Awesome Book!

Have you ever read a book that you just couldn't put down. I have just finished a book like that.
The book "All Things Hidden", by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse was an awesome book.
 It takes place during the depression era, and although the characters are ficticous, many of the things in the book really took place. The setting is in Alaska. It takes place in 1935, during the great depression. Many of the people in the lower 48 states are struggling
to have food and shelter during the mist of the depression.
 President F.D. Rossevelt transported 200 families to the Matanuska Valley of Alaska in 1935,
it tells how at first they travel by train, and many people develop sickness and disease while traveling.
Once there they live in tents and must build homes quickly and put away food for the harsh Winters in Alaska.
  The story centers around a Dr.Hillerman and his adult daughter Gwyn, who is a nurse. They have dedicated
their lives to helping the people in Matanuska Valley. I am a nurse so I felt connected to Gwyn.
  Gwyn's mother and sister left them when Gwyn was a little girl. They moved back to Chicago in
the states, where her mother was used to wealth.
  In Chicago a young Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan has lost his medical license and decides to go to Alaska
to get away from it all. He ends up working with Dr. Hillerman who he met as a boy. He has to keep
his past a secret. But to make matters worse he was about to marry Gwyn's sister until she dumped him
after he lost his medical license.
 He tries not to, but falls in love with Gwyn, how can he tell her that he was once about to marry her sister,
and how can he tell Dr. Hillerman that he has no license to practice medicine.
 There is also a murderer on the loose that adds to the suspense of the story.
I loved this book and recommend it highly. I am hoping that this book will become a series.
I received this book from Bethany house. I am a book reviewer for them. After reading the book,
I am to give an honest review.
 This book is one of the best books I have ever read, it has to be up there in my top 10.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I want to wish all my blogger friends a "Happy Valentine's Day", I don't really have much valentine decor,
just one little display.

Yesterday we received 12 inches of snow so I was snowed in. I haven't had much time for crafting
lately with working almost everyday, so I took advantage of being snowed in and made two ducks.
I love how they turned out. I used a pattern designed by Jean "Prim Crafts"
Her pattern line is called "Dusty Cupboard Prims"
  I love this pattern, it was simple and fun, and of course the ducks are adorable,
 I will share some photo's with you.

Book Review

I recently became a book reviewer for "Bethany House", I am sent certain books to review and all
I am required to do is give an honest review on the book. Most of the books I have read have been
amish fiction or prairie stories. Last month I decided to choose a book about a journey walking with God.
It is by "Dutch Sheets" and is called, "The Pleasure Of His Company".
  It has 30 short chapters. which I like since I am so busy. The book made me look at God in a whole new
perspective. He wants to have an intimate friendship with us, just like we have with our personal friends.
 God has a sense of humor, and he cares about every aspect in our life. Wow, does that ever make me
feel important and loved.
 Dutch Sheets also shares many of his life stories in the book and how God helped him in many ways.
 I highly recommend this book and know that you will look at God in a whole different way after reading this book. You will come to realize how to have an intimate friendship with God in your journey in life.
It sure made me take a look at God differently.

Happy Birthday "LIttle Groundhog"

Boy doesn't time fly. Nine years ago my little granddaughter was born, I was in nursing school and had to miss that day for her birth. My instructor told me I couldn't miss that they could page me in the hospital when she was about to be born. I said, "but you don't understand." my daughter is high risk and a diabetic and I need to be there." Being the hard core instructor that she was, she still said no. I just said, "I am sorry, but I am missing, my family is more important than having an unexcused absence from school."   And it was so funny being the student that I was, I was going behind all the nurses rechecking everything, counting the drips of the IV's and everything, it was the mom coming out of me. He He Then at approx. 5:30 that eve. my daughter
had the most beautiful baby girl. Babies born from diabetic moms are called tomatoe faces, they do have a really round red face, which goes away in a few days. They also can be born with low blood sugars and jaundice, which goes away also. She is a miracle girl as well as her brother, both were thought to have kidney problems before birth, but they are both healthy. I am so thankful for that.
  Well where has these nine years gone. My daughter always has to have these elaborate parties for her
children and puts her whole heart into them. So yesterday while Riley's parents were getting ready for the
fashion show party with nine little girls spending the night. I was having a fun day with my granddaughter.
My greatest calling is being a grandma. I love my three grand children so much, and they are each special and unique.So a few picture from our fun day.

Miss Riley, with her new streaks in her hair

Her stitchery pattern that she drew

Duct tape magic wallet that we made

So excited with the new streaks in her hair

Isn't she beautiful, of course Grandma thinks so!

At gymnastics practice

Two New Bonnets for sale

Burr is it ever cold, I think most of us are living in a deep freeze, whatever happened to the global warming?
I would like some of that right now. My Bo doggie is so spoiled, boy when he goes out to potty, it is a quick trip and back into the house. I feel so sorry for all the animals exposed to this cold. I don't know how the cows survive out in the fields. It just breaks my heart to think of poor dogs being chained up to a barrel or dog house with no warm bedding.
 I did want to show the most recent bonnets that I have made, every time I make new ones, I always think,
now this is the prettiest ones yet. I do really love both of these patterns.
The bonnets are approx. 26" long and are $22.99 each and shipping. Email me with any questions or
to purchase Lecia123@verizon.net  The bonnets are inspired by a "Drakestone Primitive".

