~LOVE IS...and Other Things That Matter~

LOVE IS...
Giving her a Halloween treat,
NOT A TRICK!

I've been absolutely HORRIBLE keeping up with my weekly LOVE IS... Posts! :( Soooo Sorry! Seems like when hump-day rolls around I always have SOMETHING ELSE TO SAY! This is sooooo my life! Ugh!

I really had to do some digging to track down this charming little Clipping! I KNEW I'd find at least ONE Halloween LOVE IS Cartoon tucked inside one of the old LOVE LETTERS my Mr. AGPMan use to send to me while dating...and I was right! I found ONE! Sent to me October 22, 1977... (Wow! I was YOUNG then!!!!).

My guy has always been sweet and bought little treats for me on Halloween. I know it sounds crazy but I sorta like rot-gut candy. :) Not all of it (like the horrid bubblegum I mentioned yesterday!), but some I LOVE! Like Abba Zabba's (which are no where NEARLY as good as they use to be!) and Big Hunks~those little babies will rip out your teeth if you're not careful!). My very favorite Candy is SEE'S! Can't pass on a Bordeaux Bar...Nope! No-can-do!

Since I'm on Weight Watchers I won't be indulging in ANYTHING this year. Save for the Latte Ice Cream Bar that has ONE MEASLY LITTLE POINT!

Anyway, inside the same letter I also found the LOVE IS... Clipping below!

LOVE IS...
Protecting her in
Scary Movies!

My guy learned EARLY ON while dating this hard headed gal of his that SHE DID NOT THEN and DOES NOT NOW, LIKE SCARY MOVIES! I've seen a few...enough to know that my life has now been cut short as a result of indulging in such behavior. I couldn't even handle Jurassic Park! OMGOSH... I still have flashbacks of sitting in the movie theater with my young teenage son and embarrassing him with my LOUD, out of control SCREAMS! He still speaks of this to this day... I personally think it was HIS FAULT for dragging me there!

I'll take Sense and Sensibility any day to the horror flicks!

Enjoy the little children who come visiting tonight! I'll be dressing up Miss K and I'll share pictures with you after she leaves with her Momma and Daddy!

Blessings to you as another October comes to an end...Rebecca

~MORE COSTUMES and Sweet Miss K~

OUR SWEET MISS K
(Always in Front of Our Front Door)
2007 - Age 5

Dressing up our sweet Miss K as a Kitty Cat in 2007 proved to be a truly hysterical experience. She is sooo thin that I struggled to find anything that would fit her around the waist and then be long enough for her bony legs. Trick or Treating was fairly warm that year in Oklahoma and she got away with wearing exactly what she has on here...a black, lightweight velour body suit (courtesy of our local thrift store) and brand new black leggings. Black Marabou for her tail and felt triangles for her ears got me off REALLY cheap! The ballet shoes she has on she had just worn to her Auntie Adrie's wedding! Figured she'd better get some use out of them before her little feet outgrew them!

I just loved that nose and whiskers! Don't you? The most beautiful Black Cat EVER! Purrrrrrrrrrrr

AS A MONARCH BUTTERFLY
2008 - Age 6

Wearing BLACK AGAIN wasn't planned, it just happened!

Last year Miss K dressed up as a Monarch Butterfly. I'd love to take the credit for this darling little getup, but alas...I cannot! I found it in early September at T.J. Maxx for only a few dollars. It was the WINGS that sold me on the costume! They were soooo cool! Because it was cold outside in 2008 she had to wear long sleeves underneath the black velour (again) top...

That year I slicked her hair up off of her face because I wanted to ATTEMPT my hand at some face painting! Argh! What a mess! Still, she ended up looking sooooo exotic with her greenish blue eyes peeking out from all that makeup!

MISS K AND MISS MOLLIE the MOLINATOR

Even with he topknot on her head, look at how much she grew in only one year! At least three or four inches. She's going to be a TALL GIRL!

I do believe it's going to be a COLD and possibly WET Halloween this year! :( Miss K's going to be a 50's Girl because I want her to wear the pink poodle skirt I recently made her for a Sock Hop at her school ( I showed it to you a few weeks back). Even though you've already seen it I'll be sure to snap a few new pics so you can see once more just how much she's grown since last year!

