Spies Spirit

Come on Over!

2011-07-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

I've started a new blog....come on over! I've been missing you!

http://www.tellmeaboutyourdaydear.blogspot.com/

Lots of stuff has been happening...did you know?

Come, let's talk....I really do want to know about your day!

Tradition

2011-01-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

Tradition was instilled in my family from my earliest memories

And, although the traditions are in my heart throughout the year, they are "visible" during Christmas. Perhaps, this is one reason I love Christmas so much.

My great grandmother, Granny, was famous for cooking. Her pecan pies were amazing! This year at our family Christmas Eve gathering, as I walked into the kitchen, I saw a beautiful pecan cake. It was from the recipe Granny shared with us years ago...this year it was made by my Mom. And at the sight of that cake, we all began to talk about Granny...her funnies, her talents, her gifts...and now those stories are being shared with her adult great-great grandchildren. (And they giggled...)

My Grandma and Grandpa were always the hosts for Christmas day, as long as their health permitted. The minute your crossed through the front door, the sage from the dressing would hit the pit of your stomach...and you couldn't wait for a taste. And we loved seeing the decorations Grandma brought out every year. She had a lawyers library case that housed them all. They were on display, and we would sit and look through that glass for hours. My favorite? A very, very, very old Rudolph.

This year, the first thing I saw when I walked into Mom's house was one of Grandma's Santa & reindeer...and the memories flooded. And, so we sat and told the kids about Grandma's collections. (And yes, on some, they giggled, we did, too...)

And now, my Mom and Dad (Nanny & Papaw) are the Christmas (always on Eve) hosts for all of us.

And now there are quite a few of us...

And in my childhood, after the presents and incredible meal - we all played football in the backyard for hours. This year, the kids played memory making Wii - Dance - memories built. And Nanny's encouragement and giggles just made it all the more special.

Nanny surprised all the kids and grandkids with a book of memories - photos and stories of early generations, and current generations. The kids couldn't put it down - they asked questions, they wanted to know more about the faces, in some cases they were seeing for the first time. And, yes, tradition was revealed and strengthened once again.

And tradition on John's side of the family runs just as deep. I love to hear the stories he and Rich share...and this year has been a year of "learning"...

It was our first Christmas without our precious Mummy (John's mother).

And yes, we each had our moments of feeling extreme loss...and we told each other. I won't share here, but I will tell you I think she would be proud of each of us. Each of our "moments" painted a beautiful picture of how important she was to all of us, in so many ways. She made it clear to each of us, in both spoken and unspoken words, of what our family roles were to be in the future - and again - I think she would be so proud.

And, yes, Mummy was filled with tradition. As Papa moved into a bright new residence, we began to touch each little thing in their home. John, Rich, Lori and myself were faced with a difficult, yet a beautiful blessing - as we learned, told new stories, heard old stories...I now know what a gift - it was a precious journey.

And so, with each piece John and I requested to share with our family - it had nothing to do with value - it had everything to do with those traditions that surrounded the gifts. Thank you Papa...

And we hope to have many, many years to be able to share and tell the stories to our children and grandchildren.

There are other treasures that we will share in the future, but this year...

We ate our family Christmas dinner on the dining table that Mummy and Papa had hosted many family and holiday dinners. We also at on the beautiful china that was their wedding china. John's prayer recalled those that we missed...

I used the beautiful olive wood artpiece Mummy and Papa had treasured from their trip to the Holy Land as a centerpiece - and I'm happy I did. There was not a more perfect place to feature this spectacular, special gift...

And one of my favorite treasures is her cookie jar...as our first Christmas as Lolli & Pops...it "spoke" of us as grandparents - (and yes, we intend to have it filled each time the grandkids walk in)

It has been very fun to hear John tell the stories about the smaller pieces we made sure to share with all our Christmas guests...

And I took care to display this tiny collection of his memories right at the front door. I know it sounds mushy...but it was an honor to share these treasures and stories. Many times I thought how proud Mummy would be - John telling everyone how each little piece had been special throughout his life.

It was a Christmas filled with tradition, and we are building new traditions!

Sometimes you simply can't know that what may seem like an inconvenient, silly tradition at the time - may become your greatest treasure.

The only thing that could make ours any better, is if we still had "them" here to help to tell the story. I'm so thankful to have a husband who listened...and will tell the story. I'm so proud that Rich & Lori are just as determined to honor tradition (thank you for such a beautiful Christmas dinner & sharing your "gifts").

Thank you Mummy, Granny, Grandpa and all the others before...I listened.

And the stockings were hung...

2010-12-28T06:34:00.000-08:00

Twas the days before Christmas
And all through the house, Lolli and Pops were...

Ok...enough, enough...

I took tons of photos throughout the Christmas season (know you are shocked ;p), I thought I might share our home with you first...

First, there is a friend that must receive the credit for creating these family heirlooms for us.

Tanya and I "made a deal"...and I am so blessed to have these stockings as a result.

There is a long history of what felt and sequin stockings mean to the Spies family. Justin & Nicole's Mom had made them when they were very young.

Somewhere in the "moves", Justin's had been lost, as I learned the first year we decorated the tree together. There are many reasons this loss broke my heart -

So, the next year, I made this for him:

And as our family grew quickly with the additions of Casey and John, I purchased the kits with excitement...a slow start...a slower completion (like never)!

Then I purchased Mackenzie's kit, then John and myself (and next year we will need one for little Natalie or Will yeah!)...I'm really great at the purchasing! Oh, and the embroidering of their names!

My sweet friend Tanya and I exchanged our talents...and I feel so blessed that her talent produced these:

Take a closer look at her beautiful work...

The stocking that belongs to Pops:

Lolli:

John:

Casey:

Mackenzie:

I'll share some other touches of Christmas spirit around our home later...

I really wanted this post to feature the precious stockings, and to give me the chance to let Tanya know how much her love and talent shines through them.

Tanya...you will be thought of and remembered each time we decorate for Christmas for many years to come. You have not a clue what a special gift you have blessed my family with. Thanks and love...God gave me more than a friend in you.

Big Ol' Family

2010-10-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

OK...you know my family is large in numbers...but when you get my SIL's family, too...we are REALLY large in numbers.

At Morgan and Allen's wedding a few weeks ago, we actually captured groups shots, shots of my parents (never happens)...and even my Dad on his own (really never happens). And a photo of my Uncle and Mom together...really, really, really never happens, don't think it has ever happened.

I've thrown a few in the mix...of all of us...because we truly all are family...

Times like these are incredibly special to me...I so love these people...thanks for stopping by.

Proud

2010-10-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

OK...I am human, and I am careful here not to sound boastful.

I am proud that this old girly has figured it out!

If you've missed me, I've been very busy launching a new business. If you haven't missed me - well, that makes me sad - because I have REALLY missed you.

I've been watching you blog from afar, just haven't had time to "play" and participate lately.

Now...what am I proud of?

I have created a button for Dimples and Dreams! Quite an accomplishment for a "girl" of my age ;p

If you copy and paste, my button can be included as one of your favorites (and I would so appreciate it)! Look just to the right...see the box, copy and paste...and we can go with you ;p (and thanks Jenna for the encouragement)

What started off as primarily my hand painted art business, has quickly changed to the development of a children's & family photography storytelling form of art.

Please, go take a look...it's been such a blessing to get to see these little faces and big hearts through the lens.

Hey...if this doesn't work - let me know! I may not have so much be to proud of after all ;p

Love you...miss(ed) you!

"Worry"... What A Waste Of Time

2010-08-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

Just last week I spent some time "conversing" online with a sweet friend.

Respecting her privacy, I will just share that she had a prayer request for her unborn child. And I will also share that it was (and is) my privilege to continue to pray for their family.

We both shared we knew He is in control, but both were candid in saying that as a parent, grandparent, aunt...anyone who has ever loved a child with all their heart - deep down we always "worry".

What I didn't share with her, is that I too have recently been consumed with worry.

"Worry"...what a waste of time!

Why do I let it always get the best of me?

We have known for a few weeks that our precious little granddaughter was going to be fitted with a Doc Band.

It's one of those things that until you find out someone you care about is going to have one...and the reasons that surround why they may be fitted with one...you just never "know".

Now, there are many reasons that children are fitted with Doc Bands. And I will share, gladly, Lil Miss M is only expected to wear hers for six weeks.

And, I will also gladly say that her condition has the ability to corrected. Can I get a big woo hoo!

So, after I got over the "worry" of the "what ifs"...then I moved on to "worry" about how she would feel.

Justin & Casey sent us a picture via phone as she got it on.

OK...I had prepared myself that she would be screaming, flailing to get it off, writhing with pain as it would surely be too conforming to be comfortable...and how would she ever sleep?!?! OK...I got pretty neurotic...I sort of made myself sick with "worry".

So as I forced myself to "accept" the message and look at the photo...there she was, no grimace, she was just there looking into the camera. Yes, she was a little fussy for a day or two...but - so far - that's pretty much it.

I couldn't wait to get there, to see her, for the visual assurance that she truly wasn't in any sort of pain.

And just look, she is - as always...

And certainly she did not appear to be any discomfort, actually she was looking fairly proud of her new fashion accessory (it weighs 6 oz. feels like hard foam, and she sleeps fine)...

And I can't tell you how Lolli's heart moved right back into it's place when we saw her flash one of these....

I'm sure there will be another "worry"...legitimate or not...and when I "worry" myself into another corner, I will once again look for:

"...Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." Psalm 116:1-7

If you "worry"...you should go spend some time there ;p

(and before I forget it...thank you Doc Band)

God Bless The Broken Road

2010-07-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

OK...if you were with me in the winter - we had a very heavy, very unusual snowfall (sounds pretty marvelous right now with temps over 100*)...

As a result...our arbor collapsed -

If you remember, I wrote that something good would come...and we began to plan, save and dream up our "something".

The rock patio remained, but without protection from the sun or other elements, we have rarely used it.

So, here is what we did with the rock...

And now this little path...leads to our once broken...

And we're ready to celebrate the birthday boy on Saturday!

(There's more inside those barn doors...I'll save that for later ;p)

Life is full of obstacles...hurdles are ok, but don't let them stop you. I truly am grateful for the snow that became too heavy for our sweet arbor to hold. No, not because I got a new patio...I can't possibly share all the details - but this entire experience has been so "healthy" for us.

We have been partners throughout the process, and certainly faced obstacles ;p (most of them self-created)...in the end...we received more than a covered deck.

And for that, I am most grateful (thank you John).

Maya Angelou has a quote..."Be present in all things and thankful for all things." I say...well said.

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

2010-06-25T05:52:00.000-07:00

....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"

2010-06-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-14T18:58:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-06-13T07:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-07T05:38:00.000-07:00

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

Red, White, Blue & HOT!

2010-05-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

What a great Memorial Day weekend...

Family, great food, a little boating, a little fishing...

And alot of work! And it is HOT outside!

The cottage shed arrived...and she is officially under construction.

I can't wait to see what she will be when she grows up ;p!

When we recover (financially and physically) from this first phase...we will build a deck floor and overhang. Can't wait...will keep my friends Susan's Metamorphasis Monday updated ;p You should go visit...great ideas from talented souls! Click here...

As we have been blessed this Memorial Day weekend, I can't close without honoring those who gave their life for my freedom.

How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! ~Maya Angelou

These martyrs of patriotism gave their lives for an idea. ~Schuyler Colfax

These heroes are dead. They died for liberty - they died for us. They are at rest. They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, and the embracing vines. They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm, each in the windowless Place of Rest. Earth may run red with other wars - they are at peace. In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death. I have one sentiment for soldiers living and dead: cheers for the living; tears for the dead. ~Robert G. Ingersoll

To all generations of soldiers and their families, the fallen and the living...

On behalf of my family, all generations...and future generations...I thank you...and God bless.

Today Was It

2010-05-27T15:38:00.001-07:00

Today was the day...

The last time we would all sit in our offices at the same time, the last time we would all have lunch together (as a staff), the last time we would all make a hospital visit, the last time we would all play a joke on the easy target (not mentioning names...Dan Aykroyd).

The last time she (not mentioning names...Mrs. Almost Pink Hair) would walk out the door and I would be sitting at the desk.

The last time he would say...one hour and I will have you the outline.

The last time the youngster would come ask me for a phone number.

Tomorrow, I will go back, finish the most urgent tasks...close the computer down...for the last time.

And yes, I have cried...

And yes, there have been moments that I have been tempted to say...I was kidding...

And yes, there is a feeling of loss in my heart.

I am losing...
the privilege of being with "them" every day
the excitement of the next event
the blessing to see strangers come to know Christ
the feeling that I belong

And...I didn't tell them. But, somehow, I think they each know; and I don't think any of us would want to have that conversation. That's how special "we" are..."we" just know...

They are gaining her...a beautiful soul, ready to lead them to the next level.

She is gaining...them...the events...the blessings...and the remarkable feeling of belonging.

I am gaining...time.

