Lily's Story ~

Many of you are familiar with my call to prayer for Lily Murphy. This precious child suffered a near drowning accident and several times we thought our Lord had called her home.  She made a miraculous recovery ~ and yes, I fully believe He performs miracles in today's world ~ and her mother, Heidi, has written about this time in their life.  Lily still has some surgery issues and I ask that you pray for a complete healing and for the peace that surpasses all for little Lily's parents. It's a wonderful thing to be able to call upon prayer warriors in times of need.  You can click here to read of Lily's story ~

A Fun, Quick Trip ~ A Frustrating Blogger

We had a quick, but fun, trip to Mississippi this past weekend to celebrate Austin's 7th birthday! This Nan cannot believe her oldest grandchild is already seven {tearful font} but at the same time it's so fascinating to watch these bright and curious babes grow up. I forgot to take my camera but snapped a few with the camera on my phone. I know, it's not the best, but some were too cute not to share. {NOW if I can get Blogger to cooperate! I do NOT like their new way of adding photographs!!}

The trip began with everyone fresh and full from lunch.

Then it began to get a bit long,

and when it did that, some of us got silly.

Stacey's Alaina loves to dress up

in her princess outfits ~ complete with accessories

The boys loved playing the Wii from the top bunk!

{After much grumbling & pulling of hair, this post is finished. Now, I'm afraid to click on View Blog as this whole ordeal was NOT as easy as it used to be. ARGH!!}

UPDATE: WhooHee, it looks just fine!

Moments of Your Life

There are moments in your life

that make you and sets the course

of who you're going to be.

Sometimes they're little, subtle

moments. Sometimes, they're big

moments you never saw coming.

No one asks for their life to

change, but it does. It's what you

do afterwards that counts.

That's when you find out who

you are ~

Good 'Ole Duct Tape!

*No children were harmed in this photo*

Neat Sites, Nifty People

Using a used cabinet door {or one from your local Lowe's or Home Depot} and some flash cards, this nifty person made a really neat place for backpacks and jackets! You can find her by going to Be Different, Act Normal or clicking on the photo! Leave her a comment. We heart comments!

When we move into a home that someone isn't going to mind that I've painted words on their walls, I plan to put these on a wall where all can see. I love the words, the meaning, and the thought behind this. Unfortunately, the site I got this from didn't claim credit. I found it on Google Images, but it was listed several times on different sites. If this is yours, let me know so I can give you credit where credit is due! For laughter, I just have to go into my favorite desktop pics and find this one. I laugh out loud each and every time. It's our daughter Jenny's home, the master bath, with her two sons. The oldest one discovered that shampoo makes "lots of bubbles, Momma!" After snapping a photo and gently reminding him that it's not a good thing, she laughed with him. I love that our daughters are such beautiful mothers and so in love with their babies. We should all laugh more.

Oh, My. I'm In Love.

Lynne Griffies! I thought of you when I found this cute idea at Anthropologie. Remember when Allen made those recipe holders from forks that Christmas?! Look what you can do now! Go to Hobby Lobby, purchase a piece of scrolled iron, insert some bling bling at the centers, Super Glue the eating utensils, spray paint with pewter {okay, so that's my choice of paint} and hang on the wall! Hey, I'll take one for Christmas {hint font}.Restoration Hardware.

And this bed.

Shut Up! I love the look. Love the details.

I want this bed.

I want this leather chest in my bedroom, too.

This would be a bit harder to duplicate.

So, Mr. H., would you purchase this for me?

Please? Pretty Please?! I would even share a drawer with you. Maybe two?
I do have maps. Thanks to a fantastic buy on eBay a few years back. They are old National Geographic maps. Countries, continents, cities. Beautiful. However, I want a big, huge, giant one like this one at Restoration Hardware. Maybe, just maybe, our local copier store could enlarge one for me and use a Sepia tone? Or maybe the original colors would look just as well.How neat is this look for a room?!?!?!?!

I am having such fun collecting ideas. For another home.
Dear me. Or rather, poor Mr. H.

Eat In Colors

It's about time for my annual physical.

I am NOT looking forward to it. You see,

I've gained weight. Not sure about the blood pressure.

Pretty sure the cholesterol is higher than should be.

I know he will tell me to eat food with color.

To fill my plate with bright colors.

To eat some greens, oranges, reds,

and even something yellow. Okay.

Thinking of this, I went right to the kitchen

and ate an entire helping of M&M's.Sure enough, I feel better already.