Gee...just think! In just about a day and a half you'll get to rummage through your kids candy and pick out all the good stuff! Wahh....being on Weight Watchers I'm sure going to miss confiscating all K's Kit Kat Bars! :(

Wasn't that hard bubblegum terrible? I could never figure that stuff out!

Blessings...Rebecca

~DRESSING UP FOR Trick or Treat - Sweet Memories In My Heart~

When my children were itty bitty I loved to dress them up for Trick or Treating. In our home witches and goblins weren't allowed...nor anything else that was SCARY, bloody or creepy. Sorry! Not for this girly girl! We kept the rules fairly simple regarding Halloween Costumes and in the end we have some wonderful, sweet memories that relate to them gathering up bags full of candy.

BATMAN BRANDON
CLOWN GIRL ADRIENNE
1987

In 1987 my son Brandon was Batman! Yes, "The Caped Crusader" himself! The only problem was that he was BONE THIN (no muscles at age 5!) and he insisted the costume be made in the exact colors on the pattern's front! Black and turquoise to be exact! (Yep! That's what I thought!). When I look at these pictures now I just crack up! What was I thinking? Sweet little Adrie was a tiny Clown. Her tiny body was LOST in that outfit!

Over the years my children dressed up as many things! I'll spare you ALL the pictures and just show you a couple of my favs.

FIRST PRIZE WINNER
ADRIENNE as FRENCH'S MUSTARD
1988

Now...before you ask yourself "How did Rebecca come up with that little diddy?" Well...let me answer it really quick for you! The costume was once my dress. It was! It was a canary yellow dress with a gathered, very full, gored skirt. I wore it with a wide red belt and bright red earrings (say it isn't so...it was the 80's!). Anyway...I was always TRYING to come up with something special for my four year old and since the dress had lived past it's prime I decided to whack off the top and turn the base of the dress into French's Mustard Costume. I decided to enter Adrienne into a Costume Contest that was going on in OKCity at the time and she won 1st place and I got $100 bucks! :) Whooo Hooo!

MISS K in Auntie Adrie's Costume
2006

Three years ago I put the same costume on our Miss K! She was VERY SICK that year and was a real trooper for agreeing to get dressed up for her over zealous Nana!

BRANDON as ZORRO
ADRIENNE as MISS FLAPPER
1992

The year we bought our home, 1992, our son dressed up as Zorro and Adrienne was a Red Flapper. You can't see this in the picture but Bran had a huge black cape and he looked dashing with his 'lil mustache! Adrienne looks slightly intoxicated in this picture...but trust me, she wasn't! She was 8! (PS: Don't faint...but that carpet and couch use to be in my den!!!!).

Thanks for taking a peek into our Halloween Memories. Later this week I'll share some pics of Miss K over the years...truly darling!

Want to know the upside of not having little kids in the home anymore?

Every Halloween I'd dig for the good stuff (Reese's, Snickers, Kit Kat, etc.) and then systematically pack on the pounds eating it until it was gone. Now I make sure we give out ALL the candy we have...that way I'm not tempted in INDULGE!

Blessings to you as you await the KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK and the RING RING RING...Rebecca

~BEAUTIFUL SERVICE for Sweet Amy - JUST BE THERE~

Dear Peeps...

Just a quick note to let you all know that my Mr. AGPMan and I had the privilege of attending the Memorial Service today in Enid, Oklahoma, for Amy Ragan. Amy is the daughter of Debbie @ There's An Angel On My Front Porch and the niece of Sherry @ Country Wings in Phoenix. Many of you follow their beautiful Blogs and have known for quite some time of Amy's illness.

For those of you who prayed for Amy's healing and were saddened by her passing, I want to share with you that she had a lovely service, one that celebrated her bright smile and joy of life. Beautiful music was sung and a heartfelt message presented by their Pastor.

As a parent I've never considered the possibility of outliving either one of my children. I can only imagine what the next few days, weeks and months are going to be like for Amy's family as they learn to live without her earthly presence in their daily lives.

I'm quite sure they would all greatly appreciate your continued prayers.

Last December during my Grandmother's Memorial Service my lovely sister, Linda, sang the most beautiful song in honor of a woman who meant so much to all of her grandchildren. Although the song's words were written from the perspective of a mother whose child was leaving home for the first time, I believe the message behind the following lyrics will be perfectly understood.

