tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90690550324809769442024-03-13T19:58:29.230-07:00-Ruthie CarlsonThe Holiday StudioRuthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-56095581189915756762014-03-28T02:55:00.000-07:002014-06-22T12:26:58.011-07:00Back In the Studio<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2198" alt="IMG_3108" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_3108-250x300.jpg" width="250" height="300" /> I am so glad you stopped by! It's been a while since I've been in the studio. I have missed painting. The Big Rabbit used to come out and paint with me in my studio every week, and honestly I dreaded going back in there without him. His canvas is still sitting in my studio half painted. I stared at my studio door for about two months and finally walked in the room. I've not been in there by myself yet, Fox has been busy in there creating journals. I've needed and enjoyed his company. I cleaned up my space for my first day back. I so love a clean art space! I put paint on my palate and even bought a new brush or two. I've yet to put paint on a canvas, but I did journal and do a little watercolor. Journaling has been good for me to organize my creative thoughts. I am excited about where my art will go from here. I am so thankful for my sweet family. Their love for a creative life inspires me to dream big! It is so important to create everyday. It makes even the most ordinary of days extraordinary. Thank you to my sweet followers for your prayers and encouragement for me to be back in the studio. You have no idea how much it means to me! Your love notes and messages cause my heart to overflow.<br/><br/>"The Lord's loving kindnesses indeed NEVER cease..." love love love Ruthie<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2199" alt="IMG_3115" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_3115-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" />Ruthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-53289330208117556102014-02-14T01:41:00.000-08:002014-06-22T12:26:57.988-07:00Be My Valentine!<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2191" alt="IMG_3030" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_3030-300x300.jpg" width="300" height="300" />Happy Valentines Day! This is by far my favorite holiday! It's all about love! I love love! Yesterday, Towns called and thanked me for instilling a love for Valentines Day in our family! She was busy making valentines for her roommates and rice crispy hearts for teacher friends and cookies for her students! The twins were making valentines for MiMi all afternoon, Mary Cam was delivering flowers to girls in her youth group and Luke came home for lunch with me and MiMi. How fun is that? Making, creating, giving...thinking of others. What's not<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2192" align="alignleft" width="223"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2192" alt="Art Journal: He is enough" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_3031-223x300.jpg" width="223" height="300" /> Art Journal: He is enough[/caption]<br/><br/>to love?<br/><br/>Valentines is not about sitting around waiting for the flower guy to arrive or the chocolate heart to mysteriously appear at your door. It's about giving your heart to those around you. It's about making a card or sending a note without expecting anything in return. It's thinking of others. It's putting someone's heart before your own and reminding them that they are loved. Is that the coolest thing ever? I love it! Valentines day is not just February 14, it's really every day. We need to love everyday.....say it out loud! Say it with a note or a card or better yet...in person! That's my favorite thing! I really love it when it catches someone off guard and they are left<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2193" align="alignleft" width="224"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2193" alt="You are Loved!" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_3033-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /> You are Loved![/caption]<br/><br/>speechless! But I know they love it, because we were created in the image of God and He IS love. Not only is He love, but because He loves so much He sent His only son to die on the cross to save you from your sins so that you could live eternally with Him in Heaven. The greatest Valentine of all!!!! John 3:16<br/><br/>You are loved! Live like it! Share it! Show it! Give it! Wear something pink today and tell someone you love them. God is love. He is enough! I I Love you! Ruthie<br/><br/> Ruthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-28507667175497296612014-02-13T01:39:00.000-08:002014-06-22T12:26:37.553-07:00The Big Rabbit[caption id="attachment_2187" align="alignleft" width="200"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2187" alt="The Big Rabbit" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_3065-200x300.png" width="200" height="300" /> The Big Rabbit[/caption]<br/><br/>To the Big Rabbit,<br/><br/>I was in Mr. Frank's garden today. I was a little nervous to go under then fence by myself. I forgot how fluffy my fur is sometimes and Big Rabbits are so good at helping little rabbits when they get stuck. I found the spot that we alway got through, and it was easy. The grass was worn and I could still see your paw prints from our last adventure in the garden. I was afraid to hop around by myself. I've never been in the garden alone, so I just snuggled down right by the fence where I felt safe. It was very quiet and a little scary in the dark of the morning, but I remembered you said that bunnies love the morning time. So I did try to love it, but I had tears on my whiskers and it made it hard to see. I could hear the birds waking up and singing a little. I remember you would try to sing with them. I miss that! My ears were really heavy, but with every sound I would try to lift them up to listen for all the little creatures that you introduced me to. They were all there singing, and chirping and croaking. Sweet familiar sounds that were more like love notes for me. And then it happened. Mr Sun peeked his head over the edge of the meadow and dried my tears and invited me into the garden. The higher the sun got, the better I could see all the trails you made for me and the forts we made to hide from Mr. Frank. I found carrots and radishes just like you showed me, and I quickly remembered how sweet the dew tasted dripping from the lettuce leaves. That was one of my favorite things you taught me.<br/><br/>Thank you for loving the Little Rabbit every day and for teaching me how to love all the little creatures in the garden. Thank you for showing me how to find the very best carrots and give them away to everyone we hopped by. My adventures in the garden will be different, but I'm not afraid anymore. I know you are in the garden this morning with Jesus snuggled at His feet. Thank you for teaching about Jesus. I cant wait to meet Him face to face. Save me a spot in the grass next to you. I miss the Big Rabbit so much that sometimes I think I won't be able to stand it. But I will see you again! and I can't wait to be hopping around heaven with you and singing with angels. I love you with all my heart. The Little RabbitRuthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-23557756552567907352014-01-28T09:43:00.000-08:002014-06-22T12:26:37.546-07:00Recycled ValentineI'm so glad you stopped by! It's really cold today so I thought it would be a perfect day to make valentines again today. I promised no sewing this time, and I stayed true to that promise. Today I thought I would encourage you to use things you already have at home. All you need is an old magazine, scissors, glue, and a little imagination. Let's get started.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2176" alt="IMG_3014" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_3014-764x1024.jpg" width="584" height="782" /><br/><br/>To begin this project, I got an old magazine, a pair of scissors, glue and an old piece of stationary that I wasn't going to use. I decided to use the piece of stationary for the base of my card. You could easily make a card from construction paper, card stock paper, an old greeting card, or even a postcard. The idea is to use something you already have at home.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2177" alt="IMG_3016" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_3016-764x1024.jpg" width="584" height="782" /><br/><br/>I love this photograph. I took ten minutes and cut my favorite colors out of the magazine. I cut lots of greens, pinks, reds, and some black and white, I cut some text in order to create text on my card when I'm done. TIP: cut as much if not all your paper all at one time. It saves a lot of time and makes it easier to create your design when it's done ahead of time.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2178" alt="IMG_3017" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_3017-873x1024.jpg" width="584" height="685" /><br/><br/>I chose to use the color green to make the background of my valentine. I love pink and green together, so I'm thinking I will do pink hearts to go with my background. I also decided to frame my card. I chose a black and white border so not to take away from my design. Since I had already cut all my paper ahead of time, glueing my background took about 5 minutes. Now for my design.<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2179" alt="IMG_3019" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_3019-764x1024.jpg" width="584" height="782" /><br/><br/>I took all my pink colored papers and glued it down in the shape of a big heart. I used my text to say "Be Mine." I could not stand it, I had to embellish with a permanent marker. It's all I can do not to paint it as well. But I really wanted to show you how to create a fabulous valentine with very little tools.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2180" alt="IMG_3020" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_3020-831x1024.jpg" width="584" height="719" /><br/><br/>Okay, I couldn't stand it. I pulled out a few stamps and permanent ink and stamped my design. I love it!!!! <img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2181" alt="IMG_3021" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_3021-760x1024.jpg" width="584" height="786" /><br/><br/>Quick and easy! You may not have any stamps, but you could paint it, add glitter, what ever you have. The sky is the limit. Use your imagination. So fabulous!<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2182" alt="IMG_3023" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_3023-762x1024.jpg" width="584" height="784" /><br/><br/>I made another one. Same process as the first one with a little paint. I made this one with a black background and it was so dark. I added a little white paint and I lightened it up, and I love it!!!<br/><br/>You have to admit this was really easy to do. I hope this inspires you to get an old magazine and a little glue and create sweet notes filled with love. I had so much fun making these and I will make more. I will definitely pull out paint next time. I miss paint! I love paint! Have fun with this and send me your pics! I'd love to see what you come up with! Have fun creating! love love love Ruthie<br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> Ruthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-25240226675537725402014-01-26T13:24:00.000-08:002014-06-22T12:26:37.532-07:00Heart Crafts<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2173" alt="IMG_3008" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_3008-300x214.jpg" width="300" height="214" /> I'm so glad you stopped by! Valentines is not far away, and if you follow my blog you know I LOVE valentines day! I LOVE love! I love celebrating love. I love crafting. So put those things together and you get super cute valentine decorations. I have also found some pretty fun ideas on pinterest . If you love valentines follow my valentine board on pinterest. I would love for you to follow me on instagram too. (ruthiecarlsonart) I will post some really fun valentine ideas starting tomorrow.<br/><br/>For today, I saw a version of these valentines on pinterest. I decided to make these and share the process with you. It was quick, easy and tons of fun.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2162" alt="IMG_2985" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2985-853x1024.jpg" width="584" height="701" /><br/><br/>I started by cutting a pattern. I cut two hearts. One big and the other one just smaller so that it would fit inside the other. The size of the heart is really up to you. Mine were small, about the size of the palm of my hand.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2163" alt="IMG_2986" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2986-1024x1009.jpg" width="584" height="575" /><br/><br/>I used my pattern and cut hearts out of fabric scraps. I also cut a small rectangle to use as a tag in the middle of the smallest heart.