Verse of the day...

~ “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10



Thursday, March 31, 2011

Show & Share...........

Testing another awesome pattern for CroJulee over at the 'ville. Still workin' on this one............... added some to it... .I'm liking it! May donate this to the NICU.

This is just a pic of one of my favorite quick simple dishcloth patterns. Made this up to send to a friend with a couple other goodies.

This is another "Stash Buster Tote" that was designed by TurtleLvr over on the 'ville. This one is going to a friend with some little extras as soon as I get the little extras done. :)

Thanks for stoppin' in and takin' a peek.

hugs...love... & blessings

.::Tam::.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

A solid friendship............

Friendships are among our most valuable assets. Acquiring quality companions, who laugh with us in good times and stand by us during trials, requires shared commitment and an investment of time and energy.

We must be transparent and be honest with friends and encourage them to be truthful in return. To preserve a healthy bond, we can’t hide hurts or feelings of rejection they may have caused. Transparency that is tied to accountability can also help make each individual a better person. A solid relationship allows each party to gently point out errors in the other’s life and offer loving correction.

Genuine friendship takes time to develop. We must be willing to put aside other obligations and give priority to moments spent together. A generous portion of our time with each other should be spent talking about our thoughts and desires and also asking questions to prompt our friend to open up. This type of conversation allows a glimpse into the other person’s heart and mind.

Everyone likes to feel appreciated. Expressing thanks when friends are helpful will remind them that we’re grateful to have them in our life. We affirm our love when we communicate how much we enjoy a certain aspect of their personality or remember an occasion that’s special to them.

Being a good friend is a way to serve the Lord. He designed us to be in relationship with others, so we should give our best to every companion God places in our life.




hugs...love... & blessings

.::Tam::.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Are you leading your family and friends?

Precious friends, The Lord delights in you! How greatly is His love expressed in giving to us our children, loaned to us from the Lord Himself to stay with us for a while. So precious they are to God! In a short time we in turn must give them back to Him. The greatest gift we can leave with them is a legacy found in Jesus Christ. Yet, so many times we get caught up in that which is urgent that we forget what is important. Have we led our family to Christ? Are they assured of a place in heaven? At times we don't even want to think of it, for it saddens our hearts to say goodbye. Yet, each one of us must release the hand we love, for death is an unfortunate part of life. Those who place their faith in Jesus will have their home in heaven. But the soul of the unbeliever will plunge into eternity in a state of terror, as hell rises up to meet him! All throughout the scriptures we are warned of the reality of hell. Its pages cry out to us repeatedly to turn from our sinful ways while there is still forgiveness and hope. Yet, so many people are disillusioned into thinking that they don't mind going to hell since all their friends will be there. My friend, let me in on you a secret... "There are no friendships in hell." No friend who understands the agony of hell would desire any of their friends to go there. If we could lift the lid of the pit of hell even for a moment and see the souls of the lost dying in their sins, it would make us vomit! We would run to warn our loved ones lest they also come to this place.


Think of your children... Have you wept for their souls? Weep for them now, for what good will your tears do at the judgement when they are plunged into it's fire? Could you bear the thought of seeing them knowing that you have failed to warn them?! Break our hearts, oh God! Let our tears flow while they are still ours to hold, pulling our loved ones out of the pit of damnation to bring them to Christ who can save them. Tonight, I challenge you to gather your family and lead their souls to Christ. It will be the greatest investment that you'll ever make. One that will last for eternity.


Now is the time... Today is the day of Salvation. The Scripture says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." ~ Romans 3:23 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." ~ Romans 10:9 Don't fall asleep without Jesus until you are assured of a place in heaven. Tonight, if you would like to receive the gift of eternal life first you must believe in the Lord. You have to ask for your sins to be forgiven and put your trust in the Lord. There's only one way to heaven and that's through the Lord Jesus. That's God's wonderful plan of salvation.

hugs...love.... & blessings

.::Tam::.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Testing more patterns.........

Yep.... keepin' busy with testing patterns. :) This comes from a Kitchen set that CroJulee over on the 'ville is putting together. Its the front of a Hotpad........ * Sunflower Hotpad* This is called ......... *Petal 6point Round Ripple* Another lovely lady over at the 'ville let me help her test this out.....I'm 15 rounds out on it and its working pretty good. There seems to be a bit of puckering right in the center.... but I have confidence she will work that out! Its a really neat idea to a round ripple!
hugs....love... & blessings

.::Tam::.


