Snipes and snails and puppy dog tails

That's what little boys are made of. For many years, I have been just a participant in the showers at the church. The pastor's wife had a knack for doing the decorating and hostessing and I happily stepped aside. They have been moved to another church by the powers that be and last night we had the first shower since they moved.

I was asked to handle decorations and centerpiece. Melissa Compton Williams grew up in the church and is expecting her first little blessing - a boy.

This second of a three event week at the church, I worked until midnight on Wednesday finishing this.

Very inexpensive ladies and it turned out really cute.

Styrofoam blocks from the dollar store. Teddy bear plastic picks and stuffies same place. Childs board books - again the same.



I covered the blocks with boy appropriate scrapbook papers (from the stash). Turns out that was the most tedious part. I started with gel glue, but soon gave up and plugged in my glue gun.

(Side trip here - for years I had a craftsman brand glue gun with a push through operation - I loved it - you can control the amount almost perfectly minimizing the "spider web" issue. It burned out and I replaced it with a craftsman trigger style - I HATE IT. Does anyone know where I can find the push through type of glue gun?)

I cut 2 circles of foamboard (stash supply) and covered them in the paper as well.

On the top one I stacked those blocks - I was using some highly specialized tools on my work surface. The lazy susan from my counter on top of a cooler gave me the ability to turn this and get everything balanced. The block stack is held together with wooden toothpicks (I keep a huge box in my stash - amazing the uses you find)

The books were stood up on the bottom tier. Look carefully at this photo. This particular assembly caused riotous laughter at the end of the night last night as I was taking the stuff apart and sending the bears and books home with Mom-to-Be.

I was holding the empty circle with those blocks (to the left of the book and holding the book on the side) and the paper clips (in the front of each book). I spoke to Maria and said - "do you know what you do at midnight and realize that you need some kind of bracket to hold the books." The new pastor, Susan, is standing there and said "you just HAD little wooden blocks at your house?" Thus began a huge discussion of my hoarding habits.

Yes, Susan, I just HAD little wooden blocks at my house. And beads. And ribbon. And paper. And lace. And _____. And ______. And____. Those of you who know me well know that I can fill those three and many more blanks.

The little plastic bears got collars of ribbon and were just stuck into the blocks as filler.

Here's a full shot of the thing on the table - The stuffed bears are tied to loops made from paper clips. There are tiny wires holding the top tier onto the looped handle of the books.

To continue the theme - I found three more books and set them onto the table between the plastic ware holders.


We had a wonderful time - the atmosphere was festive and fun. Several of Melissa's friends were there with their toddlers. In all honesty, they were adorable, but I am so glad that I am beyond those little ones. As difficult as being the mom of teens is, I would not trade it for anything.

Tonight is an off night - I have to make a grocery store run - major. and then tomorrow we set up for VBS crafts. I'll be leading that group from Sunday evening through Thursday next week. Then we start the serious packing for the college girl. The August 10 move in date looms -----

Have a wonderful weekend.

Family Fun Night

One of the best decisions ever made in my life. I really cannot say that I made this decision. Many years ago, I was asked by a friend if I would work with the youth or children at Jones Chapel. He asked over and over and I told him no repeatedly. I did not have the time. I was the mother of small children. I work full time. Excuses - I used many of them to tell him NO.

Then one Sunday - he asked at the local Bar-B-Que place -we all went there and sat together after church on Sunday. At the time - this crazy woman stpped out of my body and said --- "sure I'll help you."

Thus began some of the most rewarding work I have accomplished. Some of the kids in that group are now married. Tonight we even have a baby shower for Melissa Compton Williams - one of those first kids.

I have been the youth director - a Sunday School teacher - Choir and Drama producer - craft leader - music leader. All of those hats and so many more - babysitter - custodian - nanny - bus driver - on and on.

And last night found me leading the water games for the elementary aged kids while the older one shared and reflected on a recent mission trip.

A few pictures of our games. A few comments and observations of the people involved.


Little R - cerebral palsy - such a beautiful spirit - commercial spray bottle - very effective. I learn from this wonderful boy every time I am around him and his family.

Miss Jean and Baby K - Miss Jean could give Martha Stewart a run for her money in the organizing/cleaning arena.

Sorry - this one is so dark - I snapped it before the camera adjusted for the light. To the far right is Miss Beth ducking out of the way.

Water balloon toss - way fun - and the couple who filled the balloons for us - stored them in ice water. FUNNY for those unsuspecting victims.

notice - the adult man in blue - I do believe he had more fun than the kids.

It's a free for all - water guns and soakers. I finally broke out the hose as my weapon of choice.

This beautiful couple will be welcoming Baby Margo at any time now.

Smiles - squeals and giggles in abundance.