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2164" alt="IMG_2987" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2987-854x1024.jpg" width="584" height="700" /><br/><br/>Isn't this so cute? I picked scraps of fabric and layered them until I was happy with my color choices. I really love the way the fabrics go together, so now I'm ready to stamp.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2165" alt="IMG_2988" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2988-866x1024.jpg" width="584" height="690" /><br/><br/>I used permanent ink to stamp the word "LOVE" on my fabric tags. I really adore the way it turned out. Now it's time to sew.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2166" alt="IMG_2989" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2989-820x1024.jpg" width="584" height="729" /><br/><br/>Before I sew, I just wanted to say that you really could put any word on the tag. Maybe someone's name or a term of endearment. You could put buttons on it or sequins. However you decide to embellish the heart, you would want to do it now.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2167" alt="IMG_2993" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2993-764x1024.jpg" width="584" height="782" /><br/><br/>Sew the tag on first to the smallest heart with a quick straight stitch.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2168" alt="IMG_2997" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2997-961x1024.jpg" width="584" height="622" /><br/><br/>How cute is that? Then sew the smaller heart right on top of the large heart using a straight stitch.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2169" alt="IMG_2998" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2998-933x1024.jpg" width="584" height="640" /><br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2170" alt="IMG_3004" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_3004-764x1024.jpg" width="584" height="782" /><br/><br/>Next, take a second large heart and with right sides together sew them together leaving a hole so that you can be sure to turn it right side out.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2171" alt="IMG_3005" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_3005-905x1024.jpg" width="584" height="660" /><br/><br/>Turn it right side out and stuff with batting, like a pillow. Then take a needle and thread and stitch by hand the hole.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2172" alt="IMG_3006" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_3006-1007x1024.jpg" width="584" height="593" /><br/><br/>Do you love it? I love it! They are adorable. Truly quick and easy! I wondered what I would do with them now. I do love the process of creating more than anything so I really don't need a "purpose" for things I make. That so makes me laugh. However, I was thinking of you and wondering what I would tell you to do with them. You could make more and put them in a precious bowl on your table. KK recommended making a few more and using them to create a banner. They could always be a tag on the top of a gift. And really, I think they are so fabulous that each one could stand alone and be the gift. Anyway, let me know what you decide to do with your hearts! This has been the most fun. I've loved sharing this idea with you. Check back with me, I've got tons of fun easy ideas that don't involve sewing! I promise. Love love love Ruthie<br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> Ruthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-68500261538008520892014-01-22T07:03:00.000-08:002014-06-22T12:26:37.514-07:00I Love Love![caption id="attachment_2158" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2158" alt="Mixed Media" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2878-300x288.jpg" width="300" height="288" /> Mixed Media[/caption]<br/><br/>I am so excited to share this piece with you. When I was creating it, I wasn't exactly sure what it would look like, but I knew exactly what I wanted it to make me feel. This piece wasn't a commission but a gift. I love that because I had complete freedom to create without the confines of someone else's imagination. I could paint and glue and design with all my heart.<br/><br/>I have the sweet privilege of leading a bible study on Tuesday afternoons, and I told a story yesterday that illustrates my feelings so well. In fourth grade, I found it very difficult to conform to the very strict rules and regulations of my classroom. I felt immense pressure to fit the mold of the "model student." Then one random day, the teacher left us alone in the room, but not without giving us an assignment and explicit instructions on behavior while she was gone. I truly don't know what came over me, but the minute she cleared the door, I escaped from my desk and ran wildly through the room, laughing uncontrollably and dumping desks causing books and pencils and papers to scatter everywhere. Can you even believe I did that? I will tell you that I did pay the consequences for my actions, as I should have. But my point is this, we desperately try to conform to the image of this world and constantly seek approval of those around us. I don't know if you've figured it out yet, but needing the acceptance and approval of others is exhausting and leaves you wanting, and then you find yourself doing something ridiculous like dumping desks. I challenged myself and the ladies in my group to step outside "the box." Dare to be different. Rather than loving God with part of your heart on sundays, wednesday nights, and tuesday bible study, love Him with all your heart all the time. Be wild! Love Him with complete abandonment, AND (sometimes very difficult for women) allow Him to fully love you back. He IS love. The God that created the universe wants to lavish you with His love. We LOVE love. We do! So let Him satisfy your soul. Only God can do that! "Oh Lord, Thy lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, Thy compassions never fail. They are new every morning, Great is Thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23<br/><br/>I'm so glad you stopped by. Love love love RuthieRuthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-79210537823072974872014-01-09T02:27:00.000-08:002014-06-22T12:26:37.504-07:00Happy New Day![caption id="attachment_2149" align="aligncenter" width="584"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2869.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-2149" alt="This is the first thing you see when you come in my back door. Everybody comes to my back door. Come on in." src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2869-764x1024.jpg" width="584" height="782" /></a> This is the first thing you see when you come in my back door. Everybody comes to my back door. Come on in.[/caption]<br/><br/>Happy New Day! Come in and get warm! I wanted to share a few photos from my home with you. I put this boxwood wreath on an old cabinet door that I've had for years. I am eventually going to make it a head board, but today it sits at my back door welcoming friends. I am going to leave it year round, and even enjoy it as it turns brown.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2148" align="aligncenter" width="584"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2868.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-2148" alt="Flowers in a galvanized bucket from Mary Cam's wedding. They welcomed friends on a bench by my back door during the holidays." src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2868-1024x664.jpg" width="584" height="378" /></a> Flowers in a galvanized bucket from Mary Cam's wedding. They welcomed friends on a bench by my back door during the holidays.[/caption]<br/><br/>For my first post of the new year, I thought about saying the expected "happy new year," but I think that's so overwhelming. I don't love thinking about my life in terms of years. I'm a "live in the moment" kind of girl. I love thinking about my life in the every day.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2147" align="aligncenter" width="584"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2867.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-2147" alt="Just for the holidays, I filled my lanterns with flowers from Mary Cam's wedding. Sweet reminders of her precious wedding." src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2867-764x1024.jpg" width="584" height="782" /></a> Just for the holidays, I filled my lanterns with flowers from Mary Cam's wedding. Sweet reminders of her precious wedding.[/caption]<br/><br/>I am not saying that setting goals for the new year is not important or having a savings account for a future purchase is not a fabulous idea. I just believe when you focus so hard on "the year," it's easy to miss the joy of the every day!<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2146" align="aligncenter" width="584"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2866.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-2146" alt="I love this boxwood wreath. I hung it for Christmas above my kitchen sink and it will stay forever, even when it turns brown. I absolutely love it!" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2866-764x1024.jpg" width="584" height="782" /></a> I love this boxwood wreath. I hung it for Christmas above my kitchen sink and it will stay forever, even when it turns brown. I absolutely love it![/caption]<br/><br/>I absolutely love waking up each morning wondering what will fill each moment of the day. I have routine things I do everyday like office hours, laundry, cleaning house, preparing meals, and so forth, but it's the magical moments in between that I love love love.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2143" align="aligncenter" width="584"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2859.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-2143" alt="This still sits in the middle of my island. I think I will keep it year round. I love the color and of course the sparkle and shine." src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2859-861x1024.jpg" width="584" height="694" /></a> This still sits in the middle of my island. I think I will keep it year round. I love the color and of course the sparkle and shine.[/caption]<br/><br/>It is the unexpected phone call from a friend, or a conversation with the girl that bagged my groceries that I think is so much fun. Sometimes it's a 75% off sale at my favorite store or finding $10 in my pocket and picking up lunch. It can be as simple as sending hugs and kisses to my children in a text or actually writing a note of an encouragement to someone that needs a pick me up.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2144" align="aligncenter" width="584"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2860.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-2144" alt="This was my garland on my stairs. I love twinkle lights more than anything. I did throw this away, but I'm considering putting lights back up!" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2860-764x1024.jpg" width="584" height="782" /></a> This was my garland on my stairs. I love twinkle lights more than anything. I did throw this away, but I'm considering putting lights back up![/caption]<br/><br/>I love a clean house, but sometimes opening your home on the spur of the moment is a cool thing. Open your home, share your dinner, listen more, laugh out loud. Those are the every day moments that somehow pass us by if we aren't looking.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2145" align="aligncenter" width="584"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2861.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-2145" alt="This is one of my favorite wreaths. It was a gift. It sits year round on a gorgeous wooden tray by my front door. It's about 6x6 in size. Love love " src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2861-764x1024.jpg" width="584" height="782" /></a> This is one of my favorite wreaths. It was a gift. It sits year round on a gorgeous wooden tray by my front door. It's about 6x6 in size. Love love[/caption]<br/><br/>So I say "Happy New Day! Every Day!" Enjoy your day. Keep your eyes wide open to see the precious love notes that God so graciously puts in your path all day every day.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2141" align="aligncenter" width="584"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2855.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-2141" alt="This is a magnolia wreath above my mantle. I've had it two years and I love it more every day. The color is yummy." src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2855-764x1024.jpg" width="584" height="782" /></a> This is a magnolia wreath above my mantle. I've had it two years and I love it more every day. The color is yummy.[/caption]<br/><br/>This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Enjoy your day. Expect magical moments.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2142" align="aligncenter" width="584"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2856.