Lonestarlady

Kristen's Birthday and Blogiversary!

2009-10-03T01:54:00.002-05:00

Be sure and drop by Kristen's blog to wish her a very happy birthday and a happy anniversary of 1 year of blogging! She's so creative....you will love her blog and all her pretties! She's also giving beautiful gifts away, and a comment will make you eligible to win! Can't beat that!

Rory comes for a visit~

2009-09-28T09:27:00.004-05:00

We had such a wonderful week when Rachel and Rory came to visit! Gene was able to join them for the last few days of their trip. It was great to spend time with them all. Rory is really growing, and OMG....he is soo adorable!! He's 2 and 1/2 months already, and is over 25 inches long! Thanksgiving can't come soon enough when we will see them again.

Love these embroidery fonts!

2009-09-11T22:19:00.005-05:00

Here are a few baby gifts I've been working on....

A few dish towels I monogrammed for gifts....

A New Toy!!

2009-09-02T23:00:00.000-05:00

I'm a big fan of monograms, especially for gifts for babies! I mentioned to my husband that I was thinking of investing in a relatively inexpensive model...'inexpensive' in how costly some of those machines are!....and he said, "Would you like that for your birthday?" Heck yea!! So I ordered this Janome Memory Craft 200E.

One project down!

2009-08-28T23:33:00.002-05:00

We have finally completed the work on the island...and it only took a year! :>) My husband's a saint, I tell ya'! The reason it took so long is because I didn't like the original paint job...you could see every single brush stroke. So I sanded some.....hubby sanded a lot...and he repainted it...this time with a roller. The finish still isn't what I had envisioned, but since hubby wasn't keen on the idea of painting the island to begin with, plus I have other projects I need his help with, I'm going to say it's just about perfect! *grin*

Buddies!

2009-08-28T17:42:00.005-05:00

Peyton, my little grandson, loves being the 'big guy' in the house! He's so sweet with babies, Cord and Cooper, I care for during the day.

Photobucket special 'effects'

2009-08-02T22:49:00.006-05:00

I love black and white photos done with a touch of color. Photobucket's 'effects' lets you do that effortlessly! I did these photos of Maddox with just a few clicks. (The first color photo was taken with a flash....the second without.) To be able to do this, go to 'edit images', 'effects', then choose 'grayscale'. Click on 'advanced options', then apply to 'painted region'. Select brush size that works best, and simply click on area you want colored. Click on 'invert' and voila...there you have it!!

It's that time of year again!

2009-08-02T19:13:00.006-05:00

Three of my little grandsons are heading back to nursery school tomorrow as their mommy gets her classroom ready for the new school year. I found these cute school nap mats online and ordered one for each of them. Zach likes the horse print best, Maddy gets the fireman mat with the cute dalmatian print blankie, and Cole will use the 'camp out' mat. (I'd love to see how they get an 11 month old to lie on a mat to take a nap! *lol*)

A New Grandbaby....our 8th Grandson!

2009-07-19T15:25:00.009-05:00

Rory Eoin has finally arrived! He made his debut Wednesday morning at 12:24 a.m. via C-section. He weighed 9 lbs. 12 ozs. and measured 22 inches long! He's such a handsome little guy...and I'm not one bit prejudiced! :) Rory, Mommy, and Dad are all doing well.

We are truly blessed....for the 8th time!

Ribit!! Ribit!!

2009-05-23T05:29:00.006-05:00

Hop to it!

Peyton Scott -- 15 months

Blue Monday~

2009-05-18T07:45:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Blue Monday hosted by Sally at Smiling Sally . Be sure to check out her blog for a list of this week's participants!

The Waterford candy dish and glasses were gifts from companies hubby did business with. I sure miss that job!! lol!!

And what's Blue Monday without a blue afghan I'm working on for our newest grandson...our 8th....due in July!!

A place for Everything, and Everything in its Place!

2009-05-14T22:49:00.009-05:00

I'm always looking for my keys! Sometimes they're in the bottom of my purse; sometimes they're in the door; sometimes they can't be found!

I was in my favorite Marshall's/Home Goods store... I always hit the aisles with the dishes first *Goofy grin*...when I saw this keee-ute bowl at the end of an aisle!