Written by the talented singer and songwriter, Karen Wheaton, the song says it better than I ever could...

~JUST BE THERE~

Cradled in my arms I held you
And I loved you more with each day passing by
Sharing joy, sharing pain
Through the sunshine and the rain
I can’t believe it’s time to say good bye

I don’t know what the future brings you
But I hope that you’ll keep Heaven as your goal
For we’ve taught you how to pray
We made sure you knew the way
So remember my request before you go

Just be there
When I finally make it home
And I stand before the throne
Just be there
When I look around to see
If you are standing next to me
Just be there

It’s not an easy road you’re travelin’
But every place you go Jesus has been
And when you find you’ve made a turn
Forgetting what you’ve learned
You may have to start all over again

It’s not an easy load you’re bearin’
But the trials of your faith will make you strong
Facing dangers unaware
He won’t allow what you can’t bear
So my prayer is that your faith will bring you home

Just be there
When I finally make it home
And I stand before the throne
Just be there
When I look around to see
If you are standing next to me

Just be there

Blessings to you as you find gratefulness and thankfulness in each day you've been given...Rebecca

~VINTAGE TRAIN CASE - Transformed Into a Work of Art~

~HAND PAINTED TRAIN CASE~

Special Order for Cheryl

Happy Monday, Sweet Peeps! I hope this beautiful Fall Day has found you well! The year is certainly moving right along, isn't it?

~SWEET NAME TAG~

Old Skeleton Key, too!

Over the past few years I don't recall ever being as busy as I am now! Not just in the business sense, mind you. Just BUSY in general! Typical stuff for my Mr. AGPMan and I! House renovation, family get-together time (lots of celebrations during the last half of the year), Christmas and Holiday shopping (we start early), selling hand painted and hand sewn pretties in my new Booth and online, and of COURSE, Blogging! I actually consider my busy schedule to be a good thing as the economy has hit all all pretty hard. I've never been one to turn down work because socking away money for a rainy days sure isn't as easy as it once was.

~LINED w/ a SWEET MARY ROSE COTTON~
Vintage Lace, Ribbon & Rhinestone Accents

Over the past several weeks I've taken three special orders for refurbished "Gathering Cases" (Train Cases). I've decided to share with you the one you see above as it came to me because of BLOGGING! Made for a very special lady named Cheryl, I finished this Case about 10 days ago. But~ because of the gloomy Oklahoma weather it was in no hurry to cure!!! Today it was packed up and will soon be on it's way Canada! I'm so excited for my sweet blogging friend to get this truly special Case. Cheryl doesn't have a Blog as far as I know...she just FOLLOWS them!

~SIGNED & DATED ON THE BOTTOM~

Cheryl chose one of my very favorite Mary Rose Cottons for the lining of her Gathering Case (tm). She chose a crisp white exterior and hand painted pink roses from Yours Truly! :)

~GUTTED & PRIMED~
Ready for Her Transformation

Thought I'd include a photo of the Case after I finished priming it! I only use Vintage Cases that are MADE OF WOOD! Truly they are the best of the best!

Here's a little tip for all of you who are planning a Train Case Makeover for someone you love...

Before base painting your Train Case, remove all the old and yucky lining and start FRESH! Prime (PRIME! PRIME! PRIME!) with a bonding Primer (Remember...I told you about ZINSSER!!!!!!). Be careful when using latex paints that have added thickeners!!! I just discovered (ugh...the hard way) that SOMETIMES these paint additives will react with the rubber trim and cause the Case to remain tacky and/or sticky. Skip using Behr Paint AND KRYLON Spray Paint on your Train Cases! They will both leave you disappointed with the results.

Thank you for stopping by today!

Blessings to you as your creative juices continue to flow...Rebecca

~HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADRIENNE - With Love From Your Momma~

~THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BABY GIRL~

October 25th, 1984

To My AdrieGirl...

As hard as it is for me to believe, this very day you will turn 25 years old (at exactly 9:34 AM)! Where have the years gone? Seems like just yesterday your Daddy and I celebrated your exciting birth. Knowing you would be our last child we were thrilled when the doctors told us we got our BABY GIRL! My little family was complete. Daddy, Me, Brandon and you. Beautiful, sweet, adorable YOU!

