Poison Labels

To continue in the imbibables theme, Robert sent me a link to these poison labels that were featured on Boing Boing.

Print them out and use them on wine bottles or lab glass!

The collection is by SpookShows.com, which also features vintage spooky-gear from the 1920s and 1930s as well as the most amazing Flickr set.

Cocktails -- Fresh from the Lab

Martha Stewart Living this month features a bevy of Halloween ideas.... this one could be adapted for any mad scientist fete.

The putrid green color? It's pureed kiwis.

Fresh from the Lab: Bubbling Cocktails

SALE - SALE ENDS TOMORROW

Don't forget that our FALL SALE ends tomorrow night at midnight.
All FALL DESIGNS are on sale.
Check last posting below for details!
http://www.kmprimitives.com

Sex & Spiritual Warfare

Mark Driscoll has been releasing a series of lectures about spiritual warfare. Like virtually everything Mars Hill puts out, it's worth listening to. I'd encourage you to download the series if you want to consider Driscoll's thoughts on "Spiritual Warfare".

Specifically, though, within this portion of the lecture series (part 2 out of 4), he has some interesting thoughts about spiritual warfare and marital intimacy worthy of our consideration. On the surface, this may seem totally different from anything you've ever heard. But pull out your Bible and hear what he's saying:

"If you want to help people, you've got to know your Bible and you've got to be very theologically precise. Because so much of what constitutes spiritual warfare is false teaching; it's heresy. Sometimes it's very obvious, sometimes very, very subtle.

"... Let me start with the "ordinary" demonic. When people think of the demonic, they tend to think of the extraordinary [things]... bizarre exorcisms, those kinds of things. The ordinary demonic is very subtle. I've got a list of examples: sexual sin.

"1 Corinthians 7:5 says that a married couple that is Christian should have sexual relations frequently; they shouldn't deny one another but by mutual consent and for a time. Otherwise Satan will get in there and destroy everything.

"How many of you would think that a couple that doesn't have enough sex is experiencing demonic spiritual warfare? It's true. How many Christian marriages divorce? Well, statistically, more than those that are not Christian. When non-Christians can work it out at a rate that is more successful than Christians, that would indicate to me that Satan really has found a way to climb into bed between a husband and a wife and, in one way or another, cause devastation.

"When I'm meeting with a couple, and the husband says, "my wife's not been very nice to me, so I'm gonna deny her sex. And until she's nice to me, I'm gonna withhold it.", that's demonic. The wife who says, "ya know, I'm just never in the mood, and I know you love me and we have a decent marriage, and there's no reason... , but I don't feel like giving it to you",... that's demonic.

"To be sure, there are sex addicts in marriage who are unreasonable in their expectations of their spouse. But what I'm talking about is the common situation where one person in the marriage wants to be intimate more often than the other, and they're rejected. They become bitter. Satan comes in and feeds that bitterness, baits the hook of their flesh with the temptation of the world. And all of a sudden, Satan puts in front of them images, people, and opportunities to lead them astray. It doesn't make anyone a victim, because we all of our own choosing sin. But it does mean that you're giving Satan an opportunity to literally sleep between you and your spouse.

"...Are you having enough sex? ...I rarely have had a counseling appointment where they both say, "I'm satisfied with the frequency and freedom of our sexual relationship." One says, "yeah, I think we're fine", and the other person says, "I'm totally frustrated. It's not very often; it's not very fun; it's very predictable; it's hard for me to rejoice in the wife of my youth." Sometimes it's the wife saying, "He doesn't pursue me, he doesn't touch me, he doesn't desire me, he doesn't compliment me. I've got other men who compliment me, pursue me emotionally, and are desirous of me." And I say, 'Wow, Satan is here. He is at work.'

"I want you to have that image-- that a couple that's not having free, frequent intimacy-- when they go to bed, just think of Satan lying in the bed between the two of them. That's what Paul's talking about in 1 Corinthians 7:5. It really is a big issue. It's not just, 'I'm more amorous than you are'... this is demonic. It's demonic. "

Some people might feel that Driscoll takes this thing too far. I personally think he's spot on. Have you ever thought about sex this way? Read back through it and consider if Satan might be trying to get in between you and your husband in this way. Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy-- and that includes stealing, killing, and destroying marriages, as our culture readily shows. Driscoll gets it.

TAGS, TAGS & MORE TAGS

Yesterday was a day of crafting and my dear husband came to my rescue.

Guess this is what happens after being married for 45 years!

He stood still for hanging each and everyone of my coffee stained tags...what a guy!
Little does he know there are 500 more tags to go....lol

OUR 45th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Today we have been married 45 years - and I still can't believe that much time has passed.
We were treated to a wonderful brunch with all of our children - it was such a delicious brunch in an old barn that had been converted into a beautiful restaurant. We were seated in the silo part today....the little ones thought that was such a fun thing, eating in a silo!

Doug and I met when I was just out of 9th grade during the summer (I had just turned 16).

I was from Janesville and he was from the little town of Milton just 6 miles from us and all the Milton guys charged into Janesville on Friday nights for Swing Lobby and the Cabaret dances.

I can't tell you how many Janesville girls married Milton guys but there were many.

We dated for well over 3 years, becoming engaged at graduation and marrying a little over a year later.

Our wedding day is kind of a blur for me - it was raining and by the time of the wedding which was to take place at 7 pm plus we were under a tornado watch!!!

The sky was so black at 5 pm it was like midnight - and at the last minute I'm running around looking for a pair of little white gloves for my niece who was our flower girl. I didn't think she needed them but mom thought different....sooooo, off I went, hair all done, out in the rain....arggghhh! GLOVES WERE FOUND!

