The Vintage Moth...check it out all kinds of free images!

http://www.thevintagemoth.blogspot.com/

Please take the time to watch this!

this is really neat and found it today while on another blog...it is amazing what one person did! hugs, cheryl

My Birthday pictures...48 years old...my family and my parents!

Friendships comes in many measures. Fill your largest cup with kindness, trust and honesty.

Life and just more challenges but cannot give up!

I have made it through my cervical fusion of two levels and finally it will be a month today and everyday is so much better...I waited almost 8 years to do this and when I could no longer use my arms it was time...my left arm came back great....to bad I am not left handed! I was sent to the Orthopedic Surgeon this week at Rush and once again another challenge! He feels it is my rotator cuff that is causing me not to be able to move or use my arm hardly...I spent the day crying on the way home and had to handle another trial...only to be thrown into a bigger one last night! I came home and my husband who is disabled laid down and told me he had to tell me something...at times you just never know what Kerry is going to say as he has front brain damage from medical negligence and chronic pain...life has been needless to say a difficult 10 years but I was not ready for this one..he has had problems for a few months and he doesn't always tell me until it is really bad and he has been to the ER twice now and to his urologist several times...my dad took him on Wed. while I went to Chicago...they had called in the morning to cancel a CT scan and needed more blood work done...he told me that they think he has cancer and now they are trying to figure out what kind of cancer! I woke up at 2 a.m. once again with a plate full but I know I have to give this back to God as it is too much for me to carry....I cannot have an MRI until 6 weeks are past my surgery date due to the hardware they put in me so my MRI is Feb. 6 and Kerry's CT scan is Jan. 30....Lindsay came home last night to be here for my birthday this weekend...hard to believe I am going to be 48...where did those years go? So quickly even with all we have had to do..I remember turning 38 and Kerry just becoming disabled..it was so frightening when they told me he was never going back to work...I was 38 with three small girls...ages 7, 9 and 12....We made it and it is now 10 years later! Life has changed, friends have come and gone, family has changed, but so thankful for my parents that are there day or night at 84 and 85..every morning they wait for my phone call between 6-7 a.m. You know trials change a person but it hasn't been all that bad...I have seen the good in a lot of people and I have seen how many cannot handle hard things...it makes you stronger and more determined in life to keep fighting even on those days when you think I cannot keep going one more day...I had big plans for 2009..it surely was not going to start off like this but each day is a gift! hugs, cheryl

P.S. Lindsay was accepted to Nursing school in Springfield, MO...she will be getting her own place in May with a friend and start in the fall! That is awesome to see how far she has come!

Neat picture frame to make!

http://joli-paquet.blogspot.com/ check out this blog.... a lot of neat things to do and learn! hugs, cheryl

This is so neat you can write your name all different ways and save it to post to your emails or blogs...hugs,


http://mylivesignature.com/mls_menu.php

A neat list I found to share from a blog...

I saw this today and just thought I would share :-)
They are tips for a better life written by Nithya Shanti

1. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Sleep for 7 hours.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Play more games.
6. Read more books than you did the previous year.
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
11. Drink plenty of water.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
14. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
15. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
16. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
17. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
18. Smile and laugh more.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about. Don't compare your partner with others.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Forgive everyone for everything.
26. What other people think of you is none of your business.
27. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
28. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
29. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
30. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
31. The best is yet to come.
32. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
33. Do the right thing!
34. Call your family often.
35. Your inner most is always happy. So be happy.
36. Each day give something good to others.
37. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
38. Share this with someone you care about

He also wrote about these 3 essentials for a happy and meaningful life.....

1) Accept your feelings. It's okay to feel this way. If it wasn't, the universe wouldn't allow it! Smile and let go.

2) Know your purpose What makes you come alive? What do you love doing so much that you could do it for free? Suppose it were possible...what is your most impossible dream?

3)Everyday, take action steps towards your purpose. Start where you are and with what you've got. Believe in yourself, in your purpose and take joyous, inspired actions. Start with baby steps. The baby will grow naturally.

Your next 24 hours!

"At midnight tonight, you get a most amazing gift: a fresh set of 24 hours.
These hours are pure and flawless and limitless. They offer you the opportunity to show courage and behave brilliantly and forge new habits that will get you to a new place of being.
And they offer you a space to laugh. To love. And to dream.
Whether you'll admit it or not, tomorrow is incredible. Not everyone gets one."

I got this in an email today and I sure needed this...hugs, cheryl

Check out this blog..very cute!

http://niceandeasyantiques.blogspot.com/

January 2009

January 2009, originally uploaded by Suzee Que.

Check you her site on flickr..all kinds of free downloads to use in your art work..hugs, cheryl

I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat;
I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink;
I was a stranger, and you invited Me in,
naked, and you clothed Me;
I was sick, and you visited Me;
I was in prison, and you came to Me...
...to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.
Matthew 25:34-40

Praying about a Situation!