How is it possible you are now the age I was when you were born? Inside my heart I'm still 25! Do you know that? Somehow I remember feeling 'older' than you appear to be. Maybe that's because I already had your big brother and I'd been married for six years. You still seem so very young to me and I still want to protect you... Letting you go has been so hard~but, I've done it (almost!)....

~HOLDING YOU FOR THE FIRST TIME~
(Thank You, God)

The moment above is forever etched on my heart and in my mind. Tiny little features and such a huge answer to prayer! I just loved it that you looked just like me...

~DADDY HOLDING YOU THE FIRST TIME~

(He'll Always Be There For You)

Except your nose! To this day it still looks just like your daddy's...

~YOU AND BRANDON WITH GRAMPA~
(I LOVE Your Toothless Grin!)

You've been so loved by your family over the years! Especially by your brother (he'd do anything for you!), and your Grampa (I know you miss him).

~MY BEAUTIFUL TEENAGE GIRL~
(Truly Loved By All)

As you grew older you became even more lovely...

~SNUGGLING TOGETHER~
(Long After You'd Grown Up!)

I especially love how you still make time for me even though you are all grown up! From the very beginning you made me feel special and needed. See our hands?

I'm so grateful we've never experienced the struggles so many mothers and daughters have had! Your grace and love is so inspiring...

~ON YOUR WEDDING DAY~
(The Apple of Your Daddy's Eye)

Two years ago we celebrated your beautiful wedding and watched as you pledged your life and heart to Micah. What a JOY it's been to see you both begin such a wonderful journey together. Don't forget~our prayers are always with you and we are trusting you will hold onto the years when the difficult days come...

I love you so very much! Happy Birthday, my beautiful, beautiful daughter. You continue to bless me over and over and over...

Love, Momma

~IS NOT THIS THE LAND OF BEULAH? - Remembering Amy Dawn~

IS NOT THIS THE LAND OF BEULAH?

~In Honor of Amy Dawn~

I am dwelling on the mountain,
Where the golden sunlight gleams
O'er a land whose wondrous beauty
Far exceeds my fondest dreams,
Where the air is pure, ethereal,
Laden with the breath of flowers,
They are blooming by the fountain,
'Neath the amaranthine bow'rs.

Is not this the Land of Beulah?
Blessed, blessed land of light;
Where the flowers bloom forever,
And the sun is always bright.

I can see far down the mountain,
Where I wandered weary years,
Often hindered in my journey,
By the ghosts of doubt and fears;
Broken vows and disappointments,
Thickly sprinkled all the way,
But the Spirit led, unerring,
To the land I hold today.

Is not this the Land of Beulah?
Blessed, blessed land of light;
Where the flowers bloom forever,
And the sun is always bright.

I am drinking at the fountain,
Where I ever would abide,
For I've tasted life's pure river,
And my soul is satisfied;
There's no thirsting for life's pleasures,
Nor adorning rich and gay,
For I've found a richer treasure,
One that fadeth not away.

Is not this the Land of Beulah?
Blessed, blessed land of light;
Where the flowers bloom forever,
And the sun is always bright.

Tell me not of heavy crosses,
Nor the burdens hard to bear,
For I've found this great salvation
Makes each burden light appear;
And I love to follow Jesus,
Gladly counting all but dross,
Worldly honors all forsaking,
For the glory of the cross.

Is not this the Land of Beulah?
Blessed, blessed land of light;
Where the flowers bloom forever,
And the sun is always bright.

Wm. Hunter

"Peace, Peace! Wonderful Peace! Coming down from the Father above. Sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love."

Thinking of Amy's precious family during this time of profound loss. We love you all...

Love, Rebecca & Steven

~AND THE PINK SACHET PILLOW WINNER IS.....plus Three More!

CONGRATULATIONS TO SHERRY
EDIE MARIE'S ATTIC
WINNER of the PINK SACHET PILLOW

Good Morning, Sweet Peeps! OK...just how many times have you checked today for the WINNER of the Pink Sachet Pillow?

