Faith, Family & Friends

Tim Tebow & John 3:16

2012-01-12T14:23:00.001-06:00

We are blessed to have our Lord use such a good example of a Christian to further His word AND have the media pay attention and give it such positive reviews. Our God is alive and working in America.

'Nuff Said! Roll Tide!

2012-01-09T22:41:00.002-06:00

A New Year

2012-01-09T16:35:00.000-06:00

and for our beloved Crimson Tide,

BRING IT HOME AGAIN, ALABAMA!

Roll, Tide, Roll!!!!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-18T21:41:00.002-06:00

Sacrifices, Reunions

2011-12-07T13:09:00.001-06:00

I realize that what I am about to share is a bit off the cuff but they grabbed my heart, and I know when one heart is touched, there are others that will also be touched. Our dear Lord doesn't touch just one, without putting the desire to share.

This first is a well written article of the sacrifice our police officers and other deserving workers make to give us a safer place. Firefighters, animal control employees (yeah, I watch those shows where they get animals with sharp fangs and teeth out of houses and yards!) and other service workers leave each day wondering what they will see during their work hours. Here's to you, Heath Taylor and Ted Hughes. William Oates and Tim Huggins. Just a few, for there are thousands of you.

"Oh, are you a cop? That's cool. I wanted to do that when I was a kid. What do you make?"

"I make holding your hand seem like the biggest thing in the world when someone just tried to hurt you. I make five minutes seem like a lifetime, when I am fighting a suspect, while waiting for backup. I make those annoying sirens seem like angels, when you need them. I can make your children breathe, when they stop. I make myself get out of bed at 6 am or 11 pm, to risk my life to save people I've never met. I make it possible to keep back the chaos everyday. I make going to work for your family's safety a DUTY that I will die for. I make myself work holidays, nights during rainstorms and snow storms and other disasters. Today I might make the ultimate sacrifice to save your life. I make a difference. What do YOU make?"

The next is a loving thought expressed by a friend of ours, John Gordon. It brought to mind the brief time I had in Paradise and how youthful, healthy, and peaceful my father looked. Dad crossed over into His arms July 3, 2004. Yes, I'm one of those that look forward for the Second Coming! "Lord, come quickly".

"My paternal grandmother's first husband is still lying in rest on the USS Arizona. This year will be the first Christmas they've spent together in 70 years. What a blessing it is to know that we have the hope of reunions!" Amen to that, John Gordon. To those of you that chose to come here today, have a day filled with love and laughter, giving thanks to the infinite blessings in your own life.

It's December!!!

2011-12-02T21:16:00.003-06:00

2011-11-24T12:24:00.000-06:00

Even back then, they realized just how close

Christmas was to Thanksgiving!

Making for a simply marvelous happy time

for family and friends ~

Country Ride, Delightful Friends, Delicious Lunch

2011-11-09T16:10:00.000-06:00

The Derailed Diner.

Ever heard of it? Those of you that live in Alabama.

We had not. We know about it now.

And look forward to going back.

It.Is.So.Neat!

Here's the link.

The interior was more than a glance could handle.

There were saddles to sit on.

Wagon seats. Tailgates to eat from.

Railcars to eat in.

I have never seen anything like it,

except at Universal Studios or Disney World.

If you're in Robertsdale or on I-10,

stop and visit. It's well worth it.

And the prices are great,

but not as good as the food.

Happy November ~

2011-11-01T18:39:00.000-05:00

I love fall and we are in the midst of it. I pray that you and yours will have a time of rest and relaxation during this time of cooler weather and breezes. I am in the process of taking photos of our home in it's present state, as we are beginning to change things and make this sweet abode our home. We love the area and look forward to settling in and making a trip to the Gatlinburg area in the near future ~ ah, Gatlinburg.That's not our present home as our girls wanted to visit a warm place and a closer place {smile font}. We are thankful we listened to them. John and I are very happy to be here and making new friends. Have a great week and may it be filled with love and laughter! Blessings ~

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T22:28:00.000-05:00

I saw this on Kelly's FB page,

and just couldn't resist.

I laughed out loud!

(it's one of my favorite movies!)

2011-10-27T21:31:00.000-05:00

(Thanks, sweet Stacey, for this positive thought today.)

Two Happy Thoughts!

2011-10-25T16:40:00.002-05:00

John retires tomorrow!

I asked him how long he's worked

and if he would miss any of it.

"I've worked 40 years and I

will NOT miss a day of it."

WhooHoo!!

He'll be in front of a big screen for all the games now!

And they won't be recorded!

ALSO

I'll be posting BEFORE pics of the house

and will share with you as we

paint and trim it out.

Right now, it's just fine.

We have g'babies in MS to see first!!

Stay tuned ~

Hang in There!

2011-08-29T14:48:00.000-05:00

Yep, still here,

JUST

busy,

Busy,

BUsy,

BUSy,

BUSY!

I had no idea retirement could be this way!

But am I having fun!

Now,

to get my man retired.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Truly, I'm still here but between fun things like water aerobics (still haven't gotten regular with that, but it's fun!); yoga (same way!); and meeting new friends, I am getting ready for John to retire and then we'll be renovating the home we've just purchased. We are so excited. New flooring, kitchen revamp, screened porch cleaned, painted and decorated, and all rooms given a new coat of paint and brought into the present time frame! Love the layout of this place, don't love the 1994 decor. Or the fact that they chose NOT to install a master bathtub. What's up with that?! The HOA does the landscaping, and takes care of it, so other than adding some Japanese maples (which I love) and Natchez white crepe myrtles (which I adore) we'll be set outside. Oh, and adding a bench and container plants along with a swing and a place to set icy sweetened tea. It may have taken me two years to get over not being able to teach in my classroom, but I'm loving being retired now and able to visit with family and friends when I want; sleep and get up when I want; and have my John all to myself on his off days instead of leaving him at home the days he was off and I worked.

Don't abandon me. Hang in there. I haven't gotten the camera out yet, but I'm now in a position to show you the rooms as they are now, and then take you through the progression of how they will be. Our two youngest have been able to visit and given me such great ideas for this home and I'm excited to begin. So, hang in there with me and we'll soon have this show on the road! Have a week filled with love and laughter~

Wow!

2011-07-22T22:52:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile!

We've been busy at our home.

Or rather,

our homes. Yes, more than one.

It's been fun, but a huge change.

So,

I've leaned on these two a lot.

Love them both dearly.

Don't know what I'd do without 'em.

and we are looking forward to getting these sweet ones

further south where they can play in the sand!

(Yeah, it's a proof pic, but I love it.)

Jenny posted this today of her youngest. I so love this child.

Yesterday I helped her with preparing for this upcoming

schoolyear (Jen homeschools) and it was such a joy

to hear the laughter bubbling from his soul. He loves

his siblings and I loved watching them interact.

This is the Noah we know and love.

Sweet, silly boy.

It's been awhile, but we've been busy.

Very, very busy.

With not one, but several homes.

As soon as things begin to settle down,

I promise to share everything with you.

Surprises continue to find us.

Until then, have a blessed weekend!

Hiatus ~

2011-07-10T00:50:00.001-05:00

There is much going on in our household, all of it good, but it will take time away from my blogging. Have a great rest of the summer and I'll be back a bit later on. Prayers and blessing to you all

Thank You

2011-07-03T22:26:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all that have sacrificed for our country. We are free because of so many within our Armed Forces and I offer my thanks today~

28 Years Now ~

2011-07-01T02:30:00.001-05:00

and if given the chance, I'd marry you all over again ~

happy anniversary, my sweet Johan~

I simply adore you

It's Ours ~

2011-06-27T20:59:00.000-05:00

From the garage~that will house not only the BIG one,

but also 'the' bike and my cute little car~

to the huge screened in porch just waiting

to be dressed with furniture and a hammock,

it's ours. A new chapter about to begin.

More soon.

Maybe.

We've been doing a lot of traveling lately

and don't have internet there yet {Wink font}.

Some Beauty While We're Gone~

2011-06-15T20:38:00.000-05:00

I hope a dear friend, Kim Cole, will allow me to share with you these photos she took on a canoe trip a while back. I saved these planning to possibly get her permission to frame them at some point. Since we are on our way south this week on a business/pleasure trip, I thought I'd remind myself of some cool, green, and shady places in North Alabama. I love these three shots. Thanks, Kim. They're beautiful.

These next three three are from another dear friend, Lynne Griffies, and I have quite a few of hers saved for framing one day. I've already shared with you that I have one that she took of The Biltmore Mansion matted and framed and I still get comments on it! These three, taken here in Prattville, are some of my favorites that she has taken around town. But this isn't the only ones I have. You should see the ones she has taken in the various vacation spots in and around the Carolina's. Lynne's loves photography and is very good at it.

I will back in touch when we get back the middle of next week. Until then, I pray you find many moments of love and laughter to fill your days. Pray for the needy and our servicemen and truly, truly pray for the leaders of our government. Too many of them need a 'come to Jesus meeting'. Until then ~

Frame These Prints!

2011-06-12T22:12:00.000-05:00

I was looking through the items I've saved in a file for my blog and saw these prints. I am inclined to say they most likely came from The Feathered Nest, as Dawn is such a sweetheart to find items like this that she uses in her crafts for her Etsy shop, yet shares them with her readers for free! These would look great framed in the ivory color and framed in a white distressed with the aqua as an undercolor. I can see them in our new home. What would you do with them? I'm always looking for ideas! Have a blessed week ~

Bread Pudding ~ A Weakness of Mine

2011-06-11T00:41:00.001-05:00

the Bread Pudding at the 'Ohana

in the Polynesian Resort

heaven in the form of bread, custard,

crisp sides, and cream

I love bread pudding,

other than a place in Jackson MS

that uses white chocolate,

this, at the Ohana,

has to be the best

I've.EverEverEver.Had.

Go to DisneyWorld, try it. Fall in love.

If you don't like bread pudding,

it will make you a believer.

I have my doubts that this recipe

will make it taste exactly as I dream.

But one can hope. Here it is ~

'OHANA BREAD PUDDING

Polynesian Resort

Ingredients

5 eggs

3 cups whole milk

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 1/2 cup sugar

8 cups french or 'Ohana breakfast bread

Directions

1. In bowl mix eggs, milk , salt, sugar and nutmeg. Set aside.

2. Cut bread in medium pieces, place on cookie sheet pan put in 350 degree oven.

3. Bake bread until lightly toasted, about 15 minutes. Remove bread and place in egg and milk mixture.

4. Place mixture in a greased 10-inch cake pan and bake at 325 degree for 1 hour.

5. Let stand 5 minutes, serve hot with ice cream.

BANANA FOSTER SAUCE
4 oz sugar
4 oz brown sugar
4 oz corn syrup
4 oz unsalted butter
1cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1cup banana slices

Directions

1. Combine sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter and half of heavy cream in a large pan. Bring to a boil and slowly add remaining heavy cream keeping mixture at a steady boil.

2. Candy will brown slightly; cook 3 minutes until candy forms into a firm ball in cold water. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Add sliced bananas. Serve warm.

If YOU have a recipe that you think tastes more like the 'Ohana, please please, leave me the recipe!!

A Reminder

2011-06-08T19:18:00.000-05:00

If you've been a reader for awhile, you've read this in a previous post. However, I've looked and looked and cannot find it (I was going to refer back to it, but guess not.) How often do you wash your dryer vent? WASH your dryer vent? You need to clean it each time you use it and wash it at least once a month, depending on usage. Do I do this? I clean the filter at least once every two days and yes, I wash it once a month. If water pools up on top of your filter, you need to take an old tooth brush to it. Your screen is clogged. When your filter screen is clogged, your dryer pipe will be clogged. And that, my good reader, will cause a fire. A nasty fire. If you're like me and run your dryer at night, while you're sleeping, or while you're running errands, you really don't want to return home to find a big red fire truck outside your home!