Dark Brown 2 available

Another picture of the Dark Brown

One black one available

New Sampler

 It has been snowing here all day so I didn't have to work at school. I worked some on getting my tax
papers ready to take to an accountant, such a dreaded job. ( I let everything in a folder and just do it once a year, making it a big job.)
I did want to show you my latest cross stitch project. I am really having fun cross stitching.
I have a ugly thermostat on my dining room wall that is an eye sore to me, I had a brain storm and
covered it up with a beautiful enamel pan, more country looking I think. Who would know a thermostat is underneath hiding.

Prayer request!

Hey blogger friends, hope everyone is staying warm and cozy this Winter. I am waiting patiently for Spring.
I love the different seasons, but am pretty much done with Winter after Christmas.
First I do want to let you know that I have 3 Dark Blue Bonnets left, they are $22.99 plus shipping,
inspired by a Drakestone Primitive pattern. Email me at  Lecia123@verizon.net   if interested.

As most of you know I have a double career. I have been a hairstylist for many years and have a hair salon
in my basement. It is the American dream to be able to have your own business. But not perfect,
no benefits, no retirement, no guaranteed income, but it is something about being your own boss.
And when my daughter and my mom were ill I could change my appointments around to suit my schedule.
  And you know that in 2005 I graduated from nursing school and received my LPN degree, my nursing job
is substitute nurse for our county schools. I have really fallen in love with this one little country school and have always thought if a full time position came available that that would be my school.
  Well I had no idea that it would happen so quick, I have been offered the full time position but just don't
think I am going to take it. I have prayed and prayed and prayed and honestly in my heart, I don't know
what to do, I feel like whatever decision I make will be the wrong one, I just feel no peace.
I love those little children and when they see me out somewhere they come running and talk to me, and
they just melt my heart.I want to take them all home.
 Working full time though would most likely put an end to my hair business, physically I just don't think I could do both. And it would pretty much put a damper on my crafting that I love to do.
And I would probably take the job if the pay were more, the pay is horrible for a nurse, and with the responsibility of the children it is a disgrace to even consider paying a nurse such a salary, I would probably make more working at McDonalds, not that it is anything wrong with that, I just spent two years of my life
studying to become a nurse and deserve nurses pay. I can't believe that our school systems don't have
anymore respect for a person that really has their childs well being and care in their hands.
But on the other hand I would do it in a heart beat if I knew that the Lord wanted me to, no matter what the pay.
I am just so confused, say a little prayer for me that I will make the right decision and be at peace about it,
Lord just talk to me and I will listen!!!!!!!!

Valentine Sampler and new bonnets.

 I decided to make myself a Valentine sampler. I am quite proud of how it turned out, this is my third
cross stitching project. It seems to get a little easier with each one that I make.

I was able to make a few bonnets. I get alot of requests for Dark Blue bonnets.
I am asking $22.99 each plus shipping.
Bonnets are approx. 26" long and inspired by a Drakestone Primitives pattern.
Email me with any questions or to purchase. Lecia123@verizon.net
I have 4 of these dark blue bonnets available.

I did make 2 black bonnets, sale pending on both of these. Thanks!

Wonderful surprise in the mail, a new pattern designer and new pin keep.

Blogging has been a wonderful experience for me. I have met so many wonderful people that I would
never have met if it weren't for my blog. I have made so many friendships that I cherish and now consider
my dear friends.
 I have started cross stitching, which I enjoy if only I could see better, I did get me some over the counter reading glasses and a large magnifying glass. Which both help greatly. I am wondering if it is worth the investment to buy an Ott lamp? Does anyone use an Ott lamp?
 I have met a wonderful girl through blogging Tanya "Friendship Crossings"
she always goes out of her way to help me with any questions I have about cross stitching,
quilting, books she has read, just anything. If you don't know Tanya you need to stop by her blog
and say hello.
Well today she sent me some aida cloth and fiddlers cloth for my cross stitching projects.
Thank you so much Tanya, I will be able to make many pinkeeps with this wonderful cloth.
Now for a photo of my wonderful cloth.

As many of you know Jean "Prim Crafts"  and I met through blogging.
We only live about 8 miles from each other and never knew each other before meeting through
our blogs. I love Jean dearly, she is like family to me. She has also been such a wonderful
friend and has helped me so much with crafting and has given me so many pointers and hints.
If you don't know Jean is now designing patterns and selling them on etsy.
Please stop by her blog and there is a link that will take you to her etsy shop.
I asked her to design something prairie and she designed a prairie doll pattern, which I will
have to get, and I love that garden angel she has designed also, well heck I love all the patterns she
has in her etsy shop. She is loaded with awesome talent. I am blessed to have Jean as a friend also.