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-2142" alt="My tree was dreamy with lights and color. I am sad it is no longer in my den! I loved it!" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_2856-764x1024.jpg" width="584" height="782" /></a> My tree was dreamy with lights and color. I am sad it is no longer in my den! I loved it![/caption]<br/><br/>Thank you so much for stopping by! I have missed y'all! I hope you enjoyed being in my home as much as I enjoyed having you! love love love Ruthie<br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> Ruthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-60797623046197061442013-12-16T10:49:00.000-08:002014-06-22T12:26:37.483-07:00Stocking Stuffers (handmade, of course!)<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2791.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2126" alt="IMG_2791" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2791-241x300.jpg" width="241" height="300" /></a> I am so glad you stopped by! I am busy stuffing stockings this week. I love stuffing stockings! I love trying to come up with little bitty fabulous surprises. I remember loving my stocking when I was little! My mom made my stocking and always put fun little things in it. I think it's the idea of small treats. Bottom line, I love a stocking. I think I love it even more as a mama. I adore watching my children reach in their stocking and pulling out each little surprise one by one. I fill the stocking with a lot of old familiar favorites like an I tunes card or a starbucks card. But it thrills me to find the unexpected and fill it to the rim. I can't tell you anymore things because it's not Christmas yet, but take my word for it, it's filled with lots of cool things. I have to tell you, one year I was running out of time and I enlisted my husband's help. I asked him to do the boy's stockings and I woud do the girls. I will never do that again! Sweet thing, he is the most amazing man ever, but stuffing stockings is not his gift. He thought I was crazy to "redo" the boys stockings, but Christmas morning, when he saw the boys loving all the little surprises, he admitted there is an art to filling a stocking, and I did good. Anyway, you get the idea. I love a stocking. This year I made fabulous rings for the girls stockings. However, it was so easy and so fun, I had to show them and let them make them with me. We had a ball with these. I thought you might like a fun idea to make with your girls this year. This is what we did!<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2774.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2127" alt="IMG_2774" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2774-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>I found these little wood rounds at my local craft store. The wood rounds are everywhere. People are using them for everything. Mine came in a package of ten or so and they were ready to go. Ok, can you cut up a branch from your yard for free? I guess you could. I've not done that yet, but I don't see why not. If you do that, let me know how it turns out!<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_27751.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2129" alt="IMG_2775" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_27751-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>I then took blue painters tape and taped off the sides of each round. This is really important, because when you pour the glaze it will not stick to the sides of the round. If it gets on the side it can be sanded off. The tape also keeps you from getting paint on the sides. The main thing is that the tape kind of makes a stand for each round and once you pour the glaze it runs down the tape rather than causing the round to stick directly to the surface you're working on.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2776.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2130" alt="IMG_2776" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2776-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>This is the fun part! Paint! Paint! Paint! I used acrylic paint. Ok, there are lots of fun things you could do at this point. If you wanted to put text on it , this would be the time to do that. KK painted a tiny heart in the center of hers. In other words, be creative. Paint anything you like. You could even put a small photo on it if you wanted too. Go for it.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2777.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2131" alt="IMG_2777" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2777-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>I'm kind of simple, I just painted all one color. I love it! I will say, I did swirl a little white on the edges so it wasn't completely one flat color.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2778.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2132" alt="IMG_2778" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2778-300x224.jpg" width="300" height="224" /></a> <a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2785.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2133" alt="IMG_2785" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2785-300x224.jpg" width="300" height="224" /></a><br/><br/>I bought an acrylic glaze and mixed it up (in a well ventilated area) according to the directions. I found this at my local craft store. I mixed with a popsicle stick and poured slowly onto each round. Once I poured on to the round, I gently spread it with the stick. Now, you could use a polyurethane or spray glaze to seal the round, but I thought a thick acrylic coat would be more professional. But I'm all about using what you have.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2787.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2134" alt="IMG_2787" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2787-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>This is the hard part. Once it's poured you have to wait for it to dry....overnight! But let me say, It's worth the wait! These are awesome! One really great tip, the stand you make out of tape needs to be pretty even, otherwise the acrylic will run off the ring completely. It's really disappointing to come back to get your ring the next day only to find it has no plastic coating on top. So get the stand right! It makes a difference.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2792.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2135" alt="IMG_2792" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2792-287x300.jpg" width="287" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>I found ring pieces at my local craft store. They come like 10 to a package. They run about $3. I really like the wider band. Then attach the round to the flat part of the ring base with hot glue. I recommend using E6000, its a really strong glue.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2791.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2126" alt="IMG_2791" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2791-241x300.jpg" width="241" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>Do you love this ring or what? I Love love love it! It was fun and easy and anyone can do it! The best part? It is the best stocking stuffer ever! Definitely make one and shoot me a pic. I'd love to see what you create! Have fun! And Merry Christmas! love love love Ruthie<br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> Ruthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-28662795790916626332013-12-12T00:51:00.000-08:002014-06-22T12:26:37.469-07:00I Have News! <br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2121" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2756.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2121" alt="Oh Come Let Us Adore Him Mixed Media" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2756-300x300.jpg" width="300" height="300" /></a> Oh Come Let Us Adore Him<br />Mixed Media[/caption]<br/><br/>I am so glad you stopped by! Be honest...when you saw the title of my blog you could hardly wait to open it and see what the "big news" was. I know! When my children come home from school or my husband gets home from work, we always talk about their day while we are piddling in the kitchen or fixing dinner or whatever. However, if they come through the door and say, "I have news!" we stop what we are doing and give them our undivided attention with great anticipation. I would even add to that, if they're coming through the back door excited about "news," it's usually great news. Rarely is anyone excited to announce a poor test grade or a speeding ticket. I love when my family comes home with news, because it usually brings big smiles and great conversation, two of my favorite things.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2122" align="alignleft" width="224"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2764.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2122" alt="I made an envelope by cutting brown card stock and stiching it up the sides. I stamped my blog on the front, and made tags with paint cards. " src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2764-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> I made an envelope by cutting brown card stock and stiching it up the sides. I stamped my blog on the front, and made tags with paint cards.[/caption]<br/><br/>I created this piece of art this Christmas thinking about the greatest news ever spoken. You have probably heard it a million times. This time listen with your heart. "And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for today I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people' for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.' " Luke 2:8-11<br/><br/>If you were sitting with me at my kitchen table right now, I would love to talk about that very night. I would love to imagine what it must have<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2123" align="alignleft" width="224"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2770.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2123" alt="I tied it all up with brown packaging paper, jute, and bakers twine. Finally ready to ship." src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2770-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> I tied it all up with brown packaging paper, jute, and bakers twine. Finally ready to ship.[/caption]<br/><br/>been like to be in that exact field and to be completely surrounded by God's glory, and to be the one chosen to hear the "great news." What a night! I've got news! Today is not a lot different than that night. I'm obviously not shepherd, but I am surrounded by God's glory everyday. His news is for all people. It is for anyone who believes that He is the Son of God who was born that day in Bethlehem in order to save us from our sins. He is the Savior. He is your Savior. Open your heart to hear His voice. Love love love RuthieRuthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-50755918739843275952013-12-03T00:25:00.000-08:002014-06-22T12:26:37.446-07:00The Lord is my Shepherd<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2658.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2115" alt="IMG_2658" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2658-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> I am so glad you stopped by. Today I am delivering these sheep to a new client. I am excited to meet her and humbled that she would purchase my art for her own. As I created these sheep so close to Christmas, I truly contemplated with what text I would finish the piece. I chose "Oh Holy Night." It perfectly describes the very first Christmas, the night Christ was born. The most amazing gift this world will ever know.<br/><br/>I chose to string lights across the top as a reminder that Jesus is the light of the world. I love that! No matter the time of day or the situation at hand, He lights our way and leads us home.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_2650.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2102" alt="IMG_2650" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_2650-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_2651.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2103" alt="IMG_2651" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_2651-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_2652.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2104" alt="IMG_2652" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_2652-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For Thou are with me. Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Thou hast anointed my head with oil. My cup overflows.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_2657.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2105" alt="IMG_2657" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_2657-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23<br/><br/>It was a Holy Night. He is the greatest gift. Merry Christmas. love love love Ruthie<br/><br/> Ruthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-58706625042623834072013-11-28T02:07:00.000-08:002014-06-22T12:26:37.421-07:00A Peek Inside Our House at Thanksgiving<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DSC_0028.