See where the filter goes? This is another spot that accumulates lint. Once you have your filter out, look down in there and see what you can find. Chances are, you'll find dust bunnies. And they need to go.

My vent brush did not come with the dryer, but I bought it in appliance area. I bent mine to make it easier to use. Every time I take the filter out, again at least once every two days, I look in to see where I need to use this brush. Sometimes the accumulation is caught on a small shelf, other times there are dust bunnies that released when I removed the filter and they are now resting on the bottom of the filter area. Get a brush if you don't have one. Use it. Again, you don't want a dryer fire.

Yuck!!!! Our ducts are directed to the outside and we're on the second floor. I'm not sure how often our maintenance men clean the vents but I hope it's often enough NOT to have the buildup like the one on the left! Maybe with my regular cleaning, our dryer ductwork does NOT look like that. Eeewwww.

Just another idea to keep your cabinets from getting crowded if you have small children or grandbabies, as we do. It dawned on me, finally after number five was born, to put the sippy cups in a basket! This way they can choose their own cup and I don't take up precious space in my upper cabinets! Alas, we have two now that are almost 8 years of age and sippy cups are not the thing to drink from {wink font}.

Just to leave you with a recent photo of John and our youngest grandson. They are buddies through and through. I was hoping to get Miss Elle in the photo but as soon as she saw the camera she hopped down to come see what was on the viewing screen. She hopped down too quick. I didn't have one to show her. Until I made this one, that is. But I was really hoping to get one with all three. Guess it'll have to wait. Hope you're having a great week, one filled with love and laughter and may you have a God-filled tomorrow.

Not a Post, A Movie!

2011-06-06T12:26:00.000-05:00

Had the post and the pics all lined up in my head, and then I realized there's a movie today with our baby girl and her three precious little ones! I used to take Jenny to the summer matinees and then to hit McDonald's when she was little. By the time she was in second grade and so on, she had friends over for bike parties, so the movies slowly got lost in the dusty road we lived on. But I love the big screen and I'm looking forward to sharing movies at our local theatre with Jenny and her babies this summer. So, I'll save the photos and the post and you can read it later. For now? It's family time and I've got to get dressed! Ciao' ~

Oopsy Daisy

2011-06-03T21:43:00.000-05:00

Not sure where I came across this, but if it's yours let me know and I'll give you due credit! Now on with today's post. There's not one. I had lunch, then dinner with two besties and by the time I got settled in to post on our first day at Disney, I decided to catch up on my blog roll. And y'all there are some really neat places just waiting to be found. Following a link at Hooked on Houses, I found Real Estalker and have spent the last hour or so reading her blogs on celebrity homes. My sweetheart will be home soon so today's post will have to wait until tomorrow. The above photo makes me feel cool and refreshed, which is something that is NOT happening outside at this moment. It was 101 degrees after 5 pm today! Humidity level is at 75%! And I hate sweating. Hate hate hate it, because as any true Southern woman will tell you, we don't sweat. We glisten. I don't like humidity. If it's going to rain, then rain. Don't tease me with droplets dripping under my bangs and down the back of my neck. Ew. So let's all think cool, Cool, CoOl, CooL, COOL!

Our Home While Away

2011-06-02T16:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I showed you the inside of our rooms at Bay Lake in DisneyWorld. Today I want to share more of the outdoors with you. I forgot my camera the two times we went to the pool areas but take my word for it, it's just as awesome as the rest of the grounds!

Coming over on the catwalk from The Contemporary ~ there was a Disney animated movie EACH night on a huge screen with chairs scattered about on the grounds (our crew stayed too busy in the parks to watch an evening movie, though) ~ you can see the water view we had of Bay Lake. There were always boats delivering passengers to various docks around the lake.

John, on the catwalk ~

This is the front of our condo building and on the right you see the walkway that connected us to The Contemporary. The Contemporary is where we walked over to catch the monorail. Magic Kingdom Express was the first stop; ours was always the last stop ~ weather was hot, hot, hot! ~ it appears that the walkway was covered; it wasn't, only the top and these few wall slabs.

Looking across the beach area to The Contemporary ~ there were marshmallow and S'mores each night on the circular firepit you see on the beach ~ the wind was normally quite breezy here at night and we never saw very many gathered for this activity.

Looking toward The Contemporary, seeing the walkway, and the gorgeous landscaping around the beach area and lake. This walkway wandered on around to the back of our building and took you past the pools and outdoors cafe ~

We saw this view of Cinderella's Castle and Space Mountain each time we walked over to The Contemporary. We never tired of the site and often stopped just to gaze. On the other side was a beautiful view of the lake and the boats traveling to the various docks in the parks.

You have to check into The Contemporary (they do not give you the option of taking your own bags up), so once we got our keys we went on up to check out where we'd be living the next five nights and six days. You can tell how nice it was to get off the road, out of the car, and sit somewhere cool and comfy.

Tomorrow ~ I'll share our first day!

Rocking DisneyWorld!

2011-06-02T04:35:00.000-05:00

We went to DisneyWorld!

With these special ones!

And let me tell you, they rocked it.

First we checked into the Bay Lake Resort @ The Contemporary, which was beside a marina and had the neatest pool areas! Rooms were spacious and we all had plenty of room to stretch out and we all slept soundly. I really think five of them slept so hard because they rocked DisneyWorld for four and a half days!

We had the king size with an awesome bathroom. There were, what I call farm doors, on many of the openings and the two babies got a kick out of pulling them back and forth. There were also panels to pull between the bedroom and bathing area, along with a private balcony overlooking the lake and the marina. Each night at 10 we were able to view an electrical musical show of Sea Creatures. Neat!

The second bedroom also had a private balcony. Let me put a plug in here for WDW beds. They are Sealy Posturepedic mattress and they slept great. I thought ours had a pillow top, but it didn't. We have decided our next bed will be a king size just like the one we slept on during this vacation. We all slept like babies.

The photos are blurry but this pool was so neat. Spa, really really neat slide, no entry pool that never got deeper than 5 feet in the very middle, free life jackets for the little ones and a smaller slide for the little babes. Our two grandbabies wanted to go again and again and again. In fact, they took a swim between brunch and boarding their flight back to Mississippi. And I bet they slept all the way home.

First day ~ Magic Kingdom!

Here's three of the Green's on the

It's a Small World ride.

Everyone loves that one.

Alaina got to be a princess,

and she got to meet all the ones she loves.

Here are two of them.

The next morning,

her hair was still in place, and she'd changed dressed and shoes. Sneakers are much better walking around acres of parks than ballet slippers. In fact, that hair stayed in place for almost three whole days, only coming down to go into the pool.

Sometimes she walked.

Sometimes Daddy helped out.

I love the colorful backgrounds!!

and the models {grin font}

Leslie claims The Animal Kingdom was her favorite. You can tell by 'laina's look she'd had enough of the picture taking sessions. But it's a great photo of Leslie!

Saturday night, Stacey and Brett went out to celebrate an upcoming wedding anniversary. We, along with Leslie, took the babies to the pools. Afterwards, they redressed and hit the Magic Kingdom again! Did you know the parks stay open until midnight, and sometimes longer than that?

The morning we left, there was brunch with Mickey,

and Minnie, and lots of other Disney Characters.

Just a perfect ending. What an awesome time.

PS ~ I have a few photos from my camera and when I dig out the camera, I'll post them in an update to this post. There's still stuff to unpack, you know how that goes!

Can He Read? Or Does He Not Believe?

2011-05-22T14:26:00.002-05:00

I had to laugh at this billboard. Had this man believed in what the scriptures tell us, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father," ~ Matthew 24:36 he never would have spent so much money trying to convince those of use that truly believe. Hello?! What part of 'No one' did he not understand?!

Mark 13:32 ~ "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Acts 1:7 ~ He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.

Guess Where We're Going?!

2011-05-21T14:41:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: Oops, this is Disney Hong Kong!

Bahaha ~ we are NOT going there!

Guess who will be with us when we visit Disney World?!

The ORLANDO site!

these two precious daughters,

AND,

the rest of Stacey's family! We are so excited to be sharing this fabulous place, this enchanted spot,

with five of our very favorite people! I've already begun packing!! We will be there almost a whole week, and although we don't plan to keep up with the younger set each day, we will stay in touch via cell phones

and enjoy some yummy meals and Alaina's visit to Cinderella's Castle together. John and I truly enjoy our time during vacations with our daughters. We're still talking about our trip to G'burg with Jenny's family and Leslie. Now we'll have another memorable vacation to rehash and smile over. Thank you, God, for the ability to do this and for such precious loved ones that delight our hearts and worship at Your feet.

I Want These!

2011-05-20T14:04:00.000-05:00

Or rather, I want to make these! And we can!!

This adorable, succlent wreath can be found

at Prudent Baby, which has lots of other

neat ideas! Just the thing for our GS porch!

Do you love flip flops and sandals as I do?!

Look how you can now hang them!

EPBOT has the tutorial, along with more

interesting ideas and tips.

Check them out!

And have a blessed weekend ~

Moving Up a Grade or Watching Babies Grow

2011-05-20T01:09:00.002-05:00

Tonight we went to watch Noah's end of year program for K3. It was cute, he sang out loud, the antics of the young ones was funny, but let me tell you, it was LLOONNGG. Like an hour and a half long, and you're reading this written by someone that has a difficult time sitting still for thirty minutes. Ask my sweetheart. He's forever nudging me in worship, to sit still, quit fidgeting, quit asking him what time it is. I'm horrid. Love the lessons that are short, with lots of songs of praise and where we can stand up to sing {grin font}

See Miss Elle? She loves loves loves purses and loves looking to see what's in them, like Nan's earbuds. I accidentally grabbed the bag I take to the fitness center, so there was very little in there to attract her attention tonight. She likes to find a compact, some lipstick, a cell phone, you know, girl's 'stuff'.

And no, we did NOT write on the walls at McAlister's. I just like playing with my Piknic on the Flickr site. It also lets you know why we've gathered at 8 PM. Yeah, long program. Miss Elle is on her way down to get to the purse again. We had such fun together and didn't get a photo of Brandon and Jenny. They sat at the table across from us, looking tired but happy. Happy but tired. I thought it was a neat idea of Jen's to let us sit with the little ones. Then it was out to the car for a few gifts, some ooh's and aah's. When I told Ian we had him a gift and he immediately said, "I hope it's Lego's!" I told him no, that his mother hadn't told me to get Lego's, to which he answered, "Well, anytime you want to get me something just make it Lego's, whatever momma says." {Ian has loved Lego's from the time he could hold those fat ones. You know, the baby Lego's? He would build towers with his daddy that were taller than he was and then gleefully knock it down. Now he's into very intricate models and tiny pieces. That's why there's a baby gate at the door of his room. Little Elle has to stand there and watch he and Noah play with the Lego's. It's funny seeing her stand there stretching to see what they're doing. Sick humor, I know, but funny}.

As I said it was late and I believe Ian was watching Noah play with the glow stick they used in the program. This was before the food. Notice the rather clean table. Afterwards, it wasn't so clean but the food was delicious and Ian ate so much so fast he got a tummy ache. Our g'babies are growing so quickly. Austin will be a third grader next year and Alaina will go into Kindergarten. Dry the tears in my heart. They are beautiful, well minded, talented and bright children. Their parents are very involved with setting a good foundation of love for the King, love for family, and a zest and curiosity for life. I'm very proud of them. Now to just get in as many snuggles as I can; carry them as long as possible across a parking lot; and rock them for naps until they become so involved with life that I'll have to travel to where they are to see them. It happens you know. In the wink of an eye. Like the song, Turn Around, Turn Around with Danny Kay. They are grown and gone so soon. Okay, enough maudlin, have a great weekend and may the rain bring the heat level down!

