Happy New Year

We've got big festivities planned for New Year's Eve. My grandson, Christien, is spending the night. We're having our usual taco dip tray and sparkling cider. Then we'll play games and at midnight run outside to beat on pots and pans and shout "Happy New Year".

I may not be on the computer right at midnight so I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year now. I know in my heart that 2010 is going to be a great year!!!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love, friendship, and prayers this past year. Even though I've never met many of you I feel you are some of my dearest friends - the kind of friends that you can always count on to be there for you. You have made my world a much happier place and I love you all!!

God's richest blessings to you in 2010!!

Love and hugs,
Kay

Dentist Update

I got in to see a dentist this morning - same one I saw about 2 years ago to have a tooth pulled. I had to pay upfront for the office visit, had an x-ray, and saw the dentist for about 2 minutes. The verdict was what I expected - root canal and crown for $1800 or pull the tooth for $200.

I immediately started crying in the dentist chair and felt like an idiot. They have no payment options (99% of dentists in this area don't) but I can apply for a no interest payment option through a third party company. I am applying for the payment option. If I can make payments then I will get the tooth fixed. If not, then I have no choice but to pull the tooth. I am trusting the Lord in this decision and I will be ok with whatever He wants me to do. I will let you know the outcome.

Thank you all for the kind notes and the prayers. They mean the world to me!!!

Finding A Dentist

In the last 3 weeks I have had two teeth break. One is a molar on the upper right side that has always been in crooked. I was eating a pretzel and the whole front of the tooth broke off. Thank God it has not started to hurt. Because I have no dental insurance and very little money I called a local community dental center. They will see you and bill you after you pay the first $40.

The first visit I paid my $40 and saw a temporary dentist who was filling in for the regular dentist who was on vacation. She looked at my tooth and said I'd have to come back to see the regular dentist. She did put some bonding material over the tooth so it would not be open. Last week I went back to see the regular dentist. He was not very friendly, to say the least. He comes in, pokes a metal instrument in the tooth which made it hurt, and tells me that I need a root canal and a crown to the tune of $2000. They don't do that there so he'd have to refer me out. I told him that if I had $2000 I would not need to be at a community clinic. He said the only other alternative was to pull the tooth which is fine with me. He said, in a very terse voice, that he would see what he can do to save the tooth and tells me to make another appointment.

I go to the front desk and they tell me they will have to call me when there is an appointment available! I still have not heard from them. I am trying not to be picky as I don't have a lot of options but I have to say that so far I've not exactly gotten a sense that this community clinic really wants to help.

Last night I was brushing my teeth and the back of the tooth on the lower left side broke off. This one is a problem because I have had two molars pulled on that side and have one tooth left next to the broken one. If I had this one pulled then I would probably have to have the one next to it pulled and would have no teeth left on the lower left side. I have to try and save this tooth.

I have been in tears all day about this because I know there is not a good dentist in Vancouver who would even talk to me with no insurance and little money. I have been praying and praying that the Lord would lead me to some kind hearted dentist who would fix my tooth and let me make payments. I am just praying that this tooth will not start to hurt and that I won't end up with an infection in either.

I just needed to share this and ask if you would pray for and with me in this situation.

Hugs,
Kay

End of Year Half Price Sale

END OF YEAR HALF PRICE SALE!! Everything in my Etsy shop is on sale at 50% off the regular price. Now is the time to stock up!! Limited to quantities on hand. No special orders accepted for this sale.

If purchasing multiple items please wait for a revised invoice with combined shipping to save you money!

The Rustic Cottage Etsy

Beautiful Christmas Day!

While most of the rest of the country is struggling with snow, ice and rain we had a sunny Christmas day!

Last night Steph and I went to 11 pm Christmas Eve service at a little church down the street. It was a beautiful service and truly made it feel like Christmas. When we came out of the church there was fog that was enveloping everything and it just felt so peaceful.

This morning our little family opened presents at home. I got a new pink soap scale - my favorite color. I also got a new purse which I just love. Steph got new fur lined boots, moccasins (which she said was her favorite present), a new coat, and lots of goodies in her stocking.

We went to Missy's for dinner and had such a wonderful time. The two youngest grandsons got things to ride on outside so they enjoyed a dry day riding their new toys in the church parking lot across the street. We ate lots, opened presents, and visited. This time next year we will have a new little one to spoil with love and presents. I can't wait.

I am so tired of all the preparation the last couple of days. I didn't get much baking done so tried to do a marathon session last night and this morning. Tomorrow is definitely going to be a pajama and movie day.

Merry Christmas!!!

Happy Birthday Jesus

A Sophie Kind of Christmas

We HAD our usual 7 ft tree in place with all the lights on it. In 24 hours Miss Sophie had knocked it over 3 times! Then she started behaving herself and only knocked it over once a day. Last week I came home from work to find the daily mess and decided that was it! Down came the tree. I had a small tree in the garage that had been in Steph's room. It had lights on it and all the decorations. All I had to do was untie the plastic bag. That tree went in the space about our gas fireplace.

This weekend, after the last of my orders were shipped out, I finished the Christmas decorating. I put the Nativity set under the tree (that is above the fireplace because of Sophie - see paragraph #1) and it looks beautiful. This set has great sentimental value as Steph's Great-grandma Jerry, who is 95 years old, made this in 1960. Someday it will look lovely in Steph's first home.


