Farmgirl Paints

oh my goodness!

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:51:00 +0000

Had my first binge day since I started my new healthy diet at the first of the year. It was inevitable eventually I guess. I cut sweets, soda and bread cold turkey. Didn't even allow caffeine. Saturday was spent painting sets right next to a kitchen filled with my favorite cookies....shortbread dipped in dark chocolate. Oh.my.goodness!!! I remained strong...walked on by.

Then the PMS hormones kicked in full blast on Sunday and my cravings for chocolate were just too much. I snuck a handful of frozen chocolate covered almonds, (I froze them thinking they would be too hard to eat...NOT) then because I'd already caved I thought shoot I might as well call it a cheat day. Next followed a huge bowl of buttered popcorn, 7 mini Heath bars, a giant buttered bagel with cinnamon and sugar...hmmmm what else??? Am I the poster child for what not to do or what?? Let's see what is the lesson here? I'm thinking if you are dying for something...like really can't get your mind off it dying...just have it. One little piece, and then be done.

Thank you so much for all the notes of encouragement and prayers concerning our house in Minnesota. We got a call from our realtor on Saturday night saying we had a new buyer. I know! Apparently they called all their realtor friends and explained what happened and kicked up a lot of interest. People were coming out of the woodwork!!! I really can't believe it, and as much as I'm relieved and excited about it, now I'm a little gun shy and feel like until the papers are signed anything can happen.

There is also this underlying sense of guilt. Within 24 hours my prayers were answered and another buyer came forward. I got so many comments and letters from readers explaining their own hardships and housing issues and to be honest they were a LOT worse than mine...and yet ours got resolved. I don't know why things like that happen. It doesn't seem fair at all. I don't have the answers at all except to say that his timing doesn't make sense. Your answer will come...IT WILL. Don't give up. Don't lose faith. He has a plan for your life...a very good plan.

Okay so I wanted to show you a little of what's been taking my time for this CYT play Big Chick is in. She's going to be a Chinese villager and warrior in Mulan...so proud of my little actress;) On the weekends I've been painting away. One of the big projects they had in store for me was a dragon. Eeeek...never done anything remotely dragon like before.

My friend Jean (she REFUSED to let me take her picture...geesh) and I started with a tracing machine and then that didn't work, so we sketched this dragon and a giant phoenix bird out by hand! Then we traced it in with charcoal and finally started adding in the details.

Jean took the phoenix and I took the dragon, so this is my dragon baby. I can't believe how good it turned out. They are going to cut around it and then hang it from the top of the stage somehow.

When they found out that I was artsy they had big plans for my skills. I didn't have a clue what I was doing. I was a little nervous that they had too much faith in me. But you know what? It's like anything else that I start. If I just begin...somehow HE is always there to help me figure it out. It's like that in life too. Just take that step of faith and the details will all come together. It just does. Love you girls.

Have a blessed day.

403. a dragon baby;)

404. a new friend to laugh with

405. prayers poured out for my family

406. answers and promise and hope

the deal's off!

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:17:00 +0000

Just had an interesting conversation with the Lord while I was in the shower. It went something like this....Lord do you allow me to walk through crap sometimes, just so I can share it on my blog?? Just so someone who might be going through something similar can relate? Cause really it would be easier for me if we just stuck to smooth sailing. Unfortunately he didn't answer me back...he didn't have to;)

Honey just called me a few minutes ago and I could tell by his pensive...fake cheerful voice that he was trying to tell me something in the least dramatic, least painful way possible. Apparently the loan officer failed to tell our buyer that he needed a certain dollar amount in the bank to qualify for his VA loan, so his loan fell through. That's right girls I said it...the deal's off! Oh and the furnace in our old house isn't working...grrrrr.

Am I disappointed YES?! Am I mad at God? No. I wish life was easy. I wish it didn't require a huge amount of daily faith to get by. I wish that loan officers weren't ignorant! But the fact is that disappointment comes to all of us. I have a friend who just lost a baby...another who is going through a divorce. People write me about how they are waiting for answers to come...that their husbands have been out of work for a very long time...how they are so hungry for friends that loneliness has taken a hold of them. If we expect smooth sailing in life we are going to be let down over and over again.

I'm not putting the weight of this house mess on my shoulders. It's not for me to worry about. I'm continuing to trust. He's got it covered. Regardless of the outcome it will be alright. So there's the ugly truth. Life sucks sometimes, but joy comes in the morning. I can hardly wait for daybreak. **Please pray that a new buyer comes. Our realtors are scrambling.

Have a blessed day.

Feed my family...Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

It's time for another Feed My Family Friday...who's with me;)??

The recipe this week is for Beef polenta ragout. I went out of my box a little more and tried polenta for the first time. Have you ever had it? It looks really scrumptious, like it's going to be really really good. But it honestly doesn't have that much flavor. We even ended up getting the green chile and cilantro flavor by accident and it still didn't have much punch to it.

Okay so this is polenta. I didn't make any homemade. Didn't feel the need to go to that much trouble especially since I'd never tried it before. We found it in the organic section of the refrigerator aisle. It comes in a tube and you slice it. It's basically just cornmeal patties.

I sliced up the tube, put a little olive oil in a skillet and cooked it for a couple of minutes on each side. I salted it a little too. It's actually pretty good, and a wonderful substitute for pasta.

(this looks less than appetizing...but it really was tasty)

Meanwhile in a skillet I browned really lean hamburger and then added it to a slow cooker to simmer (on high for 3 1/2 - 5 1/2 hours) with a 14 ounce can of stewed tomatoes, diced carrots, diced onions, 1/4 tsp. black pepper and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. The last 30 minutes I threw in some sweet peppers and sliced zucchini. You pour the beef mixture over the polenta and serve. Very healthy...colorful and hearty. I would recommend using lots of your favorite spices to give it a punch of flavor.

&lt;br /> &lt;br /> &lt;a href="http://farmgirlpaints.blogspot.com/search/label/feed%20my%20family%20friday">&lt;img vspace="none" hspace="none" alt="feed my family friday" src="http://i629.photobucket.com/albums/uu20/folly_surf_fisher/feedmyfamily-1.jpg" />&lt;/a>

Okay it's your turn. Grab my button, link up a healthy recipe, and let's FEED OUR FAMILIES:)

Have a blessed day.

398. book club with my new peeps

399. lunch in a tea room with sweet grannies

400. Noodles med. salad with marinated steak...yum!

401. being invited to a super bowl party

402. sweet comments about my house that made my head about pop off;)

Home Made Lovely

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Good morning girlies. Heather from Life Made Lovely recently asked me to be a part of her Home Made Lovely series. Every week she features a blogger's home. So far every single one has left me completely inspired. I literally let out a little squeal when she wanted to include me. I went around and took pics of most of my rooms, so now they will be all in one spot. If you are curious head over here today:)

Have a blessed day.

fighting the gloom

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:08:00 +0000

Good morning friends. I'm so relieved to know that most of you shared my complete horror regarding Picnik's closing. Several of you gave me some other options...the most recommended was fotoflex. I fiddled with it and it was simple to use, but lacked Picnik's pizazz. I'm thinking they will surely introduce a mind blowing substitute. We'll just have to wait and see.

You'll be proud to know that I edited all the photos in this post with Lightroom. I still am stumbling through it. Takes me forever! Not sure how to add my watermark just yet, but I'm still proud that I tried and it is doable if I just keep practicing. Here's a helpful link to navigating your way with LR.

So this week has been GLOOMY! Like no sun anywhere gloomy. I was at the store yesterday and low and behold there were some TULIPS! Just what we needed to chase away the clouds. Is it wrong to be dreaming of Spring already?? Not that the Winter has been bad or anything, but I love color. Bring on the greens, bring on the chirping birds...the warmth of the sun. I guess until then tulips will just have to do;)

My little chick has been home with me this week. She got her first cold of the season. Poor baby!

