Stepping into Spring

via Martha Stewart

Spring is here, in all its new birth and fresh breezes

I've gathered some of my favorite items here

for you to enjoy and possibly try for yourself

Above, use spray paint on a large basket,

silk greenery, chocolate rabbit, and satin ribbon.

Voila'

via Copy Cats

This is another favorite and one I'd like inside our door

Walmart or Target boots, satin ribbon, silk branches

Again, easy but oh the smiles it will bring

Sunny, happy, it's Spring!

When I tried following the link back to this

I only got an Error 404 page (sigh)

Again, it can be recreated with stick ons

paint a board, place the vinyl stick ons

hang it up for all to read, absorb, and enjoy.

Hungry?

I havea something for you there, too

via Allrecipes.com

Cabbage, carrots, new potatoes, and corned beef

I've loved this dish since a young age

Never cooked it as much as I would've liked

But there's always a time when you cook for the family

Which is what I did

Now? It's a crockpot favorite.

Something sweet now to finish off the meal?

via Spicy Perspective

Oh my, fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cake

Need I say more.

Just make sure you have Southern sweetened tea

to sip on as you muse about your Spring plans.

There's a spot on Etsy I enjoy.

Namely, it's because it's one of our daughters.

Although, this is the Easter dress she recently

posted, it's still a precious happy dress for the Spring

days and you'll find other lovingly handmade items

that will delight little ones and their mommies.

via Elle Belle Designs

Enjoy these days of Spring

for in a very short time,

we'll be enjoying the Summer days

and again, we'll smile watching the children

enjoy the absence of school, meet new ones

during vaction stays, and breathe in fresh air.

I feel extremely blessed to be able to celebrate

all four seasons. We are into Spring cleaning and

doing some updating to our home. What are you up to

this Spring?! What's on your to-do list?!

And as always, blessings ~

It's Easter Weekend!

We plan to have a quiet weekend,

worship and lunch with dear friends.

I'll be back next week~

Happy Easter!

Blessings ~

It's a New Month!

Hope yours is filled with love and laughter!

Blessings ~

"Broken"

The following article came from my daily online devotional. It touched me in such a way that I pray Kelly doesn't mind that I've reproduced it here.  You can access the site here. You'll be blessed. I pray, as well, that your heart and soul will be touched as mine was as you read this today ~

Article by Kelly Langston ~

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,

the new creation has come:

The old has gone, the new is here!”

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Broken.

It was now broken, with an asymmetrical flutter to its wings that moments before lifted the butterfly in a dance around the church lawn.

The butterfly wasn’t what first caught my eye though as I stood in line to pick up my son, Alec, from a day camp for special needs children. It was the boy with autism that first captured my attention. He was tugging on the arm of his caregiver with a brawny strength, roughly pulling her this way and that.

As I watched the two in their strange dance, my heart ached for the boy just as it does whenever I see a child with autism. A familiar feeling rose in the pit of my stomach. It was the same one I felt when I didn’t know how to reach my autistic son in his younger years. I’ll never forget how hard and long the days could be.

Lost in my memories, I was more than happy when the butterfly caught my eye. As I watched it, in one quick swoop-and before his caregiver could stop him-the boy’s hand captured the butterfly in a clenched fist. She pulled it free from his grasp and I watched fragile wings fall to the sidewalk. The butterfly fluttered for a few moments before dying.

Isn’t it strange how something so simple can hit you so hard? Grief rose in the back of my throat, but I wasn’t sure what hurt me most. Was it the brokenness of a boy who longed to touch something beautiful and carefree, only to crush the life from it? Or was it the thought of how quickly something so lovely can die? The vivid scene stuck with me all night, broken wings falling to the ground.

The next morning, I walked with Alec up to the church for another day at camp. I stepped onto the sidewalk behind a little girl with Down Syndrome. Without a care in the world she sang, and when I heard the words, I stopped in my tracks:

“I am a beautiful butterfly! I am a beautiful butterfly”. With each light step, she twirled and sang this little song. I realized then what God was showing me.

Yes, Lord, I get it! These children are like that butterfly. They are full of beauty! Full of grace and wonder, and even so, they are broken. But oh, how lovely and special they are to You, Lord. And how precious to behold one single moment of the beauty that lives within them!

As a parent to one of these broken, beautiful butterflies, it is a privilege to see God carry him through painful days. And I know I’m graced to be touched by the beauty that exists in brokenness. To feel the loss of what might have been, the crush of overwhelming need, and the Divine Light that runs through it all and makes it worth our efforts.

