thank you...fb...tbd...ttfn

....two little words

....not used enough

....because (well...there is just no good excuse)

My friend Kimmy began to post each day on her FB, the 5 things she was thankful for that day (thank you Kimmy)...and I "borrowed" it.

It was healthy for me...and the end of each day, it forced me to say thank you...out loud for precious gifts that I selfishly take for granted. Maybe I was the only one to read them...but the exercise of doing so is....just....can you say.....aahhhh. The big kind of aahhhh...the big sigh related to being content, and yes, grateful.

Some days the things are small (and I had to really look hard for them, or so it felt)...some days there have been BIG things...but nonetheless...they are all things I should be (and am) thankful for.

And I should say thanks, give thanks...and this little top 5 has been an important lesson.

So today...before it even starts...I am thinking of things I will be thankful for:

1) turn your speaker up...George Strait...Rollin On the River of Love...makes me dance around the kitchen (and Gracie thinks I've finally lost it)

2) another cloudy day, keeping temperatures bearable...and perhaps a little rain

3) "date" night with the hubby

4) the coffee brewing, right now...and the sweet aroma it is painting my home with

5) .... tbd

I'm giggling as I am writing this...tonight, when I post...these things probably won't even make the top 5...because I fully expect this day to be filled with immeasurable blessings...and yes, I will give thanks.

And for my little friend that is looking for reasons to smile today...ttfn (you can smile now...yes, others do think about and care for you everyday)

Good Old Summertime..."take 2"

Boy...sometimes your girls just know best. Thank goodness I have smart girls!

That is one thing I do love is the flexibility to spend time, listen to what works for others...and this time is no exception!

"She" loved the design...but wanted the ability to change the message...

Abracadabra, presto chango, shazam!





Chalkboard extraordinaire! Total flexibility, new messages, reminders, greetings...endless....

So...what do you think? Are you a chalkboard lover?

Summer Lovin' Songs

Music...love it!

All of it...even genres I don't understand (ok...say it now - weirdo).

So...my top ten summertime songs (now this won't be as much fun if you don't play, too).

In no particular order:

In The Summertime by Mungo Jerry
Hot Fun In the Summertime by Sly and the Family Stone
Surfin' USA by the Beach Boys
Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams
Summertime by Kenny Chesney
Boogie Shoes by KC and the Sunshine Band
No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem by Kenny Chesney
Soak Up the Sun by Cheryl Crow
Amarillo by Morning by George Strait
Sugar Shack by Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs

(Summer Lovin...was just too obvious...by I love GREASE!)

Dime...your turn!

Good Old Summertime

Well, it's hotter than...well you know where here in East Texas!

And I've been doing my best to stay focused, face the positive, look for the beauty...there is so much to see and do!

I wanted to play on Susan's Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On the Porch , and am gathering with the girls for the first time @ Just Something I Whipped Up Monday (Dilly Dally and Flitter).

Started with this...a blank 24" x 48" piece of wood...ended with this:



If you want to see a few other designs...take a look @

Dimples and Dreams

And my other "new" launch this week is for my community...I launched a facebook group called Caring For Our Community. My goal is to unite the efforts of the many small communities in our area...all working towards a positive...good for everyone...servanthood efforts. Will keep you posted, or come visit!

Whats's up with your summer so far?

Shout Out

Do you read alot of blogs?

I do...but not consistently. I seem to go in "spurts"...read alot...then not.

But it is so refreshing to see the diversity, the creativity and sometimes just great pure love as bloggers share their hearts with readers.

So, today....I'm giving a shout out to a few of my favs...

If you have a favorite...you should post in the comments below...I'm sure all of my readers would LOVE it!

Here we go, in no particular order...

Reinvented


Frenchgardenhouse

Jenna

Between Naps On The Porch

Flo

Aunt Ruthie

Pearls and Grace

O.K...these are enough to get you started...more to come later ;p

Enjoy!

Who...What...Where?

In case you've been wondering where I've been...and what I've been doing ;p...check it out.

Dimples and Dreams

I love my life, I am so blessed...

So, what you been up to...what's going on in your life...feels like forever since I heard from you!

vaCatiOn

Last week it began...a two week vacation...all planned out...

First mistake...planning ;p

Thank goodness I didn't pre-purchase all the tickets...we would have been in a heap of trouble...well, maybe not trouble...out some cash and some inconvenience.

I won't mention all the plans, just know that each evening we were going to have dinner with the kids, or friends, go to a Rough Riders baseball game, Wicked @ DSM, Dallas Art Museum, downtown McKinney to shop, and just play. Oh well...

My daily plans were right on...I was blessed by keeping her -



For a whole week while Mommy and Daddy went to work. Now, I will fess up...I loved every minute of it...will jump at the next opportunity...but there is a reason God reserves babies for young people. You forget how a baby requires every minute of your attention, and it is at times exhausting. I left so appreciating how the kids manage to have careers and provide such a loving, healthy world for Lil Miss M.

Day 1: got up, put on the coffee...that was it...for the rest of the day...I never showered, combed my hair, put on makeup, picked up the house, prepared a meal...I was SO out of practice! My best laid plans were irrelevant.

Day 2: Showered...then put on the coffee ;p, and we really played!





Day 3: I'm getting in the groove now...





Day 4: We are doing great! Pops even got in a little lovin' time!



And then Lolli fell deeper in love...










John missed out on so much lovin' time with her, as his Dad required alot of his attention. Please continue to keep Dad in your thoughts and prayers, he is really struggling with managing the loss of Mummy, and now his health is suffering.

Now that the "fun" part of our vacation is over...the plans for this week:



Can you say insulation and sheetrocking in 100 degree weather?

Yes, we sure do know how to plan a vacation ;p