Christmas with Jesus

A friend of mine (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5202119) shared this with me and I had to post it. It made me cry, missing my mom so much, but knowing that SHE is having the best Christmas ever!!!!!!


I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below,
With tiny lights like heaven's stars
Reflecting in the snow.

The sight is so spectacular
please wipe away that tear
for I am spending CHRISTMAS
WITH JESUS CHRIST this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
but the sound of music can't compare
with the CHRISTMAS CHOIR up here.

I have no words to tell you
of the JOY their voices bring
for it is beyond description
to HEAR THE ANGELS SING.

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart
for I am spending CHRISTMAS
WITH JESUS CHRIST this year.

I can't tell you of the SPLENDOR
or the PEACE here in this place
Can you just imagine CHRISTMAS
WITH OUR SAVIOR face to face

I'll ask him to lift your spirit
as I tell him of your love
so then PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER
as you lift your eyes above.

Please let your hearts be joyful
and let your spirit sing
for I am spending CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN
and I’m walking WITH THE KING.

SNOWMEN

I'm on a snowman kick right now, making all kinds of them, stuffed ones, flat ones, ornaments, pins... and just figured out why. I've always loved them, but this year more than usual. Now I remember, I gave one to my mom for our Christmas in October (she wanted Christmas before she went on to heaven)... and she held onto it all day every single day (it was a stuffed one, ornament, that says "MOST LOVED MOM). She was holding it even still when she took her journey to heaven. That's why I'm on a huge snowman kick. I am having SO much fun making them, and I feel closer to her when I am making them. I don't have a lot of PEACE right now, so the moments of peace that I feel, I cling to. So more snowmen it will be!!

CYBER MONDAY SALE

It's CYBER MONDAY and I'm having a HUGE sale in my Etsy shop! All prices are reduced to 50% off, plus every customer receives a FREE gift today only! Don't pass up the deals. Baby items, adult winter wear and more! Here's the link to My Shop.

Thanksgiving

I am giving thanks today, for one reason in particular. Most people are thankful for time with family today, and I am too. But the thing on my mind that I'm thankful for today is ~ my mom. No, she is not physically here with me, but I am thankful for her. I am so blessed to have been raised by a wonderful woman like my mom. She loves my dad and always did, so very much. She loved my brother and I as children with a great motherly love. She did many things for me over the years. The best thing she ever did for me was to love me unconditionally. I could always count on her. I could tell her ANYTHING, and know that she would still love me. As an adult she was my best friend and supported me so very much. She was my rock when I left an abusive ex. She supported me when I met Matt and dated him. She celebrated with me when I married Matt. No matter what I needed, she could give it to me. I miss her physical presence, but I know that her love goes with me every single day. I feel her in my heart. I love her FOREVER.

I'm thankful for Matt, who became my best friend when we dated. Without him, I could not have handled the last few weeks since my mom went on to heaven. He is the best husband and friend a woman could ever even hope for. There are no words to express my love for him. I praise God for him every day.

Grief

"Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief." Psalm 31:8-10

I read this Psalm yesterday, and this line fits how I've been feeling with the loss of my mom. Enough said.

Healing

It's been almost two weeks since my wonderful mommy went to heaven. I've been having weird days. I live moment to moment. Always I feel thankful that she's my mom, she made me who I am. I have learned from her how to smile through pain, physical and emotional. She always smiles. I still talk of her in the present tense because her spirit lives even though her body does not. I would rather have loved her and been a part of her life and have this pain now than to never have loved her at all. I just miss her. I always will, every moment of every day, for the rest of my life.

When I'm not working, I'm crocheting. It's very healing and makes me feel closer to her.. since she taught me how. My heart is broken into a zillion pieces, and even when it feels more healed, there will forever be the scars. There is a Christian song out that is my theme song right now, by Tenth Avenue North. Hold My Heart. I have heard it a lot lately and love it. I was crying tonight when it was on. Not totally bad tears, sort of sad and good at the same time. Weird. Today I've been very weepy, little things make me cry. Then I feel joy, then I feel sadness again. I have been wearing a long black sweater that she had, and I feel SO close to her when I wear it. It's snuggly like a hug from her.

