may converge, and they will share enjoyable activities. They will also engage in mutually helping behavior, such as the exchange of advice and the sharing of hardship. A friend is someone who may often demonstrate reciprocating and reflective behaviors. Yet for some, the practical execution of friendship is little more than the trust that someone will not harm them.
Value that is found in friendships is often the result of a friend demonstrating the following on a consistent basis:
the tendency to desire what is best for the other
sympathy and empathy
honesty, perhaps in situations where it may be difficult for others to speak the truth, especially in terms of pointing out the perceived faults of one's counterpart
mutual understanding

It's good to meditate on what it takes to be a friend. Much time should be spent treasuring the friends we have.

color with love,
joyce

All my children!

2009-11-12T19:46:00.000-05:00

The kids are all working and in school and busy, busy, busy! This day was no different. The boys got up, headed out for school - reminding me on the way out to be there at 11:00. Brittany was up, and getting ready for work when I left. I went to work for a little while, then made sure to have Bryan (Sr) and be at TC by 11. One of my "other" children had a very special event going on at school this morning. Grant was signing his letter of intent today! Yay - he's officially a Wildcat! His proud parents looked on as he accepted the offer to play tennis at the University of Kentucky. What a blessing! About 100 passes to attend this special event were handed out to students so they could come join Grant for this big day. We joined Grant, his parents, my boys and 7 other friends went to lunch to celebrate. His TC coach joined us, too.

Michael drove me to deliver a meal to two families from church tonight. He is doing great, he hasn't driven as much at night, so this was a good opporunity to work on that. After that, he talked me into letting him go to a movie with Grant & Todd tonight, fun!

Bryan should be home soon, he had to work tonight. He spent most of the afternoon playing basketball with his friends. Most of them had checked out of school early to go to lunch with Grant, so there was quite a crowd here. They are such a great group of kids, we are blessed.

Brittany is at work tonight, too. She has a very long day today, she worked from 10-2 at Hobby Lobby, then 4-close at Outback. She is very good at both jobs, I know they are pleased to have her.

I love all my children so much!
color with love,
joyce

Way to go, Brit!

2009-11-09T21:04:00.000-05:00

Well, Brittany will totally be in her element.....she got a part time job at Hobby Lobby!! She is a very gifted, artsy kinda girl, and I hope this will be fun for her. I can see her teaching classes on scrapbooking, card making, painting, etc., all things she is VERY good at! I hope she'll get a discount on her favorite goodies, too. Oh, did I mention that she has great cupcake skills, too? I'm not sure, but I may be a bit jealous, I LOVE Hobby Lobby! She will be a busy girl, she is going to keep her job at Outback, too!
keep coloring with love,
Joyce

very productive day!

2009-11-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

Everyday has a huge "to do" list, sometimes it happens, sometimes not. Today was a 'it happened' day. I was able to get some cleaning done very early, get chicken in the crock-pot, do some laundry, and finish 3 power point presentations for my KBC class next week. I even scooped out some cookie dough (Brittany chose peanut butter) and baked them. Brittany will be surprised when she gets home from work.

I love sunny days, I'm much more motivated and energetic! I opened the windows, and the wind blew over the just mopped floors - the tile was dried very quickly. The laundry didn't even seem so daunting today.

Tomorrow is Sunday, a day of worship and rest. I'm looking forward to both. Praying God's blessings for you.
color with love,
joyce