— Matthew 22:36-38 — "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Glorious Day.......by Casting Crowns

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He’s ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my Beloved One, bringing
My Savior, Jesus, is mine



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sometimes a song is the best devotional for the day.
God Bless you my friends
hugs... love & blessings
.::Tam::.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Testing Patterns.............

I've been staying busy with getting some testing time in..............
I've been volunteering to help test patterns so that I can keep my hands and mind busy during this crazy time around me of family and friends dealing with health issues.

This is still in progress... but I got enough of the pattern tested to conclude its a great pattern.
Its called .... Down in the Valley round ripple. The very sweet lady that allowed me to help test... is working on another version of this............. I hope to test that one too! :)



This is a really neat tote bag that I tested for a super sweet lady and awesome friend!
Its called........... Stash Busting Tote.

And this................... is a really cute summer top for a little girl. I figured with having 4 granddaughters... this would be a great pattern to have on hand.
Its called .........Madeline's Breezy Summer Top. I made this one in a size 2


I'll post links to the patterns as they start to put them up.
hugs... love ... & blessings
.::Tam::.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Keepin' busy..........

I have been getting plenty of crochet time in. I sit and crochet at the hospital all day while visiting with hubby.
Back when Michael was hurting so bad from this relapse... Ken and I bought him a special teddy bear. We named him Thinagain. Thinagain's job was to keep Michael encouraged that the water weight would come off and he would be thin again. Well..... Michael may be 12 yrs old... but Thinagain is he BEST friend. He goes everywhere with us. So the other day... "Thinagain" told me he was cold at night and needed a blanket. How could I say no to a cute little teddy bears face.
So............. I made him a blanket............ I tried to make it look somewhat like honeycomb. :)


Well........ Thinagain has a friend.......... David's tiny little big eyed monkey.... apparently he needed a blanket too.......... heheheehehe :)

hugs... love .. and blessings to all!
.::Tam::.

~*~ hubby gets to come home today~*~ Praise God!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

God is amazing................

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Good Evening my friends and family............

I'm here to update you all with good news! The doctors have done all kinds of tests... taken samples of blood and whatever was in Ken's lungs .....they came back telling us they really dont know what it was. They know now that it wasnt fungal.... but are just guessing that its bacteria.
His temp has been normal for days.... the last CT scan showed the little spots on his lungs to be Gone.. and the bigger one is half its size now. Shrink spot.. shrink!!!
They have decided to take him off all IV's and start him on oral meds. If he does well through the day and night.. .he will get to go home tomorrow! Praise God! Prayers are answered!

Thank you to everyone that has been so supportive with prayers .... and all the love sent our way!



hugs..... love ... & blessings
.::tam::.
╚══════════════ ೋღ☃ღೋ════════════════╝

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Donkey Basketball.........

Yep............. you read the title correct. Our High School had a fun game of Donkey Basketball for entertainment and fundraising.


I took the boys to watch... and we had a good night of giggles. The game was to actually play basketball while riding a donkey.
Here are a couple of our Cheerleaders trying to get on their donkeys... pass the ball and make a shot. Too funny!
UhOh... donkeys dont want to go...................... hahahahhaaaa

And here are some teachers.........wondering how they got themselves talked into this.... heheheee



hugs... love & blessings
.::Tam::.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Freebie Friday..........

Found this really neat granny stripe afghan.......... thought I would share. Would be great for baby... .or just for Easter.

click here for pattern
Granny Baby Stripes Blanket



hugs... love... blessings & enjoy
.::Tam::.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

UPDATE.... and contined prayers needed.....

Evening all..........
finally home from a long day..... so thought I would stop in and update you all.

My son Christopher is finally home after a very long day of heart cath testing and CT scans. They have determined that he has pericarditis .... which is inflammation of tissue surrounding the heart. He is on meds and rest!

Ken had a scope done today... the spots on his lungs are getting bigger and they have to find out what they are. We wont know the answers to the tests until tomorrow.

My son Michael is one week away from being in remission from this recent Nephrotic relapse. I'm watching him real close. I cant have him worry about his dad.

okay... I'm exhausted.
I'm gonna sit and crochet for a while..... have a great night all.... sleep well.
Thank you all for you love and prayers!


hugs...love and blessings
.::Tam::.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Please Pray for Japan!


