KK's Kreations

Ready for some football!

2011-08-28T21:53:00.007-05:00

It is that time of year! Football 2011...
Below are a couple of recipes for
BooMama's DipTacular
Enjoy!

Olive Dip
2 8 ounce Packages Softened Cream Cheese
1 10 Ounce Jar Salad Olives Drained
2 Tablespoons Mayo
Dashes of Tabasco to taste

Mix with electric mixer. Keep refrigerated.
Serve with Frito Scoops...Enjoy!!!

Fire Crackers
1 Box Saltine Crackers removed from sleeves
1 1/3 Cup Canola Oil
1-2 TBSP Crushed Red Pepper
1 Package Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
Directions:
Combine oil and pepper and allow to sit for 1 hour
Pour oil and pepper combination
and package of ranch mix over saltines.
(Use large plastic bowl with lid, or use
large zip lock bags so these can be mixed
by rotating often during a
24 hour period allowing
all seasonings to soak into crackers.)
Enjoy alone, or with soups, salads and dips!
These keep for a long time in a closed container.
Variations of Fire Crackers:
If using Oyster crackers - 2 bags
If using Saltine "Mini's" - 1 1/2 Boxes
....Beware, as these are addictive,
any way you choose to make them!

Thanks for visiting and have
a wonderfully blessed day,
Kaye

"With everlasting kindness
I will have compassion on you,"
says the Lord your Redeemer. -Isaiah 54:8 NIV

SUYL - What We Make

2011-06-16T20:13:00.014-05:00

As part of Kelly's Show Us Your Life Friday's,
below are some newer items that have yet to be added
to the website.

Thanks Kelly for allowing us to show our work!

The picture above shows a donor wall engraved a
few years ago.

Above are wood frames engraved for a teams'
coaches this 2011 season.

A new wedding tile made for a bride and groom recently,
as part of their wedding registry at a gift shop nearby.

An engraved wedding gift was drop-shipped
to a couple several weeks ago and they
subsequently ordered a tile
for their new home showing
their street number.

And one of my closest friends recently welcomed
a new grandson, Kaden.
I shipped the above tile to her home and now the argument
is who does this gift belong to;
the parents, or the grandparents:)

Thanks again Kelly for allowing us to show
our work links on your SUYL Series.

Have a blessed weekend,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Marla has a brand new book!

2011-06-15T21:35:00.006-05:00

YES!!!!!!

Congratulations to Marla Taviano
on finishing another book,
titled,
"The Husband's Guide To Getting Lucky"!

So very proud of our dear friend
and by the name of the book
and the precious cover,
I'm sure it will be a BIG HIT.

Please go here to read more about it and
purchase it by downloading it for 'instant' reading!

Blessings to Marla and her family
and best of luck with their newest "project".

Kaye
Philippians 4:13

Great Chocolate Cake

2011-05-27T14:46:00.006-05:00

Thanks Kelly at Kelly's Korner Blog
for hosting this
great dessert recipe exchange!

GREAT Chocolate Cake
Cake Ingredients:
1 stick margarine
1 cup sugar
4 eggs, stir in 1 at a time
Tsp. vanilla
1 cup plain flour
Tsp. baking powder
pinch of salt
1 16 Ounce can Hershey Chocolate Syrup

Cake Instructions:
Mix above ingredients and pour in
greased and floured 9" x 13" pan.
Bake at 350F for 30 minutes

Icing Ingredients & Instructions:
1 stick margarine
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup evaporated milk
Bring to boil for 3 minutes
Remove from heat
Add 1/2 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
and 1 tsp. vanilla
Stir until chocolate chips have melted
Pour icing over warm cake.

Cake will keep refrigerated for a long time.
Cut and warm individual pieces for a few seconds
in the microwave to enjoy this cake warm.
Top with Vanilla Ice Cream and Enjoy!

Have a SWEET, happy and
safe Memorial Day Weekend,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Very Special Events!

2011-05-03T14:14:00.007-05:00

So very many special events this time of year
and I wanted to share some things that have
been engraved recently for some of these.

The photo below shows tiles engraved for a
Church in San Diego, California.
These will be placed on a wall outdoors very soon.
I hope to get a picture of the finished product
and if I do, I'll share it here.

Friends of ours are getting ready to celebrate
their 60th Anniversary of their local tractor business,
a wonderful legacy left by Mr. John A. Conroy.Some items were engraved for each of Mr. Conroy's
children and grandchildren, while other tiles were
engraved for the auction they will hold during the
celebration, with all proceeds being given to our local
FFA Chapter.

L. S. U. will be holding a "Cajun" celebration this weekend
for a dear friend of ours who is retiring this year,
after 34+ years of coaching.
We would love to be able to be there for the celebration
but since we can't, a sweet lady who owns a local
Baton Rouge business;
Dream Silkscreens & Varsity Sports,
will be giving this to our friend during her celebration.
There will be some BIG shoes to fill in the 3rd base

coaching box at the softball field at L. S. U.
What a wonderful career Yvette has had, she will
be missed by many on the field, but we're hoping
after retirement, she'll be able to visit more often!
For several years, I've engraved cut out wood in
the shape of the State of Texas
for the Jesse May Smoky-Eyed Barbecue Cook-Off.
This year they decided to give engraved tiles
instead, for their awards.

They give 1st-10th Place Awards in 3 meat categories,
then give other awards for miscellaneous categories.
This year for the first time they are giving a
"Grand Champion Award".
Best of luck to all who enter!

And this will be a very special Mother's Day
for our family.
Our youngest niece, who made her
public profession of faith on Sunday,
will be baptized!
My sister's granddaughter,
who is also named "Anna" will be baptized as well!
We are all so very thankful for these two young
ladies to have made such an important decision,
the BEST decision of their lives!

Such a busy time of the year and I hope to
share other 'special event' products soon.
Have a blessed week,
Kaye
In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength...
The Lord longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him.
Isaiah 30:15, 18 NIV

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

2011-04-08T20:48:00.011-05:00

Kelly's Korner is asking people to share
Mother's Day Gift Ideas this week on her
"Show us your Life" series.
Please go here to see many more
ideas for personalized and non-personalized
Mother's Day Gifts.
Thanks so much Kelly for allowing us to
share our businesses with your many readers.
Have a blessed weekend,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Personalize Your Present

2011-02-25T12:42:00.005-06:00

Personalized Gifts for every occasion can be
found here!
Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully
blessed weekend,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

L.O.V.E.

2011-02-14T16:26:00.007-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!
Kaye
1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Time for Thanks & Giving

2010-11-04T11:09:00.012-05:00

Happy November!

Please go here to see items recently added

to our website.

Thanks Kelly from Kelly's Korner

for allowing us with home-based businesses

to show some of our products as part of

the "Show us your Life" series.

Blessings today and always,

Kaye

Matthew 21:22

Engraved Personalized Scripture Gifts

2010-07-02T14:30:00.004-05:00

Kelly's Korner is hosting a

'what we make' as part of her

"Show Us Your Life"

series so I wanted to share a recent

wedding gift I engraved.

You can see more items on our website here.

Thanks Kelly for sharing all of these

great ideas on your blog!

Thanks for visiting and have a

safe and wonderfully blessed 4th of July.
Blessings always,
Kaye

Philippians 4:6

Praying for Cohen's Family

2010-07-01T20:02:00.003-05:00

Unique Personalized Teacher Gifts

2010-04-15T22:36:00.013-05:00

"Show us your life" from sweet Kelly

at Kelly's Korner

is featuring "teacher gifts" this week

therefore I thought I should show some

samples of "teacher gifts"

I've engraved in the past.

Shown above is a 6" x 6" Tan Engraved Tile.

This can be personalized with the teacher's name

engraved on top of the tile and the student's name

and year engraved on the bottom of the tile.

Shown above is a 12" x 12" Engraved Tile

for a very devoted teacher of 26 years.
Above is a personalized wood photo frame.
The frame holds a 4" x 6" photo and can be engraved
horizontally or vertically.
The personalized tile above features a quote
by Benjamin Franklin.
This tile is an 8" x 8" in 'stone'.
And above is yet another personalized
engraved tile for a very special Principal
who retired last year. This tile
is an 8" x 16" Porcelain tile.

I've also recently added a a personalized
acrylic ruler which would make a great
teacher's gift.

Please go here to see other fonts, colors, sizes,
and products. You will find with each size tile
there is a 'create your own' which essentially
means you can personalize your tile with any
saying, quote, Scripture, artwork and
student's name or names
and the year.

The only limit is your imagination!

Thanks Kelly for hosting and
thanks for looking.
Have a wonderfully blessed weekend.

Blessings always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

My heart will go on...

2010-02-09T20:26:00.010-06:00

Here is a new cheese board I engrave with

pretty ornate handles...

and a wonderful new saying I engraved recently...

"I pray you enough"...

...but today I've been...

missing my Grandmother as she would have

celebrated her 95th birthday.

She still lives on in many hearts

and remains the most influential 'lady' in my life.

...and we lost a dear Grand Dog today which

is always difficult. Luke will be missed by many.

....but I did get in the kitchen to make some

old-fashioned iced tea cakes to take to the

Grand kids later this week

as a Valentine's Happy...

...not very pretty to look at but they do

taste like something my Grandmother once made.

...and I wanted to share another new item

recently added to the website.

The one below speaks volumes

if we will remember to.....

I lift up my eyes to the hills-
from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made Heaven and earth...
He will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
Psalm 121:1-2,4-5 NRSV

Blessings today and always,

Kaye

Who Dat?

2010-02-02T14:09:00.004-06:00

Just couldn't help myself!

What a great season

the New Orleans Saints are having!

Who Dat?

And Happy Birthday to Trace!

So very hard to believe he is 10 today.

I pray he has a great day...and pray he knows

how very special he is in our lives

and in the lives of all who know him!

Blessings always,

Kaye

Matthew 21:22

Homemade Bread SUCCESS!

2010-01-26T19:34:00.011-06:00

Mary Katherine and I decided we'd give Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls a try today and they did not disappoint. They are scrumptious, yummy, to die for, melt in your mouth, unbelievable....oh the ooey-gooey madness of these treats! We did in fact even use a tape measure to try to follow the recipe line by line. That was until it was time to add Maple Flavoring, and from the pictures you can tell our icing was a little bit darker than Pioneer Woman's! Our new motto: "more maple=more maddening". I will have to hold Mary Katherine accountable for saying we'd make these at least 4 times this year.

Of course, my kitchen will NEVER be the same, but that is alright, if only the smell will linger. If you haven't tried these I encourage you to do so! Your scales will vote NO don't you dare try these, but put the scales away and enjoy eating these and sharing these wonderful delicacies with friends and family!

And if you are looking for a great cookbook for yourself or to give as a gift, The Pioneer Woman Cooks is a fantastic one, with some of the most beautiful photography and the best stories, as well as some of the best recipes, ever!

I couldn't stop trying the 'breadmaking' with all of the ingredients sitting out, so I tried a Tasty Kitchen recipe for homemade rolls after Mary Katherine left. They turned out well also. They are called Heavenly Yeast Rolls and the recipe for the rolls can be found here.

The wonderful aroma of yeast at work is a special reminder of years long ago when my Grandmother would bake wonderful homemade breads, rolls and biscuits.

We didn't make a New Year's Resolution to learn to 'bake bread' this year, but I think it might just be one of ours after all. Well that and losing weight (ha!). The two just don't seem to 'fit' together, but oh well. Warm fresh breads will hopefully be a staple here and at Mary Katherine's before the end of 2010...stay tuned!

Blessings today and always,

Kaye

"People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God."

