Back in the Studio

A Work in ProgressI am so glad you dropped by. I love the week after Christmas. It's slow and easy. So fabulous! We have completely cleaned up from Christmas and we have no where to be. I am loving every minute. We are all sleeping a little later and waking up with practically nothing on our to do list. I am loving it! My only goal today was to get back into my studio. God was so good to provide so much work for me over Christmas! I loved painting for you for Christmas! Such a treat for me! Anyway, I finished my last painting the day before Christmas eve and I have not been back to my studio since. I have missed being there. I did a couple of loads of laundry, cleaned the kitchen and my bathroom, worked out and yes, finally made it to the studio. My favorite part?Four of my five children were in there with me. Fox was painting, MaryCam was reading, KK was creating headbands for her etsy account, and Towns was making jewelry for her new line of jewelry. How fun is that? Very easy to be inspired around this crowd. This is on my easel now. Big flowers. I thought it would be fun to photo it now because by the time I finish with it, It will be totally different. It just felt so great to get paint on the canvas. I love to paint. I love to be messy, I love to glue, paint , create, draw.... I am in heaven when I'm painting. I love having a work in progress and watching it take shape and come to life.This painting has a ways to go but I adore the process. I will paint on it in my head all night and finish it tomorrow. I can hardly wait!
Kind of crazy, but I was thinking about my life being a work in progress. How thankful I am that God never gives up on me or takes a break from me for a couple of days. I love that in spite of me He keeps shaping me to be more like Him. Sometimes the shaping hurts a little more than others times but I love it because I know at the end of the day I am His and He loves me. Like my painting I have a ways to go. I am thankful God is in control of every brushstroke in my life. There is comfort there!
Thanks for coming in to my studio today.
I loved visiting with you. Come back. Maybe I will have actually finished my painting!
Any ideas before I finish? I'd love to hear your thoughts!!!!!
Thank you love love love Ruthie

Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels We Have Heard on High
Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
24x30
SoldI am so glad you stopped by today! I could hardly wait to post this painting! It was a commission for  a Christmas gift and I did not want to post it until it had been given. I actually fell in love with this painting and so I am painting it again for myself. Obviously it won't be identical to the original but it will be similar. I thought it was the perfect Christmas gift because it reminds me of the scripture in Luke when the angels are speaking with the shepherds.And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill towards men."
I love that!
I wanted to thank you for reading my blog and for all your amazing comments over Christmas! It has been the most fun for me to hear from so many of you! I have loved giving paintings away for Christmas and who knows I may just do it again! You were so fabulous to comment. Thank you too for all the orders for paintings over Christmas! I love to paint and knowing that each commission goes to a home where I know it will be loved fills my heart with joy! Thank you! I love painting for you!
I hope your Christmas was special and filled with love and family and most of all Jesus.
Hurry back to see me. Who knows what I will come up with next!
love love love Ruthie

Merry Christmas

Angel
Sold
5x7 Canvas PanelToday it's yummy rainy weather. To those of you stressed over shopping, you are probably not loving the conditions outside. However, to those of you like me who don't do stress and love to hunker down and snuggle on rainy days, you are loving today. I have on a pair of Eddie's old khakis and a yummy soft long sleeve t-shirt. I'm in my favorite chair with my diet coke and my Bible.
Kind of funny, one of the girls just asked me to go with them somewhere and I asked if I could wear what I had on and she laughed until she realized I was serious. Then she sweetly but firmly said "No."
This morning I was reading about the shepherds in Luke 2. Baby Jesus had just been born in verse 7 and in verse 8 we are introduced to the shepherds who were in the fields watching over their sheep . This is my favorite part, verse 9.."And the angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shown around them, and they were so afraid."
Can you even begin to take that in? Would you have wanted to be one of those shepherds that night and experienced the "glory of the Lord?" I would! I would! I would!
In verse 10 the angel comforts them by telling them not to be afraid. Then, in verse 11 the angel says "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord."
First of all, the job of a shepherd is not a glamorous one. They are not wealthy, they are not beautifully dressed, they work in the field with livestock and I'm guessing a shower is not readily available. Yet the angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shown around them. They were the first to hear of the Savior's birth. They had an invitation for a front row seat to see the King of Kings.
In verse 15 it says the shepherds went straight to Bethlehem. It does not say they changed clothes or showered or stopped anywhere on the way. It just simply says they went straight there and they went with haste.
I love love love it! When God call us to Himself, He doesn't want us to "clean up" first. He calls us to come as we are, in all our sin in all His glory. So if you hear His voice today even if it's just to sit and spend time with Him or to pray for someone, be like the shepherds. Go straight there with haste, even in old khakis and a t-shirt.
Merry Christmas! Love love love Ruthie

