Happy Thanksgiving!!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I hope you have a great day visiting with family and maybe even watching some football. During the hustle and bustle of going from family stop to the next, I hope you stop and count your blessings. I know that I take much for granted, but when I do slow down, I know that I am blessed.



Thank you to my customers, you are one of my many blessings.



Today is also one of our newest family member's 2nd birthday. How time Flies! Happy Birthday, Spencer Hayes Alexander!! Aunt T love You.



"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Col. 3:15

A Special Daddy

Today is my dad's birthday. I feel so blessed still have him here with us. Some close friends have lost their daddys, so I don't take it for granted. My dad wears many hats these days. He's got the Papa Ron hat, the hubby hat, the photo Ron hat, the Sunday School teacher hat, the friend hat, must most important to me is the "daddy" hat he wears.

Thank you daddy for your support and constant love. I love you!

Wreath Platter

As Thanksgiving approaches, why not allow me to turn all those handprint into a Christmas wreath. With a Christmas wreath platter, you can conintue to count your "blessings" all through the holiday season.

Take $5 off all wreath platters through November 22nd. Be sure and mention the Blog to receive the discount.

"All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God." Deut. 28:2

Cookies for Santa

Start a family tradition and let me create with your little person(s)' hand and foot a cookies for santa platter. Santa will just love seeing these prints each year when he returns.

Take $5 off Cookies for Santa plate today through November 17th. Please be sure to mention the Blog to receive the discount.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Happy Birthday!

I'm celebrating my man's Birthday today!! I'm so blessed to have him as a husband. He's faithful, he provides for us and he's a great daddy to our kids.

In honor of my man's birthday, take $10 off any order whose total is over $48, today through November 15th. Be sure to mention the blog to receive discount.

"and the wife must respect her husband." Eph. 5:33

Christmas Platters

Do you have that hard to buy person on your Christmas list??? Does she have just about everything and doesn't need anything??? I've got a solution for you. Give her a Christmas Name platter. She will be able to use each year and will remember how thoughtful you were for the unique gift.

Platters come in all shapes and sized and prices range from $35 to $85. Take $5 off each Christmas name Platter ordered today through November 9th.

Remember last day to place an order for Chirstmas gifts is November 28th.

"While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel." Luke 2:6 (MSG)

Winner Announcement!!

Yeah! Today's winner is Lauren Knierim. Congratulations!!!! I'll email you later to get details for your frame.

"but everyone loves a winner. " Prov. 14:20

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!!! Remember today's the last day to leave a comment on what costume You or your little ones will be wearing tonight!!! I will draw winner tomorrow!!!!

"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." John 12:46

LAST CALL FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS ---

The last day to place individual Christmas gifts is November 15th. Don't let time slip up on you and you miss giving that unique and one of a kind gift.

"Listen to me, O Jacob, Israel, whom I have called: I am he; I am the first and I am the last." Isaiah 48:12

A House Divided??

That big day is coming. If you're from Alabama then you know that you have to declare what team you pull for, Alabama or Auburn? It doesn't matter if you've never watched a game, you have to be for one or the other. A problem can arise, if you have a mixed marriage. (And I'm not talking races). I'm talking an Auburn fan and an Alabama fan that have united.

Why not call a "semi-truce" this year with a Roll Eagle or War Tide platter with either your Name or your special little ones handprints today!

Take $5 off on A divided House orders today through October 25. Be sure to mentioned Blog to received discount.

"But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit." I Cor. 6:17

Football Season is HERE!!!

Football season is in full swing, but you may be missing one important necessity for football season! WHAT? you might ask? Your very own personalized football platter. It's not too late, order one today!

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." I Cor. 9:25

October Give Away!!!