Matthew 4:4 NLT

Abundant Birthday Blessings

2010-01-07T16:21:00.005-06:00

One of my very special aunts and uncles

sent me a quilt made by my Grandmother.

I can never express my gratitude for

their giving spirit and thoughtfulness;

to have something once again,

so very special, made by her is a 'gift'.

...and Christy was so kind to surprise me with an

announcement that she will be taking me to hear

Ron Hall, author of "Same Kind of Different as Me",

next week...

I cannot wait to hear him speak, as his was one

of my favorite books of all time...

....and I was so blessed to be given a digital frame by
Mary Katherine and her family, and to have photos
uploaded on it for me to enjoy every day...
while Tripp's family were very kind to give me a
very special tote, with one of my favorite Scriptures and
also a bracelet with the same Scripture engraved on it...
-Philippians 4:13
...and my sweet brother-in-law took the grand kids
fishing and caught this 'whopper' above
along with several others
so we had enough for all of us to enjoy
a delicious birthday dinner,
capping off a great day with
family & friends...

We were given a Kindle which Jack & I

are very excited about.

He got to read the 1st book on it

since his birthday came first!

Thanks to my sweet siblings and their families

for getting this wonderful gift for us!

Thanks for all of the very kind birthday wishes
and the very special gifts.
I feel so undeserving, but at the same time
I'm very thankful indeed.

Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Boys will be boys!

2010-01-06T15:59:00.008-06:00

Happy New Year!

Trying to catch up, one sticky note at a time.....

after enjoying family being here

throughout the holidays!

Tripp & Ben thoroughly

enjoyed their time together during the holidays.

It was fun watching them "play" together again

after several years of not being able to be here

at the same time....

...and it is so hard to believe the once 'little boy',

my favorite nephew:), is now 6' 5"!!!
Friends made these red and green
Christmas lights for us
using 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells!

Also shown in the picture is one of
several autographed copies of
The Pioneer Woman Cooks!
She will never know how grateful us girls
are to have our very own copy
of her great cookbook!

And if you haven't purchased yours yet,
I highly encourage you to do so.
It is a GREAT cookbook with wonderful
stories and absolutely beautiful photography...
She is so very talented (understatement of 2010),
and we thank her from the bottom of our hearts
for signing these books and sending them
back so quickly!

Have a wonderfully blessed 2010,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Happy 4-0 Christy!

2009-12-19T21:22:00.006-06:00

Hope you've had a great 40th Birthday!

Please go here to read 40 great stories

Christy's sister shared earlier today :)

Blessings today and always,
Kaye

Philemon 1:4

Congratulations Giveaway Winner!

2009-12-15T14:43:00.015-06:00

Congratulations Tiffany at A Moment Cherished

for winning the engraved tile give-a-way

at Kelly's Korner last week!

Tiffany chose a tile to give to her

in-laws for a Christmas gift.

Thanks Tiffany for entering and I hope

your in-laws l.o.v.e. their gift!

And many sincere thanks to Kelly

for hosting the giveaway.

The response was overwhelming and

I appreciate everyone who entered

so very much.

Blessings today and always,

Kaye

Matthew 21:22

HP Touchsmart Computer GIveaways!

2009-12-09T18:47:00.004-06:00

Please go here and here and here and here and here

for your chance(s) to WIN a great NEW HP computer!

Winners will be announced on December 24th!

Happy Holidays,

Kaye

Matthew 21:22

O Christmas Tree-Handprint Style

2009-12-08T14:21:00.005-06:00

Memories of Christmas 2008
Last year Brandi at Brandi and Boys shared

one of her favorite pieces of Christmas 'artwork' on her blog

and when I saw it I knew I wanted to 'try' to get the

family involved to try doing this using our hand prints.

So last year on Christmas Eve the girls

brought enough canvasses

and paint so each of us could have our own

"Hand Prints Christmas Tree"

to treasure.

Ours started with the Grandparent's hand prints

at the bottom, then each of the kids and their

spouses hand prints, and last & least each of

the grandchildren's precious hand prints!

Thanks so very much Brandi for sharing this

wonderful idea on your blog.

I love our 'hand made' tree and will treasure it always.

Blessings today and every day,

Kaye

Matthew 21:22

Facing The Giants-Jason McLeod

2009-12-02T16:59:00.006-06:00

Last week in Prentiss, Mississippi

Jason McLeod of

Facing the Giants and Fireproof

fame spoke at their annual Youth Rally.

My brother, his wife Stephanie and

their daughter Anna

were thrilled to spend a lot of time

with this special young man who impacted

hundreds of youth in their area.

I asked Korky to find out from Jason what Scripture

meant the most to him and we got more than that;

his autograph along with the Scripture that holds

a lot of meaning in his life.

The tile above will be shipped to him tomorrow,

along with a special thank-you for speaking

HIS truths in Prentiss and

to so many people across the Country.

I feel as though Jefferson Davis County

will never be the same after hearing this very

inspiring young man preach

and spending quality time with him.

We also discussed sending something to his

parents, so the tile above

will be sent along with his gift.

If you haven't seen these movies,

please take the time to do so.

Jason is mostly recognized for 'the death crawl'

in Facing the Giants

and was a volunteer fire fighter in Fireproof.

...and rumor has it that Jason enjoyed great

'home style' cookin' at The Country Fisherman

in Prentiss....and famous Bar-B-Q at Letha's

in Hattiesburg.

I told my brother while he

was here for the Thanksgiving holidays that if

I didn't love him so much I'd be jealous of those

two outstanding meals Jason was treated to.

Blessings today and always,

Kaye

Matthew 21:22

Thankful...

2009-11-30T10:21:00.006-06:00

Mary Katherine made us a new "Thankful Tree"

this year and everyone was happy to write

what they were thankful for on individual leaves.

This leaf tells part of the story...

showing names of family members

we are very thankful for...

Jack IV was VERY thankful Aunt Stephanie let him

play with her I-Touch. He LOVED drinking milk

from it:) His smile says it all....too cute!

3 Jacks and Ali rode Segway's

while the weather was so nice..
..Jackpaw took Jack IV for several rides...

...Korky and Jack IV drinking together from

the I-Touch drinks...

....Ali & Jack IV with their Mom making sure

he didn't fall from the wagon!

So very much to be thankful for...

but this year more than ever

I was so very thankful for everything

HE has provided for our family...

food, a roof over our heads

& a healthy family.

Praying your family had a wonderfully blessed

Thanksgiving.

Blessings today and always,

Kaye

Matthew 21:22

Cowboys & Indians

2009-11-17T12:41:00.007-06:00

A sweet lady from Alabama mailed me pencil

drawings to engrave on tiles last week.

Above is a collage of some of them after they were

scanned, engraved and ready for shipment.

Hopefully she'll be very pleased with how

her drawings engraved.

"Creator God, teach me to see the

beautiful things that are obscured

in life's deep shadows."

-The heart of a Father

Mike Nappa & Dr. Norm Wakefield

Blessings today and always,

Kaye

Matthew 21:22

Remembering Dickinson State Softball Players

2009-11-12T09:37:00.006-06:00

Remembering Kyrstin, Ashley and Afton.

Please go here to read about their Memorial Service

and please go here to read a very informative

blog post regarding Emergency Escape Hammers.

Praying for these young ladies teammates,

their Coaching Staff, and the entire

Dickinson State University staff & student body.

Also praying for each family and the loved

ones & friends affected by the loss of their loved ones.

Blessings, prayers and peace of mind to

each and every individual who have been

affected by this tragedy.

Kaye

Psalm 46:10

KK's Zucchini Casserole

2009-11-06T13:40:00.007-06:00

Excited to join in with

Kelly's Korner "Show us your life"

Thanksgiving recipe exchange.

I try each Thanksgiving to cook things my

Mom and Grandmother once cooked for us.

For the life of me I don't know how they did what they did,

so many things to choose from for Thanksgiving Lunch,

then so many wonderful desserts.

We have a "Traditional Thanksgiving Meal"

including Turkey & Dressing, but I have learned to

start way ahead of time with casseroles and desserts

by freezing these starting in October each year.

Then on Thanksgiving Day I don't end up 'cooking'

all day but just bake and serve

and enjoy being with family.

Christy is kind to bring one of her

Dad's favorites each year,

Deviled Eggs, but other than that I try

my best to 'be like Mom & Grandma' and do the rest myself.

I am so very thankful for the traditions they started and

thankful they allowed me in the kitchen while growing up,

watching and listening to their 'tried and true' baking secrets.

So thankful for 'family' and so thankful Thanksgiving is

right around the corner so I can

see loved ones I haven't seen in a while.

Hope you enjoy the recipes shared this week at

Kelly's Korner

and hope you'll give this recipe a try, it is delicious!

Zucchini Casserole

8-10 Zucchini washed, ends removed

and quartered

Boil in water until tender and drain

In a small saucepan melt:

1 stick Margarine

8 oz. Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Remove from heat & add

8 oz. Sour Cream

Stir until well blended.

Butter Casserole Dish, place zucchini in dish.

Pour cheese mixture over zucchini.

Top with crushed Town House Crackers

Top with Salt & Pepper To Taste

Bake at 350 F 30 Minutes

Enjoy!!!

Another Thanksgiving Tradition

started by Mary Katherine

last year was her making a

"Thankful Tree" and

bringing it on Thanksgiving Day so

each of us could write on

a 'leaf' cut with Fall colored construction paper.

The Thankful Tree was a

branch cut off of a real tree and placed

in a metal pail then secured with rocks.

During the entire day of Thanksgiving when we

would think of something we were thankful for,

we'd write on a leaf and place it on the tree.

By the end of the day the tree was covered in

messages of "Thankfulness".

I saved ours and will use it again this year and

we can reflect on things we were thankful for this

special time last year.

I look forward to adding

'thankful' notes to the tree this year!

------------

"Ourselves also, which have the first fruits

of the Spirit." -Romans 8:23

But the first fruits were not the harvest,

and the works of the Spirit in us at this moment,

are not the consummation - the perfection is yet to come.

We must not boast that we have attained,

and so reckon the wave-sheaf to be all the produce

of the year: we must hunger and thirst after

righteousness, and pant for the day of

full redemption. Dear reader, this day open

your heart wide, and God will fill it.

Groan within yourself for higher

degrees of consecration,

and your Lord will grant them to you,

for He is able to do exceeding abundantly above

what we ask, or even think.

November 6 - Daily Help - Rev. Charles H. Spurgeon

-----------

.....remembering Grandmother-1987

with much love, admiration and gratitude...

-----------

Have a wonderfully blessed weekend,

Kaye

Matthew 21:22

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T14:48:00.006-05:00

Missing this little Cowgirl & Cowboy...

but hoping they have a great holiday weekend...

& wishing everyone a very

safe & happy Halloween!

Hope you and yours have a wonderfully

blessed & safe weekend,

Matthew 21:22

Whatsoever things are:

true - noble - just - pure - lovely

of good report - of any virtue

anything praiseworthy...

Meditate on these.

-Phil. 4:8

Happy 6th Birthday Zachary!

2009-10-28T13:28:00.006-05:00

Seems like only yesterday you entered the world..... ...now a BIG 6 year old...playing football!

Hope you have a wonderfully blessed day.

We are so thankful you were born!

Love,

Jackpaw & KK

Philemon 1:4

Happy Birthday Mary Katherine!

2009-10-25T08:31:00.007-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Have FUN & enjoy your special day!
Love,
Kaye
Philemon 1:4

I've been jotting down 32 things that I feel make

you very special in our lives. Here goes...