This is sort of a rambling post, but that's what I do lately. Life doesn't totally make sense. I miss her so much. I'm thankful for the kids, my dad , family and my friends. I look forward to the holidays, she would want me to enjoy them as much as possible even through the pain. She loves the holidays. She loves me, forever. Thanks for all the prayers that have been said the last several months. I will always remember the support I've received from my friends. Love you all.

News On Mom

I had a wonderful visit with my mom last weekend. My two aunts were there, and Matt and I went down to see mom and dad too. The first day we just visited with Mom when she was awake, and shopped with my aunts while Mom slept. We had dinner at their house, we had a pork roast and veggies and then a cheesecake for dessert.

First I gave her a hair a trim, because she wanted one. Then we fixed it some, and she needed a nap. My aunts and I went to Clearwater Beach. It was a really nice time together and we all swam a bit in the water. Then onto McDonalds for a snack. We had plans to eat at Carrabbas for dinner, so we didn't want to spoil our appetites.


Mom was awake when we got home from dinner, and she stayed awake for a long time. We watched some episodes of "Friends" because Mom loves to watch that show. They have the series on DVD. We all had some more cheesecake, too. Mom was cracking jokes and being cute. She sort of acts like a kid, she is entertained easily and laughs a lot.


The next day my aunts were going to the airport to go home. We said goodbye, which wasn't fun.  I stayed with Mom while Dad took the aunts to the airport.  Mom and I were alone so we had some nice time by ourselves. That was the best hour and a half with her in awhile! We talked a little, then she was tired, so I said go ahead and nap. She wanted me to nap with her, so she moved over and I layed down. Then she covered me up with the sheet and smiled. It was a very precious time with her. Once she startled, looked over and said "oh I was just making sure you're still here." I said, I am here and I put my arm around her so she'd know I was there. We stayed that way for some time. It made me feel at peace, loved by my mom and I knew she felt my love for her too. I still feel that now, almost a week later.

She is progressively going downhill. First, she had trouble talking. Then, she started being confused a lot. She is very confused still and gets things mixed up. Now, she cannot feed herself unless it's finger food and even then needs a bit of help. Dad is taking good care of her. He gives her sponge baths now because she can't get into the bathroom anymore since she can't walk at all or even stand.

This is extremely heartbreaking, and the waiting for someone to die is just awful. I love her with so much love, that it cannot be expressed in words. Only with tears now. And sometimes tears with laughter. I miss her already, because we can't have deep talks like we used to. But I'm thankful that still I can hear her sweet voice whenever I want to or need to. When I'm there I can still wrap my arms around her and kiss her over and over as much as I want. I can tell her I love her and she says "I love you too, Pumpkin Pooh." Which is what she always calls me. It's been my special nickname from her all of my life. These moments are wonderful, and precious, and yet heartbreaking.

New Update on My Mom

The last couple of days have been hard for me. I've been feeling utterly sad.

Gift Painting of My Mom & I

Yesterday I received such a wonderful gift in the mail. My friend Kathy of Tapestry316 on Etsy sent me a painting that she made of my mom and I. She saw the picture of us together and decided to paint it and send it to me for a gift. I was incredibly touched by the thought! And the painting came out so wonderfully. Kathy is truly a talented artist and a delightful person. That she took the time to paint a picture of my mom and I shows the caring nature of Kathy.

I love this painting so much and I'm going to find a beautiful frame for it this week. I can't wait to find a great spot to hang it so I can enjoy it every day. Also, next time I go to see my mom, I'll bring it with me and show her too. She will love it, I am sure!

Speaking of my mom, she is doing alright. The Hospice doctor was there to see her the other day and prescribed a stronger medicine to help with her pain, and it will last twelve hours instead of six. What a wonderful blessing for all of us. It is so hard to see her in such pain. It seems unfair that someone so sweet and kind should have to suffer so. Her attitude remains amazingly positive throughout all of the pain.

I love her more than ever. I call her a couple times a day to check on her when I'm not with her just to hear her voice. It's not easy being so far away from her, and I look forward to each visit. We try to get down there every couple of weeks.

Last time I was there, she did great. The first day she stayed awake for more than six hours straight. She was enjoying the company and we even took her to the beach for sunset. My brother flew in from Michigan, and I was there with my husband and Natassia & Dalton. She enjoyed seeing a couple of her grandkids, too. We had a little "spa time" where I gave her a facial and did some makeup... and took care of a few other needs she had. I love this one on one time with her, just the two of us. She appreciates the attention and my doing the things that she cannot do anymore.

