Sunday, January 31, 2010

Toothbrush Rug

My first toothbrush rug! If you have never heard about this old tradition of rug making read the history of this craft below. This rug is made with NO sewing involved! The colors, materials and designs are endless. You can make them oval or round and I imagine you could even come up with how to make a square rug too!


The finished project: 27" X 20" oval toothbrush rug

The History of the Toothbrush Rug

The orgin of this rug is an old Scandinavian technique that was used to make mittens, hats, and even milk strainers of all things. The original complex technique was brought to the United States by immigrants long ago. It was modified during the 1930's to the easy method that we use today. This is thought to have been done by WPA workers in Minnesota.

These rugs were very popular during World Wars 1 and 2 as well as the Depression. All of which were times when fabrics and money were scarce.

Though a toothbrush rug looks similar to a braided rug, it takes half as much fabric. In the decades following the Depression, the Toothbrush Rug all but disappeared, until the early 80's when the craft was rediscovered and passed along to students from all walks of life.

And I might add they are so fun to make and helps one use up their fabric stash or old sheets, etc. If you are interested in how to make a toothbrush rug just google it...there are lots of free sites to check out how to and some with free videos to watch.

A Blanket of White

Our first snow of 2010...
so beautiful, peaceful, and quiet
out here in Skiatook, OK
Click HERE to see my photo show of the snow.
Enjoy!

Monday, January 25, 2010

The Fern and the Bamboo

By Paul C. Kerr
One day I decided to quit. I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. "God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His answer surprised me “Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?" "Yes", I replied. "When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water.

The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo". He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed.

But I would not quit. He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle." He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you.

Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both make the forest beautiful." "Your time will come," God said to me. “You will rise high!" "How high should I rise?" I asked. "How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return. "As high as it can?" I questioned. "Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can." I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.


Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you Happiness.
Bad days give you Experiences.
Both are essential to life.

Keep going.
Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrows keep you Human,
Failures keep you Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!

Have a great day! The Son is shining!!
God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love
And so small he can curl up inside your heart.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Just the Right Look!

If you have viewed my blog over the past few days you have seen that I keep changing it:) I have not yet found just the right look that I'm wanting:( So bare with me and hopefully soon I will find what I want:)

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Look Who's Two!

Savannah Reagan Meyer

And TWO CUTE she is! Seems like just yesterday we were all celebrating her 1st birthday. Even though she was not feeling well during her birthday party, we all had a great time celebrating her life. Click HERE to watch a photoshow of this wonderful event in our fam's life! Enjoy:)

Be Still...

Be still and see the salvation of the Lord. Exodus 14:13-14
Be still by the side of the Lord. Exodus 33:21
Be still so you won't miss the great things God is doing. 1 Samuel 12:16, Job 37:14
Stand still and see the deliverance of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20:17
Be still. It's the antidote to fretting. Psalm 37:7
Be still and know He is God. Psalm 46:10
Be still before the Lord. Zechariah 2:13a
Let Jesus rebuke your storms, "Peace, be still." Mark 4:39

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

ABC's Children Are...

Amazing, acknowledge them.
Believable, trust them.
Childlike, allow them.
Divine, honor them.
Energetic, nourish them.
Fallible, embrace them.
Gifts, treasure them.
Here Now, be with them.
Innocent, delight with them.
Joyful, appreciate them.
Kindhearted, learn from them.
Lovable, cherish them.
Magical, fly with them.
Noble, esteem them.
Open minded, respect them.
Precious, value them.
Questioners, encourage them.
Resourceful, support them.
Spontaneous, enjoy them.
Talented, believe in them.
Unique, affirm them.
Vulnerable, protect them.
Whole, recognize them.
Xtraspecial, celebrate them.
Yearning, notice them.
Zany, laugh with them.

© 2001, Meiji Stewart
Used with permission.
Visit www.PuddleDancer.com
to see more ABC writings.

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Hubby on Ice...

Warren just had to check out our frozen pool. The pool water has been freezing since before Christmas after the temperatures started dropping. Our pool cover was partially blown off during the 2009 Christmas Day Blizzard too. Click HERE to view a video of Warren on the ice!

Saturday, January 02, 2010

New Year's Resolution by Picture!


We moved our tread mill back into the house from the garage. We also put our small television in just the right position so we can walk and watch!
Now we REALLY have NO EXCUSE not to walk!
Don't take yourself too seriously, take God seriously!

"What does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8



Proverb Punch: When things get tough, always remember...faith doesn't get you around trouble, it gets you through it!