Your love for Jesus
Your love & respect for your husband
Your love for your precious boys; thanks for 'yielding' to them when they decide KK needs to see them:)
Your love for your family
Your love for your friends
Your quick wit and humor
You are trusting and trustworthy
Your determination to stay in shape as we are proud of the 5K medals you've won. I feel as though there will be many more to come..keep up the great work!
We agree to disagree-you say 'carmel', I say 'caramel'...
Thanks for starting a blog for me (after Brandon suggested it:)
Thanks for sharing ideas for new products
Thanks for forgiveness that I'm not 'text' savvy
You took me for my first pedi this year, yes you gave me a hard time for wearing the wrong shoes, but oh well!
Thanks for your forgiveness for the 'old timey' step-monster I am
Loved sharing baby mode x2, even though we DID NOT master eat, sleep & REST!
Loved sharing 'wedding mode'!
Love sharing our old music favorites; Amy Grant, Chicago...to name a few
Love sharing our addiction to Rainbath
Love sharing lives....have we ever finished a 'talk'?
So thankful you moved back 'home'
Thankful you share new recipes
Thankful for your Presidency of FEMA during our desperate time of need
Thankful for what you've done to help restore belongings, especially treasured photographs.
Proud of your hard work and dedication in helping start and continuing The Cancer Crusade. WOW you girls have done a GREAT JOB!
Thanks for bringing sweet tea from time to time from Herschel's or Chicken Express...LOVE IT!
Thanks for surprising me with 'piccolos' or that is what we called 'fried pickles' back in the day. Appreciate you thinking of me with a sweet (sour) surprise along with a kind note. Made. My. Day.
Thanks for stopping by (for no reason really)...but your keen sense of knowing I was struggling through a BAD day...just to be here.
Thanks for introducing me to Prada perfume, still L.O.V.E. it!
Thanks for being there with us during loss.
Thanks for introducing me to an IPOD..still LOVE it, along with all of the music you loaded on it for me!
Thanks for telling me what you'd really like to have one day; your blog published into a book, so I could see a smile on your face when you opened your gifts! Love sharing 'joy' with you.
Thanks for buying me cool gifts; so cool that you have to try them out before wrapping them to give them to me!:)

HIS word...

2009-10-24T15:00:00.012-05:00

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed.
We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body."
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 NIV

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged.
Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.
Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
Luke 6:37 NIV

New Personalized Coffee Mugs

2009-10-20T15:02:00.007-05:00

Coming to our website soon...

..in black...

..in blue...

...& in red!

These wonderful square personalized
Coffee Mugs can be engraved
per your instructions....
...on one or both sides!

Thanks for stopping by and have
a wonderfully blessed day,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Engrave your name here...

2009-10-15T21:34:00.004-05:00

Thanks so much to sweet Kelly for hosting
websites and blogs featuring products
made at home this weekend.
I look forward to looking at what
many wonderfully talented women create at home.

I've pulled some sample photos off of our
website to show various ways to
commemorate the birth of a special
newborn in your life.

All of the samples shown are 8" x 8"
Porcelain tiles engraved with
birth information of some very special children.

We can customize any size tile offered to
say what you'd like.
We also engrave on leather, acrylic & wood.

Please stop by to create "your" own special keepsake.
We look forward to hearing from you for your
holiday and any and all special occasion needs.

"The only limit is "your" imagination!"

Click here to visit our website.

Thanks again and have a wonderfully
blessed weekend.

Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Happy Day!

2009-09-27T08:01:00.004-05:00

Wishing a very Happy 6th Anniversary to
Bret & Christy
and a very Happy Birthday to two
very special family members;
Happy 94th to my mother-in-law
and Happy 22nd to our nephew Ben.

Hope everyone has a wonderfully
blessed Lord's Day.
Blessings always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Great Chocolate Cake

2009-09-25T21:57:00.006-05:00

Thanks Rhoda for hosting this great recipe exchange.

Cake Ingredients:
1 stick margarine
1 cup sugar
4 eggs, stir in 1 at a time
tsp. vanilla
1 cup plain flour
tsp. baking powder
pinch of salt
1 16 Ounce can Hershey Chocolate Syrup

Cake Instructions:
Mix above ingredients and pour in greased and floured 9" x 13" pan.
Bake at 350F for 30 minutes

Icing Instructions:
1 stick margarine
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup evaporated milk
Bring to boil for 3 minutes
Remove from heat
Add 1/2 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tsp. vanilla
Stir until chocolate chips have melted

Pour icing over warm cake. Enjoy!

Cake will keep refrigerated for a long time!
Cut and warm individual pieces for a few seconds in the microwave to enjoy this cake warm. Yummy!

Have a SWEET weekend,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

P. S. Thanks to K. C. for sharing this delicious recipe with me (again)!

Olive Dip Recipe

2009-09-03T19:41:00.016-05:00

This recipe was shared with me by Mary Katherine.
It is a recipe she got from her Mother-in-law a few
years ago. I always try to have this on hand
when company's coming!

Olive Dip
2 Packages Softened Cream Cheese
1 10 Ounce Jar Salad Olives Drained
2 Tablespoons Mayo Dashes of Tabasco to taste
(the more the better in my humble opinion!)
Mix with electric mixer. Keep refrigerated.
Serve with Frito Scoops...Enjoy!!!

Thanks for visiting and
have a wonderfully blessed day,
Kaye

"With everlasting kindness
I will have compassion on you,"
says the Lord your Redeemer.
Isaiah 54:8 NIV

Happy 9th Anniversary!

2009-09-02T10:44:00.003-05:00

Happy Anniversary Brandon and Mary Katherine!

Hope you have a wonderful day!
Love,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

A Cutie and Some Cuties!

2009-08-31T11:24:00.004-05:00

Trent's very own creation of what he calls
a flower; 6 chicken rings & catchup,
that's all it takes to make this little one
a cute and happy camper!

...and slowly but surely the baby doves are

beginning to take 'color' to become the
beautiful birds we know they'll be within
a couple of more weeks.

Blessings today and every day,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself
and God our Father,
who loved us and by his grace gave us
eternal encouragement and good hope,
encourage your hearts and strengthen you
in every good deed and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV

And more exciting beginnings

2009-08-25T08:20:00.006-05:00

Katie's first day at "Big" School was yesterday
and Trace started the 4th Grade!

...and Zachary started Kindergarten...
his favorite part was "recess":)...

...and Trent started back to Brain Gym
last week....

Jack IV went back to Miss Janet's and I'm
certain he's missing his sister Ali being there
with him!

School IS in full swing once again.
Praying for all of these children to have
a great 2009-2010 school year.

Love them all,
KK

And whatever you do or say,
let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus,
all the while giving thanks through Him
to God the Father.
Colossians 3:17 NLT

Giveaway On Pass It On Baby!

2009-08-22T15:23:00.006-05:00

Please go here to enter 'your story' and a chance to win!

And this is also a great opportunity
to learn more about a wonderful 'giving' organization.

Praying Heather & Elizabeth are blessed
for all they are doing to help those in need.

And please go here for a chance or multiple
chances to win
a wonderful monogrammed rug during
"Our Creative Life's" Anniversary Celebration!

Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart,
all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
Mark 12:30 NLT

It's never too early...

2009-08-21T17:25:00.011-05:00

To get started on your Christmas shopping

as in the case of a lady who called one day
this week to get her order in, yes in AUGUST!

And please come back soon as there are several
giveaways in the works!
One here, one here & one here!

A prayer for today:
Bless our absent friends and loved ones,
and keep them in Thy holy will.
Remember in mercy the tempted and tried
and afflicted ones,
and sustain them by Thy grace.
Bless those in authority in our State
and nation with wisdom to know and
strength to do Thy will.
Sustain those who labor for the establishment
of Thy Kingdom at home and abroad,
and hasten the time when men may know
and obey Thee.
For Jesus' sake. Amen.
August 21 - God's Minute
-Rev. Howard A. Kramer, Cleveland, Ohio

Have a wonderfully blessed weekend,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

"You in Your mercy have led forth
The people whom You have redeemed;
You have guided them in Your strength
To Your Holy habitation."
Exodus 15:13 NKJV

Ali Grace goes to school

2009-08-21T08:59:00.005-05:00

Hard to believe but true..
Ali Grace started Kindergarten yesterday!
Major 'cuteness' I'd say and yes I'm a
'little' prejudiced:)

...and here she is with her Mom.
Holly said Ali had a GREAT day
then crashed in the car on the way
home. I'm sure these 'new' hours will
take a lot of getting accustomed to.

And since she and her younger brother
have always attended day-care
together, they'll miss each other dearly.

Praying all 3 of the Grands who'll be
attending "BIG" school for the first
time this year will have wonderful
experiences, meet lots of great
new friends and learn by leaps and bounds!

Hope to have 1st day of school pictures
of Zachary and Katie on Monday.
They both seem extremely excited
about going to 'BIG' school.
But their Moms...not so much.

Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

I will instruct you and teach you in
the way you should go.
Psalm 32:8

Thankful you were born!

2009-08-15T10:36:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday to a wonderful Dad...

Grandson...

...and 'little boy' (at heart)!

I am very thankful you asked me to marry
your Dad many, many moons ago
so we could have the relationship
we've had throughout the years.

I'm very proud of the kind, genuine young man
you've become.

Hope you have a wonderfully blessed day.
You deserve ONLY the very best!
Love,
KK

The Lord is my light and my salvation-
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life-
of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 NIV

For the birds!

2009-08-12T14:16:00.004-05:00

Last night we were thrilled for yet another
baby dove to hatch...

..and knew it wouldn't be long before
another would soon grace us with its presence...

..then first thing this morning we welcomed
another beautiful baby into this world...

...therefore it was time for naming the babies!

MK asked me to hurry and email her a picture
since she is on a long road trip with her two rambunctious
boys and she needed a new 'topic' to keep them
distracted/entertained, etc., instead of the normal,
'Are we there yet?' being said over and over.

So I immediately told her to tell the boys we need names
for the baby doves and below are Zachary and Trent's
suggestions so far....

Toot and Puddle (off of a Cartoon)

Pretty and Please

Tweedledee and Tweedledum. Dee and Dum for short

Hope and Hope (from Trent)

Gentleness and Kindness (Gent and Kind for short)

BB and Pellet (as in bullets)

Big Momma and BoBo (birds off of Fox and Hound)

Z said, "That's ebuff because
you will have a hard time choosing."

Well done, and I will have to think about these as well
as give a lot of thought to Zachary's last comment....

I immediately wrote MK back and told her to keep
name suggestions coming.
Hopefully by the time they
send me every other name in the book,
they'll have made it to their destination
safe and sound.

Kids can think of and say the darnedest things:)

Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Cancer Cannot...

2009-08-04T11:44:00.005-05:00

To encourage anyone facing this fierce disease,
please keep the above things in mind and
read Isaiah 41:10 which will be
a constant reminder to "Fear not..."
Blessings today and always,
Kaye

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
for He founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.
Psalm 24:1-2 NIV

Enter a great giveaway!

2009-07-31T10:46:00.006-05:00

Greetings from Mount Pleasant, Texas to AGD!

Also shown in the photo are delicious pralines
made locally by Golden Gals Candy Company.

Mount Pleasant is known as
"The Sweetest City" in Texas since we
are fortunate to have so many fine sweets
made here and shipped all over the world.

Mt. Pleasant offers Laura's Cheesecakes,
Sweet Shop U. S. A.,
& Golden Gals Candy Company,
to name some of our favorites!

And sending a bouquet of roses cut this afternoon
for Angie (AGD), her precious family
and my faithful blog readers.

