Friday, November 11, 2011

Deciding On Paint Trim





When H. and I were first married, our neighbors had goats....wandering goats. My husband and I (being avid animal lovers), thought they were very cute and loved to pet them. But then they started to wander up onto our porch. What is so bad with that? Well.......they started to eat the siding of our home! We have big chunks gone. It is quite an eyesore, even though H. has patched up most of the holes in the siding. I would LOVE to repaint our home, (at least our trim and doors). I've posted some pictures of different colors I like. As far as the goats are concerned? Our neighbors sent them away to a different home. 


I think this red cottage is my absolute favorite. It is really warm and inviting.


This home used a softer red with warmer trim. I love the details.


Doesn't this home remind you of Anne of Green Gables
I love the gingerbread trim and green shutters and door. Can I move in?


Our home is painted a yellowy cream just like this home. I like the green accent color, and I LOVE the flower box.


Hmmmm. Blue is nice too!




Which color do you like best?

Anne

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Life as I Know It

Ok, so I haven't written anything here lately. I've not been well. Between my back injury and my muscle disease, most days are hard for me. I've noticed lately that if I use my upper arms for any length of time, they start to hurt and then they just give out. Like now for instance, just typing. My whole body aches. My legs are starting to give out as well.  I've also had some problems with an irregular heart beat. I get short of breath and have some swelling in my ankles and feet.

As a former cardiac nurse, I know that these symptoms are not good, and it is a little daunting to face when your still relatively young (early 40's) and have children and a husband to take care of. But, you know what I think? Even though I get a little scared, tired, and just plain worn out, I am determined to praise God for the blessings He gives. There is a song on a CD of my daughter's that I love because of the message of hope and thanksgiving. I think the song is called "I Bless Your Name" by SELAH. It talks about the chains of your life and blessing and praising God even though you are "bound" by the chains. When you start praising God, the chains fall off. What a wonderful testimony to the power of a merciful Saviour!

I've had quite a few "chains". My husband and I both. Due to the fact that I haven't been able to work for the past three years, our home has gone into foreclosure. We've prayed, thanked God for His blessings, cried a little, and then determined to praise Him and leave it in His more than capable hands. Shortly after our prayer together (a few days), my husband was told that we qualify for a modification. That means that if we can make the payments on our home, we won't lose it. Thank you Jesus!!!!!

So, is there anything that is troubling you? I challenge you to praise God and let Him work for you. He promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. Some of you may ask, "what if your home had gone into foreclosure and you lost it"? Well, God could have chosen to allow us to go through that. But, if we had, we would have chosen to praise Him and trust in Him. His love knows no bounds. I believe that as long as I am in the will of my Heavenly Father, that is the best place to be. It may not always be easy, but it will always be for our good. Some things we won't be able to see and understand until we get to heaven. In the meantime keep praising God!

Anne

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Father's Day

When I was little, we lived on a farm in Wisconsin. Our home was over 100 years old with wood stoves on either end of the house to keep it warm in the winter. During those winter months when Dad couldn't work the fields he would take up trucking. He would be gone for a couple of weeks at a time and it was SO hard to see him go! I was, still am, a Daddy's girl. After I would kiss him goodbye, I would run upstairs and look out my bedroom window watching him disappear into the distance. Tears would be running down my cheeks and that is when I would start looking forward to seeing that big eighteen wheeler pull up into our driveway again. My Daddy always made me feel safe and loved. If I was scared I would slip my little hand into his big, strong one, and he would give it a squeeze and I knew that I was safe. It's funny, I still feel better when I hold my Dad's hand. I love him very much and even though today the world celebrates fathers everywhere, everyday for me is Father's Day. I LOVE you Dad!!!

Anne

Monday, May 16, 2011

Life's Ups and Downs

It's been a very emotionally charged month for many people (including me). My husband and I celebrated another amazing year of marriage by helping our friends recover from the worst tornado that hit our area. (I love and respect you Honey for caring so much about others! You are my Hero!!) Our friends lived in a forest, sheltered in a canopy of green. Now they look out and see twisted, snapped off remnants of what used to be trees. They had seconds to run downstairs to their basement before trees were falling on top of their house and piling up on their driveway. By the grace of God they are o.k., but it will take months to recover. I wish I could post pictures of the devastation. Please pray for all those who lost loved ones, homes, businesses.....mostly pray that they will begin to heal. I have to say here for all the men and women who work with the electric and telephone companies, and all the many volunteers,  THANK YOU for your dedication and hardwork!!!! You've made going through this ordeal a lot easier because of your hard work.

