Amazing Creatures by an Amazing God

Today I took my camera out to see what things in nature held me in awe. Sitting on the glider at my niece's, enjoying the quiet over a cup of fresh brewed coffee, I saw three bugs that upon closer examination, struck me as being the most beautiful creatures.
I looked so closely at the beetle that was walking around the side table, and was awestruck at her beauty. Every marking on her was so perfect, so symmetrical. Her colors were so vivid.

I had never seen these insects til this year, and have no idea what they are. But there also, was a beauty that only a God could create.

What could be more perfect? What purpose could this little creature have? Where did it come from, what do they eat? I don't know, all I do know is that for some quiet moments, it's purpose was to bring me closer to a Creator who touches my life in such unusual ways. Even through a bug.

From a Dear Blog Friend!

Lola, of And Sew On, was gracious to send me this friendship award! I love her blog, she is so talented and a lovely person!

I in turn would love to pass this on to my dear blog friends, who enrich my life daily. It's too hard to choose just a few, and I don't want to leave anyone out. So to all the authors of the blogs I follow, here's to you. Take this award and put it on your site. You deserve it. Thank-you all for making my life more fun, for the countless hours of entertainment you have brought me, and the long distance friendships that have seen me through the good and bad times. I love you all, and can't picture life without any of you. You are all so dear to me, God Bless All!!

For the Love of a Bird

During the past year, we have lost several of our little animal family members. This week, my sweet little cockatiel passed on. I can't tell you how sad her passing was for Ken and I. Sassy was such a comical bird, who brought such a happy smile to every one's face. We got her several years ago, Mom's neighbor had found her in his driveway, just a baby then. I told him if he didn't find the owner, I would gladly take her, and that's how she came to live with us. The extent of Sassy's vocabulary was "Pretty Bird", and she could also crow, and whistle. Such a character, she loved to tease our border collie Bobby, who adored and protected and played with her. Sassy had not been feeling well, and would lay in the corner of the cage, as close to Bobby as she could get, his watchful eye not leaving her. I awoke Sunday morning to an empty cage. I asked Ken about her, and he told me she was upstairs in his office, he was holding her, said he didn't want her to die alone. Him and Bobby kept their vigil over her until she passed. Why do we do it? Why do we keep rescuing our little friends, knowing that one day we will lose them and experience the pain we dread? For love. To give our pets the love for the rest of their lives that they lacked in the beginning. To let them experience life in a home where they are protected, and so loved. To make sure that they are comfortable, healthy, and have a real family. From beginning, to end. I'm fortunate enough to have a husband that shares this love and compassion, not many spouses would put up with the endless menagerie of pets that have passed in and out of our doors. For that I am so grateful. Even for a little bird, dying alone was not an option for her. I so miss her cheerful voice, and Bobby is lost. But I can't say we regret having her in our hearts. Forever.

Remember the cat that wouldn't let me in my own craft room, the cat that terrified Andy to the point he hid from her? The cat from hell?
She has become the biggest wussy of any cat around! She loves to have her belly rubbed, and her and Andy are inseparable! Mitzy has turned into a beautiful, loving, affectionate big baby. I love her dearly.

Men, Boys, and Life with Mom

I suppose I could ask, what is it with men and Harbor Freight? But the question could be answered with what's with women and Hobby Lobby?
Take for instance Sunday Morning. My niece and her family are getting ready to leave for their yearly July camping trip. Last minute trip to Harbor Freight is in order for hubby Jason. With triplet boys, turns are taken to go with dad, and today it's Jordy's turn. The 7 year old is anxious and excited it's his turn for a trip to the male testosterone store, and jumps in the car. After a delightful time with Dad, they come back with their treasures, some necessary and others the perfect find. Dad and son walk into the house, greeted by Robyn, who takes a glance at her boys.
Robyn, now perplexed,inquires, "Jordan, where are your pants!?" He looks down in horror, to see that in his state of excitement with going with Dad, he forgot to finish dressing! Yes, the poor kid, went on a shopping trip with Jason, in his t-shirt and tighty whities!! In their testosterone trances, neither noticed the lack of proper attire!
It brought to mind, when after my divorce, I registered my son in baseball. Then came the trip to the sports shop to by him his jock strap and cup. Well not being of the male persuasion, I knew very little of these except for their purpose. Chad also wasn't sure what it was, and when we got in the car he tryed strapping it over his nose and mouth. I had to explain that it wasn't a face guard, his second guess being a knee guard to which he was confused there was only one. Embarrassed when he finally understood, the next step was getting him to put it on before his practices. I placed the cup into the strap, he put on his uniform, and off to play ball. This routine was repeated for a few practices, when the coach noticed Chad was having trouble running. I saw him go to the outfield to talk to my son, and then walk over to me. "Mam," he said, "do you know anything about jock straps?" I had no idea where this was going. He was embarrassed, and then so was I as he explained that Chad had been wearing his cup UPSIDE DOWN! Oh the pain! What had I done to my son!? There was silence most of the way home from the game, then Chad broke it. "Mom, I think I'll ask Grampa about these things from now on." Good idea. If only I had thought of it first! Thank God my son can have children.
Foot Note: My son has no idea I wrote this. He shouldn't care should he?

Christmas Up and Running!?!?

I can't believe what I saw. Yes, the holidays are coming, but we still have 5 months to go. We still have summer to finish, which has barely started, fall and back to school, Halloween and Thanksgiving. So am I out of touch with reality, to be upset with walking into Hobby Lobby to see that Christmas exploded in every corner of the store? Trees, wreaths and ornaments. Cards, picks, and garlands. Pottery, nic nacs and wrapping paper. Everywhere!! Artificial poinsettias, and decorations of every kind. In every corner, in every department. What has happened to us? Have we turned Christmas into a monetary opportunity all year long? Have we forgotten what it is really all about? What has happened to us that we can't celebrate the moment we are living in, enjoy the seasons as they come to us, revel in the beauty of our surroundings, without the stores shoving it's commercialized version of Christmas down our throats? It's July! Can we live in this moment please!? Celebrate today. Live Christmas every day. In our hearts and through our actions, where it belongs.

Dotee Delerium

My addiction to dotee dolls is now officially out of control! I have made 24 so far, with no signs of stopping!! Each time I think I'll take a break, another swap comes up that interests me, or my overactive brain thinks up a theme and I'm off again. These are some of the swaps I have completed, and it's getting harder each time to part with them. Help!

This is from the "L is For..." swap, which I chose lion.

This little girl was for the "Pajama Dotee" swap.
For those who were missing letters for the "Alphabet Swap", where we are going through the entire alphabet, I sent this one for "A is for Alphabet" . I also did b, c, and e, the letters by partner was missing.

This one was so fun, the girl I did "J is for..." had a birthday on the 4th of July, making her dotee easy, "J is for July 4th."

This is for the "Cowgirl Dotee" swap.

I made twins for the "Bitee Baby Dotee's".

This is Thumbelina, for the swaps I'm hosting, "Fairy Tale Dotee's". Each month or so we do a dotee from a famous fairy tale.

Now how can I resist!?