Look Who Is Gonna Pay It Forward.....

It's time to pay it forward and the winner of all the goodies is Sherry of From Sherry's Heart and in addition she will have the opportunity to pay it forward with a little gift giving herself. She will receive a $20 gift card to surprise someone with a little Christmas cheer. Be sure to stop by her blog when you have a chance she is talented in so many different areas.

Well it was such a long weekend but such a very nice one. I had the chance to take a quick little vacation with my daughter Jenn and we had a great time together. We made our way to Branson, Missouri and went to Silver Dollar City. We loved seeing all the spectacular display of lights and really enjoyed the play of Scrooge.





We shopped for a few Christmas gifts, laughed at silly little things, reminisced of days gone by, and made a few new memories. Jenn is always a trying on things and I snapped a couple of quick pictures of her before my camera batteries died. She found her a wonderful little Elmer Fudd cap that she bought and I couldn't resist and bought one too!

Now for a little update on our Lemon Poppy Seed Shop. We did find some time to make a few new items. If you have time take a peek in our shop.







Oh how I'm looking forward to Monday morning. It's been a long week with out my sweet little buddy. He went to visit his Grandma and PaPa on his Mommy's side and I must admit I have missed him so much. Tomorrow will filled with lots of hugs and I can hardly wait.


Happy Trails....Ginger

~*HAPPY THANKSGIVING*~

The stores were certainly packed with last minute shoppers for their Thanksgiving meal and I was one of them. Luckily my daughter works in the nearby town and was able to stop by and pick up a ham for me or we wouldn't be having one. I've learned a valuable lesson....don't wait until the last minute to go shopping for a holiday meal. The shelves were looking pretty bare. Thank goodness we are a large family and everyone shares in the cooking.

I hope each of you enjoy your Thanksgiving day and have found lots of things to be thankful for.

I'm thankful for a loving, caring Heavenly father, parents who show their love in ways they don't even realize, sisters who make me laugh and care beyond measure, a husband that is my very best friend, my son and daughter that have brought me endless joy, a son~in~law and daughter~in~law that continue to bless our home, a grandson that warms my heart like heavenly sunshine, dear friends that offer friendship unconditionally. Oh there is so much more....extended family that are so kind and thoughtful, a warm home, a smile from a stranger, a memory from the past, and the hope of tomorrow. So with all things I have so much to be THANKFUL for!

Happy Trails...Ginger

It's Amazing!

What a delightful surprise from Marte of Boggy Creek Primitives. You have to stop by her blog for a look at all the wonderful things she makes. Tiny stitches of olde and oh the needle punches! Thank You ~ Marte for the award!

Now for the rules I have to pass the award along to 5 other amazing blogs. Oh this is gonna be ever so HARD! I do love to read all your blogs....that's why I'm so far behind on everything.

Let's see....

Lea of Farmhouse Blessings
Cyndi of Woolly Lott
Rondell of Tomatoe Creek Prims
Debbie of Woolen Sails
Linda of Behind My Red Door

Now I better let these gals know and then I need to really get busy!

Be sure and sign up for my latest giveaway!

Happy Trails...Ginger

~Pay It Forward Christmas Giveaway~

There's a song in the air! There's a star in the sky! There's a mother's deep prayer and a baby's low cry! And the star rains it's fire while the beautiful sing, For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!

Hello Friends and Folks,

Yes I'm on post number 2 for the evening. I've been thinking a lot about the giveaways I have been having throughout the Holidays and I want to change this one up just a bit.

I have had such fun doing these little giveaways and it is truly better to give than receive. Actually I have received in return by reading your comments. I hope as you have written in your own comment you have read some of the comments by others and perhaps it touched your heart just a bit.

Okay for this giveaway I am going to send one of you some warm fuzzy socks, Bath & Body Works hand soap, Victoria's secret body spray, Candycane Cocoa, Home Interiors Banana Nut Bread Candle, Hershey's Chocolates, Snowman Towel and Potholder, Christmas notebook, and a surprise or two!

