{red envelope project}

I've seen the Red Envelope Project posted on a few other blogs.

I'd like to share excerpts of an email that was forwarded to me, that explains the history behind this cause.

I do not normally post political/sensitive issues on my blog, but do feel very strongly about the right to life of unborn children. This project provides those in support, an opportunity to "have a voice for the innocent that do not."

If you'd like to participate or know more about it, read on....

~Rhonda :)

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~~Red Tidal Wave~~

If you’re not familiar with the Red Envelope Project, allow me to fill you in. It’s catching on like wildfire. The idea is to send an empty red envelope to President Obama at the White House. On the back {write} this simple message: "This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world.”

The brainchild behind this project is Christ (rhymes with mist) Otto. The idea came to him during a time of prayer. Mr. Otto says the red envelope message would be “quiet but clear”. Anyone and everyone who wants to send a non-political message to President Obama that unborn babies should be protected from abortion should be given the opportunity to send in their envelope. Join a rapidly growing number of people who are sending an unmistakable message to President Obama.

Be a part of this new tidal wave of individuals who are standing up for America ’s unborn babies! Mail envelopes to: President Barack Obama, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20500.

{even the small stuff}

If you follow my blog, you know this little guy below, Coco. He is actually my daughter's dog. But again...if you follow my blog, you know that she is a busy girl, which means I take on most of the care for him.

He is a sweet dog and lots of company during the day. My family teases me for "talking" to him and are waiting for him to one day answer me! "smiles" But, this sweet little dog has a huge problem.....

Uncontrollable Tinkling!

We bought Coco from a breeder a little over a year ago. I didn't want to start with a puppy, because of the time and patience required to house train a dog. Coco was 2 years old and the previous owner assured me he was housebroken. Once home, we quickly realized he was either very confused with his surroundings, or wasn't trained at all. He had a lot of other problems also. He can't hear thunder clatter and seems to have no sense of smell. He just doesn't seem to have all his faculties. But again, he is a sweet dog, and except the wetting is a good dog.

For the last year, we tried everything to housebreak Coco and it seemed we finally had succeeded around the Holidays. And then about a month ago, he was injured in some sort of accident. As he lay up for several days recuperating, we were lenient on him. Unfortunately, when he was "well," his potty habits transgressed terribly! He was worse than ever. I would leave him outside for a very long time, and he would come right in the house and "go." And he "went" excessively!

One night he wet on the piano, a family heirloom, (staining the wood), and a large rug that was practically new, and I lost it! And I don't care what you use to clean, the smell never fully disappears. That was the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back! I know it is only "stuff," but I do try to take care of what I have and he was ruining our home and most everything in it! David could not leave his bookbag or any toys on the floor, it was all fair game to Coco. I went to bed that night very upset, and in desperation, I cried out to God, "please help me with this situation." I knew my daughter would be terribly distraught if we gave the dog away, but at that point I knew that I was out of options. He would have to go.

The next day, I looked online for doggy diapers, what I felt was my last resort. But they were expensive. Averaging $1.00 a piece, I knew that we could easily go through 5-6 a day or more. And I couldn't afford. So I searched eBay, for cheaper diapers, finding BELLY BANDS for dogs.

They are essentially a diaper for boy dogs. But for me, they are a MIRACLE!
You can use them as are, or line the inside with a cheap feminine napkin, which is what I do. The bands can be washed out and napkins disposed of, so they are cost effective! These bands were a God-send! Coco seldom wets them, and when he does, the bands do not leak. My house smells fresh once again! And my furniture and rugs are dry and safe! The morale around our home has improved as well! {I'm not losing my mind! LOL!}

Now this sounds like a commercial for Doggy Belly Bands, and I guess that if you need them, I do highly recommend!

But my point of this post is a testimony of how God answers our prayers and takes care of EVEN THE SMALL STUFF! In the scheme of life, my situation may have seemed not prayer worthy. After all, it wasn't life threatening, no illness, or financial woe, or family in dire need ...the "serious" things we so often take to God in prayer. But, our prayers of any magnitude are important to God, and He is faithful and hears them. God wants to bear our burdens, no matter how big or small. And He answers even the small ones that may seem insignificant.