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2112" alt="DSC_0028" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DSC_0028-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a> I am so glad you stopped by! Happy Thanksgiving!!! This is a pretty fabulous day in the United States! The news reports that it is the most traveled holiday. I love that! My earliest memories of thanksgiving were of my grandparents, Beba and Deeg, driving from Selma to have lunch with us. While mama was cooking, the men watched football and I would take Beba to my room and play records and have concerts for her. Then we would sit around the table, which seemed like for hours, and eat turkey and dressing and listen to grown ups talk forever. Then we would move to the den (to a much more comfortable chair) and then men would fall asleep and the girls would talk and talk and talk some more. As a child, I don't know think it was my favorite holiday.<br/><br/>Today Thanksgiving looks a little different. We still eat turkey and dressing, but times have definitely changed. and with five children there is never a dull moment. Conversation is never ending and there is always activity. Someone is always jogging or hunting or creating. The kitchen is the most popular room in the house whether we are eating, cooking or telling stories. It really is so much fun having everyone home. Every year life changes a little and holidays look a little different, but no matter what life brings, my heart overflows.<br/><br/>I love that we have a holiday that reminds people to stop and be thankful. I love social media the month of November, because everyone is constantly posting something they're thankful for. I love that! I feel like because it's Thanksgiving, people are more comfortable saying out loud that they are thankful. Do you know what I mean? I think we should be thankful out loud everyday! It's early in the morning here and I've sent a couple of texts to friends telling them I'm thankful for them and that I love them. I need to do that everyday! Not just thanksgiving! Imagine giving and receiving love and thankfulness out loud everyday! Oh my goodness! What an different world this would be! Everybody wants to be loved. It's how we are made. So love out loud today, tomorrow and the next day and the next day...my heart is beating faster just thinking about it!<br/><br/>Happy Thanksgiving to you today! Where ever you are today and what ever you are doing today, be thankful. I am thankful for you! love love love RuthieRuthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-30776581758306589902013-11-13T00:42:00.000-08:002014-06-22T12:26:37.385-07:00Registering for China[caption id="attachment_2098" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DSC_0892.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2098" alt="Photoshoot" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DSC_0892-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a> Photoshoot[/caption]<br/><br/>I am so glad you stopped by! It's beginning to feel like a wedding is almost here! I went with MaryCam to register for china. Oh my goodness! China is not what it use to be when I got married twenty five years ago! It's so beautiful! Honestly, there should be a "mother of the bride" registry. I am ready to sell all my china and start over with a new pattern! Anyway, we had the best time picking out plates and glasses and mixing and matching patterns. When I was getting married there were two kinds of china, fine and every day. Now , everything is just fabulous and fine. Seriously, it was all breathtaking, and it's official, I'm saving my money and starting over, soon!<br/><br/>I was jogging yesterday thinking about MaryCam and her china. I loved watching her carefully pick up each plate and gently brushing her hand around the edge as if she were a million miles away and imagining her place setting on her table. She hand picked each piece of her place setting. She started with a beautiful dinner plate from one pattern and then chose a salad plate from another pattern. She found the perfect size bowl and wonderful coffee mug from a completely different pattern. She finished with goblets and glasses and other fun things. She stepped back to admire the dreamy setting that she had so meticulously created. Each piece was amazing on it's own, but together they were stunning.<br/><br/>In Genesis chapter 1 verse 1 it says, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." I read back through the first chapter yesterday morning and watched with fresh eyes as God created each and every little detail of the universe. The earth was formless and void, and He just spoke and there was light. "Then God said, 'Let there be light, and there was light.'"(Genesis 1:3) If you've read the incredible account of creation in Genesis then you know how awesome God is. If you have not read it or haven't read it in a while, please read it! It's so amazing to follow each day with God as He created literally everything. The sun, the moon, the stars all perfectly placed so we could see to enjoy His creation night and day. God created every living thing, on land, in the sea, and in the air. He spoke everything into existence. And on the sixth day, God made man. "Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being."(Genesis 2:7) "And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good."(Genesis 1:31)<br/><br/>God, the Creator of the universe, and Giver of life, made you. He made you in His own image.There is no one else like you. He made you perfectly and beautifully. It says in Psalm 139 verse 74 that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Just like MaryCam designed her place setting, God designed you and He saw that it was good! You are His creation. So live today differently. Live knowing that the King of Kings made you. He knows everything about you! He knows your innermost thoughts. He knows your joys, your hurts, your fears. He knows you inside and out and loves you with an everlasting love. You are beautiful! Live like it!<br/><br/>Love love love RuthieRuthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-39038516581642082522013-10-23T05:28:00.000-07:002014-06-22T12:26:37.375-07:00"Hay" Y'all!<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2580.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2086" alt="IMG_2580" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2580-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> I'm so glad you stopped by! Eddie came home last night to me standing in the driveway with my arms loaded down with yet another project. May I just say that my man is so fine! Most men would have turned the truck around and headed back to the office. My sweet husband pulls up, rolls the window down, tries to keep from laughing, and asks what I need.<br/><br/>Our community puts out hay bales at the entrance of it's neighborhoods to be decorated for the fall. We love riding around and seeing all the creatively adorned hay bales. Our neighborhood has never participated, and last minute, I thought it would be a great idea. I didn't want to over commit my neighbors since I decided so last minute , so I a came up with a very simple design that could be completed quickly and easily.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2581.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2087" alt="IMG_2581" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2581-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> From past experience, I have found that I rarely do quickly or easily. However, I do love a project. Eddie cut out my shapes, I painted, and the twins spray painted the hay. I found an old scarecrow in the attic, bought some fabulous green ribbon, and by 5:30 last night it was ready to be assembled.<br/><br/>I went over my design plan with Eddie that quite honestly, looked perfect in my head. He loaded his truck with a ladder and every tool known to man that he could possibly need and headed to the top of the street. After about an hour of working on the hay bale, Eddie informed me that though he loved my idea, it was not going to work and I needed a plan "B." Who <a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2583.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2088" alt="IMG_2583" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2583-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a>has a plan "B?"<br/><br/>I say that jokingly, but seriously we are planners. We have lists, we have schedules, and we have millions of ideas. We run ourselves ragged desperately trying to "check off " as many items on the list as possible leaving us mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the day. Imagine waking up every morning without a list and without an agenda. (You actually feel lighter just thinking about that possibility, don't you?) Start your day in a quiet place and ask the Lord to fill your day. Ask Him to be the author and illustrator or your every moment. Ask Him to consume your mind with His word and flood your heart with His presence. Psalm 73," Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and besides Thee I desire NOTHING on earth." To desire nothing on earth, and to seek Him first. That means God is Lord of your day, not a list! I LOVE that!! Seek Him first and I promise a life filled with adventure!<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2585.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2089" alt="IMG_2585" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2585-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a>Plan "B" worked, and by 8:30 we had a happy fall hay bale! Drive by and let me know what you think! Thanks for stopping by! Love love love Ruthie <a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2592.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2091" alt="IMG_2592" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2592-203x300.jpg" width="203" height="300" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> Ruthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-19739414297263063422013-10-16T13:31:00.000-07:002014-06-22T12:26:37.328-07:00Bridesmaids Weekend[caption id="attachment_2081" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2439.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2081" alt="Beautiful Girls. My sweet KK missed the picture and we missed Stevie and Nat. " src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2439-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a> Beautiful Girls. My sweet KK missed the picture and we missed Stevie and Nat.[/caption]<br/><br/>Im so glad you stopped by! I could hardly wait to tell you about the bridesmaids weekend. It's kind of the thing now to do a weekend away for the bride and her bridesmaids. I was really excited about this weekend because I am so in love with MaryCam's bridesmaids and I couldn't think of anything more fun than treating them to a fun and fabulous weekend. I think typically the girls get together and plan this weekend, but I really wanted this to be my gift to them. I wanted them to come to the lake and be on vacation. I wanted them to disconnect from the real world and enjoy each other's company and laugh and sleep and eat and catch up. The weekend was my joy. The girls arrived at the lake house on friday afternoon. They pulled up to the house to find my favorite of all my decorations. The painted pallet.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2410.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2069" alt="IMG_2410" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2410-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> <a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2411.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2070" alt="IMG_2411" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2411-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> <a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2435.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2071" alt="IMG_2435" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2435-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/>I cannot take credit for this idea, I found it on pinterest. I loved it. I found an old pallet and sanded it down just a bit. I got some old poster paint and painted a heart on the boards. It took no time. With white acrylic paint I put the bible verse right on the heart. For me, it set the tone for the rest of the weekend. I've actually saved it to use again!<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2415.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2073" alt="IMG_2415" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2415-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>Okay, now the fun begins! I got to make them all a little treat bag. I love surprises. I painted the front of each bag with a white "flowey" dress and outlined it with "here comes the bride."<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2413.