Time for what?
To be his wife
To be their mother
To be her lolli
To be their daughter
To be their sister
To be their aunt
To be their friend
To be their neighbor
To be...

And what an exciting thought...to be what?

An artist...with a little encouragement, a little prayer...and a few customers ;p

A photographer...a really exciting adventure...needing a little encouragement, a little prayer...and a few customers ;p

So here we go...

To them...I have no words what you mean to me...what you have taught me...and I thank you for never acting scared when I started a sentence with, "We should try..."

To them...I'm still down the block...

To them...don't forget me...

I'll never forget you.

This Could Not Be Babysitting

2010-05-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

No, babysitting is not what I would call it...I would call it Lolli Heaven!

We got to keep Lil Miss M while Mommy and Daddy went on a date...

We played peek-a-boo...

And those eyes still make my heart skip a beat...

Bathtime is the best...

And a little tv before storytime...

It was perfect...to have the time to snuggle, love, comfort her...I have no words...

Can't wait till the next time!

For The Graduating Class

2010-05-21T04:47:00.000-07:00

I am going to do my best to write this post without sadness.

Dear Senior Class (classes/we love seniors in many locations ;p),

This is the end of your high school career.

You might be thinking:

a) I thought it would never end
b) I don't know where the time went
c) I can't wait to begin college / career
d) I don't know what I am going to do now
e) I intend to enjoy my summer...it's the last freedom I will ever know

This is your first time to graduate, to be consumed with joy, fear, hope and/or sadness. There are some days that you may feel all of these things at once.

It's a journey, there is no map - because you are like an explorer. This is your journey, it's never been walked before, it will never be walked again.

I get a little sad every year at graduation time. I'm excited for you, but sad for me. I know that as your new journey begins, my journey with you will change. In some cases, my journey with you will end.

And that is why I am posting...

I hope that you and I will both work hard to keep in touch. I know there will be many new and exciting friends and relationships that will develop for you very quickly. And, that my friend, is a wonderful thing.

But every now and then, when you are about to shut down your computer for the night, I hope that you will just give me a little hey...guess what happened to me today.

There is rarely a sweeter message, or one that brings a great smile on my face - when I get one of those little "heys"....

You will always be in my heart, in my prayers...and know that you have blessed me. I know that God has great plans for you.

Good luck...will always be waiting for your "hey".

Mrs. Spies

Dream On!

2010-05-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Life is so good...

If you are one of my younger friends...I encourage you to just keep learning, keep challenging yourself and keep dreaming.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Speaking of dreaming...

I've actually JUMPED, I have a website: dimplesanddreams.com

Would you visit? I'd love to know what you think.

Just a reminder...you're never too young or too old to dream.

Dream on!

JUMP

2010-05-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

Remember when your parents would stand in the pool and urge you to jump?

JUMP...we'll catch you...

JUMP...don't be afraid...

JUMP...trust us...

And you did.

Then, you climb up the ladder of the diving board.

You hear...JUMP...you can swim.

I'm so there right now.

I'm standing right at the edge of the diving board, wanting so badly to take the leap.

To have the courage...and faith...in myself and my work...JUMP!

So, I have.

I'm returning to my roots, the "gifts" that I have tucked politely in the back of the drawer...ignoring them for so long.

I'm calling "it" DIMPLES AND DREAMS

And, it is:

So here I go, I've jumped off the board, I'm in the air...and about to get wet.

From experience, I know I'll go under, I'll hold my breath, and hope to return to the "air" quickly.

I have faith in my dreams, in my work...but there is that same fear when I was standing at the side of the pool.

JUMP...

I'm hanging in the air...I've jumped.

Go check "it" out on Facebook (Dimples & Dreams).

Working on the courage to push the button for a fancy site...

JUMP...

I've done it...about to hit the water head first...

(prayers appreciated)

Now I Have A Plan

2010-05-12T05:53:00.000-07:00

Remember a few weeks ago I mentioned I was in the mood for some demolition, construction or redesign?

Remember I said I didn't have a plan?

Now, I do...

received our permit...

ordered...

the vision is in...

to replace...

finished product:

10 x 14 air conditioned workspace (we do the installation)
10 x 14 covered patio (we build)
stone walkway (we don't want to, but we're gonna, hard work!)
an eat-in counter (we do it)
an outdoor kitchen (small, but functional)

stay tuned...

construction zone ahead ;p, and now the girl has a plan! uh - oh

No Doz

2010-05-06T23:43:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have trouble sleeping (or in this case NOT)...your mind just keeps thinking about all the things you've done, you need to do...or that you might not possibly ever get to? Like now (for me) ;p

My husband and I love to attend as many of the students' events as we possibly can make, family is certainly a priority...and every now and then we squeeze in a little fishing...

Ladies and gentlemen, a photo recap of our last 30 days (less than / in no particular order)...and I've left out a few - plus work...

Her first Easter...

Her first Tiger softball game...

Her first sleepover at Lolli and Pops...

Jentry's engagement photos and wedding planning...

Busy painting for Mother's Day...

Beautiful family photo shoot...

Opening of skate park...

Cleaning up after the storm...

Fishing with Jonah...

Fun with a senior photo shoot...

Ride 'em Cowboy rodeo...

Prom...

Senior Night...

Band, Staff Appreciation, FFA banquets and my Junk In The Trunk Party...

Seems like I would be tired enough to sleep after this...but I'm dreaming out loud right now. And, I don't want to miss a minute of any of this good stuff.

I simply love my life...

It's Time

2010-05-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

Remember when you learned to write a story?

We all learned there are three primary events within a good story:

#1 Beginning
#2 Middle
#3 End

I've got a story...stay with me...

I'm "beginning" my story with what others might call the "end". But you know Mrs. Rose Colored Glasses here...I see this as (another) beginning...

My job: Church Secretary (I work with "young" folks, they call us Administrative Assistants now)

Sunday, the (yes, he is one of "the" young folks) pastor announced I am leaving my sweet job at the end of the month. Actually, I believe he had a freudian slip, he said I would be there until Labor Day (NOT), I am actually leaving Memorial Day...(good try, though Nathan). ;p

Now, these "young" folks are awesome! Have you heard the phrase "out of the box" thinking? Well - my friends don't even have a "box". They are each innovative, hard working thinkers and doers. They make each day a fun adventure...and most often with incredible results...very fun, every day, every moment serving Him.

The hardest part of all, was saying it out loud to them. I'm stopping - not going any farther, cause I will get the alligator tears rolling again (yes, Allison, me too).

So...when I said it out loud...it was a relief (like the Empire State Building lifted gently). I knew I had made the right decision for me, for my family...but the thought of "abandoning" them and/or God - was just too hard to take.

I have to tell you...God has given me a peace I cannot describe...the struggle was always inside of me - not with Him. I am fully confident He will provide another service for me. And I have such a peace that there will be someone "delivered" to that chair & desk that will exceed any talent I may have. This "job" has so much to give back...it is very rewarding - and warm & fuzzy (sometimes).

You might be thinking, then why Mrs. Rose Colored Glasses are you leaving Shangri la?

Here's the definite middle of the story...I'm missing life.

The life of my granddaughter, children, the life of our parents, siblings, nieces and nephews...and even life as being his wife. And no matter how warm and fuzzy, satisfying and outside the box feelings this job delivers...I am missing time that can never be replaced.

Time for what? So many of the details are personal, but if you know us, you know our schedule is mind boggling...just in the next few months, I will be spending an entire week with my granddaughter, a week of vacation with my husband, helping a precious niece plan an incredible wedding, attend a business conference as his wife, seeing a niece graduate college, 3 other high school graduations (many kids involved here), state track and field meets...there's more. But I think you may have the picture. And friends, these are just a few of the personal things we are doing, not adding in the daily responsibilities we share here in our sweet community...

And it's just time...

Now that "end" that some are predicting...you can say NOT (and you better say it out loud / real loud)! I'm not leaving you as a friend, a confidant, a neighbor, a cheerleader...I'm just going to allow some other lucky person to sit at that desk. It's going to be someone else's turn to enjoy a journey they could never imagine. Get ready to be blessed...whether you are the giver or receiver - 'cause it's coming!

Now...what to do with that extra time on my hands...I'm waiting for suggestions...

Junk In My Trunk

2010-05-02T06:05:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I invited a few friends over.

I asked them to bring...

We all brought things we would like to sell, and we all bought things others had. And let me tell you...there was great stuff! If it fit in your trunk...you could bring it. And there were choices galore...new purses, new clothing (Chicos), jewelry, oval three tiered antique table, party sized drink decanter...like a very eclectic indoor estate sale.

After we shared ice cold mint-limeade (I'll post the recipe below, good stuff), italian creme cake, warm chocolate chip cookies...ok, I'll stop. There was fresh fruit to be figure friendly, unfortunately I think we added fresh strawberries and grapes on top of our non-figure friendly delights ;p. (Yes, we girls did just want to have fun!)

And then the real giggles started, a fresh take on a white elephant exchange (involved something like truth or dare ;p). I will tell you, I took many other photos - but if you have ever seen a pic of someone laughing so hard they look contorted and not so attractive...enough said. So girls, I will protect you the best I can.

We are definitely doing this party again...we may have just started an excuse to get together (frequently)...and come home with more junk than we left with!

....and the recipe I promised...

MINT-LIMEADE

2 liters of chilled diet Sprite
6 large limes squeezed - allow some of the slices to float in the container
1/3 cup mint leaves

Easy, simple, deliciously refreshing (and pretty, too)!

She's Getting Married!

2010-04-22T04:46:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's true, she's getting married!

If you've met our Jentry, then I know you are smiling right now.

Jentry has always been beautiful (as you see), talented (can sing like an angel), athletic (volleyball setter big time), hilarious (read the story below) and determined (yes, same story).

She was born funny...no kidding! She had expressions that could make everyone in the room laugh until they cried. Until she started to school, I don't think we have a photo that she doesn't have "her" expression. Can't describe it, just take my word that when we see it to this day, we all still giggle out loud. She was beautiful, curly hair, big eyes the cutest dimples....smiling alot myself right now (when she reads this, she will roll her eyes and say Aunt Donna get a grip, and then flash those big dimples).

On her second Christmas, she was still a toddler. My sister has taken all of the precautions to protect her children (and the large Christmas tree). Jentry was the third child, and lessons had been learned.

All of a sudden throughout the entire house, we heard a thud, everyone ran...and there was the huge Christmas tree...crashed! It was all the way on the ground, and you could see her little shoe from the outside corner. She was not crying, she was not asking for help...we couldn't breathe. As the tree was lifted, there was Jentry, laying flat on the ground, both arms extended out straight - each hand holding a candy cane...and she had that big dimply smile on her face. She was so pleased, you could just see it. I'm not sure if she was so happy she had got her candy canes, that she had scared us to death, or that she had just won the ultimate game of peek a boo. Whatever it was...I will never forget that precious little face. Jenna, if you read this, one word...Karter...now you will understand Jentry more than anyone ;p.

She has always been competitive - fearless...proved that through incredible season after season of select volleyball...her final year with a herniated disc.

And honestly, she has never known how beautiful she is...now, that is a gift all on it's own.

Now, she's getting married...and we love Justin. He knows how to love Jentry just right...the perfect recipe of love, respect, devotion, humor, patience, and honor. They make a great team.

The wedding planning has begun...and I Love It! I'll post more later as we progress...the reception site is wonderful!

We shot engagement photos a few weeks ago...(thank you Jentry & Justin for this privilege, and yes, she will be embarrassed that I am sharing)...

And I got this in the mail yesterday...

It's official...she's getting married. I love you Jentry Kim...

Warning...Woman Without a Plan

2010-04-15T05:24:00.000-07:00

The mood has struck...

Don't know yet when, what or which area...but...yes, something...

Stay tuned ;p

Lookin' like...

2010-04-07T15:23:00.001-07:00

Not long ago, most of us saw and/or participated on "your celebrity look alike". It was a facebook craze!

I giggled (ahem, alot) at some of the comparisons. Some were generations apart, some were extremely glamorous, and some ya'll - just made me giggle again. But I didn't judge, I enjoyed!

(pronounce each of these 1 syllable words with 3 syllables please)...
Now girls, let me tell you right now...I've known all along who I would compare myself to...

She ENJOYS everything!

Shoot yeah, ya'll! We both love butter (well, maybe one of just a little more than the other)...

There are so many things we have in common...

LOVE our Family
"I have raised two of the kindest hearts that anyone'll ever have the pleasure of meetin." Paula Deen

LOVE our Food
"Nothing ever tastes bad with a little extra cheese on top, it just never hurt a thing in its life." Paula Deen

LOVE our Kitchen
"Cooking has always brought me a happiness that I didn't think was available. I just fire up the stove, and things start to fade away." Paula Deen

LOVE to Laugh (especially at ourselves)
"Everyday you wake up on the right side of the dirt is a good one." Paula Deen

LOVE our Dog

LOVE Christmas (to the point we humiliate others)

LOVE others...and really believe all things are possible
"If you have a dream, FOLLOW IT." Paula Deen

Girls, I'm pretty sure she is my long lost sister. We use many phrases and words that make others cringe...