I never knew eating right could be so easy!

For Some Insight on America

I have found a very interesting, written from the heart, site and feel compelled to share it with you. Most of the ones that read my blog are looking for home decorating ideas or to keep up with our family news. Regular readers know that America is a passion of mine and you've seen articles on here where I have shown disappointment and anger over the lack of respect being shown to her. I have found a blog that goes deeper. Guy Wood is a member of our Armed Forces and a patriot. He loves this country and we share the same views on how she is being knocked around and treated. I encourage you to visit Witstop and read his articles. You'll find factual information on current affairs, and at times he will end with his thoughts on the matter.

I am thoroughly enjoying them. All too often we get comfortable and subconsciously think that if we just ignore a situation, it will go away; we want to think only of 'easy' things and not the reality side of life. We need to find a happy medium of both. That is what this author is doing. Shaking you up enough to give you something to pray for, and leaving you with the hope that our King is in control.

He also has a blog for fathers, called Duty Calls, and another Home School Detective. I know you will not only enjoy them, but you will come away better informed and a bit more knowledgeable. Visit. Read. Learn. And have a most enjoyable Tuesday!

I Heart Anthropologie

Hey, Johan, I want these!

They're $18 a piece!

I have discovered, finally, Anthropologie! Quite a few of the DIY blogs I love to follow take ideas from this company, along with Ballard, and make beautiful replicas. Last night, when a yucky tummy hit and I couldn't sleep, I blog hopped ~ one of my favorite pasttimes. Look what I found! You can click on a photo and read more about it, along with alternate views. Here are some of my favorites~

I heart this tablecloth and love the edging!

I can see this on a future deck with colorful tableware.

Okay, Mr. Hood, I would love love love to own this.
Not sure where we'd put it, but love the look.

If you don't have a pantry, this would work!

This idea is too cute and I can see this being easy to copy. Might not have drawers as this does, but painting the numbers would be easy peasy and distressing is too fun. If you see what the price is, you'll want to make your own. {wink font} Okay, so the one thing I wanted to buy, that was on sale and I could afford, was not available in the initials I need. Doesn't it normally happen this way? Sheez. If I could decorate a room around an object, I could begin with this pitcher. With shades of soft whites and pastels, I'd relax until I slid right off a slipcovered sofa.

This next item looks amazing when lit.See the difference?! But look at the price! Geez Louise.

I just bet someone somewhere has already copied this idea and is now loving that they paid peanuts for a chandi that would have broken our bank account. Personally, I wouldn't hang this in our home, but I love that it's an idea so easily done.

Next I want to explore IKEA. Been reading alot on this spot!

What is YOUR favorite shop?!

You're Gonna Go Wow!

Miss Mustard Seed
Perfectly Imperfect
I just love this headboard idea!!

Where can one be in found in our area?!

Two new blogs to check out!!!

Does a Former Drill Sargent Make a Terrible Therapist?

I cannot watch this without laughing out loud each and every time. And today, when my tummy is not feeling so good I need a laugh. We celebrated my sweetheart's birthday last night and I either picked up something in the food or someone passed on a bug to me. Whatever, I am looking for a soft place to lie, some giggles, and sweet tea for the tummy. Enjoy!

I Heart Blog-Hopping!

I don't know if you go over to my side bar and check out the Home Decor area, but if not, you're missing a treat. I love blog hopping, which is finding an interesting blog that has been mentioned in the post of the blog you are reading, and from there you find another. Well, I love each and every one of the links I've given you over on the left. I follow these blogs and list them for your enjoyment and hope you've found some neat ideas by going to some of them. By visiting Brooklyn Limestone this afternoon, I found Freckled Laundry!! Oh, Jamie. I now heart me some Jamie and her posts on Freckled Laundry. Mrs. L posted on a piece of furniture that Jamie gave a zinc finish to! Doesn't it look great?! It's only one of bunches of neat ideas this blogger has on her site. You need to go and see what she did with an old pair of The GAP. You won't believe it and it's all too easy! Better yet, click on any of the photos and you'll be whisked away to a better place! Seriously, check out Freckled Laundry and the other awesome sites I've listed on the left under Home Decor!

Have an awesome day and if you have a blog you enjoy, leave me a comment and a link. I would love to check it out! We learn from each other and that's makes the world a nicer place ~

Summer Memories ~

Some of my favorite snapshots from this summer ~

Our daughter's family traveled to the Gulf

and returned sun-kissed and with some good pics.