Now for the rules.....If you enter to win by leaving a comment you have to be willing to pay it forward. I'm gonna send you a $20.00 gift card to spend on someone else and I would like for it to be someone on an angel tree, a nursing home patient, or a shut~in. Someone who could really use a little Christmas Cheer!

I'll be announcing a winner on Sunday night Novemeber 30th.

Happy Trails....Ginger

The Winner is....

It's a wonderful life and I have enjoyed reading all your wonderful comments on the blessings you have received in your life. It is always good to reflect on our blessings whether they be large or small.
Now for the winner of the It's a Wonderful Life and More giveaway

Tami of Aunt Mimi's Creations. Be sure to visit her blog when you get a chance she has lots of good ideas to share with you!

Happy Trails....Ginger

It's Game Time!

Well I do love a good game of Tag though this is my very first one to play on the computer. Thanks to my good friend Betty I have been officially tagged. So here goes ~


For the game ~ the rules are as follows:

Rule #1 ~ Link to the person that tagged you.
Rule #2 ~ Post the rules on your Blog.
Rule #3 ~ Write 6 random things about yourself.
Rule #4 ~ Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
Rule #5 ~ Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their Blog.
Rule #6 ~ Let the tagger know your entry is up.

MMMhhh let's see....
1. You will hardly ever see me wearing make-up! I have saved Danny tons of money on the stuff but found other ways to make~up for it! No pun intended!

2. I've never tasted a beer and no I'm not a goodie two shoes...just ask my sisters!

3. I've love Christmas music so much I have a clock that plays a Christmas tune on the hour every hour that I keep up year round.

4. I love to go fishing and my secret to catching fish is I sing to them.

5. I can't carry a tune to save my life!

6. I have a big sweet tooth! Just can't get enough desserts!


Wow that was harder than I thought. Now to find 6 of you to tag.

Cathy Jean of Aunt Daisy's Cottage
Debbie of Jus Gettin Along
Dianne of Plum Purdy Prim
JoEllen of BeFruitful Kreations
Beth of The Twist Family
Tammy of Treasured Heirlooms

With that done I'm off to tap a few people on the shoulders and tell them tag your it and then I need to find some dessert!

Oh yes, don't forget to sign up for the giveaway a few post below. I'll be hollaring out a name on Sunday evening.

Happy Trails...Ginger

A Special Valentine

In some ways it seems such a short time ago and then it seems like ages when I was sitting in a 2nd grade classroom in a small town school armed with a shoebox, crayons, construction paper and scissors making a Valentine's Box.

You may be wondering why I would be thinking of Valentine's day in mid~November....well there is a little story I have on my heart. It's a true story of a little red headed boy that sat in that same classroom decorating a box of his own. A little boy I had eyes for. My first little love....yes Danny wasn't my first little love but he is my TRUE LOVE! This little red headed boy had a talent for drawing. Funny how after all these years I have always remembered this about him. Robert was his name. Robert had eyes for me too! He made me a very special Valentine...a large hand drawn card with horses...you see he loved to draw horses. Oh I don't remember the words that were written but I do remember being in awe of the beautiful hand~drawn horses.

I kept it for a few years but then as time past we had set our eyes for others. We attended school together until we graduated. We would see each other here and there but never spoke of our grade school years. Maybe he remembered, maybe he didn't but I always have. Last night Danny came home from work and told me that his brother had told him that Robert passed away yesterday from cancer. I hadn't known that he had been ill. So I am sad as I remember that red headed lil' boy but a little part of my heart will always hold a special little spot for my very first Valentine.


Happy Trails...Ginger

A Cool Award and Two Christmas Needle Punches

Truly a wonderful surprise from Cathy Jean of Aunt Daisy's Cottage. Be sure to visit her blog to see lots of wonderful quilts, aprons, and more handmades.
Thank You Cathy Jean!

The rules are:
1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.
3. Nominate 10 other blogs for this award.
4. Add links to those blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.
6. Give a reason why you consider their blogs cool.

Now the hard part comes....It's hard to just pick out 10. I do love to visit all your blogs and see all the wonderful things all of you have been up too!