This was me and kids along with some friends a few years ago!! I was Minnie that year and had a blast talking to all the little kids while we trick or treated. Most were really excited to see that Minnie was in town and in their neighborhood for Halloween!!! It was really fun when I'd see a kiddo that I knew and called them by name!! They were like "she knew my name, mommy!"
So leave a comment and tell me what YOU or your little ones will be dressing up as for Halloween! Comments close on October 31st. I will draw a random winner and post on November 1st.
So what will you win???? A rectangle frame like the one shown below. I will personalize just for you so you can put your little ghosts and goblins in it!!! "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." Matthew 5:14

Ten Ten Ten

Just a number thing going on today!!!! October 10, 2010. 10-10-10. Just for fun -- Take 10% off on all orders today or if you book an appointment today, you'll receive 10% off your order! Be sure and mention the Blog to receive discount!!!

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Malachi 3:10

Have you got a Little Turkey???

I sure do!! Let me capture your little ones' handprints and turn them into the turkeys they are sometimes! Your family will get a kick out of Thanksgiving Lunch being served up by your little turkeys' handprints. Take $5 off turkey plates, today through October 11th. Be sure to mention the Blog to receive discount.

"Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people." I Chron. 16:8

I wrote about the changing leave in my last post, and so I wanted to share with you a recent creation dealing with leaves.

A recent party hostess wanted a "fall bowl" that she could display all season long and not just for Halloween. With that in mind, I wanted to replicated the changing leaves that I love so much. I decided to paint her little ones' hands in 2 different shades of paint and turn them into leaves. Their thumb prints were acorns. Around the outside of the bowl, we made the classic turkey hands. This bowl turned out fanstatic and will definitely become a family heirloom!

Call me and let me create for your family a fall bowl. Take $5 off today through October 5th. Be sure to mention the Blog to receive discount!!!

"He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." Daniel 2:21

Winner Announcement!

I've got a winner!!! Marissa is our winner of the Big Rim Tumbler. I'll contact you later today to get details for your tumbler.



I wanted to share my favorite thing about fall. I love the crisp morning air that fall brings BUT my all time favorite thing is seeing the mountain skylines around town and all the different shades of colored leaves mingled in. It's absolutely beautiful. It just makes me smile. Knowing that God knew what color each tree's green leaves would turn when the weather started changing, and He just sprinkled them all over the mountainside to create a perfect masterpiece. I think that's pretty incredible!



"In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." Revelation 22:2

Last Day

Today is last day to leave a comment for September's Giveaway!! Go leave a comment!! Will post winner September 27th!!

A Lesson Learned from Jonah!

Jonah was a prophet to Isreal, but God spoke to him and told him to go on a mission trip to Ninnevah. Not wanting to exactly go that route, Jonah went in the opposite direction. We all have heard how he made another detour and ended up in the whale's belly. The Bible study Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted, is all about having your life interrupted by something or someone. Jonah had his life interrupted when God called him to go to Ninnevah. I, definitely can relate to having your life interrupted. However, this study has shown me that it's all in how you view the interruption. Priscilla Shirer gives these two equations :



Insignificant Person + Insignificant Task = Interruption

VS.

Significant Person + Significant Task = Divine Intervention



To me, that second equation is so profound and hit me like a ton of bricks. It made me realize that my life has not been interrupted. Although it may appear to everyone else looking in -- They see a fulltime practicing attorney quit her job because of the economy. But I hear God saying "quit your job" and trust me. (and finally after months of disobedience, I obeyed.)

Until this study, I felt interrupted. However, I now see my life as having a divine intervention!! How exciting is that? I'm getting to do the things I love, yet fulfilling God's calling on my life right now.



Bottom line --- the next time you feel that your life has been interrupted, stop and consider the significant person and significant task at hand. You may have an opportunity to find your own divine intervention!



"...for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose." Phil. 2:13

I blogged recently about the World Outreach Jubilee that my church held. Our ladies'ministry wanted to honor the missionaries and pastors' wives that were with us, and I was asked to paint each lady a personalized name platter. I was so honored to be asked to help out in this way. I was a little nervous because I didn't have much time, and there was eight platters to be painted. Looking back, it was all a God Thing!! He did the planning and painting on this job. I got all eight platters, sketched out, and painted in one day. Each lady that received them seemed to really like her platter. I think that they were some of my best work.