Since we've been holed up a little bit I decided I needed to pull out the paints and get crafty. I love foxes. Found this gorgeous image on Pinterest and decided to try and paint this little fella. If you haven't discovered Pinterest you really need to book it right over there and plug in. It's inspiration overload. It's a giant virtual pin board that you can gather inspiration from. I just searched foxes and voila...tons of images to choose from. If I'm ever lacking creative inspiration I know just where to go.

To see my Pinterest boards click here.

Okay so here are my first strokes. Looks hideous right?? In the early stages everything looks awful doesn't it?? Nothing really makes since...it's not until the final details are put into place that it resembles anything at all. That's where patience come in.

It's kind of a weird departure from my normal stuff, but I'm trying new techniques lately. I'm hoping to branch into prints soon. My version looks nothing like the photograph...which is a good thing. It's important to make things your own...to be original. There's no way I can pull a fox or whatever this creature looks like out of thin air, so I use a photograph, but it became mine in the end. You should try it too. Are you fighting some gloom...some Winter blah's?? Get your craft on OR go buy some tulips;)

***Oh and someone suggested I switch my comments to the pop up box, versus the drop down menu and I think that might have helped. You may want to try that if you've been having comment problems in Blogger!!***

Have a blessed day.

392. glorious sunshine

393. taking a nice long walk with my sweet one in JAN

394. learning something scary and new

395. painting something fresh and different

396. blue mason jars and pink tulips...bliss

397. my vit c gummy vitamins...my sweet for the day;)

completely random

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Good morning friends...hope your weekend is going well. Did you get a crazy cancellation notice from Picnik?? My heart stopped for a second. I thought they dropped me for some reason, but NO it's worse...they are stopping all together!! WHAT?? Like seriously I had a little panic attack. Picnik is how I make my pictures look sort of good. I'm not techy. I don't have the patience for Photoshop. I recently bought Lightroom and I had a friend give me a tutorial recently, but in the back of my mind I knew I had my Picnik safety net to fall back on. NOW WHAT!?? I hate change. They didn't really explain what will happen after they close. It was vague. Hopefully there will be another option that's as great as Picnik has been. If you have any suggestions. Please let me know. One of my readers sent me this link. I haven't checked it out yet. I'll pass it on to you though.

(This is what an unedited picture looks like...yikes! BTW isn't this the cutest owl hook ever?? It's in my pantry holding all my aprons. Hobby Lobby baby:))

With Picnik...horrible lighting, lots of noise...not perfect, but better.

Which brings me to my next frustration....Blogger. I've gotten many an email from you, saying you can't get on my blog. That it whites out or you can read it from Google Reader, but can't leave a comment. This just makes me sad. I have no idea how to fix it:( I'm seriously contemplating a big change. It makes me really scared, but I'm thinking of switching over to Wordpress. Have any of you done that? Did you run into problems? Were your readers still able to find you? Do you like it? Help me please!!

Okay enough about techy issues. Whew...just had to get that off my chest. We are playing hooky from church today. Hate that, but Sunday's have become our only day of not running all over creation with this play. So we had church at home, complete with praise and worship. Gotta love that. Honey and I sang all the songs we grew up with. The girls muttered along, not really knowing the words. Don't you wish sometimes that they still sang the oldies at church? Don't get me wrong. I love contemporary worship, but an occasional hymn warms me to my toes.

This post is so random...sorry. Okay dream interpreters, this is your chance. The night before last I dreamed Honey announced we were moving to Chicago. I woke myself up crying...hysterical that he could be moving us again after we just finally were starting to feel settled here. Than last night I dreamed he got fired and we packed all of our stuff and went back to Minnesota. We went to our old house, which is now sold, and while the new owners were out we went inside and made sandwiches. They came home and we made a mad dash for it...leaving Big Chick inside! How crazy is that?? I have no idea what's going on. I've really let Minnesota go. I'm becoming very content here. Hmmmm. Maybe it has to do with those final strings being cut...the house finally selling. Anyway I'm ready to stop with the nutty dreams.

Have a blessed day.

387. a day at home

388. a shiny brand new toaster, that doesn't burn my toast

389. a renewed desire to create again

390. blind faith that good things are coming

391. vacation ideas bubbling in my brain

Feed my family FRIDAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:10:00 +0000

Okay girls I'm starting a new thing. Y'all know I don't like to cook, BUT one of my New Year's goals was to feed my family better. So I'm working on it. You'll be happy to know since the first of the year I've cooked ALOT. Like 2-3 times a week...and then we eat leftovers and go out, but that's beside the point.

Every week I will share a recipe and you can link up too. It has to be healthy and quick...not a lot of fancy ingredients. My recipes will be geared toward the Diabetes diet that I'm on and will probably be slow cooker 'cause that's just how I roll.

My recipe this week is my super yummy cuban sandwiches I made the other night. I got the idea from my slow cooker recipe book, but then changed it up like my favorite restaurant, so it's almost my creation...ha;) I do not photograph food well so bear with me. If you want to see a gorgeous foodie blog with amazing gluten free recipes visit my friend Lissa at Keep it Simple, Keep it Fresh. Photographing food really is an art form. I just don't have the patience to stage it perfectly. When my food is ready I don't want to whip out my camera...I want to EAT it!

SUPER YUMMY CUBAN SANDWICHES:

Add one 2-3 pound pork sirloin roast to slow cooker. Add 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and one cup water. Turn on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6. The last 15 minutes throw in some sliced red, yellow or orange sweet peppers...as many as you want.

Toast some sliced buns in the oven (350 degrees) for 5-7 minutes...add some swiss cheese and broil until melted. I used steak rolls...ciabatta rolls would be really good too.

Add shredded pork to toasted bun, 2 slices of canadian bacon, spicy mustard and a sandwich sliced dill pickle! ENJOY!!!

Okay girls...so grab my button, link up to your recipe post URL, NOT your blog url (it can be an old post) and let's feed our families. It should be a helpful resource for those of us who struggle with meal plannning.

Hope you join in.

Have a blessed day.

382. it's friday!!

383. sharing secrets

384. talking about the Lord with a new friend

385. caffeinated coffee this morning

386. learning lightroom with a friend today

hallelujah moment!!

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:34:00 +0000

It's been 6 months of waiting...6 months of worry in the back of our minds. I had let it go, vowing to leave it and not to pick it up again, but yet it was still there...the little nagging of fear. Fear is like that, it kind of gnaws at you...biting off pieces with every passing day. Every time my mind went there I whispered a silent plea.

Well today we finally got our answer. Our house situation is taken care of!!! That last piece to this moving puzzle was finally put into place. I am overjoyed. I feel like words cannot describe how relieved I feel. I didn't even know I was carrying it around...the house was like a giant weight around my neck. It was the detail that seemed impossible and yet it IS possible. God heard our prayers. Thank you Lord!

Have you been carrying around something too? Have you been pleading with God about a certain thing over and over again? Your answer will come. It will!! Don't lose heart. He hears our every whimper and cry. He knows when the time is right. Lean in.

Have a blessed day.

377. answered prayer

378. a friend that calls me honey child

379. a new study on James

380. creating again

381. a hallelujah moment...pure joy

living in the ordinary

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:06:00 +0000

I've felt quiet on the inside lately. There hasn't been any urgency to write or record my thoughts. That's rare for me. I've just been busy with life...painting sets for big chick's play, running errands...the daily living stuff.

