" For God himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything." Acts 17:25

About Me

About Me

About Me

Welcome...I'm delighted that you chose to visit! I started this blog in March 2010 and I am so happy that I did. It has made me more aware of the many ways that God is blessing my life. I have made some special friends who bless,teach,encourage,and entertain me! My desire is to be an encouragement to you. I hope you will tarry for a while and that you will come back to visit often.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

our "star" of the show!

The weekend before Thanksgiving, I traveled to Tenn to see our oldest granddaughter (she is in third grade) perform in her school's production of "Beauty and the Beast". She was in the choir and they did a wonderful job. They had to memorize all the songs and be animated as they sang. Our girl really got into it....we couldn't take our eyes off of her! The actors were fourth and fifth graders....they were great, too. It was obvious that much preparation had gone into making it a quality performance.


Here's a picture of Dad and little sister in the lobby before the show.

Cousin Emma came up from Atlanta (with her mom!) for the show!


Our "beauty" and her dad after the performance!


Flowers (a gift from her mom) for our "star" of the show!
She looks "way too" grown up!


We were all so proud!

Monday, December 12, 2011

where do i begin?


It is hard for me to believe that I have been away so long. The last 3 weeks have been incredibly full and busy. With family visits, church activities, work, preparing for Christmas...I have met myself coming and going. I love it all, but there just hasn't been many moments to devote to my blog. When I did have time to post, I couldn't seem to collect my thoughts enough to write anything worth sharing.

But, now I am back and was planning to get caught up in chronological order, but something big happened last Thurs. So, I'm going to share it first.....our older son (who has the two daughters and lives in Tenn) popped the question and she said "YES"!




He surprised her at the school where she teaches first grade. Her fellow teachers decorated the conference room and kept her busy and distracted until it was time for her to find him there. When she opened the door, there he was with roses and a ring!

A little later, they went to a park where her mom and sister had set up a beautiful appetizer picnic with rose petals, candles and sparkling grape juice. As they arrived, his girls came running out from a hiding place with signs that read "Congratulations! We love You! " and "Will you marry us, too?" He said everything was perfect! He wanted her to be surprised and she was.....totally!

They are thinking about a spring wedding. I'm sure there will be lots of talk about it during our family Christmas. We are so very happy! She is precious and loves our son and his girls. We are delighted to have her join our family! It was wonderful to see how God brought them together at the perfect time.... and how He has confirmed in their hearts the decision to marry and build a life together. So glad each of them had the wisdom to wait for the one He had chosen! :-)

Friday, November 18, 2011

remembrance

This week, we Americans are planning to gather with family to celebrate Thanksgiving and to remember all the blessings we have received as individuals and as a nation.

On my way to Tenn today, I was listening to a Matt Redman CD that included this song.

It speaks of communion and how we gather at God's table to remember Him. It seemed appropriate that at this time of thanking Him for His blessings, we ought to also remember His sacrifice that made our knowing Him possible.


Remembrance

by Matt Maher


"Oh, how could it be

That my God would welcome me

into this mystery?

Say ‘eat this bread, take this wine’

Now the simple made divine

for any to receive.


See His body, His blood

Know that He has overcome

Every trial we will face.

None too lost to be saved

None too broken or ashamed

All are welcome in this place.


By Your mercy, we come to Your table,

By Your grace You are making us faithful

Lord, we remember You,

And remembrance leads us to worship

And as we worship You,

Our worship leads to communion

We respond to your invitation;

We remember you ."

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

what kind of pie are you?

I don't know how many of you might receive the Parade magazine in your Sunday paper, but there was an article this week about pies. It included the history of pies and some recipes.

As far back as 1300B.C., pies were made with meat and fish fillings by Egyptians and Greeks. Fruit pies with apples and pears were probably first cooked in the 1500s in England. When the pilgrims came to America (1600s), there were no apples, so they made berry pies. On the frontier, women put pecans, rhubarb, peaches, and huckleberries in their pie crust. Down south, nutritious sweet potatoes, that were brought over from Africa on slave ships, made their way into pies. And by the 20th Century, pie was the symbol of American plenty and national pride.

