Love from Lilly...an idea

I know most of y'all know about my little Lillybug and how she came to be diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Go here to get caught up. It's fine, I'll be here waiting. ;)


Okay, you back with me?? Shortly thereafter, Jenny made this doll for Lilly, complete with shot spots. You can see her in more detail here. Love her!! Jenny is such a good friend and so thoughtful!!





Anyway, the other day I had an idea-a God-given idea-to make a bunch of dolls and take them to the hospital where Lilly stayed. I want every child that comes thru there to have their own little doll. I will make them like the one above{I made this one for a friend's child-saw similar ones on Little Bit Funky and Black Apple, but I drew my own pattern}, in different skin tones and hair colors. Boys even!! I do want to put red hearts in the shot areas like Jenny did with the one she made. My plan is to get a bunch of my friends together at my home to sew and stuff these girls and boys up. Put them in a large cellophane bag and tied up with a tag.
I would like the tag to say Love from Lilly and a Bible verse-the first one that sprang to mind is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future." There was another verse, but at the moment I cannot think of it...Feel free to share any that y'all may like.
Its a scary and unknown thing. I remember well the day, one of the last days that we were in the hospital and Lilly looked at me and said, "I'll be glad when we can leave the hospital and I don't have to get anymore shots." Broke my heart, y'all...I mean, all she knows is one day she felt poopy and the next, she's in a strange place hooked up to all kinds of machines, etc. Anyway, I just want to ease the transition for the families. This is just a small way I feel I can help, you know??
My goal is for this to happen before her one year anniversary, which is in February, if not sooner.

Things I am going to be looking for{this is in no way a hint, by the way, just a list for myself, so I don't forget}:
Needle-less syringes
Cream colored fabric
Brown fabric
Red felt hearts
Fun fabric
Stuffing
Some of these things, like the cream and brown fabric, I will use sheets for-more economical. If any of you know where I might find the syringes and hearts, do share. I was planning to look on etsy for the hearts. Jenny cut out the hearts on Lilly's doll, but I am planning on making a lot and honestly, the idea of cutting out hundreds of hearts isn't appealing.

There it is...Love from Lilly

Hope y'all have a great day!!

Go getcha some!!

The generous people over at Feed Your Soul have free art that you can download and print off. They believe that even in these tough economic times, people ought to be able to enjoy art. I love it!! These are just a few of my faves...Go here and find your favorites. A big thank you to all the artists who have contributed at Feed Your Soul!!

Linking up to Blessed Little Nest, for Life Made Lovely Monday, cause not much is lovelier than art, free art at that.

Chicken Chili

Just had this last night and thought I'd re-post it for you newcomer's. Enjoy!!

Linking up to Kellie's Fall Festival.

Oh, a shameless cry for help-can anyone tell me how to make a cute banner?? My blog looks like a hot mess...

Happy Fall!!

I have really been getting in the mood for Fall with this cooler weather we are having. This is one of my favorite meals to have. In fact, at our rehearsal dinner we had two different chili's and the fixin's. Needless to say, it was a very casual event.

Chicken Chili

1 lb. chicken cooked and cubed*
1 onion, chopped
2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1(14 oz) can chicken broth
2(14 oz) cans great northern beans(drain one can)
1(3 oz) can chopped green chilies, with liquid
2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. oregano

Saute the onion in a little bit of olive oil until tender. Add chicken and garlic. Cook until chicken is done. Add the rest of the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then simmer for at least 15 minutes. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and tortilla chips if desired.

*I like to cut my chicken while it is still somewhat frozen, if using frozen chicken. It cooks quicker that way and seems easier to cut.
Last night I only had one can of great northern beans so I substituted a can of black beans. If you like the chili soupier you can add another can of broth.
Hope you enjoy!!

Beautiful Monday...

Good Morning, y'all!! I was up early this morning and loved the way the sun looked shining in my dining room. I had to capture the lovely-ness. The weather was crisp and cool-felt like Fall...wonderful...

I decided to make things a little more special since there was no rush getting "The boys" off to school and work. I made quiche and semi-homemade donuts and set the table with a cloth-albeit a wrinkled one-but it just adds to the specialness.

Even the kids got in on it and decided to set the table. I think little as they are they still appreciate and love the thoughtful touches, don't you agree??

How about you, how are you celebrating life this Monday??

Linking up to Heather-Blessed Little Nest...

Chalk it up to good design.

Hey y'all!! I've got a major hankerin' to slap some chalkboard paint up on my hall leading from my foyer. I was standing in the living room to get this shot.
I have found some great examples to share with y'all...

I love Kellie's, from This Blessed Nest, chalkboard hallway. I think the trimwork finishes it off nicely.

Then, there's Heather's{ Blessed Little Nest} red chalkboard wall. LOVE it!!

Oh, oh...y'all have GOT to go see this chalkboard wall. Gorgeous...

Stay tuned to see what we do!!