ELEGANT GOLD MINI KIT

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Miles and I collaborated to make you this elegant kit for you. Musta been all the happy birthdays he got from you! ; Poor baby spent his day at work and then at the dentist getting his teeth cleaned. The staff at work did bring him an ice cream cake though.

While waiting for my turn at the dentist, Miles played around w/ my camera, poking around in all the different settings - and there are many. He learned and taught me how to use the super macro mode - woo hoo! See, he can read and compute that stuff. I, on the other hand, am a 'sea and do' learner type. Once you 'show' it to me visually, its in there! So, today, I will explore my little world on macro mode - you will get to see where my little eye spied tomorrow.

Could not resist posting this rather interesting pic on my blog today - it was sent to Miles in an email, so I don't know where it originated from. I dont' usually put stuff like this up... but this is about as 'gross' as you will ever find here.

I promised some more real titles to country songs...they just are too funny not to:

• Billy Broke My Heart at Walgreens and I Cried All the Way to Sears
• Come out of the Wheatfield Nellie, You're Going Against the Grain
• Do You Love As Good As You Look?
• Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor On The Bedpost Overnight?
• Don't Believe My Heart Can Stand Another You.
• Don't Chop Any Wood Mother, I'm Comin' in With a Load!
• Don't Give Me A Plastic Saddle 'Cuz I Want To Feel That Leather When I Ride Don't Know Whether To Kill Myself Or Go Bowling
• Don't Squeeze My Sharmon.
• Don't Strike A Match (To The Book Of Love)
• Drop Kick Me Jesus (Through The Goal Posts Of Life.)
• Four on the Floor and a Fifth Under the Seat

I actually created a scrapbook layout last night for the first time in a while. Hope you like it. These are friends from my church, who happened along mainstreet one day recently when I was waiting for Miles to do the banking. I am a danger w/ my camera... he he - before you know it you end up 'snapped and scrapped'

Papers and Flower element:
Ramona Williams - Fall Elegance Kit

Stick Pin and Beads:
N. Meaves - Itty Bittly Bit of Autumn

Paper: by ??? Kit called Road Trip - help me here if you know who

BARB'S HANDY TIP #112

Find a Travel Deal!

I found this website through Readers Digest. It is a website that gives the inside track on the hot hotel deals out there.

HOTEL CHATTER

3D GLASSES MOVIE NIGHT ELEMENT

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You suggested - I made! Works pretty good, no? Still one or two or three Movie Night elements on the way...

Thank all of you who sent a HAPPY BIRTHDAY email or comment for my Miles - he was surprized and touched you would take the time to do this!

Its cold here all of a sudden! As soon as the sun 'went over the hill' yesterday it became VERY chilly. The wind whipped up and blew all night long, howling around the house in the night. Miles and I made a date to run yesterday afternoon, and he considered wearning shorts, for an entire 5 seconds after he went outside... He even wore a nice fuzzy hat to keep his noggin cozy. We ran to Hayne's Point and up through town (about 1 hr) and once we got going it was actually exciting to be out in the wind, being buffetted about. One thing I noticed in particular, was with the wind blowing so fiercely, it 'cupped' the leaves on the ends of the branches of the Cottonwood trees, to look like exotic yellow flowers. You certainly can't enjoy that on a treadmill in a gym... I think thats what keeps me running outside, its the little nuances of the changing seasons. The sense of 'eating up the pavement'. I feel so warm and cosy afterwards, after having come in from the cold.

I took these photos the other day, in front of our local Home Hardware store, on main street. These are Zucca Melons, a type of melon which has a lot of history in this area.

The story of the Zucca Melon is unique to Osoyoos.

4 seeds valued at $1.00 each were sent here (from Italy) in 1938 and production got underway reaching a peak year in 1947 with more than 1400 tons grown. This industry was short-lived because not only was the drain on the soil from these giant melons disastrous, but once the war ended the demand for the candied peel produced from the Zucca Melons diminished.

The melons grew to more than 5 feet long and could weigh more than 300 pounds.

You can see a mural that was painted on the Home Hardware building HERE

I plan to take today to relax a bit... as it is appearing the rest of my week is a hive of activity. I hope your Monday is productive and satisfying! To brighten it up a bit, give you a little giggle, and thru this week, I will post some REAL titles from Country and Western songs. (No offence intended - Miles and I are not huge C & W fans, though we occaisionally like the odd song or two) These titles are soo funny... its easy to poke fun when you read 'em:

• All I Want From You (Is Away)
• All My Exes Live In Texas
• All the Guys that Turn Me On Turn Me Down
• Am I Double Parked by the Curbstone of Your Heart?
• Are You Drinkin With Me Jesus?
• Are You on the Top 40 of the Lord?
• At the Gas Station of Love, I Got the Self Service Pump
• Bubba Shot The Jukebox
• Bubba's Inconvenience Store
• Cow Cow Boogie (Moo Moo My Love)Cow Cow Strut
• Did I Shave my Legs for This?

BARB'S HANDY TIP #111

Send a Flake

With the cold weather creeping ever closer - some of you have had it for a while now, its time to send a flake or two to your friends! Ya, dump on 'em!! At this neat site, you can create your own unique flake and email to those special folks in your life!