Giveaway #3

Merry and BrightLuke 2:10
And the angel said to them, " Do not be afraid, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
I thought this scripture was perfect for my giveaway day. Okay, I am not an angel and my news is not nearly as big as announcing the Savior or the world, but somehow it works for me.
I thought about the angels bringing the news of the Saviors birth and I was overwhelmed as I pictured in my mind a multitude of angels praising God! "Glory to God in the highest!" People had been looking for a savior since Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden. Every woman that bore a child hoped her son would be the redeemer. And that night in a stable the Savior was born. Mary didn't have to send birth announcements, she had a "multitude of heavenly host" proclaiming His birth. The waiting was over, the Savior was born.
Is that not the most the most exciting news ever? I mean do you just have chill bumps when you read that!? I wish you were here right now having diet coke and ice cream with me and talking about that night! I love it! I am so thankful!
Thank you for all your precious comments! on my blog, face book and phone! I love all that you have to share and it fills my heart so full! I love it. We are all in my studio right now creating fun stuff and KK wanted to draw the winner today. So here goes.....
We put you all in a bowl and drew out a name.
And the winner is.......Julie R. !
Congratulations! I will be in touch!
Merry Christmas!!!!!
love love love  Ruthie

Giveaway #3

Angel
4x12
Oil on Gallery Wrapped CanvasMerry Christmas! I'm so glad you stopped by today. It's been such an amazing weekend! Everybody is home and it's so much fun. Yesterday i never even left the house. I spent most of the day in my studio painting. KK was in there too making headbands. Towns was making jewelry, and some of our friends also came to hang out and create gifts for friends and family. Such a blast!
I don't know if I've told you yet about my most favorite Christmas tradition. Ever since my children were little we have made our gifts for each other. It's truly the most fun thing ever. We've made everything from hula hoops to twig frames. They are the first gifts we open on Christmas day. We all so look forward to seeing what each other has created. It sounds kind of corny, but some of the gifts make me cry but some have made me laugh so hard and are remembered and talked about from year to year. I have to say the gifts most talked about are the ones created by Luke. :)
I love hearing about other people's Christmas traditions. I have to say that I've had lots of ideas and we have tried some of them. Sone of our ideas have survived the years, but many of them have fallen by the way side. However, our tradition of creating gifts for each other has remained a family favorite. I can hardly wait to see what every body has made this year!
Leave me your comment of your favorite tradition! I'd love to read it and you will be entered to win my give away on the 21st!
Thanks for stopping by!! I love love love it!!! Ruthie

Giveaway #3

Three Angels
Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
Sold
Thank you for stopping by! I know it's such a busy time of year and I love that you have taken the time to sit down and hang out with me.
Speaking of being busy, KK and I did a little shopping today and the traffic was crazy and the lines were ridiculous and people are not the friendliest. Standing in a line today there was a sweet girl behind the cash register and she rung up an item wrong. Oh my goodness, the lady in front of me did not handle it well. I hate that! It makes me so uncomfortable. It's so awkward for everyone!
Reminds me of a story....
There was a kindergarden Christmas play that all the children looked forward to every year. This year there was a young boy named Wally who couldn't wait to be a part of the program. Wally had been held back because learning was a little difficult for him, so since he was a little bigger than the other children the teacher thought he would make a perfect innkeeper. The best part was Wally only had to memorize one line.."No Room! You can stay in the stable!"
The night finally came for the big production. The auditorium was filled with friends and family. The play began with Mary and Joseph walking across the stage looking for a place to stay the night. Joseph  knocked on the the door of the Inn and Wally opened the door. Joseph said "Please sir my wife is with Child and we need a place to sleep, can we stay here?" Wally hesitated and he looked at Mary and then looked at the teacher. The teacher sweetly nodded her head to encourage Wally to be brave. Wally swallowed hard and said in a big voice, "No Room! You can stay in the stable!" Joseph and Mary turned to walk toward the makeshift stables, and Wally watched as they moved slowly across the stage. Wally looked towards the teacher and she smiled and gave Wally the signal to shut the door of the inn, but he couldn't do it. Instead Wally opened the door as wide as it would go and yelled to Joseph and Mary, "Stop! Don't go! You can have my room!"
You can imagine the emotion in the auditorium that night. Wally's sweet heart wanting to give his own room to Mary and Joseph so they would have a place to sleep.
I love this story! When I'm out in horrible holiday traffic or in an unfriendly line at the store, I think about his big heart. My prayer is that our lives are not so full that we have no room for Jesus. Our days fill up so fast and without even realizing it we have put up a No Vacancy sign. Be like Wally and make room in your heart for Jesus today.
Love love love Ruthie

Don't forget to leave a comment and you will be entered to win the giveaway on the 21st. 