Prayer is the practice of the presence of God. It is the place where pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and supplication is made. Prayer is the place of admitting our need, of adopting humility, and claiming dependence upon God. Prayer is the needful practice of the Christian. Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope. Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7


Please send your love and prayers to the victims in Japan. I'm sure each and everyone of us have been in need of prayer..... We felt our friends... and family praying......... so please ........ let the people of Japan feel our prayers.......... Please Lord God.......... Let our prayers be so intense that they are comforted and guided through this! Amen!
hugs...love... & blessings
.::Tam::.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Freebie Friday.............

A quick recap on why this pattern was created.............
Okay... so here's the deal.................. The boys sit in the living room and play on their laptops... or do homework... or just hang out... they will toss a box of tissues around as one of them need it. Michael will need a tissue... they are sitting next to Patrick... so he tosses the box to him...etc. Well.. recently ... they started just using a roll of toilet paper instead. Its easier to toss and catch.... As I sit and watch this ..... not really bothered by the tossing of the tissue... because they are just boys being silly..... I'm thinking... "hmmm.... would be nice to have that roll contained so it didnt unravel as it flew threw the air." So............................... I made it a cover. Its like a draw-string bag in design... made with the "granny square" style pattern. I pulled the cardboard center out of the toilet paper roll... and tah dah......................


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Granny Toilet Tissue Cover

Yarn: Any scrap worsted weight yarn you have:

Skill level:


Other items needed: yarn needle, letter opener or butter knife, scissors, roll of toilet paper
Stitches used: chain (ch) – slip stitch (sl st) – double crochet (dc)

With “I” hook - ch 5 – join to form ring with sl st.
Rnd 1: ch 3 (counts as 1st dc) 2dc, ch1 – *3dc, ch1* - *repeat 4 more times* sl st in top of ch3 tie off. (6 dc granny clusters 6 ch1 sp)
Rnd 2: join next color with sl st in ch1 sp – ch3, 2dc, ch1, 3dc (all in same sp) *ch1– 3dc, ch1, 3dc in next ch1 sp* - *repeat 4 more times* - sl st in top of ch3. tie off (12 dc granny clusters 12 ch1 sp)
Rnd 3: join next color with sl st in ch1 sp. – ch3, 2dc, ch1 – 3dc in next ch1 sp and in each around – sl st to top of ch3. tie off. (12 dc granny clusters 12 ch1 sp)
Rnd 4 – 12: join next color with sl st in ch1 sp. – ch3, 2dc, ch1 – 3dc in next ch1 sp and in each around – sl st to top of ch3. tie off. (12 dc granny clusters 12 ch1 sp)
Rnd 13: join next color with sl st in ch1 sp – ch3, 2dc, ch1 3dc in same sp – 3dc, ch1, 3dc in next ch1 sp…. and in each around. – join with sl st in top of ch3 – finish off. (24 dc granny clusters 12 ch1 sp)

Tuck in all ends.

Tie (revised): With F hook ch 90 – tie off…weave chain tie in and out around the top of round 13 in the ch1 sp(s) and in between the granny clusters. Place toilet roll tissue in after removing the cardboard center. Draw up ends of yarn ties as in a draw string bag and tie in bow.

To remove cardboard center………. I used a letter opener … you could use a butter knife also. Slip it in between the cardboard and tissue where its attached. Move it gently around the cardboard center until the tissue is released from it. Take scissors and cut a long slit in the cardboard…making it easier to twist and lift out. Remove cardboard and find center of tissue … pull gently out to expose it to be used.

Notes: ______________________________________________________
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Created & written by: ©Tammy Carlton - March 2011
Do not sell pattern. Do not post pattern without link back to original.
Coffeen’Crafts

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Layman's terms..............

My Aunt sent this to me .............. thought it was really neat.......... so passing it along here.

Read and try to understand the deep meaning of it.
They are like the ten commandments to follow in life all the time.


1] Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.


2] So a Car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the Rear view Mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, Look Ahead and Move on.


3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.


4] All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either.


5] Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!


6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!


7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.


8] A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!"


9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.


10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away today's PEACE.



hugs... love & blessings
.::Tam::.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Forgive................

“What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25





Love is UNCONDITIONAL, forgiveness is CONDITIONAL. Many people today confuse these two truths. Jesus loves everyone, no matter who they are or what they have ever done. For nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ Jesus.