"Don't worry about anything, but in everything...let your requests be made to God."

Philippians 4:6

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If you are interested in the dog bands, the seller I purchased from was KINGSWARE on eBay. I am in no way affiliated with this seller, nor do I know them personally. But I was very pleased with the product they offer and service! {The picture above was borrowed from their listing.}

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Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! ~Rhonda :)

{Vera B. Inspired}

Last week, I decided I would "spruce up" my master bath.

I have put much thought into breathing "life" into this bland, stark space, without removing the white striped wallpaper. That will have to be a summer {kids are out of school} project! A couple of years ago, I painted the ceiling green, and used green-based floral accessories, but it seemed "cluttered" and not cohesive in the least.

So I thought I would try a soft teal blue for a serene look.

Didn't work, looked washed out and boring.

While I was in Wal-mart, I found a vibrant patterned fabric of blues, greens, and yellows. And the price was great....5 1/2 yards for $22.00. The fabric is a little "loud," but it really works well in this space. {The pictures do not do it justice.} I have it pinned under at the moment, haven't had a chance yet to hem.

I tried to tell my MIL over the phone, what the print looked like, but couldn't explain it precisely. Then at 10:00 that night, it hit me! It resembled a Vera B(radley) pattern. None in particular, just one that could grace a Vera B. fabulous tote.

I ordered a blue and white pillow in the Ralph Lauren Porcelain Blue Pattern , from eBay to go in the chair to the left below....

The picture and stand, below, I already had. But I found the porcelain carpet balls in blue and white, at Wal-mart for $9.97/3.
The white covered dish below was a thrifty find and I love this piece!

I changed the accessories on the countertops. One corner holds my very favorite.....

A picture of me with my maternal grandparents. My mom and I found this picture a couple of months ago in my late Grandma B.'s stash. What a treasure! :)

Now, What to do about a lamp?

I found this one in storage and thought it was my late FIL's. But last night Kevin asked me, "Where did you get that lamp in the bathroom?"

{ME} "Out of the building, wasn't it your dad's? I remember you guys used it in the old office, and it later ended up at his house."

{Kevin} "I think my ex-girlfriend gave it to me!"

UGHHH...

It looks really good in the space and I've grown accustomed to it now! LOL! Later he said wasn't sure where it came from. He is a prankster and teases me terribly, so it is hard to say where the lamp originated!

Anyhow, I draped a piece of the fabric over the top, trying to determine if I should cover the shade with it.

What do you think? ~Is it too much???

Now that the upstairs is clean, I'm off to tackle the downstairs.

Keeping my whole house clean and tidy is a neverending BATTLE...

It seems, if one floor/story is clean, the other isn't!

I guess I will not win the war on this one, but I'm off to make a dent in it!

~Rhonda ;)

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NOTE: As I was completing this post, my pillow was delivered to my door. "smiles"

{Saturday Evening Post}

Add a few curls and put lipstick on the bus driver above, and call him...ME!

Ashley's school has been involved in end-of-season Basketball Tournament since Tuesday.

{Do you ever feel like you meet yourself coming...or is it going? lol!}

Anyhow, Ashley has been cheering, and over the last four days, I have seen a lot more of the yellow lines on the road, than on the basketball court! I am officially, THE RIDE, since so many of the parents work outside of the home. But I am thankful to be able to "cart the girls around," and enjoy being a small part of their little world! Oh, the stuff I hear! lol! I can {legally} carry seven in the Suburban, including myself, ....sure hope there isn't a weight limit! Those girls and their STUFF! {lol!}

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Hope everyone is having a great weekend! I haven't had a chance to get around and visit everyone in blogland, but I'm coming....I promise! {"smiles"}

~~

"My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever."

~Psalms 73:26

{Homecoming Court '09}

During my blogging break, Ashley was involved in her school Homecoming.

She was a Sophomore Representative for the Court.

{Oh, how is pains me to type....SOPHOMORE! My "baby girl" is growing much too fast!}

Since her school doesn't have a football program, they host Homecoming during Basketball Season.

Recognize her escort? ....yes, it's Josh.