Aren't these the sweetest little birds? What could be more perfect to hold my keys?!! In my shopping cart it went! Now I have no excuses for never being able to find them.

So, where do you keep your keys?

I love these containers!

2009-04-22T19:09:00.002-05:00

They're just perfect for storing my little guys' supplies, and I know which foods belongs to whom with just a glance at the chalkboards. And when they outgrow them, I'll use them in the study for my crafting supplies! They were purchased from Target for $12.99 each, and there's also a larger size. Blue and red were the choices available. I think the chalkboards are a clever touch!

Wordless Wednesday~

2009-04-08T10:34:00.004-05:00

Today's Wordless Wednesday subject is.... "Easter"... hosted by Dixie at French Lique, Texas. Be sure to visit her blog for a list of this week's participants!

Blue Monday~

2009-04-05T20:17:00.004-05:00

Welcome to another Blue Monday, hosted by Sally at SmilingSally! Visit her blog for a list of this week's participants. You won't be disappointed!

I found this wreath for my front door this past week at Marshall's. There were a few missing eggs or greenery, so they discounted it for me. I was able to attach a couple of eggs I had on hand in the sparse spots using my glue gun, so now it's as good as new!

April showers!

The double rainbow was so pretty, I had to grab my camera for a shot.

I had to add this photo after I saw the precious photo Ann posted! I took this picture almost 6 years ago of my grandson Tyler. My daughter used it as his birth announcement.

Tablescape Thursday~

2009-04-02T09:52:00.009-05:00

Welcome to another Tablescape Thursday, graciously hosted by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch. You will want to check out her lovely blog and the list of participants in this week's event!

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In this week's tablescape, my table is set for Sunday's brunch! My mother recently gave me these dishes that I've loved since I was a young child. The pieces of this set were given away at our local country store with a purchase, or could be bought for a song and a dance!

The pattern is Spring Violet and the china was made by a company in Ohio ... Cunningham and Pickett, Inc.

It's handpainted, with a beautiful border done in 24 kt. gold.

I used the cups for my 'tea parties' growing up, and consequently, most of the cups were broken. I was able to replace them over the years through Replacements, Ltd....at a cost for one cup and saucer that was more than was paid for the entire set! It was worth every penny to me!

(The tablecloth was purchased to fit my table when it has the extra leaf in. I've folded it in runner style, so that I could use it in this tablescape.)

I love these dishes, not only because I think they're so pretty, but because of the sentimental value. I hope you've enjoyed seeing them and my tablescape this Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday~

2009-03-31T22:17:00.012-05:00

Today's Wordless Wednesday subject is.... "Still life" and/or "April Fool's".

Wordless Wednesday is hosted by Dixie, so visit her blog to see all who are participating in this fun event this week!

(Groom's cake!)

Bunny on a Stick~

2009-03-31T21:00:00.003-05:00

Barb at Grits and Glamour is hosting this new event! Hop on over there for a list of participants and their 'show' and 'tell' about their 'Bunny(s) on a Stick!"

I used my BOAS in my tulip arrangement which sits on my dining room table! Can you spot the little bunny hiding among the leaves?!

Blue Monday~

2009-03-29T19:09:00.012-05:00

This past week has flown by! Here it is 'Blue Monday' again, hosted by Sally at Smiling Sally.

It's always a pleasure seeing what others have shared, so be sure and visit her blog for the list of participants!

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My photos today are of my Amish quilts. The WEDDING RING quilt was purchased in Indiana and made by a guild of Amish women. The workmanship is outstanding! The stitches are so uniform and precise...you can't tell where one quilter left off and another began.

We bought this quilt in a wonderful little Amish shop in Intercourse, PA. The pattern is LONESTAR. Three edges are scalloped, one edge is straight (the edge that would be at the top of the bed), and they're piped in blue. We actually detoured through PA on our way home from taking our daughter to Boston University just so I could pick up another Amish quilt.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness

2009-03-28T18:16:00.009-05:00

This was written by my forum friend Renee....a very special lady....who has ovarian cancer. Please take the time to read it, and pass it on to your loved ones. It could save the life of someone very dear to you.