She is the most amazing, strong, wonderful woman I've ever known. I can't wait to see her again in a week or two!

I received my prize!

I won a blog contest from Storybook Stitches last week, and I was so excited. I entered the contest on her blog. I received my prize in the mail yesterday and it is just awesome. I won a neck/shoulder therapy wrap and slipper inserts. She also included a free eye mask. She makes things so well, everything is just wonderful. I know the set will help with my neck and shoulder pain a lot. I love that the covers are removable so I can wash them as needed! Thanks so much Sharrie, you're so generous!

I won a blog contest!

I blogged yesterday about a blog contest I had entered at my friend Sharrie's blog. Today I got an email saying that I have WON! I'm sooo excited, I can hardly stand it. I really could use this heat therapy set for my neck and shoulder that have had problems for a while now due to an old injury. It's so cool that I won something that I really NEED. I was thinking if I didn't win I'd have to try to buy one in the near future. It's always fun to win contests, but even more so when it's something a person really needs and can use a lot. I want to thank Sharrie of StorybookStitches for having this awesome contest and for being just a really sweet person. It's been fun getting to know Sharrie on CAST and on facebook. Thank you Sharrie!!

Giveaway from Storybook Stitches

My friend Sharrie from StorybookStitches is having a giveaway! I know anyone would love to win her moist heat therapy pack that she's giving away, so I thought I'd let all of my readers know about this great giveaway. Sharrie has an awesome shop on Etsy and sells all kinds of cool items from these therapy packs to plush robes and much more. Check out her shop here and her blog is located here where you can enter to win this great giveaway!

Another update on my mom

I had the opportunity to go and visit my mom Friday night through Saturday evening. I would not have been able to afford the trip if not for the generosity of my Etsy friends (see previous post!) I am so thankful to everyone who gave from the heart and their pockets in the fundraiser that one Etsy friend started on my behalf!

Many times there are people visiting from out of state, and I have to share my mom. This trip, no one was there except me, my husband and two of our kids. My dad took the kids and my husband out a few times to give me time with my mom, all alone. It was so nice to visit with her and sleep next to her on the couch as she was in her "daybed" (we call her hospital bed a daybed, it sounds cuter! LOL)

The first night I was there we met at the beach, my mom and I sat on a bench to talk alone while the guys walked the beach. I gave her a gift, something my friend http://www.wordzoflife.etsy.com made for her, a heart-shaped Snippet (check out her shop for some) that says Jesus on it. She loves it SO much!

Yesterday while we were alone, I took care of some of her needs. We had a "spa day" and I cut and painted her toenails, styled her hair and applied her makeup. She was looking quite lovely and said she felt so much better. Guys don't think of doing these things, so my dad doesn't do them. She tries to do her hair and makeup herself but gets tired out. I was happy to do it for her and spend time close by her. She had to nap in between each session, and I would nap nearby her. This photo on the top of my post was taken after our spa time, and she looks quite refreshed. It's my favorite picture that I got this weekend.

God is good to give us more time together. We don't know how long it will be, a day, weeks, months? But I have her here now, and I will visit her as much as possible. I'll tell her all the things in my heart and show her my love every time I see her. I kiss her and hug her several times an hour. We should always be showing our love to people in the family, as if it could be OUR last day. No one knows how long they have. I could die before she does, one just never knows.

Every time I have to leave her and drive over 3 hours to come home, I cry like a baby. I never know if that was the last goodbye in person that I'll have. But I love her more than I could ever express in words. She is the best Mom a girl could have ever asked for. God gave her to me, and I'm thankful.

Update on my mom

Hi everyone! I received the most amazing blessing today. Some wonderful friends at Etsy put together a fundraiser in my honor, to try to get money for me to go see my mom again since she was diagnosed with terminal illness. I had no idea this was going on until halfway through and I didn't know the whole thing just that some kind folks were offering up percentages of their sales to donate to this fundraiser. This morning I got the money, and I was floored by the generosity of fellow Etsians, some I know and some I do not know. I can now plan to see my mom several times and not have to worry about the financial part. I am going to see her in two weeks, for Labor Day weekend which is when my dad's birthday is. She was SO excited when I told her I could definitely come! And I told her of my Etsy friends and their kind generosity and she was so touched and happy that I can come more than once. Just making my sweet Mommy so happy was the best feeling, and knowing that I am loved by my Etsy friends is amazing too. I want to thank ALL of you who donated time and money to this, and know that God is good. I pray He returns the blessing to you over and over. This made my day the best day yet since hearing the awful news about my wonderful mom. Thank you all so much. I love you all!