"fixin' to"
"ya'll I'm about to"
"isn't that gooood"
"oh my gosh ya'll"
"like" (don't laugh at us, you use that one, too!)

Others may giggle at my sister Paula and I, that's o.k.

We're just as happy as two peas in a pod...and girls...that's a very good thing (oh, wait, that's my cousin Martha :p )...smile.

Such a lot of pleasant things

2010-04-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

Easter duck and Easter chick,
Easter eggs with chocolate thick.

Easter hats for one and all,
Easter Bunny makes a call!

Happy Easter always brings
Such a lot of pleasant things.

Anonymous

Easter certainly delivered a lot of pleasant things....for her: a yellow chick, soft bunnies, first Easter dress...and for us: Papa's beautiful gardens and the newest little one to love.

I think she told Pops she wanted a pony, I think he said yes.

She slept most of the day, and didn't seem to mind that we all wanted a turn to hold her near.

She is everything we could ever dream of...

I wonder what her dreams are made of?

As she is seen through her Great GrandPapa's eyes...

As she plays peek-a-boo from her Daddy's shoulder...

And...who could say who is most content?

Our family...yes, we are blessed, with such a lot of pleasant things.

Bunnies, Strawberry Cake & the Cross

2010-04-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

I decorated weeks ago...but to be honest, I will be sad to take this down. It's one of my favorites!

We are lucky to be able to be with both of our families this Easter.

So...we are in full swing of preparation of cooking, signing cards, gathering little gifts...

Dessert requests from Papa: "strawberry cake and banana pudding". So here we go...

John signed up to make the potatoes au gratin...

I love that he cooks...she would be smiling right now, too. Tonight I had another "I miss her so much" heartache. This will be our first Easter without Mummy.

The strawberry cake recipe is in the cookbook John and I started for the family a few years ago. And it's filled with photographs of her that I adore.

I've coached myself for weeks, anticipating this feeling.

So, I choose to miss her - but celebrate our many blessings.

Like...Miss Mackenzie...it's her first Easter!

And thankfully I have this (and in my centerpiece this Easter)...

Thank you Lord for loving me so much that you gave your son to die for me. Thank you Jesus for not leaving that cross. Because of you my family, my friends, myself, and everyone who chooses you will enjoy eternity in Heaven. Never will a greater gift or blessing exist.

Happy Easter sweet friends and family, from my devotion today...

COMFORT
Revelation 21: 4-5

"Almighty God, may our family find hope and peace in knowing that someday you will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away and you will have made everything knew."

In Your Easter Bonnet

2010-04-02T05:21:00.000-07:00

Does anyone that reads my posts recall this song? Two "movie" versions I recall were sung first by Bing Crosby, then by Judy Garland.

Oh my...when she put on that big beautiful hat and strolled "down the avenue" with Fred Astaire...it was truly grand. (you can still find this clip on youtube)

As a kid, those movies were how I "saw the world". It was beautiful, it was in color, there was always a happy ending...(some things never change - it's still how I choose to see the world ;p).

So...as Dad talks about his spiral ham for Easter, the kids are discussing which service to attend, John's rummaging through the pantries for the ingredients for his potatoes au gratin, and wishing I could still sit for hours and dye eggs with the kids...

I can't get her out of my head...

No, it's not her Easter bonnet!

Almost every night before I shut the computer down, I go to this particular photo.

I can almost smell her, fresh from her bath, hair in little curls, and those big eyes peeking through under Winnie the Pooh. I am so thankful the kids "share" small daily details with us...we are blessed to live in this age of gadgets. It sure helps "ease" the pain of not being there everyday.

No, this is not her "Easter bonnet"...but wait until I see her on Easter!

I can promise you there will be photos (yes, plural)!

Happy Easter my sweet little girl, Lolli loves you (and you, too)!

Dirty Laundry

2010-03-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I wish I could say I experience this sort of enthusiasm when it comes to doing laundry (and, probably dear hubby does, too)!

Or, felt this sweet and darling as I wash each little item...

And look...doesn't she look almost blissful?

Do you think she knew this would be the laundry room of the future?

Perhaps she is so content, it wouldn't really matter...

con·tent2 /kənˈtɛnt/ Show Spelled[kuhn-tent]

–adjective
1.satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.

I am content (and grateful) to have a laundry room, with a working washer and dryer and practical cabinetry. Yes, I did use the word practical...don't laugh...I REALLY mean it! (For those of you who do not know me REAL well, "practical" has not always been one of my strongest gifts ;p).

My laundry room has zero personality. And, honestly, it's not very inspiring to spend too much time in there. It's not bad...it's just blah...

I decided a few days ago to take the blank canvas and do something.

No, didn't really think it through...just unloaded everything. Cleaned down to the baseboards...

Then began to really think how this small space could be used to it's maximum potential for us.

I started with the baker's pantry....

BEFORE

AFTER

Whew, that felt good!

Next thought was to look for a little bling...something to brighten it up a little.

So, pulled out the paint...added a stripe (glossy to reflect the light)...

No, nothing too crazy...space is too small...but yes, a little bling was working.

We should start with this vintage hand hooked rug, don't you think?

Slow down sugar...back off the bling and get back to function (this metal shelving unit from Target was marked down to $12)...

Must keep my polka dot apron at-hand, (Aunt Ruthie @ SPFH would be proud)...

Glory...what is that in the background?

I added one of the personalized pieces I do...

For me, this space now just feels like a bright ray of sunshine.

Yes, I am grateful (and content) to have such a sweet place to work.

I hope you will let me visit your home soon...got any new projects?

Daddy's Little Girl

2010-03-21T14:34:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend with our precious daughter Nicole and her husband John. It was Nicole's birthday weekend (last one in her twenties)...so it was extra special!

Any time with our kids or family is just the best. But this weekend, Daddy got to help his little girl with a few chores. You know - he never outgrows loving being Daddy. I hope he never changes...I hope she always will be his little girl.

So, as a team, we all went to embellishing (I just love that word)...their beautiful home...(perhaps "we" is a little all inclusive, I mainly just took pictures ;p)...

Riley supervised...

And as her Daddy says...In the blink of an eye...

To her newest role: Auntie Nicole

We celebrate Nicole on her 29th birthday...

And can't wait to be part of the next "blink of an eye"...

We know God's plan for her is perfect, and thank him daily for this sweet girl

Happy Birthday "Coley".

Kids, Kids and MORE Kids

2010-03-16T07:37:00.001-07:00

This is one of those posts that will make my dear hubby very nervous...(again) ;p!

Never blessed as a "birth" mom, I always yearned for children.

I've been blessed that many have "shared" their children: my husband, my sister, my brother, my friends and my community.

I am the person in the stands (at any event...even when you are supposed to be quiet) that cheers for EVERY kiddo. It fills that "not a mommy" void in my heart, when I can "be loud" for the kiddo that has no one cheering for them. No, not because they are the best one out on the field, on the stage, or on the court...because every child deserves to have a "loud" hero. A "love out loud" champion in their world...and sometimes, the silence for some is deafening.

Years ago I began to spend time on a website that helped me, yet again, fill that "not a mommy" hole in my heart. That part of my heart that was reserved just to be a mommy - and on this website, I found kiddos that needed a mommy. They really need a family...

A visit here... could change your life (and theirs).

You see photos of the kids and learn so much about each of them, individually and as a family.

I visit the site, I look at each child and their needs, and I pray for them by name. And I can't tell you the joy it brings me when I visit the next day, week or month, and notice that child, or that family of children have found their "forever" families. I love the feeling of knowing those children will be loved, and I love the feeling of knowing a mommy and daddy will have those "holes" in their hearts filled.

And who could resist....

OR...

Yes, these are children that are waiting...right now. There are hundreds, and many individual children are waiting...all alone...no brothers, no sisters...no one.

There are so many children, even in your own community, that need a home, a hero, or a champion. Have you seen the movie "The Blind Side"? 'Nuff said...

If adoption (or fostering) is not for you...would you just spend a few minutes of your day to spread hope for these kiddos? Whether you choose to pray, to post or to tell someone who is ready to consider adoption...it will all be time well spent.

You might be surprised...you never know... ;p

It's Not A Secret Anymore...

2010-03-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

What a great day! House smells clean and fresh, Spring is definitely in the air (my allergies are killin' me)!

What I have learned since I posted the photos of the pillows I got at the Estate Sale...

is that many of you are very impatient ;p!

So, just for you (playing the not real guilt card here / 'cause I REALLY wanted to do it), I ripped off the bedding in our master bedroom, and began to layer...

and layer...

and layer...

until...

Oh, yes, it feels so fresh and springlike and comfy and...

best thing is...I LOVE having my Grandmother's chenille popcorn bedspreads (layered one for the "dust ruffle") and her quilt on this bed. It "feels" like home.

(Thanks Mom for saving them for me...)

And it's all finished just in time for Metamorphosis Monday...thanks Susan @ Between Naps On the Porch for letting me participate again! If you want to see fantastic transformations...click here (and come back to see me again soon)!

under CONstrUcTIon

2010-03-13T18:41:00.000-08:00

For all my friends that love yard sales, tag sales, garage sales, estate sales, whatever you call them...and you love them...this post is for you.

A few weeks ago you saw the beautiful collection of Lefton china I got from one of my favorite antique dealers (thank you Nancy!).

I got a notice that she was hosting an estate sale at a home across the lake...I only hoped there would be some treasures left by the time I got off work.

I've been shopping (wishing) for a vintage / lake cottage style quilt and bedding. Like something really soft from the L.L. Bean or Ralph Lauren collections. Reason I mentioned wishing...I can't afford my good taste ;p!

So, as I wandered through room to room of this cute lakehouse, I picked them up...one in one room, two in the next...until...I gathered all nine of these.

Just look at the details....

BIG buttons...

BIG checks and toile...

BIG down stuffed (yes, I said down) European shams....

AND it all matches my grandmother's quilt, and her white chenille / popcorn bedspread.

I can't wait to put it all together...got to find the dust ruffle...and it will be complete. I promise I'll post when I get it all put together.

I love the patterns, I love the colors, but most of all...I'll love recalling all the great memories with my grandmother. It will bring a smile to my face every time I walk into this bedroom. Life is so good...

(oh, btw... I spent a total of $79 for all the nine of the down pillows and nine cases...yes, life is good - and again, thank you Nancy)

Just Teasing....

2010-03-12T20:02:00.001-08:00

OK...yesterday I went to a GREAT estate sale.

Remember that box of beautiful Lefton china I got a few months ago? The same antique dealer was hosting this estate sale...and it was wonderful!

Was thinking about letting you peek at what I got, 'cause I think you will really love it! I know do...and can't wait to "set it up"!

BUT, before I can "play"...this is what I have to do first:

Breakfast, yes, (much less beautiful...but pretty good stuff)!

Work the high school track meet...I LOVE THIS! Go Tigers!

Give sweet Gracie a much needed bath in this beautiful sunshine.

Prepare for a another senior photo shoot tomorrow (pretty girl this time ;p).

Maybe then...I can show you.

But not till I enjoy every sweet task at hand. Boy, I really do love my life!

Have a great day my friend...can't wait till next time.

Great Deal 4 Little Ones

2010-03-11T15:36:00.001-08:00

If you are a grandparent...does it ever stop?

Do you ever wake up, and they are not the first thing on your mind?

If you are a parent...thank you for being patient with "their" grandparents.

There is such a fine line of respect, for both parents and grandparents. We are so lucky to have children that are "patient" with us...thanks kids!

I recently read...

"It isn't the great big pleasures that count the most; it's making a great deal out of the little ones."

We are sure enjoying making a "great deal" out of our "little one".

It's true...everyone tells you before they are born that there is nothing like it.

I look forward to when we have brothers, sisters and cousins for her.

It is difficult to imagine this "little love" magnified.

The little one's story is pretty sweet, just click to go visit.

Then...don't forget to come back and see me! I so enjoy when you come by for a visit.

New Spring In My Step

2010-03-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

Can't deny I began to create this entry table getting ready for the very fun Tablescape Thursday.

Thanks Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch for hosting! If you haven't visited yet, you should go, just click on to her link above! It's awesome to see everyone's ideas! The diversity and creativity is simply inspiring!

And although these interesting corners, edges and textures are inspiration...

This was my true INSPIRATION for this table (Lolli sighs here with love)....

Meet my new granddaughter Mackenzie.

And don't you love the silver, engraved baby cups and spoons? They were her Daddy's and her Auntie Nicole's, and I love the combination of all this family love here on display.

I'm enjoying the entry table by candlelight, feels like a warm greeting...

And by the light of day, the tulips bring a real springtime welcome...

We've enjoyed a few days of sunshine here in East Texas, and enjoyed the fresh air of spring. Can't wait to start decorating for Easter!

Would love to know your plans, too.

