Getting Ready For the 4th!

Our grandson, Ian, traveled to Memphis recently.

This photo of him at the Children's Museum of Memphis.

An awesome playground for kids and adults!

Who wouldn't love to have your veranda or porch look like this?! We have a screened in veranda and although we haven't gotten it outfitted or decorated yet, there are plans! You can see more ideas at The Stories of A to Z. I always find something to drool over at Beth's site. On to the food! I wanted to share two items with you today that are easy to make, and would be ideal for a busy mother. Or a retired grandmother, like me! You can click on the photos to be directed to the blogs where I found them! You'll also find more ideas! The waffle idea is one of Beth's and the adorable jello stars is an idea from BrownEyed Baker!

I leave you with this precious young man,

and the title of his mother's post.

"One Nation Under God"

{Note that little finger denoting one. Sweet!}

What are YOUR Plans?!

Beginning tomorrow, I'll have several posts on how to have a rockin' 4th of July! Until I can get the first one published, I'd like your thoughts on what you and yours will be doing this weekend. Do you have any traditions that make it special? Is this a free day from work with good food to be gotten at a fair or neighbor's home?! Share with us! And I'll be sharing with you some really neat decorating ideas and yummy recipes that will be sure to give you some ideas!

They're Baaaack!!

Who doesn't love Toy Story?!

and look what I found over at Bakerella's!!!
These are too cute!!!
Hamm and Potatoes!
Love it. Now, gotta go see the movie!

Oil Free Water Paradise

Gulf Shores was awesome. Beautiful. Oil free.

I promise.

Go. The rates are fantastic!

We CAN Make a Difference

I read an article once that said something to the effect "when they came for the Jews, I wasn't a Jew so I didn't get involved". It goes on to repeat with other groups until finally they come for the Christians and there is no one left to help. I think it's time Christians become more involved with making a statement against what some leaders in high places are trying to push across our Nation. It frightens me. Hence, the article that follows. It came through as an email and I found the photo through some research. Scary. And it could easily happen to us. That's where you and I can make a difference. It doesn't have to happen here. In America. You can click here to read further about the original poem and how others have adapted it through the years. The article that follows has been checked out.

* * * * * * *

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had once failed an entire class. That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan". All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A. After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B.
The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.

As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little. The second test average was a D! No one was happy.

When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F. The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else. All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed. Could not be any simpler than that.

Should Christians Respect Obama?

Dr. David Barton is more of a historian than a Biblical speaker, but very famous for his knowledge of historical facts, as well as Biblical truths. Read his words on respecting Obama.
(Note: I have a problem putting the respected title of President when having to add Obama after it ~ nh)

* * * * * * * * *

•Respect the office? Yes.
•Respect the man in the office? No, I am sorry to say.
•I have noted that many elected officials, both Democrats and Republicans, called upon America to unite behind Obama. Well, I want to make it clear to all who will listen that I AM NOT uniting behind Obama!
•I will respect the office which he holds, and I will acknowledge his abilities as an orator and wordsmith and pray for him, BUT that is it. I have begun today to see what I can do to make sure that he is a one-term President!

Why am I doing this? It is because:
•I do not share Obama's vision or value system for America;
•I do not share his Abortion beliefs;
•I do not share his radical Marxist's concept of re-distributing wealth;
•I do not share his stated views on raising taxes on those who make $150,000+ (the ceiling has been changed three times since August);
•I do not share his view that America is Arrogant;
•I do not share his view that America is not a Christian Nation;
•I do not share his view that the military should be reduced by 25%;
•I do not share his view of amnesty and giving more to illegals than our American Citizens who need help;
•I do not share his views on homosexuality and his definition of marriage;
•I do not share his views that Radical Islam is our friend and Israel is our enemy who should give up any land;
•I do not share his spiritual beliefs (at least the ones he has made public);
•I do not share his beliefs on how to re-work the healthcare system in America;
•I do not share his strategic views of the Middle East;
•and I certainly do not share his plan to sit down with terrorist regimes such as Iran.

Bottom line: My America is vastly different from Obama's, and I have a higher obligation to my Country and my GOD to do what is right!