And.....the wedding was delayed 1/2 hour for guests to arrive inside the church....oh, they were there, just waiting in their cars for the rain to stop.

Needless to say, the wedding went on as planned and no glitches after that.

7 moves later we found ourselves in Burlington because of a job transfer and this is where we have been for well over 29 years - I guess this is HOME.

We raised three sons, all now married with children of their own (5 grandchildren).

THEN.....SEPTEMBER 28, 1963

I wasn't fibbing about rain....the water was up to the curbs!

NOW......SEPTEMBER 28, 2008

SHOW & TELL: These are a Few of My Favorite Things...

One of my favorite things about blogging is being able to pass on great resources or links for you to learn from and use to grow in your walk with the Lord, in your marriage or family life, or for your personal enrichment. So, this "Show & Tell" is all about my favorite things... things that we personally use and love in our home that have been a blessing or help to me. I hope you'll find something of interest in this list that can be a blessing or help to you!

1. Sovereign Grace Music- WOW. Valley of Vision in particular is an excellent CD. These musicians are really focused on writing lyrics that are full of truth and Scripture and not just fluff. I have been so challenged by songs like "Jesus Thank You" (you can listen to it in my music list at the bottom of Making Home) and "I Will Glory in My Redeemer" (you can listen to part of it at the link above).
   
2. America's Test Kitchen "Family Cookbook"- This is by far the best cookbook I have ever owned. It not only has the amazing well-tested recipes you'd expect in any quality cookbook, but it also has tips and instructions for things that you'd never find in most cookbooks. We're talking step-by-step photoed instructions for making a pie crust. Or a discussion of why changing the temperature by 25 degrees can completely change the way your muffins turn out. This is the most fascinating and user-friendly cookbook I've ever seen. I've not only made better food since using it, but I also have started *thinking* like a cook, which alone is worth every penny for this cookbook. I HIGHLY recommend this!
   
3. LeCrae- This Christian rapper is so unique... the music itself is good (not cheesy or predictable like so many "Christian rappers" of the past), and the lyrics themselves are full of truth and authenticity. He knows theology, he loves the Word of God, and he's reaching out to this culture in an excellent (and can I say, fun?) way. We have dance parties here in our home a lot, and LeCrae is most definitely a favorite for not only me but for my kids as well. Here's what LeCrae says his mission is: “to digest theology and spit it back out so the streets can digest it." You can listen to a few of his songs on my music player at the bottom of this website, or you can watch a LeCrae video here.
   
4. Hillsong DVDs- I've mentioned on a previous post how we use these DVDs to worship in our home as we go about our days... but I have to share the specifics with you. These DVDs are SO great for helping you teach your kids about worship, learning new songs, and being encouraged to worship the Lord as you go about your daily routine. Here are my four favorite DVDs:
   - HOPE- great, uplifting praise music focused on encouragement, healing, and hope.
   - LOOK TO YOU- a DVD of the Hillsong youth praise band... this ranges from very fresh and young sounds to very worshipful moments as well. We love it.
   - UP (Unified Praise)- Hillsong & Delirious teamed up to put out this worship DVD/concert. It's full of songs you'll probably know and some that will be new and encouraging for you.
   - GOD HE REIGNS- The songs on this DVD in particular are focused on the majesty and power of God and is an intense and enjoyable invitation to worship... the Hillsong team uses a choir and dancers and this is a very good DVD as well
   
5. Settlers of Catan- This game (introduced to us by our friends, Tamara and her husband, Mark) is so much fun and is always unique and challenging, no matter how good you get. Doug & I have a blast playing this at least once a month once the kids are in bed, and it's great for playing with couple friends as well. Perhaps I just revealed my total geekiness, but I'm OK with that. :) It's a fun game.
   
6. Blokus- There are a couple versions of this game (we have the travel/2 player version), but this is a GREAT game for kids and adults of all ages... it changes every time you play it, and is great for teaching strategy and spacial comprehension to children.
   
7. iTunes sermons/resources: Alistair Begg, Mark Driscoll, John Piper, Al Mohler-- I went into my iTunes store and subscribed to each of these so that they automatically download. Then, I can add them to a new "iTunes playlist" each day (mixed in with things like Sovereign Grace, LeCrae, and classic rock favorites) so that, as I'm going about my day, I can be taking in wisdom from a wide variety of sources, all based on the Word of God. This is a great way to stay spiritually challenged and keep your mind at work throughout the day (while doing dishes, sorting laundry, sitting on the floor with your toddler, etc.).
   
8. Rainlendar- onscreen calendar for your desktop - extremely user-friendly and always at your fingertips. It's adaptable to allow for a wide variety of alarms/reminders for every purpose, and it has an optional "To-Do list" that keeps a running list of what's coming up in the next week, so you can keep up-to-date. We have it on both of our computers, and it helps us stay organized!

That's it for now. Hopefully, you too will be able to enjoy some of these "favorites" of mine!

TODAYS PROJECT

Today I sewed almost the entire day getting orders finished up but decided I needed another Fall item in my line so I made this 5 x 7 Pumpkin pictures....I used three different ornages for the pumpkins hoping to give it some character...did it work?

A GIVE A-WAY

Terri from
Thistle House Primitives has a GIVE A-WAY....go on over and enter the contest for an adorable pumpkin mat. Drawing is October 3.