POPULAR FRONT - SNOW DAYS

MOVIE NIGHT FILM REEL ELEMENT

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Thank you all so very much for leaving comments - I know that it takes a few minutes each time, and in today's rush, a few minutes is sometimes a precious commodidty. Even though I would keep this blog no matter what, its not about getting praise, your comments make it a valuable thing to do each day. They put two sides on this blog - and I encourage you to keep sending your element requeststs - you come up with creative new ideas for me. I also appreciate seeing the smile on my husband's face! I hope you know that I read each and every comment and your comments are uplifting and often humourous. Your more than welcome to email me anytime too, if you would like a reply of any kind (sometimes I would like to answer you - but can't find an email?) Don't feel you have to put your email in your comment, simply send me a seperate email! My email is lalalime@hotmail.com

We had a fun 'day away' at home yesterday, to celebrate Miles birthday. We watched TWO movies in bed, with the movies being projected onto a BIG projector screen. You know, like the projector screen from the OLD days that they used to show SLIDES on. lol. Yep, another buy at the thrift store...

I presented Miles with a funny/touching layout in a barnwood frame. Let me correct that - he had to play hot, hot, cold to find it. When I framed it, I put it in an old frame that already had a picture in it. I did not want to move the picture off the wall because he would have noticed that right away, so I put the layout in the frame and then I took the old picture and taped it gently over the glass of the old one... he he. He had a difficult time finding it...

I also made him a coloring book. I took some of our photographs from vacations, and using a graphics program I created drawing pages. I added captions on and even made a cover. Miles says he will treasure it. We will publish it to pdf in the next few days and upload it to our private website soon. Will let you know when.

Miles and Barb share an ice cream!

(coloring book page section!)

My original plan was to present the coloring book, along with crayons, to him at a restaurant as we went out for dinner. Unfortunately he clued in beforehand and begged me not to do something 'public' as he's shy. I was sad, have to admit it, but I respect his emotions, so he opened it ahead of time at home. He did not want anyone to make a fuss. We went to a Thai restaurant in Penticton, one hour north - it was very good. While we were there the waitress asked us if it was some occaision as we were both dressed nicely... at first Miles mumbled no... "just out" but he's SO honest... he confessed we were celebrating his upcoming birthday.

Well! After dinner the entire staff brought a huge bowl of ice cream and deep fried banana fritters with a candle and sang him a hearty Happy B-Day - complete with HUGS (yes, Gina - a woman snuck a hug in on my Miles - amazing huh????) You must understand... my husband does not hug. Oh he's warm and kind and compassionate - hugs given in some circumstances, but other than that I can count the number of women on my hands who will get hugs from him. All his hugs are for me. You would get a handshake, I get the hugs. My dearest friends get his hugs... but thats about it. And so when someone 'sneaks' a hug in on him, its quite cute, really.

We are still hiding today, so I had better go. Will catch you all tomorrow! Thanks for visiting.

BARB'S TIP #110

Free Patterns

I've located a wonderful site where you can access a ton of FREE patterns.

Welcome to the world's most popular source of FREE craft patterns and designs!

Unlike many free patterns you find on the Web, every pattern here is set up to view beautifully on your screen and print out perfectly.

Exciting news! FreePatterns.com has teamed up with the Knit for Kids program -- allowing caring people just like you to knit sweaters for children in need. Log in or sign up to access these special patterns, too.

FREE PATTERNS

MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN GOLD FRAME ELEMENT

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Lord You are More precious than silver

Lord You areMore costly than gold

Lord You areMore beautiful than diamonds

And nothing I desire

Compares with You

Well, all your comments worked - what man can't love the flattery of all you women out there! He worked his magic for you for yet another wonderful element! I do have another in the Movie Night series coming tomorrow, but I could not resist putting his up first! Thanks so much for your comments - it was nice to see the smile on his face!

A TASTY BREAK IN THE DAY AT THE WILDFIRE GRILL!

We are 'camping at home' today. It's Miles birthday on Monday, but we are celebrating today. Monday is a work day, and even worst, we both have dental appointments! Can you imagine! I have a few surprizes lined up through the day, and tomorrow I will tell all! So today's entry will be brief.

TUPPERWARE DRESS # 1

I have to tell you about an amusing article we heard on NPR radio this morning. It was about Tupperware - yes, probably every single one of us has at least one piece of Tupperware kicking about. In our family I think all the babies played with Tupperware more than toys - you just can't kill the stuff. The article we heard today was in a different tack though, it was about people creating ART with it - Tupperware has even made it into the Smithstonian Institute! We were awed to hear what people made with it - including these dresses!

TUPPERWARE DRESS # 2

Winner in Fashion Category:

Evelyn Tabaniag from the Philippines

created a collection of beaded handbags,

constructed from Tupperware(R) Sandwich Keepers.

Winner in Free Form Category:

Kriss Ulve from France sculpted a unique

and an intricate fish model. The deep blue and turquoise hues of the

Tupperware(R) products perfectly captured the colors of the sea --

which was Ulve's inspiration for the piece.

Winner in Storytelling Category:

Stella Filippou from Greece created a

Formula One Racing Car model entirely from Tupperware(R) products. She

compared the excitement and spirit of a Formula One Race to her

experience within Tupperware.

Winner in Utility Object Category:

Rajeev Joshi from India created a

kaleidoscope which was made from an assortment of contrasting shapes,

sizes and colors of Tupperware(R) products.