For eight (8) years, the Liberals in our Society, led by numerous entertainers who would have no platform and no real credibility but for their celebrity status, have attacked President Bush, his family, and his spiritual beliefs! They have not moved toward the center in their beliefs and philosophies and they never came together nor compromised their personal beliefs for the betterment of our Country!

•They have portrayed my America as a land where everything is tolerated except being intolerant!
•They have been a vocal and irreverent minority for years!
•They have mocked and attacked the very core values so important to the founding and growth of our Country!
•They have made every effort to remove the name of GOD or Jesus Christ from our Society!
•They have challenged capital punishment, the right to bear arms and the most basic principles of our criminal code!
•They have attacked one of the most fundamental of all Freedoms, the right of free speech!
Unite behind Obama? Never !!!

I am sure many of you who read this think that I am going overboard, but I refuse to retreat one more inch in favor of those whom I believe are the embodiment of Evil! PRESIDENT BUSH made many mistakes during his Presidency and I am not sure how history will judge him. However, I believe that he weighed his decisions in light of the long established Judeo-Christian principles of our Founding Fathers!!!

Majority rules in America, and I will honor the concept; however, I will fight with all of my power to be a voice in opposition to Obama and his "goals for America." I am going to be a thorn in the side of those who, if left unchecked, will destroy our Country! Any more compromise is more defeat!

I pray that the results of this election will wake up many who have sat on the sidelines and allowed the Socialist-Marxist anti-GOD crowd to slowly change so much of what has been good in America!

"Error of Opinion may be tolerated where Reason is left free to combat it." ~Thomas Jefferson

"If we ever forget that we're one nation under GOD, then we will be a nation gone under." ~ Ronald Reagan

I WANT THE AMERICA BACK THAT I GREW UP IN.

A Powerful Statement

"My Lily is now in a private room.

Because He lives, and you believe it,

my daughter lives."

~Flynn Murphy, Tuesday 15th

If you follow my blog you'll remember this sweet girl, Lily Murphy, and a post I did earlier last week asking for prayers. She suffered a near drowning accident at a birthday party, hers as a matter of fact, and was placed on life support before all the guests had left. Christians worldwide went into prayer warrior mode for this child and her adoring parents. Lily is still in Children's in B'ham but in a private room and breathing on her own. There appears to be no brain damage. The cervical collar came off yesterday. Her doctors are accepting no credit and we are giving Him all the glory and praise for sending Lily back. I thought Flynn's statement on Facebook yesterday was too powerful not to share. Have a blessed day ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Update: 6-16 @ 8:54 am
"Lily was moved to a private room late last night. She is doing very well with her mental status. She talks with a whisper and knows where she is. She is able to communicate well and tell us what she needs, wants or that she is scared. She watches t.v. and even nibbled on a kit kat bar some. She has chest PT every 4 hours to loosten the junk up that has settled in her little lungs. She is also still requiring oxygen but it has been bumped down so we are still trying to wean from that. She is getting IV antibiotics for that and we are hoping for her to clear up soon. Great news is no more fever right now. Pray that this continues. Thank you ALL for the overwhelming amout of prayers, concerns, love, visits, gifts, messages and kind words.

With love, The Murphy family"

I Did, But Now I Don't

This, to me, would be the ultimate ride for someone with grandkids. Or say, a sweet ride to go on vacation in ~ lots of room to pack bags. Even furniture from antique spots!

I wanted one,

at one time. If money weren't an issue, I would love love love

to gift my son in laws with these!

Rugged.

Screams 'Male Toy'!

John began calling these 'gangsta' cars right off.

I still think they're kind of cool and they ride great.

Or so I've been told. John took one for a test drive.

Just to see how it handled.But you wanna know why we don't want to buy any of these OR any GMC or Chryslar product? Not only did our tax dollars bail Chryslar out once, but twice! And our tax dollars bailed out GMC. So with that in mind, if I purchase any of their products, then wouldn't that be paying them twice? Hmmm

Just sayin' ~

What a Closet!

Look at this organized closet! I have always either painted, wallpapered, or both to our closets thinking that anything I spend time in needs to be a place where I feel pampered. Well believe you me, I'd feel pampered in this closet! And for an extra bonus, they built in a

coffee bar!!! Get back! I thought we were doing well to have a coffee spot in our master bath but it wasn't this nice! I kept having to wipe the powder and hair spray off the top of the coffee machine. I don't like the color of the wall, nor the way the counters seem "stuck in there" without some decor on the sides and walls. But hey, how neat is this!