I'm sure that I am disqualified automatically
to win 'the engraved tile' in her great giveaway,
but I am very hopeful to win some of the other
great prizes she is offering!

Be creative and join in on sweet Angie's
great giveaway she has going on!
Go here to read all about it!

You'll be glad you did.....promise!!!
Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

When times are good, be happy;
but when times are bad, consider:
God has made the one as well as the other.
Therefore, a man cannot discover
anything about his future.
Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

Beauty only He can provide

2009-07-30T21:35:00.007-05:00

Wonderful rain has certainly turned the grass
green once again.The rainbow & the Moon as the skies begin to clear.You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV

Couple of Cutie Pies

2009-07-15T14:02:00.007-05:00

Katie & one of the cats...
oh how she wanted to take this one home,
and oh how we wanted her to.....

...& Trace with his swimming partner Maddie.

"For we have not a high priest which cannot
be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are,
yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne
of grace, that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need."
Hebrews 4:15-16 KJV

Sharing Some School Sidewalk

2009-07-13T20:55:00.005-05:00

These are some of the tiles recently engraved
that will be added to the
sidewalk at Chapel Hill Elementary School.
Several of these were done to
honor former teachers.
Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Be strong and of good courage, and do it;
do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God-
my God - will be with you.
He will not leave you nor forsake you,
until you have finished
all the work for the service
of the house of the Lord.
1 Chronicles 28:20 NKJV

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock"

2009-07-10T09:19:00.009-05:00

Welcome and thanks for visiting from
Kelly's Home Tours!

This engraved tile in our entry signifies
the Scripture that first came to mind to
my brother when he drove up our driveway
after traveling with my sister
from Mississippi after hearing we'd lost our home
in a fire. It has been a favorite of mine since
2005 and because of its significance, I engraved
the date we moved into our new home
in the bottom right hand corner of this tile.
We moved in exactly 2 years to the day
after losing our home.
Revelation 21:5

This photo shows the entry from the
main room in our home.

The empty frames are significant of
the loss of photos. Prayerfully these
will hold treasured photos once again
in the future.
Loved the corbels we found at our
favorite auction spot!

..and more empty frames in every
shape and form found at various estate sales,
auctions and garage sales.
Notice once again there is no lack of lamps,
one of my terrible weaknesses. LOVE them!

The simple old small table in the
center of our entry was the
first piece of furniture
we purchased for our new home.

This light fixture was the
first one I bought for our home.
I loved its simplicity and I found it at the same place
I found our first furniture purchase.

Our contractor wanted to do what he called,
"a special ceiling treatment" for us in the
center of the foyer. We purchased the beams
from a local man who does demolition work and
these beams came out of the first hospital built
here in town.

Another photo of the tile in the entry
and a special framed print I found which
is a picture of Jesus knocking, with the
Scripture, "Behold, I stand at the door
and knock."

More auction furniture finds...
the corner cabinets reminded me
of a piece of furniture
I inherited from my Grandmother,
and yet another piano that I wish I could play!
The Cross on this piano was the first of many
given to us after the fire by friends.

..more auction wins, more lamps,
and another special Cross given to us on our
25th Wedding Anniversary...

..the other corner cabinet
won at the auction and a painting
I found at Goodwill...

Thanks so much for stopping by
and please visit Kelly's Korner
to 'entry way' hop this weekend.
Thanks so much sweet Kelly for hosting
the home tours.

Blessings to everyone for a safe
and enjoyable weekend,
Kaye
Surely your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the
Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6 NLT

Please visit our new website!

2009-07-09T16:34:00.007-05:00

Please go here to visit our new & improved website!

Thanks Gabe for your help in making this dream
a reality. I can never thank you enough for your
design work as well as your patience while working
with me through this process.
I'd highly recommend him if you are looking
for web design and hosting help!

We'd love to hear what you think and please always
know we're "open" to suggestions.
Blessings today and always,
Kaye
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills,
and I will know, not the word of those
who are puffed up, but the power.
1 Corinthians 4:19 NKJV

Go ahead Katie..Make My Day!

2009-07-07T10:59:00.005-05:00

In the midst of a long list of 'to do's'
consisting of piles of paperwork,
end of month paperwork and quarterly taxes,
as well as trying out the new website to see if I
can work on it, make changes, etc., before
publishing it to the World Wide Web,
and many other 'to do's'....

The U. S. Mail arrived much earlier today
than usual and I decided to take a break
to go through the mail.

This was a most welcome surprise!
Katie KNOWS how KK LOVES American Flags
and as I don't yet know 'the story' behind
her making this for me,
I couldn't wait to share a picture of her 'art'
and sweet message!

Katie also panicked a little late on the 4th
after watching fireworks and reminded
her Mom, "It is Flag Day and I have to call KK",
which she did and that was a
welcome surprise as well.

Thanks Katie for the sweet note and stickers
and the sweet phone call!

You made my day,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
O Lord my God, you are very great.
You are clothed with honor and majesty,
wrapped in light as with a garment.
You stretch out the heavens like a tent,
you set the beams of your chambers on the waters,
you make the clouds your chariot,
you ride on the wings of the wind...
You set the earth on its foundations,
so that it shall never be shaken.
Psalm 104:1-3, 5

Congratulations LSU & Other New Items!

2009-07-06T17:24:00.006-05:00

Congratulations to the LSU Baseball Team
on winning the
NCAA Division I Baseball National Championship...

...Jeremiah 29:11 engraved on an 8" x 8"
Porcelain Tile using a new font...

...a gift Katie will give to her teachers she has
been blessed to have the last two years....
complete with her autograph...

...coasters made for an Experiencing God
Bible Study group...

...a new saying & hearts added for a new
16" x 8" tile...

..an 8" x 8" stone tile shipped today with the
couples last name and the date of their wedding...

...and 1st Corinthians 13:4, 5, 7 & 8...
which was engraved with no personalization...

And when you can please visit
Operation Beautiful, a wonderful blog
...and a great reminder of the following:

You are loved! You are beautiful!
You're a gift from God, His own creation!
You're a gift to all mankind,
His gift of love to us! You are loved!
God danced the day you were born!
-A Kairos Song

"The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Happy 4th Of July & Congratulations to Winners!

2009-07-04T21:17:00.010-05:00

We've been celebrating by
eating far too much good food...
and that pretty much sums up our holiday.

Happy BIG 60 Larry!
Hope & pray you are well very soon!
Surely with chocolate cake, complete with
"Sparklers" you must feel better:)

..an aerial view of the TEA Party held
downtown today...

..and some ribs smoking compliments
of David earlier today...yummmy...
not to mention homemade ice cream brought
to us by a friend, and divine fish caught yesterday
morning, then cooked along with all of the
trimmings; hush puppies, coleslaw & fries....
to celebrate Larry's birthday a day early...

..another aerial of downtown at noon today...

..a WONDERFUL discovery brought to Jack
by some friends...if you work outdoors in this heat,
these are a 'must have'!!!!

...Jack taking GOOD care of Maddie
(our adopted grand-dog),
opening the door for her....and helping her in,
before our 4th of July flight....

..all the while we TRY to grow some grass ...
as we pray for desperately needed rain!

I hope this has been a wonderfully
blessed day for you and your family.

Thanks so much for entering the giveaway
and thanks for every single suggestion
for the new website.
Gabe and I have worked back and forth
the last few days
and he and I both are taking your suggestions
to heart and we hope you'll be
pleased with the new site once it is
'up and running'!

The winners have been chosen by random.org
and they are as follows:
1st Prize:
3Blessings - 8 x 16 Engraved Tile
2nd Prize:
Rhonda @ The Turner Family - 6 x 12 Engraved Tile
3rd Prize:
Queen of the Click - 2 Engraved Coasters
4th Prize:
Bourg Family - Engraved Wood Frame

Congratulations Winners!
Please contact me via email to let me know
what you'd like on your engraved items.

Blessings this Independence Day & Always,
Kaye

If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:36

4th of July Giveaway!

2009-07-01T12:06:00.012-05:00

The above tile was engraved for one of our
retail stores for customers to see
the endless possibilities for purchasing
and gift-giving of our personalized engraved
line of products.
As you can read on the bottom of this tile,
"The ONLY limit is your imagination",
which is so very true in what we do!

This only mentions a few occasions..
so I'm asking for your help!

Gabe & I, (yes, mainly Gabe:)
are in the process of rebuilding my website
and I am VERY excited & want to make sure
most all gift giving ideas will be shown on the new site...

...you'll have 4 chances to win to commemorate
the upcoming 4th of July weekend,
and to help celebrate my "pretend" birthday...

Being a middle child & having a December
birthday has affected me that way....:(

...please think of reasons you find to buy for yourself
or give personalized gifts other than the holidays-occasions
I engraved on the tile for the store.

In the past after giveaways ended,
I haven't heard from some winners mainly
because there was no way for me to contact them.
I'd like for all of the winners to WIN for a change...
so please...please...please type in your email address
with EACH comment-entry....

After visiting the website please come back
and comment each time for your 4 chances to win:

1. Visit the website and come back here to
comment on any suggestions,
on what you'd like to see new, changed and/or
special occasions not listed on the tile at the top of
this post.

2. Twitter or Facebook about the giveaway.

3. Add 'my button' to your blog.
(If you already have 'my button' on your blog
please comment to tell me.)

4. Blog about the giveaway.

1st Prize: Personalized Wood Frame
2nd Prize: 2 each 4" x 4" Personalized Coasters
3rd Prize: 6" x 12" Personalized Tile
4th Prize: 8" x 16" Personalized Tile

Comment away
and thanks so much for taking the time
to stop by...
and thanks in advance for your help in trying
to rebuild a very user friendly website
showing endless possibilities for personal buying
and gift-giving.

Hope you have a wonderfully safe and
Happy 4th of July!

Blessings today and always,
Kaye

The winners will be announced
Saturday evening
so please check back then to
see if you are A WINNER
of one of the 4 Giveaway Prizes!

Literally praying 'over' the Steeple being raised...

2009-07-01T09:41:00.005-05:00

Yesterday approximately 100+ members

of First Baptist Church
gathered to watch and pray over
the Steeple being raised on our
new Church facility.

We took several hundred aerial
pictures while the Steeple was being raised
and placed. Afterwards when the
crane had been removed we went back
to take more photos.

Have a great day,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

I will betroth you to Me forever;
Yes, I will betroth you to Me
In righteousness and justice,
In loving kindness and mercy;
I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness,
And you shall know the Lord.
Hosea 2:19-20 NKJV

Sometimes....

2009-06-29T15:59:00.009-05:00

..sometimes scan in signatures for tiles...

..sometimes try to describe all of the different
occasions engraved tiles can be given as gifts...

...sometimes use a different font...

...sometimes use a very popular font
to engrave a beautiful verse of scripture...

..sometimes use a new font on
the same scripture...on a different size tile...

...sometimes use artwork to try to properly
depict the wording on the tile...

....sometimes show a tile that has been
popular as of late, as a gift for someone who
has lost a loved one....

...sometimes try a new font to engrave
a beautiful Scripture...

...and sometimes try this more than once...
on a different size tile....

...and sometimes have camera on hand
to photograph new items before shipping them!

Please check back later this week
for an upcoming giveaway!
To commemorate the 4th Of July,
we'll be giving away 'tile of choice'
to the winner(s)!

Thanks for visiting & blessings always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Kelly's Tour...Master Bedroom

2009-06-28T21:14:00.015-05:00

This is where we rest...

...and our master bedroom is located where it is
solely because of this view out our back window...