This month also brought about answers to questions that have been decades in the making. I was finally, officially diagnosed with Myotonia Congenita. Even though they say there is no progression (there is still a lot more research to be done), I have gotten worse. But it is nice to be able to finally tell doctors, teachers, family members, friends etc... "No, I am not a hypochondriac, my symptoms are real; I am NOT lazy, there is a reason I get fatigued; for all the times I was laughed at and made fun of because I was too slow or too clumsy, it was because my muscles would freeze and not work.

My husband's sister and her family visited us on their way back home to Maryland. It was so wonderful to see them all again! We went to the park and had pizza and salad, and then came back to our house to have worship and sing some hymns. It was such a blessing.

My "Big Sissy" and her husband came in for a visit this weekend. All my family got together at my parents house. It was so GOOD to see them again! I miss them so much. It was nice to be able to all be together. I really miss having all my family around. I love them all SO VERY MUCH!

For Mother's Day my children bought a gift card for one of my favorite stores and I got to purchase some new clothes (What fun!). Thank you so much for the gift and for the love and thought that went in to giving it. You are precious treasures, given to me from the Lord. Every day is Mother's Day for me. God knew that I needed you in my life to teach me just how much I needed Him, to see just how much He loved us to give His own Son to die for us, and to show me the true meaning of JOY! I love you both.....all the way to Heaven and back!

My darling husband surprised me with not one, but two bouquets of flowers! I LOVE flowers! Thank you Honey! I am blessed beyond measure because God gave you to me as a helpmate. You are my Hero, my best friend. Thank you for being the Head of our home, for leading us to seek Jesus every day, and for showing us what unconditional love is really like. I love you SO MUCH!

Anyway, this month has proved to have many emotional ups and downs.....and the month isn't over yet!


ANNE

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Frustrations!

My husband is a wonderfully, talented gardener. Right now, we have three garden spots, besides fruit trees and blueberries. Once I'm able, I'll post pictures of the gardens.

My husband spends many hours taking care of the plants he is growing. In one wide row, he has planted cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts etc... He placed a pvc frame around the row and then we placed webbing, (a special white fabric that keeps moths off the plants and keeps direct sun from wilting the plants) over the top of it and secured it in place.

When I left to go do some errands, our neighbors' dogs were over in our yard. They have two adult beagles,two beagle puppies, and a pit/mix puppy that we call Baby (real name Scottie) because it is SO CUTE! We have to try to chase them away, because they eat our cats' food and tear up our garden. We HATE doing it because they are so sweet, and Harry, I, and the kids love animals so much. Well, when we returned, we found holes in the webbing.  When my husband looked closer, he discovered that the puppies had gotten into the plants and had demolished some of them! It was so frustrating to see. We have the best neighbors in the world. We don't want to have to tell them what happend to our garden and have them tie the dogs up. I wish there was a way to keep them out of the garden, and still have them come over to play. We especially love Baby. She is so affectionate and her big brown eyes just melt you. She'll come over and just plop right in your lap and wait to be petted. Why does life have to be so difficult?....Why do puppies have to be so cute?! :D  Oh the drama ;p

Houses

         What can I say. I LOVE looking at different homes! Here are some more of my favorites.


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This reminds me of my Grandparents' home....I miss them so much!