Linda of Behind My Red Door
Trudy of Bits of Wool
Sherry of From Sherry's Heart
Vicki of The Hogscald Hollar
Cathy of Hooked on Primitives
Betty of Primitive Betty's
Julie of Plum Run Creek
Kim of Simple~Needs
Terri of Thistle House Primitives
Laurie of Wooly Red Rug Prairie's Edge Primitives

Whew! That was hard!


Now for some goodies. Doris of Wellington Woolies sent me these pictures of two needle punches that she has finished from my Christmas Time's a Comin' Booklet. She does beautiful work. She plans to list them on eBay on Thursday!







You still have plenty of time to sign up for the giveaway below. I've really been enjoying all your special blessings...It's made me smile and warmed my heart!

Happy Trails....Ginger

*~It's A Wonderful Life & More Giveaway~*

I just love this movie. Even through the struggles of life if only we will remember the simple things of life and stop and count our blessings it will make us each a little happier.

So with that said it's time for another giveaway and this is what I'm offering....It's A Wonderful Life DVD, a pair of Santa PJ's, and a Snowman Mug. Here's what I would like you to do~
Just leave a comment of something that has blessed your life!

Here is one of my many blessings:

One of my greatest blessings has been my Moma and Daddy. They made sure their 4 little girls were loved, kept in clean clothes, and always fed. We enjoyed the simple fun things of life and created so many wonderful memories along the way. We sat down and ate supper together at the table and discussed our day. We enjoyed summer vacations together. Oh we didn't go anywhere fancy just camping. But most of all I'm thankful for the daily prayers of my Moma praying for her children and for the character that they instilled in us day by day.

Oh!!! I will give the goodies away to one of you on Sunday November 23rd!
Happy Trails To You....Ginger

Happy Sunday and Congratulations

Brrr...I've been chillin' today. We just might have to get the fireplace going tonight to take off the chill.

Thank you all for signing up for the snowman giveaway now the winner is Terry of Cider Moon Cottage.Be sure and stop over at her blog and see all the wonderful creations you won't be disappointed.

Be sure to check back in a day or so and I'll have some more goodies that I'll be giving away.

Happy Trails....Ginger

~*Sock It To Me*~

I have always been just a tad bit crazy when it comes to doing things....let's just say if your gonna do it you might as well do it right except for I have the hardest time keeping my sewing room clean.

Well as my daughter rolled her eyes and just shook her head I opened up a lil' shop over at Country Fried Primitives. Once a month I hope to do a few different little things.

These two little monkey's Dot and Spanky can be found over there. I need to finish up some of these UFO's of quilts that just lack the binding, embroideried pillowcases, and maybe even a few painted items.

Now remember tomorrow night is the drawing for the Welcome Snowman and then be sure and check back a few days after that because I've been gathering up some goodies I'm sure you'll love!

Happy Trails....Ginger

A FLURRY OF CHRISTMAS PRIMITIVES

The punch needle has been popping through the cloth as fast as I can go, the needle has been threaded with different shades of floss, and the rug hook has pulled many a loop as my sewing room is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

With the winds blowing across the homestead late in the evening I put the finishing touches on some of the little items I have over at our Shop at Lemon Poppy Seeds.

To top it off I decided to open up another little shop and hope to have it up and running in a day or two with some fun little items.

Time is drawing near for the giveaway of the Jolly Snowman in the post below so be sure and sign up very soon.

Happy Trails....Ginger

Have A Holly Jolly Christmas Giveaway

I found this cute little snowman at Country Collections. They have a wonderful display in one of their front windows just full of hand~painted folk art to decorate your home for any season. I just couldn't resist this guy.

I am going to give him to one of you. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and Sunday Nov. 16th we will draw a name and he'll be on his way to add a little Christmas cheer to one of you.

I want to do a giveaway each Sunday through the end of November so be sure and check back often.

Happy Trails....Ginger

Rockin' My Baby~

In the last few days we have received some much welcome rains. The ponds are still lower that we would like but we are still just as thankful.