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Please sign the petition to have an Ovarian Cancer stamp created in order to help increase awareness. Click link below.
This will no longer help me but if I can spare one other woman from dealing with this I'll be happy.
So many women think there is a screening test included with the pap smear. I even had a NURSE tell me she had NO idea there was no screening and assumed the gynecologists regularly look for it!
So many women assume their gynecologist will find it.
So I repeat, there is NO screening, the subtle signs listed are the ONLY signs. It is RARELY "found" by your gynecologist.
75-80% of women are NOT diagnosed until they are stage 3 or stage 4.
Until there is a screening test, women need to learn these symptoms themselves, so they can pay close attention to their bodies and get diagnosed earlier, while the survival rate is so much higher.
Late stage survival rate is only 20%.
There is so little awareness for ovarian cancer -- Please pass this to all your friends.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ovcastamp/

SYMPTOMS

These can include (but are not limited to): Bloating Pelvic or abdominal pain, discomfort or heaviness Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency) Additional symptoms may include: Fatigue Indigestion Back pain Pain with intercourse Bowel changes Menstrual irregularities Loss of appetite Increasing abdominal girth
TAKE ACTION: See your doctor, preferably a Gynecologist, if these symptoms are unusual for you and occur or increase in intensity over two weeks. Experts suggest a combination pelvic/rectal exam, a trans-vaginal sonogram, and a CA-125 blood test. And, any woman at risk, suspected of having or diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer should consult a Gynecologic Oncologist.

EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS THE KEY TO IMPROVED PROGNOSIS.

More myths and facts:

Myth: The Pap test can diagnose ovarian cancer.

Fact: A Pap test only diagnoses cancer of the cervix (the opening of the uterus).

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Myth: Ovarian cancer has no symptoms.

Fact: Symptoms may include persistent and progressive abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort; nausea, indigestion, or gas; urinary frequency; constipation, or diarrhea; abnormal vaginal bleeding; unusual fatigue; unexplained weight loss or gain; and shortness of breath. There may also be pain with intercourse. Most symptoms are not gynecologic.

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Myth: There are no risk factors for ovarian cancer.

Fact: Risk factors for this disease include increasing age; family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer; personal history of breast cancer; never bearing a child or having a child later in life; and using talc in the genital area for several years. Use of high-dose estrogen without progesterone for long periods of time (10 years) is a risk factor. However, today combination therapy (estrogen and progesterone) is more common.

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Myth: A high CA-125 blood level always indicates ovarian cancer.

Fact: It is not uncommon for pre-menopausal women to have a high CA-125 level because of non-cancerous conditions such as uterine fibroids, inflammation of the fallopian tubes, or endometriosis. The CA-125 blood test is more accurate in post-menopausal women. Currently, no screening test is 100% accurate in detecting ovarian cancer.

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Myth: If ovarian cancer does not run in my family, I cannot get it.

Fact: All women are at risk for ovarian cancer. Only 10% of cases are hereditary (inherited).

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Myth: Ovarian cancer has no cure.

Fact: If ovarian cancer is detected early and treated properly, there is a 90% chance of survival for at least five years. However, only about one quarter of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed early. Late diagnosis is associated with significantly lower survival rates-about 20-25%.

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Myth: Women who have their ovaries removed cannot get ovarian cancer.

Fact: Women who have their ovaries removed can't get ovarian cancer unless a bit of undetected cancer spread before the removal. This is a rare event. In addition, a rare type of cancer called primary peritoneal carcinoma, a close relative of ovarian cancer, can develop when there are no ovaries. Primary peritoneal carcinoma starts in the inside lining of the abdomen and pelvis. It looks similar to ovarian cancer under the microscope. It also has the same symptoms, spreads in a similar pattern, and is treated the same way as ovarian cancer.

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Myth: Ovarian cancer can be prevented.

Fact: Currently, there is no way to prevent ovarian cancer with 100% certainty. However, several things can help reduce the risk: -Prophylactic oophorectomy-having both ovaries removed along with the fallopian tubes as a preventive measure-can reduce risk by more than 80%. -Taking oral contraceptives for at least five years can reduce risk by 50% -Pregnancy and breast-feeding, tubal ligation (tying the fallopian tubes), and hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) can all reduce risk.