Marburger Or Bust

So while most of you are snoozing tomorrow am, Mr. Sweet Pea and I will begin the long journey from Florida to Texas where we will set up for our second show at Marburger Farms. This is but one of the shows during Round Top Week and it should be interesting. What with the economy in the tank, gas shortages, and the active hurricane season we are a bit nervous about the trip. But like all true antiquers and junkers, it'll take more than that to hold us back. We can't wait to get there and see all our buds--Theresa Cano of Garden Antiques Vintage, Craig and Teresa (Cooter Brown) Smith of Time Worn Interiors, and Peg and John from French Vanilla. Oh and I can't forget Lauri and Lulu of Chippy's! We''ll also be attending some great parties like Leftover's where Mary Emmerling will be signing her new book, and the Junk Gypsy Prom and the book signing for Magnolia Pearl's new book. Sound like fun? Stay tuned for lots of pics when I return! Until then, keep junkin'!

Blessings,
Shelley

Four Foot Wide "Time Eater" Clock

Our friend Rafael Fabre, who blogs often about the steampunk happenings in Second Life, recently pointed out this wonderful clock. From BBC News:

Designed by John Taylor, and unveiled by Stephen Hawking, its Dubbed the strangest clock in the world, and features a giant grasshopper and has 60 slits cut into its face which light up to show the time.

Dr Taylor told the Daily Mail newspaper he decided "to turn the clock inside out... so you can see the seconds being eaten up".

"Conventional clocks with hands are boring," he said. "I wanted to make timekeeping interesting.

"I also wanted to depict that time is a destroyer - once a minute is gone you can't get it back.

"That's why my grasshopper is not a Disney character. He is a ferocious beast that over the seconds has his tongue lolling out, his jaws opening, then on the 59th second he gulps down time." Ferocious and grasshopper are not words you often hear in the same sentence, but this one looks mean enough to eat up all my spare time...

It's gold plated and battery powered -- I would have preferred they saved his money (all million pounds of it) by using brass, and designed gear based movements for it. Oh well!

BAKED POTATO BAR LUNCHEON

When I was working outside the home I fell into a group of absolutely wonderful girls - well, at least we were girls then, now we have become ladies!

We worked side by side for 20+ years becoming buddies, sisters and confidonts - some left, a few more came in but we always were a group/friends.

We had many, many Friday night happy hours and many long lunch hours - I guess the bosses knew we were a tight group and never tried to quench our zest for friendship - nope, they joined right in! LOL, seriously - they became part of our group and are still our friends. My husband still golfs with my boss!

I have been retired for 8 years now but have never lost touch with them - most of them are retired as well so every 6 weeks or so we meet at a restaurant and whoever can make it shows up and we have a wonderful lunch.

I host a summer lunch and a Christmas dinner here at our home - something they all look forward to.

Yesterday I had them over for a Baked Potato Lunch - how much fun is that!!!

I didn't get as good a pictures as I wanted but at least I got some for my memory album.

Normally I have everything set up ahead but I knew were were going to be sitting and gabbing in the screen room and the toppings were refrigerated and the potatos were hot so I couldn't set any of it out ahead of time .... I didn't set the table either because I had no real idea of how many were going to show up...that's how our lunches are....so when it was time we all just pitched in and grabbed things and put it out...we were hungry! LOL

Enjoy the photo album:
http://s151.photobucket.com/albums/s125/....nt=d45d79b2.pbw

"Home"?

20 days ago, I had the opportunity to fly back from where we live overseas to my home in Texas for a couple weeks. Wow. The roads, the wide open spaces, the seemingly endless sky, the houses and businesses I've grown up with all my life, and the people... family, friends, church members, longtime familiar acquaintances, etc.

Most of my life has been spent in Texas. And yet, in many ways, it no longer feels like home. In some ways, it will always have that familiar pull on my heart. There is nothing else like a Texas sunset. Nothing like the Dallas skyline that rises up from the flat land around it. Nothing else like good Tex-Mex in your belly and family at your side. But it's no longer completely "home" for me.

LIVING OVERSEAS
One of the spiritual benefits of living overseas (for me) is having that ever-constant awareness that I'm not "home". In the places we've lived so far, it is rare to feel completely normal in day-to-day life. Perhaps you're eating food you'd never eat, or using substitutions for everyday ingredients. Certainly you're speaking a different language when you leave your home. People stare. Food doesn't always sit right. Apartments don't have closets. Shoes aren't worn inside. Backyards are scarce (or even nowhere to be found). Furniture looks different. Customs take some getting used to.

But, I'm coming to realize that all of these things are blessings... I can't get too "settled" in this life. The lack of a full feeling of "home" here reminds me that my true Home is with Christ on the New Earth.

WHAT IS GOD'S INTENT?
We were not created for an endless "this". The sin, despair, hurt, shame, perversion... all of it was brought on by our own sin-- not as part of the original design. The creation intent for us was fellowship with and worship of God, fellowship with one another, and enjoyment of Him and His creation.

Reading Randy Alcorn's book, Heaven, several years ago really opened my eyes to what the Scriptures have to say about Heaven. After the judgment, God is going to redeem our earth, making it "home". Gossip, back pain, frustration, weeds, tears, sickness, misunderstandings, and difficult relationships will all be gone. And we will be Home. To our true Home. The home that our bodies, our minds, our hearts, and our souls were fashioned for.

After my visit back to Texas, I'm echoing what my friend Tanya says, I'm "homesick for Heaven".

I GOT AN AWARD!

I just received my first Blog award from Amanda of Amanda's Crafty Creations! Thank you Amanda....this is quite an honor.