Consider the Hands of Jesus

2011-05-18T19:57:00.002-05:00

Photo courtesy of Photos8

I enjoy reading the posts of Guy Woods at WitStop.

I've shared him with you before now.

He's a good man, a just man, a Christian man.

His post Consider the Hands of Jesus is beautiful.

Simply written. Few words. Big statement.

I think he said he 'borrowed' it from someone.

I don't care, I just want to encourage you

to go, go now, click on the link and read for yourself.

I know you'll blessed for doing so.

I was.

Thank you for sharing this find, Guy,

and may God continue to bless you and yours.

Embracing the Craziness

2011-05-16T19:38:00.002-05:00

Kelly & Amy, sisters

If you aren't a fan of Embracing the Craziness, you're missing a treat. Kelly, on the left, is the author

and mother of two of the most adorable, most precocious blonde babies. Sisters. Just like Kelly

and her sister Amy, who has a newborn son. It's a beautiful post, well written, and although there

are some of us that never had the relationship she describes, we always hope for one like it. Sometimes we find it in the heart of a best friend; having a brother that you know would do battle for you, laugh with you, and hold you on the weepy days; or being blessed with a man to share your life and comes to know you better than you know yourself. I'm sure after you've read today's post, you will connect with someone, at some point, in your life. And you're richer because of it. Go visit. But look at these offsprings first! They're adorable! Then go on and read some of her other posts. I just bet your heart will smile.

aunt Kelly, with the new Prince

Sleeping Beauty, Sassy, and Cinderella ~

Guess What!

2011-05-15T19:29:00.002-05:00

Have you ever prayed for something?

And had God answer it so quickly you had to hustle

to get everything in order. Like.right.now?!?!

That's what happened to us when we began praying

for guidance in whether to stay in our quaint town

or step out in faith and grab that brass ring.

Within two weeks, we were smacked with blessings

sent only by God, as no man could make things

happen so quickly and the perfect home to appear.

We are over the moon and will close the mid June.

Neither of us have ever been sun and surf folks,

but honestly, there is so much more to do in GS!

Our daughters? They couldn't be happier that now

there's a neat place to stay! Rent FREE!

Complete with built-in babysitters.

You will be coming along with me on this

adventure as I begin I love decorating homes

and I am thrilled to have another one. We will keep

a home in our current town until John retires,

so it will be a challenge and lots and lots of fun.

Who cares about the work?! Paint can change a room,

a house! And although there's a bit of renovation

we want to do, it's still a dream come true.

For all of us.

I wanted to share this today, as I am sure

I'll be asking for ideas on paint colors, furniture choices

and other suggestions you may want

to throw in the mix. I'm open to them!

Have a great week!!

Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for Him.

Psalm 37:7

Does Your Face Light Up?

2011-05-13T16:59:00.000-05:00

An "ah ha!" moment today.

On Oprah.

A statement from Toni Morrison,

"Does your face light up

when your children come into the room?"

I realized not only does my face light up,

it goes much deeper.

My heart fills with love,

with adoration,

with admiration.

I adore, simply adore,

these three young women.

These young women that are my daughters.

And these little ones?

When these five little ones

walk through our door

and around the corner? My face

not only lights up,

but my heart just overflows.

I see in them

bits and pieces of the three

that I fell in love with

in the first place.

Does your face light up

when you see your children?

I know there were times

that, like most mothers,

I was too critical,

too stressed,

too busy.

Be different.

Slow down.

Enjoy them now.

And may your face

forever light up

when they walk into your life.

Happy Mother's Day ~

2011-05-08T14:43:00.000-05:00

and a most happy Mother's Day

to our daughter's, Stacey and Jenny,

for bringing five precious babies

into our lives to know and nurture.

It's not easy being a parent,

but the reward is indescribable.

I Changed My Mind

2011-05-05T22:15:00.001-05:00

I have some girlfriends, and a few male friends that flip off the high board if you change a plan. Say you had said 'yes' to a movie, but there's a great new shop downtown with an ice cream soda parlor across the street. You suggest it, and watch the teeth gritting begin. The frozen look becomes one with eyes that get larger and finally the mouth opens, "I THOUGHT we said we were going to see a movie." "I know, but we can always catch it later! The weather is gorgeous to be window shoppiung downtown and having some homemade pie with ice cream!"

Normally, I lost those battles, figuring it wasn't worth the friendship to try and preach that life doesn't have to be planned and logical all the time. Or even half the time.

I was going to post tonight, but I'm tired. Big day. Big week. Big weekend ahead. And I'd like to watch some more reruns of Medium before I call it quits and go crawl in beside the man I love. He's been working some very long hours and he's weary. We both will be thankful when it ends. He's beginning to look like a zombie. I'm scared of zombies.

I digress.

Here's a video that makes me laugh each time I watch it, and yes, I know it's morbid. And okay, some of you won't laugh, but it makes me giggle out loud each time just because it's so absurd (and could actually happen!) Get a woman talking and she'll walk right into a man hole. Or in this case, an elevator shaft.

Go have a giggle filled day!

Osama bin Laden's Last FB Post

2011-05-04T12:47:00.001-05:00

Not only did he kill Americans,

but his own people.

Thank you Navy Seals, for a job well done.

(and thanks, Guy, for sharing this.)

Willow Decor ~ Feast For the Eyes

2011-05-01T10:23:00.000-05:00

Willow Decor. One of my favorite blogs!

And you'll see why when you visit her site.

Rooms you wish you could crawl into

straight from the computer

and live there forever.

The one I'm sharing with you today

is a dream of a bath.

She titled it Mediterranean Bath Oasis.

Here's a sample of what you'll find.

I love Gina's site and I know,

if you visit, you will as well..

Have a God-filled week!

Be a Man. Tell the Truth.

2011-04-28T20:23:00.000-05:00

"God bears with the wicked, but not for ever.

By Anonymous on 'It's Spring at The Park' at 6:01 PM"

#1 This was left as a comment on an older blog, meant for my eyes and not the eyes of my readers.

#2 Cowards refuse to leave their names. Along with whiners and those that would rather blame another for their sin. But they, too, belong in the group called 'Cowards'.

#2 The above came through as spam, not as a valid comment.

The above isn't even a scripture but written by Miguel de Cervantes.

Read the words of our Father, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ~ John 8:32.

Six years ago I broke the silence on crimes that had been hidden within our family, violence on women. Yet some would still blame the innocent than face the reality within their own homes. Two Christian men have died with the lies of the guilty on their hearts. How many more will be allowed to die before this person steps up, admits his guilt, apologizes for the pain caused, and the lies told. I know what it feels like to tell the truth and have it set you free. I pray the guilty will find it within themselves to do and feel the same one day before it's too late.

This will be the last time I address an Anonymous comment. They really aren't worth mine or my readers time. Shame on you. May my God forgive you and bring you to His knees.

Tuesday Tidbits

2011-04-26T21:54:00.001-05:00

I love blog hopping. Ya have to be careful.

You may sit there entranced for hours.

Look at some of what I've found!

Under the Sycamore

Look what you can do with pallets!

And I love the large hanging of lanterns!

Living a Creative Life

I know this photo looks crooked.

I didn't do it. Aimee did {smile font}

but don't you love what she's done with

a cabinet door?! And yes,

I intend to do the same thing.

Thanks for the idea, Miss Aimee!

Little Red House

Quite a few blogs I follow use mosaics.

They're beautiful and create a showcase of your photos!

Here's an easy tutorial for those of you that would like

to try your hand at creating one. Then share with me!

Cottage Hill

When I saw what Lindy had done with seedlings,

I got so excited! This, my sweet friends,

is so easy, so practical, and saves money!

I love all three of those ideas.

You will, too!

And to leave you with a warm feeling in your heart,

and a smile on your face, watch these teachers.

Wouldn't you love to have had them growing up?!

If they're this involved for fun, can you imagine

how involved they are in a classroom

with your child?!

Happy Tuesday. Stay safe. Laugh loud. Thank God.

Hello, Monday!

2011-04-25T16:33:00.002-05:00

Attention to all those I've texted today,

this is the kitchen island I want.

Notice to The Hood:

wouldn't this look great?!

Now I have to get with Amanda

and find out what that top is made of

and to help me choose a nice marble!

I just love Centsational Girl's blog.

Today she is having a huge linky party!

Check it out! over 200+ links already!

2011-04-20T21:08:00.000-05:00

May you all have a blessed weekend.

I'll be back next week!

Happy Easter ~

Grabbing the Brass Ring

2011-04-18T22:34:00.000-05:00

I have always loved carousels.

Always. The larger the better.

I loved the music, the quaintness and charm.

And the horses! Of all colors and decor!

Remember the brass ring?

If you could grab it, you got a free ride.

I never managed to grab that brass ring,

but John and I have grabbed a dream

and we are holding on. Tight.

Retirement is fast approaching,

so we stepped out in faith, prayed,

and a dream is coming true.

Slowly, but it's happening.

Don't ever settle.

Don't ever think you can't.

You can.

Reach for that gold ring.

Make those dreams come true ~

It does not matter how old,

or young,

you are.

Just a Quick Note

2011-04-15T21:59:00.000-05:00

These lovely beach loving people

would love to live near the Gulf Coast.

The sand, the sun, the surf. They love it. All five.

And Leslie? The child would live there if she could.

Beach trips, cruises, and the sun.

This man is a true outdoorsman.

Needless to say, he's passed that love to this little one.

And his two girls love the beach along with the others.

See the smiles on these faces?

See the background behind the smiling people?

But me? This is what happens,

when I meet the sun for any length of time.

And that's with sun screen!

This is where we always thought we'd retire.

The Smokey mountains.

Cool, lush, snow.

Snow. Some times lots of snow.

That might get old in ten years.

Maybe five years.

And the man can't ride his bike in snow.

So we posed two locations to our daughters

and the answers was overwhelming. We're happy.

They are thrilled. While they are with sun and surf,

I'll be drinking sweet tea on a screened in veranda.

Cool, breezy fan, lush greenery, a good book.

Yeah, that's retirement.

We're Gone!

2011-04-14T20:00:00.001-05:00

John and I are taking a few days to relax and rejuvenate our soul in the breezy, lush home of a dear friend

that just happens to have singing pines outside her veranda. Had a great meal at Lulu's and brought dessert home! What a stress free place to be, IF we cannot be in the 'burg. I'll be back online later ;)

The Vegan Challenge

2011-04-10T14:55:00.000-05:00

We watched The Vegan Challenge on Oprah this past week and decided that as much as possible we would try to apply what we learned to our diet. Now, I said as much as possible. You have to understand the man I am married to is a strict, born to eat meat and potatoes man. There has to be a meat,of some sort on his dinner table. (When I cook, that is, or we go out to eat.) Just for interest I decided to do as one staff member did and empty our fridge of anything with animal products in it. Note we don't keep a very full fridge. But look what we had to take out! The staples of our empty nesting life! Eggs, bacon, mayo!!

Milk for my cereal, and other items that seem important enough to keep. Next to the staff member's counter, ours looks meager but I know had our daughters still been living at home it would've looked just as bad with the animal products that we rely on a day to day basis.