I looked around last night and realized just how much God means to these families. I reflect on how important faith is to me and to those closest to me. I have been so blessed to work with these images of God. I have watched our church grow as these kids and youth have shared with their friends. We are the body of Christ. We are the hands and voice of God to the world around us. Our relationship with God through Christ is the center of an incredible circle of life and faith.

Working with these children has been and continues to be one of the biggest joys in my life. I thank God for each and everyone of them and their families. My cup surely runs over with blessings.

My encouragement to you. Follow the tug of God at your soul. The blessings you receive will far outweigh any amount of sacrifice or effort you expend. God loves you and God wants you to have the best of eternal life with Him.

It was and still is one of the best decisions I ever made.

Have a wonderful day.

because I did not plug my brain in

Good morning all. I have no photos of my own to share today so I snagged a few to go with this post.





First - Monday was my birthday. No reference to which one. 29 and holding. I am now the same age as my mama.





I was treated to chinese food - I got brakes for my truck (whoo hoo) and a major plumbing leak. Call it a shitty evening. I did.









I did get this outfit for me for MY birthday. I got the skirt in the linen color and this gorgeous green wrap top (not the pants - an a** this large cannot wear that pattern no matter what). I can't wait to wear it.



The man at my address has several wonderful uncles that I absolutely adore. Uncle Roy being one of those. He is at the present pulling his Airstream camper across Alaska. I blatantly stole these pictures off that blog. Look at the amazing pictures.

The travel rig set up. Road dirt included for free.

He has spent several days at the North Pole - look who he's been visiting. Old Ho - Ho himself. Here is the funniest part. Whenever we are out and about with Roy, people take a second look, kids especially. See the photo below for why.

Yup - Uncle Roy looks like the kindly old gent. Cruise over to his place and let him know what you think.

Have a wonderful afternoon.

See ya'll tomorrow.

Warning - graphic medical photos follow

The softball princess got those pins out this morning. She was quiet and reserved on the way to the doctor's office.

I always make the earliest appointment possible and we were in the exam room in no time.

They cut the cast off - the nurse was amazed at how clean she had kept it.

And now we wait -

Off to xray to confirm that everything is really ready.

They left it all covered up - those little yellow balls were to keep the pins from catching inside the cast.

Then the nurse shows up with the tools for the extraction - plain old pliers.

Abby's comment ---- " they aren't even special"

Dr. Moye was stunned about the camera.

The pins slipped right out. No anesthsia required. She was good about all of it. We even kept the pins and the little beads.

It was only after being fitted for the removable brace, getting checked out and a new appointment set, and leaving the building, that she proclaimed she was going to be sick. Poor thing the adrenaline rush of the whole thing got her. Including puking in the landscaping.

Things we were not expecting

1. The doc telling her that she could begin "fondling" her bat and playing with as many balls as possible. (giggles all around and glares from mom)

2. Good grief that arm stinks.

3. The complete "unspecial" nature of the tools used.

She will be glad to scrub that arm tonight. I am glad this is almost over.

Have a great day everyone.....

Little Stuff

I hardly ever share recipes here - that's because I hardly ever cook. It is rumoured that I do not know how to cook. I would try to dispute that rumour, but the benefit is that I don't have to cook as long as no one thinks I can.

This however is one of my favorite dishes to put together. An easy to prepare - cook - and clean up dish. On the grill or in the oven - potato pouches. I think everyone I know has a variation of this dish -- here's mine. There is no quantity - make it the way you want to in the amounts you like.

Potatoes cut into bite sized pieces
Carrots (I cheat and buy the bags of baby carrots)
Onions sliced (I'm from GA so vidalias for us)
Bell Pepper sliced
Squash (yellow ones are abundant here right now - zucchinni work too)

Pile it all in the makings of a leakproof foil pouch.

Now add - dollops of butter
salt - pepper - lemon pepper - italian seasonings (you pick your favorites)
worchesteshire sauce

here's the magic in my recipe - this is the thing I add that makes people wonder what exactly is different. Drizzle the entire concoction with syrup - the batch I made this weekend - I used dark corn syrup - but I have also used maple and sorghum (slightly bitter sweet)

Bundle it all up and cook for about 45 minute to an hour - turning the pouch occasionally.

If you try this - let me know what you think.

******************************************************************************
Now for some fun stuff - look at the pale pink of this - the white and soft yellow - and then the almost black red of the throat - I'm seeing some wonderful color combo in this.

This was taken the night before the one above. Don't plan on cuting these for any reason - they were outside my unit this weekend and most of the open flowers only lasted a few hours. But they sure were gorgeous when they opened.

