It Is Finished, my Coat that is...

The coat is finished.  It is a very simple wrap style coat with a stand-up collar. 

I learned a lot while sewing this coat.

Things such as:

• patterns are not always written so the everyday seamstress can understand them,  (AND I had help from Mom who taught me to sew and is a very talented seamstress.  She LOVES to do wedding dresses.  She made hers not quite 50 years ago and she made mine 21+ years ago.)  { Mom agreed that some of the instructions and diagrams were not very clear}  And remember, SHE. Is. A. PRO!!

• Patterns often tell you to do things (in my humble opinion) in a wonky order.

• Don't try to hem the sleeve linings whilst sitting in a big comfy chair AND watching TV.  I got my seams all twisted around. 

• Dont try to trim the excess lining without marking, marking, marking....

• It is a GOOD idea to try a pattern like this in a less expensive fabric for your (my?) first go.

• Belt loop placement should be higher than you think, AND on the right edge of the piece of fabric, It took me THREE tries to get them right.

So,for your viewing pleasure I present "THE COAT"

PS  I also made the scarf using Caron Simply Soft paints, in color Harlequin 0007

Where has all the time gone??

Christmas has come and gone...
The thank you notes have been written (but not mailed yet),

Christmas $$ has been spent

• I bought fabric for a dress coat
• D bought a put it together yourself pc kit, and by put it together, it really is put it together, vs hook up all the wires and turn the power on
• S bought her own DS and a game

The coat is finished, almost, I need to reposition the belt loops and give it the final pressing

Everything for the pc arrived today EXCEPT the external box, kinda critical 'cause where do you put all the components if not inside the box?

DS and game arrived and have been played and played and pla....you get the picture


So what is next???

Right now get a sick child and hubby feeling better without getting sick myself.

Get back on track with 'book learnin'.

etc...

Merry Christmas

I wish all my friends and family a very merry Christ-mas, filled with wonder at what our Awesome God has done.


I pray that we will remember that the babe in the manger grew up. He lived a sinless life, in this sinful world, suffered the same temptations, and occupied a frail human body so that HE could give His life as a ransom for sinners. His sacrifice was accepted by the Father, He arose the 3rd day. And now sits in heaven at the right hand of God interceding for His children.

In all the hoopla of this busy season, with the gifts to wrap, the cookies to bake, the children out of school and excited, let us not forget the reason Jesus the Christ came into this world. To save sinners like me and like you.

'Holy GOD in love became, perfect man to bear my blame. On the cross He took my sin. By His death I live again.' lyrics by Drew Jones

What I am Learning

I have started to use a devotional book entitled “Faith Walk, A daily Journey Through the Bible” by Woodrow Kroll and Tony Beckett. The reading for December 18 focused on the Seriousness of Sin. The scriptures were Obadiah and Revelation 9. At the end of each daily reading questions are asked to help you apply what has been learned to your own life.
This is what I read, “We sometimes are too casual about sin and its effects. Consider your life today, looking to see if sin is gripping some part of it. By God’s grace and power you can break its grasp”.

As I prayed and pondered, I realized that I am really selfish a lot of the time. I want everyone to leave me alone so I can __________, you can fill in the blank. I see that I often allow my health issues to interfere with life. My life certainly but more importantly I allow my selfishness to interfere with my family’s life.

The children have become more and more aware of this. They see it in the lack of attention I was giving them.

My sweet, patient husband sees it in the way I tend to brush him off. I’m always too tired, or have a headache, or…

Now that my eyes have been opened I need to change. It does me no good whatsoever to see my selfishness and acknowledge that it is sin if I have no intention of changing.

Please pray for me as I seek to change. Pray that I will recognize quickly when I act in a selfish manner. Pray that I will discipline myself to become less me oriented and more God and family oriented.

Anniversary Rings

In November 2009, David and I returned to our honeymoon hideaway.  While there, I purchased a 1 carat, emerald cut, pale blue aquamarine.  I had been searching for the 'perfect' (for me) stone because it is David's birthstone.

About August or so of 2010, I started looking for someone who would make a ring to put my stone in.  Very hard to find.  As I perused the internet, I kept returning to 2 artisans on Etsy. 

I emailed the first, with my request but she was unwilling to work with a stone that she had not cut herself.  She explained that stone sometimes break and she did not want to accidentally ruin it for me.

The second person was willing to make a ring with an empty setting, and I would then take it to a jeweler locally to have the stone set. You can find him here:   http://www.etsy.com/shop/MJSGems
When the ring arrived I took it to the local jeweler that I had previously contacted only to be told that they would have to remake the setting and the cost would be much more than I had been quoted. The attitude of this shop really didn't sit well with me so I contacted the jeweler where David bought my original engagement ring over 20 years ago.