I AM WHO I AM

This has been saved in my files for awhile, I loved it when I read it and kept a hold of it. I'm going through a serious valley right now, my mom is laying in a hospital bed after finding out 2 days ago she has a brain tumor. She's having surgery Tuesday to remove it. She forgets a lot of stuff, she's not herself. We're all scared out of our wits and I'm terrified yet am leaning on God to take away my fear. He has my mom in His hands, and I can rest knowing that. This I AM WHO I AM spoke loudly to me today as I wait to get down to my mom and see her on Sunday morning. Waiting is so hard, she is three hours away and I want to see her whether she is all "there" or not. I will keep reading this throughout my day and remember who is in control. Prayers for my mom, Betty, are very appreciated. Whatever YOU are going through today or any day, look to Jesus for strength, comfort and whatever you need from Him. He is here.

I AM WHO I AM

Exodus 3:14
And God said to Moses, “I am who I am.”

Whatever your challenge is today, whether it is physical, emotional, financial or marital, the great I Am declares to you: “I am to you what you need Me to be.”

Do you need healing? He says, “I am the Lord who heals you. (Ex. 15:26) And as you believe Me, you will see your healing manifest thirty-fold, sixty-fold and a hundred fold.”

Are you groping in the dark, not knowing what to do? He says, “I am the light of the world. (John 8:12) When you walk in Me, you will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Are you looking for a way out of a bad situation? He says, “I am your deliverer. I will reach down from on high, take hold of you and draw you out of the deep waters.” (Ps. 18:2,16)

Are you wondering if there is more to life than merely existing from day to day? He says, “I am the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25) I came to give you life. And where there is life, there cannot be death. You will have life and life more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Are you fearful of what is ahead of you? He says, “I am the good shepherd (John 10:11), who leads you to pastures of tender, green grass and waters of rest. You will not suffer lack. (Ps 23:1-3)

Are you confused by the opinions and reports of man? He says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last. (Rev. 1:11) I have the final word in your life. The doctors do not have the final word. The experts do not have the final word. I have the first word and the last word in your situation.”

My friend, do not be fearful of the problems you face. The great I Am declares to you, “Fear not! For I am what you need Me to be.”

Look what I just bought!

Lucy, of http://www.mummumscrafts.etsy.com makes the most wonderful mineral makeup. I have a few things by her and recently decided to buy this beautiful lip color. It's shiny and soft, and I can't wait to get it. Check out her shop, her prices are reasonable and the products are awesome.

See what I won?

Jacki of http://www.christiecottage.etsy.com had a blog contest to win a cute Raggedy Andy Fourth of July pin. I entered and was pleasantly surprised that I won one of them! He arrived by mail today and he is so adorable. I love entering blog contests, especially of people I know. I have purchased from Jacki on Etsy before, it was actually a Raggedy Andy pillow for my son. He is so cute and my son loves him.

Check out Jacki's shop, and her blog at http://www.christiecottage.blogspot.com.

Thanks Jacki!

Mineral Makeup from mummumscrafts on Etsy.

I love Lucy! Lucy of http://www.mummumscrafts.etsy.com that is! She makes mineral makeup and sells the brushes with it, and it is fabulous stuff. The mineral foundation powder covers well, hiding my summer freckles, which is great. The colors she has for eyes, cheeks and lips are awesome as well. I have several of them and tried some today and took some pics to show her. In this pic I'm wearing the TWILIGHT mineral eye color. It's a pretty silver color with metallic looking flecks. Very nice! In my other pics, I'm wearing the TWILIGHT on my eyes, and the LOVE 3-in-1 color on my cheeks and lips. And the medium mineral foundation on my face. The coverage is great, you can choose how much coverage you want, from light to full coverage. It stays on ALL DAY, even if I get my face wet... until I use soap and water to remove it at night. It's so great. Go check out her shop!

Featuring Tapestry316

Today's feature is on Tapestry316 on Etsy. You can find the link at the top of this post. The owner of this shop is Kathleen and she is a joy to know. We are co-members on a couple of Etsy groups, Handmade For Life and CAST team (Christian Artists Street Team). She's a very talented artist who does drawings and watercolors. My favorite is her horse paintings, they are so beautiful!
Here is part of her profile on Etsy:

{Life is a tapestry woven by our memories!

