Stained Glass Windows

People are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light within. (Elizabeth Kubler-Ross.) A friend of ours, Sis. Connie Snodgrass just received the news a few days ago that she has lung cancer which has now traveled to her liver as well. Connie's family (the Russells) and Rick's family go way, way, back. In fact, Connie has told me more than once, that she has always known Rick was called to preach because she used to listen to him quite often when they were just kids! I haven't know Connie quite that long, but she's been special to me ever since we met! She used the expression, "kindred spirits" to describe our friendship. A few years back some unexpected and sudden events came to play in our lives which could have caused her to cut me off, but instead, she thanked ME for remaining her friend through it all! When we lost a baby to miscarriage a few years back, she was there for me in such an understanding way and even remembered the exact day he was due to be born and sent flowers! Connie is wife to a wonderful husband, Steve and a loving mom to 3 girls...16, 12 and 3 weeks. Her 12 year old, and mine celebrate birthdays just days apart and became good friends several years ago. She is a kind and caring person whom I have NEVER heard say an unkind word about anyone. I have always looked up to her as a Godly influence in my life. Now I see her shine in this trial like a beautiful stained glass window in the darkest night...because she has the light of Jesus within!

Please help me pray for a miracle and for strength for both Connie and her dear family!

Finished flowers!

Remember the new lamp in my bedroom...the tall skinny one? The one I added the ribbon deco to? Well, no sooner had I finished it than I saw all the cool fabric flowers and rosettes (please forgive me...I can't remember where) on someone's blog. Argh! What to do now? I really NEEDED some of those, but I have NO scraps! Unfortunately, I don't keep ANYTHING...I mean, it's so bad that I open the mail in the garage and NONE of the envelopes ever even see the inside of my house. Jugs, cartons and boxes, have to be emptied immediately upon returning from the grocery store. It's a bane to my family, because I am always throwing away something good. I really didn't want to buy new...I'm too cheap for that. Then I remembered! Just yesterday, I cleaned closets and there was a bag of old clothes sitting in the garage waiting for someone to haul it to the Goodwill. Ah...ha! I went shopping! The pleats on the bottom of the threadbare khaki skirt made a great large flower and the brown skirt with the paint splatters got cut up for rosettes. Love it! And it was soooo sinfully easy!While I was at it, I found a couple of things that could be made over for Kayla...now she has a new skirt and dress too! Yay! The Goodwill won't even know what they're missing!

I need your advice...

If these were yours, what exactly would you do with them? They were a bridal shower gift from my Grandma over 13 years ago. She spent many hours embroidering this set and I believe there were seven of them to begin with. I have three left that are in good shape and I want to preserve them...but not in a box where I will never see them. I've thought of framing them behind chicken wire, putting them in a shadow box, displaying one in a basket or vintage scale, even making them part of a tablecloth or curtain. The ideas are there, but I really need specific inspiration from the experts. :) I also prefer doing something with them that will not 'age' them.
My kitchen is mostly chickens--sort of country style. I know they'd go better with the vintage look and I'd like to go there, but not now. The house is up for sale and we probably won't be here long enough to make it worth the time and money.
My dining room is seperate from the kitchen and done in blue and white. I'm happy with it, and don't want to change. Both pictures are old and things have changed a bit in both the kitchen and dining room, but you still get the general idea. I seriously appreciate any suggestions you might have!

Memorial Day Weekend

Sunday, I was blessed to turn 32. While some may dread those days, I am thankful for every one! Life is such a gift! Speaking of gifts...
...this 'little' girl is one of our four favorite gifts!
Kayla is 12 today!
We celebrated her birthday Monday at Bruneau Dunes.
We weather was perfect and we arrived early enough to get a terrific picnic spot!

I had to include this picture so you could see that skirt again. (Smile). I love the way it turned out after washing!

Kayla ordered hot dogs, potato salad and baked beans,

and of course...Birthday Cake!There is sand, sand and more sand at the dunes, and today I have sand, sand and more sand in my laundry room! Good times! Great memories!