This proved to be the right choice.  Although they seldom work in sterling silver, they were willing to do the job.  So, yesterday evening David took me into Concord to pick up my ring that has been in the making, (in a vague way) for 13 months.

I am so pleased. It is beautiful.

So, now on my left hand I wear a beautiful, matching wedding set.  (When David saw the 1st ring he told me to get a matching band)

It wasn't a matter of not liking my original rings, it was really several things.  First, several years ago I was using bleach to clean something and I got a chemical burn under the band.  I have had it cleaned professionally and am still unable to wear that band for more than 3 or 4 hours.  The second thing was that my original engagement ring had been a pear cut with a smaller stone on either side.  Those side stones were the problem.  I lost several of them while working and had them replaced.  The last time it happened, I was so aggravated that I traded it in for a single stone ring.  Unfortunately, I did not ask David about this or even have him help me chose a replacement.  So that has bothered him, and as I have tried to be more sensitive to his leadership, it has bothered me.

So now you know the story and here are the photos.

Gingerbread House Results

Sarah and Daniel took 2nd place and Most Creative with their annual entry.  David and I like their creation so much we are trying to figure out how to store it for next years Christmas decorating.  Any suggestions?

The entry that took 1st was a more traditional house with lots of candy.  I had hoped that the judges would like something less traditional, but they did not.  A lot of work had gone into all the entries and I know the kids learned a lot during the construction of the log house.

RE: Totally Cool Log Cabin

I don't know if it's me or blogger, but I'm having a terrible time adding text after I add pictures.  So, I will tell about the Log Cabin in this post.

Did you know that a dremel tool will cut pretzel logs like a knife through hot butter?  (Is that the correct saying?)

Did you know that hot glue is the best adhesive for this type of project?

Did you know that when a 12 and 14 year old construct an entry for the annual GB House contest your kitchen will feel sticky forEVER!

Sarah in her infinite patience and determination constructed and tore down and rebuilt and torn down and tore down and changed the base and reconstructed ....  I believe it was a total of 4 times.

She tried several variations of icing for the mortar, but in the end technology won.  What is the crafter's favorite tool?  No it's not duct tape.  It is HOT GLUE GUNS!!

She had the patience to glue each tiny peppercorn on the chimney base and THEN discovered that the position of the chimney on the roof meant that part of the chimney should show on the exterior of the log cabin. More  peppercorns to add.

Daniel hollowed out the section of pretzel log AND drilled a hole in it to attach it to the post that is buried in the ground.

Cheerios make a good rubble style walkway.

They started this project before Thanksgiving and worked their little fingers to the bone.

Competition looked stiff when we viewed some of the other entrants yesterday morning.  I hope they at least place, I think if the judges are looking for something different they stand a very good chance.

Totally Cool Log Cabin

Chimney covered in peppercorns.

Notice the tiny mailbox, the open door and the gummy bear garland

roof is shingled with sticks of gum, tree we found at Aldi.

Music

I've been listening to a lot of my favorite songs on YouTube this morning. 

Music is a beautiful gift that GOD has given to His creation. 

In Luke 19:37-40 we read about the "multitudes praising GOD with loud voices for all the mighty works they had seen.  The Pharisees said to Jesus, 'Master, rebuke them'.  Jesus answered and said unto them,"I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."

As I watch some of my favorite hymns, Christmas and praise songs, it bothers me that some of the artists are putting their heart and soul into the music are not living a life that honors Christ.

Then as I mulled it over it occurred to me that the message in the song is being spread and used by GOD.  It is possible that those in the audience or the artist or someone watching the YouTube video will be ministered to.

I have to remember that GOD is in control and He can use the foolish to open the eyes of the blind.

The gospel will not return empty, but will fulfill His plan!

So listen to the gospel spelled out in song.  Let it speak to you. 

New Felted Purse

Several months ago a lady on a crochet forum posted a picture of a beautiful felted purse that she called 'Tres Roses'.  She had invented this purse and shared it with us.

I did some figuring and searching for a rose pattern and finally made my mom a purse.
Here it is...

One of the Saddest 2-weeks of my life

A little over 2 years ago, I had a very memorable Mother's Day. Our friends J & K had their 3rd child in a home birth.  ( I told K she was my hero, she was at church in active labor only about 2 hours before 'Puppy" was born).

"Puppy"

"E"

-

"I"

We were over within an hour or so after he was born.  And were able to bring them leftovers from our Sunday lunch and share and rejoice  with them as a family.  I thought I had blogged about it, cannot believe I forgot.

Just as Mother's Day 2008 if a joyful memory, so September 2010 is one of sorrow and tears.

September 7, our pastors son James was killed in the line of duty in Iraq.  He had been in the army less than a year, he had a young wife at home, he was scheduled to come home in January 2011. 