Here are the rules:
1. Put the logo on your blog
2. Add a link to the person who awarded it to you
3. Nominate 7 (minimum 5) other blogs
4. Add links to them on your blog
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blogs.

I nominate:
1. Char from: THE PICKELED PEPPER PATCH http://charsethman.blogspot.com/
2. Dawn from: THE FORGOTTEN BARN http://forgottenbarn.blogspot.com/
3. Angie from: SUGARPLUM PATCH http://sugarplumpatch.blogspot.com/
4. Beth from: RAGGEDY ANGEL http://ragggedyangel.blogspot.com/
5. Mary Jo from: FINE COUNTRY LIVING PRIMITIVES http://finecountrylivingprimitives.blogspot.com/

BUSY DAY!

What a day....it was so hot and I'm putting out Fall decorations! Now if the weather would just reflect the colors of this wonderful time of year I would be so happy...it was 85 today!

I'VE BEEN BUSY!

I've been making some new products for my website and my Holiday In-Home Shows.

I'm having so much fun making these - they can hang anyplace - on a knob or a hook or even on the front of a hutch from a little nail.

As well as our willow tree we have a feather Christmas tree, snowman and a sheep.

Some Subtle Effects of the Birth Control Culture

Lately, I've been noticing some trends that I think are directly attributable to the rise-- indeed the expectancy-- of birth control use in our culture. I'd like to talk through them one by one so it's clear what I'm getting at. I believe that there are consequences that are a direct result of our culture's embracing of the birth control mindset as normative, and here are a few.

• #1: Young couples are thought irresponsible when they get pregnant right away...

...because, the implication is, any "wise" couple would wait and follow the oft-given advice (even by pastors) that you should "take a few years to get to know each other" first. This basic assumption overlooks the fact that even with birth control usage, regular intercourse often leads to a pregnancy. Indeed, that is the general plan of God's design for marital intimacy.

It also overlooks the fact that children are a part of God's design for sanctification of parents, and that the continuation of a self-focused lifestyle has not served America's "Christian" marriages well.

• #2- "Was it planned?" is no longer deemed a rude and quite personal question, but in fact, is seen as a natural question...

...because, the way our culture sees it, it is up to us to "plan" when life will begin according to our own time tables and goals. The abortion-on-demand mindset tells us that we can control when life ends, so why not believe that we have full control of when it begins as well?

• #3- Children are often seen, and even referred to, as an "accident".

Perhaps you've been fortunate enough to not ever have actually heard someone call their child by such an insulting description (an "oops baby", or "our little accident")... but it's all too common. Linked to the idea above, this whole notion is a natural attitude when we believe that we are the ones in control of life.

• #4- Large families are often seen as incredible (and thus, put on an undeserved pedestal) or insane (and thus, sneered at behind their backs)...

...because once you can control how many "little buggars" you get, someone who has more than the two (or maybe three, if your first two are of the same gender) MUST be either Mother Teresa, or one step away from the loony bin.

• #5- Anyone who has clearly NOT bought into the birth control culture at any point is seen as fair game for jokes, criticism, or invasive questions, because (it is assumed) they "chose" something different...

...because now, the "norm" is obvious: it is assumed that you WILL limit your own family size, shape, and timing according to your own will. The family that has two children 14 months apart gets jokes ("Haven't you figured out how that happens?" hardee-har-har) and eyerolls at their (implied) stupidity. The couple that has struggled with infertility now feels obligated to share that very personal information, because others imply or outright state that they are intentionally avoiding children, calling them selfish or scared. (Talk about adding insult to injury!) And of course, there's the classic large family comments.

• #6- By extension, because they "chose" their family size, the larger-than-average family is often expected to never lack, to never struggle with discipline, to never be tired, etc.... even by Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

Don't believe me? Think again.

If a two-year-old in a family of seven children has tantrums or is wearing mismatched clothes, it's because "the mom is spread too thin". But if that same child is the only child of two doting parents, it's because "bless his heart; he's a normal two-year-old" and because independent little two-year-olds love to pick out their own clothes.

If a mother of three children is exhausted as she's pregnant with her fourth, it's likely to be met with an "I told you so" attitude from those who have already inappropriately shared their thoughts about family size. And she rarely gets sympathy. More likely, she'll get a "you made your bed, now lie in it" perspective from most of the people around her. But a first time mother struggling with morning sickness gets sympathetic comments and offers for how others can help.

And lest you think I'm just whining as a mom of four, I'm really not... I'm just stating things the way I've plainly seen them. And these are things I hear from many of you, my friends and readers.

• #7- A young professional women is "throwing her career away" if she opts to stay home with her new baby....

...because she could have controlled that for another 10 years, and really DONE something with her life, don't ya know?

• #8- Couples are often shocked and dismayed when they struggle with infertility...

...because the whole issue is so framed by an "in control" attitude. It seems so easy to NOT have children, and thus, it should be easy TO have them, right? Sadly, many modern couples either aren't even marrying until less fertile ages, and then may find themselves desperate to have children... or they have followed the common advice to take some time for themselves, only to find that once they finally get off the pill, they struggle to get pregnant at all.

Even the couple who would love to have children and hasn't put it off or waited gets rude comments from family and friends because our culture has such an "if you want it, you can get it" attitude about everything, including children. And underlying all of it is the cultural idea of "rights"... that we have the right to have children or not have them, whenever we so desire.

• #9- OTHER EFFECTS

I won't even go into the rise in casual sex (a.k.a. fornication), affairs (a.k.a. adultery), and abortion (a.k.a. murder) due to the ease of birth control procurement and use.

