The Schubert Gkids!

We love being "neenee" and "granddad"

Click HERE to enjoy a photoshow of 6 of them!

HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY, Isaiah!

Isaiah was born a month early

(by C-section since he was in the breach position).

The pic below is of the first time we saw Isaiah

in the hospital nursery.

Look at him now!

Nine is fine!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Zae!
We love you soooooooooooooooooooooooo much!

Birthdays 3-in-1

2 brothers

plus 1 neenee!
The boys bd party was planned but got snowed/iced out:(

My 60th "surprise" birthday party has been postponed since gson,

Camden, was in the hospital at the time.

Such is life! I am reminded from scripture that

God allows us to make plans but He orders our steps!

Click HERE to see the "somewhat" birthday photoshow:)

My Gorgeous Birthday Flowers!

My Valentine & Prince Charming!

Picture taken August 22, 1970
I love this man forever & a day!

The DIY Dish

I have been a member of the web site: You Can Make This for over a year now. When I first found this site I was delighted and it just keeps getting better. I am a member of all their sister websites too: Swak Embroidery , You Can Quilt This . These sites and their blogs are about sewing, crafts, cooking, crochet, home decor, embroidery and more. Check them out and I know you will agree too!

They are now launching The DIY Dish Web Show. Check this out - you will be glad you did!

To celebrate the launch of this new show, Janome are letting them give away TWO dream machines! Someone is going to win the Janome 350e EMBROIDERY machine and a second person is going to win the Janome DC4030 SEWING machine! Now how cool is that?! There are so many ways to win - so check out their site (click on the link above)!

Check out DIY Dish's launch video HERE on YouTube.

Warrior is a Child

Lately I've been winning battles left and right

But even winners can get wounded in the fight

People say that I'm amazing

Strong beyond my years

But they don't see inside of me

I'm hiding all the tears"

Chorus)

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down

They don't know who picks me up when no one is around

I drop my sword and cry for just a while

'Cause deep inside this armour

The warrior is a child

Unafraid because His armour is the best

But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest

People say that I'm amazing

Never face reteat

But they don't see the enemies

That lay me at His feet

(Chorus)

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down

They don't know who picks me up when on one is around

I drop my sword and cry for just a while

'Cause deep inside this armour

The warrior is a child

I drop my sword and look up for His smile

Because deep inside this armour

Deep inside this armour

Deep inside this armour

The Warrior is a Child

Click HERE to listen to this sung by composer, Twila Paris)

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!

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.

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:)

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

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.

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!

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!

416th Post!

WOW! Didn't even know I had this many post until I added them up! I'm not so sure how I like this background on my blog...sorta overwhelming, but I am tired of working on it so it will stay for now! Will definitely change it again in the spring .

As you can see on my sidebar, I have posted our family's 3 January birthday pics...check them out!

We had a most WONDERFUL Christmas with all the family here....even got a white Chriatmas...which caused us to move our Christmas gathering to Saturday, December 26th since the roads were too slick and hazardous to travel on the 25th. We have learned that anytime is a holiday when we are together as family! How blessed we are!

If you haven't viewed our White Christmas 2009 Photo Show, click HERE and sit back and enjoy!

Today for the first time ever I completed "Read Your Bible in a Year". It has been a blessed and challenging journey in reading the Word of God. My heart's desire is to keep His Word top priority in my life...not just to read it but to live it out...one day at a time!

As you can see...

this is a work in progress! Come back soon for the finishing touches:)

Merry CHRISTmas!

The JOY of Christmas is JESUS
Jesus Christ is....
The message of all that God has to say to us
The fullness of all that God has to give us
The essence of all that God wants us to be.

Jesus, the word of God incarnated
The image of God revealed
The fullness of God imparted
The glory of God reflected
The grace of God extended
The power of God demonstrated
The heart of God expressed
The love of God manifested
The salvation of God provided

Click on the words above (The JOY of Christmas is JESUS) to view a devotional video .

Enjoy and be blessed!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I am now making my own laundry detergent. The savings are less than 6 cents a load compared to 12-30 cents a load. Also there are NO additives that may irritate the skin and since it is low suds it will work great in any energy high efficiency washer. I have a front loader Maytag.

Here is the powdered laundry formula:

• 1 bar of Fels Naptha Soap
• 1 cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (NOT baking soda)
• 1 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax

Directions for making: grate the soap; then mix all together. Store in an air tight container or bag. (I use an electric Salad Shooter grater to grate the soap...fast and easy!)

Normal loads: use 2 Tablespoons
Heavy Loads: use 3 Tablespoons

I have read good reviews about this formula...you can also make adjustments to these amounts...to get the best outcome for your wash. There are also directions for making liquid laundry detergent, but I prefer the powdered...takes up less room for storeage.

I am able to purchase all these items at our Ace Hardware in Broken Arrow, OK. If you cannot find these items at your locale then you will have to order them online. If you have an Ace Hardware and they don't carry these in their store...ask them to stock them.

In the meantime you can order them online from Ace Hardware by clicking HERE. Walmart carries the 20 Mule Team Borax, but none of the other items. Also you can do a google search on each of the items and may find some deals out there. Click HERE for a deal on Fels Naptha Soap.

This is what it looks like all mixed up. The yellow ingredient is the grated Fels Naptha soap grated. I bought the scoop at Walmart. It came two in a package and says one-eighth cup. One heaping scoop is 2 tablespoons. So this works great!

I found this plastic wide mouth container at Walmart and added a label on the front.

This would make a great Christmas gift too:)

In my research of laundry soap making I also came across a recipe for fabric rinse. I haven't tried it yet, but will in the near future.

Fabric Rinse formula: 1 gallon white vinegar, optional- add 25-30 drops of essential oil for scent.

Use 1/4 cup in the rinse cycle. Will NOT smell like vinegar, but clears the last bit of soap from cloths & reduces static.

Give this a try...get clean, smelling clothes and save some money!