Christmas Giveaway#2

Yellow Flowers
6x6
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped CanvasI am so glad you stopped by! I've been looking forward to today!  I love  giveaways!  Though I don't think I've ever really won anything! And I have entered A LOT of things. I am laughing out loud right now thinking about all of the things I have entered. So funny! I entered this home thing where you send in a video of yourself with party ideas. And your thinking you are creative that's right up your alley. Uh...no those are not my gifts and my family loves to pull out the video and laugh their heads off   every now and then. I really need to destroy that thing, but the memory of filming that thing with Eddie is priceless. I do love it even though its truly horrible. I take it back, I did win one thing. One morning I was cleaning the kitchen listening to the radio and this guy said "Who even knows the preamble..." They thought that was the funniest thing and then said if you know it call us and say it and we will give you a free breakfast at Chappy's Deli. Okay, thanks to "Grammar Rock" I called in and not only did I say it, I sang it. And yes, I got a free breakfast! So I guess I have won something! And I was so proud!! What is that? Winning a giveaway is fun! I love it! But I have loved giving away so much! So thank you for  playing along.Once again, I put names in a bowl and drew out a name,

and the winner is.....

wait for it....
wait.....
wait...

Diane Klock!!!! Hey Diane, message me with your address! I have a treat for you!
Have a wonderful day. And I will giveaway again on the 21. So comment and enter to win!
love love love Ruthie

Christmas Giveaway#2

Christmas Commission
I did 12 of these on 5x5 Block
sealed with acrylic
I love the way they turned out.

Merry Christmas!My heart is so full sometimes I think it might burst wide open. We have a small tree on our island in the kitchen with a bowl beside it with 25 tiny ornaments. Each child put a tag on 5 of the ornaments. On each tag they put an attribute of God. Every morning we put a ball on the tree and focus on whatever attribute they wrote down. At dinner time we spend a few minutes talking about that particular attribute of God. I have tried a lot of ideas around holidays, but this one has been amazing and we will continue this one for a long time!
Anyway, this morning KK picked an ornament from the bowl and put it on the tree. The tag read "He is the Lamb." I must admit I fought a huge lump in my throat and had to hold back from having "teaching moment" right then! ( If your school morning is anything like ours you know time is limited.. the main reason we discuss the ornaments at night at the dinner table) Anyway the thought of Jesus being the Lamb puts tears in my eyes and indescribable joy in my heart. It is overwhelming to think about God sending His only son into the world so that He might die for me. Why would He do such a thing you might ask? Plain and simple...Because He loves me and He loves you. John 3:16. So many of us have memorized that scripture and, we can say it backwards and forwards. My challenge to you and to me today is to look at that scripture with fresh eyes. That we would fall completely in love with the Lamb that was slain. No one else could have died in His place. He is the only one worthy. And He died because He loves you and wants you to spend eternity with Him. He is the Lamb!

For God so loved the world that He gave His only son.
That whosoever believes in Him, should not die but
have everlasting life.
John 3:16
Giveaway tomorrow! Don't forget to leave a comment!
love love love Ruthie

Christmas Giveaway#2

Christmas CommissionMerry Christmas! I'm so glad you stopped by! I actually have a confession to  make.  I was  "Martha" today. (Post Dec.1, 2011) I was. It all started because I got up a little late. I hit the ground running with a quick shower, made french toast for children, eggs for Eddie, and threw in a load of laundry, folded a load of laundry, kissed the children goodbye and cleaned up the kitchen. I made the bed, picked up odds and ends and kissed Eddie goodbye.
The house was quiet and I felt the Lord call me to "my chair" to be with Him. I'm not kidding, I chose to unload the dish washer. Can you believe that? The King of Kings invited me to spend time with Him and I chose to clean out the dishwasher. It gets worse, He sweetly pursued me again and I chose the laundry room. Before the morning got away, I actually left the house and went to a spin class. I was thinking if my house was clean I'm good, and if I get to exercise I'm even better.
Then God gently reminded me that "only one thing is necessary."Mary chose wisely. She chose to listen to His word and to sit at His feet." (Post Dec.1, 2011) I was Martha today. I did not put my Lord first. I missed Him. I am so thankful that He still woo s me. That He is faithful even though I am not. I love that He pursues me! That He calls me by name.
I did make it to "my chair" today. He patiently waited on me and graciously met me there. 
I know some days are super busy, but don't be like me. When the King of Kings invites you to sit at His feet, run there as fast as you can!
Love love love Ruthie

Commission in progressThis artwork I posted today is a commission.
This artwork is not something I normally paint bit I thoroughly enjoyed the process!
She requested bible verses to go in each square. I will post when I'm done!Don't forget to comment and you will enter a chance to win the giveaway on the 14 of December!