At the end of the article, there was an illustration that explained what your favorite pie says about you. So, here we go...what kind of pie are you?


Apple...independent, realistic, and compassionate


Pumpkin...funny and independent


Pecan...thoughtful and analytical


Chocolate...loving


Does you favorite pie's qualities fit you? Chocolate is my favorite...I hope mine does.:-)

Friday, November 11, 2011

baby headbands...

...I don't know who thought of them, but he/she was a genius! About 45 years ago, when my niece was born.... with no hair... her mom taped bows in her hair hoping that would help people recognize the fact that she was a girl! Twenty four years ago, I did the same thing when my baby girl arrived with only a little "peach fuzz" for hair! I'm not sure what took so long, but a few years ago, I started seeing these adorable baby headbands in the stores. Our four year old grandgirl had some and, now so does our "Little E"!

photo shoot with mom :-)

all dressed up for her first visit to
the pediatrician.




If that's not adorable...I don't know what is! :-)

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

baby bounty

I took this week off from work to spend the days with my daughter and our newest granddaughter.......trying to help out where I can. My daughter is doing well and the baby is growing and sleeping pretty well for an eleven day old! :-) She took to nursing easily and is growing....had gained 8 ounces at her one week check up. She smiles a lot and the only time she really cries is when she is hungry. It is so sweet to watch my baby girl caring for hers! :-)
Every time I go in the nursery, look in the drawers and the closet, I am overwhelmed at the blessing of family and friends who have been so generous! The child wants for nothing!

It reminds me of the way God cares for me. Phil. 4:19 says "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." And He has proven Himself over and over again. As, my friend Danna said this morning....Great is His Faithfulness!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

old friend, new blogger

My long time friend, Danna....the seamstress, the painter, the candle-stick mak...oh, no that's one of the few things she can't do (ha! ha!).....has joined the world of blogging with her blog, Dan-na Bug-le. Because we all remember what it was like getting started, I hope you will pay her a visit.
I have told her much about all of you,
so I know she will be delighted to meet you! :-)

Friday, November 4, 2011

as the goose flies


One day this week, as I drove home from work, I saw geese flying across the sky in their "V" formation. No matter how many times I see that, their efficiency still amazes me. They are like-minded with a common goal. They know each others' strengths and make the most of them; and each others' weaknesses and compensate for them. They support and protect each other. They know when it is time work and when it is time to rest. They understand their directions and they know exactly where they are headed.

We could learn a lot from geese....as we function in our families, in our work place, and in the Body of Christ. Something to think about! :-)

Monday, October 31, 2011

here they are...

...more pictures of our sweet new granddaughter...

being adored by her mom...


and her dad.


Our younger son holding his niece and his
"best birthday present ever"!


Nana (our SIL's mom) holding her for the first time..
her first grandchild! :-)


My Hubby holding her close...


and me and our grandson getting to know
our "Little E"!



So happy she is here. So happy she is healthy.
So happy our family is growing!

"Children are an heritage from the Lord. Blessed is
he whose quiver is full of them."
Psalm 127:3,4

Saturday, October 29, 2011

she's here!

She arrived at 11:36pm on Friday, Oct 28. She weighed 7 lbs 1 oz and is 19 3/4 inches long.

Mom (our daughter), Dad, and baby girl are all doing fine.

She was born on our younger son's birthday. He said she is the best birthday gift he ever received!


So grateful for God's amazing gift of life! More pictures next time!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

guest post by the mommy-to-be : the finished nursery

Well, I was supposed to do a post for some
individual nursery projects, but here I am,
just a few days from my baby being born,
and I have not gotten to those posts.
So, instead,here is a post of the COMPLETED nursery.
(Hallelujah! Didn't know if it would happen.)


Here is the changing area.


The picture is a sonogram of her
at 20 weeks I believe. Below that are the words to the
first stanza of one of my favorite hymns.
We also used it at our wedding.
It's called Children of the Heavenly Father:

Children of the heavenly Father,
Safely in his bosom gathered,
Nestling bird nor star in Heaven,
Such a refuge e'er was given.

That's a mirror hanging from the "E"....what you see
in it is the reflection of the crib!

The crib!


My husband's grandma had a friend crochet this.
I am amazed by it!