I am PLEASED to announce the lovely lady whose name was pulled out of the hat is SHERRY at Edie Marie's Attic! You must hop on over and visit this charming lady's beautiful Bloggie. She has a heart full of grace and I'm so excited for her that she won my October Giveaway! Sherry...please forward me your mailing address so I can get your precious little pillow off this weekend! Blessings to you...and thanks to all of you for your comments, visits to my Bloggie and/or posting about my Giveaway!

Now...if you were all paying attention and READING (were you?????)...

Then you know from my FOLLOWERS LIST I was going to draw THREE MORE NAMES for additional prizes!

The following beautiful Peeps will each be sent one of my Cookie Cutter Cards! Thank you so much for showing an interest in my work and for reading the endless thoughts and ramblings that sometimes pour out of my very full head! You bless me!

The Cookie Card Winners are:

MARILYN from OUR VICTORIAN COTTAGE (Sweet GirlyI know you will all LOVE!)
ANA from A PETITE COTTAGE (Darling Lady with LOTS to Share!)
BJ from SWEET NOTHINGS (Just a LOVELY, high spirited Gal!)

Please email me with your mailing address so I can get your Cookie Cards off to you this weekend!

Thanks to all of you who left comments, posted about my give-a-way, linked to my Site, shared your thoughts, your words of encouragement and love!

Blessings to you as you live out the joy inside you...Rebecca

~FINALLY! Sweet HP PINK ROSE Cookie Cards For You~

CHRISTMAS TREE 'T COOKIE CARD
More Info - Click Here

OK, Peeps! You asked for them and so I've finally uploaded my Sweet Pink Rose Cookie Cutter Cards on ETSY! Just click the link above and it will take you directly to my ETSY Shoppe! You'll be able to see up-close the inside of the cards as well as the sweet sentiments on the back. On the Card above it includes a charming little poem about a PINK CHRISTMAS TREE!

If you'd rather not go that route and would rather just contact me directly you can email me HERE!

GINGERBREAD MAN COOKIE CARD
More Info - Click Here

The Gingerbread Man Card also includes recipes on the inside and a sweet little diddy about Gingerbread Men and Christmas!

SWEET TEA COOKIE CARD
More Info - Click Here

The Heart Cookie Card includes recipes as well! On the back you'll find the scripture about LOVE (1st Corinthians)!

Thank you to ALL of you who have contacted me about these sweet Cookie Cutter Cards! I'm sooooo blessed by you! Honest I am! I'm jumping for JOY!

Blessings to you as you live out the dreams you carry in your heart...Rebecca

~HAND PAINTED PINK ROSE ORNAMENTS...and Sweet Little Snowmen~

PRECIOUS STOCKING...

I'm going to skip my "LOVE IS...and Other Things That Matter" today so I can show you the latest little pretties I've been working on for Christmas. Lots of hand painted PINK ROSES and Snowmen!

I've been consumed with getting orders filled and shipped for the Cookie Cutter Cards and haven't had much time to do other things!

A CHARMING HEART...

Earlier this year I found a FEW metal Christmas Ornaments just perfect for a REPAINT JOB. Yesterday I listed a few on eBay and they've all sold. Wanted to share a few pics with you just in case any of my Bloggie Friends want to hop on over and check them out later today. I'm planning on offering the last of the bunch this week. I sooo hope to find more... Stay tuned!

A SWEET LITTLE MITTEN...

I'll be working on getting individual pictures taken of the Cookie Cutter Cards today. For those of you who are interested they will be shown on my Blog later this week and HOPEFULLY uploaded to my website as well. Cost is $7.99 each. Special pricing available for those of you who have retail shoppes!

Don't forget...

The winner of the SACHET GIVEAWAY will be announced tomorrow! Just maybe your beautiful name will be chosen!!!!!

Blessings and love on this gorgeous Autumn morning...Rebecca

~MONDAY MONDAY...So Good To Me~

MONDAY MONDAY

~So Good To Me~

My busy weekend is over and I've successfully laid out the plans for the next seven days. I have many things I want to share with you... lots of product orders to fill as well as exciting offerings for eBay to upload. Gosh...seems like I never stop!

That's right. I don't! But, I LOVE IT!

Did I ever tell you that I LOVE MY LIFE??? God is good! All the time!

