Big Change :(

Lacey Kate

I love being a mom! In this experience the good has always out weighed the bad. I have always tried to put the needs of my children before mine. Yesterday was not such a good day for me. I enrolled Lacey Kate into Lumpkin County High School. Lacey has been struggling the past few years in school and this past year was her worst. In an effort to change this, Lacey is moving in with her dad so she can attend a different school with a different approach from McIntosh High. I hope this works for her! I want her to be happy with her school experience. On the other hand, I am overwhelmed with emotions. I’m not sure how to deal with her not being under my roof, seeing her every day, making her breakfast, packing her lunch, and hearing the stories of her day in the evenings. It’s hard for me to imagine that anybody will take care of her like I would, but I have to let her do this because it seems to be the best thing for her right now.

Titty Kitty Tuesday

Kitty looking sweet

Summer Knitting

Tank Top #2
This one is for Lindsay Ann.

Is this Cool?

I can't decide...is this cool or not?

I kinda like squeezing the regular marshmallows
between the graham crackers and the chocolate and
licking around the edges in an effort to keep it all tidy.
I think this is part of the whole s'mores experience.

What do you think?

Anticipation...

I can't wait! I love this show!

Things like this outrage me!

The Criminalization of Walking

Oh, I have to make these!

Sweetpeat Pattern

Aren't these adorable! Check out the other cute styles.

They are definitely going on my sewing list!

Sewing Envy

Sewing that makes me kinda jealous! Check out Luvinthemommyhood

I've made some doll clothes in my time but sewing for "Barbie" is a whole different ball game. I admire people who enjoy sewing clothes for "Barbie" and embrace it with all their creative juices.

Little Karen

Mom, Jimmy, and I.
I see a lot of myself and Britta in this picture of my Mom.

First Grade 1967



5 years old.
In one of my favorite dresses my Grandmother Naomi Kephart gave me.
I had Lindsay Ann's picture taken in the same dress at the same age.



I was 8  or 9 years old at Stone Mountain petting zoo.
I love the german style braids my mom did for me.

Jimmy and I at 3 years old

Heirloom Ruby Ring

My Mom is a simple woman, she has never worn any make-up and very little jewelry. When I was a kid I used to go through her jewelry box. In this jewelry box there were sentimental pieces, costume jewelry and a few special pieces. Among these pieces was a ring that my cousin Jan had given my Mom years ago. Her great-grandmother on her father’s side gave her grandmother a pair of earrings stating that they were costume jewelry and at best garnet and fake diamonds. Jan soon discovered that the earrings were actually rubies and diamonds (mine cut). Jan had the earrings made into two rings and gave one to my Mom since her birthday was in July and its birthstone is ruby.  My cousin Jan and my Mom were first cousins.  My mother's side of the family has always been very disconnected. The only consistent connection was through my Aunt Marie (My Mothers Aunt and my Grandmother’s sister) and her six daughters. When I was a kid Jan and Linda, two of the Aunt Marie's daughters spent time at our house. I have many fond memories of these times. Over the years I have become closest to Jan. My relationship with her is a combination of mother/sister/aunt/best friend.  My Dad owned his own business and as many may understand owning a business has its ups and downs.  During a down period our family was hurting for money. In desperation my mother decided to sell the ring to help out. Jan offered to buy it to keep it in the family. My mother was sad to part with it, but had to do this for us to survive.  She was not happy as she had hoped to give the ring to me one day since my birthday is also in July.  All this took place so long ago and was almost forgotten  Occasionally I would see Jan wearing the ring and remember it.  At my surprise birthday party this past weekend Jan gave me a gift, she said it was a part of her she was giving to me.  When I opened the present I found the ring she had given my mother long ago and now it was mine!  I love heirlooms for their connection and representation of what was to what is. I am so pleased to call it mine and some day I will leave it to one of my girls some day! THANK YOU JAN, I LOVE YOU!

I Can't Believe I'm 50!

I can't believe I'm 50!
Thanks to my family and friends it was a fabulous day!

Lacey, LindsayAnn, Me, Britta, Leslie and Kendall

Eric, Lacey, LindsayAnn, Kendall, Me, Aidan, Britta, Leslie, and Coco

Aidan and I blowing out my candles.
Britta made the chocolate/chocolate cake with raspberry filling...yumm!

Hostess -  Cousin Jan with the family in her kitchen

Roses, Jan sent me at work on my birthday!
Boy did this get everyone talking wondering if I had a secret admirer.
I do, but it's not a secret, it's mutual between Jan and I.
She also gave a very special gift I will post about tomorrow.

My girls gave me a gift certificate to my favorite knitting store!

Much to my surprise Leslie got me the cupcake pincushion ring!
I didn't know that she knew I wanted it.

 My cousin Jan called me a couple of weeks ago and asked me to help her with a catering job. She wanted me to come Friday, July 8th spend the night and spend Saturday preparing the food. Lincoln (her husband) took us to dinner at a really good Thai restaurant on Friday. Saturday we got up and started making the food. We took a break and went to Shorty's pizza parlor for lunch and then returned home to finish up the food. The client was coming at 6:30 to pick up the food for her party. At 6:15 I was cleaning up and happened to look out the window and to my surprise my whole family was coming down the drive way. They froze like deer in the forest when they realized I had seen them. It was then that it occurred to me that I had spent the day preparing food for my own party.  I love cooking for my family, so that was just fine with me.  It was so wonderful to have them organize the celebration! Everyone is so busy now, so time to be together is precious!  I had an incredible birthday! I am so blessed

Lacey and Kelbe

Pretty Girls!

Good friends!

Love is stronger than hate!

Kaylee Anthony

I am still coming to grips with Casey Anthony's not guilty verdict. I am standing on the foundation that God is the provider of the ultimate justice and he will deal with the guilty in a way that only he can. Kaylee has been safely wrapped in God's love since she was born and her earthly pain has been long replaced by her heavenly home! God Bless all those who had to deal with this first hand and heal the pain they have endured!

Let Freedom Ring!

Fireworks pictures via Kendall

I had a great long weekend! I spent a lot of time knitting which makes me very happy! Topped off with the thing that brings me the greatest amount of joy...spending time with my family! Lindsay Ann and Eric came for dinner Sunday night. I made awesome grilled chicken sandwiches served with Lemon Orzo salad I purchased from Fresh Market. For dessert Kendall made the most delicious cream cheese brownies! I spent most of the 4th helping my Mom by shopping, doing laundry and cooking for her. Kendall went to the Peachtree City fireworks with Lindsay Ann and Eric. She brought home a a video and pictures to share with me. Lacey is at the beach with her good friend Kelbe.

I like this idea!

Go to Modish for Instructions



I love clever ideas like this!

So Adorable!

So Adorable, I want one or both!
click here to see more.