The freezer? Yep, chicken nuggets and fries for the g'babies when we don't order pizza. All of my diet meals have animal products in them. I found it hard to find something without eggs in them.

Here's what I pulled from the fridge. I've made a note in my iPhone shopping list to look for products that are more natural and organic. Not sure I'll like almond or soy milk. May cure my love of cereal with milk.

The pantry didn't look quite as bad.

I felt a redeeming feeling here. bahaha

Here is the link to the Oprah show.

Here is a link I found with pros and cons of the vegan diet.

Oprah said she is veganish, liking chicken and fish. I'm thinking that's more our style as well. Of course, she also said she has someone to buy her food. Must be nice to afford to be that healthy. Did you know Publix carries bison meat? It's to be a much healthier meat than beef. And I'm not so sure where ground beef comes from. Is that like hot dogs?! The leftovers!?!! It does not appear to be a difficult diet. I like salads. I like vegetables. I'm not a big sweet eater. Our youngest daughter and her husband are already moving toward more natural foods and snacks. Just last night her oldest turned down a cookie for a prefixed bag of carrots.

What are your thoughts on this challenge? How well do you think you and your family could live on it? There were some questions about protein, but those are found in green veggies and beans. The second link I gave you I found very interesting and more of 'our style'. We could all do with less animal meat and be much healthier. Even range fed and farm fed animals. And the slaughter houses? Ugh, don't even get me started there. Horrid, nasty, filthy places that our meat products begin on their way to our homes.

Find out more here and tell me what you think.

I Believe

2011-04-06T17:59:00.000-05:00

I heard of this incident.

I purchased the book.

This young child, at 4,

claimed to have visited Heaven.

This young man

had never met

this young lady.

(Click on HOME to see her other works.)

He saw her drawing,

which she says is 'heavenly inspired',

and exclaimed, "That's Him!"

Do I believe this story.

Yes, I do.

Events such as this,

happening almost weekly now,

makes me wonder

just how close,

how wonderfully close,

we are to seeing Him come for us.

Get the book. It will warm your heart.

At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

~ Mark 13:26-27

Back and Going Again!

2011-04-04T20:07:00.001-05:00

We got to Gulf Shores around dinnertime and headed to Lulu's! I don't think I'll ever get tired of that place,

AND they've added a new addition to the playground! Parents, your babies will love it!! Of course, the food is awesome. Then,

we took a walk on the beach, which was so relaxing, but gave my knee fits! Aleve helped that problem. Went back to the home of the girlfriend we were staying and played SCRABBLE while laughing, and reminiscing, and laughing, and losing, and laughing and winning.

Saturday Deborah fixed us french toast for breakfast! With strawberries! Yum, that woman can cook. After a leisure morning, we headed to the movies and saw The Lincoln Lawyer. Awesome! I would highly recommend going to see it. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Walked out and over to Kitty's Kafe and had the most delish lunch at a great price, with lots and lots of homecooked food!

Even got to meet Kitty, and she's so nice. Of course, afterwards, we brought out the SCRABBLE board, some wine, homemade key lime cake with lime sherbet, and laughed, and played, and laughed. Saturday night was an early night for we pretty much were worn out.

Took a look around our favorite souvenir shop, which has ThE MOST flipflops I've ever seen! and piddled through their store. Ended up with a few trinkets and some homemade fudge. I wasn't in for sunning on the beach Sunday, so I stayed in and slept late while the others headed to the sand and surf.

They loved their time there, I loved my time on the backporch, waiting for their call to determine lunch.

They called saying to meet at The Steamer, and let me tell you, it is so nice to eat out in Gulf Shores and not have to worry about how you look. Everyone dresses very casual, everyone has a wind blown look, and everyone is smiling. We enjoyed our seafood, the sweetened tea, and their Snickers pie! Who's worried about calories?

And guess what?!?!?! The friend that couldn't go this weekend? She can go next weekend and I get to go back with her?! How blessed is that?! The following week, I think I'll take The Hood. He could ride his bike 12 months out of the year down there.

The thing that surprises me with the Coastal area? The breeze is forever present, which keeps the temps bearable. Shocked this humidity hating girl. I don't like the sun, or the sharks, but love the slowness of the life and the number of folks our age.

So, that was MY weekend! How was yours?!

Weekend Vacation!

2011-03-31T18:57:00.000-05:00

So, this will be me this weekend. Without the umbrella.

And it will be when the sun's gone away.

During the day, we do Lulu's, and

Tangier Outlets in Foley, and

wandering around, and

talking, and

sleeping.

I'm not a sun lover on a hot sandy beach.

But love the smells, the foods, and the company.

See you next week! Have a blessed weekend ~

I Love Movies!

2011-03-30T23:14:00.002-05:00

I love love love movies. Most any kind, except those in black and white or deep sci-fi movies. Oh, and I do NOT watch the Jason series nor the Nightmare on Elm Street series. (And Saw, and Texas Chainsaw . . . .)

I do love a good mystery thriller and I did see Carrie. Almost peed in my pants at THAT ending! However,

this post is to show why I don't venture in certain areas and why I live my life the way I do. Eccentric or not, here's why.

The reason I do not go into the ocean. I don't even venture out to where the surf is hitting the knees! There was one time, just ONE TIME, that I released the fear and let the surf carry me out. It took watching Jaws 2 the next week to remind me WHY I stay on the beach and sit with my toes in the water. Then I have to keep telling myself that no shark is going to launch itself on the beach to eat a non-seal looking object. (One other note about this movie: I had to walk out during the first fifteen minutes the day it hit the theatre. Had to wait for it to come on HBO years later before I had the nerve to finish it. Then I had to watch the other three sequels. But I still don't want to go in the ocean.)

Snakes. I hate snakes of any kind. But I really really hate those big ones. The kinds that make you want to puke in the Reptile House because it's always hot and the odor of the reptiles is one you don't want in your nostrils. (Side note: did you hear about the King Cobra that escaped the Bronx zoo!! And they haven't found him yet! They are thinking he is holed up in the Reptile House, which is another reason to bypass that particular part of any park! This movie made me dislike snakes even more. And also gave me a reason NOT to get out of the boat on the lake to pee in the water. There are idiots that have released reptiles into our local lakes. The dummies. Did you see the giant alligator movies? Yep, we got 'gators in Lake Jordan thanks to people buying the babies in Florida and wow, they outgrew the aquarium. Gah.

There are two of these movies. One that overturns with a giant tsunami type wave. The more recent one with a bomb blast set by staff members that don't like Americans. Same scenario. A lot of people die and you have to find your way out by going backwards, upside down, and swim through water. Nah, not me. Be my luck, our cruise would return with everyone sick, I'd get swept overboard accidentally, or some disgruntled staff member would set off a bomb. We'll just take one of those cute cruises that sails up the East Coast! They maintain shore views!

Ugh. I will never never ever never be caught alone in an underground parking area that is supposed to be guarded and protected with a large screen door that comes down and locks at a certain hour. Come to think of it, I don't park in underground parking lots anymore anyway.

I am very very nice to drivers around me.

Always have been, Always will be now.

Time Travel. Love movies about Time Travel. But I would never wander into a black hole. Bahaha Do they exist? Are you sure?!?!? {Wink font} I'll never ride on a flight carrier but I love flying in airplanes! Not one with snakes running loose, though. Did any of you see that one?! UGH!

I love romance movies and I love sweet chick flicks. Love love love the Nicholas Sparks movies, especially The Notebook and Nights in Rodanthe. Oh, so sweet!

Well, I have three Netflix movies awaiting me at this time so I'm going to snuggle in, use my earbuds & be quiet for our neighbors, and watch movies! One of the movies tonight that is a documentary on Apollo 13. Truly liked the version with Tom Hanks, now I want to know the reality of what happened. Love Tom Hanks. Oh, and John Travolta! and Nicolas Cage. And The Right Stuff!! Can't tell you how many times I've watched The Right Stuff and that I've met two of the charactars protrayed in the movie!! But that's another post. Leave me a comment about the movies that made you scary enough to make you change your mind about a way of living. What movie made you close your eyes and look out through your fingers?!?!

It's Spring at The Park

2011-03-25T19:19:00.000-05:00

I walked out on our Juliet balcony yesterday afternoon waiting for John to come in. This is what I see when I look to the left of our home. Look how lush! Look at the grass that is coming back in. Below, you see what welcomes our eyes if you come up the front entrance. (We park in a garage in the back, so we use that entrance, but we see these each time we come down our stairs.) They are not only gorgeous but they hide the four air conditioners there also! I don't know what they are called, but I love them.

Looking across the sidewalk, there are crepe myrtles beginning to leave out. Thank you, thank you, Pamela, for not butchering our crepes!! I hate hate hate it when people cut their crepe myrtles back and they develop ugly stubs. Horrors. There is a way to trim them, but do NOT cut them totally back each year. These at The Park have begun getting height to them and give such a nice shadiness to the verandas that are blessed to be near one, or two or three. We are on the second and third floors and the one below is just about to the second level. Crepe myrtles have long been a favorite blooming tree of mine. And these are beautiful.

This is looking to the right of the balcony and I am not sure what type of trees these are. I do know they are hardy, become very leafy and add softness to the brick buildings. Another thing I noticed as I was taking photos were the roses growing on the iron railing in front of some buildings. There are lots and lots of roses within the complex, but these are tiny roses that climb all over those buildings that have an iron railing in front. Another thoughtful touch that they didn't have to add. But they did.

Again, looking to the right. The building you see in the distance is across the lake we have. I love it when the lake fountain is on. Almost as much as I like the fountain you see when you enter the complex. On days when we're at the pool, you can feel the mist from the lake fountain on the breezes. The verandas you see are large. Even the smallest ones are large. The bottom ones have an outside entrance, too. Notice the number of roses that will soon be covering the corner!!

John loves to walk outside and look around proudly and claim, "Isn't our landscaping beautiful? And I don't have to do a thing to it. I like that." (I like it, too!) They are forever trimming, cutting, adding, watering, bringing in pine straw. And they do it 12 months a year, folks, not just the 'nice' months.

This is the view beside our garage. Makes me calm just looking at the photograph. And yes, that's a large rose bed on the left side. Then monkey grass around it, and Asiatic Jasmine on the outside. Last year it was an awesome sight and I kept forgetting to take pictures! I won't this year.

One of our neighbors has this Japanese Maple planted in a planter outside his veranda. He has quite a few scattered around our parking lot area, too. Don't you just love it when someone does something nice without being asked, that's it's done just for the joy of making our World a prettier place.

Driving out, I began to really see how many are budding out and the leaves that seem to be popping out overnight! And the rose beds are everywhere! They will bloom throughout the hotter months!

This is my nod to Spring outside our door. To the right is the Juliet balcony. Reminds of a castle. I would show you the wreath on the door BUT there's a large white spot. Once upon a time, John was expecting something from FedEx and he didn't want them to miss us. So he wrote a note telling them to knock real loud and to call our cell. That we WERE home. Well, the sweet man couldn't find any scotch tape so he used Super Glue. Super Glue to attach a sticky note to our front door. Of course, it took the paint off! Sheez. And I'M the blonde one!

I hope you're enjoying Spring at your house!

Thank you, thank you, to those that own The Park and to those that maintain it. You're the best! We appreciate you very much for all that you do to make our living areas beautiful and soothing.

A Double Duty Coat Closet

2011-03-24T09:38:00.000-05:00

Right inside our front door is a storage closet. It's deep and somewhat narrow, but I love all storage. Thankfully, each apartment and townhome I've seen at The Park, and I've seen all the models is rich with storage spaces. Truly, they didn't leave an inch unused. Amazing. Oh wait! I bet a woman designed them. {wink font}. When you open this door, you see John's work coats and jackets he is presently using. Once the weather gets warmer, they'll be washed real good and hung up in an upstairs closet. Love these over the door hangers!