Our little grandson had to have his immunizations once again and with it came the usual fever and just wanting to be held. So I've done quite a bit of rocking and by the end of the evening he had started to feel much better once again.

He loves to run for the french doors when he sees his Daddy coming to pick him up after work. I remember my children as they would run to the door when they were little, yelling "Daddy's Home, Daddy's Home" it still makes me smile just thinking of how happy they were that Daddy was home from work.

I wanted to share with you some photo's of two needle punch pieces done by Doris of Wellington Woolies. She does beautiful work and these are from my Christmas Time's a Comin' Booklet. It's always fun to see how each one comes to life under the hands of different artist!





As promised I have a few more giveaways so check back in a day or so to see what I'll be offering next.

Happy Trails....Ginger

We Have Two Winners!

First I want to say thank you so much to each and everyone that left a comment on the Penny For Your Thoughts. I enjoyed each one of your Christmas memories. It's good to reflect back on the simple joys of life.

Danny had the honor of picking the two names from the bucket!

The winner of the finished Penny ornaments is Kimberly and this is her Christmas tradition:

One of our traditions is a "Christmas Vacation" night... yes, we are a truely warped family!
Everyone tries to come in costume (one year my dad was Uncle Lewis, with a stogie and burnt up suit jacket), we do food like in the movie (green jello with cheerios instead of cat food on top, wrapped in a Christmas box anyone?), and our centerpiece is a huge tangled ball of the large Christmas lights (got a little knot here, Russ. It's a little dangerous, but so cool!

If I win this giveaway, I will even post a picture of my hubby dressed as Eddie, in the scene where he's emptying the rv's tank into the storm sewer... he'll kill me, but that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make!

...so... pick me!

Kimberly....I'll be looking forward to the picture as promised!


Next the winner of the ornaments all cut out and ready to be stitched is Lea of Farmhouse Blessings and this is what she wrote:

One of our favorite Christmas traditions is "brother's night" on Christmas Eve. That is the night that our 3 boys exchange their little gifts for each other. It is a chance to share their love with each other and focus just on each other without getting lost the festivities of the Christmas Day. It has truly become a very special part of Christmas for both Jeff & I and our boys.

What a lovely idea!

Now be sure to check back in just a few days cause it's a time for giving and I do really enjoy these giveaways more than you will ever know....so I plan on giving away something every few weeks until Christmas!

Happy Trails....Ginger

~*IN THE STILLNESS OF THE NIGHT*~

Once upon a time not so long ago a snowfall came upon a little town and soon the world was changed if even for a moment. The night skies were dropping huge, wet snowflakes and the neighborhoods began to transform into a winter wonderland.

Soon doors began to open even though it was growing late into the night and children along with their parents started gathering in the stillness of the night. A glorious sight it was seeing parents with their children enjoying the first snow of winter.

Hats, scarfs, carrots and such were being found in haste to decorate the snowmen that were being created. You see this little town didn't see snowfalls like this very often.

Hello Dear Friends and Folk~

Yes this is what happened when I was but a young girl. Living in central Oklahoma you don't always have winters with snow. I remember well the night when we lived in town and our neighborhood came alive with children and parents thrilled with the sight of the snow.

I have finished this primitive needle punch of a kindly little snowman. He can be found on eBay later this weekend. He is one of the patterns in my Christmas Time's a Comin' booklet.

Now don't forget if you want to enter the Penny For Your Thoughts giveaway go down a few post and sign up. The drawing will be Sunday, November 9th.

Happy Trails.....Ginger

~*A GREAT START TO A SLOW FINISH*~

I have a sickness and it doesn't involve fever or chills I have way too many things started. There are quilt tops hanging in the back closet ready to be quilted probably at least 30 maybe more. Embroidery projects some that just need a few simple finishing touches and some just started. Hooked rugs and locker hooked rugs some near completion and some waiting for just the right wool. Needle punched pieces probably near 100 just needing backings.

I think I could win a contest on UFO's. I think my goal for the next 20 years is to try and complete some of these projects and the one's shown is just a drop in a endless bucket.