You can listen to the original article we heard at the following link: NPR ARTICLE

BARB'S HANDY TIP #110

Visualize Yourself Slimmer

Some friends are currently working their bottoms off (really!!!) in various weight loss efforts and I've been provided with a very neat link to share with you. It's called My Virtual Model, and basically, it allows you to create a model of what your body shape is now... and one of where you would like to be... so you can make models as you go along. Its a neat site. You can even post your own model to your blog or website. What a terrific way to encourage yourself on your journey. I totally admire the determination of all you gals who are working so hard (and making HEALTHY choices!)

MY VIRTUAL MODEL

MR MILES MORE PRECIOUS ELEMENT

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OK ladies, you get my husband's virtual jewellrey, but I get the real 'schtuff'. I both admire/envy his talent. It took him ten minutes to create this...

JOB 28:17

Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it,

nor can it be had for jewels of gold.

I have to tell you about 'the clock' - at least get it down here so it is journalled. I bought a digital combo alarm clock/radio/telephone last month at the very last BIG yard sale at the local church where the towns only official thrift store is housed. At the BIG yard sale, it starts at 8 a.m. and runs till the volunteers tire out in the afternoon. It takes up the entire parking lot, and people come and go all day, bringing items and hauling them away.

I love to yard sale. As a kid my Gramma, who I was very close to, took me, along with her fiesty sister, and my Godmother, Margaret, almost every Saturday. Their own Anglican Church often held 'rummage sales' to raise money too. So, I started young. I learned, in a family of eight kids, where money was hard to come by, that 10 cents, or a quarter could buy something pretty significant at one of these events. And coming from a large family, NEW, was a concept that I rarely experienced, so it was not of importance to me. I imagine I thought that the items were 'gently loved' already.

In our marriage, we have faced some financially difficult times, and in those times, along with our decision to be a one income family, shopping 'thriftily' has become ingrained. Its been a life saver at times, and we have enjoyed many items we would not have been able to buy new. Like our 25 year old tv - in the cabinet - which STILL WORKS. Cost us $20 dollars. For the amount we watch tv, and the fact that we get only 3 stations, it does just fine, and is a nice piece of furniture. It makes me giggle when Janice's boys come, and they think the tv is 'strange' - especially as it has no funcitoning remote and you actually, physcially change channels. Anyways, I am wandering off my story.

The clock. So I bought the digital alarm clock/radio/phone for $3. The people who sold it to me were actually volunteers and they had a hard time parting with it and were grateful that I seemed excited to 'adopt' it. I proudly packed it home and showed it to Miles who lifted an eyebrow and said "um, it looks interesting" - I always hope he will be as aflutter as I about my great buys. He's not outgoing in his exclaimations at the best of times, but I take it personally when there is no inflection in his responses. When this happens I feel this driving urge to 'sell' him on my new treasure.

The clock sat proudly on the dresser - turned to face our bed. We would enjoy checking the time with the bright read out. I put it there during the day, and eagerly waited for nightfall, like a kid who wants to see the Christmas tree lit up for the first time. Well, night fell, and it got bright. Then it got brighter and brighter yet. It cast a sickly neon green light across the room, filling every corner. It made me think of a bad hotel sign that you just can't shut out. Miles groaned a lot and pulled the blankets over his head, and eventually, when he could not take it any more, hung a sock over the face.

I was all the more determined to fix my wonderful $3 clock. The next day, I went out and BOUGHT a roll of red transparent wrapping paper film for $1.50 - justifying it by knowing I could use the rest of the roll for actual gifts. I cut and wadded up a square and placed it on the face, in front of the numbers. That night I eagerly awaited to see what Miles would say. It was STILL too bright. I added another wad the next day. Sigh... it was ok, but now he had to 'squint' to see the numbers. By the way, the green numbers turned a blue when the red film was placed over it... go figure.

Now I was at the point of accepting defeat. I decided to set the alarm that final night with Miles watching on. As I did, I noticed a special button on the front, a sliding button for BRIGHTNESS... eep! You guessed it, I gave a little slide to the left and the numbers became a very bearable shade of green. LOL!

So the clock stays.. and all will be well until the next 'great bargain' comes along. Do you have a 'good buy' story for me?

BARB'S HANDY TIP #109

Tea Anyone - Tea for Everyone!

My fave is the Very Berry Cherry, and Gina goes gaga for the Candy Cane Lane... you can get your own FREE sample of tea at the Celestial Seasonings tea site. Its a beautifully laid out site and a great place to perhaps do some Christmas Shopping? Just hop over to the site and be sure to click on the Free Sample icon.

CELESTIAL SEASONINGS

MOVIE NIGHT CANDY BAR ELEMENT

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You guys are giving me tons of terrific ideas - thanks sooo much! I have left this candy bar so you can personalize it. Not everyone likes the same kinda chocolate, after all. Some people don't like it at all! (gasp!!) Yep, you heard me... Gina, dear sweet Gina does not care for chocolate. She is missing the chocolate receptor. I just can't imagine. Now, there is my friend Kristin CB and I, we go gaga for dark, our daughter Dezrae is a white lover, Sonya J is a true blue milk girl - Canadian is best according to her, and she has a standing order for Wunderbars to be brought home with her folks... Then, there is Kristin (wyo woman) who has been taunting me this entire last week with her tag on hello saying *I have chooooocolate* - well, now everyone does! ha ha!! This candy bar/chocolate bar (depending on what you personally call em) is dedicated to you Kristin! Send your friends all here for free chocolate!

Ick!