We Need Prayer Warriors!

This is Lily Murphy and she needs fervent prayers right now. Yesterday evening, June 10th, while celebrating at her 5th birthday party, she suffered what appears to be a drowning incident and was pulled unresponsive from the pool. A local hospital later airlifted her to Children's in B'ham where she is on life support. Earlier this morning she made very, very slight signs that have given the family hope. This is a family that loves the Lord, their family, and strives to walk through His Gates together. Please pray that Lily will be completely healed and her family given the peace and comfort only our Saviour can provide. You can click on the photo to be directed to Heidi's family blog. Thank you. The family will appreciate all prayers.

{UPDATE, Saturday 12th: Earlier this afternoon Lily began showing improvement. Her doctors say they had nothing to do with it, that she just "came back on her own". I know, however, that the increasing number of Christians praying for sweet Lily were heard by our Saviour. Her lungs appear to be in good shape, with no known brain damage at this time. Praise God! She does have a fever in her brain that they are trying to lower. They will awaken her again tomorrow and look for further improvement. Thank you for your prayers and please continue to do so! ~Nancy}

Our China Pattern! Or Patterns (wink)

I love china. China, everyday ware, you name it, I love it. As long as it is NOT plastic. Or paper. Target has some fun dinnerware that is some sort of Melamine and it's cute, but when I munch I want to feel something solid under my food. The pattern shown above was a set gifted to me by my, then new, husband on our first Christmas. From Parisians, they were only a set of salad plates but I loved them! They were paired with something similiar to the next photo. My paternal grandmother had given me a complete 12-piece set of silver ~ Rose Point ~ and a complete setting of this white china with a lacy look. I felt very special indeed!

My family ate on it regularly, as I believe that each and every day is special and we should use the things we love and not "save them". For that special day may never come. Or maybe it doesn't come often enough. My sweet husband quickly grew used to eating in the dining room on a regular basis, and not just on 'Sunday lunch'!After a time, I got up the courage to ask if I could have another set. He agreed and I began buying pieces of Old Country Roses off eBay. It's dainty and makes me feel real girly when the table is set with it and roses in the centerpiece. I have some gold plated utensils that looks good with it as well. I don't know about you, but the only way I use the cups and saucers is for ice cream and cookies! Cute!

My daughter had collected Lenox Eternal and when she decided to switch over to Solitaire, I bought her Eternal set. My weakness is buying salad plates and dessert plates to play off these two major sets. Poor John. He has no idea.

Skip over to Kelly's to look and see what others are using!

And have a really, really nice weekend!

Get out the 'good stuff' and use it!!!

Veranda Ideas!

The one pictured above isn't so bad. However,

I am NOT a fan of hot tubs,

preferring to share water with noone.

Maybe just The Hood.

But do not ask me to get in water that's been standing.

And is heated to the point of breaking you out in a light sweat.

Nope. Not me.

I'll take a scalding shower, but not a hot tub.

But I digress.

We're supposed to be talking about porch ideas~

I like the swing in this one.

And the curtain idea. But that's all.

I am not a fan of stark white, blue and red.

I can just imagine the mildew that our humidity brings.

Can you imagine a wall of shelves on a porch?!

Seriously?! With stuff in them?! Sure.

I can just see this working.

Especially coated in spring and fall's pollen.

I don't want another room to clean,

thank you very much.

I do like the one shown above.

Not sure how the green plants would do.

I have an uncanny ability to kill everything except silk.

My daughters roll their eyes when they visit and see the silk.

I seem to not be able to get away from. But.it.doesn't.die!These last two? My style.

Oh, so totally me.

In fact, I am going to do my darnedest to get The Hood

to help me replicate the look of this last photo. I doubt he'll let me hang shutters,

and I already know I'd kill Boston ferns,

nor can we afford expensive wicker.

Aside from that, I want this look!

Once I get going with our presently empty veranda,

I'll post a few photos to share with you!

Wonder what it will become?!

Head On Back to Lulu's!