The first Giveaway

Angel on heart Pine
for sale
Candle CabinI have been so excited about today and having this giveaway!!! Honestly for me it feels like Christmas early. This morning I was thinking about what I would say and how I would choose the winner. And then of course my mind just goes in a hundred different directions as I think about who would win and if they would be as excited as I was, you know all that kind of thing. And in my quiet time with the Lord this morning I was reading in Luke 1 about Mary the mother of Jesus. She was chosen. Now her name was not thrown into a pile and drawn out of a hat. God chose her. In verse 30 of chapter 1, the angel said "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God." First, I love that he anticipated her fear and comforted her. Secondly I love that he called her by name. We are so personal and calling her by name touched my heart. Then he encouraged her and said she had found favor with God.
Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus. Wow! She found favor with God. In verse 46 and following we get to see inside Mary's heart. We see her intimate love for the Lord and her willingness to serve Him. With genuine humility she begins by saying "My soul exalts the Lord, And My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior." She goes on to praise Him with all her heart and to remember His blessings.
Mary was chosen by God. Her path would not be an easy one. But at the end of the day it would be a journey well worth it. If you have a relationship with Jesus, you too have been chosen. It does not mean that life won't difficult. But I guarantee you at the end of the day the journey is definitely worth it!
Thank you for all your comments! I love you for doing this with me! This is so much fun for me and I love it!!!!!  I will have another give away on the 14, so keep on commenting! I put all your names in a hat and drew out a name........
and the winner is....Emily!
Hi Emily! Thanks for reading my blog and following me on this journey! I have a 6x6 canvas that I painted for you!
email me so I can get  you your gift! Congratulations!!!!!!!!
ruthiecarlson@charter.net
Lucy, I have something for you as well! email me for details!
I loved today! I can't wait till the 14!  love love love Ruthie

Christmas Giveaway

Christmas Ball
First I want to thank you for reading my blog!!! I cannot tell you how much it means to me that you would take time out of your busy life to spend time with me. I love it!!! I so love my readers and I treasure your thoughts and comments! Most of your precious comments are posted on my face book. Thank you! I love every message! But for all my give aways this month you must place your comment on my blog where it gives you the option to post a comment. So, set up your google account, if you haven't already, and post a comment! You might just win something! My first drawing is tonight, and I will post the winner  tomorrow! Yea! I love giving things away! So hurry and post!
Speaking of giving things away, my daughter KK and I are giving away a lot of things the week before Christmas. I heard a variation of this on the radio the other day and we decided to take on the challenge. We are going to make all kinds of ornaments this weekend in my studio and tag each one with a favorite bible verse. Then we are going to wrap each one and bag them up. The week before Christmas every time we go to a store or restaurant where people check our groceries, or ring up merchandise, or serve our table, we are going to give back by giving them one of our ornaments. I'm so excited about it! I can't wait to give gifts to all the people that serve us. Especially the week before Christmas with all the last minute crazy shoppers. KK has never met a stranger and has such a sweet heart for others, she will eat this up as much as I will. So what do you think? Try it with us! I'll post photos of our ornaments and give some quick easy ideas that you can do at home. I can't wait!!!
Thank you so much for stopping by! Don't forget to leave a comment. See you tomorrow with the winner!!! love love love Ruthie

