A few weeks ago, I had the rare opportunity to stop in at our local Savers store. I don't go there often because, for the most part, they just have clothes and shoes.

But every once in a while I find a treasure there.

This was one of those occasions!  

In a bag, hanging on the wall, I found 12 sock forms.

 Now, they aren't anything vintage, and they were painted in some funky colors,

 but I could see these would be pretty easy to make over. :)

Here is the before picture.

I'm not sure why there are so many holes in the smaller ones.

 My guess would have to be for some decorative purpose....?

**Thanks to my blog friends, I have been enlightened about the holes in the sock forms...They are ventilation holes for the drying of socks. I let out a great big DUH! when I read their comments.

Leave it to me to completely miss the obvious! ;) 

 So, I got out some of my trusty spray paint colors and started spraying.

I found a place for one in our guest bathroom.......

A couple more in our family room.........

I got this wall hanging from Kimberly at My Brown Bag Studio.

We did a swap a while back. I loooove it!

And don't mind the dust....I live in the desert, and dust is just a given.

And more in the upstairs hallway.

Boy!  I sure do appreciate an easy make over project!

**************************************************************************
Onto some other stuff......

I have a dear friend, whom I have known for years, that is organizing a service project for some of the children of Africa. Her son is serving a mission on the Ivory Coast. Given the fact that our son, Mark recently returned from serving a mission in Uganda, it was easy for me to want to contribute.

  It goes without saying that there is such need in Africa....it's hard to even put a finger on one thing that is needed. But, Sindy heard about the teachers who were trying to teach the little children some church songs, but didn't know the tunes. They hadn't heard the songs before, and without a piano, they had no way of knowing the tunes. Sindy immediately went to work organizing a project, collecting children's hymn books and CD's containing the primary songs (in French) to send to Africa.

Then, as most projects go, it got bigger. More people wanted to participate so Sindy decided that she wanted to put together 100 tote bags that included a picture of Jesus, a CTR ring (a popular piece of jewelery in our church that has the CTR emblem on it, reminding the wearer to "Choose The Right") and a Book of Mormon in the French language.

Since I have a hoard of an over abundance of fabric,

 I decided to sew up some tote bags to contribute to the cause.

  I know I'm not alone in saying that there isn't a better feeling

 than knowing you have done something to help someone else.

It sorta just makes you look for the next time you can serve, right?!

:)  :)  :)  :)

One of my favorite sayings......

Give without Remembering,

Receive without Forgetting. 

Have a blessed day!



Baby, it's cold outside!

Just as it has been all over the world lately, Arizona has experienced unusual weather.
It hasn't been this cold in Tucson in something like 56 years.
There have been several days of freezing temps.
The verbiage the weather people use here is "we are experiencing a hard freeze".

Tucson has basically shut down because of the cold. There are whole subdivisions that are without water and gas. The gas company has literally "run out" of gas. Water mains have cracked and broken leaving hundreds and thousands of people without water. Schools are closed.

I've just been a little peeved that it seems like those in charge are unprepared to deal with it. It's like people don't know what to do with any other weather besides hot or hotter.

I was in Walmart today and I heard someone talking on the phone.
 "No sir, I am sorry....we are all out of space heaters. We also don't have anymore electric blankets or mattress warmers. There aren't any in our warehouse, either."
I also noticed that all of the gloves, scarves and coats were just about all gone.

I had a rush of gratitude for the fact that we had water and heat. (Ours is electric heat)
I was also so grateful for the council we are given by our religious leaders to "Prepare every needful thing."

We just never know what tomorrow is going to bring for us.

 But, I am warning all you native Arizonans....If you think this is cold, I wouldn't even stick so much as your big toe anywhere in the vicinity of Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, or ANYWHERE back east. Just sayin'.... ;)

One more to go.....

Today marks one year that our son has been on his mission in Uganda. He left here on the 16th of December but reported to the Johannesburg, South Africa Missionary Training Center on the 18th of December. He will be home this time next year. There are days I don't think I can stand him being gone and want to go over to Uganda to fetch him home. And, then I realize that that is very selfish of me, for after all he is doing the Lords work.

My sweet friend, Pennee wrote these very comforting words to me just this week...

"Thanks so much for sending Mark's letter. I can see a tremendous amount of growth since the beginning of his mission. He is no longer the young boy. He has grown into a very special young man, one who has been able to catch the vision of the Lord's work here upon the earth. I am so happy for him. I am happy for you too. You can take comfort this holiday season that even though he is far away, he is where he is because the Lord is working through him to bring to pass the promises of the prophets. Angels are walking those dusty roads with him. He is not alone. The Spirit is his constant companion, literally. You can't ask for more than that."

She is right. I cannot ask for more than that. And I am so very proud of him.

My daughter, Makenzie wrote a very sweet post about her twin brother. If you would like to read it, click here.

Have a blessed holiday.

With a Thankful Heart

I tend to be an early riser most days. As I lay in bed this morning, I pondered over the many, many things that I am thankful for. As I thought of one thing, another thing immediately popped into my head. While I try to live a thankful life and truly recognize my blessings, I was still overwhelmed by the number of things that so easily came to mind. With a thankful heart, I jotted down this short list.... My family, which is eternal. My siblings, all of whom I miss very much. My parents, who love and support. My children, who are so good and kind and true. My husband, who loves me despite all my imperfections. Missionaries and their willingness to serve. My Savior and his atoning sacrifice for me. My Heavenly Father, who continues to give me trials so that I can grow. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, that allows me to know where I came from, why I am here and where I am going. The peace I receive from this knowledge. Everyday that I have in this life to learn and grow. The written word of the prophets that guides me everyday. Friends, old and new. Our sweet animals that teach us of unconditional love. The perfect knowledge I have of our Heavenly Fathers love for us. My ability to do so many things and recognize where that comes from. Health of body and mind. The example of others, both good and bad. Our comfortable home. Employment, and the fact that I really want for nothing. Opposition, that I may appreciate and recognize the "good things" when they happen. My free agency. The Freedom of living in a country that I can live/worship how I please. The people who fought for those freedoms, in the past, today and in the future. ***************************************************************************** My list is endless, but today this is what is foremost in my mind. May all who read this know how thankful I am for you. Enjoy your day with family and friends. Be thankful--- Jo-Anne