Thanks for stopping by, hope you've enjoyed your visit. You sure have blessed my day!

Dahling I Love Your Style

2010-03-06T19:46:00.001-08:00

OK...I know you have one...Yes, you do!

So...what is your style?

Wouldn't it be fun to live in a house that every room could have a different theme? Like a Disneyland house, a different "world" around each corner! Now, since we are talking about living in a fantasy land...

I might have a kitchen that looks like this

I might have a family room that looks like this

I might have a laundry room that looks like this

And...oh yes, a restful master bedroom like this

None of these styles really "match" - but I love them all.

It makes me think of my "world" and it's diversity. Most of it doesn't "match"...but I love it all!

My "style" isn't limited to the quirky things I love to decorate with, the furnishings of our home, my clothes...my "style" includes personalities - all sorts of people from all sorts of places. And I love my "style".

So...what is your "style"?

"Fashion fades, style is eternal." Gore Vidal

Leave a post, a comment or even better a link to one of your posts that shares your "style"....no limits here - "style" can be your home, your friends, your personality...

Shine here Dahling...I will love your style! Just leave a link your post! Need help? Let me know...have a fabulous day Dahling! ;p You're up...

We Have To...It's A Tradition

2010-03-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

"Because we have to, it's a tradition," she said.

I heard it from my Mom, my Grandmothers and my Granny while I was growing up.

And honestly, I really love tradition. I love it in family, I love it in community and I love it in a global way. Tradition feels respectful to me, and since I'm a warm and fuzzy kinda girl...it's good for me!

I never minded, a bit, wearing school colors on game day. I really looked forward to it, because it was a tradition in my hometown. I never questioned it...and neither did anyone else. Our school hallways were filled with kids wearing only blue and white. The downtown merchants painted their own windows every week with words of encouragement, and wore the school colors themselves on game days.

I never minded, a bit, "dressing up" for Sunday School - when I was a kid "dressing up" was traditional.

Now perhaps, what was not so traditional, is that my Dad was waiting outside church for us, with the horses loaded ready to race that day. Yup, we would run out of church, straight into the truck and head to the racetrack. (And believe me, I couldn't wait to get those itchy dresses off and slip into my jeans and boots!) Traditional for our family, true, but not for most. Actually, it made us feel special, this "tradition" we had that no one else did.

I never minded, a bit, that our hometown basically shut down (truly, all the stores closed) when we had 2 parades each year. It was tradition - no one minded everything was closed - because basically - everyone was there - participating in the traditional parade.

I never minded, a bit, that to this day...my Mom "owns" Christmas Eve. It's a tradition, the only time of the year that EVERYONE in our family knows to make no other plans - we are to be at her house for the afternoon and evening. Honestly, it's never been the most convenient tradition , but we've all worked around it and LOVE it to this day. There is a comfort for all of us to know that all her (now grown) grandchildren will fill that house, on that one day, for sure, absolutely. Their Nanny looks forward (and overworks herself because she LOVES it) to hosting, cooking, decorating and gifting each of them. They all seem to "sense" it, it is as much about pleasing her, and it is reaping the benefit of this one great eve.

There is a comfort, for me, in tradition. Maybe that's why I love traditions, both old and new.

I want my family, both close and extended, to know the comfort of tradition. I hope we can build from the wonderful traditions that already bless us...and create new for the generations to come. I would love to think that someday my granddaughter will be writing on her blog (or whatever it will be called then) about the traditions she treasures.

Tradition should not feel like a burden, it should feel like a blessing.

And, we should all be loving and wise enough to recognize it.

And so this thread begins...what are some traditions that you love about your family / community?

I hope you will post here, I hope you will feel the comfort and blessing of recalling your traditions today.

Perhaps I will make this blogging tradition, the recollection of the gifts we receive through the traditions of what has formed each of us.

Especially the traditions that make each of us feel special, we "own" them, they were created just for us...wow, what a gift!

LOLLI POP

2010-03-03T11:42:00.001-08:00

OK...I'm guilty...lately I have been so serious.

In my defense, it is a very big responsibility to be a grandmother - a Lolli.

But today, let's all just turn up our speakers and dance like crazy! Grab your kids or your grandkids...dance all through the house! (go down to my playlist below and click on Lollipop...you're gonna need it!)

It's so GREAT to be Lolli and Pops!

While you're dancing...I'll give you something SWEET to look at.

KIDDING!

OOOHHH SO SWEET!

Have a terrific day grandparents (and thank you children for letting us love you, and for overlooking our behavior when it comes to our grandchildren) ;p

Love you all...

(dancing like crazy!)
Loving being...
LOLLI & POPS

I've Seen Wonderful

2010-03-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

For months you've been patient with me.

You've allowed me to gush about becoming a grandmother - a Lolli.

Well let me tell you...you haven't seen gushing yet!

Meet her...isn't she just the most beautiful baby God ever loaned a family?

Their circle is complete....

His heart melts each time he holds her...

I know it is a privilege to be her Lolli...
And have have shed tears as I've looked at her through a grandmother's eyes.

Mummy and Nelda...there are just no words...

She is Mackenzie, she is perfect, she is loved...she is the link that will hold all of us together...forever.

Painting With A New Spirit

2010-02-26T05:30:00.000-08:00

I've painted "things" for close to 20 years now (yes, I started early...smiling here...NOT!).

And there have been projects that I recall from the very beginning that I just LOVED painting.

Like...the horse and rider standing at the top of the staircase landing for Rhonda. Sounds frightening and shocking, but it was pretty wonderful in her home.

Like...the "toddler" room for Becky, the rose arbor, the little girls with their tea party and the doves that carried the ribbons from the walls across the tops of the ceilings.

Like...the "grandfather clock" in the foyer...the shabby chic bedroom furniture that matched all the fabrics in her set...the Mary Englebriet style kitchen - with all the checkerboards...there are many more. It's all been a blessing and fun.

But I don't think I have ever felt the anticipation of joy as last week when I painted the piece for Mackenzie's room.

Mackenzie will be our first grandchild, and is due at any moment. Literally, Lolli and Pop's bags are packed, we are on "standby".

Her Mom and Dad were gracious enough to allow me to paint something for her room, with one requirement.

They loved the little girl "look", but they wanted it to honor and reflect God.

So...they worked in finding all the scripture...

From the beginning...

To the end...(the photos will enlarge if you click on them)

Mackenzie is already blessing us.

(Months ago I began a blog for Mackenzie. If you would like to follow "our" story...so far, visit Lolli and Pops )

Unimagineable

2010-02-25T17:20:00.000-08:00

It was a word he used at church, leading up to Radiate 2010.

un·imag·in·able
Pronunciation: \ˌən-ə-ˈmaj-nə-bəl, -ˈma-jə-\
Function: adjective

: not imaginable or comprehensible

I just can't tell you the story alone.

Allison said...

Jenna said...

Kim said...

'Nuff said...

Except the final night we served over 700 steaks, who knows how many hot dogs and 38 were baptized.

un·imag·in·able

CHANGE OF HEART

2010-02-19T14:24:00.000-08:00

OK...you may have already visited "most of this post"...skip to the bottom for the new stuff ;p

If you haven't been here yet...the question for today is:

Have you ever heard of Young Life?

If yes...well - you just know! AWESOME!

If you don't know about Young Life, I would encourage you to check into how it serves high school students in your community (younglife.org). Originally, Young Life only was possible in the metropolitan areas...but now...THEY ARE EVERYWHERE!

The clubs have realized that children in rural/suburban areas have few activities in their hometowns and weekly activities are crucial. Young Life provides an exciting, fun, worship-filled "CLUB" each Monday (8:08...don't try to figure it out...just go). And summer camps that you would be jealous of!

Last night our Henderson County Young Life (WOO HOO!) hosted our annual fundraiser dinner. Each hostess sets her own table, and invites her own guests. FYI, if you work on a committee that produces dinners as fundraisers...try it! It saves your organization tons of money and effort - plus each hostess brings a table of 8 that you don't have to go out and beat the bushes for. AND...it is SO FUN!

And all you "table" ladies at Metamorphosis Monday, this is PERFECT FOR YOU!
If you haven't visited a "Monday" before, click on the butterfly above for a quick visit. Great before and afters by hundreds of talented ladies.

BUT WAIT...can't wait to hear from the ladies at Tablescape Thursday...click here - go look at their beautiful, creative tablescapes!

Lucky for all of you...I have pictures! It was inspiring to see all those tables go from an unexciting beginning...

to sensationally beautiful...(isn't the variety great!)I was only able to post a few, there were over 40 fabulous tables.

There were plenty of fun and laughs...

It was a glorious night, we had tons of fun.

But the real reason we were there...

kids

We heard heartbreaking stories. We heard from some heartbreaking precious kids.

The reality...regardless of a kid's "status", none of them are exempt from what life has given each of them.

The reality...none of them deserve the bad things that happen in life.

The reality...there is so much that can be done to make each of them to live life beautifully. But it takes people who care enough...there's so much each of us can do for children - but we must STOP first to listen. Then DO!

The most immediate thing each of us can do is pray. As you pray today, would you remember "our" kids...then pray for ALL kids - that they might meet someone today that will let them know they care? Then maybe go find an organization in your community that could use you as a volunteer - really, only an hour or two a week can make such a difference!

They need us...all of us.

The song you have been listening to was played for us during the banquet...if you would like to see the video (which is pretty thought provoking), copy and visit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEKx6tnMrBM

Before you leave today...I wanted to say thanks for so many visits. It astounds me to know you come here each time I post...and I am humbled by your interest.

I hope you enjoyed seeing the beautiful tables, the laughing faces, and remember the hard stuff is part of life, too. But don't discount the beauty, it's the fuel that makes the hard stuff easier ;p

Biased Highly Esteemed Love

2010-02-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

Kids...a joyful sound to my ears! I love them loud, I love them quiet, I love them happy and especially LOVE (on them) when they are sad. I don't care if it is a child that is family, a child I know well...I even pray for children by name that I have never met. I LOVE kids!

I am so thankful to a be a Mom. It didn't happen by birth, it happened because it was His plan. It didn't happen because I wanted it...believe me, if you knew me when I was in my thirties - I thought I would go crazy without a child.

God saved a precious family for me.

These are our children. John & Nicole (top photo) and Justin & Casey (lower photo). Yes, I'm biased...they are beautiful. I don't even apologize anymore for gushing...

I am proud of our kids for so many things...and yes, again - I am biased, a Mom's privilege.

So, I'll pick only one.

I am so proud of how they let Christ lead their lives.

They are way better at it than I was at their age. I was definitely a slow learner.

Justin shared this quote earlier in the week with me, from John Piper (http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/ squeel if you are a Piper fan)!

"Don't marry so you can stop pursuing women. Marry so you can perfect the pursuit of one woman for a lifetime."

I knew, by him making sure I heard the quote, he is proud to be married and is in the perfect pursuit of Casey for a lifetime. (smiling)

John and Nicole are walking through The Love Dare (smiling)...it is an awesome experience for couples. I'm excited for them! Have you seen Fireproof...if not...rent it...then do The Love Dare.

There is one Dare that I continue to make a priority for everyday life...not just a one time Dare. (In the end, I think we implement almost every Dare with a new priority).

"Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes."

Shouldn't we make those we love feel "highly esteemed" in our eyes everyday?

How precious also are Your thoughts to me. How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. - Psalm 139: 17-18

I do hold my husband and children in "high esteem", and I am blessed beyond what I deserve. I'm thinking now, if I treated everyone I meet today with "high esteem"...it might really make a difference in their day (maybe in their life).

Now I've got my thinkin' cap on (now don't be making fun of our East Texasisms, thinkin' caps can get alot accomplished...), I'm going to build an expanded "highly exteemed" list...(and I'm adding your name next).

Something Good This Way Comes

2010-02-12T06:29:00.000-08:00

Suuugggarrr just loook at thaaat snowww (did you "hear" all the syllables we are gifted with here in East Texas)!

We rarely get any snow, and our area has been blessed with a beautiful sight.

For childhood's golden memories
For happy bygone years
The comfort of your presence
In days of joy or tears
For all your love upon life's way -
I thank you from my heart this day.

The kids will be out of school today (thank you to the bestest Supt. ever ;p). I hope they will have the joy of throwing snowballs (don't hurt each other), making snow angels (dry off, don't stay too wet), help their neighbors, and send ME pictures! And parents...get out there with them! This is a once in a lifetime for us - dont' miss this moment. And, send ME pictures!

I am so grateful that (so far) our sweet little community has just been able to enjoy the beauty.

We are so blessed, and truly, good things do come our way.

Even when things don't go as planned...

Have faith something greater will come.

(Like a new deck...and thanks to Travis, already thinking about what the scraps from our little gazebo will become ;p)!

What will become of your "scraps" of life today? Let me know - and SEND pics! Good things this way come...

A RE-run...Another Love Story

2010-02-11T04:55:00.000-08:00

I'm guessing by now that most of you that visit my blog regularly are getting tired of me gushing about those that I love.