...this piece of engraved tile has been glued
back together.
It was found by a dear friend of mine, Kay,
the morning after we lost our home.
She brought this to me
in pieces and I remember thinking His word
would be what, if anything, could get us through such
a disaster. It has since that day been beside my bed.
Before it was on an easel in my kitchen window and
I'd engraved this entire Scripture on a tile as a constant
reminder to myself and others to 'Be Still.....'
...a very precious 'piece' from our former home...

...we really enjoy the openness of this beaded ceiling...

...Maddie, our adopted Grand-Dog
and I share this side of the bedroom..

...and Jack opted to be closer to the 'boys' room...

..showing numerous photos of the kids and grandkids
on more of the furnishings we found at the
antique auction...

...and two Antique prints I was thrilled
to bid on and win at the auction...

...both properties we've owned in Texas
were formerly owned
by a Texas Oil & Ranch family, The Stephenson's.

This same family owned an old
downtown hotel named 'The Stephenson Hotel"
which operated here for numerous years and later
was demolished to add parking spaces downtown.

Several years ago I was in an antique store in
Mt. Vernon, Texas and saw this light fixture.
The store owner told me it came out of the
Old Stephenson Hotel and I thought for 'history'
sake surely it could be used somewhere
in our home, and at $25.00 I couldn't pass it up.

I brought it home and placed it under a table in
the shop and had never used it in our home.
While rebuilding we decided we'd use it
in our bedroom.
Jack says it is the ugliest fixture he's ever seen..
but I love it and am very proud to still have it.

...various pictures, some new & some old.
The old ones of course, cherished photo memories
we never thought we'd see again...

...hard to describe how thankful I was the day
Mary Katherine called to tell me she found some
surprises at her Mom's...this picture of her from our
wedding day had always been a fixture beside my bed,
and now it is there once again.
....HE restores....

...and even though we seldom use it, we have a TV in
the armoire in our bedroom...and rocking chairs
just in case there is ever some 'down' time.....

...and the large carved chest at the foot
of the bed is a great
place for extra pillows at night....

Night...hope you enjoy sweet
Kelly's Tours this week...
Blessings always,
Kaye

We may boldly say:
"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?"
Hebrews 13:6

Happy Birthday Trent!

2009-06-28T17:44:00.005-05:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Trent!

We love you 'whole world full'
and hope you have a wonderfully
blessed day!
Jackpaw & KK

PS "Don't worry---be happy" :)

May the love and favor of the
Lord Jesus Christ rest upon you.
1 Corinthians 16:23

First time for everything!

2009-06-25T10:41:00.005-05:00

Our neighbors & friends, Larry & Rhonda have a
small vegetable garden and are very kind to share
their delicious fresh produce with us each Summer.

They mentioned last week they didn't know
what they were going to do with all of the cucumbers
their garden was producing so I started searching
for a pickle recipe that I thought 'maybe' I could
tackle since this would be my
1st canning experience EVER!

I found a recipe here, then it was off to the
store to buy canning jars and the
other ingredients necessary to TRY my hand
at canning.....

Here are the results!
Not sure how long we have to wait to taste
these Bread & Butter pickles,
but hopefully they'll be enjoyable
and since I have lots of empty jars left
I'm ready to make another batch when more
cucumbers become available!

Next I want to try these
when time allows!

Thanks Tina
for your great canning recipes
and thanks also for the 'canning tutorial'.

You've inspired me to start
a new hobby that I remember my
Grandmother and Mother enjoying
through the years.

Have a wonderfully blessed day,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Let your conversation be gracious
and effective so that you will
have the right answer for everyone.
Colossians 4:6 NLT

New Tiles & Big Jesse Loving This Drought!

2009-06-24T09:49:00.004-05:00

"Boomer Sooner" is engraved around OU
on these 6" x 6" Slate Tiles...

...a new wedding tile with Scripture from Ruth 1:16
engraved on the bottom...

...a special gift for a couple who will be celebrating
their 50th Wedding Anniversary soon
with Jeremiah 29:11-13 engraved on the bottom...

..and last but certainly not LEAST...
BIG JESSE is absolutely LOVING this drought
since he gets to enjoy the sprinklers watering,
so he'll have grass to eat through the Summer!

Have a wonderfully blessed day,
Kaye

The Lord who created you...says,
....I have called you by name;
you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1

Congratulations Zachary!

2009-06-23T07:49:00.004-05:00

Zachary's catching stance #1...

...and Zachary's catching Stance #2...

..teams shaking hands after the BIG game
with the words
"good game" repeated over and over
throughout the line...

Congratulations Zachary on your
1st All-Star appearance.
The Mt. Pleasant T-Ball National Team
had a great tournament!

And I do think they'll make it into the
Guinness Book of World Records having
made only 1 out during the first game they played,
only because one of the players on the
opposing team ran out of the baselines!

Have a great day,
KK
Matthew 21:22

You should behave instead like God's
very own children,
adopted into his family----
calling him "Father, dear Father."
Romans 8:15 NLT

2009 Texas Ranch Roundup

2009-06-22T15:24:00.006-05:00

Susan Knowles-Martin, a student & friend we met at
The University of Florida while Tripp
played baseball there has lived in Wichita Falls, TX
the past several years.

Susan was a sportscaster for
NBC in Wichita Falls and after having children
she decided her TV schedule wasn't 'kid' friendly
so she now works for
The North Texas Rehabilitation Center.

She called several weeks ago to tell me about
The Texas Ranch Roundup and wanted to know
if I could engrave their prizes this year.

After shipping the prizes to her, I asked for more
information about the "Roundup" and below is
her synopsis about this great event...The Texas Ranch Roundup is the original ranch rodeo

held in Wichita Falls, Texas each August.
This year marks the 29th year the event will be held.
It features 10 historic Texas ranches competing for
bragging rights in arena events,
chuck wagon cooking and festival events.
All proceeds from the event benefit the
North Texas Rehab Center
in Wichita Falls,
the West Texas Rehab Center in Abilene
and the West Texas Boys Ranch in San Angelo.
All provide quality physical, occupational and
speech therapy to children and adults
regardless of their ability to pay.

Sounds like a great organization to work for
and the roundup sounds like a fun outing/competition
for ranchers, their families and their workers.

Best of luck to The Rehab Center,
as we hope the event is
better than ever this year!

Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Winner & others...

2009-06-22T12:08:00.006-05:00

Recently I hosted a giveaway for a set of grilling tools
for the winner to have in time for Father's Day.
Bobby from Tuscaloosa, AL was given his set
of tools by his children yesterday!

And I engraved a set for my brother and brother-in-law
in honor of Father's Day and as you'll see on "Korky's" set
I engraved Scripture as well as his name on the box
which holds the grilling necessities...

..."the Southern Belle" tile is one I've engraved over
the years but recently had an order for one on slate,
so I took a photo of it to share...

...this was engraved for a 'blended family' and
they didn't want a last name engraved...
so this is what we came up with for their
'large' family...

...and another one I've engraved over the years,
but thought it was a good one to share again....
truer words have never been spoken:),
I mean engraved...

Praying all Dads had a wonderfully
blessed day...even after 18+ years
it still has a 'sting' to it not being able
to wish my Daddy a Happy Father's Day.

Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Fight the good fight for what we believe.
Hold tightly to the eternal life that
God has given you,
which you have confessed
so well before many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12 NLT

Door(s)...and Mudroom

2009-06-18T17:05:00.011-05:00

The laundry room is never a favorite room
in a home, but for me, ours is special because of
'a door'.

This door was once the front door for a home
in South Mississippi.
The history of this home in our family goes back to it
being built in the early 1900's.
I've heard stories from people who remember
the beams being brought in with horse & buggy..
and hopefully the 'history' as I remember it being
told is accurate...
My sister-in-law's Great-Grandparents
originally built the home.
Later she lived in this home with her parents,
then a first cousin of ours owned this home.
Then my parents bought this home from my Dad's nephew
and while living there,
my younger (only/favorite:))
brother lived in the same bedroom
that his 'wife to be' lived in when she was younger.

Her Grandmother lived next door and that is how
she and my brother first met.

We lost my Grandmother, Dad and Mother in this home,
in that order. There were times when my Mother
didn't know if she could stay there, but thankfully she did
as we LOVED this 'old home'.
This place always felt like "Home" p.e.r.i.o.d.

When we lost my Mom in 1998, one of our main concerns
was, "how in this world would we ever find GOOD
neighbors for our sister-in-laws very special Grandmother?"
As we pondered several scenarios we asked my
brother and his wife if they'd like to have the home.
They finally agreed!
My sister, Stephanie's Grandmother
and I were VERY thankful!

They remodeled the home, removing all windows and doors,
and added a bathroom which had always been needed.
When they decided to take on this project, I told
them I'd LOVE to have the windows and doors
that were removed from the home.

These were brought to Texas and placed in our
warehouse not knowing how-when-if we'd ever
find a way to use them.

After losing our home in 2005,
I wanted "the door" in our new home.
We finally decided to use it on the utility room
closet door. A friend took the door and later
told me he could not count the layers of paint
he removed while sanding it.
After he sanded it to its original color,
we whitewashed it, then sanded more,
revealing almost a 'crackled' finish.

Needless to say, I LOVE this door
and all that it stands for.

..a framed cross stitch piece given to me by
Tripp and his family...that I have hanging next to
"the door"...

...and loving red once again...had these cabinets
in the utility room 'roughed up' a bit..

..and had the cabinet guy build in drawers
under the washer and dryer to hold hangers...

..and have thoroughly enjoyed the
sink in the utility room for watering plants,
washing off 'very' dirty shoes, etc....

...found these old ammunition boxes that
I've used around the house to hold books...

...engraved MUDROOM on a cabinet door,
then faux painted it and filled in the engraving
with black paint....

I engraved cabinet doors naming a few rooms
in the house and we joked about it at the time
saying these were made for Jack, so he'd always
know 'where' he was in the house:)
Needless to say, I've yet to 'finish' the others
to hang throughout the house...
maybe one day!

...and one of my favorite Scriptures engraved
on a tile...I previously had cross stitched this
Scripture and had it in our entry way in our
previous home....

..this cabinet is in our mudroom/mud hall area.
It was built to hold 'electrical stuff'..
a pet peeve of mine is hating to see cords.
I had a lot of electrical plugs installed
inside these cabinets to hold cell phone chargers,
weather radio, camera battery chargers,
answering machine, etc.....

..and bins, coat racks, hat racks,
umbrella holders,
baskets in bins for gloves, flashlights, etc...
in this hallway/mud hall...

HOPE
..a wonderful reminder hanging in the hallway,
given to us by Mary Katherine & her family...

..a framed embroidered piece...
and a decoupaged Scripture to
hang in the hallway...
both found at Goodwill...
Philippians 4:7

...a young man who works for us a couple of hours
each afternoon was in the midst of remodeling his
home while we were building.
He brought this door
he removed from his home for us
after he learned about the
door from my parents' home...
so we used it in Jack's TV room...

...and this framed print hangs in Jack's TV room.
This was a 'gem' of a find for me at the auction!
My Dad's parents had this same print in their home
and when I saw it, I knew it was a 'must buy'.

I learned Auction's #1 Rule that night.
It was our first time there and when this came
up for auction I raised my number and left it up!
It DID NOT MATTER who else wanted it,
I was going to win this auction at all costs!
The people around me, my husband included,
scolded me, telling me,
"DO NOT EVER DO THAT AGAIN!"

