Best Wishes

Order Deadline

Just a reminder that my shops will be closed on the 16th for a much needed break.

If you want to place a custom order, you must do so by this Friday, the 10th.

And now, back to snuggling by the fire...

xo

{I didn't make this candy cane man. He was a gift from my mom years ago. Ain't he cute?!}

From My Nest To Yours

Bounce Back Blessing

This weekend, our church collected food that was to be distributed to needy families in our area. The goal was to provide each family with a turkey, all the trimmings, canned goods, dessert, even a pan to bake the turkey in. That way, they could prepare a meal and serve it to their own family for Thanksgiving.

My husband, two sons and I had the honor of delivering food to one of the families. The lady who greeted us on the porch had the biggest smile onher face as she welcomed us inside her home. What a sweetheart! A shy little girl, 6 years old, came out in tattered pjs and with a huge grin, gladly accepted the basket of candy my husband handed to her.

Yesterday, our oldest son, 8, wrote in his journal about the experience:



Sadly, the house and vehicle parked outside really look like his drawing. {My husband is the bald man in the picture.}

It was an incredible blessing to be a part of this. On Thanksgiving, the soup kitchen that provides food to the homeless downtown, is planning to give them a meal in the late afternoon. We are going that morning to feed them breakfast, so they don't have to wait all day to eat. Our boys are excited to be participating in this, too.

As parents, we strive to make our boys aware of how blessed they are. We are. At this time of year and all year through, may we all be ever thankful of our blessings.

Dove's Devotion

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

~ 1 Thess. 5:16-18

Just In Time For Feasting

You may remember awhile back, we scored this huge dining table FOR FREE on Craigslist. Well, I had all intentions of working on this project right away, but my mom's health quickly declined and she passed away in August. Kinda lost my motivation, ya know?

However, this weekend, I decided that I was tired of seeing it covered with hubby's hunting stuff in the garage. It needed to be rescued. again. So, I got to work. I guess you could say, the Dove got her groove back.

After sanding the whole thing down, I applied two coats of primer. After that dried, I applied one coat of Sherwin Williams Pro something or other. Then, I got my handy dandy sander out again and distressed it here and there. I imagine, with a house full of men and another move in our future, it'll keep getting "naturally" distressed over time.

I love how huge this table is. Perfect for our big family get togethers.

What projects do you need to get working on?

Dove's Devotion

Patch Pics

I love visiting the pumpkin patch.
The colors inspire me so much...

Where have you been inspired lately?

Celebrating Star Wars Style

In a galaxy far, far away

a little boy is celebrating his 6th birthday...

cake, presents, friends, family

and yes, an epic battle complete with light sabers.

In anticipation,

my little guy drew a picture of some of his

favorite characters.

Can you tell which one is Princess Leia?

Just Listed

a little bit of pretty...

just listed in my etsy shop.

hoping your weekend is full of little bits of pretty, too.

xo

Good, Clean Fun

{these two make my day}

xo

Dove's Devotion

I'll See You At The Gate

Yesterday at 5:05pm, after fighting breast cancer for 14 years,

my sweet Momma went to be with Jesus.

What an honor it was to be by her bedside,

caring for her in these last days.

What a privilege it was to hold her hand as she took her last breaths...

to be able to whisper in her ear, "I love you, best friend."

This is a post from some time last year

and in honor of my mom, I wanted to share it again.

***********

My mom recently wrote an article and it just got published in the paper.

I thought I would share it today:

One day peace, next day chaos.

One day denial, then reality.

Despair to Hope.

Sadness to joy.

Fear to strength.

Hopelessness to boldness.

Weary to courageous.

Death waiting behind the door.

Life waiting beyond the clouds.

A wonderful blessing to see how loved you are, and how much you love.

A piercing of the heart to have all that taken.

A gift of an ocean breeze, blue skies with white puffs of clouds.

A twinkling star in the night sky.

Your grandchildren’s laughter and innocence.

The bond of a pet that somehow knows.

Reality of love given and received.

This is the effects of cancer.

It may destroy the body, but builds the spirit.

Understanding when Jesus said, “My Grace is sufficient for thee.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. My mom has been battling for 13 years.

She told me two days ago about a woman who just got diagnosed and came in to get a tour of the clinic. The lady was obviously nervous while she sat in the chair next to her. She was shivering and cold. My mom was hooked up ready to get blood drawn, but got up and went across the room to get this lady a blanket.

Mom, I'm so proud of you for being a shining light in such a dark and sad place, giving hope to others who are suffering and sharing the Love of Jesus with them all.

You're my best friend and I love you, Mom.

***********

Thank you for all the encouragement, support

and prayers for our family during this time.

Every Day Is A Gift

blessed

thankful

sad

**************

When we asked my mom how she's feeling, she pointed to these 3 words on a piece of paper. I'm so happy that I'm able to care for her everyday...because every day is a gift. Thanks for continuing to pray and for your encouraging comments and notes.

xo

Twirl Skirtin'

Betcha can't guess what I got in this fun little package today?

My Twirl Skirt!

Amy's a talented mom of two who makes all sorts of twirly goodness.

Colorful cuteness stitched together and made into a skirt.

Bliss!

And then there's her blog.

You gotta check that out, too.

She also makes pj pants (my other favorite garment)

and just started designing her own line of t-shirts.

My Twirl Skirt matches my studio perfectly. It was meant to be.

Maybe I shall wear this when I'm "hard at work".

It's such inspiration...

{Can you tell I was a little excited?

I didn't even iron it before trying it on for you.}

Special Announcement

My shops are currently closed

as we spend

what time we have left

with my mom.