She doesn't have a "boyfriend,"

{does my sigh of relief transcend the screen??? LOL!}
...so for the second year in a row, she asked Josh to escort her.

Ashley's friends think Josh is "a hottie," AND he is a SENIOR, so that gives her bragging rights of a sort! LOL!

{But don't tell anyone, the girls swore me to secrecy! ;) }

They were so funny...

Notice in the picture above that both of them have their heads down, as they walked out on the court. Ashley was trying not to trip on the lights and cords, and Josh was concentrating hard, not to step on Ashley's dress.

Ashley is "old school" about some things. At 15, she still believes that formal gowns and Easter dresses should be very big and very fluffy. Crinoline is her friend! She would have fit well into the Southern Bell dresses of the 80's, huh? :)

I included a picture, below, of last year as a Freshman Representative...

Josh said he would gladly escort her next year, if she liked, but she had to get a smaller dress! Much too stressful trying to sideswipe the big skirt!

When the girls are Seniors, they ask their dad's to escort them, isn't that sweet! :)

During half-time, the cheerleaders did a routine with a stunt.
Being a sophomore, Ashley cheers on both the Varsity Squad {girls in black}, and the Junior Varsity Squad {in red shirts, of which she is one of the three Captains}.

This is our last week of games....Varsity Tournament until Saturday,

{at which I am cheering which much enthusiasm!}

As the season comes to an end, the kids ....and parents are ready for a break! :)

~~~

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

And Thanks for your encouraging and sweet comments on yesterday's post! It's good to be back! ~Rhonda

{So, Where Do I Go From Here?}

After a "life-imposed" blogging break, I have been forced to reevaluate blogging, and what it means to me. And most importantly, do I want to continue?

Where have I been? My break began with a four day stay in bed with a headcold/virus. It has been years since anything has gotten me down in such a way. Then, it was catch up on laundry and household chores. Shortly after, Kevin's computer at work crashed! Our home laptop traveled to work with him each day until he purchased a new one and was able to reload his files and programs. ...and, that is just the tip of the iceberg.

During my break, I have thought long and hard as to what I want from my blog. ...what do I desire to achieve? In retrospect, my initial mistake may have been the lack of a theme for my blog when I began. Almost ONE year later, I still don't know what that theme is. ...so much for reflection! {smiles} I find it difficult to host a blog representative of a single purpose or theme. {FOCUS, not one of my strong suits!} Which prevents me from fitting into any one group. Leaving me to wonder, just where do I fit in? Would I love to be one of the wonderful blogs that has huge followings, offering a vast wealth of knowledge, ...on anything? ...certainly, in my dreams! {Who wouldn't want to be that popular! smiles!} But I know that will never happen. I am just not that good a decorator, or that witty a writer, or profoundly intelligent and interesting. That's okay, right now I am thankful for those that do read my blog and share my life. After this post, there may be considerable less! {LOL}

Life in our home can be quite hectic at times, which leads me to the constraints of time required for successful blogging. Let's face it, my family would much rather have clean clothes put away in their rooms, and meals on the table in a timely fashion, than read my posts and see countless pictures, that at times have prevented me from fulfilling my responsibilities. Trying to keep up with blogging, on top of everything else was becoming stressful and more of a burden than outlet. Sometimes I do, ...but more often than not, have enough time to keep up with theme days, and stage and download countless pictures, although these are fun events and great avenues to meeting other bloggers. I have the utmost respect for bloggers who can successfully juggle a great blog and life. I unfortunately fall short.

So, I have decided for the time being to continue blogging, but to "return to my roots." The "roots" of what my blog was intended to be in the beginning, a record of my family and my life. I suppose that will have to be "theme enough." I have been very blessed to be able to stay at home with my children as a homemaker. I want my blog to be a fun and reflective avenue for recording memories of our ordinary everyday life. After all, I won't always be this young and remember all those sweet, {and not so sweet} moments of our daily lives! {smiles!}


Thanks for allowing me to ramble! I feel like breaking out it song.....

"I can see clearly now, the rain has gone,

I can see all obstacles in my way,

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind,

It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)Sun-Shiny day. ,..."

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~Clarity, it's a good thing! :)

Rhonda

{Are You One of a Kind, or Very Popular?}

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