“When I grow up I want to be a cowgirl…” Ah, the stuff that makes up our childhood hopes and dreams!

Well, I don’t know if you would call me a cowgirl – but I did realize my childhood dream of having a horse. In fact I have two lovely equine companions, as well as a number of other four footed friends. I think my mom and dad saw all of that coming. I remember how well they coped with the caterpillar colony, the wall of fish tanks, the turtle in the back yard, and – well, you get the picture!

Another thing I remember from my childhood is being surrounded by family treasures. Heirlooms like our youth chair that has seen five generations of children’s little feet and hands or the brass fish bell that has been rung by chubby little fingers since the 1920’s.

And, now? Now it is time to share! Handmade, homemade, vintage, antique, arts, crafts – and unique combinations of all of those things – are what I have to offer. Come and see my shop where the past meets the present!

Want to know more about me and my artwork? Check out my blog:
http://tapestry316.blogspot.com

Please see my Shop Policies for more details on my shipping, returns, etc. Satisfaction is guaranteed – if you have any problems, let me know within thirty days for a full refund or exchange. Your items will be made in a smoke free home; however, I do have an occasional critter stroll through. If you have allergies and want details, let me know. I will use your Etsy address for shipping – please make sure all the information is correct! Sometimes I do use gently recycled packing materials. That saves me money, saves you money and keeps all that stuff out of the landfill!

I am pleased to be a member of the Christian Artist Street Team (CAST), ACEO Etsy Team (ACEtsy), Western Fine Art Street Team (teamwest), and the Whoa Horse Artists Group (Whoa Team). Be sure to check out their team pages for more information.}



I hope you'll check out her shop! Browse around to see the beauty that she creates, and maybe you'll find that one piece that will complete the decor in your home!

WORLDWIDE AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

Today is Worldwide Autism Awareness Day. Actually, this month of April is Autism Awareness Month as well. Why is this important? Because for one, the light of my life and my joy, my son Noah has autism. I've been fighting this fight for over 7 years now. Another reason, because 1 in 150 kids is being diagnosed with this condition. It NEEDS awareness, people have to find out the facts about it. Parents need to know the warning signs, because the earlier you see the signs, the better chance your child has of responding to treatments and therapies.

What IS autism?
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. (Copied from the Autism Society of America's website).

My son Noah is on the severe side of the spectrum of autism. He has made huge progress and improvements the last couple of years, but there is still a long way to go. He finally started to talk after age 6, very simple one-word copying of words he heard. Now he can ask for what he wants, "banana please" is his favorite request. Most parents would think nothing of a child who says NO, but my son just found this word and he is almost 10. And he is using it properly, once even to answer a question.

This journey is full of sadness, for the child who may never be, for the "loss" of your child when you realize he doesn't communicate or look at you. The devastation of hearing the words, "your son (or daughter) has autism." Because you know, life will never be what you hoped it would be for your child. But then time goes on and the sadness lessens.

Some days we may cry off and on all day, because of stress or sometimes it hits you that your child is stuck inside his or her own head. Some days we get mad, because people in the store are staring and/or voicing their opinion about something they know nothing about. Sometimes I have to say, He has autism, he isn't just being a brat!

Then there are days (or moments) of joy. Us parents of children with autism find JOY in the milestones, no matter how "late" they reach them. It is the joy of knowing that he/she can do it, when doctors and others have said it would never happen. He or she lets you in just for a brief moment and you know you connected with your child. Those are the days we live for!

Thank you for reading about my journey with my son Noah. Please read the following websites for more information about autism.

http://www.autismweb.com/
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer
http://www.autism.com/

and please check out this blog post about autism awareness day on a team blog I belong to:
http://handmadeforlife.blogspot.com/

Easter is Coming!

Easter is coming up quickly and I've been working on Easter-y things lately. I want to remember that Easter is not all about Bunnies and eggs, it's about Jesus who rose from the dead on the third day. He is my savior and my everything. I praise God that He did this for me, and for everyone on the earth who was and is. I love you Jesus!