First some big news! I opened a 100 Square Foot Booth in a local Antique Market here in Oklahoma City? I did. It's been a LABOR OF LOVE (and longtime coming). It's been over twelve years since I've had a 'physical space' in which to sell my wares. I'm about worn out from all the moving and hauling... Time will tell how much I continue to LOVE IT! More news and some pictures about this soon.

How about this one...

~DREAMS DO COME TRUE~
They Can Happen To You

Did I tell you that I sent out my very first WHOLESALE ORDERS on my Cookie Cutter Keepsake Cards? I did! I am proud to tell my Southern California Peeps they can now find them in both Orange, California at THE TEA LEAF COTTAGE and will soon be carried in a sweet Shoppe in Fullerton called THE COTTAGE ROSE. Thank you to both Joan and Patsy for showcasing my work (and for Sweet Tea...my SALESPERSON of the Year). :)

I might also add...I will be carrying the Cookie Cards on Etsy later this week and eventually on my Website! If you'd like to order them just EMAIL ME! Special pricing on Wholesale Orders, too! These sweet little pretties are great for FAVORS and Teacher Gifts, etc.!

Next...

~LOSING THOSE EXTRA POUNDS~
Getting Rid of the Junk in my Trunk

After DRAGGING my feet (more like my BUMM!) for far too long I've decided to join Weight Watchers. The time has come to finally rid my body of the extra 15 pounds I've gained over the past decade. I've opted to do the ON-LINE PROGRAM because the whole "Meeting Thingy" is just NOT FOR ME!! I'm lovin' it so far!!!! WHOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO! So far I'm down 7.5 pounds. Maybe I'll up my goal to 20lbs. :) :) :)

Lastly...

~I'LL BE DRAWING FOR EXTRA PRETTIES~
(See...you've gotta read!)

Don't forget about the DRAWING for the Sachet Pillow! The winner will be announced later this week! Make your comment, follow along, post the link, upload my button, etc. for a chance to win something for FREE!

Want to know something else??? I'll be drawing three extra names from MY FOLLOWERS LIST ONLY! But shhh....it's a secret! :)

Blessings to you as you begin a fresh, new week! It very well may be the best one of your entire life...Rebecca

~YOU'RE STILL YOU - One Tiny Memory at a Time~

WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL - 1975-1976

Yesterday as I sat next to my aging Father and tried desperately to carry on a conversation with him I felt my face grow hot and my heart start to panic. In all the times I’ve visited him over the years, from the very beginning of his Alzheimer’s/Dementia diagnosis and his Nursing Home INCARCERATION, he’s never ever not known me.

He's not known other people, but never NOT ME.

I want my Dad to get well. That is what I’ve been asking from God, and anything less has been unacceptable. I’ve prayed for such a long time for healing to come and for the TORMENTOR that has invaded his mind to find a new home. Still, the intruder has stayed on. This un-welcomed visitor has now taken up permanent residency inside my Father’s brain and he refuses to go.

“This isn’t LIVING!!” I thought to myself.

“I HATE THIS!! He would HATE THIS!!!”

Truthfully I wanted to curse. I really did. But…there isn’t a vile enough word in the English language that can describe how it feels to stand along the sidelines and watch helplessly as a once vibrant mind turns into nothing more than a blank stare.

After almost an hour of soft smiles and sporadic conversation, I grabbed my purse and bent down to kiss the forehead of my restless Father.

“I miss you sooooo much, Daddy…and I love you!” I said. “I’ll be back soon!”

“I love you, too!" he added.

As I moved towards the door his voice continued…

“You know...you remind me of my little daughter, Becky Sue!”

And for that tiny moment, that memory was enough.

Blessings to you as God reveals His never-ending mercy…Rebecca

~GET 'ER DONE - Have Your Mammogram TODAY~

~GET YOUR MAMMOGRAM TODAY~

OK Ladies...this LITTLE REMINDER IS JUST FOR YOU...

In case you need a little push (I pray you DO NOT!), please, please, PLEASE schedule your yearly Mammogram today! And...if you don't do month Self Breast Exams each and every month then I BEG YOU to begin that today as well! Doing this one tiny little thing each and every month could very well save your life.

Truthfully...I hate the entire process. I hate doing the self-checking thing. It's scary and I struggle to know exactly what it IS I'm looking for. Still...I know my body and I trust my own instincts to notice something that isn't right. AND...just in case I miss something (which is POSSIBLE!), I go every single September for my yearly Mammogram. I go because I love my husband! I go because I love my children! I go because I love myself! As you can see below I was thankful and blessed to receive a good report again this year. Thank you, God.