Love, love, love this recliner! I was close to
getting a glider because that's what you
get for a nursery, but I decided I wanted something
I could really snuggle up in with my baby girl.
It's so soft and comfy!
And of course, the beautiful quilt my friend made. :)


These little shelves are spices racks
that I got from IKEA for $3.99 apiece!
Painted them white and there you go!
Do you think the girl has enough bows?


And how about some headbands?
For this I just bought some ribbon,
cut one long piece and six shorter pieces
to make the little flowers at the end.
I got the mini clothespins at Michael's.
Probably cost me about $7. Pretty cheap and cute!
And Ellison's wonderful Gran is responsible for
the beautiful creation above it! She surprised me
with this using fabric I had picked out for other projects.
I love it!


Below is the bookcase I promised
another post about but never got around to...oh well!
I had bigger plans for it, but they proved
more difficult than I originally thought.
So we have a white bookcase!
The window I found for $12 at an antique store
and painted it myself freehand!
Not the most impressive thing ever, but I like it
and I hope my little girl will too!


This is the chest of drawers featured in my
first nursery post.
Looks pretty great in the nursery!


Closeup of the stuff on top. Baby pictures
of me and my husband and the first ultrasound
picture of our little blueberry!
My mom made the runner and
found the lamp. The jewelry box on
the right was mine as a little girl!


And last but not least, the curtains,
also sewn by my mom, the seamstress!
My husband had the idea to cut off
the bottom of the curtains over her crib
and use those strips of fabric to make the tiebacks.
He is so resourceful!
I got the vase next to the window
from IKEA for $5.99.


So there's our nursery! I hope you've
enjoyed this virtual tour. :)
We are expecting our little one
at the end of the week.
Obviously we are beyond excited!
I'm sure you will be seeing pictures of her soon thereafter!

Monday, October 24, 2011

boy or girl?

It's a girl! Our younger son and daughter-in-law found out today that it is a little girl we will be welcoming in March. Haven't heard how big brother took the news...he was sort of counting on a brother! ha! ha! But I know he will love her when she gets here.
Our daughter-in-law is still having a difficult time. Actually, she is in the hospital as I write this. The doctors seem to think that the complications she is having are second trimester related. When she gets to 20 weeks, they will subside and the next 20 will be normal. She is at 16 weeks now. So, we are praying that they are right!
Our daughter is expecting her little girl to arrive any day, so look for that announcement soon! :-)

Friday, October 21, 2011

the blanket story

If you read the post about my daughter's last shower, you know that I crocheted the blanket in this picture and I said there was a story behind it.
Well, it started many years ago, before she was born. On a weekend visit from my in-laws, my MIL taught me to crochet...nothing fancy...just single and double crochet and how to read a ripple pattern. For a few years after that, I made some afghans and baby blankets. Then I got into country crafts and put the crochet away. About 5 years ago, when our second granddaughter was on the way, I suddenly remembered that I knew how to crochet! So, I made a blanket for her. I wanted this new granddaughter to have something made by Gran, so I decided to make her a blanket, too.
We were in the middle of getting our house ready to sell, so I didn't get started on the blanket until August. I really wanted to give it to her at a shower, so I knew I only had until the end of Sept to finish it. So, every evening, after dinner, I would camp out on the sofa and crochet until bed time.
After about two weeks, I had about 18 inches done. One night, my Hubby asked me to hold it up so he could see it. To my horror, I realized it was the right width at the bottom, but as it went up, it was getting narrower and narrower! Talk about a heart sinking! :-( I sat there for a few minutes grieving and then realized the only thing to do was to take it apart and start over. So, that's just what I did. But, this time I checked it after every row to make sure it was even! :-)
I actually finished it and had it wrapped a week early. She was very surprised and loved it, so that made it worth the effort. I told the story at the shower and it got a big laugh!
We find out Tues if our our grandbaby due in March is a boy or a girl So, I guess I will be shopping for yarn! This time, I will be able to start early and I will remember to check as I go! :-)

God is faithful to remind us of what He has taught us, too...."So, I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have." 2 Pet 1:12 I am grateful that He helps us in this way, so I don't have to always start over!