AUTISM AWARENESS TREASURY

My Treasury, "For Noah, an Autism Treasury" was made to bring awareness to autism. It seems that my intent is being fulfilled! It is currently #1 on the hot list of treasuries (Meaning it is very popular!) and lots of people have commented. It's even featured on these 2 blogs:
http://theperfecttrio.blogspot.com/ and
http://www.suziesarmoire.com/
I don't personally know either of these lovely people who chose to feature my treasury on their blogs, so I was so very touched that they did!
Thanks to http://Hamptonhouse.etsy.com for all her help promoting this treasury!

Featuring itsthelittlethings4u

Stasi of http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6460961 is the featured artist today. She is a wonderful person and artist. Her shop offers a variety of things from crocheted socks and goodies to paper cards and bookmarks. There are many choices in her shop, take a look! Stasi is a member of CAST street team (Christian Artists Street Team). Her other shop is http://www.sisterthreads.etsy.com/. There you can find beautiful quilts, cloth books and more.

Here is part of her profile on Etsy:

It really is the little things that make the world go 'round. An unexpected card, a nice phone call, a small gift at just the right time, a new purse.So, without further ado, the girls from http://www.sisterthreads.etsy.com/ proudly present our new shop full of the little things in life.Most of these items can be custom made in multiple quantities. Feel free to contact us with special requests.:)We also offer international shipping!Proud members of CAST team, too.

I made my 200th sale!

Yesterday I hit my 200th sale milestone! The buyer received a percentage off her purchase and also will receive a couple of free gifts in her order. I'm so excited to have made it this far in just over a year selling on Etsy! Thanks to everyone who has purchased from me, and I hope you'll come look at my shop.

DISCOUNT AND FREE GIFT TO MY 200TH SALE

I am amazed that I'm almost at 200 sales. I'm at 198 right now and my 200th sale will receive 20% off (not including shipping) and a FREE GIFT too! Come check out my shop and get this great deal for yourself, or buy for someone else.

http://mattscraftywife.etsy.com

Featuring Mummumscrafts

Lucy of http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6549470 (mummumscrafts) has amazing mineral makeups, goats milk lotion, handmade soaps, and lipbalm. Soon she'll be adding handmade deodorant too! She's fairly new to Etsy (joined Dec 2008) and has done very well having 50 sales already and 100% positive feedback. As if she's not busy enough with this shop, she has another great shop where she sells beaded jewelry: http://mummumsbeadedjewelry.etsy.com/ What wonderful talent this lady has!

"I love making things, all sorts of things! Quilts, crochet things, soaps, jewelry, clothes, paintings, drawings, you name it I have probably tried making it at least once. I am a happily married mother of two. I home-school my kids and working from home allows me to do so. I have two websites; www.mummumscrafts.com and www.mummumsbeadedjewelry.com"

Why does she make the things she does? Check out this part of her profile to see why.

"So, why did I start making all these soaps and makeup? I was looking for something to help me and my family with our super sensitive skin! I started with soaps first. My son and my husband both have very dry sensitive skin, so I did some research and learned the awesome qualities of cold process soaps! I started making them for my family, along with lotions and other bath products. I could not keep this good stuff to myself, people started noticing how great our skin looked. Pretty soon I was selling locally, then started selling online too! The soaps and lotions were great, but I still couldn't wear makeup! I am allergic to EVERYTHING, and all store bought makeup would make my eyes water and breakout my skin. I didn't wear makeup for years! So I did more research! I found out about the awesomeness of mineral makeup, but also found out that many of these companies add harmful ingredients and they charge a small fortune for their products. With more research and loads of experiments, I developed my own mineral makeup line. I love it! I can wear makeup again and it is truly the best I have ever tried. My skin has improved from using it too!! I just have to share this great stuff with you!"

She is a proud member of the CAST team (Christian Artists Street Team) and the SHE team (Schooling at Home Etsians)!

Check out her shops and see for yourself the wonderful items she makes and the great person that she is. I've so enjoyed chatting with her on CAST! She's so sweet and fun to get to know.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6549470

Featuring CarolsGlassCreations

FEATURING CAROLSGLASSCREATIONS!

This post is in honor of my friend Carol (AKA Firebug) of CarolsGlassCreations. We met on CAST team and I am truly glad to call her my friend. She is very talented, making the most intricate and beautiful glass beads. She has such a big heart, and a kind soul.