When you think about it most of our time is spent living in the ordinary. There usually isn't earth shattering excitement on a regular basis. We have our routine. We hit that alarm clock, stumble to the bathroom, make coffee or breakfast, get on with the to-do lists of today. If you are anything at all like me the first hour or so of the day is a sleepy eyed blur. It's usually my least favorite hour of the day.

I'd like to change that if I could. What I would really like is to hear the alarm clock go off and instead of groaning inwardly to myself, I would like peace to cover me. I want a renewed excitement for the day to come. I want to see it as a blank canvas ready to be decorated with splashes of joy, splashes of passion, splashes of purpose. We are all artists. Life just happens to be the canvas we get to decorate. Even in the ordinary I want to create a masterpiece.

Have a blessed day.

372. lunch with a friend

373. oatmeal with a pinch of coconut

374. slow cooker cuban sandwiches that made me oooh and ahhhh

375. going for a run...being able to run!

376. a new day

put your love glasses on

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:03:00 +0000

I got my nails done yesterday. It was one of those squeezed in, last minute, let's get this in kind of appointments. I really just wanted to sit and read a magazine, completely decompress and let the vibrating chair bounce me into submission. It's me month right? That sounded like a good plan. Marta had other ideas for me.

She was a sweet Puerto Rican, full of life, full of spunk nail girl who would not let me relax. She proceeded to tell me ALL about herself...in a very quick, hard to understand accent. All about her life in the states, and her two kids in Puerto Rico who just didn't want to come to Virginia, so she left them with her mom. They are 5 and 12! Huh? I didn't pry even though I was very curious. As I lifted my magazine back up to my eyes Marta would start again. Finally after several attempts to veg, I tossed it aside and I listened to her talk about her weekends clubbing with her girlfriends while her husband is on business. I listened to her talk about what movies she liked, what food she cooks, what her best friend in Puerto Rico does for exercise. I listened.

Something clicked as I listened to Marta. This is going to sound simple, but it's revolutionary. What if our real mission in life is to be like Jesus?? WHAT?? Can you see it? The skies are opening up...bells are ringing. I just stumbled onto something BIG! What if it's not about surrounding yourself with people like you, but opening yourself up to strangers and letting them in...people completely 100% different than you, people who you have absolutely nothing in common with, people who make you laugh and look at life differently. What if it's not about surrounding yourself with mirror images and those with common interests, but just the opposite??

I'm not sure why, but for some reason alot of the people here are just that for me. What if instead of holding "differences" at arms length I'm to embrace them fully and let these people wiggle into my heart and in the process show them love....HIS love. I can feel it. My love glasses are starting to come out. I'm tired of squinting at the sun. I'm fully ready to sport my new look and it's got hearts and glitter and sparkle all over it.

Have a blessed day.

365. freshly painted nails

366. letting down my guard

367. giving my time with nothing in return

368. little chick was invited to a b-day party

369. fergie all volumized from her bath

370. sticking with my diet and feeling wonderful

371. alicia..."the little sister" i didn't know i needed

rest

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:40:00 +0000

It seems like I'm always in the process of working through something. I think it's the Lord constantly teaching me. Lately there have been several instances that have made me feel like I've said the wrong thing...that I've lost my favor with people...that I didn't do this or that just right. Do you ever play a scenario over and over in your mind again? They are just little things here and there, but the culmination of them make me wonder what's going on.

Have I just gotten extremely insecure all of a sudden. Am I in hypersensitive mode right now? Is it because I really don't have a deep friendship with people here yet and they don't know the real me? Isn't that the best when you can be yourself with people and because they know you well...there isn't anything read into what you say?? They know you. They believe the best in you. Ahhh only what time can bring. I hate being so impatient. I really do.

When I'm feeling stressed I take a bath. There is something about submersing myself in hot water that just squeezes all my anxiety right out. So I'm laying there studying my toes thinking about my life and I really felt the Lord tell me...I want you to REST. What? Lord I can't rest. I've got this on my heart. I've got dreams. Big ones! Dreams I have no idea how to make happen, but I've got to be doing something. I've got to be working toward something.

I looked up rest and the dictionary said this:

Cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength.

Remain or be left in a specified condition: "rest assured".

Uh Lord I don't want to cease work. I've got things to do. I think you've got this wrong. But it's slowly been coming to me that that's not the rest he's talking about. He doesn't want me to just lay in bed all day and not do anything. He wants me to let go and let him make it happen. He wants me to dump it all in his big lap and just let it sit. He wants me to trust him by giving it up...not me out there spinning my wheels like a gerbil on a running wheel.

He wants to be my best friend. He wants me to turn to Him first and tell him every little thing going on in my life...even though he knows the number of hairs on my head. It's a love offering running to him...believing his truth.

So that's my word for the year. I'm going with REST. I'm believing for big change in me, because when his hand is on something it grows. When his WORD is spoken things are created out of nothingness. How incredibly awesome is that?

When I went home over Christmas my mom and I got a day all to ourselves. We hit every thrift store in town. We had so much fun. It really was one of my favorite days ever with my momma. On the way home we had the most beautiful fire lit sunset. It was breathtaking. Everything became red with a glow...including my momma. Isn't she beautiful?

Many of you have written me feeling lonely too...hurting, displaced and misunderstood. What if we turn to Him together and rest assured that he knows...that he's got our lives in the palm of his hands. Let's turn it over and just rest in him.

Have a blessed day.

360. sunsets night after night

361. a day alone with my momma

362. blessed assurance

363. not having to carry it alone

364. bread

the cure

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:56:00 +0000

Tomorrow will be day 10 into the New Year. Are you still all fired up and ready for change in your life? I am! I've been doing a cleanse so to speak. When I was home over Christmas I noticed a book my mom was reading called The 30 day Diabetic Cure. My mom has diabetes. I don't, but the book was right on. I just knew if I followed it's guidelines I would once and for all be free from some unhealthy habits.

The first phase has you giving up caffeine, sugar, bread, cereal, crackers etc..., fruit, soda and sweeteners. In it's place you can have meat, eggs, beans, dairy and veggies. On January 1st I immediately started my Cure. I love eggs and all forms of dairy. Beans and veggies not so much, but I've been incorporating them. I've replaced coffee with decaf sweetened with Stevia and Cinnamon. The author said that was alright. I replaced diet soda with seltzer water and a splash of Pomegranate juice. One yummy snack I came up with was greek yogurt with natural peanut butter or canned pumpkin mixed in. SO GOOD!

The first three days were the hardest. I felt really sluggish. Absolutely no energy and the headaches were awful. For years I've suffered with headaches. Every day I have one at some point. On day three they went away. I was headache free! Oh and I had no appetite. Don't know how that happened but maybe the carb roller coaster I was on made me want to eat all the time. It really is amazing how much food controls how you feel.

When I went to buy my refills for my planner I couldn't find any this year. Why is it that they hook you with these cute little organizers and then fail to carry the refills? GRRRR! Anyway it's forcing me to use my ipad's calendar. I'm so not techy that way. I'm a pen and paper kind of gal. Do you guys keep track of things electronically or do you still keep a written record??

All I know is that it's making me very DEPENDENT on this thing. Heaven forbid it stops working or I drop it and it's toast. I can't even think about it. So I wrapped up my new baby in some fleece. Isn't she cute? All you do is make a little sleeve and then I punched some holes at the top for a little drawstring. I was thinking of making a few. Let me know if you'd be interested in something like that or not.

Have a blessed day.

355. feeling good...going in the right direction

356. Jeanne's new online class rocks!

357. chicken white chili simmering in my crockpot

358. laundry all washed and ready to be folded

359. church this week was so anointed i felt it to my toes

you asked...i answered

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 20:22:00 +0000

It's time to answer all your burning questions. Here goes nothin'...

What do you miss most about Minnesota besides your friends?