Wednesday, October 19, 2011

the winner is...

...Rebecca from Turned Loose!
She became my very first blogger friend
when she left the first comment.
She has held a special place in my heart ever since!

She said she probably wouldn't
make fried green tomatoes, but I told her
she could wear the apron when she slices tomatoes,
chops tomatoes, or when she opens
canned tomatoes! :-)

Thanks to all of you who entered!
Hope you are having a blessed day!

Monday, October 17, 2011

my patient impatiens

Our yard is very shady with large hardwoods. So, every spring I plant impatiens because they are one of a very few flowers that bloom in the shade. They are annuals that have to be planted every year, but since they have such a long blooming season, they are worth the expense every year.
I've talked about how hot and dry our summer was and how hard it was on plants and flowers and even grass. Even though we kept everything watered, the heat kept things depressed and they would wilt anyway.
Since I planted them in early spring, they had the opportunity to get their roots deep and they hung on with all their might! A few weeks ago, our weather turned cooler...low 80's, high 70's. Now, out little "patient" impatiens are growing and blooming their little hearts out! They endured the suffering and are now enjoying the reward for their perseverance.







I bet you can see a lesson for us here. If our hearts are deeply rooted in God's word.... if we can be patient and wait on God....if we have the will to persevere....and if we have the desire to be what He has called us to be....we can endure the suffering in order to reap the reward.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer."
Romans 12:12


*Remember to leave a comment by Tues

to be eligible for the drawing for the apron!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

a good read

I finally finished this book...
having started it a long time ago.


I know some of you have read it and Diana

has even heard the two authors speak.
It is an amazing testimony of the power of God
to change a heart and the grace of God
that changes a life. It is also tells the story
of how God can use His children when they
respond in faith to His call.

A good read!


P.S. Remember to leave a comment to be eligible
for the apron give-away drawing on Wed, Oct 19! :-)







Thursday, October 13, 2011

a khaki, red, and green give-away!

Okay, here it is...the give-away from juliette.
Your own personal...

khaki, red, and green...

apron to make fried green tomatoes in!


Leave a comment by next Tuesday, Oct 18.
I'll announce the winner on the 19th!


Now, here's the recipe so you will be prepared when your apron arrives. :-)

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 pound green tomatoes, sliced 1/3 inch thick
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • salt

Preparation

  • Place the flour, eggs, and cornmeal in 3 separate shallow bowls. Dip the tomatoes first in the flour, then in the eggs (letting any excess drip off), and finally in the cornmeal, pressing gently to help it adhere.

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook the tomatoes until golden, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with salt before serving.
Enjoy!

Monday, October 10, 2011

now, about juliette...


Well, if you have read the sign, you now know that Juliette is where the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes" was filmed. After the filming was done, the buildings used in the movie were remodeled and, since then, the little community has been a popular place for tourists to visit, shop, and eat at the real "Whistle Stop Cafe"...home of
the real fried green tomato!



If you have seen the movie, you'll recognize that
this is the "Whistle Stop Cafe" that Idgie and Ruth owned,



this is the cabin where Smokey Lonesome stayed,


and this is the pit where they made that
famous BBQ!


Across from the cafe, there are cute gift
and antique shops to browse through.
They were all decorated for the season.





There isn't a real depot...


but the tracks where (in the movie) the first Buddy
was killed and the second Buddy was hurt
are still there...


...and the train still goes by. Had to shoot quick
to get this one! :-)


I went in the cafe to get an order of the tomatoes.
This was the sign that greeted me at the door.
I think their southern hospitality could use some work! :-)

Since it was lunch time, the place was full.
So, I couldn't take many pictures.
There were lots of old things on the wall and
the booths and the counter are made from
beautiful old wood.
But I did manage to get this one of an
old shoe shine stand...


...and the movie poster.


I paid for my order (pretty pricey, but, hey, they were
for the Hubby), walked by the geraniums on
the front porch, and headed home.


It was an enjoyable stop....glad I made it!
So, now you know why Juliette is famous. :-)

Here's something I learned after I got home
On Feb 14, Juliette offers a dual postmark
with Romeo, Michigan. Romantic, huh?

Next time, a give- away from Juliette!