Beautiful Music

Sun Flowers
24x36
Oil on gallery wrapped Canvas
for sale
Blue Giraffe
Watercolor, Florida
I wish you could have been with me tonight. I went  to church to hear the youth lead worship in song. I am ashamed to tell you, I was so tired and really didn't  want to go, but one of my children was singing and there was no way I was missing that. Anyway, Once I got there and sat down I was so glad I was there! What is it about music that fills your soul from the top of your head to the tip of your toes? It's magical the way music can move you. And let me tell you, listening to those children sing is like music from heaven. And they were accompanied by a five piece string section with indescribable talent.
Towards the end of the worship service the children were singing "Lo how a Rose er Blooming" (one of my favorites) and the strings were waiting to come in at the end of the first verse. The director lifted his hands and gave the signal to begin. Not being a musician I'm not really sure what happened next, but even to the untrained ear, it was obvious something was wrong. I noticed one gentleman seemed to be caught off guard and he quickly moved to begin with everyone else. Unable to find his place, he struggled to keep up. His mistakes seemed to be throwing everyone off. The next few moments were painful as the musician's eyes were glued to their music frantically trying to find their way. Then all at once they looked up from their music straight to the director. The director was amazing! He patiently waited, and once he had everyone's attention, with one motion he was able to transform utter chaos into a beautiful melody.
I couldn't help but think I am a lot like those musicians. You know as I watched them searching their music for direction, I thought to myself "Stop! Look up! Look at the director! You are lost and need help! Look up!" I am not even kidding, it was painful to watch. Yet when I don't spend time in God's word in the morning , I am essentially being just like those musicians. My eyes are glued to my music and I am desperately trying to get through the day in my own strength. If I would just stop and look up at the Director. If I would first give God my day and feed on His word, then He will transform chaos into peace. And who doesn't want that? So, Stop! Look up!
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.
Love love love RuthieComment on my blog page and you automatically enter for a chance to win a free giveaway in the next couple of days.

Christmas Giveaway #1

     Let me begin by saying that I am not a "list girl",but the month of December I am. Can you believe it's already December 1? I love it, but this morning I feel the need to tape my ankles, put on my tennis shoes, and hit the ground running. I have lists in my kitchen, in my car, in my room, and always one in my head. I have a list of things to buy for art projects, list of people I want to write or call or do something for over the holidays. I have an ongoing list of children's activities and things they need. I have a Christmas card list, gift list, to do list, party list, and of course the never ending grocery list. I check things off all day and rewrite lists on clean paper thinking if it's neat it might be shorter or more "do-able." Yet I have found new paper just makes more room for more stuff on the list.
After making a couple of lists this morning I spent time in God's word and this is what I studied this morning.

Jesus was traveling with His disciples.  (38)"He entered a certain village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. (39)She had a sister called Mary, who was listening to the Lord's word seated at His feet.(40) But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and Said 'Lord do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.' (41) But the Lord answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha you are worried and bothered about so many things,(42) But only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42

     I love verse 39; Where was Mary? She was seated at His feet. I feel such peace as I read that. I can only imagine Martha's tone of voice and her body language were the complete opposite of peace. Jesus told Martha that she worried about too many things and that only one thing is necessary. Jesus said Mary chose wisely. She chose to listen, sit at His feet, and worship. Imagine if Martha had chosen to be still and worship instead of worrying over "lists."
Ready or not Christmas is coming. I don't want to be a Martha waking up in the middle of the night worried about a "list." I want to be a Mary who sits at Jesus' feet, engrossed in His word, and wrapped in His love. Who will you be this Christmas? Mary or Martha?
Love love love  Ruthie

ps. If you comment on my blog page you could win a free gift on Dec.7.

Thankful Blog #18

Away in a Manger

Today I was in a little boutique and as I made my way to the back of the shop there was a precious little boy about three years old sitting on this very "fru fru" sofa eating a double doozie chocolate chip cookie. Do i even have to tell you he had icing all over his sweet face and fingers. I wish you could have seen the face of the precious woman that was helping me. I am just loving watching this little man enjoy every bite of his cookie and the sales woman  is obviously disgusted and seems to be awkwardly distancing herself from him as if he had coodies. After a few minutes his mama scooped him up in her arms, icing and all and headed for the door. She snuggled him close and pretended to nibble his cookie. Before they even made it to the door, the mama was covered in icing. It was a sweet picture. Honestly it reminded me of how Jesus scoops me up and holds me close no matter how much icing I have on my hands. I am far from perfect. I have made more than my share of mistakes. My heavenly Father doesn't distance Himself from me, instead He runs to me and His love covers my sin. Because of His grace I am forgiven and I am loved. I am His and nothing can separate me from His love. Today I am thankful for God's grace and forgiveness towards me. He loves me icing and all. Love love love Ruthie

