Work in Progress

While I was painting today I couldn't help but think about stuff, that's what I do while I paint. My gloomy mood last week wasn't all from the rainy weather, but because of a conversation I had with a friend. I had hurt my friend with my words and although my pride was hurt to discover this I was humbled and felt pain because I had injured a friendship. Why even a week later do I still worry about this? Why am I so slow to forgive myself? I know God is quick to forgive and it's forgotten forever, why can't I be like that with my own sin??

When I paint I am so impatient with the process. I can't wait until the end because the "during" is so ugly. I want to see the finished result at the beginning. It doesn't work that way. It is a journey and fortunately the outcome is usually pretty good. Thank you Lord for being patient with me while I wait! I know that a beautiful work will result from the struggle.

Thanks for listening,

Photo Credit: Arne1101

A past revisited ~ Kim & Kelly

When I went home a few weeks ago I made time to see some friends I used to work with...Kim and Kelly. I have known them for years. I started working at a heating and air-conditioning company as a receptionist/dispatcher at 21 and after all these years we are still friends. They are two of the most down to earth, sweetest people that I know. They always make time for me and genuinely care about what's going on in my life. We've watched each others kids grow up and of course they've kind of seen me grow up too:) Life is so busy sometimes, but every now and then stepping back and revisiting the past can be very refreshing.

Have a blessed day,

Kid's Art Display

When I repainted my interior this winter I decided my chick's art board needed a redo too. So I took our old bulletin board, painted the wooden boarder black. Next I cut and glued fabric to the cork and then decorated it with ribbon and a paint marker...whoila. Looks so much better than just a regular bulletin board...don't ya think??

Have a blessed day,

Strange Animal Behavior

Yesterday I commented on someone's blog about a beautiful robin in their tree and how I would just love to see a robin, because to me it represents Spring. Low and behold when I got home last night I had the biggest, fattest robin sitting on my front porch. I couldn't believe it. I ran inside to get my camera and of course it flew away. Later that night the robin decided to come back and knock on my front door over and over again. I think it's mating season and it sees the reflection in the glass:) I only know this because of my super smart cousin Tammy:) Anyway Spring was actually knocking on my door. I thought that was so funny!!

Speaking of strange animal behavior, my little dog Fergie has become obsessed with chewing on things she's not supposed to have. She goes into the chicks rooms and takes their stuffed animals. I actually found her standing on the table by the couch today trying to get one of their Polly Pockets! She has plenty of her own toys. I'm stumped, I think I need to call Caesar Milan for advice. She definitely knows better, so is she doing it for attention or is she bored? Any advice out there in blogger land??

Redeeming Love

One of my favorite blogs to visit is Beth Moore's Living Proof Ministries. She is a christian author and speaker and her blog is really interactive and thought provoking. She had all of her readers write in about their favorite book and I was amazed at how many wrote in and said "Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers". Well I immediately went out and bought the book and read all 470 pages this week. Perfect since it's been pretty gloomy out.

I have to say it was amazing. It is a fictional love story that parallels the life of Hosea in the bible. It's such a sad story (with a happy ending) and yet one that gives incredible insight to the unrelenting love of God and His remarkable ability to love despite all of our flaws. It is really powerful and very humbling. I cried alot to say the least, to really wrap my brain around God's amazing unconditional, all-consuming love for me...wow! It is a gift that He offers to me and to you every second of every day. I am so grateful. If you get a chance check out the book. It was worth the 470 pages:)

The Blues

(What I wish it looked like outside!!)

It's just been one of those days, one of those weeks actually. It's been raining nonstop and then today the cold came...ugh! The cloud cover is so thick. I just want to feel the sun on my skin. My laundry is still sitting in the baskets waiting...waiting for me to get out of my slump. Why are some weeks harder than others? Do any of you have any good "mood buster" tips? I could use some about now:)

Photo Credit Niekbokkers

A Hunter's Haven

When I was back home in Illinois I visited my brother Rick's house. He has always been an avid outdoors man and hunter. I had never seen a stuffed turkey before...other than on Thanksgiving that is:)

This is the family room.

Have you ever had so many eyes looking at you at once? Needless to say he is good at what he does.