I could blame these sentimental outpourings on our upcoming Valentine's Day...but that would be a fib. If you really know me, I gush frequently. I'm pretty sure I know people that would like to find out how to turn the gush button off. Sort of like a spicket, just twist that puppy - you know the rest.

But have you ever twisted the spicket the wrong way and the gushing just was greater (insert me smiling)...can you imagine if that happened to me? This is a NEWS ALERT: Run for the hills, women and children first, massive flooding predicted.

Well today, I gush for a woman I had only met, face to face, twice. And both of those times were just a casual "glad to see you again." And I was.

Meet Maria with her husband Jon. I will not go into long detail, actually I could never be blessed enough for all the words to describe Maria.

I ask you to visit here, it's the best way I can introduce the two of you. http://www.heartofhopecancerfoundation.org/

Maria will teach you more about living, loving and Christ than most you will ever meet in your lifetime.

So many of us are stepmothers. I have always felt if you are a really good, loving those kids as if they were yours stepmother (I wish I knew how to do that cross the word thing here because I would use it)...that you hate that "step" word. Those kids ARE YOUR kids...everyone is equal. And you should be so good at loving them, that they never doubt it.

This is part of Maria's, Re's, Grammy's large family that she loved so deeply.

This is a precious family that I (and a cast of thousands) care for deeply. No, they are not in my biological family (I wish they were, they are just a beautiful crew).

But through this family I learned about being a REAL (step)Mom...a Mother and Mother-In-Law. And a (for me a future) Grandmother. Their stories about Re influenced me before I even had the privilege of shaking her hand the first time.

Whether God gave your family / children through birth, or through blending - I hope today you will feel His blessings more than ever.

Love on your kids today, your grandkids...I mean really love them. Pray today and each day for them, each one of them by name and purpose.

Re would, I will(forever), too.

IT is When A Man Loves A Woman

2010-02-03T17:43:00.000-08:00

Or maybe I should post When A Woman Loves A Man...

But then, this loving, sexy song wouldn't quite fit the bill, would it?

I've known all sorts of love in my life. Aside from my family, my first two loves were a dog and a horse. I had both by the time I was born. And yes, both dogs and horses are still two of my favorite loves in life.

Following these first sweet loves, life presented innocent loves and deeper loves.

And then IT found me.

Real, true, honest, devoted, love with all your southern heart, knock your socks off, a Christian husband kind of love. I don't know of a better way to describe IT.

IT keeps your life Christ centered, even when everything else is out of balance.

IT (for me), came with the complete package - 2 great kids (now both married, soon to have our first grandchild), precious in-laws and nieces.

IT makes you want to fall asleep on his shoulder, listening to his heartbeat. And wake up in the same spot.

IT encourages you to experience his loves, and a privilege to be his partner.

IT gives you the confidence to just be who you are, no approval is needed.

IT brings warm and fuzzy an entirely new meaning.

IT gives best friend a different definition.

I hope if you haven't had IT, or have never known IT, that God will deliver IT to you. Take my word, even a great life is so much sweeter with IT.

I am so grateful IT found me. What if I had missed IT?

Funny, for the first time in my life, I have no fear of losing IT. I know IT was the love He had planned for me all along (patience had never been my virtue).

For John, my love...from the Bible and our wedding:

Love...bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things,
endures all things.
Love never fails.
I Corinthians 13:4, 7-8

I love you with every inch of my soul. May we have IT for eternity.

My life is beautiful with you, in black & white and full of color. IT is my perfect place.

African Love Song

2010-01-28T19:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever met Lori?

Lori is my sister-in-law, and I can't remember ever meeting a person that I so "instantly" loved.

Some of the first things I loved about Lori were her love of God, devotion to family, sense of humor, her political opinions at our non-political conversations dinner table, her intelligence, her style, love of animals, genuine concern for others, and this is where I will begin.

She is bold and fearless. By day, she is a teacher - through Baylor she educates nurse practitioners. And no, I suppose being bold and fearless are not requirements to be an educator (my teaching family, giggle here) - not unless you are Lori.

She also leads missions to Africa with her students. She is responsible for all areas of each of these trips - including securing all funding for the projects. We are not talking about flying into one of Africa's major cities to observe in hospitals. Lori's teams travel into isolated villages, carrying "minimal" medical supplies, "treating" babies, children, teens, moms, dads, and the very aged. Many are very ill, most have never received any sort of medical treatment in their life. AIDS and malaria are prevalent.

Yes, fearless is a requirement.

There is danger from the elements, country, illness, animals...I'm not sure many would have the confidence to take on this mission. Yet, Lori organizes and leads these trips year after year.

Why on earth would she risk her own health and well being? Why do you think?

If you are like me, you will marvel at these faces. You will long think about those big bright eyes as you try to close yours tonight.

Yes, this Christ filled dedication is yet another reason I love Lori so dearly.

She is about to launch on another journey. Just today I received this request...

Dear Praying Friends & Family,

We are working diligently to get everything ready for the March 2010 trip to Ethiopia and Sierre Leone. My apologies for the lack of regular updates.
One of the team prepared the attached prayer calendar for our rapidly approaching trip. I think she did a great job. I am certain that it has been prayer that has allowed the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing trips to be so successful. We have been safe and ministered physically and spiritually to 1000’s of people over the years. This year again we will be doing hard work in tough environments. Sometime we will be physically tired, sometimes we will not have the right medication, we maybe homesick or ill or overwhelmed. Our souls will ache for all the need in the world. It is your prayers that will keep us uplifted and safe and able to meet the needs of God’s people.
I am grateful for all the many types of support we have received over the years. Thank you. We literally would not be going if it were not for the generous donations, physical assistance and hard work of all of you. I would ask yet another thing from you…please consider placing this calendar somewhere during March and pray for the Baylor APN Capstone 2010 team.

In Christ,

Lori

She is awesome! What a blessing for that team! And although I will never walk her walk, I will stay on bended knee for her requested prayer. Would you consider joining me in the daily prayer calendar? I've posted it below (I know it's long, but SO worth it):

Monday,
March 1

Pray for the FNP group as they leave DFW at 7:40pm for their journey to Ethiopia. Pray for: peace for their families as they say goodbye, traveling safety, flights connections, ad successful luggage travel!
Shannon, Sara, Summer, Jamie
Back: Jessica, Lori, Becca, Mary Ann, Ivorry, Rebecca

Tuesday
March 2

Still traveling . . . through the UK and Kenya today. Pray for divine meetings in planes and taxis to share about our trip and the compelling love of Christ. Pray that all of our luggage makes it through customs in Ethiopia!

Wednesday
March 3

We arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this morning (9 hours ahead of US CST). We are crazy jet-lagged and tired! Pray that God would refresh our spirits and our bodies and that we would have an extra measure of grace and patience with each other!

Thursday
March 4

We are spending our first full day in Ethiopia! Everything around us is different and chances are we are feeling a little overwhelmed. Pray that God would remind us that He has gone before us.

Friday
March 5

Today we hope to visit the Fistula Hospital and Mother Theresa’s Orphanage. Pray that God would give us a deeper love and compassion for the people of Ethiopia.

Saturday
March 5

Pray that we understand enough of the culture in order to not be offensive or confusing to the Ethiopians we come in contact with- pray for special opportunities to share Christ through our words and actions.

March 7

We are traveling 4 hours on a rough road to the rural Langano area. We will meet up with Kim and Allyson today in the clinic they run! This is what we came for!!! Pray for us to be flexible, organized, and discerning as we unpack supplies and plan for our work in the days ahead.

March 8

Pray for the patients that we will be seeing in the clinic today- many of them don’t have hope and are suffering. Pray that we would be able to give comfort and hope and treat them in an honoring way today.

Pray for Jessica and Becca to feel rested and to be full of joy in their work.

March 9

Pray that our team could be a sweet blessing for the SIM Langano families. Pray that God would give each of us an attitude of service and that we would find creative ways to bless these missionaries!

March 10

Pray for our bodies! Chances are some, if not all of us, may be feeling a little sick and maybe even homesick- pray that God feels near to us as we push through the physical stuff. And pray that we sleep well and awake, refreshed and full of hope for the day!

March 11

Pray for Lori- she has the toughest job on our team- Pray that God would give her grace and peace as she leads and adjusts to the constant changes in scheduling.

Pray that God will provide learning opportunities for Rebecca & Ivory to prepare them for the future.

March 12

Pray for the Ethiopian children that we will see today! Pray that God continues to provide people and resources to meet their needs physically, spiritually, and academically.

March 13

Pray today that God would provide more resources for this clinic-from antibiotics to references to medical equipment to personnel.

Pray that the team will learn creative ways to provide quality care with limited resources.

March 14

Pray for Christians in Ethiopia- that God would give them a boldness to share their faith even during times of persecution.

March 15

It has been 2 weeks of eating Ethiopian food. Pray that God would help us have grace to eat whatever is put in front of us with a thankful heart!

Pray for the people that we will meet today that are hungry- that God would provide for their daily needs.

March 16

Pray that God continues to knit our hearts together as a team--and that we would be grown-ups and communicate clearly when we are upset with each other!

Pray for Sara to not be anxious but entrust her patients’ care to the Father.

March 17

Pray for each team member to be flexible and willing to change plans at the drop of the hat. Pray that God would help us to not be selfish—pray that we would remember that God is in control of all the details (no matter how frustrating they seem to us).

March 18

Today we travel back to Addis Ababa in preparation to leave Ethiopia and the midwives leave DFW at 7:10 pm to head to Sierre Leone. Pray for Shannon, Summer and Mary Ann that God would prepare their hearts as they travel.

March 19

Everybody is tired! The team from Ethiopia is exhausted and the midwives don’t reach Freetown until 8:25pm (6 hours ahead of US CST). Pray again for successful passage through customs! Pray for more refreshment, sleep, and lots of laughter.

March 20

Pray that as the two parts of our team finally come together that there is a smooth transition and a contagious joy.

March 21

Today we will worship together with the missionaries and the believers in the community church. Pray that God would connect us all together despite the language and cultural barriers.

March 22

Today we set up shop in the African bush (it doesn’t get any better than that!) Pray that all the details of this would come together and that people would come from all around. Pray that we would have the resources in our hands and in our heads that we need for this endeavor.

March 23

We are spending the day at Faith Rescue Orphanage where we will set up a medical/dental clinic for approximately 70 children. Pray that somehow we can communicate God’s love to them and meet some practical needs.

March 24

Pray for Gabriel, Sada and Donald and the clinics that they are involved with. Pray for resources and protection of the resources they already have. Pray that God would bless them and use them mightily.

March 25

Pray that in the midst of the chaos and the incredible needs we will turn to God instead of just trying to do everything on our own. Pray that God would get our attention when we are distracted.

March 26

We really miss you guys. Pray that God would remind us that we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” who are praying for us and spurring us on!

Pray for specific opportunities to encourage the believers in this village.

March 27

Today we will be providing some public health education for individuals in this area (primarily women). Pray that God helps us communicate knowledge clearly and that those who attend will walk away with practical things that will help them live healthier lives.

March 28

Our time is up- we are throwing everything into our suitcases and preparing to leave Africa at 11:50pm. Pray that God would speak to us individually about what the future may hold for us in Africa and around the world. March 29
Pray for endurance, patience, health, sleep on the plane, and quiet reflection. We arrive in DFW at 7:15pm—what a crazy, hard, wonderful month!
Pray for the people we leave behind (patients, missionaries, communities). Pray that God would pour out blessing on these people and that many would know the hope of Jesus.

And, (here is Donna loves Lori being overprotective)...would you please just call our sweet Lori's name during your daily prayer...I find such comfort in knowing God will hear her name each day from so many. I wholeheartedly believe she will feel your prayer.

God bless you Lori, and your students. May you always feel His comfort and strength.

I am privileged to love you, safe travels.

You bring a smile to all of our hearts.

SWEET

2010-01-27T17:39:00.000-08:00

Sweet (pronounced in three syllables if you are from my area of Texas), is the kind of week I am having.

Have you ever just had a very lucky shopping day?

The kind where you leisurely shop for a treasure, nothing in mind...just the thing that tugs at your heartstrings?

Treasures, are most assuredly, in the eye of the beholder. I recently purchased a bargain box, and feel like I hit the motherlode! And just in time for Tablescape Thursday (click here to go see some really beautiful ideas)!

I was wanting something sweet for my Valentine's table. Nothing in mind...just something that would speak to me...I could see everything in the box and I just couldn't pass it up. (click on photo to enlarge)

Isn't it just perfect? Well, I know, I get a little excited over very simple things, but I really think that Lefton dessert set is going to be perfect with....

our goblets and heart shaped suckers...

Grandma's cut glass vases filled with ice cream salt and tea light candles...

vintage linens...

Vera Wang napkins purchased at a bargain price...

I'm almost ready to welcome the girls over, just a few more things to finish before they get here.