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2074" alt="IMG_2413" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2413-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>I used some heart pine left over from flooring my house and cut it to about 5x12. I sanded and stained each board and then painted an angel on each one in a soft blue green color. I signed it and put a bible verse on the back. This was really like giving each girl a piece of my heart.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2414.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2075" alt="IMG_2414" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2414-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>I hope you can see this pic. Each bag had an angel, a glass that I put the word "bridesmaid" on and filled with kisses, a photo of themselves with MaryCam and of course glow in the dark bracelets. Not pictured are fabulous cookies that Towns made with MaryCam's monogram. They were delicious and gorgeous.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2421.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2076" alt="IMG_2421" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2421-300x224.jpg" width="300" height="224" /></a><br/><br/>So when the girls arrived this was waiting for them as they entered the house. I thought it turned out great! I considered putting it on their bed, but all together they made such a fun and festive statement. So I put ball jars by their beds with white roses instead. I think it was a good choice.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2425.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2077" alt="IMG_2425" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2425-300x201.jpg" width="300" height="201" /></a><br/><br/>Is this the cutest thing or what? I had this wood in my studio and I made a stencil and painted the letters L, V, and E. Then I found some old white buttons and glued them on in the shape of a heart. I really loved it. KK said she wants to put it in her room. After I painted, I did lightly sand it to give that aged look.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2426.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2078" alt="IMG_2426" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2426-300x106.jpg" width="300" height="106" /></a><br/><br/>Okay, I loved this too. ( I am laughing so hard at myself, I love everything) Anyway, this took a little bit more time, but I think it was worth it. I had 5x5 blocks in my studio that I covered in paper. Then I painted and stamped and aged each piece. Then I used my cricut to make vinyl letters to stick on each block. Lastly, I put an eyelet in the top so I could put white wire ribbon on each one. I loved it.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2419.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2079" alt="IMG_2419" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2419-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>This was a fun little spot. I covered a table in burlap and had a little "station" for crafts and notes. First, how cute is the "S" frame? I found a three dollar frame and sprayed it with metallic spray paint and framed an 8x10 piece of glitter paper. MaryCam is all about some glitter. Then I glued a wooden S for "Shaw" (her soon to be new last name) right in the middle. Love! I put a flower pot filled with glue, scissors, pens and markers on the table just in case anyone felt the need to be really creative. I also put pink paper on the table and asked each bridesmaid to leave MaryCam a love note in the brown bag. So fun.<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2416.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2080" alt="IMG_2416" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2416-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a>I made this piece of mixed media for MaryCam to keep in her memory book. I asked each girl to put her thumb print in the center of a flower and then sign a leaf or stem. I really don't know why I did that, but I liked it. It turned out really cool.<br/><br/>I had the most fun decorating the rest of the house with banners and balloons and white roses everywhere. My sweet husband drove me to the lake and helped me decorate the night before the party. It was so much fun. The decorations were a blast, but filling the refrigerator with tons of food was a ball. One of my best friends, Connie, wanted to celebrate MaryCam so she helped me with all the food. Oh my goodness, and was there fun food. We had real food, and snack food, and chips, and dips, and of course there was chocolate. MaryCam's sweet future mother in law sent breakfast for both mornings. I think it was perfect.<br/><br/>I went up late sunday afternoon after everyone had gone and spent a couple of hours with Towns sitting on the dock hearing about every minute. It made my heart so happy to hear her say what a sweet time it had been. I am tearful now as I think about each girl driving to spend the weekend to celebrate my MaryCam. Each girl has been such a blessing in MaryCam's life and mine! I have sweet memories of each girl and their beautiful smiles. They are amazing young women who I am thankful to know and love as my own. Friends are precious treasures and God has been gracious to bless MaryCam's life with girls that love the Lord and love her. As a mama I could not wish for sweeter friends in her life. To MaryCam's bridesmaids, precious girlfriends, thank you for a perfect weekend. I love you with all my heart. love love love a thankful mama, Ruthie<br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> Ruthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-11401806494574711292013-10-07T13:46:00.000-07:002014-06-22T12:26:37.307-07:00May I introduce you to Horns[caption id="attachment_2065" align="alignleft" width="237"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2528.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2065" alt="Horns 16x20 Canvas Board" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2528-237x300.jpg" width="237" height="300" /></a> Horns<br />16x20 Canvas Board[/caption]<br/><br/>I am so glad you stopped by. Let me introduce you to Horns. Horns is really not my favorite name for this sweet mama, but my children give me such a hard time for all my names for the girls that I am a little gun shy. She is the only cow we have with really big horns so we call her Horns. Pretty original. She had a baby last week. So sweet. Mamas and babies in the pasture are one of my favorite things.<br/><br/>Life in the pasture is awesome! There is an amazing sense of family and community among the girls and their babies. It actually reminds me of my old neighborhood when I was little. I had friends in every house on my street. It didn't matter what age anyone was or what school they attended, we were all friends, and everybody's mama was my mama. We were close and we took care of each other. It is the same way in the pasture. All the babies run and play together while the mamas eat and visit and keep a close eye on each one. When we pull into the pasture the mamas run for the truck to say a quick "Hello" then dash off to be first in line to eat dinner. The babies bob and weave in between the truck and their mamas to get a look at us before they sprint back to the field. When the girls are through eating, they call their babies to come home and eat. It's amazing. Each baby comes immediately and goes directly to their own mama. I think that is fascinating. When they are through with dinner, they mosey out to pasture for bedtime stories.<br/><br/>I was in the art store today taking in the sights and smells of paint and dreaming of what I was going to create next, when I was interrupted by a young mama calling out to her daughter. It was pretty obvious that the mama was not happy that her daughter would not come when she called. The little girl thought it was hilarious and showed no fear as she stood her ground in the crayon isle. After an exchange of heated conversation, a very angry mama about took me down as she appeared out of nowhere running down my isle looking for her daughter. I actually held my breath anticipating the meeting between the two. Believe it or not the end of hide and seek wasn't nearly as explosive as I thought it would be. Sadly, the mama chose distraction rather than discipline, and her daughter learned disobedience is more profitable than obedience.<br/><br/>When mama cows call their babies, they obey the first time. I love that! There's no arguing, no discussion, no distraction, just obedience. First time obedience provides protection and peace. Why are parents so afraid of teaching obedience? Why does our culture laugh at discipline and disrespect authority? Disciplining our children and teaching first time obedience makes for happier children. It makes every day a lot more fun and makes life much easier down the road for everyone. You only have to look as far as the pasture to see obedience produces happy children. Be brave. Don't be afraid to teach first time obedience. You can do it! Let me know how it goes! love love love RuthieRuthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-80310321580603194362013-10-05T02:17:00.000-07:002014-06-22T12:26:37.297-07:00Fun Project for Fall Y'all<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_25241.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2059" alt="IMG_2524" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_25241-300x293.jpg" width="300" height="293" /></a>I am so glad you stopped by! In Alabama, you would never know it's fall except for friday night high school football, saturday college football, and pumpkins on everybody's front porch! The weather is still warm and the grass is still green, but pumpkins, hay bales, and mums announce fall in full bloom and color. I love it! To welcome fall, I thought it would be fun to make a fabulous piece of art and show you each step so you could make it along with me! So grab a little imagination and creativity and follow along step by step.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2496.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2044" alt="IMG_2496" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2496-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a>I started with a piece of MDF from Home Depot. I cut it into a 12x12 square. ( If you can't cut your own wood, Home Depot will cut it for you for free ) I sanded my edges just a little and then gathered my supplies. I got mod podge, scissors, foam brush and decorative paper. I covered the board with paper using mod podge.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2498.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2046" alt="IMG_2498" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2498-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>In this picture you can see that I covered the 12x12 board in paper and even added a border. I chose to use book pages and decorative paper for my border. I put it down with mod lodge.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2497.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2045" alt="IMG_2497" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2497-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>Next I cut three pumpkins out of decorative paper. I chose orange and pink paper. No reason really, I just like those colors and thought if any of the color came through once I was through painting I would love to see those colors. My pumpkins graduated in size.I cut stems out of paper as well.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2499.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2047" alt="IMG_2499" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2499-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>Glue them all down with a little mod podge. Number one rule, don't grow attached to your paper! You probably wont be able to see any of the paper at the end. I LOVE to layer. This is just your first layer.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2500.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2048" alt="IMG_2500" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2500-300x224.jpg" width="300" height="224" /></a><br/><br/>This is kind of fun. Once I glued down my pumpkins, I decided it would be fun to add black birds. Found a little black and white polka dot and cut out easy shapes for birds. This is fun and easy, don't stress over birds. It's just a semi circle with a triangle tail and triangle beak. You can do it. If you want too. It's your piece and you can add anything you like. I thought a cat would be great or candy corns...do what ever you like!<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2502.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2049" alt="IMG_2502" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2502-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>Okay, this is part of my palate. I wanted you to see that I used different shades of orange to paint my pumpkins. Usually when I paint anything, I love to have about three values of that color to add shadows and highlights. I used a palate knife to mix paint and to paint with. I used heavy body acrylics for this project.