I very well may be the most sporadic blogger in the history of blogging.

That being said, I will post a brief post today about the beauty of the Greatest State in the Greatest Nation on God's Green Earth!

Texas!

It is spring here in the Lone Star State and spring brings our stunning Bluebonnets out! 

(lots of exclamation points being used this morning)

I mean, seriously, can you get any more gorgeous than that?!

Oh, wait, sure can.  Look at that good looking group :)

These photos were from Easter Sunday.  We took a wonderful drive after church, had a picnic and just basked in the beauty that God created.  It was a pretty great day.

Bible Reading Journal Worksheet

Anyone who knows me knows I love worksheets.  I love creating them, I love how they simplify the task at hand, I just love worksheets.  I have searched for a worksheet for Bible reading for a while.  I wanted something that was kind of like a study guide, but not specific for a certain section of the Bible.  Something that personalized the scripture I read for me.  Something with girly font and flowers.  Something that was set up for my ideal Bible reading time.  The searching took too long so I just made my own...

(scanned image with added border, the link is a pdf doc)

My basic plan is:

1)  Open with a Praise and Worship song to get your heart in the right place.
2)  Read the chosen selection.  I don't follow a Bible reading plan.  I've tried for years and then always end up feeling like a failure.
3)  Journal my thoughts.
4)  Pray.
5)  End with a Praise and Worship song.

The selection can be whatever length I have time for that day.  The peace comes from spending that time with God, 10 minutes, an hour.  Just something, some time.  I think we all need a section of our day to just catch our breath and let go of all of the craziness in our lives.  I tried to share my worksheet below.  I'm not a serious, professional type blogger so I kind of lack some techie skills, but I hope it works and perhaps someone will find it useful for them!


Bible Reading Journal Worksheet

The Time That Is Given

As I drove my kids to school today I had on talk radio.  This promoted discussion amongst my teenagers about world events, which I love.  We discussed the internet tax and the ammo ban, the Constitution and how governments grab more power and control over its citizens while the unknowing masses watch Hollywood trash.  And my already heavy heart grew heavier.

My babies are growing up in a world I don't even recognize anymore.  Our world is burning and spinning out of control.  I always thought of America as the voice of reason and strength throughout the globe, but what happens when that voice is gone?

I suppose that is the time we get on our knees and pray.  This world needs God.  This nation needs God.  I need God.

We are given time, it is a gift from a merciful and loving God.  And when I'm feeling helpless I need to realize that is something I can do; use the time that I am given for good.  Use the time that I am given to pray for God's healing to be poured out upon our broken world because it needs healing that only the Creator can provide.

So when you feel out of control, when you feel like things are moving too fast, things are too horrible and your heart is overwhelmed from the weight of the world's burdens, think about the time that you are given and use it well.

Seasoned Nurses

There is something to be said for old nurses.  I used to be the youngest, most inexperienced nurse on nights...

Those were the days.  I had terrific mentors with a wealth of knowledge.  Granted they weren't always super excited about having to teach me and labor and delivery can be so hectic.  But the stories they could tell and the things they had seen.  Amazing!

Now I'm finding myself at the top of the schedule list because these amazing ladies left, retired and even worse, switched to days! (Gasp!)  Now I'm the mentor and the resource, wait, what???? 

I'm not sure how I feel about that. 

One thing I am sure about, I miss them terribly.  In their late forties and fifties (and one in her sixties), they could out work most of these younger nurses.  They just seemed different.  Strong, independent, confident.  I'm not sure I appear that way to the newer nurses that have come after me.  Maybe...I hope so. 

One thing I do know, they were AWESOME.

30 Days, 7 1/2 Months...Give or take

Well, over half a year has passed by without me journaling on here.  Have I done anything major?  No, not really.  Have I lost an incredible amount of weight?  Nope.

(Actually, I think I gained...)

Do I need a swift kick in the pants?  You betcha! 

I had the blogger app removed from my phone to make room for time wasting apps (way too many games which have been removed).  Now I'm putting it back on as a way to help me not be a complete slacker.

I guess one major thing has changed.  I have become a vegetarian *much to my husband's dismay :-).   I originally did it to see if it would help with my achy joints, you know, anti inflammation, blah, blah, blah.  And it did...whether it is all in my head, who knows!  But it has been 7 + months and my knees and hips aren't killing, even after a 12 hour shift, so...I'll take it.  You would think that a vegetarian diet would help for weight loss and it did (initially), but then I realized 'I'm vegetarian, not vegan.  Vegetarians can have bread and cake!'