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I love the attention to detail of this house....and besides, it's red! (My favorite color)

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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Memories of A Washboard

When I was a little girl....ahem.....a while ago, I lived on a beautiful farm in a big, white farmhouse that was over a hundred years old. We had a lot of chores on the farm (naturally), but my Mother would always try to make them fun. I especially remember warm, sunny days out in the backyard washing doll clothes with my little sister on an old washboard. My Mom set out an old washtub filled with sudsy water, and my sissy and I would spend many fun hours washing our "babies'" clothes. I can still see my Mom showing us how to scrub the little doll clothes and then ring them out to dry. She had a little clothesline just the right size for me and my sis to hang clothes on. Oh how I loved those afternoons spent in childish "grownup" play. And oh how I love the memories of hanging up our little doll clothes while my Mom was hanging up our clothes on her clothesline just a short ways away from us!

photo by Pam Davis

My Mom was very wise. She taught us the art of doing laundry without us even knowing she was teaching us. We just had fun while Mom was busy hanging our clothes out to dry. Mmmmmmmmm......I can still smell that fresh-off-the-line smell.

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by Paula Ebner

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Happy Laundering!

Anne

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

MD Strikes Again

My whole body feels like it is under attack. My muscles ache and I have no strength. I will blog more later.

Anne

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Vintage Art

 These illustrations of children are absolutely adorable.








Dick and Jane Books were my first readers in school. I used to LOVE looking at the pictures...still do.





Monday, January 24, 2011

An Important Message

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:1,2

I underline God's promises to us in green. The first verse of Isaiah 59 is one of the verses that helped me through a very rough time in my life. God cares, for His children. But their are limitations to His helping us. Do you want to know what those limitations are? I'll tell you. Anytime we disobey the will of God, it limits Him. Anytime we think our way is better than His, it limits Him. When we don't BELIEVE what He says, it limits Him.  God stands ready. He is eager to help us when we need Him, but if we turn our backs on Him; we are saying, "No God, I don't need your help. I can do this on my own."  Doing it "your way" always leads to disaster......trust me, I know from experience. But there is good news. Christ is our Intercessor. Whe we ask Him for forgiveness He promises that He will hear us and answer us. We NEED A FIRM GRASP upon the Saviour. We must not let Him go...

Mission Impossible

 We have a very beautiful long-haired gray cat named Shasta. She resides outside. Shasta LOVES attention and will flop on her back when we come close to her so we can rub her belly. Sometimes I think she has a personality disorder because when my husband and I go for walks, she will often follow us like a dog. Our poor neighbor's beagles come over to our house and try to make friends with her. Alas, she will have no part of it; and quite decidedly will run them off with arched back, talon like claws and a hiss that could alarm even the most stalwart animal. Yes, Shasta rules our property with iron claw.

There is one thing our fluffy little kitty would like more than anything in this world. She would LOVE to be an indoor kitty. Often she will sit on the porch railing and scratch on the kitchen window begging us to come in. If the door is left open for any length of time she will bound into our home and twitch her tail as if to say this is her home and she belongs inside.
Yesterday my daughter and I were going over her homework when I heard meowing and scratching....again. We didn't think anything of it and continued with her schoolwork. The meowing continued, so my daughter got up to see what was happening. "Mom", she cried, "The meowing is coming from over by the stove!" "The stove?" , I repeated in disbelief. "It's coming from the vent Mom!", she said with furrowed brow. "Go get a flashlight". As the light shone down into the vent the light was met by two large eyes staring up at ours. Shasta! That crazy cat got underneath our home, tore open the duct work and crawled up through it only to get stuck just below the kitchen vent. My daughter quickly pulled the vent cover off and I grabbed the nape of her neck and gently pulled her out. Poor baby. She was wet, scared and quite embarrassed at being stuck in the duct work. Well what do you think? Did we allow her to stay inside permanently? Even though I have to commend the efforts of our gray ball of fuzziness, it was not enough to sway me. So for now an outdoor kitty she will have to remain. Although, I must say that we do give her day passes once in a while and she is very happy with them.

I hope that you enjoyed a day in the life of a very desparate cat. I will keep you posted of any further attempts at break-ins.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

SNOW!

My Husband took these pictures of the snow around our home. Isn't it beautiful! I LOVE the snow!






Friday, January 14, 2011

Blessings

Ever since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of being a Mom. I love, love, LOVE being a Mom. I believe it is the greatest blessing God could have ever given women. My kids and my husband are my treasures and I thank God for them every day.