Hope you have something special planned for your Valentine!

Marrying for Valentine's

2010-01-25T15:26:00.001-08:00

What to do?

Small corner, dark, leaving our very unique ice box all on its own...again, what to do?

Tea cart, poor condition, may have outlived it's use...again, what to do?

Marry the two of them...just in time for Valentines!

I painted the tea cart some time ago. One of the things I do on all things I paint are "unexpected" touches...did you expect the corner of the plate to be broken?

Now...let's finish dressing the old girl....

Grandma's cut glass goblets brighten up the lower shelf...

Moved the lamp from the bedroom, added one of my cakestands and the silver server...

What do you think? I like the way she filled up that blank corner...I think I'll leave it here until after Valentine's.

I'm going to host a family birthday dinner for our three February birthdays, it will "serve" (hee, hee) us perfectly!

Fullness of their grace

2010-01-18T17:32:00.000-08:00

Nothing like her...

It is as grandmothers that our mothers come into the fullness of their grace.
-- Christopher Morley

Mummy...we are all BETTER people because of you. You made each of your children & grandchildren feel they were your favorite (what a gift). You taught your daughter-in-laws the responsibility that comes with loving family deeply.

In the generations you've met, in the generations to come...you are in the words of my husband, our "champion" in every sense of the word.

I'll miss you. I will do my best to walk in your steps. I will strive to treat your family with grace, respect and love. But never could match any of yours...

Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3: 13-14

Nothing Says Lovin....

2010-01-13T08:34:00.000-08:00

Valentine: noun
A sentimental or humorous greeting card to a sweetheart, friend, or family member on Saint Valentine's Day.
A gift sent as a token of love to one's sweetheart on Saint Valentine's Day.
A person singled out especially as one's sweetheart on Saint Valentine's Day

Warm and fuzzy...oh, yeah!
I will say as I have (ahem) - grown with the "seasons", Valentine's has meant a variety of feelings for me...(fade into dreaming...)

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
Do you recall making decorated boxes and receiving Valentine's from everyone in your class? I LOVED making the box, and receiving the cards!

JUNIOR HIGH / MIDDLE SCHOOL:
No more boxes, but the great HOPE that HE would be brave enough to give you a real Valentine, or at least a note written on a wrinkled piece of lined notebook paper. Never fear, your best friends would always fill your locker with handmade "I HEART YOU" notes!

HIGH SCHOOL:
Pressure!!! A Valentine AND a gift? Would SHE get one, and not you? Would HE go shopping for a gift, would HE give you a sweet card, would HE let his friends know that he was sweet for you? Pressure, pressure, pressure...for EVERYONE! And remember the dances? I loved them...others not so much...but I had my dancing shoes on and a smile on my face!

COLLEGE / YOUNG ADULTHOOD
A Valentine "real date", romance, a gift...possibly a RING?

YOUNG MARRIED / YOUNG SINGLE
No money, lots of romance, a night out....IF he remembers! Should you remind him, or maybe your best friend ;p remind him?

NOW YOU'RE GROWN UP (and all that implies ;p)
Money a little easier, but (he says) the restaurants are so crowded! But He did bring home flowers, and a romantic card...and yes, he wants to cook dinner and clean the kitchen. Not a bad deal, at all...if you ask me! (Candlelight required at some point of the evening ;p)...I'm good to go!

OK, can't go any farther than this yet. This is my experience...so far!

And yes, I've loved (almost) every Valentine's Day of my 50 plus years.

I'm hosting a party that I'm calling LOVE 2010. I've invited a few ladies, asked them to invite a few ladies, and the idea behind the whole thing is for neighbors (old and new) and friends (old and new) get to meet each other. We'll LOVE eating our heart shaped goodies, we'll LOVE seeing new home decor items, we'll LOVE hearing new ideas of how to decorate, then we'll LOVE teaching our new friends how to blog!
And I am LOVIN' the idea of the diversity of this group...makes my heart smile.

Typically, I don't decorate alot for Valentine's Day, but this has provided a fun excuse to bring out the love.

A quick tour, and a promise of more to come...welcome to the Love Shack! (photos will enlarge if you click on them)

Switched things around, and brought these pieces into the entry. Things I LOVE here...old silver, vintage valentines, scripture, and the vintage baby cups and silver pieces that were the childrens' (monogrammed...my heart skips a beat).

Things I LOVE are the vintage Valentines (not / we'll talk more soon), the Lefton china two tiered server I got as a bargain (YES! thank you Nancy) and Grandma's cake stand.

Things I LOVE here are Lefton dessert sets, Grandma's cut glass vases, Nelda's goblets, vintage table cloth and those cute little pink heart suckers (from the dollar store).

I must admit, I am having way too much fun, it's a youthful (is that even a word?) experience. I've loved being part of Metamorphosis Monday...you must go see ;p !

Although love (all kinds of love) and romance have been the inspiration behind the decor and this post, I also want to remind you of the greatest promise of love there is.

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 21

Come back soon, I want to show you the rest of the house (yes, I said house)...it is all LOVED up! And, I'll show you how I made the scripture and vintage Valentine trees (on a shoestring budget)!

LOVE to you!

Mantle Metamorphosis

2010-01-04T04:25:00.000-08:00

Those after Christmas blues...do you get them? Guilty here - but it's all centered around the decor for me, nothing else.

And, are you like me? I can put up decorations, move them around, create new vignettes a mile a minute! But when it comes to "undecorating" from Christmas, I move at a snails pace and procrastinate even the smallest tasks. Not because I'm lazy, but I dread losing all the color, the sentimental ornaments and decorations we bring out just for that small window of the year. Warm and fuzzy...yeah, that's it! When it's all being packed away, I'm aware my warm and fuzzies won't be back until next year.

Well girls, I can't tell you how happy I was to have met new blogging friends throughout the holidays. It was like a free therapy session...there are more people out there just like me! Woo Hoo...I'm not the only one!

Then, one new friend introduced me to Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch, and her brilliant Metamorphosis Monday.

Spies Spirit: Mantle Metamorphosis#links

Just the thing I needed to pack away the color, and generate a new look. This is where we were at the beginning of the day...

I loved the color the chalkboard and greenery provided for all our holiday gathering photos.

So, now what? I began to pull from different areas, pulled out an artpiece I painted last year...and here we go! In a few hours...this is what we had.

I even pulled a couple of chairs from the dining room to flank the fireplace, something new for this house. They will come in handy for a Southern Living At Home party in a few weeks (my friends have become to rely on me hosting an annual January party to help cheer them up). (The photos will all enlarge for details just by clicking on them).

Everything I paint bears a scripture. The crystal pieces are glasses that I filled with rock salt and tea light candles. They look really great when they are burning, and they cost me $0.00...everything was already there - just had to be put together.

I admit, it's not my "dream" mantle, but I'm feeling pretty good that I pulled it together in a couple of hours.

I really want to bring back the chalkboard for Valentines Day, with a "love" for family theme. So, this little grouping will help me buy some time, and serve the family well for a few weeks.

For my friends that have written for encouragement from the blahs...get up and just get going. I've been to your home, you have great things! Think out of the box, don't put up what was there before your Christmas decorations. Group new things, new collections, new colors together! Be inspired.

"You must learn day by day, year by year, to broaden your horizon. The more things you love, the more you are interested in, the more you enjoy, the more you are indignant about, the more you have left when anything happens."
-- Ethel Barrymore

Get ready for 2010 to be full of excitement...make it happen! Keep learning, in fact, would you post to my very first LINKY? http://spiesspirit.blogspot.com/2010/01/these-are-few-of-my-favorite-things-my.html (it was one of my broaden your horizon quests). I feel so grown up, I think I did it (I just hope the darned thing works)! ;P

Donna

3 Favorite E's & 1st McLinky!

2010-01-01T05:49:00.001-08:00

At the ripe old age of (swipe my hand in front of my mouth so you really can't hear the BIG number), I never want to stop learning. And by learning, I mean EVERYTHING about life.

I don't intend to go back to school, no new career change in my future (I hope), no big changes on the radar here.

But I definitely want the 3 E's: embellish, enrich and encourage(ment).

By embellish...I want to continue to "beautify" my life, my world. You know me, if I'm not painting, "reinventing" something or rearranging my home, then I'm really not feeling content. I love that type of change! I guess if you can look at this area (for me) as both a strength and a weakness. I just can't stop...like an addiction! And I LOVE IT!

By enrich...I want to grow spiritually, deepen my relationship with the Lord. I believe God knows that I put him first, I simply want to be positive. I love kids, kids I know, kids I don't know. When you were growing up, did you know someone that you just knew if you needed anything...you could trust them. Not just to assist you in your need, but you could count on that person to protect you under any circumstance. I aspire to be that person. Our family will be enriched this year with the birth of our first grandchild. And if I get started now on the excitement here...this post changes altogether (you can go to see my "lolli" blog at lolliandpops.blogspot.com).

By encourage(ment)...I want to encourage others, I want to be encouraged by others. And by that, I mean in every facet of life...teach me to try new recipes, teach me a new computer trick, teach me to expand my thought process...get my drift? No one has ever accused me of "being inside the box" (giggle here), but I do feel like I could do, could be, so much more! WOO HOO, I still wonder what I am going to be when I grow up!

So, as a first step out into the wild blue 2010, I am hosting my FIRST McLinky! Feels pretty big to a mature lady that has very little computer knowledge...but here we go.

I want to see one of your 3 E's from 2009...link your blog post that is your favorite from your blog on * embellish * enrich or * encourage(ment)

Can't wait...it feels like Christmas again and I opening the "big" gift! Dime...your turn!

Where DiD it GO?

2009-12-31T06:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas has come (sound of a Texas tornado) and gone (deafening silence).

I love the Christmas season, for so many reasons. Aside from celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, it also feels like people open their hearts for more joy. We "make time" for those that we care about.

This year, for us, was the absolute height of happiness, and the reality of break your heart sadness.

I'll start with sad, so we can end with joy.

My MIL Jane spent 7 weeks in the hospital fighting cancer, a raging staph infection, and pneumonia. She is not through fighting altogether, but she did come home a few days after Christmas for hospice care. I have often described her as the quiet matriarch of our family, she is so much more.

All of our family spent alot of time at the hospital, but were determined to continue to share joy with others we loved.

So what else did the month of December bring to our household:

A progressive dinner party, including a marshmallow gun war with my staff

An awesome evening with Elfis and the Sleigh Riders

A luncheon for John's staff, they are simply amazing ladies, I love them so

A christmas card photo that made us love sweet Gracie even more (if that is possible)

A gingerbread house party, I had more fun than the kids

A quiet evening at home with one of my best friends

A Christmas Eve gathering with my family, ultimately we were "iced" in

A Christmas Day dinner with John's family, Rich & Lori are the ultimate hosts, it was wonderful

A Christmas evening with our kids

A Christmas "Santa" morning with our kids, I hope they never outgrow it!

The dreaded Christmas "undecorating" begins today (deep sigh).

It was our LCBM...(last Christmas before Mackenzie)...next year we will be grandparents. Actually, I am going to change this title to LCBG (last Christmas before grandchildren). John and I are so looking forward to this new experience. We are prayerfully hoping God blesses our children with their own precious angels. It would be so wonderful to have several little Spies & Spurlins rocking around the Christmas tree!

I hope to post before New Years, I hope to spend some quiet time reflecting on this year and what it has meant. Just in case...know that when you visit me here, it fills my heart with joy. Blogging has introduced me to so many new friends, and strengthened other relationships. I always look forward to your comments, to know that you were here. I encourage you to always leave a comment to the blogs you visit, to us it's like finding the golden Easter egg!

Thank you for being my friend, my loved one...Happy New Years! I can't wait to see what 2010 brings to our blessed family.

So for this one it truly was

A Merry Christmas to All....AND to all a Good Night

LCBM

2009-12-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

No time to post yet...but if you would like a "sneak peek" at our wonderful LCBM, click here:

http://lolliandpops.blogspot.com/

Later...(hope your Christmas was wonderful...when are we going to get together?)

KING Size Comfort

2009-12-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

“Considering God decorated the heavens–His own dwelling place–it seems no less fitting for us to dress up our homes with strings of lights, carols that worship His name, and symbols and seasonal reminders to help us celebrate the birth of His Son. “ Karla Dornacher
I borrowed this from one of my favorite blogs (thank you Aunt Ruthie).

There are times that I feel guilty for decorating our home, and for having a "wealth" of beautiful things. Please, I'm not boasting, it is just that I do not make, have or collect anything for our home that I do not love.

My "wealth" of abundance is comprised of things that have been loved by our family for years and years, "treasures" (John and I often disagree on what is a treasure / smiling), dollar store things with "character" or maybe it's not really a Christmas decoration at all. But it has immense value - sentimental, romantic, not at all monetary.

So, as God decorated the heavens, I love to decorate our home. I don't know why, it's not like hundreds will parade through for the grand tour. There are not television or magazine cameras that will visit...but perhaps YOU will.