Every week there is usually one day that I wake up and feel overwhelmed with grief. Fear starts sneaking in and I just have to fight tooth and nail not to go down that path. The "I'm never going to find my bestie here" path. The friend thing is really hard to move beyond.

Other than that I miss the shopping. I had no idea how spoiled I was with the occasional shops and IKEA. Minneapolis really was a great shopping meca. I also miss all the people that took care of us. Our dentist and doctor...my awesome hairgirl Brie. It's really been hard filling those spots.

Oh and one more thing. I miss my old view and the sunsets. Who wouldn't miss this?

Here's one thing I don't miss. Bitter cold and snow that stays forever! Apparently it's been a mild winter for them. Figures...I move and it warms up;)

Any resolutions?

Oh yeah! I'm that girl. I have to have goals. Even the Bible says if there is no vision the people will parish. I need vision. I need to see that it's all going to work out if I do _______. My resolutions for 2012 are simple...fix food for my family and focus on being healthy.

Did you sell your house in MN?

No. But we have an offer and we are hoping that will all fall into place soon.

What's your favorite Bible verse?

I love Psalms 139...the whole entire chapter. I took a poetry class in high school and had to do a recitation and I memorized and quoted the chapter in front of my class. It was major. You know I hate public speaking. But that speech was annointed and I can almost feel the exhileration just remembering it.

Do you get a real tree or fake?

Fake. I guess I'm just too practical and I love a pre-lit tree. Growing up though I used to beg my dad to hurry up and let us go pick out the tree. It was my favorite thing. Guess I grew out of that as I became an adult.

Favorite movie?

I love movies. Not sure if I could narrow it down to one. When I was growing up it would have been The Sound of Music. Then in my junior high years I'm sure Karate Kid would have been the top pick or Dirty Dancing or Top Gun! Dang those hormones! As an adult I've loved all the Bourne movies, The Holiday, 50 first dates, Under the Tuscan Sun... I could really go on and on.

Favorite recipe?

I have absolutely no imagination when it comes to meal planning. NONE! Thankfully my sweet little family really doesn't care that much about food. They will eat whatever I come up with. This year though I'm going to do better in feeding us. I want to do lots of slow cooker recipes, because my main problem is at dinner time I'm too tired to mess with it and we just eat waffles. If I get started early in the day I'm golden.

Favorite part of your new home?

My studio of course. It's where I spend most of my time.

Are you still adding to your vintage mirror collection?

As a matter of fact I am. I just bought one on our trip to Illinois among a lot of other super cool vintage finds. I seriously had such a good shopping day. It was like the sky opened up and a ray of sunshine pointed out the way. It was awesome.

Do you set a certain time to write your blog?

I'm not a "set" person. That's too regimented for me. But I do try to write it when no one's around to distract me. Usually in the morning I guess after the kids get on the bus.

Do you write more than one blog post at a time?

No. That doesn't work for me. I have done that a time or two when I was going to be gone on vacation, but usually no.

Have you ever written something and regretted it?

I wish I could say no, but there have been a couple of times that I wasn't being sensitive enough. It's always been important to me not to sensor. I want to be real. It's my blog...my thoughts, but in the process I don't ever want to hurt anyone's feelings.

Melody Ross

Who are your favorite artists?

I love Janet Hill. So classic and timeless. For greeting cards I really like Bella Pillar. She has such a fun whimsical style. Oh and Melody Ross is one of my favorites. I had the opportunity to attend Brave Girl Camp the very first year and it was incredible meeting her and her family. Her art speaks to me. It's colorful and meaningful, and well it's just plain beautiful.

Favorite ice cream??

I don't really have a favorite. I love them ALL! Vanilla...yes! Chocolate....YES! Mint Chocolate...double yes!! What's not to love.

Favorite Christmas gift?

This one kind of cracks me up. For our very first Christmas honey didn't know what to get me. I know he was struggling. He wanted it to be good, because it was our FIRST, but we had NO money at all. So what did he do? He went out and bought me a diamond and gold tennis bracelet. I about died. I made him take it back because of course we couldn't afford it. But that's the gift I remember. The one I don't have;) And for the record I don't want it. The memory is what I hold in my heart.

What mascara do you use?

I usually prefer Maybelline Great Lash in very black...waterproof of course. Because as you know I'm an emotional basketcase.

What would be your dream vacation?

Well the last couple of years we have done the dreamy vacation. Still can't believe we did it, but we've been to Hawaii TWICE! I cried when we landed and when we left. It was surreal.

I've dreamed about going there ever since I was wee little. Funny how after you get that dream fulfilled you would think another location might surface in it's place, but really there isn't another spot that I dream of going. Maybe Italy...but not now.

Do you have a bucket list?

Well this does tie into the previous question I guess. I do want to go to New York before I die. I wouldn't say that's my dream vacation, but it's one of those places I have to see before the end. I also want to illustrate a children's book before that big day. Hmmmm I know there should be more things, but I can't think of any.

Country music yay or nay?

I do like country music, but I'm not hard core. It can't be TOO country. I'm a more watered down pop variety like Rascall Flatts, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum.

What's your favorite breakfast food?

I love all breakfast food. I can't think of one thing I wouldn't eat...except maybe grits. My favorite might be crepes with berries and whipped cream.

What's your favorite restaurant in Virginia?

Well so far I really like Cafe Caturra. It's a sweet little spot that has a wine/coffee bar. There is a cozy fireplace, barnwood wall and local artist paintings on display. They also have live music on Thursday nights. It reminds me of Minnesota.

Do your girls argue?

Uh what siblings do not argue?? But they for the most part play wonderfully together. On the weekends if we are home they are in the basement playing Barbies together ALL day long. It thrills my heart.

Are your girls polar opposites?

They couldn't be more different. One is all smiles and upbeat. She's happy to the core. Even if I'm in a bad mood or lash out at her I can't get the same response. I love her personality. The other is more sensitive and moody. She comes out of her room and we are all on pins and needles to see what expression will be on her face. She feels deeply. She's a taskmaster. She's just like her daddy;)

What is your view on dating?

I can't even go there. When that day comes I'll be a mess and honey will be a disaster! I'm not even kidding that I may have to medicate him. He's a giant worry wart. I know from my own experiences that I'm going to be more strict than my parents were with me.

Have you found a church?

We have. I wish it was a little bit closer to our house, but it's doable. The pastor is young and seems to have the same kind of religious upbringing we did. The worship is wonderful. The people...don't have a clue. Still haven't plugged in. We need to get involved. I'm dying for some friends and I think church could hold the answer for that.

Do you keep in touch with friends from MN?

I have one friend that I talk to every week. One that I wished would call me and a couple that we hit or miss alot. It's extremely hard for me to think about any of them. I'm crying now as I type this. As much as you want things to stay the same when you move it just doesn't. Life goes on. They move on and it hurts to the core. I'm really good at the long distance thing. I'm a pro at it actually. Most of my closest friends are bloggers, but that's not a gift alot of people have.

How do you pronounce your last name?

It's sounds like Stray-lee. I actually love my last name. I was a Brown before...Becky Brown. Isn't that cute? But it wasn't unusual and I like being a little different.

Are you a good singer?

I think so...especially when I'm singing in the car with the music blaring;)

How many siblings do you have?

I have two older brothers. Rick is my oldest brother and he just turned 50 this year. My other brother is Jim and he just turned 49. So I was the baby. My folks swear up and down I wasn't an ooops baby though.

Do you have a hollywood crush?

I love Simon Baker from the Mentalist. I think Josh Duhamel is really cute. Oh and the dark haired guy on Hawaii 5-0 is a cutie. But really the only crush I have is my honey.

He is my ideal.

Have a blessed day.

349. funny new people to paint sets with

350. down 3 pounds...yippee!