Last night Steph and I wrapped presents. I love this paper!! I have this thing about all my presents being wrapped in the same paper - I know, I'm a little OCD. But if you notice the picture of the presents you'll see shoes, plastic storage boxes and other stuff. That's because the presents are in my bedroom closet. Why? See paragraph #1!! And since we can't put them under the tree because the tree is above the fireplace, they will stay in my closet until Christmas morning. Otherwise we will find missing bows and shredded paper.

It's a Sophie kind of Christmas around here and we're loving every minute of it!!

Introducing. . . .

Farmhouse Fresh Soap!!! Sweet Farmgirl Cyn has been learning how to make soap. She got in-person lessons from a lady that lives close to her in Michigan and then we have been chatting about soap via email and Facebook.! Aren't her soaps just adorable? She kept telling me that she didn't want to post pictures because they weren't neat and perfect! I love the rustic look of her soaps and I wish I wasn't so much of a perfectionist so that my soaps would look like hers!! You have to stop by her blog and read the story of her soaps. Please tell her I sent you over to visit!!! Cyn, I'm so proud of you!!!!

Stand For Christmas

I am one of those people that wants to hear "Merry Christmas" not "Happy Holidays". Christmas is about Christ and that's the way it should remain. While listening to Focus on the Family this morning they mentioned a website where you can take a stand for Christmas by rating retailers on how Christmas friendly they are. I hope that you'll take a moment to visit Stand For Christmas.

Monday Night

I'm going to be working the rest of this week and three days next week. God is blessing with extra time and money just when I need it to help out at Christmas.

It was a very busy weekend as I was finishing up items to ship out today. But everything got done and taken to the post office. The treasures are on their way to places across the US to brighten someone's Christmas. Sometimes I wish I could be on the other end when the package arrives or the gift is given. I get so much joy from the things that I make and I'd like to see the joy that those things give others. I guess that's why I do what I do - for the joy!

When I used to make purses I would pray over every one as I was sewing it. I would ask the Lord's blessings on the person that would receive that purse. Since I don't make purses much anymore I'll have to start praying over bars of soap and bottles of lotion!

I'm getting excited about Christmas. I'm going to start baking this week - that's one of my favorite Christmas things to do. I've got a few last minute crafts to get done and gifts to purchase. I usually knit dishcloths but didn't have time for that this year. Guess I'll have to start knitting after Christmas and give them for Valentine's Day!!!


Hugs,
Kay

Baby It's Cold Outside

We are in the middle of a real cold spell! Normally it barely gets below freezing. Tonight it's supposed to be down to 15. It's been that cold since last Friday and we've had winds to go along with it too. I've been staying snug and warm inside getting sewing projects finished for customers. They are finally done and I get to move on to some fun stuff now.

Today I made Cottage Rose soap and lotion. Tomorrow it will be Blue Bonnet. I have a couple more batches of soap to make but not sure what scents yet. I think that Peppermint Candy will be one - that is our new favorite scent around here. Maybe some Citrus Basil as I haven't done that one in a while and it's a favorite with the guys.

I got the tree up on Saturday and it has been a fight ever since trying to keep Sophie out of the tree. She knocked it over 3 times in less than 24 hours. Today I made a "moat" of aluminum foil around the bottom of the tree. She hates foil. That worked really well - until Sophie figured out that if she got on the back of the couch and leaned way over she could reach the tree. Out came the water bottle but it's a constant battle. She is one determined cat!

Steph and I have been having the nicest evenings. Sunday night I was sewing and she was laying in my bed. I put White Christmas in the computer and we watched that together while I finished some things. Tonight we watched Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - you know the old one with the clay looking characters?? Steph loves those old Christmas programs and so do I!

I haven't even started any shopping yet and need to get a little done. I have to get for Steph and for the grandsons. The adults are going to just wish each other Merry Christmas this year as everyone's finances are so tight. I kind of like it that way anyway. It makes more of the focus on Jesus and less on the presents.

I've saved the very best news for last! I am going to be a grandma again! Missy is pregnant with her third child and the baby will be here in July. Since I have two grandsons you can guess what I'm hoping for - a granddaughter! I can't wait until Missy is far enough along to find out the gender so I can start making things for the baby. Her youngest is 11 so it's been a while since we've had to think about babies around here. We're just thrilled to pieces. I'm already thinking about blankets, burp cloths, bibs, and anything else that I can possibly sew. This is going to be such fun.

I hope that you all are keeping warm and enjoying the Christmas season!!

Hugs,
Kay

Amazing Grace

Body Moisture Lotion - Finally!!

I have been wanting to add a skin lotion to my line for a long, long time - over 6 months. It's finally done!! I have to admit that I tend to obsess about things - it has to be just right down to the packaging. I've tried and tested until I feel like I have a wonderful product to offer! It's 96% natural and made with a paraben free preservative.

This lotion is thick, creamy and feels so good on the skin. It's made with my favorite shea butter, grape seed oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, aloe juice, and lots of other ingredients that are good for your skin.

I have two scents right now - Oatmeal Milk & Honey and Peppermint Candy. We are in love with the Peppermint Candy! I got that scent for Christmas but may keep it all year long. I'll be adding 3 more scents later in the week - I'm not telling what they'll be. You'll have to check my Etsy shop to find out!!!

Can you tell I'm excited about this??

Hugs,
Kay