This is where I got a bit lazy and instead of getting a second wire shelving unit as I have in the back I just opened two dinner tray holders and this is where he puts his 'stuff'. You know men have lots of 'stuff'. Woman do as well but we hide ours in items known as purses. You can see one of my purses down there. It's out of season, for me anyway, and I need to get it upstairs and put away. This area holds his work bag, his leather items when he rides his motorcycle and the shoes he has for various daily times.

You'll also see seasonal items for the front door hanging in here. I didn't want to use the garage that is down a flight of stairs and across a small parking lot, so I hung them in here. There are more wreaths hung in the Christmas closet upstairs. Remember, if you can't go out, go up in small spaces!

It works for me. And it will work for you. Be creative. Those spots are there, just waiting for you to utilize them and make them feel important. We also have a white door hanger on the Master door where John's Columbina shirts hang? Why? Because they're soft, they don't wrinkle, and can be grabbed quick when needed. Like needing to make a quick run to Publix or through a drive thru window.

It's Thursday and another sunny day in central Alabama y'all!

"Sorry, Charlie"

2011-03-23T21:21:00.001-05:00

You remember him, right?

Please tell me you do.

Charlie Tuna? StarKist?

As in, "Sorry, Charlie"?

By the end of my teaching career, when I was asked a yes or no question by a child, I'd say "Sorry, Charlie" if the answer was 'no'. This drew a blank face on the child and usually a "That's not my name." I quit trying to explain by Christmas each year. I even ceased showing them on the computers what Charlie Tuna looked like, why he was popular, etc etc. Now I have grandbabies, and for the life of me I continue to say, "Sorry, Charlie". At which point I always get, "Nan, I'm Austin/Ian/Alaina/Noah". Sweet Elle, I can still tell her 'no' with that remark and she just smiles and, taking it as a 'yes', goes ahead with what she wanted to do. Doesn't mean a thing to her as to what I call her. Just as long as I call her. For snacks. For snuggles. For playing. Do YOU remember Charlie Tuna?! He's 50 this year. Happy birthday to a fish that brought so many weird looks from little ones to young to remember him.

More Storage & Decorating Ideas

2011-03-22T14:22:00.000-05:00

We love our fuzzy, snuggly blankets in our home. Even the mister uses them when he decides to take a nap on the sofa, and our girls?! One or all of them are always grabbing one when they come over. So I don't ever pack them away. What I do is toss them in a large basket we keep near the television. This is not an original idea {smile font} but one shown to me by a sweet friend a couple of years ago. We've enjoyed it ever since and from now on there will be a 'snuggly' basket by the entertainment center. Hint: keeps your sofa from always looking ruffled with blankets all over them!

We lost having a fireplace and mantel when we decided to sell our home and move into an apartment complex until we could decide what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go. I miss having a mantel to decorate for the seasons, especially at Christmas. This shelf from Hobby Lobby, bought at half price!, solves the problem. At least until we have another fireplace. Don't know about you, but I love gas logs and the warmth and look they give on a cold wintry night. Our cable plug and an outlet is located behind the shelf and I painted the wiring the color of the wall in order to blend in. And they do! You don't have a fireplace? Hobby Lobby has an abundance of long, and short, shelves that will fit the bill.

Suitcases. I love love love old suitcases and must have a dozen of them. I've used them as end tables for years and this is where the Christmas decor for that particular room is stored. Not all of the decor will fit in there, but it's so handy to have it all at hand each Christmas season. You could also use them to hold seasonal clothing, seasonal dinnerware, or the notes and pictures from a child. Sadly, it's a bit harder to find old suitcases now than it was ten, fifteen years ago but they are still out there. Happy Hunting!

I found this adorable chest at Paravicini's in downtown Prattville about three years ago and I'm still in love. There is a bit of wall space (you can see from the baseboard) between our kitchen entry and the door to the Master suite. This fits there perfectly. I really need to 'pretty' up the shelves behind the glass, which is where I store my stationary and my Partylite candles. Love Love Love Partylite candles! And no, I'm not a consultant but I can put you in touch with mine! I just call her and they come right to my home! Annnnyway, the drawers hold cameras and batteries, and all the odd stuff like screwdrivers, nail sets, and hammers that you need to have close every once in a while. Love the color of the chest, too!

Moving into the Master bedroom, I have found using bachelor chests instead of bedside tables holds a world of items. And in a small abode, you want to have as much storage as possible. These work great! One is ancient and really showing its age. We got it when we built our first home about 25 years ago! I just keep my furniture pens at hand and color in the nicks and bruises. The other I traded for a desk I didn't want anymore. Even trade and I think I got the better end of the deal. Unfortunately, depending on where we're living, I may not be able to use both by the bed. However, I simple use the other on another wall and put a mirror above it. Looks like a small dresser!

The wicker storage tower? Again, Hobby Lobby at half price. Seriously, I don't know how you decorate without a Hobby Lobby or a Kirklands. Our local Goodwill is NOT great on carrying anything but clothing so there's no going there for something. We do have a great flea market but by the time I spend on fixing something up, I'd rather spend the $24.99 it took to get this one already prettified. Is that a word?! Oh, and have I told you I'm a bit lazy when it comes to painting and faux finishing furniture. Used to when the girls were at home, not that way now {wink font}.

See that framed photograph of the Biltmore Mansion?! That was taken by another girlfriend, I found the frame with mat for $4.99 at Hobby Lobby and love how it turned out! Thanks, Lynne! (I DID ask her if it was okay to use her work. Always do that. In fact, I've gathered some beautiful shots of Venice from a Facebook friend that she took while there with her husband and I've already told her I'd be back asking for permission before I print and frame any of them. It's just the nice thing to do.)

This spot in my bath makes me smile. I painted around the tub with the colors in our kitchen and found the framed picture on sale at Kirkland's. Wooden bowl of twine, twig ball on candlestick, a vase that was someone's cast off, and weedy looking things in the sale bin at Michael's. I do love the look. One of my favorites in our home.

I hope this has helped give you some ideas in your home or that of someone you know that's having difficulty finding a place for everything. If you have something to share and you don't have a blog, please leave me a comment with your ideas or email me with photos of your ways of finding storage. I'll share on a future post.

Until you're here again, have a beautiful week and one that's filled with much love and laughter. If you like what you've seen while here in my spot of the world, I would love for you to become a follower! Have a blessed evening ~

Decor & Storage for Small Spaces

2011-03-21T20:33:00.001-05:00

We have an abundance of storage at The Park but it's still smaller than homes we've owned. As empty nesters and wanting to downsize, I thought I'd share with you some ideas you can adapt to fit your own needs should you be faced with small spaces in which to call home. Let's start in the laundry. The above photo are the cabinets above the washer and dryer. (Yeah, I know! Cabinets and NOT plastic ClosertMaid shelves!) On top I have some fall arrangements that were too large for the cabinets, along with chargers and platters too large for the lower cabinets. I have a step stool folded up beside the washer that makes getting these items on top a breeze.

As I was loading the cabinets with items I knew would be there, I became frustrated that my cleaning supplies wouldn't fit! Solution?! Take out the shelf, reposition the plastic holders, replace shelf, and John had one happy housewife that evening! Do it! It's so work it!

Still have lots of storage in the upper cabinets and I can get my cleaning needs in here easily and nicely without stretching a muscle to get them or having to leave them sitting out on top of the washer. Yuck.

When we were living in the two bedroom, we had a bit more room in the laundry and I was able to hang first a large mirror, and then a large framed print over the electrical box. Because the dryer door swings so closely to the box that idea didn't work here in the townhome. Drat. I decided against painting this laundry. Had I done so, I would've painted the box. See the shelf in the corner? Hobby Lobby and so light weight. We love it. The bottom shelf holds place mats and a basket with all the plastic sippy cups that were running over in my cabinet by the sink. This way, each child can go choose their own and I don't have to store them. The next shelf up holds snacks and there's a Ball jar holding straws behind the basket. Top shelf is my shelf that holds photos and drawings that makes me smile.

This is the wall facing the appliances. I have several hooks here to hold delicates that need to dry and an insulated bag I take to the pool. If you have a blank wall opposite your washer and dryer, that's an ideal place for hangers and hooks! Use it. You'll need every inch of space in a smaller abode.

Our refrigerator is on the wall going into the laundry and I would really like for you to pay attention to what I'm about to tell you. Are you ready? Please don't put cereal boxes and food and stuff you can't find a place for on top of your fridge. If you'll organize, throw away what you don't eat, what's past it's prime date, you can put a decorative vignette up there and you can even run an electric cord and a night light. This one came from Kirkland's and stays lit 24/7. I think it's a 4 watt bulb and yes, I change this area out with the seasons. Food does not go on top of your fridge. In it. Not on it.

We do not have the drawers I am used to so I have had to be inventive and one of those ways was to use my Pampered Chef holder tucked into the corner by the refrigerator. I placed a square framed print behind it, and a iron and crystal candle holder to dress up an otherwise useful area. Another option would be to find three crocks and separate your utensils into wood/bamboo, stainless, and items not used often. I like that the black makes it blend in rather nicely against the side of the fridge. And while we're on the fridge, I'm going to step on toes here, but try to keep items with magnets to a minimum. We keep a calendar on our counter so there is no need for one on the fridge. If you have to, try to use the sides, not the front that will be seen.

There is a large opening running from the top to the bottom of these cabinets, which enabled me to have a night light on the top and one by the coffeemaker. Again, all of these came from Kirkland's and stay on 24/7. They never get hot and we've never (in 27+ years) had a heat problem. Just dropped a long electric cord down and it was easy to have holiday lights up there as well during the winter months.

The three set by the coffee maker came from Kirkland's and holds our Splenda, and two flavored coffemates. The corner is always decorated at our homes, as I prefer not having a large mixer out since I do not cook with one that often. The tray is propped against the wall as I use it and didn't want to try and find a place to put it and possibly forget about it!

We only have three small drawers. One holds table utensils, another ladles and large knives, another slim drawer holds my plastic spatulas and the other holds smaller knife sets. Which left me wondering where I was going to put the hand towels. A basket and rolling the colorful cloths solved that problem. It's easy to grab one and they make for a pretty combination under the print. At Christmas, I changed them out to match the Wintry print I had there. Plate holders?! Gotta have 'em in a smaller space. The ones we are using for the season stay here. Others stay in a cabinet above. I love plates, salad plates, and dessert plates. This was a handy idea to accommodate my collections!

Here's one of the narrow drawers beside the oven.

Using Rubbermaid items can really maximize your space!

This is above the oven and a good place for it.

Again, the smallest pantry we've had but with a little thought and organization, you can actually put so much in your space. Use baskets, use jars and large open containers. If you Google 'organized pantry' and click on Photos, you'll find a world of pics to learn from. This one works for me.

I love the turn-arounds!

When we moved in, I noticed a problem right off. Where to put the trashcan! Or rather, where to put it so that we didn't stumble over it or have to move it out of the way to get to a bottom cabinet. There wasn't room in the laundry and I didn't want it in there anyway. My sweetheart came up with a plan and it works! I hung a wreath hanger over the door (should paint it white!) and the bag hangs there until about half full at which time we take it down and it hangs on the laundry room handle for the next day or two.

The scented bags make the pantry smell good, too! Here's why we couldn't put it on this wall. The air return is there. But to tell you the truth, I like having it hanging and not worrying about keeping finger prints off a silver trashcan!

