Garland - Inspirations from the Nesting Place

Well a few weeks ago, Nester, at the Nesting Place posted about her garland! She gave me great inspiration, so I decided to try it out! Sister and I went to Michael's at 6:00 on Thursday night for their super Thanksgiving Day sale! They were open from 6-9 PM, so I was able to get some great garland-making bargains!

I started with one pre-lit strand, and one plain strand. You can see that one strand is actually a bit greener than then other, but they blend very well together.

To get them to stay together, I simple twisted a few strands together - just a few here and there through the langth of the garland.

Then, I took my plaid ribbon and wrapped it around the garland...and not perfectly either - it just helps to add a little personality. As soon as that was finished, I hung the garland on the mantle.

I bought a sting of holly berries to lace between the garland strands.

However, the strand was too small, so, I simple cut the strand into small pieces, then just stuck them in the garland.

Then I added some ornaments, poinsettia blooms, and pine cones.

TA-DA!!! My beautiful garland.

Thank you, Nester, for all of your wonderful decorating advise!!!

Howard Marsellus, Jr.

Saturday (along with DBU's homecoming) was a day of mourning Howard, Brant's uncle. Uncle Howard passed away in the early morning of November 10th after a short, yet very painful and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Howard was, by far, mine and Brant's family person of the family - his caddy personality, his silly stories and crazy sense of humor ALWAYS brought a smile to the faces of those around him.

Howard live a long and eventful life that left a legacy of hope and equality. Howard was born and raised in Louisiana. He served as a teacher and principal in Baton Rouge schools and served for a time on the East Baton Rouge City-Parish Council.

In 1984, he was appointed Pardon Board chairman by then-Gov. Edwin Edwards. In 1986, he was indicted in the pardon-selling scheme. Howard had been told by the Governor that no pardons were allowed, and that all prisoners were to sentenced as by the court. A year later, he pleaded guilty to state bribery and conspiracy charges and a single federal mail fraud count. He was sentenced to five years in prison but only served 20 months. I remember going on a family trip not long after Brant and I were married and Howard and I sat talking for hours about his time on the Parole Board and his time in prison. Howard sent men, that he now believes were innocent, to die in the electric chair because of the bribery and schemes of the governor. Yes, Howard admits he was guilty of the crimes for which he was convicted, however, he was also one of the most remorseful men I have ever known.

After prison, Howard, Nancy and their two children moved to Rowlett, TX where Betsy Spence made a special connection with Howard. Betsy was the wife of Garland's mayor and she was a sweet, Godly woman who approached Howard one day and asked if he had a personal relationship with the Lord. He answered that he did not, and at that time, rededicated his life to the Lord and began a quest for knowledge that would lead him to new places in life. Howard, because of his past with the pardon and parole board began seeking answers to a question that would change his life: "The death penalty...is it wrong or right?"

After time seeking the truth, Howard began a strong advocate opposing the death penalty. Howard firmly believed that God, and God ALONE, had the right to give and take life. It was not the responsibility of the government, or any human being, to do so. Howard fought for equality of all persons regardless of the color of their skin, their place in life or the money in their wallet! All men were created equal and Howard believed this more than any one person I have ever met.

Howard's life was full of life changing lessons, was a friend to everyone and never met a stranger. The one thing that I remember so clearly from his memorial is that Howard didn't just learn from his mistakes in life, he helped change the world he lived in because of them.

Long Overdue...

I'm so sorry that this post is so overdue - it was a crazy week, and a crazy weekend, and I just thought I would fill you in.

Lets begin with last week, I was sick! My best friends were Kleenex, Nyquil, and the Neti Pot!!! If you have ever used one of these, you know how crazy it is, and it you haven't, then you should! It's a sinus rinse. You put warm water and a pre-packaged saline mix into the little pot, stick one side in your nose and lean over the sink. The liquid runs through the sinus cavity and drains out the other nostril. Its sounds disgusting, but it releases all of "crud" stuck up there. I was do this every morning, and every night and was finally able to release all of the congestion. So last week, I was definitely feeling miserable! But I pressed on!!!

On Wednesday, our house guest came - my little cousin Clint! Clint is a welder and has been working in North Carolina for some time now, but was offered a position in Midlothian. Since he is purly Texas born and raised, he jumped at the chance to come home! His family, however, lived outside of Palenstine (2 hours away from Dallas), but our house is 10 minutes from Midlothian! So, he came to stay in our guest room for awhile (well, about 5 weeks.). So Welcome Clinto Bean!