As I was cooking lunch for my fair prince yesterday, killing a bit of time as I was in between projects, and his arrival was taking a tad longer than expected, I got to studying the 'details' around my stove. As my eyes roved up to the vent/fan thing I realized it had miraculously contracted a yellow film since... when? How many times I have stood there... and it certainly did not accumulate overnight! However, today I saw, really saw, so I had to deal w/ it. Oh, its not a pretty thing at all! I am sure its composed of every greasy thing we ever cook - and its gummy and grabs the dishcloth, and plain 'ol cleaner won't touch that stuff! Ewwww.... eventually with a good combo of straight baking soda on a cloth, a sink full of soapy, sudsy hot water, a retired toothbrush and good old elbow grease... it was banished. Funny that, elbow grease combats real grease...

I have a confession too. As I cleaned this ick, I got this prickle of resentment in my heart. It was out of the blue and so strong I could not believe it. I found myself resenting having to 'waste my time' cleaning this mess, when I could be creating something useful - like elements for you... just does not seem any value in doing the former? I got over it - I knew it had to be done, but it surprized me!

OHHHH ... tomorrow... Mr. has created a knock out little ele for you all!! Really, its bling to the eye!

BARB'S HANDY TIP #108

Searching for Words?

Along the same theme as yesterday - you want to create your own neat little sentiments on your projects/cards/letters, but the words fairly escape you? You must visit the following site! You plug in a key word, and it comes up with concepts that go along with your word, or words. Enjoy!

ONE LOOK REVERSE DICTIONARY

MOVIE BEVERAGE ELEMENT

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Here's your third movie element - you should be set now - unless I have missed something? Do you want a candy bar? Email me if you have any ideas - I plumb run out of ideas some days... I also need you to clear up something for me. Here in Canada, we call it pop - but my friend Sonya (and you HAVE to go read her BLOG today if you want a good laugh, she had me rolling on the floor!)

but Sonya tells me you all may call it soda? Please let me know what's correct and if its this important.

Speaking of a good laugh - I guess I gave the girls a good laugh thru my blog yesterday. Remember I said Sonya's boys were watching a 'signing' show on tv? Well, I see that I said it was for the benefit of BLIND people - well, of course that makes NO sense... signing is for the DEAF... blind people would not be able to SEE the signs. Sheesh. I hope no offence is taken, and you can find the Signing Time site HERE.

I am enjoying my quiet week at home, preparing for a celebration day this weekend for my husband's birthday. My preperations would be bloggable but I can't share yet as my dearest, fairest may drop in here and then all my plans would be revealed. I know it was a wise decision to take this time - in the past by the time the special day has arrived we are both exhausted and frayed. I look forward to sharing with you all next week.

I found the following inspirational piece on the internet and I would like to share it with you today:

THE HOLY ALPHABET

A - Although things are not perfect

B - Because of trial or pain

C - Continue in thanksgiving

D - Do not begin to blame

E - Even when the times are hard

F - Fierce winds are bound to blow

G - God is forever able

H - Hold on to what you know

I - Imagine life without His love

J - Joy would cease to be

K - Keep thanking Him for all the things

L - Love imparts to thee

M - Move out of "Camp Complaining"

N - No weapon that is known

O - On earth can yield the power

P - Praise can do alone

Q - Quit looking at the future

R - Redeem the time at hand

S - Start every day with worship

T - To "thank" is a command

U - Until we see Him coming

V - Victorious in the sky

W - We'll run the race with gratitude

X - Xalting God most high

Y - Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but

Z - Zion waits in glory where none are ever sad!

BARB'S HANDY TIP #107

Become a Poet Before You Know It!

Ever wish you could write your own catchy little rhyme on a greeting card, but don't know how to find rhyming words? There is help out there, you know! I think this site will be especially for us scrapbookers - I'm talking about a site where you can plug in a word and they not only give you words that rhyme, but entire groups of words that rhyme too! Amazing.

RHYME ZONE

MOVIE NIGHT TICKET ELEMENT

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Blogger x 2 today - but I won't go on. Bite my tongue! I just wish my computer had not frozen up right at the END of my entry....grrrr...

AUTUMN LEAVES AT HAYNE'S POINT

I hope you like the ticket - I left a blank space so you can personalize it any way you want. Does not have to be a movie ticket - use your imagination. I am dedicating this ticket to Sonya (link to left) cuz she needs some encouragement on her path to potty-trainingdom. LOL She was taking a break this morning and watching a show with the Bubs - her adorable twin sons - as they watched an educational show they like about Signing - yes, signing for the blind. The boys are very brilliant and know quite a few!

PS - tomorrow's download is also movie themed - some of you have figured it out already, according to my email...

BARB'S ITALIAN PESTO ROLLS

Miles is feeling better today - back at work. I would like to think that my Pesto Rolls and homemade baking helped. They did turn out good, if I say myself. I simply took enough dough to roll out into a rectangle about as big as a cookie sheet. I spread a package of Pesto over this, added chopped fresh herbs from our garden - basil, oregano, parsley and green onion. I layered an italian four-cheese mixture over this, rolled the whole thing up and cut it into 12. Bake at 400 for 20 mins. mmm

MILE'S SKY SHOT AT HAYNE'S POINT

BARB'S HANDY HINT #106

Family Safe Movies

Miles and I got tired of renting movies that turned out to be horrible - so now we do our research BEFORE we rent. There are some terrific resources online. The first link was given to me by Gina.