However, forgiveness is another issue entirely. We can be forgiven through repentance for sin and IF we are willing to forgive those who have sinned against us, no matter what the sin may be or include. IF we are not willing to do that with authenticity, then we JEOPARDIZE our own forgiveness with God. Pretty simple, and very serious. Just think of the Lord’s Prayer - “forgive us our trespasses AS WE forgive those who trespass against us…”



Let’s always be willing to come to the prayer closet knowing that we have forgiven all those who have offended us. In so doing, we adequately prepare for true repentance and forgiveness that our own standing with God is based upon.

Yesterday is yesterday.. forgive and deal with today.


hugs...love... & forgiveness
.::Tam::.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Crochet.. crochet... crochet............

Posting a few pics of finished WIP's... current WIP's and a donated charity blanket.

This is the last pic I took of my Scrap Granny'ghan. Charlie was being very helpful in the picture... hehehehee
This is a little girls summer top I'm testing for a lady over on the 'ville. So far.. so good and its super cute when done!!

These are charity squares I finally got done... they will go out in todays mail to the lovely lady in need of them.

This is a beautiful Ripple afghan my Aunt made and donated to be used for new Leukemia patients that we meet. THANK YOU Aunt Joycie................. I love you!



hugs...love & blessings
.::Tam::.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Expect God's best..............

John 20:11-18
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to looka into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew,b “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Expecting death and finding life…

How often do we go into a situation that is stressful expecting the worse, rather than hoping for the best? We say we trust God but then sometimes live by Murphy’s Law – if anything can go wrong, it will. The logic behind this is that we won’t be disappointed. BUT in reality, we live out of a constant sense of expecting disappointment.
Mary went to the tomb to find a dead man. Instead she found Jesus, risen from the dead and very much alive. He had risen victorious over sin, death and hell. He STILL lives today and wants to be the Lord of our lives. Expect God’s best.



Lord, we don’t want to be unreal in our optimism, but at the same time we expect great and awesome things from You. Hold us close, teach us to trust You more and may our days be filled with Your Divine Presence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Gifted yarn.............

put to good use! I have a very dear friend that found 4 skeins of brand new Red Heart yarn at a Goodwill store last week. She paid 59 cents each for them. And then gave them to me as a gift. How cool is that! So............. I put them to good use!

I made a Drawstring Backpack for my boys to carry their Gameboys .... DSI's and games in when we go places! I think it came out great and the boys think its cool!



Thank you Ericka for the yarn!!!!
hugs..............love.........& blessings
.::Tam::.



Friday, March 4, 2011

Newest project..........

There is a CAL on Crochetville "March's Granny A Day Along" that I decided would be perfect to join so that I can get my ScrapGranny'ghan moving and done!

March 4th............... 4 squares done. I will make 30 squares... then on the 31st I will put a border around the afghan... and have a wonderfully finished Scrap Granny'ghan for my couch!


hugs.........love.......& blessings
.::Tam::.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

A finished WIP.....................

This is a really fun pattern. It was created by a sweet lady on Crochetville .... user name "RoseRed"
I needed a baby blanket for a friend who is due in about 6 weeks. So decided this would be the perfect time to give this pattern a whirl.

This is the center 5 point star.................
Then you move on to add more points..... giving you a 10 point star.............

And here it is done................ "5-10 point round ripple baby'ghan"
I really do like this pattern! Gives me lots of ideas........... :)
hugs...love & blessings
.::Tam::.


Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Just Obey.................

One of the realities of the Christian life is that at times, God will give you instructions that seem difficult, unfair, irrational, and may even appear somewhat absurd. He will challenge you to do things that cause you to feel inadequate and vulnerable, and you will experience an intense crisis of faith. It is the same struggle that Moses faced at the Red Sea, which Joshua confronted before the walls of Jericho, and that David encountered in his battle against Goliath. The choice becomes clear all too clear: Either you’ll follow your limited human viewpoint and walk away from the Lord in defeat, or you’ll trust Him and do what He’s commanded you—no matter how unreasonable it may seem.

God sees the beginning, middle, and end of your situation; therefore, His perspective about what He has called you to do is far more complete than yours. Are you hesitant to obey the Lord because He’s commanded you to do something that you’re not comfortable with or that you think is illogical? Remember, it is not your responsibility to understand why He calls you as He does—it is simply your job to trust and obey Him.


*Spend time in prayer asking God to draw you into intimate communion with Himself, with a heart fully willing to do whatever He says—even if it seems unreasonable.
*Praise the Lord that He will lead you to victory as you obey Him wholeheartedly


hugs...... love... & blessings
.::Tam::.