Q-TIP (Quote To Incite Prayer)
A number of years ago I spent months praying about a certain situation. When the answer came, it was the exact opposite of what I’d hoped.
In a case like that, it’s easy to doubt, and I did. Does God understand what’s going on? Does He care? Is He powerful enough to answer?
Of course, the answer to all three of those questions is yes. He knows everything. He cares about me, and He’s powerful enough to act. In fact, He’s wise, caring, and powerful enough to do what’s in my best interest, even if it’s not what I’ve been asking for.
Prayer doesn’t always lead to the answers we want, but it does give perspective to face situations without knowing all the whys. And in the process, we learn to know God and trust Him more fully. I know what it’s like to see heartfelt prayers not get answered as I hoped. But I know another thing, God can be trusted! ~Nancy Leigh DeMoss:
@Sent by Mary Sutherland

Joann Fabric coupon good till Jan. 13.2009

http://www.joann-mail.com/J0825W/coupons_only.html?r=1550_503582&i=J0825W014

Snowman Payton

snowman payton, originally uploaded by thegoinggreenboutique.

It has been a tough few days...each day gets a little better...

I have physical therapy coming in about an hour today...got my first shower in almost 6 days..never appreciated a shower so much as today...still really hard to move or get around, my balance is off, my hands are still going numb, I am so out of it with all the meds...I have no idea how my husband can take 34 pills a day and stay alive..this is horrible! My nights and days are so messed up ....just glad that I know each day will get better I pray! Thanks for all of your prayers for our family...hugs and prayers, cheryl

Grandma's Hands...my Grandma has been gone now for 2 years..she lived to be 101

(Grandma at 100 on her Birthday)
Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench.

She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.

When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the Longer I sat I wondered if she was OK.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her At the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and Looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she Said in a clear voice strong.

'I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here Staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I Explained to her.

'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she asked. 'I mean really Looked at your hands?'

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them Over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at My hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.

Grandma smiled and related this story:

'Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have Served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled Shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to Reach out and grab and embrace life.

'They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the Floor.

They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my Mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled On my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off To war.

'They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen, and bent. They were Uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated With my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone Special

They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I Buried my parents and spouse.

'They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and Shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.

They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the Rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried And raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works Real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to Fold in prayer.

'These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life.

But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out And take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.'

I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God Reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home.

When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my Children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and Caressed and held by the hands of God.
(Found this poems on a friends blog) It made me really think of Grandma Ed...hugs, cheryl

Please pray for me...surgery today...

Please pray for me as I am going into surgery today for a neck fusion...I fell on ice over 8 years ago and now I cannot take the pain any more and finally am going to have my neck fixed...it is not going to be easy as my husband is still not doing well and has not recovered from his two surgery's. But my oldest daughter is home from College so I have her help for two weeks and this was the best time to do this as my parents are 84 and 85 and cannot drive much anymore...We had a really nice Christmas and it went very well...Kerry made it to both sides and had to go to bed at my parents most of the time but at least he came and he made it to his brothers for dinner and then we brought him home ...but I was so thankful that he at least got out of the house and went..that was a huge thing for him...hugs and prayers, cheryl

T'was the month before Christmas

T'was the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the Politically Correct police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a " Holiday ".
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our Faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason or the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break" Under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout "MERRY CHRISTMAS," Not "Happy Holiday!"
@Sent by Tommy Wilkerson

GUFFAW FODDER

Little Carol came into the kitchen where her mother was making dinner. Christmas was coming up and she thought this was a good time to tell her mother what she wanted. 'Mom, I want a bike for my Christmas.'
Now, Little Carol was a bit of a troublemaker. She had gotten into trouble at school and at home. Carol's mother asked her if she thought she deserved to get a bike for Christmas. Little Carol, of course, thought she did.
Carol's mother, being a Christian woman, wanted her to reflect on her behavior over the last year, and write a letter to God and tell him why she deserved a bike for Christmas. Little Carol stomped up the steps to her room and sat down to write God a letter.

LETTER 1
Dear God:
I have been a very good girl this year and I would like a bike for Christmas I want a red one. Your friend, Carol
Carol knew this wasn't true. She had not been a very good girl this year, so she tore up the letter and started over

LETTER 2
Dear God:
This is your friend Carol. I have been a pretty good girl this year, and I would like a red bike for Christmas. Thank you, Carol
Carol knew this wasn't true either. She tore up the letter and started again.

LETTER 3
Dear God:
I know I haven't been a good girl this year. I am very sorry. I will be a good girl if you just send me a red bike for Christmas. Thank you, Carol

Carol knew, even if it was true, this letter was not going to get her a bike. By now, she was very upset. She went downstairs and told her mother she wanted to go to church. Carol's mother thought her plan had worked because Carol looked very sad.
"Just be home in time for dinner," her mother said.
Carol walked down the street to the church and up to the altar. She looked around to see if anyone was there. She picked up a statue of the Virgin Mary, slipped it under her jacket, and ran out of the church down the street, into her house, and up to her room. She shut the door and sat down and wrote her letter to God.

LETTER 4
I got your mama. If you want to see her again send the bike!. Signed, You know who
@Sent by my "little sis", Carol Richardson
~~~~~~
All my relatives know that I refold the wrapping paper from my Christmas presents for use later.
"Aunt Jane," asked one of my young nieces, "why do you save all that paper?"
"I'm doing what's best for the environment," I replied. "So I'm recycling this paper."
But then my daughter pipes up, "Good thing you didn't ask that question five years ago ... then she was just plain cheap."

An old Ice Skate renewed!

I took an old white skate and painted it pink..then added glitter, put greenery and other things inside of it, added ribbon to it then put it on a piece of wood and decorated the wood with Lace and pearls...hugs, cheryl

Check out this site for more images to use for free...hugs, cheryl

http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/vic.html