Speaking of missionaries, I've been working through the new Bible study Jonah by Priscilla Shirer. Most everyone has heard the typical Sunday school lesson on Jonah & the whale , however, this study can goes to the heart of the matter and really gets in your business (if you know what I mean!!! Check back here tomorrow, I want to share something I've learned from the Bible study on Jonah!

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-2

"Year of Jubilee"

Our church recently had a World Outreach Jubilee, focusing on missions. Our main goal was to raise $12,000 for a soup kitchen in Haiti. All week long we were so blessed by outstanding men of God, each of whom had a heart for missions. The preaching & music were incredible. The missionaries that spoke were eye opening. The familiar faces from past jubilee days were present and hearts were once again reconnected. I had flashbacks from previous jubilees. Those memories are priceless. I was delighted that my kids were too getting to experience the late nights at church and then rising early the next day to go to school!!!

This Jubilee was the vision of one lady in our church. There was many weeks of prayer, planning and sacrifices made. However, all the man hours invested into this Jubilee could not of accomplished what actually happened in those 5 days. Only God. What seemed like a huge goal of $12,000 (considering the times we are living in), was met. However, it just wasn't met. God showed up and showed out and with his moving, we raised a total of $34,000!! Twenty-eight Thousand will go directly to the soup kitchen in Haiti!!! (Jubilee expenses for the rest).

Pretty Incredible, uh???


Just goes to show you & me, we serve a BIG God and he thinks big too. Referring back to my August 23rd post, I confess that I had put God in a box for the amount to be raised. I didn't think we'd make the goal of $12K, I thought that we might come close, but I just didn't know if we could pull that one off. HA!!!! Thank you God for showing me (once again) how BIG you are.
Blessings.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,...." Matthew 28:19

National Encouragement Day

Did you know that today is National Encouragement Day?? Well, it is and to be honest with you -- not only did I not know, I didn't even know there was such a day! However, once I found out, I thought it was a great idea. Why not be someone's encouragement today? We all probably know someone that needs an uplifting word today. Why not call, text, email or send a card to that person. You may never know what a kind & caring word may mean to someone.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24

Trick or Treat???

It won't be too much longer before Halloween arrives with all of the little ones dressed up in adorable costumes. why not be ready this year with your very own Halloween Candy Bowl made with your favorite little peoples' hand and foot prints. You'll be the envy of all your neighbors!!! Check out these bowls.

Call & Make an appointment to get your bowl today. Take $5 off today through September 15th on all candy bowls. Be sure to mention the blog to receive discount.

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Give Away Time!!!

It's that time again!! this month I'm giving away a personalized tumbler. (You pick name or initials and colors) All you have to do is leave a comment about your favorite thing about Autumn. Please be sure to put your name and email address so I can contact the winner!!! Comments close on September 26th. I will randomly draw and post winner on September 27th. Here are some tumblers I've done in the past.

I'm also including a picture of last month's give away. Tisha won the square frame and had it personalized for her daughter!

Now, go leave a comment and maybe you'll be this month's winner!!!

"Do not nelgect the gift that is in you..." I Timothy 4:14a

He's done it again!!!!

Who??? God.
What?? Been Faithful.
How?? Providing once again!


Yep, that's right. Once again, He's proven himself faithful in our lives. A few weeks ago I received a phone call asking could I teach a real estate class at the local community college. I was like sure can!!! Didn't have to pray about that one because I already had been and that was the answer to my prayers.


Originally, I thought I might get to teach this fall at the community college. I had done all of the preparations of getting my application completed, transcripts and recommendations sent in. However, during the summer, I talked to the lady in charge of the teaching schedules for the classes I could teach. From that conversation, I gathered it just wasn't going to work out for this upcoming semester. Well, I had really been counting on that job. However, I decided I was going to do the opposite of what I normally would have done. So what did I decide to do??? Not WORRY or FEAR. I simply prayed to God and told him that if he wanted to work that one out, that would be great, but if he chose not to, I still new that he'd provide for our needs.


To be honest, He knew all along that I would be teaching there this fall semester!! I think he had that sense of humor thing going on!!! He must like seeing me in a tizzy -- studying and trying to get my stuff together down to the wire. I must be good entertainment to him!!! ``He probably also knew that I'd be depending on his strength to help me get it done.