KIDS IN MIND

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY - PLUGGED IN

FAMILY STYLE MOVIE GUIDE (my favorite)

MOVIE NIGHT POPCORN ELEMENT

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I am dedicating this popcorn element to my friend Kristin CB who has a passion for popcorn. Her link is to the left of this journalling - but I don't know if she has actually updated lately... peck peck Mrs. K! I left the top portion of the title on the popcorn box empty - so that you can personalize it. You might want to put on someone's name or a flavor? Tomorrow I will post a little something to go along with this. Got ideas? Please email me at lalalime@hotmail.com

My husband is an 'Educator' (he prefers this as opposed to Teacher) and though he mostly instructs in computer courses he is also teaches science. At one time in college he earned the Governer General Medal for Physics - yes that handsome skull of his contains many wonderful things. His grey matter works in an entirely different realm as mine. I suppose this is why God paired us so nicely. He gets to pack around all the wealth of knowledge of certain things while I pack around the rest of the 'stuff'. The point of this tetch of info, is because I heard him use a scientific term some time back and I think I can apply it to Blogger...

It is known as the Quantum theory. I know this will be an entirely simplistic explaination, but here goes. The theory says, if you take say, your body, and ran it against a brick wall enough times... eventually, one time, it would actually go through the wall. And that's what happens to me daily on Blogger. I get up and I try to upload... well, sometimes it works right away - how very scary! But sometimes I can sit here, like today and try a bazillion times. Finally, I win. And aren't you glad I did? I gain the gift of patience and persistence today. LOL!

Everyone has patience -

successful people learn to use it.

JAMES 1:4

But let patience have her perfect work,

that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

I had planned to load a few beautiful pics here from our outing with the photography club at Hayne's Point yesterday, but decided to try tomorrow instead. So, you will have these to look forward to. I also decided to be productive while awaiting on Blogger, so with husband home (poor baby has the flu) I decided to bake. It's looking pretttty gooodd - can you smell it from here? I will post pics and perhaps the recipe tomorrow. Have a good day, and thanks for visiting.

BARB'S TIP # 105

Science is Good!

There is a terrific program I listen to on CBC radio when I can (when I remember on the weekend) but when I miss it I can access it on the internet. Its a science program called Quirks and Quarks, hosted by Bob McDonald. I know a few of you have indicated that you are scientifically minded - you will eat this up. You can download podcasts and listen to archived programs too! The last one, for example, explains why some people sneeze when they look into bright light! Enjoy!

QUIRKS AND QUARKS

TASTY ICED DONUT ELEMENT

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Me thinks I should start eating before I make elements here... I am starting to see a pattern of highly edible elements taking shape. Or should I say baking shape. Well, hey, everyone likes sweet things... but meybe my 'baking' will lead to unhealthy eating habits? Do you see one thing I've made that will make it onto the Canada healthy food pyramid? Oh well, the more I think of it - its better I scrap this than actually eat it - so I will keep making them for ... YOU!

Your comments are really touching me. Every day I recieve them, it cements my resolve to keep this space workin'. I am so very glad you find this a restful, peaceful and even *gasp* useful place to be. Trust me, its a God thing - most days I don't know just what to say! I have had several of you ask me for a TOU - which for those of you who don't scrap (really Scrappers, some folks DON'T... lol... ) at TOU is Terms Of Use. Well, I have not provided any because I have never sold an element or kit - ever. Again, its a God thing. There is that part in the bible about using your talents and gifts for ministry - well, this is what I've been gifted with. My TOU is simply enjoy, share my link but please send folks here to grab the elements. Please don't steal. I know there will be times my stuff is, because sadly, I see it happen to everyone at some point, but I pray that my stuff will be used for good. It does not belong to me anyways, it belongs to HIM. I have been blessed that we are a one income family and this allows me to stay home. Some of you don't have that luxury - and I wish every one of you did. My husband is fully supportive of this as my ministry and I am so grateful that he has been blessed with the knowledge (and endless patience) to help me with computer smarts. We don't have a LOT but we have more than our portion and I want to share.

The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention!

1 JOHN 3:18

Let us not love (merely) in theory or in speech

but in deed and truth (in practice and sincerity)

OF COURSE you want your help clean and quiet - lol!

we saw this sign on our trip to Penticton on Friday.

If you would like a little giggle - keep your eyes peeled to my friend Sonya's blog Four 'lil Feet over the next week. Sonya, the mom to two rambunctious and brilliant twin boys (the Bubs as they are so fondly known as) are in serious Potty Training over this next week. So far, its been, well, lets just say INTERESTING... he he... She could use your kind comments and encouragement and even good ideas through this trial!! You can access her blog HERE Keep checking as I KNOW she has updates on the way. (once she de-stresses a bit)

BARB'S TIP #104

Great Christian Resource

I found the link while browsing my friend Jaime's blog recently and was delighted to find the printable resources in particular. I listen to KMBI (moody) radio all the time at home and so get to hear Revive Our Hearts often. I admire and respect Nancy Leigh DeMoss greatly. This is a wealth of information and inspiration here - promise to check out the printables today! (ps - a site like this contains tons of wonderful articles which would be terrific to email or forward to someone who you think could enjoy!)