351. coconut seltzer water

352. my ipad...love feeling techy

353. it was 68 degrees on jan. 7th

354. my first friday "sugar" friends...it's coming along

Janie's colorful country farmhouse

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:41:00 +0000

There is something about blogging that really puts you in touch with people. Some of my closest friends are bloggers. They have wiggled their way into my heart just by reading and commenting on my blog. The next step of course is meeting these lovelies face to face and that's where it gets a tad scary. There's a whole new level going on when you go from cyber friend to flesh and blood. What if they are not at all what they seem like on their blog? What if they talk like Minnie Mouse and have 17 cats living in their house?? EEEK!

I've done this blind blog dating thing enough though. You would think I wouldn't get nervous anymore. WRONG!! One of my favorite readers just happens to live within driving distance from my mom and dad's house. Isn't it a small world?? The morning I woke up to go to Janie Fox's house I was in complete butterflies. She's so sweet with her comments. I really like her. What if it gets all messed up when we meet??? Or as my real life friends suggest...what if she's not Janie Fox, but some psycho stalker person who has made up this fake life just to lure you to the country to ____ ___ ___ a _______ ______! You fill in the blanks...yikes!

Just look at that sweet face. She WAS Janie Fox...not a crazy. And she was sweeter and more beautiful in person than I thought. Don't ya just love when people exceed your expectations?!

Can I say that I just adored her house!! I mean who can pull off an orange kitchen, hot pink living room, black den, lime green bathroom etc... I could go on! I was like oooooh this and ahhhh that. I was in COLOR HEAVEN! She was probably like geesh girl take a chill pill.

It was right after Christmas, so I got to see all her festive goodies. Loved the vintage touches everywhere. Oh how I'd love to spend the day shopping with Janie. I just know she would have the inside scoop on where to find all the good stuff.

Her kitchen just hugged you as you walked in. Loved the farm table with a story and funky cool chairs. She has an enormous fireplace and sofa to the left in the kitchen. It got dark before I took my pictures and I couldn't get one to turn out, but it was awesomeness!

This is a peek outside her kitchen door. Her honey bought her a camper! Be still my heart. You know that's on my list. Dream list that is. She also has an adorable pink cottage playhouse out there for her sweet grandbabies.

Speaking of grandbabies I got to meet them! This is sweet Ollie and her momma. Ollie is a little miracle baby and I got a chance to pray for her before she was ever born. That's the coolest thing about blogging. You can pray for people you've never even met. Look at her little folded up hands...oh my!

Notice the dark walls. So brave. I want a black room. Hmmmmm;)

And yes that's me with a poncho on because I had just eaten about a million pieces of Grandma's crack peanut brittle and my mom's lemon squares. I actually had to tarp myself. Yes TARP myself! Thank God for ME MONTH!!!

She just has the knack. What can I say. It was awesome eclectic yumminess in every little corner.

Loved the Jesus collection. How cool!

It took us about a million snaps to get this shot. How can I say this gently??...Janie BLINKS! Like every single time the shutter snaps her eyes are closed. Geesh girl! I'm so glad we finally got a keeper. I want to write our fun cozy day, snuggled by the fire, on my brain for good. What can I say except that I've learned that it pays to be brave. Meeting strangers is uncomfortable, but once they become real friends what is better than that? I've just added Miss Janie to my circle. It can never be too big. Check out her hilarious blog at Janie Fox Talks.

Have a blessed day.

***OH and speaking of friends...my friend Jeanne Oliver is getting ready to open her online class on Monday, January 9th. I remember years ago her talking about a series for women to follow their dreams. It's so incredible to see her reaching hers. What better way to get the New Year started than to focus on art and discovering some of your gifts. AND I had a little bitty part in it...so check it out:)

345. making new real life friends

346. my scentsy smell wafting up the stairs

347. knowing i'm never alone

348. three days without sugar and caffeine...headache is finally gone!

love drunk and me month

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 21:24:00 +0000

Ah you take a week off and the cursor just stares at you mockingly once you sit back down to collect your thoughts. First of all HAPPY NEW YEAR friends! Yesterday was spent in a hung over fog from our 15 hour drive home from Illinois. Amazing how the Holiday rush around, can leave a person completely zapped. Honestly I feel like I've been gone a month. Instead of doing the smart thing and going to bed early last night we watched crazy Lady Gaga (in all her wackiness) and Dick Clark ring in the New Year.

Not sure if I mentioned before but I dreaded being away for Christmas. I'm a homebody when it comes to that holiday. There was nothing I wanted more than to run down the stairs in our house on Christmas morning and just be home...in Virginia. But as the school system would have it, we didn't have enough time at Thanksgiving this year to make the trip so Christmas it was.

Something happened along the way though. With every passing mile I felt peaceful and relaxed. I really haven't felt peaceful and relaxed in a long time. I needed a get away and apparently Christmas was the right time.

I still can't believe we live 15 hours away from my parents. The drive is no longer easy. We have to get up at the crack of dawn and get home late...like so late that you just want to close your eyes and go to sleep late, but you can't because you are driving around dangerous mountain curves in the pitch dark! Makes me sad, but that's just life I guess.

Morning at mom and dad's house. Had to whip out the camera at this sight. My dad making his OWN oatmeal. I grew up in a very old fashioned home. My mom would always wait on my dad. We are talking dinner tray brought to him every night. Imagine my surprise watching him fix his own breakfast. He was whistling "tis so sweet to trust in Jesus" while he stirred. Hmmmm maybe that's where I get the hymn revelations from;)

My mom's lemon squares are to DIE for! Seriously melt in your mouth butter heaven. AND my Grandma June's famous peanut brittle. Have you ever seen peanut brittle so thin?? She spreads it right out of the pot when it's about 300 degrees. Crazy lady! Anyway it's the BOMB! These two things are why my pants feel like they are cutting me in two. I'm officially done sabotaging myself and I've got a plan. I promise I'll share soon:)

Christmas Eve with Honey's family.

(Uncle Jerry and Aunt Rhonda)

Grandma Minnie showing us her pedicure at the table;)

Lots of giggles and cuddles.

Going home is beyond weird. Every single time we go we are flooded with memories. I'm sure it wouldn't be like that if we lived there, but because we are gone it's like walking back into your grade school as an adult. Everything appears miniature...smells so familiar...looks so old. It's a head game that's for sure.

My girls will remember climbing the creaky stairs up to my parents old unheated second story farmhouse. Where they sleep under piles and piles of quilts. Their bedroom is attached to ours and we can hear them giggle and talk forever. Then in the middle of the night we hear the creaking of the door and each step as one by one we will each inevitably have to make our way down to the one bathroom in the house. It's like camping...sort of;) It's all I knew growing up. Actually it's better than when I was growing up, they got all fancy and installed air conditioning:)

(My niece Jordan)

Christmas day was a complete blur. I felt horrible. I took four Benadryl, so needless to say I was a zombie.

(My nephew Derek)

It really is such a blur that I don't even want to relive it..so moving on!

Sunset on the prairie. I think one of the reasons I was able to relax and just breathe were due in part to the wide open spaces. I have truly grown to love the woods in Virginia, but nothing can compare to looking out and seeing nothing...ha! It's just peaceful.

Okay so after all the hubbub of Christmas we just spent time with the people we love. One day we did nothing but hit every Antique store in a 20 mile radius of Decatur. It was awesome. I needed that day. I was dying for that day! Anyhow we stopped for lunch at a swanky Japanese place and they made food right in front of us. The pics didn't turn out great, but it was a fun memory.

Speaking of pics...my friend Lori's husband Shannon looks just like Daniel Craig. He walked right into our shot. Can you see the resemblance?? We always go to dinner and a movie with them when we come home. This time we saw Sherlock Holmes. Have you seen it yet? It was a work of art, so many scenes just took my breath away.