SO WHAT'S THE SOLUTION???
The answer isn't that we bang down the doors of the courts and seek to legislate birth control usage. That ship has sailed.

In my view, the answer IS that Christian couples should seek God's face and become that peculiar people-- a people that stands out as set apart and different from the world around us-- in this area of how we view children. A people who see children as blessings. A people who discipline our children in the Lord, so that we aren't so bowled over by our disobedient, bratty children that we can't STAND the thought of more. A people who aren't afraid to live as strangers in this world that kills and throws away imperfect children, medicates children instead of offering loving discipline, and that acts and thinks as though we are the ones in control of life. Heaven help us!

Some Things I Am MOST Thankful For...

... the Word of God. I am so amazed that I can keep reading it-- this straightforward and rich message-- and throughout my life, in all kinds of crazy and different situations, it is always relevant. It is always alive. It is always right. There are still millions of people around the world who do not have the Bible in a language that they understand. What a sweet gift we have in being able to read, any time we please, a direct communication from God.

... the grace of God. If you all only knew. I am such a lousy sinner. Rotten through and through. The older I get, the more convicted and aware of my sinful nature I have become. I am critical, selfish, lazy, and lack self-control-- and that's all before noon on the average day. There is no end to my sinfulness.

And yet, Jesus loves me. He died for me, and extends grace to me every single day of my life. Grace in my salvation. Grace in my marriage. Grace in the children He's given. Grace in the provision of bread and clothes and wonderful, glorious books to read. Grace. It's my middle name... and I always have loved it because it's beautiful, but never felt worthy of it, because it's such a feminine word and I was such a tomboy growing up. But it's what I need, and one of the things I'm most thankful for.

"My sin...
Oh, the bliss of this glorious thought:
My sin-- not in part, but the whole-- is nailed to the cross
and I bear it no more.
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, o my soul!"

~my favorite verse of my favorite hymn, "It Is Well"

... the forgiveness of my husband and children. This relates to that last one. My sin rears its ugly head multiple time a day. There are so many times when I have to ask for forgiveness from my children for my caustic tone of voice. For forgiveness from my husband because of my accusing tone. For forgiveness from my son because of an angry response. For forgiveness from my husband because I have been like that nagging wife in Proverbs, dripping my complaints. I am so very grateful for the way that they continue to forgive me, showering me with kindness and second chances every single day. What a sweet thing it is to be a part of a family that keeps on forgiving.

Forgiveness is this amazing part of life that just defies what our flesh cries out for (vengeance, justice, and the "right" to be hurt and get back at the person through an unforgiving and blaming attitude)... and yet, when we give or receive it, it is restorative and healing in the way it washes over us. As sinners, forgiveness is one of our greatest needs, and I am humbled to receive it. In abundance. From both God and man.


What things are you most thankful for?

Hanging Beds...

via MyHomeIdeas

Keith sent me to an article on suspended beds which I was intrigued by. I have no clue what the history of hanging or suspended beds are -- this feels like something that would have originated in the 70s -- but with a little bit of imagination they can have a Victorian nautical flair, like the one below.

via MyHomeIdeas

I'm not sure I'd put one inside a house, but they'd be great on a porch (as shown below). I think it would be perfect for a beach house (unfortunately the in-law's beach house that I keep decorating in my head -- my FIL so gets steampunk -- just washed away with Hurricane Ike. Sigh.)

You would think there would be instructions for building one of these on Instructables, but the closest I found was this comment by the owner of the bed below, featured on Apartment Therapy: The suspended bed on our screened-in porch. It took about a day and cost less than $100 to build. Although I confess I didn't do much of the building — my husband and brother are responsible for that. I'm sure you could figure out how to build one, however.


Some of the most charming, old fashioned looking hanging beds are for sale at Bedzz without Legzzz.

COUNTRY SAMPLER CAME!

Okay, I said I'd fill you all in on the Photo Shoot for Country Sampler so sit back and relax.

They got here at 9 a.m. and it was CONTINUOUS from that moment until 7 p.m.

The only break they took was lunch - which I went out for and brought it back for all of us but we had a nice leisurly time sitting around the dining room table just chatting - gosh they were nice.

It was an amazing day and I was so surprised at all the tricks used like this one - the sun was gone from the kitchen side of the house by the time they got there so Michael put a tall light outside beyond the kitchen window and when we viewed the picture on their computer there was the sun shining in and leaving sun light on the cupboard and floor! There was no way to tell this wasn't real sun flowing in the window...cool huh?

You see so many times these cute little setups in groupings and think, how do they get these to look just right, well, many items were propped up with anything they could use which won't show in the pictures - like the little foot stool sitting on two Candy Land games for height. I went searching for the right things Pilar could use and walla - the games worked.

They started in the family room and den and at 1:00 when I left get lunch and bring it back, they finished and were heading for the bedroom shoot. After lunch they did the dining room and then the kitchen.

I don't know how many shots they took till they got the ones they wanted but the editor wanted 14 pictures total in the end...so for each of those 14 had approx 5-6 different shots to get the one they were going to use....lots of playing with light, positions, etc.

Pilar was so taken with the kitties she kept trying to get them in the pictures but they weren't going to cooperate until around 6:30 when they were wrapping up - she saw Lola sitting on a table in the screen room and so she took several pictures of her - hopefully one will end up in the magazine.

I took as many pictures as I could when they weren't behind the camera....we tried to stay out of the way although they were very nice letting us get as close as possible to watch and we would run for this or that if they needed a prop or something different in place of something.