There is NOTHING that gives me greater pleasure than having our home full of people. There is NOTHING like the feeling of going to bed totally exhausted because you made that extra dozen of cookies for the kids tomorrow. There is NOTHING like the look on a child's face, and the wonderment of lights, tinsel and angels. I simply love all of those feelings. I always have, I honestly hope I never lose my desire or ability to "dress" the house up for the holidays.

I hope that our family will always look foward to coming and feeling loved on as they step through that front door. Loved on...now, that's a great feeling, and my "forever" goal.

We don't have huge oversized bedrooms with king size beds in every room. We do have comfy soft beds, with winter flannel and touches of lace on very soft sheets. (And yes, guests have found mints or treats on their pillows at night). Warm, cozy, and hopefully the feeling of a "big hug" for those that will stay.

I do feel like our bedroom is a sanctuary. I love to layer bedding by the season, and can one really ever have too many pillows on their bed? ;p

I love to cuddle in at the end of every day, and CAN'T WAIT until Mackenzie and our other future grandchildren all pile in and fight for a spot. It's a big bed...LOTS of room for Lolli and Pops to snuggle with LOTS of grandchildren ;p (love you Nicole & John and Justin & Casey)!

If you are visiting me today, I thank you and love you for being here.

At this holiday season, I am really reflecting on my multitude of blessings.

Not the "stuff", the blessings:

a Savior and King that loves us, that has "decorated" Heaven for us
a husband that takes my breath away
children that have found that special place in their heart for me
family that makes my world go round
friends that are faithful
opportunity to love on people
kids, some who will never know my name, but some that I will never forget
and there is so much more...

So, as I close this post (because there is one more batch of maple pumpkin bars to get ready for tomorrow)...know that I have loved this time with you.

This time...it becomes one of my treasures.

YIPPEEE, You're Back

2009-12-13T15:09:00.000-08:00

I would really rather just sit here and talk, I've missed you! OK, want to warm that cup up before we roam around the house? But promise me, we will catch up before you go - deal?

I'm glad you recognized it, that nativity is probably the one thing I look forward most to finding when we decorate. Yes, it is olivewood. John's parents brought it back to him, it has more sentimental value than I have words for, maybe now more than ever.

Heck no, it was really easy. Thanks, I love it too! Just start out with three shoeboxes, a yard (or so) of net, a strand of white lights and I like to put a sheet of glittery "snow" for the ground.

I placed the boxes where I wanted the elevation, laid down the sheet of snow felt, positioned the lights and the netting at the same time, then positioned each piece of the nativity.

No, I like to leave the table set, ok...yes, I am a weirdo. But you already knew that ;p We've already had two dinner parties, two more coming up, and it really does help to have it already set. Plus, I love for all my friends to get to see my Christmas settings. Look how romantic it is at night...LOVE IT! Yes, that is the "famous" ice box...man that is a long story, huh?

Those are the plates that John and the kids started for me last year. They are Johnson Brothers Friendly Village. Each piece has a different pattern on it. Yes, the dinner plates are my favorite too...a little red schoolhouse and church in the background, snow coming down...fits us like a glove, doesn't it? (you may click on the photo to enlarge the image)

I still can't believe we were lucky enough to find that sideboard, it has given us so much extra space, and I love how it showcases each season. No, it's the same old Santa, just different things placed around him. None of them are Christmas things, just reinvented them for Christmas.

No you haven't seen that before, I just painted it. Heck no, it's not canvas, I wouldn't know how to paint a canvas, it's a thin sheet of wood. See on the back side, it's the pumpkin scene we had in here over the Autumn months.

No, same drapes, I just looped those metal snowflakes over them. Look, they jingle! Heck no, they weren't expensive...another dollar store find! I love our dollar store, but you have to be quick. They only have a few of everything they order.

Well, I was going to make you some fudge, but ran out of time. Maybe you can come back over tomorrow? The bedrooms and baths each have little touches of Christmas...spread the cheer you know!

No, it's not my stereo system. I have Pandora playing...have you tried it? Log on to Pandora.com, you can create your own genre of station, just as many as you want, and it's FREE! You know me, I LOVE FREE!

Tomorrow is good, what can we make to go with our fudge? Great, bring me the recipe!

Payback...I Deserve It Flo

2009-12-11T17:05:00.001-08:00

OK...my friend Flo is one of my favorite bloggers.

#1 Her posts almost always include GREAT photos, mostly of those two precious cutie pies (never could get enough of them)

#2 She's never afraid to laugh at herself

#3 There is usually a pearl of wisdom woven throughout

I giggled at her most recent blog which describes her trying to capture the perfect Christmas photo http://floferrell.blogspot.com/2009/12/nothin-says-lovin.html

I had also smiled alot at a new blogging friend trying to do the same thing
http://pearlsandgrace.blogspot.com/2009/11/perfect-christmas-picture.html

Tonight John and I tried to capture our Christmas card photo using our not so professional (ok, our absolutely not professional) camera and tripod. How hard could it be to get two "mature" folks to sit still long enough? Really, we don't move very fast at all, for anything, anymore ;p

Too serious....

Hey, wait for me...

I mean it...

Well, we did finally get a good one, but rest assured...it included her!

I love that girl...(Gracie, you're the only other mature woman I would share him with). Now, I'm giggling again...do you think she would give me any choice?

Marshmallows + Great Food + Elfis = GREAT Week (so far)

2009-12-10T19:24:00.001-08:00

We'll get back to the Christmas tour (tomorrow)...

So far, this week has been crazy busy and CRAZY fun!

John and I both know that we have so much more than a "job". We love who we work with...and who we work for.

Let's add it up:

day #1
marshmallow war + great food + great company

day #2
lovely ladies + good friends + more food ;p

day #3
Elfis + lots of kids + big smiles + GREAT voices

Equals = lucky us, a great life, and excitement for what the rest of the week holds!

I LOVE this time of the year, I LOVE my life!

A Little Christmas Magic

2009-12-08T15:26:00.000-08:00

Where have you been? Get in out of the cold. Here, give me your coat, go warm up by the fire. Do you want pumpkin spice coffee or hot cocoa with marshmallows?

It feels like forever since we've been able to just visit...why don't we make more time like this?

Sure, I'll take you around the house...but are you sure you are warmed up? Bring your cup with you.

Yes, I did switch out the drapes for the Christmas season. Heck no I didn't sew them, I barely had time to hang them! No, they're not expensive...actually they are dollar store tablecloths, no kidding! Sure I can show you...this is how I started...

They are just the ring with clips you can buy anywhere, I gathered the tops with the red cloths. The plaid cloths are just tied with a handkerchief knot...really easy, thank goodness! Yes, you can do it...just be patient, if you need help, just call I will help you. I think it IS a wonderful idea to buy the cloths when they go on sale after the holidays, it was fun to match the patterns..

Thanks, but no, the topper ribbon is not alot of ribbon at all! It's an illusion... I took a strand of wired ribbon that was about 12' long, and tied 12" ribbon in knots the length of the ribbon. Then, I just tied it to the top of the tree and pulled the ribbons out...see...(you can click the photos to make them larger)

Me, too, I love traditional ornaments! A few of these are dollar store finds, but I always love to see the ornaments that the family collected (even before I was part of it!). They are like family treasures that no one can appreciate like we do...the memories of those Christmas' are priceless.

It makes me happy to see this wall as you enter the front door...I know I'll hate to take it down when Christmas is over.

Come on, sit down, want a piece of chocolate cake? Gosh, it's good to have you here...

O.K., we'll look around later...let's visit, tell me, what's new in your life?

Yes, It IS Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas

2009-12-03T16:04:00.000-08:00

It is important to our family that we remember the true reason for the season, our Savior born on Christmas Day. We love to celebrate CHRISTmas.

I laugh at myself this time of year. I am always just a little shy of "normal" (ok, maybe alot shy of normal), my oh my - CHRISTmas sends me over the edge. I just can't get enough, I love the colors, the decorations, the smells...and it's oh so special when you get to share your CHRISTmas home with your friends and family.

We are in full swing (me, the elves and Gracie) in getting our home ready for our guests, and growing more excited by the day!

I haven't yet finished decorating our home, but I thought maybe just a little peek as we work our way through could be fun...so, here we go fellow CHRISTmas lovers: (btw i heart u)

Remember the old headboard that I bought, and hung during Autumn?

Well, here is how the old girl looks all dressed up for Christmas...

Last night I finished the artwork that will hang in our dining room...

Man, I am having FUN...got to get back to work! Those elves are whining that they are having to do all the work ;p

Thanks for stopping by, don't be a stranger!

Why Isn't Everyday A Holiday?

2009-11-29T18:56:00.000-08:00

We had such a great time with family and friends over Thanksgiving.

John's family came the weekend before. It was perfect weather, and time that we all treasured.

Justin & Brinkley played by the lake...

Rich fished from the bank...

And my SIL, Lori...she is my bestest ;p

On Thanksgiving John and I prepared a meal, took it to the hospital and watched the Cowboy game. Again, treasured time together. Mummy loved that we were there, Papaw mentioned how he treasured being able to watch the game with John. I think it was the only traditional experience he felt.

It was such a blessing to have the time with the two of them.

On Saturday, we got together with my crew. Man, I loved having the time with the kids. My sisters' four I have mentioned before. I was so blessed to be able to stay home with them when they were little. My brother also has four, three girls and a boy.

My nieces and nephews....Jonah, Jessica, Jentry, Jake, Lexie, Morgan, Jared, Jourdan and her husband Brad.

My nieces and nephews with my Mom & Dad...we are so blessed to have this time together. My Dad has been in and out of the hospital for the past year. He had a surgery just a week ago, thank you God for giving us this Thanksgiving together.

I love the holidays.

I wish we made more time for each other...I wish for days that are just "ordinary", but feel like holidays...

Know what I mean?

A typical Saturday, we would gather at Mom's, she would make one of her fabulous meals, we would play horseshoes outside, or Scattegories inside...just on a typical Saturday.

So, why don't we?

WHERE ARE THOSE STOCKINGS?

2009-11-19T18:50:00.000-08:00

OK...yes, really excited I will get to start decorating after this weekend for my FAVORITE time of the year...Christmas.

The list is long of things to do:

* finish the stockings
* find the box with our old stockings
* we'll need another stocking by next Christmas

STOP...with the list already! Let's just enjoy.

I've got my cup of Pumpkin Spice coffee, listening to carols...do you? Really, what more do we really HAVE to do today? ;)

Jane: Wife of Dick, Mom of 3, Mummy to 5 (and that's just the beginning)

2009-11-15T17:45:00.001-08:00

Meet "Our" Jane:

...and yes, she did grow up and marry Dick. And yes, their home answering machine says "You've reached Dick and Jane, please leave us a message..." We all think it is incredibly cute, and I must think that even telemarketers smile when they hear that message.

Jane, or as the grandchildren call her, Mummy, is my mother in law. I am blessed to be married to her "baby", her youngest son.

Mummy is the loving person the entire room gravitates to. She is beautiful, always impeccably dressed, kind, funny, loving, bright and the "quiet" matriarch of the family.

She found out a few weeks ago that she will be a great-grandmother in March to Mackenzie Lynne. Her grandson Justin and wife Casey made the announcement at a "surprise" brunch, and Mummy has really taken to the idea of a new little one in the family.

Mummy is on my heart. She's battling a wicked disease, that is taking a heavy toll on her body. Her battle, her pain is substantial, and there is little that can be done to provide comfort.

Yet, as always, you walk into her room and the bright little eyes that melt your heart reveal no such thing.

As we are approaching the holidays, the family is trying to create some joy in Mummy's difficult situation. A testimony of what she means to all of us.

If you are blessed enough to have a Mummy in your life, I encourage you to thank God that she loves you, give her a call, send her a card...and most importantly - spend time with her.

Would you mind saying a little prayer for Jane, our Mummy. If she knew I had asked, she would first be embarrased, next give you the most appreciative thanks for caring about her, then you would receive one of those little grins that come from one side of her mouth (and possbily a little nod or wink). I assure you, she would make you feel blessed...it's just her way.

God Bless Mummies...(ours and yours).

Even before you were born...

2009-11-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

So they phoned both sets of grandparents....

Justin & Casey invited both sets of grandparents to a restaurant on the day we knew they were having a sonogram.

They walked in with two gift sacks, one marked for Casey's parents: Grumps & Endie, the other marked for us: Lolli & Pops.

They excused themselves, and left the gift sacks in the hands of the one most likely not to peek...

Grumps...holding the bags!

When they returned, thankfully they didn't make us wait until the end of the evening...they gave the grandmothers the gift sacks...

So, Endie and Lolli reached into the bag and found....

A sonogram photo, in a precious picture frame...

So Little So Loved, it said. And in glittery pink letters, we saw the photo of our precious GRANDDAUGHTER...

Mackenzie Lynne

Grumps, Mommy, Endie & Mackenzie

Lolli, Pops, Daddy & Mackenzie

She is due March 24, 2010.