Alec’s teenage camp buddy leaned down to greet my son with a high five and a smile. It was then I noticed the counselor’s shirts with the words “I am a New Creation” on the front and on the back was the week’s Bible verse: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Like the butterfly, we’re all broken. But, praise God, there is great beauty within our brokenness when we allow God to carry us through the pain. Better yet, we are new creatures with a future and a hope of eternity—unbroken—in Christ. One day each broken body will be resurrected to a new beauty unimaginable in this life.

Dear Lord, thank You for choosing me to love a child with a special need. Help me to see the beauty in my child through Your eyes, as a marvelous creation, beautiful and full of potential. You’ve promised a purpose and a plan for my child. Your Word tells me that You use broken individuals to do amazing things for Your glory. Help me then, Lord, to be all that my child needs me to be, as I rely on Your strength to carry us through difficult days. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.



It's Coming ~

I think I'll print this out on cardstock

and frame it for one of the guest rooms.

Easter ~ it's on it's way!

Blessings!

Crawfish, Crayfish

If you live in Mississippi in the Pearl area, visit The Crawfish Barn! (Clicking takes you to their Facebook page.) Owned and operated by two of our sons in love, this seafood shop is quickly becoming the place to find yummy seafood and sides! Heath Taylor hatched the plan, got with Brett Green, ironed out the details, and they began making it happen. Opening Day took place just this year! Below is Brett with our Stacey and their babes~

Joining our family this past New Year's Eve, we are blessed to have Heath love our Leslie~ 

 I heard they are adding picnic tables, as customers were wanting to come and stay to eat. (Originally, it was a 'come, buy, and leave with it' type of place). The photo below isn't the best BUT it gives you an idea of what you can expect to get once you get there. When you visit, be sure and tell them you heard about their place from someone they love on Alabama's Gulf Coast.

Now that I've told you where you can get fresh crawfish in the Jackson MS area, let me share a fellow blogger's recipe for a boil. Melissa, at Made In The South, posted her recipe. I'll eat the corn and potatoes but you can have the creek shrimp. Crawfish 101 - Boiling.

"Congratulations, Brett and Heath. We are proud of you and for you. We missed having you here this month, but heard you were cooking and selling food. We plan to visit soon and have a hearty meal. Love and hugs, Nan and Pa"

"Hurry back, sweet girls, We do so love you and your families."

PS - I like to call them crayfish. Makes them sound less muddy.

Another Awesome Week

 Our daughters & grandbabies came in during the MS Spring break for a few days. The water in the Gulf was cold but not enough to stop the young. It was joy to our hearts to see the five interact.

This is Alaina ~ pure happiness, filled with life.

Then it was St. Patrick's Day!

(You can always go to Jenny's Etsy store to purchase some of the items you'll see on here!) You can also find a button for Elle Belle Designs on the right side there.

John and I explored Bon Secour Friday and found it to be a delightful, slow paced town. We stopped at The Tin Top restaurant for a late lunch and thoroughly enjoyed it. Especially the strawberry bread pudding and coffee to wrap up the meal. 

Saturday, we rode over to Fairhope to take part in their annual Arts & Crafts Festival. It is growing each year, so I'm told. This year amazed me! It was our first time but it won't be our last. So many vendors, so many beautiful items handmade from driftwood, paper, marbles,

and other items we take for granted that someone has turned into art. Of course we ate at McSharry's Irish Pub! For $12.95, a huge plate of corn beef, cabbage and new potatoes, with slaw and red onions on the side. And yes, it was good. The music was lilting, the breeze cooling, and the atmosphere straight from wanna be Ireland {wink}. We had a grand time. Thank you, Deborah, for the invite!

 Now, it's time to look ahead to Easter. This week, I'll be featuring Easter ideas across the blogging world starting with this cute garden idea. Or, as they have shown it, a cute centerpiece for a large area.

Good Housekeeping

To make this tower of treats, tape cut-to-fit craft paper around two empty 32-oz. yogurt cartons. Hot-glue an upside-down carton inside a large orchard basket, then glue a medium basket on top. Repeat with other carton and small basket. Fill with faux grass and goodies!

I love love love tablescapes, and this is no exception! Look at the way the light flows thru the glass, and the subtle hints of everything Spring ~

Have a blessed week! and I'll be on the lookout for fresh and new Easter ideas! I'm working on mine!

Repeat Daily

to yourself,

and especially,

to any little ones

that live in your home.

Have a blessed day ~

It's Almost Spring!