Another stunning color combination. Vivid red orange and green with an unusual flower shape here too.
organized chaos (below) I spent hours working on making this pile of tangled mess a slightly more organized approach. getting all of this into the studio is helping me figure out what I have and hopefully how to keep it better organized. (like that's gonna happen)

Much of this floss had no labels - some was vintage from boxes that walked in the door with me. Some was on bobbins and had just not been put away (like in many many years worth). I am working on a project that does not require numbers and the like - so I pulled all of this out to put together the project. Remember - I save everything - so some of this was even floss that was leftover from some kits. These projects are fun and I like doing them. This particular one involves text and color - and will be sent to a special lady once I finish it.

Hope you all are having a wonderful day -

Teresa

Late Softball Princess Update

Please pray hard for me and the man at my address. We are now officially parents of TWO teenagers who can legally operate a moving vehicle.

15 years old - going on 25 - maybe she will not want me to ride with her (yea right)

About Max

I joined Max as a part the extended Atkinson clan in 1980. He joined a few years before me. The Max I knew love sports, loved his family, took pride in his work, and loved life. Smart, funny, driven, wise, patient, (and impatient) with a smile that lit up his face.

He always had that frat boy attitude about him, and he ragged Bulldawg red and black folks continually about Georgia Tech. We all publicly celebrated his oldest daughter going to UGA and then he got the last jab in when she applied and was accepted to GaTech as well.

Yesterday - we celebrated his life. In all honesty, when we found out about the leukemia, most of us never expected him to lose the battle. Determined - he was that. Focused - that as well. Faith - he never lost that. The ability to see past his place in the "cancer arena" and encourage those around him - he continually shared that gift.

Husband to Lynda - father of three girls, Laura, Allison, Madison - he never stood the change of being anywhere on time - unless he went alone. He built a company, he raised a family, he loved a wife, he had an impact on many, he left a legacy. He will be missed by oh so very many.

Someone even arranged for his life to be celebrated in full Georgia Tech Jackets style. It was a little bizarre to be taking fun pictures at a funeral. But Max would have been amused.

(Maddie on the other side of the car, Lynda in the drivers seat, Laura on running board, Alli on ground)


As people were sharing stories, I though of one we will tell forever. Remember, Max was a frat boy through and through. Shirt and tie comfortable guy, golf shirt and kahki pants. Well Lynda's youngest brother is a rock star (his description of himself) and his band was playing at a nearby pub one weekend while Lynda and Max were visiting home. we are talking the kind of place where some might ask for a knife or gun at the door. Rural north Georgia -good ole boys place called the Sub and Pub in Elberton GA. We rounded Max up some jeans and a flannel shirt, and baseball cap and took him with us. I just remember Charles or Alan telling him " every now and then tip your hat and shout HELL YEA." He was a great sport and we had a wonderful time that night.


It doesn't matter what the event is - there has to be family pictures. Sad part - Molly is standing on the floor in flats and I am up one step and wearing 2 inch heels. Not even funny.

We will miss you Max - you touched our lives in such a wonderful way. Please don't try to influence the man upstairs to give Tech the advantage --

Just fun stuff

Trying hard to focus on getting things sorted and organized in the studio. Aside from the temps inside being uncomfortable right now (saving up for an AC unit), it is a fabulous place to work or just hang out. Once I get everything moved and put away, it will be so nice to work out there. I have discovered that I am going to need some additional shelving added close to the ceiling for those items that I seldom use.

Over the weekend, Beth dropped this off in the barn. Look at the font that the words "photograph album" are written in. Any idea about where I can find this font to add to my computer? Loving this.

More fun stuff. I am adding ribbon spools to that cabinet. Performing a sort of inventory as I go. Putting duplicates in that bread tin and marking the matching one in the cabinet with a note saying that I have duplicate spools in the box. Maybe I won't have the urge to buy so readily and then have duplicates that I don't need.

As I have sorted and put away, I have found and combined several collections. After putting a few heart shaped brooches in a small basket, I decided that I wanted to be able to see them readily. The lace that I glued around the perimeter of the box provided the perfect spot for this display. Look at my hearts - above and below - all gifts from online buddies and/or local friends.

Since I have decided that all MaggieGrace art will have a heart motif included, this is a very appropriate collection for me. I do love being able to glance over my shoulder and be reminded of love and blessings.

Now, about the picture below, this was a fun rediscovery. Forgot I had these, but aren't they pretty in all their pastel goodness. I set these to the side so I can find a clear gallon jug to store them in. I want to see these colors for a little while. Just so very pretty.

I can see me adding these to a Rebecca Sower style piece

Having a difficult time wrapping my head and heart around the events this week. I have found myself aimlessly staring and just being still and quiet as I process all of this. The studio move has been a welcome distraction.

Many years ago everything I worked on was dark and moody, but for the last several years I have seen my work go to a lighter and more positive format. I can feel the urge to create some darker stuff again. Does everyone have the "mood swings" in their work or am I the only crazy one in the bunch?

Have a wonderful day.