Miss Elle is growing too quickly.

She will celebrate her first birthday soon.
Ian will be seven this year,
and began 1st grade today! Sweet Noah begins K3 tomorrow!
He'll be four soon and continues
to bring laughter where ever he is!

I loved this photo of Brandon and Noah

having some quiet time together.

Miss Elle is doing a great job of keeping

up with her big brothers! Most of the time,

they are patient with her. Most of the time.

Our Mississippi babies, Alaina & Austin,

are no longer in the toddler stage.

Where does time go?

Alaina will be 5 this year!

Loves to dress up, loves her ballet,

loves her family, and loves laughter.

Gosh, Austin began 2nd grade today

and will be 7 this month! The older he gets,

the more like his daddy he looks.

These five babes bring such delight to our hearts,

our lives, our days ~

Now, if I could just freeze time or at least,

slow it down for a bit!

Championship DNA ~ The University of Alabama Football

Pictured above is the University of Alabama's football training and conditioning facility. You might call it “Coach Cochran’s Office”. The photo does not fully capture how vast the space is. By way of comparison, the author of this article (not me! although I would love to see this in person!) has also been to the Titans training facility in Nashville. The locker room facilities are equivalent, but the Tide’s weight room is larger and has more equipment than the Titans.

Evidence of Coach Saban’s philosophy is everywhere you look and the players cannot go to and from the practice field without encountering motivational messages. For example:As the players leave the locker room and head to the practice field they have to pass by a pyramid of the logos of the teams they will play this season.

As each game is played, when the Tide wins, the opponent’s logo is removed from the pyramid and placed on the wall leading from the locker room. Each player who contributed to the victory autographs the logo and it remains on the wall as evidence of the team’s success.

If the Tide is not victorious, the opponent’s logo remains in the pyramid as a tangible reminder of a goal not achieved. There are only seven logos on the wall under the date of 2007, twelve logos for 2008 and fourteen are on the wall under 2009. Here is the last of the 2009 logos:

Teamwork, commitment to the team, and to the program are ingrained into the culture. The guide for the tour was asked about Coach Saban’s statue along the Walk of Champions. It should be completed and unveiled prior to the opening game this fall. The question was how will Coach Saban be depicted; coat and tie, sideline attire or dressed for practice? The answer? Dressed for practice; complete with straw hat and wind-breaker vest. After all, he’s a working coach.

But the statute nearly didn’t happen. Coach Saban did not initially consent to have his likeness cast in bronze and put on display. He relented only after the University agreed to this condition:
In addition to his statue, there will be a bronze plaque containing the name of every player who contributed to the 2009 season! University officials like the idea so much that they plan now to retrofit each of the existing coaches monuments to include similar plaques for the other 12 national championship teams.

Another example of this culture of teamwork is found in the home locker room at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Notice the Alabama logo in the floor of the locker room:

It is roped off for a reason.

No individual is allowed to step onto the logo. On game days, the team as a whole gathers on the logo and takes a knee. The ceiling above this spot is a dome, and whatever is said from that spot can be heard everywhere in the locker room. This is where the team spends its final moments before moving out of the locker room and onto the field.

This is the portal through which the team enters the field. Wherever you are in Bryant-Denny Stadium you realize it is a big place. But there is nowhere that the stadium seems larger than down on the field.

In addition to the construction on the south end zone, there are other improvements being made to the facility. The existing video boards in the north end are being replaced so that they match the high-definition plasma video screens being installed in the south end. The concrete path that circles the field is being replaced with brick pavers, and the chain link fence that separates this path from the field in being replaced with an iron fence with brick stanchions.

The work on the south end is nearing completion. The south “Zone” club seats are those in red in this picture. The south bleachers, including the upper deck will be student and faculty seating.

Future plans are to replace the existing bleachers throughout the stadium with improved bleachers that have back rests.Tuscaloosa is pretty empty the month of May. Building construction and road work are taking place on campus. Before you know it, the hum of construction work will be replaced by the bustle of students moving into the residence halls and heading off to class for the start of the fall semester. Across campus, the sounds of pads colliding, whistles blowing and coaches exhorting
players through drills will be heard.

Come Labor Day weekend, the 2010 Crimson Tide will take the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium to begin a campaign to repeat as the national champions of college football. On Labor Day itself, the San Jose State logo will be off the pyramid and on the wall. One down. Thirteen more to go.