No bueno.

Anyway, here's to new beginnings and stick~to~itiveness!  Huzzahhh!

P.S.  The hubs wasn't excited about the earthy, granola, hippie aspect of vegetarianism.  He was like, 'as long as you're not doing this because you feel sad for all of the furry animals.'  And I was like, 'no.'

(Now, secretly, I smell BBQ and it smells delicious, but it's been soooo long that now all I can think about are cute, furry animals!  Shhhhhh!)

30 Day Happiness Challenge

I have been pondering the subject of happiness.  Sometimes it completely eludes me.  Often I feel like Elizabeth Bennet: "The more I see of the world, the more I am dissatisfied with it."  It made me wonder, how do people maintain happiness when the world around them is immoral and seems, well, a bit hopeless.

Well I guess 'maintain' might not be the right word.  A person cannot be continuously happy.  There has to be some sadness and some vexations in life that alter a person's happiness level.  I just notice that I allow a lot of things to vex me.  I seem to be irritated and angry more than sad or depressed.  I think I will make a list of things that upset me and try to avoid those.  And make a separate list of things that make me happy and take more time doing those.  Seems like a pretty simple solution!

I shall make a challenge of it!

The 30 Day Happiness Challenge
  *Everyday take at least 3 photos of things that make you happy.

Day 1:

Wildflowers!  I love spring in Texas.  Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrushes, Buttercups...they spring up everywhere and are so pretty.

This rooster...he sits in the backyard and well, just look at him!  He is awesome!  A bit stern and his feet are a curious green color, but something about him is total happiness.

Sunshine peeking through the tree with a gorgeous blue sky background.  What's not to love about that?

Wow, I've already discovered 3 things that make me happy by 10 a.m.  Perhaps, this will be easier than I thought.  I am eager to determine if searching for things that make me happy will actually divert my emotions and bring me to a happier state...

Simplicity 2615

So, for my first disaster of a project I'm going to try this:

Simplicity 2615 - I like the fact that the package says "easy-to-sew" and the notions section doesn't list a zipper.  I'm not ready for that level of frustration yet.  I'm going to attempt dress 'B' (the top dress on the model), but maybe give it just a bit more length to cover up my scarred knees.  *personal side note:  one knee has a scar from stitches when I was in 2nd grade and I was wearing roller skates and me and my sister thought it would be a good idea if I grabbed onto the back of her banana seat on her bike and she pulled me...let's just say that hitting a rock with your roller skate wheel while your sister is pedaling like a bat out of H-E-double hockey sticks will land you in the ER; other knee has a bigger scar from a motor vehicle accident...knee straight through the radio on a crazy road in West Texas).

I'm going to use this fabric:

I've already decided to not bother with interfacing and try making some bias tape in the green.  The solid green will also be the belt and ties.

On another side note:

This is where Penelope Jane sits when I'm at the computer in the den:

This is what she does when I don't let her sit in my lap while I'm at the computer:

And then she wins:

Maybe this is why I don't get much done...

Intimidation

There are lots of things that I want to do.

My List:

1. have a closet full of home sewn clothing
2. learn the piano
3. learn the violin
4. lose weight
5. learn to paint
6. learn to build things with wood
7. take amazing photos
8. etc....

I could list things all day.

But I do not do them.  Let's take sewing.  I have a plethora of patterns, a large fabric stash, a really  nice sewing machine, needles, thread in various colors, zippers, all of the things I need.  Yet I open a pattern and browse the instructions, fold the instructions back up and say 'maybe later'.  I have never taken a sewing class.  As crazy as this sounds I really don't want to.  I am a 'I'm going to do it by myself' kind of girl.  Not helpful, I know, but that is who I am.

I believe that I can teach myself anything.

Yet, I am intimidated when it comes down to trying.

Well, no more.

I am just going to do it.  And I am going to share my horrible projects and laugh at myself on here.  I have browsed and perused blogs by 'novice' sewers and their projects are awesome.  Well, I am a true novice with absolutely no experience and this endeavor should prove to be awesome and embarrassing and completely ridiculous and hopefully a whole lot of fun while I (hopefully again) improve on the things that I try!

Penelope Jane

I have a friend who is having a baby and she has a dog that is deaf.  A cute little dapple dachshund named Jane.  Well, they call her P.J. (Amy said they called her 'not so Plain Jane').  Both her and her husband work long hours and the dog was a rescue dog who came from a not so great home before.  She was so upset because she was having a hard time re-homing Jane and was actually faxing some rescue shelters when I found out about her predicament.