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2503.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2050" alt="IMG_2503" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2503-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>I painted these pumpkins a dark orange and then used my knife to add highlights of lighter oranges. Notice you can still see the background paper. Not for long. I mixed up a light green color using sap green, cad yellow, and white and painted it lightly. Have fun with this part. Be creative. Paint your pumpkins any color. I actually thought that neutral colors would have been really nice with a vintage feel. I painted my stems with a raw umber. I also washed my border with raw umber as well.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2504.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2051" alt="IMG_2504" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2504-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>I cut some leaves out of green patterned paper and then painted them with sap green, cad yellow, and white.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2505.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2052" alt="IMG_2505" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2505-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>Here you can see the leaves and the background are all painted.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2512.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2054" alt="IMG_2512" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2512-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>Next I glued leaves, birds, and beaks. I don't know if you can see this, but I put a little fold in the leaf in order to give it a little 3D action. I I did the same thing for the birds wings. I out lined the birds with a little white paint and added a few cult vines with green and white paint. Paint to your hearts content! This is the fun part. You know me, the more layers the better!!!!!<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2513.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2055" alt="IMG_2513" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2513-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>Did I say the last part was the fun part? Who am I kidding? It's all so fun! This is really fun! Get out your stamps and ink and stamp away baby! I do love this part! I stamp all kinds of stuff. One of my fave stamps is a flower and I love to paint the flower. It just adds color and something else to see. I love that! Happy stamping!<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2525.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2058" alt="IMG_2525" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2525-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>Insert any type you like. I out lined and doodled all over this piece with a permanent black pen. Just have fun. Doodle, out line, type, just decorate to your hearts content. There is no wrong move! Go for it!<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_25241.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2059" alt="IMG_2524" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_25241-300x293.jpg" width="300" height="293" /></a><br/><br/>What do you think? I absolutely love it! The only hard part is figuring out where i'm going to hang it!!!! I drilled a couple of holes in the top corners and put a piece of wire so I could hang it easily! Yea! So fun! So quick and so easy! I absolutely loved creating with you! I hope you had fun in my studio today! Please send me your pics so I can see your creation! I loved hanging out! Thank you for stopping by! love love love Ruthie<br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> Ruthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-83871855997586800012013-09-19T23:51:00.000-07:002014-06-22T12:26:37.288-07:00Angels[caption id="attachment_2038" align="alignleft" width="224"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2373.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2038" alt="My new angel. Approximately 5x12 on old pine barn wood." src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2373-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> My new angel. Approximately 5x12 on old pine barn wood.[/caption]<br/><br/>I'm so glad you stopped by! After my fabulous day of tea parties, I cleaned house today....well, a little. Every time I walked by my studio door I could smell paint and hear my easel calling my name. Cleaning got cut short, and I spent the afternoon in my studio. The really fun part was that Paw Paw came out and painted with me. I can't wait to do his big reveal on his latest piece! You are going to love it. Anyway, while he worked on his painting I was busy painting angels and sheep. I have precious store owners waiting on me to fill a couple of orders and I've been a little slow to get that done. I love painting for gift shops. I love that you can purchase a piece of art for a gift without breaking the bank. I love that you can give a gift that is hand made. I also love to paint angels. For me, an angel is an awesome reminder of God's love and protection over us. Angels are mighty, and they are many. They are God's messengers. Remember when they appeared to the shepherds when Jesus was born. "And suddenly there was with the angels a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men'" Can you even begin to imagine the incredible view in the heavens that night?<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2039" align="alignleft" width="224"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2374.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2039" alt="I only have 12 left, email or message me if you want one. $40 First come first serve. " src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2374-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> I only have 12 left, email or message me if you want one. $40 First come first serve.[/caption]<br/><br/>As I finished up my order, I had extra paint on my palette and not wanting to waste that, I created a different angel for me. It is painted on a piece of pine barn wood about an inch thick. I cut each piece about 5x 12 give or take a little. I painted each angel with a palette knife and put a hanger on the back. I finished each piece by putting a scripture on back...Psalm 91:11 He shall give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways. I have about 12 left. If you'd like one message me or email me through my blog! They are $40.00 and if you live in the United States I will ship to you free. I love thinking that you will have a piece of my heart in your home! Thank you! love love love RuthieRuthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-12461869278460111652013-09-19T00:56:00.000-07:002014-06-22T12:26:37.234-07:00Wedding Cakes[caption id="attachment_2033" align="alignleft" width="224"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2371.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2033" alt="Peggy McKinney and MaryCam" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2371-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> Peggy McKinney and MaryCam[/caption]<br/><br/>I'm so glad you stopped by. What a fun day MaryCam and I had yesterday! She designed her wedding cake! So fun! She made an appointment with Peggy McKinney of Mckinney Cakes. Peggy is so precious. She met us at the door with a huge hug and a smile and invited us in to look at photo albums full of her gorgeous cakes. We walked in, and I can't even begin to put into words how delicious the room smelled. My mouth began to water within seconds, and I found myself searching the room for cake. The first thing I noticed as I walked in was her pink Mix Master. I love the color pink, and it was mixing stuff that I was hoping to taste! MaryCam was looking through photo albums, and I, of course, was taking in the sights and smells of<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2034" align="alignleft" width="224"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2366.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2034" alt="We love tea parties!!!!!!" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2366-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> We love tea parties!!!!!![/caption]<br/><br/>her "studio." Before I could take it all in, she sweetly served us a plate of cake, cupcakes, and her famous cake filling. She served us water in the most adorable pink goblets from a silver pitcher. With beautiful music playing in the background and indescribable goodies on my plate, I looked at MaryCam and said "I love tea parties!"<br/><br/>I was listening to the radio yesterday, and more than once there was a conversation about young moms and toddlers. I wished at that very moment for just five minutes with each of those moms. I began to think what I would say if I had only five minutes. My mind went back to the days that I had five children under five. As I culled through so many memories, I thought, "Five minutes, what would I say?" I decided I would say....drum roll......." LOVE every minute!" Yes, it does go by fast, but that's not what I'm saying. I'm saying to enjoy every day, every minute, even the hard stuff. You are a mom. You are amazing! There is no greater calling. Just be a mama and love it. Play with your children. Don't constantly farm them out to other children. Put your phone away and have conversations with your children. Take them with you to the grocery store. Don't dread those things. Make it fun! Teach them colors, shapes, fruits, and vegetables. Don't hand them your phone to play games and keep them quiet and occupied. Interact with them and nurture your relationships all day long! It's so much fun! Some days are longer than others, but your season of life with children at home is short. Invest your time and your heart into those days, so that big girl tea parties picking out wedding cakes is your honor and joy!<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2035" align="alignleft" width="224"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2370.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2035" alt="Obviously the cake was fabulous!!!" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2370-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> Obviously the cake was fabulous!!![/caption]<br/><br/>MaryCam and I had the best day. It was such a treat to share that time with her. We sat there eating cake like we were in a fairy tale with no where else to be. I chose a cake with white icing covered in stripes and polka dots made from lime green fondant and loaded with red flowers and strawberries. I think my sweet MaryCam is secretly relieved that there is not a "mother of the bride cake!" She did choose a cake that beautifully describes her. It was the most fun morning. Enjoy your morning with your babies. Love every minute! You are a sweet mama! You are amazing!<br/><br/>love love love RuthieRuthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-42694497094418818442013-09-16T11:06:00.000-07:002014-06-22T12:26:37.224-07:00Picture Frames you can MakeI'm so glad you stopped by! I've been creating fun things in my studio. KK and I saw some frames we really liked when we were out of town and decided to created some of our own. I thought you might like to see what we came up with.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2341.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2019" alt="IMG_2341" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2341-249x300.jpg" width="249" height="300" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/>First I got a piece of MDF from Home Depot. Now Home Depot will cut it for you, but I decided to bring this piece home and let my sweet husband cut it... quality time!!! I measured my piece to be 8"X12". No reason. I just eyeballed it and liked it.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2342.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2020" alt="IMG_2342" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2342-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>I sanded my edges just a little and then stained the board. I typically use a light stain on my wood, but I chose a darker color for this project. I want the dark color to show through later on.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2343.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2021" alt="IMG_2343" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2343-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>It doesn't have to be perfect. But for this project I wanted to be sure my edges were stained well.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2346.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2022" alt="IMG_2346" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2346-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>Paint your background. Because I had such a dark stain I painted two coats. I chose green just because it's one of my favorite colors. You could use any color. Don't forget to paint the sides.