Dear coastal inhabitants everywhere and all who know the joy of putting their toes in the ocean:

I can’t remember when we have had a lovelier spring along the Gulf Coast. In recent years, we have gone from crisp, clear mornings in February to tropical 90s temps by mid-March. But this year, it finally seemed that we were getting back to normal — back to the easy, Southern rhythms of my childhood, with the winter season moving gently into a luscious spring. Spring was taking its own sweet time unfolding before diving head-on into the desperate heat of summer.

Everyone could feel it. You couldn’t help but notice the majesty and color of the coastal foliage bursting with brilliant pinks and purples, sounding the calls that we wait for all year long: "Let’s go to the beach!" "The fish are biting at the Big Mouth!" "Let’s take a boat ride!" "Tadpoles are out in the creek!" That is how we live here on the Gulf Coast. Our love of the water — the Gulf, the bays, the rivers, the estuaries — and the way we enjoy it is absolutely holistic.

It transcends race, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender and political affiliation. The Gulf Coast is where the everyday person can play. We love where we live and are proud of it. We get amused sharing it and seeing the surprise on folks’ faces when they realize that a little piece of unlikely paradise exists smack at the bottom of this magnificent country of ours.

So imagine our dismay, anger, grief and absolute heartbreak over the ongoing catastrophe of crude oil continuously and arrogantly flowing into our beautiful Gulf of Mexico. This is indeed a major challenge for us physically, emotionally, environmentally and economically. Personally, I prefer to remain positive about the oil spill’s impact, because I know mountains can be moved with a positive attitude. Why wouldn’t that work with a runaway well? I do, however, live in a very real world, and I know that our corner of this world stands to be affected by the oil spill.

As we are called to action, we will respond with the dauntless spirit of coastal people, especially those born in the hurricane corridor. We will weather this storm as we have weathered the other monsters that have roared upon our shores in the past: by working hard, side by side, with dedication, compassion and a sense of community, and earning some fun in the process.

I am hoping that there will be little damage or interruption of beach recreation. Perhaps the oil spill will be just an inconvenience, much like too many jellyfish in the water or the occasional riptides. If not, we are going to need everyone’s love, support and help. So I have a very special invitation for people to join us here in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and on Dauphin Island and Mobile Bay. Don’t cancel your plans or reservations. This could be one of the most memorable vacations you will ever have.

Most of you travel with children. What a great opportunity to teach our kids so many valuable life lessons — from the beauty of volunteering to the importance of helping your neighbor during a crisis, learning about the fragile ecosystem that created the remarkable Gulf of Mexico, and meeting new friends from all over the country with the same purpose of keeping our beautiful shores safe for our children and wildlife.

Recently, I asked a friend of mine’s 6-year-old if she knew how many oceans there were. "One, Miss Lucy," she promptly responded. Then with a little hesitation, she added, "Don’t they all touch?" Out of the mouths of babes.

What is happening in our back yard could just as easily be happening in yours. But does it matter? We are all one. We all touch.

Am I outraged? D*** right! Is there a need for accountability? D*** right! But that is not my job. There are others who are trained and better equipped to master that task. I’m a fry cook. I’m open for business. And so is the Alabama Gulf Coast. We will take each day as it comes and make the best of it. I am asking all of you who love this area as much as I do and love your own coastal areas to please not abandon us. I promise you we will welcome you with open arms, some ice-cold sweet tea, an ocean of belly laughs, a plate full of scrumptious food and a humble, grateful heart. Lucy "LuLu" Buffett is owner of LuLu’s at Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores and the author of "Crazy Sista Cooking: Cuisine and Conversation with Lucy Anne Buffett ~

Want Some Cheese With That Whine?

We used to use this phrase with our daughters as they grew up and would come whining about one thing or the other. It always made us laugh, and made them roll their eyes. But today, for just the length of time it takes you to read this I intend to whine about something that just gripes me to no end. And there's really nothing to do about it. ARGH!!
People who ride in the left hand lane and never move over! And that's where the SLOWER TRAFFIC IS SUPPOSED TO BE! You have to get over to the right just far enough to see if there's some reason they are staying in the left hand lane. You see there isn't a valid reason, so you pass them. ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE! And you are not supposed to do that. It's something that just makes me grind my teeth. But then, you're reading something written by someone that loves speed on an open highway. So to all those left hand lane riders out there ~ MOVE OVER TO THE RIGHT! Please.

Okay, I'm finished.