Thursday was Connor's 7th Birthday - check out sisters blog for lots of pics! He is so darn cute and I cannot belive how big he has gotten!

Saturday was DBU's homecoming, so we went to a big PepRally, then headed to the basketball game. It was FANTASTIC and DBU won 100-40!!!!! Go Patriots!

Sunday, we had lunch with Brant's parents, then relaxed during the Cowboy game. After the game, Jessica came over and we went to the park to take pictures for our Christmas cards...so check back to see my final design for that!

And today, well today is Brant's 28th birthday!!! So Happy Birthday, my love! I hope you have the best round of golf this morning, and have a fantastic day kicking off this new year of life!

Happy Shower Day Kelly

Today, several ladies are hosting a blog-shower for Kelly, at Kelly's Korner. If you have never read her blog, then you need to - it is the best!

Kelly,
First of all, I am so excited for you and Scott and cannot wait for precious baby Harper is in your arms. I know that you will be such excellent parents and that this baby is so lucky to have a mom and dad like you and Scott.

I began reading your blog before you were ever pregnant, and my heart would ache with you at each disappointment. I can remember the day when you posted that you were pregnant - what joy!

Thank you for sharing your heart, your recipes and your life with us. We have cried with you and are so thrilled to now be rejoicing with you! I know that you will be so blessed with this child and I know that your prayers have been answered. Thank you for following in the Father's footsteps and praying for those who have been in the same place that you once were. Thank you for your willingness to post prayer requests for others and to be a special light in our blog land!

We love you and are so excited for you! I pray the Father continues to bless your precious family!

In Him,
Ashley

More Christmas Card Information

A few new developments on the Christmas Card front!!!!

First of all, I have been researching the printing prices for you! Here is a list of places that will print cards, as well as their prices.

• Walgreens - 4x6=$0.19 ea. 5x7=$1.00 ea.
• Walmart - 4x6 = $0.15 ea, 5x7 = $0.58 ea.
• CVS - 4x6 = $0.19 ea, 5x7 = $1.49 ea
• Office Depot - 4x6 = $0.19, 5x7 = $0.99
  

Second - now for even better news, I am offering bundles of printed cards for sale. All packages include a custom design, printed 5x7 cards and envelopes.

Package 1
Custom Deluxe Design
20 Printed 5x7 Cards
20 Envelopes
$25

Package 2
Custom Deluxe Design
30 Printed 5x7 Cards
30 Envelopes
$32.50

Package 3
Custom Deluxe Design
50 Printed 5x7 Cards
50 Envelopes
$45

Additional cards and envelopes can be added for $0.70 each.

Shipping on all packages will be an added $4.50. All packages to be shipped priority mail with tracking.

Individual custom designs STILL available!


As always, if you have questions regarding the cards or designs, please feel free to email!
greatgrabbiedesigns at yahoo dot com!!!

Great Grabbie Designs Offering Custom Christmas Cards!!!

CUSTOMIZED CHRISTMAS CARDS!!!

Susan Darter of Raspberry Road Designs has been gracious enough to grant me permission to use some of her fabulous work to design custom Christmas cards for you and your family!

I will offer 2 types of cards:

1. Simple Custom Cards - $15
   
2. Deluxe Custom Cards - $20

Two examples of a Simple Custom Card a below. This design will contain two "papers", one element and one picture.

Simple Custom Sample #1

Simple Custom Sample #2

The Deluxe Custom Card will be multiple papers, elements and up to 3 pictures. An example is below.

Deluxe Custom Sample

***** ON ALL CARDS *****

Fonts and font colors are customized to your liking.
Cards are designs only! Once your design is finished and approved, I will email you the picture file and you can upload and print it at your local convenient store! It is simple and easy. This can ensure that you order the number that you want, and can print more if necessary.

******CARD DESIGN POLICY******

A "design" sheet will be sent to each customer requesting a custom design that will include all information to be contained on the card. I will design a template, then send a draft to you via email. I will allow each customer to markup the design one time, then I will alter the design to your liking.
Once pleased with the design, I will then release the design to you and you are then free to print and do with the file as you wish.

If you are interested in a custom designed Christmas Card for your family or if you have any questions about card designs, please email me at greatgrabbiedesigns at yahoo dot com.

MORE EXAMPLES COMING SOON!!!

CHECK OUT http://greatgrabbiedesigns.blogspot.com for more information!

Payments accepted through PayPal, Cashiers Check or Money order.

Weekends of joy

I know it has been quite a while since I posted about what has been going on with the William...so, I thought I would give you a glimpse into what we have been doing the past several weekends.

