Down on the farm milk cans-more roses than you can sneeze at

Another great product for recycling are these old milk cans from a time long since passed.  I love to paint on these, but be fore-warned, it can be very addictive.  Check out local flea markets and often rummage sales to find these cans.  Again, be forewarned you can end up paying a little or a lot for these cans - shop wisely or it won't be so much fun.  Most of them are probably rusted, but with a little elbow grease and time you can get the surface sanded to a point that can be painted.  Be sure to wash the surface down with soap and water to remove any loose chips and rust dust.  I use spray enamel paints (Rustoleum brand for the surface preparation).  Decide on a pattern if you are a pattern person and have fun.  I don't use a pattern and generally have just an idea for a design, but by the time it is done, I usually end up  with a completely different design than I envisioned.  I really do let the surface speak to the paint brush and they just kind of go at it.  I just get to help paint along the way - CRAZEY , I know, but still fun!

Painted Ice Skates

Snow  Happens
Let it Snow!  What you going to do about it anyway?                                                                                
'Tis the season for ice skates - painted ice skates that is.  What could be more decorative and more fun for the winter season than these easy to do ice skates! Prepare skates by wiping them clean from any grease and dirt.  Paint your background color and let dry.  Decide on a design and start painting.  I used Acrylic paints on these.  Once dry, spray with a sealer.  Use ribbon for the ties, add a floral foam to inside of boot, cover with moss or other filler paper and add flowers.  That is all there is to it.  Have fun!  If you need ideas for these boots let me know.  I have several thoughts that would work well on these.

Toddlers Puppy Dog Fleece Blankets

This weeks Christmas project is the wonderfully warm puppy dog blankets made of two layers of fleece. They unroll to just the perfect size for any young child to curl up with.

Inside of blanket can be a different fleece to make it more interesting for the child.

Materials:  Pattern (from your fabric store); sewing machine; 1 yd fleece fabric for outside and 1 yd fleece fabric for inside.  You can put a layer of batting in the middle, but it is plenty warm without the extra bulk and expense.   I am thinking I might try one with the head off a bear that I bought.  I hate messing with the heads as they take the most time to assemble. 

The Story of the Church in the Weed from Fran Vaughn

The Story of the Church in the Weeds

from Fran Vaughn
The Story of the Church in the Weeds
Just two little boys walking down this dusty lane...

They came upon this old white house...
With broken window panes
The paint was faded, the shine was gone...
The grass had grown so high...
Still they made their little feet,
Go see what was inside.

They opened up the squeaky door and then it came to light...
This must have been an old church house... Once upon a time.
Dirty, dusty wooden pews... A pulpit that still stood....
A Bible lay upon it... Though the pages weren't too good..

An offering plate and song books too... Were lying on the floor.
They must have left this old church fast... The day they closed these doors.
And over in the corner... A piano was still there,
It must have played a pretty tune... But I guess nobody cared.
So little Bill looked up at Tommy... And Tommy looked at Bill...
Why don't we clean this old church up, and get these old pews filled?'

They took a rag and wiped the dust... To try and make things shine...
And then they took the offering plate... And put in it their last dime.
They took a broom and swept the floor... And picked up broken glass...
They got it all so nice and neat... And then they mowed the grass.

They lifted up the old church sign... And stood it by a tree....
Right down by that old dirt road where every one could see.
They ran back home, to find Daddy gone but their Momma was inside..
Just to find her hurt again... Where Daddy had made her cry.

'Don't cry Momma, wipe those tears,' Little Bill and Tommy smiled...
'Cause we have a big surprise for you... Just down the road a mile.'
Hand in hand they tugged at her, until they made her run....
'What is it Bill, Oh Tommy, just what have you two kids done?'
And then they came upon the house... Once hidden by the weeds...
And there it stood a country church... Just like it used to be.

'But what is it, Mother? What's with your tears?
We thought this would bring you joy.'
'Yes, but hush kids now and listen close...

My two sweet precious boys.'
They both got quiet and stood real still... For the words they heard so
true...
Was Daddy praying in the church... With his head bowed on the pew.
'Forgive me Lord! Forgive me Lord! Though I'm not worthy of Your love...
Shine down on this sinner man, sweet Salvation from above.'

'For I've been out in the world, you know... Living my life all wrong...
Until I came upon this church; the place where I belong.'
'I never noticed it before... All those times I passed it up...
I guess I wasn't looking, Lord.... Or maybe I was drunk..'

Bless oh Lord, yes, bless oh Lord.... The one who made me see..

This little church that used to hide.... Behind all those tall weeds.'
And then he raised his head and stood... With his hands high in the air...
To find two dirty, tear-faced boys.... With Momma standing there.
They ran up to him, hugged him tight... As their tears fell on the floor.
'Don't worry kids; I'm not the Dad, the one you've known before.'
Things are different for us now... So keep on those pretty smiles..
And let's go gather people in... To walk down these church aisles.'
Then Bill looked up at Tommy... And Tommy looked at Bill...
'Come on brother, let's get to work... To get these old pews filled.'
'For we need no special blessing.. For cleaning up this church....
'cause, God gave us back our Daddy... And that's more than gold is worth.'
Sunday morning, pews all filled and smiles on every face...
Especially two little country boys... The ones who found this place.
Though it was hid back in the weeds... And so far out of sight...
Nothing's ever hard to find if you're walking toward God's light.
1-John 1:7 'we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have
fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son
cleanses us from all sin.'
IN GOD WE STILL TRUST
Won't you please share this with people you want to be blessed?
Expect the unexpected...Have A Great Day!!
WE NEED GOD BACK IN OUR COUNTRY!!
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!
Don't let our FREEDOM be destroyed............!