I know he's always been present in my life working things out, but I don't always recognize that it's Him. (Probably because I was taking credit for it). However, when you are totally dependant on him to provide, you see him working and providing for you EVEN in the small things. The end result is that you continue to trust him more and more because you know he's faithful!


So, the best advice I can give you is .... if there's some area in your life that you struggle to trust him completely with, give it to him. He's faithful.


"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:7-8

Back to the Ol' Grind...

The kids are back in school and hitting the books. All that studying will hopefully make them smart. But more than book smarts, I want my kids wise. Wise in knowing God's truths and his word. This is my heart's desire.

Speaking of being wise, an owl seems to be the animal that represents wisdom. Have you notice that owls have made a huge fashion comeback? I'm all about the whimsical owls that are on everything, and I've been using them on my platters and plates. Do you need an idea for a Christmas Gift? Check out some of my recent "owl" creations.....

Here are some using the kids handprints....

"...you have known the holy scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15b

"Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

It's Almost Time.......

The countdown is on.... Are you ready for some Football??? You can't possibly be ready if you don't have your personalized family name football platter!!!! Be the envy of all your friends when you tailgate next month. These platters come in many sizes (it all depends on name size). Take 25% off all football platters placed today through August 31st. Be sure and mention the blog special when you place your order!!!!!

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..." Ecclesiastes 3:1

God in a Box????

Do you have God in a Box?? We've all heard, "Our God is too big to be put in a box." And HE IS, but at times I know that I've been guilty of doing just that. Why? Maybe it's because I'm thinking that my situation or problems are too small or insignificant for him, and therefore, I won't bother him. But in truth, I was actually putting him in a box.

Recently, while I was doing my Bible study lesson, I came across something so profound that I just felt compelled to share with others. In the Bible study Faithful, Abundant, True, Pricilla Shirer speaks to the concept of putting God in a box. She writes:

"When you put God in a box and close the lid,

that doesn't limit God.

It only limits your awaremness of God.

He's still moving & speaking

YET you can be unaware of His transcendence,

His greatnessand his ability because

its outside your little box with the lid on it!"

The part of that statement that just hits me hard and makes me say "OUCH!" is...... "it only limits your awareness of God." He's still there being God and doing all the things his plan entails, however, I may be missing it because I've put a limit on what he can do. How sad is that???

Does that mean that when we ask for the "big" things he's gonna always answer in a big way? I don't think so. Pricilla Shirer writes:

"Whether God moves is a question of His sovereignty, not his ability.

What he does is his business, but believing HE CAN is ours."

Bottom Line???? I'm not putting Him in a box anymore!!! I don't want to miss him because the lid is on my box. I want to see him moving and being BIG.

Thank you for allowing me to share. I hope you have a blessed day!

"...how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:11

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my 2nd born. My youngest is turning seven today! Man, how time flies. It just seems like last month I was rocking him to sleep. In honor of Hay's Birthday, ALL orders today through August 23rd over $30 receive $7 off total.

"Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching." Prov.1:8

A new school year!!

Well, we have had two days of this new school year and so far, so good. Some of you know our story, however, some of you may not. Since I am no longer working fulltime, some of things that we once were able to do (attend a private school), we no longer can participate in. With that being said, the kids started public school yesterday. Although we gave up some geat things by leaving our former school (daily Bible lessons, weekly scripture memorization, and Friday morning chapels); we are also experience some NEW great things and I'm so excited about this school year.



Why am I so excited you might ask??? This school year will allow me to experience a first: Getting to pick my kids up in car line. My man warned me all weekend about the nightmare of the traffic that I would face come Monday afternoon. I wanted to argue and tell him "aw, it won't be that bad" but I didn't. Instead, yesterday, I sat so proudly in that LONG LONG lined and just smiled. Ear to Ear I might add. I was hot and a little sticky, but I was smiling.