While we were in IL they had their first snow. It was the same day I went to see a very special blog friend. Can't wait to share more about her:)

Of course the trip wouldn't have been complete without my Marylynn and Lori day. Where we plopped ourselves down in a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant, and had a margarita that made me slightly drunk...hate to admit that...and then proceeded to dish and talk about all the things that only really really close friends would dare utter out loud. It was wonderful. Salve to my soul!

The break was much needed. To be honest I'm struggling with the idea of jumping back into life. For a week I didn't check my phone. I barely got a single email. When did life get so busy?? I've been toying with this thought forever...I'm officially declaring January ME MONTH. I know that sounds incredibly selfish, but I really need to devote some time to me. I still plan on blogging, but I have to make some healthy lifestyle choices and that takes some real time. Do you feel this way too? Hope you had the best first day of the year ever. 2012 is going to be the BEST!!!!

Have a blessed day.

338. unpacked suitcases
339. a plan
340. songs that make me want to dance
341. grandma's peanut brittle
342. lemon squares
343. my slow cooker
344. a new year full of promise:)

i need thee

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:11:00 +0000

I woke up in the middle of the night with the lyrics "I need Thee oh I need Thee...each hour oh I need Thee" in my heart. What is it with me and hymns lately? Isn't it strange how God speaks to us? I am so keenly aware that I can't muddle through this life on my own. I need HIM and I need people. Thankfully He's with me every second...taking me by the hand and guiding me. He's also placed each one of you here with me too. How weird is that?

Today marks my third blogging anniversary! I can't even begin to tell you how much blogging has changed my life. I was just telling Honey yesterday that I feel so undeserving. Through this wacky form of communication I have been touched daily by words of encouragement...so many of you have written me and literally changed my life and for the good! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for investing in me and following along as I try to navigate my way from day to day. I appreciate you so very much!!!!!

I've pretty much laid it all out here. I'm not a mystery that's for sure, but I thought it might be fun to answer some questions. If there are any;)?? For instance did you know I'm left handed...that I hate the movie Water Boy and seven with every fiber of my being...that I flunked my first driving test??? In my defense I was in a friend's grandma's car...that I had never driven. I am a GOOD driver;)!!! Isn't it funny all the little things that make up who we are? So ask away and if you can't think of anything that's okay too. Make sure to tell me a little unknown something about you.

As promised our Christmas card 2011.

I'm taking a little blogging break. Hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! It's going to be a great one. I can just feel it!!!!

Have a blessed day.

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

Refrain

I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.

Refrain

330. blogging

331. home

332. hugs from family and friends

333. road trips

334. dvd players for the car!

335. make-up...ha!

336. my momma...happy birthday beautiful girl!

337. YOU

last minute homemade gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:32:00 +0000

My favorite gifts to give are homemade ones. As I was thinking of the sweet friends back in Illinois that I'm going to see soon I thought what better gift than a walk down memory lane. This picture of us is kind of old, but I remember taking it. Every single time we get together we do the same thing. Take a picture in the same spot. Usually on a bench at the mall. Cracks me up:) But you know what, I love our little routine. It's familiar and fun. Those trips to the mall are priceless to me...ha!

If you are struggling for a last minute gift idea this one is really simple. Just print out a favorite photo. I just used copy paper, and then sprayed it with a fixative to insure that it wouldn't smear. Next decorate a canvas however you want. I used a wide canvas so it would sit up on it's own. Then just slap some Mod Podge or glue on the back and front and voila. Instant photo art:)

I also made some memory verse magnets. I'm thinking of selling some of these in my shop. I know personally I need to surround myself with His word!

And there you have it. A sweet walk down memory lane...all tied up with a bow:) Hopefully they'll just skip reading this post;) Total spoiler alert!

Have a blessed day.

327. the joy of creating

328. hugs to come

329. memory lane

this is how we roll

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:16:00 +0000

Well it's all a blur for us. The paper has been ripped off the packages. The fun has begun:) We started the festivities on Friday night.

I haven't watched this movie since I was Little Chick's age. Do you remember Swiss Family Robinson? Love that movie. Something about living in a tree house appeals to me. It was action packed. My Little Chick even cried in one scene. Remember when the dogs chase the tiger?? Well it was pretty scary let me tell ya.

Saturday was our Christmas. We took off for donuts, but decided that might not be a great idea on an empty stomach so we hit McDonald's first. Uh can you say diet suicide?? We only do it once a year, so it's alright I guess. Still hard not to be riddled with guilt.

Picking out the donuts is a big decision. Heaven forbid you get home and not have the ones you really want. Cracked me up as the line behind us grew.

We are quickly adjusting to the weather here btw. I can't say I miss snow. Oh and I'm loving the trees without leaves. You can actually see into the woods. It's really pretty. When we do get snow it's going to be beautiful...every limb and branch draped in white.

Happy Birthday Jesus!!

One of the few times a year my honey actually cheats and indulges in something unhealthy. He is a rock star when it comes to eating clean. I'm so proud of him. Actually it kind of bugs me a little, but that's just because I'm jealous of his discipline. I blame hormones.

When we asked the girls what they wanted for Christmas...Big Chick said the game of Life, and Little Chick said slippers. Uh I think we can manage that;) Look at her face...who knew the game of Life could be so exciting?! Goodness I love these girls.

Don't you just love what comes out of the mouths of babes??

Okay so after we were done I had one more thing for Honey. It was too big to wrap, so we took him into the basement and covered his eyes. The anticipation was just so HIGH! I'm sure he thought he was getting some amazing gift like a big screen TV or something.

Imagine his disappointment when it was a vacuum cleaner! In my defense I really thought that was an awesome gift. He vacuums for me and he's always complaining about how heavy and awkward the other one is so I thought he would love his new toy. Hmmmm maybe not.

It's all even though because he got me tons of WORKOUT CLOTHES and WORKOUT MUSIC! Which is great and all;) Lord knows I needed some, but uh are you trying to tell me something dude?? Okay I get the message. I need to eat clean like you, and get my bootie in high gear!

Last night we drove around and looked at Christmas lights. Let me tell ya Virginians go all out with their lights. It's probably due to the warmer weather. I particularly like the wreaths nailed all the way up the tree. Good stuff right there:)

We saw Rudolf and some other reindeer last night too. We had the opportunity to take out...as in run over...several deer. Geesh it's dangerous to drive around here at night. Thankfully they saw us before we saw them.

Is there anything sexier than this?? Seriously pitter patter!! Merry Christmas to me;)

Have a blessed day.

319. chocolate covered cake donuts

320. love notes from my girlies

321. new music to move to

322. throwing away nasty old workout clothes and feeling pretty while sweating

323. fergie...who gives us the gift of her love everyday

324. a honey who vacuums for me and looks good doing it

325. not hitting those deer

326. the gift of Jesus...giver of all gifts

a new creation

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:16:00 +0000

Today was the deadline I made for myself to get everything shipped out. I hate deadlines. Seems as soon as I have one the stress just piles on my shoulders, but with a huge sigh of relief I'm officially done. The paintings are wrapped and ready to be sent out. The school parties are over and we are on break! Yay for breaks:)))

Tomorrow we will celebrate Christmas at our house. Our little family will get up and hit the local donut shop...come home and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and then open some gifts. Then later in the week we'll pack up and head home to Illinois...and celebrate again! Whew tired just thinking about it, but I'm not going to stress. I refuse. It's time to have fun.