Again, you can see I love Rubbermaid organizers!

And the University of Alabama!

The Melamine plates are for the g'babies.

Lightweight and happy looking.

Again, more organizers!

I hope this has given you some fresh ideas and that you'll find time to organize your kitchen a bit so that when you open a cabinet, a drawer, or just walk into that part of your home, you want to smile. Chaos creates stress and anxiety. Try to get to the point that you're bringing serinity into your home. As mothers, wives, and working women, we need all the calmness we can find. Can I hear an Amen?!

Infinite Blessings That Fill the Soul

2011-03-20T16:49:00.001-05:00

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over ~ Ps 23:5

"My cup runneth over" is a quotation from the Hebrew bible and means simply that I have more than enough for my needs. Today, as most days, I am feeling overwhelmed with the blessings in my life. Truly, I have more than enough for my needs, infinite blessings, and for this I am eternally grateful. Thank you, my King.

Family Photo Session!

2011-03-19T10:47:00.001-05:00

Just a real quick post to ask you to travel quickly over to Allison Hilyer's photo blog to see beautiful photos of our daughter Jenny and her family. Allison, you did a beautiful job and captured the heart of this family we love. Thank you so much!!! Now, to decide which ones I want!!!

2011-03-17T23:27:00.001-05:00

While catching up on my blog roll tonight, I came across this at Freckled Laundry. Like her, it grabbed my heart strings and I wanted to share this with my readers as she is doing with hers.

Tomorrow, March 18th, I will be participating in the Bloggers Day of Silence. I feel it is important, far more important than anything I would normally make a post around. You will find me back here again on Saturday. I know you understand and I would love for those of you with blogs of your own to repost the above notice and participate with us. Japan needs all the prayers and donations we can give.

A Loving Pa

2011-03-17T16:29:00.001-05:00

I have to hand it to John. He is the sweetest grandfather I have ever know. One of my grandfathers scared me to death. My sister was the only one he liked, the rest of us tried not to be around him much, preferring instead to play outside in their awesome-to-a-kid terraced Birmingham backyard. The other grandfather just made me feel uncomfortable, for a number of reasons. His temper being one. My own father had three favorite grandchildren. The others got the brunt of his fussing and bit of cussing about the door being slammed, or the coming in and going out, or any other reason that messed up his day. So when we first became grandparents, I truly expected John to be the same. He had a quick temper, he was the baby of the family so he'd never been around real young children. Even with our daughters, he felt uncomfortable until they were pretty much high school age. The moment he held our first, Austin Brett, a look came over this face that remains to this day. The man truly is in love with each and everyone of our five grandchildren. And it shows. I have never heard him raise his voice, and not once does he hesitate to babysit them alone if it's where I cannot be there with him. He is the ultimate. And I am so grateful for this. The photo you see above was taken this past Sunday. We had just left Las Casitas and Noah said, "I hold you, Pa". He's four but John says he'll carry him, and any of the others, until their legs drag the ground {smile font}. And I bet he will.

And simply because it's St Patrick's Day, here's a beautiful, restful bedroom with soft hints of green. I noticed driving in this afternoon that the roses are beginning to bloom, and the leaves are coming back out on the crepe myrtles, not to mention the flowering shrubs already in bloom. The Park has THE most beautiful landscaping and in a few weeks when it's at full bloom, I'll show why I've said this!

It's a Brand New Week!

2011-03-15T00:18:00.002-05:00

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections." I found this saying today and just love it! I also love how my Father, the King, takes the things that would pull me down to sadness and turns them into learning experiences that bring about brighter and more beautiful days. I am so blessed to have seen the Garden, and to know my Father. I pray that you, too, know the Lord and if not, I'd love us to email and discuss any questions you might have.

Simple Things Make Me Happy

2011-03-11T19:26:00.001-06:00

This Master closet was an unorganized mess. Because the bedroom and closet are smaller than the ones upstairs, we chose to make one of the upstairs bedrooms the master. However, with time we began sleeping downstairs more and more and somehow, John's clothes began appearing in the closet. You can go here to see the, what I called, a disaster area. We rent this townhome, so I didn't want to put much money into more shelving and other ways to utilize the space. I purchased the two smaller shelves

and look what a difference an afternoon can make! The top photo is looking straight into the closet. The one just above is to the right. The other part is behind the door. Yeah, small area but now it works! Well,

as long as we don't try to put my clothes in there. I still keep mine upstairs and love having the larger closet. When I get the nerve I'll show you that one. The reason I don't now is that I also store seasonal decor in there at this time. Let me get the floor a bit more organized and I'll share at that time.

This is what used to be the photo below. I still haven't gotten to Walmart or Lowe's to get a small green plant to grow in water in the thin glass jar. When I do that, I'll remove the silk fern behind the ceramic birds. Here's a hint to those of you with a wall outlet in the middle of your wall. We have an entertainment area, complete with surround sound, etc at The Park and we love it! BUT my sweet man did NOT want to hang his large screen on the wall, so I was faced with placing a shelf over the outlet. Which wouldn't have been difficult had you not had wires hanging from below the shelf. (Yeah, the cable outlet is in the middle of the wall, along with another necessary outlet.) While painting the wall, I merely painted the wiring and it blends in so well, you don't see it unless you're looking for it!

We had three adorable munchkins with us for a bit recently and here's some photos from that day. Have I told you before how much we love our grandbabies. I had no idea love could be so wide and so deep.

Pa and Ian were involved with Animal Planet. Normally, it's PBS Kids or a network that shows the older cartoons like Jetson's, Pink Panther, Yogi Bear. We are trying to get him interested in other genres and the Animal Planet is working. For about thirty minutes, then it's "Pa, can we find a kids station?" He and Pa share the same depth of concentration, too. They hear noone, NOONE, when they're watching TV.

Five Question Friday

2011-03-11T13:18:00.000-06:00

I'm linking in with Five Crooked Halos. Come and play along!

1. Do you know what your REAL hair color is? Yes, a dark blonde that I keep highlighted. Oh to have that soft, light blonde color I had as a child.

2. Do you plan ahead for summer, or fly by the seat of your pants? Pretty much fly by the seat of our pants, it's more interesting this way. Our vacations are not filled with itineraries. We pick a place, then get up when we want, go when we want, eat where we want, and just let our day create itself. Drives some our friends crazy, though.

3. What is your favorite meal to cook? I do not cook as often now that we are empty nesters, but my favorite meal to cook when our daughters were home was roast beef with veggies, rolls, and lots of sweet tea. Normally an apple pie with ice cream for dessert. Yummy! Wish I had a plate right now!

4. Do you get offended by not receiving thank yous? I do not waste my time wondering and worrying and fussing when I don't get thank you's. When you give a gift, it's to be obligation free. I know of one person that kept a notebook with gifts that had been given to her children and the app. price so that she would spend that much/that little on them. Horrors. I give freely and without another thought.

5. How did you meet your best friend? Which one?! I have best friends in every facet of my life and love them to death. I don't have any best friends from high school that I see anymore, but do from my college days and of course, throughout my teaching career and the congregations we worshipped with over the years. I am also blessed to have three daughters that I feel are three of my best ones. God has been good in placing special women in my life exactly where and when they are needed.

Prayer Request

2011-03-11T12:54:00.000-06:00

Please remember in your prayers those that have been affected and will continue to be affected by the earthquake and tsunami in the west. The news reports have been horrific and will continue to hit our state of Hawaii and the West Coast of our nation.

Beautiful Homes, Beautiful Ideas ~

2011-03-09T19:53:00.000-06:00

You simply must go over to Willow Decor and see the numerous photos of this gorgeous brick home in north Georgia. Not only is it beautiful but the surroundings make it regal, yet cozy. Elegant, yet classic. I would love love love to be the owners wrapped up in this winter's snow. There's an amazing fireplace. While I was reading through some of the comments, I noted that the owner of this home had comments on the electric bills. You might find that interesting as well. Again, "Wow, what a home". 'Nuf said.

How would you like to live in a Post Office?! This family does. It's transformation can be found at one of my very favorite sites, Hooked on Houses. I was surprised at the decor and the size of the rooms and amazed that I didn't think they looked cold or lofty. It all flowed well and I could see myself living there. Well, after I've had time to live in the brick home in north Georgia. That one's still got my heart.

Now for some home decor. This is a nightlight and you can find the tutorial at Life {Sweet} Life. It's easy directions and well written. You'll find yourself decorating to fit the theme of your little one's room. A cute idea and one that is also very useful. We are empty nesters now but I still have little lights in most of the rooms and hallways. They're useful but also set a nice ambiance.

Last, but not least by a long shot, is the fabulous wreath Kristen at Kristen's Creations has made. AND she's giving us the directions. Directions so easy I can even follow them. I haven't made it to Hobby Lobby yet to get the items needed, but plan to by the weekend, so our door will be dressed for the season.

Take the time to explore all four of these blogs. They are talented women and love to talk of their ideas for design and home decor. I always find something new to try and learn various ways of changing up the vignettes you've already set out. These four ladies are very talented with what they do. Hooked on Houses will get you indoors to just about any home you've wondered about. Have a grand time looking around!

We had some much needed rain today and the Hubs and I slept in until almost noon. Felt soooo good and then had three of our grandbabies here this afternoon for laughter and giggles. Pizza rounded it out when the parents came in and my heart is just running over with His infinite blessings tonight. Almost time for sweet slumber. I pray your week has been a good one and that the rest of the week smiles upon you ~

Through the Eyes of a Camera

2011-03-07T20:48:00.000-06:00

This is part of an arrangement you see as you enter our living area. I thought it looked nice, until I took a photo of it. Ahhh, that's what we need to do to make sure it does look as it should. For instance, I find that I don't like the flower arrangement with the colors in the plate and the hanging picture. Somthing different needs to be done, such as a statue or at least a floral arrangement with the colors in the plate.

This arrangement looked totally okay with me, until I took the photo. The book looks out of place. The spiral topiary looks lifeless. Somethings need to be taken away and something different brought in.

I saw this arrangement on a favorite blog, but cannot remember for the life of me which one it was. What I didn't do here, as far as a photo, it so make sure I had the place settings visible. The one photo I did take of one of the settings showed the salad plate off center. Little things like that you don't see on blogs where the author is not only an awesome decorator but seems to have such a knack with a camera!

This vignette? I like it {smile font}. In fact, I love it. And it's the colors I want to be bringing into our home for the Spring and Summer season. The photo is one of my favorites ~ our son in law chasing his first born. I really can't say that I want to do anything different with this area.

Who can guess what's wrong here?! Butterflies and birds. We don't have a mantel to decorate in this home and instead have a large shelf (Hobby Lobby) over the flatscreen TV. From where I'm sitting, I can see that it needs a 'bird' picture and maybe some live greenery spilling from the glass bottle. The card you see is a postcard that, in reality, has an old time charm. You don't notice the bright gold colors that popped out in the photograph. Now, let's see what can be done to these arrangements! Stay tuned! Now that my sweet man is coming off this shift, I can make noise during the day!

Blessed Beyond Words

2011-03-07T13:07:00.000-06:00

This morning I am feeling, simply,

blessed beyond words.

Play Along!

2011-03-04T11:12:00.000-06:00

Rules for Five Question Friday: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then go to My Little Life and link up! OR you can simply answer the questions in comment form to me! I'd love to see what your answers are!

1. Have you ever forgotten your child in a store or at school? No, but once our youngest daughter was left at church. He thought I had her and I thought he had her. Turns out her Sunday School teacher took her under her wing when the parking lot emptied. I was majorly embarrassed.