I just finished another cross stitch pin keep, even with working I am able to cross stitch a little in the
evenings when I set down to unwind a little. I love how this pinkeep turned out.
I will share it with you. I know it isn't perfect, but I am learning.

New Pin Keep and a few Christmas photo's

I didn't have to work today due to the weather, so I decided to try making a pin keep.
The pattern is by Country Rustic Primitives. I used 14 count aida cloth, but think I will try the 18 count the
next time. I don't know if I will ever be able to stitch on linen or osanburg. For now I will stick to aida cloth.
I know my pinkeep isn't perfect, but I am quite proud of how my first one turned out. Thought I would
share some photo's. With all that has been going on I have kinda lost my desire for crafting, so
I am happy that I was motivated to try making a pinkeep.

With my brothers passing my Christmas just wasn't the same, but as I looked in my grandchildrens
eyes and saw the sparkle and their little smiles it gave me joy. I enjoyed seeing them have so much fun.

Remembering a very special man!

I usually am a big kid and really love Christmas, but this year the joy is gone. My brother passed
away unexpectantly from a blood clot this past Sat. My father was married before  and
 had two children. As children we didn't get to see each other very often.I feel like
we we're all cheated.
 I will always remember the summer that David and Becky got to come to our house for a week, Did we ever have fun, We all still laugh about that.
I remember David's special laugh, that he never outgrow. He liked to do little pranks like putting a bunch of salt on Becky's eggs when she turned her head. I just remember the fun we had.
 As adults we would occassionally get together, but not enough. This is a lesson for me, never put off
getting together with the ones you love, because you  never know when you will get the chance again.
I remember the other year David had me and my sisters for a cookout/birthday celebration for my younger sisters. You could see the pride and joy on his face when we were all at his house laughing and having a good time. He was so happy to have us all there.I will cherish that time forever.
 He was an avid hunter, he loved spending time outdoors in the woods.
He leaves behind two children and five grandchildren.His mother, brother, five sisters and my dad.
Remember us all on Friday when his Memorial Service is held. Say a little prayer for us all.
  My heart is saddened and Christmas will never be the same,  I love you David and will
miss you so much. RIP my brother.

Wonderful surprises!

I have been working so hard and am so tired.. But now I can finally breath and enjoy a few days off.
I love to watch Christmas movies, but usually don't have time until after Christmas and the day after Christmas they are usually off TV. But my husband has been taping some for me.
  Sweet Jean "Prim Crafts" stopped by my house the other day. I was on my lunch break, so I didn't get to
visit with her as long as I would have liked too. I really have to watch what I say around Jean, I had asked her awhile back if she would be making any standing Santa's for her booth. I should have known better,
well what did that girl bring me for Christmas but a standing Santa. He is so adorable! I love him so much!
I will cherish him for ever. Jean is one of the sweetest persons that I have ever met and she has really been
an inspiration to me in crafting. One day I want to learn to cross stitch and she offered to help me. So that is
on my "Bucket List". I am so honored to know Jean and have her for a friend.
I am really excited, she is going to start designing patterns, and I know they will be awesome. If you don't know Jean stop by her blog and check it out. Thank you again Jean, I love, love my Santa P.S. Jean,
I am glad I hinted. he he

I also received a surprise package from one of my customers that has bought bonnets from me.
 Her name is Sandra and she is so sweet. I was so humbled when I received her package.
She sure made my day.She sent me a wonderful primitive bear and a primitive star.
Words can't express my gratitude and thankfulness to her and Jean for being so kind to me.
Here is the bear and star aren't they adorable.

As many of you know my daughter is insulin dependent diabetic and struggles with an eating disorder
Diabulimia.
If I had one wish for Christmas it would be for her to be better and have a long life.
So when you say a prayer remember my daughter. Christmas is a hard time when you are dealing with
an eating disorder.
 I hope each of you you have a wonderful Christmas with friends and family and remember that
Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

Getting Ready for Christmas

My crafting has been on hold as I am working both jobs everyday, in between I am trying to get ready for Christmas. I was able to make a snowman for a swap. We had ice storm yesterday, so school is canceled for today, so I need to get off the computer and clean my house and I think I will bake some cookies and put the in the freezer and save for Christmas. I do have my tree up, but I probably only put a forth of my ornaments on my tree. I do have my Christmas cards fixed up, I need to finish my shopping and some baking. So I am getting there. As I put up my Christmas decor, many of my things are from fellow bloggers,
I didn't mention names, because I don't want to forget anyone. And my tree has many ornies from fellow bloggers. I cherish each and every item from you and smile and think of you as I look at them.
 I met my sisters and two friends at Cracker Barrel for our Christmas get together Friday, but forgot to
take some pictures, We had a wonderful time, then Sat. I went to WV to the farmhouse. Ronnie and I put
up our tree there and built a fire and watched two Christmas movies, such an enjoyable time. And I forgot my camera to take pictures.
Now for some pictures of some of my Christmas decor. WARNING-Picture overload!

Snowman I made

The true meaning of Christmas!

I took a class and painted this years ago.

My new Arnett Santa