I was lucky, it didn't cost an arm and a leg,
but never again did I raise my number and
KEEP IT RAISED
while an item was being auctioned off.
To be honest,
there were times I wanted to. I kept reminding
myself of Auction's #1 Rule.....
Of course, the auctioneer got a
kick out of watching this
as it transpired and told me later
I did 'exactly' the right thing.
But having heard otherwise from so
many people there, I decided they were right
and he was wrong, or he was LOVING my
'auction way', and why shouldn't he,
since that is the business he is in!

Later I learned the framed print had belonged
to a personal friend. He came up to me that evening
and asked, "why did you want that SO bad?"
He totally understood...once I explained to him,
it was a very sentimental print.
Thanks Jeff for offering your print in the auction!

And no,
they don't allow me to go to the auction anymore:(
...which in all honesty,
is probably a 'good' thing...

Thanks to sweet Kelly for allowing
the 'show us where you live' tours...

...enjoy browsing through others homes...

Thanks for stopping by &
blessings to all for a safe and wonderful weekend,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22
Revelation 21:5

For everything that was written in the past
was written to teach us,
so that through endurance and the encouragement
of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4 NIV

New items engraved this week

2009-06-17T12:24:00.005-05:00

Gifts for a Pastor and his wife in California...

...and a special gift for a Daddy in Arkansas...

...and the 23rd Psalm for friends who lost
their wife, Mom, Grandmother, daughter & aunt,
and a lady who was a friend and acquaintance to many
in our area...
Without any doubt...
she 'fought the good fight and ran the race'...
Praying for their family as they grieve.
Psalm 46:10

Blessings to all,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
Continue your love to those who know you,
your righteousness to the upright in heart.
Psalm 36:9-10 NIV

Winner's selection along with others...

2009-06-15T15:35:00.006-05:00

This was shipped today to a recent blog tile giveaway
winner held at You & Me Plus Three...

...and this was shipped to a
special baby in New Mexico today...

...these were made for some
Northeast Texas couples...

...this was engraved for a very recently wedded couple...

..and this was made especially for the Sterck's...
who were or will be married this year...

Hope you are having a fantastic Monday.
Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow
with hope.
Romans 15:13 NIV

And The Winner Is...

2009-06-14T22:33:00.003-05:00

Tina! At boothe48@gmail.com

Congratulations! Please contact me to let me know what you'd like on your set of 'grillin' tools so I can hopefully someway-somehow get these to you before Father's Day!

Thanks for each and every entry & suggestion.

Have a wonderfully blessed week,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

As we live in God, our love grows more perfect.
So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment,
but we can face him with confidence
because we are like Christ here in this world.
1 John 4:17 NLT

3 Day Giveaway

2009-06-12T11:46:00.004-05:00

A Grillin' new product and a giveaway!!

The wood box measures 20" long x 9" wide & x 2" depth.
The top cover slides out to reveal.....

....3 grillin' utensils: stainless steel fork, tongs and spatula...

...all of which are engraveable...

...in your choice of wording, name(s), Scripture,
artwork......basically whatever you'd like engraved
on this great personalized 'grillin' set'!

This prize retails for $49.95 plus s/h and tax
if applicable and I hope to have this new gift set
added to the website ASAP.

Here's how to enter the giveaway....you'll have up to
FOUR chances to win so enter away!

1. Tell me what you'd like 'your set' to say.
2. Blog about the giveaway.
3. Twitter or Facebook about the giveaway.
4. Enter 'my button' on your blog.
(if my button is already on your blog please
comment to tell me so for chance #4)

In other words...

Please comment for 1st chance on what you'd
like to see engraved on your set.
Then come back to comment after doing #2,
the same with #3 and #4.
That will enter you 4 times in the giveaway!
4 comments = 4 chances

In other words.....

Comment each time (up to 4 times) to
let me know you've done the above...
and on Sunday evening, using random.org
a WINNER will be chosen!

Confused....so am I:)

And if you'll be so kind
PLEASE leave your email address
while commenting each time.
The WINNER will be much easier to contact
so this can be engraved & shipped
early next week.
Hopefully one of these free gift sets will be
in some one's special hands
as a great Father's Day gift!

Thanks so much...
& enjoy a most blessed weekend,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

The Necessary Rooms

2009-06-12T10:01:00.011-05:00

Encouraging sentiments hanging in various
bathrooms...

One of our guest baths, this one we
call the red-white-blue bath...

....and in this guest bath Jack planed hickory
from old pallets and we used it as a wainscot...
This photo shows a dresser we bid on and won
at our favorite spot for several months...
The Sulphur Springs Antique Auction...

...in these baths I used more of the old
60's-70's fixtures...
some antique sconces bought at the
auction and on Ebay...

..not a great picture, sorry for the shadows,
but this is our 1/2 bath where we used
more of the teak wood...
old sconces from the auction,
and the mirror was an auction purchase too...

...and in our Master Bath I engraved
tumbled marble, then found decorative tile
pieces for the tile installer to place however
he chose.
The tumbled marble engraves
white instead of dark like most of the tiles
I engrave, because of its 'chalky' texture....

I located the columns at a local 'junk' store
and asked the contractor to use them in
this bath...

The grand kids get a kick out of us having a
girls & boys potty room. When the boys are here
they think they HAVE to use the 'boys room'!

This shows one of the decorative glass windows
found at the auction. I didn't want window treatments
in the bath to hide our view of the outdoors so we
used this in the window instead....

The 'girls' potty room...

An antique armoire which is a great addition to
this bath, for holding lots of 'necessary' items....

The quilt on top of this armoire was the first
quilt my Mother ever made.
When my sister and brother rushed here after
they heard about the fire, she grabbed this and
brought it to me that night....
I remember helping my Mother choose
coordinating fabrics for her first quilt...
...oh what great memories!
I am forever grateful to have 'pieces' of her here
....since we lost so many of my
Mother's and Grandmother's quilts
that dreaded day....

...and thinking I'd have time to soak in the bath
and watch TV at the same time....wishful thinking....
...maybe one day!

Love the Cross sconce ordered from a local
furniture store...one of very few 'new'
fixtures in our home....
and we have thoroughly enjoyed the vaulted,
white-washed beaded ceiling in our bath...

...and this is the view from 'His' end of the bathroom,
showing his wraparound shower...

Thanks so much to precious Kelly
for hosting...

Enjoy browsing bathrooms this weekend.

UPCOMING GIVEAWAY
Please check back soon....I have a new
gift set to show and will be giving one away
in perfect time for Father's Day.
It involves wood & grilling utensils.....
& will make the perfect Father's Day gift
that you can design yourself....
I hope to take pictures and have the
giveaway posted later this afternoon...
Stay tuned...as this giveaway will end
on Sunday in order for me to engrave
and ship the winning set in time for
Father's Day next weekend!

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully
blessed weekend,
Kaye
Revelation 21:5
Matthew 21:22

Whoever believes in HIM should not
perish but have eternal life.
John 3:15 NKJV

A few new ones..

2009-06-11T08:23:00.006-05:00

Amen...

..something for Dad's with more than one little
one following...

...a special tile engraved for a Church in Illinois...

...a gift often ordered for those who've lost loved ones..

Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Moving on up...

2009-06-11T08:04:00.006-05:00

Our babies Love & Trust moved into their
own home yesterday at less than a month old.
They are almost as big as their parents,
Faith & Hope shown below.
The growth of these babies has been
phenomenal to say the least.

...and as soon as I removed the babies from their
parents cage, you can see a nest was added once again,
as I strongly suspect we'll see more eggs VERY soon!

Have a great day,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me...
Psalm 51:10 NIV

Proud of our Trace

2009-06-10T21:31:00.007-05:00

Trace earned many accomplishments while in 3rd Grade
so I asked Christy to send me a list at the end
of the school year so I
could engrave something for his 'western' themed
room, as a constant reminder to him that:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Philippians 4:13

And on the baseball field Trace and his team
had a great season!
Monday night they played for the BIG game;
the Omaha City Championship!
Congratulations on a great year on the diamond.
We are very proud of this little #13 2nd Baseman!

Katie and Wyatt sharing Jackpaw's lap
while watching their 'bubba' play ball.

These two kids are so proud of their big brother.
I was told during their first day at VBS,
their teacher Paula,
Wyatt's Mom & Trace's step-mom,
asked what they were thankful for.
The answer from both of them was none
other than "Trace"!

Me too Katie & Wyatt!
And very proud of this young man!

Blessings always,
KK

"Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him."
Psalm 127:3

Gifts & Such

2009-06-08T15:08:00.005-05:00

It is 'the season' of many weddings
and these are sets of coasters and 6" x 6"
personalized tiles for a couple of couples...

...this tile is packed and ready for shipment
to Germany, for a family who has been hosting
an exchange student...

What to do..when your hairdresser's son
is getting married,
not knowing him or the bride very well,
and wanting to help 'her',
our friend on this big day?

Several of our hairdresser's customers
are hosting a luncheon for the
'guys in the wedding party'
on the afternoon of the wedding, then taking
the Mother of the Groom lunch, since she'll be busy
that day too, styling hair.....

These leather coasters will be given to the 'guys'
at their luncheon on Zane's big day.

...a belated Mother's Day gift engraved for a
sweet customer...

The University of Washington Softball Team
won the Division I NCAA Softball Championship
last week!
Years ago we were shipping equipment to UW's
Heather Tarr, who is now the head coach,
and who at the time was one of the great Husky players
under Head Coach Teresa Wilson.
Congratulations Lady Huskies on a great season!

For the kingdom of God is not a
matter of eating and drinking,
but of righteousness, peace and joy
in the Holy Spirit,
because anyone who serves Christ in this way is
pleasing to God and approved by men.
Let us therefore make
every effort to do what leads
to peace and to mutual edification.
Romans 14:17-19 NIV

The Office

2009-06-05T10:57:00.006-05:00

To be very honest,
hidden behind the roll top is quite a mess;
the computer, paperwork 'undone', and lists of
things saying, do this, do that.....
but wanted to show the office in the best light
possible, then realized it was too early in the AM
to be taking these pictures:(
Hopefully these will suffice!

We found the desk at the auction we frequented
for several months and it is a wonderful reminder
of my Dad's roll top desk we once had.

The "Love You More" sign was recently given to
me by a very special friend. She and I end
every visit, phone call, email or note with that being said,
and of course I add to that by saying,
"because I'm bigger".
She and I argue in fun back and forth
about the added portion of the quote:)

The small print on the shelving was found at a
garage sale. I was so excited to find this, as it was
one more item my Mom had in her home that I inherited
and was lost in the fire.

After many months of trying to think of ways to locate
a wedding picture of Jack & I, someone asked,
"Was it in a newspaper, and if so, where"....so I
immediately called the newspapers our wedding
write-up was in and a very sweet lady who works at
The Prentiss Headlight, in Prentiss, Mississippi
(Have I ever said how grateful I am to be a Mississippi Girl?)
went into their (very old) archives and
found the article and picture. Words could never
describe what it meant to us to have this photo
once again. I have one framed in the office and in
our bedroom and of course an extra copy in the safe.

The weakness I have for lamps is evident
in our office also.

I also chose another old hanging fixture for
over the desk from the 1970's era. We were
fortunate to buy several old light fixtures from a
plumbing business that went out of business during
our rebuilding process. The old newspapers used for
packaging in the boxes are dated late 60's to early 70's!

The horse prints caught my eye at the auction because
each of them show an American Flag on the barns!

At one time we owned two Percheron Horses, and
soon after we bought these wonderful 'Gentle Giants'
we bought bells for them to wear around their necks
especially during the Christmas holidays.
I had both pair hanging on the foyer doors in our
previous home lost in a fire in 2005.