2. Where did you go on your very first date? to the Montgomery Mall, walked around, ate at Krystal and did a lot of handholding and smiling

3. What's your "silly" fear? (We're not talking water and heights.) Not so much now that we live on the second and third floors, but I was silently terrified that a snake would find its way into our ground level homes. Come in a door left open or follow a mice through a breathing hole in the brick exterior, get into the walls, and then into my home. Eeeewwww

4. Confrontation: do you cause it, deal with is as it comes, or run far far away? I do all I can to avoid confrontations, as normally the other party isn't acting rational or open minded.

5. Wood floors or carpet? Wooden floors throughout the house with layers of rugs that are soft and dreamy to the touch.

OkieDokie, your turn! Remember, you can link HERE if you want to join the party. OR stay here and answer the comments in my space! HeY pEOpLe, IT'S FRIDAY!!!

It Can Look Like Ballard's!

2011-03-03T17:29:00.003-06:00

I love Ballard Designs. There are items I order from Ballard Designs. But not many. Mostly, I just copy them. If you are blessed, as I am, to have not only a Michael's and a Kirklands, but a Michael's, Kirklands AND a Hobby Lobby, you can recreate any page in the Ballard catalog. Take for instance, the above console. I love it! You can find it at Kirkland's for at least, depending on the sale that week, $1000 less than the one shown above. The one at Kirklands is a bit shorter but you have the choice of a distressed black or a deep distressed red. Gorgeous. Functional. Cheap. CheapER.

The next idea I've shown before, when I was featuring other blogs. This is in the Ballard Design catalog. Yeah, you have to buy it. Old books with the cover torn off, tied with string. MaKe iT. It's cheaper!

Who doesn't love to see flowering trees and shrubs this time of year?! You can buy these at BD, too, but guess what?! I got 5 stems at Hobby Lobby for $1.99 a piece on sale! And they had yellow forsythia if you like the yellow color.

I took a tall skinny candle holder, put some sand and rocks in it, and told Mr. Hood NOT to water them. (The small lamp may not be staying there. I like the light during the evening hours, but during the day it looks a bit busy to me. What do you think? Should I move the lamp out?)

I haven't seen them in Kirkland's lately but we bought a huge square faux tufted leather ottoman for less than $100 two years ago. Still have it, still looks good as new, still love it. One of my girlfriends was looking for a table to go between her two sofas, so guess who drove her to Kirklands?! Muah. She chose this one and stores her soft coverlets for those nights you need something fuzzy to snuggle up in.

Pictures. Have you noticed how much money you can spend on one framed picture?! Good 'ole Kirklands. Good 'ole Hobby Lobby. Now, you have to wait for HB to have their framed pics at 50%, but that happens at least once a month. They are still a bit pricier than Kirkland's but I shop both stores.

Just be careful when you go to spend hard earned money on sets such as this. There are blogs, like The Feathered Nest and The Graphics Fairy, that love to give away free prints! Wally World sells frames like this for $2. HELLO?! Betcha could find a matching mat while you're at it. Oh, and while I've got The Graphics Fairy on my mind, she also gives out free backgrounds for your blog! You can find her in the list on the lower right hand side of my blog under 'Dress Your Blog'.

Think how easy this would be to go through the aisles at Michael's and Hobby Lobby, choose nine of your favorite scrapbook papers, grab nine small canvases, some spray adhesive and you're set to go. And saved a bundle of money.Notice how they didn't hang one of the corner squares. They've propped it. Cute!

It's this size framed art that I look for at Kirklands and Hobby Lobby. OR grab some paints, a plate, two brushes (one to use, one to hold in your teeth), a spray bottle of water, and 'paint, brush, and spray' like David Bromstad on HGTV. He AmAZeS me with the way he whips out a painting. He laughs a lot, too. Maybe that's another reason I like to watch him.

His theory? "Just take off with an idea. You can always paint over it." I've held that theory for years.

Acting Our Age? We Are.

2011-02-28T11:38:00.006-06:00

Last night, John began a discussion a topic those our age are having to deal with now. He asked the question, "Why do I keep getting the feeling that those younger than us feel we're not acting our age?", and I totally understood. We are in the 55-65 age bracket. That's what the world sees. That's what our bodies portray. That's the 'outside of the book'. Just as the covers of a book ages with time, the story, the plot, the delight in reading a good tale, stays the same.

We don't feel the way our bodies appear to others. Within our hearts, our souls, we feel so much younger. Personally, I've never left my late twenties or early thirties. The forties were awesome but that's when the mirror began showing a different woman than the one within. That's when we began getting second looks for laughing out loud or 'not acting' our age. We are acting our age, the one we feel inside. The one we'll always be. Just because the body ages, the mind and the will to live fully never ages.

I am guilty of thinking my mother acted like one of the grandchildren at times. I am guilty of wondering why in the world some 'old' lady would wear what she did, couldn't they act/dress their age? It wasn't until I began getting some of the same spoken thoughts, some of the same glances, did I realize I had reached 'that age'. And let me just say here that I really, really dislike disrespectful cashiers that talk down to me and treat me as if I have no sense whatsoever. That being said, our decaying bodies will never stop the love of being young. I will act a complete fool just to make a grandbaby laugh. I am totally smitten with them and our daughters will tell you that. Childen don't care how silly you act, they love it. They haven't set parameters of how an adult should act.

Seriously, I pass a mirror and wonder who that woman is. I do not dislike my body shape. It's definitely not the one I used to have. I cannot eat as I once did and look as I once did. Within my heart of hearts, I feel so much younger than the woman in the mirror. I feel as if I could do cartwheels with my daughter again, do a high cheerleader jump, and rollerskate without breaking something. I have to be careful with this body I have now, but that doesn't stop me from trying to get as close as I can to the woman within. Am I acting my age? You betcha. It's a chore breaking lose from the restrictions and the restraints the world wants to put on us, but the next time you see an 'older' person acting like they think they're 29 again, they really are. They're acting their age. The one inside. Just like a good book, the covers ages, the story never grows old.

Why These Photos?

2011-02-26T18:00:00.000-06:00

Melissa gave me the courage. You can find her at Melissa's Heart and Home. She went on a diet and shared it with her readers. Before photos and every hard detail about dieting. Thank you, girl, you inspired me. I knew if I put it on a blog, I would hold myself accountable. Some days are better than others, but I'm seeing and feeling a difference. And I like that. Maybe mine will help someone like yours did me. So ~

to find out why you're seeing these photos,

go to my blog, Losing Forty. You can see another reason I'm excited about 2011. Let me tell you, those 'before' photos?! Yeah, took a lot of courage to put them on there. If you read the 'Tips and Hints' post, you'll see why most before photos look this way {wink font}. Have a great weekend!

Feature Friday!

2011-02-25T10:56:00.001-06:00

CasaSugar has some great tips on prepping your home for resale. We have moved a few times in our life together and never had a problem selling any of them (and getting a bit more than market price on a few!). It is extremely important to 'stage' your home and I cannot impress that upon you enough. Now is the time to put away family photos, put bulky furniture in storage, and get rid of the heavy drapes! HGTV has several shows that will not only give you ideas but will help you sell your home quickly and get the necessary money you need. I loved staging ours. A quick sell means we're looking for another to decorate and move into. For a bit. Until I get the urge again. Poor hubby. He's a patient man.

I loved what Melissa at The Inspired Room had to say about melding our feminine side with that of our masculine others. Her article You Anchor Me Back Down is heart warming and filled with photos that bring her post to life. I'm sure from there you'll want to explore the rest of her site as well!

One of the sites I frequent always makes me go, "Oh!". Kristen is very talented, not only with decorating her home but she has an Etsy shop as well and sells the most precious deocrated framed and photo books. She has been taking us along with her on the renovation of her kitchen and it's finished now! You can see her choices and the completed project here. Kristen's Creations is a beautiful blog.

No one, that I know of, throws a party like Melissa Lester, at A little Loveliness. She's a local writer, author, and party planner that thrills the senses with not only her ideas and photos but she includes the recipes! Some are new and tweaked by her, some have been passed down for generations. Her site? A total feast. Believe me. It's one of those sites you'll go back to again and again. And again.

I worked at a children's boutique for a bit once and we sold birthday hats for almost $25. I've seen them for $20, but you won't spend anywhere near that kind of money and still have a beautiful hat for that little special someone. Jones Design & Co have a tutorial on making these and it's too easy. Then embellish to your heart's content. And yes, you can do this!

Heartstrings is another site of mine, where my hands lead when my heart is filled and running over. It's a quiet site, and I feel uplifted and refreshed each time I visit. Or add to it. I hope you enjoy it, as well.

Our daughter's blog is about a busy mommy with day to day problems, giggles, and hugs. There are bad days, great days, and some things overheard and noticed. If you're a young mother, click over to Jenny's spot and see if you can find yourself in her life. If you're a grandmother like me, it will bring memories to your heart and wishing that just for one day, they could be small again. With hugs, and bright eyes.

And for something fun to end with on a Friday, I'm joining up with Only Prettier. After you read mine, go to her site and link up yourself! And have a beautiful, blessed weekend ~

1. Can you drive a stick shift? ONLY if I have to!

2. What are two foods you just can't eat? Ugh, mincemeat and rutubagars

3) Do you buy Girl Scout cookies and your favorite? We don't anymore, but I loved the chocolate with peanut butter things. I could totally eat a box with some sweetened icy tea!

4) How do you pamper yourself? When no one's home, and no appointments, I sleep in. As late as my widdle body feels like it! And I don't feel guilty about it either!

5) What is your nickname and how did you get it? Sweetheart to him, momma to them, Nan to the g'babies, Princess and/or Sunshine to my daddy, and Mrs. Hood to my students.

Food, Friends, and Fun!

2011-02-21T14:55:00.001-06:00

She had to have some annual tests done and didn't want to go alone. It is a nice thing to be needed, not to mention I'm always up for some girlfriend time! I went along to giggle and laugh, and read a book about Oprah (by Kitty Kelly!) while Kay had a vamp take her blood and an alien scan her chest and heart. She was feeling a wee bit frightened.

The testing did not take long, and since she had fasted, she was hungry! WhooHoo, breakfast! One of my favorite meals. What am I talking about?! They're all my favorites. We ate, and talked and talked, and ate. Driving out of the parking lot, we decided not to go get our nails and toes prettied, as planned ~

But to go to the Zoo instead! I've been to the Montgomery Zoo once, with Jenny and her babies, since leaving my second grade post and let me tell you it was nice getting there in a vehicle that wasn't a long yellow bus! The day was a bit windy but beautiful. Cool enough that we were glad we had light jackets. We just wandered around and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

My favorite was the Sumatron Tiger. He/She was so soft and cuddly looking and very regal. We had to remind ourselves that it was an animal much like this that tried to take the face off that entertainer in Las Vegas. What was his name?! Siegfred and Roy? There comes a point when you just have to realize that one day it's a house cat, the next day it's a wild animal that wants you for dinner. Just sayin'.

I also like the alligators, and there are signs up stating they are building a new addition just for the American Alligators, which by the way are in all natural rivers and most ponds around central Alabama. WHaT tHe?! This is no lie, and I still laugh when repeating it, but there was a student named Aaron in my class one year. Came to school telling us his daddy had found a Styrofoam cooler at work, and it had a baby alligator in it! After the hullabaloo 20 excited kids can make ended, I asked him if they were taking it to the Zoo. "Heck no, Miss Hood, he just let it go in the creek behind our house." Aaron's best friend, John, jumped UP saying (loudly) "THAT creek runs behind my house!" A few years later, they both came by my room to visit and I asked Aaron about that alligator. Before he could answer, John yelped, "I forgot about that gator! I bet that's what's been happening to our dogs!" And yup, I laughed again, thanking my lucky stars I didn't live on the creek that emptied into Blackwell Slough! True story, cross my heart. Which is why I would never, ever, ever, never slide over the edge of a boat to pee. I don't want to turn around and see two beady eyes a foot away from my nose. I keep telling Hood there's things with sharp teeth in that river!

