A Night in Bethlehem...

This past Sunday night, our church had its first ever NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM. It was a walking tour of the story of Jesus' birth. What a wonderful night it was with all of the participants, the sets, the singing and more. We think around 400 came for this special event. Some folks had to wait an hour to go through, but all said it was worth the wait!! Jared and I were shepherds at the final part- the live nativity. We also had Millie, our mini donkey with us. Everyone loved seeing her. Jared was so cute as the little shepherd boy. It was a special evening and as a family we are teaching our son the true meaning of Christmas!! I hope you are able to take time this season and do special things such as this with your family!! We wish all of you a wonderful Christmas!!

A word about adoption...

Okay friends- I normally would not even post this on my blog but I am to the end of my rope!!! Just a few thoughts on adoption- which we have done. I can't tell you how many times Jared and I have been out and about and total strangers come right up to me and ask"is he adopted??" or how did you get a boy?? Is he Chinese?? Well, friends the answer from now on to any of these or any other ridiculous questions will be "my child can understand every word that you are saying- please do not ask these questions- thank you". I have said that several times already. I just don't understand how folks can be so insensitive!!!!! Why would a perfect stranger walk right up to me and ask things like this when adoption is a very personal family decision. It can also be a traumatic experience for children when people ask questions such as these. We had been waiting to adopt for 3 years and in all of that time, I never once walked up to anyone and asked questions such as this. Even now, when I meet or see moms that may or may not have adopted, I do not approach them with silly questions!! I am sorry to ramble on about this but I just felt the need to vent from my frustration. I try not to be rude but obviously I am going to have to be to stop people from being rude to me and my child. If people say, he is so cute, etc. that's all that is needed to be said. Thanks for listening and have a great week!!

Christmas Open House at Gibsonville Antiques

Hello friends, just wanted to let everyone know that I am working on my booth at Gibsonville Antiques getting it ready for the holidays. They will be having their Christmas Open House this Sunday, November 20 from 1-5. I hope you can stop by and check out my booth as well as all the others at the mall. Myra (the owner) and I worked on two other booths today and I really think you will enjoy them!! Please be sure to let them know you found them on my blog!!

The 24th annual fall festival in Gibsonville, NC- Sat., Oct. 8 from 9-4 (click on image below to enlarge)

I made it...

Wow, I can't believe it's finally over!! The final event at the shop was great and we were so glad to see everyone who came out. We still have a few odds and ends in the shop that will not go to Gibsonville so please feel free to e-mail if you would like to stop by and take a look. I am updating the website with items for sale as well- so check it out!! I really didn't think this time would come, but honestly I feel a huge sense of relief!! With Jared in our life now, he is my main focus. Thanks for everyone's support over the last 8/9 ?? years. Please continue to check the website and be sure to visit our booth at Gibsonville Antiques.

New pics of booth at Gibsonville Antiques...

Amy at Gibsonville Antiques was kind enough to take pics of my booth after the re-do last week. I hope they get you in the mood for fall. Also, they now have a website - http://www.gibsonvilleantiques.com/ and also a new blog- yeh- http://www.gibsonvilleantiques.blogspot.com/. Be sure to stop by there soon!!

Preparing for fall....

Okay friends, I will admit- I am ready for fall! In more ways than one. First of all, I am working on the shop trying to clean, rearrange, go through what I want to keep and what I don't once I close the shop. Today, Hank and I re-worked the booth at Gibsonville Antiques and it looks a lot better. I took out some things that had been there for a while and they will be part of our "back porch" sale for our fall event. If you are ready to shop for fall now, go check it out. We have finalized the times, details of our fall event- please see announcement above (just click on the image to enlarge). We hope you can join us for a special weekend. Although as I have been working in the shop again trying to get things ready feeling bittersweet about my decision to close, I know it's the right thing for myself and my family at this time in our lives. Will try to get some pics on soon of the booth in Gibsonville.

An early penny rug for sale...

I wanted to share this on the blog and it will also be on the website. One of my customers is wanting to sell a wonderful early penny rug. She is asking $225 (plus shipping). It is a unique rug measuring 36" x 21"; it is done in mostly dark blues and grays; it has a crocheted edging. It was purchased at an estate sale in VA years ago. The note with it stated that it had been done by "Grandmother Brubaker"- along with some other info. The backing is done with old denim. Please feel free to e-mail or call if you would like more info on this wonderful piece. Thanks for your interest.

Back in the garden...

Finally, after weeks of unbearable heat, we seem to be getting a break. I am finally able to get out into the gardens and see what's going on. My zinnias have suffered from the terrible heat and lack of rain but I hope they will perk up now that it has cooled and had some much needed rain this weekend. I am trying to get the weeds out now- they grow no matter what. The figs are also coming in and are quite delicious. We are selling them as fast as we can pick them. The tomatoes and cantaloupes are pretty much done and the okra is still giving a good fight!! I should have just a few more weeks of the okra to pick, freeze and enjoy this winter. Enjoy these cooler days and try to see what's happening in your garden.