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Myth: Having ovarian cysts increase your risk of ovarian cancer.

Fact: Most cysts develop from the changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle and the production and release of eggs from the ovaries. Most cysts are harmless and go away on their own. However, some can be cancerous.

Outdoor Wednesday!

2009-03-24T19:58:00.010-05:00

Welcome to Outdoor Wednesday hosted by Susan at A Southern Daydreamer! Be sure to check her blog out for a list this week's participants!

I'd like to share a few photos of my youngest daughter's 'location' wedding which took place in October 2007. We were all planning on a wonderful cruise to Cozumel where she and her fiancé were to be married in a beautiful old Spanish church. Live music had been arranged, a photographer hired, and beautiful flowers ordered. We got 'the' call from the cruise line the day before we were to leave port that the ship would not be going to Cozumel afterall due to bad weather the ship BEFORE us had experienced, thus delaying their ship from coming into port on time. Since we were footing the bill for this cruise, not only for our family, but future son-in-law's family as well, by George there was going to be a wedding! The not-very-happy-with-the-cruise line couple were able to get a judge to waive the three day waiting period here in Texas and issue them a marriage license. All things considered they were still able to have a beautiful sunset ceremony on the beach before we departed for our cruise, and a story to tell their children someday! (In Mexico, there must be a civil ceremony at the courthouse as well as a religious ceremony, so Rachel wore the dress she had purchased for the civil ceremony.)

Rachel and Gene

The groom's parents hosted dinner at the Galvez following the ceremony.

Progresso, Mexico

P.S. She did get to wear her beautiful gown at the wedding reception on the ship....

Wordless Wednesday~

2009-03-24T12:00:00.007-05:00

Today's Wordless Wednesday subject is.... "Blogger's Choice"... hosted by Dixie at French Lique, Texas. Be sure to visit her blog for a list of this week's participants!

Please bear with me as I offer a teeny explanation.....

These pictures are of a very dear forum friend who recently had surgery for lung cancer. Members of this forum....enough members to overfill a bracelet!...each purchased a silver charm for Ruthie that had some significant meaning to them so she would know we were with her in spirit and prayer as she battles this dreadful disease.

Her 'Beloved' took these photos as she opened her gift....

Ruthie has completed her chemo, so we're all praying for a full remission. Please join us by remembering Ruthie in your prayers.

Happy Blue Monday!

2009-03-23T10:01:00.006-05:00

Thank you, Sally, for hosting Blue Monday! Check out her blog for the list of this week's participants. You're in for a treat!

My first photo is the blue tussie mussie I carried for my daughter Heather's December wedding seven years ago. It was put away after the flowers had dried. Winter greenery doesn't make for a very pretty dried arrangement, but I've kept it intact nevertheless.

I bought this casserole dish and platter set some years ago at a local antique mall. It's one of my favorite blue pieces!

This gorgeous iris is called American Patriot. I transplanted it, and haven't had a bloom since!

And what kind of Texan would I be if I didn't post a picture of our beautiful bluebonnets? ;>)

Take me out to the ballgame~

2009-03-22T17:06:00.006-05:00

My little grandsons are playing t-ball this year, and they are having a blast! I'm not the least bit prejudice, but aren't they tooo cute?!! I'm a sucker for guys in uniform!!

Pierce and Parker

Uncle Brandon and Parker congratulate Pierce on a great hit!

Spring Break is over....

2009-03-22T02:00:00.012-05:00

....and we're back home from a wonderful visit with my parents and my brother's family in Louisiana, and my daughter, son-in-law, and my 4 little grandsons in Alabama! It was so good to see them all again, but the visit just wasn't long enough...it never is!

While in Louisiana my Mom and I took a ride to the small town where I attended elementary school to look at all the azaleas in bloom. The school is right next to the church I attended as a child, and it's the church I was married in. I snapped a few photos as we made our rounds.

St. Ignatius School

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church

Hurricanes have taken its toll on these once magnificent old oak trees.

St Charles College Of Grand Coteau