Thankful blog #17

Twinkle LightsToday I am thankful for twinkling lights. I could even eat cottage cheese if it was wrapped in twinkling lights. I love them. I had a couple of errands to run yesterday and in two of the four places I went I was surrounded by wreaths and garland and twinkle lights. So yes, I came home with all of it. So KK  and I turned on Christmas music and hung garland in the kitchen, the den, and up the bannister. Then we loaded it down with white Christmas lights. Oh my goodness! It not only smelled divine, it looked absolutely fantastic! The boys came in while we were cleaning up and they both were so awesome to encourage KK and me. It was not hard to see how proud we were of our handiwork. Both boys said it looked great and was beginning to look a lot like christmas.
Then Eddie came home. Girls, I've told you this before, but as fabulous as men are they are not mind readers. If you want them to know something you have to tell them. If you wait for them to notice things like a new hair cut or new outfit or a clean house...you might be waiting for a really long time and then we all know at the end of the day you get your feelings hurt. So I met Eddie at the door saying something like.."Oh my word baby, KK and I have worked so hard all afternoon you won't believe, I mean look here, look there, can you smell it, wait till you see the bannister, can you stand it? don't you love it? Isn't it fabulous? Aren't the lights gorgeous? Honestly there was absolutely no doubt I was looking for compliments and my sweet husband rose to the occasion! I love it! He didn't even ask how much it cost! I love that even more!
I decided this year I'm going to really decorate beautifully, do a few things differently, and best of all put twinkle lights every where!
As I blog under the lights, I am thankful for twinkle lights!
Love love love Ruthie

Thankful Blog #16

Thanksgiving Day!! It was the best ever! It was filled with family, fun, and food! I love it!

     As a child we spent thanksgiving in Seagrove Beach at my grandfather's beach house. It was so much fun! The weather was always unpredictable so we packed shorts as well as winter coats. When I was little, Seagrove was very quiet. There were very few houses and the very popular Seaside Community was just a grove where we played hide and seek. Today I still spend thanksgiving in Seagrove Beach, FLa, but it is a very different scene from when I was young. Seagrove is now home to a large number of homes, cottages, restaurants, shops, and galleries. It's a fairy tale place to be. It's my favorite place to be. This week we've had gorgeous weather and temperatures in the 70's. We've rested, fished, read books, played games, shopped, people watched, the list goes on. But the most fun thing has been being together! And that is what I'm thankful for today, my family together in my most favorite place.

Uncle Pete Aunt Katie McKeever and Oli

All the grandchildren

My man

Me and my man

My sisters

Zack and Luke

Mason Duncan and KK

 

Pete and Paw Paw

Eddie and Taylor

Anne Banks

McKeever

The girls

Towns Oli and Luke

Paw Paw

Happy Thanksgiving

Thankful Blog # 15

So Thankful
I will definitely post the day later, but I just spent some  time with the Lord this morning before anyone else was up and I was overwhelmed by His goodness and I wanted to wish you all a Happy Day!
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me,
Bless His Holy name,
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits.
Psalm 103:1-2

Thankful Blog #14

FamilyLast night Towns and I watched a movie on cable called Four Christmases starring Reese Wtherspoon and Vince Vaughn. They lied to their families about where they were spending the holidays so that they would not have to spend the holidays with their families. They told their families they were doing charity work when in actuality they were headed for Fiji to enjoy spa packages and snorkeling. Long story short, flights were cancelled and the couple ended up spending Christmas with family after all. Today I was out with the girls and it seemed like every time we turned a corner there were families out enjoying the day. It was obvious that grand parents were visiting and families were beginning to gather for the holidays. There were pictures snapping,videos rolling, and lots of memories being made. This thanksgiving I will be spending the day with my family and yes there will be photos snapping , and videos rolling and lots of memories being made.
In the movie Four Christmases  we travel with Witherspoon and Vaughn to spend the day with each of their families. There were funny moments, awkward moments, and of course touching moments. They dreaded the day with family, and they even discussed an exit strategy before they went to each home. However, as you would guess, at the end of day they realized family, no matter how crazy, is irreplaceable.
I love those kind of movies, the ones with happy endings. The ones about families that hug and kiss at the end. I think its easy to take families for granted. It's frightening how easy it can be to be careless with words and actions around family.This thanksgiving I want to be like those cheesy movies and laugh at awkward moments and hug and kiss at the end of the day. Only I am going to love it all at the beginning of the day. Be thankful for your family today. I am! Enjoy every moment!
Love love love Ruthie