This is my dad taking a breather on their front porch. Rick actually shot and killed this bear too. What I'd I tell ya he's good. Thought you might find a real hunter's haven interesting...I know I did;)

Blog Party 2009

Hello!! I am so excited to join in this year's Ultimate Blog Party hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom. This is a great opportunity to introduce your blog to the world and to link in with other bloggers to make friends and find new blogs to read. YEAH I'm so excited!

Who is Farmgirl Paints?

If you are visiting from the Ultimate Blog Party, Welcome!! I'm Becky and my blog is all about me:) I journal about my family, friends, faith, decorating, my artwork, trips, recipes, movies, TV shows...pretty much any and everything. I started it this past winter as a way to distract myself from our long cold Minnesota winter. Now I'm completely addicted!! My long term goal is to start an Etsy store and sell my artwork, but until then I'm going to continue what I've been doing. I'm a stay at home mom and blogging has just become a wonderful hobby that allows me to rant and rave about all my favorite things. It has given me a VOICE!! I love it:)

I thought it would be fun if I'd share my favorite painting and maybe you could email me yours. If I can figure it out, I'll post all of the paintings I receive and put them on my site with your blog address.

The above painting is my favorite. It hangs in my family room and everytime I look at it I think of my childhood home. My momma gave it to me as a gift. It was painted by Robert Knaub. Email me your favorites. I can't wait to see. Thanks for visiting and please please come back soon. I love knowing there are readers out there, so please leave me a comment and sign up for Farmgirl Paints!!

It's the Little Things, Part 2

My mom makes THE best Lemon Squares. I've always had them growing up and it didn't dawn on me until the last time I went home to ask her for the recipe. They make me soooo happy. They melt in your mouth and just ooze sweet goodness. I had Bunco last night and they all wanted the recipe so I thought I'd share it here with you.

Lemon Squares

Step one: Crust

1 cup flour, 1 stick softened Margarine or butter

1/4 cup confection sugar

Mix together and use a cookie sheet and press out firmly and put in oven at 350 for about 20 minutes.

Step two: Filling

2 eggs, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder,

2 T lemon juice

Mix together and pour over crust and bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool and then slice into bars. You can easily double this recipe. Super easy and it's all ingredients that we keep on hand.

Yesterday Missy and I went antiquing in Carver. I found the cutest little turquoise metal bench and a little birdy to sit on it at the Antique Treasure store there. She had the idea of putting the votive candle on it. I'm going to put in on my kitchen window sill. Something about birds make me smile. Then I found the neatest thing. We were in the flower shop inside the Antique Treasure store and they had this "Firefly Jar". It twinkles!! The picture doesn't do it justice, but there are batteries in the lid and it makes the little fireflies light up and twinkle...I'm in love:) When I was home I bought this pig at the Country Junction store in Clinton, IL. Isn't he cute? He kind of leans into the table beside him. What is it about pigs that warm my heart? Anyway all these "little" things make me smile when I look at them, so I thought I'd share them with you. What little things make you smile?

My first Mural

Not long after we moved to Minnesota I got involved a little at my daughters' preschool and they asked me to do a mural for them. It was my first one!! I was so nervous. But it was on a volunteer basis and the walls were a blank canvas, so what did I have to lose.
I got my inspiration from children's books and just jumped in.
It was great practice for me and now every time I walk in the doors it feels sunny and cheery. It makes me smile knowing I did that!!

Team Spirit

Last week the school I grew up in won the Illinois State High School Basketball Championship. This was a huge deal for our area. I graduated with 40 people in my class, so needless to say my school was small. The thing I noticed was the tremendous amount of team spirit everywhere I went. People were talking and excited and so proud of our Meridian team. It was contagious.

What if in life as adults we were like that....on our feet cheering when something good happened to someone we knew, telling everyone around us about the people who mattered in our lives; wearing our hearts on our sleeves, completely sold out for a common cause. Wouldn't that be wonderful? I don't know about you, but I'd like to be a part of that team.

Photo credit Carolet

Amish Country

Last week in Illinois we visited Arthur. A farming community where the Amish live. I am just fascinated with their simple way of life. It was a nice little road trip. We were all a little nostalgic thinking about Ralph and this was one of his favorite places to visit.
Here's my mother-in-law with my chicks. We had just eaten at Yoder's Kitchen...oh my goodness. I love Amish food. There is nothing better than fried chicken, mashed potatoes, homemade noodles, bread and apple butter...yum!!!
On our way home I about wrecked the car trying to pull over to take pictures of all the clotheslines. Doesn't that seem crazy to us...putting clothes out to dry and especially when it's all of about 30 degrees.