God in His Providence, chose to bring him home, and in his death, the message of the Gospel has been broadcast at least nationwide.  As his wife, parents, siblings, extended family, and friends mourn his passing, we are also able to rejoice in the testimony that his death has spread.

Right now if you 'google' James McClamrock you will find newspaper articles from all over.  I haven't yet read all of them , but every one I have read has been so full of God's grace as evidenced in the entire family's lives.

His funeral was this past Friday, 9/17.  It was very emotional but at the same time I believe that it was very healing for those who grieve.

We (Gibson Family) did not have the privilege of knowing this young man.  He left for the Army only a few months after we started attending the church and prior to that his job in security at the airport had kept him away.  We have had the chance to get to know his wife a tiny bit, and I am so amazed and yes, even proud of how she is responding to the death of her husband with grief tempered by hope and peace and grace.

Shannah, Jamies wife, has the peace that surpasses ALL understanding.  This is not a trite cliche.  It is the evidence of Christs work in her life. 

 Philippians 4:4-7: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

This is the peace in the face of tremendous grief that Shannah, James parents and siblings, his friends and church family have.  And as we seek His peace in this time of grief, as we cling to Him for healing, He gives us the peace that only he can give.

Here is a link to a tribute article in the local paper.  It was front page and if printed on one page would take up the ENTIRE page.  How often do we see that for a small town boy?  But more about the reasons for the honor shown him in another post.

Final Good-bye

Impromptu Nature Lesson

Two Weeks ago on a Saturday the kids were around the corner at a friends and David & I grabbed the 'Brown Bag Special' at Sonic and headed to the salon to get my hair cut.

As Shannon was doing my hair, David joined the conversation and we were telling her about this wonderful new, (to me) shampoo.  JR Liggette's Old-Fashioned Bar Shampoo

Shannon told us that her husdand was getting ready to go on a month0long hike in the Appalachian Mountains. So, David offered to run home, (we are no more than 1/2 mile away) and bring her a bar for them to try.

As he slowed to turn in our drivewat he noticed a dead critter in the road.  So, naturally, he went to investigate.  He found a beautiful hawk with no visible damage.  Being the good homeschool Dad that he is, he quickly got a shovel and removed the bird from the road.

When we got back home from my fabulous hair cut, I called the neighbor where the kids were playing to ask J, (the dad) is his boys (7 & 11) would like to come over and investigate the hawk.  The 7 year-old did not but D the 11 year-old was full of enthusiasm.

We measured, photographed and then called the Raptor Center to see if they had a use for a dead bird.

They did so all 5 of us, (6 if you count the hawk in the trunk),  piled in the car and drove out to deliver the dead hawk.

We arrived in time to see the staff preparing dinner for the birds and were able to ask a lot of questions about their work and of course take photos.

Here are just a few of the photos from that day.

Dinner prep for the raptors.

Prayer and Thankfulness

Before you go any further today, please read the blog post that I have linked for you.

Thirty-fifth Tuesday

I hate to admit it, but sometimes I have been "bugged" by things that are prayed for and things that people thank God for. 

But after reading the post above, my perception changed.  I contacted Beth and received permission to link to her post.  I must remember to send her the link to mine.

The point I want to make is that we are told "... In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5

So with this new perspective I am trying to give thanks in literally everything.  What does this look like? Well, first it has helped my attitude when I hear my child thanking God for the chance to watch a movie.  I must remember that it is the thankful attitude that is most important. 

So Thank You God for:

a computer

the Internet

our library

our librarians

a warm home

running water

music

beautiful flowers

a baby's cry

a tender kiss

the love of my husband

my 2 bright, energetic, imaginative, loving, wise children

our "monster-dog" Oscar

my car

food to cook and eat

bills to pay

my migraines, I don't know the why, but I do know the Savior and that's most important

And I will continue to say, " I am doing better than I deserve."

I deserve eternal hell, but Christ has redeemed me for His own and I am no longer a slave to sin.  Now I serve the King of kings.

And They'll Know We are Christians By Our Love, and our words and our deeds...

As I browse through facebook profiles of people I know, I am ashamed.  Ashamed of the words that are posted.  Ashamed of the things that are "liked".  Ashamed of the attitudes displayed while at the same time the title of 'christian' is bandied about with no regard.

Words mean something.  Our culture has denigrated the language so much that words  once  taboo, highly insulting,  even forbidden have now become a badge of 'honor'.

Parents, if your kids are on Facebook or have a blog, please keep an eye on what they post.  I think that we often post something on the www that we would not say in real life.  I know I have said things online that in retrospect I would NEVER have said in the same way if I had been talking to that person face to face.

I have been on a lot of facebook pages this week as I tried to keep up-to-date on the funeral plans for a dear young man from our church who was killed last week while serving his country in Iraq.  Consequently I have seen a lot of comments that were not anything I would want my children to call themselves or anyone else.