Thankful blog #13

Out With the GirlsI was jogging today and Ingrid Michaelson came on my ipod. I'm not sure of the name of the song but the first line of the songs says, "They say that home is where the heart is, I guess I haven't found my home...."I've heard that song a million times and I don't know why I chose today to dwell on those lines. I think it's because my house is full today and it's so nice having everyone home for the holidays. Today the boys went fishing so the girls spent the day together. So today I am so thankful for girl time. We had such a wonderful day! When Eddie and the boys got home I could hardly wait to tell him all about our day. We ran to the grocery store and I gave him every detail of the day. Funny, the day was nothing spectacular, but every minute was special and memorable. Towns and I began with a long run.  MaryCam and KK met us at the end and we got a drink and snack and people watched while we talked. Then we window shopped and ended back home and we fixed a big lunch. We spent the afternoon talking and reading and being together. I really didn't want the day to end. Once the boys got home we fixed dinner and put in a movie. Just a normal day. I love a normal day when everybody is home. "They say that home is where the heart is..." Where is your heart?  Think about it. Is that an easy question for you or not such an easy question? The song writer says she hasn't found her home. There is something about that line that breaks my heart. Where do you make your home? I hope you have found your home! I hope your home is a safe place for you. I hope you find love beyond measure in your home. Today I am thankful for spending the day with the girls. I hope you find just as much pleasure in the small things. Home is where the heart is. Where is your heart?
Love love love Ruthie

Thankful blog #12

A Car Ride Today

I am thankful for a car ride!  Today my family spent the day in the country. We took three different vehicles because the boys like to have their trucks in case they need some kind of tool. Anyway it just meant that the girls and I got to ride together in the car and talk non stop! I love that!
A while back I read a book, The 5 Love Languages and I learned that I love to receive love through physical touch and closeness. It doesn't mean that I have to be hugging all the time, I just like being with those I love.
I will never forget one time I told Eddie I was having a cruddy day and I just wanted him to know. ( Just between me and you I think it's a good thing to let your man know what your feeling because if you wait for him to read your mind you're going to be disappointed every time. ) Anyway, it was a Saturday and sweet thing I knew he had a list of things he wanted to do that day, but he put his list aside and turned into this incredible machine. He cut the yard, cleaned the kitchen, folded the laundry, and the list goes on. At the end of the day I was weepy and my cup was completely empty. He looked at me like ..What? He went over the list that he had done and couldn't believe that I was not doing good. When I explained all I really wanted him to do was sit with me and be where I was. He was stunned that's all I needed. When he runs errands I love to ride in the car with him. I just like being where he is, and when we are in the car I get him all to myself.  I love a car ride. I loved being with the girls in the car today because we were together without distractions and we really got to talk. I love knowing what they think about and sharing stories and jamming out to the radio. It's a good thing. Next time you're in the car with your children or your spouse, turn off your phone and relish the moments.  It's pretty cool and you might just learn something. Today I am so thankful for car rides!
Thanks for stopping by!!!! Love love love Ruthie

Thankful blog #11

I love happys

I could hardly wait to write this blog, and I can't keep it in any longer, I am so thankful for happys. If you have ever received a happy you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you don't know what a "happy" is, it's when someone thinks of you and surprises you with a sweet little treat for absolutely no reason! I must admit my day was a little over packed and I knew it. It was one of those days where you put a smile on and just do each thing on the list until it's complete.  They were not hard things or bad things, just a lot of things. Anyway, after my workout(the only fun thing on my list today) I walked out to my car and there was a gift bag hanging on my door handle. If there had been a hidden camera you would have seen a smile spread across my face a mile wide. I looked around to see if I could see any clue as to who might have left me a treat, and then I just remember laughing. I hadn't even looked inside the bag and my heart was flying and my day went from ordinary to fabulous in about 2 seconds. I jumped in my car and shut the door just so I could take it all in. I know that sounds crazy, but it's amazing what a happy will do to you. Like a child at Christmas, I peeked in the bag and I spied a note. I pulled it out with incredible anticipation. It read"Happy Beach. Happy having all your family together. Happy Thanksgiving! soooooo thankful for you! I cried and laughed all at the same time.
As I looked through the rest of the bag, I found cookies wrapped in ribbon and cellophane and some delicious chocolate covered snack mix. I just sat there with a huge smile on my face and an even larger lump in my throat. There was no name on the card so I sat there wondering who could have done this. Someone knew my schedule, my car... but the best part? Somebody thought about me. Somebody took time out of their day to make me treats and make my day. I sent a few texts asking who might have dropped me a happy and then I thought, do I want to know? Maybe I do but maybe I don't. Then my phone buzzed and I could not open the text fast enough. My precious friend replied, "Maybe :)" That text sent me over the moon! It's crazy how something as little as a happy can touch your heart in such a big way. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me feel special. Yes, that's it! It made me feel special!
It blew me away to know someone was thinking about me today. It also challenged me to send a happy to someone. Yes it takes a little time and it takes a little effort, but I am a testimony that it makes a really BIG impact! So, go send a happy to a friend for no reason other than you love them and you are thankful for them. And to my sweet friend, thank you for thinking of me! I am thankful for you!
Love love love Ruthie