~A GOOD REPORT AGAIN THIS YEAR~

At present I have five (YES FIVE!) friends that are dealing with Breast Cancer. All are in one stage of treatment or another and I'm thrilled to say my sweet friend, Judy the Beauty, is cancer free. Two more are doing fabulous, one is struggling and one is truly suffering.

Want to know how four of the five found their cancer?

Self Breast Exams! Beautiful Judy(she's really gorgeous - outside & inside!) had a Mammogram and they missed it! After successful chemo and a long recovery, she is doing great now. Thank you AGAIN, God!

May God be with all of you who are either dealing with cancer or are close to someone who is. I'm sure ALL of us know SOMEONE whose life has been changed by this disease and it is my continued prayer that we will all see it wiped out in our lifetime.

Love and blessings to you as you check, check, check and recheck those beautiful Boobies of yours....Rebecca
PS: If you are a MAN and you follow my humble bloggie I encourage you to support the women in your life, be it your Mother, Sister, Wife, Lover, Daughter or Friend... It's quite possible your loving support and encouragement could help save their very life!

~SLEEPING ON A CLOUD OF FLUFFY WHITE STUFF~

OK Peeps...this was just toooo cute for me not to share...

I got up extra early this morning so I could finish the pillows I started yesterday for both my Shoppe and eBay. I had just stitched up the last of four when I realized I'd used the last of my PolyFil the day before.

Now...I buy Fiber Filling in large 10lb boxes (that is a lot of Fill!). If you aren't careful when you open up the inner bag it sometimes spills all over the place... and, that is exactly what happened. As a result about 3/4 of the Fill stayed inside the plastic bag and the rest made it's way onto the floor. Ugh!

Since this has happened to me before I know it is best to just repack some of fluffy white stuff into smaller sized bags for later use. So, I made my way downstairs to grab a few kitchen sized bags and then trekked right back up the steps to my studio...

Would you like to know what I found when I walked inside?

Now mind you I was only gone less than three minutes...

JUST LOOK!

~WHAT? I'M NOT DOING NOTHIN'~

Miss Mollie the Molinator (my 4lb Yorkie) had found a new resting place!

Yes she did!

A very comfortable one, I suspect.

~CAUGHT IN THE ACT - I'M SO EMBARRASSED!~

When she saw me she immediately turned her head away so I couldn't see her shame (trust me when I tell you she KNOWS BETTER!).

~I KNOW I'VE BEEN NAUGHTY!~

"MoMo! What are you doing in my Stuffing?" I scolded!

~PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME GO...I'LL BE GOOD!~

"Um...I"m just laying here Momma! I'm bein' good and it's soooooo comfy! Please don't make me move!!!"

Errrrr.........

I know this is sick, but want to know what I did next?

I picked MoMo up, Fiber Filling and all, and placed them on top of her own little bed. That was 3 hours ago and she is still there, quietly sleeping on a cloud of white fluff.

The life of this dearly loved pooch is sometimes greatly envied by her owner.

I hope this gave you a sweet smile for the day...:)

Blessings and Love...Rebecca

~OCTOBER GIVE-A-WAY - Something Sweet and PINK for YOU~

~SWEET EPHEMERA SACHET PILLOW~
Sweet Maud Humphrey Image

Of all the paintings done by the dearly loved Maud Humphrey, this tiny little girl with the roses in her bonnet remains my favorite. I just love the innocent look on her face...something about her cherubic smile makes me feel warm and cozy all over.

Offered up for my October Give-A-Way is a darling Sachet Pillow made using this reproduced image of Ms. Humphrey's work. The Sachet was made with old rayon damask in pink and has a white on white floral ruffle. It comes accented with vintage Venice Lace threaded with vintage pink rayon satin ribbon. I do believe this is my 6th or 7th Pillow made using this precious little girl as the center. Hope you will all love her as much as I do. Tucked inside the Sachet you'll find a generous 1/2 cup of 100% pure lavender buds. It smells divine and measures just about 10" x 10" including the ruffle.