As I turned into the school's drive, the principal was there with the walkie talkie, and I proudly announced I was there to pick up Tori & Hayden Smith. For any stay at home moms with school age children, this may be a dreaded chore each day. But, I am truly delighted to get to do this. My kids have always had to attend afterschool care (which is such a blessing for working parents) but this year is special. And I intend on enjoying every minute of it, because you never know when God will allow a curve ball to come and re-arrange your schedule. (and by the way, I'm okay with that)





Hayden asked on the way to school, "Mom, do I go to car line today?" and I replied, "Yes, son, you will everyday!" and then he made the statement that all kids probably fear, "mom, please don't forget to come!" I just laughed and assured him that I would never. (Lord, please help me to never forget to pick them up!!" )



Thanks for allowing me to share. I hope those that teach our children and those that have little ones have a blessed school year.



Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

We have a WINNER!!!!

The back to school give away winner is Tisha. Congratulations! I will get with you later today to find out how you want to personalize your frame!! Thank you for all your comments.


"I will give thanks to him in song." Psalm 28:9

My Favorite thing about School Starting back....

I've been reading your comments. My favorite thing about school starting back is buying school supplies. I love getting new colored pens and pencils. Fancy colored notebooks and trendy designed folders are to die for. I love the feeling of starting all over and getting another shot at being neat and organized.

Just as I was typing that, I thought that's kinda what being a Christian is like. Everyday, we can start over. If we fail in some area of our lives, God will give us a do-over. So maybe as you go buy school supplies or as you pass by those ailse at the local super store, think about how Jesus dying on the cross allows us to start fresh each day.
"God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I cleaned up my act, he gave me a fresh start." 2 Samuel 22:21

Give Away Time!!!!

Summer's coming to a end. Can you believe school's about to start?? Leave a comment telling me what you like best about school starting back. What up for grabs this months? A picture frame! You pick colors and personalization. Contest ends midnight August 8th.

"As for me... I will sing praise to God." Psalm 75:9

I'm a Princess!!!

Did you know that if you have accepted Jesus as Lord of your life then you are a princess or a prince? One of the sweetest plates I've done has been of little ones hands centered in a crown. I hope and pray you know the KING!

"...I have a beautiful inheritance." Psalm 16:6

And the Winner is.......

Congratulations to Kimberly. You are the winner of the Christmas in July give away. Kimberly, left a message on July 6th @ 5:57 p.m. Kimberly, I don't have your email address so email me or send me a message on FB, so I can find out how you want to personalize your frame/ornament. Thank you all for your comments!!!! Keep watch for August's give away!!!

"but everyone loves a winner." Proverbs 14:20

Peacocks & Flamingos....

Before school got out in May, I was able to go on my son's field trip to the Zoo. We had a good time and got to see a lot of animals up and moving around. One of the best parts of the day was when we got to see the flamingos. Before, when I've gone to the the zoo, the flamingos where in a shallow pond. They would be in their most notable pose, that being standing on one leg and the other folded up beneath its body. This year they were not. We found the flamingos in a grassy enclosure. They were just walking around. Then all of the sudden, as if they knew three 5k classes were watching, they started squawking. I'd never heard any flamingo make a sound. So needless to say I was a little startled. One flamingo would start squawking, then they all would start. What happen next was something that I had never seen before. They would spread their wings out and start flapping them. These lovely pink birds have the most unusual wings. The ends of their feathers look as if they've been dipped in black paint. Absolutely beautiful. But then, I think the birds forgot that their was an audience of 5 and 6 year olds watching them. Because several started necking and doing their mating dance!! I thought we were fixing to get more education at the zoo than we had paid for. Luckily, for us, the flamingos did not procreate in front of our kids.

Right behind the flamingo was a peacock. I love peacocks. During all the excitement of the flamingos, the peacock decided to strut his feathers as well. I was so excited!!! It had been several years since I'd seen a peacock strut his feathers.

Isn't God just incredible?? Sometimes we get soo busy with our lives that we miss the small things and realize how incredible his creations are.

One of the first pieces that I made when I began this journey was one of a peacock. Over the last year it's been a popular choice for customers. If you, like me, love the beauty of the peacock, allow me to create a memory for you using your kids' hand and foot prints.

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"...hide me in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 17:8