There was a lot of take from here, put there.
So here's a small slide show of what they did all day long. I could have taken many photos but they would have been very similar - I imagine they were quite ready to drop by the time they left as well.

http://s151.photobucket.com/albums/s125/kmprimitives/?action=view&current=a11fbcd4.pbw

The Importance of the Mid-Day Nap

Naptime. Quiet time. Siesta, if you will. Call it what you want. But do not underestimate its importance for happy family life, particularly with kids about four and under. In actuality, this principle can serve any family of any age and any size.

CHILDREN NEED REST
This isn't anything new, and it shouldn't be a "news flash"... but children need rest. Rest ought to be a regular part of their day. Their young bodies are growing, their young minds are growing, and they need their rest to "catch up" with and to cope with the busy-ness of life.

I've even heard many moms of little ones proudly say, "oh, she's grown out of naps", or "he doesn't need a nap", but then the child quickly reveals his own need for it... disobedience, whiny tantrums, and fussy attitudes suddenly begin surfacing. What that child is saying, even though his words might say otherwise, is: "I need some rest, mom. I've run out of steam."

Recently, in a discussion of homeschooling with toddlers, one mom admitted that she struggled to homeschool at all because of interruptions from a toddler, and that "forced naps" seem too "punitive".

[Siderant: "Punitive" is a really popular, overused word now to describe anything that in any way seems mean to the speaker. It doesn't have to be carried out meanly, it doesn't even have to be perceived as negative by the child, and it doesn't even have to BE a negative action... there seems to be no consistent definition for it, except that if a woman does not like a particular parenting method or style or choice, or perhaps it was carried out meanly to her when she was a child, and she thinks it sounds mean, then she gets to call it punitive.]

Naps are not punitive. On the contrary, giving rest to a child that needs it (a.k.a, a toddler who interrupts and whines and disobeys and throws fits) is the loving thing to do.

The Lord, our Shepherd, "makes [us] lie down" to restore our souls. He gives sleep to those He loves. Throughout Scripture, peaceful, secure homes, countries, and places are described as quiet resting places. Indeed, a disciplined child gives rest to his parents. God even planned a day of "rest" in the weekly routine. Regular times of rest are a centerpiece of a well-ordered home.

BUILD A REGULAR HABIT OF REST
This has been a natural part of our home-- as infants, our children take multiple naps throughout the day and sleep well at night. Around 5-6 months, they transition to a two-nap routine (a cumulative four-five hours, split between morning and afternoon naps, with eight-eleven hours of sleep at night), and around 12-18 months, they usually transition to a one-nap routine, which lasts around 2-3 hours, and they keep that up until around age four.

Homes that have not built this in through infant routines may have to work at it... but by the time a child is one, he ought to have at least one good long nap every single day. And, please, don't bring out the tired (get my joke?) old "schedule vs. AP" debate-- I'm not saying anything revolutionary. Preschools and kindergartens the world over recognize the value and importance of regular rest for children, so let's not pretend that this is some kind of radical idea.

However you go about it, I would encourage you to build in a natural cycle of rest into your family's daily life. This does mean that you'll have to be "working at home" and won't be galavanting around the town each afternoon, it's true... but there are worse things than having 2-3 quiet hours to yourself. For example, having 2-3 hours of a whiny toddler throwing tantrums and raising your blood pressure until you pop. That would be worse. Or, having two such children who argue and fight with each other and don't obey and allow no one in the home to have a moment's peace. That would be worse.

But getting rest? Some peace and quiet? Oh, yes, please! If you don't already, build it into your family routine. Your kids (though they may not verbally express it) will voice their thanks over the course of time through good attitudes and a cheerful countenance.

WHAT DO THE KIDS DO DURING REST TIME?
Well, the obvious first thing to do is rest. I strongly believe that until a child can cheerfully occupy himself for the 2-3 hour quiet time AND control his own attitude for the remainder of the day, he needs a nap. Every day.

And yes, sometimes that will mean that you try giving up naptime, only to find that little Sally isn't ready for nap-free life yet (which will be evidenced by her emotional fragility and tantrums thrown throughout the remainder of the evening). So, the next day, back down she goes. Trial and error.

But at some point (which, as I mentioned, with our own children typically happens around four years of age), your child will pass the stage for daily naps. Occasional naps may still be needed, but this child has mastered her own attitudes and isn't crying out (literally) for naps each day.

So when a child reaches the age where they may not sleep during the day, that child still can have a time of rest. For us, what that typically looks like is quietly hanging out with a huge stack of books. I'll find that child a spot somewhere in the house (sometimes on our bed, sometimes on the couch, sometimes at the table on the balcony, sometimes in a cozy corner), and he will read quietly. As the child develops a pattern of consistent awake rest and quiet time, I'll sometimes open up that daily time to include quiet toys (by himself) or coloring. The point is that it will be a time of rest... a quiet, peaceful couple of hours for everyone in the middle of each day.

EXPANDING THIS PRINCIPLE AS THE CHILDREN GROW
As the children grow, I can foresee this being a time of quiet reading, research, journaling, or going for a walk. And as they approach adulthood, this could transition to a time of work-- working with dad, cooking or doing chores, or doing schoolwork.

For the homeschooling family, continuing the quiet time will reinforce naps for the little ones (if there are any) and may allow older children to accomplish the heavier "brainwork" of school, or just give them some "down time" after a busy morning.

For the pregnant mom, this principle will give HER the opportunity to nap mid-day if she needs it, as her children will all be in the habit of regular rest for those two to three hours each day.

