Thursday--it's been a long week--even though I only worked half-days every day but today because of the youngest being here from Texas. And, tomorrow--YEAH!!!---I don't have to go to work at all!!

I'll be so glad to have a day away from the workplace. It's just been crazier than usual--trying to train a new person, school physicals, sports physicals, and the never-ending sinus problems and allergies.

I don't know what we're going to do tomorrow, but we're going to do something fun--I can guarantee that!! I'll be sure to take my camera in case I see anything interesting.

My young Texas transplant always like to cook a meal while she's visiting, so tonight was the night. She made chicken parmesan, zucchini with a tomato, cheese and garlic sauce and garlic breadknots. She's turned into quite the good cook!! All three kids were here for dinner, and it was nice to be all together once again.

Tonight the kids are off to the river to spend some time with friends. One of their friend's parents have a pontoon boat, and it should be a beautiful night to cruise up and down the river.

Me?--I'm going to finish a couple of projects I have sitting around just waiting for me. I have decided that I need to finish up some things before I start anything new. That's always hard for me because I see a project and want to get started on it right away. Then, before I know it I have too many things to finish, and I don't know where to begin again!!

And, those socks!! They're going to wait until my daughter leaves to go home. That way I'll have some time to concentrate on what I'm doing.

K--that's all for a while!!

Beth

Dishcloth Exchange

I belong to a group called "The Gathering Room". Every month they host several exchanges. This month I joined the dishcloth exchange.

I received my surprise from my exchange partner on Friday. Here's a picture of what I received:

Three beautiful dishcloths--the teal one is in a pinwheel design, the rose colored one is a rectangular shape with a ruffle on either end. the green one is made of Japanese yarn that is treated with silver ions to help prevent the dishcloth from getting "stinky". And, to top that off, my partner sent me some of the Japanese yarn to try in pink. I also received some body balm in raspberry guava (hmmm.....smells so nice) and natural spring. I tried the raspberry guava today, and my skin just feels so soft. I think I'm going to have to ask her where she bought this and get some for myself.

On the home front--my youngest daughter flew in from Texas last evening at midnight. She's only here until Friday, and then I won't see her again until Christmas. I just don't think she realizes how much I miss her, even though I tell her all the time.

She's lived in Texas for just about 4 years now, and I'm proud of her. She's made it on her own--working and going to school. She's happy there, so I am happy for her.

Tomorrow night is my Small Group picnic. So far, two of my three kids are going. Hopefully, the third will follow suit. I think it will be good for all of them to be around these wonderful people--people who love and care unconditionally.

My children have been through so much growing up that I am amazed that they are strong and basically self-sufficient. Not that there aren't still issues that they each haven't dealt with--there are. But, each will have to deal with their own issues in their own time--when they are ready to face the truth, face the reality of past situations, and finally just let it go.

K-that's all for a while!

Beth

THE GHANA PROJECT

I am so excited I can just about stand myself!!!

I have been praying to God to show me how HE wants me to use my God given talent of knitting and crocheting. I know that this gift was given to me by God. When I was 8 years old, my Dad died. I spent most days after school alone and all day during the summer alone.

My neighbor from across the street, Mrs. Robertson, saw my loneliness. She came to our door one day and asked if I could come to her house to help her with her 3 young children. Being a child, I felt that I was doing her a favor. Now, as an adult, I realize that she was reaching out to me.

I did help her with her children, but she also taught me alot also. She taught me to knit, crochet, sew, cook and many aspects of being a good mother. I picked up the knitting and crocheting like I had been doing this since the day I was born!!

So, I knit, I crochet--and I give almost everything away. As I said earlier, I've been praying about how God wants me to use this talent. Today I received an e-mail from a member of a knitting group that I belong to. I have never heard from her previous to today. I don't even know her.

She pointed me in the direction of the Ghana Project--you just knit 7 inch squares--so many beautiful patterns to choose from--mail to Michigan, and then they are put together into an afghan to send to Ghana to children who are having surgeries, a comfort blankie!!

This is also especially close to me because most of this children are being treated for scoliosis (curvature of the spine). They have had no treatment for this and so require surgery to be corrected.

I also have scoliosis, but having lived in the US, I was able to be treated without surgery and before the damage was too great.

I do have to say that God answers my prayers in some unusual ways sometimes!! And I pray for the doctors, nurses, physical therapists and other volunteers who donate their expertise and time to this project.

Praise and glory to God!!!!

Check out the website if you're interested in helping out. I'm so glad I did!!

http://theghanaproject.wordpress.com/