When the kids sifted through the ruins they found
several of the bells and Jack took them to a
local leather man
(not sure that is the proper way to describe him?)
and he determined we had
enough to make one strand of bells once again.
I L.O.V.E. these bells and am very thankful
to have this 'restored' set once again!
We still have one Percheron, Big Jesse,
so having one set once again is perfect.

I keep paper, folders, etc. in this armoire
we bought at the auction.
It is a great piece for storage in the office.

Some words of encouragement
hanging around in the office...

And more of the teak wood we used as a wainscot
in different rooms throughout the house.

I have A LOT of decorating work left to do in this room!
But it seems for now real work is winning out
over decorating...which is a blessing
and I am very thankful.

HE restores.....
and I am very grateful.

Thanks once again to precious Kelly
at Kelly's Korner for hosting

Enjoy looking around at
every ones offices this week!
I will be sure to browse since I
am in desperate need of help in here.

Have a wonderfully blessed weekend,
Kaye
Revelation 21:3-5

Celebrating Jack IV's 4th!

2009-06-05T10:15:00.004-05:00

Jack IV with his family as we celebrated him turning 4!

And Jack IV with 4 out of his 5 Texas cousins!
We missed you being here with us Zachary.

Katie, Ali and Jack sporting their birthday hats!

Trent & Jack IV doing more of the same!

After cake, ice cream, drinks and opening gifts
it was time for Jack IV's hitting lesson for the day.
He doesn't mind sitting on a stool to hit but
anxiously awaits the removal of the cast on his leg,
so he can once again swing away!

We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating a wonderful
weekend with family.

Blessings always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and that not of yourselves;
it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV

"Get your verse on" Giveaway

2009-06-04T22:48:00.006-05:00

Please go here to enter a great giveaway!
They are offering several chances to win $75.00
worth of their wonderful t-shirts.
Good luck!

Blessings,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
Isaiah 40:28 NIV

As promised..winners & more giveaways!

2009-06-02T17:37:00.005-05:00

The original winners from our 3-2-1- Giveaway were announced on Memorial Day and in the 'winners' post I wrote if after one week I didn't hear from the winners I'd re-draw new ones.

I couldn't let this go without giving others an opportunity since I am very thankful for each and every comment/suggestion left during the Memorial Day Weekend.

.....so after over a week of not hearing from any of the original winners, we're trusting random.org to choose winners who'll actually be just that, winners!

Here goes:

1st Place Winner of an 8 x 16 Engraved Tile is: Becky @ fivemockingbirds.blogspot.com
2nd Place Winner of a 6 x 12 Engraved Tile is: gotgrits@blogspot.com
3rd Place Winner of an 8 x 8 Engraved Tile is: Cortni @ bagbybunch.blogspot.com

Hopefully each of you will contact me to let me know what you'd like engraved 'just for you'!

And there are other giveaways currently going on that I'd like you to be aware of:

Please go here to enter at Marla Taviano's great blog. Besides entering to win a free engraved tile, you'll be sure to want to read Marla's wonderful posts daily!

Or go here to enter at You and Me Plus Three's sweet blog. Like so many of you, I've prayed for Baby Bentley as she underwent heart surgery and afterwards I felt led to try to help their family. After contacting Crystal to let her know I wanted to try to do something to help, we decided for her to make the announcement and giveaway an engraved tile at the same time.

There have been many answered prayers on behalf of their precious family and I continue to pray for complete healing for Baby Bentley and hopefully you'll do the same. If you don't currently follow their 'story', I'm sure it will be another blog you'll want to read on a daily basis.

Congratulations to our newly announced winners and best of luck in the ongoing giveaways.

Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable-
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-
think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 NIV

With Kids In Mind

2009-05-28T14:58:00.012-05:00

Mary Katherine was kind enough to give this
piece of cross stitch back
to me and I had it framed using
barn-wood for the kids room.
I've always loved this wonderful children's prayer
and at one time cross-stitched it and had it hanging
over the kids crib...

Jack cut several cedar beams and we used them
in this guest room/kids play room....

Some of my favorite 'kid' purchases at an
antique auction were the
rocking horse & the camel saddles.

A local gift shop went out of business while we were
rebuilding and it had once been a hardware store.
When they decided they'd sell their fixtures during
their close-out sale,
I bought several wood bins for toys and such.

More of the cedar Jack cut
was used for built-in bookshelves
on each side of the bed...

I won the bidding 'war' on these twin
beds at an auction, but little did I know
that English twin beds aren't as long as our
American sized twin beds. I had to hire a
welder to make the bed frames long enough to
hold American twin mattresses:( Live and learn....

Another classic in our home...another 'no whining' sign!
And loved the "Slow-Children at Play" sign
brought to us by a friend...

Priefert Manufacturing surprised us by making
this queen size bed with the "M" monogram in it!
They have been wonderful & giving friends
to say the least.
The antique trunk was purchased at a
neighbors estate sale...

Kids and adults alike have plenty of space upstairs
to watch TV, play card games, or just to relax.
SAFETY was a big factor here. Jack convinced
himself that the grand kids would eventually
try to jump out of these windows, so he had what looks like
'burglar bars' installed, to make it 'jump proof'...

And no one wants to disturb the sweet message
left on the old school's chalkboard by
The Taviano Family!

We had a room in our home before that we named
"The Maw-in-law" quarters. The room was detached
from the house and was a favorite of my parents
and Jack's parents for years.
Eventually,the grown kids and my brother and sister
grew to love that quiet place when they would
come visit, so there were times when they would
flip coins, beg, or make deals to stay there while they
were visiting.

So when we started to draw plans once again to
rebuild, we wanted a room somewhat like the
"Maw-in-law" quarters had been and that is how
the "Bonus Room" became a reality.
We learned very quickly that 'bonus room' didn't mean
the contractors are 'giving' you (ha) that space in your
home, but we tried to make the most of it
and incorporate a place for kids to play and also
a place that would sleep several.

The only (argument) discussion that comes into play
now concerning the 'bonus room' is when Tripp and his
family and my sister and her husband are here
at the same time.
Seriously, there is no arguing whatsoever, ever.....!
But the fact is...
BOTH of them WANT to be upstairs,
and so far since Tripp has 2 toddlers,
he's won out each time.

We'll see how things develop over the years, as I
suspect as these children get older they'll want
upstairs to themselves and they'll send all of the adults
downstairs. Stay tuned.....

Thanks to sweet Kelly, at Kelly's Korner,
for hosting ...

Hope you enjoy browsing nurseries
and kids rooms this week.

Blessings always,
Kaye
Revelation 21:5

My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from Him.
He alone is my rock
and my salvation;
He is my fortress,
I will never be shaken.
Psalm 62:1-2 NIV

Taking suggestions to heart

2009-05-28T12:54:00.004-05:00

I apologize for the lack of clarity in this photo.
These 6 Senior Baseball Players are giving this
to their coach as a gift.
The signatures were written
on a plain white sheet of paper
(no lines please) using a Black Sharpie,
then scanned and emailed to me as an attachment.
They were then printed, scanned once again
and engraved on their tile.
The coach's name was engraved in the center of
Home Plate of this 12" x 12" Slate Tile.

This sample 12" x 6" Slate Tile shows
The Weaver Home
Established 1988 engraved inside the Christian Fish,
then Joshua 24:15 was engraved on the bottom.

A beautiful prayer for "Blended Families"
using 3 intertwined rings for the artwork on this
8" x 8" Porcelain Engraved Tile.

A 'thank you' for those Who Serve.
And we are so very grateful to those
who serve us...in His name.
Shown on an 8" x 8" Porcelain Tile.

"Legend of the Hummingbird"
was engraved with hummingbird artwork
for a local garden recently built by a family
in loving memory of their son.
This was engraved
on an 8" x 16" Porcelain Tile.

There were so many great suggestions offered last weekend during the 3-2-1 giveaway and I appreciate each and every one of them more than you know.

One blogger asked to see something for 'Those Who Serve"; for Pastors and Clergy Members. Another asked to see more 'artwork' engraved on the tiles and yet another wanted to see actual signatures scanned, then engraved on tiles. One other great suggestion was to offer an engraved tile for "Blended Families" and there was a question/suggestion regarding whether or not a The _________ Home, a Christian Fish with the year of the wedding and Joshua 24:15 would fit well on a 12" x 6" tile.

These are just a few and I will continue to try to show more samples of items people asked to see.

And please go here to see if you won one of the 3 tiles offered in the 3-2-1 Giveaway. I've yet to hear from any of the winners and would really like to engrave their tiles for them!

Have a wonderfully blessed afternoon.
Blessings always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV

Happy Birthday Jack IV!

2009-05-28T09:10:00.003-05:00

Our 'littlest" Jack, Jack IV turns 4 today!

While he'll be spending this birthday with an OU Sooner cast
on his leg, we're hoping he has a wonderfully blessed day.
He'll celebrate with the kids at Miss Janet's today
as she is always very sweet to give birthday parties to
the youngsters she keeps throughout the week.

They'll come to Texas tomorrow so he can
celebrate his BIG day with his Texas family!

We love you very much little Jack!

Love,
Jackpaw & KK

PS Wondering if him 'forever holding on' to
an American Flag while sleeping
is a subtle 'bribe' for KK to get out
and shop more for his special day...:)

Busy at work!

2009-05-26T16:33:00.004-05:00

It's that time of the school year so I've engraved
several gifts for special teachers!

...a newly designed 12 x 6 wedding tile engraved
for one of our retailers recently.

A special frame sent to Taylor & Tynan's "Nano"
last week...

...and an engraved tile for a
Soccer Coach in Virginia!

With Dad In Mind

2009-05-26T15:51:00.008-05:00

Pray...that you may live a life worthy
of the Lord and may please Him in every way:
bearing fruit in every good work,
growing in the knowledge of God,
being strengthened with all power
according to His glorious might so that
you may have great endurance and patience,
and joyfully giving thanks to the
Father.
Colossians 1:10-12 NIV

Congratulations to 3 Winners!

2009-05-25T22:22:00.006-05:00

Greetings from Mt. Pleasant, Texas

Flags proudly flying earlier today!

Sincere thanks for stopping by to enter once, twice or three times in our 3-2-1 Giveaway!

I appreciate all of your suggestions more than you know and hope to work on some new items that were suggested during the giveaway and also hope to be able to act on many suggestions made about the website.

I am happy to announce the winners and the 3's certainly took the day. Random.org chose 3 winners in the 300's!

1st Place Winner of an 8 x 16 Engraved Tile is: Liz @ A Happy Herman Home
2nd Place Winner of a 6 x 12 Engraved Tile is: Stephanie @ Meet The Newcombs
3rd Place Winner of an 8 x 8 Engraved Tile is: Emily @ Lots of Love for Lily

I am sad to say none of these winners left me their email address:( Winners please contact me at your earliest convenience once you've made your choice for 'your' winning engraved tile! Hopefully I'll hear from each of them within a week and if not, we'll re-draw using random.org once again!

Pray each and every one had a wonderfully blessed Memorial Day weekend and once again congratulations to the winners and many thanks to each and every one who participated in the giveaway.

Blessings always and many sincere thanks again,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Happy Birthday & Growing Babies!

2009-05-25T09:31:00.008-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISSY!
She traveled yesterday with her husband
to Lewiston, Idaho, to watch her son's team (SPSU) play
in the NAIA World Series!
She is in awe of what they have seen since they've
been there, yet another beautiful area of our

Great Country.

The fast growth of Love & Truth has been a
sight to behold. Feathers everywhere and
looks as though they are almost ready to take flight!