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_23481.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2024" alt="IMG_2348" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_23481-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>The fun part! After the background paint is completely dry, grab a stencil and your second favorite color and paint away! I chose a cream color to stencil and I did do two coats here too.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2350.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2025" alt="IMG_2350" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2350-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> <a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2351.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2026" alt="IMG_2351" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2351-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>I love it! I got a piece of sand paper and sanded my edges and a little off the middle to give it a vintage aged look. It's hard to see from this photo, but the dark stain coming through after I sanded is a really cool look. Let it dry.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2352.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2027" alt="IMG_2352" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2352-300x224.jpg" width="300" height="224" /></a> <a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2354.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2028" alt="IMG_2354" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2354-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>Do you love it? I love it! OK, a couple of things you can do here. I was throwing away some old frames and I saved the glass. So this particular project I used that old glass. I used carpet nails and slid the glass right in and the picture behind. IF you wanted to use an acrylic frame you could do that and just glue it in place or use the nails either way. I just like the look of the nails. You can actually see the stain coming through on this pic. I think it turned out perfectly. You could embellish with type or twine or anything really. I just liked it plain and simple this time.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2357.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2029" alt="IMG_2357" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2357-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>To finish the project, I put a little hanger on the back. You can find them anywhere. They are easy to add. I had an old library card envelope that I put on the back and put a card in it with my information on it. How fun is that? You could paint the back if you wanted to, I chose to leave it plain. I like it! Have fun crafting! Send me pictures! I'd love to know what you think! Leave me a comment! love love love Ruthie<br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> Ruthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-21263513463703200722013-09-13T05:54:00.000-07:002014-06-22T12:26:37.214-07:00Dead Lifts[caption id="attachment_2016" align="alignleft" width="224"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2160.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2016" alt="Derby Girl Oil on Canvas " src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2160-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> Derby Girl<br />Oil on Canvas[/caption]<br/><br/>I'm so glad you stopped by. I was in the gym yesterday with my precious friends Connie and Su Su. We work out together almost every day. When I walked in yesterday I noticed there were dead lifts in the workout. ( Dead lifts are not my favorite...at all) We warmed up and then made our way over to the bars. As I stood staring at my weights, I was trying to calculate how much it weighed. Before I could even add it all up, I turned to the trainer and told him I didn't think I could lift it. He walked past me and patted me on the shoulder and said "You can do it. It's in your mind." I stood there a minute to convince myself that I could do it, then squatted to the bar and adjusted my hands. I tuned out all the sound around me to where all I could hear were my thoughts, my worst enemy. I stepped away from the bar to get it together, again. I was fighting being emotional. After a few deep breaths, I moved in again. I slowly but surely lifted the weight five times in a row. After the fifth time I dropped the weight and asked the trainer to take off some of the weight. I had 25 more to go and there was no way I could lift that thing 25 more times. He tried to persuade me to leave the weight on the bar. He had watched me lift the weight and he believed I could complete the workout with no problem. I did not believe him. I did not trust his decision and asked him to take it off. He took off 10 pounds and I flew through six rounds of dead lifts, 15 box jumps, and 20 weighted ball slams.<br/><br/>I have to admit, when I was finished, I was a little disappointed in myself. I chose to stay within my comfort zone, a weight I'd lifted 100 times before. I didn't trust the wisdom of the expert. He trains everyday, all day, it's what he does. His job is to train me and make me stronger. Yet I am only as strong as I think I am. In other words, I chose to trust in myself rather than the expert.<br/><br/>Question....Do you know God? Talk about strength! He created the Universe! Maybe you've heard about Him? He knows you, He made you! Maybe you've heard the stories about how He parted the Red Sea, or flooded the earth, or calmed the storm with just a breath. The most powerful thing He did was to send His only son to earth to die on the cross for your sins and mine. He did that because He loved you and me. John 3:16. He is mighty. He is amazing. He lives in me. I am His and I have complete access to His power and might every day all day. Yet, so often I am only as strong as I think I am. I choose to live in my own strength trusting in my own limited abilities. He is power. He has no limitations. He is God! He is enough! "Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31<br/><br/>Love love love Ruthie<br/><br/> <br/><br/> Ruthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-49119717159080927182013-09-11T07:25:00.000-07:002014-06-22T12:26:37.195-07:00The Screen Door <br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2010" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2125-e1378903218582.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2010" alt="The Red Barn" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2125-e1378903218582-300x226.jpg" width="300" height="226" /></a> The Red Barn[/caption]<br/><br/>I am so glad you stopped by! I love this painting. This was a commission I did for a girl in Franklin, TN. The only request was a specific size and a red barn. I painted the whole thing with a palette knife. When I was done I was head over heels in love. I loved the painting, but I mostly loved the way it made me feel. I am an outside kind of girl and this painting says "outside" in a yummy way!<br/><br/>My family loves the outdoors. Sixteen years ago when we built our house, we put a big screen porch on the back. We love it. We have a million memories on that porch from birthday parties to prom dinners. My most favorite thing about the porch is cooking on the grill almost every saturday night out there. It is like a date night every saturday. However, the other day, I was working in my husband's shop in the back yard, and as I was walking back toward the house I noticed how old and worn the porch looked. I stopped and made a mental list of everything that I thought needed to be done to update it. I had a pretty good list going, from pressure washing to sanding to staining and then my eyes rested on the screen door. My heart flooded with sweet memories of my children running in and out of that door for sixteen years. I laughed thinking about the hundreds of times I must have said "Don't slam the screen door!" Honestly, if you wanted the door to close all the way now, you would have to lift it with both hands and pull it with all your might. The hinges are rusted and the springs no longer spring. We actually use the door as the last hole in our frisbee golf course! If and when that door gets left open, we inevitably encounter stray cats, lost birds, mosquitos and sometimes snakes. Not good!!!!<br/><br/>I can't help but draw a comparison between the screen door and the human heart. My screen door started out strong. The door was once like a strong soldier standing tall and brave against stray creatures and fierce weather. Now because the door was not taken care of, it looks more like a withered old man with a sweet smile and weak eyes unable to fight off even the smallest mosquito. When a heart goes unattended it too will grow weak. However, a heart filled with Jesus has the strength of ten thousand. With Jesus in your heart, He is able to help you be strong and stand firm against all manner of evil. If you are tired and weary, Jesus wants to rescue you! He stands ready to save. Call out to Him today. Give Him your whole heart. Don't leave that screen door unattended.<br/><br/>Ephesians 6:10-11 Finally, be strong int he Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.<br/><br/>love love love RuthieRuthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-26108434929533616332013-09-10T00:12:00.000-07:002014-06-22T12:26:37.168-07:00The Grass is Greener[caption id="attachment_2003" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0149.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2003" alt="The grass is greener" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0149-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a> The grass is greener[/caption]<br/><br/>I'm so glad you stopped by. I missed being here the last couple of days due to technical difficulties. My cable guy fixed me up yesterday so I'm back. I could not wait to share this photo with you! What is your first thought when you see this photo? Let me start by saying that with all the rain we've had the pastures are exceptionally green and beautiful, and it obvious because the girls are fat and<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2004" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0156.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2004" alt="Salt blocks for the girls" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0156-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a> Salt blocks for the girls[/caption]<br/><br/>happy. They have more room than they need to move, and Eddie put out three big salt blocks for dessert. The girls are living in the lap of luxury, yet look at this photo. " The grass is always greener on the other side!"<br/><br/>This is so funny. When our children were little, we used to go to the drive through at Dairy Queen all the time. Eddie would pull up to<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2005" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0139.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2005" alt="Everyone gets dessert" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0139-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a> Everyone gets dessert[/caption]<br/><br/>the window and order 6 small dip cones. As each dip cone would make its way into the car, little eyes were sizing them up and passing them back hoping the next cone would be just a curly "Q" bigger. The grass is always greener.<br/><br/>Unfortunately the world encourages this concept to build business and boost sales. Every commercial, every magazine cover says you have to have the latest and greatest to be happy and cool. Even Instagram and facebook and the blogging world, as fun and fabulous as they may be, paint this unrealistic picture of a perfect and exceedingly happy lifestyle leaving many viewers discontent and believing the grass is greener on the other side. For example, the beach picture on instagram didn't capture the nonstop rain or the ocean filled with seaweed. Instead, it was a "color saturated" and heavily filtered photo of million dollar smiles making the rest of the world think their vacation was a wash.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2006" align="alignleft" width="200"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0151.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2006" alt="My favorite Cowboy" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0151-200x300.jpg" width="200" height="300" /></a> My favorite Cowboy[/caption]<br/><br/>What's the answer? Well, for my cows it was an easy fix. We turned on the electric fence to train them to stay home and enjoy the green grass that was right in front of them. I think in a similar way we should train our hearts to be thankful. We are blessed. We have more than we need. I would go out on a limb and say in most cases, we actually have more than we need. We are blessed, so let's act like it. Rather than wanting what every one else has, share what you do have. Change the way you see your day. Be thankful all day. Say it out loud. Journal ten things you are thankful for before you go to bed. Choose to be thankful. Choose to be content. "Bless the Lord Oh my soul and All that is within me bless His Holy name. Bless the Lord Oh my soul and Forget not His benefits!" Psalm 103 The grass is green in your own back yard. Love love love RuthieRuthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-73809041834289727942013-09-05T23:47:00.000-07:002014-06-22T12:26:37.152-07:00Stop! Slow! Men at work[caption id="attachment_1997" align="alignleft" width="224"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_1982.