This week, Rachel asked if she had missed the post about the new car - No Rach, you haven't - I just haven't gotten around to posting the pictures. Yes, Brant and I did buy a new car...we wanted a family vehicle, but it has to last for 10+ years! So, we ended up buying a 2007 Toyota Sequoia! I LOVE it!!! We weren't looking for something so big, yet it had low miles and was a great price, plus we figured that it would hold family no matter how big it gets :)!!!

And here is a little someone who LOVES to take a ride! He'll jump in anytime a car door opens!

Last weekend, the whole family went to Tyler for Baby Michelle's first birthday party. Michelle is my cousin Krystal's baby. Well I actually rode with sister, and Ethan was being so sweet - so I took this random picture of him in the car! Isn't he precious?

This past weekend, I just spend time at home cleaning my house - the "down on my hands and knees scrubbing the floors" type cleaning.

So there is the batch-up on what has been going on with us lately. What's been going on with you???

President-Elect Obama...

...was not exactly what I was hoping to hear Wednesday morning. And I was sad, so terribly sad. I know that you have probably read so many posts this week about the Presidential Election and the results of said election; however, I know hope - the Lord himself. I KNOW that MY FATHER is in control and I KNOW that MY FATHER has a plan!

Just moments ago I was reading a post by "The Preachers Wife" and began to see my exact feelings in her words. So I invite and urge you to read her words and her scripture of hope here.

Hydrogen Peroxide vs. Bleach

So I plan on spending most of my weekend cleaning my house because it is DISGUSTING! But, I found this information online today and found this...

Hydrogen Peroxide vs. Bleach

This was written by Becky Ransey of Indiana (a doctor's wife), and I want to share it with you. She was over recently at a friend's home for coffee and smelled the bleach I was using to clean my toilet and counter tops. This is what she said:

I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little ole bottle of 3% Hydrogen peroxide you can get for under
$1.00 at any drug store. What does bleach cost?

My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide. Have you ever smelled bleach in a doctor's office? NO!!! Why? Because it smells, and it is not healthy! Ask the nurses who work in the doctor's offices, and ask them if they use bleach at home. They are wiser and know better!

Did you also know bleach was invented in the late 40's? Its chlorine, folks! And it was used to kill our troops.
Peroxide was invented during WWI in the 20's. It was used to save and help cleanse the needs of our troops and hospitals. Please think about this:

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe.) No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.

e.g. Arm & Hammer baking soda & PEROXIDE

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs.

3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.

6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine but was healed by soaking in peroxide.

7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.

8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, plugged sinus.
It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes, and then blow your nose into a tissue.

9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.

10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide-burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually, so it's not a drastic change.

11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.

12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors. There is no smearing, which is why I love it so much for this.

Update on the Walkers

Here is the update I received yesterday from John Durham, my former pastor at First Baptist Irving. Please continue to be in prayer for this family.

Friends of the Walkers,

Hope all is well with you today. When you consider our friends Chuck and Kristi dealing with this crisis of cancer, it almost causes an election to fade some into the background. I had a long talk with Chuck a few moments ago, he and Kristi were at the hospital for several hours today doing re-evaluations and considering some other courses of action.

How about the good news first? Platelet counts were way up (hovering over 100,000) which is incredible considering she was at 29,000 a few weeks back. Her abdomen wound is healing well now and both of those are praises to God and answers to our prayers.

Some tough news now – the doctors said in the re-evaluation today that there is nothing available in today’s technology or medicine that can stop the spread of her type of cancer. The doctor pronounced it incurable today to Chuck and Kristi both. She (the doctor) said that parts of Kristi’s liver were presently shutting down. Because of the cancer and possibly a tumor now in her brain, Kristi’s speech is impeded and that is frustrating to her. She and Chuck both want to spend some strong quality time with the three boys this week. Chuck’s main prayer request of us is that we pray for his words with their oldest son, Cade 4 ½ years old, to help him understand his mom’s situation and condition.

Chuck has not given up hope on God’s healing of his wife; let me be very emphatic about that, he has given up ZERO ground in his faith in God’s ability to heal and his deep trust in God. Let’s join him in unwavering faith and deep trust in our God. I am planning on flying up there, perhaps even next week, to grab a lunch with Chuck and to see Kristi.

He apologizes again for not being able to answer voicemails, emails, cards and texts...we all know Chuck well enough that it is frustrating to him to not be able to talk to each of you. I will continue to keep you updated.

Our God is able,

John Durham