As a grandmother, it is important that my granddaughter knows this...

Dear Mackenzie,

I loved you the moment I knew you were on your way.

My joy was unable to be contained. I've already forced family, friends and yes - even perfect strangers to learn your date to arrive, how to spell your name correctly and to look at your sonogram photos as I point out each of your perfect features.

When I look at your Mommy and Daddy, I try to imagine who you will look like. I just simply can't wait to see you...whether you have Mommy's eyes, Daddy's hair...don't worry about a thing - they are both lookers ;) Lucky Girl!

More important than their good looks, I pray, and have full confidence that you will be born with your Mommy & Daddy's profound love and trust of God and devotion to family.

Although I ache to hold you, to place goofy over sized bows on your head, and gush in my baby talk voice as I read to you (I do have different story voices, I intend to impress you with my full repertoire)...the thing I long for the most...

Is to see the smiles on your Mommy & Daddy's faces when you are placed in their arms.

The circle will be complete.

God loves you Mackenzie Lynne and so does your Lolli. You are perfect in His eyes and mine.

Lolli & Pops (forever watching over you)

Kitchen...the heart of our home

2009-10-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Our dining room offers great flow from the kitchen. It's one entrance into our kitchen. I like to think of it as the first welcome.

Vignettes in kitchen corners...

I have some new friends...the Sugar Pie Sistas.

Now friends of mine for a very long time, you should get to know them, too! They are just like us! (Scary, huh?) They are taking kitchen tours...so, that's why you are all standing in our kitchen.

And Sistas...for those of you that asked about our kitchen...thanks for visiting!

A few years ago we moved lakeside, and decided to downsize. Good idea, but actually, we have more company now than we ever had before. Our kids and family lovingly refer to
our home as the free B & B, and "in seasons" they call early to reserve their room. (We never turn anyone away, but when the space is reserved, you get the air mattresses).

The kitchen, to my surprise, has been the bright spot of our move. Certainly smaller than our other kitchens, it is so functional, sometimes I am shocked at how many people we can serve "buffet" style.

As we are preparing for multiple weekends of visitors for the Fall...this little guy watches over me from the counter space above the sink. He just makes me smile all the way down to my painted toe nails!

We have an "open" floor plan...this is the view from the sink (great spot to watch the hummingbirds just outside that window).

This angle shows the great counter space, cabinets and eat-in counter that is the "salvation" for this happy little spot. Everyone usually sits at the counter while we are preparing meals...I love that time together!

This is the breakfast nook that connects, the lakeview is just outside the door. This great little dinette set belongs to John's father...he used it as a child. We are so appreciative he has chosen to share it with us.

This is our antique ice box with my Grandma's tea set...the memories are precious to me.

Our style is not exclusively vintage...but you find special tokens throughout our home that remind us of those we love so dearly.

Hope you enjoyed your tour...if I haven't been to your kitchen...I'll be there shortly, keep the coffee pot full!

Before...AND AFTER

2009-10-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

THE AFTER...

And here it is...the finished project!

It's a chalkboard...I'm going to use it in the dining room and welcome guests, post scripture and menus....what do you think?

“He’s walked in your shoes. He knows it’s hard! He delights to show you mercy and give you grace. He has compassion on you and sees your heart. Your need is not looked down on by Him. You are His beloved child.” ~Mary Grace Birkhead

THE BEFORE....

OK...I am always so happy when you all post photos of your kids...

As you know...we are patiently (not) waiting for our first little grandbaby...so until then...I'll have to post photos of projects. Can't wait till I get to post a little, living, breathing, cuddly bundle of love!

Till then...this is my current project...BEFORE.

Can you guess what it will be after? Let me see some of your recent projects?

Fall Recipes...The Yummiest!

2009-10-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

I am so in the mood to prepare and enjoy those yummy autumn recipes. Thanks Flo for sharing last week!

Now, what is one of your family's favs? Send the recipe on...let all of us enjoy it.

This is one of our favorites, our Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe. Truly...the longer you let it simmer, including enjoying leftovers, this just gets yummier.

Hope you enjoy...now send me yours!

Serves 8

4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
2 cups chopped onion
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 poblano pepper (seeded, chopped)
2 cups chunky salsa
½ tsp. ground cumin
16 oz. corn tortilla chips
4 (14.5 oz.) chicken broth
1 cup shredded Monterey
2 cups frozen corn kernels (mix w peppers)
Jack cheese
2 cans black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 cup sour cream

DIRECTIONS

1. Grill chicken breasts (do not overcook). Remove from grill, allow to “sit” for 10 minutes. “Tear or shred” chicken with hands. Over medium heat, sauté the chicken in the oil for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and mix well. Then add the broth, corn, onion, chili powder, lemon juice, poblano pepper, black beans and salsa. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 – 40 minutes.

2. Break up tortilla chips into individual bowls and pour soup over chips. Top with Monterey Jack cheese and sour cream.

A Moment

2009-09-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

A moment that will make me smile always. Sigh...

Falling for Fall

2009-09-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

a rainy weekend can be inspiring...

outside was pouring down rain, inside i started decorating for fall...

welcome to our house...

when you coming over?

Love to Laugh Out Loud

2009-09-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

OK Ladies....Forget Bunko! Who's In - I Am, I Just Want To Laugh That Hard!

Oh, There Is No Place Like Home

2009-09-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

I had fun personalizing this gift of love.

Their home is beautiful

Nicole and John

This weekend we went to celebrate family with a Housewarming party for Nicole & John.

We had alot of fun, met new friends, and got to love on some folks we haven't seen for awhile. I hope Nicole and John felt the love that walked into their home on Saturday. The weather was awful, yet each guest walked in without a care in the world, and genuinely expressed their congratulations to the kids on their first home.

The photos were taken in front of their fireplace. I created one of my personalized pieces for them. The ribbon across the top says "Oh, there is no place like home" and has their address there as well. Below, it is personalized with their names, wedding date and scripture that was read at their wedding. The "key" symbolizes, to me, the key to their home, love, happiness, future and commitment (to each other, family, friends and Him).

Warm Heart (and Home)

2009-09-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

This weekend we will be part of a group that will celebrate Nicole & John's new home. They have worked very hard, made great choices, and now have this warm and loving place in which to build their future. I know I gush alot about my husband and kids, but I won't apologize. I am so proud of their accomplishments, I love each of them beyond words, and I have waited a lifetime to have them all.

OOOOHHHH Baby

2009-08-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

I never wanted to be anything but a Mom....well, actually that's a little fib...I wanted to be a Mom to at least six kids. I wanted to be in the stands every Friday night cheering for years and years...for my kids, then their kids.
God's plan was not for me to be a birth mom. My sister shared her children in a way that I'm not sure many would do. She allowed me to love them as she would, she allowed them to love me as they love her. What a gift...she will never be able to understand how she truly filled a hole in my heart. They are now 25, 24, 20 and 18 and are as much a part of my life today as the day they were born.
Then, John did the same. When we married, he allowed me to love his children as their Mom would have. Many times I have felt guilty that I am here for this part of their precious lives, but try to honor her by simply filling in - never to replace her. And, fortunately, Justin and Nicole have allowed me into a special place in their hearts - not one that is reserved only for their Mom - but one in the parking spot right beside.
So as Nicole married John last summer, and Justin married Casey last fall, it was no secret to anyone that I couldn't wait for them to build their families.
We've known for a few weeks that it is happening, but honored them until they were ready to share the news with the entire world.
Well, world, please meet our first grandchild....OMG, can hardly believe it!
Our daughter-in-law Casey is 10-1/2 weeks pregnant, and we are thrilled.
Full out warning, I will force you to look at pictures all the time, you will be laden with stories about something (probably ordinary) extraordinary that this child will do. I will be the grandmother that will spoil them rotten, and remind their parents daily that God has trusted them with his greatest treasure.
And, we have "our" official names....
Let me introduce two new soon-to-be grandparents: Lolli (me) and Pops (John)
You will recognize us - we're the ones that you couldn't wipe the smiles off our faces if you tried!

TOO MANY...NEVER!

2009-08-16T14:47:00.000-07:00

one week...
dinner parties for over 40 folks...
boat rides for ???...
did we have fun? YOU BET!
can we do it again?

Goodbye Summer - Hello Fall

2009-08-09T05:29:00.000-07:00

Summer is an interesting time in our household.
The assumption is that John, like most in the school biz, enjoys a summer hiatus. Reality is...summer could be a strong contender for the busiest time of the year.
We moved in the summer to Malakoff, and his first challenge was opening two brand new schools on time. One school was on schedule, the second was WAAAYYY behind. It did open right on time, with help from a community, friends the Supt. and wifey helping teachers carry in boxes and get their rooms finished as the clock clicked down.
Last year's summer challenge was just as busy, with multiple projects.
This year, the middle school is undergoing a much needed renovation, and it looks AWESOME. But again...the clock is ticking, the pressure is on. Teachers will be the first to be able to get set up, office and admin will be last...so get ready, I might be giving you a call to help us carry boxes in ;p
I love that my husband gives his life to projects that house, care for and educate children. I love that my husband gives his life to kids... period.
OK...got the mushy stuff over...(I hope I ALWAYS and FOREVER feel mushy when I talk about him).
Back to summer - moreover, the fact that it is coming to a quick end.
Every year, I find myself getting excited that summer is ending.
I LOVE FALL...the colors, the air and the cool nights.
I'm beginning to look around my home in preparation of a fall palate.
It might be time for some new paint, I'll get different colors out as bedding, and prepare our home (our sanctuary) to give us and our guests the same cool, yet warm fuzzy feeling that fall provides for me.
I have some ideas of what I might like to try this fall, but wondering if you've done something interesting, fun, inventive or just "warm" for your home....
I have an open blog, but I'm not good yet at "spreading" the invitation to know new people. Will you help me? Invite your friends to become part of this blog post...I would love to see pictures or hear of new ideas for fall decor for all of your homes (inside and out). And, of course, recipes are always welcome!
I've posted a photo of something I created that hangs outside our home during the fall. Although it's three years old, it is still one of my favorites.
Can't wait...send 'em on!

Fredericksburg was HOT

2009-07-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

Literally.

Each day the true temp hovered around 106.

The good news was, we stayed in a beautiful B&B, an old converted fudge factory just off downtown. We enjoyed alot of peace and quiet - which we really needed. John slept more in those few days than months combined. It was truly luxurious.

We took one day to go to Kerrville and Comfort. Kerrville is special to John, and you will see in the photos we visited his grandparents' old home. I loved the stories he shared as we drove.

In Fredericksburg we visited great shops, Wildseed Farms and a terrific wagon restoration artist.

On the way home we spent time at Horseshoe Bay, what a treat!

Our last stop was lunch with Nicole and a tour of their "almost" complete new home.

I loved our time together. John and I really need that kind of time. It was a sanctuary for us.

Click here to view our photos, they make me smile.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1506776666&ref=ts#/album.php?aid=104208&id=527401650&ref=nf

The Spies Sparkled as Rocketts Bursted In Air

2009-07-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

OK, the title of the post - I know it's lame...but it makes me smile anyway.

We were blessed last year to add two (three if you count the granddog) new members to our family as our daughter Nicole married John and son Justin wed Casey. We also love all the "extended" family that joined our lives.

For the second year in a row, Casey's parents Endia & Eric (Rockett) joined us for a weekend at the lake filled with great food, lots of laughs, an airshow and fireworks on the water. Of course, John was thrilled the kids let him drag them across the lake on the tube. We all had a blast, and it is such a blessing to have such great folks become part of the family.

In the photos featured above, you'll meet Casey & Justin, Endia & Eric, Gracie (the Queen of our household, ruff, ruff), and some of the special touches I added to our home to celebrate the 4th.

I really had a great time creating the tablescape. I love antique linens, the top cloth is vintage, and the double sided napkins I just finished with my new sewing machine (thank you kids for the Mother's Day gift!). My favorite thing on the table is the inclusion of things "past". The red trays belonged to John's Mom (Mummy), her children including John used them to have breakfast and lunches on when they were kids. I just love that we were able to use them for the important spark of red for the 4th.

Other favorites on the table include the pottery salad plates (topper). They have belonged to John and the kids their whole lives, and they used them most of the time growing up when they had a "special" meal.

The blending of our stuff, their stuff, and Mummy's stuff just made the details so much sweeter.

Hope your July 4th was filled with family, love and honor. We were blessed with all.

"Shooting" Revisited

2009-06-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that I have been blessed and enjoy an "artistic" background. I seem to no longer find time to paint (really seem to be longing for it again)...but I have reinvented my photography background. It has really been FUN! I've been blessed this year to "shoot" two Seniors 2009 that I dearly love, and it was a pleasure to "gift" the shoots and photos. I have attached one that I just completed for my friend Becca. Let me know what you think...probably not your traditional first thought of a senior photo (but, really, when have I ever been traditional?)...hope she and her Mom will enjoy this for many years...luv ya girls!