Thankful blog #10

Today I'm thankful for my quiet time. With a big family and endless activities it's difficult to find a few minutes of quiet. Honestly it doesn't matter if you have 5 children or no children, finding quiet moments in a world filled with cell phones, I pads, and laptops is tough. It seems like there is always buzzing or ringing or something of that nature that desperately fights for our attention. What is that? I ran in the bank yesterday for two seconds and when I got back in my car I had  a text message and two missed calls. Anyway, I'm so thankful for my quiet time. I know quiet moments mean different things to everybody, but for me it's time alone with my Heavenly Father. Once I've cleaned the kitchen from breakfast and kissed the last child goodbye, I go in my study to my favorite chair and sit with the Lord. This morning was so sweet. With Thanksgiving next week and Christmas just around the corner my mind was over crowded with ideas, projects, lists, and a million other things. So I sat in my chair  today a little preoccupied, to say the least. As I began to tell the Lord about my huge list, He sweetly quieted my mind and allowed His peace to wash over me. In His presence I experienced true rest. He quiets me with His love and rejoices over me. Zeph.3:17. He delights over me. I don't know how you find rest in this hectic life, but there is nothing like the shelter of the Almighty. You can rest there. He waits for you. Meet Him there. I know there is nothing in me that deserves His perfect love, but today I am thankful for my quiet time with Him.

Thankful blog #9

Simple Things
Can you tell from my photo what I"m thankful for today? Look again. I'm laughing out loud right now thinking about what you are thinking. I truly could have blogged a hundred things I'm thankful for today, but I chose something I love love love. Today I'm thankful for...clean sheets. For some of you reading this, "clean sheets" might have been a let down. However, for others of you, you know what I'm talking about. Ahhh to crawl in bed after a long day and have those sheets pulled tight yet incredibly soft and not to mention they smell like heaven. Sometimes I wonder if I love it so much why don't I wash them every day.  Maybe I wouldn't appreciate them as much. I don't know, but I do know I look forward to going to bed when I have freshly washed sheets. There is nothing finer! Really the only word I can think of is "yummy." I love clean sheets.
As I was thinking about sharing this blog today, I thought "clean sheets" sounds so silly to be my thing I'm thankful for today. But really so many times it's the simple things that make us smile or make our day a little more special. I think we get so busy we don't take the time to appreciate the small things. Like a smile from a cashier or an encouraging word from a friend, or even a goodbye kiss in the morning. It's those simple, ordinary things that make our day extraordinary. So open your eyes, see the world differently. Notice the simple things and be thankful for clean sheets.
I'm thankful you stopped by! Love love love Ruthie

Thankful blog #8

Tuesdays with the TwinsToday I am thankful for the bookstore. You're probably thinking what's so great about the bookstore. Let me tell you, going to the bookstore is like taking a mini vacation from the world. So every tuesday the twins and I take an hour and a half  mini vacation. We live for it! In fact  today about 1:00 KK texted me and said she couldn't wait for the bookstore. We do the same thing every tuesday. We leave the world behind and head inside the bookstore straight to the cafe. Depending on the weather we treat ourselves to a latte or a frappuccino with a muffin, pretzel, or brownie. Once we've chosen the perfect snack, we find something to read and meet back in the aisle of "personal growth." We find it's the least  visited section so we can sit and visit uninterrupted. We spend the first half of the time sipping our coffee and sharing about our day. Topic of conversation always finds its way back to books we've pulled on hobbies and we discuss all the projects we are going to begin.  The last part of our time is spent reading a book or magazine of our choice. KK actually finished a book today that she started on our tuesday visits in Oct. Fox looks at tons of different stuff, its hard to keep tract of it all. I read Somerset Studio magazines. Today I read and bought my favorite, "Where Women Create."
We love our special time in the bookstore. It's so nice to put the day on hold and disappear into a world of coffee and conversation. We leave the bookstore refreshed and inspired. Try it. Pick a day, take an hour, leave your phone in the car, treat yourself to coffee and a mini vacation. You'll be  hooked. I'm thankful for tuesdays with the twins at the bookstore!
Thank you for stopping by! love love love Ruthie

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KK finished her book today!!!