REVIVE OUR HEARTS

SWEET LITTLE KISS

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I don't think that my husband will buy me a Dr. Pepper any time soon. We went for a drive up to Summerland yesterday, he had to pick up brochures for the Learning Center. I was thirsty so when we got gas in Penticton he bought me a Dr. Pepper. A big Dr. Pepper. At least one litre. We hardly ever have pop. Well, either it was his inspiring company, or the sugary pop, but I just felt plumb silly. Goofy. Besides making me burp, which in turn makes me hiccup and giggle by the time we arrived at Summerland I was a mess. A happy sappy mess and it took me an hour to wind down. It was a great destresser! Next time, I can almost gaurantee I will be getting coffee or water to slake my thirst.

Speaking of pop - I met my new friend Becky, recently and she has given me a recipe she says is "Top Drawer" - and it involves pop. I simply HAVE to try it out - but I would use Dr. Pepper if I am allowed to have one again.

COKE SLOW ROAST

1 can of coke,

1 bottle heinz chilli sauce,

1 pkg onion soup mix,

slow cook in a roaster all afternoon at about 250.

Can use a crock pot or just on low in the oven.

Thicken the sauce to make gravy & serve with mashed taters

Do tell me if you try this recipe!

Have a wonderful day!

BARB'S HANDY TIP #103

Clean Dish Rack

Some of us are archaic and actually do dishes BY HAND... a friend (boy I have HELPFUL friends, hey?) she gave me a great tip. When you fill up your sink to do dishes, before you actually put any dishes in the clean water, put your dishrack into the water and give it a good cleaning and dry it. This way, it won't have build up on it, even if you have hard mineral water, like we do here.

LUCIOUS LOLLY ELEMENT

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Yesterday, I was picking up an article of clothing that my husband had discarded on the floor in his haste to get ready for work yesterday. Annoyance flashed in my mind almost immediately and I set my teeth as I to just 'do it' and I mentally rehearsed just how I would express my displeasure to him when he came home. AS IF.... thats what he would like to be greeted with, lol! And then, something tugged at my heart. I thougtht about what it would be like if something happened and he were gone tomorrow... how I would love to be able to do that very thing for him!

I sat and thought on that for a bit, and prayed on that for a bit and realized that I needed to change my heart and mind about these small things. This does not mean that I should just forever walk around picking up after him, but that I should approach it in a loving manner, and a bit of humour never hurts! He has often told me, that I can request ANYTHING, but its when I wrap my arms around him and ask lovingly that I get results - lasting results.

I will also now take some joy in these small things I can do for him - after all, in our one income family, he goes out every day and 'earns the bread' so to speak, so not to not notice the good he does - not just see the small faults. None of us is perfect and I know he often loves me through some of my little 'quirks' too.

Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles

that we forget to count our blessings.

PSALM 77:11-12

I will remember the works of the Lord;

surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

How bout you hug someone today and tell them what bugs you! lol.

Miles has a good laugh at me - have you seen the Chevron commercial on t.v.? The one with the little talking cars? I don't know why... but those little cars CREEP me out. When they come on I can hardly sit still. Oh, they are cute enough, and the animation is great - but there is just something about them that sends shivers up my spine. Do you have any explaination or experience like this too? Sorry, just had to confess this... (its my space and I can do what I want... *stamping my feet*)

BARB'S HANDY TIP # 102

Remove Water Rings - naturally

I found this great tip on the Care2 website. I know I will use it!

All you need are these kitchen cupboard ingredients, and your tables will look look presentable again, just in time for the holidays.

1. Mix corn oil and enough salt to make a paste and rub it on the ring or water stain with a soft rag or your finger.

2. Break a walnut into large pieces and rub the broken edge on the ring.

3. Mix vegetable oil and wood ash to make a paste and rub it gently onto the trouble spot.

4. Rub a small amount of white toothpaste on the ring or stain.

SAUCY RED LIPSTICK ELEMENT

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I made this lipstick to go along with the sparkly sequin purse element from last week, but you could use it for many different layouts. You might use it on a layout where a bride is applying her makeup, or for a girl who is being allowed to wear makeup for the first time. I am sure I have spelled Saucy wrong...should be with an e?

Is it just me, or are things spinning faster and faster? Sometimes I find myself overwhelmed and I need to turn off everything - the radio, tv, internet, phone. There's so much coming at me that I can barely keep track of it all. I find because I have empathy to all sorts of things going on around the world that I sometimes wonder how I can make a dint in it, change any of it. This is the time that I 'get alone with God' for a little while and give it to Him - knowing I can't do it on my own. At these times I accept my limitations and rest in Him. Won't you take a few minutes today, to be alone with God and just praise Him? After only a short while you will find all your worries will fade into perspective once more. If you push past these warning signals (I call them gentle heart-nudges) then you are knowingly headed down an already rocky road. God won't PULL you off that path, you need to acknowledge it and ask for His help. Sometimes (not ALL the time) consequences are given to us to teach us to walk closer with Him.

Look around you and be distressed,

look within you and be depressed,

look to Jesus and be at rest.

Psalm 120:1

In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.

So, I have had it straight, the bald-faced bad news, from my amazingly smart (she got an extra portion of smarts in our family) sister Nina. She's a whiz with the computers and she diagnosed my computer last night she informed me my laptop is dying. Yep, I can start the nickle and diming process but ultimately we should be considering a new laptop somewhere down the road. Thanks Lord, for gifting my Sissie, my personal computer doctor. I also had a bit of welcome advice from my friend Arti who... get this, has 18 computers in her house. Whew! Thats a record in my books! No matter what, nothing will deter me from sharing with you here, daily!