Now on a much happier note, thought I would share a picture of the cookie monster. His shirt says it all....GOT DIRT!


Now don't forget to go to a couple of post below and sign up for the free giveaway if you haven't already for these little penny ornaments to be given away on Nov. 9th.

Gotta get back to finishing something!

Happy Trails....Ginger

~*Fall Gathering*~

What a busy fun~filled weekend. Each year we have a wonderful Fall gathering with our church family and friends. For several years we have had the pleasure of hosting it at our homes. Over the years we have had spook houses, games, hay rides and so much more. We also feature an auction of sorts with handmade goodies, desserts, and gift baskets with all the proceeds going into a special fund that we use for special projects at our little church.
This year we had turkey, ham, dressing, homemade rolls, and all the trimmings and it was quite the feast. I think my favorite was the snicker dessert my sister Jane made....Yes I admit I have a sweet tooth!


My niece Erin is busy getting our Auctioneer all ready for the auction that would be held later in the evening. This is her Grandpa on her Dad's side. You know those grandkids can talk those grandparents into just about anything and Erin enjoyed turning him into a pirate for the evening.







Lots of folks dressed up for the occasion.



Danny is always ready to tell a story to anybody that will listen.



Danny took the kids on a hayride and stopped to let them feed the cows and calves some cubes.



Some of the adults even got in on the games by having races with the pedal carts. We had horseshoes, ball tosses, basketball, and tether ball.


My cousin Paul celebrated his 50th birthday. The cake was practically covered in candles!


After everyone got a piece of birthday cake we headed out to the porch for our auction. This is a quilt that I made for the auction. As always we had a great time of fellowship with friends and family and we couldn't have ask for better weather.



Be sure and enter your name into the giveaway that I'm having by leaving your name in the post below. Hope each of you had a blessed weekend!

Happy Trails to You....Ginger

A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS GIVEAWAY5 Wool Penny Ornaments

It's time for another giveaway! I designed and made these Five little wool penny ornaments and I want to send them to someone for your little Christmas tree!
I will be giving away one set of finished ornies to the 1st place winner, one kit to make these ornies to the 2nd place winner and then because I want everyone to be a winner you can find the pattern listed below and you can make some yourself! The winners of the drawing will be announced the evening of November 9th. If you don't have a blog just leave me a email address just in case your a winner!

If you want to enter the drawing here's what you do. Just leave a comment of your favorite Christmas memory, family tradition, or even just a favorite Christmas song.



You can click on the pattern and copy it....just reduce or enlarge it to where the penny circles are 3 inches across.

Supplies you will need:
wool or felt
12 x 14 piece of black for penny circles
various scraps 3 inches or smaller
matching threads for applique
embroidery floss or #10 crochet cotton ~off white
sm. amount of black, orange, & red embroidery floss
8 tiny rusty or plain jingle bells
(5) 7 inch strips of ribbon or wool for hangers
freezer paper and a warm iron

***************
Instructions
***************
Trace patterns onto freezer paper and iron shiny side down onto wool or felt.
Cut out on line. Pull off freezer paper (you can reuse the freezer patterns if you want to make more)
Applique each piece in place as pictured. Be sure to tuck the layered pieces such as the hat & scarf for the snowman in place before sewing.
Overlay the white pieces for the cuff on the mitten & stocking and stitch in place.
Add details with embroidery stitches~~~The cat eyes are French knots, straight stitch the nose and whiskers. The snowman has french knot eyes and mouth with little straight stitches for the nose.
Place a black penny to the back of your appliqued penny place a hanger at the top and blanket stitch around the edge. You can add feather stitches around the motifs if you like.
These make wonderful little Christmas ornies or gift tags.

Happy Trails.....Ginger

Primitive....Just be Claus!

Well these little guys are all finished and I put a couple over at my Poppy Shop along with a few other Christmas goodies.
Be sure to check back in a few days I'm putting the finishing touches on some penny ornaments and I want to share the pattern with you!

Happy Trails...Ginger