Remember that "mask party" I went to recently?? You can see it here. I finally painted mine this week. It just came to me what it should be. The Lord has really been working on me lately. I've noticed some ugliness, and to be honest I'm grateful that I've noticed it. How often do we walk around unaware of sin in our lives. We just go through the motions completely oblivious. One of my very favorite scriptures in the Bible is Psalms 139: ²³Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! ²⁴And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

So I painted my face black to represent the old sinful nature. I wrote in some sin that I've been struggling with...pride, discontentment, impatience, selfishness...you get the drift. BUT those things are covered by His blood. I'm washed clean and made new right?? My sins are forgiven...PRAISE GOD!!! That doesn't mean I want to wallow and live in that sin though.

I felt that a brightly colored butterfly should represent the things that are coming. The things that are emerging in my life...like surrender, mercy, grace, love, truth and compassion among others. It's a beautiful reminder to me that I'm a work in progress. He loves me too much to let me stay in that sin. I'm a new creation. So grateful for that truth. I encourage you to examine your own heart. You may need a visual too. Take off that mask and ask God to open your eyes and be prepared to be humbled.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹⁷Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

Have a blessed day.

313. meeting deadline
314. a big birthday to celebrate
315. truth and love in big doses
316. recognizing people...my new people at school yesterday
317. sore muscles
318. accountability partners

pitter patter

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:21:00 +0000

My honey loves football. Normally I do not, but uh how can I say this without sounding like a teenage groupie? I think I'm in love with Tim Tebow. He makes my heart pitter patter. There I said it;) Do you know him? He's been the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos for the last few weeks and there is always controversy swirling around this guy.

He's a devout, very vocal Christian...bold in his faith. He inspires me. He talks about the Lord in his press conferences and his faith is THE most important thing in his life. You can tell. Apparently he was raised by missionaries and was home schooled and well...let's just say they did a great job. Whoever lands this guy as a husband is one lucky gal. Wowza! Even my honey is crushing on him so it's all good;) Go Broncos!

Today was cookie day. My friend Brandee invited me to be a part of her yearly tradition. Apparently I can make a mean toffee pretzel peanut butter cookie;)

We were tucked into her log cabin deep in the woods. Christmas music was pouring out of her cd player and we were all singing along. Yummy cookie scents were wafting in the air...it was right out of Hans Christian Anderson storybook. She lives waaaay out in the BOONIES. Every time I saw her she would warn me "you'll see" when referring to her house. And she was right. It was a straight up log cabin in the middle of nowhere.

She invited a few of her special friends and we baked all day long. We each brought three cookie recipes and then at the end of the day we divied it all up. I came home with a box full of cookies. Great teacher/bus driver/neighbor gifts:) Just not my trainer. She chewed my butt when I mentioned cookie day. Said I was poisoning my loved ones. Geesh! I know, but let's sugar coat it a bit shall we;) It is Christmas after all.

This is Clementine. She was our "helper" for the day. She's such a sweetheart. Seriously she is, but can I just say that I'm SO glad my girls are the ages they are!! It's so nice to not have to corral them. Remember those days when you did nothing but distract and do damage control?? That's one nice thing about getting older;)

Okay so these are the things that have made my heart pitter patter lately...Tim Tebow and too many pieces of peanut butter bark;) Don't ya just love how I can tie those two things together?? HA! Now for the give-away winners. I seriously wish I could buy each and every one of you the Jesus Calling book. It's really made devotions easy and meaningful for me, so even if you don't win just go buy a copy. Okay?? Pinkie promise me:) It's that good.

Congrats to Miss Jess and Dandy!!

Have a blessed day.

308. laughing until i cried today

309. a much needed day off

310. peanut butter bark

311. sugarfree peppermint mocha creamer

312. a new workout...to burn off those calories

i surrender all

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 15:49:00 +0000

I woke up this morning with "I Surrender All" in my heart. Do you remember that song? When I was a little girl we attended a Baptist church and almost every Sunday they would play that song. It never failed to swell my heart and make me tear up.

All to Jesus, I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

Refrain

I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessèd Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

Refrain

All to Jesus, I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

Refrain

All to Jesus, I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

Refrain

All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
O the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!

I've been struggling lately with surrender...with trusting and letting go. It dawned on me this week that I've become that person I can't stand. Someone who whines and complains to anyone with a listening ear. You know how it finally became clear? I was talking to someone at the bus stop and I started "sharing" about a certain issue I was having and I could see her immediately disconnect...looking for an escape from me. That's all it took for my eyes to be opened. Yes Lord you got my attention. I've been sinning. Complaining has become a habit. Please change my heart and allow my tongue to follow. So I'm working on it, and making an effort to nip that in the bud!

This has been a week of transformation. I've kind of been lax in taking care of my appearance lately. It happens...as women we get busy, but girls we've got to maintain and try to look pretty for our men. That may sound corny, but they really appreciate a little effort. SO I finally got some funky highlights and got the paint out from under my nails. Honey had his Christmas party last night and I could tell he was thoroughly enjoying the little bit of effort I made to look nice, and that in return made me feel even prettier. Does that make sense??

But before the party began I had TO WORK. Friday night we had our first parent meeting in regards to the play Big Chick is going to be in. I could feel the blood drain from my face as they told us that we would be required to WORK every Sat. from 10-5 until mid-Feb. Can you say EVERY Sat. for 10 weeks!!!! I signed up to work on the sets. I'm hoping that God can use my artsy side to be a blessing to these people and my girl.

For awhile now I've been feeling overwhelmed... like I've got too much on my plate. It's the last thing I really want to do...to slow down...to step back. Saying no hasn't really been in my vocabulary since we've moved here. It just felt wrong to say no. And I can't say no to this, but at some point you have to pay attention to that nudging in your spirit man and obey. I've ignored that check in my spirit with some things lately and there are consequences. Like a loss of peace...a frazzled mother and wife...a grouchy complainy person...EEEK! Anyway I'm working on it.

Okay so here we are last night...after I got my hobo outfit off;) Painting in an unheated warehouse is super cool;) But once the artistic painting begins I think it will be really fun AND I'll have no choice but to get to know these people and that will be a really good thing for me.

It was so fun to get dressed up and go out with my Honey. I got to meet all his coworkers. We talked and enjoyed each other. It was the best date night we've had in like forever.

We skipped out from the party a little early and hit a swanky restaurant nearby. It overlooked the James River and the Richmond skyline. Very pretty. Do you ever pinch yourself and wonder how you got to be where you are? And I'm really talking about being an adult. Inside I feel like I'm still 19-25. But here I am an adult with kids and a mortgage and I'm on a date with my honey at a fancy restaurant. I mean how did that happen?? Life is weird.

Okay so this morning it was back to reality and that reality was that we were too tired to go to church. So we did the next best thing and got out our Jesus Calling and had our own church...complete with the Jesse Tree advent that we are doing.

I ordered this kit from my friend Alicia's friend Robin (moslander123@gmail.com it's too late for this year, but you could still probably get one for next year). It comes complete with a devotion and handmade ornaments for each day of Advent. We've never done Advent before. My kids are loving it. It really brings the focus right to where it needs to be. It's reminding me day after day that God's promises are real and that His hand is leading us every step of the way. Story after story reminds us of that fact.

I've talked about the Jesus Calling books so much that I thought I should hand a couple out. If you leave me a comment telling me about what you are thankful for this Christmas I'll throw your name in the pot.

Have a blessed day.

301. God's mercy and grace

302. a date with my best friend

303. playing dress up

304. using my gifts

305. little corrective nudges

306. ooey gooey chocolate goodness

307. freshly painted nails and funky hair

TGIF and a winner:)

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:52:00 +0000

It's Friday girlies! I don't know about you but that fact makes me so so happy. I have been creating like a mad women...cuffs and barns and covered bridges and houses etc...

Paper and paint have been flying in my studio. Wish I could show you every little thing, but I would hate to accidentally ruin someone's Christmas surprise.