Whatever the myriad ways it could play out in varying families, I'm convinced that building a habit of a daily rest time into your family life can be a real blessing, for you and your children.

COUNTRY SAMPLER PHOTOSHOOT

I haven't been updating here the last couple days because we have been cleaning and re-arranging our house inside and out...well, not to a big extent...just getting it camera ready!

A few months ago we were contacted by Country Sampler Magazine about having our house be in one of their magazines....WOW! Excitement in overdrive!!!!

Funny thing though - last Monday morning my husband and I brought in all of our Spring/Summer decorations, flowers, etc and also took all the summery things from inside our house and packed them away nicely in bins and cupboards in the basement and then got out all the Fall things, got them all set up on the tables downstairs and even bought a few more things - well, you know you just never have enough, right?

So after doing all this I took the afternoon off - decided I could start decorating and getting things put out the next day....so later in the afternoon the phone rings and it's them (Country Sampler)...they set a date to arrive which was a day earlier than they originally set - well, okay, that's fine...AND THEN she proceded to say the photo shoot was going to be SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!

The entire morning went through my head like a lightening bolt - I started to laugh and had to tell her what we had done all morning and she felt so bad but it's still going to be SPRING! lol

So, that's what we have been doing - I think we're ready, although I know they will bring props and move our things around to make it work for the camera and that's just fine...I love seeing things in someone elses eye and we just might leave it like they put it.

The shoot is for Wednesday the 17th and it will be in one of the early Spring issues....I will keep you all updated and hopefully I can take some behind the scene pictures of them doing the shoot and if I can, I will post them so be on the look out.

DaVinci Decoder Fountain

Cameron Harvey of Harvey Gallery shared his DaVinci Decoder Fountain:



Some have said it is an early device for deciphering the coding in the Last Supper. A few suggested that when played underwater, large whales flock to it and attempt to communicate.

I worry about linking the DaVinci Code with steampunk, but it's a lovely piece. No, the water doesn't turn the gears, but rather runs down the center of it.

I just love making things especially my Penny Rugs which I have made hundreds of but don't ask me to make a pillow - they turn out looking like a squashed loaf of bread!

So last week I was doing some odds and ends shopping at Walmart and saw these wonderful pillows for $6.00 - they just screamed 'buy me, buy me'...so I did! I bought 4 of them! I was amazed at the quality with piping around the edges to boot!

I had purchased some linen towels awhile back with sheep on them and had a brainstorm - I could cut off the unwanted portion and stitch the design onto the pillow - WOW...I love them.

After finishing these I decided they were going to make a wonderful product to sell at my In-Home Holiday Show....so out I went to every Walmart I could find for more.
I ended up with 8 black, 4 deep red and 4 ivory.

Guess that's enough to keep me busy - look for different designs as time goes on.

SEX: What If You Just Don't Want To?

Got a question (What to do with low libido/low "want to"?) from a friend, and here's what I wrote in response...


I'm just gonna ramble. Hopefully some of this will help you or someone else.

[First of all, I'd like to frame this in terms of what you like for your husband to do for you. For example, if you like him to talk, give you gifts, go shopping with you on Saturday, attend special events together, etc.... whatever it is... first, frame this question in terms of that, "what if he just didn't want to?" Hopefully, his love for you would compel him to work through his "not liking it" so that he can learn to love you in ways that speak love to you. So, as a wife, whether we "want to" or not is actually a side issue.]

WHAT TO DO
Just say yes. And tell him you'll just say yes. Don't say no or beg off ever again.

When you're 85, I don't think you'll ever look back and say, "Wow, I wish we hadn't have connected THAT time. That sure did stink to kiss and hang out nekkid together. That sure was awful to reconnect and refuel in the midst of our busy lives." But I'd bet many a widow DOES look back and wonder why she ever turned that precious man down. Even when he was imperfect (which is ALWAYS). So, don't turn him down. That's a big step, but a GREAT one.

Meet this need for your husband. LOVE HIM the way you'd want him to LISTEN to you. And then, over time, let him know how much it helps you to be heard, or how much it helps you if he'll just x, y, or z. But frankly, don't expect him to change. He may not. We can only change ourselves.

Biblically, and WONDERFULLY, you're the gal. You're the one person that can rightly meet his needs in this area. (And if you don't, then you're disobeying 1 Cor. 7--perhaps unintentionally, but nonetheless, still disobeying.) AND that's the way God intended it-- for OUR good, individually and as a "one flesh" unit, and for HIS glory.

GOD MADE IT THIS WAY
You know how all these boys (I call them boys because that's what they act like) who are 25-35 sit around addicted to video games? And porn? Studies have shown that the neurons and chemicals in their brain that fire are the SAME ones that fire off during making love. The very things that GOD built into their biology to bond them to their wives are bonding them to the computer screen or TV screen. GOD intended this great action to get your husband to be WILD about you. To connect him to you. To give him an AWESOME physical motivation to keep -- and HONOR -- that covenant. Take advantage of that beautiful plan and connect with your husband.

It's been said that women make love after they feel emotionally connected, and men make love TO feel emotionally connected. It's not always true, 100% across the board, but it IS true for the majorities of both men and women. So that helps me remember, that it's really NOT just a physical release he is looking for-- he wants to know we're OK, he wants things to BE OK between us. For me, I need to talk it out. For him, connecting physically lets him know that things ARE "OK" between us.