Strawberry Mousse Ladyfingers

Makes 8 servings

3 (3-ounce) packages soft split ladyfingers

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed

1/2 cup minced fresh strawberries

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

1/4 cup sour cream

1 (10.75-ounce) all-butter pound cake*

1/3 cup orange juice

Garnish: 8 whole strawberries

~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Place ladyfingers on parchment paper–lined baking sheets. Bake for 2 to 3 minutes, or until very lightly toasted. Set aside. In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, whipped topping, minced strawberries, confectioners’ sugar, and sour cream. Refrigerate until ready to use. Slice pound cake lengthwise into long (1/4-inch-thick) slices. Using a 2 1/2-inch round cutter, cut 8 circles of cake. Set aside. Cut one rounded end off ladyfingers so that they measure 2 1/4 inches long.

2. To assemble desserts, place a cake round in the center of a 3 1/2-inch ring mold. Brush inside surfaces of ladyfingers lightly with orange juice. Stand rounded end up inside ring mold around cake circle. Spoon about 1/3 cup mousse into mold. Repeat with remaining cake rounds, ladyfingers, orange juice, and mousse. Refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, remove ring mold, and tie with a pretty ribbon. Garnish each with a whole strawberry.

Enjoy!

A Wedding, A New Son

Our precious middle daughter was married last year.

Almost this year, as the wedding was on New Year's Eve.

I haven't blogged as much as I used to,

and here's hoping I can get back into it.

I thought I'd begin with sweet Leslie

and introducing you, by photo,

to our new son, Heath Taylor.

God is good. Always.

And He answers prayers.

Congratulations, Heath & Leslie.

We love you both dearly.

Wow, What an Absence ~

There's so much that's happened and I've been busy trying to keep up with it. In fact, I rarely even pick up the laptop now that it's so easy to check email and Facebook from my phone. It would take too long to fill you in tonight, so let's just say we have moved! We are loving the area!! We are loving the house!!! BUT we have burned out for the time being on painting and trimming things out. Took February off to rest, enjoy exploring, and having family in. The Mardi Gras parade here was my first one (The hubs was sick) and I cannot wait until next year! Such fun and happiness in the air, although it had rained the day before. I took photos of the house before we moved any boxes and furniture in and have taken photos during the reno. It will take time but we are having fun doing it. Built in '94, it had not been updated since and an older couple had owned it so you can imagine the time era it was caught in. However, in retirement there's time to work, time to nap, time to eat, time to ride around down by the coast and smell the salty air and hear the seagulls. Never, ever thought we'd be here but it came down to where would it be easier for our daughters to visit. Our favorite spot will remain a favorite vacation spot, as well as Disney World now.

So have a great weekend, sorry there hasn't been much on here and remember, people who rain on your parade are jealous of your sun and tired of their shade {wink font}.

Happy Valentine's Day!

How Do I Love Thee?

 Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and heigth

           My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

            For the ends of Being an ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of everyday's

           Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;          

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

           In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

           With my lost saints,

I love thee with the Breath, Smiles

Tears, of all my life! and, if God choose,

           I shall but love thee better after death.

~ Elizabeth Barret Browning

Never Have I Fallen

Your lips speak soft sweetness

Your touch a cool caress

I am lost in your magic

My heart beats within your chest

I think of you each morning

And dream of you each night

I think of your arms being around me

And cannot express my delight

Never have I fallen

But I am quickly on my way

You hold a heart in your hands

That has never before been given away

~ Rex A. Williams

Happy Valentine's Day!

Feel free to copy these vintage cards and

spread the happiness. Enjoy the day,

and sleep well tonight,

my sweet princess and adoring princes.

Happy Valentine's Day, I love you ~

Bread Roll Biscuit

Not sure how this will work, but I found this on Pinterest. They are called Bread Biscuit Rolls and they look yummy! I'm going to go ahead and write the recipe here in case you can't connect to the page!

Ingredients:

2 cups Bisquick mix

1/2 cup of sour cream

1/2 cup of 7Up soda

1/4 cup butter

Directions ~

1 - Cut sour cream into your Bisquick mix.

2 - Add 7up - it will make a soft dough.

3 - Sprinkle counter with a little Bisquick mix, place dough on top and pat it out.

4 - Melt butter and pour it into a 9" square baking pan.

5 - Cut your biscuits and arrange in pan. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

One of the ladies that pinned it made two batches and noted that her family finished them up far too quickly. I'm sure when I make these for the family I'll use more than just a 9" pan, that's for sure! If you make these, let me know how yours turn out!!

Tim Tebow & John 3:16

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!