We 'had' to add sparklers to the decorated
donuts the kids brought a few days ago
in honor of the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend.
Here is Trace posing with his donuts.

And Katie's 'pose' with hers before
blowing the sparklers out!

Trent thought he was ready for the pool
but after jumping in he decided swimming could wait.
The cool water literally took his breath away.

And Zachary said the water was 'just right' but
stayed maybe 2 minutes and was ready for
some warmth from towels.

Our little Jack IV fell wrong on their trampoline
Saturday morning and broke his leg, so I'm sad
to say we'll celebrate his 4th birthday later this week
with him wearing a cast:( Poor thing.
His sister Ali kindly kissed his hand and told him,
"I hope that makes you feel better".

He must be handling this
very well since I received a video of him hitting
baseballs yesterday while sitting on a bucket.

Love the resilience of these kids.
We're 3 for 6 on breaks with these grand kids
and praying the remaining 3 who have been
fortunate to not have any broken bones will
continue to be careful and safe and stay out of the ER!

Happy Memorial Day!

Later today I'll post the 3 winners of the giveaway
so if you've not commented to enter,
please go here where you can have up
to 3 chances to WIN!

Blessings today and always,
Kaye

Do not conform any longer
to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to
rest and approve what God's will is-
his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV

A Memorial Day Prayer

2009-05-24T22:39:00.006-05:00

Gracious God,
on this Memorial Day weekend,

we remember and give thanks
for those who have given their lives
in the service of our country.
When the need was greatest,
they stepped forward and did their duty
to defend the freedoms that we enjoy,
and to win the same for others.
O God, you yourself have taught us
that no love is greater than that
which gives itself for another.
These honored dead gave the
most precious gift they had, life itself,
for loved ones and neighbors,
for comrades and country – and for us.
Help us to honor their memory
by caring for the family members
they have left behind,
by ensuring that their wounded comrades
are properly cared for,
by being watchful caretakers of the freedoms
for which they gave their lives,
and by demanding that
no other young men and women
follow them to a soldier’s grave
unless the reason is worthy and the cause is just.
Holy One, help us to remember
that freedom is not free.
There are times when its cost is,
indeed, dear.
Never let us forget those
who paid so terrible a price
to ensure that freedom would be our legacy.
Though their names may fade
with the passing of generations,
may we never forget what they have done.
Help us to be worthy of their sacrifice,
O God, help us to be worthy.
Amen.

-With Gratitude and Honor:

Prayers for Memorial Day 2008,
was written by the Rev. John Gundlach,
Minister for Government Chaplaincies,
Parish Life and Leadership, UCC.

Kelly's Tour...The Dining Room

2009-05-22T11:21:00.007-05:00

Welcome once again to "Show us where you live Friday"
hosted by precious Kelly at Kelly's Korner.

"Give us this day our daily bread"

While we really do not have an area we call
"The Dining Room", this would be the closest thing to
having one in our home.
Instead we have one main area which includes
dining areas, the kitchen and a living area.

The iron stars in this hanging above the dining table
came out of a Danny White Restaurant in Dallas
that is no longer in business.
I showed a welder from Priefert Manufacturing
a picture of something similar to this and they
were kind enough to weld this together for me
and incorporate the stars on each corner.
We then added plate glass to the base so
decorative items could be added.

The hutch was another 'auction item'
we were fortunate enough to win!
The silver I've bought to replace what I
had before has come from local Estate Sales
so I know the families these pieces belonged to.
Have I ever mentioned how ridiculously sentimental
I am...oh, it's bad, but good at the same time.

This photo shows a portion of the fireplace
centered in the 'multi-purpose' room.
It has four sides so it is part of the dining area also.

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."
Matthew 21:9
Christy gave us this painted sign which I love!
And the iron horse name cut-outs were found
in an old barn by a friend.

I love this old angel found at a 'junk' store.
A fun find!
And the pewter "Give us this day our daily bread"
tray was a treasure to find, replacing one of
these I had before that belonged to my Mom.

I was happy to find and win the bidding war on Ebay
for this ornament since it signifies the year we
were married. Another 're-found' treasure! Rev. 21:5

Hope you enjoy visiting
all of the Dining Rooms this weekend
and please go here to enter our giveaway,
where you'll have up to three chances to win:)

Have a safe, fun and blessed Memorial Day weekend,
Kaye

The strength that we claim from God's Word does
not depend on circumstances. Circumstances will
be difficult, but our strength will be sufficient.
"...how tremendous is the power available
to us who believe in God."
Ephesians 1:19 Phillips
In good times or in bad, You provide us
with the strength we need. It comforts
us to have such a reserve available
for our use, Father.
-Corrie ten Boom, Each New Day, May 24

3-2-1 Giveaway

2009-05-21T09:23:00.012-05:00

~Updated to Add~
Please - Please- Please
leave your email address when commenting!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
Since we will be celebrating a 3 day weekend
Engraved Euniques is proud to be offering
a giveaway consisting of 3 items!

The tile above was engraved in loving memory
of Kayleigh Anne Freeman.
Kayleigh's precious family continues
to be in our thoughts and prayers.

This picture shows a collage of various tiles
engraved as end of the year teacher gifts.

And these leather bookmarks will be given to
Seniors when they are honored at our Church
later this month.

This was a tile engraved for a
high school graduate in Mississippi
who is fluent in Spanish, so we decided to add
a Spanish quote to the bottom of Miriam's gift.

This tile was engraved as a gift to a very special
local couple who just welcomed precious Bralyn to their family.
The Scripture was very appropriate knowing there
has been an abundance of prayer for this wonderful family.

Another Teacher Gift...the saying...oh so true!

With Father's Day quickly approaching I
thought I'd share a couple of Father's Day gift ideas.

& another idea for Father's Day.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Please go look around the Engraved Euniques website
then come back here to enter the giveaway
by commenting.
I'd love for your comments to be
suggestions of things you'd
like to see offered on my website.

And if you link to the giveaway in a blog post,
please come back here, offer another comment/
suggestion and you'll be entered twice!

And for a third entry, please either Twitter or
mention the giveaway link on Facebook,
then come back here to make your
3rd comment/suggestion.

We're definitely using a 'theme' here,
it is all about 3's!

Late Memorial Day afternoon
I'll be choosing 3 winners
through random.org and
will immediately post the winners.
Please leave an email address
with your comments/suggestion(s)!

This giveaway is open for U. S. Residents only.

And here is what is 'up for grabs':
Winner #1:
Choice of any 8" x 16" Tile
Winner #2:
Choice of any 6" x 12" Tile
Winner #3:
Choice of any 8" x 8" Tile
Of course any of these can be personalized.
Each winner will also be given an iron easel
for displaying their winning engraved tile!

Hope everyone has a safe, blessed and very
Happy Memorial Day weekend.
I for one am very thankful to live in such
a great Country.

Blessings today and always and
May God Bless The U. S. A.,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

And....please go here to enter another Memorial Day giveaway!
And...please go here to help a young boy who is in
desperate need of heart surgery.
And...please go here to offer prayer for a special friend,
her family and her friends. Marla will offer an
Engraved Euniques giveaway next week!

Great news...I was invited to yet another great giveaway via
this giveaways comments.
Please go here to enter at Indefinitely Definitely's blog
"The World Needs A Little More Cupcakes and Sunshine"!

P.S. Friendly reminder....leave email address please!

Give-A-Way Coming Up!

2009-05-20T20:03:00.006-05:00

Oh our sweet adopted Grand Dog Maddie....
give her away? I think not...

But what about giving Sambo away?
The black cat left here by her
stray Mom and we nursed her into a sweet, loving pet...(?)
The shop cat who gets ALL of the blame if
any one's name is ever misspelled...or a date is incorrect...
or...pretty much if anything goes wrong with any order...
It's Sam's fault p.e.r.i.o.d.

...or Jack....the guy who frequently asks me to go
to the shop with him because of a buzzing noise "he thinks
he hears" and worries that maybe it is a Carbon Monoxide
Detector's Alarm....
I go to check things out...and each and
every time he has left the golf cart in the reverse position,
therefore causing a loud buzzing noise....

To be honest, I think they are all keepers.....

So for now we'll stick to the business at hand,

and since we have a 3-day weekend coming up,
we'll be giving away 3 items from Engraved Euniques.
Check back here tomorrow for more details and pictures.
Hope you'll join in!
Blessings always,
Kaye

99 & Holding

2009-05-20T14:57:00.004-05:00

Southern Hospitality's Rhoda and her husband recently met my sweet Father-in-law at The Club in Birmingham for lunch. She tells a wonderful story of their time together, along with history of The Club and shares a wonderful sounding recipe here.
Thank you both for meeting him for lunch and for sharing this great picture of him. He thoroughly enjoyed meeting you both. Hopefully next time we're in Birmingham we can all get together!
Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

For in HIM we live and move and have our being.
Acts 17:28 NIV

Happy Anniversary!

2009-05-19T22:26:00.005-05:00

Sweet Jack IV

And Precious Ali...

I've searched through numerous pictures trying to find one of Tripp and Holly together, since they are celebrating their 9th Wedding Anniversary today, but I failed at finding one:(

I finally decided I'd share the next best thing(s)....wonderful Grand Children as a result of their marriage.

I promise to be better prepared for posts such as these in the future.

Hope you've had a wonderfully blessed Anniversary!
Love,
Dad & KK

"I Am Pursuaded"

2009-05-18T16:15:00.005-05:00

Please go here to listen to clips from a wonderful new Travis Cottrell CD and to enter a great contest, and go here to comment about your favorite clip from his CD for your chance(s) at winning one of 20 copies BooMama is giving away! Then venture here to read sweet Marla's review on "Jesus Saves LIVE".
Have a wonderfully blessed afternoon,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Weekend in Pictures

2009-05-18T11:41:00.006-05:00

The Southern Polytechnic State University Baseball Team
WON their Regional Championship!
They will travel to Lewis & Clark State University
located in Lewiston, Idaho for the
NAIA National Championship Tournament!

Our sweet nephew Ben showing he is very happy with
his teams victory!

And my sister Kathi is one proud Mama!

Sissy loving on her 'little' boy!

The Regional Tournament was held at
William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS,
therefore my sister, her husband David and my
little brother Korky were able to go cheer them on
to victory!
I think Ben had the largest cheering section
since the tournament
was held in Mississippi and he is from there.
His Dad, Grandparents and
one of his aunts were there to help cheer them on,
as well as the 'cheer section' photographed above.

Best of luck SPSU in the 2009 National Tournament!
Praying for safe travels for the entire
team, coaching staff and their supporters this week.

We made it to Katie's last t-ball game of the season
early Saturday afternoon.
Yeah Katie, we are VERY proud of you!

Swing batter-batter swing...

Getting signals from the coach....?

To steal, or not to steal......
Yeah Omaha/Naples Heat on a great 2009 Season!

Later Saturday afternoon we took aerial photographs
of the activities held downtown during the
2009 Mt. Pleasant Outhouse Races.
The organizers and participants
were grateful for absolutely perfect
weather throughout the day.

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen thine heart:
wait, I say, on the Lord."
Psalm 27:14 KJV

Love & Trust

2009-05-17T12:44:00.006-05:00

Introducing Love & Trust! I was finally able to get a few pictures of our new baby doves this afternoon!

If what I've read is correct, the Mom and Dad both feed their babies the first few days of their lives. They have both been amazingly attentive parents to their newborns and the baby doves have tripled in size in their first 3 days of life.

This has been incredible to watch to say the least, especially since we are new at 'bird raising'. God has given these doves a beauty all their own, and has given them knowledge to know what to do to care for their babies.

Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22