And when I found out my heart told me to take her.  Mr. H2 gave me the thumbs up.  Well, actually he said "Whatever makes you happy".  Yeah, he's that kind of guy :)

Amy was excited and we planned the puppy switch.  

And here she is!

She's a wee little thing.  She's smaller than the chihuahuas!  We have been busy having some adjustment days, but everyone is starting to play together finally.  Mr. Beane seems a bit aloof, but Penelope and Nina have bonded pretty well.  Oh, that's the change - we went from P - Plain to P - Penelope.  She just looks like a Penelope.

She's a bit timid and the whole 'she can't hear you when you call her' part takes some getting used to, but totally worth it.  Everyone is loving her.  Now the biggest fights seem to be who is going to hold her!

How I Rock My Day Off

Today my day looked pretty much like this...

Colored my hair (my roots were showing, yikes!)

Much better!

Went to the grocery.

Spent $140, took 2 hours...still not sure if I got what I needed.  That's what I get for not having a list.

Got an awesome bag for work.  I was looking for something with dividers.

Score.

And my new stethoscope came in.

I also bought this super cute watch that goes on the end by the bell for timing.

Last, but not least.  I got this awesome diet journal.  I have gained back the 35 pounds I lost, cause I'm awesome.  So obviously quickly lost, quickly gained because I am not changing my habits permanently.  Time to try that technique.

Super awesome ledger.  I know a lot of apps are out there for phones, but I'm a pen and paper kind of girl.  I like to see it down on paper.  I start tomorrow!

Oh, and I picked up 2 maxi skirts that can totally be used for some casual cos.  A light brown and a Tardis blue!  Yeah!

Work, bleh...

I'm not a fan of holding my tongue.  It is one of the hardest things for me to do.

 However, I am starting to rethink my mouth a bit. 

It shall be difficult.

But I shall try.

From this day forth, I will attempt to keep my negative thoughts about the doings at work to myself.

Dear Lord - how will I manage it????

On the Go...Food, Books, Horse Shampoo

I have to work tonight and run errands and pick up the kids...two hours to go to three stores (one being Wal-Mart, which there should be a meme that says something like, 'one does not simply go in and out of Wal-Mart in under an hour').

However the girls want to try a shampoo from my high school days, Mane & Tail.

I had super long hair back in the day and I received lots of compliments (and lots of unwanted hair playing).  My hair, of late, has become a bit thin.  Thin enough that even my husband has noticed...so off to the beauty supply store I go and get shampoo, conditioner and a hair strengthener spray and some good old hoof and nail cream!

Next stop is totally for me...

Some 1800's trashy fan fiction...the wildly scandalous continuation of Pride and Prejudice.  I read the first one and was content until the author allowed Wickham to get away....so obviously I had to order it from the book shop and today I got to pick it up!

Lunch on the go

Burger King...with dessert

With this sugary energy boost I did make it in and out in about an hour.  Picked up the girls, drove two of their friends home, got dressed for work and off I go again!!!

Whew...

Mr. Darcy and Doggie Jackets

Another big cold front is shutting down our schools.  Icy weather and I cannot seem to find the coats for the Chihuahuas.  Alas, time to dig through the fabric scraps and patterns.  I have a pattern collection that might look like a small pattern store...


I found some fleece left over from some tie blankets.  Southwestern in navy, red and green and some rainbow stripes!  A boy print for Mr. Beane and something a bit girlier for Nina.


A bit of Colin Firth-Mr. Darcy on the television...

And after a few lake scene rewinds (I do love watching a man remove a cravat)

and tah-dah!

Mr. Beane in his quick fleece jacket for the blustery day coming tomorrow.

And Nina in her rainbow fleece.  She pretty much hated hers.  She walked around like she had stick legs.  Absolutely hilarious, but she will appreciate it tomorrow when she is not shaking all day.

Now, back to Darcy...it's almost time for him to patch up Lydia's wedding and return to Elizabeth...(sigh).

<3

Food Stamps & French Fries

At work the other night, one of the other nurses had a labor patient whose family members came in with Burger King.  Now, laboring patients are not allowed to eat, so I always think it is rude for the family to bring food into the patient's room.  In this case, however, it is even better!  Not only are they being thoughtless to their family member, but they start telling the hard-working, tax paying nurse that they used their food stamps to buy their fast food!

I'm not sure how that worked, but I'm pretty sure that's not the kind of assistance I want my tax dollars going towards.  I'm pretty sure they could budget more meals out of the same amount they spent on their Whoppers and fries...