IT AIN'T JUST FOR HIM-- IT'S FOR YOU TOO!
Another amazing thing that I've found is that the more we do it, the more I want to do it. It's like a fire that needs tending... if I let the coals burn out, it takes a lot longer the next time to get things heated back up and cooking. So, the thing I need to do is "cook" often enough that the coals don't ever get cold. When we regularly tend the fire, it never goes out. But if we do it and then wait a while and then do it again, it seems like such a duty, such a chore.

Also (I'm really going off here, but I haven't blogged all summer, can you tell?!), practice marital hedonism. Just like God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, seeking our joy and delight in HIM alone... our husbands are most delighted when they know we are so delighted by them. Don't be afraid to let loose and have a rip-roaring good time... to take real pleasure and delight in the bedroom activities you get to share with your husband. He'll love it! God gave us women all those sensitive nerve endings for EXACTLY that purpose!

Interestingly, the media has just reported about a study that shows that optimal sex only takes 3-13 minutes. We make time for everything else in the world-- three to thirteen minutes ain't NOTHIN.

A SIMPLE CHOICE
But besides all that, I guess, for me, what it comes down to is a simple choice: I made a vow to love and honor and cherish this man ... and I want to do it -- not begrudgingly, not because I feel obligated, not because I took the right vitamin to balance things out in my body (although if there is something, then take it!)... but because I LOVE HIM AND HE IS GOD'S PRECIOUS GIFT TO ME. AND THE BIBLE SAYS THAT MY BODY IS HIS BODY-- AND PRAISE GOD, HE WANTS MY BODY-- STRETCHMARKED AND LUMPY THOUGH I MAY THINK IT IS. HE WANTS IT!

This is one area of our marriage that I absolutely focus on... it's not perfect, and it's not what everyone else may desire-- but I really focus in on what HE desires, and I revel in that. Out of all the stuff that takes up our time, our husband is the #1 human being on our list... we're to help him and serve him. It's not popular, but it's true.

We have this fun, laughter-inducing, amazing way to help and love and serve our husbands. Praise God for such a great, creative gift! Let's put it to good use.

Spice Rack = Medicine Cabinet

This was a clever reuse of a neat spice rack my sister found for me at a thrift shop. My mom cleaned it up, and we thought I'd use it in the kitchen for a look similar to this kitchen. That didn't work out, so I repurposed it for a medicine cabinet in the bathroom. It looks even better right after you fill up the jars with colorful vitamins.

Uggggg Kind of Day!

Have you ever just taken the day off to go wherever your mind and body took you and had nothing at home pressing to do? Well I did just that today.

The weather is just beautiful - the kind of day you can dress for summer or put long sleeves on - MY KIND OF DAY!

Sooooo....I took off for an hours drive to one of my favorite Wholesale places to buy for my shows and when I got there I went in - looked around and no one was there so I went over to the stairs and called up to the office....no one!

So I sat down at their desk for a few minutes thinking they would be back, possibly an early lunch....NOT!!!

So off I went to a cute litte shop up the street and found a couple of great treasures - you know what a treasure is - something you just have to have, can't live without....yeah, right....a halloween/pumpkin head doll and some beautiful red napkins. A girl just hasta have these you know!

And then I did the trip back to the other shop.....no one! So I asked the people in the next building if they had seen them - they said they had gone to wholesale market and were not back yet! Aw man.....I NEEDED THINGS...lol

Sooooo, I figured it was a wonderful day to 'stay away' and headed for the next town where there is a super wonderful Primitive shop that I always find lots of goodies in.....well wouldn't you know - THEY WERE CLOSED TODAY TO GET READY FOR THEIR FALL OPEN HOUSE!

I couldn't get a break on spending money even TRYING!!!!

That left me with the only thing I could do....EAT LUNCH....so off to Applebees I went and had one delicious Asian Chicken Salad....as far as I'm concerned that's the only thing they serve...lol

Mind you I'm sitting there all alone and my hands are on the table, clasped together so the waitress came over and asked me if I cared to have a newspaper in my hands...lol I said you bet - nothing more sad than a single person dining - especially a woman.

So then in came three business men and they were seated at the table next to me - and when I say next to me IT WAS NEXT AS IN 'WITH' ME....I was at one of those single tables along the railing and right next to the railing on the other side is a high table - THAT'S WHERE THEY SAT! I felt like I was dining with them....but you know what? They weren't gentlemen at all, not one of them bought my lunch! LOL

Thanks for putting up with my sad, uggy day!

Oh, I almost forgot....it ended quite well. I went to visit my cousin who works at an ice cream shop and went in and had a big hot fudge sundae to drown my woes.

First of September

WE HAVE SUCH A WONDERFUL SALE GOING ON THIS MONTH AND WE DON'T WANT ANYONE TO MISS IT SO WE'RE TELLING YOU HERE AS WELL AS ON OUR WEBSITE

We’re so excited about this seasons new items and hope you will be too but first...

Our FEATURED PRODUCTS THIS MONTH are all of our FALL DESIGNS

Look for them in the different sections on our site….you will find each of them ON SALE THIS MONTH.

NEW FOR US THIS YEAR....We have started making Christmas Ornaments for this holiday season and just wait until you see some of the new AMERICAN HAND MADE PRODUCTS we have coming for your decorating needs.

We are slowly turning our misc. product inventory over to American Made products.
It’s a slow process but we are getting there and we know you will be happy as well.

Most of our products we offer won't be found in retail stores.
We buy purposely for your needs in mind and want you to have something you will not find on the shelves of big box stores or even your favorite little shop.

So go on over and look around at our newest items.
REMEMBER - we are constantly getting new - so keep checking back for updates.
KM Primitives Penny Rugs
http://www.kmprimitives.com