I'm officially done accepting house orders and my Etsy shop will close for the holidays on December 16th, so if you have any last minute cuffs you want...let me know asap;) I thought I'd skip a step and just show you some leather to save time. If you are interested let me know...they are all various shades of brown.

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Now onto the WINNER of the Jeanne Oliver camera bag:

It's Janie fox from Janie Fox Talks!!!!! Congrats girlie:)

Even if you didn't win...do not despair ladies. Jeanne is graciously offering a 20% discount (on your whole order) to my readers...YAY!!! Just type "farmgirl" in the discount box and you too can have that lovely camera bag or whatever your heart desires:) But don't wait too long the offer ends December 16th!!

**My friend Courtney is hosting a give-away on her blog today that will knock your socks off. I have a little somethin' somethin' in there as well. Go check it out here.

Have a blessed weekend friends.

298. It's Friday!

299. It's Friday!

300. It's Friday!

moving on

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:47:00 +0000

Not long after we moved to Virginia I started a "moving on" class. The first day I sat in the class I did the ugly cry...complete with snot dripping down my face. It wasn't pretty. I was just in such a raw emotional state. I knew from the second that I walked in the room there was no way I was going to be able to hold it together. So from the very beginning these ladies saw the real me...the transparent, vulnerable...extremely emotional me;)

Week after week we shared pieces of ourselves, and week after week I felt something chip away at the pain and loss that I was feeling. See the joy in my face in this picture? That is what it feels like to finally have people know you and love you...to belong again to something and feel apart of a group. There really is nothing better.

These ladies have wiggled into my heart. God used them to plant a seed of hope. Hope that I would make friends. Hope that we made the right decision...that this foreign place could eventually feel like home.

If I go too long without meeting with my moving on class I start backtracking a bit. The loneliness seeps in and depression starts to rear it's ugly head. I'm just a little needy right now I guess. The pieces are still falling into place. There isn't a Kristine or Missy here yet. I don't have that every day best friend and it's a void. I'm not gonna lie. I'm just trusting...waiting.

Today as we wrapped up our class I did the ugly cry once again. These ladies needed to know how much they mean to me. They needed to know what an enormous blessing they've been, and despite the embarrassment of looking awful, crying shamelessly...it had to be said.

BUT this isn't the end. We are starting a book club and meeting every single week. I think we might all be a little needy;) Oh and guess what book we are reading first?? I picked it...Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. If you haven't read it yet...go right now and snatch up a copy. Do the book club with us!!! It's really a good read.

***Don't forget to sign up HERE for Jeanne's awesome camera bag. The winner will be announced on Friday!

Have a blessed day.

294. commonality with another soul

295. HOPE

296. getting it off your chest

297. knowing that it's all going to be alright

Love was born... and a GIVE-AWAY!!

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:51:00 +0000

In the wee hours of this morning as my coffee was brewing I decided I should share some of my Christmas house with you. I wish I could say it was decorated in love and with smiles and cheer. That Christmas music was merrily playing in the background, and fir scented candles wafted through the air.

Honestly it was more like sweat dripping between my _____. And me grumbling under my breath. The joy of the holiday and all the meaning wrapped around it were definitely not there. I think I threw baby Jesus and the whole lot in the back seat like a second thought instead of the focus and adoration He so obviously deserves. Can you say convicted??

Every year is the same. There is the opportunity to do it right...to get it all done and have the right attitude, OR in my case feel completely overwhelmed and miss the meaning altogether.

Well I've made up my mind I'm done complaining. I'm done decorating and fussing about little details that do not matter at all. I want to enjoy every second of what Christmas really is. And it doesn't have a thing to do with Santa or Elf on a shelf or garland, or twinkle lights or any of the traditions that we do every year. It has everything to do about HIM.

There is a song I've been listening to in the car by Dara Maclean called "The Day that Love was Born". Every time it rolls over on my cd I hit replay over and over...the words seeping into my soul. He is LOVE pure and simple, and he was given just for us. If you really really focus on that fact it almost takes your breath away. How is it that I could get distracted by anything else? Forgive me Lord. May my heart be turned toward you always.

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In the spirit of giving...my friend Jeanne Oliver is hosting a give-away on my blog...YAY!!! Her winter collection is absolutely dreamy. Have you seen her lookbook yet?? I still can't believe that the girl I met a few years back at Brave Girl Camp is doing this. I mean she's a designer for cryin' out loud. With a catalog!!! That she photographed herself...what?? So very proud of her.

She had me pick out my favorite thing to give-away. UH...the camera bag of course!! If you would like to win this for yourself or to give as a gift to a loved one just take a look at her lookbook and tell me what you like the most. I'll announce the winner on Friday. Good luck:)

Oh and I almost forgot she's doing an online ecourse about how to discover the beauty of your gifts. She asked me awhile back to be apart of it. So if you do the course you will see me LIVE! I know...pinch yourself...HA! Check it out here if you are interested.

Have a blessed day.

289. pomegranate seeds...thank you Sasha

290. my hair appointment today

291. a Savior that was born just for me...and YOU

292. phone calls with friends that i miss SO much

293. a little one that all of a sudden loves the Word!

a new role

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:40:00 +0000

I'm not sure I've ever told you this story. I've always been really afraid of speaking in public. It's just one of those irrational fears I have. Weeks before a speech I would get the butterflies, and as the day approached it became like a lead weight on my shoulders. The day of the dreaded event I would have all the icky side effects that nerves bring. When it was over I felt nothing but complete exhaustion and relief. As I got older I was forced to do public speaking more often. In college our teachers made us teach the classes. The best way to learn is to teach right? All that practice helped tremendously...thank God!

One of my most embarrassing moments however was a job interview I had at a balloon delivery service. I have no idea why in the world I would have applied for a job at this place, but I did. I walked in and my interview consisted of just singing "happy birthday". I think I turned a million shades of pink. I was horrified. I managed to make it through, but needless to say I didn't get the job.

Fast forward to Friday night when my Big Chick auditioned for a local play. She was pretty nervous. Her thighs were shaking. We sat through countless seasoned auditioners. They had the hand movements, eye contact and stage presence. They marched to their well trained "musical theatre" drum and with a loud confident voice gave their name and song. At the end they bowed and thanked the panel of judges. It was intimidating. Thank God most of them were off tune or I might have just died on the spot with nerves.

As my girlie walked up on stage she sped through her name and introduction...nerves apparent. BUT when she opened her mouth it was pure and clean and real! I know that the others were trained to be over the top. They are taught to smile BIG and enunciate and blah blah blah. But all that training comes off so fake. Honey and I just looked at each other with knowing glances and we were both thinking to ourselves...I don't know if I even want her to do this. It's her dream and we have to stay out of it, but please don't become a carbon copy of anyone. What makes you special is your individuality.

She rocked that audition. It may not have been perfect. When she was done she covered her mouth and practically ran off the stage...forgetting to say thank you. Whatever;) But she gave me goosebumps and I don't really think it was just because she's my girl. She has a gift and she decided that fear wasn't going to stop her from trying to use it. I am so SO proud of her. I just about jumped out of my skin with pride actually. That's my girl! She's teaching me now. How did that happen?? ***Thank you all for being her little cheerleaders. I loved knowing that you were all here lifting us up.

EEEK! Just saw that she made it:))) She's going to be a villager and a warrior. TOO cool! Guess what? That means I've got a new job too. They require a parent to be involved. So hopefully there are lots of fun new friends in our future. YAY:)

Have a blessed day.

283. new opportunities...wings being stretched;)

284. a cotton candy colored sky

285. sweatshirts in December

286. my wintry front porch

287. Christmas music that makes my heart swell

288. the sweetest outdoor live nativity...a new family tradition