Thank you for your love and prayers

during this difficult time.

xo

I Wish You Rest

I found this in our bed this morning when I opened my eyes. Hilarious! All my boys can think about is their stomachs. I would just like to sleep in a little on Saturdays...like this guy.

Wishing you a restful and wonderful weekend...

Update

(my mom at age 5)

For those of you who have been praying for my mom and our family, THANK YOU! I wanted to share a little update to keep you informed. Please keep praying.
The results of the MRI were not good. The cyberknife treatments did not work to destroy the two aggressive tumors in her brain. In fact, the tumors grew 10% bigger in the 6 weeks between the last treatment and the MRI.
Her memory is quickly fading. She remembers people, but to carry on a simple conversation is almost impossible for her. As you can imagine, she gets frustrated and tires so easily. It's a huge strain to think clearly and to form sentences properly.
Her muscles are very weak and she can't shower without a chair, needs help getting in and out of bed, sitting and standing. She sleeps most of the day. She's too tired to do much else. Talking to me on the phone this morning, she said the phone was slipping out of her hand because it was too heavy for her to hold. A phone.
It is unbearable to see a person you love so much, stuggle.
I am continually amazed at the strength and courage she has shown during this 12 year battle. During this time, she has seen me get married and give birth to two of her grandsons. My husband and children have never known her "healthy".

I'm so thankful that her relationship with the Lord has grown and blossomed through this fight. With breast cancer, she has depended on Him so much and clung to Him so tight. For that, I'm thankful.
The doctors gave her 4 months to live back in May. Everyday with my momma is a gift.
I covet your prayers as you continue to lift up my mom and family.

Time Out

In between prepping for our first year as homeschoolers

and taking care of household duties (funny how it's called duty, huh?)

I've managed to squeeze in some fun.

These canvases are all available right now in my etsy shop.

What have you been up to lately?

hmm, what to wear. what to wear...

What are you wearing today?

Randomness and A Winner

It was crazy 'round here this weekend. We spent most of our time indoors. The severe weather alert that flashed across the screen warned us of the heat index. They told us to stay inside because it felt like 108 degrees outdoors. You don't have to tell me twice. I'm very fragile and wilt easily. We did manage to get out to a pool party, but the water was like bath water - not very refreshing. I grew up at a beach in Florida and never do I remember being warned to stay indoors because of the heat. This is NC, what's the deal?

Anyway, enough about that. I really enjoyed all the sweet birthday wishes and comments that everyone left over the weekend. I love you all dearly. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner of the birthday loot. And the winner is...

April

*Congratulations*

Oh, and here's a random little decorating tip for you...see the chubby dove in the photo above? He was totally different and looked so real when I received him for Christmas last year. He actually gave me the creeps. I felt like he was staring at me no matter where in the house I put him. But he was special because someone I love gave him to me. And I liked his plumpness (of course). I decided to paint him with a few coats of acrylic paint and I love how he turned out. So, my tip is when you're shopping for accessories, don't pass over something because you don't like the color. The color can be changed very easily.

Is there something in your house that you'd love more if it were painted a different color? (piles of dirty laundry don't count)

Dove's Devotion

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever

separate us from his love.

Death can't, and life can't.

The angels can't, and the demons can't.

Our fears for today,

our worries about tomorrow,

and even the powers of hell

can't keep God's love away.

Whether we are high above the sky

or in the deepest ocean,

nothing in all creation will ever be

able to separate us from the

love of God

that is revealed in

Christ Jesus our Lord.

Blog Birthday Giveaway

My blog is another year older!

I can't think of a better way to celebrate

than to give something

TO YOU!

The Birthday Giveaway

includes items made by yours truly:

a 5x7 picture frame called "Under The Big Top"

an 8x10 original piece of wall art on canvas called "Baby Efalant"

one pair of whimsical lion earrings

~Valued at $65.00~

Just leave a comment here and you'll be entered.

{winner will be announced Monday}

Easy peasy!

**************

For additional entries:

(leave one comment for each)

*Follow The Chubby Dove on

twitter and tweet about the giveaway

(click on button on sidebar)

*Become a follower of my blog

(or let me know if you already are)

*Click the facebook button on my sidebar

and "like" The Chubby Dove on facebook

(or let me know if you've have)

In addition:

***All items in my big cartel shop are 15% off thru Sunday!***

Just enter discount code:

birthdaybash

to receive your discount.

Thanks for helping me celebrate!!

xo

Dog Gone Cute!

I met Kelly recently when she came to my area for a craft show.

At the time, I hadn't even gotten my puppy yet,

but I was instantly attracted to her booth.

~Gone Doggie~

It was loaded with colorful wares for pooches.

Collars, leashes, bandanas and more

for dogs of any size.

All handmade...

She's quite a talented little chicky!

Not only does she have the most drool worthy etsy shop,

she also rescues our four - legged friends!

So, when I told her that I got a new buddy last month,

she offered to send me a new collar to

welcome him.

{Size xsmall, please as he is now a whopping 3 pounds!}

This is what arrived in the mail yesterday..

This particular collar comes in various colors and all sizes.

It can also be personalized with your pal's name embroidered on it.

But, she has many, many more items to choose from.

So, if you love a dog or know someone who does,

check out Gone Doggie today!

{and here is my sweet snuggly boy staring up lovingly at...

a treat!}

Dove's Devotion

"May the God of hope fill you with all
joy and peace as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow
with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

~Romans 15:13~
NIV

Can't Wait...

Know what this is?

I'll give you a hint.

It's part of one of my favorite places to be...

My bed.

Well, our bed.

I also like to share it with my favorite guy.

After all, he built it for me years ago as a gift for our five year wedding anniversary.

...and after a loooong day today,

I can't wait to hop into it tonight!
Ahh...