Being a parent has many responsibilities, and I take them very seriously. God has entrusted me and my husband to raise two other human beings to live, love and serve Him with all their hearts. That is nothing to take lightly. I have a saying "You can love your kids to death, or you can love your kids to eternity". I want to "Love my kids to eternity". Recently we made the decision to get rid of all our movies. We watched a series on You Tube called Battlefield Hollywood and it changed the way we view entertainment. So after praying about it we decided that we would rather spend our time doing other things than sitting in front of the TV. We haven't even missed it. In fact, both our girls have told us how glad they are that we don't have them anymore.

We are spending more time together talking and sharing....I love it. God is so good!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

God's Word is Not Void

Do you believe that God cannot lie? Do you believe that what He says is true?

So many times in the daily trials of life, we often forget that what God says He will do. We can go to Him with every trial, every fear, every need we may have. He will not turn us away. In fact, He longs to hear from us, for we are His children. There is nothing too great, that He cannot handle.

There are SO MANY promises in the Bible that we can claim. Isaiah 55:11 shows us that His word is not void (empty, without cause). "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isa 55:11 We can rely upon every word as truth. We can bank on it.

You may ask me how I know it's true? Let me share a little about my life and then maybe you will be convinced. Two years ago, I was injured at work. I damaged my back, and now I am no longer able to work. Since technically I am still "employed", I cannot receive unemployment. I do not get any pay from worker's compensation because I was injured working prn (as needed), even though I was working full-time to part-time hours. Last year I was diagnosed with a rare genetic neuromuscular disease called Myotonic Dystrophy. What that means is every muscle in my body is, and will get weaker and weaker as time goes on. I am in constant pain from my back injury and from muscle pain. Most people with my disease usually die of aspiration or sudden cardiac death. My doctor said I will never be able to work again. That in itself was a blow because I dearly love being a nurse. But that is not all. My husband works in medical sales. He is trained in fitting people for rehabilitational seating for power wheelchairs. Medicare has now passed a rule saying they will no longer purchase power chairs for clients. Instead, they will pay for a rental. What that means to us is that our income is now zero. Our financial trials are like a lot of other peoples' now days. We have nothing!

But, here is the good news! God has allowed us to live in our home even though it has been in foreclosure for over a year. Our electricity was going to be turned off because of lack of funds and that very day, my husband received an unexpected paycheck that allowed us to pay to keep it on. Our funds dropped down to $24.00 dollars (total). We had no idea what we were going to do. But we prayed and asked God to take care of us and claimed His promises. Then, we left it in His hands. We told no one of our financial difficulty. A couple of days later, some friends, who shall remain anonymous, came by our home and handed us an envelope. Inside was two hundred dollars! Some other friends stopped by and brought with them household items that were much needed. They were unaware that we were in need of the very things they brought. I could go on, but you get the picture, right?

I know what it is like to go through trials. But I'm here to tell you, that there is NOTHING TOO GREAT for God! He has promised to be with us and to take care of us. Does that mean that we will not go through trials? No. What it does mean however, is that He will walk with us through the trials. We may still lose our home, but we will trust God to place us where we need to be so that He can do the most good for us. I may never be able to work as a nurse again, but God has allowed me to "work" in other areas, assisting people through our church's community services program. This neuromuscular disease I have may take my life sooner than I would care to even think about, and it may not. But, I would like to think that if I should die, there would be people who would be saved because of my influence in their lives.  God knows best and no matter what the outcome, His way is ALWAYS THE BEST.

So the next time you are discouraged and the trials you are going through seem too great to bear, remember that God's word is not void. Claim His promises, BELIEVE HIS PROMISES, then stand back and watch the mighty hand of God at work!


Sunday, January 9, 2011

Flu

The flu struck our home with a vengence. It has been 3 weeks of red noses, fevers, and coughing. Joy! We are all getting well though. I was the last one to get it, after nursing everyone. When I started feeling like I was getting sick, I drank a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, onion, cayenne, and grapefruit all blended together. Sounds gross? Yes, but it is very effective. Especially if you can add fresh ginger to the mixture. I didn't get as sick as everyone else, just a mild cold.

I hope everyone else is staying healthy this winter. Chow for now.