Abuse of the system just drives me mad, but it is so common.  People should be ashamed of themselves!

Texas Freeze

Well, it's Texas and its cold.  We're not known for 'doing cold' well.  I mean really...half of the winter is shorts weather.  Not today.  Today is cold and wet and icy.  Today is scraping off the glacier that has formed on your window.  Today is being grateful for seat warmers.  And now that my twelve hours are done...Today is over (well, atleast until 2 or 3 this afternoon).  Good luck to everyone out on this wonderfully cold day. 

Sweet Sixteen with The Bard

My middle daughter turned sixteen yesterday...

Where does the time go?  Really.  You hear people say that all of the time, but it's true.  Close your eyes and its gone...so sad.  But not to get teary eyed - cause as my girls are growing up they are becoming amazingly awesome!  I mean, how many 16 year olds want a Shakespeare themed birthday!?

That girl does, that's who.  So, being an obliging mother I threw her a Shakespearean family dinner party.  Like I have mentioned before, we just do family parties.  I figure, I gave them life, they can spend their birthday with me.

They doth not protest.

The trifold paper on the table is "how to use thou, thee, thy & thine" that I found here.  Well, actually I found it on Pinterest, that's just the link.

My husband had this Shakespeare bust on his desk.  And obviously her favorite color is purple...

Rose shaped lollipops...easy to find since her birthday is so close to Valentine's day!

She got some clothes.  A super cute navy dress with pink polka dots.  It looked like something that Clara would wear (Doctor Who)  so I stuck a note in that read, "a dress for the Impossible Girl".  I also got her a navy dress that had birds and feathers on it.  The note in that one read, "Mockingjay, dress like you are leading a rebellion".  I picked up some leopard print flats that were awesome, jeans, a long white shirt and a fabulous handbag.  Oh, and the DVD "Shakespeare Retold" that has 4 different plays put on with a modern spin.  The above is a handmade fangirl art project and I'm pretty sure it was the favorite of the gifts.  A montage of the characters she loves with the guys who play them.

Oh!  And we also did the Shakespearean Hokey Pokey.  (the girls won't allow me to post the video of them).  But it was great fun.  Another Pinterest find...Shakespearean Hokey Pokey

What a gorgeous child!  Happy Sweet Sixteen, pumpkin!

It's that time again!

Another pattern sale!  But atleast I came prepared and organized...if you take a peek under my new purchases you will find a print out of my pattern inventory.  I made it on excel and listed the manufacturer, pattern number, sizes and a description.  That way there are no duplications! 

I guess I'll be doing some updating when I get home!

Mad Girl with a Box (and a Wood Burning Tool)

I know it's after New Year's (Happy 2014!), but here are the last of the Christmas boxes!

These are my daughters:

For the Duck Dynasty fan

For my theater girl

For my IT fan - a Moss tribute

And I had a box left over!

So I made one for me!  Of course it had to be Doctor Who!  A bit of Tardis on a box.

Ah, the Tardis on some Rose fabric...

All in all, I'm pretty pleased with them all.  ;) My favorite is mine.

Personalized Perpetual Calendars

And the post Christmas posting continues...

I made personalized 2 week perpetual calendars for some of the girls in our family.  Super easy!  Just a 12x12 frame from HobbyLobby, some scrapbook paper, some paint samples and some images found via The Internet printed on photo paper and painstakingly cut out.  Throw in a dry erase marker and how awesome is that!

So awesome, that I'm probably going to have to make one for myself!  Oh, the themes running through my mind...

For the Hello Kitty Fanatic
It's my sister-in-law and her family Hello Kitty style with lots of pink glitteriness.

For the gamer fan.
My other sister-in-law is married to a gamer and has become one herself.  The Guild is an internet show by Felicia Day on Youtube.  My husband and I enjoy it.  It's pretty funny.

For the teen fan musical lover.
Starkid.  There are no words...but I made it anyway - that's love.

They seemed to be a big hit.  I made another one that is not pictured.  It was for my nephew and my daughters wrapped it up before the picture could be taken.  It was a Call of Duty theme.

Anyway - great gift idea.

Quick.  Easy.  Yet Personal.

Nice...

Valet Box Take Two

And here are the boxes from my husband's side of the family:

For the RenFest enthusiast
A Celtic dragon and a Celtic prayer

For the World Changer
The quote is a mash up of Helen Keller and Anne Frank

For the Physical Therapist student
Nothing says PT like motion :)

For the hunter
Not a fan of sport hunting, but...here ya go