This is a spooky looking vine that has grown onto a telephone pole near Osoyoos - dont' you think it looks like a ghoul?

A quick note, that I recieved notice that the scrapbook album for Joshua was completed at RAKscraps - you ladies are precious, and Janine (the mom) emailed me and said though the album was done, we can all still pray for Joshua in the meantime. His surgery is scheduled for November 8th.

BARB'S HANDY TIP # 101

Poster Someone Happy!

There's a terrific little free program which is available for download - called Rasterbator. The program takes your images and allows you to make them into posters - as big as you want! It does a fine job - I make posters for Miles every Valentines. It even makes nice edge lines so that the image pages join together seamlessly. I reccomend you download the stand alone version of the program(THE BUTTON ON THE RIGHT) because if you use the online one, it takes forever. Now, saying this... I want to be clear that I do not endorse this site. Frankly I find the content at this site questionable and sometimes disgusting. As a Christian I have to warn you ahead of time as I would not want you to think I like or enjoy this site. However, I believe everything can be used for GOOD and it would tickle me to know it was being used for good. So, this said, you can download the program right from the very first page without having to go any further. The program is worth it. You can have fun making your own giant greeting cards or murals!

RASTERBATOR

BLACK FLOWER ELEMENTS

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Wow! You folks blow me away with your response to my blog. You make this a happy place to be daily - like tea with a good friend. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

I was touched again yesterday by a story - and I could not help but respond. It was a request for an RAK posted yesterday at RAKscraps. This is part of it:

My 3 1/2-year-old son, Joshua, has a very rare brain tumor called a Hypothalamic Hamartoma. There is an esitmated 200 of these rare tumors in the world. In 2003, a technique to remove these tumors was developed in Austraila. It has since been taught to a doctor at the Barrows Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ. My son will have his tumor removed sometime this fall once they have access to new equipment (an interoperative MRI) which will allow the doctors to image his brain during surgery and hopefully give my son the best chance at removal without brain damage. We will be away from our home in Masachusetts for at least 2 weeks and quite possibly a month. I was hoping to put together a scrapbook of all his family, pets, friends... his life in general. As his surgery will cause damage to his memory we are hoping the scrapbook will help to stir some recollection -- while comforting him as he is away from everything he knows.

So Janine, the mom, is asking if the scrapping community would consider making pages for her - and I just can't say no! If you would like to reach out why not visit the forum thread HERE

I made some muffins for my sweetie yesterday, as he laboured over my laptop. Food to sustain him through the long, long process of restoring my computer. We wont' talk about that though, will we? Anyways, I saw a recipe on the internet that looked good, so I decided to try this one, but I modified it due to the fact I did not have the same ingredients. Regardless, they turned out very well, indeed. Miles was dubious to say the least... eyeing the grapes with a critical eye until I pointed out that a raisin starts as a grape, and that the recipe called for blueberries, which would be closer to a grape than a hard shrivelled up raisin. What intrigued me about the original recipe is that it called for mayonnaise insead of oil - and it works!

REALLY GRAPE MUFFINS

1 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup oats

1/2 brown sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 cup small grapes (or 1 cup large grapes sliced in 1/2)

1 cup milk

1/2 cup real mayonnaise

Before you put your paper muffin cups into the pan, toss them lightly with your flour and shake them off gently before placing them in the muffin pan - this helps to make it so your muffins don't stick! ( my own trick, no less!) This recipe makes 12 nice size muffins.

Place the oatmeal and milk into a large glass measuring cup and put it in the microwave on high for two minutes. When this comes out, mix in the brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Next, fold in the egg and mayonnaise. Then add the grapes, fold, baking powder, fold and finally the flour.

Pour into the prepared muffin cups and bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 mins

I have another hint, but I will not put it in my hints section because it is only for Canadians - I will add it here as an extra. Its a Canadian magazine that you can order. Its free and it comes to you in the mail. Its about the size of a pocket book and it is filled with advice and it is to promote P & G products - Olay, Whitestrips and Clairol products. The magazine includes about a dozen money saving coupons (get this... whitestrips renewal - $7.00 off!) You can sign up for yours HERE

BARB'S HANDY HINT # 100

Make News

My friend Kristin (wyowoman) gave me this amazing little link, where you can create your OWN newspaper articles. this is truly a neat idea... and you could easily create 'articles' to insert in your scrapbooking layouts, as you can save them as jpeg images. Have fun!

THE NEWSPAPER CLIPPING GENERATOR

SHINY SILVER FLAKE ELEMENT

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Who boy! If it were not for you folks being so kind and thoughtful alla time, encouraging me and leaving me nice comments. If you did not tell me how much you appreciate what I do here (trust me, its a God Thing! - most days I dunno what will happen here...) then I may have, just may have given up this mornning. See, I got up EXTRA EARLY today, just so I could blog ya. Had my element all lined up... I had to tutor at the Learning Center (Volunteer so that I can give back to all the folks that helped me along the scrapping way, by teaching what I know to the next scrappers out there!) I wanted to get you all looked after before I went off for my day.

I am used to blogger fighting with me. I half expect it... its even become a challenge for me, he he... but what I did not expect, in any way, was to get the 'blue screen' (on my computer it is black, which is how it makes me feel) Yep, for the third time now, in recent months I am computerless. It feels like a part of me is missing, but I am learning to cope, and I refuse to let this beat me. So, here sit I, on my husband's laptop (not RIGHT ONTOP, sillies! lol) (and no Honey, I will not download anything to your machine w/o your approval) This said, I won't dwell and I will be as faithful for you folks as I am able. Thanks for your patience if I need to take a day or two off.