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1997" alt="Commission Mixed Media 8x8" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_1982-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> Commission<br />Mixed Media<br />8x8[/caption]<br/><br/>I'm so glad you stopped by! I was wondering if you had ever been just a little late to your destination and thought to yourself, "i'll cut through the neighborhoods and get there faster. Only to find yourself zooming right up to the back of a long line of cars waiting and watching a single lane of oncoming traffic moving at maybe two miles an hour? If you hang your head out the window and squint your eyes, you can see there is a guy up ahead holding a stop sign and a walkie talkie obviously talking to the guy who is in charge of the other lane of traffic. Finally the other lane disappears and the sign then reads "Slow." Honestly, by this time I probably could have walked to my destination and arrived sooner.<br/><br/>This commission I recently finished was a<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_1998" align="alignleft" width="224"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_1974.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1998" alt="beginning layers" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_1974-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> beginning layers[/caption]<br/><br/>little like the guy holding the stop sign. I adore mixed media projects for so many reasons. Each piece is unique and interesting. My pieces are created with layer upon layer upon layer revealing unexpected surprises every time you look at it. However, with layers comes the guy with the "stop" sign. There is a lot of time sitting and waiting for things to dry and mediums to set, and I admit it is very hard for me to wait sometimes. I get so excited about a piece and can hardly wait to add some element and I end up with what's commonly known as "mud!" It's so frustrating because I know it's going to be mud, but I forge ahead anyway hoping for super powers to avoid the inevitable. It's one of the reasons I have paper towels in my studio so<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_1999" align="alignleft" width="224"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_1975.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1999" alt="More layers" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_1975-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> More layers[/caption]<br/><br/>I can wipe of as much "mud" as possible. The funny thing, I actually have to wait on the "mud" to dry so I can sand it back to where I started. Then I begin again and wait. Can you believe that? I almost always wait twice as long. You would think I would learn from my mistakes the first time. The good part is that after the wiping and sanding and waiting, I have a piece of art that makes my heart smile. It was worth every step of the process!<br/><br/>I don't know about you, but I make "mud" every day. I lose my patience or speak before I think...you get the idea. I am so thankful that God, my creator, doesn't toss me in the trash. Instead, He gently wipes away some of the<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_2000" align="alignleft" width="224"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_1981.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2000" alt="Always worth the wait!" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_1981-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> Always worth the wait![/caption]<br/><br/>crud, and pulls out the sand paper to get the big stuff. He patiently waits on me and never gives up on me. I love that He never grows weary of working on me. Philippians 1:6 "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." I cut through the neighborhood the other day and there were no workers present. Instead there was a fabulous stretch of road that was smooth as butter. It was worth the wait.<br/><br/>Love love love RuthieRuthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-91108093678605634402013-09-04T23:23:00.000-07:002014-06-22T12:26:37.121-07:00Date Night in a Pasture[caption id="attachment_1991" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0168.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1991" alt="I love this pic of the girls getting a drink of water." src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0168-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a> I love this pic of the girls getting a drink of water.[/caption]<br/><br/>I am so glad you stopped by! I wanted to tell you about my last date night. My sweet husband came home from work early the other night and stuck his head in the back door and asked if I wanted to go with him to feed the girls. I rarely pass up an opportunity to be with my baby by myself so I answered with a quick "Yes!" I turned off the stove, pushed pots to the side, and told the children I'd<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_1992" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0247.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1992" alt="A little love from the tail gate" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0247-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a> A little love from the tail gate[/caption]<br/><br/>be back soon. I grabbed my boots and my camera and I was off to the pasture with my baby.<br/><br/>I love how the girls know Eddie's truck. Oh my goodness! He pulls up to the gate and they are mooing like crazy and running towards him as fast as they can. The older girls kind of gallop, and the babies are precious as they leap and sprint circles around their mamas. We pull to the middle of the pasture and can hardly open the doors for everybody pushing on the truck and sticking their big wet noses into the windows. It's hilarious. Eddie hollers at them to back up and he makes his way to the bed of the truck. By the time he picks up a bag of pellets they have licked him from head to toe. He puts piles of pellets out and they frantically move from pile to pile eating as though it's their last meal. Eddie and I sit on the tail gate and watch the girls and talk about the day. It's one of my most favorite date nights.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_1993" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0260.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1993" alt="Holiday and baby Rain" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0260-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a> Holiday and baby Rain[/caption]<br/><br/>Once the girls were through eating, they kind of spread out and eat a little grass for dessert. The babies all find their mamas and snuggle up for a little late night snack. That's when Valentine finds her way to me. (If you are new to my blog please meet Valentine in my previous blog. February 2012) She has grown so much in a year it's amazing. She pushes her head on me and licks me all over. It is so sweet. As the sun begins to go down, the girls all move in a pack toward the edge of the pasture. It's really amazing how they all do the same thing. They slowly but surely make their way to the back of the pasture under the trees for the night. The moon was huge, and the stars were like little night lights. We could barely see the girls anymore. Eddie and I decided to call it a night and I got off the tail gate and walked toward the door of the truck. As I reached for the handle, I heard a single moo from across the pasture. Unable to see anything, I asked Eddie if he thought it was Valentine. Unsure I called out to Val. She mooed again. I called and she answered a third time and then I could hear her moving in the grass. I walked toward the front of the truck and she met me there. It was so sweet. We snuggled a little and said our goodbyes and she turned and walked back to join the others. My sweet Valentine made my night.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_1994" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0173.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1994" alt="The Girls" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0173-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a> The Girls[/caption]<br/><br/>I love how Valentine knows my voice. Every time I pull into the pasture and call her name she comes to me. It's something! But what really surprised me that day was that even in the dark, she knew my voice and could find me. I love that thought. In comparison, I think of the many times that I have been in a situation that I could not see my way, and yet I could hear God's voice clearly call my name. I love that I am His and that He is mine, and I love when He calls me by name. If you don't know Him or know His voice, call out to Him today and give Him your heart. He stands waiting to hear your voice and hold you close. John 10:14 "I am the Good Shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me.<br/><br/>love love love Ruthie<br/><br/> Ruthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069055032480976944.post-42246441942525435272013-09-04T01:02:00.000-07:002014-06-22T12:26:37.091-07:00Guitar Man[caption id="attachment_1985" align="alignleft" width="224"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2303.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1985" alt="I love this pic of my daddy. His bright colored shirt, paint all over his hands and face. Priceless" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2303-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> I love this pic of my daddy. His bright colored shirt, paint all over his hands and face. Priceless[/caption]<br/><br/>I am so glad you stopped by! I could hardly wait to introduce you to Guitar Man. About a month ago, my son asked my daddy (PawPaw) to paint a guitar man for his apartment. Paw Paw accepted the challenge but never picked up a paint brush. My daddy is a gifted artist. He would argue that point with me, but I would easily win that argument. He is overflowing with creative ideas and has an amazing eye for color. More importantly, he loves it. Art is deep in his soul. However, we all need a little encouragement sometimes, so I invited him to my studio to paint guitar man. He painted, mixed color, repainted, and finally signed the canvas. Guitar Man is done! I love it! We had so much fun we decided to make it a weekly thing. Paw Paw comes to my studio on the same day at the same time every week. I can hardly wait<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_1986" align="alignleft" width="224"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2301.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1986" alt="Paw Paw in action!" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2301-224x300.jpg" width="224" height="300" /></a> Paw Paw in action![/caption]<br/><br/>for you to see what he's working on now. He says he loves coming and learns something new every time he comes. Sharing my studio with Paw Paw every week is my joy and my treasure.<br/><br/>Bieng intentional about spending time with someone is indescribable! Think about it. When was the last time you were intentional about spending time with someone? My husband and I are being intentional about cooking with the twins one night a week and discussing specific topics over dinner. Last night the boys cooked and the girls cleaned. Dinner was delicious! They put everything in the fry daddy. What's not to love?! Dinner conversation was fun and<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_1987" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2304.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1987" alt="Guitar Man Acrylic on Canvas by: Steve Fox" src="http://www.ruthiecarlson.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_2304-300x237.jpg" width="300" height="237" /></a> Guitar Man<br />Acrylic on Canvas<br />by: Steve Fox[/caption]<br/><br/>enlightening. It was a great night! I truly look forward to it all week. The real treasure is being together and taking our relationships that much deeper.<br/><br/>Being intentional takes time and effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. Be intentional! Plan something out of the ordinary this week. You can do It!!!! Please leave me a comment on how you were intentional this week. I love hearing about you! Thanks for stopping by!<br/><br/>Love love love RuthieRuthie Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17083624609068416082noreply@blogger.com4