Please be sure to check out the website as I continue to put items for sale on- just added a couple of cupboards!!

ITEMS FOR SALE...

Please be sure to visit my website over the next few weeks, as I am putting items on it for sale- please see link to my picturetrail site below and to the right. If you see anything of interest- please call- 336-697-8904. Thanks!!

VISIT THIS SHOW IN VIRGINIA....

Be sure to check out SUMMER IN THE VALLEY - a great show coming up this weekend. Please contact Donna Smith at Southern Star Antiques for any questions - www.picturetrail.com/southernstarantiques

TIME FOR A CHANGE.....

Well friends, we all have to make changes in our lives at some point. It is with much sadness ( and happiness) that we have decided to close our log cabin shop for the time being. It has been a wonderful 8 years and I have enjoyed meeting everyone who has stopped by however, it's just becoming too much for me to keep up our little farm, the shop and give the attention to Jared that I would like. I will continue to have my booth at Gibsonville Antiques and will continue the website and this blog. We will be having our annual fall event at the shop on SEPT. 30 and OCT. 1, then the shop will be closed. I haven't decided yet what I will do with the cabin but will keep you posted. I will be selling many of my display pieces and will be making some great markdowns in the coming weeks. The shop is only open by appt for the remainder of the summer, so give me a call to check it out!! More information will be coming about the fall event.

Many thanks...

Just a quick note to send out my thanks for those folks that stopped by on Saturday- we had a great turnout and the weather was actually pleasant. I didn't even have to turn on the air conditioner in the cabin!! I have fluffed my booth at Gibsonville Antiques, so if you get a chance, please stop by. For the remainder of the summer, I will open the shop by appointment only. Please feel free to call anytime you need to stop by. Here are a few pics from Saturday. Happy Fourth of July!!

A Primitive Patriotic Celebration...

Join us for our annual Primitive Patriotic Celebration on Saturday, June 25 from 9-3. We will have the cabin full of handmade patriotic prims, antiques, smalls and more!! Refreshments will be served and all the cabins/grounds will be decorated to celebrate our nation's independence!! Feel free to e-mail or call for more info.

Changes for the shop....

Friends, I hope everyone is well on this hot Memorial Day. Please take time to remember and/or thank someone who is and/or has served our country.

I wanted to let everyone know about a change for the shop. After much prayer and discussion with my family, I have decided to venture out and open a booth in a new antique mall not too far from our home. It is a renovated textile mill located in the quaint town of Gibsonville. Please see information for them over on the right. As those of you with little ones know, it is difficult to have "regular hours" with a shop at your home. And as the summer heat is upon us, I simply cannot open very often. So I have set up a booth at Gibsonville Antiques. They are open 7 days a week, which makes it convenient for those of you who can't stop by when I am open. There are also other booths as well and the atmosphere is great!! Please be sure to mention you found out about them from my blog. I hope you get a chance to stop by soon. The shop will still be open by chance, appointment, and/or special event. We are making plans now for our annual Primitive Patriotic Celebration on June 25- mark your calendars and watch for details.

What's new at Back Shed...

Okay, I know I am bad about not updating pics of the shop. Here are a few of the latest garden goods at Back Shed. Have been doing my original garden markers again - folks were asking for them, so I have brought them back to life!! Will try to add more pics later.

Join us on Saturday, May 7......

A Quiet Night.....

Thank goodness for a quiet night. I want to let all of my followers know that my heart goes out to those who have lost so much in these terrible storms. Last night I couldn't sleep with the anticipation of more headed our way. We were blessed that they did not hit our area as bad as ones a few days ago. Overall, we have been very lucky with no significant damage. Trees that have fallen have been away from our home- which is very lucky considering our home is surrounded by all trees. Most of our property is wooded, so everyday I am picking up limbs!! It is unnerving though to lay in the bed and think, are we next?? I can't remember such a violent weather pattern and I hope it will pass quickly. To those of you who have lost loved ones, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care and a peaceful night to all!!

One year ago....

One year ago today Hank and I were given the most precious gift that God could have given us -our son!! It is hard to believe that it has been one year since this beautiful boy has been in our lives- it seems like forever! It's amazing how a child can change your life. And as you moms (and dads) know that even through the temper tantrums, the tears and all the ups and downs, nothing is more precious than a child. A friend sent me the sweetest note a while back with a saying: "My day is complete. I have heard the laughter of a child." How true. Blessings to all of you who follow my blog and leave such sweet comments about our dear Jared.

Upcoming Easter Preview Weekend.....