So, I wasn't afraid of the tiger. Or the gator. But snakes? (Or 'snicks' as Jenny called them when she was younger.) Just being in The Reptile House made me nauseated. Kay kept getting right up on the glass to find whatever was to be in the enclosure and I promise you, had something come at the glass from INSIDE that cage, I'd have peed in my pants. Right there. No lie. And knocked her down finding a way out.

We left and it was Sonic time!!! How many of you love those slushies as much as I do?! All time fav is the Cherry Limeade. Route whatever. Gimme the biggest one there is. Then come home, put the lime slice down the garbage disposal and make your home smell fresh!

Having rested driving back to town, and rejuvenated with a snack and drink at Sonic ~ and NO, I'm NOT going to tell you what we had. I have a blog about Losing Forty and this is NOT confession day, so there. But it sure was good.

And who doesn't like to go to Kirkland's?! They're having a lamp sale, but nothing grabbed me and it was a bit crowded. I don't like to look with someone bumping into me while I'm standing still with several large pictures propped on a hip. Kay felt the same way, so we called it a day. Went back out to her SUV and played with our iPhones. She got one last week! and now, like me, she's addicted.

She got hers through Verizon. Now, I want a new one from Verizon.

It was such fun, and thank you, Kay, for needing a friend.

It's always nice to be needed {grateful font}.

And to go to the Zoo.

And Kirkland's.

And play.

Celebrations ~

2011-02-20T17:09:00.000-06:00

Today was lunch with these two sweet ones,

and their little sister. {This photo was taken in G'burg,

and I really do need to begin carrying my camera

with me. I miss so many adorable moments.}

{Miss Elle is learning to pose.}

We will very soon be seeing these babies,

and we will go out and celebrate my birthday

again. I just love celebrating all month!

To our daughters and their families,

Plain and simple.

Happy Birthday! to Me!

2011-02-18T10:54:00.002-06:00

It's my birthday!

I slept late with the man that holds my heart,

received a phone call from a darling daughter,

having lunch with another darling daughter,

andthe weather is sunny but cool.

What more could one ask for?

Thank you, my beautiful Lord.

Have You?

2011-02-16T16:27:00.001-06:00

One of my girlfriends sent these. I had to laugh because I've done three of them! Yep, held a sign upside down as a cheerleader. Of course, at that age, we giggled and giggled, showing off for the football players. Ah, high school.

Washed a car in the rain? Kinda sorta. There were several times I washed our car under the carport when it was pouring rain outside. My sweet man still makes fun of me for doing that, but I wanted a clean car when the rain stopped! He drew the line when we moved into a house with a garage.

This one made me laugh out loud. Not only have I driven off with items on my car, but I've also tried to set a large Sonic Cherry slushie on top of the car, only to have it fall through the sunroof. I've also set my billfold and iPhone on the top while putting items in the back seat, drove all the way to Lowe's and back before losing them both just as we went to turn onto our road. I'm not surprised I forgot they were up there. But for The Hood to not notice them?! And no harm to either the billfold, which didn't pop open, or the phone. Of course, I had to get an OtterBox after that {frowny font}. OtterBoxes are NOT girly girl!

So, what silly/stupid/can't-believe-I-did-that have you done?! C'mon now, I know you've got something to share. Bring it on. We'll laugh together! And here's to giggles the rest of the week ~

2011-02-14T21:50:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day, to those I love the dearest, the ones that have crossed my path and left goodness behind, those I don't see nearly as often as I'd like, and those of you that I've met here. May the week be filled with love and laughter for all of us ~ 02.14.2011

Guest Author, The Lands Across the Lake

2011-02-12T22:30:00.001-06:00

I love Brittany's blog. Not only because I fell in love with her husband when he came into my classroom during his second grade year in elementary school but because she speaks the honesty of all young mothers and wives. What she does have that I never had is the opportunity to live abroad while Daniel is serving our country. Today's post was too good not to share with my readers. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and I'm sure you'll remember those shoes she's in right now. Maybe you're standing in them yourself. And after reading this, hop on over to The Lands Across the Lake and become a follower to keep up with this sweet young family. Without further ado, here's Brittany in her own words.

* * * * *

Reality...

"Sometimes I wish that growing up I had a better idea of reality. I lived in la-la land for way too long. In college I had several store credit cards like Express and American Eagle and had no idea you had to make payments every month. I thought it was just an option and as long as you still had credit available you were good... You just needed to make a payment when you needed to charge more stuff. Wrong. So wrong. So very wrong that my credit score is just now to a number that isn't completely embarrassing. You live, you learn.

I also wish that my Barbies had come in different stages as a kid. Like, the Barbie that we all had was your college and pre-pregnancy Barbie. Then, once Barbie had a baby there was a little attachment for her waist and chin (those are the two places I've had the hardest time accepting ever since Eli was born). Barbie would throw away those hot pink stilettos and start rocking flip flops and Reebok Easy Tones. She would have to get rid of the Corvette and start driving the Jeep. Ken would trade in his ascot and Speedo for a pair of khaki cargo shorts and an old college tee to remind him of his glory days. The dream house would need a new roof and the toilet wouldn't stop running.

I guess that is what makes childhood so magical. The idea that you would always have everything go your way and every morning you wake up next to Ken and looking like our girl Barb. Bills magically get paid and you only work for the fun things you want to buy. Lingerie doesn't itch and babies always sleep in their own bed. You can stay up until 3 am and sleep until noon. There is always milk in the fridge and mom still cooks you supper... "

Now to all of you heading into the weekend, be safe, be happy, and look for someone to help have a day as nice as yours ~

Flashback Friday

2011-02-11T20:24:00.021-06:00

First, we received this photo from our daughter, Stacey ~

Snow, lots of snow. School was out!

About twenty minutes away is our daughter, Leslie.

And she got snow! Even more once this was taken!

Stacey and Leslie live in Brandon, MS. Jenny lives in our city.

Look how much snow they got at their home?!

Everyone got a nice, clean accumulation of white snow.

Except us. East Prattville did not get much.at.all.

Pooh. It was pretty coming down, and some

is better than none. This year we've had more cold days

and more snowy days, just not here. Not sure why.

But I can remember last year and smile knowing there

were four little ones laughing and playing in the snow.

{Elle was a few months old and uninterested.}

Post a photo from this last year on your blog and let me know. I'll visit and see what you were up to Feb. 11, 2010! Here's the original post from Jenny's site, Our original post can be found here. Personally, I hope we aren't through with the snow, but I have to say that from here. Say it outdoors and people glare at me.

New Fonts Available!

2011-02-11T13:11:00.001-06:00

I have been wanting a larger selection of fonts foreva!!! And now Blogger has given them to us! If you go to Layout, Template Designer, and go to the Advanced tab you can find a world of new fonts available to us! For instance, you want to change your Text font. Find that on your scroll screen, and you'll see the ones normally offered for the past million years. Scroll PAST those, and voila! There's oodles, okay not that many, but there are so many cute ones we can use. And you can use a different one for your title, another one for your sidebar titles.

If you've known this all along, forget this post. I've just discovered it and am crazy lovin' it! Just sayin'.

{Tip: Go here for lots of easy secrets to make your blog stand out!}

Hey Hood! It's My Christmas List!

2011-02-09T19:43:00.002-06:00

These boots! By Hive & Honey!

In Caramel!

{Hint, prices are great at Piperlime!}

A HP Printer that scans and copies!!!

This Kirklees sweater coat at Anthropologie,

AaaaaaND,

a princess cut diamond that will nestle

in the hollow of my throat.

A karat?!

And that's all {big smile font}.

Okay, and this too, from Ollipop Rings!

UPDATE: this did not make it off the drafting table, so Mr. H? This could be a wonderful place to begin for the birthday next week! (wink, wink)

Can You Help?!

2011-02-09T18:23:00.005-06:00

I saw these on Perfectly Imperfect and have gone online looking for this set! I want these for next Winter! Mr. H, I want these for next Winter! O daughter 'o mine, I want these for next Winter! I've already emailed Cracker Barrel for help. If anyone out there has these sweet dishes and you don't really care if they're in your home or not, email me please, I'd love to take them off your hands for a sweet price. I even typed in 'white snowflake dinnerware' on Google and nothing came even close to this. Forget eBay. Been there. I love Cracker Barrel dinnerware and plan to go tomorrow and get the Easter dinner plates. But for now? I want these white snowflake sets!! Four sets would be fine! Six would be even better! Eight? Wow.

And I forget who had this framed print {frustrated font} but I managed to find it on Google images. Only because someone had it on a blog. And didn't mention where one could find it. Darn! Don't do that to me. For some reason, this print speaks to me. The snow maybe? or the sweet bunnies? For whatever reason, if anyone out there as seen where one might buy this print or even a framed one, let me know.

Thank you ma'am/s {sweet smile font}.

Joining Wordful Wednesday! Hop over to Seven Clown Circus!

Makes You Go Wow!

2011-02-07T15:09:00.003-06:00

There are just some ideas that make you go, "Wow!" and this was one of those times. 320 *Sycamore. When I saw it I immediately thought how simple it was! And that it would look so good on our 'shelf over the TV because we don't have a mantel anymore' area. I can do this! I will do this, just as soon as I can get myself to Hobby Lobby and find those little silver buckets. Finding dried 'weeds' this time of year will be easy, as one of our daughters lives in the country and her dirt road abounds with this type of nature! The top of my piano never looked this good.

As a matter of fact, it looks just like my piano! Well, it belongs to one of our daughters now, but for years it sat in our homes and was decorated nicely but I never attained the simple, but elegant, look that this is.

And tearing up books?! I love books, love the look of old books, of loved books, but I am not beyond tearing the cover off one, or tearing the pages out of some to frame or use under clear switch plates.

Look what Lindy at Cottage Hill has done. Simple. Classy. Elegant. I intend to tear the covers off some old books I just use for decoration. These are some ideas that make me go 'Wow!'

And there are times that make us all go 'Aw' such as when babies are born. Kelly has been praying, I have been praying, we've all been praying for her sister to become pregnant. It's been a struggle for Amy, but she and her husband were blessed with the birth of Cole this past week and we are all overjoyed. You can read bits here of that feeling and Kelly will link you to Amy's blog where she introduces Cole to the blogging world. You really need to treat yourself to clicking on Kelly's header and just reading her everyday posts. I kid you not, with these posts and her Facebook stati she needs to write a humorous book on raising children and the every day moments of laughter there can be. Embracing the Craziness. Go check it out and plan to smile. We just always smile at newborns, don't we.

I hope the top ideas gave you some new ideas to play around with, and the news of Kelly's nephew arriving safe and sound filled your heart with the newness of our upcoming Spring. I just bet some of you north of the Mason Dixon line would love to see some warmer weather! It's coming. We just don't want it too soon. Early Springs just seem to make for longer, hotter, insufferable Summers. But then, I'm a Winter gal.

Punxsutawney Phil ~ Early Spring?

2011-02-06T14:40:00.000-06:00

This little animal has predicted an early Spring.

Rats. Of course, he's only been correctg 13/23 times.

I'm hoping he's wrong this time as well.

Why?

An early Spring makes for a longer, hotter summer, that's why.

But then,

I'm a Winter gal!