Here are the guidelines for having your little name entered into the drawing for FREE! It's simple and there are several ways to get your name thrown into the hat MORE THAN ONCE!

DRAWING WILL BE HELD ON OR ABOUT MIDNIGHT ON OCTOBER 21st. The WINNER will be announced sometime on OCTOBER 22nd. Happy Entering and I hope you have fun!

1. If you FOLLOW my Bloggie you are automatically entered once!

2. Leave a comment on any Post from now until 9pm on October 21st and you'll be entered again.

3. Link to my GIVEAWAY from your Blog and I'll enter your name again (you must let me know).

4. Post my BUTTON on your Blog and I'll enter your name again (again, you must let me know).

You'll have four chances to get your name in for the drawing for the Sachet Pillow! Let me know if you have any questions, K?

Blessings to you as you again try and win something for FREE...Rebecca

~SEWING'S KEEPING ME BUSY - October Giveaway Starts Tomorrow~

LATEST GIVEAWAY STARTS
TOMORROW - OCTOBER 14TH

Good Morning, Peeps! I hope this beautiful Tuesday finds you all happy and doing well! I've been sewing up a storm and finishing up two very special (and large) orders that have kept me burning the midnight oil around here!

I've had just enough time to SQUEEZE IN a couple of extra hours to finish up my October Giveaway which will begin tomorrow. I hope you'll stop back by to see what I have in store for you! I'm so excited and I hope you are too.

Last month for the PINK CHRISTMAS STOCKING GIVEAWAY I had several hundred entries to toss into the HAT. It took me quite a bit of time to wade through them all before pulling out the winning name! I hope this next FREE DRAWING will bring you as much excitement.

Thank you for visiting...it's soooo good to SEE you! :)

Love and Blessings...Rebecca

~SWEET WINS for Little Old MEEEEEEEE~

~YUMMY BOOK from MISS MARTHA~

You know... for a girl who doesn't believe one bit in luck, I sure do feel lucky blessed! I've won TWO DRAWINGS in the past couple of weeks and I'm the most surprised of anyone! Ever since I opened up a box of Cap'n Crunch Cereal in 1984 and won $1,000 (not kidding!), I've never won anything...

So...I was especially excited to win the sweetest giveaway by the ever lovely Miss Martha from Martha's Favorites! I love to wander through this delightfully sweet lady's Blog. She shares her love of collecting and also stories of her family and faith. I'm sooo excited to share with you the fabulous THRIFTY CHIC BOOK she sent me! I absolutely love it! It came all wrapped up in a pretty pink organza bow with the sweeeeeetest note saying "...Noah sends kisses..."

I'll be perusing through this Book over and over and over and over...it's wonderful!

~THE SWEETEST ANGEL EVER~

And...to make the win even better Martha also sent me this amazing little Angel Ornament! I've enlarged her below so you could see the details!

~TO BE CHERISHED FOREVER~

Thank you very much MarthaGirl! You and MasterNoah have blessed me more than I can ever say! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you with all my heart! I feel so very special! XOXO

Now...my next win came from Miss Sherry from Country Wings in Phoenix!

~COUNTRY COTTAGE PRETTIES~

Sherry has an amazing Blog that both uplifts and inspires. Presently she is carrying a huge burden for her sister, Debbie, and her sweet niece, Miss Amy, who is very ill. How in the world she managed to get this little box of goodies off to me is beyond me!

~THE ROAD TO THE HOUSE OF A FRIEND...~

Tucked inside a simple little box I found an array of lovely treasures. Sweet Hanging Letters that spell out COUNTRY (which of course will always make me think of Sherry's love of Country), a darling Acorn Hanger to remind me that "The road to the house of a friend is never long"...(I love this), a tiny packet of scrapbook paraphernalia (great for my Brandon, Adrienne and Miss K projects), and last but not least a fabulous Christmas Tree Ornament showcasing a beautiful heart and dropped crystal.

~CHARMING ORNAMENT~

Thank you, SherryGirl! I want you to know you've blessed me more than I can say! I know you are in Oklahoma right now and I'm so hoping before you return to Phoenix we can meet up for lunch...my treat!

Thank you again to both of these beautiful Blog Lovin' Gals. I'm honored to know you both...more honored to call you both friend. God is good! All the time!

Love to you this Sunday Morning...Rebecca