Here is part of her profile on Etsy:

I am a happily married Christian woman and mother of 4 children (adults now). I started melting glass in 2004 when my sweet husband bought me a beadmaking kit for Mother's Day. I thank God every day for this and many other crafts I have had the privilege of learning throughout my life.I've loved arts & crafts since I was a young girl.I love painting, knitting, crocheting, quilting, lampworking, woodworking and using my lampwork beads to design jewelry. I am now a proud member of the CAST team here on etsy. I am also a member of SRA (Self-Representing Artists) and my number is #C-80. I have a membership in the forums at Lampworketc., Wet Canvas, and ISGB.

Please visit my friend Carol's shop!

http://carolsglasscreations.etsy.com/

Featuring WORDZOFLIFE

FEATURING WORDZOFLIFE

My friend Jeanette runs wordzoflife at Etsy. She has such cute "snippets" as she calls them. They are encouraging words stitched onto quilt pieces, using old quilts and re-cycling them into art! She also has wall art, pins and more.



Here is a piece of her profile on Etsy:

" Here at WORDZ OF LIFE you will find God's Word, as well as wordz from God's heart to yours, hand stitched simply. Plainly. With much joy!

I change things up quite often around here, so keep checking back. You just might find that ONE THING that tugs at your heart!!!

My shop always has Heart Snippets for you...some to wear as pins, some to display... These Snippets can be used as bookmarks, as a small gift stuffed into a card for a loved one, even tucked away under the pillow of one you love who is sick. Each item created here at Wordz of Life is filled with heartfelt prayers as I stitch them and each Snippet features a word of encouragement and love for those who receive them.

Yes, there are many hearts here, but I also do framed, hand stitched art...most of which is personalized. I call them Wordz Portraits. Please explore my shop section titled Wordz Portraits to see what I mean, and what I have available. Wordz Portraits make great WEDDING PRESENTS, HOUSEWARMING GIFTS, and BABY SHOWER PRESENTS they will treasure always. "



Check out her shop and her profile on Etsy to learn more about this gifted and sweet lady. I'm so proud to call her my friend!

Featuring LusciousLather!

FEATURING LUSCIOUSLATHER


Today's feature is on http://lusciouslather.etsy.com. Just click on the title of this post to be taken to her shop! She has AMAZING soaps, foaming bath whips, facial bars and fabulous jewelry too. I have some of her soaps and they smell, well, Luscious! The name definitely fits the product. Not only is she a talented soap maker, but she's a wonderfully sweet person too. We met on CAST (Christian Artists Street Team) and I'm proud to call her FRIEND.

Here's some of her profile on Etsy:

I have been making soaps and lotions for about 14 years now and just love it! It is such a creative passion for me. There is just something so appealing to me about stirring up a big bowl of soap and planning out the colors, fragrances and designs. I always have such fun!

I enjoy many other creative pursuits such as watercolors, pottery, writing, paper-making, cooking and baking. I also love reading, gardening and traveling.

Be sure to check out her shop at http://lusciouslather.etsy.com.

Valentine's Day Bath Gift Sets

Valentine's Day Bath Gift Sets

I'm carrying special Valentine's Day Gift Sets for that special person in your life. Included in the set is 2 facial scrubbies, one soap bag/carry bag, and one bar of handmade soap from www.lusciouslather.etsy.com. What a lovely gift for Valentine's Day! Check them out in my shop, each set is only $12 plus shipping. http://mattscraftywife.etsy.com.

Soap Savers!

I recently started making soap savers, and within the first day of listing them, I sold 4! I have them in several colors, including the ones above. You put your soap inside and close the drawstring... then wash yourself with it! You can also take those slivers of soap and put them inside and use it, no more waste! Great for "going green". My friend http://lusciouslather.etsy.com has soaps that work wonderfully in them, check out her shop. Her soap is shown in the pics above as well. Check out my shop and my new soap savers! http://mattscraftywife.etsy.com.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I hope you all have a great 2009!

I have started taking down children's items and have a few others on clearance. As of February 2009 I can't sell them anymore due to a new law that's really vague in it's allowances. It says all children's items must be tested for lead, but so far it hasn't excluded clothing or blankets, so until there is some clarification, I won't be carrying anything of that nature.

So, for 2009, I'm focusing my attention elsewhere. I have ideas and I have a few things made but not listed yet. Right now, Valentine's Day items are first thing I want to do. As of later today, I'll be listing some new items related to the Holiday of Love!