Beth Moore Bible Study

This Fall I started a Beth Moore bible study at a local church entitled "A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place". Today was the last video in the series. The study was all about the tabernacle in the old testament and how after Jesus died for us We (the church) became God's dwelling place. This is such an incredible realization after studying all that the Israelites had to go through in order to please God and to be in His presence. To think that there are no more boundaries and that we can come to Him through prayer etc... anytime we want is amazing!!

She closed the study with this verse in Revelation 20:4 God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.
She went around the room and had people call out things that would be "no more"...cancer, accidents, rejection, abuse, pain, loneliness, betrayal, divorce etc... The list goes on and on. We won't even remember any of it according to Isaiah 65:17. Doesn't that just blow your mind?

As we ended our session we held hands with the person next to us and said this blessing in Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." As I was speaking these words over my dear friend Michelle I had tears streaming down my face. I couldn't help but think one day there will be no more tears.

Photo #1 Daisy
Photo #2 Mariano A. Rodriguez

Silent Auction Donation

When I was out in L.A. my cousin Tammy had a print in her spare bedroom that was very similar to this. I took that inspiration and created my own version. I donated it to the Lutheran School Association's silent auction. Hopefully they can sell it and make some much needed $$.

The dress is made from scrapbook paper and the background is metallic glazes.

MaryLynn & Lori Day!!

Every year when I go back home I plan time to be with my girls...my girlfriends that is:) I have two of the sweetest friends ever and we go way back. I met both of them when I first became a mom and I so desperately needed someone to share the ups and downs of motherhood with. They are just so much fun. We laugh and giggle and share all of our juiciest secrets.
It takes effort to stay friends with people when you move away, but oh is it worth it. My life is better because of Marylynn and Lori. What can I say, "they complete me"!!

My parent's house

I thought I'd share some photos of the house I grew up in. It's located in Central Illinois. Our nearest neighbor is about 1/2 mile down the road. It was great having all that space to run and play growing up.
My dad coloring.

My parents are so funny.

My dad framed this card from Wal-Mart and put it on top of their t.v. He thought it was a great picture of George!

My mom has a real knack for decorating. The house is just an old farmhouse with her sweet touches all throughout. This hutch has been about every color.

Mom loves roosters. They kind of represent the country life. We used to have a rooster named Tom and he was really mean. Every time we went outside we had to carry a broom to keep him from attacking us.

She's really good at decorating an empty wall. She has little display walls all over the house.

Isn't this just the cutest picture. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me!!

My dad loves to collect things...bells, coins, flashlights etc. Here is just one collection.

Mom and dad's bedroom with Molly B. They found this cat out in the country somewhere and named it Molly, but it's actually a male:) They are just too funny.

Grandma June

Saturday night we headed down to my Grandma June's house. She is 93 years old and just a spit fire. She is sharp as a tack mentally and just keeps on going. Grandma is known for her cooking and generous spirit. She is always baking things for the Lion's Club, taking care of people and just doing for others in general.

She is the least lazy person I know and I admire her tremendously. She has started to decline physically and I asked her about getting old and she said, "Honey, all you need is a little courage". Don't ya just love that attitude?!

Her house is a hodgepodge of all the things she has collected over her 93 years.

She had eight kids and their pictures are all up in the top of the display case on the wall. I have no idea how many grandkids and great grandchildren there are...way too many for me to keep up with.

Grandpa died in his 50's. She still had 6 kids at home. He was a milk man and his truck was struck by a train. I never got to meet him, but I heard he was a wonderful man...very happy and jolly.

Love you Grandma!!

Country Junction

Here I am again, before I'm even unpacked I just couldn't wait to share pictures from our trip home. Got to say it was a challenging trip. Little chick got the stomach flu on the way down and a nose bleed on the way home...oh joy. Why does that stuff happen when you are traveling?? I can never figure that out. I couldn't wait to get home.
Before the flu came!

Our first morning we all went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast.

Here's my beautiful momma.

As you can see Little Chick is still not feeling good. This picture was taken minutes before she threw up all over the table.

Next we hit my favorite store in Clinton, IL called Country Junction.

See the clock in the picture. That was one of my purchases.

They just have lots of little nooks and crannies stuffed with yummy country vintage goodness. Pure heaven:)

Despite the flu we had a great day.