Okay folks I will confess. It has been difficult to focus on the shop between the birthday party, taxes and a renovation project inside the house ( not to mention a busy 2 year old). Anyway, Hank helped me with the shop - cleaning, rearranging, etc. He took my "walls"off the back porch and now it looks fresh with a spring feel to it. I am at the sewing machine working on some cute bunny pillows and some other cute prims that will get you in the mood for spring. Our Easter preview weekend will kick off April 1 and 2. I plan on opening the shop as much as I can throughout April and am planning another event in May, which will be our Spring Open House ( the herbs /perennials will be ready by then).
***Our hours will be Friday, April 1 from 1-5 and Sat., April 2 from 10-3.
Kim McEntee will be adding some of her wonderful bunnies and dolls and Kathy King has been working on some new cross stich pieces. We have also been scouring the countryside for country smalls and primitives!! We hope to see you there. Feel free to e-mail or call for additional information.

SIGNS OF SPRING....

The weather here just can't make up its mind. One day it's almost 70 and the next is 50 and cold!! Well, thank goodness we at least have some daffodils blooming now to perk things up just a bit. I always love the daffodils that bloom behind my split rail fence which runs along our driveway. Jared and I had fun taking some pics by them this afternoon. The bright yellow color warms me inside- although my outside is still cold!! Spring will be here soon and before you know it we'll be complaining about the heat. But for now I will enjoy the beauty of the daffodils that remind me that spring is just around the corner.

A Barnyard Bash...

Yes, folks I am still alive and kicking!! I know it's been a while but things around here have been very hectic!! Have spent the last 3 weeks preparing for Jared's 2nd birthday party. The theme was, of course, a barnyard bash!! We had a blast on Sat. Nine children and many adults filled our garage for an afternoon of fun. I have been preparing for months- literally!! We made a huge barn out of a refrigerator box and then some smaller ones for outside. We took the kids on a hayride to the barn to see the donkeys which was so much fun. But the food- well let's just say I will be catching up on my sleep this week. The barn cake was my challenge and at 9 pm on Friday night I thought I just couldn't do anymore. Then I went away from it for a while and finally it was done. If you ever want to make a barn cake- e-mail me and I will try to help you out!! The kids were great and it was a very special day. Now, back to a "normal" routine again. Keep watching for info on our upcoming Easter preview weekend at the shop- April 1 and 2.

Happy Valentine's Day...

Well, it's all about hearts right now at Back Shed. I was up late last night working on hearts for our Valentine Gathering on Saturday. The guys are in TN visiting Grandpa, so I am trying to get everything done (of course at the last minute). I am excited about tomorrow's event since the weather is going to be nice (for a change). My dear friend Cleo will be playing the flute while folks are shopping. It will be a fun Saturday. We hope you can make it out, if not, maybe you can make it to our Easter preview weekend (dates to come). Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

UPCOMING SHOW IN VIRGINIA...

Good evening all. Well, are most of you feeling like I am lately?? The winter weather is really beginning to get to me. Not being able to get out and do my winter cleaning in the garden is getting old!! I was excited this afternoon just to be able to walk to the barn and the mailbox without being frozen by the time I got back. To help with the winter doldrums, try to visit the upcoming show in Fisherville, VA. We won't be there as that is our Valentine event at the shop- but I'm sure if you're in that area, you will enjoy the show. I am beginning to work on some spring things for the shop (along with the Valentine goodies). Also trying to do some "spring cleaning" in the house (not to mention preparing for taxes). Take care and keep thinking about warmer, sunny days to come!!

CLEANING OUT....

As I do every year after Christmas, I really try to do a major cleaning in the shop. I am currently in the process of cleaning, packing, and doing some rearranging! This year I finally got organized (which is surprising because I am a very organized person) and bought storage containers for the loft of the shop. I had a couple but things were everywhere!! Now seasonal prims are neatly and safely packed away in their boxes!! Since a couple of big furniture pieces are now gone, I am trying to rearrange (without a lot of display space). The problem is it is soooo cold in the shop without any heat on I can only work in small snippets of time (and I usually work in there while Jared is napping). But on a very cold and blustery day like today, I will begin my task of sewing some new prims for our upcoming Valentine event.

**To make room for new goodies, I will be updating the website later on this week with some sale items. I hope you can find something you like. Take care and stay warm. We are bracing for more snow here on Monday!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I just wanted to say "HAPPY NEW YEAR" to all my wonderful blog followers. What a tremendous year 2010 was and we look forward to all the possibilities for the new year. Today our minister did a sermon about "going off the map". He talked about taking the risks that God intends for us even though we do not know what will be. Hank and I certainly went off our "map" as we traveled to the other side of the world to bring home our beautiful son last year. It was certainly a very scary time for us but our faith got us there and back and continues to sustain us everyday!! We feel so blessed to have a wonderful little farm to call home and now to be able to share our life with Jared is simply beyond words. I wish you all a wonderful beginning of a new year and encourage each of you to "go off the map" to follow God's wishes for you everyday!!