I am preparing my Christmas card for my little Brenda DeLeon, she's the child we sponsor through Compassion international. We have sponsored her for over two years now, and I can tell you that it is a very special experience. I heard a sponsor drive on Moody Radio one day, and my heart was so moved. My husband had just arrived home and found me in tears. He wrapped his arms around me and encouraged me to call and choose a child right then and there. Brenda lives in Guatamala in the mountains. She lives with her grandparents and has a younger brother. Our monthly donation of $35 a month (cdn) allows her to attend school and helps her out. We are considering taking on a second child this year. Two things I truly appreciate with Compassion is that one, I can actually email letters via the Compassion website and they will print, translate and deliver it to my child, and two, in some cases you can actually go and visit your child. Amazing. I encourage you now...if you have someone you just don't know what to get them for Christmas this year, why not sponsor a child for them. I tell you, this gift gives back in ways you can't comprehend. You can check out Compassion Canada HERE or Compassion US HERE

The heart is the happiest when it beats for others!

Hopefully I will catch you tomorrow!!

BARB'S HANDY TIP # 99

Have Some Family Fun

If you don't subscribe to, or have access to the Family Fun Magazine - you simply must visit their website. It's chock fun of truly terrific ideas for kids. And big kids. Don't laugh, our library gets them and I take them out and modify some of the fun ideas for my husband. Yeah, they are just big kids too! There are lots of helpful articles, but also tons of craft and recipe ideas.

FAMILY FUN

TINY FAMILY RING BIRTHSTONE ELEMENT

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I had SUCH fun making these elements for you! They come at the suggestion of MisschifisTags who emailed me with this fab idea. Now, I thought we talked about one of the months actually being Turquois, but I can't remember. Can you please email me back and if you need me to change one I can, specially for you! You requested that I make them in a square shape so they could be 'strung' together, for family rings!

Please, please, pretty please.... if you use my elements in a layout, kin I see... pweese....send me a linkie..... ;)

So, as you can see, your requests are taken to heart! Let me know what the desire of your heart is, and if I can, I will try my best. My email is lalalime@hotmail.com I am a novice - in that I have never sold even one of my elements - for now, I am doing this purely out of my heart, for you. I am learning every single day, and loving it.

I wanted to share something astounding with you. I found a restuarant in town that actually takes the time to heat my coffee mug with boiling water before pouring fresh coffee in... and that place, believe it or not, is Dairy Queen! I could not believe it - how very thoughtful, and a nice touch I would expect out of a much more elegant eatery. I think I will just have to email DQ headquarters to let them know!

BARB'S HANDY TIP # 98

Make a Paper Toy!

C'mon, tons of you guests coming here are scrappers, so you know the ins and outs of creating with paper, but this website takes it a step further yet! These paper toys look incredible - a leap above the simple ones I have shared with you in the past. Perhaps you know someone housebound or just plain talented who might want to create one of these wonderful toys!

PAPER CRAFTS

SIMPLE METAL TAG ELEMENT

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Ah, refreshing rain!

Oh, how I love the warm, sunny days of Autumn, with the leaves all brilliant and the big buttery-yellow harvest moon rising behind the mountain. But we have not had rain here forever, it seems and though we are living in Canada's only Pocket Desert, we still need rain. We need rain to replentish our water levels and to help with the forest fires which, though we can't see them (when they don't threaten people's homes they don't make the news) they still need to be squelched. And how sweet it is to wake in the night to the soft pattering of rain washing the town clean for a glistening new day.

And when I hear rain, it reminds me of my gift from Jesus - that each day is new, in Him. No matter what I've done, no matter where I have been - UNCONDITIONALLY, He loves me. His blood washed away my sins, the moment I confess unto Him and repented. And you know, there have been times in my life I felt so selfish, dirty, mean and unlovable - deserving to be unloved - but He raised me up again. Once I gave over my heart and spirit to Him He created a new child in me. The world may not give you a 'second chance' but My God is a God of second chances. If your at a place today where you're feeling alone and unlovable - know that you ARE lovable. Give your voice over to Him, give Him your burdens, lay them down - today is a new day in Him.

Mark 3:28

I tell you the truth,

all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them.

I just had to post this picture of the georgeous rainbow candles I was given by my dear friend Rose. We had been in the thrift store about one month ago when we spied these. This was on a rare day we got to visit - Rose is amazing, working a laundromat, Dairy Queen and also completing her Grade 12 at the Learning Center all at the same time, yet she still manages to squeeze in visits with me! What an inspiration she is with her open and loving ways.

Must go get ready for Church - we are leading music today and I'm needing to pray for the music to flow - its not something I actually enjoy to do, I confess. I know He uses me despite this.

Have a Blessed Day! Thanks for stopping by. Also, thank you, each and every one of you for your sweet and helpful comments. I really appreciate all! I love suggestions of things to make, keep them coming - you folks are giving me some creative new ideas.

BARB'S HANDY TIP #97

Sparkling Sinks

To make your kitchen sinks fairly sparkle and gleam, clean them well first, dry them thouroughly and then coat them with a thin coating of either baby oil or vaseline, buffed on with a soft cloth. My friend Janice likes baby oil, but I prefer the plain petroleum jelly because it has no scent. You will be amazed!!